The first Lower School (LS) Assembly of the year began with high-fives from LS Principal James Choi; Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me” on the loudspeaker, accompanied by LS Music Teacher Lisa Dove on the keyboard; and a warm welcome from LS Assistant Principals Madeleine Lopez and Jessica Massei P ’35, ’41. The theme of the assembly was our core value of “Community,” with an acknowledgement of new students and faculty. Special guest Associate Head of School Preeti Fiberger P ’24, who joined D-E as the LS Principal six years ago, recalled the feeling of being new to the school as well as “the moment I felt not new anymore.” She encouraged students to look forward to the moment when they no longer feel like the new kid and hit their stride at D-E. Fifth grade helpers then read from the book, “Our School is a Family,” by Shannon Olsen. Mr. Choi, who joked that he was grateful for “not being new anymore,” said he was most looking forward to “getting to know the students and spending as much time with them as possible,” as “they’re the whole reason I do this job.” Here’s to a year of growing, learning, and building community in the Lower School!