StoriesMustard Seed School celebrates storytelling. We are collecting stories from alumni, parents, former parents, and former faculty members. Please send your Mustard Seed School story to info@mustardseedschool.org. Parents "Amanda has come to live into that spirit and into her gifts because we were led to a place where she
would be recognized, nurtured and celebrated as a child of God. That spirit, left unprotected and out
from under God's wing, might have been damaged or, at the very least, kept hidden from the world.
Instead, it has been allowed to sing and soar at Mustard Seed School.
Amanda has also been blessed with a good mind. She's intelligent, passionate and determined to do well.
She continues to be well prepared each and every year to meet the new challenges of learning she faces."
"I believe what makes Mustard Seed unique are a teaching staff and program format that treasures and
celebrates the whole individual while ever mindful of each person's place in the community - meaning the class,
the school, Hoboken, the world - God's community . . . Mustard Seed, in many ways, is full of
contradictions . . . its atmosphere is very calm but incredibly stimulating. Its teachers are kind and
patient, but firm. It celebrates each child as a unique gift from God but teaches teamwork, cooperation and
compassion of others." "The idea that each child is a precious gift is one of the cornerstones of the school . . . this is
demonstrated through the celebration of each birthday, the way students are spoken to and about, and the manner
in which conflicts are resolved . . . Before the start of every school year, the staff goes on a retreat to
prepare for the coming year. As part of that retreat, they pray. They pray for each child. Individually.
By name. What a great comfort that is to me and all parents - to know that we are sending our most precious
gifts all day to a place where they are so loved." Students "Children get to learn about God. You get to make choices. You plan your day so you don't get mixed up.
You make lots of friends. And you celebrate everyone's birthday."
Alumni "There are so many beautiful memories my family and I have. My mother cherishes the years she taught
at Mustard Seed. My brother, cousins, and I are always recounting special events like Las Posadas. My
personal memories include Mrs. Pargellis influencing my love of reading, Ms. White and sitting on the
streets of Hoboken sketching, and Mrs. Litman with her folk songs gave me the love of music. I am dearly
indebted to Mustard Seed." "My most recent memories of Mustard Seed School are of working there during the winter of 2002.
I spent many of my growing-up years at MSS, and it was a really amazing experience to be part of the school
as a (more) grown up person. I wasn't aware as a child just how much work and love goes into each student . .
it's incredible. I'm so thankful for all the time I've spent at MSS." Visitors "I am safely back in California and shared my brief experience at the Mustard Seed School with my
family. I was very happy to feel the warmth of humanity which I do not get to encounter very
often living everyday life. It almost seems unrealistic just hearing about the whole concept but
by visiting your school, I now know that it is possible to create an environment that is encouraging,
harmonious, and creative. I have a lot of admiration and respect for all of you who made it happen."
MemoriesAt the Alumni Pizza Party in December, students were asked to list some of their favorite memories of Mustard Seed School. Here are some of their responses: Spruce Lake Going out for lunch The high ropes and shoulder vice-grips at Spruce Lake Math class (in the 6th grade room) Many, many moments when the 8th grade just laughed Pizza day Park duty ?Que Pasa? The 4th grade farm trip 8th grade privileges Community worship Challenger Space Center trip Clearwater Basketball team Commencement 25th Anniversary celebrations Miss. White Building snowmen in the park 8th grade Christmas plays and Advent worship Mini-term Zero the Hero (5th grade math) Knowing everyone's name Singing at the Edna Mahan Women's Prison The family that visited from Australia Drama club Spending time with my classmates Celebrations Advanced education Singing Stop, look and listen Los Posadas Jesse Tree song |
