Stephen Bailey, “Beyond Empire”

Jan 27, 2022 | Spotlight on English

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!”

Bulldog Bash 2025: The Sky Was the Limit!

Bulldog Bash 2025: The Sky Was the Limit!

Our 2025 Bulldog Bash was a tremendous success, raising $640,000 in support of financial aid - just shy of our ambitious $700,000 goal. Given the leadership transitions and broader challenges, this achievement is a true testament to the resilience and generosity of...

Spring Carnival Celebrates Community

Spring Carnival Celebrates Community

High winds didn’t ruffle the spirit of community that beamed across Leggett Field from late morning into the afternoon during the annual Spring Carnival! This year’s event—an annual collaboration between D-E Student Activities and the Parents’ Association— included...

Faculty & Staff Lunch

Faculty & Staff Lunch

D-E celebrated its teachers and staff during the annual Faculty & Staff Lunch on June 12. Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P ’24 thanked all of those who have put in 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service. She also presented The Blackwell Award to...

Eighth Grade Moving Up Ceremony

Eighth Grade Moving Up Ceremony

On June 6, D-E eighth graders, dressed in summer white, gathered on Leggett Field for the Eighth Grade Moving Up Ceremony. MS Principal Jonathan Davis P’24 opened with remarks in his signature jocular style. He gave a special shout-out to Coach and Eighth Grade...

Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony

Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony

Fifth graders completed their era as members of the LS on June 6, during their Moving Up Ceremony on Leggett Field. Interim CoPrincipal Susan Abramson welcomed everyone and reflected on why this ceremony was not a promotion (as that infers moving on to a higher...

Commencement 2025

Commencement 2025

The mood was joyous and bittersweet on June 1 as D-E’s graduating seniors, their families, faculty, and staff gathered on Leggett Field for the Commencement ceremony. This momentous event was called to order by Student Government President-Elect Max Koppelman ’26, and...

Kindergarten Zoo

Kindergarten Zoo

A beloved annual tradition returned to the LS on May 30 when the Kindergarten Zoo was set up by LS teachers Ms. Tricia Fiore P’16,’19, Ms. Kristina Dellefave, Ms. Teresa Cali, and Ms. Meghna Mathur on Mr. Rocky’s Field. Enthusiastic kindergarteners, donning safari...

Ms. Diaz Returns to NYC Gallery Circuit for Exhibit Spotlighting Women Artists
D-E Summer 2026 Programs
Math & Computer Science Spotlight: Valuing Process, Problem Solving
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Q&A With US Dean Emily Sclafani
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8th Grade Peru Trip 2026 Highlights
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D-E Today - News and Editorial Content

All-School Choral & Drumming Concert is Tuesday, May 19!

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Phone Free Fridays Encourage Real-Life Connections

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Registration Opens for D-E Summer 2026 Programs

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Last Chance to Get Your Tickets to ‘Beetlejuice JR.’!

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Lifers Celebration 2026 Highlights

The Lifers Dinner is a special celebration honoring graduating seniors who have been students in all three divisions at D-E. This year’s event recognized almost 40 members of our Class of 2026. Head of School Dr. Calleroz White gave opening remarks, Upper School...

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US Robotics Team Recognized for Mentorship, Outreach

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