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.
Sixth-Grade Spanish Class Shares Learnings on Flamenco
Spanish language and the visual arts blended beautifully in the Middle School (MS) for a cross-collaborative project facilitated by Ms. Junia Robinson, MS Spanish Teacher, and Ms. Lydia Scrivanich, P ’27, MS Art & Design Teacher. To conclude a unit on Spanish culture,...
Art & Design Department Spotlight: ‘Meaning-Making’ at D-E
To show how and why D-E is such a vibrant “community of learners,” we have introduced a monthly series that spotlights our mission in action, core values, and academic departments, starting with our innovative Art & Design Department. Department Chair and Teacher Ms....
Fall Festivities and the Study of Cultures in Spanish Class
Submitted by Janet García-Levitas PreK3-3rd Grade LS Spanish Teacher
The Role of Exploration in Developing Young Scientists
Submitted by Julie Pugkhem PreK3-1st Grade Science Teacher
Leggett-Umpleby Lecture Series Presented by Fred Daly
Mr. Fred Daly, longtime D-E English Department faculty member, will be presenting the 10th Annual Leggett-Umpleby Lecture, titled “The Problem of Shylock: Teaching ‘The Merchant of Venice’ in the 21st Century” on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7:00 PM. The discussion, which will...
Sweet! Honey Harvest 2025 Highlights
The annual Honey Harvest, which has become a sweet tradition at D-E, is a cross-divisional learning opportunity primarily for first and sixth graders that takes place in the Middle School (MS) Teaching Kitchen. Three interactive stations were set up for beekeepers...
Swartley Gallery Presents: Fiber Artist Maria Weinstein
The Swartley Gallery welcomed fiber artist Maria Weinstein to showcase her work in an exhibit titled “Sew Many Stories.” During a recent lunch reception, Ms. Weinstein explained her process, which included cutting swatches, sewing individual pieces, adding...
A Spirited Ending to Spirit Week 2025!
After a super-spirited series of fun activities this entire week, ranging from lunchtime challenges and sporting events between the four Upper School (US) classes; themed apparel days for all three divisions of the School; Makerspace pumpkin decorating contests; Math...
Lower School Halloween Parade Highlights
Costumed characters of all ages were spotted throughout the D-E campus today! By far a highlight was the Lower School (LS) Halloween Parade, which had our youngest students walk up from Drapkin Hall to Leggett Field and back, accompanied by boisterous cheers and...
