Summer Mailing (2016-2017 School Year)

SUMMER 2016

BELLARMINE Summer

MAILING No.1 Supporter of Your Student's Success

Preparing for the 2016-2017 School Year A.M.D.G.

#GoBells

For All Bell Families Learn More About ...

Academic Calendar Highlights Event Highlights Campus Ministry Counseling Services Student Health Services Student Schedules Bellarmine Athletics The Bellarmine Cafeteria Ten Things to Know About the Library Web Resources, Social Media Ways to Participate in the Bellarmine Community Volunteer at the Campus Store Moms in Prayer Bellarmine Choirs Bellarmine Creative Studios Speech and Debate Bellarmine's Theatre Program

Academic Calendar Highlights New Student Orientation Day 1 - 19 Get Acquainted Mass/Picnic - 21 for New Families New Student Orientation Day 2 - 22 1st Day of School - 23 Mass of the Holy Spirit (Dress Up Day) Senior Orientation - 28 Freshman Retreat (Overnight) - 8 & 9 Frosh: Service Day 19 Soph: PLAN Test Jr: PSAT Sr: Workshop/College Visits Classes Do Not Meet - 20 & 21

Frosh and Soph CSP Hours Due 1 Junior and Senior CSP Hours Due 5 Mass, Feast of the Immaculate 8 Conception (Dress Up Day) Finals - 16-21 Christmas Break - 22-31

Winter Break -

18-26

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

6 7 22

- Open House - Classes Do Not Meet - Thanksgiving Prayer Service (Dress Up Day) 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER

JANUARY

1-8 - Christmas Break (cont) 16 - Martin Luther King Holiday

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Bishop's Holy Week Liturgy 12 (Dress Up Day) Spring Break - 14-23 Confirmation 24 Sophomore CSP Hours Due 25 Freshman CSP Hours Due 26

1 - Back to School Night 5 - Labor Day Holiday 15 - St. Robert Bellarmine Masses (Dress Up Day) 19 - Classes Do Not Meet

1 - Ash Wednesday Mass (Dress Up Day) 13 - Classes Do Not Meet 21 - Senior CSP Hours Due 22 - Junior CSP Hours Due 31 - Justice Summit Prayer Service (Dress Up Day)

APRIL MAY

18, 22-24 19 25 27

- Finals - Classes Do Not Meet - Baccalaureate Mass - Graduation

A pdf of the complete calendar can be found on the BCP website.

Event Highlights Get Acquainted Mass/Picnic - 21 for New Families Frosh/Transfer Parent Evening - 25 Senior Family Mass & Orientation - 28

Sophomore Parent Night 5 Senior Parent Transition Night 12 Mother-Son Event 16 Junior Parent College Night 17 Fall Theatre Production - 28-30

Symphonic Band Concert - 1 Father-Son Christmas Mass/Brunch - 4 Percussion Concert - 6 Fiesta de Guadalupe Mass - 11 Jazz Concert - 13

Solidarity Dinner 2 Sophomore Parent College Night 9 African American Celebration 11 Father-Sr Son Retreat (Overnight) - 11 & 12

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH Alumni Hall of Fame - 1 Grandparents' Day Mass - 9 Incoming Freshman/Dads BBQ - 23 (Dads' Club event) Confirmation - 24 Symphonic Band Concert - 27 Junior Prom - 29

APRIL

MAY

1 - Back to School Night 9 - Football Tailgate 20&21 - Frosh Parents: Screenagers 28 - Seniors/Senior Parent Financial Aid Night 29 - Spirit Rally 3-5 5 5-6 6 8 13 14

- Fall Theatre Production - Father-Son Work Day (on campus) - Mother - Junior Son Retreat - Open House - Junior Parent Night - Diwali Celebration - Suds for Duds Dads' Club Event - Sophomore Parent College Night 16 - Common Ground Speaker at BCP 19 - Fashion Show for Financial Aid 22 - Mother-Son Liturgy/Brunch 23 - Junior Parent College Night 24 - Freshman Parent Survival Guide 29 - Santo Nino Celebration 3-5 - Winter Theatre Production 4 - Lunar New Year Celebration 8-11 - Winter Theatre Production 11 - Golden Bell Auction 13 - Father-Son Golf Tournament 14 - Senior Parent Transition Night 20 - Band Solo & Ensemble Concert 26 - Father-Son Bell Wars 28 - Percussion Solo & Ensemble Concert 2 6 12-14 15 18-20 21 25 27

- Percussion Concert - Senior Ball - Spring Theatre Production - Jazz Concert - Spring Theatre Production - Mothers' Guild Installation - Baccalaureate Mass - Graduation

A pdf of the complete calendar can be found on the BCP website.

Campus Ministry Ms. Melissa Scott-Florez, Director of Campus Ministry Campus Ministry strives for all students to grow in self-knowledge and the awareness of God's presence in their lives. To that end, they offer grade-level and school-wide opportunities for the community to develop a deep and lasting commitment to the Ignatian vision of "men for and with others."

Details on grade-level activities are included within the appropriate individual sections of this summer mailing. The following are applicable to all grades.

Liturgies Daily Liturgy -- Leontyne Chapel -- Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- 7:30 am August 21 -- Get Acquainted Mass -- BCP Campus -- 10:00 am (please note time change) August 23 -- Mass of the Holy Spirit -- Dress Up Day, All-School Mass September 15 -- Feast of St. Robert Bellarmine -- Dress Up Day, Mass by Social Sciences September 21 -- Magis Mass #1 -- Leontyne Chapel -- 9:00 am (optional) November 11 -- Magis Mass #2 -- Leontyne Chapel -- 8:15 am (optional) November 17 -- Salvadoran Martyrs March -- Leontyne Chapel / Quad -- 12:00 pm (optional) November 22 -- Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service -- Dress Up Day, All-School Service December 8 -- Feast of the Immaculate Conception -- Dress Up Day, All-School Mass January 25 -- Magis Mass #3 -- Leontyne Chapel -- 8:15 am (optional) March 1 -- Ash Wednesday -- Dress Up Day, All-School Mass March 17 -- Magis Mass #4 -- Leontyne Chapel -- 8:15 am (optional) March 21 - 24 -- Lenten Reconciliation (with Religious Studies classes) March 31 -- Justice Summit Prayer Service -- Dress Up Day, All-School Service April 5 -- Magis Mass #5 -- Leontyne Chapel -- 8:15 am (optional) April 12 -- Bishop's Holy Week Mass -- Dress Up Day, All-School Mass May 25 -- Baccalaureate Mass -- Quad -- 5:30 pm -- Required for Seniors Daily Prayer Any student can sign up to lead the morning prayer. You may share scripture, a favorite prayer, or something that you've written yourself.

Eucharistic Ministers If you're confirmed and want to share the Eucharist during liturgies, join us!

Altar Servers If you'd like to learn or have already been an altar server, come by and join our group. We meet every week.

Choir If you like to sing and make music, then do it for the whole school with the Bells Choir. (See the Bellarmine Choirs page of this summer mailing for more information.

Counseling Services We offer academic and personal counseling as well as college counseling services to our students. By establishing a personal relationship with our students, we draw them toward personal initiative and responsibility for learning, and prepare them for their future. We strive to support them by providing a web of adults whose goal it is to develop young men who will be happy and effective adults in the world community.

Director, Academic and Personal Counseling Mr. Patrick Taylor ptaylor@bcp.org 408-537-9251

Director, College Counseling

Communication We send emails to students and their parents regularly throughout the school year. If a parent email changes after the beginning of the school year, please contact Mrs. Jean Toohey in the Registrar's Office to update the address we have on file. Senior parents: don't forget that you should also update your Naviance account with any email updates.

Ms. Katy Murphy kmurphy@bcp.org 408-537-9255

Time Management Your son's growth as a student and a healthy teen are dependent upon balanced intellectual, physical and emotional living. The BCP Time Management Grid is a tool utilized each year in our counseling departments to identify how students spend their time and energy, and might highlight areas of over or under commitment. Used in conjunction with the Course Workload Estimation sheet, you and your son can determine if the time he has to relax, engage in activities, study and take good care of his body are in balance. These documents can be found on the B: Parents portal of the BCP website, under Academics | Scheduling.

Class-specific programming is included on the Counseling pages you'll find within the gradelevel sections which follow.

Adolescent wellness = a balance of sleep, exercise, nutrition, family time, activities, friends, reading, technology, school work and FUN!

Student Health Services Mr. Mark Moreno, Head Athletic Trainer Following are Bellarmine’s student health requirements for the 2016-2017 academic year, as implemented by our sports medicine program.

This information pertains to the entire student body.

1.

