CDS Community participates in I Love San Francisco

The New Year means new ways to express one of our core Learning Beliefs: We believe that building relationships within and beyond our campus fosters friendships, leadership, and social justice.

For this reason, we were honored to be asked by The Civic Joy Fund and Love Letters to the World to partner on an urban art collaboration project, “Why I Love San Francisco.” On Friday, January 5, the CDS community, along with our neighbors throughout San Francisco, came together to celebrate and share what we love about our city! 

As we all gathered at the 601 Campus to unveil the 20’X6’ mobile wall with artwork reflective of San Francisco, we were reminded of the simple beauty of the backdrop in which we live. With imagery of the Golden Gate Bridge, the all too common rainbows and sunshine, our students, faculty and staff along with our community neighbors from near and afar, shared aloud and wrote on the wall what they love about life in San Francisco. Because our students so often remind us of the power of community, it was no surprise that they invited bystanders on Dolores Street to join in on the expression of gratitude. Music filled the air as answers to the question varied from family, friends, and food to diversity, culture, and acceptance. Each answer added complementary depth to an already vibrant art piece representing a city with endless possibilities. 

In a tumultuous time for our society, this wall, with the mantra “I Love San Francisco", will stand as an important reminder that what unites us is so much greater than what divides us. We know that part of the reason our students receive such a dynamic education here at CDS is because our school is located in the heart of this magnificent city.

Our Head of School shared, “We are a school of the city and the connection to the neighborhood is critical to who we are as a community. The city is our community and part of our school.”

There are not many other places in the world that have the historical significance, progressive values, and cultural diversity that you find in this city, and at CDS, we get to reap all of the benefits. Situated in the historical Mission District, amongst a community of forward-thinking people who champion so many positive causes related to social justice, environmental sustainability, and LGBTQI+ rights, our students are uniquely prepared to change the world.

Thank you San Francisco!