ParentNewsletter The La Salle
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CALIFORNIA • NOVEMBER 2015
Principal Ideas Learn•Serve•Lead
Believe it or not, we have arrived at the mid-point of our Fall Semester. Our first quarter of grading is complete and in the next few days (if you have not already received it) you will be receiving in the mail an actual report card that will advise you of your student’s work. This report card 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. My observation of our students at work is that the vast majority are achieving grades that are commensurate to their ability and an indication of their dedication to their studies. I congratulate them for achieving outstanding grades and for continuing to take care of their academic business. For those students not performing up to par, my encouragement is for them to work with their individual teacher to determine what needs to be done. The most common deficiency in students who are
performing below their ability is not doing the assigned homework. Most often, students who remedy this issue will find their grade improving and gain a better understanding of the covered material. The only cost is “time” and yet the rewards are plentiful. Additionally, each student has an assigned counselor who is available to offer support and guidance.
Accreditation Last school year we began our preparation for our Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation visit in February, 2016. This school visit by professional educators in late winter is intended to review the results of our work that examine our current school program and plans for improvement. In preparation for this visit we have been meeting regularly and discussing what we can do better to enhance our school community for our students. Continued on page 2
The words of St. John Baptist de La Salle to the first Brothers "Young people are not bad because they have bad hearts. They are bad because of bad example. As teachers, you have no greater responsibility than to give your students good example." Saint John Baptist de La Salle Patron Saint of Teachers, c.1705 Meditations for Sundays
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Principal Ideas Continued from page 1
While our accreditation work continues to move forward, we are also engaged in the development of a new Strategic Plan for this institution. Doing the work for these two efforts simultaneously is exhausting but most practical. The end result will be a unified plan for growth that will take this school to future heights.
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP CEREMONY NOVEMBER 16
Blood Drive On November 5 we will welcome representatives from Huntington Hospital for a schoolwide blood drive. Many students, school employees and even parents will be making a donation of this most precious gift of life. If you would like to be part of this effort and can spare an hour of time on this day, please contact Mr. Ed O’Connor here at school to schedule a time. Or, just stop by and we will make it work.
Junior Class Leadership Ceremony On the evening of Monday, November 16, La Salle will again host our Junior Class Leadership Ceremony. This event is a milestone activity for the Class of 2017. All members of the class along with their parents are invited to be present for this one hour event. As these junior students rightfully take their place in the upper division, we celebrate their role as leaders in the school and for their continued unity as a class. We hope you will make every effort to attend.
Fall Theatre Presentation
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Our Performing Arts department has
scheduled eight performances of The Love of Three Oranges, a light comedy that will be presented at Portico’s Art Space. It will run from November 13 to the 21.
Opportunities For Your Students The months of November and early December are full of opportunities for you and your child. In addition to the regular “stuff,” there are athletic events, club meetings, our annual Open House for prospective students, Junior Class Leadership Ceremony, Mothers of Alumni Holiday Luncheon and Boutique, and the Crystal Ball Holiday Open House. Plus, there is a nice Thanksgiving Break and Thanksgiving itself in there as well! I, like so many of you, have many reasons to be thankful for the countless blessings that come my way every day. Each day, I say thank you for all that God has placed before me: family, friends, loved ones, good health, young students, families, this school community of educators and support staff, my religious community, freedoms, benefactors and my list goes on and on and on. May you be fortunate to spend your Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends and enjoy a thanksgiving meal to celebrate your blessings. Enjoy the day! And the turkey! And the football games!
