Parents Invest in the Cavalier Community

“Many parents select one or two committees to volunteer for which allows them to focus their talents, but we also have several parents who sign up for most or all of our committees. We’re thankful for the time and gifts parents contribute to Parents Association,” said Lauren Deal, director of constituent relations who oversees Parents Association. Some of the committees focus on service and gestures of goodwill, like our Cavaliers Care committee that provides gift cards for Cavalier families in need or the Teacher Treats committee where parents host appreciation breakfasts or lunches once a month for our faculty and staff. Alexis Fox, parent volunteer and mother to Jackson Fox (2029), shares, “We are new to MDS this school year, so I have enjoyed getting to know more parents. My experience with the Cavalier community has been very positive. I have enjoyed getting to know some of the MDS staff and have always felt

Behind most Cavalier receptions, volunteer projects, athletic games, or after school activities, there is a common thread that drives community: parent investment. The Cavalier community is strengthened when parents devote time, resources, and ideas to the school . For many years, parents have contributed to the school community through the Cavalier Club and Parent Association.

Parent Association committee chairs proposed a new volunteer project this year: the Drive-Thru Nativity. With parents leading students, faculty, and community partners, the campus was illuminated with stations showcasing the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. “It was a wonderful way to showcase the beautiful campus and highlight our faith-based school,” said Alexis Fox. Alexis helped gather and organize costumes for the students throughout planning and execution and ferried hot chocolate to the cars. She was one among many parent volunteers who jumped in to launch this first-ever event for MDS, who safely welcomed over 1200 people to campus in two hours. When referring to the Drive-Thru Nativity, Alexis shared the need for parent volunteers, “An event like this takes many hands, so parent volunteers are extremely important.”

“Many parents select one or two committees to volunteer for which allows them to focus their talents, but we also have several parents who sign up for most or all of our committees. We’re thankful for the time and gifts parents contribute to Parents Association,” said Lauren Deal, director of constituent relations who oversees Parents Association. Some of the committees focus on service and gestures of goodwill, like our Cavaliers Care committee that provides gift cards for Cavalier families in need or the Teacher Treats committee where parents host appreciation breakfasts or lunches once a month for our faculty and staff. Alexis Fox, parent volunteer and mother to Jackson Fox (2029), shares, “We are new to MDS this school year, so I have enjoyed getting to know more parents. My experience with the Cavalier community has been very positive. I have enjoyed getting to know some of the MDS staff and have always felt welcome.”

Parent Association committee chairs proposed a new volunteer project this year: the Drive-Thru Nativity.

With parents leading students, faculty, and community partners, the campus was illuminated with stations showcasing the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.

“It was a wonderful way to showcase the beautiful campus and highlight our faith-based school,” said Alexis Fox. Alexis helped gather and organize costumes for the students throughout planning and execution and ferried hot chocolate to the cars. She was one among many parent volunteers who jumped in to launch this first-ever event for MDS, who safely welcomed over 1200 people to campus in two hours. When referring to the Drive-Thru Nativity, Alexis shared the need for parent volunteers, “An event like this takes many hands, so parent volunteers are extremely important.”

Another area where parents can plug in is through Cavalier Club, the parent booster club, which supports the athletic program through fundraising and volunteerism. The president of the Cavalier Club this year, Brendan Rowley shared why he is an avid supporter of the athletic program, “I volunteer with Cavalier Club to be more a part of the MDS Family. Our boys both play sports, and we see how much Cavalier Club does to support all of our teams. The school budget is always going to be stretched to the limit, and to be able to help raise funds and then see that money is used to make a difference...it’s very rewarding.” Brendan’s children, Tyner (2024) and Jackson Rowley (2026), play multiple sports including baseball, football, and basketball.

Associate Head of School Mary Pat Dadisman shared, “Over the past few years the administrative team has had numerous conversations about ways to enhance parent engagement in school life by providing valuable guidance about their children’s growth and development, practical advice about student activities, educational experiences, and insight to the phase beyond the high school years. After brainstorming for topics and creating a schedule, the Parent Academy was born! Some of the academy sessions are serious in nature and others are casual gatherings to help parents get to know each other.”

Parent Academy creates monthly opportunities for parents to meet each other in a learning environment that encourages discussion. Topics have included an alumni and parent discussion panel on college transitions, a book discussion, and Schoology training.

When administration and parents work together, it strengthens relationships and transforms the energy of a school community. Brendan sums it up why parent involvement is so important to Mount de Sales, ”Parental involvement is absolutely necessary to build the sense of community that I love to see at MDS. It’s too easy to get into the trap of dropping the kids off or letting them drive away and just wait for the report cards. We, as parents, have made active decisions to send our kids to private schools. We should want to join them whenever we can, get to know their friends and teachers, see how they spend their days, and understand what makes them tick. Life moves too fast as it is...we need to enjoy the time we have. That thinking has accelerated for us as we realize our oldest has less than a year and a half until graduation.”

FROM TOP LEFT: Parents prepare for the Drive-Thru Nativity. Students reenact stations of the birth of Jesus. Parent celebrate seniors during Spring Sports Senior Night.