Year 2 (2019-2020) Accomplishments:
The 2019-20 school year was unlike any other; still, the Hackley community united in our continued effort to create a better Hilltop. Together, we succeeded in accomplishing a robust set of goals.
Redefine a Liberal Arts Education
Implemented the competencies into K-12 classrooms, parent conferences, and evidentials. Additionally, faculty identified targeted competencies in which to focus new course proposals for 2020-2021.
Implemented new interdisciplinary courses in Food and Power: The Science and Politics of What We Eat and Historical and Literary Analysis Via Role-Play Games.
Successfully ran the Independent Research English and History course, basing it on the Independent Research in Science course. 17 students enrolled in the first year.
Our newly formed civil discourse group created a vision statement, articulating a unique vision for civic understanding and engagement.
Researchers from the Klingenstein Center at Teacher's College completed a project providing recommendations for assessment practices supporting competencies.
Promote the Hilltop as a Learning Hub
Highlighted student performances through the video creation of “snapshot” performances published across our social media channels.
Explored visual and performing arts at Yale University through the first performing and visual arts co-departmental Upper School Creative Arts field trip.
Developed relationship with Lincoln Center Chamber Music Group, which resulted in Hackley hosting the 2019 regional competitions and created the opportunity for future hosting on the Hilltop.
Launched Hackley’s creative residency program with first two visiting artists. Hackley’s first creative resident, Elizabeth Anne Smith, utilized Meisner-based exercises to focus on “the actor in response” in her work with Middle and Upper School drama students from the Performing Arts department. Hackley’s second creative resident, Dr. Sean Linfors, worked with music students in MS and US choral, band, and orchestra classes, exploring new warm ups, vowel work, and breathing techniques.
Developed a new Computer Science course, Machine Learning with Music and Art, to be introduced during the academic year 2020-2021.
Work continued to develop a “Big Experience” program model for each division—aligned with our defined competencies—designed to launch in 2020-2021, including travel for culturally immersive experiences locally and abroad.
In support of Hudson Scholars, secured additional support to unlock an Edward E. Ford Foundation matching grant, allowing Hackley to extend the program to more families by adding a fourth cohort.
Created a draft statement of purpose articulating a vision of K-12 outdoor and environmental education, and began developing programs to fully utilize the educational capabilities of the Hackley Forest and surrounding natural ecosystems.
Build for the Future
Developed and published a DEI statement of purpose to guide programming and aid faculty recruiting efforts, promoted additional faculty DEI training, and joined the Fairchester Alliance, which promotes the hiring of a more diverse faculty body in area independent schools.
Numerous faculty presented at conferences, contributing to the professional development and growth of other educators.
Faculty engaged in professional development from Global Online Academy to prepare for distance learning.
Awarded the first Philip Havens ‘49 Endowed Faculty Professional Development Grant, which was developed with support from the E.E. Ford Foundation.
Hosted the second Hackley Hosts webinar for independent school educators across the nation, entitled “At the Intersection of Policy and Practice: Hiring and Retaining Faculty of Color” with Dr. Travis Bristol.
Nurture a Culture of Wellness
Modified the peer advisory program to provide training to mentors and created additional health teaching time in the Upper School.
Redesigned health curricula using a research and evidence-based approach to ensure students are receiving the newest information on issues of health and wellness.
Expanded nutritional offerings campus wide, including whole wheat options where applicable and healthier options in the Tuck; limited high-sugar items across campus and greatly limited use of processed meats.
Implemented a wellness education program through divisional coffees to increase understanding of issues of health and wellness among the parent body.
Dr. Suniya Luthar conducted an analysis of student behaviors in the Upper School, designed to understand the risk factors facing teens in high achieving settings.