“You have read or heard me describe that the ‘why’ we are together as a community is our Mission. Our Mission lies at the foundation of ‘why’ we are all here. The ‘what’ we do at school (the program, content, skills, activities) continues to change as we help prepare students to meet the ever-changing challenges of the world in which we live. ‘How’ we do what we do, also changes as faculty and staff learn better ways to do ‘what’ they do…as they learn more from course-work, conferences, on-campus professional development, learning from their peers, and learning from listening to the experiences of their students. “
“Well, the world continues to change, so it makes sense to me that we should continue to rethink about what we do and how we do it… the natural process of growing, learning and improving. This process of ‘rethinking’ is at the heart of this book by Adam Grant: THINK AGAIN. I have discussed aspects of Adam Grant’s research and thinking with our faculty and staff in our Opening Days’ meetings, and I am sharing his book with all of our faculty and staff as well as one copy to each of our families.”
“Yes, I think this book might be that helpful to all of us… and I believe that faculty, staff, parents, and many of our older students can learn a lot from Adam Grant. I encourage you to read this book, early in our academic year, and share ideas in your family discussions. As a community, reading a common book like this may help bond us in our conversations and our work together. Enjoy, discuss, reflect, and share your thoughts about THINK AGAIN with your family, with others at our school and with friends and colleagues. “
Knowing What You Don’t Know
Think Again by Adam Grant offers us context to reflect upon our own D-E Mission. As we strive to adapt and educate in an ever-changing world, Grant challenges us to lean into rethinking and unlearning as part of the growing process.
“Being wrong is the only way I feel sure I’ve learned anything.”
– Adam Grant
In 2030, 2040, even 2050, what we know now may be proven false. Preparing ourselves to “think again” is more important than ever before. With the pace of our globally-connected world and so many voices, we are challenged to listen intentionally and with integrity.
“It takes confident humility to admit that we’re a work in progress. It shows that we care more about improving ourselves than proving ourselves.”
As we learn how to improve on what we do and how we do it, our Mission stays the same. However, Grant provides a fresh framework to reimagine what success looks like and how being wrong may lead to more and better discoveries for the future.
Cabaret Night 2025 Performance on Monday, May 19!
Get ready for one of the final concerts of the school year! Our Upper School student jazz artists have been busy rehearsing and can’t wait to perform Cabaret Night. This annual concert, featuring the Stage Band & Jazz Workshop ensembles and guest artist Marty...
Lower School Book Sale Gives Third Graders a Lesson in ‘Making a Difference’
Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), a service-based initiative founded by Third Grade Teacher Michelle Sussmann and co-led by Third Grade Teacher Rachel Brainin, culminated with a book sale this week, consisting of gently used children’s books donated by members of the D-E community. Proceeds from the book sale will benefit a charity selected by third graders. Students participated in sorting and preparing the donated books for sale. The Lower School was then invited to attend the fundraiser, where each book could be purchased for $5 or less. “It was fun planning for it,” exclaimed Zein A. ’34 of the event.
“This TGMD project truly puts all aspects of making a difference into the third graders’ hands,” said Ms. Sussmann. “They have learned so much about the power of giving… how important it is and how good it makes us feel!” When asked why it’s important to “make a difference,” Caleb C. ’34 remarked, “You’re helping people less fortunate than you.”
The project is tied to skills learned in students’ persuasive writing unit, for which they are asked to write a persuasive speech to convince their peers that a particular charity should receive the profits from the book sale. Alanna M. ’34 said she discovered through TGMD that anyone of any age can make a difference in the world, sharing: “Why wait until you’re older when you can do something now.” We’re so proud of our third graders for paying it forward!
