Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

The big day has arrived! Tomorrow we will say a fond farewell to our second graders. They have worked hard, played hard, celebrated together and established relationships that will last a lifetime. They will take with them memories of searching for lost gingerbread men, of making robots from cardboard boxes, of practicing and performing at Beakos. They will undoubtedly remember the Authors’ Tea, the French Program, or the first time they received magic powder. Whatever their favorite memories, they will share them with decades of graduates.

Seventy-three years ago, at our first graduation, Mrs. Buckley, the Head of School, must have been just as proud of her second graders as I am of this year’s class. However, while celebrating our graduates is about acknowledging both individual and collective successes, the ceremony tomorrow morning is, in every way, truly a commencement! It is an invitation to begin a new chapter. It is a call to learn and grow in a new place, in different ways and with new classmates. All this while knowing that they will always have a home here on River Road and that Beako will always be on hand to offer the magic powder needed to keep their spirits aloft! As you peruse the list of graduates, be assured that each one embodies everything that is uniquely Primary Day – in the very best way possible!

Marco Aldaz - Maxwell Allegar - Griffin Blair - Norah Chang - Brendon Chu - Ava Coates - Leah Coates - Stella Cutler - Daniel Farber - Leo Fields - Dani Hebron - Jacob Hoburg -Shou Iimi - Kelly Ji - Alexa Karen - Priya Khanna - Matthew King - Kabir Lakhanpal Kenzo Libertelli - Aidan McCormick - Niekoo Paydar - Asher Puterman - Rory Quinlan
Ella Riesner - Eli Rosenstock - Noa Rosenthal - Jacob Schweitzer - Adam Solovey Raniya Syed - Seilah Tappin - Shiloh Tappin - Natalie Tousi - Sofia Vasquez - Zachary Virgin -Mack Wells - Bridget Zimmermann - Margo Zimmermann

Congratulations!
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

PDPA Thank you!

A very big thank you to the PDPA for the wonderful end of year breakfast this morning!

Ten Year Reunion

On Friday, June 1 the Class of 2008 along with their parents and several former faculty members held its tenth Year Reunion here on campus. Now high school seniors, these alumni enjoyed gathering together and reminiscing about their time at Primary Day. The alumni also attended the final Beako and announced their plans for next year (and received a little Beako powder for good luck!). Congratulations to the Class of 2008 on their high school graduation and best of luck next year in college!

PDS is on Instagram!

We would love to share in your summer adventures! Send photos and those special summer moments to Alison Collins (a.collins@theprimarydayschool.org) so we can share with our community.

Take Beako along or wear your Primary Day T-shirt!

Please follow us on Instagram! Find us at ThePrimaryDaySchool and use the #theprimarydayschool.

PDS 75th Anniversary!

Did you know that PDS first opened its doors in September of 1944? Do you know what that means? PDS and Beako will celebrate 75 years in 2019! We are already planning for what will be a truly special celebration of all things PDS.  We will be collecting photos and other pieces of PDS history throughout the coming months – please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office should you have anything to contribute to the celebration.

Hail to Beako!

The Primary Circle: The Annual Fund For PDS

You may have seen the banner displayed at the top gate – we did it! We exceeded our goal of $200,000! Thank you to each member of the PDS community for your generosity and gifts of time, talents and treasures, most especially the gift of your wonderful PDS students!

Just over 90% of current parents made a gift or pledge to the Annual Fund – thank you! We would love to reach 100% and know we can do it! If you made a pledge and have not already sent it your payment, please do so by June 30. Any questions, please contact Dillon Cox (d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org) in the Advancement Office.

Thank you again!

PDS Mural Pillow

Thank you to everyone who ordered a PDS Mural pillow, beanbag and/or tray at the Gala! Dillon Cox will be in touch to let you know when the orders have arrived and you can pick them up here at PDS in the front office.  We apologize not all of the items arrived by the last day of school.  Thank you for understanding.

Forms are due by June 15!

Thank you to those who have completed and returned your forms. We have received more than 50% of our students forms for the upcoming school year. This is our best year ever!  Please keep them coming.

Please contact Mary Gagarin, m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org with any questions.

Library and Reading Room Book Return

Last call for all outstanding Library and Reading Room books. Please contact Mr. Roach (a.roach@theprimarydayschool.org ) or Dr. Gemmell (j.gemmell@theprimarydayschool.org) if you have any questions.

Tuition Invoices

Tuition invoices were due June 1 for the 2018-2019 school year. There is a late fee of $250.

Lost and Found

Please claim your child's belongings before the end of the school year. Unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

What a beautiful evening! Our Community Picnic was a resounding success in every way. In the midst of the wettest spring in recent memory, yesterday dawned a near-perfect day just in time for us to come together to welcome newly enrolled families and to celebrate another winning year at Primary Day. My most sincere thanks go to the PDPA and our amazing staff for coordinating all aspects of the event – truly remarkable!

These final weeks of school offer additional opportunities for us to rejoice in our growth as a school family, but none perhaps as poignant as Graduation. Well-prepared, inquisitive, compassionate and confident, our graduates are primed to accomplish great things as they fly from “Beako’s Nest”. Sought after candidates by every measure, some of our newly minted alumni will attend excellent public schools in Montgomery County, while others have accepted offers at a variety of independent schools in the area. Although the largest number of children have enrolled at Holton-Arms, Sidwell Friends, Landon and Georgetown Day, several will attend Stone Ridge, Bullis, Potomac, Sheridan, St. Patrick’s, Norwood and Woods. “Oh, the places you’ll go…”

Our collective pride in our young scholars cannot be underestimated and, given the strong foundation provided them at PDS, it is my confident prediction that as they embark upon a new adventure they will fully realize their own, unique gifts.

Imagine – we have TEN days left to celebrate! What could be better?

warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

The Primary Circle: The Annual Fund For PDS

You may have seen the banner displayed at the top gate – we did it!  We exceeded our goal of $200,000! Thank you to each member of the PDS community for your generosity and gifts of time, talents and treasures, and most especially your wonderful children!

90% of current parents made a gift or pledge to the Annual Fund – thank you! We would love to reach 100% and know we can do it! If you made a pledge and have not already sent in your payment, please do so by June 30. Any questions, please contact Dillon Cox (d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org) in the Advancement Office.

Again, many thanks to everyone and Hail to Beako!

Class Placement Questionnaire

Earlier this month, I wrote about class placement in the Primary Source. Our collaborative process allows for both teacher and parent participation. Here is the questionnaire that I ask you to print, complete, and return to my office in a sealed envelope by tomorrow, May 25, 2018. The information you provide on this form will be of great value to us as we proceed through the placement process in early summer. 

Community BBQ Thank You!

Thank you to the PDPA, the great volunteers and to the leadership of Talia Farber and Melissa Hausfeld for their support of yesterday's Community Picnic. The weather was beautiful, the turn out amazing and as a community we enjoyed celebrating our year together and welcoming all our new families to campus!

2018-2019 Forms Packets

30% of our families have returned their forms! This is a record!

Many thanks to those of you who already returned their completed forms for the 2018-19  school year. Please keep them coming!

Please contact Mary Gagarin, m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org with any questions.

Fundraiser For Second Grade Class Gift

A huge thank you to the second grade families! Because of your generosity, the second graders proudly present the Beako Buddy Bench to Primary Day. This bench will not only serve as a reminder and symbol of Beako’s Golden Rule but also help to make sure all our children have friends to play with at recess. To learn more about the Buddy Bench movement, visit http://buddybench.org/

Shorts Day!

Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend! Everyone (including faculty and staff) is encouraged to wear shorts to school on Friday, May 25.

Library Closing May 25

All library books are due back this Friday, May 25. Please contact Mr. Roach in the library if you have any questions.

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found is brimming over with clothing (lots of hoodies), water bottles and hair accessories. Please claim your child's belongings before the end of the school year. Unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

Tuition Invoices

Tuition invoices have been mailed for the 2018-2019 school year. Payments are due June 1, 2018. There is a late payment of $250 for payments received after the June 1 deadline. Thank you.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

'It was an extraordinary evening and we exceeded our financial goal."  At a glance, that captures the singular spirit of Friday evening's event. But this trip to Badlands was much more than a fundraising auction – it was an opportunity. As a community, we gathered to reaffirm our commitment to our collective growth and to celebrate all that we are and all that we want to be.

The bottom line: we surpassed every expectation! This success is a product of the combined efforts of our dedicated volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors, and our gala bidders who enthusiastically raised their paddles in support of the School. It represents the best of our mutual capability, capacity, and willingness to look to the future and commit to making it even better!

Success like this doesn't just happen, it's made. Our journey to Neverland aboard the Jolly Roger was captained by three remarkable Co-Chairs. In tandem with an indefatigable committee of current parents, they championed the cause and set the tone for the entire evening. Joined by Dillon Cox, our Director of Advancement, I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to Mikel Blair, Allison Carle and Shivani Gupta for their passion, commitment and perseverance. To them, and to the entire planning committee, I offer this assurance - Primary Day doesn't continue because of my work, it is sustained by yours.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

News from your 2018 Gala Committee!

Thank you to everyone who came to “An Evening in Neverland” last Friday! A special thank you to our wonderful Gala Committee co-chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle and Shivani Gupta as well as the entire staff at Badlands Playspace.  

If you purchased a ticket, bid on or donated an auction item or served as a sponsor please accept our most sincere appreciation! It was a special night for the PDS community.  

If you haven’t already, please pick up the photo of your child which was the gift to each parent at the Gala. Lastly, if you would like to order a pillow, tray or beanbag with the PDS mural please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office (d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org). Orders will be placed on Monday, May 7th. Each are $50 and checks should be made out to PDS. 

Thank you again and “Never Grow Up”! 

Beako’s Learning Nest

On Friday evening in Neverland, we introduced the newest renovation to the PDS Campus -- an Outdoor Classroom, aptly named Beako’s Learning Nest. So what exactly is an Outdoor Classroom? In the early years, many learning activities that can be done indoors, can be done out-of-doors. In fact, there are some that occur best out-of-doors and others that can only be done in an OUTDOOR CLASSROOM! Our proposed outdoor learning space includes balance beams, easels, musical instruments, large construction blocks, dramatic play equipment, an expanded garden and a refurbished greenhouse. Designed by Eric Carle and the team at RunningDog Architects, a rendering of the project is on display in the front hall. And is available here.

Although this new initiative was introduced at the gala as this year’s fund a need, if you were unable to attend, there is still ample opportunity to contribute to this sensational new campus facility. Please contact Dillon Cox, Director of Advancement at (d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org).

2018-2019 Forms Packets

Form packets for the 2018-19 school year are coming home today! Here at Primary Day, we are in the process of transitioning to a new data management system with the final phases being completed in late summer. This change necessitates that registration and health forms be completed in hard copy for the 2018-2019 school year. All forms, except health, need to be completed and returned by June 15 with health forms due no later than July 15. Please read the cover letter carefully to determine which health forms are required for your child.

Join our Forms Race! The first 25 families to return their completed forms will receive their choice of a selected item from Beako’s Store. All spaces need to be completely filled out. Indicate n/a if not applicable.

Thank you in advance for returning them before the due date! Additional PDPA Interest forms are available in the office.

Please contact Mary Gagarin, m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org with any questions.

From The Parent Education Committee

Please join us Tuesday, May 15 at 8:30 am, for a sneak peek at the curricular and social-emotional opportunities awaiting your child next year. This hour-long preview, presented by Dr. Gemmell, Mrs. Najaka, Mrs. Shaffer, and Mr. Lawrence, will provide an overview of balance Literacy, Phonovisual, Math, and Social-Emotional by grade level to give you a sense of what your child will encounter in the 2018-19 school year. This final Parent Education event offers a wonderful opportunity to envision how the rich curriculum at PDS will develop skills, nurture talents, and continue to cultivate a love of learning in your child next year! For questions, please contact Kristen Altamar (kristen.altamar@gmail.com) or Lori Solovey (lorisolovey@yahoo.com).