A current pre-participation physical exam performed by a licensed healthcare provider This form (available online here) is for you to take to the doctor’s office. (Page 1 is for the parents to fill out and sign and page 2 is for the doctor to fill out and sign and date.) State law mandates that a current annual physical be completed prior to participation in athletics.

In addition, we are mandating that all Bellarmine students obtain an annual physical due to the high percentage of student involvement in co-curricular activity, the numerous on campus activities and the new PE requirements. This physical may help detect illnesses and conditions that may be treated before they become serious. We are asking that these physicals be completed by the following dates and turned into the athletic department.

A. August 1, 2016 – Fall sport athletes (Football, Cross Country and Water Polo) B. August 15, 2016 – All other sports and students Note: The physical exam requisite of the admissions process for incoming freshmen and transfer students does fulfill this requirement.

2.

Concussion baseline testing Bellarmine is well aware that concussions are a major concern among parents, students and athletes. A concussion can happen at any time. Establishing baseline testing is essential to the management of concussions. This baseline helps the sports medicine staff to understand the severity of the concussion and to determine the Return to Learn and Return to Play protocols. The Bellarmine athletic trainers will perform these baseline tests.

Baseline testing includes: a) ImPACT Test, a computer-based neurocognitive assessment tool – all freshman and then again as juniors. (Testing will begin in August and students will be contacted via email with further instructions) b) SCAT3 – annually for contact athletes only c) King-Devick Test – annually for contact athletes only

3.

Electronic forms that need to be completed by parents and students There are various forms that need to be signed by both the parent/legal guardian and the student athlete. These forms include educational material for concussions in sport, sudden cardiac arrest and a participation form. All will be available over the summer through the Bellarmine Bridge.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at mmoreno@bcp.org.

What you need to know about

Student Schedules

Class schedules will be released in late July, through the Bridge. Look for an email with step-by-step instructions.

If a student plans to change his schedule, do not order ANY of his books until the change has been made. Many times even a simple change ends up affecting books required.

A student MUST come in person to initiate a schedule change, preferably before classes begin.

Seniors ONLY may come in on August 10 and 11 All other grades may come in August 12 and 15 If it's not at all possible to come in on one of the grade-specific dates listed above, your son will need to come to the Scheduler's Office once classes begin - during a free period, at lunchtime or after school.

Please note that there will likely be a line to see the Scheduler, so your son should plan his time accordingly.

Refrain from sending requests via email (to the Scheduler's or the general Scheduling email address). This slows down the process and confuses matters. The ONE exception to this is ...

If a student wishes ONLY to drop a purely elective 7th course, he may email sched@bcp.org with his full name and the course title.

NOTE: A student should consult a counselor before opting to put off a required course for a later year. Courses required for graduation - by grade level and by academic department - are on the BCP website.

There are only three reasons to request a schedule change: 1. There's an error in the schedule. Examples that must be corrected include: a. not enough classes: less than 12 total semesters for the year (or less than 11 total semesters for a senior who must add a TA position after school starts) b. missing a required course for a specific grade level c. some other oversight on our part (e.g. 2 Geometry classes but no English class; 2 classes in the same period+term; 5 classes one semester and 7 in the other) 2. Something occurred after the May deadline which now requires a course change (e.g. plans for summer school didn't work out and you now lack a required course; you didn't end up with a credit for a spring sport and now need a PE class in your senior schedule to graduate; you lack the prerequisites/grade minimum for a scheduled course).

3. You desire an adjustment to your schedule, either because you didn't get a course you asked for or you changed your mind over the summer.

(Continued on next page)

Things to keep in mind regarding schedule changes ...

Although we work diligently in creating student schedules, we do make mistakes. Therefore, priority will be given to students with scheduling errors during in-person change days in midAugust (i.e. those students will be moved to the front of the line). Please keep in mind that a change to a student's situation over the summer does not constitute an "error" in the schedule, nor does the reality that a student didn't get every class he requested.

Counselors will be on duty to help clarify the nature of change requests. Class seats will be given out on a first-come, first-served based for changes that are not required / optional.

Note that courses for credit completed at Bellarmine Summer School cannot be taken into account until those grades are final.

Keep our Honors/AP class drop policy and the 7th class rule in mind. Check the Scheduling page on the B: Students for details.

It would be wise to review a course's prerequisites and minimum grade requirements before standing in line. Those details are provided on the Department and Curriculum pages on the B: Students.

Please be reminded of our existing school policy which states that schedule changes are for dropping one course and/or adding a different course. We cannot make teacher changes, period changes or semester changes. (One exception- we will allow a teacher change in the case of a regular-level course, but only if you have had that teacher in a past year.)

Bellarmine Athletics Mr. Joe Romano, Athletic Director Baseball - Basketball - Cross Country - Football - Golf - Lacrosse - Soccer Swimming - Tennis - Track and Field - Volleyball - Water Polo - Wrestling Entering my third year as Bellarmine’s Athletic Director, I am excited to celebrate our accomplishments from this past academic year, and to contribute to the planning for the successes of the upcoming year. Over the course of the 2015-2016 athletic seasons, our athletes forged strong relationships that led to many outstanding sporting accomplishments. We strive to enrich the lives of our young men with healthy competition, character-building challenges, selfless attitude development and a consistent effort toward positive sportsmanship - across all levels of our program. With more than 1,000 athletes participating in our program, we are blessed with the opportunity to impact many lives. The effort and selflessness of our student-athletes, combined with the dedication and expertise of the coaching staff, push our program forward and provide a unique athletic experience. With the support of the Bellarmine community, we are inspired to seek, at all times, an Athletics Program that is student-centered and rooted in Bellarmine’s Jesuit mission.

Sportsmanship is not a goal at Bellarmine, but instead an expectation. We hold ourselves to the highest standard, both within the competition and while attending events. Bellarmine athletics has a proud tradition, and whether during competition, practice or simply out in the community, we expect all Bells to conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to their families, their school, their team and their coaches. With this important expectation in mind, we ask that all parents and fans model that positive sportsmanship whenever supporting our Bellarmine teams.

Our online resources help you in planning for and/or supporting the upcoming year of Bellarmine Athletics: Find schedules, scores, news and general information about our athletic program at www.bcp.org/athletics Follow us on Twitter @BCPSports Athletics Tryout Information - team tryouts/practices will begin on the dates indicated below. An * designates a no-cut sport.

August 5th: Soph-Seniors for Football, Cross Country* & Water Polo August 10th: Frosh Football & Frosh Water Polo August 15th: Frosh Cross Country* October 31st: Basketball, Soccer & Wrestling* January 30th: Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Swimming*, Tennis, Track and Field* & Volleyball To be eligible to tryout/practice, all students must have a physical on file and have completed the parent permission, transportation and concussion awareness forms as part of the online enrollment process that takes place in the summer.

If you have any questions related to our teams, please contact the coach directly (contact information is included on www.bcp.org/athletics. If you have general Athletic Department questions, please feel free to contact me at jromano@bcp.org. Thank you for your support and ...

Go Bells!

The Bellarmine Cafeteria The Bellarmine Cafeteria is a convenient place for your son to eat breakfast and lunch. Fresh and healthy choices are prepared daily on campus, using wholesome ingredients, and prices are competitive and reasonable. For about $5 a day, students can choose a balanced and filling meal from a variety of items (i.e. one meal or sandwich and a drink).

PREPAID CAMPUS LUNCH PROGRAM – FAST, SAFE, AND EASY Our Prepaid Campus Lunch Program uses safe and easy biometrics, i.e. a finger scan, to identify your student and charge his account.

Parents can conveniently load funds into their student’s account and not worry about him forgetting or losing cash. Plus, the program captures up to 30 days of his purchase history, and offers low balance notifications.

When using the biometric system, students can get through the cafeteria line more quickly and have more time for lunch.

Benefits At a Glance • Cash free • Safe & convenient – use of biometrics avoids possible misuse of his funds • Faster lunch lines – 3 designated registers for students using the program • Easy to load/reload the account online or by sending a check to BCP • Parental access to monitor food choices and balance Sign Up Today – It’s FREE! Bellarmine wants to offer this service to every student so we are waiving set-up fees.

SAMPLE MENU ITEMS BREAKFAST • Breakfast burritos • Bagel, sausage, egg & cheese sandwich • French toast sticks • Variety of cereal & oatmeal • Fresh fruit LUNCH • Fresh sandwiches • A variety of hot meals that change daily like parmesan chicken & pasta, hamburgers & fries, or chicken fajitas- just to name a few • Options for vegetarians and/or special need diets • Fresh salads & fruit

Create your new account at www.myschoolaccount.com.

