Patriot Nation families, we want to know how you like to get your communication from us. Is it email? How about text? Morning? Or late at night? Please click the link to fill out a short survey so we can make sure you get all the information you need. 

Communication Survey

Magical. Mischievous. Marvelous.
Matilda is coming to CDS!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Friday, February 25: 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 26: 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinee, February 27: 2:00 pm

Tickets & FOPA Membership

On Friday, February 25, we will be having a blood drive hosted by One Blood. Donors must be at least 16 years old to donate. (Donors under 18 need to have a permission form signed by their parent or guardian.) 

Schedule an Appointment

All blood donors must wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status.

Visitors, faculty/staff, and student drivers are reminded to always lock your car when it is parked on campus. Also, do not leave valuable personal property in your vehicle.

There were 15 positive diagnoses in the past week, six ECC, three elementary. one middle school,  four upper school, and one admin/support staff; the individuals are quarantining in accordance with current health guidelines.

COVID-19 Update
Effective January 31, 2022

Updated COVID-19 Policies

• Our heaviest emphasis is on staying home while sick.
• Masks are strongly recommended for students in grades 1-12.
• At the ECC, we strongly encourage students in PreK-3 and older to wear masks. 

purchase GALA TICKETS

After you have gotten your 007 Gala Tickets...
You won't want to miss this getaway opportunity! 

It's just one of the many fabulous items being offered!

KEEPING HEALTHY TOGETHER

• Do not send your child to school if they are not feeling well. Follow the CDS Sick Day Policy.
• If your child has a COVID-related absence*, please use the COVID Reporting Form to notify school. (* Your child has COVID or lives with someone who has COVID)
• If your child or someone in your household has COVID, follow the updated school guidelines for isolation and quarantine.

Test Warning:  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning people to stop using the Empowered Diagnostics CovClear COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test and ImmunoPass COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Rapid Test. Read more...

Questions? Contact our school nurse, Jacqueline Silvers (nurse@cdspatriots.org, 813.920.2288)

• 5:45 pm Monday, February 7
  Wrestling

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Under the Sea Daughter Dance
Friday, February 4
$25 per person

Kindergarten and Elementary girls are invited to bring their favorite adult date for an enchanted evening of dancing and light desserts.

We're coming!

Mark your calendars for these special dates for Grandparents and Grandfriends to visit CDS!

Toddlers & PreK 3: Monday, March 7
Prek 4: Tuesday, March 8
Kindergarten: Wednesday, March 9
Grades 1 - 5: Thursday, March 10

ECC programs will be from 10:45 - 11:45 am. Elementary programs will be from 12:00 - 2:00 pm.

Please remember to check in and receive your visitor’s badge when coming on campus during the school day.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, February 18

ECC families (Toddlers through Kindergarten) will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences in two weeks.

Click below to sign-up for the conferences.  All conferences will be held in person.

Note: There is no school or childcare available for students on this day.

Sign Up for Conferences

COVID-19 Update
Effective January 31, 2022

Updated COVID-19 Policies

• Our heaviest emphasis is on staying home while sick.
• At the ECC, we strongly encourage students in PreK-3 and older to wear masks. 

purchase GALA TICKETS

After you have gotten your 007 Gala Tickets...
You won't want to miss this getaway opportunity! 

It's just one of the many fabulous items being offered!

Student-Led Parent Conferences
Friday, February 18

Elementary families (1st through 5th grades) will be participating in Student-Led Conferences. Our elementary students will be running their conferences in conjunction with the classroom teacher. Student-Led Conferences are a time for your student to present to you what they are learning as well as their progress in academic and non-academic areas. Research has shown that students benefit greatly from this reflective process and are wonderfully honest in their self-assessments.

Click below to sign-up for the conferences.  All conferences will be held in person.

Note: There is no school or childcare available for students on this day.

Sign Up for Conference

Mark your calendars for these special dates for Grandparents and Grandfriends to visit CDS!

Toddlers & PreK 3: Monday, March 7
Prek 4: Tuesday, March 8
Kindergarten: Wednesday, March 9
Grades 1 - 5: Thursday, March 10

ECC programs will be from 10:45 - 11:45 am. Elementary programs will be from 12:00 - 2:00 pm.

