Lower School Assembly Celebrates Core Value of Commitment, Neurodiversity, and Differences in Abilities  

Dec 12, 2025 | Recent News

This week’s Lower School (LS) Assembly “centered on commitment and the strength of neurodiverse and differently-abled communities—a meaningful moment for all of us,” said LS Assistant Principal Madeleine Lopez. In celebrating D-E’s core value of Commitment, students were introduced to the idea of setting a goal and working toward it, even when it’s hard. Fifth grade “helpers” pointed to the dedication it takes to put out the Bulldog Broadcast videos and for the LS Chorus members to prepare for all-school assemblies and concert performances. The speakers then segued into the “Community Connections” segment, during which they discussed neurodiversity and noted famous authors (Dav Pilkey, Rick Riordan), artists (Billie Eilish, Daniel Radcliffe), and athletes (Simone Biles) who are neurodivergent. Several students also courageously stood up to share their experiences with neurodivergence and people with different abilities. We applaud our LS friends for being such respectful and thoughtful members of our community of learners!

US Farewell & Awards Assembly Highlights
Upper School Athletics Highlights Reel 2025-2026
Ms. Diaz Returns to NYC Gallery Circuit for Exhibit Spotlighting Women Artists
D-E Summer 2026 Programs
Math & Computer Science Spotlight: Valuing Process, Problem Solving
‘CARRIE’ and ‘A Monster Calls’ Receive Foxy Award Nominations
Scholastic Art & Writing Award Recipients
Q&A With US Dean Emily Sclafani
Professional Development 2026 Highlights
8th Grade Peru Trip 2026 Highlights
Philosophy & Ethics Spotlight: Tapping Into Our Shared Humanity
A Conversation with Petra van’t Slot on Empowering Students With Data
Spring Is in the Air With D-E 360° ACE Programming!
7th Grade ‘Anatomy of a Human’ Exhibit Highlights
D-E 360° After Care and Enrichment
Athletics Schedule
Admissions
D-E.org
D-E Today - News and Editorial Content

Learning About the Birds and Bees That Live on Campus

Faculty from all three divisions at D-E recently took advantage of the animal life that lives on campus for hands-on (and fun!) learning. Beekeepers from our Apiary visited The Imperatore Library on World Bee Day, May 20, to show our PreK 4 class the live bees in...

Read More

Alumni Networking Panel & Senior Lunch Highlights

The D-E Development and Alumni Relations Team recently hosted an Alumni Networking Panel and Senior Lunch, featuring professionals in various fields who shared their career journeys and imparted advice on college life and beyond. Alumni panelists included Mark...

Read More

8th Grade Service Trips Highlights

For the second time this year, 8th graders participated in service-learning field trips and opportunities to connect with our local community and take steps toward our school’s mission to “make it better.” Students volunteered for the Bergen Family Center, Meals on...

Read More

8th Grade ‘Living Wax Museum’ Illuminates Banned Books

This week 8th Graders stepped into history as part of their “Living Wax Museum” presentations to D-E families, faculty, and staff. The cross-disciplinary project, facilitated by Ms. Burnett and Mr. Akula, consisted of dynamic, student-led performances that brought...

Read More

Swartley Gallery Senior Spotlight Exhibit Highlights

In what has become a D-E tradition, the Swartley Gallery Series is closing the school year with its Senior Spotlight exhibit, running through Monday, May 25, and celebrated with an artist reception this week. This showcase is “a chance for all Seniors’ work to be...

Read More

LS Pajama Day Highlights

The Lower School recently celebrated its final Spirit Day of the school year—an ever-popular Pajama Day! Students across the division sported their comfy clothes, wearable blankets, matching PJ sets, and bright smiles while completing assignments, reading,...

Read More

Dance at D-E Makes Some Moves!

D-E Performing Arts formally introduced the expansion of its dance programming via the first-ever Dance Assembly in Schenck Auditorium last week. Spearheaded by Class of 2027 Dean Stephanie “Tuc” Tucker, Dance at D-E consists of the Dance Club, led by Madigan...

Read More

New Jersey National History Day Contest Highlights

Way to go! Eleven of our 8th Graders participated in the New Jersey History Day Contest, which took place at William Paterson University. This series challenges students to become experts on a topic of their choice, individually or in a group. Students take...

Read More

MODE Hosts Library Jam Session

Student leaders of Musicians of D-E (MODE) hosted an after-school jam session in The Imperatore Library this week, just as Seniors reached their last official day of classes. Mackenzie Hammer ’28 kicked off the live performances, playing the ukulele as she sang...

Read More

Loading...