The spring season always welcomes a variety of culminating events for everyone in our community! Take a look back at just a few major events and programs that took place for our students.
D-E Finishes First in the State Ethics Bowl Championship
We’re thrilled to announce that D-E’s Ethics Bowl Team are State Champions! At the New Jersey High School Ethics Bowl, hosted by Middlesex College on Saturday, Jan. 25, students debated real-world ethical issues. Our D-E Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, will proceed to the Northeastern Division on Saturday, Feb. 15. Baptiste Louis ’25, a senior leader on the team, says, “The Ethics Bowl is a very special kind of competition…it emphasizes calm, nuanced, and good-faith discussions on issues. You are not working to tear another team down; rather, you are competing to show that you can add most effectively to an ethical debate.” Team leader Reya Shah ’27 adds that the most challenging part was “shifting our perspective on a scenario to move beyond our own viewpoint and find solutions that promote the morality of our greater global community.” Mr. Murphy concurs: “All of this is in the spirit of ‘cooperative competition.’” Congratulations to this remarkable team!
Chinese Family Affinity Group Hosts Lunar New Year Faculty/Staff Appreciation Lunch
Parent/guardian volunteers in our Chinese Family Affinity Group recently transformed Hajjar Auditorium into a lovely Lunar New Year celebration for our faculty and staff! This annual appreciation luncheon held up to tradition with amazing authentic tastes and happy...
D-E 360°’s Fencing Program Provides Opportunities for Advancement
En garde! Earlier this year D-E 360°’s Afterschool Programming Team (ACE) hosted a fencing demo in the Lower School, which was a big hit with our youngest Bulldogs. D-E partners with the Manhattan Fencing Center to offer classes in the LS gym. Registration for the 2024-2025 academic year began this month for students in grades 1-8; however, admission is rolling, so it isn’t too late to register. Student fencers practice on Tuesdays (Beginner, from 4 PM to 5 PM; and Advanced, from 5 PM to 6 PM). “[Fencing] is a gateway to personal growth, new experiences, and lifelong friendships,” says Ms. Julia Gelman, Executive Director for Manhattan Fencing. “Through this program, children can travel to competitions, challenge themselves in exciting new ways, and achieve their fitness, academic, and athletic goals.” Our current students’ enthusiasm for the activity is a testament to this mission. “This is awesome–I love this!” says Cedrick K. ’36, a first grader in the program.
2nd Semester Kick-Off Highlights
Thanks to the efforts of our D-E Parents’ Association volunteers, Middle/Upper School students celebrated the recent start of 2nd semester in a fun way. Snacks, balloon displays, signs, and a special gift for our Class of 2025 greeted students on the official 1st day...
Career Day Assembly Inspires Future Entrepreneurs
On Thursday, Jan. 16, Business Leaders at D-E (BLADE) hosted a Career Day Assembly for the Upper School in Schenck Auditorium, where a panel of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds shared their career journeys. The panel consisted of Gautam Kumar, founder of Milu Health; Erica Schroeder, voice actress; Illana Raia, founder of Être; Heather Benveniste, an independent legal consultant; Shweta Parikh, plastic surgeon; and Bari Schorr, VP of business and category development at Orva. “Hearing about the various paths these accomplished individuals have taken to reach their current positions is important for students who might find themselves on similar paths in the future,” says BLADE club member Isabella Mayer ’26. “This diversity in experiences gave [us] a broad range of perspectives, showing that success doesn’t follow just one formula.” Thank you to our inspiring guests! Photo Credit: Grace Tomin ‘26.
Highlights from MS/US Orchestra and Choral & Handbell Concerts
BRAVO to our Middle/Upper School Orchestra and Choral & Handbell ensembles for a wonderful set of live concerts! Last week audiences were treated to fantastic performances showcasing the hard work of these ensembles. For the first concert, our orchestral students...
