By Doug Norry
October 7, 2021
This past weekend offered several opportunities for the TDS community to come together and connect in meaningful ways.
The fun started a bit early on Friday afternoon, as we welcomed the return of our Crossroads program. With students from all grades sorted into one of ten “houses” – the Twisters, Cyclones, Whirlwinds, Tempests, Waterspouts, Vortexes, Fire Whirls, Windstorms, Typhoons, and Funnel Clouds – Crossroads fosters connections among different grades, increases students’ sense of belonging, and gives everyone something to look forward to on some Friday afternoons. Last week’s session featured get-to-know-you games, tag with pool noodles, and in one house, a rock-paper-scissors tournament!
Three hours later, many families returned for the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, masterfully organized by Ms. Heysha. Food options included Guatemalan from El Chapin, tacos from El Jefecito, and desserts from The Good Muffy. Everyone enjoyed the informative displays highlighting the cultural contributions of Hispanic artists, authors, musicians, and athletes. In addition, families shared about their own heritage and appreciated the opportunity to learn about and from each other. With more than 150 people in attendance, this Fiesta will no doubt become an annual tradition at TDS!
On Sunday morning, 28 TDS students joined peers from other schools in swimming, biking, and running for a good cause, completing the Just Tryan It kids triathlon in Chapel Hill. Just Tryan It seeks to financially support families affected by pediatric cancer, and also to inspire children to make a positive difference in their communities. The TDS team took first place in fundraising, raising more than $13,000 that will go directly to families being treated at Duke and UNC hospitals. Thanks to Leanne Owens for organizing, and congratulations to our civic-minded triathletes.
TDS Just Tryan It Team
Holden & Audrey (1st)
Coleman, Lia, Zooey, George & Micah (2nd)
Keegan & Oliver (3rd)
Henry, Eve, LJ, Ben, Dan, Grant, Claire, Izzy & Poppy (4th)
Landon, Sophie, Avery, Dominic, Skylar & Hunter (5th)
Evan & Maddox (6th)
Matthew & Will (7th)
Avery Keats (alum)
Members of the TDS community also volunteered for the race, including alums (Claire Collier, Julia Johnson, Kate Norry, Tovi Varlashkin, Addison Dombcik, Sophie Wilcox, and McCallum Keats, who sang the National Anthem), one current student (Jonah), several parents, and Mr. Forringer, who ferried volunteers to their spots on the bike course. It was wonderful to see students and families from so many grades come together to support this cause.
We were fortunate to be able to hold in-person school last year at TDS, but our restrictions on events and visitors challenged our sense of community. As we are able to offer more this year, TDS feels like TDS once again!
