Dear D-E Community,

It has been a difficult time in our community since the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7th. Our focus as a school has been on continuing to provide a safe school environment conducive to learning.  That said, we have been attentive to the impact of the attacks, the ensuing military response, and the local and national events subjecting community members to hateful rhetoric.  Campus leaders are working with staff and outside organizations on an ongoing basis to respond appropriately in support of our students, families, and staff. Please see the Head of School website page (QR code below) for more in-depth information from the Head of School’s office, or reach out to the school for more information.

In light of all the difficulties we are facing, it would be all too easy to give in to despair and to allow the horrors of the world to overshadow the good and positive things happening at Dwight-Englewood School.  So, with the challenge of helping to support our students still foremost in our minds, I hope that this issue of D-E Today might provide you with a moment of respite and time to reflect on the positive growth we are seeing as a community.  Indeed, one of the great things about schools is that they are constantly in flux, with children growing up and graduating, teachers developing new curricular approaches, new teachers arriving when veteran teachers depart.  This forward progress is even more evident at a school like ours, where we constantly challenge ourselves and each other to help students “meet the challenges of a changing world”–especially when the world feels as challenging as it does today.

This edition of D-E Today illustrates this notion on ongoing change and progress beautifully.  Herein, you’ll find an interview with Art and Design Department Chair Marisol Diaz in which she describes some of the learning innovations taking place in Swartley Studios; a piece detailing the evolution of D-E’s DEIB program and an introduction to our new DEIB Director Dr. Marcus Ingram; some articles surrounding on-campus life, the fall sports season, and some new traditions; and a recap of this year’s alumni reunion. 

I hope you enjoy the magazine, and that you are as excited as I am about the incredibly bright future of Dwight-Englewood School and its students.  Thank you for taking this moment of respite with us.

Sincerely yours,

Jeremy Gregersen