Singing it loud and proud! The first Lower School (LS) Assembly following the break was a spirited Spring Sing-Along, featuring tunes LS teachers and students have enjoyed so far this year. To kick off the event, the Parents’ Association generously arranged for the Donut Truck to provide tasty treats to all LS students, from morning through the afternoon. At the assembly, facilitated by LS Assistant Principal Ms. Madeleine Lopez and Ms. Marthe Salomon-Samedy, students first learned about the mental-health benefits of singing, and then enthusiastically sang along—and even danced—to “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters”; “Three Little Birds,” by Bob Marley and the Wailers; “I’d Do Anything” from “Oliver!”; “Sweet Caroline,” by Neil Diamond; “Count on Me,” by Bruno Mars; and more. An especially touching moment was when PreK 4 student Neev V. ’39 stood up to recite “The Gift to Sing,” a poem by James Weldon Johnson. The assembly ended on a high note with an announcement by Ms. Lopez about upcoming Spirit Days, voted on by Fifth Graders, on Wednesday, April 15 (Sports Day), and Friday, May 15 (Pajama Day). 

The D-E 360° Chess Team, which is open to students from every division, has had an exciting season competing with players of all skill levels at D-E and across New Jersey! During the most recent tournament, hosted in the D-E Stem Center, there were almost 70 participants from about 20 different schools across New Jersey in attendance, with 21 students representing D-E. “The kids really enjoyed themselves, and the teams did very well—they won first place in each section except for the Over 1000 section, in which they earned the 2nd place trophy,” said Grandmaster Mackenzie “Coach Mac” Molner. He added that the team is looking forward to ChessFest 2026, also taking place at D-E, on Sunday, April 19. “At Dwight-Englewood, we believe chess is far more than a game. It is a powerful tool for elevating young people’s thinking—teaching strategic planning, patience, focus, and resilience,” remarked Dr. Sherronda Brown P’31, ’31, Director of D-E 360°. “We are proud of the thoughtful, respectful culture our players continue to build together.” Click the link in our bio to learn more about upcoming chess events and other D-E 360° spring programs.

Recent assemblies in D-E’s Lower School (LS) and Middle School (MS) celebrated Arab, Persian, and Muslim heritage, including recognition of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," which marks the end of Ramadan. LS students first enjoyed hearing the 2012 smash hit “C’est La Vie” by Algerian singer Khaled, and then listened to fellow classmates as they shared their favorite aspects of these important holidays. Spending time together with family, expressing gratitude through gifts and support of charities, and showing acts of kindness were all mentioned. Another common theme heard was how students love both eating and sharing delicious, traditional treats, including baklava, borek, and sheer khurma. In the Middle School, students also spoke to other important observances such as Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated on the first day of spring to “welcome a fresh start and new beginnings.” A spirited music trivia contest wrapped-up the MS assembly, in which students also learned fun facts about pop stars.  Did you know? The “A” in the name of SZA, a native of Maplewood, NJ,  stands for “Allah.” To all who celebrate: Eid Mubarek!