PDS Gala April 27th!
April 10, 2018
The Primary Day School 2018 Gala Committee invites you to attend "An Evening in Neverland." Friday, April 27, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Badlands Playspace. Purchase tickets now at: http://theprimarydayschool.org/support/.
Sponsorship opportunities are available to support PDS. Please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org.
Save the Date!
February 20, 2018
The Primary Day School 2018 Gala Committee invites you to save the date for "An Evening in Neverland." Friday, April 27, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Badlands Playspace. Formal Invitation and Information on Donations, Tickets & Sponsorships coming soon! Questions? Please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org. 2018 Gala Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle & Shivani Gupta
Primary Day Welcomes the Class of '17 for this year's Winter Wonderland
December 15, 2017
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces at this year's Winter Wonderland. Welcome back alums and we hope to see more of you soon!
Winter Wonderland at PDS
December 15, 2017
The sounds of the holidays filled the Beako room at this year's Winter Wonderland assemblies.
Grandparent and Special Friends Day
November 27, 2017
On Friday, November 17, Primary Day invited our cherished Grandparents and Special Friends for a wonderful morning of celebration.
Community Service
November 13, 2017
At Primary Day we understand that a culture of community service starts with teaching children about the importance of giving back. Today, as part of Primary Day's commitment to community service the children made lunches for Central Union Mission (Mission DC). 1st and 2nd graders prepared sandwiches while Pre-K and K decorated and packed lunch bags with sandwiches and snacks. It doesn't always have to be a grand gesture but a simple project that makes the life of someone else a little bit better.
Veterans Day Program
November 10, 2017
Primary Day is proud to honor the brave men and woman who have fought America's battles, past and present, as part of our annual Veteran's Day program. We were honored to have the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Color Guard and many veterans attend the program this year.
Halloween Spooktacular
October 31, 2017
Monster Mashin' it, Primary Day style!

Get Caught Engineering!
October 27, 2017
Is the engineer in you looking for an opportunity to explore and create! If you are a prospective family considering Primary Day, we invite you and your child to join us for Get Caught Engineering on Sunday Nov. 5. Email us at a.collins@theprimarydayschool.org. Hope to see you soon! Please share!

Admission Open House
October 27, 2017
It’s Open House season! Why not use this opportunity to visit The Primary Day School on November 15. Tour the School and speak directly with faculty and parents about our program. Discover why a Primary Day education is the finest education for the most important years! Call 301-365-4355 or email admission@theprimarydayschool.org. Childcare (with pizza dinner) provided. See below for details. Please share.

Pig's Parade!
October 27, 2017
Friday’s Primary Day Pig Parade was a perfectly pleasant performance by the Pre-K!! #fantasticfriday

Primary Day Book Fair
October 27, 2017
What could better define #wisdomwednesday than the Primary Day Book Fair! Open now through Saturday.
Graduation 2017
June 9, 2017
Celebrating our Second Graders at Graduation was bittersweet. We will miss their thoughtfulness, their smiles, and their creativity. Current parent and PDS alum, Emily Gerson, shared lovely thoughts with the students. Students and their families also heard from Mr. Lawrence and their second grade teachers, Mrs. Muldoon and Mrs. McCormick. We wish them all well in their next steps!
Field Day 2017
June 7, 2017
We had a blast at Field Day this year! Children were treated to soccer, balloon-popping, pizza box relays, the 50-yard dash, basketball, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, sack races, sponge relays, the Good Humor Truck, "Tim's Gem" truck and more. Thank you to Coaches Manalo and Ouska, Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Gagarin, and the faculty/staff for making this such a wonderful culminating year-end event!
Pre-K Music Program 2017
June 2, 2017
Pre-K students dazzled us this morning with their songs and dancing. What a delight it was to have our youngest students perform onstage for friends and family.
Second Grade Authors' Tea 2017
May 26, 2017
Second Graders worked for weeks to detail their amazing and hilarious life journeys in their autobiographies. They enjoyed sharing their work with family and friends at the annual Authors' Tea.
Viva Mexico!
May 19, 2017
Kindergartners delighted their audience with "Viva Mexico!," a musical culmination of their unit on Mexico. The program included dances, presentations and songs in Spanish and English. After the show, students decimated pinatas on the playground. Students enjoyed a maravilloso tapas feast for lunch.
First Grade International Program
May 12, 2017
The First Graders’ exploration of countries around the world came to a close with their International Program. The show featured folktales from different countries. Students performed skits of "Jamie O’Rourke and the Giant Potato" (an Irish folktale), "The Gifts of Wali Dad" (an Indian folktale), "The Jade Stone" (a Chinese folktale about the importance of creativity and expressing your voice), and "A Caterpillar’s Voice" (an East African folktale that suggests that you don’t have to be big in stature to have a lot of courage). Each group of performers then sang a traditional song from that culture. Following the production the children enjoyed an international feast, featuring the cuisine of the countries studied.
Story & Music Hour
May 5, 2017
Primary Day invites children, aged 2 & 3 and their caregivers to a Story and Music Hour led by our librarian and music teacher. Bring a favorite stuffed animal and join us on May 18 from 9:30-10:30am. Please RSVP to 301-365-4355 or RSVP@ThePrimaryDaySchool.org. Primary Day is located at 7300 River Road. We look forward to seeing you!

