Knockout excellence! In an innovative cross-curricular partnership, Ms. Burnett, Grade 8 English Teacher, and Mr. Akula, Grade 8 English/History Teacher, whose students are reading “The Berlin Boxing Club” by Robert Sharenow, teamed up with the Health & Wellness department to add a physical education component to their unit. The novel is set in Pre-WWII Germany and is loosely inspired by the true story of boxer Max Schmeling, who gives boxing lessons to a man named Karl Stern, someone being harassed because he is Jewish. And then as Nazi violence escalates, Karl must become his family’s protector. “In this collaboration between eighth-grade English and Health & Wellness, we aim to bring the text to life by showing students how boxing can be examined through multiple lenses,” said Ms. Burnett, Grade 8 English Teacher. “By learning boxing fundamentals, students will develop a greater appreciation for the sport’s skill and coordination, creating a more authentic connection to Karl’s journey.” Health & WellnessTeacher Ms. Hovan said these Middle School students are currently in their fitness unit, so the boxing lesson—specifically, shadow boxing and punching bag work—was a natural fit. “It’s a unique opportunity for our eighth graders to do something they wouldn’t have explored otherwise,” said Ms. Hovan. How’s that for teamwork?
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....
