ParentNewsletter The La Salle
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CA • DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Principal Ideas Learn•Serve•Lead
A most happy midDecember to you! Our classroom time, events, and activities have moved with great speed in bringing the first part of our academic year to a rapid conclusion. Before we depart for a well-deserved break later this month, we have some serious business to tend too. Of utmost importance for each student is to finish each class well by completing all assignments and projects in a timely fashion and then properly preparing well for those much anticipated semester examinations beginning on Monday, December 15 and finishing on Thursday, December 18. As a note of information, teachers are not required to administer early semester examinations because of planned family travel. I would encourage families not to seek early semester examinations for you may receive an unfortunate response. Please remember that PowerSchool will be unavailable for access from Sunday evening, December 14 until the afternoon of January 8, 2015. The reason is to give teachers the opportunity to work on grades and not be disturbed by questions/special concerns.
The Big Dig Our trenching project in the front of school on East Sierra Madre Boulevard. has taken much longer than planned. What we believed to be a three week venture has now turned into almost five weeks. The purpose of the work is twofold: first and foremost is to provide new electrical service to our lights on Kohorst Field. The City of Pasadena told us that our “temporary” generator had to go bye-bye and it could no longer be used for the lights on the field. Second, our soon (we hope!) to be approved Facilities Master Plan calls for a new and relocated electrical transformer for the entire property. So, we decided to do our major digging once and get it over with. Thanks for your patience during this time. While the rain of the past few days has been refreshing and most needed it has added mud and inconvenience to the project.
Our Open House On Sunday, November 2, La Salle opened its doors to prospective students and families who Continued on page 2
The words of St. John Baptist de La Salle to the first Brothers "Be satisfied with what you can do, since God is satisfied...be convinced that, with divine help, you can do more than you imagine." Saint John Baptist de La Salle Patron Saint of Teachers, c.1703 Collection PAGE 1
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Principal Ideas are in search of a college preparatory high school experience. I wish to express my thanks to the countless parents, boosters, and students, who along with the entire faculty and staff made for such a welcoming experience for our visitors. It was another proud day for the Lancer community!
Successful First Semester Back to School Night January 8
Our first four months of school have been filled with many successes both inside and outside the classroom. I want to acknowledge some of our activities that are not “big ticket” events and may go unnoticed by the larger school population. The Visual and Performing Arts Department staged the production of Charlie’s Aunt eight times at the Porticos Art Space in Pasadena. The cast was 30 students with a production crew of 23 students and faculty. Our well-established Mock Trial program represented us very well in competition at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles. Senior Mariel Lo Guercio, for the second year in a row, received the First Place Award as Courtroom Artist for Los Angeles County. A group of 15 faculty and students traveled to the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City as three of our students had films nominated for awards.
The Lancers The world of athletics often brings out a myriad of feelings and emotions. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”…could be found on our campus this fall. Much is to be learned by playing a sport and being a part of a team: cooperation, selflessness, hard work, commitment to a goal, humility and sportsmanship. While these are only some of the components I use for being able to judge a teams’ season successful, they are excellent indicators for me. This fall season has been a mixed bag of successes, almost successes and character building opportunities! Varsity Girls Tennis: Finished 4th in • league.
Varsity Girls Golf: Finished 4th in league. • Season record 7-9. Varsity Girls Volleyball: Finished 2nd in • league. Season record 12-19. • Lost in first round of playoffs. Varsity Cross Country: Girls Team • Finished 2nd in league. Boys Team – Finished 5th in league. Girls Team missed finals by .09 of a second. Varsity Boys Water Polo: Overall season • 7 - 16. Varsity Football Team – Overall season • 3 – 7.
Unselfish and Generous Lasallians This year’s student body has been most notable in “reaching-out” to others. On different occasions they have chosen to help other individuals and groups because of an expressed need. They collected food and money to assist 132 military families at Fort Irwin for their celebration of Thanksgiving. They also coordinated and helped 150 military families receive a Christmas tree this holiday season. They are currently supporting our Adopt-a-Family program for the Christmas season whereby, La Salle has committed to helping 150 children and teenagers by providing gifts and clothing that will be warmly received on Christmas.
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Back to School Night When school resumes in January we will again hold our Second Semester Back to School Night on the evening of January 8. As in the past, your student will bring home to you a special schedule they will receive on January 7 for the classroom/teacher visits that will occur. Additionally, we will have a special Senior Parent Meeting that will take place immediately following the general meeting. The purpose of the senior parent meeting is to review various senior activities as we anticipate a successful and meaningful final
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semester for our seniors. At least one parent of each senior is asked to be in attendance. Both of these events on January 8 are focused on enhancing communication and expectations. PLEASE plan on attending!
when a baby Jesus entered our world and he began his life of redemption for all humankind. His presence on earth and dying on the cross was his gift of love to us. May this Christmas season abound for you with all of our Saviors gifts: peace, joy and everlasting love.
Celebrate The Birth of Christ
May you have a truly wonderful and Blessed Christmas!
