Have you even wanted to try Martial Arts but never had the time?  Picture yourself sitting on a perfectly matted floor, learning techniques to help you better protect yourself. Here at Hackley, there are many new programs like this just starting up. Many programs like these are only beginning to blossom and Hackley is one of the first schools to kick it into full gear. This program focuses on enhancing an individual’s life not only in school, but outside as well. Charles Colten, the Director of Community Well-Being, is zooming in on three areas to further improve Hackley’s Community: Nutrition, Positive Psychology, and Mindfulness. According to Mr. Colten, “Through scientific research, such as Neurology, we have been able to learn that some of these practices can truly enhance and optimize someone’s life personally and professionally.” This is a brand new position at Hackley and Mr. Colten is embracing it with open arms.

Due to the generous donation from Ethel Allen and her family, the Health and Wellness program is well under way. Hackley has investigated this program for the community, and decided to jump into the opportunity as soon as possible. Mr. Colten further explains this, “We don’t want to wait until our kids are 30 years old to have access to this information, we should be sharing this with our kids now. So, by the time they walk across the stage to pick up their diploma, they already have these tools in their tool kit that others haven’t even begun to explore”.

This new program is all about maximizing one’s potential and finding something that is good for you. Hackley is now offering many after school programs for students such as Aikido, Meditation, Yoga, Martial Arts, and more. Not only is this initiative directed at students, but faculty are also taking part. Nature walks and cooking classes are two prime examples of employee activities to further build the community. Classes and teams as a whole have tried new classes such as meditation in English, Spanish, and Art. For the faculty, Tai Chi has been taught to the Kitchen Staff as well as group nature walks.

Sophomore Sarah Schwidel takes both Aiki Kendo and Aikido and loves them both. “It was always something that I have been interested in, but never gotten a chance to do, so when I heard about it at orientation I was really excited about it,” Sarah shares.

“I feel very fortunate to be here at Hackley,” Mr. Colten stated. “Hackley is on the forefront of placing wellness and well-being at the core of a 21st century education,” he said. The program is starting off with only a few classes, but its long term goal is to expand the program greatly. Eventually, Mr. Colten hopes to have a kitchen classroom, a green room, and an overall environment that supports people being the best that they can be.