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!”
Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair
Sixth graders unveiled the results of weeks of scientific research, experimentation, and data analysis for the Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair, which took place on May 28 in Hajjar Auditorium. “Through hands-on experiments, students have learned to ask meaningful...
Eighth Grade Living Wax Museum
This year’s Eighth Grade Living Wax Museum, facilitated by English Department Faculty Mr. Gautham Akula and Ms. Amanda Burnett, showcased historical figures selected by students. Each student dressed the part and gave a well-rehearsed presentation to families and...
Magic 2025
On May 22, D-E’s school spirit was on full display at the Myrna B. Sherman Gym, where MAGIC happened! Rain kept the annual intramural competition indoors, but it didn’t dampen the sense of community beaming from the rafters. Juniors (Class of 2026) took an early lead...
Senior Selectives & Senior Class Trip
D-E’s Class of 2025 had an active couple of weeks leading up to Commencement on June 1 as part of their Senior Selectives, elective activities organized by US faculty and staff. These included spring roll making, Indian cooking, swing dancing, dog training, and soccer...
Service Learning in Action
Service-learning is an integral aspect of meeting our D-E mission, and as aptly described by Debbie Rivera Murphy ’11, Dean of Student Life, “address[es] compelling societal needs and teach[es] our students why social issues matter for all of us, especially in an...
Winter 2024-2025 & Spring 2025 Team Records
Celebrating our D-Edicated Upper School Student-Athletes:
End of Year Sports Banquet Highlights D-E Athletics welcomed Upper School (US) student-athletes and their families to Myrna B. Sherman Gymnasium on May 22, 2025, for a memorable End of Year Sports Banquet. Spirits were high for the nearly 600 attendees which also...
Engaging in the Arts to“Make it Better”
The Art & Design Department regularly collaborates with Upper School clubs during the school year on service initiatives that benefit both the D-E community and local organizations. One example is the HOPE Fashion Show, an annual fundraiser organized by the HOPE:...
A Vision of Art: A Conversation With Marisol Diaz
D-E’s Art & Design Department is a program that encompasses all three divisions—the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. It’s an integral part of the school community that falls under the leadership of Art & Design Chair Marisol Diaz, who also runs...
D-E Students Present Inspiring TEDx Talks
In April, D-E hosted its first-ever TEDxDwight-Englewood School event in Hajjar Auditorium, which was a great success and is expected to be a new school tradition. Chief Innovation Officer Diana Gross gave opening remarks, along with student leaders and executive...