Amidst all of the busyness that surrounds the Christmas season, its actual meaning can get lost and forgotten. It is all together fitting and appropriate that we pause and remember that Christmas is our remembrance of the miraculous event that occurred over two thousand years ago
Brother Christopher Brady, FSC Principal
O
ne of my favorite "Nativity" paintings is by the Italian Renaissance master painter Federico Barocci (c. 1526-1612). His work, The Nativity was painted in 1597. I love this painting because Mary seems so sweet and content. Yet, the most striking part is her dress of pastels, so uncommon in sixteenth century art. Joseph, the elated father, is pulling visitors in to see his child, as all proud fathers would. Barocci's composition of this paintings is also interesting: as the newborn baby is at the far right, almost outside the picture, but everything directs our eye towards it: Joseph's pointing hand, Mary's face and hands, the animal's' gaze. Baby Jesus appears to be providing the light, illustrating his role as the light of the world. Barocci's paintings were subtle, gentle, engaging and, as a pioneer in the use of pastel colors, electrifying. This realistic painting (no angels floating about) is also uncommon for the period. Have a joyous and blessed Christmas, The Editor
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La Salle Matters “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road’ll take you there” Not ANY ROAD THE RIGHT ROAD
Beatles aficionados will recognize this as the refrain to Any Road, the Grammy nominated opening song on George Harrison’s posthumously published album Brainwashed. Harrison performed it in public only once - in 1997 - just a few years before he died of cancer at the age of 58. Harrison frequently used the line to describe his good fortune that he always knew he wanted to play the guitar professionally. What Beatles connoisseurs may not realize is that the line was drawn from a rather famous interaction between Alice and the Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where--” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” I was reminded of this delightful interaction as I reviewed the results from the parent survey that was recently distributed electronically as part of our WASC/WCEA/Strategic Planning process. Not surprisingly, we received robust feedback regarding what works and what needs improvement at La Salle (for more on this, please plan on attending Back to School Night on Thursday, January 8th). It was clear to me that our parents - indeed all of the School’s constituents - want to know what road La Salle is taking as we embrace a future not ours to control. And, certainly, unlike Alice, we don’t want to get “somewhere” just for the sake of the getting. We do know that the essence of strategic planning resides in an institutional determination to choose a path forward which will advance the Mission while, at the same time, preparing for a future of twists and turns that will - inevitably - attempt to derail progress. We saw this dynamic play itself out during the implementation of our 2001 Strategic Plan.1 One of the goals, for example: Aggressively pursue creative opportunities to resolve existing facilities limitations and which will maximize the delivery of the curricular and co-curricular program. took over 15 years to implement (finding a suitable off-site location for Baseball so that the existing space can be used to support the construction of new buildings as part of the School’s Master Plan). In many ways, La Salle faces a much more uncertain future now than it did 15 years ago. Back then the economy operated at full steam, there were three applicants for every available seat and the School was expanding programs and renovating facilities to meet the needs of the students entrusted to our care. Now, the lingering effects of the Great Recession and the bust of the baby boomlet (there are 50% less students in surrounding public 1 To view that document go to: http://www.lasallehs.org/s/639/2col.aspx?sid=639&gid=1&pgid=359&sparam=strategic%20plan&scontid=0
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school kindergartens today than a decade ago) challenge the School to continue its focus on program and facility improvement while coping with a decline in earned income. Happily, charitable giving from all of La Salle’s constituents has enabled us to continue to renovate facilities and to support program enhancements that meet the needs of our students. That having been said, it would be like “whistling in the dark” if the School assumed that all would be well if we just stayed the course…which is why strategic planning is so important to La Salle’s future well-being. As a result, we have spent the last semester gathering data regarding the School’s strengths and challenges with a view towards examining their implications at a Strategic Planning Workshop on February 27/28. The time will be spent seeking answers to these critical questions: · •
What are the central elements of La Salle’s Mission which must be preserved and enhanced over the course of the next decade?
· •
What strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges confront the School, going forward?
· •
What should the School do more of, less of, to respond to a future not ours to control?
· •
What resources are available to the School to meet the challenges of an uncertain future and how can they be effectively leveraged?
Given that La Salle has not only survived but thrived over the course of the last five decades, I am confident that we will be able to successfully chart the course of the first decade of the next fifty years. If you would like to participate in this great exercise of strategic planning, please email me at: rgray@lasallehs.org. So, in response to the challenge of George/Alice, I would like to quote a German proverb: What’s the use of running if you are not on the right road? I am absolutely confident that La Salle’s strategic planning exercise will (like it’s 2001 predecessor) make sure we are running on the right road.
Richard Gray, Ph.D
La Salle High School
3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, California 91107-1996 • Telephone 626.351.8951 Facsimile 626.351.0275 www.lasallehs.org • The La Salle ParentNewsletter is published monthly except January and July by La Salle High School of Pasadena, Incorporated
© 2014
• Editor, Designer John Blackstock ’67 Director of Communications Telephone: 626.696.4316 • email: jblackstock @ lasallehs . org
Transforming Lives Since 1680
President
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Junior Leadership Ceremony TRADiTION AND MEMORIES
On Monday evening, November 17, the class of 2016 celebrated the Junior Leadership Ceremony with family and several members of the La Salle faculty and staff. The theme of the leadership ceremony was Building an Inclusive Community. Mrs. Chija Bauer (selected by the class council) gave a wonderful talk on the importance of building an inclusive community. Lauren Rewers and Brandon Perez both from the class of 2016 gave a witness talk on leadership. Each of the juniors were called up with their parents to receive a Lasallian medal from Dr. Gray and Brother Christopher and some juniors also received a class ring. The evening concluded with a parent blessing of the students and a student blessing of the parents.
Becca Piersic, Tyler Arnastasia
Samantha Hardy, Spencer Schoenbaum, Jennifer Haderlien, Emelio Garcia-Corona. Deacon Steve Marsh, P'11, '15 Blesses the De La Salle Medals
Ruben Gonzalaes
See website for more photos PAGE 6
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Jacquline Tooley, Madeline Malecdem
Erin McFaul, Erin Armstrong, Jackie Torrez.