Thank you, thank you!
Kristen and Lori

SMART Lunches

Smart Lunches May 2018 Calendar has arrived! You can view the May Calendar here.

To order, please visit www.smartlunches.com, select the lunches and check out to save 5-10 minutes daily. No packing lunch! Order online, Smart Lunches will make and deliver the meals to your child just in time for lunch. If you have any questions, Smart Lunches' Customer Support team can help! Give them a call at 1-888-25-SMART or send an email to support@smartlunches.com.

Tuition Invoices

Tuition invoices have been mailed for the 2018-2019 school year. Payments are due June 1, 2018. There is a late payment of $250 for payments received after the June 1 deadline. Thank you.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Not unlike the Boy Scouts of America, our goal is to be prepared. In the wake of the Parkland tragedy, I wrote to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and security of our community. To that end, we employ a uniformed officer on campus each day, have revised our Emergency Preparedness Manual and conducted two practice drills with faculty and staff. It is our plan to execute an emergency exercise with the children early next month. Just as fire drills have become commonplace, so too should other security procedures.

The preparation of our children to engage in a campus drill will begin next week. During Morning Meeting and at other “teachable moments”, faculty will discuss the need for such procedures in very general, reassuring language. We will introduce events that could initiate a schoolwide emergency response with the upmost care and remain accessible should our children have specific questions. Teachers will be judicious in their language choices, conducting discussions that are developmentally appropriate in every way. Be assured that we will not elaborate on any recent school shootings, nor will we engage in any conversations relative to gun control, terrorism or anything in the political sphere irrespective of personal views.

I know that as parents you will want to support your children, both before and after our practice of campus emergency drills. With that said, my advice would be to carefully consider your child’s maturity level and to be available for questions, rather than engaging in detailed descriptions about school violence or weather-related emergencies. Trust that we’ll do all that we can to forge an authentic link between purpose and practice while taking every opportunity to provide the finest education for the most important years.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Community Service: Comfort Cases

Our Spring Community Service Event is underway! Thank you to those who have already donated and signed up to bring in items for Comfort Cases. The Donation Sign-Up Genius (https://bit.ly/2EirQjh) still has slots open for needed items. Please sign up so that we can ensure we have enough of all the required supplies for each PDS child to pack a completed backpack. 

We also need volunteers to organize the supplies and set up the Beako Room on April 20th, and to help with the packing party on April 23rd. Sign Up here: https://bit.ly/2IOY4Fx

News from your 2018 Gala Committee!

Be sure to join us for “An Evening in Neverland” for what will be the best PDS Gala ever! Purchase your tickets today!

Please consider supporting the Gala with a Sponsorship – as this is the school’s largest and ONLY fundraising event there are ways for everyone to be involved. If you have not yet received your invitation please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org.

You may register online via the PDS website – please visit https://theprimarydayschool.org/support/.   

The Silent Auction with PDS Specialty items, Live Auction with amazing items such as a Police Escort to School by our own PDS Police Officers (!), the ever-popular Raffle, and much more will be on display at Badlands on April 27 – don’t miss it!

Thank you!

Creative Kids At PDS

It was once said that “no man is an island.” That simple statement certainly holds true in the independent school world.

Primary Day has always enjoyed a special relationship with our neighbor, Holton-Arms School and now it’s official. We will host Holton’s summer program Creative Kids here on our campus this year!

As Holton undergoes renovations to their Lower School building, we are delighted to share our campus and facilities and can’t wait to enjoy a summer with our neighbors just a little bit closer!

Tuition Invoices

Tuition invoices have been mailed for the 2018-2019 school year. Payments are due June 1, 2018. There is a late payment of $250 for payments received after the June 1 deadline. Thank you.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Childhood is a time of extraordinary growth and our children are full of energy, curiosity and promise. As you know first-hand, a Primary Day education nurtures all three to the fullest. As parents and educators, there is much we hope to teach our students during their formative years. Together, we work hard to support all children as they mature into the competent, productive, caring citizens that, given our turbulent world, we need now more than ever.

While the academic and social curricula occupy correspondingly important places in the student experience at PDS, simply put, I think there is more to it. Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness and Resilience are four critical constructs that are at the core of what we do and yet, because they are imbedded in the everyday student experience, are not always articulated clearly for our children. Perhaps they should be.

Resilience, in particular, is on my mind. On Monday morning, I found myself in a blizzard of snow driving from coastal Massachusetts to the Providence, Rhode Island airport in anticipation of a late morning return to Washington. No dice. All outgoing flights were cancelled but, I was told, if I hurried to collect my baggage I could take a van to Boston and, if I was lucky, make a 4:00 departure. I ran, spent two hours in traffic in a blinding snow storm and made the flight, white knuckles and all! Was I resilient? Maybe resourceful?

Throughout this school year, we have held assemblies centered on collaboration and empathy, enjoyed themed Beakos and grade-level programs and all of these have been wonderful indeed! With that said, as a community, I think we need to take time, this year and next, to consider the “four R’s”, to talk about them explicitly with our children and to be surefooted in our commitment to our mission.

This is who we are.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Parent Education Committee

Raising Healthy Eaters: How to Win the Mealtime Wars: Please join us on Tuesday, April 10 at 9:00 am for a nutrition and health workshop led by Jessica Braider, a certified health coach and mother of two active and playful boys. As the CEO of The Six O’clock Scramble, an online meal planning service committed to helping busy families get quick, easy, and delicious meals on the table every night, she fulfills her passion for food and her love for working with parents and children to build healthy and happy families. Jessica received her training as a health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She also holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan.

Smart Lunches April Calendar

You can view the Smart Lunches April calendar here.

To order, parents can hop online to www.smartlunches.com, select your lunches and check out to take "pack lunch" off of your to-do list. If you have any questions, Smart Lunches' friendly customer support team can help! Give them a call at 1-888-25-SMART or send an email to support@smartlunches.com.

PDPA Community Service Committee

Travel-Sized Toiletry Collection

Our spring community service project will benefit Comfort Cases. Later this month, PDS students will be packing bags for children entering foster care. Thank you for bringing in donations to fill the bags!

Friday, April 6, the founder of Comfort Cases will kick off our PDS donation drive by speaking at an all school assembly. Here is a link to sign up to donate. View a preview of the organization here. 

News from your 2018 Gala Committee!

“All you need is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust.” – Peter Pan

Or is it magic Beako powder? Be sure to join us for “An Evening in Neverland” for what will be the best PDS Gala ever! 

Please consider supporting the Gala with a Sponsorship–as this is the school’s largest and ONLY fundraising event there are ways for everyone to be involved. If you have not yet received your invitation please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org and see the attached. 

You may also register online via the PDS website–please visit https://theprimarydayschool.org/support/.   

The Silent Auction with PDS Specialty items, Live Auction with a newly added item-a vacation in Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Mexico!- the ever-popular Raffle, and much more will be on display at Badlands on April 27– don’t miss it!

Parent Education Night Out Event

Join the Parents Council Of Washington for their spring speaker event. On Wednesday, April 12th, New York Times Best Selling Author, Beth Kobliner, will present "Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even if You're Not)" and "Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties" at Georgetown Visitation School (1524 35th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007). The program begins with light refreshments at 6:30 pm. Presentation will run 7:30-8:30 pm, with book signing to follow. To register, visit: http://www.parentscouncil.org. 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

“So come with me where dreams are born and time is never planned. Just think of happy things and your heart will fly on wings, forever.” – Peter Pan

For decades, Primary Day has been fulfilling the dreams of families by providing their children with “the finest education for the most important years”. Each and every child in our care is guided to realize their dreams and fly toward their best opportunities in this very special place.

The theme of our annual Gala speaks volumes about that “specialness” - Never Grow Up – An Evening in Neverland. On April 27th at Badlands Playspace in Rockville, our community will have the opportunity to celebrate together. I encourage you to mark your calendars and join us!  My personal thanks to Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle and Shivani Gupta, the indefatigable Gala Committee and also to Mikel and David Blair, owners of Badlands, for making the space available for this fete of magical proportions!

I am told that invitations have recently been posted, so run to the mailbox! Enclosed with the invitation you will find a list of sponsorship opportunities and, as this is the school’s largest and only fundraising event, I thank you in advance for your support. Stay tuned – Neverland has never been so accessible!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Parent Education Committee: Raising Healthy Eaters

Please join us on Tuesday, April 10 at 9:00 am for our upcoming workshop, Raising Healthy Eaters: How to Win the Mealtime Wars. Jessica Braider is a certified health coach and mother of two active and playful boys. As the CEO of The Six O’clock Scramble, an online meal planning service committed to helping busy families get quick, easy, and delicious meals on the table every night, she fulfills her passion for food and her love for working with parents and children to build healthy and happy families. Jessica received her training as a health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She also holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Please see attached flier for more information.

2018 Gala

“All you need is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust.” – Peter Pan

Or is it magic Beako powder? Be on the lookout for your invitation and be sure to attend An Evening in Neverland for what will be the best PDS Gala ever!

You will have the opportunity to register online via the PDS website – please visit https://theprimarydayschool.org/support/. Any questions please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org.

The Silent Auction with PDS Specialty items, Live Auction with items such as a vacation in Bethany Beach, the ever-popular Raffle, and much more will be on display at Badlands on April 27 – don’t miss it!

PDPA Community Service Committee

Travel-Sized Toiletry Collection

While you are traveling this Spring Break, please collect the unused extra toiletries (shampoo, soap, conditioner, lotion, etc.) from your hotel rooms. These will go towards our spring community service project where the children will be packing bags for Comfort Cases. View a preview of the organization here. More information on this project will come out after Spring Break. The more you can collect the better! Please drop off toiletries in the box in the front office. 

PDPA News

Each spring, The Primary Day Parent Association (PDPA) creates a Nominating Committee with the purpose of identifying and recruiting candidates to serve on the PDPA Board. The following individuals have volunteered to serve on the committee for the 2018-2019 election school year.  

• Rebecca Allegar, rebecca@gmail.com
• Shivani Gupta,  shivani@gmail.com
• Amrita K. Lakhanpal, amritakl@yahoo.com
• Mary Tousi, maryktousi@gmail.com

Per the PDPA By-laws, Board members may serve for one or two years in their respective positions. 

• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary

Click here for descriptions of the above positions (attachment)

If you would be willing to share your time and talents with Primary Day or would like to nominate a friend, please complete the following form https://goo.gl/forms/Tl9vbaeCXlXs7D003. We will propose a slate by early April and the election of the new Board will occur at the PDPA annual general membership meeting on April 19, 2018.

Thank you for your consideration and many thanks to my fellow Nominating Committee members!
 
Sincerely,
Mary Tousi
President, PDPA

Parent Education Night Out Event

Join the Parents Council Of Washington at Georgetown Visitation for their spring speaker event. On Wednesday, April 12th New York Times Best Selling Author, Beth Kobliner, will present "Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even if You're Not)" and "Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties" at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School (1524 35th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007). The program begins with light refreshments at 6:30 PM. Presentation will run 7:30-8:30 PM, with book signing to follow. To register, visit: http://www.parentscouncil.org. 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

This week is one of transitional thinking – for two notable reasons. First, tomorrow afternoon, we will extend admission offers to a number of qualified candidates for the 2018-2019 school year. The applicant pool for both Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten was unusually robust this season and we are indeed enthusiastic about welcoming such an impressive group of new families to our community next fall. Here at PDS, our admission process is a comprehensive one, engaging our Enrollment Management team as well as many parents and alumni who have supported this vital work as both admission ambassadors and tour guides. I am confident that our collective efforts to “tell the Primary Day story” will bear great fruit!

