D-E’s Upper School Student Committee on Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) is hard at work researching the effects of AI on metacognition (that is, a person’s thought processes).This student group was founded last year and is advised by Chief Innovation Officer Ms. Gross and Mr. Lucci, US World Language Teacher, with the goal of being a resource for the School regarding AI guidelines and understanding AI’s role in the classroom. SCAI meets in subcommittees during Activities Period to take real-world data to make real-life connections. Kudos to this student committee for leading the charge when it comes to helping to develop AI policy—and stay tuned for future findings and SCAI events!  

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!

Bells were ringing and students across divisions were singing in D-Elightful harmony during last night’s Handbells & Chorus Winter Concert, presented by D-E Performing Arts. Hajjar Auditorium was standing room only for a seasonally-inspired program which included “The Theme from Elf” (featuring comical kazoo moments); a percussive “Wizards in Winter”; and “Somewhere in my Memory,” by Ensemble Director Ken Kacmar’s “favorite” composer, John Williams. Bravo to our Upper School Chorus, Lower School Chorus, and Handbells Ensemble for fun and festive performances!