Magnifique Spectacle!
May 5, 2017
The Second Grade study of France culminated in the annual musical production, “La Tour de France.” As four “tourists” traveled the French countryside they encountered “French citizens” who eagerly shared their culture. Students led us through the Bordeaux region where we learned how grapes are grown, then visited a nearby café; traveled on the Train a Grande Vittesse to the Provence Region, visited the Cote d’Azur, basked in the beauty of the flowers in Grasse, and marveled at the Sur Le Pont d’Avignon, the bridge across the Rhone River. Then it was off to Giverny, to see where Claude Monet painted his “Gardens and Water Lilies” Series. The finale of the program was a visit to a French classroom where the Second Graders demonstrated their acquired French vocabulary during a delightful song. Following the program, students enjoyed a brunch of French favorites. Bravo!
Where the Wild Things Are Gala
April 27, 2017
This year's Gala theme was Where the Wild Things Are. On Friday, April 21st, parents, faculty and staff enjoyed a wild rumpus at Bethesda Country Club. It was a wonderful night, with many fun things to bid on, great food to eat, fun music to dance to, and fantastic friends to catch up with. Many thanks to the Chair, Jen Kavounas, and her monstrous helpers!
Community Service
April 21, 2017
This week, children learned all about serving others. Students heard Those Shoes, Great Joy, Maddi’s Fridge, A Shelter in our Car, and The Teddy Bear in the library. Each class collected food for Manna. On Wednesday, students created breakfast kits for Cup of Joe. They assembled the kits, reinforcing the importance of helping those in need. Thanks to the volunteer parents who made the day successful.
Story & Music Hour
April 10, 2017
Primary Day invites children, aged 2 & 3 and their caregivers to a Story and Music Hour led by our librarian and music teacher. Bring a favorite stuffed animal and join us either on April 20 or May 18 from 9:30-10:30am. Please RSVP to 301-365-4355 or RSVP@ThePrimaryDaySchool.org. Primary Day is located at 7300 River Road. We look forward to seeing you!

Colonial Trunk Day 2017
March 13, 2017
As a culminating activity in their study of Colonial America, Second Graders lived Colonial History by participating in Colonial Trunk Day. The day, coordinated and staffed by Second Grade parents, included a wide range of hands-on-activities: candle making and wallpaper printing; writing with quill pens; grinding coffee and corn; making butter and tasting Johnnycakes; playing colonial games; and creating corn husk dolls.
Admission Weekend Open House
January 3, 2017
Discover Primary Day at our last Open House of the season on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Childcare and refreshments will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, EcoWonder & STEM, Technology, Balanced Literacy, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please call 301.365.4355 to set up an individual tour of the school.

Grandparents and Special Friends Visiting Day 2016
December 7, 2016
We had a wonderful time showing off our school to Grandparents and Special Friends!
Veterans Day Program 2016
November 11, 2016
We were honored to have the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Color Guard and many veterans attend our annual Veterans Day Program. Students sang "God Bless America," "America," and "Veterans Day" among other patriotic choices.
Admission Evening Open House
November 1, 2016
Discover Primary Day at our first Open House of the season on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Childcare and dinner will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, STEM, Technology, Balanced Literacy, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please join us for an Open House on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Individual tours of the school are also available during the week.

Montgomery Modern Tour
September 7, 2016
In conjunction with the publication of Montgomery Modern, by Clare Kelly, Primary Day is pleased to welcome the Montgomery Modern tour group on October 8, 2016. Ms. Kelly recently published this award-winning book, which features both historic and current views of Montgomery County buildings including narrative on each. Ms. Kelly has organized a bus tour of several of the buildings featured in her book, including Primary Day. This bus tour explores the Montgomery County work of Deigert and Yerkes, a leading modernist architecture firm in the Washington, DC area, best known for the National Arboretum Administration Building. Operating from 1947 to 1967, the partnership of Robert Campbell Deigert and David Norton Yerkes, created distinctive designs with variety in materials and textures, surprising angles, and contrasting spaces. Tour participants will enjoy a tour of the school and have lunch following in the Schoolfield Library. More information about the tour may be found at www.montgomeryplanning.org/.

