Parents whose students were enrolled last year will remember being invited to a few “listening sessions” aimed at gathering families’ ideas for the school’s new strategic plan which was formed last year with input also from the faculty and the Board of Trustees. A draft was approved by the Board of Trustees at its October meeting. Entitled “Primary Points,” the plan gathers in one document key school goals for the coming five years. Each major area of school life is framed by an overarching policy goal which is then defined by implementation plans relevant to all parties’ input and feedback.

           A copy of the complete plan can be found here. Key actions will include:

• updating our hallmark Phonovisual program and further integrating tenets of the Science of Reading into our literacy instruction;
• continuing our efforts to promote pluralism and belonging, and providing consistent means of teaching about cultural differences;
• moving forward with the Board-approved multi-year plan to make PDS faculty and staff salaries and benefits amongst the most competitive of area independent schools;
• enhancing opportunities for school-wide professional development;
• creating additional family events which build community and provide age-appropriate activities for families and children;
• creating a strong stewardship program for alumni and past families;
• maintaining strong student and faculty retention;
• and taking steps to realize the goals of the Campus Masterplan.

To further explain the plan and outline the Campus Masterplan which was finalized last year, parents will be invited to a meeting in the new year. Stay tuned, but certainly feel free to ask me any questions you may have.