Brother Christopher Brady, FSC Principal
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
From the Parent Association
Tradition, Tradition! On a Saturday morning a few weeks ago, instead of our darling high school senior fighting to sleep in as long as we would let her, she was up bright and early – curling her hair and putting on a pretty dress. It was tryout day for the Tournament of Roses Royal Court. She and her friend Sky Garcilasodelavega were going to enter the fray! Since 1905, when Hallie Woods (left) was crowned the first Rose Queen, young ladies from the Pasadena area have tried out for the Rose Court. Emily’s grandmother, Barbara Bart Wright, from John Muir College, tried out in the Fall of 1952, and Emily was thrilled to be following in her grandmother’s footsteps. In fact, the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game are huge traditions in the Wright family. Emily’s grandfather George Wright, was a 30 year Tournament member. And there is nowhere she’d rather be on New Year’s Day than on the corner of Orange Grove and Maylin, cheering on shivering band members as they begin their long march across Pasadena. In her 15 second statement to the judges on that first day of interviews Emily concluded by saying “I’m looking forward to inspiring a new generation of girls to have their own Rose Court dreams.” Of course, there are many ways in which our daughter, like most children on the verge of adulthood, is blazing her own unique trail through life. Our animated mealtime discussions make that clear. It is astonishing, sometimes, to hear her articulate thoughtful comments on school life, literature, pop culture, and current events. I wonder, “Who are you? Are you the same little girl who used to watch Barney and read The Berenstain Bears?” Our children are reaching that stage in their lives where we parents begin to see what
really matters to them. What traditions do they embrace? Where are they breaking new ground? What are their priorities? How do they reflect, or perhaps reject our own ambitions for them? It is a fascinating, challenging time for all of us. I must say that I am grateParent Association ful for La Salle. Our School and Meeting its gifted teachers have opened our daughter’s eyes to the world’s November 10 possibilities; showing her that her 6:30pm own contributions, just like those Blakeslee Library of her classmates, are vital to making the world stronger, healthier, and more hospitable for future generations.
Busy Months Ahead Lots of activities are happening during this upcoming month of November. Please be sure to consult the school calendar for dates and times of the many events including Open House, Mothers of Alumni Christmas Lunch, the fall play “The Love of 3 Oranges,” and of course the Parent
Emily Wright and Sky Garcilasodelavega at the Wrigley Mansion.
Tradition Continued on page 6 PAGE 3
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La Salle Matters For obvious reasons, I cannot resist devoting yet another column to the impact Pope Francis is having on the Catholic Church and the larger secular world it occupies. Needless to say, his amazing trip to the United States sparks my desire to comment in this space. That having been said, my perspective of his impact is not prompted by his ability to draw record breaking crowds, nor is it his role as the first pontiff in history to address both houses of Congress. Rather, I am drawn to comment on a little-known, albeit pernicious, incident that was reported by the media back in September and vanished from public attention, as quickly as it surfaced. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) wrote a letter explaining why he planned to boycott the Pope’s address to Congress. The reason? Climate change. Here is his explanation: “Media reports indicate His Holiness … intends to focus the brunt of his speech on climate change… If the Pope stuck to standard Christian theology, I would be the first in line… But to promote questionable science as Catholic dogma is ridiculous…. If the Pope plans to spend the majority of his time advocating for flawed climate change policies, then I will not attend.” I am troubled by three assertions Congressman Gosar makes. The first: "If the Pope stuck to standard Christian theology, I would be the first in line." Ignoring the hubris inherent in the Congressman’s implication that he knows “standard” Christian theology at least as well as the Pope, I wonder if he has ever consulted the website of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which articulates this, seventh principle of Catholic social teaching (i.e. “standard” Christian theology): Care for God’s Creation: We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. Those of us (myself included) who have taught Catholic social teaching within the context of a high school Religion classroom can easily assert that students and adults alike can disagree with respect to how we care for the earth, but all recognize – as a part of “standard” Christian theology that we must care for the earth. Which leads me to my next issue with Congressman Gosar’s complaint: “But to promote questionable science as Catholic dogma is ridiculous”: If Gosar is laying claim to knowledge about Catholic dogma, he might want to check his sources. In fact, according to one religious scholar, the faithful are only required to accept those teachings as dogma, if the Church clearly and specifically identifies them as infallible dogmas (i.e. incapable of error). There are 255 dogmas considered infallible by the Catholic Church and none of them reference Climate Change, its causes, effects or validity. In short, Representative Gosar – who is Jesuit-educated and considers himself a proud Catholic – mistakes the Pope’s challenge that Christians should care for the environment (a position Popes John Paul II and Benedict XI also promoted) for an arcane theological distinction that is as wide of the mark as his misunderstanding of “standard” Christian theology. Which leads me to my last issue PAGE 4
