Florry Arnold

Originally from Tarrytown, New York, Florry Arnold attended Muhlenberg College where she graduated with a degree in history and theatre (concentration in performance studies). While at Muhlenberg she worked in the school's costume construction department and was a participant in various productions. Before coming to Suffield in 2021, Florry was a history teacher and dorm parent at the Forman School.

At Suffield, she teaches U.S. History and Latin American Studies, helps coach JV girls' soccer, and is a dorm associate.

Where were you born?
I was born in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

What do you love about where you are from?
I grew up on a big school campus and I really love all the memories I have there of growing up and wandering around the woods with my dog and siblings.

If someone was traveling to where you are from for 24 hours, what would you recommend?
Try and go on the third Friday of any given month—they close off Main Street and do live performances. It is really cool!!

What would you tell them to do/where would you tell them to go?
I would tell them to do a food tour up and down Main Street, because the restaurants are incredible. Then walk around Rockefeller Trails!

What do you love about where you live now?
I like that there is always something to do but also how pretty everything is.

What is your favorite thing about day-to-day life at Suffield Academy?
The community!

What is the first thing you do every morning when you get to work?
I look at my email and I drink my coffee.

Who is your favorite artist?
Georgia O’Keefe

Which of your roles at Suffield Academy do you relish the most?
I really enjoyed being a part of a dorm team last year. You get to know everybody in a different light!

What is something your Suffield Academy family might not know about you?
I studied opera for 4 years.

What is your favorite book?
Call Them By Their True Names by Rebecca Solnit

What is the one word that you live by?
Serendipity

What is something you believe one can never over-invest in?
Friendships!

What is your favorite hobby?
I really like to craft. Right now, I have been very into cross stitch and embroidery.

What advice would you give a new teacher at Suffield Academy?
Get involved and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Everyone is wonderful.

What is the most important life lesson for someone to learn?
That caring about things is not bad. I think that a lot of times when people talk about their interests, they put qualifiers to dampen their importance to them. But if it is important to you, it is important!

What is/are your prized possession(s)?
I have a pin of my great grandmother’s that I treasure.

What is your favorite song of all time?
“Days of Decision” by Phil Ochs

If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, who would you dine with?
My grandmother. Or Herman Melville.

Who is your role model? Inspiration?
Probably my 12th grade history teacher. I endeavor to have that enthusiasm and patience one day.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go back to London, I really liked it! Or Edinburgh! Honestly, I would just like to travel.

What is your favorite food?
Sushi and cotton candy, not necessarily together.

What has been the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?
How to share my screen on Teams and how to play football