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.
Innovation IRL (In Real Life)
Beyond just hearing about the importance of innovation in learning and thinking, students in all three divisions this year have been treated to “D-Edicated’ time spent on immersive innovation-centric, design thinking models IRL (in real life), thanks to D-E Innovation...
A Conversation with Shefali Nefdt, AP Biology & IBC IIA Conversation with
With over 20 years in teaching science around the world, Shefali Nefdt is a seasoned and passionate science educator, “I’m not a teacher that believes in too much lecturing,” Shefali said, “I like to give ownership of learning to my students. So here I am a...
A Conversation with Hyo Kim, 8th Grade Science
In her third year at D-E, Hyo Kim has found her footing in Middle School. “I’ve taught almost all the grades in my career. Lower School is wonderful because everything is amazing; everything you do is brand new. While in the Upper School, you can really push students...
D-E Robotics Team Critical Mass 207 Compete at “Worlds” in Houston!
Earlier this spring and halfway across the country in Houston, Texas, the D-E Robotics’ “varsity squad” – Team Critical Mass 207 – was busy at work at the highly competitive, intense, and exciting 2023 FirstTech Challenge World Championships. With a little bit of...
Odyssey of the Mind
In a nutshell, Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) is a competitive problem-solving competition that combines STEM and the performing arts. Students choose one of 5 problems; the categories stay the same from year to year but the theme, criteria, and constraints change yearly....
Science Olympiad
Founded in 1984, Science Olympiad is the premier team STEM competition in the nation, providing “standards-based challenges” to 6,000 teams at 425 tournaments in all 50 states. Colleen Larionoff, D-E Innovation Coordinator, explains, “Science Olympiad challenges...
STEM, Research and Innovation Initiatives at D-E
Thanks to how D-E’s STEM-related academic offerings are taught, as well as fascinating co-curricular offerings such as Science Olympiad and Odyssey of the Mind, D-E students of all ages are experiencing research and innovation in fulfilling ways consistent with our...
Save the Dates! Dwight-Englewood School REUNION 2023
Friday, October 13 Friday, October 13 Time Event Location 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Welcome Back Alumni Reception (Cash Bar) Giovanni’s Bicycle Club in Englewood Cliffs 7:00 pm Dwight and ESB Classes of 1973 50th Reunion Dinner hosted by D-E TBD Various times Major Reunion...
DEIB Values Statement 2023
This year, the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging) Office hosted a committee of dedicated parents, students, faculty, and staff to review and draft a new Diversity Values Statement. The statement aims to reaffirm our values as a school in tandem with our...
