Student Success Department
Students, parents, and teachers have a centralized resource to turn to that sets students up for success from their acceptance to Corbett Prep through their 8th grade graduation.
The Student Success Department formed in Fall 2021 and highlights the value that Corbett Prep places on the uniqueness of every learner. Cristina Ferrone, a 25-year educator, serves as the department's director, advocating for students' learning needs and bringing together the many sources of support Corbett Prep offers while adding new programs to benefit all students.
The team includes Linda Wenzel and Bettyann Pitti, two veteran Corbett Prep teachers.
The Student Success Department works directly with teachers and families to strengthen communication, augment classroom strategies, and ensure best educational practices for different learning styles. That could mean finding extra help for some students in specific subjects or offering creative projects to challenge students to go above and beyond.
Ferrone, whose background is in the classroom and in student services, also teaches the SMARTS executive function curriculum to Middle School students once a week. This program empowers students by helping them understand their learning strengths and challenges and teaches them organization, time management, goal setting, study skills, progress tracking, and other executive functioning strategies.
Ferrone has an additional role helping eighth-grade parents navigate the high school admissions process, introducing them to public and private options and assisting them with paperwork and deadlines.
Working Together for Students
Director Cristina Ferrone has taught at Corbett Prep since 2008 and is the mother of two alumni. Her role in the Student Success Department allows her to get to know the personalities and passions of all the students and give them tools to grow. That's been the best part of her teaching career, she says: "I love watching students succeed."
Joining Ferrone is Linda Wenzel, Corbett Prep's Director of Studies, who has 40 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader with a focus on curriculum. Bettyann Pitti acts as the classroom liaison for the department, connecting with students in all grade levels. Pitti joined Corbett Prep 25 years ago as a librarian and media specialist, and she has also taught in the classroom and worked with small groups of students as a reading specialist.