Add funds: • Online at www.myschoolaccount.com ($2 transaction fee; 24hour window for funds to be credited to your account) OR • Send a check with your son for cafeteria cashiers to add to his account (no transaction fee; funds immediately loaded) QUESTIONS? Contact Jamon Osby at josby@bcp.org.

CAFETERIA HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday-Thursday 7:30 to 1:30 Friday: 7:30 to 1:30

Web Resources, Social Media www.bcp.org Hover your cursor over The B: Community to navigate to the B: parents or the B: students. You can also go directly to those sites via www.bcp.org/parents or www.bcp.org/students, respectively.

Buttons on the homepage are often dedicated to upcoming events - whether simple notifications or linked to ticket sales.

Quicklinks to calendars and the Daily Connection are included in the footer of every webpage.

www.bcp.org/parents Hover your cursor over PARENTS to see the next level of navigation. Look for: - the bell schedule under Academics - commonly-referenced handbooks, Dean's Office forms, scheduling info etc. under Documents & Forms - key contacts under Faculty & Staff Directory The B: Connected provides links to auxiliary web resources

(Continued on the next page)

Website Redesign … we're kicking off efforts to redesign the Bellarmine website and will be looking for assistance along the way from our constituents. If you have a particular fondness for the web, please email webmaster@bcp.org and we'll follow up with you as that time approaches.

More on Auxiliary Web Resources Canvas ... is where homework is posted. Teachers post homework daily and in a variety of methods optimized for their course structure. Students will receive instruction as to how to access homework online. This system can be accessed via the web from the B: Connected panel on our Parents home page (www.bcp.org/parents) or via an app for iOS and Android (search for “canvas instructure”).

PowerSchool … is our student information and gradebook system. This is where you should look to keep track of your son’s grades/progress. You might see some grades in Canvas but they are only final once in PowerSchool. The system may be accessed via the web from the B: Connected panel on our Parents home page (www.bcp.org/parents) or via an app for iOS and Android (search for PowerSchool in the app store – on iOS it’s called PowerSchool Mobile and even works with the iWatch – on Android it’s called PowerSchool for Parents).

Logging In … works the same for all of these systems. We have enabled Single Sign-On (SSO) which means you can use the same login and password to access these systems (as well as our Bridge site).

Getting Help The BCP helpdesk answers questions about all of our online systems and will try our best to redirect any unrelated questions to the appropriate party. If you have specific questions about website content, please email webmaster@bcp.org directly. Helpdesk staff work 7:45 am - 3:45 pm and can be reached at helpdesk@bcp.org. The beginning of the school year is our busiest time so we thank you for your patience as we respond to your message in the order we receive it.

Social ... follow us ... like us ... subscribe @BellarmineBells

BellarmineBells

@BellarmineBells @BCPSports @BCPPres (BCP President, Chris Meyercord) BellarmineBells

Ways to Participate in

The Bell Community Parents are key partners in the educational success of their son. Bellarmine parents are involved in the life of the school by volunteering their time, talent, and treasure. There are so many great opportunities to get involved through the Mothers’ Guild, the Dads' Club, special event support such as the Golden Bell Auction, and especially with our fundraising efforts.

We ask that all parents consider a gift to Bellarmine over and above tuition—at any level commensurate with a family’s financial circumstance. Parents are invited to support the Bellarmine Fund, Direct Financial Aid Fund and capital project needs, when applicable.

Gifts to the Bellarmine Fund, in particular, help provide necessary resources for all areas on and off campus. This fund supports each and every student by covering the actual cost of a Bellarmine education, which is $3,000 more than the current tuition of $19,650. The Bellarmine Fund supports: • Academic enhancements • Ministry and service opportunities • Visual and Performing Arts • Athletics and other co-curricular activities • Professional development • Emerging and pressing needs What matters most isn’t the size of the gift, but the full participation of our parent community in helping maintain and improve the Bellarmine experience for our students. Your 100% tax deductible donation makes an immediate and daily impact in the lives of over 1,640 young men.

For more information, please contact David Holquin, Director of Development, at dholquin@bcp.org or Ben Roseberry, Director of Annual Giving, at broseberry@bcp.org.

Reserve the dates for the Fall Phone-a-thon! Please answer the phone when Bellarmine calls September 6 – 8 and September 13 – 15.

We appreciate your support!

Campus Store Parent Volunteers Needed ... to commit to a 3 1/2 hour shift, on a regular basis once a week or once a month - for the 2016-2017 school year.

The Campus Store is located in the Br. Ryan/Fr. Shinney Student Life Center Choose a shift that works for you from the 10 listed below:

Shift 1 Shift 2

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

8 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 3 pm

8 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 3 pm

9 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 3 pm

8 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 3 pm

8 - 11 am 11 am - 2 pm

Training will take place on August 17 through August 19 from 10 am - noon. You only need to attend one training session.

Contact Gary Cunningham at gcunningham@bcp.org to sign up for a shift and a training date.

Moms in Prayer All moms are invited to join our casual, but structured, hour of scripture reflections, and spoken and silent prayer. This time will:

Focus on the Bellarmine community in general, and each student, individually by name Allow you to pray specifically for your Bell with other moms.

Help you connect with some great women, weekly if you'd like.

Include large and small group prayer Perk you up

With God all things are possible. ~ Matthew 19:20 Bellarmine Moms in Prayer is part of Moms in Prayer International (MIPI), whose mission is to have all schools covered in prayer. MIPI is active in over 140 countries. All moms in the Bellarmine community, who desire to pray, are welcome. You don't have to pray out loud. You don't have to be a church-goer. You don't have to be Catholic. Come when you can. Leave when you have to.

Tuesdays 8:30 - 9:30 am on days Bellarmine classes meet Saint Robert's Chapel, Wade Hall (ground floor, Hedding Street side) BCP campus

Group prayer is power. Try it. You'll like it!

Melissa Waters mom of Jack '17 mf3waters@gmail.com

Sandra Grisedale mom of Graham '18 ziasandra@sbcglobal.net

Angela Michaels mom of Joey '17, Jacob '18 angelateri@sbcglobal.net

Bellarmine Choirs The Bells Choir The Bellarmine "Bells" Choir sings for school liturgies, special school function and community events.

Rehearsals are Mondays and Tuesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 pm in Leontyne Chapel.

All Bellarmine students are welcome to join.

The Bellarmine / Notre Dame Performance Choir Notre Dame girls join Bellarmine boys to perform a variety of music at school and community events.

The choir rehearses every Wednesday and Thursday, 3:00 - 4:00 pm in Leontyne Chapel.

All Bellarmine and Notre Dame students are welcome to audition for the Performance Choir. Auditions will be held in early September, from 3:00 - 4:30 pm in Leontyne Chapel on the Bellarmine campus. Date to be announced.

Choir Musicians Musicians are needed for both the Bells Choir and the performance choir.

For more information regarding the choirs, please email choir director, Mrs. Gina Adams, at gadams@bcp.org.

Bellarmine Theatre 2016-2017 Season Fall Production: Peter and the Starcatcher

Want to get involved?

Contacts Theatre Tech - Mr. Gregg Carlson Costume Design - Mrs. Jean Toohey Improv - Mr. Peter Canavese or Mr. Russ Marcel

Russ Marcel, Director

Auditions: August 31 & September 1 (come either day); 3:30 pm; Sobrato Theatre; approximately 13 men and 3 women will be cast Performances: October 28-30 & November 3-5 Rehearsals: Monday – Friday, 3:45 – 6:15 pm

Sometimes, a play comes along that defies labels and expectations. Part comedy, part musical, part epic adventure, this play is a rollicking, swashbuckling, magical, and grown-up prequel to the Peter Pan story. “Sensational and enthralling.

This show never stops flying” (The New York Times).

Winter Musical: Pippin

Jeremy Lum, Director

Auditions: November 9 & 10 (come either day); 3:30 pm; Sobrato Theatre; approximately 14 men and 10 women will be cast Performances: March 3-5 & March 8-11 Rehearsals: Monday – Friday, 4:00 – 6:30 pm “We’ve got magic to do just for you!” From the composer of Wicked, Pippin is ultimately about the power and magic of theatre to transform and transport an audience. A troupe of magicians and actors will put on the story of Pippin, King Charlemagne the Great’s son, who searches for the meaning of life through the battlefield and glory, temptations and love, and intrigues of political power before finding it in the most unexpected of places. If you already know magic tricks, please consider auditioning! Let the magic of Pippin transform you.