First Day of School 2016
September 6, 2016
It was a special first day of school this year with Scott Lawrence as our new Head of School. We look forward to a fantastic year!
Graduation 2016
June 10, 2016
Celebrating our Second Graders at Graduation was bittersweet. We will miss their thoughtfulness, their smiles, and their creativity. Current parent, Jean-Marie Fernandez, shared a wonderful letter Beako wrote to the students. Students and their families also heard thoughts from Mrs. Geppert and their second grade teachers, Mrs. Muldoon and Mrs. McCormick. We wish them all well in their next steps!
Field Day 2016
June 7, 2016
We had a blast at Field Day this year! Children were treated to soccer, balloon-popping, pizza box relays, the 50-yard dash, basketball, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, sack races, sponge relays, the Good Humor Truck, a Planetarium and more. Thank you to Miss Bliss, Coach Ouska, and the faculty/staff for making this such a wonderful culminating year-end event!
Pre-K Music Program
May 27, 2016
Pre-K students dazzled us this morning with their songs and dancing. What a delight it was to have our youngest students perform onstage for friends and family.
PDS Class of 2006 Reunion
May 20, 2016
We had a wonderful time with our graduating high school seniors this morning. Welcoming the class and their parents back to PDS was a treat, as was the added bonus that three of our own staff members were parents in this group. Congratulations to all of our graduates - you're off to wonderful places next year. We're glad we could be part of your year-end celebration!
Viva Mexico!
May 20, 2016
Kindergartners delighted their audience with "Viva Mexico!," a musical culmination of their unit on Mexico. The program included dances, presentations and songs in Spanish and English. After the show, students decimated pinatas on the playground. Students enjoyed a maravilloso tapas feast for lunch. An added bonus was our graduating senior alums who turned out in droves to enjoy the show and relive their times here at PDS.
First Grade International Program
May 13, 2016
The First Graders’ exploration of countries around the world came to a close with their International Program. The show featured folktales from different countries. Students performed skits of "Jamie O’Rourke and the Giant Potato" (an Irish folktale), "The Gifts of Wali Dad" (an Indian folktale), "The Jade Stone" (a Chinese folktale about the importance of creativity and expressing your voice), and "A Caterpillar’s Voice" (an East African folktale that suggests that you don’t have to be big in stature to have a lot of courage). Each group of performers then sang a traditional song from that culture. Following the production the children enjoyed an international feast, featuring the cuisine of the countries studied.
Magnifique Spectacle!
May 6, 2016
The Second Grade study of France culminated in the annual musical production, “La Tour de France.” As four “tourists” traveled the French countryside they encountered “French citizens” who eagerly shared their culture. Students led us through the Bordeaux region where we learned how grapes are grown, then visited a nearby café; traveled on the Train a Grande Vittesse to the Provence Region, visited the Cote d’Azur, basked in the beauty of the flowers in Grasse, and marveled at the Sur Le Pont d’Avignon, the bridge across the Rhone River. Then it was off to Giverny, to see where Claude Monet painted his “Gardens and Water Lilies” Series. The finale of the program was a visit to a French classroom where the Second Graders demonstrated their acquired French vocabulary during a delightful song. Following the program, students enjoyed a brunch of French favorites. Bravo!
Visiting Author Laura Murray
May 2, 2016
Laura Murray, author of The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School, Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck, and The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas shared one of her books, taught us a great deal about the writing process, and gave us a preview of her new book, The Gingerbread Man Loose at the Zoo, which is coming out in August.
PDS Class of 2011 Bowling Reunion
April 25, 2016
The Class of 2011 and their parents had a wonderful time connecting over bowling.
Community Service Day 2016
April 14, 2016
“Friends of Beako Give Back” Community Service Day gave students an opportunity to learn about four different organizations and to contribute in a hands-on and meaningful way by making items that were donated to the organizations. The day began with an assembly where the children were given an overview of their day and of the organizations by guests and representatives from National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), ShareBaby, Manor Care - Bethesda, and NIH Children’s Inn. The assembly concluded with the second graders presenting a play written by our librarian. The play was based on the book, Those Shoes, by Maribeth Boelts, a story of “want” vs “need.” In Literature, second graders discussed Those Shoes, brainstormed ideas, and wrote three original songs: "Needs and Wants," "Kindness and Friendship," and "Giving." During the day, students decorated bookshelves and filled them with donated books for NCCF, collected and bagged clothing and items for ShareBaby, and decorated flower pots, filling them with either soil and a plant or candy and a handmade flower for Manor Care and NIH Children’s Inn.
Visit from the Maryland Zoo
April 8, 2016
It was a special treat to meet animals from the Maryland Zoo. In addition to learning about various ways animals move, we observed a parrot, rabbit, owl, and penguin.
Colonial Trunk Day 2016
March 8, 2016
As a culminating activity in their study of Colonial America, Second Graders lived Colonial History by participating in Colonial Trunk Day. The day, coordinated and staffed by Second Grade parents, included a wide range of hands-on-activities: candle making and wallpaper printing; writing with quill pens; grinding coffee and corn; making butter and tasting Johnnycakes; playing colonial games; and creating corn husk dolls.
Admission Weekend Open House
January 4, 2016
Discover Primary Day at our last Open House of the season on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Refreshments and childcare will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, EcoWonder & STEM, Technology, Balanced Literacy, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please call 301.365.4355 to set up an individual tour of the school.

Admission Evening Open House
November 11, 2015
Discover Primary Day at our first Open House of the season on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, STEM, Technology, Balanced Literacy, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please join us for an Open House on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Individual tours of the school are also available during the week.