This is also the week that our second grade families will hear from each of the independent schools to which they have applied for their children to continue their education after Primary Day. Next School Placement is a year-long, collaborative venture. Beginning with conversations in the spring of first grade and concluding this month, with each of our families making definitive third grade enrollment decisions, this important process is a fundamental part of our commitment to every family when they join our community. By all accounts, our children are incredibly well-prepared, sought after candidates. While some will attend excellent public schools in Montgomery County, others will be extended offers at a variety of independent schools in the area. Our legacy of success is longstanding – thank you for your investment in this special school.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

2018 Gala

News from your 2018 Gala Committee –

We are still in need of parent volunteers to assist us with the Live Auction portion of the Gala! Bring your creative minds! We only need 4-6 items to be included in the Live Auction and are looking for really fun and fabulous experiences! 

Here are some ideas! Please contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office if you would like to help organize the Live Auction!

July 4 VIP cocktail party, dinner at an office location downtown and visible to the July 4 fireworks. Includes limo transportation.

Wish List – Donation of office space or any downtown space that for a cocktail dinner event and fireworks viewing on July 4, 2018.
Wish List – Donation of a limo for the round trip to DC on July 4, 2018.

Notable chef in home party or seating at chef’s table for party of 10-12.

Wish List – Donation of your home for an evening with a notable chef.
Wish List – Connection to a notable chef for the event.

Date night for a year - One dinner per month at a nice restaurant with babysitting and driver.

Wish List – 12 gift certificates to notable restaurants in the DC metro area.
Wish List – Uber gift certificates. 
Wish List – Babysitting 1 night/month

Mountain Escape!

Wish List – Donation of mountain vacation home for a week (Summer or Winter).

Washington DC Sports Extravaganza!

Wish List – Donation of suite at Capital One Arena to Wizards, Capitols, Georgetown Hoyas (3 separate games) and/or Nationals, Redskins
Wish List – Sports memorabilia for DC area teams (signed jerseys, balls, etc…)

Potomac Pizza Night

Come join us for dinner on Wednesday, March 7, 4-9 pm, at Potomac Pizza in Potomac Village. Enjoy great food and great company. Whether you dine in or carry out, Potomac Pizza will donate 20% of the evening's proceeds back to Primary Day. Please see attached flier with more information.

Library News

Thanks to your generous help, we are happy to announce that Primary Day will, indeed, be hosting a visit by author Laura Gehl on the morning of Wednesday, March 7. Please contact Adam Roach by e-mail at a.roach@theprimarydayschool.org if you would be interested in helping out that morning as a volunteer.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

The professional culture at Primary Day is fueled by a deeply held, mutual understanding of our mission and supports high expectations for both student and teacher success. Our inimitable learning environment fosters a climate of purposeful growth and supports pedagogical risk-taking and experimentation. Without exception, every member of the PDS faculty and staff are motivated and committed to this unique institution because it has meaning, and an ennobling purpose that has shaped the lives of generations of children.

As professional educators, our daily work is focused both on high quality instruction and the continuous refinement of our craft. Individually and collectively, we strive to consistently improve our practice. Professional thinking is a natural part of our daily work, but it is also nurtured by opportunities for sustained, collegial conversations. At our workshop day tomorrow, we will enjoy multiple opportunities to do just that and our agenda is a full one. Beginning with a community discussion of diversity, equity and inclusion, led by Dr. Abigail Wiebenson, a nationally recognized facilitator, we will then spend significant time in faculty-led focus groups expanding upon that conversation and working to revise both our Social Studies curriculum and our mission statement. Our “working” lunch will center on our sustained attention to the practices of Responsive Classroom and we will end the day in a session devoted to safety and security coordinated by our own Montgomery County officers.

It’s true now more than ever – our vision is always learning-focused and we are all passionate about our important work with your children. This is who we are!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Staff Appreciation Lunch Thank You!

Thank you to the Kindergarten Parents for their wonderful support of the faculty and staff and for the delicious lunch today!

2018 PDS Gala!  

Save the Date of April 27 for the PDS Gala to be held at Badlands! 

The theme this year will be “Never Grow Up – An Evening in Neverland”. More details will soon follow but know that the event will begin at 6:30 pm and the dress is “Elegant Casual”. No need for a cocktail dress or suit & tie – be creative or come as you are!

If you are interested in helping to plan this year’s event we are still seeking volunteers to help make this year’s event a success and would love to hear from you. Specifically, we are looking for Chairs for the following areas – both the Live and Silent Auctions. Below please find the descriptions for these positions:

LIVE AUCTION Chair

• Develop detailed timeline for acquisitions (8-10 procured)
• Collect donor contracts
• Design a plan that volunteers can easily make calls and follow through to obtain items
• Liaison between auction committee and school
• Attend auction meetings
• Be available for committee chairs

 SILENT AUCTION Chair

• Develop detailed timeline for acquisitions (8-10 procured)
• Collect donor contracts
• Design a plan that volunteers can easily make calls and follow through to obtain items
• Liaison between auction committee and school
• Attend auction meetings
• Be available for committee chairs

We can’t make this event a success without our amazing parent volunteers! The Committee has a weekly conference call and will begin to meet again in-person as we get closer to the event date. If you are interested in helping with one of these areas please contact Dillon Cox, in the Advancement Office, at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org to sign-up.

Thank you from your 2018 Gala Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle, and Shivani Gupta & the Gala Committee.

Parent Education Committee: Raising Resilient Children Workshop

Please join us on February 27, 2018 at 9:00 am for our upcoming workshop, Raising Resilient Children. Childhood-resilience expert, Kate Weeda, will share approaches to helping our children manage anxiety, engender positive self-image, and improve relationship skills. This workshop will include a presentation by Kate and an open discussion driven by your questions and concerns. We encourage you to submit questions to help Kate tailor the workshop to PDS community needs! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GJF5THY (All submissions are anonymous.)

Kate Weeda, LCPC, MA, NBCC, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and speaker, specializing in mood and anxiety disorders and childhood resiliency. Kate earned her undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communication from Arizona State University and her graduate degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College in Baltimore. Currently Kate is working on her Ph.D in natural health and healing. For more information on Kate, please visit: http://weedawellness.com

Light breakfast and conversation will precede the workshop, beginning at 8:30 am. For more information on the event, please contact Parent Education Co-Chairs Kristen Altamar (kristen.altamar@gmail.com) or Lori Solovey (lorisolovey@yahoo.com). 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Do you hear about Morning Meeting? Closing Circle? Have phrases like “I’m noticing….” suddenly become part of your child’s vocabulary? Do you wonder how teachers know when to introduce both content and skills to achieve the highest performance from their students? Have you thought about why relationships are at the core of the Primary Day experience?

The mission of this special school has been clearly articulated and authentically implemented for decades. These are the most important years of childhood. This we know with certainty. This is who we are. With that assured, as educators of young children, we are committed to expanding our professional thinking to deepen and extend the student experience. Our work with Responsive Classroom began three years ago and we are working hard to institutionalize the constructs of responsive teaching and learning.

As parents, it is essential that you join with us in the schooling of your children – for many reasons! A mutual understanding of Responsive Classroom techniques and principles can only fortify our partnership. At yesterday’s parent education session, I was pleased to share some initial information about RC with families who were able to join us. My thanks to Lori Solovey and Kristen Altamar, our program co-chairs who organized the meeting and facilitated the discussion that followed. Cognizant of the fact that personal and professional schedules prohibited many parents from attending, I wanted to be certain that everyone had access to the handouts, which are included here. 

In the coming months, I look forward to sharing additional information about Responsive Classroom and our commitment to the social curriculum, but in the interim, please do call or write with questions, suggestions and thoughts about our important work together.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Smart Lunches

Smart Lunches February 2018 Calendar has arrived!

The digital version of the calendar can be found here.
Smart Lunches has made a New Year's resolution to improve the menu, and we think you'll like what you see! New menu options include:

• Cheesy Bread Dippers
• Chicken Parmesan
• Baked Potato w/ Veggie Chili
• Sweet & Sour Chicken 
• Pesto Pasta Salad

Haven't ordered Smart Lunches in a while? They've made improvements to their lunches, based on helpful feedback from parents and kids. Smart Lunches has a wide variety of menu options to choose from each week, from Italian to Asian inspired options, as well as standard classics!

Last month's favorites are still on the menu; meals like Mac & Cheese, Hot Dog on a Whole Wheat Bun and Pasta Bolognese! 

You will also see increased portion sizes when ordering from Smart Lunches! Smart Lunches has also added a new side (broccoli) and don't forget to treat your luncher to our delicious Chocolate Brownie

Give their new & improved menu a try! Visit www.smartlunches.com to order for February now!

Primary Circle-The Annual Fund For PDS Participation Update

   

79%!  Our current parent participation has hit 79%! We know we can reach 100%!  Thank you to everyone who has made a gift or pledge to The Primary Circle. If you are still uncertain why support is important please know the following:

• You may think, “It doesn’t matter if I give to the Annual Fund.” Not true – your tax-deductible gift matters tremendously! Your child will be the direct beneficiary of your Annual Fund donation in this current school year.
• Even more importantly, your contribution to the Annual Fund is vital to the health and well-being of this community. A school is only as strong as its constituents. When we work together, we model behavior that we hope our children will someday imitate. When we work together, we show our teachers how much we value their dedication to our children, and when we work together, we show our neighbors that we’re a happy, inclusive community – a community that they will want to join.
• So please join together to support our wonderful school with your tax deductible gift to The Primary Circle: The Annual Fund for PDS today!  If you pledge today, you don’t need to pay until June 30!  https://webapps.pcrsoft.com/clue/Online-Giving/13775

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org. 

A Visit with Author Laura Gehl

Author Laura Gehl will be visiting The Primary Day School on March 7 to present her newest picture book, My Pillow Keeps Moving. Many of you are familiar with her previous books, including Koala Challah, One Big Pair of Underwear, and the Peep and Egg series. Ms. Gehl’s visit is being made possible through purchases made from Politics & Prose, who are offering a 20% discount on several of her books to the students of Primary Day (form available online at this link). Orders are due no later than February 14, and all books will be signed by the author. Please email Adam Roach at a.roach@theprimarydayschool.org with any questions. More details will follow. Thank you.

2018 PDS Gala Save the Date & Theme!

Save the Date of April 27 for the PDS Gala to be held at Badlands! We promise you will have a wonderful evening celebrating all that is PDS! Thank you to your Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle, and Shivani Gupta! The theme this year will be “Never Grow Up – An Evening in Neverland”! 

Thank you to those who attended this morning’s Gala Committee Meeting. If you are interested in helping to plan this year’s event but weren’t able to attend this morning do not worry! We are still seeking volunteers to help make this year’s event a success and would love to hear from you. Attached find the Volunteer Sign-Up Sheets to learn more about the various ways you can be involved – please contact Dillon Cox, in the Advancement Office, at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org to sign-up. Thank you!

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

An interesting juxtaposition, but sometimes my thoughts come in starts and spurts and I have to work hard to focus myself on the task at hand. The State of the School, Screenagers, and now Resolutions and Relationships – you get the idea.

I must admit, I find the idea of establishing New Year’s resolutions challenging, but I do it anyway. My litany usually sounds something like this.

“Eat less and eat better”

“Go to pilates more regularly”

“Find the time and space to be quiet”

“Slow down and live”

Be assured that these promises to myself are not borne of a sudden intuitive realization, they are things I simply must do! Just as I support teachers and children to do what they need to do to grow and to change in order to be their best, I must do the same. I need to stretch myself, do the very things that I am scared of doing, make mistakes and learn from them. A new year is another chance to get things right. I invite you to join me and be the risk taker you want your child to be. Enjoy a resolution together.