Spring Comedy: The Coward

Peter Canavese, Director

Auditions: March 15 & 16 (come either day); 3:30 pm; Sobrato Theatre; approximately 7 men and 1 woman will be cast Performances: May 12-14 & May 18-20 Rehearsals: Monday – Friday, 4:00 – 6:15 pm Nick Jones’ 2010 comedy mocks notions of “manliness” and serves as an allegory for modern American gun mania. In eighteenth-century England, a cowardly young gentleman named Lucidus initiates a pistol duel only to find that he can’t go through with it. He hires a common criminal to fight in his place, only to have the scoundrel make a bloody mess of things.

#Bell2020

Freshmen Learn More About ...

Freshman Orientation Authorization to Release Educational Records Campus Ministry - Freshman Retreat Christian Service Program Counseling Department Fall Sports Tryouts The Presentation Mixer

New Student Orientation Freshmen & Transfer Students Mrs. Kathy Shanley, Director of Freshman Experience Welcome to Bellarmine!

Orientation for all freshmen and transfer students will take place on two days: Friday, August 19, and Monday, August 22. Both days are mandatory school days.

The primary goal of these two days is to create an immediate support system for new students and to encourage them to quickly become full and active participants in the total Bellarmine experience. The days’ activities will be carried out in a relaxed atmosphere designed to make all students feel comfortable.

Friday, August 19

8:15 am - 12:30 pm

Students should arrive at Leontyne Chapel before 8:15 am Prayer will begin promptly at 8:15 am Monday, August 22

8:15 - 11:45 am

Students should arrive at Lokey Academic Building before 8:15 am Signs will be posted on the windows indicating to which classroom students should report Instruction will begin promptly at 8:15 am Along with valuable information for a successful Bellarmine beginning, student body pictures and finger-scanning (for meal accounts) will take place over these two days. Student body pictures will be used for the yearbook and student ID cards. A blue, collared shirt will be provided for each student to wear while his picture is being taken. Bacosa Photography (408-441-7111) will offer additional picture packages for a fee.

One more thing ...

Your son’s schedule and textbook information will be available online on the BCP Bridge site in late July. You will be notified via email when to check the Bridge. Students should not bring any books to New Student Orientation.

Freshmen Only ...

Freshman Retreat is an overnight night retreat and will take place from Saturday, October 8 to Sunday, October 9. All freshmen are required to attend so please do not make any other plans for your son on those days.

It is my hope that the two days of New Student Orientation will remove any apprehension your son might have about attending a new school and beginning his high school career. I hope that they will begin the process of providing him with the confidence and enthusiasm he will need to make the most of his Bellarmine experience. The Bellarmine community joins me in welcoming our new students!

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE EDUCATIONAL RECORDS Please Print: ___________________________ Student Last Name

________________________ First Name

_____________________ Middle Name

___________________ Year of Graduation

For the Release of Educational Records: Colleges, universities, collegiate athletic coaches/recruiters, service academies, NCAA Clearinghouse, UCELC, Cal Grant, scholarship programs, potential employers, summer programs, etc. require that the school, on a student’s behalf, forward records, including but not limited to transcripts of his academic history at Bellarmine College Preparatory. In order to process any such application or registration, and to fulfill requirements for the college application programs and processes, this statement must be signed and on file in the Office of the Registrar or no records will be sent with the exception of Cal Grant and the UCELC program which are automatically sent by Bellarmine on behalf of our Seniors.

Authorization: I authorize the release of student record information, including transcripts containing a list of courses taken, or attempted, and grades earned, as well as any other educational records, or recommendations as required or requested by but not limited to the aforementioned institutions/ agencies during tenure as a student at Bellarmine, including the electronic submission of such requests.

I understand that my authorization comes with the understanding that faculty, staff and administrators of Bellarmine College Preparatory may be required to submit descriptive statements and/or letters of recommendation in support of college applications as well as other programs where requested. I understand that these statements and/or letters are confidential, and I hereby waive any rights we may have as parent(s)/guardian(s) or as a student to review their contents.

I further understand that standardized test scores do not appear on transcripts and are not forwarded by Bellarmine College Preparatory, and that the respective testing service(s) must be contacted personally by the student or parent/guardian to have scores sent to any institutions or programs requesting standardized test scores while a student at Bellarmine. _____________________________________________________ Signature of Legal Parent/Guardian

_________________________________________ Date

_____________________________________________________ Student Signature

_________________________________________ Date

Note: This authorization remains in effect through graduation unless BCP is given written notice of its revocation.

The signed form must be returned to the Office of the Registrar upon agreement of enrollment acceptance.

Freshman Parents/Students: Please sign and return

Freshman Retreat Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9 Mandatory, Overnight Freshmen, accompanied by their Big Brothers in this overnight experience, will explore the dimensions of service, spirituality and brotherhood that make Bellarmine unique. More information will be distributed in the fall, but it is important for all freshmen to be present for this activity (which is why we mention it on several different pages within this summer mailing!).

Please contact Ms. Melissa Scott-Florez at mscott-florez@bcp.org if you need additional information prior to our fall mailing.

Frosh Service Requirements Mr. Steve Pinkston, Director of Christian Service Freshmen are required to complete a minimum 15 hours of service between August 19, 2016 and April 26, 2017.

All of these hours must be in direct service with younger children.

Don't be anxious about getting a head start on your community service hours before the school year begins. The starting date for freshman service is August 19th - the first day of freshman orientation.

We will only accept service hours completed after this date.

Students may engage in a variety of activities working with elementary (K-8) school children, completed through ANY elementary school, middle school, public library or any of our approved agencies (found on the CSP pages of the website). Examples of approved service include providing individual/small group assistance, tutoring in basic subjects, assisting with sports or crafts activities, working in a homework clinic, assisting in a computer lab and helping in a school's daycare program or after-school club. Babysitting or tutoring a neighbor's child will not fulfill your service requirement.

Bellarmine provides transportation to three local schools for service each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoon during the school year. We will instruct students in August how to sign up for these opportunities.

Four non-school days throughout the academic year are designated as optional service days September 19, November 7, January 16 and March 13. Additionally, October 19 is a special day when all freshmen are required to complete at least three hours of service. On this date (as well on two of the optional service days), Bellarmine will provide transportation and supervision for 50+ students to engage in a structured service opportunity at a local elementary school. We will instruct students how to sign up for these opportunities after the school year begins.

Many students elect to contact a former elementary school teacher and set up a service opportunity of their own. This is perfectly fine and encouraged. Our optional service days and days off, such as during Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, winter break and Easter break, are good times to perform service.

While I serve as the director of Bellarmine’s Christian Service Program, the service requirement for all freshmen will be supervised by our Alumni Volunteer, Mr. Jose Diaz. Jose, a 2012 graduate of BCP, was a leader with our AGAPE Service Club and recently graduated from Santa Clara University.

Service requirements for all grade levels - freshman, sophomore, junior and senior - are included on the B: Parents Christian Service webpage.

Don't hesitate to contact Jose (408-537-9484) or myself (408-5379241) when we return to school in August.

Welcome to Bellarmine - this is a special place!

Counseling Your son's counselor will help him with his transition to Bellarmine and his overall experience as a member of the class of 2020.

A Bellarmine Primer Communication Your son will meet with his counselor at least once per semester to discuss course schedules, academic performance, integrity, responsibility, appropriate use of his Surface, and balance.

Counselors will be available in mid-August when they return to campus. You will be able to meet your son’s counselor at Back to School Night on Thursday, September 1.

Because we send emails to students and their parents regularly throughout the school year, don't forget to keep yours up-to-date with the Registrar's Office if it changes after the beginning of the school year.

Academic and Personal Counselors Class of 2020 Mr. Christopher Colletti ccolletti@bcp.org 408-537-9288 Nolan Abi-Hanna — Shoban Mangla Mr. Ed Sarrett esarrett@bcp.org 408-537-9265 Luca Mantovani — Mario Zuniga Gutierrez

Personal Discovery There are many ways for your son to become involved and define himself as a Bell.

Mr. Colletti and Mr. Sarrett will underscore the opportunity for your son to use the next four years to discover his likes, dislikes, and what he might be good at, and encourage his involvement in our cocurricular program, which includes an extensive list of clubs, sports, Campus Ministry and Christian Service programs, to promote his personal growth and leadership skills.

Course Options As a college preparatory school, our course patterns and graduation requirements are designed to meet the standards for admission to the University of California and California State University, as well as private colleges and universities. Students' academic performance in these courses all four years will be very important as they apply to college. Our Graduation Requirements and Curriculum Options document, found on the B: parents portal of the BCP website, under Academics | Scheduling, outlines course options for each grade level.

Fall Courses Your son will receive his fall schedule at the end of July. If you or your son have any questions, or if your son wants to make changes to his schedule, review the information provided on the scheduling page of this summer mailer, and read the information which will accompany his schedule. If either of you have any concerns, you may contact his counselor by phone beginning on August 16, or you may send an email.

