The Latest
The countdown is on! With less a week until The Auction at Erie Day School: Boots & Bling on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the excitement is building—literally! The "Lock 'Em Up" Jail is under construction, the disco balls are ready to shine, and the Custom Hat Bar will be set up in the coming days. Get ready for a Western-inspired celebration featuring one-of-a-kind auction treasures, incredible food, and lively entertainment! This year, we are proud to honor Dr. Karen Tyler with the 2025 Spartan Award in recognition of her decade-long leadership as Head of School.
Want a sneak peek at the amazing items up for bid? Preview the auction catalog below.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back AmFund, offering four luxury travel experiences to Paris, Portugal, Spain, and Zurich! These silent auction trips include no blackout dates, flexible travel for three years, and top-tier accommodations.
Questions? Contact Christina Katen, Director of Development, at (814) 452-4273 or ckaten@eriedayschool.com.
Dust off your boots, grab some bling, and get ready for a night of fun, fundraising, and unforgettable moments!
| | |
The Students
On March 28th and 29th, Erie Day School students took the stage for their incredible production of Shrek Jr., brought to life through the EDS Playhouse. After months of dedication, hours of rehearsals, and balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and family commitments, these talented performers delivered a show to remember!
Leading the cast was Lauren Rowe as a spectacular Shrek, Luca Pelkowski bringing plenty of laughs as Lord Farquaad, and Wesley Griffith stealing the spotlight as an unforgettable Donkey. The role of Fiona was beautifully portrayed across different stages of her journey, with as Charlotte Darling as Fiona, Meryl Showalter as Teen Fiona, and Harper Stevens as Young Fiona.
Theater is more than just entertainment—it’s an education in confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Through this production, students conquered stage fright, honed their public speaking skills, and learned the power of collaboration. The ability to memorize lines, adapt to unexpected moments, and perform under pressure are invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the stage.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for their hard work and passion. You made Shrek Jr. a magical experience for all!
| | | |
The Campus
After months of snow-covered grounds, Erie Day School students are finally enjoying the milder weather, running and exploring outdoors with renewed energy. The changing seasons bring new opportunities for adventure, and while the campus was often buried under deep snow this winter, that never stopped our students from embracing the outdoors.
Recess remained an essential part of the school day, with students bundling up and heading outside whenever temperatures allowed. For those who preferred to stay warm, indoor options were available, but many eagerly took to the snow for snow angels, building forts, and making the most of winter’s wonders.
This hands-on, experiential approach to learning in nature is a key part of an Erie Day School education. As an independent school, EDS believes that time spent outdoors fosters curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the world around us. Whether exploring the garden, engaging in scientific discovery, or simply recharging during recess, outdoor play strengthens both mind and body—helping students return to class refreshed and ready to learn. No matter the season, at EDS, nature is always part of the classroom!
| | |
The Teachers
In March, under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Brian Gutowski—lovingly referred to as Mr. G.—twenty-two Erie Day School students in Grades 5–8 participated in the Model UN Competition at Gannon University.
Model United Nations (MUN) is an international academic program where middle school, high school, and college students engage in global diplomacy by representing different countries on UN committees. They research, debate, and collaborate to address critical world issues, all while honing their public speaking, critical thinking, and negotiation skills.
Mr. G. has been an essential force in guiding students through this challenging yet rewarding experience. His leadership goes beyond MUN, as he also spearheads the Civics Bee at EDS, where our students often advance to the state level in competition. Additionally, he runs a Geography Bee in-house, further fueling our students’ passion for geography and global awareness.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. G. also lends his expertise as a leader on cultural excursions to places like Boston, Washington, DC, and Chautauqua, helping students gain real-world connections to the lessons they study. His influence has made a lasting impact on our students, enriching their educational experiences and shaping them into well-rounded global citizens.
A huge congratulations to our hardworking Spartans for their dedication and success, and a special thank you to Mr. Gutowski for inspiring the next generation of leaders!
| | |
The Alumni
Erie Day School alumna Jamie Keim has always had a passion for the arts, a passion that has taken her from Erie to New York City and back again. After earning her degree from Pace University, Jamie spent seven years in NYC, deepening her appreciation for Erie’s vibrant arts community. Upon returning home, she quickly reconnected with local organizations, volunteering at the Neighborhood Art House and later joining LEAF (Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier), where she played a key role in launching community initiatives like the LEAF Open Market.
Now serving as Program Director and Designer at the Erie Art Museum, Jamie continues to bring creative vision to her hometown. Most recently, she generously lent her expertise to Erie Day School, consulting on the layout of the Vicary Art Gallery, the school’s newly created exhibition space inside the Griffith Lobby. Her guidance helped ensure that student artwork is beautifully curated and celebrated.
We are proud to recognize Jamie’s contributions to the arts and her dedication to fostering creativity in Erie. Thank you, Jamie, for inspiring the next generation of artists at EDS and beyond!
Do you have exciting EDS alumni news to share? To have your story featured in "The Spartan" send information to ckaten@eriedayschool.com
| | | |
Save The Date
Saturday, April 5th: The Auction at Erie Day School
Boots & Bling
Thursday, May 15th: Retirement Open House for Dr. Karen Tyler
Join us at EDS during the Arts Walk.
Friday, May 23rd: Alumni Homecoming
4 - 6 PM
Join us in the outdoor space at the back of campus.
| | | |
Erie Day School
Spirit Store
Looking for a way to show your Erie Day School pride? Our Spirit Store has everything from cozy hoodies and performance tees to stylish hats, water bottles, blankets, and even tie-dye items. Whether you're a Spartan fan, a proud alumnus, or a family member looking for a perfect gifts, you'll find dedicated sections just for you. Ten percent of all sales from the Spirit Store are donated back to Erie Day School Parent Group and support events like Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Founder's Day Ice Cream Social and more.
Shop Now!
| |  | |
Erie Day School Recognition Tree
Erie Day School offers a unique opportunity for families to etch their legacy into the institution's history by purchasing a leaf for our Recognition Tree. Crafted by local artist Adam Stempka of Stempka Designs, this custom piece invites families to honor or remember a student, teacher, philanthropist, or special person or family with a laser-engraved birch leaf. The tree is located on the exterior wall at the Griffith Lobby entrance patio.
Purchase a Leaf
| | | | | |
