The genesis of “Beyond Empire” comes from a personal place. As a first-generation American of Trinidadian immigrants, who came to the US amidst Trinidad’s independence from the UK, Stephen Bailey finds that it is imperative to trace these stories. The central questions of the course ask, “What is it to move beyond empire? How do people understand themselves in a new context? How do you reacquire or reinvent yourself?” What underlies the curriculum is the belief that through investing in the literary worlds of other cultures, students can be world scholars and compassionate readers.
Stephen emphasizes reading a breadth of literary styles like poetry, fiction, non-fiction, etc. to think critically about how language is used. With challenging material from authors and playwrights like Tayeb Salih and Lynn Nottage, Stephen asks for courage from both his students and himself; the courage to ask hard questions and to listen to different voices and opinions. “That is where true inquiry begins!”
Beneath the Surface: D-E Presents ‘Mermaid’
Join us for the Upper School Fall Play, Mermaid, by Polly Teale! Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s familiar fairy tale, this haunting adaptation takes audiences on an unexpected journey through identity, longing, transformation, and what it means to become...
Taking Learning to the Field
What’s it like to work in the sports industry? Students in Upper School History Teacher Peter Waltman’s Sports in American Life class got an up-close look during a field trip to Red Bull New York’s High School Career Day at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New...
Little Bulldogs, Big Halloween Spirit!
Our youngest Bulldogs brought plenty of Halloween spirit to campus for D-E’s annual Lower School Halloween Parade! Dressed as familiar characters, favorite foods, trendy toys (we see you, squishy dumplings!), and more, LS students and faculty made their way from...
A Mystery With a Mission
If you’re looking for a good read this spooky season, look no further than a murder mystery penned by D-E’s own John McCabe. This year the longtime D-E Art & Design faculty member published his third novel, “Murder at the Tavern,” with all proceeds benefitting The...
Cultivating Empathy, Belonging and the Courage to Make It Better
Submitted by: Simone Henry Agblonon, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for Lower and Middle School
The Power of the Pencil: Why Handwriting Beats Typing for Brains and Learning
Submitted by: Mara Trager, Literacy Specialist, Grades 3-5
Singing Leaves & Acorns: An Introduction to Musical Improvisation in Preschool
Submitted by: Lisa Dove, Lower School Music Teacher
10.28.26 Campus Safety Reminders & Upcoming Photo Retakes
10.28.26 A Few Updates
Spirit Week 2026: A Week of School Spirit, Friendly Competition, and Community
From cozy pajamas and creative teacher-inspired outfits to grade-level sports matchups and spirited lunchtime challenges, D-E’s Spirit Week 2026 brought students together for a week of fun, friendly competition, and community pride. In the Upper School, Spirit Week...