Recently featured in The Patriot Ledger and The Boston Globe, Officer Joel Salituri is the newest addition to the NDA faculty, and he’s breaking the proverbial ground of Massachusetts’s private schools. He is here as a “school-resource officer”, and his job title reaches as far as his badge. Officer Salituri is in charge of the D.A.R.E. program with the present seventh graders and the prospective eighth-graders, he offers counseling services for all students, directs traffic flow on Main Street, and educates the students on Internet safety. Not only does Officer Salituri have an educational position, but he also provides the comfort and peace of mind that one gets with the security of having a police officer present.

Originally a member of the Hingham Police Department, Officer Salituri is familiar with the area and the aspirations of South Shore locals. He is excited to work with the girls at Notre Dame, and encourages students to drop by his office if they ever need to talk about something. When Officer Salituri is not on the job, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing fantasy football, and doing odd jobs around his home.

Officer Salituri sits at a different lunch table every day so he can “get to know the students…(and make sure that they) understand that (he’s) not here as what they might envision a police officer to be- to sit here and conduct investigations. (He’s) here to help the students and create an enduring relationship.” The lunchroom is the perfect setting for Officer Salituri to learn the intricacies of NDA social life and to hear the voice of the student body.

One of the most advantageous aspects to Officer Salituri’s role as a counselor is his flexible schedule. He is usually available in his new office, which is located near the foyer, across from the front desk. Unlike a guidance counselor, Officer Salituri will be able to discuss criminal justice issues, drug and substance abuse problems, and other sensitive subjects with Notre Dame students. He listens without judgment and gives sound, reasonable advice. Needless to say, in a year of change, Officer Salituri’s future at NDA shines with potential.