Mrs. Chia Bauer
Brandon Perez, Cierra Jacquet
MORE EVENT PHOTOS ARE ON THE LA SALLE WEBSITE
De La Salle Leadership Medal and Class of 2016 Ring recipients
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Holiday Season Starts Early with MAC Luncheon MORE PHOTOS ON THE WEBSITE
La Salle’s Mothers of Alumni Council held its 8th annual Christmas Luncheon and Boutique on November 21st at the Altadena Town & Country Club. The guests were entertained with Holiday carols from the La Salle choir, led by Ms. Jude Lucas. A vast selection of gifts, vendors and shoppers found many great Christmas and Holiday items to purchase. This year’s guest speaker was Emari McClellan '16, a current student and proud San Miguel Scholarship recipient. His talk focused on his journey leading him to La Salle, life at La Salle these past three years, and how this experience is shaping his life and future. Proceeds from the Christmas Boutique go directly to the The San Miguel Scholarship Fund. Lisa Urbina P'09,'10,'16, is the MAC Chair and coordinator of the event.
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La Salle Christmas Choir.
Sheri Wedeen P'17,'17, Lisa Rico P'17,'18.
Doreen Harmon P'10,'18, Annette Wheat P'15 and Pamela Cimino P'13,'17.
Laurie Stiver P'18, one of the Raffle winners with Lisa Urbina P'09,'10,'16 MAC Chair
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Pete Griffith P'00, P'03 and Dottie Clougherty.
Chair Lisa Urbina P'09,'10,'16, President, Dr. Richard Gray, and Jeane Ward P'99.
Emari McClellan '16
Jeralyn Adamson, Jeanie Tacadena-Barta P'13 and Daina Shuster P'11,'12,'15.
Jane Marks P'12, '15.
Lori Pelentay P'10
Debbie Williams P'98,'00, Erika Williams '98, and Charmayne Ealy P'13
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From the Athletic Boosters
Our Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and a Great New Year December is here, and soon we will celebrate the New Year as we say good-bye to 2014. I think that, as the year passes, we have mixed feelings. Some are sad to see it go because it signifies many endings. Others are glad to see it go because it means some accomplishments were achieved. Whichever camp you may be in, celebrate with your family and friends. Share your good times and get ready for a great new year. We appreciate the effort and dedication our student-athletes and staff put in day after day, this fall. I wanted to thank all the volunteers who helped with the fall sports season. Without your help, it would not be the same. Below are the fall sports final results.
CHECK WEBSITE FOR MORE STATS
BOYS WATER POLO: OVERALL RECORD: 7-16 PREP LEAGUE RECORD: 1-8 (Two 1 point losses) GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: OVERALL RECORD: 12-19 DEL REY LEAGUE RECORD: 5-2 (2ND) CIF DIVISION 1AA PLAYOFFS; (Loss in first round) FOOTBALL: VARSITY OVERALL RECORD: 3-7 ANGELUS LEAGUE RECORD: 0-5 (Moved up seven divisions into new league. JV Football was 8-2) CROSS COUNTRY: GIRLS VARSITY XC DEL REY LEAGUE: 8-3 (2ND) (Ranked #4 in Division IV, missed qualifying for state by .09 second). BOYS VARSITY XC DEL REY LEAGUE: 3-12 (5TH)
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GIRLS GOLF: OVERALL RECORD: 7-9 DEL REY LEAGUE: 4-5 (4th) GIRLS TENNIS: OVERALL RECORD: 6-12 DEL REY LEAGUE RECORD: 4-8 (4th)
DECEMBER//JANUARY JANUARY2015 2015 DECEMBER
ParentNewsletter
Our Athletic Boosters meetings this fall were fun and informative. We invited two of our coaches to discuss their programs; Ms. Julie Ward (Girls Softball) and Mr. Harry Agajanian (Baseball). Ms. Ward is in her first year as the Lancers Softball Head Coach and after listening to her, I think our girls are in good hands. Coach Agajanian explained his program and informed us about La Salle's new home field at Arcadia Park. His presentation was very inspiring, and he is optimistic that with the talent he has, a very good season in store. Teams starting their seasons this winter are boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer and girls water polo. Try to get out and catch a few games to support our Lancer student athletes. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all you great parents from the La Salle Athletics Boosters. Thank you for your support and help. We are always looking for parents who want to become more involved in La Salle athletics. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information that could help at jdcina@sbcglobal.net. The Athletic Boosters meet every month after the Parent Association meeting in the Band Room. God Bless,
John Cina P’13,14,18 President, Athletic Boosters
Rambo Excited to be a Bear Lancer wide receiver and defensive back, Evan Rambo '15 has committed to Cal, turning down San Diego State. "I've actually been ready to commit to Cal for about two months now. I was just waiting for the timing to be right. I wanted to make sure I told the San Diego State coaches ahead of time and thank them for recruiting me." The academic opportunities were another big factor in Rambo’s decision.“Cal is one of the top three public universities in the world,” Rambo said. “My parents are very happy about Cal and the education I’ll get. I want to major in Business Management or Bio Mechanics and a degree from Cal can open so many doors." "I’m just so happy right now, I have this huge smile on my face...playing in the Pac 12 at a great school like Cal is a dream come true."
