Greetings all, as we stand on the threshold of a much deserved two week break for ISD. March has been a bit of a firestorm at school, with many events that fought to distract us from the core educational mission of the school. However, thanks to the incredible leadership of our Principals and the dedication and strength of our teachers, we have made it through what was certainly my most difficult month in Dakar in five years. With elections behind us, and the memory of our lost student fresh in our hearts, we can all use the spring break to catch our breath, catch up on sleep, and prepare for the final stretch of exams and projects, moves and goodbyes that will make the last weeks of school year 2011-12 race by. Great news on college admissions from ISD High School students, with Jaguars admitted to some top US and Canadian schools, including Brown University (Shaka Geier), Cornell University (Shaka, Denzel Faulkner), Columbia (Leslie Ayuk-Takor), Sarah Lawrence College (Kadijah Ndoye), Paris School of Business (Birassi Sow), Skidmore College (Caroline Taylor), University of British Columbia (Solange Djossa), Lewis and Clark (Tara Harte), Rochester Institute of Technology (Nithin Kumar), and many others. This is AWESOME work by ISD seniors and our Counselor, Mr. Scoggin. The ISD Building project has seen some significant progress in recent weeks with the installation of all cabinetry in the MS and HS Science labs, the foundation for the amphitheater being poured, and the masonry nearly finished both inside and out for the entire building. The installation of walkway railings has given the interior courtyard a greater sense of how the building community will feel. The next month will see major additions with windows set for installation, doors in the port awaiting customs clearance, and painting due to gear up to high speed. Some significant electrical infrastructure will be laid around campus during spring break, preparing to bring the new building on line. Many thanks to Operations Manager, Ian Hogg, for spending his holidays watching over the project! ISD also had a week long visit from incoming Director Barb Gage during March, as well as a three day visit from incoming Tech Director Rick Park (coming from IS Tunisia) and a three day visit from incoming Curriculum Coordinator, Christine Michael (coming from Columbus, Ohio). Each of these incoming school leaders had the chance to see ISD in action, spend time with the person they will replace, and all will be able to hit the ground running in August, based on their visits here. These 'transition' visits are critical to smooth continued operation of the school and to program continuity. Personally, I felt my time with incoming Director Barb Gage was very valuable for her...fitting five years of experience into a busy week was not possible, but I was able to share much of what I think is critical with her during our meetings; she's excited about returning in August and getting started in earnest! Again, I am very happy to wish you a pleasant spring break.  |
Director's Dispatch >