Dear Families,

Beginnings are a time of hope, and this first week of school in the Upper School was full of it. During our opening gatherings, students heard from Doc Nich-Flynn who shared our new mission, and then several teachers and staff members shared their perspectives about the five values at PDS (Humanity, Creativity, Intellect, Stewardship, and Joy). On day two, students heard some ways that students are supported at PDS: through clubs and activities, affinity groups, and the student support team. Students had time with their advisory to talk and engage in small group activities and then with their deans to hear about the rules and play some games in the large group. Teachers focused on creating classroom communities that “cultivate intellectual vitality and strength of character, within a community of compassion, shared responsibility, and play.” It was a brilliant week, and the halls were filled with joy, which is our theme this year. 

We are looking forward to a wonderful and joy filled year with your students. From the classroom to the arts wing to the fields to the stage, we look forward to watching them shine. We also are ready to support them when they struggle. Much of what we talked about these first few days was the importance of the small parts of being in community: being a model for younger students, being compassionate and caring with friends and peers, taking care of our spaces by tending to garbage and picking up after ourselves. All of these small things matter.  We hope that when you need support for your student, you remember to lean on us. We are all a team, and we care most about taking care of each student in our care. The advisor, dean, teachers, counselors, learning support specialists, and the US administrative team, including me, are your partners in this journey through the Upper School and we hope that you continue to lean on us.

In partnership,

KTO