Summer is nearly here! D-E Summer 2026 programs kickstart the summer season for our youngest learners before camp begins; teach core life skills (driving); and offer exciting opportunities in athletics (basketball and volleyball), computer programming, and performing arts (strings).  All programs are guided by our very own exceptional faculty and staff. See below and visit d-e.org/summer for details and to register! June 15 - 26, 2026  Preschool – Grade 5 Bridge the gap between the school year and summer break with Spark, an energetic nine-day extension program designed specifically for our younger learners. Children may join for one day, five days or all nine. Spark is here to create that much-needed space, offering a “pre-camp” experience that keeps students engaged, active, and inspired while parents finalize their summer preparations. From high-energy field games to quiet moments of creative discovery, Spark is the great way to kick off the season of fun. Click here for details on Spark and to register!  June 15 - 18, 2026 For NJ students at least 15 years old as of June 1, 2026  The Summer Driver Education Theory Course fulfills the New Jersey State requirement for the written exam. This program is administered in person at D-E and taught by Mrs. Nancy Lustenberger, formerly of the D-E Physical Education Department, in partnership with FNL Driving School. Click here for details on Drivers’ Ed. and to register! June 17 - 26, 2026 Grades 9-12 This intensive course is designed to provide a rigorous foundation in computational thinking and Python syntax. Fred Fontaine P ’20, ’22, a member of the Upper School Mathematics and Computer Science Department at D-E, will be the instructor. Click here for details on Introduction to Programming with Python and to register!  June 22 - 25, 2026 Students Currently in Grades 4-7 Our volleyball camp is designed to help younger athletes build strong fundamentals, grow confidence, and develop skills in a positive, high-energy environment. This program is led by D-E Varsity Volleyball Coach Catherine “Cat” Durakis. Click here for details on Boys & Girls Volleyball Camp and to register! June 22 - 26, 2026 Students Currently in Grades 3-12 Audition required. Click here for details. We’re looking forward to performing live with you this summer! Cultivate your musicianship, expand your artistry, and connect your passion for performance through a side-by-side experience with sought-after international performing artists. Ani Kalayjian and Ella Heifets are our String Society Co-Artistic Directors for 2026. Acclaimed recording artist Kersten Stevens will be our Special Guest Artist. This week of immersive music-making will culminate in a Grand Finale Concert on June 26. Click here for details on String Society 2026 and to register! July 6 - 9, 2026 July 13 - 16, 2026  Students Currently in Grades 4-7 This summer basketball camp is designed for boy youth players who want to develop their basketball skills in a fun, energetic environment. The camp is directed by D-E Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Alex Kuchar. Over the course of the camp, participants will work directly with Coach Kuchar, his coaching staff, and current players, taking part in skill-building drills, live game situations, and scrimmages. Students can expect instruction in offensive shooting form, footwork, ballhandling and concepts of team offense as well as building individual defensive skills and learning strategies.  Click here for details on Boys Basketball Camp (July 6-9) and to register!  Click here for details on Boys Basketball Camp (July 13-16) and to register! July 20, 2026 - July 23, 2026 Students Currently in Grades 4-7 This camp is designed for girl youth players who want to develop their basketball skills in a fun, energetic environment. The camp is directed by D-E Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Alex Kuchar. Over the course of the camp, participants will work directly with Coach Kuchar, his coaching staff, and current players, taking part in skill-building drills, live game situations, and scrimmages. Students can expect instruction in offensive shooting form, footwork, ballhandling and concepts of team offense as well as building individual defensive skills and learning strategies.   Click here for details on Girls Basketball Camp and to register!

D-E recently hosted assemblies honoring Jewish Heritage Month across divisions. In the Lower School (LS), fifth-grade presenters revealed facts about the Jewish population around the world, and then students who identify as Jewish took turns sharing their own families’ immigration stories and traditions they enjoy during holidays such as Passover, Hannukah, and Purim. In the Upper School, leaders of JADE, the Jewish student affinity group, hosted a guest speaker representing the educational nonprofit 3GNY, founded by the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors with the mission of preserving the legacies and lessons of the Holocaust. Alex Levine recounted the stories of his grandparents Edward and Cecile Mosberg, from Krakow, Poland, who endured personal devastation due to atrocities committed by the Nazis. These heart-breaking stories included moments of personal sacrifice, survivors’ guilt, and, ultimately, resilience following unimaginable trauma. Alex concluded his presentation with a sentiment that, especially amid a rise in antisemitism, it is essential to never forget this history. “The hate that starts with Jews never ends with Jews,” he said. During a Q&A with students in the audience, Alex urged people to “continue to stand up against hate and injustice.” JADE subsequently organized a Lunch & Learn event for those interested in continuing the conversation with Alex. We’re grateful to JADE and 3GNY for shining a light on Jewish heritage.

Checkmate! D-E 360°’s Chess Team performed phenomenally at the 2026 National Elementary (K-6) Chess Championship in Baltimore May 1-3. “Eleven of our talented students competed in a field of over 2,500 players from 36 states, and they represented Dwight-Englewood with remarkable skill and poise,” said Dr. Sherronda Brown P ’31, ’31, Director of D-E 360°. According to Grandmaster “Coach Mac” Molner, highlights included the K-1 team coming in third place overall in the country! “On the last day of the tournament they scored 7 wins and 1 draw and came only a half point away—the slimmest possible margin—from being National Co-Champions,” said Coach Mac. “It was a nail-biting finish to the tournament and thrilling to be a part of.” Individual accomplishments included Aiden Z. ’37 coming in 5th place overall in the country for K-1 students; Elvyn L. ’38 coming in 20th overall and receiving an individual award; Adam Y. ’34 earning 4th place out of 142 players in the K-6 Under 1400 section; and Raymond S. ’35 coming in 22nd out of 188 players in the K-3 Under 1000 section. The following weekend, the Chess Team competed at the New York Metro Area Scholastic Chess Grade Championships, where Nicolai D. ’37 received a “class prize” trophy for being a top player in the 800-999 rating. “This collective success is a testament to the unwavering support of our parents and Coach Mac’s vision, which has built a special community around this important game,” remarked Dr. Brown. Congratulations to our Chess Team for these incredible victories!