CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL • ENTER TO LEARN, LEAVE TO SERVE
FALCON FAMILY NEWS Dear Families: I love this year’s homecoming theme – Lettuce Celebrate – and the clever take on Dressing to Impress with theme days including a Thousand Island tropical day and even a Ranch inspired western wear day. This whimsical take on a “romaine-tic” rite of fall may not be typical, but it sure feels like CB to me. I love that our student leaders are free to be imaginative in the ways they work to build community. I am inspired by our Lasallian Student Life Office and their hard work in ensuring that each of our more than 1,100 students is offered vibrant opportunities for exploring and experiencing faith and service, along with a plethora of activities including more than 70 clubs allowing students to connect through academic endeavors, cultural affinities, and shared interests. Our dedicated faculty, administrators, and staff create an environment that allows every student to thrive. Students at CB are valued for who they are and encouraged to find and foster their own unique God-given gifts.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Today, CB remains the largest Catholic high school in the region with more than 1,100 students joining us from 75 zip codes. The academic programs are strong, with a five-year strategic plan to continually evolve to meet the changing needs of our students. While many schools boast exclusivity, Christian Brothers High School boasts inclusivity. The most recent list from “Niche Rankings” identifies the Most Diverse Private High Schools in America. According to “Niche,” CB ranks number one locally and in the top 2 percent nationally based on ethnic, economic, and cultural diversity statistics and opinions from both students and parents. “Niche” describes a high ranking as an indication “that the school is extremely diverse and fosters a community that accepts and promotes a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, religious beliefs etc.” Over the past four weeks, the Christian Brothers Admissions team visited 30 parochial, private, and charter schools. On these visits, we were joined by our phenomenal Lasallian Student Ambassadors. Each visit is an affirmation of their shared love of CB while encouraging prospective students to attend Open House and schedule shadow visits. Each day, they affirm for me that there is no better place for young people as they prepare for success in college and life. As we prepare for Open House on Sunday, October 1, and our upcoming Shadow Days, you, as CB parents and families, are vital partners in telling our story. Prospective students and parents tell us that the positive stories shared with them by dedicated, enthusiastic CB parents, students, and alumni have inspired them to consider CB as they evaluate their high school options.Thank you to all the teachers, staff, students, parents, and families who help us to ensure that in its 148th year in Sacramento, Christian Brothers High School is still the place to be. Sincerely,
Kristen McCarthy Director of Admissions and Communications
Falcon Family News | October 2023
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NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NATIONAL TESTING DAY: Wednesday, October 11th is a very important day for students at Christian Brothers. National Testing Day is a late start/minimum day that involves the freshmen, sophomores and juniors taking practice, preliminary college entrance tests appropriate to their grade level. The exams will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and students will be dismissed earlier than normal, roughly around but no earlier than 12:00 p.m. After all grade-levels have completed their tests, they are dismissed for the day. Please note the following: Juniors will take the Digital PSAT/NMSQT Exam (preliminary SAT). This test is great practice for the SAT and allows high achieving students to qualify for participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, National Hispanic Scholars Program, and the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Black and Native American high school students. To take this exam, all 9th graders need to bring their iPad to school this morning, fully charged, with the latest iOS update, and with the Bluebook Tests app already installed. Sophomores will be taking the paper Pre-ACT. This test will be an excellent, low-risk practice for the ACT exam and students will get a very informative Career Assessment as well when results are completed. Freshmen will be taking the Digital PSAT 8/9, which will give us an excellent baseline score early on in high school and will allow us to keep statistical comparisons when the students take the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT at a later time. To take this exam, all 9th graders need to bring their iPad to school this morning, fully charged, with the latest iOS update, and with the Bluebook Tests app already installed. Seniors will be given the day off – however, this day is a great opportunity for visiting local colleges. Seniors may be ready to begin applying to colleges in October and if they have not visited local or regional colleges yet, this day is a perfect time to schedule a tour while the college is in full swing! Here are some tips to help students do their best on the exam: Remind your child to get plenty of rest the night before the test. Students should eat a nutritious breakfast the morning of the test. Food and drink (including water) are prohibited during the test, except during breaks. (The cafeteria will not be open that day, so students who will be staying on campus for sports practices, etc. may want to bring a snack or bag lunch). Remind your student this is practice and not an official score that is submitted to colleges. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors should make sure to check Schoology messages from their grade-level counselor regarding test prep materials, room assignments, and extra tips for the testing day. Remind your student (at all three grade levels) to bring two sharpened #2 pencils and his/her calculator. Digital PSAT 8/9 and NMSQT exams will have a calculator built into the Bluebook Exams app so they can use that app or bring their own calculator. Information as to acceptable calculators for both exams can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s grade-level counselor. Upcoming Counseling Dates: October 5 “College Financial Aid Night for Seniors and Parents” (6-8 pm in the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center) October 7 SAT Exam (CB is a test center for this exam) October 11 Testing Day for 9th-11th grade / Seniors can do local college visits. October 28 ACT Exam (CB is a test center for this exam) Every Tuesday Seniors: College App Workshops (7:45 - 8:40 a.m. and 2:50 - 3:30 p.m., Rm. 103)
Falcon Family News | October 2023
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LASALLIAN STUDENT LIFE OFFICE The Homecoming Dance is Saturday, October 7. For inquiries visit the LSLO. October is filled with many exciting events at the Lasallian Student Life Office. The Brothers of the Christian Schools will visit CB to speak about the culture of vocations to our freshmen. These presentations will take place during Religious Studies Classes. On Friday, October 13, CB will gather for our monthly prayer service. The theme is “Family Matters.” The prayer service will take place in the gym and all are invited. The Brothers will address the community at this service as well. Our first group of students will head to VENAVER Yakima from October 15-20. This is a wonderful service trip where students are exposed to the life of Native Americans. Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Spiritual Guidance will be available to the whole community on Thursday, October 26 from 9:30-11 a.m. in the Chapel of Saint Joseph. All are welcome.
