Dear ASD Families,

This morning I was fortunate to visit Ms. May’s HS Biology class where Dr. Tatiana Vinardell, from Doha’s Equine Veterinary Medical Center -- one of the world’s premier equine veterinary research centers -- spoke of her own personal journey to becoming a professor, scientist, and researcher. In a partnership developed by Mr. Shang between EVMC and ASD, a fortunate group of students is approved to witness and shadow the many activities at the center, and to get a first-hand, authentic look at the world of scientific research and medicine… at a world-class facility!

Last night I was one of the proud members of the theatrical audience attending the second ‘opening night’ of ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ To the cast, I offer it was a fantastic performance! Best luck to both casts tonight and Saturday! Congratulations to Director Millard, to the Casts, both ‘B’ and ‘A’, and to Christina D, Paul, Jim, Karma, Ashley, Cristina E and all who have been integral to the return of theatrical performance to the array of student experiences here at ASD. Opportunities abound at ASD! On my way to the theatre last night I stopped -- ever so briefly -- at the boy’s varsity soccer match… which I later heard we won. Positive, active opportunities are numerous and varied at ASD, and they are coming back incrementally for students across all of our divisions.

What lessons, what learnings are we taking forward from the last seven years at ASD? With regard to ASD’s Mission, Vision, Values and Identity Statement, what has our community said through our recent surveys (over 800 responses!) to guide us moving through and beyond the pandemic years? Over 50 community members -- students, parents, staff, faculty, Board members -- worked last Saturday through facilitated discussions of our Identity Statement and our current Vision. As a natural extension and follow up, we will extend community invitation again to meet us in the MS/HS Cafeteria at 4:00 pm Sunday, December 12 to continue our work, this time looking at ‘Mission and Core Values’ through facilitation led by Patricia Foster and Dr. Heather Vlach. Please note that the MS/HS Cafeteria will close at 1:30 pm on Sunday in preparation for the Community Workshop.

As a last note this week, it is expected that the ASD Board of Directors will approve a 2022-2023 school calendar at their upcoming meeting on December 14. After the Board has approved a calendar, it is our hope to share that draft with our parent community in next week’s Sahifa.

As always, thank you for your enduring support of students in all of our divisions as we work to inspire and empower our children and keep them healthy and safe both at and away from school.

Sincerely,

Steve Razidlo

Director of the American School of Doha

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