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with the Congressman’s decision to boycott the Pope’s speech : "If the Pope plans to spend the majority of his time advocating for flawed climate change policies, then I will not attend.” “If”? Really? You mean he does not know what – or even if the Pope will be “advocating for flawed climate change policies”? The Congressman boycotted the speech because he assumed that the Pope would be tackling this issue in a meaningful way. He assumed that the Pope would be arguing in favor of a position in opposition to the Congressman’s. He assumed that he would find himself in disagreement with the Pope and so could not bring himself to attend an historic occasion in which he could, at the very least, get a better understanding of the Pope’s vision for the Church in America…all because of one disputed hot-button issue. Any La Salle freshman can tell you what is wrong with Congressman Gosar’s approach – the whole process of intellectual inquiry demands that attention is paid to opposing viewpoints. Walk into any Humanities classroom at La Salle and you will encounter robust debates in which the words “Yes, but…” dominate the exchange between students and teachers. We tell our students that to hold one position without understanding the other view is intellectually dishonest and we do not accept assumptions that are not grounded in a careful examination of the contrary argument. We expect our students to hold competing views. We also expect them to not only defend their position but to attend to the opposing viewpoint. Why? Because intellectual growth and development is nurtured in the Petri dish of opinion, argument and debate. Absent that set of conditions and the kind of stalemate that has paralyzed Congress for the better part of a decade becomes the norm. Shouting replaces authentic debate. Truth is defined as “my position.” Compromise becomes impossible. As saddened as I am by Congressman Gosar’s myopic view of Pope Francis’ moral and intellectual leadership, I am all the more encouraged by the rigor of the classroom experience our students encounter on a daily basis. I am quite confident that when they leave La Salle, they will be well on their way to becoming intellectually curious adults who recognize that “Truth” is to be sought, not defined and that there is great value in seeking out opposing views. I think Pope Francis would agree.
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
© 2015
• Editor, Designer John Blackstock ’67 Director of Communications Telephone: 626.696.4316 • email: jblackstock @ lasallehs . org
Transforming Lives Since 1680 Richard Gray, Ph.D President
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please see the detailed flyer attached to this enewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
The Holidays are Coming! Programs that are free to you, earns money for La Salle and earns you a service hour! If you shop through Amazon during the holidays or all year long, you could be making money for La Salle at NO COST TO YOU. smile.amazon.com Go to: smile.amazon.com and register to support La Salle. After registering, shop at smile.amazon.com, instead of Amazon and every purchase will benefit La Salle! And don’t forget to register your Ralphs grocery card in support of La Salle as well, with the holidays coming, there is more grocery shopping! The program restarted in September, so please sign-up or re-register! Go to the La Salle website under Support LSHS, “No Cost Fundraisers” for more details. Thanks so much for your support! Tradition Continued from page 3
LOG YOUR SERVICE HOURS ON OUR WEBSITE
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Association meeting on the 10th! Please join us at the Parent Association meeting (6:10pm for refreshments with the beginning promptly at 6:30pm. Our college counselors Mr. Owen Hou, and Ms. Tina Bonacci, will give the feature presentation, and senior student will talk about writing the “dreaded” college essay. Our new Director of Admissions, Lizabeth Cadwalader, will join us as well. Athletic, Arts, and Academic Boosters meetings follow the PA meeting at 7:30pm. A message from our Service Hours Coordinators Kavita Stanek and Geri Payne: “Please be sure to log in your volunteer hours this fall, and let us know if there are any issues you would like help with. Your service hour coordinators team is available to help you with parent volunteers for
your event. Just let us know what you need and we’ll get it up on the service hours website. And if you haven’t checked the web site in awhile, there are many more volunteer opportunities posted! Check it out.” Please contact Kavita and Geri by emailing lshs.volunteer@gmail.com. To access the service hours website, go to the La Salle website at www.lasallehs.org, click on the “Parents Tab” to “PA Volunteer Website,” and follow the prompts from there. Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Holiday,
Marianne K. Wright P'16 President, Parent Association
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
See's Christmas Sale!
Please visit the La Salle website then click on the link and shop from the delicious selections for your Christmas and Holiday gifts. e
Order Your Candy Today!
