b'HEADSCORNERDear GDS Community, To say this has been an extraordinary school year is an understatement. Despite unprecedented and turbulent times in our country and in our world during the 2019-20 school year, the Greensboro Day School community has shown up as supportive, compassionate, and resilient. In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined that a global pandemic would be a challenge that we would be forced to navigate during my first year as your Head of School. However, there is nowhere else that I would want to be. Our next steps are focused on returning to campus safely and preparing to strengthen the inclusiveness of our community during a time when racism is at the forefront of our nations dialogue.Promoting our talented faculty and staff from within to meet the Strategic Goals of the school led to new internal leadership positions including a Dean of Student Life in the Middle School, a Director of Inclusion & Global Engagement, a Director of Strategic Initiatives, and a school-wide Database Manager. A new membership with the prestigious Global Online Academy, the creation of entrepreneurial courses, the development of the Fifth-Grade Forward program, the launching of a new makerspace, and additional AP courses will enhance our students experiences. I am profoundly moved by how our students and employees navigated the challenges presented by the pandemic this spring. Our teachers and counselors worked largely behind the scenes to ensure the continuity of a mission-driven education. The facilities team stepped up and responded with efficiency and resourcefulness to all of the unexpected challenges, and our health center staff remained a guiding light and an invaluable resource. The technology department responded quickly and creatively, the leadership team demonstrated selflessness and courage, and the Board of Trustees led boldly. I am proud to be a Bengal. Now, more than ever, our mission, developing constructive contributors to the world, is salient in providing meaning and purpose to our childrens lives. We are counting on our students to become constructive contributors to the world with purpose and distinction.In the months ahead, our community will continue to respond with compassion to the issues of racial justice through civil discourse, and we will continue to creatively fulfill our mission during these challenging and critical times. Greensboro Day School will find strength in our community and shared commitment, and I thank you, alumni, friends, and family for your continued support along the way.Sincerely,Tracie CatlettHead of SchoolGDS Magazine | 1'