In addition to our dedicated faculty, dynamic staff, and vibrant student community, parents at MICDS are an invaluable asset to MICDS. Their involvement in the Parent Ambassador and Welcoming Committee (PAWC) is essential in welcoming hundreds of prospective families to our campus during our busy admission season.
As student visitors enjoy our lively classrooms and parents connect with current MICDS families, the PAWC crucially provides a genuine and informative experience. Parent Ambassadors offer invaluable insights into the school community, answering questions and sharing firsthand experiences.
This year, we’re fortunate to have a dedicated team of approximately 60 parent volunteers serving as tour guides. After this week’s training session, they’ll be busy leading prospective families on campus tours from late September through January. Our teachers also contribute to the experience, often stopping to chat with visitors and answer questions about curriculum and classroom life.
If you’re interested in becoming a Parent Ambassador, please contact our Admission Team. As Director of Enrollment Management Eric Brunt notes, “There are many ways to get involved, from guiding tours to greeting families at events.”
Our Parent Ambassadors are essential to the admission process. Brunt explains, “We repeatedly hear how important it is for families to know and feel they will find their place within our community. People know we have a beautiful campus with strong programs and excellence across the board. At the same time, our stately campus and size can be intimidating. Parent Ambassadors help us overcome these concerns by providing the ‘warm hug’ that lets prospective families understand they will be known and valued in our wonderful community.”
At this week’s training session, with many veteran parents and new parents in attendance, Brunt took the opportunity to conduct a group word cloud activity, asking everyone to respond to the prompt, “What do you find most rewarding about being a parent ambassador?” The top themes that emerged were community, connection, and inclusivity.
Ashley Amos Clennan ’94, P’24, ’26, ’30 joined the PAWC when her oldest began sixth grade. “I wanted to get to know MICDS, meet parents, and have a window into her middle school life. Over the years, I have learned so much about MICDS and all the wonderful happenings. Our Admissions Team is a dream to work with and help welcome new families to our school. My favorite part, by far, is running into one of my kids or their friends on campus,” she said.
Siara Montgomery P’29 shared, “As a new member of the PAWC, I was quite nervous, thinking I didn’t know enough about MICDS to conduct new student family tours. In reality, the opposite was true! Being a part of PAWC is where I learned more and more about the school, which led to sharing great insights during my tours and with prospective families at various admissions events.
It is a wonderful opportunity to build rapport and develop friendships with other parents and even faculty/staff. The most exciting feeling for me was seeing a smiling parent during the first weeks of school who toured with me. Full circle moments!”
Brunt added, “No matter how long a parent has been in our community, it is a great way to volunteer with the school. You get to know the school better, see it in action on a regular basis, build relationships with prospective families, and spread the word about the wonderful opportunities and community at MICDS! We in Admissions cannot do our work without our dedicated and enthusiastic parent ambassadors.”
We extend our sincere gratitude to our amazing Parent Ambassadors and Welcoming Committee. We look forward to another successful admission season filled with informative, fun, and engaging tours and events.