Dr. Penina Bukiet
Dr. Bukiet, our psychologist, has been working at the Lower School for the past 7 years. She has worked with students, families, and faculty in grades preschool through five. From teaching the Life Skills class to being there for students when they need a listening ear, she has helped us in so many different ways. When asked to describe Dr. Bukiet, fifth-grade students described her patience, excellent listening skills and ability to make anyone feel at ease, no matter how challenging the conversation. Dr. Bukiet will be spending time with her growing family which includes her four children. Thank you and best wishes Dr. Bukiet!
Mr. Nick Harrison
Mr. Harrison, a Dwight-Englewood alum, has worked at Dwight-Englewood School in various capacities. Most recently, he has taught as an assistant teacher in grades 3, 4, and 5, and before that, served as a recess coach for the Lower School. This year, Mr. Harrison took on the additional role of third-grade health and wellness teacher, adding responsibility and more teaching time to his assistant role. In addition to his work at the Lower School, he also coaches baseball and basketball at D-E, and football for a local public school. At our most recent assembly students spoke on behalf of departing teachers and thanked Mr. Harrison for countless hours teaching in the classroom and on the playgrounds. A lifelong Yankees fan, he has bonded with so many students over their shared love of the team and game! We wish Mr. Harrison the best as he moves on to this next chapter!
Mrs. Kristin Geller
Mrs. Geller has been at the Lower School for the past 11 years, most of which she has served as a fourth-grade teacher. Along with her grade level partners, she has kept the World Peace Games a staple piece of curriculum for the fourth grade. After 32 years in education, she has made the bittersweet decision to retire at the end of the school year. Her attention to detail, purposeful planning and commitment to lifelong learning have been hallmarks of her work with students. She brought thoughtful instruction and positivity to each class she taught. We will certainly miss her here at the Lower School but are thrilled she’ll have plenty of time to enjoy her family – including her twin daughters, both Dwight-Englewood graduates. We are so excited for her and wish her the best on this new adventure!
Ms. Ashley Gray
Ms. Gray has been a learning specialist for the past seven years at D-E. Focusing on grades 3-5, she worked closely with many students for word study, reading, and writing both inside and outside of the classroom. At our final assembly, students spoke in honor of our departing teachers. Ms. Gray was thanked because, in the words of students, “when we go to your class, we know we are going to learn, and we know we are going to have fun.”
We know that the students she has taught will forever remember her support, intelligence and kindness. We are lucky to have had Ms. Gray at the Lower School and wish her the best in her next endeavor!