Our Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB), often in partnership with our Parent & Caregiver Affinity Groups (PCAGs), brought so many distinctive, valued communities of D-E into the spotlight this spring. From hosting insightful speakers to remembering important historical events and recognizing holidays, here’s to the efforts of so many to follow-through on our D-E mission statement in tangible, meaningful ways!
The Spirit of Dr. King Inspires Community and Acts of Service at D-E
All divisions at D-E came together the week of Jan. 20 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As an act of service, students enrolled in D-E 360°’s ACE program wrote letters of gratitude to U.S. service men and women, veterans, and first responders as part of Operation Gratitude. In addition, the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, respectively, held assemblies dedicated to honoring MLK. LS students shared what they learned from the book Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds and what they did to make the world a bit better. Meanwhile, US students enjoyed two performances by renowned jazz violinist Kersten Stevens and heard from local artist Philip Smallwood, whose painting “A Life of Service” was on display. The work celebrates the life and contributions of Bergen County resident Dr. Theodora Lacey, a friend of Dr. King and a Civil Rights activist in her own right. Mr. Smallwood gave parting words to students that “Everybody possesses greatness… I believe in you.”
Sixth-Graders Learn How Food Shapes Their Identity
How are we what we eat? This is the guiding question our sixth graders were asked to consider this morning as a new unit was kicked off in their MESH subjects (that is, Math, English, Science, and History). This first lesson centered around “how food shapes their identity,” said English teacher Ms. Macone. Students gathered in the Wharton Lessin Dining Hall, where Chef Alex and his team prepared breakfast foods representing the Dominican Republic (“Tres Golpes,” a trio of fried eggs, cheese, and salami), Colombia (beef empanadas), and Japan (miso salmon with steamed rice). “I got to try different things I’ve never tried before,” said Kayla S. ’31, who discovered she liked fried eggs. Students then moved on to Hajjar Auditorium to share food traditions within their own families. The unit will culminate on Tuesday, Jan. 28, with a cultural food festival, for which parents are invited to attend and bring in food that represents their family. Cheers!
South Asian Parents Host Diwali Faculty-Staff Appreciation Lunch
Our South Asian Parents & Guardians Affinity Group hosted an amazing Appreciation Lunch for our faculty and staff earlier today, in recognition of Diwali. This lovely and D-Elicious annual event honors the annual “festival of lights” and epitomizes the beauty and...
LPAG Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
It’s a fiesta! Latin beats recently filled the lobby of the STEM Center, as D-E’s Latino Parent Affinity Group (LPAG) hosted a lively Hispanic Heritage Month celebration for D-E families, faculty and staff. Event-goers danced, decorated cupcakes, and dined on...
Inaugural All-divisional Cultural Showcase Is A D-Elight!
Taking the words of our mission to heart ( to “embrace diversity”), D-E proudly presented our first annual All-Divisional Cultural Showcase earlier this spring! This truly D-Elightful event brought together a cross-section of everyone in our community, to enjoy dozens...
