By Katie Potter P’31
Upwards of 110 parents attended the Parents Association (PA) Holiday Luncheon on December 6 in Olson Hall. The theme was Aprés Ski. Attendees wore cozy, comfortable winter wear and festive ski wear. The fireplace was lit and tables were dressed neatly with fresh rosemary, lanterns, and chocolate.
The morning began with fabulous music from the Upper School orchestra, refreshments, and photo opportunities, complete with a ski mountain backdrop and ski gear! Once seated for lunch, the crowd received a lovely welcome from PA President Jen Hogan P’26, ’28. Jen thanked PA Co-Chairs Molly Danforth P’22, ’25, ’26, ’30 and Katie Potter P’31, JK-12 Arts Department Chair and Orchestra Director Dr. Jo Nardolillo and the US Orchestra, Debbie Hill P’26, ’28, ’31, ’32, Kelly Martin ’06, P’35, ’37, and Sam Owen P’34, ’36 for helping the event come to life.
Past PA President Annie Sloane P’20, ’25 also made a special appearance. Annie described the many leadership opportunities through the Parents Association and the 2025-2026 nominations ahead.
Jay Rainey, Head of the School, spoke passionately on the current challenges of teacher retention. “The recruitment, employment, compensation, support, and retention of great teachers—’great‘ because they nurture students’ cognitive and non-cognitive growth alike—is as important an obligation as any other that falls to me as Head of School and will only intensify in the face of such stiff societal and demographic headwinds,” Mr. Rainey explained.
At the luncheon, the MICDS Helping Hands Toy & Coat Drive received tremendous support from parents attending the luncheon. Thank you to all who donated items!
Special thanks to Amy Zlatic, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Meghan Trilling P’26, ’28 for their tremendous help on the day of this special event.
Thank you for being a part of our parent/guardian community. We hope you celebrate this festive season and enjoy the winter break with your family. Please join us at the next Parent Association Winter Coffee, held in Olson Hall, on February 21, 2025!