Magical. Mischievous. Marvelous.
Matilda is coming to CDS!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Friday, February 25: 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 26: 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinee, February 27: 2:00 pm

Tickets & FOPA Membership

Monday, February 7

Class pictures have been rescheduled until Monday, February 7, 2022. Students should wear their regular school uniform for this picture - no PE uniforms and no sweatpants, please.

COVID-19 Update
Effective January 31, 2022

Updated COVID-19 Policies

• Our heaviest emphasis is on staying home while sick.
• Masks are strongly recommended for students in grades 1-12.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Under the Sea Daughter Dance
Friday, February 4
$25 per person

Kindergarten and Elementary girls are invited to bring their favorite adult date for an enchanted evening of dancing and light desserts.

We're coming!

purchase GALA TICKETS

After you have gotten your 007 Gala Tickets...
You won't want to miss this getaway opportunity! 

It's just one of the many fabulous items being offered!

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, February 18

Conference day is scheduled for February 18, 2022. Conference day is a time for families to connect with their child's teachers to learn about their child's academic progress and to make a plan for the future. Conferences are optional for middle school families. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity if your child is facing an academic challenge this school year.

We are offering in-person and virtual conferences. Please click on the link below to sign up. If you cannot find an available time slot for a teacher, email the teacher directly to schedule a meeting.

NOTE: There is no school for students on this day.

Sign Up for Conferences

Patriot Nation families, we want to know how you like to get your communication from us. Is it email? How about text? Morning? Or late at night? Please click the link to fill out a short survey so we can make sure you get all the information you need. 

Communication Survey

The Language and Literature department is excited for the upcoming Shakespeare in the Park! Students have been reading different texts from Shakespeare over the last month. These readings will culminate in projects and skits that our 6th-8th grade students will be showcasing during their scheduled classes on Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25. 

On their class day, students are expected to come dressed in Renaissance attire. The costumes do not have to be elaborate and can be put together with clothes you already have in your closet. Boys can wear their pants pushed to the knee with a large shirt and a belt. Girls can wear a long skirt and a vest.

We are excited to be adding several additions to the two days of festivities. On Thursday, February 24, students will have the option to eat a turkey leg served by FLIK. If interested in purchasing a turkey leg, Mrs. Kiner, Ms. Garcia, and Dr. Sandoval will be selling tickets for $5 (cash only) during lunch on Wednesday, February 9 and Thursday, February 10.

Curriculum Matters:
2022-2023 Course Selections 
Friday, February 4, 2022
8:30-9:30 am
Wagner Entrepreneurial Center

• All 8th grade parents are encouraged to attend this important program!
• For parents who are unable to attend in person, the presentation will be recorded and shared after the event.
• Ms. McCartney will meet with 8th grade students during Advisory that morning to go over US Course Selection information.

Parents of current 8th grade students are invited to attend this special introduction to course selection in the Upper School. 

The topic for this coffee is Curriculum Matters: Registration Choices for the Upcoming Year. Assistant Head of US for Academics and IB DP Coordinator, Nancy Hsu and IB MYP Coordinator, Sabrina McCartney will present curriculum offerings for 9th grade and why choices matter for college placement. Learn about the three pathways to graduation available to students at CDS: Full IB Diploma, IB Course Candidate, and CDS Graduate. Additionally, the process for registering for courses will be explained.

Curriculum & Registration Guide

purchase GALA TICKETS

After you have gotten your 007 Gala Tickets...
You won't want to miss this getaway opportunity! 

It's just one of the many fabulous items being offered!

Wednesday, February 9

Class pictures have been rescheduled until Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Students will need to wear their collared CDS uniform polo for their class picture - NO SWEATSHIRTS, ATHLETIC JERSEYS, SPIRIT SHIRTS or PE uniforms, please. Students who have PE should wear their regular uniform to school and bring their PE uniform to change into after their pictures.

8th graders have a special dress day for their pictures. They are not required to wear their uniform to school on Wednesday. 8th graders may wear CDS-appropriate business casual dress for their class photo.