(Continued on next page)

Looking Ahead The college counselors hold Sophomore and Junior Parent College Nights each year to introduce parents of students in those grade levels to the services, opportunities and requirements for college exploration, financing, selection and decisions.

As your son enters the second semester of his junior year, he will take a two-week College Guidance course, and then begin to work with his assigned college counselor. This work will continue through the college application, admission and decision processes.

Save the Date for parents SCREENAGERS - Growing Up in the Digital Age Tuesday, September 20 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre - - freshman parents, last names A-L Wednesday, September 21 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre - - freshman parents, last names M-Z Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston “probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics, and internet addiction.

SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to navigate the digital world and find balance.”

Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be - Common Ground Speaker Frank Bruni Wednesday, November 16 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Join us as Bellarmine hosts this Common Ground Speaker Series event, an antidote to college admissions mania.

Freshman Parent Survival Guide Tuesday, January 24 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Parent review of what is developmentally appropriate for freshman boys - boundaries, expectations with technology, academic load, overall balance, study skills, communication, stress reduction, coping skills and involvement. for freshmen Freshman Retreat (Overnight) Saturday, October 8, 1:00 pm Sunday, October 9, noon Freshman Day of Service (Required) Wednesday, October 19

Fall Sports Tryouts Cross Country:

If you'd like to ...

make 60+ new friends - both freshmen & upperclassmen get involved at BCP right from the start get in great shape consider coming out for cross country! Cross country is a self-cut sport, meaning it doesn't matter if you're fast or slow, or how much experience you have, if you're willing to commit to coming to practice every day, you can be on the team.

Go to www.bcp.org/athletics for more info on each fall sport's tryouts process.

1st day of practice: August 15 Lunchtime meeting: August 23 A detailed summer training regimen is available on the BCP website.

Football:

Football requires commitment, which should not be taken lightly ... you should be prepared to commit to daily practices, weekly games, meetings and morning conditioning sessions before you tryout.

Sign-up forms due: August 9 (forms are available on the BCP website ) Orientation meeting: August 9, BCP Amphitheater, noon - 1:00 pm Tryouts: August 10, 11, 12 (time TBA at orientation meeting)

Water Polo: Tryouts: August 10, 11, 12, 5:30 - 7:30 pm each day Come prepared to each tryout day with a suit, goggles and towel 1st day of practice if you make the team: August 13

#Bell2019

Sophomores

Learn More About ...

Orientation for Sophomore Transfer Students Authorization to Release Educational Records Campus Ministry Program (for sophomores) Counseling Required Summer Reading - English 2 Honors

New Student Orientation

Freshmen & Transfer Students

Mrs. Kathy Shanley, Director of Freshman Experience Welcome to Bellarmine!

Orientation for all freshmen and transfer students will take place on two days: Friday, August 19, and Monday, August 22. Both days are mandatory school days.

The primary goal of these two days is to create an immediate support system for new students and to encourage them to quickly become full and active participants in the total Bellarmine experience. The days’ activities will be carried out in a relaxed atmosphere designed to make all students feel comfortable.

Friday, August 19

8:15 am - 12:30 pm

Students should arrive at Leontyne Chapel before 8:15 am Prayer will begin promptly at 8:15 am Monday, August 22

8:15 - 11:45 am

Students should arrive at Lokey Academic Building before 8:15 am Signs will be posted on the windows indicating to which classroom students should report Instruction will begin promptly at 8:15 am Along with valuable information for a successful Bellarmine beginning, student body pictures and finger-scanning (for meal accounts) will take place over these two days. Student body pictures will be used for the yearbook and student ID cards. A blue, collared shirt will be provided for each student to wear while his picture is being taken. Bacosa Photography (408-441-7111) will offer additional picture packages for a fee.

One more thing ...

Your son’s schedule and textbook information will be available online on the BCP Bridge site in late July. You will be notified via email when to check the Bridge. Students should not bring any books to New Student Orientation.

It is my hope that the two days of New Student Orientation will remove any apprehension your son might have about attending a new school and begin the process of providing him with the confidence and enthusiasm he will need to make the most of his Bellarmine experience. The Bellarmine community joins me in welcoming our new students!

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE EDUCATIONAL RECORDS Please Print: ___________________________ Student Last Name

________________________ First Name

_____________________ Middle Name

___________________ Year of Graduation

For the Release of Educational Records: Colleges, universities, collegiate athletic coaches/recruiters, service academies, NCAA Clearinghouse, UCELC, Cal Grant, scholarship programs, potential employers, summer programs, etc. require that the school, on a student’s behalf, forward records, including but not limited to transcripts of his academic history at Bellarmine College Preparatory. In order to process any such application or registration, and to fulfill requirements for the college application programs and processes, this statement must be signed and on file in the Office of the Registrar or no records will be sent with the exception of Cal Grant and the UCELC program which are automatically sent by Bellarmine on behalf of our Seniors.

Authorization: I authorize the release of student record information, including transcripts containing a list of courses taken, or attempted, and grades earned, as well as any other educational records, or recommendations as required or requested by but not limited to the aforementioned institutions/ agencies during tenure as a student at Bellarmine, including the electronic submission of such requests.

I understand that my authorization comes with the understanding that faculty, staff and administrators of Bellarmine College Preparatory may be required to submit descriptive statements and/or letters of recommendation in support of college applications as well as other programs where requested. I understand that these statements and/or letters are confidential, and I hereby waive any rights we may have as parent(s)/guardian(s) or as a student to review their contents.

I further understand that standardized test scores do not appear on transcripts and are not forwarded by Bellarmine College Preparatory, and that the respective testing service(s) must be contacted personally by the student or parent/guardian to have scores sent to any institutions or programs requesting standardized test scores while a student at Bellarmine. _____________________________________________________ Signature of Legal Parent/Guardian

_________________________________________ Date

_____________________________________________________ Student Signature

_________________________________________ Date

Note: This authorization remains in effect through graduation unless BCP is given written notice of its revocation.

The signed form must be returned to the Office of the Registrar upon agreement of enrollment acceptance.

Sophomore Parents/Students: Please sign and return

Campus Ministry Programs Sophomore Leadership Overnight Retreats Campus Ministry will be sponsoring four (4) Sophomore Leadership Overnight Retreats (SLOR) this year.

These retreats, which are open to all sophomores, offer students time to reflect on their gifts and talents, examine the characteristics of leadership evident in Jesus' ministry, and consider the call to share their personal gifts and talents with others.

Each retreat will be limited to 40 students. They will take place overnight, with students departing after dismissal (3:00 pm) on day one and returning at approximately 2:45 pm on day two. Activities include inspiring presentations, time to share with peers in small groups, and exciting high and low rope courses.

Our SLORs will be held at Mount Hermon. You can check out a teaser of their ropes courses at “Sequoia Aerial Adventure� by Mount Hermon on Vimeo.

Registration for the retreats will open on July 22 at 8:00 am on the B: parents | Faith & Service | Campus Ministry.

Dates: Tuesday, October 25 - Wednesday, October 26 Tuesday, November 8 - Wednesday, November 9 Tuesday, March 14 - Wednesday, March 15 Tuesday, April 25 - Wednesday, April 26

REGISTRATION opens on July 22 at 8:00 am Click HERE!

Counseling Sophomores not only face a more challenging curriculum this year, they also have the opportunity to become more involved in service, retreats, leadership, athletics, speech and debate, robotics, and other organizations both on and off campus. Mr. Atkins and Mr. Ryan are here to support your son's academic success, as well as his personal and spiritual development.

Sophomores, Naviance and College Planning Naviance is a data collecting and sharing resource we use with our students, and families, as they explore opportunities in learning, careers and colleges. Every sophomore has received a Naviance username and password, which he will use during the upcoming year, working with his counselor to explore educational career options and interests. In his junior year, your son will begin to focus on college characteristics and opportunities. He will be enrolled in the Junior College Guidance course and be assigned a college counselor in January 2018.

Academic and Personal Counselors Class of 2019 Mr. Christopher Atkins catkins@bcp.org 408-537-9207 Matthew Abraham — Isaac Liu Mr. Terry Ryan tryan@bcp.org 408-537-9269 Nathan Liu — Lewis Zhang

Looking Ahead - About College Admissions Testing It may be that no one factor adds more stress in college admissions than college admissions testing. You may hear that a strong test score can outweigh a mediocre or weak academic record (GPA) in college admissions, but that is an "urban myth" ... and nothing is further from the truth. The first thing college admissions officers review is the high school transcript, both for grades and the rigor of courses taken. Testing is secondary, and in fact, many college are "test optional."

