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’
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!
End-of-Year Garden Work Party Highlights
The Upper School Garden Club recently hosted their final Garden Work Party of the season, which included tending of the Nettie Coit Teaching Garden, a potluck, and live music from an ensemble led by Mr. Jack Armitage, Director of Program Scheduling and Mathematics...
Ninth Graders Are Immersed in Arts & Culture During History Field Trips
In May 2025, D-E’s Upper School (US) History Department faculty facilitated end-of-year field trips for ninth graders to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, and the New York Public Library (NYPL). “The goal of our trip to the Met was to compare similar...
Lifers Celebration Honors Graduating Lifelong Learners and Their Mentors
The annual Lifers Celebration, held on April 30, 2025, in Hajjar Auditorium, is a special dinner and ceremony honoring graduating seniors who have been students in all three divisions at D-E. This year’s cohort includes 30 lifelong learners. Upper School (US)...