Our new Boarding Directors — Kassy, Director of College Counseling, and Tom Fritz, Upper School history teacher, junior class dean and coach — talk about their new roles, what makes Hackley special, and more.
Q: What are you most excited about as you step into the role of boarding director?
Kassy: Getting to know the students in different ways, working with the amazing associate team and building on the strength of the Boarding program that we are stepping into.
Tom: Working with students at every point in their Upper School careers, learning from and supporting students and colleagues, and continuing to build on the amazing spirit and success of the Hackley Boarding program.
Q: What do you hope students experience as members of the boarding community this year?
Kassy: That they are part of a supportive ‘family’ of boarders who cares about each other individually and as a collective.
Tom: Opportunities to both mentor younger students and learn from older students while spending time with adults who genuinely enjoy being part of a student’s Hackley journey.
Q: What is one thing that makes boarding life special?
Kassy: The opportunity for all of us to learn from the traditions and stories that students and Boarding associates bring to the Boarding community and create our own narratives together.
Tom: Building community within a community and creating memories outside of classroom, artistic, athletic and club experiences.
Q: What is a favorite Hackley tradition?
Kassy: Not sure if it is a tradition, but the fact that students always leave a classroom and say 'thank you' — very unique to Hackley!
Tom: The festive holiday dinner for boarders, faculty and faculty families.
Q: What is one thing you've learned from working with students?
Kassy: Everyone brings their own strengths and vulnerabilities to life in a boarding community. Never a dull moment!
Tom: No two days are the same — and that is a good thing!
Q: What makes a place feel like home?
Kassy: Creating a safe space where everyone feels comfortable, included and supported.
Tom: Comfort, kindness, conversation, laughter and food!
Q: What is a hobby or interest you enjoy outside of school?
Kassy: I am an early morning runner; I also enjoy long walks with Gus and exploring the trails of Rockefeller State Park, and reading!
Tom: It is only a few years since I started playing golf, and I am desperately trying to get better.
Q: What is a book, podcast or show you've enjoyed recently?
Kassy: Wild Dark Shore and Whistler Tom: Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise
Q: What is your go-to comfort food?
Kassy: Soup Tom: Pancakes
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
Kassy: I speak French and played ice hockey in college.
Tom: I just moved into my seventh Hackley apartment.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
Kassy: Striking the balance between hard work and fun!
Tom: Knowing many more names and faces on campus compared to last year.
Q: What is one word you hope describes the boarding experience this year?
Kassy: Supportive Tom: Connection
