After the first week of classes, the Upper School participated in First Friday, an annual event bringing the community closer together and ready to face the year ahead.

Hackley’s Class of 2017 started their day with a breakfast hosted by new Headmaster Michael Wirtz, attended a college counseling session, and bonded over a barbecue lunch and lawn games on the Quad. Meanwhile, the Class of 2018, assisted by ESPN sports broadcaster Ryan Ruocco ’04, wrote speeches and performed them in front of their class. See the gallery below for photos from the day.

Hackley’s Class of 2019 traveled to P.S. 81 in Brooklyn, where they helped students transition into a new year at school. They also assisted teachers in organizing their classrooms. This visit to P.S. 81 is part of an ongoing partnership between Hackley’s Classes of 2017 and 2019 and P.S. 81.

In its fifth annual race, the Freshman Boat Regatta made for a popular afternoon in the pool. After a morning of designing and constructing their boats, members of the Class of 2020 raced them in the pool. Congratulations to the 2016 champions: team members Ethan Yablon, Sadie Friesen, Jared Tills, Kathryn Fernholz, Gabe Baez, Jenny Canoni, Emily Afriyie, and Kylie Morrison and faculty advisor Dr. Andrew Ying. See the photos and videos from an exciting day below.

First Friday provides an opportunity for Hackley students to take their knowledge out of the classroom and apply it to the school community. Whether it was assisting a Kindergarten classroom at P.S. 81 or sinking in a cardboard boat, every student finished the day with new friends, new experiences and ready for a new year ahead. Thank you to all the faculty and staff for organizing a great day!