Mandelstam Parent Association

How to Get Involved

As a parent of a Mandelstam student, you are automatically a member of the MPTA. We warmly welcome and encourage you to participate in the many activities the MPTA sponsors. There are lots of ways to get involved and contribute to our vibrant school community:

• Assist as a Room Parent, serving as a link between the MPTA and your child’s classroom.

• Join event committees to help plan and organize school-wide celebrations.

• Take part in activities that honor the school’s diversity and creativity.

• Volunteer your time and talents for seasonal events throughout the school year.

• Visit the classroom to share about a family tradition, hobby, occupation, or simply read to the class. Your presence brings richness, excitement, and real-world connection to our students’ learning.

• Chaperone class field trips and support student outings.

• Attend MPTA meetings and workshops that cover valuable parenting topics and school news.

Whether you’re new to The Mandelstam School or have been part of our community for years, we invite you to join us.

No matter how you choose to get involved, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to support you and your family.

Halloween Celebration

Our Halloween Fun & Games day is all about spooky fun and sweet surprises! Volunteer parents from each grade help create themed booth where students stop by to play a quick game, grab a surprise, and have some fun. It’s a very fun way to celebrate thanks to our creative and fun-loving parents and staff! 

The Thanksgiving Feast

Every year, Mandelstam families come together to celebrate gratitude and community at our beloved Thanksgiving Feast. Organized by the MPTA, this special event features a beautifully catered meal and beverages, lively DJ entertainment, and games for all ages, creating a joyful atmosphere for students, parents, and staff alike. Held just before the holiday, it's a cherished tradition that brings our school family closer and reminds us of everything we have to be thankful for. 

Festival of World Cultures

Each grade spends the year studying a specific country, culminating in a joyful, school-wide celebration of global learning. Students perform traditional music and dance from their country of study, and families contribute by hosting booths for our international lunch and helping decorate the campus to reflect the featured cultures. It’s a vibrant, delicious, and unforgettable tradition that brings learning to life.

MPTA Annual Party & Auction

Not a stuffy gala—just a really good time. This is one of our most anticipated parent events of the year, featuring great food, music, and a lively auction that helps raise funds to directly benefit the school and students.

Teacher Appreciation

Each May, the MPTA organizes a truly heartfelt Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate our incredible teachers, coaches, and staff. Through thoughtful gestures, special treats, and beautiful surprises, this week is a meaningful outpouring of gratitude that reminds our team just how loved and valued they are. It’s one of the most uplifting times of the year — and a reflection of the amazing parent community that makes it all happen.

End-of-Year Celebration

To close out the year, the MPTA hosts a fun and memorable celebration for the students. The day includes a huge inflatable water slide, an obstacle course, pool time, games, and plenty of snacks. It’s a chance for everyone to relax, have fun with friends, and enjoy one last day together before heading into summer.

Fiction Book Club

Our TMS Fiction Book Club is a welcoming space to connect, share, and dive into great reads together. We gather regularly for lively discussions not only about the books but about life, parenting, and everything in between. It's a wonderful way to build friendships and get to know fellow parents outside the school setting. Past selections have included The Covenant of Water, Broken Country, and The Many Lives of Mama Love.

Business Book Club

Our Business Book Club gathers to explore ideas around leadership, mindset, and personal growth. Conversations often extend beyond the pages as we reflect on how these principles apply to our work, parenting, and daily lives. It's a meaningful way to connect with others who enjoy learning and growing in community. Past selections have included The Power of TED, Leadership and Self-Deception, and The Four Agreements.

Speaker Series

Our Speaker Series brings experts in education, parenting, and child development to our community for insightful, engaging talks. These events are designed to spark conversation, share practical tools, and support us as we navigate the joys and challenges of raising children.

The TMS Garden: A Growing Gift from Our Community

The TMS Garden is a living gift from our school families. It is an ongoing labor of love nurtured by the generosity and care of our parents. The garden is located across from our butterfly habitat and is managed in partnership with Little River Cooperative. It flourishes as a hands-on learning space for our students.

In the garden, children explore the process of growing food and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. They experience the joy of harvesting fresh ingredients and learn about science, sustainability, and healthy living in a meaningful way.

Our school chef uses the freshest harvest from the garden to prepare delicious and nutritious meals for lunch. The harvest is also used in our school farmers market, where families have the exciting opportunity to take ingredients home. Many families enjoy sharing how they used the fresh produce in their own kitchens.

If you feel inspired to support this growing project, your contribution is warmly welcomed.