September 15, '11 edition of OPEN - Oratory Preparatory School

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OPEN
Oratory Prep’s Electronic Newsbits September 15, 2011
Orange Team Unlocks
Secrets for Newbies
F
or new students at OP, nerves were calmed by the presence
of a corps of team leaders spearheaded by Mr. Kevin Donnelly,
Director of Admissions. The seniors, decked out in electric
orange shirts, couldn’t be missed as they assisted new students
in finding their lockers and opening them as well as figuring out the
location of their classes.
EVER HELPFUL ...sophomore
Jack Vander Meulen assists
moms from the school’s Spirit
Shoppe with distribution of
shirts, hats, shorts and other
OP goods.
Send orders to the main office.
THERE’S A KNACK TO IT. Senior Joe Mascolo displays
the knack of opening the lockers. The orange brigade
of Student Council officers and Student Ambassadors
were told by Mr. Kevin Donnelly, “Let’s make sure the
boys feel welcome and have a good time on that first
time experience at orientation.”
NINTH GRADERS,
mix with the new
students in their
grade. “Make all
of the new guys
feel welcome
here,” Mr. Owen
McGowan, Dean
of Academics,
told them in his
opening remarks.
A REAL NAIL BITER...Checking their
schedules on Orientation Day are
seventh graders Connor Regan,
Aidan Windorf, Marcello Betman,
right.
“COME TO MY OFFICE ANYTIME”, ...Head of School Mr. Bob Costello tells the new students. He continued,“...Come (to school)
ready to work hard, play hard and be a part of this community. I know you’re going to love it here.”

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PAGE 2
Improvements Abound
I
n early summer, work began in the Bain Building to accommodate
the record 292 students for the 2011-12
school year. The cafeteria, under construction at left,
has been partitioned into two classrooms, complete with
Smart Boards and White Boards. Additionally, the space was
upgraded with new lighting and flooring.
Below: Ms. Alissa Kacar holds her Introduction to Business class in
one of the remodeled rooms that utilize the streamlined tables and
benches.
BACK TO BUSINESS. The former business
offices on the second floor were
transformed into classroom 207. Mr.
Richard Kennedy conducts his French
III class in the new space.
Summer Academy Proves to be Fun, Enlightening Experience
U
nder
the
direction
of Mr. Matt
Klarmann and Mr.
Bill Martin, the OP
Summer Academy
was kicked off in
June. “It went
amazingly well,”
Mr. Klarmann said
of their first venture.
“We opened it up
to students in good
standing, both sexes,
from grades five
through twelve,” he
said, “and were able
to offer something for
a variety of tastes and
needs.”
Matt Luther, now a freshman, perfects
his writing skills in the Essay
Writing course .
“I KNOW IT, COACH!” Students from elementary school and middle
school enjoy the soccer camp.
Above left: History teacher Mr. Bill McCrystal, Jr. points out a littleknown
fact to Dave Marzano, now a junior, in the Wars of the 20th
Century class.

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PAGE 3
SEPTEMBER 15,2011
J
ust before the orientation of
new students at the end of
August, new faculty members
were introduced to the technology
of Edline and Gradequick,
the program to record grades and
attendance.
At left, returning math teacher
Michael Cranley, and new faculty
members music teacher Brian
Plagge, math/science teacher Kaz
Filus and science teacher Dr. Ben
Schroeder check out the various
online programs Director of Technology
Jack Horan took them
through with the interactive software.
New Teachers Introduced to Gradequick
Hard at work grading papers
is Ms. Laura Treminio,
teacher of Spanish. A
Summa Cum Laude graduate
from the University of
Saint Thomas in Saint Paul,
MN , she received her degree
in Spanish and Education.
She also earned a
Master’s Degree in Education
from Saint Mary’s University
in Minneapolis,
MN. Mrs. Treminio has
traveled and studied in
many Spanish-speaking
countries including: Spain,
Mexico, Costa Rica, and
El Salvador.
Mrs. Laura Treminio
Brother Robert
At the beginning of the
75-minute period, a new
feature this year, teacher
of religion Br. Robert
Frazzetta gives directions
for a vocabulary quiz.
Brother Robert is a Franciscan
Friar, in the Province
of the Holy Name
based in New York City,
and living at St. Anthony
Friary in Butler. He holds
a BA in Religious Studies,
and an MA in Theology.
For more information about
the new teachers see the OP
website under “About Us”
and then “Faculty/Staff.”
AND NOW BABY MAKES THREE
Littlest member of OP Family
Teacher of English Francis Kearns and wife
Courtnay are the proud parents of Colim
Francis Kearns who was born on 8/16/11.
The 6 pound 7 ounce boy has made an impact on
the first-time parents’ lives.
Mr. Kearns said, “The birth of my son has focused
me more on working to be the best person I
can be each and every day.”
He continued, “So far, we enjoy walking
around the neighborhood and listening to and
playing bluegrass music. Grading papers together
with him hasn't been quite as much fun.”

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PAGE 4
Teachers Prepare for Year
Costello Encourages: ‘Keep Striving for Excellence’
W
hen
Head of
School Bob
Costello addressed
the teachers and
faculty members on August 31, it
was on the heels of Hurricane
Irene. He described the effects of
the flooding on the cafeteria, the
main office and Mr. McGowan’s
office. Mr. Costello was quick to
laud custodian Luis Sanchez for his
efforts in damage control and clean
up effort. “It could have been a ton
worse if not for Luis’ dedication,”
he said.
But through it all, Mr. Costello
reminded the faculty of the glass
half full theory. He expressed his
thanks to Mr. Kevin Donnelly and
Mr. Bill Martin in helping rip up
the carpets and moving everything
from the offices out into the lobby.
It was a team effort. He then
quoted this statement:
“
Excellence
can be obtained if
you… Care more than others think
is wise, Risk more than other think is
safe, Dream more than others think
is practical and Expect more than others think
is possible.”
CATCH UP At the teachers’
meeting, the faculty and staff
members talk with colleagues
about their summer vacations
and if they were affected by
Hurricane Irene. Mr. Costello
referred to the “glass half full”
concerning our flooding in
the Bain Building.
Mr. Costello went on to charge
the group to be “excellent in all we
do as individuals and collectively as
a team for the benefit of our students.
We are pleased with our successes
over the last two years, but never
permit complacency to exist.”
He reminded them, “Every one of
us plays a role in this success.” To
continue the success, “everyone,
every lecture, every interaction with
students and families need to be excellent.”
He concluded by telling them,
“We need to continue to get the boys
to strive for excellence as well in all
facets — to be better men. This is a
process and is a responsibility of all
of us: to serve as positive role models,
to inspire, to challenge, to care,
to support each young man. ”
LUNCH IS SERVED After morning Mass at Newman Hall and the welcome address
by Mr. Costello, teachers are treated to a buffet hot lunch. The afternoon
session saw Mr. Jack Horan, right, explaining the use of new feature “ebrary”,
an online library service.

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No Jitters Here on First Day
S
ome His fellow classmate, Darin Earl
wore suspenders, a dress shirt and
tie for the same reason.
Mr. Costello told the boys who were
boys dressed casually
in their OP polo shirts for
the first day of school Others
dressed up and took it
as an opportunity to impress their
teachers and start
the year off on a
good note.
Chris Ditta, a
senior, sported a
jaunty bow tie,
which he learned how to tie by
himself by going on
“howtotieabowtie.com.” He said
he was planning to wear one this
year for “special occasions.”
“Respect yourselves, your classmates,
your teachers...” Mr. Bob Costello
PAGE 5
gathered in the gymnasium for the
first day all-school meeting that he
read all of their surveys last year
with their comments for improvement
in the school. “We are working
to provide you with the best physical
environment and best educational experience
possible.”
One of his main points in the talk to the
students was the importance of respect.
“Little things, like cleaning up
after yourself in the cafeteria,
need to become routine.” He
told them of the new thrust
for our school to be diligent
in recycling.
Finally, he told the students of the new
anti-bullying law that went into effect recently.
“I’m counting on each of you to reach
your potential in the classroom and in all
that you do here this year,” he concluded.
SPIFFY SENIORS (far left)
Chris Ditta and Darin Earl,
front, opt for a classic first
day dress—up look.
SERIOUS SUBJECTS
At left, eighth graders
listen to Mr. Costello’s talk
on showing respect to
each other. “Extend yourselves
to help each other.
When there are service
opportunities offered, give
back to the community,”
he said.
Carlton Fellows Meet and Greet 7th Graders
“Think of these senior boys as a guardian
angel on your shoulder,” Mr. Tom
Boniello told the seventh graders as
they met their Carlton Fellows who will
act as mentors this year. “This program
is based on ‘brotherhood, fellowship
and cooperation,” Mr. Boniello continued.
For the first exercise the boys did
together, they were asked to problem
solve. “I’ll call a pair of names and without
knowing who is who, you need
find your partner in the room.” The
paired boys then exchanged phone
numbers and set a time to meet during
the next week.
Mr. Boniello tells the seniors that they
have an “awesome responsibility” in being
a Carlton Fellow.
Photo by Marko Grimm

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Phone: 908-273-
1084, x 46
New Eucharistic Ministers Named
If you have information or photos to
share, please send them to OPEN
editor, PR Coordinator
Susan Dougherty
E-mail: sdougherty@oratoryprep.org
Prayer for Hope
A
t
the September 9th Mass of the
Holy Spirit, Fr. Sal told the entire
school that “We are filled with
hope — for dreams for ourselves, our
school and our country.”
During
the
Mass, a
special
song for
9/11
was led
by guitarist
Mike
Sbarra. Afterwards, The Rebuilding Hope
Club, above, which commemorates the
9/11 anniversary, displayed their flag and
books of that fateful day.
Team Starts Season Right
Religion teacher Jon Gordon distributes
framed certificates to the Eucharistic
Ministers.
At the end of the Mass of the Holy
Spirit, the newly named Young
Apostles who will serve Mass this
year and will assist in all of the class
retreats, gather for a picture.
From front left: Religion teacher Jon
Gordon, Matt Billups, Michael Pacelli,
Chris MacTaggart, Fr. Sal DiStefano.
Middle row: Fernando Garcia, Ryan
Montalvo and Antony Perrella.
Top row: Tim Lynch, Chris Ditta, Joe Mascolo,
Marko Grimm and Ryan Mantone.
Coach Bill McCrystal, Jr. takes his cross country team members
through “planks,” exercises that, according to the
coach, “strengthen and develop the abs.” Runner Cormac
Rada says they are “really tough, but do make our ab muscles
stronger to help in running.”
At the first home game in September, Ricardo Pena, grade 11, passes
the ball to fellow junior Tim Doddy. The Rams were victorious in the
game against Union Catholic, 3-1.
OPEN SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 6