Now for relationships. For decades, Primary Day has enjoyed a very special relationship with Holton-Arms School. We are neighbors and our institutions enjoy a shared commitment to excellence in education. Looking ahead, it is our hope to expand our partnership to include the possibility of hosting Holton’s Creative Kids (ages 4-8) summer program here on our campus. This opportunity for a new relationship has arisen as Holton-Arms is contemplating renovations to their Lower School, either this summer or next, contingent upon obtaining project permits from Montgomery County. Although nothing definitive has been decided at this point and I’ll update you as additional details become available, for our families who enroll their children in Creative Kids, there might just be an opportunity to enjoy the summer with Beako!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Art @ PDS

By every definition our students are ARTISTS! They are painters, sculptors, portraitists, printers and weavers. Their progress this term has been proficient in every way and I am certain that their continued success this winter and spring will be equally noteworthy. However, the art teacher supporting their work will change this term as Ms. Maya Fletcher-Sun has left her position here at Primary Day, effective immediately. In her stead as a long-term substitute for the remainder of the year will be Mrs. Judith Ross. Mrs. Ross has substituted at Primary Day for several years and is very familiar with our program and with your children. She earned her BA degree at Goucher College, an MA at Bank Street College and an MS from the University of Maryland. Having studied Art History in Florence, Italy and developed arts curricula for a consortium of schools in South Africa, Judith brings a deep experience and a passion for art to her new assignment. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Ross to her new role.

Operation Gratitude Thank You to PDS!

Thank you to PDPA Community Service Co-Chairs Rebecca Allegar and Sarah Roggie for coordinating the service project for all students with Operation Gratitude. PDS sent 92 letters to service men and women overseas! Please see the  attached letter of appreciation from Operation Gratitude.

Admission News Re-enrollment

You will receive an email on Monday, January 22 outlining online re-enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year. Please be sure to submit your re-enrollment contract by Friday, February 9. Of course, we hope all of our families return to PDS, but if you are not returning, please choose the "I/We do NOT wish to enroll" button and share this information with the Office of Enrollment as soon as possible. This will help us open a space to another family eager to attend Primary Day.

Understanding Responsive Classroom at PDS: A Conversation with Scott Lawrence

Responsive Classroom focuses on the strong relationship between academic success and social-emotional learning and is central to the curriculum and culture at PDS. The Responsive Classroom approach empowers educators to create safe, joyful, and engaging learning communities where all students have a sense of belonging and feel significant. Please join us on January 31 at 8:30 am to learn how Responsive Classroom is implemented at Primary Day. Scott Lawrence will share Responsive Classroom concepts and practices your child engages in daily. Scott's talk will be followed by an optional 9:30-10:30 am open discussion about ways to extend Responsive Classroom concepts and practices at home. The open discussion will be facilitated by Parent Education Committee co-chairs, Kristen Altamar and Lori Solovey.

Primary Circle-The Annual Fund For PDS Update

Wow! Thank you to everyone who has made a gift or pledge to The Primary Circle!  We have reached approximately $190,000 of our $200,000 so we are almost there! 77% of parents have made a commitment to PDS through The Primary Circle – last year the parent community achieved a historic 94% participation and we know we can do it again! Please remember pledges are not due until June 30 and many employers will match charitable contributions which can increase your gift. Thank you to our wonderful Chairs of this year’s campaign, Amrita and Ashish Lakhanpal, for their leadership as well as your Class Ambassadors. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge you will receive a friendly reminder to please do so! Any questions at all, please contact Dillon Cox (d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org) in the Advancement Office. Make your gift today at https://webapps.pcrsoft.com/clue/Online-Giving/13775.  Thank you!

Parent Education

The Parents Council of Washington is hosting a free screening of Most Likely to Succeed on January 24, 2018, from 9:30–11:30 am at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema in Bethesda, Maryland. This screening is open to our parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and administrators. Seating is limited, so early signup is encouraged. You can access a flyer here and RSVP for the screening here. Please let Lori Solovey (lorisolovey@yahoo.com) or Kristen Altamar (kristen.altamar@gmail.com) know if you plan to attend.

2018 PDS Gala & Committee Meeting

Save the Date of April 27 for the PDS Gala! We promise you will have a wonderful evening celebrating all that is PDS!  Thank you to your Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle, and Shivani Gupta! 

Interested in helping to plan this year’s event? Please join us February 1 at 8:30 am in the Beako Room to hear more about this year’s event and ways to volunteer. RSVP to Dillon Cox at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org. Thank you!

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Inclement weather aside, The State of the School is remarkable – and, for nearly 75 years, this has been the case for our unique and special learning community. Opportunities for sustained progress are abundant indeed and, as we continue to grow together, each of us has a role to play.

Early in my tenure as Head of School, I was pleased to host a gathering of parents and friends to discuss our collective goals for advancing the PDS mission. Eighteen months on, I invite you to join me once again to hear of our accomplishments, our plans for the future and of opportunities for you to engage with us on the journey. An invitation will be sent via Constant Contact later this afternoon and I strongly encourage you to attend either the morning or evening session. At Primary Day, everything is possible!

Stay warm,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Admission News/Open House

If you subscribe to a neighborhood listserv, we would love to have you post an announcement about our upcoming Admission Open House on Sunday, January 7 from 1:00-3:00 pm. We will provide the text for you to use which you can post as is or, personalize if you like. Please contact Cindy van den Beemt(c.vandenbeemt@theprimarydayschool.org) or Alison Collins (a.collins@theprimarydayschoo.org) in the enrollment office. Thank you!

Welcome New Student

The children in Mrs. Kanarish's class welcomed a new student this week, Jason Hendrick, and his parents Shannon and Delphino Cassar, who recently moved to the Bethesda area from the Bahamas and are excited about joining our school family.
 
Please add to your directory

Shannon and Delphino Cassar 
5455 Whitley Park Terrace
Bethesda, MD 20814
Shannon cell-804-393-7745 email: ShanCassar@icloud.com
Delphino cell-242-357-4430 email:  gilcassar@gmail.com
Home–301-530-5418

Primary Circle-The Annual Fund For PDS Update

Happy New Year!  Thank you to all of the families who donated to The Primary Circle: The Annual Fund for PDS over the holiday break.  As we tally up the current total of gifts and pledges as well as parent participation please know your support of our community is greatly appreciated.

Help us meet our goals with your gift or pledge today!
Pledges are not due until June 30, 2018.

https://webapps.pcrsoft.com/clue/Online-Giving/13775 

Annual Report

The 2016-2017 Annual Report was mailed over the holiday break and highlights contributions and special events from the 2016-2017 school year.  If you did not receive a copy and would like one please contact Dillon Cox (d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org) in the Advancement Office.  The link to the pdf can also be found here.

Parent Education

The Parents Council of Washington is hosting a free screening of Most Likely to Succeed on January 24, 2018, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema in Bethesda, Maryland. This screening is open to our parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and administrators. Seating is limited, so early signup is encouraged. You can access a flyer here and RSVP for the screening here.  Please let Lori Solovey (lorisolovey@yahoo.com) or Kristen Altamar (kristen.altamar@gmail.com) know if you plan to attend.

Save the Date 2018 PDS Gala

Please Save the Date for the 2018 PDS Gala – Friday, April 27, 2018. This year’s Gala will be held at Badlands Playspace and promises to be a fun time for all! 

A BIG thank you to our 2018 Gala Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle, and Shivani Gupta. Please be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks including a request to serve on the Gala Committee and the first meeting date. 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

For Beako’s debut many years ago, he proudly wore a yellow ribbon around his neck inscribed with “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Golden Rule and Code of Conduct, along with our mission statement, have guided our thinking for generations. In short, we believe strongly that social-emotional (SEL) curriculum is as important as the academic one. But what does that look like in the student experience at Primary Day?

This very question was explored earlier this week by a small group of parents who attended a PDPA-sponsored conversation on the topic of social-emotional development in childhood. Facilitated by Lori Solovey and Kristen Altamar, our Parent Education co-chairs, the conversation centered on defining SEL, learning about school-based programs and the importance of the home-school partnership in developing SEL constructs in young learners.

Broadly defined, SEL programs emphasize safety, trust and caring as essential life skills and fundamental precursors to academic achievement. Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making and relationship skills are integral to growing strong, resilient students and here at PDS we work hard to imbed these concepts into the daily lives of our children. This is who we are.

In my experience, schools address the social curriculum in a wide variety of ways. Some employ publisher-produced programs, while others design and implement local, culturally appropriate curricula with explicit grade-level expectations.  Our approach at PDS, while less structured, is nevertheless developmental, integrated and theory-based. Grounded by our commitment to Responsive Classroom techniques and principles, we are committed to providing our children with the information and strategies they need to be successful.  A committee of faculty is working this year and next to fully implement Responsive Classroom, produce a revised edition of the Code and clearly document our work as early childhood educators.

On the academic side, our pedagogy is clear. From Phonovisual to Balanced Literacy, STEM and Singapore Math, our academic program is well-defined and delivered with purpose and precision. Our goal is to render the same clarity to our social-emotional offerings and I look forward to partnering with families as we grow our program together.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Last Call For Friday Hot Lunch

It is time to sign up for Winter/Spring Friday hot lunch from Potomac Pizza. Payment is due tomorrow. Lunches begin on Friday, January 5. Click here for complete information.

Tuition Due December 1, 2017

Tuition for the Second Semester was due on December 1, 2017. There is a late fee of $250.00.

Parent Education Committee - Screen Time Discussion

Our fall survey revealed many parents are struggling with how best to manage screen time within their families. Please join us next Tuesday, December 12, from 9:30-11:00 am as we begin exploring this topic. We will be debriefing the movie Screenagers, discussing how technology impacts our family dynamics, and how we can responsibly manage life in a screen-age. This informal discussion will be held at Kristen Altamar's home (7610 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815) and is open to all, even if you haven't viewed the movie. Please RSVP to Kristen at kristen.altamar@gmail.com if you plan to join so we can ensure enough coffee for all! For more details on Screenagers, please see: https://www.screenagersmovie.com. For more information on Parent Education activities, please contact co-chairs Kristen Altamar (kristen.altamar@gmail.com) or Lori Solovey (lorisolovey@yahoo.com). 

Primary Circle-The Annual Fund For PDS Update

Done in 60
The Countdown Continues!

The Goals
$200,000
100% Parent Participation
by December 31, 2017

We all share one common commitment - to ensure that each and every Primary Day student continues to have a first-rate experience. Tuition covers only 87% of the full cost to education each PDS student.
The Primary Circle: The Annual Fund for PDS helps to make up the difference or "the tuition gap". Your contribution to and participation in The Primary Circle is essential to our success! To those who have already donated, THANK YOU!

Raised as of December 6, 2017 - $153,512
Parent Participation Rate - 50%

Help us meet our goals with your gift or pledge today!
Pledges are not due until June 30, 2018.

https://webapps.pcrsoft.com/clue/Online-Giving/13775 

Smart Lunches December Menu

The holiday season is sneaking up on us and this time of year is a busy one! Planning trips, preparing for family visits, hosting parties—who has time to pack lunches? Take a break from lunch duty and let Smart Lunches deliver warm and nourishing meals to your kids! View the December calendar at go.smartlunches.com/sig1217 to see all the options next month, including special test Menu Day items like Pizza Dippers and Cheesy Ravioli.

Save the Date 2018 PDS Gala

Please Save the Date for the 2018 PDS Gala – Friday, April 27, 2018. This year’s Gala will be held at Badlands Playspace and promises to be a fun time for all! 

A BIG thank you to our 2018 Gala Co-Chairs Mikel Blair, Allison Carle, and Shivani Gupta. Please be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks including a request to serve on the Gala Committee and the first meeting date. 

Eyeglasses Recycling Program

Matthew and Madison Denchfield, brother and sister of Emily, class of  2015, are teaming up with The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington to help provide glasses to needy and homeless in the metro area. There is a drop box in the office for donations of used prescription glasses. Contributions will be accepted through December 15.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

It happened early Tuesday morning, just a mile from my home in Northwest Washington. The pressure gauge recorded only 16psi in a rear tire and I knew my commute was now going to include an unplanned detour to the dealership in Bethesda. It had been years since my last flat tire, and I had forgotten how a situation so easily solved could impact an entire day – but that was Tuesday. By the next morning, the fog had cleared and I was again able to re-focus my energies to our children and to our shared experience here at Primary Day.