Patriotic Program 2015
November 11, 2015
We were honored to have the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Color Guard and many veterans attend our annual Patriotic Program. Students sang "God Bless America," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and "Stars and Stripes Forever" among other patriotic choices.
First Day of School 2015
September 8, 2015
It was another wonderful first day of school at Primary Day on Tuesday! We look forward to a fantastic year!
Field Day 2015
June 3, 2015
Rain couldn't dampen spirits on our annual Field Day! Children pizza box relayed, sprinted, freeze-danced, and egg-and-spoon raced inside. Thank you to Ms. Perez and the faculty/staff for making this such a wonderful culminating year-end event!
Pre-K Music Program
May 29, 2015
Our Pre-K students dazzled us this morning with their songs and dancing. What a delight it was to have our youngest students perform onstage for friends and family. An added bonus was our graduating senior alums who turned out in droves to enjoy the show and relive their times here at PDS.
Second Grade Authors' Tea 2015
May 29, 2015
Second Graders worked for weeks to detail their amazing and hilarious life journeys in their autobiographies. They enjoyed sharing their work with family and friends at the annual Authors' Tea.
Viva Mexico!
May 15, 2015
Kindergartners delighted their audience with "Viva Mexico!," a musical culmination of their unit on Mexico. The program included dances, presentations and songs in Spanish and English. A maravilloso tapas feast followed the program.
First Grade International Program
May 8, 2015
The First Graders’ exploration of countries around the world came to a close with their International Program. The show featured folktales from different countries. Students performed skits of "Jamie O’Rourke and the Giant Potato" (an Irish folktale), "The Gifts of Wali Dad" (an Indian folktale), "The Jade Stone" (a Chinese folktale about the importance of creativity and expressing your voice), and "A Caterpillar’s Voice" (an East African folktale that suggests that you don’t have to be big in stature to have a lot of courage). Each group of performers then sang a traditional song from that culture. Following the production the children enjoyed an international feast, featuring the cuisine of the countries studied.
Bravo!
May 1, 2015
The Second Grade study of France culminated in a musical production, “La Tour de France”. As four “tourists” traveled the French countryside they encountered “French citizens” who eagerly shared their culture.
The students led us through the Bordeaux region where we learned how grapes are grown, then visited a nearby café; traveled on the Train a Grande Vittesse to the Provence Region, visited the Cote d’Azur, basked in the beauty of the flowers in Grasse, and marveled at the Sur Le Pont d’Avignon, the bridge across the Rhone River. Then it was off to Giverny, to see where Claude Monet painted his “Gardens and Water Lilies” Series. The finale of the program was a visit to a French classroom where the Second Graders demonstrated their acquired French vocabulary during a delightful song. Following the program, students enjoyed a buffet containing favorites of French cuisine.
Nadonley Circle Dedication
April 20, 2015
It was a perfect day to dedicate the Nadonley Circle on Saturday! We heard words from past parents, former faculty, alums, board members and the Head of School about the warmth and dedication of both Carter-Anne and Ray Nadonley.
Friends of Beako Give Back
April 9, 2015
Primary Day’s first “Friends of Beako Give Back” Community Service Day was a terrific success. It gave students the opportunity to learn about five different organizations (National Center for Children and Families, Children’s Inn at NIH, Montgomery Country Humane Society, Carrie Simon House, and Interfaith Works) and to contribute in a hands-on and meaningful way by making items that were donated to the organizations. The day began with an assembly where the children were given an overview of their day and of the organizations. The assembly concluded with the second graders reading thoughtful and moving poems that conveyed their understanding and desire to work together to make a difference in the lives of others. Immediately following the assembly, teachers, staff members, and students walked around the school building to support the homeless. From the Homeless Walk, students progressed to decorating bookshelves and filling them with donated books, making juice box robots, creating doggie toys, and stuffing shower caddies and laundry baskets with household necessities. It was a fantastic day!
Colonial Trunk Day 2015
March 13, 2015
As a culminating activity in their study of Colonial America, Second Graders lived Colonial History by performing for their parents and by participating in Colonial Trunk Day. They began the day by presenting colonial songs, dances, and childhood singing games for their delighted audience. This fun was followed by Colonial Trunk Day, coordinated and staffed by Second Grade parents, which included a wide range of hands-on-activities: candle making and wallpaper printing; writing with quill pens; grinding coffee and corn; making butter and tasting Johnnycakes; playing colonial games; and creating corn husk dolls.
Peace and Freedom Beakos
January 30, 2015
We were again treated to two special performances by Tammy Turner at our Peace and Freedom Beakos. Tammy is a local recording artist who has performed all over the world. She sang "What A Wonderful World" with the help of the students and accompanied the whole community on "If I Had a Hammer."
Admission Weekend Open House
January 5, 2015
Discover Primary Day at our last Open House of the season on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Refreshments and childcare will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, EcoWonder & STEM, Technology, Balanced Literacy, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please call 301.365.4355 to set up an individual tour of the school.

Grandparents and Special Friends Visiting Day 2014
November 24, 2014
We had a wonderful time showing off our school to Grandparents and Special Friends on Friday!
Patriotic Music Program 2014
November 11, 2014
We were honored to have both the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Color Guard as well as many veterans attend our annual Patriotic Music Program this year. Students sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "The Army Goes Rolling Along," and "Anchor's Away" among other patriotic choices. Please visit Primary Day's YouTube channel to view a few snippets.
Admission Evening Open House
October 31, 2014
Discover Primary Day at our first Open House of the season on Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, EcoWonder & STEM, Technology, Balanced Literacy, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please join us for an Open House on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Individual tours of the school are also available during the week.

