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

Poughkeepsie, NY-Poughkeepsie Day School has announced plans to admit three-year olds to its longstanding pre-kindergarten program, beginning in the fall of 2005.

Jill Lundquist, director of admissions at the Town of Poughkeepsie independent school, said that adding three year olds builds on the school's decision in the spring of 2004 to offer a half-day pre-kindergarten option, which began this past September. "Parents were delighted to have the choice of either a half or full-day pre-kindergarten program at Poughkeepsie Day School and many have also been asking if we would consider extending the pre-k to include three-year olds. We are glad we can now accommodate them."

Lower school head Mary Ellen Kenny noted that in the early 1990s, Poughkeepsie Day School's "nursery" program included three year olds and added, "we are very familiar and comfortable with children this age and look forward to welcoming them once again to our campus." Two experienced pre-kindergarten teachers will work with the children. The half-day option for three and four year olds runs each school day from 8:20 to 11:30 a.m. The full-day session ends each day at 3:00 pm, with additional after-care available until 5:30 p.m.

The admissions office is currently accepting applications for three year olds as well as for four year olds in the pre-kindergarten program. Currently there are also limited openings for students entering kindergarten and first-grade next fall. For more information and to arrange for a tour of the school, please call at 845-462-7600, ext. 201.

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.

*****

April 19, 2005
Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Communications

Poughkeepsie, NY-Poughkeepsie Day School once again will offer a summer program for young children called PDS Summer. The program welcomes campers from throughout the Hudson Valley, whether or not they are currently enrolled at Poughkeepsie Day School.

Designed to encourage active, hands-on learning in a relaxed, child-centered and fun-filled environment, the program features small classes taught by experienced PDS teachers. The one-week sessions for children, ages 4 - 9, will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and be held on theschool's thirty-five acre campus, located in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Boardman Road. They include Mini-Musical Theatre, Games Galore and Creative Movement and Games.

Registrations are currently being accepted and students are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 845-462-7600, ext. 110 or visit the school Web site.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls approximately 350 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities. 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.

April 8, 2005
Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Communications

Poughkeepsie, NY- Four tickets to Broadway's On Golden Pond and a back-stage chat with the play's star and Dutchess County resident James Earl Jones; an original oil painting by Poughkeepsie artist and muralist Nestor Madalengoitia; a handmade Kashmiri silk carpet and a private docent tour of the Museum of Modern Art for ten are among the many arts-related items being auctioned at Poughkeepsie Day School's "Party with the Arts: Celebrating 70 Years at PDS" on Saturday, April 16.

The fundraising event includes live, "almost-live" and silent auctions as well as a special raffle drawing and will be held at Vassar College Alumnae House, Town of Poughkeepsie from 5 - 10 pm. A special preview booklet, available online describes the more than 300 items to be auctioned on the 16th. In addition to arts-related offerings, a number of one-of-a-kind items will be "on the block", including rare Greenbay Packers tickets; a seven-day stay in Anguilla; and the opportunity to consult with a best-selling author and marketing expert on how to begin or grow your own business.

Poughkeepsie Day School, which was founded by local families and members of the Vassar College faculty, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this academic year. "Our parents' organization wanted to honor our anniversary with a fundraising extravaganza and they have certainly put their 'all' into this upcoming event," said the school's communications director, Sandra Moore. Head of school Mary Jane Yurchak noted that the outpouring of support, as demonstrated by the record-breaking number of items donated by members of the PDS and larger community, is "unprecedented."

Numerous area merchants and restaurateurs as well as such organizations as the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Powerhouse Theater and Upstate Films have also donated gift certificates and items.

The ticket price is $75/person and includes admission to all of the auctions as well as dinner and dancing. Absentee auction bids are welcome; instructions and forms are available on the auction page of the Web site. For tickets, call 845-462-7600, extension 109.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls approximately 350 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities. 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.