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.

Second Graders Learn About Canine Companions Service Dogs

Second Graders Learn About Canine Companions Service Dogs

Puppy power! This week the Lower School’s second graders got a visit from Caryl Swain, the Vice President of the New Jersey Chapter of Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that trains and places service dogs. “Puppy raiser” Caryl brought her golden labrador,...

Don’t Miss CARRIE: The Musical!

Don’t Miss CARRIE: The Musical!

It’s your last chance to reserve tickets for CARRIE, D-E’s Upper School Musical! Performances will be held in Schenck Auditorium on Thursday, March 5 (4:00 PM), Friday, March 6 (7:00 PM), and Saturday, March 7 (2:00 PM and 7:00 PM). “No one in this story is born a...

Join Us for the LS Spring Concert!

Join Us for the LS Spring Concert!

Our Lower School (LS) Grades 2, 3, and 4 are practicing hard and eagerly anticipating their annual Spring Concert, scheduled for a week from today! The D-E community is invited to attend the LS Spring Concert on Tuesday, March 10, at 7:00 PM in Schenck Auditorium....

Bulldog Bash 2026
HOPE Fashion Show 2026 tickets
8th Grade Peru Trip 2026 Highlights
Philosophy & Ethics Spotlight: Tapping Into Our Shared Humanity
A Conversation with Petra van’t Slot on Empowering Students With Data
Spring Is in the Air With D-E 360° ACE Programming!
7th Grade ‘Anatomy of a Human’ Exhibit Highlights
D-E 360° After Care and Enrichment
Athletics Schedule
Admissions
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D-E Today - News and Editorial Content

LS Students Find Their Voice During Spring Sing-Along

Singing it loud and proud! The first Lower School (LS) Assembly following the break was a spirited Spring Sing-Along, featuring tunes LS teachers and students have enjoyed so far this year. To kick off the event, the Parents’ Association generously arranged for the...

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Philosophy & Ethics Department Spotlight

“Ethical thinking is something that all of us as human beings need desperately,” declared Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, who has spent the past 31 years at D-E. The department he leads is the focus of our next community “Spotlight.” ...

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Spring Is in the Air With D-E 360° ACE Programming!

D-E 360° Aftercare & Enrichment (ACE) programs are springing forward into a new season full of creativity, movement, discovery, and fun! From budding builders to future chefs, artists, athletes, coders, and chess masters—there’s something for every child to...

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D-E 360° Chess Team Is Making the Right Moves!

The D-E 360° Chess Team, which is open to students from every division, has had an exciting season competing with players of all skill levels at D-E and across New Jersey! During the most recent tournament, hosted in the D-E Stem Center, there were almost 70...

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6th Grade “Rome Day” Recap

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! This week Mr. Wallman’s 6th Grade History classes participated in their Rome Cultural Research Showcase in Hajjar Auditorium, attended by D-E families. The event, the culmination of intense Rome-related research, took the form of...

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