CDS hosted several special programs and presenters this year that cover an array of important topics. CDS is proud to have started our year by continuing our partnership with Dr. Michele Borba, bringing her back to CDS for the 3rd time. Dr. Borba met with each division’s faculty to provide an understanding and conversation around what children need. She also shared wonderful connection ideas for staff to bring into their classroom and hallways to support empathetic behavior and interactions in students. In the evening Dr. Borba did a parent presentation and those who attended left inspired and motivated, as well. In November, we had the privilege of working with Jeff Yalden and introducing our community to him. Jeff Yalden is America’s #1 Teen Motivational and Mental Health Speaker whose message addresses mental health issues with a focus on eliminating stigma and raising awareness. Mr. Yalden spoke with our middle and upper school students, spent time with each division’s faculty, and presented to our parents. His message and his authenticity touched all who were able to hear him speak! The upper school brought in Dr. Lindsey O’Brennan, licensed psychologist, who specializes in working with students coping with academic stress. Dr. O’Brennan is an adjunct faculty member and clinical supervisor for psychology students at University of South Florida where she is involved in a research project focusing on ninth grade students and their responses to academic stress. 6
In addition to her presentation to our ninth and tenth grade students, Dr. O’Brennan came back to CDS to talk to our parents, with students in any division, about how to support children by enforcing, supporting and understanding effective coping strategies for stress. There is good stress and bad stress and Dr. O’Brennan was wonderful at sharing the differences and how to respond to both. CDS is also bringing back Lori Smith, a shareholder in the Orlando law firm of Zimmerman, Kiser and Sutcliffe, where she has practiced law since 1995. She has been a frequent lecturer around the state regarding social media usage by teens and tweens. This will be her second visit to CDS. Lori’s goal is to give teens straightforward, timely, real world examples of how social media mistakes can impact their future. Lori also speaks to parents of teens and tweens educating them on the social media habits of teens and the social media violations that can most often impact school enrollment and limit future opportunities. Lori will be presenting to our middle and upper school as well as our parents at the end of February. Our counseling team has worked hard to bring in valuable experts who can provide beneficial insight to our students’, faculty and parents covering topics such as empathy, mental health, stress/anxiety and social media. These topics are at the forefront of students everyday lives and we are proud to support our students and families with these opportunities. UPCOMING PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS Senior College Safety Series Follow-up from Diversity Conference Uncomfortable Conversations St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt Diversity Speaker: Mr. Dungee Mental Health Awareness in College Looking Ahead The Happy Movie Hazing Awareness (12th) Review Goals Pyramind Goals Mindfulness
