Nativity Preparatory Academy, Rochester’s only tuition-free private middle school for underserved students in grades 5-8, is welcoming two new staff members: Robert Bonfiglio as the new Student Activities Manager and Tatiana Colon as the Rochester Youth Year VISTA.
Bonfiglio, who also serves as Nativity Prep’s Academic Intervention Teacher for Math, is expanding his work to include his new role as Student Activities Manager. Starting his second year at the school, his new responsibilities include outreach efforts to build community partnerships and increase parent engagement.
As Rochester Youth Year VISTA, Colon will focus on projects related to after-school enrichment programs and community engagement.
“We are grateful to have Robert and Tatiana on the team! Their expertise, passion and heart for the Nativity mission will only deepen the loving programming we have in place.” says James C. Smith, President of Nativity Preparatory Academy.
Prior to joining Nativity, Bonfiglio was a high school mathematics teacher at McQuaid Jesuit. While at McQuaid, he developed and led the administration Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and served as faculty advisor for the Model United Nations student organization. Bonfiglio is a graduate of University of Rochester Warner School of Education, where he earned his M.S. in Educational Policy. He lives in Brighton with his partner Jack.
Colon is a recent graduate of St. John Fisher College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish. During her time there, she served as an editor of the college newspaper, a teacher’s assistant at Hello! English School, and a programmer for the Murphy Hall Residence Hall Association. She lives in Rochester with her mother, Diana Colon.
“We’re excited to be starting new roles with Nativity and hope to focus on developing an inclusive and social justice-oriented approach to our community engagement.” says Bonfiglio.
Based on a nationally renowned educational model, Nativity Prep is entering its 13th year of providing a tuition-free Catholic middle school education for underserved Rochester youth. Small by design, with a current student capacity of 60 students, Nativity welcomes a diverse background of faith traditions with the unifying purpose of caring about education.
An extended school day and academic year, strong enrichment program, and graduate support through college and career offers students and families an immersive experience. Dedicated and caring administrators, faculty and staff personally mentor and support students well after graduation.