Lower School Faculty

List of 8 news stories.

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  Hackley Perspectives: Imagination and Cultural Connections

  In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Qiong (Katie) Jan examines the role of imagination in Hackley’s Chinese language program. “In our classes, imagination flourishes through such engaging activities as making traditional foods, like dumplings, mooncakes and tanghulu, and watching cinematic masterpieces. Students actively participate in storytelling sessions, crafting their narratives inspired by folklore, debating contemporary cultural issues and collaborating on projects that explore traditional arts, such as papercutting, ink painting and origami,” she writes. “These hands-on experiences vividly immerse students in Chinese culture, igniting their curiosity and deepening their cultural understanding.” Read the post here.
  
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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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  Varsity Coaches Reach Milestones in Their Sports

  Hackley’s Varsity Wrestling Coach Fran Stanek recorded his 200th dual meet win in January, and Girls’ Varsity Soccer Coach Natalie Hopp-Gaven won her 100th game back in the fall.
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  Hackley Theater Teacher Honored by Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators

  Performing Arts teacher Willie Teacher was honored recently with the 2025 Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators Educator Award!
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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.