Congrats are in order for the editors and contributors of the Upper School (US) English-language literary-arts magazine, CALLIOPE! Last spring’s issue was named a 2026 Crown Finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). Being a Finalist means CALLIOPE 2025 is guaranteed a Gold or Silver Crown Award, which will be announced by the CSPA in March 2026. “CALLIOPE features original student art and writing, arranged in intentionally designed spreads that place the art and writing in relationship with one another,” said Steve Petkus, Magazine Advisor and MS/US Librarian. “This approach results in an aesthetic element across the magazine that goes beyond the individual pieces, and it is this ‘holistic’ quality that the Crown adjudication process most highly prizes.” We’re extremely proud of our US students who made this award-winning issue happen, including editors Rebecca Kreynin ’25, Casey Law ’25, and Red Nochomovitz ’25, all members of the Class of 2025. Our current editors—seniors Mandy Friedman ’26, Mara Gualtieri-Horowitz ’26, and Shreya Patel ’26—are doing a terrific job so far this year, and we can’t wait to see the magazine they will put together for CALLIOPE 2026!

Way to Rock, D-E Jazz Rock!  The Upper School’s annual Jazz Rock Winter Concert was performed earlier today to a packed, enthusiastic audience in Schenck Auditorium.  Scheduled on the final day of classes immediately prior to winter break, this year’s concert held up to D-E tradition. This year’s show featured songs ranging from contemporary classics to pop hits including “Love Fool” (The Cardigans); “Treasure” (Bruno Mars); “Man I Need” (Olivia Dean); and “L’Amour De Ma Vie” (Billie Eilesh). Our student vocalists and instrumentalists clearly D-Elighted the crowd and inspired student lighting designs added to the experience. Highlights also included blindfolded and back-playing guitar solos, and a fantastic finale of “Moves Like Jaggar” (Maroon Five) featuring our D-E Dancers! Bravo & thanks to ALL our D-E Jazz ‘Rockers’ for a great holiday send-off! 

The annual 8th Grade Paper Rollercoaster Expo rolled into D-E’s Middle School (MS) Building earlier today! This showcase event was the culmination of students’ hands-on study of (and appreciation for) the laws of physics and Newton’s Laws of Motion. Visiting fellow D-E students, MS parents, and faculty/staff enjoyed creatively-designed, handcrafted ‘rollercoasters’  with themes including Jurassic Park, MarioKart Underwater, Lucky Charms, and more. To our MS scientists: nice work & keep on rolling!