A Message from the Parents Association President

For parents, one of the distinct pleasures of sending a child to MCDS is joining the school’s dedicated and caring community of faculty, staff and families.

We are blessed with amazing faculty and staff, but what truly sets our community apart is the deep involvement of our parent body.

From its inception, MCDS has nurtured a community of committed and involved parents, encouraging a culture of active participation in the life of the school. This participatory tradition that began long ago is alive and well today.

There are numerous opportunities for parents to apply their talents and special interests to benefit their children and the extended MCDS community.  

The Parents Association welcomes each unique contribution, large and small, and is respectful and deeply appreciative of parents’ time and effort.

Role of the Parents Association

The Parents Association is made up of 46 dedicated parent volunteers who oversee 24 different committees that are active across many aspects of school life. Our mission is:

• To develop a sense of community within the parent body
• To coordinate volunteers and promote school life
• To facilitate communication among the parent body, administration, and the Board of Trustees
  

The work of the Parents Association is far-reaching, and offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. We truly want parents to involve themselves in activities that are both meaningful and convenient to them. Collectively our community contributes thousands of volunteer hours annually, and each and every hour is critical in making MCDS the wonderful place that it is. Some parents choose to engage in leadership roles, while others prefer one-time volunteer activities or ones with a predictable schedule, such as helping in the classroom or in the library. We encourage parents to find something that works for their schedule and appeals to their interests, as there is truly something for everyone.

Community Events

Our school calendar is filled with a range of wonderful events, including several beloved MCDS traditions such as:

• Back To School Parent Coffee
• Kite Day Fall Family Picnic
• Tour of Marin Half Century Bike Ride
• Book Fair
• Staff Treats
• Home Sweet Home Gingerbread House-Building
• Community Dinner Dance
• Student Walkathon

In addition, the Parents Association works with MCDS faculty and staff on other events and initiatives, including Halloween celebrations, Winter concerts, community education events, and a variety of service learning programs.

Fostering Communication

The Parents Association holds four meetings each year and the entire parent body is encouraged to attend. These meetings provide valuable information about school life and help keep parents connected with one another. In addition, the Parents Association has a section on the MCDS website, and posts updates and information in the school’s weekly email newsletter, The Pipeline.

As you learn more about the school, I hope you will have a chance to observe many of the things that make MCDS exceptional: the nurturing atmosphere, the exuberance, the extraordinary campus and most importantly, the dedicated and caring community.

Stephanie Chai
Parents Association President
2012-2013

2012-13 Parents Association