Dear CDS Families,
As I do in each newsletter message, I wish to share an update about the pandemic’s impact on CDS, and to stress the importance of our school community’s responsibility--students, families, teachers and staff--to partner in collaboration against behaviors that risk potential transmission. In the last two weeks, October 30 - November 12, I’m ecstatic to report that we had zero positive Covid cases. Yes, that’s right, a goose egg 0. In the Covid data game, that’s the absolute best score to have -- a perfect 0. This shows that our on-campus risk mitigation health and safety measures of masking, distancing, and sanitation are working to reduce infections, and that families’ social behaviors outside of school are proven effective as well. In the first three months of this school year, we had 47 positives (by PCR test or Nexus--43 students and four staff), yet in the last month we’ve had only one. We can’t get complacent, however, and revel in our success; instead, we must continue maintaining the proven protocols to keep Covid positives at bay and outside our community.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) @ CDS: Conversation, Wed, Nov 17th, 6:30 pm
Over the last few weeks, my Principals and I have discussed questions about DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) topics with the Parents’ Association (PA) Board and Representatives, in response to some student activities and school communications. There seems a lack of complete, consistent, and clear understanding of what we are doing in regard to these relevant, timely topics, and more importantly, why we are engaging our students and staff in conversations related to DEI. The brief rationale associates with the accountability we have to fulfill our mission: CDS is an inclusive international learning community that nurtures character, inspires a passion for learning, and cultivates responsible global citizens for the future. The longer explanation is more nuanced and relates to our responsibility to create the most inclusive school community culture at CDS and to develop future world leaders who need to understand and embrace DEI in order to thrive in our increasingly complex world. To demystify the What and Why of DEI @ CDS and to assuage any concerns about our purpose, the PA suggested we hold a parent town hall meeting. Since that is a great idea, one that will allow us to partner for transparent communication, we plan to hold this Conversation next Wednesday, November 17th, at 6:30 pm. For now, please save the date and time; further information, including the Conversation link and question form, will be sent early next week.
Please write me at cds_director@cds.ed.cr or call at 2289 0919, x2224 with any questions.
Wishing you all a great weekend!
With Panther Pride,
Dr. Scott Adams, Director
