This fall, Head of School Dr. Rodney De Jarnett hosted a special Zoom assembly presentation for Middle and Upper School students with the best-selling author Ozan Varol (Think Like a Rocket Scientist).
All parents/guardians of D-E students were also invited and encouraged to attend.
On the right are excerpts from a letter sent by Dr. De Jarnett to introduce Varol to our community prior to this memorable virtual gathering.
To learn more about Ozan Varol and his book, Think Like a Rocket Scientist, visit www.ozanvarol.com
An Excerpt of a Letter from Head of School Dr. De Jarnett introducing Ozan Varol
An Excerpt of a Letter from Head of School Dr. De Jarnett introducing Ozan Varol
“… always looking for inspiration and new ideas when life and work are especially challenging, I have found Ozan Varol’s book to be one of the best books I have read of late.
So who is this author Ozan Varol? Borrowing from various online resources including his website page (ozanvarol.com/about), he IS (actually) “a rocket scientist, award-winning law professor, and author of non-fiction books. A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Ozan grew up in a family of no English speakers. He moved to the US by himself at 17 to attend Cornell University and major in planetary sciences. While there, he served on the operations team for the 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers project that sent two rovers to Mars. He later became a law professor to influence others to make interplanetary leaps on this planet. Varol has written numerous award-winning articles that are taught in colleges and graduate schools. His work has been featured in domestic and foreign media, including BBC, Time, CNN, Washington Post, Slate, and Foreign Policy.”
It’s worth pointing out too that reviewers and fellow authors of note — including Dan Pink (A Whole New Mind) , Adam Grant (Think Again) and Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) — all have also raved about Varol’s book. “
Bulldog Bash Reaches New Heights In 2025
In keeping with the NYC skyline theme, the sky was the limit at the Bulldog Bash 2025, D-E’s premier event in support of financial aid! The event, held in Manhattan on Saturday, April 26, 2025, was an incredible success, with guests’ enthusiastic participation in live and silent auctions that helped raise significant funds for families in our D-E community and allow the school to further invest in vital programs, technology, and professional development. Even the rain showers that greeted guests upon arrival didn’t dampen the festive mood.
Attendees watched a heartwarming video featuring Viviana Torres ’17, who spoke on the impact that a D-E education had on her and the degree to which financial aid support changed the trajectory of her life. Another D-E alum, the multi-talented Malachi Nassér ’22 and his band delivered a special performance and previewed songs from his upcoming debut album.
Throughout the evening, the DJ played crowd favorites that kept guests on the dance floor. And as the event concluded, The Candy Zoo Truck treated guests to their choice of classic and novelty candies. We’re so grateful to our D-E community for coming together on this important night to “Make it Better” and help us reach new heights!
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Foster Creativity
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and older. “Scholastic is an institution that has supported students’ artistic expression in writing and visual arts nationally,” says Ms. Marisol Diaz, Chair of the Art & Design Department. “It can open up other opportunities, such as residencies and scholarships.” You also become part of a community of Scholastic winners, adds Ms. Diaz. This year, D-E’s national award winners were Sydney Adekanbi ’25 and Blake Glasser ’27.
Swartley Gallery Senior Spotlight 2025 Exhibit Reception Highlights
This afternoon, the Swartley Gallery hosted a reception of “The Senior Spotlight”—the final exhibit of the Swartley Gallery Series for this school year. It was a bittersweet swan song of sorts for the Class of 2025, who have taken AP Studio Art. For this series,...
Spring Carnival Highlights
High winds didn’t ruffle the spirit of community that beamed across Leggitt Field from late morning into the afternoon during Sunday’s Spring Carnival! This year’s event—an annual collaboration between D-E Student Activities and the Parents’ Association—included...
Sixth Grade Math Field Trip to MoMath
Sixth graders recently took a field trip to The National Museum of Mathematics, also known as MoMath, in New York to explore more than 30 interactive exhibits and attend an educator-led lesson on probability. “Students worked on solving hands-on manipulative puzzles,...
Reminder: Annual Orchestra Extravaganza Concert is Friday April 25!
Don’t miss tomorrow’s Annual Orchestra Extravaganza Concert! The D-E community is invited to this live concert, a beloved tradition presented by D-E Performing Arts Department, on April 25 at 7 PM in Schenck Auditorium. It will feature musical ensembles from all three...
MS/US Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) Assemblies
In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), Steven Markowicz, the grandson of two Holocaust survivors, was a guest speaker during Middle School and Upper School assemblies this morning. Mr. Markowicz represents 3GNY, a nonprofit founded by grandchildren of...
LS Students Prepare for Fifth Grade Opera
D-E Lower School (LS) students are working hard preparing for the Fifth Grade Opera, with a final performance tomorrow evening! Students collaborated to conceptualize the opera, write the script, and compose the music with the help of Lower School Music Teachers Ms....
Chamber Music Society Hosts Afternoon Concert in Hulst House
D-E’s Chamber Music Society (DCMS) hosted a small concert in Hulst House last Thursday afternoon. The showcase began with Miranda Cheng ’26, Brandan Zhu ’26, and Sianne Kim ’26 performing “Por Una Cabeza,” followed by Brahms’ Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op. 114, played...
Color Your Summer with D-E 360°
For Summer 2025, D-E 360° has designed a portfolio of programs to deliver on very specific interests expressed in our community. We’re building on our summer theme, Kaleidoscope, to provide a scope of programs through which learners across age levels may acquire new knowledge and develop skills. Check out our line-up of programs, ranging from music, theatre, and chess to sports, STEM, and computer programming!
