On behalf of the faculty and staff at Mary Hogan School, we would like to give a huge and heartfelt thank you to our parent group, MESA (Middlebury Elementary School Association). As we think back to the challenges and successes of the past few years, MESA has been in our corner every step of the way. There have been many events, big and small, where MESA and the parents of Mary Hogan have shown their care and support for all of us at Mary Hogan.

MESA runs our biggest fundraiser of the year — the Readathon. All the money raised from family and community donations goes directly back to the classrooms, students and teachers. There is a long list of activities that teachers planned for their students using donations to the Readathon — yoga classes for Kindergarten, trips to Crown Point, Shelburne Museum, ECHO and more.

MESA celebrates teachers and staff each month. We were gifted with relaxation items, fun school supplies, drinks and treats, and even a raffle with some colleagues winning gift cards at favorite local businesses for dining out and more. There is a sense of feeling cared for when the announcement comes over the intercom, “Make sure to visit the Teacher’s Room for a treat from MESA!”

During the spring, MESA and families treated us to lunch from Seven South sandwich shop. We ordered what we wanted for lunch and had the opportunity to sit in a room together for lunch and enjoy an iced tea or seltzer, eat lunch, visit with colleagues and top it off with a cookie. Such a treat! And let’s not forget to mention the incredibly fun Field Day that MESA and parents organized, set up and ran for all 376 students in June. Students and staff enjoyed outdoor games, dancing, bubbles, relays, art projects and music. It was well planned and fun and engaging for everyone! We are already looking forward to next year’s event.

So, a big shout out to you, MESA, and all the parents who supported us this past school year. The sentiment is true that it takes a village to raise a child, and our village is lucky to have MESA showing care and support to all of us at Mary Hogan all year long.

Sincerely,

Julie Schondube,

on behalf of the Faculty and Staff at Mary Hogan