WHAT IS THE FRESHMAN PROGRAM?
Iona Prep accepts students for success. Our Freshman Program is
designed to help our students achieve a smooth and successful transition
from grade school to high school.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF
THIS PROGRAM?
The goal of this program is to enable students to experience four
years of academic and personal success. This program offers students
every opportunity to realize this success.
WHEN DOES
THE FRESHMAN PROGRAM BEGIN?
Incoming freshmen are set on a course for success as early as the
spring of their eighth grade. Registered students and their parents
attend a "Family Orientation Night" in May. At this time, they are
introduced to the various members of the Prep community and are
given an overview of Iona's policies and procedures. Conferences
are also held with our feeder schools to better understand the needs
of our incoming freshmen and to assist us in their academic placement.
During the summer, the freshmen are invited to spend a few hours
with their classmates and Peer Ministers. These "Summer Freshman
Nights" are an excellent opportunity for our new students to meet
each other, to get to know some of the upperclassmen, and to become
familiar with the campus without the pressure of daily classes.
These informal sessions lessen the anxiety of coming to a new environment.
WHAT HAPPENS ON "ORIENTATION" DAYS?
In September the freshmen have a two-day orientation program. On
the first day, are expected
to be in full dress code for homeroom and ID pictures. The students get locker assignments, books, work
locker combinations, and meet homeroom teachers.
The second day of orientation is
a field day and barbecue with faculty and upper class peer ministers.
HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM WORK DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR?
From the very beginning of ninth grade, the Dean of Freshmen is in constant
communication with teachers, parents and guidance counselors to address
concerns for those students who may be experiencing difficulties in and out
of the classroom. Every effort is made to assist these students and to keep
their families informed of their progress. In most cases, these students get on the
right track with some �one-to-one� sessions with teacher(s). Some students,
however, need more attention. For these students there is the �After School
Study Center.
WHAT IS THE "AFTER SCHOOL STUDY CENTER"?
If a student is recommended for regular tutoring, or if he needs
a quiet place in which to work or study, the Study Center is available
to him. Here he can received individualized instruction from a member
of Iona's chapter of the National Honor Society. This kind of attention given
to both academics and to organizational skills is often enough to
help the student achieve success in the marking period. If a student
fails a subject on his report card, then this center becomes mandatory
for the following marking period. Parent support is very important
in this matter.
The Study Center is open three afternoons per week, and students
can still take part in all after school activities and sports after
attending this extra help session. All coaches and activity moderators
support this center and the success of the freshmen.
WHAT
IS THE SCHOOL AGENDA?
If students plan to learn, they must learn to plan! The Iona Prep
School Agenda enables students to record their homework and contains
vital information about their new school including the annual school
calendar. These planners are included among the books that each
student receives in September.
WHAT ARE PEER MINISTERS?
Upperclassmen who serve as "mentors" to the freshmen are called Peer Ministers.
They are available during summer nights and orientation days. They also help
to organize the freshman service program and meet periodically with them in
small-group sessions.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IONA'S FRESHMAN PROGRAM?
If you have any further questions about our Freshman Program, please
contact the Admissions Office at (914) 632-0714, extension 215.
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