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!”
Class of 2025 Wraps-up Year with Senior Selectives & More!
The end (of a chapter) is near for our graduating seniors! D-E’s Class of 2025 has had an active couple of weeks leading up to Commencement this Sunday, as part of their Senior Selectives trips and activities. “Selectives—senior + electives = selectives—are a time...
8th Grade Discovery Field Trip to PIX11
Hot off the presses! Students in 8th Grade Dean Ali Miller’s ‘In the News’ Discovery class recently got a sneak peek at a morning news broadcast during a field trip to WPIX (Channel 11), a TV station in New York City, followed by a tour of the United Nations. Ms....
Engineering Pioneer Speaks to Women in STEM; Sylvie Yao ‘27 Honored
Women in STEM Education (WISE) recently hosted Chitra Venkatraman, Co-Chair of Women in Engineering for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE), who was on campus to present Sylvie Yao ’27 with the IEEE’s North Jersey Young Engineer Award....
Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair Highlights
Sixth graders unveiled the results of weeks of scientific research, experimentation, and data analysis for the Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair, which took place this morning in Hajjar Auditorium. “Through hands-on experiments, students have learned to ask...
“How to Get Away With a Murder Mystery”: Spring Theatre 2025 One Act Play Highlights
Senior Hannah Carroll ’25 recently presented her comedic one-act play, “How to Get Away with a Murder Mystery,” to a packed Hulst House. The student director described the show as “a parody on the beloved murder mystery genre with references to Clue, Knives Out,...
8th Grade “Living Wax Museum” Brings History to Life
The 8th grade Living Wax Museum, facilitated by Grade 8 English Department Faculty Mr. Gautham Akula and Ms. Amanda Burnett, showcased historical figures selected by our students. Each student dressed the part and gave a well-rehearsed presentation to parents,...
MAGIC 2025 Highlights
D-E’s school spirit was on full display recently 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. “Spirited, cheerful D-E is my favorite...
Art in Action Aims to Inspire and Have an Impact
In an example of cross-divisional collaboration that beautifully illustrates imagination, the Art in Action student organization, advised by Rachel Brusky of the US/MS Art & Design Department, repurposed a tree they created as part of the set design of the HOPE...
Cabaret Night & All-School Chorus/Drumming Concerts an Inspiring Performance Double-Header!
This week, D-E Performing Arts hosted an inspiring double-header of live musical performances! During the Cabaret Night Concert on Monday, May 19, our Jazz Workshop and Stage Band ensembles, directed by Music Director Rob DeBellis P’18,’15 and accompanied by guest...
All-School Chorus & Drumming Concert Tomorrow, May 20
Our chorus students from all divisions have been working hard preparing for the All-School Chorus & Drumming Concert, on Tuesday, May 20, and starting at 7:00 PM in Schenck Auditorium. Middle / Upper School Music Teacher Ken Kacmar P ’26, ’28 said this is the...