Thursday, February 17
8:45 - 9:45 am
Elementary Multi-Purpose Room

Making a "Major" Decision

Students enter the college search and selection process with varying degrees of certainty regarding "what will I study in college?" In this presentation, college counseling will focus on some of the best practices as we advise students who are undecided in their college major selection as well as those who are confident in their eventual major selection for their college applications. We will provide tips on what to look for when it comes to a college major and how to select schools that can be the best fit for your son or daughter. Items include:

• What happens if I am truly undecided about my course of study?
• What accreditations should I look for at the collegiate level?
• How does the evaluation process vary based on the student's major selection?
• How do I find information on "experiential learning" opportunities, and why are they so important?
• What factors contribute to successful outcomes, and what should I look for to determine this information?

Monday, March 7 - Tuesday, March 8

The 6th-grade class trip to Florida's Space Coast is a go!  Watch for more details and the registration/payment form.

8th Grade Washington DC Trip 
March 22-25, 2022

Questions? Please reach out to Dr. Sandoval or Mr. Holtsclaw. 

Important Trip Information

Buy an 8th grade tribute ad online at yearbookforever.com. Ad space is limited. Once the space is filled, no more ads will be accepted. So order early!

Instructions for Ad Submission

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, February 18

Conference day is scheduled for February 18, 2022. Conference day is a time for families to connect with their child's teachers to learn about their child's academic progress and to make a plan for the future. Conferences are optional for upper school families. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity if your child is facing an academic challenge this school year.

We are offering in-person and virtual conferences. Please click on the link below to sign up. If you cannot find an available time slot for a teacher, email the teacher directly to schedule a meeting.

NOTE: There is no school for students on this day.

Sign Up for Conferences

Thursday, February 17
8:45 - 9:45 am
Elementary Multi-Purpose Room

Making a "Major" Decision

Students enter the college search and selection process with varying degrees of certainty regarding "what will I study in college?" In this presentation, college counseling will focus on some of the best practices as we advise students who are undecided in their college major selection as well as those who are confident in their eventual major selection for their college applications. We will provide tips on what to look for when it comes to a college major and how to select schools that can be the best fit for your son or daughter. Items include:

• What happens if I am truly undecided about my course of study?
• What accreditations should I look for at the collegiate level?
• How does the evaluation process vary based on the student's major selection?
• How do I find information on "experiential learning" opportunities, and why are they so important?
• What factors contribute to successful outcomes, and what should I look for to determine this information?

On Friday, February 25, we will be having a blood drive hosted by One Blood. Donors must be at least 16 years old to donate. (Donors under 18 need to have a permission form signed by their parent or guardian.) 

Schedule an Appointment

All blood donors must wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status.

Parents are reminded to join the dismissal car line when coming to pick up their students from school and after-school/athletic activities.

• Cars may not park in front of the gym
• Cars cannot park in the West lot and wait for their student. Students are not permitted to walk in the parking lots.

9th Grade: During PE Class
10th Grade (optional): February 18

There is no cost to students for either of these trainings, however, there is an optional $32 fee for students who want to receive a card of certification. Payment for the certification card is due February 15 and can be paid for by clicking the link below.
REGISTER FOR CERTIFICATION

CDS is able to offer this course thanks to the generosity of the Kowiaks, a CDS alumni family.

10th Grade College Information Night
Thursday, February 3 | 6:45- 7:45 pm
Student Union

ALL 10th grade students and parents
should consider this a "must attend" event.

MORE INFORMATION

Magical. Mischievous. Marvelous.
Matilda is coming to CDS!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Friday, February 25: 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 26: 7:00 pm
Sunday Matinee, February 27: 2:00 pm

Tickets & FOPA Membership

Wednesday, February 9

Class pictures have been rescheduled until Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Students will need to wear their collared CDS uniform polo for their class picture - NO SWEATSHIRTS, ATHLETIC JERSEYS, SPIRIT SHIRTS or PE uniforms, please. Students who have PE should wear their regular uniform to school and bring their PE uniform to change into after their pictures.

Seniors have a special dress day for their pictures. They are not required to wear their uniform to school on Wednesday. Seniors may wear CDS-appropriate business casual dress for their class photo. A senior class photo in college shirts will be taken in the spring.

Grad Bash - Class of 2022
Friday, April 1, 2022
Universal Orlando

Depart CDS:  Friday at 4:30 pm
Return to CDS:  Saturday at 4:00 am

Cost $165
includes admission to Grad Bash at Universal Orlando and transportation.

