Parents Association Holds November General Meeting

The MBS Parents Association held its November General Meeting in the Dining Hall on Thursday, November 17 with a slate of speakers that included Head of School Liz Morrison, Director of Advancement Betsy Patterson, Director of College Counseling Noreen Cassidy, and Director of Global Studies Aline de la Torre-McCloskey.

Head of School Liz Morrison welcomed the group and later spoke about the importance of equity at MBS, citing the School’s athletic banquets and Commencement ceremony as examples. “It’s important that we celebrate our students in a way that is consistent,” she said.

Betsy Patterson, Director of Advancement, spoke about the work of the Advancement Office and noted that the team handles a range of responsibilities including communications, special events, parent relations, and alumni relations as well as fundraising. She emphasized the importance of The MB Fund – the School’s annual fund – which supports every aspect of the School and pays for the tools and resources that our operating budget does not.  She said that parent giving percentage is important because it helps the School secure grants from foundations. “It’s not about the dollar amount; it’s about participation,” she said. “What’s important is to be part of it.” She also noted that the fundraising done by the Advancement Office is separate from the fundraising initiatives of the Parents Association.

Director of College Counseling Noreen Cassidy said that her office hosted a successful Junior College Night event for the Class of 2024 last night. She discussed several trends in the college counseling landscape, reviewed upcoming calendar items, and stated that the MBS College Counseling Office is an important resource in the college search process and prides itself on getting to know each student individually. 

Director of Global Studies Aline de la Torre-McCloskey encouraged parents to attend the upcoming Global Vendor Day, which will be held on Thursday, December 8 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Boardroom in the Dining Hall. The goal of the event is to offer parents and students the opportunity to learn about the student travel programs offered by a select group of vendors.

PA President Maria Powar and PA Liaison Kerianne Skobo-Trought closed the meeting with information about “Crimson Crush,” the Parents Association’s in-person gala celebration that will take place on February 10, 2023 at Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.  All volunteers are welcome to help plan the event!