ParentNewsletter The La Salle
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CALIFORNIA • NOVEMBER 2013
Principal Ideas Learn•Serve•Lead
In educational journals today, it is most common to read the phrase, “Start with the end in mind.” It means, of course, know what you want to accomplish, and then design/plan the necessary steps to achieve your goal. So, let me start with the end in mind for this Newsletter, Happy Thanksgiving!
Google Apps Last week, I communicated with you by email regarding our new relationship with Google Apps for Education. This service will allow our teachers and students to more easily collaborate on individual assignments, projects and group work. In early October, the entire faculty spent an in-service day being educated in one area of the Google Education offerings. Since I was “learning on the job” that day with my fellow educators, it was wonderful to see the teachers of this school both questioning and embracing these “new” tools. The opportunities to enhance our instructional tools and methods with technology are numerous. The most recent “step” we have taken is one of many to come for our faculty and students.
All of our technology improvements must have the desired effect of improving the student learning process - easy to say and yet difficult to measure.
Mid-point Grades During this past week, we concluded our first grading period of the year. In the next few days you will be receiving in the mail an actual report card that will advise you of your student’s work, as we have reached the mid-point of this first semester. This report is the best and most accurate indicator of how each student is doing academically. While these grades are important, they are in fact leading us towards semester grades in December, which become permanent and are placed on each student’s transcript. The vast majority of students at La Salle are achieving fine grades that are appropriate to their ability, their hard work and their dedication to studies. I congratulate them for achieving outstanding grades. I encourage these students to continue taking care of business. We are at the mid-point of the semester and I commend them on their work ethic and achievement. Continued on page 2
The words of St. John Baptist de La Salle to the first Brothers “He, Christ, has chosen you in preference to many others to announce his truths to your students who are his beloved ones.” Saint John Baptist de La Salle c.1703 Meditations for Sudays PAGE 1
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Principal Ideas Continued from page 1
JUNIOR CLASS LEADERSHIP CEREMONY NOVEMBER 18
Academic Advisors
Busy Calendar
Not far from those students who are attaining success are some students who are struggling with their academic performance. The “struggling” can be attributed to many things. I know that each student’s Academic Advisor is ready, willing and able to assist by offering the proper support and counsel. If the grades are not where they are supposed to be, there is still ample time to correct them before mid-December when semester exams roll around. Many opportunities are available to remedy academic deficiencies. The National Honor Society students provide great tutoring assistance, as well as our Student Success Workshop (SSW) which meets after school, Monday through Thursday. The only requirement is a willing attitude and desire to improve.
The calendar for the month of November and early December is full of opportunities for our students. In addition to the regular “stuff”… classes, athletic events, meetings…we will have a student body assembly to honor our American Veterans; Junior Class Leadership Ceremony for students and families on November 18; Fall Theatre production of Metamorphoses; annual Open House for prospective students; Mothers of Alumni Council Boutique & Luncheon and a Thanksgiving Break. Yes, Thanksgiving!
Encourage the Lancers
We are Thankful I, like so many of you, have many reasons to be thankful and appreciative for the countless blessings and challenges that come my way each day. As a cancer survivor, I welcome each morning knowing that I continue to have the opportunity to bring a smile to another person’s face. I say thank you for all that God has placed before me: family, friends, loved ones, good health, young students, families, our school community, my religious community, freedoms, benefactors and the list goes on and on and on.
At a recent football game, I became aware that some of our La Salle parents were not on their best behavior. Rather than concentrating on words of support and encouragement to the Lancers on the field, certain La Salle parents decided to respond to what was being said by our visitors in the stands. Unfortunately, the negative “chirping” between groups became an embarrassment and Happy Thanksgiving to you and enjoy the resulted in some of my fellow administrators (and turkey! (And the football games). the Pasadena Police) having to relocate in the area of the parents section of the bleachers. I would hope in the future that my school administrators and prefects could concentrate their efforts on Brother Christopher Brady, FSC the conduct of the students and not have to deal Principal with adults acting inappropriately. We need to be a positive example. Enough said!
