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.
6th Graders Build Connections Through Design Thinking
This year, 6th graders engaged in hands-on learning and design thinking through the first-ever BRIDGE Week, an experience 6th grade faculty created to help students build connections with one another, their teachers, and their new Middle School community. BRIDGE...
Third Graders Make a Difference, One Bracelet at a Time
Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), a service-learning initiative organized by 3rd grade teachers Ms. Michelle Sussmann and Ms. Rachel Brainin P’23, ’25, encouraged students to start the year by thinking of a word that would inspire them to have a great year....
Seniors Enjoy a Day of Friendship, Fall Fun, and Firsts
A D-E tradition recently passed down to the Class of 2027 when seniors visited Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick, NY, for their grade-level field trip. “Apple picking has been the senior trip since the fall of 2021,” said Dean Stephanie “Tuc” Tucker. In addition to...
9.24.26 US Back to School Night
Activities Fair 2026 Highlights
D-E’s annual Activities Fair gives students the opportunity to explore the many ways they can get involved beyond the classroom. From interest and identity-based clubs and student publications to service, arts, STEM, and social/political groups, there was something...
9.22.26 Field Trip Info and Reminders
Recognition of Sept. 11 Continues: Special US Assembly & Lunch & Learn Highlights
The D-E community’s discussion about Sept. 11 continued Thursday with Upper School (US) Assembly guest speaker Joe Daniels, the former president of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, as well as a faculty-led Lunch & Learn this afternoon. Austin Knafo ’28, who is a 9/11...
The First LS Assembly of the Year Celebrates Community
The first Lower School (LS) Assembly of the year began with high-fives from LS Principal James Choi; Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me” on the loudspeaker, accompanied by LS Music Teacher Lisa Dove on the keyboard; and a warm welcome from LS Assistant Principals Madeleine...
Mr. Harrell’s Denim Designs Kick Off the Swartley Gallery Series
Art & Design Teacher Donwan Harrell P’21, 26’ kicked off the 2026-2027 Swartley Gallery Series with a brilliant collection of denim fashion designs and sketches spanning a career as a lauded clothing designer, creative director, entrepreneur, and educator. A...