PDS Perspectives

One week, big horizons, learning that sticks. In this episode, Julie chats with Middle School Dean of Students Nicole Mangino about how experience, reflection, and new settings turn students into explorers of their own potential.

Purpose, fit, futures that feel right. In this episode, Julie chats with Director of College Counseling Sarah Graham P’33 ’38 about helping students name what matters and pursue a path that honors it.

A living laboratory where curiosity sprouts and care takes root. In this episode, Julie chats with Pam Flory P'24, Lower School faculty member and resident garden guru, about how the PDS garden weaves hands-on discovery into everyday learning.

Ideas made visible, minds open. In this episode, Julie chats with Gwen Shockey ’06, Anne Reid ’72 Gallery Director, about how process and dialogue build creative courage.

"Students have to really embrace failure as part of the learning process because failure is the ultimate teacher." In this episode, Julie chats with faculty member Eric Rempe about how artmaking is more than just creating tangible pieces, it's about helping students better understand themselves and their capacity for growth and discovery.

"We collaborate with the kids, and they are as much a creative force on any project as I am. I get the ideas from them." In this episode, Julie chats with longstanding faculty member Stan Cahill about helping students safely explore creative risk-taking, building confidence and fostering authentic self-expression.

"The PDS classroom is such a unique space. It's vibrant, it's fun, it's challenging, and it's always, always changing." In this episode, Julie chats with Lower School teacher Christina Lee '00 and Upper School English Department Chair Dr. Karen Latham on how PDS students are taught to become active participants in their learning.

"The garden sparks curiosity. It gives students an opportunity to work on social-emotional skills, on civil discourse. To talk and to listen, to share ideas, to wonder together, to think creatively, to test ideas, to experiment, to tinker." In this episode, Julie chats with faculty member Courtney White about experiential learning in the garden and teaching kitchen and the importance of hands-on environmental education.

"We know that the brain works best when you make mistakes. You try something, and you fail, and your brain does a better job of remembering it next time. It's the same with building social-emotional skills." In this episode, Julie chats with Jonathan Martin, Middle School dean and performing arts faculty, and Director of Athletics and Physical Education Katie Fay on the importance of creating opportunities for students to build resilience, teamwork and emotional intelligence.

"On your tour, really take the time to imagine what your life would look like in the hallways, in the campus center, outside of the classroom. Take the time to look around and get a sense of, 'Would I have fun here?' I can say that the answer will absolutely be yes."  In this episode, Julie chats with students Gabby '26 and Luke '25, along with new Pre-K parent Derick Diaz, on their personal experiences with the PDS admissions journey and their best advice for prospective students and families.