December 1, 2005

Poughkeepsie, NY--Poughkeepsie Day School will mount a production of Shakespeare's dark comedy, Measure for Measure, on Friday, December 9 and Saturday December 10 in the school's James Earl Jones Theater. One of the Bard's late works described as "problem plays," its humor is tempered by a disturbing view of sexual politics, corrupt power and the conflict between rigid morality and human nature. Its themes remain as relevant today as when it was first performed over 400 years ago.

The production is the culmination of a semester-long central study course, "Performing Shakespeare," in which students from grades seven through twelve examine Shakespeare's language and the theatrical conventions of his day. In addition, they develop skills in acting, costume design, lighting and sound, and set construction.

Curtain time is 7:00 p.m. Admission is free; recommended for older students and adults. Contributions at the door to the school's theater fund are welcomed.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls 325 students in grades 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 the school's graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities each year. For more information about the play, contact the Office of Development and Communications at 845-462-7600, extension 110.

Poughkeepsie, NY-Six local authors and illustrators will take part in the annual Poughkeepsie Day School Parent Organization Book Fair on Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18 in the school's Elizabeth C. Gilkeson Center, 260 Boardman Road, Town of Poughkeepsie.

On Thursday evening at 5:00 pm, a book signing and vegetarian pasta and chili supper (a $5.00 donation per plate) are open to the public. Nava Atlas, author of the Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet and the Vegetarian Family Cookbook will sign copies of her new book, Everyday Traditions: Simple Family Rituals for Connection and Comfort. Stacie Flint, illustrator, will be reading and signing her new book, 10 Pigs Fiddling, as will Karen Unger, co-author of Too Old for This, Too Young for That! Your Survival Guide for the Middle School Years and (due Spring 2006) Where Do I Sit at Lunch? Your 24/7 Survival Guide to the High School Years and Alex Zane, author of The Wheels on the Race Car. James Davidson, the co-author of The Complete Wilderness Paddler and Great Heart: The History of a Labrador Adventure, will present a slide show and talk on his wilderness expeditions. Sidereal, the school's a cappella vocal group, will perform that evening.

Susanna Leonard Hill, author of Taxi, Punxsutawney Phyllis, The House That Mack Built and the upcoming No Sword Fighting in the House will be working with students during their classes on story writing. Signed books from all authors will be available for purchase at the event. Fiction and non-fiction books for ages three through eighteen, plus a selection of books of special interest to parents will be available on Thursday from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm., and on Friday, from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 pm. Two door prize drawings, for Dragonology and Wizardology, will be held. One need not be present to win.

The PDSPO Book Fair is not only a way for parents to foster the love of reading in their children, but also a primary fundraiser for the school. The event also supports the local community by ordering books for the fair through the Three Arts bookstore in Poughkeepsie. Admission to the fair is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the school Web site at www.poughkeepsieday.org.

Founded in 1934, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls 325 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 the school's graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities each year. For more information, call 845-462-7600, ext. 110.

November 1, 2005
Contact: Sandra Moore, Director of Development and Communications
(extension 110; smoore@poughkeepsieday.org)

Poughkeepsie, NY—Poughkeepsie Day School has launched a Diversity Challenge initiative in response to receiving a second anonymous challenge contribution of $25,000 from a private foundation to support two priority goals adopted by its Board of Trustees. The Town of Poughkeepsie independent school seeks to raise an additional $25,000 from donors who either increase their gifts to its 2005-2006 Annual Fund or make new gifts directly to the diversity initiative. Liz Vinogradov, acting head of the school, said that when the diversity challenge grant is matched, for a total of $50,000, the funds would be used to help increase diversity within the student body by increasing need-based financial aid to families of color. The foundation first contributed $25,000 to PDS in 2003-2004, with the first matching grant challenge of $25,000 issued in 2004-2005.

“We are very excited once again to be the beneficiary of this foundation’s generosity,” said Vinogradov. She added, “Poughkeepsie Day School always has valued diversity, recognizing and nurturing the talents, strengths and experiences of each individual student. But we want to do more to encourage families in our area who may not be familiar with us to explore PDS as an option for their children. We are very grateful that this foundation continues to express confidence in our program through its ongoing support." The foundation stipulates that the grant may be used as financial assistance for one or more admitted students of color who are not children of school employees. The school’s Board of Trustees has also allowed for these students to receive need-based awards in excess of 50% of the school’s tuition, which had been the maximum amount previously permitted.

Jill Lundquist, director of admissions, said that currently students of color comprise approximately 20% of the student body, up from 12% just a few years ago. “While the PDS need-based financial aid budget aims to promote socio-economic diversity across all populations, this grant specifically helps us to reach out to families of color in order to introduce them to the benefits of independent schools, and Poughkeepsie Day School, in particular.” She noted that 12 students are the direct beneficiaries of the diversity grant challenge this academic year.

Founded in 1934 by members of the Vassar College faculty and local community, Poughkeepsie Day School enrolls approximately 325 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 from 48 communities in the mid-Hudson Valley. The school is distinguished by its interactive and interdisciplinary approach to learning and emphasis on the development of creative and critical thinking skills.Typically 100% of the school's graduating seniors are admitted to colleges and universities each year.