For each of us, remaining laser-focused on our mission to provide the finest education for the most important years to every child in our care is a commitment that we take seriously and we must remain vigilant. Never was that vigilance more in evidence than at Wednesday’s admission Open House. Our faculty and staff are simply amazing!

Last evening represented an opportunity for prospective parents to know what we know and to discover for themselves what we mean when we say “this is who we are…”  I watched the faces of our guests as they enjoyed our new admission video, listened to our journey, became immersed in a series of faculty-led presentations describing our signature programs and heard our Admission Ambassadors share their personal passions for the School.

Undoubtedly, our visitors arrived with a singular, but critical question, “Why should I send my child to Primary Day?” As they heard of our passion, I am certain that they left convinced of our sustained focus on our mission and with that important question answered. Their applications will be included in a pool that is stronger than ever and it will be our good fortune to offer admission to a number of qualified candidates.

Be assured that together with your children, those who accept our offer of enrollment, will know of our unfettered attention to their success – flat tires aside!

Hail To Beako,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Tomorrow, Friday, November 17^th from 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon is Grandparent and Special Friends Day!  The children are very excited to welcome their special guests.  Please see the attached flyer with additional information.  If your child will not have a special guest in attendance please know the faculty and staff will fill in and ensure every child feels loved!  Dismissal is at 12:00 Noon and GRASP (with prior notice) is available until 6:00 pm.  There will NOT be a Potomac Pizza lunch offered tomorrow.  Please contact Mrs. Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office with any questions or last minute RSVPs. 

Friday Hot Lunch

It is time to sign up for Winter/Spring Friday hot lunch from Potomac Pizza. Payment is due by December 8. Lunches begin on Friday, January 5. Click here for complete information.

Primary Circle-The Annual Fund For PDS

   
Thank you to everyone who has made a gift or pledge to the Primary Circle Campaign!  By now all parents should have heard from your Class Ambassador who can answer any questions about the Annual Fund.  As of November 17, we have raised $95,000 toward our $200,000 goal so we are 47.5% toward our goal!  18% of parents have participated but we know we will meet or exceed last year’s 94% parent participation!  Please consider making your gift or pledge by December 31 – our “Done in 60” approach allows the Advancement Office to focus on other important initiatives for the school such as the Gala and other special programs.  And pledges are not due until June 30, 2018!   Please consider making your pledge or gift today – https://theprimarydayschool.org/support/.  On behalf of the entire PDS community, THANK YOU and HAIL  TO BEAKO! 

Holiday Shopping to Benefit PDS & PDPA

This Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, when you make purchases through Amazon Smile, a portion of your purchase will be donated to PDS! Just use our special link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-0657413 when you begin shopping and mark PDS as your organization.  Additionally, you can register your Giant Card online to help raise funds for the shopping you are already doing.  Lastly, PDS will begin a Box Tops collection as well.  All funds captured throughout the year will go towards benefitting PDS. Please see the flyer for more information on how to register for these programs. Stay tuned for future updates, and thank you for your support.

Primary Day Parent Association

The first general meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29 at 8:30 am.  We encourage you to get involved and join us, and be part of the PDPA experience!  We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. If you have any questions, email Monique Fields (moniqueyuan@gmail.com), Rebecca Allegar (rob.rebecca@gmail.com), Ilana Cutler (ilanacutler@gmail.com) or Mary Tousi (maryktousi@gmail.com).  

Eyeglasses Recycling Program

Matthew and Madison Denchfield, brother and sister of Emily, class of  2015, are teaming up with The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington to help provide glasses to needy and homeless in the metro area. There is a drop box in the office for donations of used prescription glasses. Contributions will be accepted through December 15.  

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

November is replete with opportunities to discover Primary Day. For prospective families, our Get Caught Engineering event and the Admission Open House offer important chances to glimpse life with Beako! Later this month, we will acknowledge, with deepest gratitude, the contributions of our veterans and welcome grandparents and special friends to campus in celebration of our extended home-school partnership.

For all of us who live, work and study together each and every day, the month of November offers any number of ways to demonstrate both our commitment to this amazing school and to the best of life on River Road – after all ‘tis the season, not for shopping , but for gratefulness! At parent conferences, you will hear of your children – their successes and their goals. How lucky we are that you entrust them to our care. PDPA sponsored service projects like Operation Gratitude and meal preparation for the DC Central Mission will provide us with “real time” ways to give back and, just before the break, our Kindergarten children will celebrate their thankfulness at a feast of seismic proportions!  

Our collective support for this community and the School has never been more generous. This week, as current families, you should have received an invitation to contribute to the The Primary Circle, our annual fund campaign.  To date, we have achieved participation levels of 100% from trustees, faculty and staff and nearly 30% of our financial goal has already been raised. Now I ask for your gift, but I also ask for your participation in this important community effort. I know our families, I know of your commitment to this School and I know that we can do this together. In advance, I am most grateful.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Primary Circle-The Annual Fund For PDS

The 2017-2018 Primary Circle – The Annual Fund for PDS Parent Campaign is officially underway!  Thanks to our Chairs Amrita and Ashish Lakhanpal for their leadership and to each of our Class Ambassadors, from whom you will soon be hearing. 

Since our beginning nearly 75 years ago we have been enriched with an outpouring of support from an enthusiastic school community who have continuously demonstrated their belief in our school and its mission. They have furthered that belief through contributions of time, talent, and resources, allowing the school to grow and flourish. Like other independent schools, we rely on fundraising initiatives to support and balance our budget. One of our top fundraising priorities each year is the Primary Circle: The Annual Fund for PDS, which provides direct support to nearly all school programs.  Last year the PDS Parent community participated at a history making 94% and we know we can exceed this percentage again!  Let’s match the Board of Trustees and Faculty & Staff 100% participation! 

Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Dillon Cox in the Advancement Office with any questions. Gifts may be made online at www.theprimarydayschool.org. Gifts and pledges are encouraged by December 31 with pledges not due until June 30. Thank you for your support today!

Smart Lunches Updates For November Menu

• New and improved Mac & Cheese on the menu more often
• More cold options each day, based on feedback from parents and students
• New items like BLT Salad with Chicken, Breakfast-for-Lunch Pack, Bagel w/ Cream Cheese & Jelly, Turkey Shepherd's Pie, and Vegetarian Fried Rice
• Special test recipes on 11/9, 11/15, 11/21, and 11/30 - look out for more information soon! 

You can find the November menu here. 

Primary Day Parent Association

The first general meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29 at 8:30 am.  We encourage you to get involved and join us, and be part of the PDPA experience!  We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. If you have any questions, email Monique Fields (moniqueyuan@gmail.com), Rebecca Allegar (rob.rebecca@gmail.com), Ilana Cutler (ilanacutler@gmail.com) or Mary Tousi (maryktousi@gmail.com).  

Community Service

As part of Primary Day's commitment to Community Service, on November 13, the children will be making lunches for Central Union Mission (Mission DC). 1st and 2nd graders will be making sandwiches while Pre-K and K will be packing the lunch bags with the sandwiches and snacks. We are looking for parent volunteers to help with this event. You can find the Sign Up Genius here. For questions, contact Sarah Roggie and Rebecca Allegar.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Friday, November 17, 2017 10 am – 12 Noon

All grandparents and special friends whose addresses were submitted by each family at the beginning of the school year should have received the attached invitation this week! If you did not send in your Grandparent and Special Friend Form and would like an invitation sent please contact Dillon Cox, Director of Advancement, at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org or (301) 365-4355. 

We are planning on a full house! The children are excited to share their school. With that in mind, we ask that only invited grandparents and special friends attend. If your child does not have a grandparent or someone special who can attend, be assured that we have a number of faculty friends available to share the day.

Upon entering the school, guests will receive a schedule of events. Photographers will be set up in the library to take photos of your children with their guests. 

It should be a very special morning!

Health and Wellness

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you feel “worn out” when you wake up? If so, here is an article for you. Please read on to discover why you may not be sleeping or staying asleep, and why you may not be feeling rested when you wake in the morning. Perhaps there are changes you can make in your daily routine that will help you sleep more soundly and feel rested in the morning.

Admission News

SIBLING Applications
Don’t forget!  Applications for siblings are due on November 10. If you’d like to be considered as part of the sibling admission process (we advise families of decisions before Winter Break) please make sure to get your application completed by the November 10 deadline.  Questions? Call Primary Day or reach out to Alison Collins at a.collins@theprimarydayschool.org.

EVENTS for Prospective Parents in November
Our parents (you!) are our BEST Ambassadors and we thank you for helping us spread the word about Primary Day as we enter enrollment season. With that in mind, we have a few terrific events on the calendar in November for prospective parents. We encourage you to share information about these events with your friends, network, playgroups, and professional colleagues. Better yet, bring a prospective parent and join the event! Questions? Call Primary Day or email Cindy van den Beemt at c.vandenbeemt@theprimarydayschool.org.

Sunday, November 5, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Get Caught Engineering: An Afternoon of Creating and Exploring hosted by Science/STEM teacher, Diane Hansen

Wednesday, November 8, 10:30 - 11:15 am
Story Time in the Primary Day Library hosted by Librarian, Adam Roach and Music Teacher, Arianna McFeaters

Wednesday, November 15, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Admission Open House with an opportunity to meet faculty and staff, tour classrooms and learn first-hand about our program. Childcare provided.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

With the humidity of a Washington summer finally behind us, these crisp autumn mornings serve as a reminder that the 2017-2018 school year is firmly underway. By every measure, our calendar is full of opportunities to keep all of us engaged and involved. From admission and advancement events to the PDPA and the Board of Trustees, our shared commitment to this amazing school is clear. But make no mistake, the faculty and I share a singular priority – to provide our children with the most robust educational program possible.

This year, consistent with the AIMS Action Plan, and in tandem with the strategic planning process, we are taking a critical look at our curriculum. Historically rigorous, our approach is both traditional and innovative. Our comprehensive literacy program is one example of that thoughtful blending of research-based practices that serves our young learners so very well. The auditory-based structure of Phonovisual, together with the reading workshop model, provides children with a structured, yet differentiated path to success. This week, two events bookend that journey – The Pig Parade and the Book Fair.

The Pre-Kindergarten children have begun their Phonovisual exploration with pig-p and, tomorrow morning, will parade across campus in “pink & purple, paper hats, playing percussion to celebrate with proper pomp.” (Let’s not forget that pizza also begins with pig-p and it was great to see so many folks at Potomac Pizza last night!) At the other end of the literacy shelf, our Book Fair offers multiple opportunities for older children to select books that they can read and enjoy independently. This is the literacy journey at Primary Day. This is who we are.

Happy reading!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Parent Education Night Out Event

It's not too late to join Primary Day parents at Sidwell Friends School for the Parents Council Of Washington Fall speaker event. Thursday October 19th Harvard psychologist and author Richard Weissbourd, will present "Raising Caring, Empathetic and Happy Children: Strategies for Parents and Educators" at Sidwell Friends School (3825 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016) in the Kogod Arts Center.

The program begins with light fare at 6:30.  Parent Education Committee Co-Chairs Lori Solovey and Kristen Altamar will plan to meet PDS parents in the front entrance of the Kogod Arts Center building at 6:15 so we can sit together as a PDS community. Please text Lori (240)595-3800 or Kristen (619)865-4495 if you plan on attending.

The Book Fair Is Here!

The Book Fair is a three day event from Thursday, October 19 through Saturday, October 21. Please drop by the Beako Room on Friday between 8:00 am-9:30 am or 2:15 pm-3:00 pm to purchase books. The Book Fair will also be open on Saturday from 9:00 am–12:00 pm for family shopping. Don't forget about our storyteller Gary Lloyd who will be holding sessions at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 am. Bring your entire family and your friends!

Click on this link to view the 2017 Book Fair Flyer highlighting some of the more notable items that will be available. You can also click on this link to view the Full List of Books for sale at the fair. More information is available on the Primary Day Library Blog at http://pdlibrary.edublogs.org/.

