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.
Student-Athlete Signing Day 2026 Highlights
Senior student-athletes were recently honored during Signing Day, a special D-E tradition that recognizes their commitment to play at the collegiate level. Six members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the Myrna B. Sherman Gym for the ceremonial signing, surrounded by...
LEAD Students Make Connections With Cyanotypes
In their Blue Era! Members of the Leaders for Equity & Diversity (LEAD) Program recently created identity-inspired cyanotypes, a printing process that uses ultraviolet light and water to produce a blue-hued photographic image. LEAD Advisor Mr. Joel Lee ’17,...
World Language Field Trips Immerse Students in Cultural Traditions
Upper School (US) World Language Faculty recently organized field trips that allowed our students to explore different cultures and traditions. During a workshop on Afro-Latino music, dance, and history at the Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center in New York City,...
HOPE Fashion Show and Pop Up Art Reception Highlights
D-E’s HOPE: Fashion With a Purpose club presented a fantastic fundraiser earlier this spring, with a theme of “Futuristic Fashion,” and featuring original and curated D-E student and faculty designs. An innovative, cross-divisional program involving Lower, Middle, and...
D-EMUN Concludes Its Collegiate Conferences on a High Note
D-EMUN finished strong during the recent Model UN conference at Cornell University (CMUN), including winning the Outstanding Large Delegation Award! This recognition was both exciting and rewarding, according to Nick Bevilacqua ’27. “It truly reflected the effort...
MS Musical BeetleJuice JR. Opens Friday, May 8
The cast and crew of D-E’s Middle School (MS) Musical, BeetleJuice JR. are hard at work readying for next week’s opening! Based on the blockbuster motion picture turned Broadway musical, BeetleJuice JR., tells the story of a strange and unusual teenager named Lydia...
Spring Carnival 2026 Highlights
The Spring Carnival, a beloved D-E tradition co-hosted by D-E Student Activities and the Parents’ Association, was a massive success! “Despite organizers having to pivot [from Leggett Field to Modell’s Sports Complex], it was just as lively as in past years,” said...
Cabaret Night is Friday, May 1, Featuring Guest Artists Don Byron, Kenny Davis
Stage Band and Jazz Workshop are hard at work rehearsing—jazz lovers, get ready to enjoy! Plan to attend an amazing LIVE Cabaret Night performance by our Upper School Stage Band and Jazz Workshop ensembles tomorrow, Friday, May 1, at 7:00 PM in Hajjar Auditorium....
5th Grade Original Musical Highlights
Spring always brings an abundance of amazing live performances at D-E! Fifth Graders recently took center stage to present a set of three distinct shows for this year’s Fifth Grade Original Musicals (formerly known as the Fifth Grade Opera). What makes this event so...
Jazz Rock Assembly Highlights
D-E is still buzzing following last week’s highly anticipated Jazz Rock Assembly, directed by Mr. DeBellis with vocal coordination by Mr. Kacmar. The event featured almost a dozen riveting performances by student vocalists and instrumentalists, including “The Mighty...