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.
Stage Band’s Cabaret Night Welcomes Trumpeter “EW” Allen
This year’s annual Cabaret Night carried the theme of “Basie Meets Cumbia” and featured our Jazz Workshop and Stage Band students. The ensembles performed songs like “El Pescador” and “Bessie’s Blues”. Joining the ensembles was special guest trumpeter Eddie (“EW”)...
Lower School Music Concert Inspires Musicality, Makes Memories
What sound does a frog native to Puerto Rico make? Coqui! Coqui! Our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Graders, led by Music Teacher Fiona Crawford, were incredible at this year’s Lower School Spring Music Concert. In their “Perfect Singing Postures,” students sang a diverse...
“East Meets South” Orchestra Extravaganza
The beginning of spring requires a lively flourish! The Music Department proudly presented the Orchestra Extravaganza Concert in April. The theme was “East Meets South” as the concert featured famous pieces from China and Colombia, featuring Upper School Orchestra,...
Choral and African Drumming & Dance Ensembles D-Elight Audiences
D-E Performing Arts proudly presented several concerts earlier this year representing the culmination of our students’ learning in music performance. Choral ensembles from D-E’s three divisions, including Upper School A Capella, the 6th Grade and Show Choirs, and the...
Neurodivergent Affinity
The Neurodivergent Affinity Club’s mission is to educate and inspire change. Founder and leader Red Nochomovitz ’25 “hope[s] to bring awareness about [neurodivergence]. . . to make the school more inclusive and [to build] a safe environment for everyone no matter how...
South Asian Affinity
According to one of South Asian Affinity’s student leaders, Sujan Munver ’23, “affinity spaces are a fundamental item to create a sense of belonging”. Not only is the group a space for students who share a specific identity, but it is also a “safe environment” that...
East Asian Affinity
Throughout the years, East Asian Affinity has grown to become a larger and more prominent presence in the D-E community. Today, the group offers an affinity space that is fun, fulfilling, and freeing to current East Asian students. One of the student leaders, Sasha...
Black Affinity
Black Affinity this past year has made great strides towards their goal: to share Black culture and engage with the broader community. According to club leader, Jason Boyd ’23, Black Affinity has been busy reaching out to the rest of the D-E community, as well as...
Art in Action
With one paintbrush, watercolor palette, and sketchbook at a time, Art in Action, a D-E student club, contributed to greater Englewood earlier this spring. The club – led by Bodhi Mather ’23 and Edalix Marin ’23— dropped off colorful boxes brimming with art supplies...
V-Day 2023
For years, V-Day has been a longstanding part of the D-E tradition. This year, faculty advisor Ms. Rachel Brainin and one of the V-Day Club’s student leaders, Delilah Brainin ’23, helped organize the club’s annual event on February 24. Each year, members have donated...