This week 8th Graders stepped into history as part of their “Living Wax Museum” presentations to D-E families, faculty, and staff. The cross-disciplinary project, facilitated by Ms. Burnett and Mr. Akula, consisted of dynamic, student-led performances that brought literature to life in a memorable way, with some students fabulously dressing the part. In small groups, students immersed themselves in books that have been banned across the United States, with one student speaking as the author and sharing the ideas that made the book controversial, and their peers embodying the characters from the story. Ms. Burnett said the reason for the theme was the fact that book bans are on the rise nationally. “At a time when there’s a narrowing of voices, it’s important to deliberately expand them,” she remarked. Featured books included George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye,” “The Complete Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi, “Dumplin’” by Julie Murphy, “Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry” by Joya Goffney, and many more. Students gave insightful reasons why these books should not be banned, such as helping to publicize important issues and encouraging vulnerability. “This experience is an invitation for students to grapple with questions of censorship, free expression, empathy, and the enduring power of storytelling,” said Ms. Burnett. “By inhabiting voices that have been silenced or suppressed, students are doing exactly what Dwight-Englewood challenges them to do—meet the complexities of a changing world with curiosity, courage, and a commitment to making it better.”

In what has become a D-E tradition, the Swartley Gallery Series is closing the school year with its Senior Spotlight exhibit, running through Monday, May 25, and celebrated with an artist reception this week. This showcase is “a chance for all Seniors’ work to be seen, even if they aren’t in the AP Art program,” said Ms. Diaz, Art & Design Department Chair. Featured artists are Emma Baumgarten ’26, Celia Binn ’26, Hudson Clune ’26, Mara Gualtieri-Horowitz ’26, Jack Meserole ’26, Jayden “Carlos” Moncion ’26, Isabella Moon ’26, Blasina Olowe ’26, Nisha Rajan ’26, and Amanda Santos ’26. Nisha submitted a self-portrait as well as two abstract pieces, a new style for her, as part of the Advanced Topics Sustained Investigation program. One of Mara’s pieces was inspired by the cherubs in Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna” painting. “It’s a contemporary reimagining with me as the angel,” she said. Amanda showcased ceramics that she said were connected to her culture and family who currently live in the Dominican Republic. They included a muñeca, or doll, adorned in green, because her family collects dolls; a pot decorated with angels (a nod to her last name, which means “saints”); and a tile that represents “a view in the D.R. I’ve basically seen since I was born.” Meanwhile, Jack submitted a selection of photographs, many of which were taken during the D-E 360° Balkans trip in the summer. One photo titled, “No Place for a Child,” depicted a famous figure of a child on a swing juxtaposed with a war-torn scene. “This was impactful for me because it shows spiritual, emotional movement,” said Jack, who added that he was able to empathize with the teenagers of the past for whom this was everyday life. Thanks to all the Seniors who shared their impressive work with the D-E community!

The Lower School recently celebrated its final Spirit Day of the school year—an ever-popular Pajama Day! Students across the division sported their comfy clothes, wearable blankets, matching PJ sets, and bright smiles while completing assignments, reading, crafting, and more. Here’s to being in community and making memories with our LS friends!