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Haley DeSales Signs NLI to Join the Cougars at Washington State Check out the lancer WEBSITE
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On November 12, National Letter of Intent Signing Day, senior Haley De Sales signed her Letter of Intent to attend Washington State University on an athletic Scholarship for Volleyball. Haley’s volleyball accolades include: First Team All-League (3 years), First Team All CIF Division 1A (3 years); Max Preps first team All-State; San Gabriel Valley Newspapers’ All-Area First Team. In addition, she was a key member of the school’s first and second CIF Volleyball titles in Division IA, and even more outstanding, she was back-to-back CIF Player of the year in Division I. In addition to her athletic success, Haley maintains a GPA above 3.7. Haley with Coach Tuitama, her parents, Rob and Terri and her brother Justin. The La Salle athletics program emphasizes commitment, discipline, and character. However, the academic program is our priority with athletics serving as a valuable companion. These two, coupled with the school’s Lasallian values, help develop the complete Lancer student-athlete. Many high school athletes dream of becoming an Olympian or professional athlete and parents dream of their child earning a college athletic scholarship. Statistics show that just one out of every 1000 high school athletes will receive a Division I scholarship and only two of 100 high school athletes will play in college.
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Shop at Amazon for the Holidays? Buy Groceries at Vons or Ralphs? Use your Target RedCard? EARN A SERVICE HOUR and make $$$$ for La Salle at NO COST to you!
SIMPLE EASY AND VALUABLE TO YOUR SCHOOL
Go to the “No Cost Fundraisers” link
(where you launched the parent newsletter)
for more detailed information.
Thank you for your support of all the students at La Salle
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La Salle High School Annual Global Education Program Explore the world with your La Salle friends!* Europe: History and Culture** Easter 2015 – Paris, Rome, Reims History, Food and Fashion Easter 2016 – London, Paris, Munich Alps, Palaces and Fairy-tale Castles Costa Rica: Language and Culture June 2015 – Samara Beach Surf, Kayak and Zipline atop the Rainforest Canopy June 2016 – Samara Beach Dominican Republic: Science and the Healthy Reef Project June 2016 – Reef Check Foundation Snorkeling, Exploration and Restoration of the Coral Reef Washington, DC: Politics and Current Events** Easter 2016 – Our Nation’s Capital See Congress and the Supreme Court in Action Please join us on parent/student information nights: January 13, 2015 at 6:30pm (2016 early registration discount available) February 11, 2015 at 6:30pm RSVP to Ronée McLaughlin at rmclaughlin@lasallehs.org *These trips are sponsored and organized by Education First, ACIS, and The Close Up Foundation. La Salle High School teachers will chaperone the trips, but all legal liabilities rest solely with the tour providers. **These trips may conflict with the East Coast College Trip sponsored by the College Counseling Office, and/or the Jazz Ensemble trip sponsored by the V&PA/Music Department.
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From Guidance and Counseling
Renew Your Faith and Hope During Advent By Susan E. Keens, Ph.D. Clinical and School Psychologist, Department of Guidance and Counseling
We have entered the liturgical season of Advent, which provides us with the time to create a sacred space within, where we can anticipate and renew our faith and hope in the goodness of God, whose gift is the birth of Jesus, the Christ. It is a time for people of all faiths and traditions in our Lasallian family to reflect on how we count our blessings and strive to be grateful for both the easy and the challenging experiences in our lives. This Advent season, we have the chance to review the way in which we measure a gift’s true value. This month your students are preparing for their semester exams and all students will experience stress during this time. Despite what your student may say to you in frustration while struggling to do their best, most want and need to please their parents and to have their efforts, which at times falter, recognized. How do you measure their ‘value’? Is it by their GPA, or the number of AP and Honors courses in which they are enrolled? Parents encourage, set boundaries and structure their student’s lives successfully when their interactions about grades are not the end of the parent and student conversation. Your student may interpret that type of communication as meant to convey that your student’s value is defined by the C, D or F grade. My hope is that parents will model the values of respect, the courage to seek help when it is needed and promote their student's development as a whole person, to which we commit ourselves here at La Salle High School
SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT DURING FINAL EXAMS
My wish for you this Christmas break is that you are able to step aside from the often frantic holiday pace and create special moments with your families and friends to enrich and restore your energy, and to return rested and energized to your Lasallian family in January.
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Mind the Mission By Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, Vice President for Mission
ADVENT PRAYERS FOR YOU AND FAMILY
On behalf of the WCEA/WASC Accreditation Leadership Team, I thank you for your insightful responses to the Parent Survey that you completed last month. As you know, the school community is beginning their review of virtually all aspects of the School’s Mission in preparation for the Accreditation visit that will occur in the Spring of 2016. Surveys similar to the one our parent community received have been completed by the student body, faculty, staff, Trustees, Regents and alumni. All of these surveys will become a significant part of the data gathering process that is foundational to the development of the school’s accreditation findings. I also want to thank the current students/families that joined many alumni families at the November Family and Alumni Liturgy and Breakfast. The liturgical experience was most beautiful as all of these families together prayed, sang and participated in the Mass. Special thanks to the members of the Parent Association that assisted with the event, the student servers, lectors, singers, musicians, dancers and hosts; Mrs. Kirchoffer, Ms. Schultz, Mrs. Usle, Ms. Wagner, Mr. Velasco, Ms. Doede, Mr. Katz and Mr. O’Connor. The celebrant for the Mass was one of our own graduates, Fr. William Nicholas ’88. As most of you know, it is my practice to share a prayer/reflection with you at this time of the year – Advent. With that in mind, I am offering up two prayers that you are most welcome to share with others in your family over this season of joy and anticipation: Have a Blessed and Family-Filled Christmas!
