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The Parent Experience

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The Parent Experience

When your child becomes a Lacordaire student, you become as much a part of the Lacordaire community as they do.

From the moment you join us on the lawn of James Hall at our annual New Parent Cocktail Reception to long after your children don their graduation caps and gowns, you are a valued member of the Lacordaire family.

Throughout the school year, parents are offered many opportunities to socialize, connect, and enjoy being part of this close-knit private school community.

The Role of the Parent Community

The parent interview is a key part of our application process, reflecting our belief that parents play an essential role in the life of the Lacordaire community. Whether through volunteering, attending events, serving on board committees, attending classes as guest lecturers, or supporting the Lacordaire Fund, our families actively contribute to the school’s vitality.

As a member of this community, you will connect with like-minded parents in a warm, engaging, and supportive environment—one that embodies the close-knit spirit and enduring tradition of Lacordaire Academy.

Annual Events for Parents and Family Members

  • New Parent Reception 
  • Pre-K and K Meet and Greet
  • Labor Day Week Playdates on Campus 
  • Chalk the Walk 
  • Parent Association General Meeting
  • Family Movie Night
  • Senior Sunrise 
  • Ski Club Parent Skip Day
  • Halloween Hallway Decorating
  • Donor Leadership Circle Dinner (all parents who donate at leadership levels are invited) 
  • Halloween Parade 
  • Grandparent and Special Person Day 
  • Lacordaire’s Annual Gala
  • Thanksgiving Feast
  • Christmas Tree Lighting and Party
  • Parent Association Meeting Socials 
  • Middle School Christmas Play 
  • Lower School Christmas Pageant
  • Parent Cocktail Party in James Hall 
  • Lower School Valentine’s Day Dance 
  • Living Stations of the Cross
  • Annual Book Sale
  • Derby Day Party & Race Watching 
  • Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies 

Meet our Parent Association Board

List of 11 items.

  • Diana Mikula

    Co-President

    We’ve been part of the Lacordaire family since 2018, and it has truly become a second home for us. Over the years, I’ve been involved in the Parent Association as a Class Parent and have also spent time in the Lower School as a substitute teacher. 
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  • Maggie Oledzki

    Co-President

    I am honored to serve as PA Co-President at Lacordaire Academy. Professionally, I am a Vice-President and Senior Mortgage Lending Officer, bringing more than 23 years of experience helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. My career has taught me the importance of integrity, communication, leadership, and building lasting relationships—values that I also bring to my service within the Lacordaire community.
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  • Sherlene Ayala

    Vice President

    Hello! I’m Sherlene, and this is our third year at Lacordaire Academy. My husband Brandon and I have two curly-haired boys, Elijah (4th grade) and Jacob (1B). At their preschool, I took an active role with the Parent Association, and it brought me so much joy. Once we came to Laco, I knew I wanted to get involved.
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  • Sabrina and Jamil Allen

    Treasurer Co-Chairs

    Hi there! Allow us to introduce ourselves, we are Sabrina and Jamil Allen, parents to Liam, Levi, and Luca Allen, who are currently enjoying their time as 4th, 1st, and Pre-K students here at Lacordaire Academy. We've been part of this wonderful school community for 4 years, and we've eagerly embraced all that it has to offer.  
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  • Nathalie Rabasca

    Communications Co-Chair

    My name is Nathalie Rabasca and I serve on the Parent Association as Communications Chair. My daughters have all attended Lacordaire starting in Pre-K and have loved being students here. Before becoming a Laco parent, I taught Language Arts in the middle school division for several years. 
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  • Michael Gallagher

    Volunteer Co-Chair

    We’ve been proud members of the Lacordaire community for six years, and it’s truly become a special place for our family. My wife Whitney and I have two children at Laco—Alden, our daughter and a rising 9th grader, and Emmett, our son who will be entering 6th grade this fall. Originally from the UK, I’ve lived in the U.S. for ten years, and we’ve loved watching our kids grow up in such a supportive and spirited environment. 
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  • Jezenia Venegas

    Communications Co-Chair

    I am honored to serve as one of the Communications Chairs on the Parents Association Board for the 2026–2027 school year. After serving as a class parent for the past four years, I am excited to take on this new role and continue supporting the Lacordaire community. I look forward to working alongside fellow parents, faculty, and staff to help strengthen the connection within our school community.
    I am the proud parent of three daughters who have been part of the Lacordaire family. 
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  • Montserrat Soler

    Events Chair

    This is my second year in the Parent Association and I’m so excited to see what this new term will bring! My daughter Sara is a rising senior in the Upper School who came to Laco as a Freshman. She has found an amazing community of friends and teachers who have made her high school experience truly unforgettable. 
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  • Joelle Joseph Sayed

    Events Chair

    Our son, Ryder, is a rising 8th grader who has been part of the Lacordaire Academy family since Kindergarten. Over the years, he has participated in everything from Lego Club and Debate, to CYO basketball and the Student Government. Aside from playing on two competitive soccer teams, this summer, he will also graduate from the St. Peter's Prep Higher Achievement Program. 
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  • Beverly Davison

    Events Chair

    Like many, we chose Lacordaire for its small, family environment. My daughter, Joelle, now a senior, is still blossoming in this supportive environment. Participating in the Parent Association is a wonderful opportunity to thank and support the Lacordaire community.
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  • Melissa Cumberbatch

    Upper School Liaison

    I’m excited for my second year serving as the Upper School Liaison for the 2026–2027 school year. I was a class parent in previous years, and as a member of the PA Board I truly look forward to the opportunity to support our students and families in a more meaningful way. My daughter, Ja’hmali, is a rising 11th grader who joined Lacordaire as a freshman in 2024. 
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Our Mission

Empowering students to become confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition