The Latest
Step into an unforgettable evening of Palm Beach–inspired elegance at Palm Royale — a night filled with chic style, vibrant energy, and the joyful spirit of the Erie Day School community. Guests will enjoy dazzling décor, signature cocktails, curated auction treasures, mouth-watering cuisine, and lively entertainment that will keep the celebration going all night long.
Palm Royale isn’t just a party — it’s a meaningful opportunity to celebrate nearly a century of inspiring young minds and to help ensure a bright future for our students.
📬 Watch your mailboxes! Formal invitations will arrive within the next two weeks. But you don’t have to wait — tickets are available now!
🏆 Honoring Our 2026 Spartan Award Recipient: Kelly Kovacs
Kelly has dedicated more than a decade of service to Erie Day School — as an engaged parent volunteer, President of the Parent Group, and a committed long-standing member of the Board of Trustees. Even after her children graduated, she has continued to share her time, leadership, and heart to help our community thrive.
Gather your friends, plan your look, and join us for a night of celebration, connection, and impact. 💚
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The Students
Erie Day School students are celebrating an extraordinary achievement after earning First Place in the Innovation Challenge at the 2026 Pennsylvania State Championship for the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge—an honor that places them among the most creative and forward-thinking young problem-solvers in the state.
Held on Saturday, February 14 at Palmyra High School, the state championship brought together top-performing teams from across Pennsylvania to compete in this year’s FLL theme, “Unearthed.” Students spent months researching real-world problems, designing solutions, building prototypes, and presenting their ideas to a panel of judges.
The Innovation Challenge is one of the most prestigious components of the competition. Teams are evaluated on their ability to:
- Identify a meaningful, real-world problem connected to the annual theme
- Conduct research and analyze existing solutions
- Design an original, thoughtful, and feasible innovation
- Clearly communicate their idea through a professional presentation
Taking first place means Erie Day School’s students demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—skills that lie at the heart of both STEM education and real-world leadership.
For Erie Day School, this achievement is more than a trophy. It is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity is nurtured, creativity is encouraged, and students are empowered to tackle real challenges with confidence.
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The Campus
As the long stretch of winter continues to keep us bundled up and counting the days until spring, there is no shortage of energy, progress, and pride warming the halls of Erie Day School. Quarter 2 has been filled with meaningful momentum — from strategic security enhancements and thoughtful campus improvements to exciting curriculum additions and the incredible accomplishments of our academic and athletic teams.
In the update below, Mr. Fuller shares a look at the work happening behind the scenes and the joyful activity unfolding in our classrooms, on our stages, and in competition. Even in the coldest months, our community continues to move forward with purpose, care, and Spartan spirit — and there is so much to celebrate.
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The Teachers
Rachelle Martin brings warmth, creativity, and an unmistakable sense of care to Erie Day School’s early childhood classrooms—qualities that have been shaped by her journey as both an educator and an EDS parent.
Before joining the faculty, Rachelle was already a familiar and valued member of the EDS community. She first came to the school as a parent to her children, Alex and Thea, and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the nurturing, curiosity-driven environment that defines early childhood learning at Erie Day School. Her return to the classroom felt like a natural next step in her lifelong commitment to children and education.
Rachelle had taught prior to starting her family, and during her years at home she channeled her creativity into launching a small business inspired by her children. Through Alex & Thea, she designed thoughtfully crafted products for new parents—combining functionality, organization, and style. That same attention to detail is evident in her classroom today, where her space is welcoming, beautifully arranged, and designed to support both independence and exploration.
An Erie native, Rachelle remains closely connected to the community and, in her free time, supports her family’s work with the Dusckas Martin Funeral Home.
Beyond the classroom, Rachelle and her husband, Alex, are enthusiastic supporters of the school community. They can always be found at the annual fundraising auction—laughing with friends and cheering on a great cause—reflecting the spirit of partnership and joy that defines Erie Day School.
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The Alumni
We are delighted to invite our alumni back to campus for this year’s Alumni Homecoming, taking place Friday, June 5 at 5:00 PM—just before the Eighth Grade Graduation Ceremony.
Join us in the Taft Library for light refreshments, warm conversation, and a chance to reconnect with classmates, faculty, and the school that helped shape your journey. It’s a meaningful opportunity to step back into familiar spaces, share memories, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Erie Day School.
Following the gathering, alumni are warmly invited to remain on campus for the Graduation Ceremony immediately afterward. You may even catch a glimpse of the soon-to-be graduates preparing nearby—offering a perfect moment to share a few words of encouragement, wisdom, or simply a laugh to help ease their nerves.
Welcome home.
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
March 27th & March 28th: EDS Playhouse Production
Matilda, Jr.
April 18th: The Auction at Erie Day School
Palm Royale
June 5th: Alumni Homecoming
5-6PM |Taft Library
(before Graduation)
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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 the exterior wall at the Griffith Lobby entrance patio.
Purchase a Leaf
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