Diversity & Belonging
Diversity is about more than just numbers. It’s about cultivating a community of belonging where every student is known, respected, and valued for their authentic self.
We believe that everyone in our community benefits from a school environment that affirms kindness, respect, and belonging as core values. In addition, students learn best when they have a strong sense of belonging and are seen and valued for who they are.
We are dedicated to cultivating a principled community of learners that welcomes diversity, including age, culture, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability.
Definitions
Diversity
The range of human differences, including but not limited to age, culture, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, political beliefs, religion, faith, ethnical values, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability.
Equity
The practice of creating a culture that provides resources and opportunities for all members of our GDS community such that the experience of treatment is fair and reasonable while acknowledging historical, institutional, structural, and societal inequalities.
Inclusion
The practice of providing opportunities for all members of the GDS community to experience a sense of belonging that includes a feeling of connection, security, acceptance, and value.
Dr. Ayesha Swinton
Director of Diversity & Belonging and Upper School World Language Teacher
Diversity & Belonging News
Students Explore Arab Culture Through Song
During Community Time on April 24, GDS students welcomed Hala Elalfy, a music education student at UNCG who moved to the United States from Egypt.
Special Guest Shares His Magic with GDS
As a part of our Celebrating Diverse Culture and Heritage 365 Programming, magician Ran’D Shine came to our campus on March 20 to perform during assembly time
Entrepreneurs Share Advice in Shark Tank Competition
In celebration of Women’s History Month, GDS welcomed three women entrepreneurs to campus on March 13.
Students Showcase Culinary Skills at Cooking Competition
As the culmination of our celebration of Black History Month, students in grades JK–12 attended a set of special assemblies this week.
Visiting Musician Highlights Work of Classical Black Composer
On January 27, GDS welcomed virtuoso violinist and Greensboro native Ronald Long to campus to perform for students.
Community Celebrations 2022-23
The religious and cultural celebrations listed below are observed by members of the GDS community. When one of these celebrations occurs when school is in session, GDS refrains from administering tests or quizzes; having graded homework and/or significant projects due; taking field trips or other special class events; penalizing participants in extracurricular activities for missing practices or events; or scheduling special programs for students or parents.
Eid al-Adha is an Islamic holiday celebrating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah's command. Eid al-Adha begins in the evening of July 8 and ends in the evening of July 9.
Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah begins in the evening of September 25 and ends in the evening of September 27.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism, with central themes of atonement and repentance. Yom Kippur begins in the evening of October 4 and ends in the evening of October 5.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists.
Christmas is a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Chinese New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar.