Online Sale Dates: October 12, 2015 thru November 22, 2015 For questions about the sale please contact us via e-mail La SalleArtsParents@gmail.com
Proceeds Benefit La Salle High School Visual & Performing Arts Programs AN EASY WAY TO HELP LA SALLE WITH A SWEET HOLIDAY GIFT
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AMUSING SO AMUSING
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Coming Soon - The La Salle Fall Play:
The Love of Three Oranges... is a fairy tale that became a Commedia dell Arte scenario by Carlo Gozzi (1761) that then became the basis for a libretto for an opera, known by its French language title L’amour des trois oranges, a satirical opera by Sergei Prokofiev (1919) - that then was combined with a play that was based on the same commedia dell arte scenario based on the original fairy tale...confused? Here’s what is going on. Ms. Lucas, always challenging herself and others, has taken on a dynamic project for the fall play. She has chosen to combine the libretto for the opera version of the story by Sergei Prokofiev (1919) and the play by the same title by Hillary DePiano (2011) which is a modernized take on the same story, both based on the commedia dell arte scenario by Carlo Gozzi, to create a new version influenced by both. While all this is may still be confusing, the fairy tale story is not. There is a sickly prince and his father the king, who tries to help make his son happy and healthy, while other evil-doers seek to bring on the downfall of both. It is full of mischief and mayhem! Ms. Lucas and the actors have been working to create their own version of the play, using the best elements from each script to create a wild and fun theatrical experience. As always, Ms. Lucas has double and in some cases triple cast student actors in the show to make sure that as many of them get to experience the process. There will be magic, puppets, and masks and oranges, three of them!
It promises to be fun for all. The show opens Friday, November 13th at 7:00pm and plays for the following dates and times: Friday November 13 at 7:00pm Saturday November 14 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Sunday November 15 at 4:00pm
Thursday November 19 at 4:00pm – a free middle school matinee Friday November 20 at 7:00pm Saturday November 21 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Ticket prices are $12 general admission and $8 for students. Performance venue is Porticos Arts Space, 2033 E. Washington Blvd. in Pasadena. Reservations and information may be acquired by calling 626.696.4415. Reserve early to avoid disappointment.
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A Great Golf Classic
A FABULOUS FUN, FANS FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY
On a beautiful, warm, sunny Southern California day, 110 alumni, parents, students, friends and faculty gathered at beautiful Glendora Country Club to participate in the 23rd Annual La Salle Golf Classic on Monday, October 12. Golfers took to the links to test their skills in a fourperson scramble tournament, featuring ‘hole-in-one’ and ‘closest-to-the-pin’ contests on all four, Par 3 holes and two, long-drive contests. The tournament also featured both a ‘$1 Million Dollar Shootout’ and a ‘$5,000 Putt’ contest. The ‘$1 Million Dollar Shootout’ contest provides the opportunity for one lucky player to take home a $1 million dollar, 40-year annuity by sinking a 165-yard shot from the 18th fairway. The lucky name drawn was Michael Palffy ’08, who made a great shot that landed just off the right of the green. The chance to sink a 40-foot putt for $5,000 was won by Dennis Jebbia from the LSHS Board of Trustees. Unfortunately, Dennis left his difficult right-to-left breaking putt, just a tad short. Golf was followed by a cocktail reception and awards banquet in the dining room of the newly-remodeled Glendora CC clubhouse. The attendees enjoyed cocktails and plated hors d’oeuvres, while La Salle’s own, Pat Wickhem, called out the day’s raffle winners and promoted the tournament’s Silent Auction. A delicious buffet meal followed, and while everyone finished eating dinner, tournament Co-chairs, Don and Joe Olender, announced the following tournament’s winners; Master’s Flight 1st Place – Net 55 – Tommy Radle ’17, Sean Kelly ’16, Tyler Anastasia ’16 and Josh Yee ’16 2nd Place – Net 58 – Bill Kinney, William Kinney '19, Eric Means, Yasu Yohyk St. Andrew’s Flight 1st Place – Net 64 – Dan Olender, Carter Voges, Mike Sullivan ’70) and Eiji Yoshihiro 2nd Place – Net 65 – Dennis Jebbia, Pete Godfrey, Pat Wickhem, Fred Martone Pebble Beach Flight 1st Place – Net 69 – Paul Bigley ’77, Thomas Bigley ’80, Jake Bigley ’09, and Chris Bigley ’05 2nd Place – Net 70 – Steve Goldstein, Scott DoVale, Bryce Napier, Steven Garcia Closest-to-the-Pin #2 – Steve Goldstein – 8’, 0” #7 – Chris Stellar ’05 – 17’, 3” #13 – Tommy Radle ’17 – 6’, 5” #15 – Kurt Knop – 7’, 11”
Master’s Flight
Long Drives #5 – John Caulfield ’03 #18 – Michael Palffy ’08 The 23rd La Salle Golf Classic netted well over $30,000 for the school’s scholarship and athletic programs. Our thanks to all who participated, contributed and volunteered to make this year’s tournament another huge success! Special thanks to the members of the Golf Committee. PAGE 10
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Nicole Paradis '03, with proud dad, Steve Paradis
Over one hundred Lancer Golfers ready for the shotgun start!
Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, last year's Crystal Ball Maui raffle winner with Vince Fortanasce '91.
Brad Reaume '70, Joey Reaume '08, John Bottala '08 and Bryce Rutherford.
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS, GO TO LA SALLE HOME PAGE, LINK TO FLICKR AT Bottom Left
Marcus Allen joined AD, Anthony Harris on the links
After his Million Dollar attempt, Michael Palffy '08, is consoled by Golf Chair, Don Olender '70.
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NOVEMBER 2015
ParentNewsletter
From the Athletic Boosters
Lancer Athletics: A Time to be Thankful
A Very THankful time of year
I cannot believe we are headed into the holiday season already! Where has the time gone? I know it has continued to feel like summer, but maybe we will get some cooler weather to enjoy the remaining months of the year. I think November is a month to reflect on the year and all the changes that have come with it. We think about all the wonderful things that we are grateful for and maybe even what was not so great. I know my year had some very good times and yet some very trying periods, but at the end of the day, we have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful when it comes to La Salle and its sports programs for all the hours of enjoyment it has brought me for so many years: watching the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches; the long hours of practice; the game-day stress and the thrill of victory and yes, the agony of defeat. I am thankful for the immeasurable and important life-lessons that our student-athletes learn. I am also thankful and grateful for the parents who always seem to step-up when you need them. And I am thankful that they do it with a smile. I am thankful for the good conversations, the many friends and so many great Lancer memories. Cherish them while you can. And be thankful because we still have two more seasons of great Lancer Athletics ahead of us. I am giving a plug to Ed O’Connor and the Christmas tree sales program he and Student Life provide. We have purchased our tree at La Salle for the past four years and I can honestly tell you that it’s the best tree you will get for the price. (If you can buy one for a military family, that's even better. Please do so, as it's a great way to "give back."). You can read more about the Christmas trees on the La Salle website. The last Athletic Boosters meeting featured our Athletic Director, Anthony Harris. Anthony gave an excellent presentation about the progress of La Salle Athletics. I believe everyone went away more impressed with our student-athletes and coaches than before, so thank you, Anthony for doing such a great job. The Athletic Boosters are always looking for people who want to be more involved in athletics at La Salle, so please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about the boosters and our events at jdcina@sbcglobal.net. The Athletic Boosters meet immediately following the monthly Parent Association meeting in the Band Room.
God Bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
John Cina P’12,'14,'18 President, Athletic Boosters
Winter Sports Team Meeting Parents and Student-Athletes November 4, 6:00pm Page 12
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Mothers of Alumni
Holiday Luncheon and Boutique
‘Tis the Season to be Jolly! Please join the La Salle Mothers of Alumni for their annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique on Friday, November 20th at Altadena Country Club. Invitations for the luncheon will be arriving shortly.
MAC HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE NOVEMBER 20
Come get your holiday shopping done early. The boutique vendors will feature handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, goodies and much more! If you are unable to attend the luncheon, please come and shop! The boutique is open from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Lunch is served at noon. Kindly RSVP online by November 17 at
www.lasallehs.org/maclunch2015 All the proceeds from the Luncheon and Boutique support the San Miguel Scholarship Fund!
Luncheon Questions: please contact Liz Kwong at lizkwong28@gmail.com Questions about MAC please contact Lisa Urbina at Iisa.urbina@gmail.com
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From the College Counseling Center
College Center News By Owen Hou ’90 and Tina Bonacci '94 College Counselors
College Application Filing Deadlines Please be reminded that November 30 is the last day to apply to universities in 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. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DEADLINE November 30
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.