Graduates must ride the bus to attend.

Registration deadline is March 1, 2022.

PURCHASE TICKETS

purchase GALA TICKETS

After you have gotten your 007 Gala Tickets...
You won't want to miss this getaway opportunity! 

It's just one of the many fabulous items being offered!

• 5:45 pm Monday, February 7
  Wrestling

ORDER GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

More Information

SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS

Buy a Seninor tribute ad online at yearbookforever.com. Ad space is limited. Once the space is filled, no more ads will be accepted. So order early!

Instructions for Ad Submission

Mr. McGrath has made a refresher course video with tips and tricks on how to use PikMyKid. (Click on the image below to watch the video.)

Middle School teachers offer FLEX support/help sessions before school, during lunch, and after school. Click the link below to find charts with morning and afternoon help sessions for the arts and academics.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FLEX SCHEDULE

CDS believes some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Middle School students can choose from a variety of clubs to create enthusiasm for learning while building creativity, imagination and positive social skills. 

MS ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

All members of the CDS community: faculty and staff, parents, and students, have a shared responsibility to keep our school in good health by committing to adhere to school policies and public health directives both in and out of school. To prevent early dismissals, classroom closings, building closings, and potential school wide closing we ask all stakeholders to comply with our sick day guidelines.

CDS SICK DAY POLICY

If your child becomes ill or is injured at school, it is imperative that we are able to get in touch with you or your designated contact person immediately. Please inform the office if there is a change in your emergency contact or procedure, even if the change is just for one day.

The administration has approved these calendar dates for the 2022-2023 school year:

Mon & Tues, Aug 15 & 16: 
MS and US Orientation (Attendance is mandatory)

Mon - Wed, Aug 15 - 17: 
ECC & Elementary Meet Your Teacher (ECC: Small group visits; Elementary: Individual meetings)

Wednesday, August 17: 
First day of classes for MS and US

Thursday, August 18: 
First day of classes for LS (ECC & Elementary)

Mon - Fri, Nov 21 - 25: 
Fall Break

Monday, December 19 - Wednesday, January 4: 
Winter Break for students

Thursday, January 5: 
Classes resume

Mon - Fri, March 13 - 17: 
Spring Break

Friday, May 26: 
Last day of school

Always check the website calendar for the most accurate information.

The Lower School offers early morning care beginning at 7:30 am and an after care program until 6:00 pm daily. 
(There is no fee for early drop-off at the Bearss Avenue campus; there is a fee for all other extended day programs.)

Please be mindful of these hours and drop-off and pick-up your children only during these hours.

ECC students may also be dropped off at 7:30 am at the Bearss Avenue campus with their siblings. Parents can register their ECC children to ride the shuttle bus between the Bearss Avenue campus and the Early Childhood Campus. There is a fee for the shuttle bus service.

Here is  a sample schedule for After Care at the ECC:

2:15 pm
Aftercare begins

• Counselors will escort students outside for outdoor free play.
• Physical distancing will be required.

3:00 pm
Snack

3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Indoor free play

• Students will be split into cohorts by grade.
• Individual games will  be provided to the students.
• Supplies will not be shared.
• Physical distancing will be required.

6:00 pm
Aftercare ends

Rainy Day Plan
Students will start out in designated classrooms, per grade, where they will engage in indoor activities such as dance with "go noodle."

Here is  a sample schedule for After Care at the Bearss Avenue campus:

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Dismissal - All students dismiss from their class room

3:30 pm
Aftercare begins.

• Aftercare counselors will report to their assigned elementary grade level suite to start aftercare. Students are asked to remain within their grade level suite and use their designated classroom bathroom, if necessary. Activities and games can be played within the grade level suite. Physical distancing required.
• Homework can be done by the student in their classrooms. Counselors will be there to help assist, if needed.

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Snack/Outdoor time for all grades

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

• Each grade level will rotate into the multipurpose room to participate in a craft related to our weekly theme, led by Ariana Cruz, Auxiliary and Summer Programs Assistant.
• Outdoor time, by grade level, is an option.

6:00 pm
Aftercare ends.

Rainy Day Plan

• Students will start out in their grade level suite, per usual. Homework is encouraged between the time of 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm.
• At 4:00 pm students will be led to the multipurpose room for a movie. Social distancing will be required.