We encourage our students and parents to consider testing in its proper place. A student does not need to take an SAT or ACT before January of the junior year, and should not take more than two of either test unless there is a real reason. Some colleges also require Subject Tests, and we find the best time to take those is in June just after the junior year. Some sophomore should take Subject Tests next June if they are enrolled in advanced or honors courses and are excelling in those courses. There is no need to push student to take Subject Tests if they are not ready for them.

The National Commission on College Admission Testing has found that test preparation raises scores minimally. Test preparation can be helpful only if the student is actively engaged in the process, but it is very rare that a score increases dramatically. Test preparation companies will make guarantees but if the scores are not raised, those guarantees are only good if the student retakes the entire course. (And is your student engaged the second time?)

You and your family will be solicited by test preparation programs, and your participation is up to you. There is some relative value in preparing in some way for college testing, as students learn the structure of the test, how best to use time, and for review. But in our opinion, that preparation should never take students away from their studies and/or sleep! The potential minimal gains are not worth the risk to your son's transcript, is learning, or his stress level.

(Continued on next page)

Save the Date for parents Sophomore Parent Night Communicating Family Expectations & Boundaries with the Teen Decision-Making Process Wednesday, October 5 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre This evening provides a more in-depth look at your son’s physical, mental, and emotional development and information/strategies on how parents and sons can work together for a successful high school experience. Specific topics will include communication, substance use and abuse, anxiety/ stress issues, appropriate use of technology and the services available at Bellarmine (as well as outside resources) to support you and your son. Guest Speaker: Susan Stone Belton, Life Coach.

Fall Sophomore Parent College Night Monday, November 14 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre We will present information on the college admissions world as trends and factors are substantively changing the ways families choose colleges as well as the ways colleges recruit and admit students.

Parents will receive specific information on the college planning process, admissions and testing and our college counseling calendar.

Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be - Common Ground Speaker Frank Bruni Wednesday, November 16 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Join us as Bellarmine hosts this Common Ground Speaker Series event, an antidote to college admissions mania.

Spring Sophomore Parent College Night Retreat Thursday, February 9 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre In a program jointly sponsored by BCP, Presentation and Notre Dame High School, college admission officers from a CSU campus, a UC campus, Santa Clara, and an out-of-state college will describe the educational opportunities and admission requirements for their respective institutions.

for sophomores Pre-ACT (Required) October 19

Required Summer Reading Required Summer for sophomores taking ... Reading English 2 Honors We are glad you chose to enroll in English 2 Honors for the upcoming school year. As part of your preparation for this advanced survey of American Literature, you will need to complete some summer reading. The three texts you will be reading will introduce you to many of the recurring themes of American literature as well as to three of its time periods. A list of books you will be reading and instructions on the book reports you will need to write for each text are covered below. Please allow time to get all of your reading done! Paper copies of these reports are due the first day of class. Later in the summer, we will also give you the information for joining turnitin.com classes so that you can submit these reports to turnitin.com as well.

Note: Because you have English 2 Honors in your schedule after May 1st, you have committed to stay with the course until at least Week 4 of the new semester. This means that if you decide not to do the summer reading, you will receive zeroes for these assignments.

For English 2 Honors, the English Department does not restrict summer text formats. Any legal version of these texts is acceptable. Students should read and prepare these texts prior to the first day of class and follow preparation/assignment instructions outlined below and in the initial English 2 Honors welcome e-mail.

1. The Crucible by Arthur Miller (a play, 145 pages) 2. The Brothers K by David Duncan (a novel, 645 pages) 3. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway (a memoir, 250 pages) You will be writing an essay for each of these three texts. Each essay must be two to three pages in length. ESSAYS ARE DUE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. Include all of the following in each essay. Do not skip any items.

1. How is the main character developed?

2. What is the focus of the plot? (Do not simply outline the plot. Be as descriptive and detailed as possible. You must begin each sentence in a different way to create more variety in your writing.)

3. Describe one memorable scene from the book. Why is this scene memorable for you?

4. Choose what you consider to be the most important passage in the book. Your selected passage should offer clues to the themes or large ideas emerging from the book. Explain any mentioned or implied themes or ideas connected to your key passage.

5. Tell why you enjoyed the book or why you did not. It is not enough to say a book is “exciting” or “boring,” for instance. You must explain why you feel this way.

Each essay must be typed and double-spaced using a standard font size and type. In the upper right hand corner of each page of each essay include your name, the period of your English class, and the title and author of the book. Staple all essays together. You will be given a grade on the essays. These items do not need to employ the five-paragraph essay format. Please double space. You will submit all essays into turnitin.com before they are graded.

#Bell2018

Juniors

Learn More About ...

Orientation for Junior Transfer Students Authorization to Release Educational Records Campus Ministry Programs (for juniors) Counseling Services Required Summer Reading - APUSH & English Lit AP

New Student Orientation

Freshmen & Transfer Students

Mrs. Kathy Shanley, Director of Freshman Experience Welcome to Bellarmine!

Orientation for all freshmen and transfer students will take place on two days: Friday, August 19, and Monday, August 22. Both days are mandatory school days.

The primary goal of these two days is to create an immediate support system for new students and to encourage them to quickly become full and active participants in the total Bellarmine experience. The days’ activities will be carried out in a relaxed atmosphere designed to make all students feel comfortable.

Friday, August 19

8:15 am - 12:30 pm

Students should arrive at Leontyne Chapel before 8:15 am Prayer will begin promptly at 8:15 am Monday, August 22

8:15 am - 11:45 am

Students should arrive at Lokey Academic Building before 8:15 am Signs will be posted on the windows indicating to which classroom students should report Instruction will begin promptly at 8:15 am Along with valuable information for a successful Bellarmine beginning, student body pictures and finger-scanning (for meal accounts) will take place over these two days. Student body pictures will be used for the yearbook and student ID cards. A blue, collared shirt will be provided for each student to wear while his picture is being taken. Bacosa Photography (408-441-7111) will offer additional picture packages for a fee.

One more thing ...

Your son’s schedule and textbook information will be available online on the BCP Bridge site in late July. You will be notified via email when to check the Bridge. Students should not bring any books to New Student Orientation..

It is my hope that the two days of New Student Orientation will remove any apprehension your son might have about attending a new school and will begin the process of providing him with the confidence and enthusiasm he will need to make the most of his Bellarmine experience. The Bellarmine community joins me in welcoming our new students!

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE EDUCATIONAL RECORDS Please Print: ___________________________ Student Last Name

________________________ First Name

_____________________ Middle Name

___________________ Year of Graduation

For the Release of Educational Records: Colleges, universities, collegiate athletic coaches/recruiters, service academies, NCAA Clearinghouse, UCELC, Cal Grant, scholarship programs, potential employers, summer programs, etc. require that the school, on a student’s behalf, forward records, including but not limited to transcripts of his academic history at Bellarmine College Preparatory. In order to process any such application or registration, and to fulfill requirements for the college application programs and processes, this statement must be signed and on file in the Office of the Registrar or no records will be sent with the exception of Cal Grant and the UCELC program which are automatically sent by Bellarmine on behalf of our Seniors.

Authorization: I authorize the release of student record information, including transcripts containing a list of courses taken, or attempted, and grades earned, as well as any other educational records, or recommendations as required or requested by but not limited to the aforementioned institutions/ agencies during tenure as a student at Bellarmine, including the electronic submission of such requests.

I understand that my authorization comes with the understanding that faculty, staff and administrators of Bellarmine College Preparatory may be required to submit descriptive statements and/or letters of recommendation in support of college applications as well as other programs where requested. I understand that these statements and/or letters are confidential, and I hereby waive any rights we may have as parent(s)/guardian(s) or as a student to review their contents.

I further understand that standardized test scores do not appear on transcripts and are not forwarded by Bellarmine College Preparatory, and that the respective testing service(s) must be contacted personally by the student or parent/guardian to have scores sent to any institutions or programs requesting standardized test scores while a student at Bellarmine. _____________________________________________________ Signature of Legal Parent/Guardian

_________________________________________ Date

_____________________________________________________ Student Signature

_________________________________________ Date

Note: This authorization remains in effect through graduation unless BCP is given written notice of its revocation.

The signed form must be returned to the Office of the Registrar upon agreement of enrollment acceptance.

Junior Parents/Students: Please sign and return

Campus Ministry Programs for juniors

Mother-Junior Son Retreat - November 5, 6 This retreat offers an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen your mother-son relationships in the light of God’s love. Consider taking advantage of this opportunity to get to know and appreciate each other more fully. All are welcome on this retreat regardless of religious affiliation. Registration information will be available in the fall.

