La Salle Parent Newsletter For Parents and Friends of La Salle College Preparatory • Pasadena • California August 2020
Principal Ideas Hello! We have reached August and the return to school. Although for some I am sure it feels like the last few months have dragged on due to the many restrictions to usual summer fun, for myself these last few months have been an absolute whirlwind. Even though it is hard for me to believe that the new school year is already upon us, I am incredibly excited for it to begin.
Courtney R. Kassakhian Principal
Reflection Prayer St. John Baptist de La Salle
"You too can perform miracles by touching the hearts of children"
Saint John Baptist de La Salle (Med. 180.3)
On July 31, we emailed all of our families a number of documents to explain what the new school year will look like and to help you and your child be prepared to begin the 2020-2021 school year. These documents included information about the daily schedule, dress code, counseling services, student life and more. If you have not already done so, please carefully read the contents. After all, it is not just our new students who will need to learn the processes and procedures for La Salle this year. In our temporary COVID reality, everything is new to everyone. While our first official day of school is August 17, the start of the school year for new students (9th grade and transfers) took place Thursday, August 13. The day included a virtual orientation program led by the adults and students on our Student Life team. A key part of the event this year was organizing our new students into Shepherd groups. We know that a return to a virtual school year has challenges for many of our students, but probably none more so than those students who are unfamiliar with La Salle. To help get our students acquainted with each other and the school despite distance, new students will be in groups throughout the year wherein upperclassmen will serve as shepherds to help guide them through the process of becoming a La Salle Lancer. In a usual year, our new student orientation would be followed by a New Parent Orientation Event. This year we
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are obviously unable to hold an in-person event and we also have the reality that it is not just our new parents who need to understand what school will look like this year. As such, we have a pre-recorded Parent Orientation presentation that was emailed to parents on August 12 and is available for viewing on our website. If you have not had a chance to view the presentation, please take the time to do so. In lieu of our traditional Back to School Night, we will be having Back to School Week this year. All of our faculty have prepared pre-recorded presentations like those they would normally give live at Back to School night. These will be uploaded on our website throughout the first week of classes. Parents will get alerts letting them know what department videos have been uploaded each day. We highly encourage you to take the time to view the welcome videos from each of your student’s teachers. Especially in this new environment, we want our parents to understand the expectations of their child and how they can help their child succeed. I feel like a bit of a broken record talking about how this year will be different than all the others before it, and no doubt about it, it will be. That said, I know that the heart of what we do here at La Salle will remain the same as it ever has. Our determination to guide our students to Learn, Serve, and Lead remains as strong as ever and we are bolstered by the fact that innovation and adaptation is in our blood as Lasallians. When St. John Baptist De la Salle began the Christian Schools in Rheims, France in 1680 he disrupted education as it had been known. Many of the innovations he spearheaded then are now thought of as common practice, but in his time they were revolutionary. He and the Brothers continually reflected on their practice so that they could constantly improve it, and they stayed focused on and built relationships with the students entrusted in their care. That concern for the students entrusted to our care is what has always been a hallmark of La Salle and will remain to be even while we are in distance learning. Teaching is not just a job; it is a vocation for our educators. I know you and your students will continue to see and feel that care even though a screen. As we look forward to the 2020-2021 school year, I hope that you and your students are excited about the possibilities that the year holds. The faculty and staff at La Salle are here to help students learn and grow, and we all look forward to working with you throughout this year. Welcome back!
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Back to School Week Virtual Schedule August 17 - Welcome Video August 18 - English, Science, Religious Studies August 19 - Social Studies, Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts August 20 - Math, Technology, World Languages August 21 - Counseling, Non-Departmental Offerings All links to these videos will be available at www.lasallehs.org/BacktoSchool
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Leading Through a Pandemic
La Salle College Preparatory leaders have learned a tremendous amount over the past seven months. This period has been heavily focused on managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting teachers and students as they persevered through change and obstacles, navigating the challenges daily shifts in teaching and learning models, and ensuring the relational characteristics of a Lasallian education remained strong.
