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Academic News
IB Students ‘Hit the Road’
De La Salle Collegiate’s twelve Class of 2017 International Baccalaureate (IB) students, along with four IB teachers, traveled to Montana in May 2016 for a week of service and science. A component of the IB program is Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). Brad Cusumano, the IB CAS Coordinator for DLS, organized the trip into two components: a service piece with the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, MT., followed by a science project at Glacier National Park. During the stay in Blackfeet Nation, the IB students lived in a small bunkhouse while serving at De La Salle Blackfeet Indian Reservation. They prepared their own meals, along with IB Coordinator Stephanie Howay, Biology teacher Jackie VanThomme, Chemistry teacher Rob Black, and Brad Cusumano. DLS students spent two and a half days at De La Salle Blackfeet, a Lasallian school (dlsb.org) established in 2001 by the Midwest
District of the Christian Brothers. Blackfeet is co-ed, and has about 70 students in grades 4-8. It is one of 11 “San Miguel” schools, which serve predominantly at-risk IB students regularly engage in service. In June 2016, students populations. These spent the day at Clark Park, in southwest Detroit, helping to facilitate a field day for Maybury Elementary School. schools are not tuitiondriven, depending on service and simultaneously assisting the National philanthropy, have extended school Park service in their tracking of days, and have small class sizes. loons. The students also took part in Blackfeet serves a remote region on the National Park Services “BioBlitz” an Indian reservation bordered by during which they examined specific Canada to the north, and Glacier types of insects in Lake Bowman, National Park to the west. assisting the Park service in its Brad said, “This was an unbelievcomparisons of nutrient-rich lakes vs. able and emotional experience for nutrient-poor lakes. our young men. Our students Principal Steve Stewart said, “Our tutored, and assisted the teachers IB program continues to grow each in facilitating homework assignyear thanks in large part to the ments and quizzes. Most importantfantastic job our teachers, counselors, ly, they were able to build lasting admissions, and coordinators do relationships with these students.” every day! We will continue to offer The DLS group then headed to IB instructional professional developGlacier National Park to complete ment to all of our teachers because the IB science project. The boys it improves student learning and surveyed loons and connected data, critical thinking.”
Academic News
DLS Students Earn College Credits in Unique Dual Enrollment Program at UDM
Recent DLS graduate Andrew Marchetti already had college credits - before he walked on campus this fall at the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). Andrew took the Introduction to Business course at UDM last fall, earning three credits. UDM provides the books and covers tuition for students in the Dual Enrollment Programs offered in the Colleges of Business Administration, Engineering & Science, Health Professions, Liberal Arts and Education, and the School of Architecture. Generous UDM alumni provide funding for the Program. The Dual Enrollment offerings include Accounting 1 and 2 - courses which Mr. Dennis Koch, DLS Business teacher, says will cover in 8 weeks what is covered in two high school semesters. Students interested in applying to the Dual Enrollment Program work through the DLS Counselors to complete the forms with UDM. Juniors must have a minimum 3.5 GPA; seniors must have a minimum 3.25 GPA. Andrew was enrolled in Mr. Koch’s IB Business Management, Banking, and AP Economics classes, as well as working in the DLS “Union,” the Christian Financial Credit Union (CFCU) branch right in the building. He is now in his first year of the five-year MBA Program with a concentration in Finance. Recent graduate Mario Fusciardi, now attending Michigan State University, took the Accounting 1 course during the Spring 2016 semester. Current senior Dominic Sciturro, who is in the DLS Banking Program this year, also took the Intro to Business Course during the Spring 2016 semester. He said the Monday evening course had students from the college, including UDM Dental students for whom the course is required. “It was a good mix of high school and college kids,” said Dominic. “The class was 2 and a half hours, and more of a lecture and discussionbased class. We had a sizeable book, and covered a chapter a week. The homework consisted of reading the material and submitting an online assignment every week, but the course is definitely manageable for a high school student.” Mr. Koch said, “UDM has an excellent tradition and is giving our students an excellent opportunity. I am excited for our students to actually take college business classes and further their liking for business.” Principal Steve Stewart says, “I believe ANY time we can get students college credit, along with satisfying a high school requirement, it’s a wonderful thing! It saves the student time and money while they learn at a higher level -- win-win-win!
DLS Art Students are “Penguin People”
Last April, as the Detroit Zoo prepared to open its new Polk Penguin Conservation Center, De La Salle Art students were invited to draw pictures of penguins. The students, their drawings, and Art teacher Mr. John Hicks, were photographed, and became one of several 6’ by 3’ posters on the construction wall. The picture was also featured in the Zoo’s promotional video for the new Center. A smaller version of the poster is still featured near the Center’s entrance.
