Valerie Berrios

By: Valerie Berrios •

The end (of a chapter) is near for our graduating seniors! D-E’s […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Hot off the presses! Students in 8th Grade Dean Ali Miller’s ‘In […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Women in STEM Education (WISE) recently hosted Chitra Venkatraman, Co-Chair of Women […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Sixth graders unveiled the results of weeks of scientific research, experimentation, and […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Senior Hannah Carroll ’25 recently presented her comedic one-act play, “How to […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

The 8th grade Living Wax Museum, facilitated by Grade 8 English Department […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

D-E’s school spirit was on full display recently at the Myrna B. […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

In an example of cross-divisional collaboration that beautifully illustrates imagination, the Art […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

This week, D-E Performing Arts hosted an inspiring double-header of live musical […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Our chorus students from all divisions have been working hard preparing for […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

D-E’s Women in Finance student organization, facilitated by Faculty Advisor and Chief […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Get ready for one of the final concerts of the school year! […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), a service-based initiative founded by Third Grade Teacher Michelle Sussmann and co-led by Third Grade Teacher Rachel Brainin, culminated with a book sale this week, consisting of gently used children’s books donated by members of the D-E community. Proceeds from the book sale will benefit a charity selected by third graders. Students participated in sorting and preparing the donated books for sale. The Lower School was then invited to attend the fundraiser, where each book could be purchased for $5 or less. “It was fun planning for it,” exclaimed Zein A. ’34 of the event.
“This TGMD project truly puts all aspects of making a difference into the third graders’ hands,” said Ms. Sussmann. “They have learned so much about the power of giving… how important it is and how good it makes us feel!” When asked why it’s important to “make a difference,” Caleb C. ’34 remarked, “You’re helping people less fortunate than you.”
The project is tied to skills learned in students’ persuasive writing unit, for which they are asked to write a persuasive speech to convince their peers that a particular charity should receive the profits from the book sale. Alanna M. ’34 said she discovered through TGMD that anyone of any age can make a difference in the world, sharing: “Why wait until you’re older when you can do something now.” We’re so proud of our third graders for paying it forward!

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By: Valerie Berrios •

A few of D-E’s oldest students (seniors) collaborated with some of our […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

The Upper School Garden Club recently hosted their final Garden Work Party […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

In May 2025, D-E’s Upper School (US) History Department faculty facilitated end-of-year […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Bravo! Congrats to our Middle School cast and crew, who put on […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

D-E’s Athletic Department recently hosted a Senior Athletes Signing Ceremony yesterday in […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

This week’s Middle School Assembly was a great example of cross-divisional collaboration […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

This morning’s Upper School Assembly, organized by Environmental Club leaders Kelly Chu […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

The growth of D-E 360°’s chess community over the past year has been incredible. Earlier this spring, D-E hosted the first-ever ChessFest on Sunday, April 27, facilitated by Grandmaster Mackenzie “Mac” Molner, who coaches the Chess Team. Overall, we placed first out of four teams in the K-2 division, first in the Grades 3-5 division out of seven teams, and second out of two teams in Grades 6-8. Team members Arthur P. ’36, Oliver Y. ’36, and Justine B. ’29 also won individual prizes. “Our students represented D-E very well, and for a lot of them it was their first time playing in a tournament,” says Coach Mac.
In addition, for the first time in program history, the Chess Team will represent D-E in the US Chess Federation’s SuperNationals VIII Tournament in Orlando, Florida, from May 9-11. “The SuperNationals only take place once every four years, so it’s super special that we have 10 students signed up to go,” says D-E 360° Director Dr. Sherronda Brown. “We’re proud to see these young people challenge themselves to become adaptable, confident and joyful learners. Join us in celebrating and wishing them well!”

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By: Valerie Berrios •

Upper School World Language Teacher Hailing Zhao’s Mandarin students recently embarked on […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

This year’s Middle School Musical is High School Musical JR., based on the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie in which Troy, the captain of East High School’s basketball team, and Gabriella, who’s at the top of her class, try out for the lead roles in the spring musical. The students end up drawn to each other, despite encountering some obstacles along the way.
The leads for D-E’s production include Ella Gorcie ’30, Owen Lee ’29, Brooke Cohen ’29, and Austin Tiemann ’30. According to Eileen Lynch, MS Theater Director and Drama Teacher, the idea to put on this show came about after a casual conversation with MS Principal Jonathan Davis. “We were commenting on the themes of togetherness and community woven through the show and thought it would be a good fit for the Middle School production here at D-E.”
Lower School Music Teacher Lisa Dove is the Music Director, and John John Tarrayo and Bella Savas will choreograph this dance-centric show, assisted by student Dance Captain Arianna Chan ’30. “I honestly think [this show has] helped some of us discover sides of ourselves we didn’t even know were there,” remarks Arianna. “It’s been a fun ride!”
To read more about the making of the MS Musical, click the link in our bio.

