MCHD Parents Association

We are fortunate to have a diverse community that contributes to the richness of our children’s Montessori experience. The time, talent, diversity, and energy of families enhance our children’s education at MCHD. All parents or guardians of students currently enrolled at MCHD are automatically considered members of the MCHD Parents’ Association. There are no dues or fees associated with membership.

The overall mission of the Parents Association (PA) is to support the MCHD community in a variety of ways, in keeping with the Montessori philosophy. The PA’s primary purpose is to build and support a sense of community within MCHD. We accomplish this by encouraging parental involvement in community activities, by providing social and educational opportunities for all members of the community, by supporting the teachers and staff in their daily work, and by fostering communication among all members of the MCHD family. In addition, the PA acts as an advocate for the school and for the Montessori method of education.

The PA is led by a Steering Committee, a group of half a dozen or so parents, teachers, and administrators. The Steering Committee solicits input from anyone within the MCHD Community, and maintains a seat on the Board of Directors. Steering Committee meetings are open to every parent, and the Steering Committee also hosts an "All-Parent" PA meeting annually.

Parents Association activities can be grouped into three categories: community-building, teacher and staff support, and parent education. The PA partially offsets the costs of these activities by fund-raising through sales of school T-shirts, tote bags or other items, and through the School Rewards programs sponsored by various local stores. Remaining costs are covered by an allocation of operating funds from the Board of Directors every year.

Programs and activities sponsored by the PA for the 2008-09 school year include: Class Parents, Fall Picnic, Parent Breakfasts (during sign-up for Conferences), Tomorrow’s Child Montessori Magazine, Spring Picnic, Fall Festival, Staff Appreciation Week, Staff Breakfasts, School Pictures, Yearbook, and a Box Lunch for Staff during Conferences.