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-12/5 and ACT-12/12). Please be aware that the last day to register for the December SAT is November 5 and for the December ACT is November 6.
Senior Meetings with College Counselors Ms. Bonacci and Mr. Hou have met with the 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 hasn’t already done so.
Financing Your College Education Saturday, November 7, 9:00 – 11:00am, Blakeslee Library It is never too soon to start planning financially for college. We had originally scheduled David Levy, Associate Editor, Edvisors Network, for
this presentation. However, he is unable to attend due to health reasons. We are grateful that Lorena Avila, Financial Aid Advisor II, with University of La Verne, has graciously stepped in to speak for us that morning.
Class of 2017 – February 6 ACT During Mentor Period last month, all Juniors signed up to take the ACT at La Salle on February 6, 2016. Please confirm with your student on whether they have signed up and whether they have uploaded their photo. They have all created an ACT account and are able to retrieve their ACT registration information at www.actstudent.org. Please note La Salle has already paid for this test and there is no expense on your part. Should your student decide not to take the ACT this academic year, then we will have to bill the cost back to you.
Class of 2017 & 2018 – San Francisco Bay Area College Tour The Bay Area tour will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 12-13, 2016. The tour will leave from Burbank airport on early Friday morning, February 12 to fly to Oakland. From there, students will board a bus and begin a two day tour. They will tour UC Berkeley, Saint Mary’s College of California, University of San Francisco, Santa Clara University, Stanford, and San Jose State. They will return to Burbank the following evening, Saturday, February 13. Tour details are being finalized and registration forms will be sent in the near future.
Class of 2017 – East Coast College Tour, March 28 – April 2, 2016 We are planning to visit the following colleges during Easter Break (3/28 – 4/2): Boston College, Boston University, NYU, Emerson, Fordham, Northeastern, Penn, Harvard, Lafayette, College Center
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From the Vice President for Mission
Mind the Mission By Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, Vice President for Mission
For returning parents, you know that mid- November through Christmas Vacation is the time that we ask our students/families to get involved in our Adopt-a-Family program. Our Student Life team, in conjunction with your student’s Mentor Class, will be sharing with you information regarding this event. La Salle High School’s on-going commitment and outreach to those in our own neighborhood that need our assistance, as well as to the military families that proudly serve our nation, is part of what makes our La Salle Community so special. I thank you in advance for your generous support to these families. I continue to offer to you each year at this time a prayer that could be used for Thanksgiving Day. In going through my files, I found a prayer that I originally shared with our community about ten years ago. This prayer is adapted from “Prayers for God’s People” which is edited by Thomas Roberts:
ADOPT A FAMILY DECEMBER 12
O
God of all Creation: On this occasion of our Thanksgiving, we as a nation take rest from our labors to consider your many blessings. We thank you for our freedoms, for the opportunity to contribute our skills, our attributes and our values toward the good of society. We thank you for the mixture of our cultures, blending us into one people under God. Help us to be a light unto other nations, and to further the cause of freedom and justice all over the world. We remember those who are less fortunate than we. We lift up in prayer the victims of poverty and racism, and all those who suffer from forms of political and economic oppressions. We pray that you will bless all those who gather here, as we have come to experience your presence among us. Give us your guidance, O God, and empower us for your work. – Amen!
I pray that you have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
College Center Continued from page 14
University of Maryland, Brown, American University, Connecticut College, Georgetown, Yale, and George Washington University. Information and registration forms for the East Coast College Tour will be sent to junior parents in early November. Please contact Mr. Hou or Ms. Bonacci 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 (Wednesday to Friday, January 6 to 8), 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. PAGE 15
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The 2015 Lasallian Convocation honoring La Salle High School employees was held on October 6th in the Grinstead Theatre. Mr. Bonacci, Patrick, AFSC, receives his 30th Anniversary gift from President, Dr. Richard Gray.
