Lower School Faculty

List of 8 news stories.

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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.
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  Hackley Unveils First Female Faculty "Gargoyles"

  On Thursday, Dec. 12, Hackley unveiled its first female "gargoyles" in honor of computer science teacher and the Dial advisor Anne Budlong and math and science teacher Kerry Clingen, acknowledging their more than 40 years (and counting!) of service to the School.
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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.