CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL • ENTER TO LEARN, LEAVE TO SERVE
FALCON FAMILY NEWS “Young people need good teachers, like visible angels.” St. John Baptist de La Salle Dear Families: Good teachers, like visible angels...I love this imagery from the Founder, and it resonates deeply for me this time of year as I reflect on our Christian Brothers High School community. Each day on campus, I have the blessing of seeing our visible angels - teachers, staff, coaches, and administrators – minister to our students as they guide them in finding and fostering their God-given gifts. Each day, I see our students happily move about campus, secure and safe, in a community where they are seen and nurtured. I credit much of this to our Lasallian Catholic charism and our core principles of faith, quality education, respect, inclusivity, and concern for the poor and social justice. Put simply, relationships are at the heart of all that we do. Interestingly, results of an 85-year study out of Harvard point to the number one thing that makes us happier, healthier, and helps us live longer – positive relationships. Just as St. John Baptist de La Salle recognized that relationships were essential in reaching the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to our care, I believe it is our continued emphasis on relationships that allows Lasallian education to thrive today, more than 300 years after the Founder’s passing, in 80 countries educating nearly 1 million students.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Lasallian communities are not the result of luck or happenstance, rather they exist thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Christian Brothers in sharing their mission, vision, and values. The District of San Francisco New Orleans has invested extensive human and financial resources over the last thirty years to provide Lasallian formation opportunities to trustees, faculty, and staff. The CB community includes a number of Lasallian Leadership Institute and Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies graduates who have benefitted from these multi-year training programs. Other faculty members and staff have participated in Lasallian formation activities nationally and abroad. Our communities thrive as places of belonging, and we know that faith and spirituality, rooted in the Gospel, address the need for this. Opportunities to build supportive relationships of faith and spirituality can help lead our young people to a feeling of purpose, meaning, hope, and ultimately happiness. As such, the District of San Francisco New Orleans has developed a four-year action plan that focuses on three primary areas of action: belonging, formation, and sustainability. Each of these areas is featured in our own strategic plan – A Vision for our Future, with belonging as a key endeavor. Our call to cultivate and sustain a sense of belonging embodies how we as Lasallian view ourselves as brothers and sisters to one another and older brothers and sisters, visible angels, to the students whom God has entrusted to our care. To that end, I am pleased to share that we have expanded the role of Ms. Melissa Flowers, who will be serving as Director of Athletics, School Culture and Belonging, and have welcomed back Ms. Lauren Adams ’14 who takes on the role of School Culture and Belonging Coordinator. These two phenomenal professionals will be working closely with our Lasallian Student Life Office, Counseling and Wellness Departments, school administration, families, and ultimately our students to ensure that CB is truly the place to be and the place to belong! In that spirit, I wish you all a blessed and merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Live Jesus in our hearts!
Crystal LeRoy, Ed.D. President
Falcon Family News | December 2023
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NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT It’s that time of the year when we break down the basics of the tests that students may need to take as they consider their college options. 4-year colleges and universities are still in the process of determining whether they require a college entrance test score as part of the application process for the next few years so check their websites often. The two national tests are the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). ALL colleges and universities will accept either score. Both tests are usually offered at local area high schools 7-8 times throughout the year. Research nationally (and with our own CB students) indicated that students often perform differently on the ACT and SAT. Here is some information on each test: ACT: Has four content areas – English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning Measures academic achievement in the four areas and contains analytical and problem-solving exercises related to what has been learned in the classroom Has an optional Essay · Registration for the ACT is on the ACT website (www.actstudent.org) SAT: Tests Reading & Mathematics Test is going digital for Spring 2024 There is no longer an essay portion Focuses on problem-solving, data-analysis, evidence-based reading & writing, writing and analyzing Literature, Social Studies and Science passages Some parts of the math test now eliminate the use of calculators · Registration for the SAT is on the SAT website (www.collegeboard.com) The CB Counseling Department, like many high schools all over the country, is seeing the trend of more and more colleges becoming Test Blind or Test Optional. Check out Fair Test www.fairtest.org for a list of schools that do not require either the SAT or ACT for admissions purposes. KHAN ACADEMY and ACT ACADEMY have made an agreement with SAT and ACT to do free online test prep. You may view details of that program at the website listed above. CB VIRTUAL WELLNESS CENTER Students are using this wonderful resource to learn about important topics like self-care, managing stress, and substance abuse. All members of the CB community are welcome to click here to explore this wonderful resource.
Falcon Family News | December 2023
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NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT TIPS FOR PARENTS ON USING CB’S Scoir: Scoir is a remarkable new tool for students in all grade levels and parents to use for self-awareness or for educational, career and college planning. There is a vast amount of information on hundreds of careers and colleges, as well as the popular Scattergrams on what it might take to get into an individual school. Students have been sent invitations to set up their account and encouraged to explore this site. Parents have also been sent log-in information for their own account. Counselors will continue to present information at student/parent evenings, but parents who wish to have any specific questions answered about Scoir are urged to contact their son/daughter’s grade-level counselor or the college counselors. Scoir can be accessed by clicking on Quick Links on the front page of the CB website. https://app.scoir.com/signin Student training video: https://vimeo.com/347377952 Parent training video: https://vimeo.com/347378232 TIPS FOR FALL FINAL EXAMS The counseling department is looking forward to supporting all students during Fall final exams. Gradelevel counselors, wellness counselors, and college counselors are all here to support and guide students as this semester comes to a close. Here are some suggestions for every student to consider when preparing for their exams: Explore seeing their teacher during office hours for additional guidance or clarification of specific topics or test prep suggestions. Review study guides from instructors prior to review days and ask questions in class regarding the best way to study, weight of the exam, and other test-taking tips. Explore time management tips with the counseling department or ways to reduce anxiety during this stressful time. Make an appointment with your grade-level counselor for academic and personal coaching. Study groups are great ways to collaborate, share ideas, and help your classmates review important material. Balancing out study sessions with breaks, outdoor activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. During non-instructional hours, visit the CB Virtual Wellness Center for resources and tips for a balanced work-life approach.
