Upper School Head Trixie Sabundayo is laser-focused on student culture and the everyday victories and trials of the Upper School daily experience. Not surprisingly, she's also in love with Princeton Day School and the ebullient spirit that is clearly in evidence among students and the faculty who are so committed to connecting with these amazing kids every day. Here are the insights she shared with parents at US Back to School Night last evening.

Renée Price rivets us. It happens every time the Head of Middle School speaks, whether one on one or in front of a full house of parents in McAneny Theater, which was the case last night. Both her dynamic presence and her command of the totality of the middle school student experience compel us to listen and learn.

PDS parents who attended yesterday's Back to School Night know that stepping inside the Lower School brings the "magic of this kingdom" to life in their children's classrooms with teachers and through the invaluable perspective of Lower Head of School Alesia Klein. Here's what Alesia shared last night.

When you become aware of something extraordinary happening in the midst of your busy day, think twice before hurrying on.

Science Department Chair Jason Park has a lot to share about the revitalized science curricula across PDS featuring inquiry-based, student-led problem solving. As Jason explains, it's been a collaborative, cross-team effort for some time, which will continue through an exciting "innovation for impact" initiative that is spreading across academic disciplines.

Welcome, "Class of 2018-19" new faculty and staff at Princeton Day School!

When new community members and those who are well established are actively encouraged to respect each other's ideas and approaches while also finding common ground, exceptional experiences are bound to happen. That's the essence of PDS. Here are some inspiring moments from opening assemblies this week at Princeton Day School.

Getting ready for students to return, the focus is on tuning in and stepping up. At PDS this week, an intensive two-day workshop facilitated by the deeply experienced counseling professionals at the Stanley King Institute produced some remarkable shared learning experiences across all faculty teams.

Operating out of a Brooklyn loft -- and remotely from their respective colleges, a new company founded by friends including four PDS alums from the Class of 2017 aims to make the style and voice of their generation seen and heard. CEO Ziad Ahmed '17 shares how PDS helped influence his and the company's development.

Rising PDS junior Megha Thomas is finishing her summer internship this week with the United Nations Association. Her recent blog post for the UNA reveals the challenges and accomplishments Megha has experienced through Model UN at PDS and also this summer in the UNA-NCA Global Classrooms DC program.

Eighteen PDS 9th-11th grade students expanded their cultural frame of reference during a unique 11-day trip to Japan this summer, developed as part of Princeton Day School's vibrant International Travel Programs, which in past years have featured explorations in India, China, France, London, Rome, and earlier this year, the Island School in the Bahamas.

PDS Middle School math teacher Donna Zarsecki left her mark not only as a teacher but as a longtime dean of 8th grade and much-loved champion of the Peer Leadership program. For 25 years, she forged enduring connections with senior Peer Group Leaders, helping them become better people and mentors as they in turn helped create successful transitions to the high school experience for PDS 9th graders.

In her more than three decades here, Ann Wiley became the font of knowledge about everything PDS; those who've come and gone, parents and alums. If you needed a start date, graduation year, or most any PDS fact, 'Wileypedia' had it in her database.

A great teacher inspires kids to believe in their best selves while also modeling lifelong learning, and Barbara Walker accomplished both while also developing some of the richest courses in PDS's extraordinary collection of Upper School English electives. As a "closet Medievalist" and intrepid explorer of literary history, Barbara shared her discoveries creatively and passionately in the classroom with her students.

For each of her 17 years at PDS, Middle School theater teacher Deb Sugarman gave us the gift of a new batch of fearless young artists. Through it all, she made it look easy, and always had room for one more, creating a safe spot for any child to try on a new identity, no matter how shy or flamboyant.

In his nearly 40 years at PDS, Upper School history and religion teacher Bill Stoltzfus created a unique environment for learning that was completely and essentially his own.

Twelve senior members of Princeton Day School's faculty and staff retired in June. This profile of Lower School music teacher Andrea Schafer is the seventh in our series on these long-serving and much beloved faculty and staff members. (The most recent profile is of Upper School science teacher and scientist in residence Dr. Leon Rosenberg, which you can read here.) Click on the headline for the profile of Andrea Schafer as told by Cindy Peifer, Middle School humanities teacher and Da Vinci Coordinator.

Twelve senior members of Princeton Day School's faculty and staff are retiring. This profile of Upper School science teacher and scientist in residence Dr. Leon (Lee) Rosenberg is the sixth in our series on these long-serving and much beloved faculty and staff members. (The most recent profile is of 3rd grade teacher Betsy Rizza, which you can read here.) Here are stories of these esteemed members of our faculty and staff as told by their colleagues: click on the headline to read about Dr. Leon Rosenberg, by Dr. Carrie Norin, Upper School science teacher.

On Friday, June 8, Princeton Day School's commencement ceremony took place on the broad Colross lawn on a beautiful late spring day. Head of School Paul Stellato gave a poignant keynote address and offered sage advice to our graduating seniors. The two student speakers, Naveen Bhatia '18 and Ihea Inyama '18, gave wonderful speeches filled with memorable stories of their classmates and time at PDS. Here are some photos from the ceremony. Here is this year's matriculation list. Congratulations and best of luck to the class of 2018!

On Wednesday, June 6, the Middle School celebrated the end of the school year in the Lisa McGraw '44 Skating Rink with a jubilant final assembly. Head of School Paul Stellato opened the assembly with his remarks by wishing congratulations to the 8th grade class and recognizing departing MS faculty Brian Laskowski and Karen Stolper, as well as retiring MS faculty Hank Bristol '72, Susan Reichlin, Deb Sugarman, and Donna Zarzecki. Here are some photos from the ceremony.