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2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8   G E T S   U N D E R W A Y

10.16.07
FROSH FIELD DAY

 

10.12.07
FROSH HOMEROOMS PUTTING THEIR HEADS TOGETHER

Members of the freshman homerooms, by October 12 with a month of togetherness under their belts, put their heads together in a contest to see which group could craft a 3rd floor-to-ground delivery system that would protect an egg from the forces of gravity and inertia. Many an ungainly invention turned up in the rooms as the ninth grade teams cobbled together straws, plastic, cardboard and plastic wrap into the escape-pods for their cackleberries.
     After homeroom reps delivered their works to the day's Master of Ceremonies, senior Ben Walker, the sizeable group of blazer-clad men and interested bystanders gathered in the landing area below Mr. Z's third floor window. As each group's invention was released and hurtled downward, the group watched breathless, awaiting a thud, or, worse, some sort of crunching sound. A couple of the efforts were picked up, only to reveal a gooey seepage dripping from a corner. But more than a few, including the one previously judged to be the ugliest entry, with absolutely no chance of survival, were opened to reveal the diminutive white orb in perfect condition. Cheers from the crowd ensued.

10.04.07
BACK IN ACTION WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

On September 29^th , the Service Learning for Social Justice Program at Seton Hall Prep renewed its commitment to eradicating sub-standard housing in New Jersey by working with a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Five students and Mr. Tim Brennan '99 traveled to Denville to assist in the construction of a new home. The day was filled with plenty of hard work as the Prep's builders erected the walls of the first floor of a one-family home. Seniors John Amedrano and Ted Jackson were responsible for the important task of setting the walls in place before juniors Derek Baquero and Pete Wojtal would nail them to the sill. John Landi, the lone sophomore, worked tirelessly as the group's utility man while Mr. Brennan manned the table saw. 

[photos courtesy of Tim Brennan '99)

see one of last year's Habitat for Humanity work outings >>>

09.06.07
FRESHMEN GET OFF THE GROUND
AS PEER LEADERS GET TO WORK

From 85 different towns they came, 275 brand spanking new freshmen—some quickly adapting to a new home, some a little nervous, perhaps yearning for another year in the comfort of a well-known environment. After a six-hour day of touring, gathering books, bags  and locks, logging on to the network, breaking the ice and hearing about the school, everyone eventually seemed right at home. The climax of the day was an appearance on stage to sing their newly learned Alma Mater, surprising their parents, who had spent the past hour taking part in their own orientation.
     Critical to the success of the day and the attitude the frosh came away with was the work of the Peer Leaders. The 30 seniors met their homeroom groups for the first time, and followed up on their work at the mid-August Leadership Workshop , at which time they learned about and practiced many of the techniques and games they brought into play to make the Class of 2011 feel at home.

08.11.07
PEER LEADERS PREP FOR THE YEAR'S WORK

With school still nearly a month away, the Prep's Peer Leaders got to work preparing themselves for their important job of leading the school's newest members through their first year of high school. The 30 seniors set aside three days in early August for their 3-day workshop-retreat, this year in Wall Township. The annual event is the kick-off for the group's 9-month project of ensuring that the frosh get off to a good start and have success during the year. This year seniors will go "solo" in performing their roles as homeroom leaders, meeting daily with their young charges, leading them through the community and team-builiding exercises they practiced and discussed on their own retreat.
       Indoor meetings and projects, plus outdoor activities, like the "Human Knot," High and Low Ropes Course," and the "Roller Coaster Project" demonstrated to the Peer Leaders the importance of communication, planning and teamwork.
       The group will meet their freshmen on September 6 as the ninth graders arrive for Orientation.
       Over the last ten years, the maturation of the Peer Leadership Program has proven a key ingredient in smoothing the way for the freshmen, many of whom come from very small schools, into The Prep's complex and energetic school environment.
       Peer Leaders  are chosen after a springtime interview and recommendation process which identifies students who have shown leadership potential in their first three years at the school, and who are ready to offer the significant commitment of time necessary to successfully complete their end of the bargain. Before school even starts they will have phoned each of the incoming freshmen assigned to their homeroom to make initial contact and to welcome them to The Prep.
    The retreat was held on August 10-12, led by Program Director Theresa Neglia, Dean of Studies Matt Cannizzo, and Program Associate Steve Ricciardi.

>>> Last year's Peer Leaders Summer Retreat

photos RCM/SHP