Halloween Spooktacular and Parade 2014
October 31, 2014
Elsas, Marios, gorillas, and more were at Primary Day today for Halloween. We celebrated with a Spooktacular Beako and Parade!
Book Fair and Fall Festival 2014
October 31, 2014
We had a beautiful Saturday to enjoy fall at Primary Day with cake walks, tattoos, crafts, moonbounces, sand art, and making cards and bracelets for children staying at Children's Inn at NIH. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special event!
The Bennett Boskey Music Room
October 8, 2014
On October 1, 2014, our renovated music room was dedicated to Mr. Bennett Boskey, former Board of Trustees Chair and devoted champion of Primary Day. The children sang a special song in honor of Mr. Boskey which was recorded and will be presented to him along with a thank you card signed by all the children and staff.
Mr. Bennett Boskey was quietly at the helm of The Primary Day School since its beginning years. Although he was in the background, his mark was indelibly stamped on the school. He served on the school's board from 1954 until 2012 and was the Chairman for many of those years.
In 1954, Mr. Boskey was a young attorney with a general law practice and a friendship with Robert C. Diegert, Chairman of Primary Day's Board of Directors. Mr. Diegert asked "a favor" of Mr. Boskey, following which Mr. Boskey became a member of the Board of Directors and legal counsel to the school. Mr. Boskey provided much needed legal guidance and direction to Mr. Diegart and Mr. David Yerkes, the architects of the original school building. Mr. Boskey helped them with the organization of the school as a nonprofit corporation, the acquisition of the land, the funding of the building project, the arrangements for construction of the school and the establishment of a foundation to support the school (because the school was turned down by local banks because it was a "single purpose building").
According to Mr. Boskey, the school, having no assets, could not secure a bank loan for the construction of the building. Even while many parents, trustees, and friends of the school were discouraged, Mr. Boskey and his friends were undeterred, determined to find a way to build the building that PDS children deserved. With Mr. Boskey's leadership in 1954, a small group of parents, along with a friend of the school, guaranteed the loan that made it possible to proceed with the construction of the school building. So, Mr. Boskey was one of the individuals responsible for Primary Day's existence today. It is notable that Mr. Boskey and his beloved wife Shirley, whom he has survived, did not have children.
Mr. Boskey never wavered from his commitment to Primary Day. He led every major decision since he assumed the chairmanship of the Board, decades ago, until 2012.
Primary Day is forever indebted to Mr. Boskey for his love for the children of Primary Day and for his life-long devotion to this wonderful school.
Gingerbread Men 2014
September 25, 2014
Those pesky Gingerbread Men escaped again this year and our Pre-K students were on a mission to find them! The week-long search took them into classrooms and hallways, through the Beako Room, across the playground, and into offices. By the time they found the elusive Gingerbread Men, three things happened. One, this eager group of newcomers learned their environment inside and out, and they now feel confident and comfortable being here. Two, they got to know each other—strangers are now friends. And three, that powerful, engaging, and the wonderful experience we call a Primary Day education has begun.
Pig's Party 2014
September 15, 2014
It was the perfect day for Pig's Party on the playground at Primary Day! Each year our Pre-K students celebrate learning the first sound on the Phonovisual Chart with a parade, pink and purple polka dotted hats, pink pasta necklaces, pounding on percussion instruments, pizza, popcorn, and popsicles.
First Day of School 2014
September 2, 2014
We had a wonderful first day of school on Tuesday! We look forward to another fabulous year!
Field Day 2014
June 4, 2014
We had a blast at Field Day this year! Children were treated to freeze dancing, soccer, balloon-popping, pizza box relays, the 50-yard dash, basketball, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, silly string, the Good Humor Truck and more. Thanks to Ms. Perez, all the faculty/staff, and parent volunteers for making this such a wonderful culminating year-end event!
Pre-K Potpourri
May 30, 2014
Our Pre-K students dazzled us this morning with their songs and dancing. What a delight to have our youngest students perform onstage for friends and family. An added bonus was our graduating senior alums who turned out in droves to enjoy the show and relive their times here at PDS.
Second Grade Authors' Tea
May 29, 2014
Second Graders worked for weeks on their autobiographies. They enjoyed sharing them with family and friends this morning at their Authors' Tea. What amazing and hilarious journeys they have had!
Taiwanese Art Show
May 20, 2014
Taiwanese artists visiting the DC area for Asian Heritage month came to Primary Day to demonstrate Dough Figurine Making and Sugar Painting. Dough Figurine Making is a 4,000-year-old Chinese folk art rarely practiced today. Our visiting artist made all kinds of fanciful characters, including our very own Beako. Sugar Painting involves using heated liquid sugar on a steel plate to make elaborate hardened designs. Children were delighted to take some of these masterpieces home with them. Thanks to our Chinese teacher, Grace Maa, for organizing this incredible experience!
First Grade International Program
May 19, 2014
The First Graders’ exploration of countries around the world came to a close last week with their International Program. This year's program featured folk tales from different countries. They performed skits of "Jamie O’Rourke and the Giant Potato" (an Irish folktale), "The Gifts of Wali Dad" (an Indian folktale), "The Four Dragons" (a Chinese folktale about how the four rivers in China are formed), and "A Caterpillar’s Voice" (an East African folktale that suggests that you don’t have to be big in stature to have a lot of courage). Each group of performers then sang a traditional song from that culture. Following the production the children enjoyed an international feast, featuring the cuisine of the countries studied.
Très Magnifique!
May 12, 2014
The Second Grade study of France culminated in a musical production, “La Tour de France”. As four “tourists” traveled the French countryside they encountered “French citizens” who eagerly shared their culture.
The students led us through the Bordeaux region where we learned how grapes are grown, then visited a nearby café; traveled on the Train a Grande Vittesse to the Provence Region, visited the Cote d’Azur, basked in the beauty of the flowers in Grasse, and marveled at the Sur Le Pont d’Avignon, the bridge across the Rhone River. Then it was off to Giverny, to see where Claude Monet painted his “Gardens and Water Lilies” Series. The finale of the program was a visit to a French classroom where the Second Graders demonstrated their acquired French vocabulary during a delightfully energetic song. Following the program, students enjoyed a buffet containing favorites of French cuisine and everyone delighted in viewing the Second Graders’ artwork in the halls, inspired by Monet and Matisse.
Viva Mexico!
May 5, 2014
Our Kindergartners delighted their audience with "Viva Mexico!," a musical culmination of their unit on Mexico. The program included dances, presentations and songs in Spanish and English. A fabulous tapas feast followed the program.
Help the Homeless Walk
April 18, 2014
Primary Day children participated in our first Help the Homeless Walk and raised almost $2000 for Interfaith Works. Interfaith Works serves thousands of neighbors in need each year in the Montgomery County community.
Lynn Najaka Wins Washington Post Outstanding Teacher Award
April 11, 2014
Our Phonovisual Specialist, Lynn Najaka, is the 2014 recipient of The Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award. The Award is given annually to only one private school teacher in the DC area who exemplifies excellence in their profession. Agnes Meyer, a staunch supporter and defender of education, was the wife of Eugene Meyer, who purchased the Post in 1933. The award recognizes excellence in teaching and encourages creative and quality instruction. It is given to educators who contribute in substantive ways to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area.
Lynn is featured in The Washington Post Magazine Education issue. Additionally, she will receive a monetary award and will be honored at an awards ceremony at The Washington Post on Tuesday, May 13. In response to winning the award, Lynn writes “It is such an honor to share my love of learning with the students and families at Primary Day. I am truly honored to have been nominated for this award by Primary Day and am so humbled to have won.” Please visit the Washington Post website to read more about the award and Mrs. Najaka.