Schoology is a web-based learning management system that  provides a secure and safe, easy-to-use, way for teachers, students, parents, and administrators to seamlessly communicate and collaborate to enhance students’ learning and success.

The access codes and instructions for creating parent Schoology accounts will be sent home with MS and US students. 

Read more...

College Counseling is thrilled to invite upper school students to visit them in their spacious new suite on the renovated first floor of the main building.

College Rep visits have begun and students in grades 10-12 are invited to attend these session.

Please check the College Counseling calendar each week on this page for a schedule of upcoming visits. Students must register on Naviance as well as obtain permission from their teacher to attend. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the visit.

Stay Informed with SeeSaw

Seesaw is the primary communication tool used by ECC teachers.  Seesaw provides a secure and safe, easy-to-use, way for students, teachers, and parents to seamlessly communicate and collaborate to enhance students’ learning and success. Seesaw is a digital portfolio that students will use to showcase what they are learning and doing at school and share with their family. 

Once Seesaw is activated for this school year, returning families will use their same account. Access codes and instructions for creating parent Seesaw accounts will be sent home to new ECC parents during the first two weeks of school. Here is a quick introduction to how Seesaw will connect you to your child's learning and classroom!

Middle School and Upper School students are welcome to remain on campus after dismissal. After school policies have been established to enable students to remain on campus after school and participate in athletic team practices/games and other supervised afterschool activities. No student will be allowed to "hang out" on campus unsupervised after dismissal. Students who are not participating in an athletic team practice session are not allowed to be in the gymnasium or fitness center after school. These facilities are fully booked by the athletic teams.

Supervision for Middle School students will begin at 3:00 pm. Supervision for Upper School students begins at 3:30 pm. Following dismissal, all students must be in an extracurricular activity (working with a teacher, attending an after school program, athletic team practice, drama/music rehearsal, etc.) or report to the MS Study Hall which is held in the MS Student Lounge and Design Tech classrooms or to the US Student Lounge for US Study Hall. Teachers staffing study hall this year are Mr. Jannereth and Ms. Polezhaeva.

• There is no charge for students to attend the MS/US After School Study Hall.
• Normal study hall hours are until 6:00 pm every school day.
• All students reporting to MS/US study hall must sign in and sign out.
  • Students will be allowed to sign themselves out of study hall when their ride home arrives or to go to a sports event; parents will not need to come in to sign out their child. Parents should call or text students once they have arrived on campus. Some cell service does not work inside the school building; if you are unable to contact your child directly, parents should call the school (813.920.2288) and the Welcome Center will notify the study hall supervisor to dismiss your child.
  • Once a child is signed out of study hall, he/she will not be allowed to return. Once children are signed out of study hall, they will no longer be supervised by CDS faculty.
• The expectation is for a "quiet" study hall, but the teacher supervising may allow exceptions for groups working together on school projects or assignments.
• Study hall areas must be left as clean as found.
• All school rules/policies apply during study hall hours. Behavior issues will be reported to the parent. Repeated behavior issues will be referred to the Middle School administration.

Questions? Please contact Mr. Jannereth, MS/US After School Study Hall Coordinator.

Flik serves scratch prepared entrees, including a vegetarian option, a daily grill special, chef prepared specialty salads, and deli sandwiches with in-house roasted deli meats.  Breakfast is  available every day beginning at 7:30 a.m. and fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, assorted snacks and beverages are available for purchase during MS and US snack breaks.

Cash is not accepted in the lunch line. 

Be sure to set up a declining balance account for ALL students!

• Flik uses a no-cash system. ECC, Elementary, Middle School, and Upper School parents can set up and fund a payment account for each child at MySchoolBucks.com for daily purchases made through the cafeteria line. (ECC and elementary lunches ordered on Nutrislice are also paid for using the MySchoolBucks account.) To create accounts, parents must enter their child's name and birthdate. Accounts can be funded three ways:
  • Make a one-time payment
  • Set up autopay
  • Send a check payable to "Flik" to the school office 
  • If a student's account becomes overdrawn, the student will be served a Sunbutter and jelly sandwich for $3.50 which will be deducted from the student's account balance. We recommend that parents set up auto pay on their MySchoolBucks.com account to ensure their children get to have the lunch of their choice.