Holding On to the Christ
By Henri Nouwen: Bread for the Journey
Life is unpredictable. We can be happy one day and sad the next, healthy one day and sick the next, rich one day and poor the next, alive one day and dead the next. So who is there to hold on to? Who is there to feel secure with? Who is there to trust at all times? Only Jesus, the Christ. He is our Lord, our Shepherd, our rock, our stronghold, our refuge, our brother, our guide, and our friend. He came from God to be with us. He died for us, he was raised from the dead to open for us the way to God, and is seated at God’s right hand to welcome us home. PAGE 16
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Taize Common Prayer Jesus, Son of the Living God, Splendor of the Father, Light Eternal, King of Glory, Sun of Justice, Born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Strong Lord, Eternal God, Prince of Peace. Jesus, most powerful, patient, obedient, gentle and humble of heart, loving of all those who are pure in heart. Jesus, God of Peace, Source of Life, Pattern of Holiness, Friend of All, Our God, Our Refuge. Jesus, Brother of the Poor, Treasure of the Faithful, Good Shepherd, True Light, Inexhaustible Wisdom, Boundless Love, Our Way and Our Life. Jesus, Joy of the Angels, King of the Patriarchs, Master of the Apostles, Teacher of the Evangelists, Strength of the Martyrs, Light of Every, Witness to the Truth, Crown of All the Saints. Glory to You, O Lord!
Mass of the Immaculate Conception December 8, 2014, is a day of celebration, because it marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The day, which is designated by the Catholic Church as a holy day of obligation celebrates Mary’s creation without sin. The Mass was said by Monsignor Richard Krekelberg from St. Rita Parish, who also celebrated our Thanksgiving Mass in November.
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From the College Counseling Center
College Center News By M. Teresa Baldonado and Owen Hou ’90 College Counselors
College Applications
JUNIORS COLLEGE NIGHT JANUARY 22
Seniors are deep into the application process. All University of California and Cal State applications are completed and submitted. Parents, please remind your seniors to contact the College Board / The ACT to send official SAT / ACT scores to the schools where they are applying. Students must add the colleges they are applying to and request transcripts on Naviance. If students are completing the Common Application, they must MATCH their Common Application and Naviance accounts which will allow us to submit their transcript and letters of recommendation electronically.
Letters of Recommendation COUNSELOR: All seniors should have turned in their “Recommendation Form” to their College Counselor in November. If your student applies to another college not on the list, they must submit school/counselor report forms to Mr. Hou or Ms. Baldonado by Friday, December 12. The college counselors must complete forms/letters of recommendation to colleges before holiday break to meet most deadlines. Mr. Hou and Ms. Baldonado will not be able to write letters of recommendation or fill out school/counselor reports over the Christmas break. Please plan ahead! TEACHER: All seniors should have asked teachers to write their letters of recommendation in November. All forms & envelopes (if needed) must be given to the teachers by Friday, December 12. The teachers must complete forms/letters of recommendation to colleges before holiday break to meet most deadlines. They need time to write good letters of recommendation, and the best letters will not be written over vacation.
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When seniors find out about their college acceptances (and denials), they should share their news with Ms. Baldonado or Mr. Hou and enter the results in Naviance.
Financial Aid La Salle’s College Center will host a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) workshop presented by David Levy, Associate Editor, Edvisors Network, on Saturday, January 24, at 1:00pm in the Blakeslee Library. Mr. Levy will preview the FAFSA form that must be filed with the government by all families applying for financial aid. He will then go through the FAFSA line by line and answer any questions parents may have regarding the financial aid process. Please note that all college admission and financial aid officers strongly advise that all students submit the FAFSA. Access the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The 2015-16 FAFSA form will be available January 1. Financial aid offices advise students to electronically submit the form as soon as possible after January 1. Parents and students can go online before January 1 to select a PIN number.
Junior – Planning for College Night Believe it or not, Ms. Baldonado and Mr. Hou will begin the formal college counseling process for juniors in January. We will meet with juniors and their parents on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30pm in the Dining Hall. Junior students will receive a packet of information that includes material explaining the college application process. Attendance is mandatory for Junior students. We strongly suggest at least one parent attend with your student. After the meeting, junior students will be able to access the Junior ‘Plan for College Survey’, online via Naviance. The completion of the online survey will start the one-on-one college counseling process for juniors.
ParentNewsletter Juniors Planning for College Schedule: 6:30 – 6:50pm: Opening Speaker, TBA 6:50 – 7:00pm: UC & Cal State Admission Requirements 7:00 – 7:25pm: College Planning Process 7:25 – 8:00pm: Utilizing Naviance 8:00pm: Question & Answer Period
SAVE the DATE – March 26 College Forum for Freshman, Sophomore and Junior families La Salle’s College Forum will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 6:00pm. As in the past, college admission representatives from many colleges will present important information to our families (see tentative sessions below). The College Forum is a great opportunity for students to learn about the College admission process and learn how to research and identify the right college for them. So highlight the College Forum on your calendar. The following were the presentation topics from the 2014 College Forum. While a majority of presentations will stay the same, some presentations will be different. Please advise if there are any specific topics you would like to see presented. Dollars and Sense Getting In: Tips for Admission to Highly Selective Colleges Parent Forum Studying the Physical Sciences and Engineering What is a Liberal Arts Education? Considering College Out-of-State, Creating Options in Your College Search WUE and Other Scholarships Making the Moment Count: College Visits! How to Get a Liberal Arts Education on a State School Budget Understanding the Business Major SAT Subject Tests Scoreback Understanding UC Admission Navigating Naviance: Family Connection, Admission Stats, and More A Critical Student guide, for both the Athlete and Non-Athlete
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Successfully find the Best Fit Preparing for Health Related Careers The Arts: Application Process, Auditions & Portfolios More detailed information will be published in the February newsletter.
