The Latest
Tomorrow, September 2nd, Erie Day School will joyfully welcome over 190 students through its doors—including 37 new Spartans who are just
beginning their EDS journey!
Among the new faces on campus is Mr. Donald Fuller, who officially begins his first year as Head of School. A seasoned educator and enthusiastic leader, Mr. Fuller brings with him a deep commitment to independent education, child-centered learning, and community connection.
As Mr. Fuller takes the helm at EDS, he shared, “I’m looking forward to getting to know every student and helping each one grow not just academically, but also as kind, curious, and capable individuals. Erie Day School is a place where childhood is honored and potential is nurtured—and I’m proud to be part of this incredible legacy.”
As students settle into their first day, parents will gather on the front lawn for the traditional Welcome Coffee, hosted by our dedicated Parent Group. Hot, delicious coffee—generously donated by our friends at Tim Hortons—will be served alongside warm conversations and shared excitement for the year ahead. AB Creative helps put on the final touches, making everything picture-perfect for this cherished back-to-school tradition.
We can’t wait to see all that our students—new and returning—will achieve this year!
| | |
The Students
Even before the first day of school, Erie Day School’s cross country and tennis teams are already hard at work—training, competing, and proudly carrying the Spartan spirit into a new season.
Athletics are a cornerstone of the EDS experience, blending the value of an independent education with lessons in discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. These skills serve our students as well in the classroom as they do in competition.
In recent years, our programs have grown rapidly in both challenge and competition, positioning our small but mighty school as a top contender in league play. Whether on the field, court, trail, or in the pool, Spartans are known for their excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship—a true testament to the strength of our community.
| | | |
The Campus
As we welcomed students back to campus, our new Head of School, Mr. Fuller, took a moment to highlight the many summer updates completed across Erie Day School. From refreshed classrooms and reorganized learning spaces to updated outdoor areas, these enhancements set the tone for a bright and inspiring school year.
While many of these changes may seem routine, each one represents a meaningful investment in the daily experience of our students. Even the most practical improvements—fresh paint, improved storage, safer pathways—carry financial weight and rely on the support of our generous community to come to life.
Thanks to gifts made through Erie Gives and other contributions throughout the year, we were able to bring these updates to fruition. Your generosity ensures that our campus continues to grow with purpose, care, and the needs of our students in mind.
At EDS, every thoughtful detail contributes to a richer, more joyful education. Thank you for making it possible.
| | |
The Teachers
We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Trish Miller as the new School Counselor at Erie Day School. With a background that blends education, psychology, and mental health, Mrs. Miller brings both expertise and heart to her work—making her an invaluable addition to our school community.
She is a certified School Counselor with years of experience supporting students across a wide range of ages and needs. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that she brings the most up-to-date practices in student support to Erie Day School.
In her role, Mrs. Miller fosters a safe, inclusive space where students are encouraged to explore, express, and grow. Her work supports social-emotional learning, academic guidance, conflict resolution, self-awareness, peer relationships, and career exploration. At independent schools like Erie Day School, social-emotional learning is not an “extra”—it’s essential. SEL empowers students with the emotional intelligence and resilience they need to navigate challenges, build empathy, and lead with kindness and confidence. Through one-on-one meetings, classroom lessons, small group work, and school-wide initiatives, Mrs. Miller helps ensure that our students feel heard, supported, and equipped to thrive—not just academically, but as whole people.
When she’s not working with students, Mrs. Miller enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter, especially to warm, sunny destinations.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mrs. Trish Miller to the Erie Day School family. Her presence strengthens our ongoing commitment to nurturing not only bright minds, but also compassionate, confident, and capable individuals.
| | |
The Alumni
At Erie Day School, teachers don’t just guide lessons—they shape lives. And even after their time in the classroom ends, their impact remains woven into the fabric of our school.
We are proud to recognize the incredible community of alumni teachers—those who have retired from EDS but continue to be part of our story. Names like Mrs. Nowicki, Mrs. Bolles, Ms. Emmett, Ms. Fish, Mrs. JoAnn, Ms. Larsen, Ms. McCalmont and beloved Mrs. Rogers still echo through our halls—not only in the memories of colleagues and families, but also in the classrooms of our current students, many of whom are lucky enough to still have these educators substitute, visit, or be spoken of with great admiration.
These teachers represent decades of wisdom, warmth, and tradition. Whether they’re returning to campus for a special event, filling in as a substitute, or simply being remembered in a student’s story, they never truly leave EDS. Their influence is lasting.
Each year on the first Friday of school, we celebrate our Founders Day at Morning Meeting. As Mr. G. enthusiastically shares the history of Erie Day School with students and guests, familiar faces of alumni teachers appear in photos from years past. You can almost hear the shared nostalgia and admiration as students recognize a substitute they’ve had recently or a teacher their older sibling still talks about.
And while some of our alumni teachers, like Ms. Emmett and Mrs. JoAnn still join us in the classroom, others are present in quieter ways: in the practices they helped establish, in the stories told by younger teachers they mentored, and in the culture of kindness, wisdom, and respect they helped cultivate.
Perhaps what makes the role of an EDS teacher so special is that it doesn’t end with retirement. These educators remain part of who we are—reminders that while years may pass, the heart of a great teacher always lingers.
Do you have exciting EDS alumni news to share? To have your story featured in "The Spartan" send information to ckaten@eriedayschool.com
| | | |
Still Time to Join the Founding Mothers Giving Circle!
It began with two mothers. Now, it’s your turn.
This summer, we launched the Founding Mothers Giving Circle—a powerful tribute to the two courageous women who established Erie Day School in 1929. Their vision continues to shape generations of learners, and now we’re inviting you to help carry that legacy forward.
100 Women. $100 Each. $10,000 for the future.
It takes 100 women, each donating $100, to make this initiative a success. Together, we will raise $10,000 to support a meaningful project for the 2025–26 school year—one that honors our history and builds toward our future.
If you missed the campaign this summer, there’s still time to participate! We warmly welcome new members to join this community-driven effort.
This isn’t just a donation—it’s a declaration of belief in the power of education, community, and the next generation.
Each participant will receive a custom pair of earrings designed by Nesting Doll, created exclusively for this initiative. Your name will also be permanently displayed on the Founding Mothers tribute wall at Erie Day School.
Join the Movement!
| | | | |
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 exterior wall at the Griffith Lobby entrance patio.
Purchase a Leaf
| | | | | |
