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!”
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, several...
Professional Development Focused on Human-Centered Teaching in a Changing World
In December 2025, Associate Head of School Preeti Fibiger P’24 introduced a series of on-campus professional development (PD) opportunities for D-E faculty and staff, presented by D-E faculty and staff, starting in January and running through the spring. Sessions...
Global Travel to Peru Sparks Curiosity, Sense of Exploration for Eighth Graders
In what has become a tradition for more than 15 years, Middle School (MS) Math and Computer Science Teacher Jonathan Egan led the D-E 360° Eighth Grade Spring Break Trip to Peru. This year, 24 eighth graders, accompanied by Mr. Egan, MS Principal Jonathan Davis, and...
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...
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.” Watch a...
A Conversation with Petra van’t Slot on Empowering Students With Data
Ms. Petra van’t Slot, Upper School Science Teacher, submitted an article for publication in The Science Teacher journal, based on learnings from an environmental justice unit she currently runs for her 11th and 12th Grade students. In an exciting development, the...
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 grow...
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...
7th Graders Make a Lasting Impression With the ‘Anatomy of a Human Exhibit’
The art of anatomy was recently showcased during the “Anatomy of a Human” 7th Grade Exhibit, which was open to D-E families and facilitated by 7th Grade English, History, Math, Science, and Studio Arts Faculty. The English component was based on characters in “The...
D-E Assemblies Recognize Arab, Persian, Muslim heritage, Ramadan, and Eid
Recent assemblies in D-E’s Lower School (LS) and Middle School (MS) celebrated Arab, Persian, and Muslim heritage, including recognition of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," which marks the end of Ramadan. LS students first enjoyed...
