D-E’s English Department strives to give students seasonal opportunities not only to write with intention, delving into topics that are representative of who they are, but also to share these words with the broader community. For instance, yesterday The Imperatore Library hosted Write Night, an open-mic forum featuring presentations of spoken-word poetry by students and faculty/staff that has been a tradition at the School for the past 14 years. “Thanks to Mr. Daly for putting this all in motion years ago,” acknowledged Mr. Meserole, English Department Chair. The poems were a combination of work students have done in their Creative Writing classes, slam-poetry-style readings, and poems that are being published in literary journals (congrats, Mr. Petkus!).

In the Middle School, Ms. Patel, Grade 7 English and History Teacher, organizes Poetry Connections twice a year for grades 6-8. For the fall session, each student was directed by their English teachers to write a poem to highlight aspects of their identity that would be shared in a room with students from all grades. “Our D-E community is special because of the various identities that are present,” remarked Ms. Patel. “Celebrating our differences and similarities is what makes us a true community. It is the differences that allow us to reflect, learn from, and grow with each other.” Thanks to everyone who beautifully modeled the core values of Courage and Respect when sharing and listening to others present their work! And be on the lookout for an upcoming spotlight on our inspiring English Department.