Tea and Comfort: MFEE Grant Helps Build Cultural Connections

MHS librarian Harriet Parker started a cultural tea time for students with an MFEE grant.

When Montclair High School librarian Harriet Parker sought to create a respite for students to decompress from academic pressure and build cultural connections, she turned to the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. 

Parker was awarded an Educational Excellence grant last school year to start a cultural tea time. The initiative – which introduced students to teas, customs, and practices from around the world – aimed to build a peaceful, relaxing and educational experience, promote interpersonal skills, stress relief, and cultural awareness.       

Each year, the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence awards $60,000 in grants to educators for innovative classroom tools, professional development, and programs that support social-emotional wellness. Funding for these grants is made possible through the generosity of our community, and in large part, from MFEE’s annual Toast to the Teachers, parent-hosted parties held across town each June. 

“Receiving this grant allowed us to create a meaningful and culturally enriching space for our students. Through the simple yet powerful combination of cultural teas, comfortable pillows, and softly lit candles, we transformed our gatherings into a welcoming and reflective environment,” Parker said. “Together, these elements encouraged relaxation, deeper dialogue, and a sense of belonging among our students.” 

Parker told MFEE the gatherings provided a space for mindfulness, storytelling, and shared experience. In Parker’s words, here are some of the lessons learned: 

1. “Small Touches Make a Big Difference – We realized that even seemingly small details, like the warmth of a cup of tea or the comfort of a soft seat, can profoundly impact how students engage and connect.
   

2. Cultural Appreciation Builds Community – Students were eager to learn about and share their own cultural traditions, reinforcing the importance of integrating cultural awareness into our programming.
   

3. Mindfulness Matters – The calming atmosphere helped students feel more present and engaged, highlighting the importance of incorporating wellness practices into student activities.
   

4. Sustainability and Expansion – Due to the success of this initiative, we are exploring ways to sustain and expand it, possibly incorporating additional cultural elements such as music, storytelling, or guided reflection.”
   

“MFEE is so pleased to support initiatives that foster mental wellness and belonging in our schools,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “We are always impressed by the creativity and compassion of teachers like Ms. Parker, and we can’t wait to see what impactful ideas Montclair educators dream up next.” 

Learn more about MFEE’s grant program, and stay tuned for details about our 2025-26 grant application window.