Colonial Music Program
March 20, 2014
Second Graders presented colonial songs, dances, and childhood singing games this morning for a delighted audience. It was the perfect send off for Spring Break!
Colonial Trunk Day
March 14, 2014
As a culminating activity in their study of Colonial America, our Second Graders participated in Colonial Trunk Day activities. Colonial Trunk Day, coordinated and staffed by Second Grade parents , included a display of historical artifacts followed by a wide range of hands-on-activities: candle making and wallpaper printing; writing with quill pens; grinding coffee and corn; making butter and tasting Johnnycakes; playing colonial games; and creating corn husk dolls.
Snack Mix Community Service
February 7, 2014
Today each Primary Day class prepared small baggies of peanut-free snack mix for the homeless. The snack mix will be donated to Bethesda Cares, an organization that delivers food to homeless shelters throughout Montgomery County. Thanks to Sue Gordon and Kelly Derrick for organizing this important community service project.
Peace and Freedom Beakos
January 17, 2014
We were treated to a special performance by Tammy Turner today at our Peace and Freedom Beako. Tammy is a local recording artist who has performed all over the world. She performed "What A Wonderful World" with the help of the students and accompanied the whole community on our final song, "We Shall Overcome."
First Grade Field Trip to the Aviation Museum
December 17, 2013
First Graders had a great time exploring aviation at the College Park Aviation Museum. They learned about the Wright brothers' perseverance and the airport's many firsts in flight. They loved seeing the historic and replica aircraft on display, especially when they were allowed to climb in the cockpit and work some of the controls! Our classes enjoyed dressing up as aviators, playing with flight simulators, and experimenting with the power of wind. We were lucky that the museum also had a special O-gauge train exhibit for the holiday season. Of course, they all came back to school with their own paper airplanes! The great trip was enjoyed by students and parent chaperones alike.
Grandparents and Special Friends Visiting Day 2013
November 25, 2013
We had a wonderful time showing off our school to Grandparents and Special Friends on Friday!
2nd Grade Trip to Sharp's Farm
November 14, 2013
Even in the cold, 2nd Graders enjoyed learning more about Pilgrim History on their trip to Sharp's Farm. Guides in pilgrim dress focused on the daily life of a pilgrim family. Students learned about homes, games and chores, as well as about Native Americans and their relationships to the pilgrims.
National Museum of the American Indian Field Trip
November 12, 2013
In conjunction with their study of Native Americans, our Kindergarten students took a field trip last week to the National Museum of the American Indian. They had a wonderful time and particularly enjoyed their time in the ImagiNations Activity Center!
Admission Evening Open House
November 1, 2013
Discover Primary Day at our first Open House of the season on Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided while you explore our unique school. There are opportunities to talk with faculty, parents, and alums while learning more about our signature programs: Phonovisual, World Languages, EcoWonder & STEM, Technology, Math, and Art & Music. If you are unable to attend this Open House, please join us for an Open House on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 from 9:00-11:00 am or on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Individual tours of the school are also available during the week.

