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. “
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....










