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.

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....

Human Development and Student Support Services Spotlight: Building Resilience and Community

Human Development and Student Support Services Spotlight: Building Resilience and Community

D-E’s Human Development Department and Student Support Services Department both provide our students with a safe space for self-discovery, mental health awareness, and learnings that go beyond academics. In addition to leading the Human Development Department, Chair Dr. Daniel Carragher (aka “Dr. C”) P’26, in his 15th year at D-E, teaches AP Psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist who practices outside of the School. Meanwhile, Student Support Services includes psychologists assigned to each division, school nurses, and learning specialists. Click the link in our bio to learn more about Human Development and Student Support Services!

3D-E Hosts Engineering Challenge

3D-E Hosts Engineering Challenge

The 3D Printing and Engineering Club (3D-E) recently hosted an engineering event in The Imperatore Library in honor of National Engineers Week, celebrated nationally this week. Innovation Coordinator Ms. Larionoff explained that the cross-divisional event is based on...

Bulldog Bash 2026
Q&A With US Dean Emily Sclafani
Professional Development 2026 Highlights
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
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D-E Today - News and Editorial Content

Imperatore Library Hosts Spring 2026 Write Night

Happy National Poetry Month! In celebration, the English Department, in partnership with the Dwight-Englewood Writers (DEW) student organization, hosted Spring 2026 Write Night yesterday in The Imperatore Library, with a focus on poetry readings. Specifically,...

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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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