Parents
Part role models and instructors, and part regulation experts, MSS parents Cara and Tim Hilton have volunteered their time as Mustard Seed basketball coaches for many years. They tirelessly navigate the ever-shifting Hoboken landscape working with the local recreation department regarding scheduling, team management, and coordinating gym space. Their efforts, along with the full volunteer coaching team, allow MSS parents to merely complete forms and pay the fee for their child to participate in the League.
In addition to the longstanding group of volunteer families who manage and coach our Middle School basketball team, two parent groups emerged last year to formalize and encourage a strong and inclusive family community at Mustard Seed.
The PA sent surveys to Mustard Seed families at the end of last year to determine next steps. In Fall 2023 before and after the merger announcement, they hosted several social events in the park for families.
Parent Association
In 2023, Head of School Abby Hall Choi, parent to second and fifth grade students, joined parents Jen Lowney, Samantha Mackenzie, and Monica McEnrue to develop Mustard Seed’s first formal parent association. Jen and Monica are also both graduates of MSS.
The group’s initially considered, “What do we want from a Parent Association (PA)?”
They decided on the following goals:
Invested and caring family community surrounding student learning and well being.
Increased collaborative communication within the MSS community.
Inclusive parent engagement so that we ensure availability to all.
Together they researched articles through NJAIS, and met with other heads of school and their parent associations. They gathered insight from best practices and other schools’ experiences as they thought about the mission of the MSS Parent Association. They understood that caring for each family and connecting with each other will be foundational.
They crafted the following mission statement to help frame decisions and movements forward:
The MSS Parent Association (PA) creates greater connectivity between parents and the school community. The PA strives to build community and supports the staff of Mustard Seed in their pursuit of the mission.
We care for the Mustard Seed Community.
We serve as a resource to the school and champion the mission of MSS.
We have fun and cultivate a joyful community within our neighborhoods.
Grassroots Marketing Committee
While the Parent Association planning group formulated a long-term vehicle for the Mustard Seed version of formalized parent participation, the Grassroots Marketing Committee brainstormed social media efforts and in-person events that would generate excitement and belonging around the school in the short term. They collaborated with the Rebels coaching team, and Ms. Mauldin and the PROS to create a Sidewalk Spirit Tunnel commemorating the basketball team's placement in the Final Four.
In their efforts to continue to build school spirit, the Grassroots Marketing Committee also held a fabulous Moms Go Out cocktail and painting event at ArteVino in Hoboken as well as supported the traditional Family Camping Happening held at the end of the year. The Committee gauged interest and appropriate price points with a survey and then planned the event based on that feedback.
“I wanted us to create a special event for MSS moms to get to know each other socially and to connect to build a strong relationship in the Community,” says Karla Jimenez.
“At our recent Parent Association (PA) introductory meeting, Parent and Alum Monica McEnrue spoke eloquently about the beautiful community that is Mustard Seed and the PA’s objective to “knit the fabric back together” after the COVID disruption. This intention seems to be shared across the spectrum of Mustard Seed families.
Because we are a rich and diverse community, that call to action finds expression in a myriad of formal and informal ways from contributing pizza for the family gathering preceding the Sixth Grade Social Justice Exhibition to convening for months to establish the foundational thinking for the emergent PA. All of these efforts are valuable and cumulatively, they will rebuild the vibrancy of our community.
I would like to acknowledge a recent project envisioned and implemented by families. Kindergarten parents planned five days of celebration in the classroom for Teacher Appreciation Week capped by a snack/brunch buffet for the whole faculty. Utilizing her impressive skills as a project manager, Parent Karla Jimenez conceived and led the effort. She employed extensive use of WhatsApp along with a color-coordinated Excel spreadsheet that allowed parents to participate at many levels in a personalized manner that was meaningful to them. Karla has generously conveyed a willingness to share her successful process with parents in other grades. We have such a caring, fun, and talented parent body!”— Head of School Abby Hall Choi
“The parents made us feel so appreciated during Teacher Appreciation Week! It meant so much to see that our efforts and relationships with their children were recognized and valued by them. Their thoughts, gifts, and especially their words of gratitude gave us that extra boost of morale during these last few weeks. They made cards based on our answers to a survey of our favorite things. I was touched that they took the time to personalize it and truly show gratitude for me, the person, in addition to me, the teacher.”
