Upper School Head Named at Poughkeepsie Day School

February 25, 2005
Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Communications (extension 110; smoore@poughkeepsieday.org)

Poughkeepsie, NY - Mary Jane Yurchak, Ed.D., head of Poughkeepsie Day School, has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Vinogradov as upper school head. Ms. Vinogradov has been a teacher at the Town of Poughkeepsie pre-k-grade 12 school since 1980. For more than 20 years, she has been a teacher of French, Russian and history in the upper school, serving also as chair of the history department. Since 1995 she has been the co-head of the upper school. This year the upper school, which serves students in grades 9-12 from throughout the mid-Hudson area, recorded its highest enrollment in its history. Typically, all graduating seniors go on to attend selective colleges and universities.

The appointment was made after a nationwide search in which qualified candidates visited the campus and met with faculty, administrators, staff, students and parents. Dr. Yurchak said, "It was clear that although each candidate exemplified some of the qualities for which we were looking, our search committee, the upper school faculty and students and I agreed that no one was a clear match for the position."

Ms. Vinogradov has been on sabbatical leave this current academic year in preparation for returning to the school as a full-time teacher next fall. She was tapped for the job because "she knows from firsthand experience the complexities of our upper school and has a vision for its future. And she certainly has the objectivity and interpersonal skills to make that vision a reality. We are thrilled that she will be our upper school head," said Dr. Yurchak.

Ms. Vinogradov received a Bachelor of Education degree from McGill University in 1969. This degree combines a four-year undergraduate program in liberal arts, including a dual major in history and French, with the equivalent of a full masters program in education. Prior to moving to the United States in 1978, she taught in Canada. She was among six honorees last fall recognized by Poughkeepsie Day School at its 70th anniversary celebration. Her three children are graduates of the school and her husband, Alexis Vinogradov, is the pastor of St Gregory Church in Wappingers Falls, where the couple reside.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls 350 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities in the mid-Hudson Valley. It is distinguished by its interactive and interdisciplinary approach to learning and emphasis on the development of creative and critical thinking skills. Typically, 100% of graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities each year.

January 7, 2005
Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Communications (extension 110; smoore@poughkeepsieday.org)

Poughkeepsie, NY – Poughkeepsie Day School will host its annual blood drive on Wednesday, January 19 from 1:45-6:45 pm. Sponsored by Hudson Valley Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center, the drive is open to the public and will be held in the Town of Poughkeepsie school’s Gilkeson Center, 260 Boardman Road. Individuals in good health who wish to donate blood must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds. To avoid waiting in line, it is recommended that anyone interested in participating schedule an appointment in advance. To do so, call the school nurse, Linda Studler, at 845-462-7600, ext. 221. Directions.

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