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.
Fourth Grade UN Field Trip Fosters Global Understanding
During a recent field trip to the United Nations (UN), fourth graders expanded their understanding of global citizenship and international cooperation. They learned about refugees, who they are, why people are forced to leave their homes due to war or persecution, and...
US Odyssey of the Mind Team Heading to State Finals
Cheers to our Upper School (US) Odyssey of the Mind Team, which recently competed in a regional tournament and earned entry to the State Finals. Odyssey of the Mind, a student-led competition, bridges STEAM and the performing arts. The team took first place in the...
April 10: The Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Inspire lifelong learning about Earth sciences, engineering, and the responsible use of the Earth’s nonrenwable resources at The Sterling Hill Mine.
Middle School Celebrates Diversity Day
The Middle School recently hosted its annual Diversity Day, facilitated by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). The program sets aside scheduled classes for the day to engage students in presentations, workshops, and other activities that...
US Robotics Team to Compete in State Competition
Our Bulldog Bots are State bound! Upper School (US) Robotics students recently competed at the Bergen County League Tournament at Emerson Junior-Senior High School. During the qualification rounds, Critical Mass, our Varsity Team, ranked No. 2, and Absolute Zero, our...
Approach To Teaching Writing
Submitted by Mara Trager, Literacy Specialist Grades 3-5
Winter Explorations in Science (Preschool – First Grade)
Submitted by Julie Pugkhem, Preschool – 1st grade Science and K-2 Math Support Teacher
D-E 360° Piano and Flute Students Perform a MasterClass
Music to our ears! A few of our Lower School (LS) students recently participated in a Piano and Flute MasterClass in the LS Music Room with music teachers Karen Littlefield and John Littlefield. “MasterClass is a supportive, small-group learning experience in which...
AP Psych Partners With the LS in a Lesson on Cognitive Development
In what’s become a cross-divisional tradition, the AP Psychology class of Dr. Carragher (“Dr. C”), Human Development Chair, visited the Lower School for a fun experiment that tested Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Upper School students were partnered...