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At Erie Day School, we believe that generosity is one of the most powerful lessons our students can learn. Whether it’s sharing a kind word with a classmate, helping in the garden, or contributing to a school project, giving—big or small—helps our community grow stronger every day.
This Giving Tuesday, we invite our families, alumni, and friends to join us in that same spirit of generosity—by helping our school continue to grow and thrive. While tuition supports our daily operations, the ongoing improvements and updates that make EDS a safe, inspiring, and vibrant place for learning depend on the generosity of our community.
Right now, we’re focusing on updates that directly touch our students’ experiences: repainting gym floor lines and replacing worn tiles so PE classes and recess basketball games are safer and more fun, improving an exterior door so even the tiniest hands can close it confidently, and investing in wireless headset microphones so our talented performers can be heard loud and clear with minimal disruptions. These enhancements may seem small individually, but together they allow our students to learn, play, and shine to their fullest potential. The total cost of these updates—including materials and labor—is about $7,000, a cost tuition does not cover.
You can make a gift electronically by clicking the button below, or contact Christina Katen to find other ways to contribute.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps our school continue to grow—our programs, our spaces, and most importantly, our students.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s come together in generosity, giving, and growth—and make a lasting impact on the Erie Day School community.
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The Students
Each year, Erie Day School’s Bags of Gratitude project brings our students together in a powerful expression of empathy, compassion, and community spirit. As they prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with classmates and friends, our students also take time to reflect on the reality that not everyone is as fortunate—to have a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, or even the comfort of basic hygiene essentials. This understanding inspires their efforts, reminding them that gratitude grows deepest when it’s shared with others.
In this cherished tradition, Early Childhood students team up with their Lower and Middle School “buddies” to assemble care bags filled with nourishing food and everyday necessities. Together, they also create heartfelt cards to tuck inside each bag—small but meaningful messages of hope and kindness for those receiving them. These thoughtfully packed bags are then delivered to local soup kitchens, offering comfort and care to those in need during the holiday season.
This year’s Bags of Gratitude initiative was made possible through the generosity of Wegmans, who provided the reusable grocery bags, and dedicated EDS parents, whose kindness supplied the items within them. Their support reminds our students that small acts of giving—when combined—can make a lasting difference.
Held on the same day as our beloved Thanksgiving Feast, when every EDS student gathers in the Henry E. Fish Gymnasium to share a meal together, this day stands as a true celebration of community and gratitude. By pairing these traditions, we create a learning experience that transcends the classroom—one that builds friendships, nurtures empathy, and inspires each child to carry the spirit of generosity into the world beyond Erie Day School.
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The Campus
A walk through the grounds of Erie Day School tells a story—one written not only in lessons and laughter, but in the care, generosity, and love of the families whose children have called this place home.
Every corner of campus holds a memory. The brick walkway that winds from the main building to the gazebo is more than a path—it’s a tapestry of names, each engraving representing a family who believed in the school’s mission and invested in its future. Along the way, benches offer quiet places to rest, each dedicated to our Founding Mothers and beloved teachers whose guidance helped shape the traditions we still cherish today.
New trees rise from the earth, planted in honor of past leaders and nurtured with stories of growth, perseverance, and community. The Shakespeare Tree continues to bloom with the spirit of creativity and performance, while across campus, a Secret Garden flourishes—tended with love and remembrance for a special friend. Nearby, the Butterfly Garden dances with color and life, reminding us that beauty and transformation are ever-present.
Even beyond the gardens, the campus reflects the same devotion. Inside our walls, spaces like the Taft Library carry deep meaning—symbols of curiosity, learning, and legacy that continue to inspire each new generation of EDS students.
This list could never be complete. There are countless gestures—large and small—that have shaped our school into the vibrant, eclectic haven it is today. Every plaque, every tree, every stone and bloom holds a story, a family, and a lasting mark of care.
At Erie Day School, our story is written not only in books and lessons, but in the landscape itself—a living testament to the love and commitment of the community that built it.
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The Teachers
During this season of warmth and gratitude, Erie Day School is especially thankful for Ms. Arlene Bowser, a beloved Early Childhood and Lower School educator whose care and adaptability have brightened our halls for more than ten years. Each year, Ms. Bowser steps into whichever classroom needs her most—whether Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, or First Grade—bringing comfort, stability, and a smile that makes every student feel at home.
Through her years at EDS, Ms. Bowser has taught all of us valuable lessons beyond the classroom: live in the moment, laugh as much as you can, and hug someone every day. Her gentle wisdom and joyful presence remind students and colleagues alike that true teamwork begins with kindness and a willingness to serve wherever you’re needed most.
When she’s not at school, Ms. Bowser treasures time with the joys of her life—her children, Erica and Joshua, and her sweet granddaughter, Dottie.
This December, as we celebrate community, connection, and care, we extend heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Bowser for all the ways she fills our school with love, laughter, and light.
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The Alumni
At Erie Day School, we often celebrate alumni who have gone on to impressive careers and accomplishments—but sometimes, the most inspiring stories come from those who are still writing their own.
Gridley Wright ’22—pictured on the left in the photo—now a senior in McDowell’s Honors College, is proof that you don’t need to wait until adulthood to make a difference. Since his sophomore year, he has been part of McDowell’s Distinctive Scholars, the top tier of the Honors College. Despite a demanding schedule that includes varsity tennis, baseball, debate team, and a host of leadership roles—among them founding McDowell’s Investment Club—Gridley still finds time to give back to Erie Day School in a meaningful way.
Gridley has volunteered as both a coach and mentor for the EDS tennis team and a supporter of the school’s MathCounts program, helping students strengthen their problem-solving skills and gain confidence in competition. His presence—whether on the court or in the classroom—is a source of excitement and inspiration for our students, who think it’s “pretty cool” to have a high school role model cheering them on.
More than just a helper, Gridley is a mentor who leads with enthusiasm, patience, and heart. His willingness to volunteer, encourage others, and stay connected to his roots demonstrates that impact isn’t measured by age or title—it’s measured by care and commitment.
Erie Day School is proud to see Gridley carrying forward the values he learned here: leadership, service, and community. His story reminds us that being part of the EDS family means making a difference wherever you are—and whenever you can.
Do you have exciting EDS alumni news to share? To have your story featured in "The Spartan" send information to ckaten@eriedayschool.com
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Save The Date
Saturday, January 24th: Prospective Student Open House
1- 3 PM
Saturday, April 18th: The Auction at Erie Day School
Palm Royale
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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!
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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
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