Perry Martin President
As well, we have focused our thoughts on ways to efficiently manage the school through a continuously changing environment of government regulations, health requirements, and the development of internal policies to ensure the continued safety for our staff, students, faculty, and administration. With every innovative thought and strategy, we have been planning for an eventual return of our students to campus. We know this process will continue to be about accepting change. Change has been (and will be) about scrambling to address situation after situation for which there is no playbook, doing what we can do to reassure and support students and teachers, and striving to keep our Lasallian education healthy. Similar to what you have already been experiencing, every day has been filled with improvising, problem-solving, and adapting to new information and situational requirements. The focus, for the past seven months, has been about accepting this change. It has been about the significance of adapting and how to lead courageously during a crisis. Now, what is most important is how to lead out of one! During my short tenure, I’ve remained in constant contact with many other Lasallian school head colleagues across the country and other professional organizations, sharing ideas about how our school communities are responding to the coronavirus outbreak. This dialogue has been constructive and has given us all hope for choosing the right direction to head together.
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The current COVID-19 crisis seems overwhelming at times, and what comes next will continue to be unclear. To achieve ultimate clarity, we must avoid the temptation to think that we will simply “return to normal.” We must instead seize this opportunity for organizational transformation, development of robust leadership, and incorporation of long-term strategic planning. The current moment offers not just a possibility, but a directive to push toward reinvention and innovation, not retreat and status quo. If we are to flourish in a post-COVID world, it will require us to articulate a bold and flexible vision, cultivate a culture of innovation and progress, and lead change with empathy and integrity. We must retrain employees for new ways of engaging students, support our families in all ways we can, and look for synergies in our school functions. Our forward-thinking Lasallian leaders will be the ones who face the difficult conversations and thought processes and take the bold actions necessary to reimagine the future of La Salle College Preparatory. We don’t know how long this new reality will last, nor precisely what lies ahead in a COVIDfree world, but we do know that leadership will need to be the differentiator in our school. With your help, we can turn crisis into opportunity. Strong leadership and positive teamwork are more important than ever before. While it seems there are always more questions than answers in this environment, what is clear is that many schools may not survive this challenge. I know that La Salle College Preparatory will be more robust after this crisis has subsided, than when it started. Staying strong and committed to our mission and values, while making strategic decisions to keep the school healthy in every aspect, will become the mantra of our resilience. Please know that my highest priority will always be the well-being of you and your family. We recognize that our school is an extension of your family. We will do everything possible to support you and your student(s) to make the new school year one of good health, energetic spirit and faith, and happiness. We will continue to communicate regularly and will continuously identify avenues toward making the school year great in every way. Please don’t hesitate to call any of our teachers or administrators as we begin this new journey together. I am looking forward to what’s next because we are in this together! May God continue to bless you, our community and La Salle College Preparatory! Perry Martin School President
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Virtual Freshmen Orientation August 13 marked the very first day for the Class of 2024! Their virtual orientation was led by members of the Student Life team via a Zoom meeting. While this is not how we typically welcome the freshmen to our campus, we are thrilled to see and meet them all. Good luck with the upcoming school year and we are so happy to have you!
Class of 2020 On June 27, 2020, the Class of 2020 was greeted with fanfare and love as they drove through the upper parking lot for their graduation. We are incredibly proud of them and all of their achievements. All photos and videos from that evening are available at w w w. l a s a l l e h s . o r g / Commencement2020
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Gift Planning Opportunities The Planned Giving program at La Salle College Preparatory provides support to the School’s endowment through one of several Planned Giving instruments. The program is essential in supporting the long-term goals and Mission of our School. Legislation emanating as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic has provided new opportunities in this area. Under the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, individuals can deduct charitable donations up to 100% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI); prior to the legislation, the limit for 2020 was 60% of AGI. The amount of the deduction in excess of AGI cannot be used in 2020, but it can be carried forward to offset income in a future year for up to five subsequent years. For most donors, the annual required minimum distribution (RMD) from a retirement plan has been suspended for 2020. However, by executing a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), taxpayers who itemize deductions and those who do not are able to direct up to $100,000 from their IRA in support of our School. Previously, corporations were able to deduct charitable donations up to 10% of their taxable income. This level is increased to 25% for 2020. There are also carryover provisions such that any contributions which you cannot currently deduct due to the AGI thresholds can be carried over and used in future years. Our School is most grateful to its many donors who have continued to provide financial support that is needed to maintain the quality of education and the unique coeducational environment offered at our School. Maintaining these attributes is essential, and our School greatly appreciates the philanthropy from its many supporters. As La Salle continues its focus of planning for what lies ahead with its many uncertainties, the need for financial support is as important as ever. In an uncertain financial environment, consideration of a traditional Planned Gift is warranted. Such a gift would include but not be limited to: Including our School as a beneficiary of one’s trust, life insurance, annuity, will or retirement plan Donation of assets such as stocks and real estate Opportunities for supporting our School must be addressed in the context of one’s overall financial and tax plan. Consultation with one’s investment and tax advisor(s) is a must when addressing and considering such opportunities, particularly in a year in which tax laws and strategies are changing and evolving. IN SUMMARY La Salle College Preparatory can provide more information, both generically and specifically, regarding the benefits available through financial support our School. For more information, please contact either Jon Keates, the Major Gifts Consultant at (626) 696-4344 or Kevin Delaney, the Vice President for Advancement at (626) 696-4318.
