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
GDS Celebrates the Chinese New Year
On January 25, the GDS community gathered for a school-wide Chinese New Year Celebration.
Visiting Speaker Helps GDS Explore Native American Heritage
On November 16, GDS welcomed Erika Reynolds to campus to help us celebrate Native American Heritage Month.div
GDS Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
To round out our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, GDS welcomed two food trucks and their owners to campus on October 13.
Carey Jackson-Adams Selected for Other Voices Leadership Program
We are pleased to announce that visual art teacher Carey Jackson-Adams has been selected to participate in the Other Voices Diversity Leadership Program.
International Food Night Celebrates Diversity through Food
On April 20, the Student Diversity Leadership Council hosted an International Food Night as a way of highlighting the diverse cultures in our GDS community and beyond.
GDS Celebrates Women’s History through Music
On March 29, we were happy to welcome GDS past parent Lisa Dames back to campus for a series of musical performances highlighting women’s contributions to country music.
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.
