Student Services
Counseling
Princeton Day School "nurtures the mind, the body, and the character of each student. Integrity, respect, and compassion are essential to the school's mission." -- PDS Mission Statement
The Student Service Team works closely with the students and faculty to ensure that faculty have the understanding and tools with which to work with various students and students have the emotional, educational, and physical support to be successful students.
Student Services Team
The Student Services Team collaborates regularly in support of students and faculty. In our effort to most efficiently meet student needs, the team works collaboratively: Samantha Dawson, Ph.D. is the Learning Specialist for Upper School, Dr. Cloey Talotta is the Learning Specialist for Middle School, and Ashleighann Young is the Lower School Psychologist. In addition, a nurse is available for Medical Support.
Learning Resources
PDS provides a range of services for students who may need additional academic assistance.
Lower School
In our Lower School, our Learning Resource Center team consults with teachers and parents; screens students in language arts and math; and provides extra help for students who are having difficulty acquiring skills.
Middle School/Upper School
In the Middle and Upper schools, teachers are available to meet with students during regularly scheduled resource periods (Middle School) or by appointment during free periods (Upper School). In addition, our Learning Specialist screens students, consults with teachers and parents, works with students on specific short-term study strategies, advocates for learning-different children, and helps them to develop self-advocacy skills. The model is one of increasing independence as students move through the divisions.
Certified Athletic Trainer
To facilitate the medical care of student athletes in grades sixth through twelve, the school employs a certified athletic trainer who is responsible for the prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation of sports related injuries and illnesses. They are available to evaluate any injury or illness that takes place during a practice or game and to either handle the situation at school or refer the student for further medical care. In the event of a serious injury or medical emergency, "911" will be called, and every effort will be made to contact the athlete's parent.
An athletic trainer is available on weekdays from early afternoon until all practices and/or home games have been completed, and on weekends during regular home games.
Medical Excuses from Sports:
All injuries to athletes, whether sports-related or not, must be reported to the certified athletic trainer. Any athlete under a doctor's care for an injury or illness will be required to provide a doctor's note to be excused from sports, and then a note allowing the student to return to sports. If the athletic trainer refers a student to a doctor for medical care, a doctor's note is required to return to sports.
An athlete who is unable to participate in games and/or practice due to injury or illness must be excused in writing by their doctor or the certified athletic trainer. The athletic trainer will modify the athlete's activity and/or provide therapeutic exercise if appropriate to assist the athlete in their return to sports participation.