Portrait Packages Are Here!

Prepaid portrait packages are being sent home today. Please check your child's bag. Mrs. Gagarin has the packets that have not been paid for in the School Office. Please contact her for more information. Thank you!

Potomac Pizza Thank you!

A big thank you to all who supported yesterday’s Potomac Pizza fundraiser for PDS! 

Halloween Spooktacular

Mark your calendars for our Halloween Spooktacular performance and parade! Bring your little witches, goblins, Elsas and Spidermen to school, dressed in costume, for an all school event from 8:30-9:30 am on Tuesday, October 31. Weather permitting, we will have a parade following the performance. Costumed siblings are welcome to join their brothers/sisters in the parade. Don't forget to bring a change of clothes for your children. More detailed information will be included in the next Primary Source.

Moms' Night Out

Thursday, November 2nd
PDPA Mom’s Night Out at SUGO 
An evening filled with food, wine and fun with your fellow moms!

The evening will include a ‘bottomless glass of wine’, non-alcoholic beverages, appetizers and food galore (including gluten-free options) for each attendee.

Reserve you space by Monday, October 30th, by clicking on the payment link.

Primary Day Parent Association

All parents and guardians are members of the Primary Day Parents Association (PDPA), and we encourage your active participation in this important part of the PDS community. With your help, we can achieve our mission to promote a strong sense of community and to facilitate communication, cooperation, and involvement throughout the Primary Day community. The PDPA can now be found on the PDS website under the Support tab. 

Our first PDPA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29 at 8:30 am.  We encourage you to get involved and join us, and be part of the PDPA experience!  We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. If you have any questions, email Monique Fields (moniqueyuan@gmail.com), Rebecca Allegar (rob.rebecca@gmail.com), Ilana Cutler (ilanacutler@gmail.com) or Mary Tousi (maryktousi@gmail.com).

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Friday, November 17, 2017 10 am – 12 Noon

All grandparents and special friends whose addresses were submitted by each family at the beginning of the school year should have received the attached invitation this week!  If you did not send in your Grandparent and Special Friend Form and would like an invitation sent please contact Dillon Cox, Director of Advancement, at d.cox@theprimarydayschool.org or (301) 365-4355. 

We are planning on a full house! The children are excited to share their school. With that in mind, we ask that only invited grandparents and special friends attend. If your child does not have a grandparent or someone special who can attend, be assured that we have a number of faculty friends available to share the day.

Upon entering the school, guests will receive a schedule of events.  Photographers will be set up in the library to take photos of your children with their guests. 

It should be a very special morning!

Admission News

It's hard to believe that it's already time for siblings to apply for the 2018-2019 school year. If you have a child whose birthday falls into the range of 6/1/2013 - 9/1/2014, we encourage you to apply for a place in 2018-2019 Pre-K!

We process Pre-K sibling applications early and advise families of our decision before Winter Break. In order to be considered for the sibling applicant pool, we must receive your child's application by November 10, 2017. All supporting materials (teacher recommendation, academic record release, and optional testing, should you choose to do it) must be received by December 1, 2017. Once we receive your application, Alison Collins will call you to set up your child's visit. Pre-K sibling visits occur in November and December on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:00 am.

Please email Cindy van den Beemt (c.vandenbeemt@theprimarydayschool.org) to let her know of your intention to apply this year. We look forward to working with your family again!

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

I write to extend a hearty welcome to each and every family as we embark on a new year together. In typical PDS style, we have begun the fall term in earnest and I know, with great certainty, that this will be a banner year here on River Road!

In addition to five new staff members, we are thrilled to welcome over 40 new students and their families to our community. Together with our returning families, this number represents a very stable enrollment and you know why. We are, by every measure, the elementary school of choice in greater Washington. Thank you for making it so.

One of the most important reasons that families choose Primary Day is because of the opportunities that our curriculum provides for their children. Opportunities to grow as learners, as friends and as members of a school dedicated to them in these most important years. However, I believe strongly that there are opportunities for each of us, as the adult members of the community, to engage, to grow and to support each other in countless ways.

Last year, I was pleased to designate the 2016-2017 school year as the year of the FAMILY. It was a time for us to celebrate our first year together, to re-engage past members of our extended family and to discover our common hopes for the future. Looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of our founding in 2019, I invite you to consider this year one of OPPORTUNITIES! Throughout the year, you will hear often of opportunities to discover together all that is special and unique about PDS.

Know that I continue to be privileged to be at your service and, in the words of Mary-Frances Winters, I invite you to “seize every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow”.

Cheers!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Beako Schedule Updates

Please note the December Beako dates are Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15. The Kindergarten Parent Visiting Day is Thursday, February 8, 2018. Here is an updated schedule.

Daily Lunch and Hot Lunch Forms

Please have your child bring a lunch and tote bag or backpack daily. You also have an opportunity to sign up for one or both of our hot lunch programs.

Potomac Pizza lunch is available every Friday and will begin September 15. Potomac Pizza Lunch Forms are due tomorrow, Friday, September 8. There is NO hot lunch available tomorrow, September 8.  Please note pizza will be served on Friday, September 15.

Potomac Pizza’s vendor is currently not able to obtain Gogurt. It will be replaced with Yoplait cups until further notice.

Also, please note that pizza will be served on Wednesday, December 20 rather than Friday, November 3, Conference Day, for those who sign up for pizza.

Please see the attached Smart Lunches information form. Smart Lunches is available Monday through Thursday. You must sign up at least two business days in advance to participate in Smart Lunches.

Contact Mary Gagarin at m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org with any questions.

Arrival and Dismissal

Thank you for your patience. While it is typical in the early days of any school year that both arrival and dismissal procedures take some time to become routinized, we realize that our decision to extend the school day until 3:00 has added to the confusion for some. Please be assured that we are working to streamline our procedures and will make adjustments, particularly to our dismissal carpool, in the very near future. Do contact Mr. Lawrence with any questions or concerns and, again, thanks for your flexibility as we work through things together.

Carpool Notes and Changes

The school must be advised of any transportation changes in advance. There are two ways to communicate a carpool/dismissal change. A written note from a child's parent to the child's teacher may be sent in the morning of the change or an email may be sent to carpool@theprimarydayschool.org before 2:00 pm on the day of the change. The message detailing the change should include: the date, your child's full name and carpool number, as well as the full name and carpool number (if applicable) of the person picking up your child. If a car seat exchange is necessary, please clearly label the seat with your child's name and carpool number. In the case of an emergency change, a call to the Office is required with as much advance notice as possible. If you use email to communicate a change, you should expect an acknowledgement of receipt. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please call the Office. An email message for GRASP should indicate that in the subject line.

For safety and security reasons, please avoid parking and coming to the door for your child after 2:30 pm except in the case of an emergency.

Birthday Book Club

Welcome to the Birthday Book Club! We begin this year highlighting our September birthdays. Your child will receive a letter at the beginning of his/her birthday month inviting him/her to become a member of the Birthday Book Club. If you wish to join, simply fill out the form and send it in with a $20 check. Your child will choose a new book to donate to our library in honor of his/her birthday and he/she will be the first to check the book out. A personalized bookplate is placed inside. Thank you for your support of the Schoolfield Library!

Library Volunteers

We are pleased to continue our PDPA committee of library volunteers this year. Each volunteer commits to a one hour shift per week. Duties include shelving books, wrapping new books, attaching new spine labels and "shelf reading." If this sounds like something you would like to do please look for a SignUpGenius email in the next few weeks. Questions can be directed to Mr. Roach (a.roach@theprimarydayschool.org).

School Directory/Handbook & Emergency Contact Information

The School Directory is available on the school's Parent Portal which is accessible to you at any time. Our printed Directory and Handbook will be published later in September. Please make sure that all addresses and phone numbers are current.

Emergency contact information is critical to us. If any information changes throughout the year, please update the Portal and contact the school.

From The Primary Day School Board of Trustees

We warmly and enthusiastically welcome Adrienne Kalavritinos to the Board of Trustees. She is a longtime member of the Primary Day community, first as an alum herself and then as the parent of two sons (PDS Classes of '07 and ‘10).

As a Primary Day parent, Adrienne was actively involved in numerous school events.  She chaired the gala, volunteered in admission and researched and published a piece about the school’s rich history for its 60^th anniversary.

Adrienne is currently the Treasurer and Membership chair of the Parents Council of Washington.  As an active member of the Landon Mothers Association, she served as an officer from 2013-2017 and has also chaired several areas for the Landon Greens Sale and Azalea Garden Festival.

A graduate of Holton-Arms, Adrienne holds a BA from Duke University and an MBA from Georgetown University. She has worked in public relations for Manning, Selvage & Lee and as a change management consultant with Andersen Consulting.

Security

We welcome back our team of Montgomery County Police Officers Dave Reed, Brandi Cross, Spiro Tatakis, Jordan Young and Liz Young. The team rotates throughout the week and are present each day from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm to assist with carpool, monitor the school and keep us safe.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Picnic lunches – such a great opportunity to enjoy the company of our children and to hear, first hand, about the “life lived” at Primary Day. Beginning this week, a small group of our older students join me each day for lunch outside in the sun! Our conversations are incredibly interesting. As we discussed weekend activities, their plans for the summer and their thinking about graduation and a move to new schools, it became clear that this newest group of young alums will carry with them the joyfulness that is the hallmark of a Primary Day experience. I know that they will seek to maintain a real connection to our community and we will welcome them back with open arms as the stories of their lives unfold.

The truth is, the wisdom of children never ceases to amaze me as do their wonderings about nearly everything.  In his book 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Precepts, R. J. Palicio, has assembled wonderings for each day of the year that were inspired by his many conversations with his students. I love this book!

May 1 – “Play all the tiles you get.” – Grandma Nelly

May 2 – “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.”
 – John Wesley

May 3 – “There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.” – Han Suyin

Today – “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
– Father Faber

Without a doubt, the wonderings of our children and the life stories of our alums would inspire a similar title – perhaps this graduating class can make a start on Beako’s Precepts: Life Lived at Primary Day!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

PDPA Community BBQ

We hope you’ll join us on May 24, 5-7 pm, on the playground as we celebrate a great year and welcome new families. If you haven’t already, RSVP through the invitation sent out yesterday. It will be a celebration of all things PDS and a wonderful way to mark the end of another spectacular school year.

PDS Potomac Pizza Night

Come join us for dinner on Wednesday, May 10, 4-9 pm, at Potomac Pizza in Potomac Village. Enjoy great food and great company. Whether you dine in or carry out, Potomac Pizza will donate 20% of the evening's proceeds back to Primary Day. Check backpacks today for a flier with more information.

News From the Nurse

The warm, sunny weather means students will be outside often. If you would like your child to use sunscreen or insect repellent, please complete this form. Also be certain that the products listed for use are the exact products you are sending to school. All products will be maintained in the classroom by the teacher, not in a student’s backpack.

Smart Lunches News

3 more weeks to try Smartlunches! 

The May menu options are now available.  

Click here for a "How to Order" flyer. For additional information and to sign up, email support@smartlunches.com with any questions. Your Primary Day coordinator is Mary Gagarin, m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org.

Tuition Invoices

Tuition Invoices have been mailed for the 2017-2018 school year. Payments are due by June 1, 2017. There is a late fee of $250 for payments received after the June 1 deadline.

Spring Book Group

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel (Simon and Shuster, 2001) is a classic in every sense of the word! This two-part parent discussion series will focus on the nine "blessings" that Dr. Mogel has identified which address key parenting issues we will all encounter on this amazing journey.

We will meet May 9 and May 23, 2017 at 8:30 am. RSVP to d.evans@theprimarydayschool.org by May 5. Click here to order your copy of The Blessings of a Skinned Knee from Amazon.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:  

In the days since our return from spring break, the children have worked hard to prepare for our Wild Rumpus Beako! Today’s performance was award-winning and I am certain that tomorrow morning’s celebration will be as well. I don’t know about you, but without exception, I leave every Beako re-energized. It’s a terrific way to start the day, and seeing our students demonstrate all that is the best about Primary Day helps keep me focused on our important work together.

