Primary Thoughts

Neil Mufson, Head of School
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    Keeping Wonder Alive

    Wide, bright eyes and exuberant hellos. Smiles, laughter, and a palpable sense of joy. Energy that literally leaned toward the doors behind me so as to gain entry to all […]

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  • Parents as Mangroves

    We have so much to celebrate, be in awe of, and savor as we come to the end of what has been a wonderfully successful school year for Primary Day, […]

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  • What Makes for a Well-Balanced Child?

    Last month I tuned in to a webcast specifically aimed at Parents of PK-2nd graders entitled “The Well-Balanced Child” given by Stanford University’s Challenge Success program. The presenters, two child […]

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  • Determination

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   “Do your best always.” Years ago, while I was Head at my former school, I saw these simple but powerful words emblazoned […]

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  • Instilling Responsibility

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   I still remember that telescope — the first thing I saved up for on my own — and the outing my father […]

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  • PDS’ Countercultural Stance Making Respect the Norm

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   One of the key challenges in teaching children about respect, The Primary Day value for February, is encapsulated in a fundamental tension. On the […]

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  • Cooperation and Connection

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   While mulling over the state of the world as 2023 closed and 2024 dawned, I thought about how disconnected people have become […]

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  • Hope

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   Each year at about this time, I am reminded of a small, eye-catching collage-like creation that the beloved art teacher at one […]

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  • The Gift of Gratitude

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   What is the most memorable way that someone has ever showed you they cared about you? Think about it for a minute. […]

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  • “How America Got Mean” vs. PDS Values

    Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School   From time to time I come across evidence that what we do at Primary Day has larger implications than I perceived. This weekend […]

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