Having served 17 extraordinary years at Princeton Day School, Ms. Margot Chalek is leaving the community, her legacy marked by quiet commitment, deep professionalism, and a spirit of generosity that has infused every area of the community. Though her work was often behind the scenes, she has been irreplaceable to the functioning of PDS.

Ms. Chalek joined PDS in 2007 as Assistant to the Upper School, and she helped support the division with care, efficiency, and warmth. Her first few years were spent in the kind of behind-the-scenes planning and understated problem-solving that are the foundation of any thriving school. From coordinating logistics, aiding staff, or providing a warm welcome to students and families, Ms. Chalek quickly became an esteemed and trusted member of the community. 

Over the last 10 years, Ms. Chalek has been the Associate Head of School’s Assistant, offering top-level administrative support while maintaining strong, caring relationships with staff across departments. Her high standards of organization, meticulousness, and constant presence kept everyday operations chugging along, even in the most turbulent of times. Since arriving at PDS nearly two decades ago, Ms. Chalek has remained a constant who made everyone around her feel more at ease.

Reflecting on her time at PDS, Ms. Chalek stated, “I am grateful for the experiences I have had at PDS and for all the faculty, staff and students I have served with and the friends I have gained.” Her gratitude is returned, for the school community is endlessly grateful for the dedication, spirit of generosity, and serene strength she brought to her work every day.

As she looks ahead toward retirement, Ms. Chalek is anticipating the future: travel, family and friend time, and a hard-earned chance to take it easy and enjoy the little things of life.

Her leaving marks the end of an era, and while she will be greatly missed, her presence will be remembered long afterward in the spirit of thoughtfulness and unobtrusive distinction she has instilled.

Princeton Day School is most grateful to Ms. Chalek for her long service, indefatigable professionalism, and the generosity of spirit with which she engaged all those around her. We bid her all well in this new project, and hope it is filled with as much joy and peace as she has brought to those with whom she has come in contact.