Parent Association Monthly Meeting Topics November - Holiday Hospitality - Tablet Technology Project Update January - Student Technology Implementation Plan for 2014-2015 February - Mission Effectiveness Committee Presentation March - College Counselors Year-End Report April - Thank You Celebration
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
From the Parent Association
Family, Community... and Cheer! Like so many parents with college-age chil- an especially moving and personally fulfilling dren, we are reminded that the month of October occasion with so many families participatNEXT typically marks the season of family and parents’ ing. Our thanks go to committee co-chairs Parent Association weekends across the nation’s campuses. Having MaryAnna Mullins P’14 and Maureen Usle gone through this ritual a couple of times with our P’15 for all of their hard work in helping to Meeting: Tuesday older son, we are looking forward to this rite of pas- make this a wonderful and memorable event. November 12, 2013 sage with our son, Matthew, when he embarks upon On Saturday, September 28, a fabu- 6:30pm his own collegiate life experience after graduation lous time was had at the Fall Gift Gathering Blakeslee Library from La Salle next May. Touring potential college party “Havana Nights” benefiting the Crystal campuses for Matthew, we notice a huge similarity Ball. If you were unable to attend, you missed to previous visits to parents’ weekends. We found out on a fun evening! Many thanks to Angela this annual event to be a wonderful opportunity for McLaren P’13, '15 and Jacky Samartin P’15 who us to immerse ourselves and experience the sights organized the fantastic party. and sounds of what is, or will be, home-away-fromOur November general Parent Association home for our boys. What strikes us the most is the meeting will continue to showcase the talents and supportive way that these very different universities accomplishments of our own La Salle student-body. view their undergrads and the manner in which Come see and hear what these amazing students they encourage parent involvement in university have been up to. In addition, we will be featuring life. Whether it is attending seminars at a “Parents a demonstration of the anticipated Tablet TechnolCollege”, listening to the university’s President ogy presented by faculty and staff members. This outline the plans of a community redevelopment is a great opportunity to learn what the technology project, or even taking in a football game, the mes- of Tablets means to us as parents and how we can sage is the same…take joy and pride in your children best realize the potential for our students and their and celebrate what we as a collective family can instructors. Once again, parents are reminded that accomplish. In a lot of respects, we are continually they are each given credit for one service hour for reminded of what we (as parents) do here at La Salle every meeting attended. and the comfort we find in knowing that we are part November is typically viewed as the “kickof a community. As a parent, we look to family and off” to the holiday season and the November Parent community to provide a network of support for our Association meeting should be no exception. Please children, and for those of us that call La Salle our join us for a festive, pre-holiday celebration hosted home, we look to each other. One university’s motto by Dr. Gray and the Parent Association. Special was fitting to La Salle: “Nothing is more important “Cheer” refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be than family, and this one is yours”. At La Salle, this served. It promises to be another exciting and inhas become an unspoken way of life that ultimately formative meeting. We hope to see all of you there! guides our collective family in everything that we With gratitude and warm wishes for condo and ever hope to achieve. tinued blessings, On Sunday, September 22, we were able to take part in a most extraordinary event that embodies the La Salle community and the spirit that makes it up. As a family, we shared in the experience of Tess Crabtree P’12, '14 the Family Communion Breakfast and were blessed President in being able to celebrate the liturgy together. It was Parent Association PAGE 3
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
La Salle Matters On Friday, October 11th, I was flying up to the Oakland Airport to attend the inauguration of the first lay president of Saint Mary’s College (Saint Mary’s is one of five Lasallian colleges and universities in the United States). I had forgotten to take my belt off as I passed through Security (don’t you just hate that?) and was flagged aside for a “pat down.” I do not remember how the conversation with the TSA Agent started, but the gist of the encounter centered on this exchange: Security: RG: Security:
QUESTIONS FOR NOW AND THE future
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“We’re taking it on the chin for the government shutdown.” “How so, aren’t you an ‘essential service’ of the Federal Government?” “Yes, but that doesn’t mean they have to pay us.”
On my flight back to Burbank I began pondering the significance of what that Federal employee had said. Consequently, when I got home, I googled “TSA” salaries and discovered that the young man I had been speaking to earned somewhere between $22,800 and $35,600. At that point - Day 11 of the Shutdown -- no one knew when - or if - the shutdown would end. That’s when it dawned on me that this 20-something Federal employee had a real problem. If the shutdown lasted longer than one pay period, there was the real possibility that he couldn’t pay many - if not most - of the monthly bills waiting for him in tomorrow’s mailbox. Then, I thought, well, maybe he’s married. Assuming that his wife earned a salary at the upper end of his pay scale, what if she added another $35,000 to the household income? Then, I asked myself, what if they had children? Well, according to the California Department of Health Care Services, a family of four, earning a household income of $70,000 puts them at 300% of the Federal Poverty level. By way of comparison: if their household income was $58,000 (or 250% of the Federal Poverty level), their children would be eligible for Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid, the Federal Government’s poverty-level health insurance program). His situation is one many of our families face on a regular basis. Between the trailing effects of the Great Recession and the “Sequester,” more than a few of our twoincome families have faced the awful question of sacrificing tuition for the monthly bills that won’t go away simply because household financial circumstances have changed. This is why La Salle’s financial aid budget has practically doubled in the five years since the Great Recession has worked its way through the Nation’s economy. I’m particularly sensitive to the plight of this TSA Agent because I think his predicament mirrors the challenges many two-income households face in this bizarre era of government paralysis, economic stagnation and punitive fiscal decisions masquerading themselves as public policy. Robert Packard, our CFO, can attest to the fact that a steady stream of middle-income families, stung by the effects of the Great Recession (and now by the Sequester and the Government Shutdown), have come to him seeking relief from the economic forces they can’t control - all for the simple purpose of keeping their children enrolled at La Salle. I am sad to note that their plight isn’t a function of a federal government that willed a shutdown into existence, ignoring the plight of the hapless TSA Agent I encountered on October 11th; rather, their situation is a function of decades-long policies which have ignored the cumulative impact on Middle
ParentNewsletter
Class households who live pay check to pay check and don’t know how to respond to cataclysmic events which, through no fault of their own, threaten their homes, their families and their livelihoods. For me, this is the great tragedy of the Sequester and the Government Shutdown: politicians, so intent on proving they are right, ignore the very real effects their political strategy has on working households. Thankfully, La Salle is in a position to provide the additional financial aid necessary (so far) to support our middle income families who require both spouses to be employed in order to afford some portion of our tuition. But, I have to ask: what about that TSA Agent who barely makes ends meet - what hope does he have to ensure that his children will inherit a better life than the one he received? More importantly, in this - unnecessary - political imbroglio, is anyone asking these questions? It does not matter whether one agrees or disagrees with how our government spends our hard-earned tax dollars; I ask one simple question: should hard working people who, through no fault of their own, suffer because our politicians can’t - or won’t - compromise? I’d like to think the answer is obvious. I’m not sure my TSA Agent would agree.
