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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.

Community Is the Focus of the Middle School’s Diversity Day

Community Is the Focus of the Middle School’s Diversity Day

For the recent annual Middle School (MS) Diversity Day, now in its 6th year, MS students at D-E spent the day attending special activities and a variety of community-building workshops on topics of interest to D-E faculty/staff and affinity groups. MS Principal Jonathan Davis said it’s an event that is “grounded in our mission of meeting the challenges of a changing world and making it better.” The day began in Schenck Auditorium with guest speaker Eboné Bell, a prominent media figure who advocates for LGBTQ women, who spoke on creating intentional change. Students then dispersed to attend two of 16 available workshops, which included sessions on European folk songs, spoken word poetry, piñata making, hamantaschen baking, and the origin of beans. There was also a yoga class, a global dance party, an Advisory scavenger hunt, and a jubilant Holi celebration on Graham Field to wrap up the day. “Middle School is all about finding your place in the world and creating your own identity,” expressed Mr. Davis. “This is an opportunity for our students to know who they are and to give others the space to be who they are.”

LS Music Concert Showcases Grades 2-4

LS Music Concert Showcases Grades 2-4

D-E’s Schenck Auditorium was packed with an appreciative audience for the recent Lower School (LS) Music Concert! Led by the fantastic Ms. Fiona Crawford, LS Music Teacher, and with Ms. Lisa Dove (LS Early Childhood Music Teacher) providing lovely piano accompaniment,...

Save the Date: TedXD-E Event, Thursday, April 3, 6 PM

Save the Date: TedXD-E Event, Thursday, April 3, 6 PM

TEDx is coming to D-E! On Thursday, April 3 at 6 PM, Hajjar Auditorium will host a series of student-led presentations on topics D-E upperclassmen are passionate about, including climate action, music, mathematics, politics, and more. “There’s nothing more important...

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