Cultural Competency & Inclusion
At Savannah Country Day, we believe in the transformative power of education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our commitment to cultural competency and inclusion is at the heart of our educational philosophy. We strive to create a vibrant and nurturing environment where every student feels a profound sense of belonging, and we are committed to cultivating a community where all experiences, backgrounds, identities, and abilities are valued and respected. Through a range of inclusive initiatives and programs, we create an atmosphere where each student feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.
Lower School
Lower School students participate in monthly initiatives focused on cultural awareness, self-awareness and empathy. The 3rd-5th grade students put on an annual multi-cultural potluck. Students experience various food tastings, cultural traditions, games, and more.
Middle School
Student Diversity Club: Middle School is an opportune place for students to foster and engage in dialogue related to Cultural Competency and Inclusion. This important dialogue brings awareness to issues in the Middle School and provides solutions and strategies to navigate these issues.
Upper School
Our Upper School club, Students Celebrating Diversity, brings awareness to the larger SCDS community. Every year we send a cohort of students to the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Students Celebrating Diversity adhere to the following goals:
We educate ourselves and the greater community; create an environment that welcomes open and honest dialogues among everyone; emphasize empathy, tolerance, and acceptance; and work toward ending macro and microaggressions.
The 2024 Multicultural Festival featured a wide range of food and activities from the various cultures represented at Country Day.
News & Happenings
![Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728322950/savcdsorg/ke0kmtizt5cbdyoh89qz/461255988_18454989835020550_5943607122459007286_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728322950/savcdsorg/ke0kmtizt5cbdyoh89qz/461255988_18454989835020550_5943607122459007286_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1728322950/savcdsorg/ke0kmtizt5cbdyoh89qz/461255988_18454989835020550_5943607122459007286_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1728322950/savcdsorg/ke0kmtizt5cbdyoh89qz/461255988_18454989835020550_5943607122459007286_n.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728322950/savcdsorg/ke0kmtizt5cbdyoh89qz/461255988_18454989835020550_5943607122459007286_n.jpg","width":1440}])
On September 25, our Upper School was honored to have faculty member Randall Martinez lead a captivating presentation celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Mr. Martinez shared a series of educational videos, shedding light on the rich history and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latino communities. He then shared his own powerful experience as a Cuban American through a dynamic Pecha Kucha presentation. Thank you, Mr. Martinez, for your passion and for helping us deepen our understanding and appreciation of Hispanic and Latino heritage, culture, and history!
Global Getdown
Global Getdown is a student-submitted video series highlighting the cultural/religious heritage of some of our families. Click the link below to view the Global Getdown videos.
In accordance with our mission, core beliefs, and strategic plan, we seek to foster and affirm a diverse and inclusive community at Savannah Country Day School. Members of this community reflect varied and multi-faceted backgrounds and identities and acknowledge these differences with sensitivity and respect. This community is critical to nurturing a sense of belonging in each student and inspiring lifelong intellectual and personal growth in all.
Meet the CCI Team
Karen Brown
Director of Cultural Competency and Inclusion
Sara Bocanegra
Middle School Spanish Teacher (6th & 7th Grade), Middle School Cultural Competency & Inclusion Co-Coordinator
Merritt Graves
Lower School Music Teacher, Lower School Cultural Competency & Inclusion Coordinator
Jennifer Sams
Little School Teacher, Little School Cultural Competency & Inclusion Coordinator, Little School Cultural Competency and Inclusion Coordinator