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!”
STAR Club Rocket Launch Highlights
D-E’s Upper School Science, Technology, Astronomy, and Rocketry (STAR) Club recently launched three model rockets on Graham Field! These rockets were constructed by club members working in small groups. The rockets were built over several club periods since last fall,...
D-E Competes in “Hawk Hack” & Scores!
CHEERS to D-E’s new “Hawk Hackers”! A small but mighty group of Upper School students participated in Monmouth University's recent “Hawk Hack" for the first time in D-E history! A total of two D-E teams participated along with approximately 25 other high school teams...
Galentine’s Day (Girl to Girl) Big Phat Play Date
Happy Galentine’s Day! Our Girl to Girl Upper School class hosted a heartwarming event yesterday, featuring crafts, cookie decorating, and camaraderie. The gathering offered the chance to celebrate the meaningful discussions they’ve had so far this year about what...
Sneak Peek: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”- US Winter Musical
Catch this sneak peek! Cast members are working hard but having fun, rehearsing for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” - the Upper School Winter Musical! Showtimes are Friday, March 1 (7 PM) and Saturday, March 2 (2 PM & 7 PM). This is a can’t-miss,...
K & 1st Valentine’s Day Concert
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Lower School! As per tradition, we had our Kindergarten & 1st Grade Valentine’s Day Concerts today! Dressed in pink and red, Kindergarteners and 1st Graders sang lovel-y songs like “Mail Myself to You,” “Funga Alafia” (a Nigerian...
Black Affinity Fashion Show US Assembly
In honor of Black History Month, Black Affinity hosted a fashion show for today’s Upper School Assembly program! Black Affinity members showcased fashion rooted in Black culture like 90s fashion, Caribbean and African attire. We also had two spoken word presentations...
Bulldogs Ice Hockey vs. Poly Prep Game Highlights
Way to go D-E Bulldogs Ice Hockey! The Bulldogs recently took to the ice at Coney Island’s Abe Stark Rink, for a tough but memorable game against Brooklyn’s Poly Prep Blue Devils. Despite Poly Prep gaining a 5-0 lead in the first period, the Bulldogs eventually...
Stage Crew Prep for US Winter Musical: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
D-E’s Stage Crew members are hard at work, preparing for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” - the Upper School Winter Musical! From designing lighting to painting portals, the crew is readying Schenck Auditorium’s stage for another great live performance...
LS LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Our final celebration of Lunar New Year ends with the Lower School! Thanks to our Korean and Chinese Parent Affinity Groups, Lower School students arrived at the Lower School gym to find traditional games, activities, and crafts ready for them! Students had the chance...
LUNAR NEW YEAR
In celebration of Lunar New Year, the Chinese Parent Affinity Group hosted a dumpling-making (and eating!) event for the Upper School last week. Students learned how to fill and crimp vegetable and chicken dumplings as our Cater to You staff boiled them and brought...
