Primary Thoughts
Head of School Blog

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The Morning Handshake as Symbol and Connection
With the coming of March and some flowers poking through the soil, we have reinstituted an esteemed tradition at Primary Day that was set aside during COVID: the morning handshake. […]
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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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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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Striving Towards a Growth Mindset & Savoring
Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School Cooler days with dew on the grass, the scent of fresh mowing aloft, and the need to close windows at night signaled […]
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Practicing PDS Values Over the Summer
Primary Thoughts Neil Mufson, Head of School In a few days you will receive a link to a PDS webpage that will host a wealth of summer academic learning […]