End of Year Celebrations

Early June is typically a bittersweet time at D-E, as we say goodbye and recognize students as they celebrate milestone events! Leggett Field was THE place to be for all our major end of year events including Commencement for the Class of 2024 and the 5th and 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremonies. Our annual Faculty & Staff Appreciation Lunch then wrapped-up the year for all D-E employees.

Lower School Book Sale Gives Third Graders a Lesson in ‘Making a Difference’

Lower School Book Sale Gives Third Graders a Lesson in ‘Making a Difference’

Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), a service-based initiative founded by Third Grade Teacher Michelle Sussmann and co-led by Third Grade Teacher Rachel Brainin, culminated with a book sale this week, consisting of gently used children’s books donated by members of the D-E community. Proceeds from the book sale will benefit a charity selected by third graders. Students participated in sorting and preparing the donated books for sale. The Lower School was then invited to attend the fundraiser, where each book could be purchased for $5 or less. “It was fun planning for it,” exclaimed Zein A. ’34 of the event.
“This TGMD project truly puts all aspects of making a difference into the third graders’ hands,” said Ms. Sussmann. “They have learned so much about the power of giving… how important it is and how good it makes us feel!” When asked why it’s important to “make a difference,” Caleb C. ’34 remarked, “You’re helping people less fortunate than you.”
The project is tied to skills learned in students’ persuasive writing unit, for which they are asked to write a persuasive speech to convince their peers that a particular charity should receive the profits from the book sale. Alanna M. ’34 said she discovered through TGMD that anyone of any age can make a difference in the world, sharing: “Why wait until you’re older when you can do something now.” We’re so proud of our third graders for paying it forward!

By: Bart Klemensowski

Congrats to Cum Laude Society 2026 Honorees

Seniors from the Class of 2026 were recently honored for their academic achievements and community leadership in co-curricular endeavors, service, and other activities, at the D-E Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony in Hajjar Auditorium. D-E Head of School Dr....

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Calliope Wins Gold!

Kudos to Calliope 2025 for receiving national recognition by earning its 1st Gold Crown Award in 43 years! This is the highest award given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) to arts-literary magazines. “This has been the most incredible news,” said...

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Service-Learning Initiatives Inspire 7th Graders

Seventh Graders recently learned about service learning first-hand from organization founders and high school students who started their own community programs. Students gathered in the 7th Grade Porch to listen to a panel, moderated by Ms. Patel and Ms. Butterman,...

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Lower School Celebrates Community, Earth Day

Sporting their Spirit Day athletic team jerseys and T-shirts, Lower School students entered the gym for this week’s LS Assembly as the iconic song “We Are the World” played in the background. The song, as the fifth-grade presenters described, “is about being kind...

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2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Award Recipients

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers’ annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is an opportunity for creative teens in grades 7-12 to submit their artwork or written work for a chance to receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, and scholarships....

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Imperatore Library Hosts Spring 2026 Write Night

Happy National Poetry Month! In celebration, the English Department, in partnership with the Dwight-Englewood Writers (DEW) student organization, hosted Spring 2026 Write Night yesterday in The Imperatore Library, with a focus on poetry readings. Specifically,...

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