Beyond Academics: Supporting a Holistic Learning Environment at D-E
In this issue, Michelle Carstens-Potts, Chair of the Health and Wellness Department; Dr. Danny Carragher, Chair of the Human Development Department; and Lisa Wittner, Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), discuss their roles and the programs they implement.
In our next issue, Part II of this series will feature conversations with members of our Student Support Leadership Team, including Dr. Deirdre O’Malley, Director of Counseling Services, and Marc Gladstone, Lead Learning Specialist. Interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
8th Grade ‘Living Wax Museum’ Illuminates Banned Books
This week 8th Graders stepped into history as part of their “Living Wax Museum” presentations to D-E families, faculty, and staff. The cross-disciplinary project, facilitated by Ms. Burnett and Mr. Akula, consisted of dynamic, student-led performances that brought...
Swartley Gallery Senior Spotlight Exhibit Highlights
In what has become a D-E tradition, the Swartley Gallery Series is closing the school year with its Senior Spotlight exhibit, running through Monday, May 25, and celebrated with an artist reception this week. This showcase is “a chance for all Seniors’ work to be...
LS Pajama Day Highlights
The Lower School recently celebrated its final Spirit Day of the school year—an ever-popular Pajama Day! Students across the division sported their comfy clothes, wearable blankets, matching PJ sets, and bright smiles while completing assignments, reading, crafting,...
Dance at D-E Makes Some Moves!
D-E Performing Arts formally introduced the expansion of its dance programming via the first-ever Dance Assembly in Schenck Auditorium last week. Spearheaded by Class of 2027 Dean Stephanie “Tuc” Tucker, Dance at D-E consists of the Dance Club, led by Madigan Kacmar...
New Jersey National History Day Contest Highlights
Way to go! Eleven of our 8th Graders participated in the New Jersey History Day Contest, which took place at William Paterson University. This series challenges students to become experts on a topic of their choice, individually or in a group. Students take...
MODE Hosts Library Jam Session
Student leaders of Musicians of D-E (MODE) hosted an after-school jam session in The Imperatore Library this week, just as Seniors reached their last official day of classes. Mackenzie Hammer ’28 kicked off the live performances, playing the ukulele as she sang...
Ms. Diaz Returns to NYC Gallery Circuit for Exhibit Spotlighting Women Artists
Making her mark! The artwork of Ms. Marisol Diaz, Art & Design Chair, was recently spotlighted with other professional artists at a gallery exhibit in Manhattan. “For visual artists, exhibiting in New York City is a career-altering experience,” remarked Ms. Diaz,...
All-School Choral & Drumming Concert is Tuesday, May 19!
Get ready for the All-School Choral & Drumming Concert! Our Lower, Middle and Upper School choral ensembles will D-Elight audiences when they perform next Tuesday, May 19, at 7 PM in Schenck Auditorium. With enthusiasm and guidance from our Performing Arts Dept....
Phone Free Fridays Encourage Real-Life Connections
D-E’s Digital Wellness Team, led by Madigan Kacmar ’26, Anna Ibargüen ’26, and Ezra Newman ’26, recently brought back “Phone Free Fridays,” an initiative that began last year to encourage students to disconnect from their phones during the school day. Students who...
Registration Opens for D-E Summer 2026 Programs
Summer is nearly here! D-E Summer 2026 programs kickstart the summer season for our youngest learners before camp begins; teach core life skills (driving); and offer exciting opportunities in athletics (basketball and volleyball), computer programming, and performing...