Watching our children perform this week really ignited my excitement about our upcoming Gala. Arriving to school each morning, I am reminded that the “big day” is coming. From where I sit, it looks amazing! I look forward to greeting family and friends next Friday, April 21, 2017 in support of Primary Day. From spectacular PDS specialty items to baskets that dazzle to a wonderfully relaxing week at the beach, the evening promises to be exciting indeed. We will even give you an opportunity to purchase a piece of PDS history – stay tuned for details!

….and he sailed back over a year and in and out of weeks and through a day….

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Important Gala News and Updates

Our terrific PDS volunteers are getting ready to roll out the best auction ever!

If you haven’t registered, make sure you do so today at https://primaryd.ejoinme.org/2017AuctionHome. Our April 14 registration deadline is tomorrow!

Look for our LIVE item Display Boards in the hallways of PDS for your taste of the wild things you might encounter at the event.

First Time Ever – Heads or Tails Raffle!  One ticket per person. You must be present to win.

This is your chance to win a Two Night unrestricted or Three Night weekday (Monday – Thursday) breakfast for two daily and one dinner for two in Harriman’s Restaurant at the critically acclaimed Salamander Resort & Spa. You deserve this luxurious getaway.  And, the best part? It can be yours with a purchase of a $50 Heads or Tails Raffle Ticket.

Why PDS? Reminder

Keep those great ideas coming! Scott wrote about the “Why PDS?” social media campaign last week and has enjoyed reading your wonderful feelings about what makes Primary Day so special.

“Why PDS?,” our newly launched social media campaign, is a “right at your fingertips” way for you to share your PDS experience. Won’t you take a moment to share your special PDS message? Maybe it’s something tangible like the solid academic program. Or maybe it’s our devoted teachers. Perhaps it’s more about the incredible camaraderie of parents working together to promote this amazing school. Take a moment to think about why PDS is special to you, write it down and send it along to me. We will post them either attributed to you or anonymously, whichever you prefer. My personal thanks for your continued support and, in advance, for your messages!

Community Service: Focus on Meals

Next week we will be performing two community service events during the week. Our focus is on bringing food and meals to those in need in the community. The children will also read books and participate in related classroom activities. 

• Meal Creation - On April 18th, the children will participate in a hands-on activity to create meal kits for Cup of Joe. They will assemble the kits and learn about the importance of their help to those who need it. Thank you to those parents who volunteered to help us make the day successful. 
• Food Drive - April 17-21 We will host a food drive for Manna. Each class is in charge of bringing in a specific type of food to contribute to the most needed items for Manna, which will be distributed to families in need.

We look forward to these events and helping our children contribute back to their community.

Request For Host Families

Following the success of the host family program last year at Primary Day, we are again looking for current families to welcome new families into our community. To be a host family, all you commit to is hosting one play date over the summer (though you are welcome to do more than one) and serving as a resource to the new family. We also hope that host families will attend the New Student Playground Event on May 24.

As we did last year, all our Pre-K sibling families will host new Pre-K families. We will let you know your match in May. We are looking for volunteers who have rising Kindergarten, First and Second Grade children to be host families. Please let us know if you would like to serve in this important role this year by emailing admission@theprimarydayschool.org.

Thank you in advance for taking on this important role at PDS!

Smart Lunches Begins Monday

Are you tired of packing lunches every day? Is it difficult to provide delicious, nutritious lunch solutions? Primary Day is teaming up with Smart Lunches to provide healthy, kid-friendly lunches. We are conducting a six-week trial in the spring to determine if this program is a good fit for our students. You will be able to order lunch for your Primary Day student, Monday through Thursday, from April 17 through May 25. Teachers can order, too! Fridays remain Potomac Pizza Days!

Click here for a "How to Order" flyer and the April menu. For additional information and to sign up, go to www.smartlunches.com. Email support@smartlunches.com with any questions. Your Primary Day coordinator is Mary Gagarin, m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org.

Don't Miss PDPA Parent Education Event

Dr. Bonnie Zucker
Helping Our Worried Kids: Fostering Resilience
through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
April 19-8:30-10:00 am

Bonnie Zucker, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Rockville, MD, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children, teens, and adults.

Spring Book Group

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel (Simon and Shuster, 2001) is a classic in every sense of the word! This two-part parent discussion series will focus on the nine "blessings" that Dr. Mogel has identified which address key parenting issues we will all encounter on this amazing journey.

We will meet May 9 and May 23, 2017 at 8:30 am. RSVP to d.evans@theprimarydayschool.org by May 5. Click here to order your copy of The Blessings of a Skinned Knee from Amazon.

Directory Update

Adam Solovey (First Grade)
Noah Solovey ( Pre-K)
7814 Maryknoll Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20817

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:  

I write today with thoughts of growth, the advent of spring and a vacation. JOY!

If the warmth of spring propels us forward with brilliant mornings, signs of new life and any number of opportunities to accomplish much in the final months of the school year, then our time away offers the chance to be reflective in our thinking and to rekindle our passions for our important work with your children. As a school family, we continue to grow and thrive together. Thank you and know that it is your confidence in our collective efforts that sustains us.

My best wishes are yours for a break filled with quality time with those you love – and remember any time with those who matter is quality time.

Hurry back!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Important Gala News and Updates

Did you ever wonder what it might be like jump out of a airplane with the Head of School? Looking for a getaway at the Salamander Resort and Spa? How about an opportunity to add some barely used designer accessories to your closet? 

This year’s Gala on April 21, Where the Wild Things Are, will not only be a rumpus but will also have some not to be missed items that you can bid on….and win!

Look for details after spring break, but today...RSVP (either online at https://primaryd.ejoinme.org/2017AuctionHome or with your printed RSVP card) and join us for this wild and wonderful evening! 

Smart Lunches Coming in April

Are you tired of packing lunches every day? Is it difficult to provide delicious, nutritious lunch solutions? Primary Day is teaming up with Smart Lunches to provide healthy, kid-friendly lunches. We are conducting a six-week trial in the spring to determine if this program is a good fit for our students. You will be able to order lunch for your Primary Day student, Monday through Thursday, from April 17 through May 25. Teachers can order, too! Fridays remain Potomac Pizza Days!

A sample monthly menu and introductory flyer are going home with your oldest child today. Click here for a "How to Order" flyer and the April menu. For additional information and to sign up, go to www.smartlunches.com. Email support@smartlunches.com with any questions. Your Primary Day coordinator is Mary Gagarin, m.gagarin@theprimarydayschool.org.

Parent Education Rescheduled

Dr. Bonnie Zucker
Helping Our Worried Kids: Fostering Resilience
through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
April 19-8:30-10:00 am 

Library News

Ms. Moshyedi would like to highlight the wonderful readers of PDS! Please email a photo of your child reading a book over spring break by April 7. In the email, include your child’s name and the picture location. PDS readers will be featured on the front bulletin board. If you have any questions contact Lori Moshyedi (l.moshyedi@theprimarydayschool.org).

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:  

“Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso

This is the season of imaginings.

Early this morning, we had the great pleasure of welcoming to campus the families that have been offered places for their children at Primary Day next year. They are imagining what school life might be in our community.

Likewise, our second grade families are imagining life at another school. Our children are well-prepared, highly regarded applicants and their choices are many – but I cannot yet imagine PDS without them!

As for me, I am trying hard to imagine how it will feel to attend my first gala, to enjoy Field Day, to celebrate with our graduates and to complete my inaugural year as Head of School. Thank you for continuing to imagine with me – the possibilities are endless for the school we love so well!

“Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." – Dr. Seuss

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Parent Education

PARENT EDUCATION
Helping Our Worried Kids: Fostering Resilience through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
March 15 – 8:30-10:00 am

Dr. Zucker will come back to give her third talk on childhood anxiety. This one will have a special focus on fostering resilience in our children. The first half will echo some of the concepts she discussed in past workshops, and the second part will provide new information on helping our children navigate through some of the typical challenges of childhood. So whether you attended last year’s lecture or not, if you are interested in learning more about how to help your child deal with his or her worries and how to encourage a more resilient mindset to be able to manage typical obstacles, then this workshop is for you! Dr. Zucker will provide parents with a clear understanding of the cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) of childhood anxiety disorders and specific tips on how to foster resilience by navigating common issues. Parents will learn specific techniques, including relaxation strategies, stress management, positive self-talk, conquer worry techniques, challenging cognitive distortions, how to address the typical avoidance behavior seen in children with anxiety, how to teach children to tolerate disappointment and discomfort, increase their ability to cope with problems, and how to be more flexible. This hands-on presentation will equip parents with techniques to teach their children.

Bonnie Zucker, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Rockville, MD, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children, teens, and adults.

Important Gala News and Updates

This year’s Gala & Auction, Where the Wild Things Are, will be a guaranteed Rumpus unlike one you have ever seen before. 

Just like Max, the king of all wild things, who “was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all” you can be with someone who loves you best of all – your PDS friends and family.

Join us for an evening at Bethesda Country Club on April 21 for some incredible PDS Specialties, an amazing array of Baskets and best of all, some LIVE auction items that may just rock your world.  Stay tuned for details.

Look for your invitation in the mail next week along with an opportunity to register online.

Interested in a Sponsorship Opportunity to support the event?  Email Dannette at d.evans@theprimarydayschool.org for more information.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on April 21!

Preliminary 2017-2018 School Calendar

Please see attached preliminary dates for the 2017-2018 school year. 

Last Call For Yearbook Tribute Pages

Second Grade Tribute pages for the 2017 yearbook are still available. Please see attachment for details.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:  

Was Punxatawney Phil mistaken? Has spring arrived to Washington? I am going to risk my own prediction that maybe, just maybe, we have made it through winter with nary a snow day and are home free!

I venture this prediction not only for the soaring temperatures, but for the real signs of an early spring here on campus. Our first STEM Beako was awash with images of crawling things and emerging butterflies, children are at play without the burden of heavy outerwear, my office windows are wide open and just yesterday on a walk about campus, I noticed that the crocus have bloomed. All this in late February – how lucky we are!

In the spirit of the season, I am pleased to share the exciting news that two of our faculty members are expecting children. Mrs. Woodside and her husband, Chris, are awaiting the birth of their second child in late April and Mrs. Shurts and her husband, Greg, anticipate the birth of their first baby in mid-July. I know you share in our congratulations to both families! While Mrs. Shurts will not return to PDS next year, Mrs. Woodside will be returning to PDS full-time, albeit as a teacher in a yet to be determined grade level. With the advent of spring, we have already begun to think of summer and to plan for the fall term. Our work with AIMS continues to occupy our immediate attentions, but critical issues related to teacher assignments, student performance and class placements are also in my thoughts. Be assured that I will continue to keep you updated as the spring unfolds.

Mark your calendars for the PDS Gala scheduled for April 21 – “Let the wild rumpus start…”

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Gala/Auction News

Where the Wild Things Are
Auction & Gala, April 21
Bethesda Country Club

The Rumpus Can’t Start Without Your Help!

Email Jen Kavounas (jennifer.kavounas@gmail.com) TODAY if you:

• Have access to an office building downtown for viewing July 4^th
• Know a restaurant reviewer.
• Know someone that works on the New York Stock Exchange.
• Have a vacation home to donate.
• Know a celebrated chef.
• Have a lead to a great LIVE auction item.