Bonacci, Patrick, AFSC, P '94, '97 Primary Role: Vice President for Mission 9th and 10th Grade Academic Advisor, Administrative Board, Parent Association Advisor, Religious Studies Instructor, San Miguel Program Moderator
Convocation Celebrates 302 Years of Lasallian Sevice
25 Years Tim Stanton Maintenance and Transportation 25 Years (Top, left) Brian Miller ’79, P’03 Science Depaertmment, SmartBoard Specialist Page 16
25 Years Irene Santucci P’95 Assistant Director, Institutional Advancement for Data Base management, Crystal Ball Committee Moderator
25 Years Steve Goldstein Social Studies, Boys Golf Head Coach, Model United Nations Club Moderator
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30 Years Patrick Bonacci, AFSC P’94, ’97
25 Years Steve Goldstein Brian Miller ’79, P’03 Irene Santucci P’95 Tim Stanton
20 Years Elizabeth Mullen Ed O’Connor P’16, ’17
15 Years Tim Pendergast Ellen Slatkin P’00 Carlos Villalobos
10 Years Roy Chang Andrea Nelson Douglas Rynerson Elizabeth Serhan Dan Sheridan ’98 Glenda Smith
20 Years Elizabeth Mullen Science Department, Science National Honors Society Co-Moderator
5 Years Scott Do Vale P’14, ’17 Teresa Elmslie-Britt ’03 Dana Spence ’05
New Employees Elsa Barnard Lizabeth Cadwalader Yona Han Anthony Holyfield Yesenia Macias Beatriz McGuiness Bryan Ossa ’10 Andrew Pankow ’10 Elizabeth Silva Willie Tuitama Nelson Wong Marcia Yu
Matching Gifts AN EASY WAY TO HELP LA SALLE
If you are an employee of a matching gift company, we would love to work with you. This is an easy way to raise funds for La Salle. If you are not sure if your company participates, you can ask your employer or contact Tara Milton at: tmilton@lasallehs.org or call 626.696.4381.
20 Years Ed O’Connor P’16, ’17 Religion Department, Director of Student Life Sophomore Class Moderator
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NOVEMBER 2015
Best Christmas Trees Ever La Salle’s Student Life wants to sell you a fantastic Christmas tree! We invite you to join the families from the past years and purchase a tree for your family. All you have to do is fill out the eForm attached to this newsletter and return it with your payment to La Salle High School. On Saturday, December 5, 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 fee, we will deliver it to your house if you live within 10 miles of the CHRISTMAS TREE ORDERS DUE NOVEMBER 6
School. You can come pick out the tree yourself or have the Student Life team pick one out for you. These trees are guaranteed. If you do not like your tree, we will give you back 100% of your money. If you like bigger (8 feet and above) noble firs, you will find it hard to beat our prices. In fact, our supplier raised their prices slightly this year, but we have kept our prices the same. 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 one 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 troops and their families at Fort Irwin. Questions? Please contact Ed O’Connor, Director of Student Life at 626.696.4329 or eoconnor@lasallehs.org.
Poinsettias for Christmas Student Life $8. See eFlyer Attached PAGE 18
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
Holiday Open House Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2015 for the Wonderful Crystal Ball Gift Gathering Party at the Home of Mark and Carol Forbush P'14,'16, from 6:30 to 9:30pm
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON STARTS HERE
e Ring in the season with music performances by the La Salle Jazz Trio and Chamber Choir Share fine food and drinks with laughter and holiday cheer on this beautiful one and a half acre Estate built in 1925 by the world famous architect Roland Coates Check website for more details
RSVP Jacky Samartin by November 30 626.379.4723 or jsamartin@charter.net
Admission $30 minimum cash donation or auction item per person, includes food and all beverages PAGE 19
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
Your Favorite Team Tailgate
Are we having fun yet? On October 3rd, the Crystal Ball Gift Gathering Tailgate Party boomed through the Dining Hall. All the evening's football games were on big screen TVs as the fans enjoyed great tailgate fare. Page 20
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS, GO TO LA SALLE HOME PAGE, LINK TO FLICKR AT Bottom Left
Join us for the next Crystal Ball Christmas Gift Gathering Open House on December 5th. Please see the invitation in this newsletter. PAGE 21
ParentNewsletter
Happy Halloween!
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NOVEMBER 2015
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
MORE PHOTOS IN THE LA SALLE FLICKR GALLERY
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ParentNewsletter
The Obsequious Observer By John Blackstock, The Editor
Names in the News
GREAT STUFF TO KNOW
Principal, Brother Christopher Brady, FSC, announced today that seniors Neelan Ganesan, Robert W. Griffith and Patrick Madden have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from La Salle and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors. A bout 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT ®). The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. «These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.” Other Names in the News were seniors Samantha Hardy, Elise Holms, and Sophia Mobayen who were among the 39 finalists for the 2016 Tournament of Roses Royal Court. More than 1000 young ladies competed for this year’s Rose Court.