College Tours The response for the Bay Area College Tour (February 13-14) has been fantastic. It is currently at capacity. Please contact Mr. Hou if you would like a place on the waiting list. For those who have signed up, a confirmation with information to the pre-departure meeting will be sent in December. On Friday, March 17, we will visit UC San Diego, San Diego State, and University of San Diego. This is a great opportunity for sophomores and juniors to see a variety of campuses as they begin their research and build their college list. The cost for each tour is $95 per student. Itinerary and registration forms for each tour can be found on the online School Calendar. Meanwhile, all junior families should have received information for the East Coast College Tour, to be held over Easter Break (April 6-11, 2015). Please contact Mr. Hou if you are interested but have not registered.
2015 COllege Forum March 26
Standardized Testing You may recall that all freshman, sophomore and junior students took standardized tests in October. During January 13 Mentor period, Freshman and Sophomore students will receive and review their ACT Aspire results and Junior students will receive and review their PSAT results. Please do not hesitate to contact your College Counselor (Mr. Hou-last names A-K; Ms. Baldonado-last names L-Z) if you have any questions about test results.
ACT/SAT Test Preparation ACT Winter Boot camp, December 20 to January 6 (Course ID: 198743) This 18-hour course takes place during Winter Break and prepares students for the February 8 ACT. There will be 6 class sessions and 3 practice tests. Class will meet on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday mornings. PAGE 19
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ACT FOR JUNIORS FEBRUARY 7
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
SAT Fundamental Course, February 14 to March 12 (Course ID: 196926 (3:00 to 6:00pm) and 196927 (6:00 to 9:00pm)) This 24-hour course prepares students for the March 14 SAT. There are 8 class sessions and 4 practice tests. Class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with four practice tests on Saturdays.
schedule. Homework will continue to be the student’s first priority.
Both courses teach students knowledge, content, and test-taking strategies for the SAT/ ACT. In these classes, students will review specific math, grammar, reading (and also science for ACT) concepts tested on the tests. Students will also learn how to write an Essay specifically for the SAT/ ACT. In addition, every student will have access to Princeton Review’s Online Student Center. This Online Student Center is its own course that is used to supplement the live instruction with drills, vocabulary and additional content.
February 7 ACT for all Juniors
The class size will be no more than 25 Students per instructor and the course tuition will be discounted for La Salle students at $499 for the ACT Boot camp and $599 for the SAT course per student. This includes all materials, instruction and refresher courses. The best way to enroll is via www. princetonreview.com. Select the test you want to prepare for (SAT or ACT) and enter your zip code. The La Salle course(s) should then pop up. Juniors and their parents should review the PSAT and PLAN (from last year) results to decide if a prep course is necessary. La Salle High School does not specifically recommend test prep courses or endorse specific test preparation companies, but we try to make the information and services available for those who want to utilize them. Test preparation courses can help alleviate test anxiety and can help students learn test-taking techniques. They cannot replace the learning, the homework or the instruction that should have taken place during the past twelve years of formal schooling. You may learn more about Princeton Review at www.princetonreview.com. Reminder: assigned school homework will not decrease during the Princeton Review course
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DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Other options for test prep: test prep is available online for the ACT – www.actstudent.org and for the SAT – www.collegeboard.com; test prep books are available at your local bookstore.
All juniors have signed up for the February 7 ACT at La Salle. They MUST also do the following in order to be admitted for the February 7 ACT: 1. All students have created their own account on www.actstudent.org. However they need to have their photo uploaded on their account by January 30. 2. Once their photo is uploaded, they would then need to print out their Admission Ticket. 3. Bring the Admission Ticket and a picture ID to the February 7 ACT. Photo requirements and directions to upload photos can be found at http://www. actstudent.org/regist/add-photo.html. Your student can change the test location and/or change to a later test date if necessary. Please note; La Salle has already paid for this test and there is no expense on your part. Should your student decide not to take the ACT this academic year, then we will have to bill the cost back to you. Please call the ACT directly at 800.553.6244 if you have any technical issues.
Take a Lancer to Lunch Week During the first week of the second semester (Wednesday to Friday, January 7, 8, 9), we will be inviting young alumni who are currently in college to come back to speak with our current students about their college experiences. Current students can sign up for the lunch time meetings on the table outside of the College Center. Ms. Baldonado and Mr. Hou wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fun, but safe New Year!
DECEMBER / JANU-
Alumni Love Santa
Alumni and friends gather for a picture with Santa Claus.
The La Salle Alumni Association raised nearly $3,000 during the Alumni Adopt-A-Family Christmas Gift Drive and was able to fulfill 136+ Christmas Wishes for the seven foster children from Hillsides and two needy families from Eliot Middle School that they adopted for Christmas. In addition, alumni donations were used to help buy Christmas gifts for military families stationed at Ft. Irwin in Barstow. The Alumni Association hosted their annual Adopt -A-Family Wrapping Party and Photos with Santa on December 6th in the Grinstead Theatre where all of the gifts were wrapped. Santa was on hand for photos with alumni and their children. A wonderful alumni holiday tradition!