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By: Valerie Berrios •

This morning the Upper School Business Finance class hosted a virtual visit […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

The Chinese Culture Club (CCC), which is dedicated to exploring and celebrating […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

As part of a longstanding tradition, D-E Performing Arts presented the Fifth […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

The annual Lifers Celebration, held on April 30, 2025, in Hajjar Auditorium, […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

This week 8th graders engaged in community service by volunteering for one […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

In keeping with the NYC skyline theme, the sky was the limit at the Bulldog Bash 2025, D-E’s premier event in support of financial aid! The event, held in Manhattan on Saturday, April 26, 2025, was an incredible success, with guests’ enthusiastic participation in live and silent auctions that helped raise significant funds for families in our D-E community and allow the school to further invest in vital programs, technology, and professional development. Even the rain showers that greeted guests upon arrival didn’t dampen the festive mood.
Attendees watched a heartwarming video featuring Viviana Torres ’17, who spoke on the impact that a D-E education had on her and the degree to which financial aid support changed the trajectory of her life. Another D-E alum, the multi-talented Malachi Nassér ’22 and his band delivered a special performance and previewed songs from his upcoming debut album.
Throughout the evening, the DJ played crowd favorites that kept guests on the dance floor. And as the event concluded, The Candy Zoo Truck treated guests to their choice of classic and novelty candies. We’re so grateful to our D-E community for coming together on this important night to “Make it Better” and help us reach new heights!

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By: Valerie Berrios •

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and older. “Scholastic is an institution that has supported students’ artistic expression in writing and visual arts nationally,” says Ms. Marisol Diaz, Chair of the Art & Design Department. “It can open up other opportunities, such as residencies and scholarships.” You also become part of a community of Scholastic winners, adds Ms. Diaz. This year, D-E’s national award winners were Sydney Adekanbi ’25 and Blake Glasser ’27.

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By: Valerie Berrios •

This afternoon, the Swartley Gallery hosted a reception of “The Senior Spotlight”—the […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

High winds didn’t ruffle the spirit of community that beamed across Leggett […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Sixth graders recently took a field trip to The National Museum of […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Don’t miss tomorrow’s Annual Orchestra Extravaganza Concert! The D-E community is invited […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), Steven Markowicz, the grandson […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

D-E Lower School (LS) students are working hard preparing for the Fifth […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

D-E’s Chamber Music Society (DCMS) hosted a small concert in Hulst House […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

For Summer 2025, D-E 360° has designed a portfolio of programs to deliver on very specific interests expressed in our community. We’re building on our summer theme, Kaleidoscope, to provide a scope of programs through which learners across age levels may acquire new knowledge and develop skills. Check out our line-up of programs, ranging from music, theatre, and chess to sports, STEM, and computer programming!

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By: Valerie Berrios •

Our Lower School Robotics Team Ocean Animals recently represented New Jersey at […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Cheers to our 2025 Cum Laude Society inductees, who were recently honored […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Jazz Rock, directed by our legendary Mr. Rob DeBellis and with vocal […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Art-tastic! The Swartley Gallery displayed multimedia work from our Lower School art […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

The annual HOPE Fashion Show, with its whimsical fairy tale theme, was […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Way to go! Our Ethics Bowl Team made D-E history by coming […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

What’s in a name? This week D-E 8th graders got a closer […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Bravo! D-E’s Affinity groups shined bright during our Second Annual Cultural Showcase! […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

In recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month in April, this week’s […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

This week D-E’s College Counseling Office (CCO) hosted a well-attended Junior Families […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Our Lower School sings out loud! This week Lower School (LS) students […] Read More

By: Valerie Berrios •

Last weekend, the Dwight-Englewood Model United Nations (D-EMUN) team competed alongside hundreds […] Read More