In this issue, Michelle Carstens-Potts, Chair of the Health and Wellness Department; Dr. Danny Carragher, Chair of the Human Development Department; and Lisa Wittner, Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), discuss their roles and the programs they implement.
In our next issue, Part II of this series will feature conversations with members of our Student Support Leadership Team, including Dr. Deirdre O’Malley, Director of Counseling Services, and Marc Gladstone, Lead Learning Specialist. Interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
MAGIC 2026 Highlights
MAGIC, a D-E tradition in the Upper School (US) that has been going strong for 30 years, was filled with revelry, intense competition, and unexpected winners—congrats to the Sophomores, sporting purple T-shirts, for rising to the challenge this year! As many in our...
Seniors Wrap Up Last Days @ D-E; Countdown to Commencement 2026 on Sunday, May 31!
The countdown to Commencement (Sunday, May 31) is on for our Class of 2026 Seniors! And with that, came a series of special D-E traditions that helped close out the school year for our soon-to-be graduates. Among them were Senior Selective offerings—classes and trips...
World Languages Spotlight: Making Cultural Connections Through Language Learning
“At the center of language study is a deeper understanding of other cultures, and part of that is really embracing the humanity of another culture and really trying to put yourself in their shoes,” explained Mr. Mike Hegedus, D-E Department Chair of World Languages....
Learning About the Birds and Bees That Live on Campus
Faculty from all three divisions at D-E recently took advantage of the animal life that lives on campus for hands-on (and fun!) learning. Beekeepers from our Apiary visited The Imperatore Library on World Bee Day, May 20, to show our PreK 4 class the live bees in our...
Alumni Networking Panel & Senior Lunch Highlights
The D-E Development and Alumni Relations Team recently hosted an Alumni Networking Panel and Senior Lunch, featuring professionals in various fields who shared their career journeys and imparted advice on college life and beyond. Alumni panelists included Mark Stetson...
8th Grade Service Trips Highlights
For the second time this year, 8th graders participated in service-learning field trips and opportunities to connect with our local community and take steps toward our school’s mission to “make it better.” Students volunteered for the Bergen Family Center, Meals on...
US Farewell & Awards Assembly Celebrates Departing Faculty, Student Leaders
During our Annual Upper School (US) Farewell & Awards Assembly, school publications were commemorated, student awards were announced, and we bid adieu to several important members of the US community. In her opening remarks, US Principal Ms. Lalli noted, “The...
8th Grade ‘Living Wax Museum’ Illuminates Banned Books
This week 8th Graders stepped into history as part of their “Living Wax Museum” presentations to D-E families, faculty, and staff. The cross-disciplinary project, facilitated by Ms. Burnett and Mr. Akula, consisted of dynamic, student-led performances that brought...
Swartley Gallery Senior Spotlight Exhibit Highlights
In what has become a D-E tradition, the Swartley Gallery Series is closing the school year with its Senior Spotlight exhibit, running through Monday, May 25, and celebrated with an artist reception this week. This showcase is “a chance for all Seniors’ work to be...
LS Pajama Day Highlights
The Lower School recently celebrated its final Spirit Day of the school year—an ever-popular Pajama Day! Students across the division sported their comfy clothes, wearable blankets, matching PJ sets, and bright smiles while completing assignments, reading, crafting,...