NOVEMBER 2013
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
Richard Gray, Ph.D President
© 2013
• Editor, Designer John Blackstock ’67 Director of Communications Telephone: 626.696.4316 • email: jblackstock @ lasallehs . org
Transforming Lives Since 1680
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Homecoming 2013!
Robert McCreary and Missy McCreary, Homecoming King and Queen with their parents John and Yolanda McCreary.
Madison Blaney '14.
Will Pyburn '15
Jered Aragon '14.
Lancer Band performs at half time. PAGE 6
NOVEMBER
Homecoming Court,left to right, Julianne Robi, Robert McCreary, Missy McCreary, Sean Cowell, Olivia Kavanaugh, Conor Williams, Sabrina O’Reilly, Ben Dalgarn, Christina Judson and Brandon Busbee.
Great Day, Great Night La Salle students had the opportunity to experience entertainment both on and off Kohorst Field for Homecoming Week. The Student Life team worked throughout the month to bring “A Blast from the Past!” to the students and Royal Court at the rally before the big game on Friday, October 18. Watching the school come together at the rally further motivated the student body to come watch the Lancer football team compete that night against Mary Star of the Sea High School. During halftime of the football game, Robert McCreary and his sister Missy McCreary were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. With their mother and father by their sides, the King and Queen cheered the Lancers on to victory as the Lancers defeated the Stars 51-20! Nearly 400 students attended the Homecoming Dance, sponsored by the Junior Class Council, the following night.
Great Lancer fans, Laura Biosca '17, Anna Biosca '16 and Lauren Veneri '17.
Ricky Jurado '15
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ParentNewslett
NOVEMBER 2013
Let Us Put You in the Holiday Spirit! A BEAUTIFUL START OF THE SEASON
Come join us as we celebrate the holiday season with parents, friends and staff of La Salle High School. This year’s Holiday Gift Gathering party will be held at the home of the Dewar Family P’17 December 7, 2013 from 5:00 - 8:00pm. The Crystal Ball Committee has planned a fabulous evening that you won’t want to miss! Come mingle with friends and ring in the season with the glorious sounds of the La Salle Jazz Trio and the La Salle Choir! Admission to the Holiday Gift Gathering party is a minimum $25 cash donation or auction item donation per person (see invitation for a list of suggested gift donation). All gifts gathered will be used to create gift baskets and auction items that will be available at the Crystal Ball on May 2, 2014. Two service hours will be given per person for attendance! Do not forget to RSVP for this holiday extravaganza! What is a Gift Gathering Party?
A Gift Gathering Party is an opportunity to bring La Salle families and friends together while gathering auction items for the Crystal Ball. This holiday party is our second Gift Gatheringparty of this year. This is a great opportunity to become a part of the fun while supporting the Crystal Ball.
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Join US FOR CRYSTAL BALL MAY 2
Please plan to join us for the 2014 Crystal Ball, “A Black & White Affair,” Friday, May 2, 2014 at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena. This magical evening will include cocktails, live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing and an opportunity drawing. We will honor David Lam P’08, ’09, a longstanding member of the Board of Regents and the recipient of the Lasallian Volunteer of the Year Award. All proceeds from this event will benefit La Salle High School's Academic, Arts, Athletic and Financial Aid programs.
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 Lahania Resort including roundtrip airfare $500 credit to selected resort restaurants
• Family 4-pack of Disney Park Hopper Passes • Apple iPad Opportunity Drawing tickets for the event will be sold at the November Parents Association meeting and on the Crystal Ball link: lasallehs.joinme.org/cb2014 PAGE 9
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
From the Athletic Boosters
No Turkeys for the Lancers SUPPORT THE LA SALLE LANCERS
The Holidays will be upon us soon and it is hard to believe how fast the year is going. The fact that I have a senior only enhances the speed at which it seems to be moving. I know I am not alone in this process, so we take a breath and hold on to the time we have left and enjoy the moments at La Salle with our children and friends. The busiest time of the year for the Athletic Boosters will be wrapped-up by the time of this Newsletter goes online. All of our home football games will have taken place. I would like to thank those that have been there for me, helping to make the experience at La Salle Friday nights so pleasant: Linda and Renee Gomez, for their tireless effort to make sure the snack bar has everything it needs for our fans; Jimmy Provincio, who has helped run security for our games; Jamie Gray, who not only handles our gate, but also runs all the gym operations; Pam Mercheca, who handles the programs; Gil and Stephanie Dominguez, who manage our merchandise sales at all our home games; Jim Sparks and the field crew; the guys in the BBQ pit who prepare all our food at every home game; William Martin, who is always there with a helping hand at the beginning to make things easier and all the people who show up and help with security, the snack bar and whereever we ask them to help.
The La Salle Experience works because of the people who step up to the table when needed. Our football team will be headed to the playoffs for the second straight year, our volleyball team will be headed towards defending their CIF championship, so before it's too late, get out there and enjoy these teams as well as the other Lancer squads still competing. La Salle was honored to host the Wounded Warrior Project game this year. Hosting this game brought into focus the sacrifice these young men and women have given for us. In a more personal way, we appreciate what they have to go through, so we can enjoy our Friday nights. The Athletic Boosters Board was very pleased to donate $1,000 to Wounded Warriors Project. The donation from that evenings gate was given in honor of all those who have attended La Salle High School and served our country in the military. The La Salle Athletic Boosters is always looking for people who want to get more involved in our sports program. If you are interested, please contact me for more information at: dcina@sbcglobal.net, God bless,
John D. Cina P'13, '14 Athletic Boosters President
For specific game dates, times and locations log on to lasallelancers.org or lasallehs.org Athletics. Please visit the La Salle Athletics Boosters page at www.lasallelancers.org under Boosters for volunteer opportunities. PAGE 10
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
From the Academic Boosters
PARENTS: YOU NEED HOURS! These events are now available for sign-ups AND HERE IS HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THEM: Go to the La Salle Website. Click on “Parents” at the top of the screen. Click on “PA volunteer website” on the left side of the screen. Click on “member log in.” Enter your user name, this is your firstname_lastname (lower case). Your password is your last name (lower case). Once you are in the La Salle Parent website, click «calendar» at the top of the screen. Now you can look through the calendar year and click on the events that you are interested in volunteering for.
ENJOY THE WORK ENJOY THE FRIENDSHIP
Please check to see how many volunteers are needed, and how many have already signed up.
ACADEMIC BOOSTERS EVENTS 2013 - 2014 DATE
ACADEMIC BOOSTER EVENT
START TIME*
HOURS*
11/3/13
Open House
11:30 AM
5
11/18/13
Junior Leadership Ceremony
6:00 PM
3
1/9/14
Back to School Night Semester 2
5:30 PM
2
1/16/14
Junior “Planning for College” Night
5:30 PM
3
1/16/14
FAFSA Workshop
6:30 PM
2
1/25/14
Entrance Exams & Interviews
7:30 AM
5
2/1/14
Entrance Exams & Interviews
7:30 AM
5
3/15/14
Registration & Freshman Pledge
7:30 AM
5
4/9/14
College Forum
6:00 PM
3
5/21/14
Senior Uniform Buyback
11:30 AM
3
5/23/14
Commencement Exercises
6:00 PM
3
5/27/14
Academic Awards Night
5:30 PM
4
6/4/14
Used Uniform Buyback
9:00 AM
3
7/10/14
Used Uniform Sale Set-Up
7/11/14
Used Uniform Sale
TBA 11:00 AM
8
*Start time and number of service hours is approximate. Credit will be based on actual hours served. Volunteers will be advised of exact start time prior to the event.
Volunteer Coordinators: Ellen Hoffman: ehoffman929@gmail.com Diane Taylor: dtaylorfamilyof5@gmail.com Cookies are needed for most of these events. Earn one service hour for each two dozen HOME-BAKED cookies. Please sign up on the calendar where you see “Cookie Club.” PAGE 11
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
La Salle Convocation On October 1, the annual Lasallian Convocation celebrated the contributions of the faculty and staff to La Salle. Principal Christopher Brady, FSC, presented commemorative gifts for dedicated years of service to these members of our community.
40 years
15 Years
5 Years
John Ring
Richard Gray
25 Years
10 Years
M. Patrick Henry
Kristen Schultz ‘98 Nancy Doede Steve Haderlein Debby Sinnette-Baird Megan Foley
Frank A. Laurenzello Harold Pleitez Leah Rojhani Pamela Wagner Br. Christopher Brady New Employees Ronée McLaughlin Kate Williams
20 Years Michael Keating YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNIZED
John Ring Patrick Henry
Richard Gray PAGE 12
Michael Keating
NOVEMBER2013 2013 NOVEMBER
ParentNewsletter
SAVE THE DATE!
La Salle High School Mothers of Alumni Council Annual Christmas Boutique and Luncheon Thursday, December 5, 2013 Altadena Town & Country Club See you there!
A FUN WAY TO START THE HOLIDAY SEASON
2013-14 Student Ambassadors Each year, Student Ambassador nominees are vetted by the President, Principal, Dean of Students, and other members of the administration. This fall, the selected Ambassadors completed a month of training and began their work of representing the School in September. This includes assisting the Admissions Office at presentations to feeder schools, High School Information Nights, meetings with elementary principals and faculty, Open House, Registration Day, and other events throughout the year. Our congratulations are extended to the following Student Ambassadors: Tyler Artis Thomas Bent Solina Beringer Laura Borquez Jennifer Brady Dean Brumm Brandon Busbee Alex Cargal Nathaniel Chandler Matthew Cina Crabtree Matthew Burt Cresta Marilyn Crowley
Samantha Dier Kate DoVale Austin Gewecke Derek Iwata Christina Judson Olivia Kavanaugh Caroline Knop Jamie Kwong Madison Lanyi Tierra Leustig Robert McAlister Aoife Megaw Joseph Messina-Doerning
Joseph Occhipinti Abigail Pearman Jonathan Raymundo Brianna Rodriguez Yoltic Sandoval Natalie Sirois Elisa Stephens Katelyn Stone Andrew Ting Kennedi Whittingham Conor Williams Riley Worley
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Veterans Day Assembly Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes Past and Present The Alumni Association and Students of La Salle High School invite all former and current members of the United States Armed Services to our HONOR LA SALLE VETERANS NOVEMBER 7
Veterans Day Assembly Thursday, November 7, 2013 9:30am Duffy Lewis Gymnasium
The Assembly will include performances by La Salle’s award winning band and choir. If you plan on attending please let the Alumni Office know at alumni@lasallehs.org or 626.696.4362 so that you can be properly recognized. For more information about this event please contact the Alumni Office.
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NOVEMBER 2013
La Salle families, please use the eScrip Online Mall for your holiday shopping and earn money for La Salle at no cost to you! 1. Enroll with www.escrip.com 2. Click on the online Mall logo at: www.escrip.com
4. Download AutoEARN to earn contributions every time you shop without having to visit the Online Mall first!
3. Shop at your favorite brand name stores and automatically donate to La SaIIe.
Please download the eScrip flyer that follows this newsletter.
NO COST FUNDRAISERS is an Easy way to help la salle
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, January 11, 2014 2nd annual mid-year Used Uniform Sale Blakslee Library 8:00 to 11:00am Make it one of your new year resolutions to shop the uniform sale. Used uniforms that meet current school standards and are in new to good condition will be sold at significant discounts (20% - 75% off new). Used uniforms are bought back the previous spring from La Salle graduates as well as underclass students who have outgrown their uniforms. The proceeds from the Used Uniform Fundraiser enable the Academic Boosters to continue their mission of support for the teaching and enrichment programs of our school curriculum by granting faculty and staff wishes for equipment and materials. Consider supporting your students in more ways than one - please visit the Used Uniform Sales this January! PAGE 15
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
From the College Counseling Center
College Center News By M. Teresa Baldonado and Owen Hou ’90 College Counselors
College Application Filing Deadlines Please be reminded that November 30 is the last day to apply to universities within University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) systems. Please note that both systems MAKE NO EXCEPTIONS FOR LATE FILERS. To avoid frustration, do not wait until November 30 to file electronically. The servers may be very slow accepting files due to the many students filing on the last day. Applications for private colleges are also available. You may be able to obtain applications directly from the colleges in which you are interested. Please pay close attention to the application deadlines for your specific colleges – MANY COLLEGES HAVE UNIQUE DEADLINES.
SAT TEST DATE DECEMBER 7 ACT TEST DATE DECEMBER 14
Standardized Testing (Seniors) In most cases, the last standardized test date that most colleges will accept in the college admissions process is in December (SAT-12/7 and ACT-12/14). Please be aware that the last day to register for the December SAT/ACT is November 8. Senior Meetings with College Counselors Ms. Baldonado and Mr. Hou have met with a vast majority of students who have submitted their Senior College Planning Surveys to discuss their college opportunities. Please encourage your student to complete the survey if he or she has not already done so. FAFSA Workshop The Senior Parents FAFSA workshop will be held January 16, 2014 at 7:00pm in Blakeslee Library. Our guest speaker will be David Levy, Associate Editor, Edvisors Network, and former Director of Financial Aid at Caltech. Mr. Levy will provide an in-depth discussion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and will guide senior parents line by line through the FAFSA. Please mark your calendars for January 16!
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Class of 2015 – Junior College Night All Junior students are required to attend the Junior College Night on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the Dining Hall. It is highly recommended that at least one parent attend as well. Topics for the evening will include: Searching for Colleges and Identifying the Right Fit, Utilizing Naviance, Reviewing the UC and Cal State Requirements, and Standardized Testing. A packet of college admission information materials will be distributed. An agenda for the evening will be printed in the December ParentNewsletter and on the Welcome page of Naviance. Class of 2015 – February 8 ACT All Juniors are signed up to take the ACT at La Salle on February 8, 2014. Students should be receiving their registration ticket from the ACT in early November. Once they receive that information, they are strongly advised to create an account on the ACT website, www.actstudent.org. Creating an ACT account will also give your student online access to his/her registration and score(s). 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, we will bill the cost back to you. Please call the ACT directly at 800.553.6244 if you have any technical issues or if your student misplaces his/her ACT ID number. Please contact Mr. Hou if you have not received the information by the middle of this month. Take a Lancer to Lunch Week During the first week of the second semester (Tuesday to Friday, January 7 to 10), we will be inviting young alumni who are currently in college to come back to speak with our current students about their college experiences. More information will be available in the December ParentNewsletter.
NOVEMBER 2013
Class of 2015 – East Coast College Tour, April 21-26, 2014 We are tentatively planning to visit the following colleges during Easter Break: Boston College, Boston University, Emerson, Northeastern, Harvard, Sarah Lawrence, Wesleyan, NYU, Fordham, Penn, Villanova, University of Maryland, Georgetown and George Washington University. Information and registration forms for the East Coast College Tour was sent to junior parents around Halloween.
Admissions Calendar
PARENT TOURS Tuesdays October 1, 2013 - January 21, 2014 Tours Are Scheduled From 8:30am - 9:30am. Spaces are limited. Applicant parents should call Teresa Ring at 626.696.4365 to register for a tour. OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 3, 2013 12:00-2:30pm A chance to tour the campus, meet teachers and students, visit classrooms and watch sporting events. Call Teresa Ring at 626.696.4365 to register. PRIVATE SCHOOL FINANCIAL AID SERVICE WORKSHOP Thursday, November 14, 2013 7:00 - 8:00 pm In this workshop we will walk you through the financial aid application process. Call Teresa Ring at 626.696.4365 to register.
Harvard
PRIORITY SIBLING APPLICATION DEADLINE Monday, December 2, 2013 APPLICATION DEADLINE Friday, January 17, 2014 (Late applications will be accepted, but may be placed on the waiting list.) FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DEADLINE Friday, January 17, 2014
NYU
ENTRANCE EXAMS (STS/HSPT) AND ADMISSIONS INTERVIEWS Saturday, January 25, 2014 8:00 - 11:00am - Exams 10:30am -12:30pm - Interviews for students who did not interview during their school visit Saturday, February 1, 2014 8:00 - 11:00 am - Exams 10:30am -12:30pm - Interviews for students who did not interview during their school visit DEADLINE FOR TRANSCRIPTS, TEST SCORES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS Friday, February 7, 2014 NOTIFICATION LETTERS MAILED Friday, March 7, 2014 REGISTRATION CLASS OF 2018 Friday, March 15, 2014
Georgetown
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
From Guidance and Counseling
Gather with Family and Friends for Peace and Joy By Susan E. Keens, Ph.D. Clinical and School Psychologist, Department of Guidance and Counseling
A DAY TO REFLECT AND RELAX
PAGE 18
This month we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving. We will gather with family and friends to enjoy a few days of rest. Thanksgiving provides us with the opportunity to celebrate our gratitude for all of the blessings that we have received. Unfortunately, the economy continues to be a source of pressure and stress for many families. Bills must be paid despite a family’s diminished income, or a parent’s unemployment. In the midst of these problems, families who are struggling may need the functional support of their extended families and friends. Providing some basic resources during this difficult time is a way to give thanks for the blessings that you have received. When you include your students in this outreach, you will provide them with a powerful lesson since you will teach by your example. If your family has not been negatively impacted by financial distress, perhaps a donation to a shelter that provides food and other necessities for those less fortunate would be another way to help those in need. The La Salle High School faculty and staff continue to give thanks for you and your students.
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Student Life Christmas Tree Sale
For the fourth year in a row, La Salle’s Student Life wants to sell you a beautiful Christmas tree! We invite you to join the families from the past years and purchase a tree for your family. Simply fill out the e-attached form and return it with your payment to La Salle High School. On Saturday, December 7, come to the La Salle senior parking lot and pick out your tree and we will load it onto your car for you. Or better yet, for a $10 donation we will deliver it to your house if you live within 10 miles of the School. You can come pick out the tree yourself, or have the Student Life team pick one out for you. All of our trees are guaranteed. If you do not like your tree, we will give you back 100% of your money. If you like bigger trees, (noble fir, 8ft and above) you will find it hard to beat our prices. Everyone wins! You get a great tree for your Christmas Holiday and the La Salle Student Body is able to use funds raised for the many great events facilitated by Student Life. If you are not in need of a tree, but would like to donate a tree to a member of the armed services, you can do that too. Last year, the La Salle community purchased over 120 trees that were donated to the soldiers at Fort Irwin. If you have any questions, please contact Ed O’Connor, Director of Student Life at 626.696.4329 or eoconnor@lasallehs.org SEE eFLYER ATTACHED TO PLACE ORDER
From the Blakeslee Library
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. The dates for events are: November 14, December 5, 2013 and January 23, February 13, March 20, and April 10, 2014. Please call Delia Swanner at 626.696.4313 or Janet Hagen at 626.696.4332 to sign up. PAGE 19
ParentNewsletter From the Arts Boosters
“Metamorphoses” Opens November 8 at Porticos PLAYS FILMS DANCES CONCERTS AND UKULELES
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A month of rehearsals comes to fruition this month when the La Salle Fall Theater Production hits the stage at the Porticos Art Space. “Metamorphoses” by Mary Zimmerman is adapted from the classic Ovid poem, and involves twenty three students playing up to six roles each. It will be the first La Salle play to feature a water-filled pool on stage. Nine performances in all will take place, spread over November 8, 9, 14, 15, 16. Porticos is located at 2033 E. Washington Blvd in Pasadena. A complete list of dates and show times is on the La Salle website under Events. The First Annual All American High School Film Festival took place in New York in early October. From a field of over a thousand entries from seven countries, 84 films were selected for competition. Judges included actor Dylan McDermott and actor-director-writer Ed Burns. La Salle student Stephen Boyer received a total of eight nominations, and took home trophies for the Best Comedy “Dinner with the Woodburns”, and the Best Overall Film “Paradigm”. Congratulations to Stephen, his collaborators, and everyone involved in the La Salle film program. The Ukulele has long been associated with diverse artists such as Israel “Iz” Kalano’i Kamakawiwo’ole, George Formby, and Eddie Vedder (seriously, look it up!). Now, with Arts Boosters support, Jude Lucas has provided instruments to the newly formed fortymember La Salle Ukulele Ensemble. Jude promises that their playlist will be “non-traditional” and I for one cannot wait to hear their version of the classic “Anarchy in the UK.”. Over the Easter break 2014 the main (non-Ukulele) band will be traveling to New York to perform and meet with local musicians. A large portion of the proceeds from this year’s Arts Boosters Sees Candy Fundraiser will go towards sponsoring this trip, so please order plenty this year. Remember, candy is the perfect gift, both popular with your friends, and a great way to pack extra holiday pounds onto your enemies. Look for an order form to arrive in your mail shortly. On the subject of fundraisers, La Salle flags are on sale from the Arts Boosters for just $25. The easiest way to pick one up is to attend our next meeting on November 12 at 7:30pm in the Grinstead Theatre, for which you will also receive an hour of service. What a bargain!
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Lancer Band Off to New York This Spring a number of multi-talented and musically in clined students will embark upon a most ambitious and exciting trip to New York City. The five-day tour includes performances at Madison Avenue Atrium, the USS Intrepid and many other musicrelated stops along the way. The trip is open to members of Advanced Band, Jazz Ensemble and String Ensemble and truly represents the chance of a lifetime for these young musicians. Our students will not only perform but will also work with professional musicians in a master-class format. A series of fundraisers will be held throughout the year to help defray the estimated $1900 per student cost. Parents considering accompanying the group should contact the director, Megan Foley or check out the Spring Trip page on the Visual and Performing Arts webpage: http://www.lasallehs-vpa. org/spring-trip.html.
Chocolate Is Music To my ears REALLY?
ARTS BOOSTERS SEE’S CANDY SALE
Help us to raise money for the students in the Visual and Performing Arts Department by selling delicious chocolate or gift certificates to family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Some of this year’s proceeds will go to the Band’s Educational trip to New York City. New this year: Starting October 28th, you can go online to order See’s Candy. Look for an email from LSHS with the link to our online shop! All orders will be delivered to La Salle and must be picked up on December 7, between 9:00am and Noon. Dates to Remember: November 15 - Sale Ends - All orders and money must be turned in to the front desk. Make checks payable to La Salle High School. December 7 - Candy will be available for pick-up in the Band Room from 9:00am to Noon. Candy orders may also be donated to the “Adopt-A-Family” drive by noting it on your order form. You will receive 1 service hour for every $100 ordered. To order items not listed or to ask questions, contact Tina Delany at 323.823.2461 or by e-mail at tinadelany@gmail.com
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Mind the Mission By Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, Vice President for Mission
SIX TIPS TO MAKE THE HOLY DAYS HAPPY
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It is that time of the year again! I am, of course, speaking about the upcoming Holy Days. Note, I did not write holidays. I knew the season was just around the corner when I saw Christmas items on sale in Costco in September! I really mean September. I will not bore you with my ramblings regarding the secularization of the Feast of the Incarnation - Christmas; or my rants on the commercialization of Advent into a time of waiting for the next "biggest sale of the year," instead of preparing for the coming of our Savior. No, I may be tempted, but I will not wax on about my pet peeves regarding the harm that is caused to our spiritual identity when we disregard our need to worship and give thanks to God for all he has done for us; but instead we focus our limited attention spans on the next Big Bowl Game; the time the door buster sale prices end; what new product is Apple going to come out with that will cause one to line up for days in front of the Pasadena Apple Store; or who is going to invite “that” relative to dinner for Thanksgiving. The rants are over – I promise. To help put Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas into perspective, I share with you the highlights from a short article titled “Do Less This Holiday Season” written by Kate Wicker for the November 2013 issue of Catholic Digest. She listed six simple ways to help recharge and re-focus us during the Holiday Season: 1. Keep Things in Perspective; 2. Enjoy Your Kids; 3. Be Kind to Yourself; 4. Rethink Your Faith; 5. Pare Down Your To-Do List; and 6. Do not Compare Yourself to Others. From these six headings, I’m sure that you can pretty accurately discern what her message is for us. I will only quote from the one section, Rethink Your Faith, where Ms. Wicker writes “Sometimes I feel like God is very distant when I need him the most, and I start to get angry. Why am I not feeling his presence?” I do not know Ms. Wicker’s educational or spiritual background; but her comment about needing to feel God’s presence is a central component of Lasallian Spirituality. As you know from attending events at school, we begin events, as well
as each class period, by saying – Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God! As a means of helping his early teachers, the first set of Christian Brothers, to keep God’s real presence in their minds and to assist in the development of their personal spirituality, Saint La Salle encouraged the Brothers to repeat the phrase, Let Us Remember, each time they walked through a door frame. My hope for all of us is that, especially during the upcoming Holy Day Season, we follow Saint La Salle’s prescription and on a regular basis acknowledge to ourselves that we know and feel the presence of God in our lives. If we do not feel that presence – then I hope you make a true effort to slow down and listen for it – it is always there, we just need to be open for it. I have most often shared a prayer or meditation verse with you at this time of the year. I do so again, but this year I have purposely found one that I feel gets directly to the point of God’s Presence. It was written around the late 1300’s by a Benedictine Nun and Mystic named Julian of Norwich. She wrote: “Utterly at home, God lives in us forever!" Whether you acknowledge and feel that presence of God as you walk through a door, put the pieces together for that easy-to-assemble gift for your child or grandchild, hear the joyful singing at Midnight Mass, laugh, again, at the same cute joke from your uncle at Thanksgiving dinner, or feel it in the good morning kiss from your children and spouse - know that God is utterly at home and lives in us each day of our lives. Have a blessed, faith filled and family filled Christmas Season.
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
RCA Campaign Success The Regents Campaign for the Arts (RCA) the yearlong initiative aimed to raise $300,000 to endow a scholarship in the Arts and to pay for the refurbishment of performance spaces and new equipment for our arts students was successfully closed on June 30, with almost $320,000 having been raised. Below are some of the things that the successful completion of the campaign have already allowed us to achieve: • Established the Francis Bacon Scholarship which is available to eighth grade students who have shown a passion for the arts. • Refurbished Linda M. Grinstead theatre, installing new carpet, new seats, new aisle lighting, and key sound and video upgrades that make it a better place for student learning and community enjoyment. • Refurbished the dance studio with a new sound system, ballet barres, mats, and Pilates equipment. • Bought new musical instruments for students to use, including a baritone saxophone, a sousaphone, drumline equipment, and cymbals, all totaling over $18,000 in instrument and equipment upgrades. • The vi sual ar t s progr am was enhance d wi t h a new cl ay whe e l , new co mp u t ers, new software that equips students with state-of-the art digital visual art tools. • Our film and television studio installed its own Tricaster, sophisticated technology that allows students to create live and more creative broadcasts for Lancer Television, the inschool network with improved lighting grid and green screen, and sound equipment for enhanced recording. Additionally, students are using new editing work stations and software. These improvements are already being enjoyed by almost 600 students across classes in dance, instrumental music, chorus, Lancer TV, Drama, Theatre, and Visual Arts, as well as dozens of arts-focused extra curricular activities. PAGE 23
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Happy Halloweeners Haunt Hallways
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NOVEMBER 2013
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER
BOO BOO and BOO!
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ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
NOVEMBER 2013
The Obsequious Observer By John Blackstock, The Editor
Just after the Coronation Ball, I had a chance to ask Jamie Kwong, our newly selected Tournament of Roses Princess a few quick questions. JB: Was becoming one of the Rose Princesses what you expected? JK: This group of girls is great. They are so nice, friendly, pretty and smart. All the tournmamnet people are really considerate too. “Welcome to the Sisterhood” was virtually the first thing I heard. We feel like family already. JB: Why did you decide to go through the selection process? JK: I remember my Dad carrying me up the bleachers in the dark on Rose Parade mornings. I watched the Queens Float go by so many times. The princesses’ were so beautiful. You almost have to tryout if you grow up in Pasadena. JB: On Halloween, all the princesses dressed up as Disney princesses to visit young cancer patients at the Huntington Hospital. You dressed as your favorite princess; Mulan. How come? JK: I like her wit and wisdom. Plus she has some of my ethnic traits. But the best part of being a princess is volunteering with children. It’s a passion of mine. It’s from my heart. Children are so honest, generous and revealing. There was a darling little four year old in a knights costume. He looked up and said he was my knight in shining armor. This can't help but bring a tear to your eye. The smile I see and the happiness I get when I rose (placing a small embroidered rose logo of the Tournament on someone) a little girl or boy, is almost undescribable. I’ve wanted to do this since I was rosed by a princess when I was six or seven in elementary school. The circle continues. JB: What’s else have you enjoyed? JK: The training has been so valuable. It really is a life changing experience. Tracy Cresta, last year's Rose Princess, warned me to not get too stressed over going to Rose Tournament events, classes and cheerleading plus applying to colleges and all the other things one does. She said to just enjoy the trip. My teachers are so helpful with my classes. I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s only been three weeks and it seems like three months already!I think I’ll take Tracy’s advice and just enjoy the ride. More next month. Page 26
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Annual Halloween Baseball Game vs. St Francis
Environmental Science The Environmental Science students of La Salle High School have participated in school-wide recycling as part of the curriculum since 2003. Â Students collect and sort, paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and aluminum from classrooms and offices throughout the school. Representing the dozens of Environmental Science class memebrs are, seniors, from left, Abigail Pearman, Carina Henry and Joely Zuker.
GOOD STUFF TO KNOW
JV Goes Pink The Junior Varsity Cheer Squad showed their support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with pink pom-poms. Alyssa Martinez Izzy Bishwakarma Alex Mandigo Victoria Saldivar Nalani Moreno Caroline Andre Lexi Dyer
Jocelyn Flores Kayla Quintero Catherine Dewar Sarah Adams Eden Elizalde Dani Magluyan Issy Espino PAGE 27
NOVEMBER 2013
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2013
Check your School calendar for event times and dates NOVEMBER 2013
November Highlights VETERANS DAY AssEMBLY NOVEMBER 7
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP CEREMONY NOVEMBER 18
Crystal BALL HOLIDAY GIFT PARTY DECEMBER 2
ADOPT-AFAMILY PARTY DECEMBER 14
November 1 Dress Up Day All Saints Day 9:30am Mass Dining Hall November 3 Sunday OPEN HOUSE Noon - 2:30pm All Campus Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 18 Junior Leadership Ceremony Juniors Dress Up 7:00pm Dining Hall November 23 Jazz Concert 7:00pm Grinstead Theatre
November 4 Short Schedule Student Dismissal 12:00pm Faculty Technology Meeting
November 27-29 School Holiday Thanksgiving Day Holidays
November 7 Veterans Day Asembly 9:20ams Gymnasium
December 2 Short Schedule Student Dismissal 12:00pm Faculty Technology Meeting Financial Aid Applications Available
November 8 Opening Night: “Metamorphoses” Porticos 7:00pm November 12 Parent Association Meeting 6:30pm Blakeslee Library Parent Boosters Meetings 7:00pm Campus Locations November 14 Cafe Bibliotheque Library 2:30pm Financial Aid Workshop 7:00pm Dining Hall
December 3 Special Schedule Christmas Performance Assembly 9:20am Dining Hal December 5 MAC Christmas Luncheon and Boutique 11:30am Altadena Country Club Cafe Bibliotheque 2:30pm BlakesleeLibrary December 6 Band & Choir Concert 7:00pm Dining Hall
December 7 Saturday SAT & Subject Tests Alumni Adopt-A-Family Wrapping Party and Visit with Santa Duffy Lewis Gymnasium 10:30am-12:00pm Christmas Gift Gathering Party Pasadena 6:00pm December 12 Dress Up Day Advent Liturgy 9:20am Dining Hall December 13, 14 Fall Dance Concert 6:00pm Off Campus December 14 Saturday ACT Adopt-A-Family Christmas Party Campus, Dining Hall 11:00am-1:00pm AP Art Show 6:00pm Reception Blakeslee Library December 17-20 Semester Final Exams December 20 SnowBall 7:00-11pm Dining Hall December 23 - January 7 Christmas Holiday
Check School Calendar and Athletics Website for CIF Football, Tennis, Cross Country, Golf and Volleyball Playoff Schedules PAGE 28