Lower School Welcome

List of 12 news stories.

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  Hackley Perspectives: How Books Can Reignite Our Imaginations

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Library Department Chair Jen Hubert Swan shares her concerns about the health of our imaginations, and how books can help. “Once we realize our imaginations have been withered by social media, is it too late to resurrect our inventiveness? As a librarian who has witnessed and experienced the creative power of reading, I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late,” she writes. “Ironically, as social media has exploded, so has publishing. According to some sources, there are between 500,000 and one million new titles traditionally published each year. ... But with so many options, how do we choose? Dear reader, I thought you’d never ask.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Perspectives: Code as Canvas

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Computer Science Department Chair Melissa Tranchida reflects on the artistry of computer science. “Artists exist in many capacities within the field of Computer Science,” she writes. “Whether students are digitally editing images, showcasing interactive games, exploring connections between code and graphical elements, or making decisions about a gradient within the user experience of their mobile application. In every one of these projects, the students are artists in their own right, using code as their canvas. Hackley students epitomize the joy of learning, and the art of coding is one they enroll in without checking off a graduation credit.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Perspectives: The Power of Kindness

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Lower School teacher Sue Harmon reflects on the power of kindness. “As an educator, I have been able to weave kindness throughout the curriculum and our everyday lessons and activities. The students quickly learn to embrace a classroom where kindness, respect, and friendship are the cornerstone and expectation.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Perspectives: The Parent-Teacher Partnership – A Shared Support System

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Assistant Director of the Lower School Josh Samuel shares his thoughts on the importance of the parent-teacher relationship. “At Hackley, we believe in working with parents. Parents and teachers may not always agree on every approach, but when we assume positive intent — especially during the toughest of conversations — and come to the table with open hearts and minds, the partnership is stronger for it.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Perspectives: Beyond the Prompt

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Director of Academic Affairs Basil Kolani reflects on how Hackley School is embracing Generative AI. “As generally happens with the adoption of disruptive technologies, we began with initial threats to the ‘right’ way to do things; slowly saw how, under the right circumstances, there were useful ways to use the new tool; and now have at least made GenAI use a part of the student experience. Now that we’re here, we have some room for growth.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Perspectives: The Art of Creativity and Innovation – Three Disciplines, One Vision

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Department Chairs Bettie-Ann Candelora (Performing Arts), Greg Cice (Visual Arts) and Melissa Tranchida (Computer Science) reflect on how “with the opening of the new Center for the Creative Arts and Technology, Hackley has now truly elevated the arts and computer science on our campus.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Celebrates Opening of Center for the Creative Arts and Technology

  Excitement filled the air on the Hilltop as Hackley students and employees gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the Center for the Creative Arts and Technology!
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  Hackley Perspectives: Continuity and Change – The Power of Hackley Traditions

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Director of the Upper School Andy King reflects on the traditions — both “old” and “new” — that have shaped our history and elevate our sense of community. “The people participating in these traditions will change. The venues where these rites occur may also change as the campus evolves. What does not change is how these traditions celebrate and elevate Hackley’s core values and culture and bring joy and connection to our community.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Perspectives: Disconnect to Reconnect - Being Fully Present

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Head of School Charles Franklin discusses how putting away our smartphones can help us reconnect as a community. “What we want is for each and every student at Hackley to give their undivided attention to their education, their peers, their teachers and their school. We want them to form relationships with as many people as possible — people in different grades and people with different backgrounds. Being fully present, both with ourselves and for others, is perhaps our broadest generational challenge as a society.” Read the post here.
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  Hackley Community Kicks Off School Year at Convocation Ceremony

  The first week of school is always an exciting time on the Hilltop! This week, we delighted in reconnecting with Hackley families and students, and on Thursday morning, Head of School Charles Franklin, Community Council President Rafael Castro '25 and Associate Head of School Dr. Cyndy Jean formally welcomed the Hackley Community to the academic year at Convocation 2024.
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  New Employees Join the Hilltop

  Hackley is excited to welcome 15 new Hornets to the Hilltop for the 2024-2025 academic year!
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  Hackley Perspectives: Reflection, Goals and Growth

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Upper School Counselor Katya Ostor discusses how to prioritize your mental health through reflection and setting goals for the future. “Mental health awareness looks different from one person to the next, and I encourage you to consider how it shows up for you, especially during one of the busiest times of the school year,” she shares. Read the post here.