Kairos - various dates The Kairos Retreat at Bellarmine offers a unique spiritual opportunity that has the potential to change a student's life in a positive way. It offers the time and space in which to better know yourself, God and others.

Campus Ministry is offering five Kairos retreats this year: Kairos #133 - August 13 - 16 (registration closed) Kairos #134 - September 6 - 9 Kairos #135 - January 17 - 20 (seniors only) Kairos #136 - February 7 - 10 Kairos #137 - March 7 - 10 Registration for Kairos #134 - #137 opens on July 22 at 8:00 am on the website - B: parents | Faith & Service | Campus Ministry. Please note that the September Kairos fills very quickly. Last school year most Kairos retreats were filled by the time school began.

Registration for Kairos #134 - #137 opens on July 22 at 8:00 am.

Click HERE!

If you attend Kairos as a junior, you may not attend again as a retreatant, however, you can participate in Kairos as a senior leader!

Wilderness Retreat - October 28-30 Backpack and hike through nature for a weekend. Contact Mr. Paul Spitzmueller at pspitzmueller@bcp.org for more information.

Counseling Your son faces his toughest academic challenges this year, which will provide ample opportunity to further develop his organizational and leadership skills. He will also become much more involved in the college exploration process. Although your son will continue to meet with his Academic and Personal Counselor this entire year, he will also be assigned a College Counselor in January (January 9th to be exact), to assist in the college search and application process. This collaborative effort provides you and your son with support and guidance as he navigates the year.

Junior College Guidance Class All juniors will take the College Guidance class during their Social Justice periods over two days in October and six days in January.

Students, and their families, will be able to meet with their assigned college counselor beginning late January after the completion of the class.

Academic and Personal Counselors Class of 2018 Mr. Patrick Taylor ptaylor@bcp.org 408-537-9251 Mason Adams — Diego Leoni Mr. Wil Vargas wvargas@bcp.org 408-537-9268 Joshua Leopold — John Zontos

Juniors and Naviance Naviance, a data collecting and sharing resource we use with our students and families as they explore opportunities in learning, careers and colleges, is a great source of information on college characteristics. Did you know it also notifies students of scheduled on-campus visits by college admission officers? We strongly encourage your son to meet and talk with them when they visit Bellarmine in the Fall.

About College Admissions Testing It may be that no one factor adds more stress in college admissions than college admissions testing.

You may hear that a strong test score can outweigh a mediocre or weak academic record (GPA) in college admissions, but that is an "urban myth" ... and nothing is further from the truth. The first thing college admissions officers review is the high school transcript, both for grades and the rigor of courses taken. Testing is secondary, and in fact, many college are "test optional."

We encourage our students and parents to consider testing in its proper place. A student does not need to take an SAT or ACT before January of the junior year, and should not take more than two of either test unless there is a real reason. Some colleges also require Subject Tests, and we find the best time to take those is in June just after the junior year.

The National Commission on College Admission Testing has found that test preparation raises scores minimally. Test preparation can be helpful only if the student is actively engaged in the process, but it is very rare that a score increases dramatically. Test preparation companies will make guarantees but if the scores are not raised, those guarantees are only good if the student retakes the entire course.

(And is your student engaged the second time?)

You and your family will be solicited by test preparation programs, and your participation is up to you.

There is some relative value in preparing in some way for college testing, as students learn the structure of the test, how best to use time, and for review. But in our opinion, that preparation should never take students away from their studies and/or sleep! The potential minimal gains are not worth the risk to your son's transcript, is learning, or his stress level.

(Continued on next page)

Save the Date for parents Junior Parent College Night Monday, October 17 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre We will present information on the college admissions world, as trends and factors are substantively changing the ways families choose colleges as well as the ways colleges recruit and admit students.

Parents will receive specific information on the college planning process, admissions and testing and Bellarmine's calendar.

Resiliency in the 21st Century - Developing Non-Cognitive Academic Skills Tuesday, November 8 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Test preparation, organization, note taking and the like often become the focus of education. These are important tools, yet grit, resilience and growth mindset are much discussed in research and conversations regarding 21st century education, and often overlooked in terms of student success.

This evening will focus on what these skills are and what parents and educators can do to foster the development of these assets so that students/children truly develop these skills needed for life.

Speakers: Terry Ryan and Ruth Burson.

Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be - Common Ground Speaker Frank Bruni Wednesday, November 16 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Join us as Bellarmine hosts this Common Ground Speaker Series event, an antidote to college admissions mania.

Junior Parent College Night Monday, January 23 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Join Rick Bischoff, VP of Enrollment Management at Case Western Reserve University and former Dean of Admissions at Cal Tech, as well as our college counselor, as we discuss how parents can work effectively in the process of college exploration, admission and selection. The college counselors will also present updates on testing and admission trends. Junior parents will receive direction that evening on establishing their own Naviance account. for juniors Jesuit College Fair Tuesday, September 13 - Lunchtime in the gym Admission representatives from approximately 20 Jesuit institutions will be on hand to meet with your son and answer his questions.

PSAT and Mini College Fair Wednesday, October 19 The PSAT, given at BCP, is required of all juniors.

A mini-college fair will be held in Liccardo immediately following the test.

Required Summer Reading for juniors taking ...

Advanced Placement United States History Required reading, to be read by the the second class meeting of the semester: Imbeciles: The Supreme Court, American Eugenics, and the Sterilization of Carrie Buck by Adam Cohen Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith Note: Neither needs to be purchased. No written assignment is required; you will complete this in class.

English Literature AP In order to prepare yourself for this course, we ask that you start reading over the summer. Our course begins by exploring epic poems and myths from early English writers. Discussions and assignments begin on day one with the expectation that you have read carefully and considered each text deeply.

The Once and Future King, TH White. 2nd ed. ISBN: 978-0-441-62740-0.

White retells the legend of King Arthur, the story of the round table, and the legend of the search for the Holy Grail from a modern perspective. Many Bellarmine students remark, when they finish this novel, that it is one of their favorite books. We’ll have a quiz on the text in the first couple days of class.

The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer. Trans. Nevill Coghill. ISBN: 978-0-14-042438-6.

We also ask that you read the modern English translation of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. This is a seminal story from medieval England and written a couple of centuries earlier than Shakespeare. As the pilgrims make their trip to Canterbury they each take turns telling tales, ranging from the epic to the bawdry. Pay attention to the arrangement of stories, the profession and social standing of the speaker, and the odd narrator who patches the whole story together. Please acquire the Penguin Classics edition translated by Nevill Coghill. During the year we will revisit these tales in their original Middle English. Reading all of the tales is a treat, in our minds, but we only require that you be familiar with: 1) the entire Prologue, and then all of the following tales (in addition to their prologues or “words between”): 2) the Knight’s Tale, 3) Reeve’s Tale, 4) Miller’s Tale, 5) Man of Law’s Tale, 6) Wife of Bath’s Tale, 7) Nun’s Priest’s Tale, and 8) Pardoner’s Tale.

(Continued on the next page)

Norton Anthology of English Authors, the Major Authors, 9th Edition, Volume 1. ISBN: 978-0393919646 Finally, we ask that you read Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf. This poem can be found in Volume 1 of the anthology that all Literature AP students will be required to purchase and use during next year’s course.

In the case of the Norton Anthology, you may wish to wait to purchase that particular text until you receive your schedule at the end of July. The Norton Company offers a free Norton Critical Edition to accompany your purchase of the Major Authors anthology. We often require a Norton Critical Edition or two on our specific reading lists, though which texts are required depends on the teacher. You can find this offer at their website for the Major Authors anthology: http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294969357 We recommend that you digest The Canterbury Tales and the Once and Future King before August so that you can take advantage of this offer if you so choose and still have enough time to digest Beowulf in early August.

All three of these texts are eligible for quizzes and writing assignments in the first weeks of the course. As a reminder, because you remained signed up for this course through May 1st, you are committed to staying enrolled until after the 4th week of class in the fall.

Optional Summer Reading: If you have additional time and interest, we suggest two additional non-fiction books for historical context.

Foundation. The History of England from its Early Beginnings, Peter Ackroyd. ISBN: 978-1250037558 The Year of Lear, James Shapiro. ISBN: 978-1416541646

#Bell2017

Seniors

Learn More About ...

Orientation for Senior Transfer Students Campus Ministry Programs (for seniors) College Counseling Confirmation Program

New Student Orientation

Freshmen & Transfer Students

Mrs. Kathy Shanley, Director of Freshman Experience Welcome to Bellarmine!

Orientation for all freshmen and transfer students will take place on two days: Friday, August 19, and Monday, August 22. Both days are mandatory school days.

The primary goal of these two days is to create an immediate support system for new students and to encourage them to quickly become full and active participants in the total Bellarmine experience. The days’ activities will be carried out in a relaxed atmosphere designed to make all students feel comfortable.

