Leggett was a field full of smiling faces this morning for D-E’s Opening All-School Assembly, which included encouraging remarks from Head of School Dr. Calleroz White, a welcome address from Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26, and student reflections from Lila B. ’33, Austin T. ’30, and Ananya Kannan ’26 on what it means to be a Bulldog. “This is one of only a few times a year that we are all together… it’s very special,” said Dr. CW. He also acknowledged those new to D-E who he said are “adding to the fabric of our community.” Jazz Rock, featuring Madigan Kacmar ’26, Kenneth Seymour ’26, Jian Harrell ’26, Jiyu Chung ’28, and Gavin Park ’28, bookended the assembly with renditions of “Sunday Morning,” by Maroon 5 and “A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay. In a show of school spirit, the Girls Field Hockey Team, coached by Ms. Carstens-Potts and Ms. Garcia, shared with the crowd a cheer that revs them up before games. Dr. CW spoke in closing on the endless potential every student has and urged our community to “make it your best year yet!”Explore this topic further with a curated video that complements the article.

Over the summer our D-E Ethics Bowl Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, made it to the TKEthics International Grand Final, held via Zoom on Aug. 29, 2025—and subsequently won the Gold Medal! According to Mr. Murphy, the process began in June for Ethics Bowl members Ezra Newman ’26, Noah Saphier ’26, Sebastian Chang ’27, Hannah Chun ’27, and Matteo de la Rosa Lepore ’26. For the competition, students were tasked with studying and discussing eight complex ethical issues involving technology and Artificial Intelligence. “Tackling large-scale challenges in the world can be incredibly daunting, so we really appreciated the opportunity to remind ourselves that there are people all across the world who are working towards the same goal,” said Team Leader Ezra. Congratulations to our Ethics Bowl Team for this impressive achievement! To read more about the competition and get student reflections, click here

This morning, D-E parents and guardians attended our annual Volunteer Kickoff Breakfast in the Silberfein Gym. “This event brings in a lot of new members of the community as well as existing D-E parents who can talk about their experiences volunteering,” said Parents’ Association Co-President Jennifer Mayer. Attendees were initially gathered at grade-specific tables and then cross-divisional conversation became the norm! Tables were set up along the perimeter to introduce parents to the dozens of volunteer opportunities within Parent Affinity Groups, Alumni Relations, Friends of the Arts (FOTA), The Imperatore Library, Epstein Family School Store, Bulldog Bash, The Garden Project, and more.  Roshni Patel, a Lower School (LS)  parent, said she considered this event a chance to “break the ice, get to know other parents, and make the transition easier.” Fellow LS parent Nicki Schwab said she was hoping to “learn everything I can about the school and how to get involved.” She had also attended the Welcome Back Barbecue, where she was excited to explore the campus beyond the Lower School. Following welcome remarks, PA Co-President Samantha Asulin presented the PA Executive Board and then Head of School Dr. James Calleroz White, who spoke about the importance of partnering with parents in the work of guiding students through school. “At the end of the day, we’re here to help your kids be the best versions of themselves… with care and kindness,” he said. Cheers to our parents and guardians for their gifts of time, and helping to kick-off a great year of volunteering!