Academic News
Recent graduates Kevin Jones and Andrew Marchetti, both students in the Christian Financial Credit Union (CFCU) Banking program, each received a CFCU $500 scholarship. Business teacher Dennis Koch said, “Andrew and Kevin are two excellent young men. I was very impressed by the amount of dedication they had towards their academic studies, CFCU, and all the activities they participated in.” Kevin is majoring in Finance at the University of Toledo; Andrew is in the five-year MBA Program with a concentration in Finance at the University of Detroit Mercy. A major technology upgrade at De La Salle, valued at $180,000, was completed this summer, resulting in Wi-Fi speeds nearly 1,000 times faster than the old system. President John M. Knight said, “We are excited and proud of our new changes and welcomed students back to faster, more reliable technology systems.” Mr. Dennis Parks, Information Technology Director, said, “We created wireless access in every part of the building. We replaced the current 15 wide-area ‘hotspots’ and added another 60 for a total of 75. We have brought Wi-Fi right to where the students
L to R: Christine Quitter (CFCU Business Development Manager), Kevin Jones, Andrew
Marchetti, Aarran Meier (CFCU- DLS Manager), Dennis Koch (DLS Banking Teacher). Aarran Meier, the CFCU Business Manager who works closely with the Banking students, said, “Andrew and Kevin are both incredible young men! Their are. Wi-Fi is now available in every classroom, conference room, and office area, as well as the Digital Resource Center, the Commons, the Cafeteria, the Gym, and the weight room and locker rooms.” Since DLS became a Google school several years ago, all students have a school gmail account (Google email), and use Google for note taking and document sharing. Mr. Parks says that on any given day, there may be 500 devices, including Chromebooks, PCs, and phones, on the wireless system at one time. “As more and more students come commitment to a job well done is evident in all they do! I have no doubt they will both excel in their
Tech Upgrades Speed Net Connection
business careers.”
to school with Chromebooks, as well as their phones, we could easily approach having 2,000 devices on the system at any time,” says Mr. Parks. The upgrade also included the seven servers that serve as the “spine” of the network. The network switches, all over 12 years old, were replaced. The two coax lines have been replaced with a new 1Gb per second fiber optic connection.
Aca demic News
De La Salle Welcomes New Staff
The 2016-17 administration, faculty, and staff members at De La Salle Collegiate include a mixture of veterans and recent college graduates. Although new to the position, Principal Steve Stewart has been an educational leader and administrator at De La Salle since 2004. Steve brings a great deal of experience and continuity to the Collegiate. He has contributed to many of our initiatives over the years to make De La Salle a better place.
New Staff at DLS: Jeana Najor, John Berlin, Emily Smeltzer, Joe Gerardi, Sabrina Stellino, Kristen DellaMora, Stephanie Caramagno, and Dave Barstys.
“De La Salle is most definitely heading in the right direction,” said Steve. “It is a privilege and honor to work with such dedicated and passionate professionals who put students first. I am blessed.” He holds three degrees: a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan, a master’s from Eastern Michigan University, and a specialist’s in educational leadership from Oakland University. He also holds state teacher (secondary level) and administrator certifications for both K-12 grades and the central office level. Chris Dean (‘89) continues in his position of Assistant Principal, with responsibilities for Discipline, Attendance, Academics, and non-athletic school activities. Mike Watson has joined the DLS Staff as Director of Athletics. Most recently, he was Director of Athletics for the Oxford, MI Community Schools (2009-2015). He has previous experience as the Director of Interscholastic Athletics for the Muskegon, MI Public Schools, and as Director of Interscholastic Athletics at Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, MI. He attended the University of Michigan, earning a degree in Sports Management and Communication in 1999, and has a Master’s in Sports Administration from Ohio University (Athens, OH). He is also a CMAA – Certified Master Athletic Administrator. Alumnus Joe Gerardi (‘86) returns “home” and is teaching sophomore and junior Religion. He most recently taught Religion at Mercy High School (Farmington, MI). “I’m very impressed with how different the school is from my student days. The school has a very modern approach to high school education.” Another addition to the Religion Department is John Berlin, who retired in March 2016 as the Deputy Fire Commissioner for the City of Detroit. Although a 23- year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department (DFD), he had previous teaching experience. John is no stranger to DLS; his son Padraic graduated in 2009 (Padraic is now a U.S. Border Patrol agent, stationed in Arizona). New Biology teacher Kristen DellaMora most recently taught in Las Vegas. She graduated from Michigan State University, and earned her M.A. in Teaching from Sierra Nevada College (NV). Emily Smeltzer is a recent college graduate (Concordia, Ann Arbor, MI), and is teaching Chemistry and Physics. She grew up in the Traverse City area.