Halloween 2013
October 31, 2013
Witches, goblins, ghosts, and more were at Primary Day this week to celebrate Halloween. We had no tricks, only wonderful treats!
Beako's Book Fair and Fall Festival 2013
October 28, 2013
It was a beautiful day to celebrate fall at Primary Day with cake walks, tattoos, crafts, moonbounces, hair chalk, and making cards and bracelets for children staying at Children's Inn at NIH. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special event!
Beako's Book Fair and Fall Festival
October 1, 2013
Please join us for Beako's Book Fair and Fall Festival. The Book Fair is held on October 24 (2:00-3:15pm), October 25 (8:00-9:00am and 2:00-3:15pm), and October 26 (10:00am - 2:00pm). The Fall Festival is on October 26 (10:00am - 2:00pm). You may register for the Fall Festival in advance either by sending your form and check to school or online by October 21, 2013.

Pig's Parade 2013
September 27, 2013
Our Pre-K students celebrated Pig (the first friend to move in on the Phonovisual Chart) this week. Pig's Parade was the perfect way to party with popsicles and popcorn!
Gingerbread Men 2013
September 13, 2013
Those pesky Gingerbread Men escaped again this year and our Pre-K students were on a mission to find them! The week-long search took them into classrooms and hallways, through the Beako Room, across the playground, and into offices. By the time they found the elusive Gingerbread Men, three things happened. One, this eager group of newcomers now knows their environment inside and out, and feels confident and comfortable being here. Two, they know each other—strangers are now friends. And three, that powerful, engaging, and the wonderful experience we call a Primary Day education has begun.
Playground Picnic 2013
September 9, 2013
It was a beautiful day for a picnic on Sunday! Everyone had a wonderful time catching up with new and old friends and enjoying the playground.
Beako's Golden Rule
September 5, 2013
Beako has been making the rounds with Mrs. Geppert this week to meet/remeet all the students and to remind them about his Golden Rule!

First Day of School 2013
September 3, 2013
We had a wonderful first day of school on Tuesday! Mrs. Geppert loved greeting everyone—it was a great way to start a new year at Primary Day!
PDS's Backpack Project
August 30, 2013
PDS's Backpack Project went off without a hitch! In late spring, with parents' and staff's gracious donations, children helped to fill 30 brand-new backpacks with school supplies. On August 28, with the support of 4 of our students as well as a few older siblings, PDS, along with the Backpack Project, Inc., helped to personally give 30 students from Ketchum Elementary School in Washington DC, their very own brand new backpack. The Ketchum students and staff were thrilled with our donation and indicated that we were the first school whose students actually participated in the distribution of the backpacks. We look forward to supporting the Backpack Project, Inc. again next year.

