Rachel Brainin, Librarian, 3rd Grade Teacher, D-Escribe

Jan 27, 2022 | Spotlight on English

Our youngest ones have so much wisdom to offer us. Former librarian and now 3rd grade teacher, Rachel Brainin carries on the legacy of Sheila Sienicki and maintains the publication’s spirit. Rather than having students strive to be published, D-Escribe is an open opportunity to explore writing prompts and styles. Teachers mainly submit work from the Units of Study, while also offering students creative prompts to play with style and content.

“Writing is sometimes very prescribed, so the open-ended prompts provide us with more exciting stories. I had a kid who didn’t like to write but then couldn’t stop writing about dinosaurs. In any free moment he had, he would say, ‘can I work on my dinosaurs?’”

Rather than having students strive to be published, D-Escribe is an open opportunity to explore writing as an artistic medium. Rachel hopes to continue to build upon D-Escribe’s wonderful history and to continue to inspire young students.

PA Hosts LS/MS Book Fair & PJ Party

PA Hosts LS/MS Book Fair & PJ Party

Paws for reading! Our Lower & Middle School Book Fair, hosted by our incredibly D-Edicated Parents’ Association, kicked off in grand fashion. On Saturday, Lower School (LS) students wore their comfy clothes for a PJ Party in Hajjar Auditorium, where Head of School...

Swartley Gallery Presents the “AP Art Gallery Wall”

Swartley Gallery Presents the “AP Art Gallery Wall”

The Swartley Gallery Series’ latest exhibit is the traditional “AP Art Gallery Wall,” featuring the work of AP Studio Art students, on view now through Thursday, Feb. 5. A variety of mediums are represented from Emma Baumgarten ’26, Lily Berger ’26, Celia Binn ’26,...

INSPIRE Multicultural Showcase Assembly Highlights

INSPIRE Multicultural Showcase Assembly Highlights

This morning in Schenck Auditorium, the Upper School (US) INSPIRE club, which provides a collaborative space for D-E’s diverse community, hosted its annual Multicultural Showcase Assembly. INSPIRE was founded in 2010 by Ms. Rivera Murphy ’11, Dean of Student Life,...

Don’t Miss the MS Show Choir Concert!

Don’t Miss the MS Show Choir Concert!

Rehearsals are in full swing for the Middle School Show Choir as they prepare for their annual winter concert a week from today! The vocal ensemble has catchy tunes, rhythmic beats, and dazzling dance moves in store for its big performance on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7:00...

Ms. Diaz Returns to NYC Gallery Circuit for Exhibit Spotlighting Women Artists
D-E Summer 2026 Programs
Math & Computer Science Spotlight: Valuing Process, Problem Solving
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Q&A With US Dean Emily Sclafani
Professional Development 2026 Highlights
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D-E Today - News and Editorial Content

New Jersey National History Day Contest Highlights

Way to go! Eleven of our 8th Graders participated in the New Jersey History Day Contest, which took place at William Paterson University. This series challenges students to become experts on a topic of their choice, individually or in a group. Students take...

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MODE Hosts Library Jam Session

Student leaders of Musicians of D-E (MODE) hosted an after-school jam session in The Imperatore Library this week, just as Seniors reached their last official day of classes. Mackenzie Hammer ’28 kicked off the live performances, playing the ukulele as she sang...

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All-School Choral & Drumming Concert is Tuesday, May 19!

Get ready for the All-School Choral & Drumming Concert! Our Lower, Middle and Upper School choral ensembles will D-Elight audiences when they perform next Tuesday, May 19, at 7 PM in Schenck Auditorium. With enthusiasm and guidance from our Performing Arts...

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Phone Free Fridays Encourage Real-Life Connections

D-E’s Digital Wellness Team, led by Madigan Kacmar ’26, Anna Ibargüen ’26, and Ezra Newman ’26, recently brought back “Phone Free Fridays,” an initiative that began last year to encourage students to disconnect from their phones during the school day. Students who...

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Registration Opens for D-E Summer 2026 Programs

Summer is nearly here! D-E Summer 2026 programs kickstart the summer season for our youngest learners before camp begins; teach core life skills (driving); and offer exciting opportunities in athletics (basketball and volleyball), computer programming, and...

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Celebrating Jewish Heritage Month

D-E recently hosted assemblies honoring Jewish Heritage Month across divisions. In the Lower School (LS), fifth-grade presenters revealed facts about the Jewish population around the world, and then students who identify as Jewish took turns sharing their own...

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Last Chance to Get Your Tickets to ‘Beetlejuice JR.’!

It’s almost Showtime! Don’t miss the D-E Middle School (MS) Spring Musical, “Beetlejuice JR.,” opening tomorrow night in Schenck Auditorium! “While ‘Beetlejuice’ is undoubtedly ‘a show about death,’ it is mostly a show that celebrates life,” said Director and MS...

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