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.
Teaching, Learning, and Growing in the Garden
D-E’s Nettie Coit Teaching Garden is not only an idyllic hidden gem on campus with flowers, plants, and a chicken coop, but also an outdoor classroom used in academic lessons. For example, as part of Middle School Dean Ms. Urbanowski’s DIG (D-E In the Garden)...
The Imperatore Library Hosts Cross-Divisional, Community-Building Activities
The Imperatore Library recently hosted a pair of cross-divisional events that were enjoyable, inspiring—and more importantly a beautiful reminder of the many talents and skills of our vibrant school community. Upper School student members of MODE (Musicians of D-E)...
Swartley Art Gallery Series Presents the Work of Tyson Etienne
The first Swartley Gallery Series of the year features work of former D-E student and pro basketball player Tyson Etienne. “A Journey Seldom Seen” marks Tyson’s first solo exhibition, showcasing nine years of paintings and photography that chronicle his development as...
D-E Honors a Legendary Coach During the Schmid Pavilion Dedication
Beautiful weather was in play for the official dedication of the C. Christian Schmid Pavilion at Solomon Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. The guest of honor, longtime former D-E Athletic Director and Coach Chris Schmid (aka “Schmiddy”), was joined by his family and...
Opening All-School Assembly Highlights
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...
D-E’s Ethics Bowl Team Wins Gold During International Competition
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...
D-E Ethics Bowl Competes Internationally, Wins Gold
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...
Parent Volunteer Breakfast “Kicks-Off” a Great Year of Volunteering
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’...
Welcome Back to School Barbecue Highlights
The sense of community was palpable throughout the D-E campus during Friday’s Welcome Back to School Barbecue, hosted by the Parents’ Association. Students, families, faculty, and staff from all three divisions gathered on Leggett Field to enjoy lawn games, a photo...
US Assembly on the History of Englewood
D-E’s first Upper School Assembly of the year—which tapped into our “shared history” living in Englewood and the surrounding areas—was presented this week in Schenck Auditorium by Mr. Joel Lee ’17, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging....