ParentNewsletter THE LA SALLE
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CALIFORNIA • JUNE / JULY 2017
Principal Ideas Learn•Serve•Lead
Welcome to summer! You and your children have made it through another school year! It was a busy year and the last month flew by due to all of the activities happening here at La Salle.
Founder’s Day On May 15 we had our annual Founder’s Day Liturgy. Every year at this event we announce our Lasallian Educator of the Year. This year that honor was bestowed on Mr. Scott DoVale. Mr DoVale has been a part of the La Salle community for many years as both a teacher and parent. (His youngest child, Max, graduated this year.) Besides teaching English, Mr. DoVale sings with Music for the Masses, can be seen supporting our students at games, concerts, and plays, and always has his door open for students. This was also the second year that we have honored one of our non-teaching staff with the St. Joseph the Worker Award. This year’s recipient was Teresa Elmslie-
Britt. Mrs. Elmslie-Britt is the counseling assistant, but does so much more than her title would imply. Besides her duties in counseling, she is a mentor teacher and all around helpful person, ready to step in at any time to chaperone an event, cover lunch for a colleague or get the copy machine going again. We are happy to have been able to honor and thank these two very special individuals who truly embody the qualities of St. La Salle.
Showdown IV Just before Founder’s Day, we had our 4th annual Showdown on Friday, May 12. It was an awesome display of spirit and school pride, and all in attendance, including parents who came to watch in the stands, had a great time. The seniors won and the class of 2017 was able to claim victory for the second year in a row.
Spring Shows & Concerts May also had many performances by our visual and performing arts students who participated and performed in spring art shows and concerts. Some highlights included two original pieces of Principal Ideas Continued on page 2
In the Words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle "When you encouter difficulty in the guidance of your disiples, when there are some who do not profit from your teaching...and [have] a reckless spirit... turn to God with confidence." Saint John Baptist de La Salle Patron Saint of Teachers, c1705 Meditations in time of Retreat 4.1
1
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
Principal Ideas Continued from page 1
music composed by La Salle students. At the Band, Choir and Strings concert on May 6, our students played a piece composed and conducted by junior Samuel Christopher and at the jazz concert on May 13 the jazz band performed an original work by senior Max DoVale. Both pieces were awesome and we are so proud of these two students.
THANK YOU AND ENJOY THE SUMMER
STEAM Another highlight of the last few weeks was the car show put on by our STEAM students. As most of you know, we began a STEAM program this semester. Students who joined this class, met on Saturdays, and worked on creating cars using principles from the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. What truly stood out to me as I spoke with our students at the car show was how excited they were about learning and how much they wanted to share what they had learned. This course was a precursor to the Innovation and Design Lab course that we will be running next year.
department and has also served as an assistant coach in our girls basketball program. She will be moving on to new teaching opportunities. We wish all of our departing friends the best in their future endeavors and thank them for their service to the students of La Salle.
Graduation 2017 Our graduation events took place the week of May 22. Events included Baccalaureate Mass at the Church of the Assumption, Senior Presentation in the Duffy Lewis Gymnasium, Grad Night at Disneyland and commencement at the Church of Nazarene. As most of you know, unfortunately commencement was impacted by a number of our students and faculty becoming ill with what we now believe was the norovirus. Despite this unforeseen event, graduation went on and we were proud to see all of our senior students officially become graduates. We look forward to hearing about their successes as they move on to college and beyond.
Farewell
Thank You With the end of the school year having ar- As we conclude another academic year, I
2
rived, it means that we are also saying goodbye to some faculty and staff who have served our school community well over the years. Mrs. Chija Bauer is leaving La Salle after 11 years. She and her family will be moving to Maryland. We will miss her greatly as both a teacher and chairperson of the science department. Mrs. Yesenia Macias started at La Salle in 2015. She has served our students as a Spanish instructor and is now moving on to new opportunities. We wish her well in her endeavors. Mrs. Beatriz McGuiness has served as our interim library manager for the last two years. She will now be moving on as we bring in a permanent librarian. Mr. Bryan Ossa '10 is moving on from La Salle after being our webmaster for the last five years. We wish him well as he begins a career in marketing. Ms. Dana Spence '05 has been at La Salle since 2010. She has been a member of our science
want to say thank you for entrusting your students to our care and working in partnership with all of us here at La Salle to educate your children. As Principal, I am blessed to be surrounded by a terrific and talented group of educators and support staff who work hard and are diligent in caring for all of our students. For our returning families, we will be mailing to you our summer packet of information (class schedules, textbook lists, etc.) in mid-July. I hope all of you have a restful and rejuvenating summer.
Mrs. Courtney R. Kassakhian Principal
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
From the Parent Association
Thank You, Thank You I can’t believe it is the end of another school year. Congratulations to the Class of 2017. If you haven’t had a chance, go on our website and look at the amazing photos and list of schools our students are off to, then you should. We, yet again, have produced a very successful class. They will take with them many wonderful memories and a strong sense of our learn, serve, lead philosophy. I wanted to give a big “Thank You” to my wonderful Parent Association Board. When we say, “it takes a village” it really does to make all of the school’s activities work. Our wonderful Executive board was composed of Emily Vaughn Henry as vice president, Karen Yuen as treasurer and Christine Pando as secretary. Karen’s daughter is graduating and we will miss her terribly, although she has offered to stay on as the tech advisor for Lancer Armory. All of our parents have worked tirelessly to make our school functions run smoothy. From hospitality, Adopt-a-Family, the pantry, senior dinners, Grandparents Day, new parent orientation, PALS, Crystal Ball, athletics, art and academic booster groups, admission liaison, to Lancer Armory, and faculty appreciation lunches, we appreciate your efforts.
CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR EVENTS
Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered their time. It could not work without you. We had most parents complete their required 20 hours. If you did not meet your 20-hour requirement, you will be receiving a bill shortly for the balance of hours. If you have any questions, please contact Brianne Baird for further clairification. I will be passing the gavel to Emily Vaughn Henry as our next President of the Parent Association. I am sure she will do a wonderful job. Christine Pando will be by her side as vice president. I will be moving to fulltime volunteer in the Lancer Armory. The Armory will be open this summer during summer school break hours. We will also be open on Monday, July 24 for the used, and new uniform sale day. We have new clothing items in to start the fall. We are planning to have our web page up and running within the month. Lastly, I wish you and your families a lazy, long summer filled with joy and happiness. We are so blessed to be in this community together. Happy summer and blessing to all,
Jacky Samartin P'15,'19, '21 Parent Association President
3
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
La Salle Matters
WE CELEBRATE THE POTENTIAL TO SHAPE THE FUTURE
I just returned from the annual LAMP (Leadership, Achievement, Management, Professionalism) Mentor Scholarship Luncheon sponsored by the Gamma Zeta Boulé Foundation. The Foundation is a subsidiary of the Gamma Zeta Boulé (Chapter) of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the oldest African American Fraternity in the nation. Founded in 1904 to serve adult male professionals, its roster includes such notables as W.E.B. Du Bois, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Vernon Jordan, Arthur Ashe, Ambassador Ralph Bunche, former Atlanta Mayor, Andrew Young and former Attorney General, Eric Holder. Gamma Zeta Boulé was founded here in Pasadena in 1984. The GZB Foundation, which was set up in 1998, has as its special mission, the development of young men during their high school years in order to better prepare them for higher education. The cohort meets once a month throughout the academic year at various locations in and around Pasadena (including La Salle). The young men are exposed to a variety of opportunities to explore the world they might want to occupy after college. At the end of their senior year, the Foundation hosts a luncheon in which a variety of scholarships are awarded to the participants. I was pleased to applaud three La Salle seniors – Angelo LeRoi, Myles Bailey and Rodney Wagner – who were awarded scholarships (more than one for each of them). As I sat in the packed dining room of the University Club, it occurred to me that there is a great synergy between the goals of GZB Foundation (as well as the Boulé which sponsors it) and the aspirations of La Salle’s Mission Statement. We like to summarize our Mission by highlighting its four main values: • NURTURING THE TALENTS OF EACH STUDENT • INSPIRING IN STUDENTS A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR OTHERS • CHALLENGING STUDENTS TO EMBRACE DIVERSITY • MOTIVATING OUR STUDENTS TO RESPOND COMPASSIONATELY TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, ESPECIALLY THE POOR.
The event’s program contained brief resumés of each honoree. Here’s what I noticed: ü Each young man brought athletic, artistic, community and/or co-curricular talents to his high school experience ü Each young man engaged in direct involvement in activities which encouraged his high school peers to take responsibility for those around them (school, church, local community)
4
ü Each young man experienced some level of diversity within the context of his high school experience (La Salle, Flintridge Prep, Maranatha, La Canada, Marshall Fundamental and San Dimas) ü Each young man could cite his significant engagement with service to the poor and marginalized
ParentNewsletter
It was this latter characteristic which particularly struck me. At La Salle, we take great pride in the depth and breadth of the service opportunities which our students encounter over the course of their four years with us. I had generally assumed that, while all Pasadena-area private high schools expect some engagement with community service, at La Salle, it is built into the school’s DNA. And, while I still believe that to be true, I was gratified to learn that an impressive organization like GZB Foundation prizes this component above all other criteria by which they encourage and honor the next generation of young men who they expect to be adults imbued with passion, commitment, integrity and service. So, as I left this remarkably encouraging moment to celebrate the potential of these young men to shape the future of a world that we tired and – sometimes discouraged - adults often despair of evolving into a better place – a place La Salle’s Mission espouses – realizing that none of us do this alone. Parents, teachers, school administrators and – equally importantly – community organizations such as Gamma Zeta Boulé – recognize that, as the delightful guest speaker so beautifully articulated (with visuals): You can easily break a single toothpick…try, as you might, for as long as you might, you can’t break a bundle of them. As this academic year raced to a close, I came away with a wonderfully encouraging message from Gamma Zeta Boulé: together, we make a difference – but it must be a “long game.” Not a bad way in which to breathe a sigh of relief that a busy year is behind us; but more importantly, to remind ourselves that what we do to encourage our young people to achieve their potential matters.
JUNE / JULY 2017
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
© 2017
• EDITOR, DESIGNER JOHN BLACKSTOCK ’67 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: 626.696.4316 • EMAIL: JBLACKSTOCK @ LASALLEHS . ORG
Richard Gray, Ph.D. President
Transforming Lives Since 1680
5
EVEN ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
157 Lancers Graduate at La Salle’s 58th Commencement La Salle graduated 157 seniors at its 58th Commencement on Friday, May 26, 2017. Justin DeMesa gave the Welcome Address and Max DoVale had the honor of delivering the Commencement Address. Grant Fosselman, summa cum laude, received the General Excellence Award for the highest cumulative grade point average in the class. Chun Yin Howard Ho received the General Merit Award for the second highest cumulative grade point average in the class. He also received the Scholar Award for Math and Science. Grant Fosselman received the Scholar Award for Liberal Arts, while Alyson Hartman received the Scholar Award for Visual and Performing Arts. Samuel Martinez and Michelle Encinas, received the Excellence in Athletics and Sportsmanship Award. Isaac Caldas received the De La Salle Service Award for academics, leadership and service. Audrey Sayer received the Pro Deo et Patria Award for service to God and her community. Over 735 Senior Presentation, Baccalaureate Graduation and related event photos are viewable in our Flickr Gallery.
Above, Principal, Courtney Kassakhian with Grant Fosselman and President, Dr. Richard Gray.
6
Top left, La Salle Commencement speaker Max DoVale. Left, Ellen Radle received the De La Salle Award from Principal Kassakhian. She was accompanied by her husband Tom.
ParentNewsletter
Top, Audrey Sayer gave the Invocation. Above, Justin DeMesa gave the Welcome Address. Top right, Commencement at First Church of the Nazarene, Pasadena. Right, Seniors enjoy a photo opportunity following graduation. See hundreds more graduation photos in our Flickr Gallery.
7
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
Founder's Day Liturgy FOUNDER'S DAY IS CELBRATED BY ALL LASALLIAN SCHOOLS
8
Founder’s Day Mass was celebrated on Monday, May 15 as we commemorated the founding of our school and our Founder St. John Baptist de La Salle. Father Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries, said Mass. Following the liturgy, Father answered questions about his experiences during his 25 years with Homeboy Industries. “Gang violence is about a lethal absence of hope,” Father Boyle said. “Nobody has ever met a hopeful kid who joined a gang.” In the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, a communityorganizing project at Dolores Mission launched their first social enterprise business in an abandoned bakery that Hollywood producer Ray Stark helped purchase. They called it Homeboy Bakery. Today, Homeboy Industries employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, and provides critical services to 15,000 men and women who walk through its doors every year seeking a better life. Father Boyle is the author of the New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. Father Boyle is the subject of Academy Award winner Freida Lee Mock’s 2012 documentary, G-Dog. He has received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, the White House named Father Boyle a Champion of Change. He received the 2016 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the James Beard Foundation, the national culinary-arts organization.
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
By Courtney Kassakhian, Principal
Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except for the impact it has on the lives of others.” At Founder’s Day Mass we celebrated St. John Baptist De La Salle whose life had a tremendous and positive impact on so many throughout the world and over the centuries. At La Salle, we are always trying to follow in his footsteps and serve our students as best we can. To celebrate that, the Lasallian
Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian and Mr. Scott DoVale
Lasallian Educator of the Year Educator of the Year Award is given annually to a faculty member or administrator, chosen by the faculty, who exemplifies the qualities of St. La Salle… specifically meeting the following criteria: A dedicated and committed individual who is a qualified educator; An educator who understands their own dignity as a child of God so that he or she can pass this on to their students; A person who cherishes and cares for their students like an older brother or sister, and, above all, someone who is committed to a life of faith and prayer so that they can teach their students in the spiritual life, instilling living values. Without a doubt, our recipient this year exemplifies these criterion. Those who nominated this year’s recipient described our honoree this way: He’s at everything! Sports, plays, and more. His door is always open, and I can see that he cares so much about the lives of our students here at La Salle.
This teacher is always available to his students and is positive and loving to everyone. He is willing to offer his time to either tutor, help a student who is having a tough day, or just show interest in his students’ lives. I think he represents everything this award stands for. He helps students develop intellectually, spiritually, and as humans.
LONG TIME TEACHER AND FRIEND TO ALL
Our honoree has been associated with La Salle High School for many years, as both a parent and a teacher. Although teaching is not his first career, it is the perfect career, as he clearly loves teaching and being around young people. Additionally he is a wonderful colleague. I know St. La Salle would have been proud of this educator. We are proud to honor this teacher who has been serving this community of students and who now becomes our newest Lasallian Educator of the Year. The entire La Salle community congratulates Mr. Scott DoVale, our 2017 Lasallian Educator of the Year.
9
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
St. Joseph the Worker Award By Courtney Kassakhian, Principal
The St. Joseph the Worker award was created last year to honor a staff member (non-teacher or administrator) who has been a member of the school community for at least five years. The following criterion were used in selecting this year’s recipient • Manifests daily actions that support the Mission of the school; • Demonstrates a steady commitment to fellow workers and students by exhibiting patience, understanding and humor; • Is flexible with one’s time and is willing to assist others; •Participates in the co-curricular life of the school • Is selfless in not expecting any recognition.
Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian and Mrs. Teresa Elmslie-Britt
Faculty and staff members nominated a deserving individual who meets the established benchmarks, and I can’t agree more with the person they chose this year.
Here is how different members of this school community described this year’s recipient of the St. Joseph the Worker Award: Very compassionate, understanding, helpful, caring, hardworking, and just awesome! This person is one of the most adaptable, approachable, and inclusive staff members. Supportive to both the faculty and the students. This person supports retreat programs, athletics, and more. She is someone I rely on. This person does so much for the school and our students. She never stops working and giving. And she does all this with a smile on her face. Who else would deal with the two most unenviable jobs on campus, subs and copy machines, all while doing everything else she is asked to do. For literally her whole life, this person has been a part of the La Salle community: She first came to La Salle as a child hanging out on campus while her dad worked, then as a student, and now as a staff member. She truly embodies the words Learn, Serve, Lead, and we are very grateful to have her at La Salle.
10
I am pleased to present the St. Joseph the Worker award to, Mrs. Teresa (Ring) Elmslie-Britt '03.
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017 JUNE / JULY 2017
Union Station Service Heros By Ed O'Connor, Director of Student Life
I wanted to share this picture with you as five juniors and senior Tomas Auruskevicius cooked at Union Station at our last monthy volunteer trip. This group did an amazing job in the kitchen and were fantastic interacting with the clients at Union Station. I don’t know if you know Tomas (he says just call him said Thomas), but he is a great person and was a wonderful addition to our school for his senior year. Tomas is from Latvia. This is his second time cooking and serving food with us. I really enjoy watching him interact with the clients. In fact, a person, he got to know by name took this picture for us. They all did great and treated everyone with great dignity. Again, I share this with you so you know that this volumteer opportunity is available for your student to join us on the fourthTuesday of every month. The stu- Senior Tomas Auruskevicius below center with, from his right, clockwise, juniors dents love the interaction with the teachers Joe Rivera, Gia Martinez, Sarah Day, Jonah Lee, Mr. Ed O'Connor and Ashley Mayo. who join us each month.
LEARN SERVE LEAD
11
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
JUNE / JULY 2017
From the College Counseling Center
College Center News By Tina Bonacci '94, Owen Hou ’90 and Marcia Yu, College Counselors
Class of 2017 Congratulations to the Class of 2017! We wish all members of this class good luck as they begin their college years. We have really enjoyed helping each and every graduate find their college match. We look forward to staying in touch and learning about your college and your freshman year experience.
Class of 2018 In May, we completed our meetings with all juniors who have completed their surveys and are in the process of meeting with all others. Our students received a list of prospective colleges on Naviance to investigate. Summer is a good time to research, visit colleges, and work on a personal statement. Ms. Bonacci, Mr. Hou and Mrs. Yu highly recommend all students to narrow their college list down to 6-8 schools by the fall.
Camp College CAMP COLLEGE SESSIONS JUNE 13 AND AUGUST 7
12
The College Center will be offering a three-day seminar for rising seniors. The purpose of this course is to provide hands-on interaction with students who need additional help with their college planning and application process. At the completion of this course, students will have created an organizational system, completed two college essays and learned in depth about college visitations, interviews, recommendations, financial aid, and developed a much better understanding of the colleges’ selection process. The cost of Camp College is $225, which includes the Summer Institute registration fee. The complete summary of the course can be found online at www.lasallehs.org, ‘Summer Programs’.
Please contact your College Counselor should you need more information on Camp College.
Fall Events The College Planning Survey for Seniors and a parent questionnaire will be available on Naviance mid-July. Both student survey and parent questionnaire are due by September 5. In the fall, College Counselors will meet with each member of the class of 2018 to review their college list in preparation to the college application period. To minimize the number of meetings for our parents, the Senior College Information Night will be held on the same evening as our Back-toSchool-Night on Wednesday, August 30. Seniors and their parents should mark their calendars to attend this mandatory College Information Night. During this meeting, we will be discussing the application protocol/paperwork, letters of recommendation, essay writing tips and lots of other pertinent information.
College Visits Visiting colleges during the school year is one of the most valuable experiences in the college planning process. Not only does it help your student determine whether a college is a good fit, it also sends a strong message to the college admission office that your student is seriously considering their college. Looking at next year’s calendar, the best time to plan an out-of-town visit is during midOctober, as there will be no school on Monday, October 9 (Columbus Day), Wednesday, October 11 (Standardized testing for all non-seniors), and Monday, October 30 (Archdiocese In-service Day).
Two sessions are available for students to choose:
Standardized Testing
June 13 – June 15, 8:00am to 12:00pm August 7 – August 9, 8:00am to 12:00pm
All members of the class of 2018 should have taken the ACT and/or the SAT by this time. Students who plan to apply to certain east coast colleges should also take two SAT Subject exams in
ParentNewsletter the fall. A list of colleges that require/recommend SAT Subject Tests can be found at http://www. compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-andrecommendations/. Although the UCs no longer require two SAT Subject Tests, they are still recommended and strongly recommended for engineering and science majors. The fall exam dates are as follows below:
SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests: August 26 (new for the 2017-18 school year) October 7 November 4 December 3 ACT: September 9 October 28 December 9 Register early! Registration deadlines are usually about five weeks before the test dates.
Class of 2019 The class of 2019 will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 11. PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship
JUNE / JULY 2017
Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. All Junior students will be taking the ACT at La Salle on Saturday, February 10, 2018 for no charge. The juniors will register for the ACT during Mentor Period in the fall so there is nothing to do on your part. In addition, most juniors will be taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of 2018. If the family is considering a test-prep course for the SAT and ACT, we suggest you choose a program that finishes close to the test date. Students who are involved in a winter sport, theatre or have a full schedule during the months of January, February and March, might consider taking a test prep course over the summer and take the SAT in August. Use Naviance! Remind your student to add their school and non-school activities and awards they received during freshman and sophomore years in “My Resume”. This is a great place to gather information and keep it organized for the college application process. Also, complete the ‘career interest profiler’ assessment. Successful completion of the ‘career interest profiler’ assessment will generate a report that will provide your student with important information about ‘matching occupations’. Your student will learn about careers that match their characteristics, their personal strengths and blindspots, how they negotiate in their daily life, and a host of other useful information.
NOTE SAT AND ACT TEST DATES
Class of 2020 This year, the Class of 2020 registered on Naviance during Mentor period. Naviance is a college planning website where students can research colleges, their interests and careers. Your student can start keeping track of their school and nonschool activities and awards they received during freshman year in “My Resume.” College Counseling
Continued on page 14
13
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
College Continued from page 13
Naviance is a great place for students to organize and keep track of their information for college applications. Parents also have a personal log-in. Please contact Mrs. Yu if you have not received your unique registration code for Naviance. Both the classes of 2020 and 2021 will take the PreACT (previously known as the PLAN) on Wednesday, October 11. The PreACT is the precursor to the ACT and it is scored on the same 36 point scale. Please note that the ACT is as widely accepted among the colleges as the SAT. In addition to providing practice for the ACT, PreACT has a unique section that tests science skills, which provides valuable feedback to our science department. NOTE FALL COLLEGE TOUR DATES
College Tours We have tentatively planned the following tours for the 2017-2018 School Year: Ventura County College Tour Fall 2017 Cal State Channel Islands, Cal Lutheran, UCSB Bay Area College Tour March 2018 Schools visited TBD San Diego College Tour Spring 2018 USD, UCSD, SDSU
General Information
14
Students should use their summer time wisely. It is a great time to read (helps build vocabulary and critical thinking skills), find a job (helps with time-management and communication skills) participate in an activity that they are passionate about (athletics, music, theatre, academics, etc.) or give their time to an organization that can use an extra pair of hands. A list of volunteer opportunities is published by the City of Arcadia and can be found at https://www.arcadiaca.gov/ home/showdocument?id=558
The colleges featured in Loren Pope’s book Colleges That Change Lives (aka CTCL) will have an information session and a college fair on Sunday, July 30, 2017: Sunday, July 30, 2017, 11:00am and 3:00pm (choose one to attend). Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Ballrooms A-D 555 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City, CA 91608 All students and parents who are interested in learning more about these liberal arts colleges and universities and interested in hearing more about the CTCL philosophy – namely that there are great college options for every student (not just for the strongest students) and that the college search should focus on finding the best match for each student – are invited to attend. There is no cost to attend and pre-registration is not required. Please read Loren Pope’s book or go to www.ctcl. com for additional information on the colleges in the CTCL group.
NHS and CSF Registration If your student is eligible for membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) and/or the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), please remind him or her to register. CSF applications: August 21-25. NHS applications: August 16-25.
In the Summer Ms. Bonacci, Mr. Hou and Mrs. Yu wish all La Salle families a restful and safe summer. We will be checking our emails and voicemails on a periodic basis, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any question you may have regarding college counseling and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
From Institutional Advancement
Welcoming the Class of 2021
The 2016-2017 academic year has drawn to a close, and we proudly congratulate the class of 2017. The recent graduates are headed off to a most impressive list of universities and will be pursuing courses of study representing a wide variety of disciplines. The La Salle High School campus will still be very busy during the summer months as new, veteran and potential future students will be a part of the many athletic and academic activities provided. In August, we welcome the members of the class of 2021! Our School is continually updating and modifying parts of its facilities to adapt to the growing and changing needs of the curriculum and expanded disciplines being made available to the students. Annual giving and tuition are integral components of the funding of these projects. Years of fiscal responsibility have also supported ongoing support. A look at the mid to long term needs of our School tells us that Planned Gifts are an integral part of funding for these. A Planned Gift can be one of many different types of opportunities. Some of these more common Gifts have the following characteristics:
•
Diversification of one’s portfolio
•
Leaving a Legacy without giving up current assets
•
Reduction of one’s income tax liability and the potential to eliminate capital gains taxes on appreciated assets
•
Providing current and future streams of partially tax free income oftentimes at rates that are higher than current conservative market rates
PLANNED GIFTS HAVE BENEFITS TO THE OWNER AS WELL AS LA SALLE
We congratulate the class of 2017 and send them off with our best wishes. Members of our community are very proud of what we have at our School. We should bear in mind the importance of maintaining, nurturing and advancing the foundation of our School and providing an environment to enhance it for the students of the future. Consideration of a Planned Gift is a great way to be a part of this worthy effort. Please review the Planned Giving articles in future publications of both the Parent Newsletter and Lancer Magazine for ongoing updates in the Planned Giving Program. La Salle High School can provide more information, both generically and specifically, regarding the benefits available through Planned Giving. For more information, please contact Jon Keates, the Director of Institutional Advancement at 626.696.4344.
15
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
JUNE / JULY 2017
Crystal Ball Reflects the '80s La Salle High School enjoyed the 18th Annual Crystal Ball entitled “I Love the ’80s” on May 5 at Noor in Pasadena. The 2017 honoree and recipient of the Lasallian Volunteer of the Year Award was Mr. Dennis Jebbia. Huge silent and live auctions were the highlight of the evening, and an opportunity drawing for a fantastic Hawai'ian vacation was won by Colon O'Connor '17. Music from the '80s rocked the Noor as guests danced the night away. The Crystal Ball is La Salle’s most important fundraising event and provides tremendous support for it’s academic, art, athletic, and financial aid programs.
Crystal Ball and Lasallian Volunteer of the Year, Dennis Jebbia, Esq. center with award, is with his mother Mrs. Gloria Jebbia, his daughter Mallory, La Salle’s President, Dr. Richard Gray, his wife Elizabeth and daughter Mary Ellen. Dr. Dino Clarizio '75, in tie, with friends and family.
16
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
From left, La Salle Principal, Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian with 2017 Crystal Ball co-chair, Cheryl Allen, (who will be chair of the 2018 Crystal Ball), Mrs. Ellen Radle, Crystal Ball Event Coordinator, Mrs. Suzy Rettig, Crystal Ball Chair and Dr. Richard Gray, President.
David and Angelina Lam P'08,'09 with Dr. Gray.
Guests enjoy dancing to the electric '80s music.
Left, Crystal Ball honoree, Dennis Jebbia pulls the winning ticket for the trip to Hawaii. Above, true fans of the '80s
17
LEARN SERVE JUNE /LEAD JULY 2017
ParentNewsletter
2017-2018 Important Dates July 2017 24
CKW Uniform Sales Day Parent Association Used Uniform Sales On Campus
August 14 15 16 REVIEW AND PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR
New Student Orientation Student Information and Planning Day First Day of School
September 4
Labor Day Observed No School
October 9 30
Columbus Day Observed No School Faculty Faith Formation – No School
November 10
Veterans Day Observed – No School 22-26 Thanksgiving Break
December
18-21 Semester Finals 22 Christmas Break Begins
January 2018 8
Faculty/Staff Retreat No School 9 School Resumes 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observed No School
February 19
March
28
Grandparents Day – 12:30pm Dismissal 29-April 7 Easter Break
April 9 30
May 23 24 25
28
18
President’s Day Observed No School
School Resumes School Holiday Baccalaureate Mass 6:30pm Senior Breakfast 8:00am Senior Presentation 9:30am Commencement 7:00pm No School Memorial Day Observed No School
June 1 Final Exams Begin 4-6 Final Exams
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
NOTE SUMMER SALE DATES
CKW Summer Sale
Our summer sale is 10% off in-stock items only. The sale begins on Friday, July 14 and ends Sunday, July 16. Families may purchase in-store, online, or via phone. Special Summer Sale Store Hours: July 14: 10AM-4PM July 15: 10AM-4PM July 16: 12PM-3PM
e ON CAMPUS SALES JUNE 22 & JULY 24 Our normal store hours resume June 13. Should any family have a uniform emergency, please email us at: customerservice@ckwschooluniforms.com
19
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
student liFe uPdate
Seniors Score Showdown Win On Friday, May 12, La Salle students gathered for Showdown IV and battled in various class competitions to claim the Showdown Cup for 2017. Students meet on the "baseball" outfield for a free BBQ dinner, inflatable games, face painting and class pump-up as they prepared to compete in the gym. By 7:00pm, the students in each class invaded the gym to compete in events such as Hungry, Hungry Hippo, Last Person Standing, Towel Tug and, of course, the Balloon Pop and more. TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS, GO TO LA SALLE HOME PAGE, LINK TO FLICKR AT BOTTOM LEFT
20
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
NO BODY HAS MORE FUN THAN THE LANCERS
21
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
Lancer Athletics by the Numbers 54 Student-athletes achieved a 4.0 or higher GPA during their season of sport
3
CIF Individual Champions – Torrez (2) Chen Swimming
Amon Milliner - Portland State University (Football) Myles Cecil - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Football) AJ Akobian - Cal Lutheran (Football) Wyatt Cimino - University of Redlands (Football) Jake Rose - University of Redlands (Football) Tommy Radle - Chapman University (Football) Elijah Griffith - Grinnell (Football) Tomas Auruskevicius - Regis University (Basketball) Tommy Samples - DePauw University (Basketball) Ravin Rhodes - Central Arkansas (Volleyball) Emily Wasson - Hunter College (Volleyball) Lauren Veneri - Cal State Los Angeles (Soccer) Eleni Daughters - Davidson University (Track) Abby Siracusa - Methodist University (Tennis) Kolby Deziel - Bryant University (Softball) Kinsley Washington - UCLA (Softball)
1
CIF Team Champion – Boys 200 Medley Relay
MILESTONES:
22 0F 22 Varsity teams achieved a 3.0 or higher team GPA (100% first time in 6 years)
16 OF 21 Varsity teams made the playoffs 4
League championship teams
80 All League Players 14 All CIF Players 13 All Area Players
BIG NUMBERS FOR A BIG YEAR
2 State Championship Athletes – Torrez (2) Chen Swimming
• Girls basketball won the most games in school history with 22 wins
1
Coach of the Year - Freedom McCullough- GBB
• Girls basketball advanced to the CIF Semi-Finals
1
Player of the Year – Julia Macabuhay - GBB
16 NCAA Signings/Commitments (Most Ever!) 15 Student-athletes awarded varsity letters in 3 sports
8 LANCERS NAMED LEAGUE MVP: Amon Milliner: FOOTBALL – OFFENSIVE MVP – ANGELUS Myles Cecil: FOOTBAL – LINEMAN OF THE YEAR – ANGELUS Lauren Veneri: SOCCER – GOALIE OF THE YEAR – DEL REY Julia Macabuhay: BASKETBALL – MVP – SANTA FE Sophia Anderson: VOLLEYBALL – MVP – DEL REY William Kinney: GOLF – MVP – DEL REY
22
16 NCAA SIGNINGS & COMMITMENTS
Sam Leek & Sam Poon: TENNIS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS – DEL REY Will Dalgarn – VOLLEYBALL – MVP – CAMINO REAL
2016 – 2017 ATHLETIC AWARDS BROTHER DESALES ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Male: Ryan Sparks Female: Lauren Veneri LANCER SCHOLAR ATHLETE Grant Fosselman and Eleni Daughters PHILLIP CLARKE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Co-Male: AJ Akobian and James Torrez Female: Julia Macabuhay ATHLETIC UNDERCLASSMEN OF THE YEAR Male: Chris Wilson Female: Emerson Gohrick LOWER LEVEL COACH OF THE YEAR Thomas Clauss MOST INSPIRATIONAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Giliene So
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
La Salle Summer Programs June 20-July 21
Summer Athletic Physicals The Athletic department will hold its annual summer physicals and is currently looking for parent volunteers to help with the process. Physicians and registered nurses to aide in the physical exams are needed, as well as parents to check in students. Parent volunteer hours will be awarded for your service. The physical dates are June 17th and July 8th and run from 9:00am to 1:00pm. If interested, please contact Tim Rasmussen via email: trasmussen@lasallehs.org. Remember this event is only possible with your help. Thank you.
•Academics •Athletics
•Enrichment Grades Four Through Twelve Call for Catalog 626.351.8951 Register Online www.lasallehs.org
23
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
Memorial Prayer Service • Coach Fred Riley LIVE JESUS IN OUR HEARTS
From left, Mr. Pat Bonacci, Mr. Westley Riley '07, Mrs. Tamara Flowers, Chair Board of Trustees, Mrs. Joyce Riley and Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian, Principal.
24
A memorial prayer service and celebration of life for Fred Riley was held in the La Salle Dining Hall on May 7th. Nearly 250 friends, faculty, students, alumni and coaches attended to pay tribute to this esteeemed teacher and coach. A reception was held in the Atrium following the service. Our traditional Lenten support campaign for our Twinning School in Nigeria has been re-named Riley's Race 4 Change and a plaque for the Showdown winners commemorating Fred's passionate support for this Christian Brother's school has been created. In addition, La Salle has established the Fred Riley Memorial Fund for Track & Cross Country to provide professional development for Track and Cross Country coaches now and in the future. Coach Riley’s former athletes and assistant coaches Chris Ring ’01 and Kjersti (Housman) Holyfield ’04 have been named the new Head Coaches of Track and Cross Country respectively. For more information, please contact Kristen Schultz ’98 in the Alumni Office at 626.696.4362 or www.alumni@lasallehs.org. To make a donation to the Fred Riley Memorial Fund for Track & Cross Country go to www.lancernetwork. com/CoachRiley.
ParentNewsletter
JUNE / JULY 2017
Brother Visitor Comes to Twinning School - La Salle Brother Ghebreyesus Habte, FSC, is the Visitor of the Lwanga District in Africa and recently visitied La Salle, representing our twinning school, Mont La Salle College in Nigeria. Brother Ghebreyesus describes twinning as a chance to transform a student’s life by “sharing with a student who is far away, walking with you to achieve and be successful in the Lasallian world.” Brother Ghebreyesus grew up as a goat shepherd in the village of Shinara, near Keren, in Eritrea. He attended St. Joseph School in Keren, joined the Juniorate program as a teenager, and became a De La Salle Christian Brother in 1977. His hopes for his District include working closely with and supporting Brothers and Lasallian associates to carry out the mission with dedication and courage, to continue the work done by his predecessors to achieve self sufficiency, and to be aware of those who are in the most need. Mount La Salle College is a secondary school serving students in grades seven through 12. The school was established in 1982 in response to the need for Catholic education for the growing Catholic population in the area. The coed school is educating 591 students, including 137 boarding students and 454 commuting students. The twinning program connects schools in the United States and Toronto with 13 ministries in four countries in the Lwanga District of Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, Eritrea and Ethiopia. .
Schools in the United States and Toronto are twinned with ministries in the Lwanga District, not only to support them financially, but also to build relationships as brothers and sisters in the Lasallian family. In the past, La Salle students have skyped students in Nigeria.
Brother Ghebreyesus Habte, FSC
Students in the Lwanga District face many challenges, including the fact that the majority of young people are from very financially poor families and cannot afford education. Some of the children are orphans and lived on the streets before being taken in by a Lasallian ministry. Additionally, they often do not have access to basic needs, such as water, electricity, adequate housing and health care. The schools give them hope and help them to not be discouraged by the challenges they face. Through the leasdership of Mr. Ed O'Connor and Fred Riley, La Salle has contributed more than $16,000 to their twinned school in the past two years. Twinned schools use donations to fund scholarships for students in need, purchase books and other supplies, buy food and water, finance renovations, buy fuel for generators, and connect students to the internet where possible. It costs less than $2. La Salle students and faculty join hands in unity with per day to educate a student at Mount La their Twinning School and Brother Ghebreyesus. Salle College.
25
ParentNewsletter JUNE / JULY
CHECK YOUR SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR EVENT TIMES AND DATES
June and July Highlights
June 17 Athletic Physicals 9:00am -1:00pm Band Room
ATHLETIC PHYSICALS JUNE 17 JULY 9
June 19 Summer Program Begins Offi ce Hours: 7:30am to 3:00pm Campus
ALL STUDENT FORMS DUE AUGUST 11
July 4 Independence Day School Holiday
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION AUGUST 14
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES AUGUST 16
26
JUNE / JULY 2017
June 22 CKW New Uniform Sale 11:00 - 3:00pm Dining Hall
July 8 Athletic Physicals 9:00am -1:00pm Band Room July 14, 15, 16 CKW New Uniform Sale continues online and in-store (See page 25 for more information)
July 21 Summer Program Concludes July 24 CKW New Uniform Sale Parent Association Used Uniform Sales 11:00 - 3:00pm Dining Hall
August 11 Faculty and Staff Meeting 8:00am Dining Hall All Student Forms and Electronic Signature Forms Due August 14 Special Schedule New Student Welcome and Orientation Casual Dress 9:00am - 2:00pm Lunch Provided Lancer Armory Open New Parents’ Orientation 6:00- 8:00pm Dining Hall Lancer Armory Open August 15 Special Schedule Student Information and Planning Day Dress Uniforms (with Ties) Yearbook and Student ID Photographs 8:00am to 12:00pm Photo times by grade level August 16 Special Schedule First Day of Classes Regular Uniform Seven Period Schedule 8:00am to 12:20pm September 4 Labor Day School Holiday
August 10 School Ambassador Workshop 9:00am - 2:30pm Dining Hall August 10 Faculty/ Staff Retreat 8:00am Campus
Celebrating 60 Years of Lasallian Educational Excellence