Homecoming Mass & Alumni Service Award
Caley Mauch '10 (above with her then principal, Patrick Bonacci, AFSC received the Alumni Service Award during the Homecoming Mass for her work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Alumni Service Award recognizes young alums who have embodied the Lasallian Mission of "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve" in their adults lives. PAGE 24
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
Homecoming Royal Court
The 2015 Lancer Homecoming Royal Court Left to right, Hayden Tapert, Kayci Jatico, Tyler Rix, Amell Bishara, Spencer Schoenbaum, Samantha Hardy, Harry Yin, Madeleine Malicdem and Christian Billings
Everything is Dig Pink!
A FUN NIGHT THAT IS NOT TO BE MISSED
Don't forget about the MAC Boutique and Luncheon, The fall play, The Crystal Ball Christmas Party, Adopt -A-Family and all the graet Lancer Holiday Concerts. See the La Salle website for times, dates and details.
Senior volleyballer, Jeniffer Haderlein, presides over the Dig Pink donation table during a recent match. The Lancers are, and always have been, big supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. PAGE 25
ParentNewsletter
NOVEMBER 2015
Check your School calendar for event times and dates
November Highlights OCTOBER 31 Saturday Halloween
JUNIOR LEADERSIP CEREMONY NOVEMBER 16
MAC HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AND LUNCHEON NOVEMBER 20
Christmas GifT Gathering Party December 5
ADOPT A FAMILY PARTY DECEMBER 12
NOVEMBER 1 Sunday Open House Noon to 2:30pm Duffy Lewis Gymnasium November 4 Winter Sports Parent Meeting 6:00- 7:30pm Dining Hall November 5 Huntington Hospital Blood Drive 7:00am - 2:00pm Dining Hall NOVEMBER 6 FOOTBALL vs St. Francis H.S.* Varsity 7:00pm Kohorst Field
NOVEMBER 16 Junior Leadership Ceremony Juniors Dress Up 7:00pm Dining Hall NOVEMBER 20 MAC Christmas Luncheon and Boutique 10:00am - 2::00pm Altadena Country Club November 24 Liturgy Schedule Dress Uniform 9:30am Dining Hall NOVEMBER 25-27 School Holiday Thanksgiving Day Holidays
NOVEMBER 9 Monday School Holiday Veterans Day Observed
DECEMBER 1 2016 - 2017 Financial Aid Applications Available
NOVEMBER 7 Financing Your Education with David Levy 9:00 - 11:00am Blakeslee Library
DECEMBER 5 Saturday Alumni Adopt-A-Family Gift Wrapping Party and Visit with Santa Grinstead Theatre 10:00am - 12:00pm
NOVEMBER 10 Parent Association Meeting 6:30pm Blakeslee Library Parent Boosters Meetings 7:30pm Campus NOVEMBER 13 The Love of Three Oranges Opening Night 7:30pm Porticos, Pasadena**
Jazz Concert 6:00 - 8:00pm Grinstead Theatre Crystal Ball Christmas Holiday Open House and Gift Gathering Party Forbush Residence Altadena 6:00 - 9:00pm
*Check website schedules for JV football game dates and times. ** Porticos Art Space, 2033 East Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104
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DECEMBER 8 Dress Uniform Liturgy: Feast of the Immaculate Conception 9:25am Dining Hall DECEMBER 10 Band /Strings Concert 4:00pm Porticos, Pasadena DECEMBER 11 AP Art Show 4:00 - 5:30pm Blakeslee Library (Runs thru December 13) Dance Concert 6:00 - 9:00pm Porticos, Pasadena DECEMBER 12 Saturday ACT Adopt-A-Family Christmas Party Campus, Dining Hall 11:00am - 1:00pm Fall Dance Concert 6:00pm Porticos, Pasadena Choir Concert 6:00 - 9:00pm Porticos, Pasadena** DECEMBER 15-18 Semester Final Exams DECEMBER 18 SnowBall Dance 7:00 - 11:00pm Dining Hall DECEMBER 18 - JANUARY 4 Christmas Holiday