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Greetings from the Parent Association
Mark Gamble, P'22 Parent Association President
The Gamble family enjoys taking our Jeep Rubicon off the beaten path. When off-roading, we’ve learned that the Jeep’s navigation system occasionally struggles when there aren’t any marked roads or trails in the area. And here is where I have to admit I have a lousy sense of direction, which is why I depend on multiple navigation systems. Despite that fact, my wife will happily tell you I still get lost. A very important lesson I’ve learned while being lost is -- don’t panic, stay calm, be patient and admit when a path is leading to a dead-end or worse. In these situations, it is ok to back up (turning around is not always an option on the trail). On a side-note, feel free to ask me sometime about our experience backing down an icy snow-covered, winding and precariously narrow mountain trail last Thanksgiving. I share this insight with you because as we approach the new school year, I find myself relating to the Jeep’s navigation system. Thanks to COVID-19, we are in unfamiliar and uncharted territory with loads of uncertainty. Finding ourselves in this uncertain space can easily make us and our kids nervous and anxious. Which is why I apply my rules of Jeeping to the pandemic – don’t panic, stay calm, be patient, and admit when it’s a good time to turn around. Two months ago, we hoped for a hybrid school year -- home-based classes with an opportunity to be on campus part of the day. The school also started inperson sessions for the fall sports. Both approaches were in uncharted territory that subsequently resulted in a reversal in direction.
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So as of now, the first semester will consist of home-based classes with sports being condensed into winter and spring seasons starting in late December/early January. My fingers are crossed and prayers flowing to God-above that this course ultimately leads to a return to normal sooner than later. But as we know, God works in mysterious ways, so time will tell. Which is why we must remain patient until the world’s navigation system returns to charted territory with COVID-19 under control via a vaccine, or cure, or both. When that will be is anybody’s guess. So let us, and especially our kids enjoy the 2020-2021 school year experience to the fullest extent as possible. I would also like to add that I am extremely proud of La Salle’s students, parents, faculty, support staff and administrators for the way we all are navigating through this unprecedented situation. My hat’s off to you all! Please stay safe and healthy. Mark Gamble P’20 PS. If anyone would like to contact me about the Parent Association, my email address is mnalig@att.net and my cell number is 213.392.0800.
Lancer Armory Regular Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 1:30 PM
By Appointment Only Remember to make your appointment with the Lancer Armory for the purchase of uniform and spirit items. Please contact Sonya Froio to make an appointment at sfroio@lasallehs.org or by calling 626-351-8951 x 336. Visitors must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. We look forward to seeing you soon and getting you into your Lancer gear!
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College Center News College Counselors Tam Ly, Owen Hou '90, P'21, Marcia Yu P'21
Weekly Counseling Support
Be sure to go to the college info night!
Beginning the second week of school, a counselor will be available remotely every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:00 pm to support students with their academics, career exploration, college planning, or social-emotional well being. Our virtual doors are open and we welcome any student to drop in for help. The meeting link will be shared with families during the first week of school. Save the date - Virtual College Information Night for Seniors The College Information Night for Seniors will take place on August 26th from 6:00 to 7:00PM. Please save the date to attend this very important event. During this virtual meeting we will share information about the college application process, letters of recommendation, essay writing tips, and lots of other pertinent information. Parents and students are expected to attend. Registration information will be sent in the first week of August. College Virtual Visits Traditionally, around 100 college visits take place at La Salle each fall from early September to mid-November. This year, these visits are taking place virtually. You can find the upto-date schedule for college visits and the option to register under the ‘What is New’ section on Naviance Student. This is a great opportunity to learn about the schools you are considering and also to demonstrate interest. All students may register and we encourage juniors and seniors to attend. College Planning Survey for Seniors Seniors who have not yet done so should complete their College Planning Survey located on Naviance under the ‘About Me’ tab. This survey is due on August 28th. Counselors will be scheduling a one-on-one parent and student meeting in the order the surveys were received.
