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!

It’s almost Showtime! Don’t miss the D-E Middle School (MS) Spring Musical, “Beetlejuice JR.,” opening tomorrow night in Schenck Auditorium! “While ‘Beetlejuice’ is undoubtedly ‘a show about death,’ it is mostly a show that celebrates life,” said Director and MS Drama Teacher Ms. Eileen Lynch. “The journey of the characters captures the wild random essence of our existence with all of its brevity, excitement, and worthiness.” You’ll enjoy this rollercoaster ride that has fun nods to the original film, features strong vocal performances, and, as Ms. Lynch noted, “ends with the realization that life is amazing and truly worth living!” Showtimes are Friday, May 8, at 7:00 PM; and Saturday, May 9, at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Click the link in our bio to get your tickets!