Friday, August 19

8:15 am - 12:30 pm

Students should arrive at Leontyne Chapel before 8:15 am Prayer will begin promptly at 8:15 am Monday, August 22

8:15 am - 11:45 am

Students should arrive at Lokey Academic Building before 8:15 am Signs will be posted on the windows indicating to which classroom students should report Instruction will begin promptly at 8:15 am Along with valuable information for a successful Bellarmine beginning, student body pictures and finger-scanning (for meal accounts) will take place over these two days. Student body pictures will be used for the yearbook and student ID cards. A blue, collared shirt will be provided for each student to wear while his picture is being taken. Bacosa Photography (408-441-7111) will offer additional picture packages for a fee.

One more thing ...

Your son’s schedule and textbook information will be available online on the BCP Bridge site in late July. You will be notified via email when to check the Bridge. Students should not bring any books to New Student Orientation..

It is my hope that the two days of New Student Orientation will remove any apprehension your son might have about attending a new school and will begin the process of providing him with the confidence and enthusiasm he will need to make the most of his Bellarmine experience. The Bellarmine community joins me in welcoming our new students!

Campus Ministry Programs for seniors

Father - Senior Son Retreat - February 11, 12 This retreat offers an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen your father-son relationships in the light of God’s love. Consider taking advantage of this opportunity to get to know and appreciate each other more fully. All are welcome on this retreat regardless of religious affiliation. Registration information will be available in December/January.

Kairos - various dates The Kairos Retreat at Bellarmine offers a unique spiritual opportunity that has the potential to change a student's life in a positive way. It offers the time and space in which to better know yourself, God and others.

Campus Ministry is offering five Kairos retreats this year: Kairos #133 Kairos #134 Kairos #135 Kairos #136 Kairos #137

-

August 13 - 16 (registration closed) September 6 - 9 January 17 - 20 (seniors only) February 7 - 10 March 7 - 10

Registration for Kairos #134 - #137 opens on July 22 at 8:00 am on the website - B: parents | Faith & Service | Campus Ministry. Please note that the September and January Kairos retreats fill very quickly. Last school year most Kairos retreats were filled by the time school began.

Registration for Kairos #134 - #137 opens on July 22 at 8:00 am.

Click HERE!

If you attended Kairos as a junior, you may not attend again as a retreatant, however, you can participate in Kairos as a senior leader! Go to the B: students | Campus Ministry webpage to download an application form.

Confirmation candidates are encouraged, but not required, to participate in a Kairos retreat.

Wilderness Retreat - October 28-30 Backpack and hike through nature for a weekend. Contact Mr. Paul Spitzmueller at pspitzmueller@bcp.org for more information.

Counseling We look forward to working with you and your son in the coming months as he continues his journey toward his ultimate college choice.

We will be returning to campus on August 16th. Please feel to contact us by email or phone anytime after our return.

Communication Don't forget to update both the Registrar's Office and your Naviance account with any email changes that take effect after the beginning of the school year.

Parent Homework 1. Summer Reading First Priority: Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be by Frank Bruni Ready for more? Try Admissions Matters by Springer College Admission by Mamlet &VanDeVelde Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope College Unranked by Thacker The Hidden Ivies or The Public Ivies by Greene and Greene 2. Use the Net Price Calculator on the websites of some of the colleges your son is exploring to determine a ballpark figure that you would have to pay to send him there, if he were to enroll next Fall.

3. Complete the Parent Reference You will be receiving parent reference forms from our office in August. The college counselors often use information from these forms as we work with our seniors and write counselor recommendations. We hope you will this one process - just a little!

Please return your complete form, by mail or scanned document, to College Counseling no later than September 11.

Save the Date

College Counselors Class of 2017 Ms. Katy Murphy kmurphy@bcp.org 408-537-9255 Jacob Abene Brendan Conaway Mr. Ed Schoenberg eschoenberg@bcp.org 408-537-9282 Bryant Cong - Cameron Holbert Mrs. Mary Connolly mconnolly@bcp.org 408-537-9278 Oliver Holt - Bryan Mendieta Mr. Jack Doyle jdoyle@bcp.org 408-537-9216 Connor Menees Cristopher Rodriguez Mr. Chris Fleitas cfleitas@bcp.org 408-537-9238 Joseph Rogers - Dante Zanotto

for parents and seniors Senior Orientation - 12:45 - 4:30 pm beginning in the gym Family Mass (optional) - noon in Leontyne Chapel Sunday, August 28 Seniors are required to attend Senior Orientation, and remain for the entire program. (Failure for a student to attend will result in two Saturday JUGs.) Parents are encouraged to attend as well!

The purpose of the program is to acquaint seniors and their parents with the "logistics" of applying: deadlines, teacher recommendations, transcripts, testing, etc. We will also present information on the new processes we have put in place to simplify the requests for transcripts and recommendations.

(Continued on next page)

NOTE: Seniors should not establish Common Application or UC Application accounts before this program!

Plan to bring: 1. Seniors ... bring your Bellarmine-provided Surface 2. Highlighters, pens, post-its to use during the program 3. Water and snacks for breaks Please dress comfortably.

The program is centered around the information in the Senior Handbook, which seniors will load onto their Surfaces in August, and which parents will have access to as well. Specific instructions will be sent provided before the program. Plan to write, note, highlight and circle information in this resource during orientation.

Senior and Senior Parent Financial Aid Night Wednesday, September 28 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend this program to learn the vocabulary and timeline for applying for financial aid for college. Components of a financial aid package will be presented along with important information about completing the forms efficiently. for parents Senior Transition Night #1 Wednesday, October 12 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre We will explore the behaviors to expect with your sons as they enter the senior year, and help you to develop strategies around independence, responsible decision-making and effective communication.

Speakers: personal counselors Chris Colletti, Terry Ryan and Ed Sarrett.

Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be - Common Ground Speaker Frank Bruni Wednesday, November 16 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre Join us as Bellarmine hosts this Common Ground Speaker Series event, an antidote to college admissions mania.

Senior Transition Night #2 - College is Beckoning Tuesday, March 14 - 7:00 pm in Sobrato Theatre

for seniors in addition to Senior Orientation

Tips on how to help your son make a responsible, sensible, healthy decision with a college selection, as well as how to renegotiate your relationship during this transition, and shape future communications.

Speakers: personal counselors Chris Colletti, Terry Ryan and Ed Sarrett.

Jesuit College Fair Tuesday, September 13, Lunchtime in the gym

Note - The October break (19 - 23 or 20 - 23, depending upon your son's attendance at the application workshop/college fair) is an excellent opportunity to visit colleges while they are in session.

UC/CSU Application Workshop & Mini College Fair Wednesday, October 19

Admissions representatives from 20 or so Jesuit institutions will be in the gym to meet with your son and answer his questions.

The workshop, given at BCP, is optional. A minicollege fair will be held in Liccardo immediately following the workshop.

for seniors in the

Confirmation Program

Mrs. Suzanne Hoinski, Religious Studies Department If your son is scheduled for Confirmation class during the first or second semester of this upcoming school year ...

An important and necessary part of the Confirmation process is the paperwork that has to be submitted by Wednesday, August 31st.

Go to www.bcp.org/confirmation with your son, as soon as possible, to complete the online portion of the paperwork The Pastor Permission Form can be downloaded from the online form. It needs to be signed and sealed by the pastor of your parish. Please encourage your son to schedule an appointment with your parish pastor in order to complete this form. Also, please help your son obtain a copy of his Baptismal Certificate. It needs to be stapled to the Pastor Permission Form and turned into me by Wednesday, August 31st.

First semester student may turn this paperwork in during their Confirmation class time.

Second semester students must leave it in my mailbox in Mathewson Hall.

Thank you for helping your son to be attentive to this necessary and important part of the Confirmation process. The timely submission of this paperwork will also contribute to his grade for Confirmation class.

I would encourage your son to sign up this summer for a Kairos retreat. Registrations open on July 22nd. If possible, he should select a Kairos that takes place in the semester when he is not taking Confirmation class. This retreat will support his effort to grow as a person of faith. Details on the Kairos program, including dates and contact information, are provided on the Campus Ministry page of this Summer Mailing, which immediately precedes this Confirmation page.

Dates to Remember Monday, July 22, 8 am Wednesday, August 31 Sunday, March 5, 9 am - 12 pm April 24, 7 pm

Kairos registration opens Confirmation paperwork due Confirmation Candidate-Sponsor Retreat (Mandatory) Confirmation

I look forward to working with your son as he prepares for Confirmation. Please contact me at shoinski@bcp.org if you have any questions.