MICDS has hosted three Parents Nights over the past three weeks, welcoming parents to campus to hear from Head of School Jay Rainey and meet with teachers, advisors, learning specialists, counselors and staff. The halls sounded much as they do during the school day, with parents also connecting with each other as they traveled from classroom to classroom.
In the Lower School at the end of August, parents visited homerooms and specialty classrooms, getting a peak into the wonderful experience our Beasley friends have every day. Some parents wrote notes for their children. They heard from Head of School Jay Rainey and from Interim Head of the Lower School Amy Scheer.
Middle School parents gathered in the South Gym last week for a brief welcome from Mr. Rainey and Mrs. Jen Schuckman, Head of the Middle School, before departing with their Day 1 schedules set up by their students. Danforth Hall was abuzz with excitement as parents raced from the choir room to the Science Wing, from the 8th Grade hallway to the MAC. In addition to meeting each of their child’s teachers and advisor, they discovered how quickly their students have to move between classes!
Upper School parents began in Brauer Hall this week with a brief presentation from Mr. Rainey and remarks from Scott Small, Head of the Upper School. Parents then joined their students’ advisors before visiting with teachers. During periods between classes, parents were invited to stop by the McCulloch Library to enjoy snacks, tea and conversation with Director of Student Activities Erica Moore and Librarians Katie Voss and Colleen Williamson. Counselor David Hotaling and Learning Specialist Sam Cummins were also on hand to visit with parents. The evening was full of great information as teachers shared overviews of curriculum, pedagogy and what student intellectual engagement in the classroom asks of our students.
Mr. Rainey’s message to all parents was clear: he is determined to make this the happiest school in St. Louis. Happy kids, he said, leads to great academic outcomes. Every student at MICDS should feel known, nurtured and appreciated.