School Closure on Wednesday

Weather Update

UPDATE January 7, 2025, 6:50 p.m.: School will be closed again on Wednesday, January 8, due to persistent challenges associated with Sunday’s inclement weather. Several major roads remain covered with snow and ice to an extent that could compromise the safety of our student drivers. Neighborhood street and road conditions also continue to be difficult for many of our teachers and staff. Moreover, many of our teachers whose own children are enrolled at other local schools, the vast majority of which have announced closure decisions for tomorrow, would be unable to report to MICDS in the morning without childcare arrangements in place at home. In short, there are multiple factors that have led us to the difficult decision to close school tomorrow. No decision has yet been made on afternoon activities and athletic practices. We are hopeful for a return to school on Thursday, January 9. We will communicate additional updates to you via our usual channels, including email, text message, social media, and website banner, as soon as we are able to do so. Weather-related decisions are complex and challenging—this week especially so. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Gold-rated students at the MSHSAA Music Festival

Vocal and Instrumental Students Wow Judges at MSHSAA State Music Festival

Ten MICDS vocal and instrumental students participated in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Music Festival held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In order to participate at the state level, these students earned a “1” (Exemplary) rating at the MSHSAA District Solo/Ensemble Festival held in March. Students performed one or two pieces before an adjudicator who provided written comments and critique on areas such as intonation, tone quality, articulation, dynamics, and interpretation/style.

Each performer is assigned an overall rating of Gold (Exemplary), Silver (Excellent) or Bronze (Good). “It was remarkable to see our MICDS music students perform with confidence and poise,” shared Andrew Jackson, Upper and Middle School Instrumental Music and Middle School Vocal Music Accompanist. “The judges finished each MICDS performance with genuine smiles and audience members were equally impressed with the students’ musicianship.”

The following students received remarkable ratings at this highly competitive event.

Gold Ratings:
Ryan Ahn ’20, Violin Solo
Izzy Essman ’18, Vocal Solo
Rafi Gil Diaz ’19, Clarinet Solo
Lucy Zhao ’20, Violin Solo
Flute Trio: Lucy Cadanau ’18, Kelci Creath ’19, Binxuan Zhang ‘18
Clarinet Trio: Rafi Gil Diaz ’19, Eric Ji ‘21, Leigh Dennis ‘18

Silver Ratings:
Ryan Ahn ’20, Alto Sax Solo
Arjun Ramakrishnan ’20, Vocal Solo

The MICDS vocal music students are under the direction of Dana Self. Instrumental music students are under the direction of Andrew Jackson and Josh Baumgartner. A standing ovation goes to them and these students on these resounding, noteworthy achievements!