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August 2020 Virtual College Fair All La Salle students and parents are invited to attend the Virtual College Fair on Monday, November 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Families will have the opportunity to visit the virtual booths of colleges they are interested in, gather information and engage with the admission officers via chat or video conference. The list of colleges attending and registration information will be shared as the date approaches. College Tours We normally offer the Los Angeles college tour in the fall and the San Diego and Bay Area college tours in the spring. Due to COVID-19, we will not be offering the Los Angeles college tour on October 12. We will continue to monitor the status of the pandemic in order to make decisions in regards to the spring tours. We do encourage students to take the virtual college tours and information sessions offered by the colleges they are interested in. Please contact your college counselor for more information. Standardized Testing On-Campus SAT Due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, we know that many students were not able to take the SAT exam this past spring and testing availability may be limited in the fall. In order to best serve our La Salle students, we plan to offer the SAT on campus, during the school day, on September 23. Please contact Mr. Hou at ohou@lasallehs.org, if you have any additional questions. Besides the opportunity to take the SAT at La Salle on campus, students may also register for the SAT and ACT elsewhere on a Saturday. If your student would like to take these standardized test(s) and has not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible. We encourage you to register online, for the SAT and/or for the ACT. The SAT is being offered every month from August to December The ACT is being offered almost every week in September and October and once in December Given the reduced access to standardized tests, many colleges have chosen to go test-optional at least for the class of 2021. The complete list of colleges that are test optional is available at the Fairtest.org website. Please reach out to your college counselor if you have questions in regards to the standardized tests. Mock SAT & ACT The best way to prepare is to practice. Revolution Prep has created an “Acing Your ACT/SAT/ PSAT Guide” for La Salle families (see attached). The brochure includes the official exam calendar along with a testing timeline to guide your preparation. Open to all grade levels, the mock exams are an opportunity for students to “sit” and experience the test prior to taking the official exam. This will help students work on their
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pacing, endurance, and enhance their skills. The mock exams will be offered live through online proctoring and students will receive their scores immediately following the exam. Parents and students may schedule a free individualized score review with Revolution Prep representative, Jean Stroud, at (818) 217-0951 or at jean.stroud@revolutionprep.com. Below are the mock exam dates for the school year, all mock exams will be administered from 9 am to 1 pm. Information to register will be provided as the date approaches.
Be Sure to keep up to date regarding all standardized testing.
• • • •
Practice Practice Practice Practice
SAT, Saturday, September 19 ACT, Saturday, October 17 ACT, Saturday, January 30 SAT, Saturday, February 27
Homework Help and Tutoring Available to all grade levels, Revolution Prep also offers three resources for academic support. Expert tutors are on hand to help students in any major subject area, 7 days a week. Homework Help - Students may drop in for help for just about any subject at $99/month Tutoring - A new program for 1 to 3 students to work with a consistent tutor in a major subject at $39/hour Private Tutoring - One on one customized help with the same tutor at $99/hour Off To A Good Start Parents, encourage your students to be off to a good start this year by reaching out to their counselor whenever needed and taking advantage of the Academic Support period to have additional time with teachers. Academic Support will be offered every day from 1 to 2:30 pm. This will not only boost their academic performance but also develop their assertiveness, communication skills, responsibility, and confidence, all very important skills they will need as they make their transition to living independently in college.
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Welcome Class of 2024 On August 6, members of our faculty, staff, and student life team delivered goodie bags to the incoming freshman as a warm welcome. Each bag was filled with treats from their mentors and Lancer Spirit gear. We look forward to having them as part of our Lancer Family!
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Follow Us on Social Media! To keep up to date with everything happening in our community and for fun and interactive Social Media Challenges, be sure to follow our various Instagram pages!
OFFICIAL SCHOOL @LaSallePas STUDENT LIFE @LaSalle_Lancers ALUMNI @LSHSAlumni
LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY 3880 E. SIERRA MADRE BLVD. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91107-1996 • TELEPHONE 626.351.8951 FACSIMILE 626.351.0275 WWW.LASALLEHS.ORG • LA SALLE PARENTNEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT JANUARY AND JULY BY LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Welcome Back! The faculty, staff, and administration of La Salle would like to welcome you back to another school year!
© 2020
• EDITOR, NICOLE CARLOS '12 COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR TELEPHONE: 626.696.4429 • EMAIL: NCARLOS@LASALLEHS.ORG
Transforming Lives Since 1680
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