D-E celebrated its teachers and staff recently, during the annual Faculty & Staff Lunch under the big tent on Leggett Field. D-E 360° campers kicked off the festivities with a drumming performance, led by Middle School Music Teacher Jean-Marie Collatin, ahead of opening remarks from Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P ’24, who thanked all of those at the school who have put in 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.  Ms. Fibiger also presented The Blackwell Award to Science Teacher Andrea Bautista, The Carskadon Award for Teaching Excellence to English Teacher Diane Christian, the Williams Award for Creative Excellence to PreK 4 Teacher Nicole Taranto, and The Geralyn Kossmann Award to Transportation and Calendar Coordinator Jackie Simon. The next year’s Leggett Umpleby Series speaker was subsequently announced: English Teacher Fred Daly will present “The Arc of Shakespeare Tragedy,” which will address the playwright’s ongoing relevance. Then, D-E retirees World Language Department Chair Bill Biondolino, Music Teacher John Littlefield, Lower School Nurse Maureen Krane, and 8th Grade Advisor Liz Traub were honored. Each retiree had comments made about them in memorable ways, including the performance of a Paganini string duet from Annaliesa Place and Diego Garcia. (And save the date: Having served D-E for 40 years, Ms. Traub will also be honored with a classroom dedicated in her name at the October 2025 Alumni Reunion.) As part of her personal remarks, Ms. Fibiger gave thanks to the school community for their continued support as she fulfilled her transitional role. She also implored those gathered to “think about what you accomplished this year” and expressed gratitude to them for “always showing up in the service of our students.” We couldn’t agree more—and wish all our faculty and staff an amazing summer!

Fifth graders completed their era as members of the Lower School (LS) on the morning of Friday, June 6, during the Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony on Leggett Field. Interim Co-Principal Susan Abramson welcomed everyone and reflected on why this ceremony was not a promotion (as that infers moving on to a higher status) and not a graduation (as that is a milestone that comes at the conclusion of Upper School). “It is a meaningful passage… coming to the end of Lower School, meaning the end of childhood will be here soon,” she said. In quoting Billy Collins’ poem, “On Turning Ten,” she also encouraged students to enjoy this next chapter. In succession, small groups of the 53 students came up to the stage to share favorite quotes and poems, thoughts on friendship, fun memories from PreK 3 through fifth grade, impactful projects, and heartfelt thanks to supportive members of the community. They also wished a fond farewell to those who would be departing D-E at the end of the school year—Ms. Abramson, Interim Co-Principal Julia Calantone, “who is always smiling,” and LS Nurse Maureen Krane, “who could be counted on for good conversation.” In closing remarks, Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P ’24, D-E’s former LS Principal, admitted “these students mean a lot to me” and said they would be receiving a small box containing “something you are not meant to keep… but the memory can live on.” They were butterflies to be released, signifying new beginnings. Congratulations, rising sixth graders, and good luck in Middle School!

School’s out for summer! On the last day of classes, D-E’s Middle School enjoyed a fun-filled Field Day, which included karaoke in Schenck Auditorium, a trivia game in Hajjar Auditorium, and sports, inflatable slides, and other activities in the Myrna B. Sherman Gym. Festivities continued with ice cream treats, social time for yearbook signing, and an early dismissal. Farewell until next year!