Before coming to D-E, History Department Chair, Arika “Ari” Easley-Houser taught at Rutgers Prep and several colleges and universities, including Montclair State University and New York University. A socio-cultural historian focused on United States history, she received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University and a certificate in school management from the Harvard Business School. She was recently selected for a National Association of Independent Schools Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads. Now in her third year of heading the department, Easley-Houser speaks to the importance of historical inquiry for students and how the history curriculum must reflect and respond to the diversity of students. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Beyond the Classroom: D-E’s Fall Trips
Fall trips, both overnight and full-day outings, are a rite of passage for D-E’s Middle School and Upper School students. These trips provide opportunities for student bonding, experiential learning, and, in some instances, community service. This year, 7th graders...
10.7.26 Information on Photos & Parking
A Return to Her Roots: An Environmentalist Alumna Visits Campus
D-E alumna and environmentalist Wendy Gordon Rockefeller ’75 returned to campus today for a tour of the Nettie-Louise Coit Teaching Garden and a chance to share her passion for environmental stewardship with students. Ms. Gordon began her day with 6th Grade Dean Ms....
Chuseok & Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration Highlights
The Chuseok/Mid-Autumn Festival, hosted by the Chinese Culture Club (CCC) and Korean Culture Club (KCC), returned to the Wharton Lessin Dining Hall last week for East Asian snacks, mooncake making, and more. World Language Chair Mr. Mike Hegedus, CCC faculty advisor,...
10.6.26 October Dean Updates
Counting Isn’t As Easy as 1-2-3
Submitted by Jannet Park, LS Math Specialist
One Word For a Great Year
Submitted by: Rachel Brainin and Michelle Sussmann, Third Grade Teachers
6th Graders Build Connections Through Design Thinking
This year, 6th graders engaged in hands-on learning and design thinking through the first-ever BRIDGE Week, an experience 6th grade faculty created to help students build connections with one another, their teachers, and their new Middle School community. BRIDGE...
Third Graders Make a Difference, One Bracelet at a Time
Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), a service-learning initiative organized by 3rd grade teachers Ms. Michelle Sussmann and Ms. Rachel Brainin P’23, ’25, encouraged students to start the year by thinking of a word that would inspire them to have a great year....
Seniors Enjoy a Day of Friendship, Fall Fun, and Firsts
A D-E tradition recently passed down to the Class of 2027 when seniors visited Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick, NY, for their grade-level field trip. “Apple picking has been the senior trip since the fall of 2021,” said Dean Stephanie “Tuc” Tucker. In addition to...