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.
Commencement 2025
The mood was joyous and bittersweet on June 1 as D-E’s graduating seniors, their families, faculty, and staff gathered on Leggett Field for the Commencement ceremony. This momentous event was called to order by Student Government President-Elect Max Koppelman ’26, and...
Kindergarten Zoo
A beloved annual tradition returned to the LS on May 30 when the Kindergarten Zoo was set up by LS teachers Ms. Tricia Fiore P’16,’19, Ms. Kristina Dellefave, Ms. Teresa Cali, and Ms. Meghna Mathur on Mr. Rocky’s Field. Enthusiastic kindergarteners, donning safari...
Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair
Sixth graders unveiled the results of weeks of scientific research, experimentation, and data analysis for the Sixth Grade Experimental Design Fair, which took place on May 28 in Hajjar Auditorium. “Through hands-on experiments, students have learned to ask meaningful...
Eighth Grade Living Wax Museum
This year’s Eighth Grade Living Wax Museum, facilitated by English Department Faculty Mr. Gautham Akula and Ms. Amanda Burnett, showcased historical figures selected by students. Each student dressed the part and gave a well-rehearsed presentation to families and...
Magic 2025
On May 22, D-E’s school spirit was on full display at the Myrna B. Sherman Gym, where MAGIC happened! Rain kept the annual intramural competition indoors, but it didn’t dampen the sense of community beaming from the rafters. Juniors (Class of 2026) took an early lead...
Senior Selectives & Senior Class Trip
D-E’s Class of 2025 had an active couple of weeks leading up to Commencement on June 1 as part of their Senior Selectives, elective activities organized by US faculty and staff. These included spring roll making, Indian cooking, swing dancing, dog training, and soccer...
Service Learning in Action
Service-learning is an integral aspect of meeting our D-E mission, and as aptly described by Debbie Rivera Murphy ’11, Dean of Student Life, “address[es] compelling societal needs and teach[es] our students why social issues matter for all of us, especially in an...
Winter 2024-2025 & Spring 2025 Team Records
Middle School Upper School
Celebrating our D-Edicated Upper School Student-Athletes:
End of Year Sports Banquet Highlights D-E Athletics welcomed Upper School (US) student-athletes and their families to Myrna B. Sherman Gymnasium on May 22, 2025, for a memorable End of Year Sports Banquet. Spirits were high for the nearly 600 attendees which also...
Engaging in the Arts to“Make it Better”
The Art & Design Department regularly collaborates with Upper School clubs during the school year on service initiatives that benefit both the D-E community and local organizations. One example is the HOPE Fashion Show, an annual fundraiser organized by the HOPE:...