Latest News and Events of Dedham Country Day School Boston Area

Making Real World Connections

Just before winter break, DCD 6^th graders were reading, "I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban" by Malala Yousasafzai. After several class discussions and writing assignments, students had an opportunity to speak with John Keating, who served first as an Infantry Officer in the Army and then as an Intelligence Officer in the Army Reserve, about his direct experience in Afghanistan and with the Taliban.

DCD Receives All-Star Recognition from the Fenway Bowl

Dedham Country Day Head of School Allison Webster and staff received recognition as an All-Star in Education in New England by the Fenway Bowl in partnership with Cross Insurance, Samuel Adams, and the Boston Globe. DCD was one of 27 receiving the honor.

Making Language Sticky

Making a deep and lasting connection to Spanish is Señora Andrade's goal when she teaches any student. She believes students need to use a process that encourages them to engage deeply in what they are learning -- deeply enough to be willing to take risks. When it comes to language acquisition, her goal is to get students to try to say what they want to say without worry or fear of "getting it wrong." "Kids stumble over their words and it can sound messy when they learn their first language. Their second or third language is no different." Focusing on self-expression first provides this "sticky" foundation for becoming a lifelong language lover.

Science and Application

In science, DCD fourth graders have been learning about the human body and exploring the many complex systems that enable us to function. Their recent focus has been on the central nervous system and the brain. Thank you to Mrs. Shirley, this has led to some very fun and engaging STEM activities! Sporting "brain caps" students were able to see the different parts of the brain and understand their functions. What is the frontal lobe responsible for? How does my arm know how to reach for the glass of water I want to pick up? Where does my speech come from? These are all great questions to ponder as they examined their "brain caps".

Public speaking is underway in Pre-K!

Speaking up, speaking out, and developing one’s voice is a critical part of our curriculum – and it starts in pre-k at DCD. Even our youngest students have an opportunity to practice using their voices whether it’s in circle time, in the annual class play, or playing a role in our school-wide assemblies. While this year may be a little different because of adaptations for in-person learning during COVID, DCD pre-k students are still exercising their voices.

Safe in their little pod at the Huntington House, they made their presence known and introduced themselves to the school community in their own video. All the students and staff members were so proud of their poise and confidence after such a short time at DCD. Thank you to Mrs. Swan and Mrs. Jackson! Meet the class of 2030!

Click here to learn more about Public Speaking at DCD

Museo del arte DCD incorporates art, nature and authentic self-expression

Using nature and art as a pathway to talking about social justice and cultural issues, middle school Spanish teacher Autumn Andrade-de León, created a new instructional unit based on a MOMA professional development program entitled “Art and Inquiry,” which she attended virtually this summer. Run by MOMA teaching staff, the program explored ways of leveraging art in other disciplines.

Trusting What Binds Us Together

In these months so characterized by societal upheaval, hardship, and strife, who knew that inspiration for navigating this time would come my way from a comic Twitter creation, the 81-year-old cultural icon, trophy ex-wife, and friend to all humanity named Duchess Goldblatt. Duchess is a fictional character developed one Tweet at a time. The memoir, Becoming Duchess Goldblatt, tells the story of her evolution on Twitter, along with the healing power of the creation of Duchess on the real-life author.

A Vibrant School Year Begins In Person

The sounds of laughter and delight filled the playgrounds and classrooms at Dedham Country Day School this September as children returned to school after several months, happy to be back together with their peers and teachers.

Despite the pandemic, school at DCD started as planned this year on September 9 with in-person learning for most of its 308 students in pre-K through 8. Just a handful of students opted for remote learning out of the total enrolled.

Summer Readings: Shaping Our Thinking and Taking an Active Stance Against Racism

Head of School Allison Webster recently asked parents to join their children in some summer learning and reading, sharing with them two options that are on DCD's faculty reading list which are sure to be engaging and thought-provoking in light of recent events. Below is an excerpt from her letter to the community.

DCD Olympics: The Tradition Continues!

The spirit of community, connection, and competition were in the air during the 92^nd DCD Olympics Day which took place on Monday, June 2^nd. Scrolling through the Zoom pages of our Olympics Day opening assembly, you could see that the red, white, and blue teams were going to be well represented despite our inability to compete on campus as a whole school community this year. This hallmark event has taken place since 1928, continuing even during some of the most difficult times in history, including the Great Depression and two world wars. Now, during this unprecedented time when we're facing a global pandemic and fight for racial justice, the Olympics provided children a much-needed way to experience the joy of community.