Kindergarten Field Trip
April 18, 2013
Kindergartners had a wonderful time on their field trip to see Joe Romano and his Green Magic Show. At the show, the children learned how they can perform their own magic to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Writing Workshop with Valerie Tripp
April 18, 2013
The Second Graders had a wonderful time with Valerie Tripp, author of many American Girl books. Ms. Tripp shared stories of her life, explained the writing process, and encouraged our young writers. It was quite a treat!
Out of the Blue
April 9, 2013
On Wednesday, we welcomed Oxford University’s premier all-male a cappella group Out of the Blue! The group ran into the Beako room and took command of the stage with their singing and outrageous choreography. The concert was very interactive with the group even teaching the children motions and the refrain for “In the Jungle.” Out of the Blue is currently on tour performing at arts festivals around the world and conducting school workshops, all with the goal of instilling in kids a sense of courage and adventure when it comes to performing and engaging with music.
Second Graders Experience Colonial America
March 21, 2013
As the culminating activities in their study of Colonial America, our Second Graders enthusiastically participated in Colonial Day activities and presented a Colonial Music Program.
The Colonial Days, coordinated and staffed by Second Grade parents , included a display of historical artifacts followed by a wide range of hands-on-activities: candle making and wallpaper printing; writing with quill pens; grinding coffee and corn; making butter and tasting Johnnycakes; playing colonial games; and creating corn husk dolls.
The Second Graders arrived at school on Thursday, dressed in colonial attire for their Colonial Music Program. The audience delighted in the presentation of colonial songs, dances and childhood singing games.
2013 Gala Events
March 4, 2013
This year our Gala theme was the Disco Ball and over the past two weeks, PDS children and parents alike have been boogieing down in celebration of our annual gala. On Friday, February 22, the children celebrated with a disco, magician, face-painting, tattoos, disco themed photos, and dinner. As you can see by the pictures, there was much fun to be had.
Friday, March 1, parents, faculty and staff came out to Bethesda Country Club to support PDS at our annual Gala and Auction. It was a wonderful night, with many fun things to bid on, great food to eat, groovy music to boogie to, and fantastic friends to catch up with.
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
March 4, 2013
According to our teachers,the children had a wonderful time writing Seuss-inspired poetry and enjoying Seuss treats on Friday!
Pre-K made Green Eggs and Ham to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. First Graders measured with nonstandard units using their feet to go with The Foot Book! Second Graders and their Kindergarten book buddies celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading books, making Thing and Thing 2 hats together, and snacking on one fish two fish red fish blue fish…Swedish fish of course! Fun was had by all!
Visiting Author/Illustrator Jennifer O’Connell
February 25, 2013
We had a wonderful visit with author/illustrator Jennifer O’Connell. She inspired all of our budding artists and writers!
Spirit Week
February 21, 2013
Spirit week is in full force. Everyone has gotten in on the action on Sock Day, Primary Colors Day, and Pajama Day.Tomorrow is Disco day and we can't wait to see the outfits that come through the door! We're sure to be wowed.
Operation Welcome Home
October 31, 2012
Operation Welcome Home is an organization that greets 7,000-8,000 soldiers at the airport each month and gives them goody bags with treats and “Welcome Home” cards. These are just small tokens of appreciation for their heroic service which can help to fill some time for them while they wait for connecting flights home. A representative came in on Monday, October 22 to give a brief presentation about the organization and how the children can help. Following the presentation, the children returned to their classrooms to make their cards that will be given to the solders sometime in November. We will also be collecting candy after Halloween to accompany the cards. We are truly excited about this event and know the children will have fun being able to help a real soldier.
We found them!
September 20, 2012
After a fabulous week of hunting, setting traps, and learning all about the Primary Day building, our newest students found those wily Gingerbread Men. Now there is nothing left to do but eat them!
Opening Day 2012
September 12, 2012
We ushered in a new day at Primary Day on Tuesday! Mrs. Geppert greeted each family and students eagerly headed to their new classrooms.If the first day was any indication, a wonderful year is in store!
Kindergarten "Viva Mexico!" Program
May 18, 2012
Primary Day students, parents and faculty recently delighted in "Viva Mexico!," a musical culmination of the Kindergarten unit on Mexico. The program included dances, presentations and songs in Spanish and English. The Kindergartners celebrated with a Mexican feast following the program. Art projects completed during the unit included woven placements, vases containing paper flowers, the outfits the children wore during the program, and cactus paintings, pyramids and parrots which served as stage decorations. The unit also included Spanish lessons, the study of Mexican culture, geography, agriculture, customs and money. Another favorite activity was the Fruit Market created at school, where the children ordered a wide variety of fruit, in Spanish, and paid for their order in pesos.
It’s A Small World After All
May 18, 2012
The First Graders’ exploration of countries around the world came to a close last week with the production “It’s a Small World After All”. The students in both First Grade classes performed the musical, written by First Grade teacher (and Primary Day alum), Ms. Claire Brown.
The musical follows students in a class who travel to Africa, Australia, Canada, China, Jamaica and Spain. Through their travels they learn about various customs and traditions specific to each country and that children all over the world share more likenesses than differences. Following the production the children enjoyed an international feast, prepared by parents, featuring the cuisine of the countries studied.

Second Grade French Beako
May 8, 2012
The Second Grade study of France culminated in a musical production, “La Tour de France”. As four “tourists” traveled the French countryside they encountered “French citizens” who eagerly shared their culture.
The students led us through the Bordeaux region where we learned how grapes are grown, then visited a nearby café; traveled on the Train a Grande Vittesse to the Provence Region, visited the Cote d’Azur, basked in the beauty of the flowers in Grasse, and marveled at the Sur Le Pont d’Avignon, the bridge across the Rhone River. Then it was off to Giverny, to see where Claude Monet painted his “Gardens and Water Lilies” Series. The finale of the program was a visit to a French classroom where the Second Graders demonstrated their acquired French vocabulary during a delightfully energetic song. Following the program, students enjoyed a buffet containing favorites of French cuisine and everyone delighted in viewing the Second Graders’ artwork in the halls, inspired by Monet and Matisse.
The 100th Day of School
February 15, 2012
Primary Day students participated in activities this week in celebration of the 100th day of school. As bundles of strawstransitioned from groups of 9-tens and 9-ones into a single straw in the hundreds place, related events and activities took shape within each classroom and throughout the school, among them: the Pre-Kindergarten classes made eye glasses out of the number 100 to wear during their celebration; each Kindergartener brought 100 pieces of their favorite snack to add to the class buffet, then selected a portion of the mixture to enjoy at snack; First Graders wrote their favorite 100 words and participated in the 100 Olympics; and Second Graders completed 100 multiplication problems and used 100 as the inspiration for creative writing exercises.
Primary Day Students Donate Books, Toys, and Clothing
January 13, 2012
For twenty years Primary Day families have generously provided holiday gifts for the children served by Chapel Forge Center in Bowie, Maryland. This year's donations included hundreds of new and gently used toys, books and articles of clothing. The response to this year’s collection was overwhelming and served to remind us all that small individual actions truly do make a difference.
Children's Book Author Visits Primary Day
January 11, 2012
Our Primary Day students and faculty recently enjoyed a day with visiting author, Candice Ransom. Ms. Ransom, the author of over 115 children’s books, explained to the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten children how she used childhood memories of growing up on a farm as the inspiration for her picture books focused on transportation. The First and Second Graders learned how Ms. Ransom’s interest in history fostered her creation of the Time Spies series. The students asked insightful questions about the writing process, shared artwork they created based on two of Ms. Ransom’s books and related their own experiences as budding authors.