Today's Perseverance and Tomorrow's Preparations

 

In our daily lives these past months, both individually and collectively, we have been battling together against the novel coronavirus as a powerful force of nature. By taking prudent measures and making thoughtful decisions, this force has not overcome us, and we will persevere! Just as we closed campus in March to ensure the health and well-being of our students, staff, and community, we will continue to uphold our priority to preserve everyone's safety; therefore, CNG will be officially closing the school year through distance learning. Although we will continue to pursue every available option for holding closure events such as HS Graduation and our other moving-up ceremonies, the school will only consider these possibilities if deemed safe and approved by governmental entities. But please know, Class of 2020, we have not yet given up!

 

Additionally, as we prepare ahead for our next school year, the Board of Directors and Admin Leadership Team continue developing a comprehensive range of options from on-campus instruction to hybrid models to distance-learning delivery systems.  (Link to Working Draft: Conceptual Model and Framework). We are fully engaged in extensive research to evaluate various conceptual frameworks and learning models already implemented by international schools in Asia and Europe, which will strongly inform CNG's approach to this critical issue depending on potential local and national guidelines or regulations. Our entire leadership team will be staying in Colombia throughout the summer vacation to continue developing and refining our modeling strategies in preparations for whatever contingencies confront us. Rest assured that we will be ready to provide the safest and most effective learning environment for your children regardless of the instructional-delivery mode.

 

Class of 2020 - Don't Worry, We Won't Forget You!

 

Although everyone in our community has been affected by the events of the past 90 days, arguably, no other group has been impacted more than our Seniors. Despite the profound disappointment experienced by them these last few months of their time at CNG, the Class of 2020 has demonstrated their true core values. They found their own internal fortitude and drive to refocus their efforts in service to others rather than on their own challenging situation and sense of personal loss and grief. In the end, they decided to raise funds to support scholarships for their peers at the Fundacion Hogar. Our Seniors raised donations totaling nearly three full-ride, annual scholarships that include all educational costs and two free meals per day ( Link to Senior Gift for Our Sister School). Without question, they have turned challenge into opportunity, and not for themselves, but for others, and I'm so proud of them.

 

Our community should also be proud of the Class of 2020 for many other accomplishments. Did you know that they have already been accepted into 17 of the top 30 universities in the U.S.? Did you know that 100% of their applications into Universidad Los Andes have been accepted? Did you know that they have collectively taken more Advanced Placement exams (college-level tests) on average per student than any other prior class? And did you know that the above three statistics are the highest results of any graduating class in CNG's 82-year history? Well . . . now you know!!! Although we might not be celebrating their graduation this June in the same manner of year's past, we will be honoring their many accomplishments in our own unique way. Plus, we will be looking for another opportunity in the future to join them and their entire families in person for a second round of celebrations for them. In the meantime, the Habeggers want to share a  Heartfelt Video with you, our special Class of 2020. Given your achievements and laudable demonstration of the epitome of CNG's core values during this unprecedented time, you truly deserve it!

 

A Closing Thanks

 

Finally, our CNG Team would like to make special mention of the work of our Parent Council and PTA in their support the hard work and additional efforts of our teachers, counselors, and support staff. They have remained a positive force in building community, caring for others, and working together toward the greater good of all concerned. From all of us to all of you, thank you!

 

Stay safe,

 

Dr. Eric H. Habegger

CNG Director