Spirit Week

Monday - Crazy Sock Day
Tuesday - Pajama Day (Children must wear their regular shoes to school)
Wednesday - Crazy Hat Day
Thursday - Sports Day (Wear your favorite team's shirt or dress as an athlete)
Friday - School Colors Day (Blue & Yellow)

Parent Education

PARENT EDUCATION
Helping Our Worried Kids: Fostering Resilience through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
March 15 – 8:30-10:00 am

Dr. Zucker will come back to give her third talk on childhood anxiety, this one will have a special focus on fostering resilience in our children. The first half will echo some of the previous concepts she discussed in past workshops, and the second part will provide new information on helping our children navigate through some of the typical challenges of childhood. So whether you attended last year’s lecture or not, if you are interested in learning more about how to help your child deal with his or her worries and how to encourage a more resilient mindset to be able to manage typical obstacles, then this workshop is for you! Dr. Zucker will provide parents with a clear understanding of the cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) of childhood anxiety disorders and specific tips on how to foster resilience through navigating common issues. Parents will learn specific techniques, including relaxation strategies, stress management, positive self-talk, conquer worry techniques, challenging cognitive distortions, how to address the typical avoidance behavior seen in children with anxiety, how to teach children to tolerate disappointment and discomfort, increase their ability to cope with problems, and how to be more flexible. This hands-on presentation will equip parents with techniques to teach their children.

Bonnie Zucker, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Rockville, MD, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children, teens, and adults, using a cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach. Dr. Zucker was named one of Washingtonian Magazine's Top Therapists in the fields of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, OCD, Phobias, Troubled Child, and Troubled Adolescent in 2009. Dr. Zucker wrote Anxiety-Free Kids: An Interactive Guide for Parents and Children 2nd Edition, Take Control of OCD: The Ultimate Guide for Kids with OCD, and Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler’s Guide to Understanding Death. In addition, she co-authored Resilience Builder Program for Children & Adolescents: Enhancing Social Competence & Self-Regulation (A Cognitive-Behavioral Group Approach), Relaxation & Self-Regulation Techniques for Children & Teens: Mastering the Mind-Body Connection (Audio CD), and Relaxation & Wellness Techniques: Mastering the Mind-Body Connection (Audio CD).

Staff Appreciation Lunch Thank you!

Thank you to the Kindergarten Parents for their wonderful support of the staff and for a delicious lunch yesterday.

Preliminary 2017-2018 School Calendar

Please see attached preliminary dates for the 2017-2018 school year. 

Reminder Yearbook Tribute Pages

Second Grade Tribute pages for the 2017 yearbook are still available. Please see attachment for details.

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Have you ever waited at a pharmacy while a prescription was being filled? I don’t know about your experience, but my wait always seems a lengthy one (I know, I should call ahead!). In any case, while waiting last evening, I took the only available seat, the one in the blood pressure chair. For a moment, I was tempted to strip off my jacket and put my arm in the pressure cuff, but was instead distracted by both the color-coded explanations of hypertension and the description of the importance of routinely monitoring one’s pulse and pressure – and I thought of Primary Day.

Our mission is clear. Committed to the finest education for the most important years, we work hard to create and sustain a school environment that is characterized by a love of learning, creativity and authentic relationships. Indeed, at Primary Day, our work with your children each day engages us in an educational life richly lived.

However, it is most important for us to continue to “monitor the pulse and pressure” of our growth and progress. We understand deeply the value of change as an instrument of balanced growth. As the spring term unfolds, I will write often of our efforts to evaluate and revise our curricula, the continued implementation of Responsive Classroom techniques, the ongoing review of our instructional practices and our long-term planning as detailed in the Action Plan that we will submit to the Association of Maryland Schools (AIMS) as the final step to obtaining full accreditation. At first glance, the initiatives seem numerous, but be assured of our commitment to remain balanced and thoughtful.

In the spirit of clear, direct and open communication, we welcome your questions, your concerns and your joys. We need your participation in our “pressure check” as we grow together!

(Oh, and by the way, I was not waiting for a prescription for blood pressure medication!)

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Gala News

“And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!”

SAVE the DATE for this year’s Primary Day Gala Auction Event!
Friday, April 21
Bethesda Country Club

This year’s Where the Wild Things Are theme, along with other fun features, will make this evening a not-to-be-missed, sitter-worthy event!

Want to be on the “inside track” adding energy and creativity to help us bring this event to life?

Join Auction Chair, Jen Kavounas, on Wednesday, February 8 at 8:30 am for a volunteer kick-off meeting at Primary Day.

Questions or can’t join the meeting? Contact Jen at jennifer.kavounas@gmail.com.

Reminder Yearbook Tribute Pages

Second Grade Tribute pages for the 2017 yearbook  are still available. Please see the attachment for details.

Re-enrollment

An email detailing online re-enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year was sent out on Monday, January 23. Please let us know if you did not receive it. Direct any re-enrollment  questions to Lindsay Spector (l.spector@theprimarydayschool.org).

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

A number of years ago, the Wall Street Journal featured a piece entitled “Four Ways to Spot a Great Teacher.” Highlighted by a photograph of the late Robin Williams in his role as an English teacher in the film ‘Dead Poets Society,’ this article advised parents to “seek out educators who have outside intellectual lives, believe intelligence is achievable, follow the data and ask great questions.” As parents, you have done just that and discovered Primary Day! Indeed, ours is a group of inspired educators who are hard at work living lives of great purpose for your children and, although they go about the craft of teaching in different ways, they share one important trait – a passionate commitment to taking each learner as far as each can go!

Our work together is, by every measure, important work. As teachers and co-learners we understand deeply the importance of sustained professional development and the impact our own growth has on our interactions with your children. Nearly a century ago, the preeminent educator, John Dewey, described the craft of teaching as the intersection of the art and the science – the child-centered spirit empowered by best practices and solid pedagogical knowledge. We believe this, and more. Throughout the school year, we provide our faculty with both the resources and the time to hone their craft. At team meetings, faculty meetings and during extended professional development sessions, not unlike the one scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, the conversations are spirited and the growth opportunities significant. We debate best practices, work to revise curriculum and plan for the future. In the coming weeks, you will hear of our program planning relative to the AIMS accreditation process, next steps with Responsive Classroom and our continued efforts to revise our reading, writing and Social Studies curricula. As you learn more of our sustained collaboration, I know that you will understand more clearly how our teachers actualize both their own gifts as well as our collective ones and turnkey their professional growth into the joy-filled, challenging program that is uniquely Primary Day.

Thank you for your continued support of our growth.

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Re-enrollment

You will receive an email on Monday, January 23 outlining online re-enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year. Please be sure to submit your re-enrollment by Friday, February 10. We hope that all of our families return to PDS, but if you are not returning for some reason, please choose the "I/We do NOT wish to enroll" button and let the Admission Office know as soon as possible so we can offer the space to another family eager to attend Primary Day.

Second Grade Visiting Day

Just a reminder that Parent Visiting Day is on Thursday, January 26 from 8:30 - 10:00 am. Join us if you can!

Last Call For Winter Book Discussion

How is it to be a parent of a young child in these challenging times? What are the messages our children need to hear? How can we equip our children with a strong moral compass? Please join Mr. Lawrence for a PDPA parent discussion series focused on the text, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours (Beacon Press, 1992) by Marian Wright Edelman.

This series will be held in the Music Room on the following dates: 2/2, 2/16 and 3/2 from 8:30-9:30 am. RSVP to d.evans@theprimarydayschool.org by today if you plan to join us so that we may purchase a book for you! 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

Welcome back! I trust that the winter recess offered you and your family both a welcome rest and treasured time to celebrate the season! For my part, I enjoyed the time away, but be assured that Primary Day and your children were never far from my thoughts.

Looking ahead to the winter term, I wanted to advise you of an important change we are making in our carpool dismissal procedures. Safety first! While a good part of the regular dismissal process will remain the same, beginning Monday, January 9, 2017, we will alter our car seat and seat belt practices for children. At present, children are placed into cars and drivers are encouraged to move forward prior to children being securely buckled into their seats. This poses an unnecessary safety hazard and is a breach of compliance with state and local guidelines which require that all young children must be buckled into safety seats when cars are in motion. Going forward, each of the staff on duty will ask your child to buckle themselves into their safety seats or we will assist them to do so prior to your departure from the circle. In addition, it would be helpful if your child’s safety seat is secured on the passenger side of your vehicle. Initially, this new procedure may result in a slower car line, but “safety first” is our goal! My thanks, in advance, for your understanding and your patience.

Happy New Year!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Admission News

If you subscribe to a neighborhood listserv, we would love to have you post an announcement about our upcoming Admission Open House on Sunday, January 8 from 1-3 pm. We will even provide the text for you to use which you can post as is or, personalize if you like. Please contact Lindsay Spector, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, at l.spector@theprimarydayschool.org to receive the draft copy and to coordinate posting. Thank you!

News From The Nurse

With winter in full swing, colds, flu and airborne allergies are frequent health concerns. It can be hard to tell them apart because they share so many symptoms. Understanding their differences will help you choose the best course of action. Please see the attached table to help guide you in determining the appropriate treatment for your child’s symptoms.

Winter Book Discussion

How is it to be a parent of a young child in these challenging times? What are the messages our children need to hear? How can we equip our children with a strong moral compass? Please join Mr. Lawrence for a PDPA parent discussion series focused on the text, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours, (Beacon Press, 1992), by Marian Wright Edelman.

This series will be held in the Library on the following dates: 2/2, 2/16 and 3/2 from 8:30-9:30 am. Please RSVP to d.evans@theprimarydayschool.org by January 19, 2017 if you plan to join us so that we may purchase a book for you! 

Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends:

As I bundle up against that forgotten morning chill, I’m reminded that although the grass is still green, winter has arrived here on River Road! Driving to and from Primary Day in the darkness of the season, I frequently reflect on my first six months here. While much is still new, I do feel a sense of genuine belonging and a part of the fabric of this extraordinary school.

This sense of connectedness was brought to life this week as we hosted two different homecoming events for alumni parents. We had neither the drama of the football game with a rival school nor the pomp and circumstance of a traditional parade, but we did have the element that truly defines the success of such an event – a group of past parents who couldn’t wait to return to Primary Day and exchange stories of their time here. Listening to shared memories about the evolution of the school, the underlying message was clear: despite the changes and updates, the best parts endure – the strong sense of community, the love of learning and the tireless dedication of our wonderful faculty and staff to the children in their care. These enthusiastic parents of alumni young and old were instrumental in defining what PDS is today and they are excited to re-connect with the school family they love so well!

As we continue this amazing journey together, I know that you, as current parents, will continue that legacy and build on the many wonderful traditions that our past parents hold so dear. Together our friendships will be longstanding and our memories compelling. Together, we have just begun. Stay warm!

Warmly,
Scott
s.lawrence@theprimarydayschool.org

Carpool and Dismissal

Please make sure your carpool number is clearly displayed on the mirror and remains displayed throughout the dismissal process. 

Our Neighborhood Family

On a few occasions in recent weeks, our neighbors in Al Marah have expressed concerns about the speed and volume of PDS traffic in their neighborhood. Thanks for being mindful of this issue as you arrive and depart campus. 

Why Give To Primary Circle: The Annual Fund For PDS

As Primary Circle Ambassadors, Lori and Sam Solovey, parents of Noah ‘20 and Adam ‘18, have a front line perspective on this year’s annual fund. They have witnessed, first hand, the success of the annual fund unfold from its launch in October, which has heightened and inspired their motivation to give back. "We are deeply passionate about Primary Day" remarked the Soloveys. "As a second generation PDS family and with two children currently enrolled, we feel a duty to volunteer and support the school whenever possible.” Mirroring the Solovey’s passion, Primary Day is equally passionate and thankful for the Solovey’s commitment to serve and grateful for all volunteers who step up throughout the year in support of the school and the children at Primary Day. Perhaps that’s why Noah thinks Primary Day is “super good” and Adam says it’s “so fun.” A community of families and volunteers, working together to make the school super good and so fun!

Last Call For Friday Hot Lunch

It is time to sign up for Winter/Spring Friday hot lunch. We are now accepting credit cards! Payment is due by December 12. Click here for complete information.

Winter GRASP

GRASP Enrichment class offerings, supervised play, and registration forms are on the parent portal for classes beginning on January 3, 2017. Families may pay by credit card. Please contact Ryan Manalo (r.manalo@theprimarydayschool.org) with any questions.