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.
Kindergarten zoo
Future zoologists and environmental advocates are in our midst! This spring our kindergarteners presented their annual Kindergarten Zoo on Mr. Rocky’s Field. Handcrafted dioramas colorfully demonstrated our students’ appreciation for an array of interesting critters...
6th grade experimental design fair
Have you ever wondered what disposable plate is the most durable or what lip balm hydrates your lips the most? How do you determine what is the best soccer ball, golf ball, or sports drink to purchase? For answers to these questions and many more consumer quandaries,...
8th grade living wax museum
Celebrities, historical figures, and some lesser-known but equally important individuals came alive during our annual 8th Grade Living Wax Museum in the Middle School earlier this spring. Students carefully and comprehensively researched the lives of their ‘personas’,...
Spring carnival 2024
Our annual Spring Carnival was a whopping success! With great weather and activities thanks to a fantastic collaborative effort from our Parents’ Association, all of our Upper School Clubs and our affinity groups, hundreds of D-E families, friends, and faculty/staff...
M.A.G.I.C. 2024
In April, the Upper School Student Office of Student Life hosted M.A.G.I.C. 2024! M.A.G.I.C. is an intramural competition held every year for Grades 9-12 in posthumous recognition of alumnus Michael Andrew Glowsk ‘95. This spring, the Upper School celebrated this...
Partial eclipse viewing party
On April 8th at 3:10 PM, the entire D-E community, equipped with eclipse glasses provided by the STAR Astronomy Club, gathered outside to catch the partial eclipse. It was incredible to share this monumental, cosmic event all together; faculty and students also used...
Spring 2026 School Life Highlights
The spring season always welcomes a variety of culminating events for everyone in our community! Take a look back at just a few major events and programs that took place for our students,
Varsity Baseball
Varsity Baseball achieved an incredibly strong, 18-6-1 season this year. The Bulldogs were the Liberty Division Co-Champions and State Tournament Quarterfinalists. Nine on the team earned their way onto All-League teams this spring: Rhys Bowie ‘24 (1st Team...
JV Boys Tennis
“The Boys JV Tennis program welcomed their return to having practices and matches on our own home tennis courts. Our capable, committed co-captains were Finn Benveniste ‘26 and Gabriel Rhodes ‘26. The team overall benefited greatly by a schedule that included more...
Boys Lacrosse
“This 2024 Season for Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse was riddled with individual milestones! Four players reached 100 career points (goals + assists): Gabe Feldman ‘25, Jacob Schiffman ‘25, Achille (“Ash”) Pompidou ‘25 , and Alex Jachimowski ‘26. ...