Falcon Family News | December 2023
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LASALLIAN STUDENT LIFE OFFICE Kairos 92 was a success at Alliance Redwoods. Seniors built community, reflected and prayed together to celebrate their faith in the presence of God. We are grateful to the student leaders and teachers who made this Kairos possible. December is filled with rich Catholic traditions. All are welcome to the Community Mass on Friday, December 8 celebrating the Immaculate Conception. The Mass will be celebrated in the Ron Limeberger '53 Gymnasium. This is a beautiful feast as the Immaculate Conception is patroness of the United States. On Tuesday, December 5 a priest will be available all day in the Chapel of Saint Joseph. Come to spend time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or seek spiritual counseling. All are welcome. The Virgin Mary is also celebrated under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. There will be a liturgy celebrated in the George Cunningham '40 Performing Arts Center at 8 am followed by pan dulce and hot chocolate. Come be part of this rich cultural tradition. Masses are celebrated in the Chapel of Saint Joseph on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8am. All are welcome. Space is available for your Junior to participate in the Junior Retreat on January 9-10, 2024. Register here: https://permission.click/AlJO5/int
SAVE THE DATE CB FAMILY DANCE is BACK on February 24, 2024 – dancing and desserts! More info and tickets coming in January!
Falcon Family News | December 2023
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ATHLETICS Congratulations to our Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Volleyball team for being the CAL League Champions AND winning Section Championships! Congratulations to our CIF SJS Section RunnerUp teams Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Water Polo Great job, Falcons! Congratulations to Sam Nealon ‘24 and the Women’s Cross-Country team for qualifying again for the CIF State meet. Congratulations to Hannah Stouder ‘25 from the CB Women’s Golf team for qualifying for the CIF State Golf Championship in Poppy Hills and finishing 27th in the state of California. The following list contains our CAL All League Players for Fall 2023: Men’s Water Polo Ryan Delucchi ‘25 Gian Jones ‘25 Flynn Ryan ‘25 Women’s Water Polo Kadyn Carrozzo ‘25 Linnea Fulton ‘24 Lana Lukins ‘26 Anna Potter ‘25 Women’s Golf Hannah Stouder ’25 MVP Chloe Tam ‘25
THE ARTS
Women’s Volleyball Grace Carollo ‘25 Elia Constancio '24 Kemyah Harris ‘25 Simone Huarte '26 Faith Rabb-Patterson ‘25 Sydney Wallin ‘25 Co MVP James Todd - Coach of the Year Cross Country Elise Henderson ‘25 Jackson Levasseur ‘26 Sam Nealon ‘24 Evonne Nguyen ‘25
Football Lorenzo Bautista ‘24 Yonathan Cervantes ‘24 Josiah Campbell ‘25 Jay Cummings ‘26 Weston Green ‘24 Isaiah Jordan ‘25 Mason Vicari ‘24
Women’s Tennis Lillian Steenhausen ‘27 Madeleine Steenhausen ‘25 Jolie Utter ‘24
Women’s Flag Football Aleyah Harmon ‘25 Dana Greer ‘24 Devin Greer ’24 MVP Raymond Bradley - Coach of the Year
The CB Arts wraps 2023 with some Christmas Cheer. The choirs perform at the Christmas Choral Concerts on Saturday December 1, with concerts at 5 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available online only from the Ticket Hub. Friday, December 8 is Open Mic Night. Come see the talents of our CB community at 5 p.m. in the George Cunningham ‘40 Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the door!
Falcon Family News | December 2023
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PHILANTHROPY Parents did you know? Many employers match personal gifts to educational institutions made by employees, retirees, and their family members. This is an outstanding way to help CB students. Be sure to check with your company’s personnel office to find out about their matching gift program. To discover ways to give to CB visit: https://www.cbhs-sacramento.org/support/givingopportunities/ AUCTION Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance and generosity! Get ready for the most glamorous night of the year as we host our 'New York, New York' Auction in support of Christian Brothers High School education. It’s your chance to shine like a true New Yorker, so don you finest attire and show off your glamours New York Style. Tickets: On sale starting January 3, 2024. Don't forget to set a reminder!
Sponsorships: Be a cornerstone in the foundation of knowledge. Your support through sponsorship fuels opportunity, shaping futures and creating a legacy of learning. Donations: We are calling on all generous hearts to donate items for the auction. Supporting education and turion assistance from unique experiences to one-of-a-kind treasures, your contributions make a difference. Advertising: Consider a personal or company ad in the program auction. Every contribution makes an impact for students. To participate visit our auction website: https://NYCityCBAuction.givesmart.com or contact 916-733-3647 or kvillarreal@cbhs-sacramento.org
Falcon Family News | December 2023
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