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.
Middle School Day of Peace Assembly Promotes Positivity
There was an aura of tranquility in Schenck Auditorium as Middle School students gathered recently for a Day of Peace Assembly. Students and faculty/staff members were invited to contribute a spoken-word piece or a vocal/instrumental performance about peace, kindness,...
Spotlight on Our D-E Community: A Message from Dr. CW
The start of the new school year always brings energy and excitement to D-E! To show how and why our School is such a vibrant community of learners, we will share in the coming months a monthly series that sheds light on our mission, our core values, and academic...
Upper School Class Trips Foster Community Among Grade Levels
Every fall, students in the Upper School participate in grade-specific class trips that have become a rewarding D-E tradition that combines…
Mandarin Students Take On Tea Whisking
As part of a unit on China’s Song Dynasty, from 960 to 1279, Ms. Zhao’s Mandarin 3 students recently received a hands-on lesson in the art of “diancha,” or tea whisking. Ms. Zhao demonstrated how to use a bamboo whisk to mix finely ground tea powder with hot water to...
MS Celebrates International Dot Day
holiday—inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book, “The Dot—that encourages people of all ages to “make their mark” and discover the power of their own potential and creativity.” After listening to the story, sixth graders were introduced to D-E’s Human Ed qualities of...
Sylvie Yao Continues Competing in Bergen County Girls Tennis Singles Tournament
Congratulations to D-E Junior Sylvie Yao ’27, who earned the third (#3) seed in the inaugural Bergen County Girls Tennis Singles Tournament! Her match against top-seeded Britney Lee of Ridgefield Park was halted last week due to lack of visibility but will resume at...
Calling All Alumni! Celebrate Reunion Weekend 2025
Reunion Weekend 2025 is almost here! This year, we’ll be honoring milestone classes with years ending in 0 or 5, but all alumni are invited to join in the celebration. Whether it’s been 5 or 50 years since you last returned to campus, we hope you’ll come back to...
The Lower School Embraces Community During Its First Assembly
The first Lower School (LS) Assembly of the year kicked off this week with a slightly different format and a theme of the month. “Each assembly is connected to a core value,” explained LS Principal Mr. Choi. “For this first assembly, we’re highlighting the value of...
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)...
