We consciously work to create a school community that is inclusive and welcoming to all. CDS knows it is important to create many kinds of opportunities for community members to meet and socialize, to talk about common issues and concerns, and to work together to strengthen the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Whether at meetings of the Board’s Committee on Inclusion and Diversity, at classroom gatherings, at our weekly all-school assembly or as part of other planned or spontaneous conversations, all community members are viewed as partners as CDS works to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive school and school culture.
Our increasing racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and family diversity shows that this partnership is paying off. In addition, there are also community-building opportunities for all members of our community which further our diversity and inclusion goals but more generally strengthen our community. For example:
- All adults in our community are members of the Parent-Teacher-Trustee-Administrator Organization (PTTA), which has the sole purpose of strengthening our community. The PTTA provides a forum for regular communication among parents, faculty, the administrative team and the Board of Trustees. In addition, the PTTA sponsors regular Parent Education Nights, where teachers and other experts provide opportunities for parents to learn more about topics such as diversity, learning styles and children’s developmental needs.
- All students in our community participate in our school-wide buddy program. The buddy program is designed to create strong social bonds between different age groups of children. Buddy classes spend time together each week. As a result, older kids become role models for younger kids while the younger students become more familiar and comfortable with students in the upper grade levels.
- All families in our community are invited to participate in our Family of the Week program. Each week, several families are invited to create photo collages showing their families, their traditions and their interests. Over the course of the school year, all families have the opportunity to participate in this program that celebrates the rich diversity of our community.
While we are proud of what we have accomplished, we recognize that successfully creating a diverse and inclusive school community requires ongoing vision, commitment and hard work.