FROM THE PRINCIPAL
BELONGING AT FORDHAM PREP
A Q & A with Joseph A . Petriello , PhD ’ 98
You have “ belonged ”
Q : to the Prep community since you arrived at Rose Hill as a freshman in 1994 . During your time as a student , back then what made you feel like you “ belonged ” at the Prep ?
Q :
The most challenging transition for Fordham Prep students is the one they make when they enter the community as freshmen . What does Fordham Prep do to make them feel welcome ? What programs help build their sense of community ?
Q :
Fordham Prep is also trying to create a community where parents feel welcome . What opportunities do parents have to participate in the life of the Prep ? Do you have a favorite parent activity or program ?
Q :
Year after year , incoming families tell us that they are most drawn to the Prep ’ s sense of “ community .” Can you give us one word you would use to describe the Prep community ? And why ?
A :
When I started Fordham Prep as a freshman in 1994 , I definitely felt a sense of belonging from the ways in which my teachers provided support in and out of the classroom . They helped me feel accepted and valued as a new member of the Prep community by getting to know me as a person who brought my own interests and gifts to my new school . Some of my freshman teachers , like Christopher Lauber ’ 79 , P ’ 08 and Peter McNamara P ’ 11 ’ 12 ’ 17 , are still providing that sense of welcome , presence , and care to our students today ! My retreat experiences on Emmaus in junior year and Ad Amorem in senior year also invited me to a deeper experience of belonging . Receiving the gift of those retreats led by Fr . Stan O ’ Konsky , SJ and Fr . Charlie Sullivan , SJ is something I will always fondly remember . These sacred times of prayer and fellowship were not only experiences of Prep brotherhood , but life-changing encounters with God ’ s friendship among us . Our retreats are truly one of the defining experiences of belonging at the Prep .
A :
The transition from middle school to high school can be a significant one , and we want our freshmen to feel welcome and build a sense of community from the very start of their time on Rose Hill . On the morning of the first day of Freshman Orientation in September , our newest Rams are seated in the back pews of the Fordham University Church for our Freshman Induction Ceremony and welcomed by our President . During this ceremony , we call each freshman by name , and he walks up the center aisle accompanied by upperclassmen Big Brothers to meet his mentor and find a place to sit with his freshman mentor group . It is a beautiful ceremony that tells each and every one of our freshmen that they are recognized , and they belong here . Later in the year , the Freshman Retreat provides an opportunity for them to reflect on their faith and spiritual growth , to build relationships with their classmates , and to understand the Catholic , Jesuit values that shape our way of proceeding at the Prep . This year I once again gave a faith talk to a small group on retreat which is always a moment for grace for me personally during the three-day retreat focused on “ Faith Through Brotherhood .”
A :
Involving parents and caregivers in the life of the school is a valuable way to build a strong sense of community and support the growth of our young men . The Fordham Prep Mothers ’ Club ( FPMC ) and Fathers ’ Club ( FPFC ) are the primary ways that our parents feel welcome and have the opportunity to get involved in the life of the school . In fact , when I started as Principal in 2016 , it was members of the FPMC and FPFC who first reached out to graciously welcome me back to the Prep . Our parent clubs provide volunteer opportunities , fundraising events , guest speakers , and faith sharing that allow them to build community together and in partnership with our administration , faculty , and staff . Prep parents are tremendously generous with their time — whether it is volunteering at an Open House , serving dinner at the Freshman Retreat , or organizing end-of-season dinners for our athletic teams — these are just a few ways that they support our community . With so much to choose from , I would say that my favorite event to engage with parents is our annual Ignite fundraiser . With over 500 guests in attendance , I am always excited to spend time with so many current and past parents , and to listen to them share stories about the impact the Prep has not only had on their sons , but on their own lives as well . We are blessed that so many parents of alumni are still very involved in supporting our mission .
A :
One word I would use to describe the Prep community is “ engaging .” There ’ s always so much going on at the Prep that it ’ s tough to keep up ! From our rigorous academic programs to our abundant extracurricular activities and athletic offerings , we offer countless opportunities for our students to engage in learning , discover their unique interests , and build relationships with others . Our commitment to faith , service , and justice further emphasizes our mission to engage students in meaningful ways that invite them to share their gifts with others . Listening to my seniors reflect on their volunteer experiences in service class , I know how much of an impact this wonderful program has on them each year . Furthermore , our strong network of alumni and parent involvement creates a sense of engagement and belonging that extends well beyond graduation . The Fordham Prep experience should not be limited to four years . It has the potential to be a lifelong engagement in a community devoted to faith , scholarship , and service .
SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 43 , ISSUE 2
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