Extending a helping hand to Haiti

A committee has come together to plan a coordinated program of activities to enable our entire school community to channel support to the survivors of the earthquake that ravaged Haiti. The committee is comprised of CDS parents with friends and family in Haiti, the CDS principals, representatives from Mrs. Macaluso's 5th grade class who are studying "natural disasters" for their PYP Exhibition, student leaders from the middle school and high school Student Councils, and CDS faculty and staff.

CDS dad, Dr. Jude Pierre, is currently in Haiti, providing medical assistance. He reports back that there is a pressing need for medical supplies. While there, he is also taking photographs and investigating other ways we can provide help. After his return, he has offered to address our students to share pictures of the current conditions and contrast them with images of Haiti from before the earthquake. 

The first phase of "CDS Cares - Haiti Relief Effort" has been to collect money and personal hygiene items. At this time, financial donations continue to be the most effective way to help the relief efforts in Haiti. Families who are interested in donating money to help fund relief efforts in Haiti can send cash or checks to school.  Please make checks payable to "Carrollwood Day School" and include a notation designating the funds are to benefit Haiti. The school will forward 100% of all money donated to a worthy charity each week. Thanks to the generosity of our families, over $1,500 has already been collected. In addition to personal hygiene items, we would like to begin to collect medical supplies. The following list contains items Dr. Pierre has specifically identified are needed: 

• Blood pressure medication
• Diapers
• Formula
• Crutches
• Wheelchairs
• Prosthetics/prosthesis
• Anxiety medications

The committee will have a special area set up at the Family Picnic on Sunday, February 7 to share information about Haiti and for families to drop off donations of money, personal hygiene items, and medical supplies. The elementary Action Club will also be selling "CDS Cares" bracelets to benefit Haiti. Thank you to the high school students who have volunteered to help staff this area.

In addition to providing humanitarian support at this time of critical need, the committee is hoping to establish a long term program for support and exchange. Plans are underway to create an exhibit of art and photographs to promote an appreciation for Haiti's rich history and culture. There is also interest in establishing a connection with a school in Haiti to foster friendship and cultural understanding.

Parents Jessica Dana Christine Pierre CDS Principals Trudi Buscemi Ryan Kelly Ellen Nafe Faculty and Staff Michelle Cáceres Julie Hall Danielle Macaluso Erma Ruffkess Students Claire Dosher (5th Grade) Arik Jahnke (5th Grade) Brycie Gauthier (8th Grade) Chase Mayer (8th Grade) Michael Filer (Class of 2011) Monte Hudson (Class of 2010) Nicole Neugebauer (Class of 2013) Stephanie St. John (Class of 2011) Darby Uhl (Class of 2013) Kelsey Uhl (Class of 2011)