Anjali Agrawal '03
Tony Messineo '80
Matt Housman '09
NEARLY 140 CHRISTMAS wishes filled
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ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
The Big Dig RUN SILENT RUN DEEP
After ten years of faithful service, the “portable” generator that has been used to light Kohorst Field must be retired. The South Coast Air Quality Management District requires a permanent connection; which means linking to the power grid at the intersection of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Michillinda Avenue. Since the School’s Master Plan calls for the addition of three buildings west of the Duffy Lewis Gymnasium (Practice Gym, Visual and Performing Arts Center and Fieldhouse) it made sense to dig once (hence the “Big Dig”). When completed, the project will have the capacity to supply power to all future facilities. And, no, we did not find Jimmy Hoffa’s body.
Electrical piping conduit runs from the front of the school (A) to the Senior Parking Lot (B) then out to the filed (C).
B
A
B
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C
ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Ed O'Connor is Lasallian Educator of the Year Ed O’Connor P'16,'17, Director of Student Life, was selected as Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year by the Christian Brothers District of San Francisco /New Orleans. Ed, in his 20th year at La Salle, received the award at the Huether Conference in Chicago last month. Ed earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Chicago and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of San Francisco. Along with his work at La Salle, Ed has helped lead in the development of the District’s annual summer Lasallian Student Leadership Program since its inception in 2004. He also serves as a support and mentor to those involved in campus ministry, student life, and student leadership programs in schools across the District.
A GREAT DISTRICT HONOR
Mr. Ed O'Connor received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award from Mr. Charlie Legendre, Director of Office of Education, Covington, and Ms. Maggie McCary, Executive Director and Mr. Gery Short Director, Office of Education DLSI.
From the Blakeslee Library
Volunteer Opportunities
The Blakeslee Library is in need of after-school monitor volunteers each school day afternoon from 3:00-5:00pm. This is a good way to fulfill your Parent Volunteer Hours obligation. Also, donations of snacks and drinks are appreciated for the Café Bibliothèque events in the Library. Café Bibliothèque will take place on January 15, February 19, March 26, and April 23. Please call Delia Swanner at 626.696.4313 or Janet Hagen at 626.696.4332 to volunteer or sign up. PAGE 23
ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
The Crystal Ball Opportunity Drawing Opportunity Drawing tickets are on sale now! The prizes are:
• A Pleasant Holidays Vacation for 2 to Maui 8 days, 7 nights at the Royal Lahaina Resort including round-trip airfare from LAX $300 food and beverage credit to restaurants, room service and more. Plus two tickets to Myths of Maui Luau. •
Apple iPad • Disneyland Family 4-pack For tickets, contact Robyn Tapert at 626.357.3588 or thetaperts@gmail.com
Happy Holidays from the Crystal Ball Committee Not sure what to do with that empty gift basket you received this holiday season? The Crystal Ball Committee would like to help you put those empty baskets to good use. We need medium to large baskets for our auction. You can drop them off to Irene Santucci in the Institutional Advancement office or contact Jane Marks at 626.298.2818 to arrange for a pick up. The Crystal Ball Committee members are excited about the 16th Annual Crystal Ball, “Disco Fever,” to be held Friday, May 8, 2015. Be sure to save the date!
Happy Holidays! Page 24
ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Christmas Cheer at the Fort
Members of the Support Our Troops club, chaperoned by Ms. Megan Foley and Ms. Elizabeth Mullen, participated in a service project at Ft. Irwin, National Training Center in Barstow, California on November 22nd. The students helped decorate the "downtown" area of the base for Christmas by painting holiday scenes on windows, stringing lights and hanging wreaths. This was all in an effort to bring some holiday cheer to the soldiers and families currently stationed at Ft. Irwin.
LEARN SERVE LEAD
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ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Lancer Films Play in New York Student Film Festival Recently, 17 La Salle LTV/film students traveled to New York City for the All American High School Film Festival. Films by high school students from 48 states and 15 countries competed in Academy Award style competition, judged by industry professionals, Dylan McDermott, Danny Rose, Kristen Stewart, Ed Burns, Henry Winkler and Morgan Spurlock. Also in the judges chamber was La Salle's own Stephen Boyer ’14, last year's festival winner in three categories, Best Drama, Best Comedy and Best Director. THE WONDER OF THE BIG APPLE
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Films by Samantha Hardy ’15, Gino Valarao ’15 (below) and Malone Lumarda ’14 were screened at the AMC Times Square theatre just blocks from famous theaters and landmarks. These three films were selected from over 1000 entries. Additionally, students attended screenings, workshops and walked the red carpet at the four day event.
ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Some of the winners, left, and Ralph Seymour, above.
La Salle Hosts Middle School Speech & Debate Tournament On December 3, La Salle hosted its second La Salle Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament for seventh and eighth grade students. More than 80 middle school students from local middle schools in our area participated. The tournament events included Expository Speech, Dramatic Interpretation, Storytelling, Duo Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking and Public Forum Debate. Doug Campbell and Sheri Wedeen from the La Salle Board of Regents; Dennis Jebbia, Chair of the Board of Regents; Ralph Seymour, actor, drama teacher and speech and debate coach at St. Rita School; La Salle Institutional Advancement assistant, Tara Milton P'16,'18 and La Salle Speech & Debate moderator, Elizabeth Meerson, worked in unison to make this event come together.