THE ARTS Do you know about Open Mic? You should! Open Mic is a student run club that hosts four Open Mic Nights throughout the year in our beautiful George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center. Interested? Our stage is your stage! Here’s how to get involved: 1. Put an act together: past acts have included bands, singers, instrumentalists, unicycle jugglers (really), taiko drummers, folklórico dancers, spoken-word poets, small skits, and even a kid telling dad jokes. All music and acts must be CB appropriate. 2. Audition! Show up to the choir room (802) right after school on Monday, October 9 or Tuesday, October 10. If you have a band that can’t haul all their equipment in or prefer to audition by video, you can send a video submission to Mr. Fleming. 3. Come to the show. Our first show is Friday, October 20 from 5-7 p.m. It’s a day packed with CB fun, so stay on campus, grab a snack at the snack bar, and come to the theatre for Open Mic at 5 p.m. Tickets are $2 at the door. After the show, head over to the stadium for the home football game. What a great start to the weekend! Want to help with Open Mic but being on stage isn’t for you? Join Open Mic club and help plan, decorate, and work tech for Open Mic nights. Email Mr. Fleming to join. Falcon Family News | October 2023
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ATHLETICS Come and support our fall senior athletes at the following senior night games or matches. Women’s Golf vs Capital Christian – October 10, 3:30 p.m. @ Bing Maloney Golf Course Women’s Volleyball vs Vacaville – October 11, 6:15 p.m. @ CB Women’s Flag Football vs Capital Christian – October 12, 6 p.m. @ CB Women’s Tennis vs El Camino – October 19, 4:30 p.m. @ Laguna Racquet Club Water Polo vs Bella Vista – October 24th, 5 p.m. @ SCC Football, Cheer, and Athletic Trainers vs Vista del Lago – October 27th, 7 p.m. @ CB Cross Country will honor their seniors at the end of the season banquet. Any student wishing to try out for a Winter Sport on Monday, October 30 must have an updated physical on FinalForms and all the FinalForms parent and student forms signed to participate. To add your student to a tryout group, use the sport button on your individual Final Forms account.
Falcon Family News | October 2023
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PHILANTHROPY
THANK YOU! On September 8th, Christian Brothers hosted the 34th annual Christian Brothers Extravaganza! We welcomed 104 different vendors including some of the most popular chefs, brewers, and vintners the Sacramento Region has to offer. Hip Service had a crowd of over 1,800 guests dancing the night away. Most importantly, we were able to raise over $190,000 in one night for tuition assistance! Thank you to all the sponsors, the breweries, and vineyards who make this event possible every year. We couldn't achieve this massive event without your unwavering support! Finally, thank you to all the alumni, parents, teachers, and friends of the school who showed up for a great cause, reconnected with old friends, and celebrated with us all night long! You are what makes this CB community Special!
Be a part of Christian Brothers High Schools’ Annual Auction! This is an exquisite event supporting educational programming and tuition assistance. This year we will celebrate under the ‘bright lights’ of the ‘city that never sleeps’. Help partake in the fun and excitement of creating an unforgettable event. There are a variety of ways to participate: Attend the event – Tickets go on sale January 3, 2024. Be sure to mark your calendar! Become a sponsor – Show your commitment to a CB education through sponsorship. There are a variety of sponsorship levels available to showcase your support. Find out more here. Donate – This could include an item, experience or monetary donation. Volunteer – Join us Thursday, October 19 at 5:30 p.m. for the Next Auction Committee Meeting. We always welcome new faces! For more information and to RSVP please visit: VolunteerHub - Auction Meeting
CB Extravaganza Recap video We value and appreciate all participation in support of CB students…Thank you! For more information about the Auction please contact Kim Villarreal, Director of Parent Relations at (916) 733-3647 or kvillarreal@cbhs-sacramento.org or visit CB’s ‘New York, New York’ Auction website at: https://NYCityCBAuction.givesmart.com
Falcon Family News | October 2023
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