The genesis of “Beyond Empire” comes from a personal place. As a first-generation American of Trinidadian immigrants, who came to the US amidst Trinidad’s independence from the UK, Stephen Bailey finds that it is imperative to trace these stories. The central questions of the course ask, “What is it to move beyond empire? How do people understand themselves in a new context? How do you reacquire or reinvent yourself?” What underlies the curriculum is the belief that through investing in the literary worlds of other cultures, students can be world scholars and compassionate readers.
Stephen emphasizes reading a breadth of literary styles like poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc. to think critically about how language is used. With challenging material from authors and playwrights like Tayeb Salih and Lynn Nottage, Stephen asks for courage from both his students and himself; the courage to ask hard questions and to listen to different voices and opinions. “That is where true inquiry begins!”
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)...
Swartley Art Gallery Series Presents the Work of Tyson Etienne
The first Swartley Gallery Series of the year features work of former D-E student and pro basketball player Tyson Etienne. “A Journey Seldom Seen” marks Tyson’s first solo exhibition, showcasing nine years of paintings and photography that chronicle his development as...
D-E Honors a Legendary Coach During the Schmid Pavilion Dedication
Beautiful weather was in play for the official dedication of the C. Christian Schmid Pavilion at Solomon Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. The guest of honor, longtime former D-E Athletic Director and Coach Chris Schmid (aka “Schmiddy”), was joined by his family and...
Opening All-School Assembly Highlights
Leggett was a field full of smiling faces this morning for D-E’s Opening All-School Assembly, which included encouraging remarks from Head of School Dr. Calleroz White, a welcome address from Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26, and student reflections from Lila...
D-E’s Ethics Bowl Team Wins Gold During International Competition
Over the summer our D-E Ethics Bowl Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, made it to the TKEthics International Grand Final, held via Zoom on Aug. 29, 2025—and subsequently won the Gold Medal! According to Mr. Murphy, the process...