GREAT SPEECHES GREAT DEBATES
Some of the tournament organizers, Ray Ealy, Sheri Weeden, Tamara Flowers, Rick Brandlin, Elizabeth Meerson, and Doug Campbell. PAGE 27
ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
The Obsequious Observer
By John Blackstock, The Editor
Names in the News
Junior, Brandon Perez, has been selected by the State Board of Governors and approved by members of the California Legislature and Department of Education to serve as an official 2014-2015 California State Youth Ambassador. Brandon’s selection was based on his outstanding leadership abilities, academic merit, moral character, and the recommendations of educators, counselors and program directors. As a State Youth Ambassador, Brandon will serve as an education liaison on youth-related matters in his local community and school district. As part of his duties, Brandon is required to meet with students, teachers, administrators, and PTSA groups to identify major barriers to education and student success.
GOOD STUFF TO KNOW
La Salle Ranks 5th Nationally for Diversity
In a recent list published on December 5, 2014, by Niche Rankings identified the "Most Diverse Private High Schools in America." The top five ranked schools are Lasallian: 1. St. Joseph High School, Westchester, Illinois 2. Saint Mary’s College High School, Berkeley, California 3. De La Salle Institute – Institute Campus, Chicago, Illinois 4. De La Salle North Catholic High School, Portland, Oregon 5. La Salle High School, Pasadena, California According to Niche, the list ranks 532 high schools based on diversity statistics and more than 54,000 opinions from 13,000 students and parents. Niche describes a high ranking as an indication “that the school is extremely diverse and fosters a community that accepts and promotes a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, religious beliefs, and sexual orientations.” La Salle's Principal, Brother Christopher Brady, FSC commented that "our diversity certainly adds to the richness of our students and our educational community as well." Four other Lasallian schools were also in the top 100: De La Salle Institute – Lourdes Hall Campus, Chicago, Illinois (38); De La Salle High School, New Orleans, Louisiana (39); Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, California (43); and St. John’s College High School, Washington, DC (66). Niche, was an expansion of the College Search Service that Carnegie Mellon University students founded in 2002. It provides reviews and insights on K-12 schools, colleges and neighborhoods.
Excellence in all we do "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." - Confucius Page 28
ParentNewsletter
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Crystal Ball Christmas Party
Over 150 people enjoyed the kick-off to the Holiday Season at the Crystal Ball Gift Gathering Party on December 6. The wonderful party was held at the beautiful and historic home of Carol and Mark Forbush P'14, '16 in Altadena. The La Salle Choir serenaded the guests with Christmas carols as they enjoyed delicious holiday delights. The Ball Cochairs, Ellen Radle and Lisa Rico thank the Christmas Party Commitee, especially the event chair, Jacky Samartin.
Once again, the Support Our Troops club, organized by club preisdent Taylor Breenen packaged and sent 127 "Boxes of Love" to Ft. Irwin for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Things to Remember
PowerSchool OFF: at 9:00pm, Sunday, December 14, 2014 PowerSchool ON: After report cards are mailed, Friday, January 9, 2015 Financial Aid Applications to PSAS are due February 11, 2015. Application forms will be available in the Finance and Admissions Offices on December 1, 2015.
MORE STUFF TO KNOW
The AP Art Show and Jazz Concert both run on December 12th. The AP Art Show opens at 4:00pm in the Blakeslee Library and the Jazz Ensemble Concert plays in the Linda M. Grinstead Theatre at 6:00pm. Reservations are recommended. Please call 626.696.4415 for information.
Matching Gifts If you are an employee of a matching gift company, we would love to work with you. This is an easy way to raise funds for La Salle. If you are not sure if your company participates you can ask your employer or contact Tara Milton at tmilton@lasallehs.org or call 626.696.4381.
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DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Check your School calendar for event times and dates
December / January Highlights
ADOPT-AFAMILY DECEMBER 13 SnowBall Holiday Dance DECEMBER 19 BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT JANUARY 8 MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr HOLIDAY JANUARY 19
December 12 Jazz Concert 7:00pm Grinstead Theatre
January 8 Senior Parent Meeting 7:00pm Dining Hall
December 13 Saturday ACT Adopt-A-Family Christmas Party Campus, Dining Hall 11:00am-1:00pm Fall Dance Concert 2:00, 6:00pm Porticos, Pasadena
January 10, Saturday Flaire Cheer Competition 6:00am-9:00pm Campus, Dining Hall, Atrium, Gymnasium
December 15-18 Semester Final Exams December 19 SnowBall 8:00-11:00pm Dining Hall December 22 - January 6 Christmas Holiday December 26-30 Lancer Basketball Classic 8:00am Duffy Lewis Gymnasium January 7, 2015 Late Start School Resumes Second Semester Begins January 8 Back to School Night 6:30pm
January 12 Noon Dismissal CSF / NHS Forms Available January 13 Parent Association Meeting 6:30pm Blakeslee Library Parent Boosters Meetings 7:30pm
January 15 Cafe Bibliotheque 2:30pm Blakeslee Library January 16 Rally Schedule CSF / NHS Forms Due Winter Sports Rally 12:50pm Duffy Lewis Gymnasium January 19 School Holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 22 College Planning Workshop (Junior students / Parents) 6:30-8:30pm Dining Hall January 24 Saturday 9th Grade Entrance Exams 8:00am Campus 9th Grade Interviews 10:00-12:30pm Campus FAFSA Workshop for Senior Parents 1:00pm Dining Hall January 26 - 30 Catholic Schools Week January 30 Catholic Schools Week Liturgy 9:15am Dining Hall January 31 Saturday 9th Grade Entrance Exams 8:00am Campus 9th Grade Interviews 10:00-12:30pm Campus
PowerSchool OFF: at 9:00pm, Sunday, December 14, 2014 PowerSchool ON: After report cards are mailed, Friday, January 9, 2015 PAGE 30