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.
MS Student-Led Assembly Recognizes Womens’ History Month, Showcases “Rhythm & Grooves” Discovery Class
A recent Middle School (MS) Assembly recognized Women’s History Month and featured a live performance from the “Rhythm & Grooves” MS Discovery Class, showcasing our MS students’ initiative in the process. First, a group of MS students shared how they initiated,...
Developing ‘Whole-Souled Citizens’: A Conversation with US Dean Emily Sclafani
Ms. Emily Sclafani, Dean of the Class of 2026, has been actively involved in helping to develop a strategic plan for D-E that applies, as she wrote last summer, “our founders’ wisdom to the challenges of a changing world.” This work, articulated here, is based on an...
Imperatore Library Hosts Spring 2026 Write Night
Happy National Poetry Month! In celebration, the English Department, in partnership with the Dwight-Englewood Writers (DEW) student organization, hosted Spring 2026 Write Night yesterday in The Imperatore Library, with a focus on poetry readings. Specifically, several...
Professional Development Focused on Human-Centered Teaching in a Changing World
In December 2025, Associate Head of School Preeti Fibiger P’24 introduced a series of on-campus professional development (PD) opportunities for D-E faculty and staff, presented by D-E faculty and staff, starting in January and running through the spring. Sessions...
4.8.26 Spring Parent Forum Recap
4/8/2026 Upcoming MS Conferences: Human Ed Qualities & Some Brief Reminders
Global Travel to Peru Sparks Curiosity, Sense of Exploration for Eighth Graders
In what has become a tradition for more than 15 years, Middle School (MS) Math and Computer Science Teacher Jonathan Egan led the D-E 360° Eighth Grade Spring Break Trip to Peru. This year, 24 eighth graders, accompanied by Mr. Egan, MS Principal Jonathan Davis, and...
RSVP NOW for the Bulldog Bash!
Join us! The Bulldog Bash 2026 is Saturday, April 25, at Montammy Country Club (Alpine, NJ). The Bulldog Bash is D-E’s annual fundraising event in support of the Annual Fund (click here for Bulldog Bash tickets and details).
LS Students Find Their Voice During Spring Sing-Along
Singing it loud and proud! The first Lower School (LS) Assembly following the break was a spirited Spring Sing-Along, featuring tunes LS teachers and students have enjoyed so far this year. To kick off the event, the Parents’ Association generously arranged for the...
Philosophy & Ethics Department Spotlight
Tapping Into Our Shared Humanity “Ethical thinking is something that all of us as human beings need desperately,” declared Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, who has spent the past 31 years at D-E. The department he leads is the focus of our...