Family Association Chairs

I stepped into the Family Association President role in 2022-23 looking forward to contributing to MCDS and getting to know more people in the community.  A year later, I am so thankful for the experience and would like to share some of my key takeaways:

• The amount of time and effort given by so many volunteers in our community is truly remarkable.
• Volunteering is ultimately for the benefit of our kids, but it’s also a worthwhile endeavor for the relationships we make with each other. I am thankful to have gotten to know so many of you this past year.  
• Strengthening the community is always a Family Association goal, but was a particular emphasis after two years affected by COVID. There’s more work to do, but it was a successful year in this regard and I look forward to continuing the progress next year.
• Being in this position allowed me to get to know many members of the administrative team and staff and gain some insight into the issues with which they contend every day. None of us should expect to agree with every decision or policy, but I trust them and appreciate what they’re doing every day for our kids.

Finally, I wanted to highlight a structural change the Family Association made last year to the role of President. The role has always been a two-year commitment with a parent/guardian serving first as President and then as the Past President.  Moving forward, a parent/guardian will serve as a shadow to the President first and then as the Family Association President the following year.  I am excited to report that Carlie Wilmans, parent of Alex (4th grade) has generously accepted the shadow president role and will serve as the Family Association President during the 2024-25 school year. To that end, I will be serving as President again for the 2023-24 school year in order for the Family Association and the School to make this change. 

My main goals for the year ahead: 

1. Execute our activities with greater efficiency and simplicity (i.e. in terms of volunteer hours) 
2. Optimize how we spend our budget (which comes from Spirit Wear sales so show your school spirit and buy Spirit Wear!)
3. Plan more social activities in order to continue strengthening the community
4. Strive for greater attendance at our meetings and events 

I am honored to be able to serve as President again and look forward to another great year.

Thank you,

Steve Marshall

2022-23 Family Association President