Academic News
Jeana Najor joins the English Department, but is also teaching an American History class. She attended Central Michigan University. Sabrina Stellino joins the DLS Math Department. Her degree in Math is from Oakland University. The DLS Business Department has been re-organized and added some new faces. Anne Wiles, at DLS since June 2008 as Comptroller, is now the Vice President for Finance and Operations, a new position. She has direct responsibility for Finance, Facilities, IT, Safety and Security, Monitors, Food Service, Transportation, the Brother Robert Activities Center (BRAC), and the Pilot Hangar. David Barstys brings over 30 years of experience at the Burroughs Corporation to the Comptroller position. He is a CPA, and has an MBA in Finance from Wayne State University. An Accounting major at Walsh College, Stephanie Caramagno joined the DLS Business Office as an intern in February 2016. The Clintondale High School graduate had alumnus Brian Newman (‘98) as an Accounting teacher at both Macomb Community College and Walsh. John Blum has joined the group of monitors at DLS. A professional hockey player from 1981 - 1995, he played college hockey at Uof M and signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 1981. He also played for the Boston Bruins, the Washington Capitals, and the Detroit Red Wings. John is also assisting with the DLS Hockey Program. Maurice Dion Hill is manning the Welcome Desk from 4 - 8 p.m. on school nights. Christy Burley-Lietzow is helping with customer service in the Pilot Hangar. She will staff the store some afternoons and at many of our evening events. Read more about our new staff at www.delasallehs.com
The Brother’s Table
De La Salle Collegiate has had a long tradition of making its Catholic education affordable through Tuition Assistance. As Brother George Synan was known to say, the school never wants to turn away any boy strictly because of a lack of funds. For some Pilots, however, tuition is just the beginning of their needs. “Some of our boys don’t have enough to eat,” says President Emeritus Brother Bob Carnaghi. “It’s important to know that these situations have always been present at De La Salle, and they continue today. The Brothers are personally committed to making sure these boys have something to eat during the school day.” To address this need, the school has begun a program called “The Brothers’ Table” to help provide necessary food and extras for students identified through a detailed application process. The goal is to raise $50,000 annually to fund The Brothers’ Table, and the Brothers’ Community at De La Salle has contributed the first $5,000. “This is an important part of our Lasallian Mission,” said Brother Bob, “and we wanted to make a contribution ourselves to help and to highlight this issue. I am calling upon our friends and alumni, especially our recent graduates, to join the Brothers in meeting our goal. If we raise more than the goal, we will put it towards the Tuition Assistance Fund.” People wishing to contribute to The Brothers’ Table can do so online at ThePilotHangar.com, or through the Lasallian Fund by clearly designating their gift to be directed to The Brothers’ Table. For more information, please contact Advancement at 586.778.3356.
Academic News
Mrs. Laura Rigby Receives Teaching Award
Congratulations to Mrs. Laura Rigby, a Science teacher at De La Salle since 2007, who is De La Salle’s 2015-2016 Archdiocesan Excellence in Teaching award winner. Mrs. Rigby was selected as the DLS Nominee for the Award by the DLS Faculty. She teaches College Prep Biology, Honors Biology, and Honors Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2; she has also taught Advanced Placement Biology. Principal Steve Stewart said, “Mrs. Rigby rocks science! She knows and cares about each individual student she touches. Always positive, always looking for better ways for her students - hallmarks of an education professional. DLS is very fortunate to have her as part of our family.” “I love coming to work where everyone is united and committed to doing what is right for our boys,” said Mrs. Rigby. “I feel so flattered to receive this award and have been truly blessed to be able to teach at De La Salle. I am proud to be a part of a staff that cares deeply, takes personal responsibility for student success and well-being, and does what needs to be done without question.” A 1988 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Wayne State University, Mrs. Rigby entered the Wayne State University School of Medicine, graduating with honors and distinction in 1993, and with a Doctor of Medicine degree. She had high scores on the Medical National Board Examination. But despite her medical training, she found herself drawn to teaching. She said, “Growing up I was drawn to teaching and often found myself tutoring friends and family members. I just naturally loved helping people to learn and understand deeply. Even through medical school, I found myself searching for cool ways to understand, remember, and tutor friends through the avalanche of information that was constantly careening our way.
I found medical school to be ridiculously interesting, and the physiology of the body to be awe-inspiring, and I excelled academically. Unfortunately, at the same time, medicine did not feel like ‘my thing.’ Although I was really unhappy, I didn’t want to let anyone down. I felt like I was stuck on the hamster wheel. Jumping off at high velocity is not easy to do. It took me a while to make the decision to leave. In retrospect, it is the best decision I have ever made.” Mrs. Rigby then pursued a Master’s Program in teaching through Oakland University, and earned her secondary certification in 2007, concentrating on Biology and Chemistry. “Today, I feel blessed to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with the boys through my Anatomy and Physiology courses, which I try to infuse with lots of clinical understanding and experiences. Let’s face it. These boys like to slice, dice, and stitch, and I am absolutely passionate about giving them a taste of the miraculously intricate, yet logical, beauty behind the human body. I am a teacher, and I feel like my path, though unconventional and circuitous, has brought me to where I am supposed to be.” Mrs. Rigby and her husband Dennis are the parents of Joshua, a recent DLS graduate, and Justin, who will graduate with the Class of 2017. “When I first started my teaching career, my two sons were small and high school seemed worlds away. It has been a blessing having them attend high school here. When you are doing what you were meant to do, you just feel it, and I certainly feel it,” said Mrs. Rigby. “I can think of no other place I would rather teach.”
