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.
Club & Activities Fall 2021 Highlights
After more than a year of online clubs and limited gatherings, D-E is excited to have clubs and activities return to campus this year. Club leaders are eager to dive right back into the community projects, initiatives, and leadership opportunities that make our school...
The Arts Come Alive!
We are overjoyed at the return of in-person arts this fall season. After more than a year of successful virtual and hybrid events, we are thrilled to see Orchestra, Jazz Rock, African Drumming, and more back on campus. For all arts-related programs and a look back at...
Arts Highlights
“Being a Designer is Awesome!” -Erica Sellers ’08 of Studio SII We welcomed Erica Sellers '08 and her partner, Jeremy Silberberg, to speak on "Creative Freedom: Being a Designer is Awesome" to our Middle and Upper School students. Based in Brooklyn, Erica and Jeremy...
All School Assembly 2021
Spirit Week in the Middle and Upper School
Spirit Week in the Middle and Upper Schools this fall exceeded everyone’s expectations and was another vivid reminder of how far we’ve come since the pandemic began. Themed apparel days including the traditional “PJ” and “D-E Spirit” Days literally brightened-up...
In-Person Fall Traditions Return to D-E
Senior Rock painting, the Lower School’s Fall Fest and LEAD (Literary Explorations & Adventures Day) Parade, and the live performance of the Upper School Fall Play “Ghost Light” (written by former D-E Theatre Director Greg Cummings) were all vivid examples of how...
Sunaya Mueller ’22, Teen Vogue
Sunaya Mueller ’22 has been a journalist for more than six years. Beginning as a member of the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. in middle school, Sunaya found her beat as a writer. She found, a passion for telling untold stories from teens and upcoming changemakers....
Catalina Mahe ’22, Parnassus
Parnassus is a home to many. Integrating disciplines like visual arts, foreign language, and English, senior Catalina Mahe ’22 is ecstatic to be one of the lead editors for the magazine. As a prospective ninth grader, Catalina saw it as an opportunity to expand her...
Rachel Brainin, Librarian, 3rd Grade Teacher, D-Escribe
Our youngest ones have so much wisdom to offer us. Former librarian and now 3rd grade teacher, Rachel Brainin carries on the legacy of Sheila Sienicki and maintains the publication’s spirit. Rather than having students strive to be published, D-Escribe is an open...
Darby Lee-Stack ’23, D-EcoNews
Amidst a busy hybrid year, rising Junior, Darby-Lee Stack ’23 saw an opportunity when she joined the Upper School Environmental club. Inspired by other established student publications like Parnassus and Calliope, Darby learned from ground-zero how to publish a...