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.
LS Pajama Day Highlights
The Lower School recently celebrated its final Spirit Day of the school year—an ever-popular Pajama Day! Students across the division sported their comfy clothes, wearable blankets, matching PJ sets, and bright smiles while completing assignments, reading, crafting,...
Dance at D-E Makes Some Moves!
D-E Performing Arts formally introduced the expansion of its dance programming via the first-ever Dance Assembly in Schenck Auditorium last week. Spearheaded by Class of 2027 Dean Stephanie “Tuc” Tucker, Dance at D-E consists of the Dance Club, led by Madigan Kacmar...
Roaring Into Research: The Kindergarten Zoo Unit!
Submitted by The Kindergarten Team, Tricia Fiore, Teresa Cali, Kristina DelleFave, Meghna Mathur, and C.J. Trentacosta
Why Big Kids Still Need Bedtime Stories
Submitted by Sophia Brumby, Literacy Specialist- Preschool-2nd Grade
New Jersey National History Day Contest Highlights
Way to go! Eleven of our 8th Graders participated in the New Jersey History Day Contest, which took place at William Paterson University. This series challenges students to become experts on a topic of their choice, individually or in a group. Students take...
MODE Hosts Library Jam Session
Student leaders of Musicians of D-E (MODE) hosted an after-school jam session in The Imperatore Library this week, just as Seniors reached their last official day of classes. Mackenzie Hammer ’28 kicked off the live performances, playing the ukulele as she sang...
Ms. Diaz Returns to NYC Gallery Circuit for Exhibit Spotlighting Women Artists
Making her mark! The artwork of Ms. Marisol Diaz, Art & Design Chair, was recently spotlighted with other professional artists at a gallery exhibit in Manhattan. “For visual artists, exhibiting in New York City is a career-altering experience,” remarked Ms. Diaz,...
All-School Choral & Drumming Concert is Tuesday, May 19!
Get ready for the All-School Choral & Drumming Concert! Our Lower, Middle and Upper School choral ensembles will D-Elight audiences when they perform next Tuesday, May 19, at 7 PM in Schenck Auditorium. With enthusiasm and guidance from our Performing Arts Dept....
Phone Free Fridays Encourage Real-Life Connections
D-E’s Digital Wellness Team, led by Madigan Kacmar ’26, Anna Ibargüen ’26, and Ezra Newman ’26, recently brought back “Phone Free Fridays,” an initiative that began last year to encourage students to disconnect from their phones during the school day. Students who...
Registration Opens for D-E Summer 2026 Programs
Summer is nearly here! D-E Summer 2026 programs kickstart the summer season for our youngest learners before camp begins; teach core life skills (driving); and offer exciting opportunities in athletics (basketball and volleyball), computer programming, and performing...