December 2021 FALL SEMESTER
C H R I ST IA N B R O T H E R S H IG H S C HO O L
E N T E R T O L E A R N , L E AV E T O SE RV E
FALCON FAMILY NEWS A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT “Have as great a care and love for the children entrusted to you as Saint Joseph had for the Child Jesus. You have been commissioned by God to look after these children just as Saint Joseph did with the Child.” – St. John Baptist de La Salle DEAR FAMILIES: With the season of Advent upon us, I find myself reflecting on these words from the Founder and the sacred responsibility we hold in caring for our students as St. Joseph did for the Child. Each day on campus, I have the blessing of seeing our teachers, staff, coaches, and administrators work tirelessly to put this care and love into action. This fall, I have had the added gift of seeing it embodied by our families, alumni, and friends through our Educational Visioning Process. Crafting a meaningful five-year strategic plan for our school is no small feat, and to truly get it right, it is imperative that we are collaborative and truly listening to the voices that matter – our students, families, faculty, staff, and friends. I am grateful to all who completed our initial surveys. We recognize that the process was lengthy, and we are appreciative that so many of you shared your time and insight. On November 10, we hosted Round Table discussions. When organizing the event, I must admit that I was not certain that we would have many attendees the evening before the Veterans Day holiday. As it turned out, my worry was misplaced and we welcomed a full house of participants eager to share and enthusiastic to take a look at where we have been, assess where we are now, and help inform a vision that positions the school for transformational change and long-term sustainability.
Lasallian Charism & Catholic Identity: Br. Dan Morgan, FSC, and Rev. Guillermo Hernandez Philanthropy: Mrs. Mary Ann Burford, Mrs. Kamal Khaira, and Ms. Laine Himmelmann ’06 Student Life: Mrs. Stephanie Cooper-Noe and Mrs. Lisa Levasseur Collectively, this incredible group of alumni, families, and friends show me just what it means to “Have as great a care and love for the children entrusted to you as Saint Joseph had for the Child Jesus.” I am humbled and grateful to share in this experience. We look forward to collaborating further in envisioning a future for our students that includes the finest possible education in a faith-filled, diverse, and inclusive environment that allows all students to truly belong as they find and foster their God-given gifts. 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
We are blessed to have dedicated domain chairs and staff members working on this endeavor. Heading up the effort are our Steering Committee Chairs, Mrs. Susan Larson and Ms. Renee Malaki ’76, both phenomenal longtime educators and supporters of the school. Joining them is a wonderful group of volunteers generously giving of their time, talent, and energy to build a brighter future for our school by looking closely into the following key areas of operations: Academics/Technology: Ms. Heather Alumbaugh and Dr. Heidi Harrison Enrollment: Mr. John Fondale ’83, Aldo Soriano ’99, and Mrs. Gina Vanacore ’84 Facilities/Tech: Mr. Ron Metzker and Mr. John Nunan Finances: Ms. Marianne Evashenk and Ms. Margarita Fernandez Governance: Mrs. Janet Ruggiero and Mr. Donald Fitzgerald
INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Counseling • Lasallian Student Life Office • Media, Visual and Performing Arts
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG
• Athletics • Challenge Success • Auction 2022
1
COUNSELING College Entrance Exams 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. Four-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:
the highest score, we recommend that students consider taking both tests at least once if possible. However, CB’s College Counselors and college admissions representatives do not ask or expect students and families to travel great distances to test. If testing is not available in your area, colleges are flexible and understanding. Also, if your student does not do well on standardized tests or testing locations do not open this spring, check out Fair Test 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.
ACT
CB SAT Prep Class for Juniors
• 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.
CB is once again offering an SAT prep course for the Class of 2023 students planning to take the SAT on March 12 or May 7 of 2022. The class will be taught by our own math and English teachers and will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on four Saturdays. When: February 5, 19, 26 and March 5 Registration Information: More specific information on how to register for this prep course will be available on the school website once we return from Christmas break.
SAT
• Tests reading and math • There is no longer an essay portion. • Focuses on problem-solving, data-analysis, evidence-based reading and 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 College Board website. The UC system is suspending the standardized test requirement for all California freshmen applicants until the fall of 2024. At this time, we are waiting for other college and university systems to make a decision for the Class of 2023 and beyond. Though the trend seems to be to take college entrance exams earlier and earlier in a student’s high school career, we do not see any significant benefit to this action for most students. Sometimes waiting until a student finishes Algebra 2 or junior year English can greatly improve scores. There is never a penalty for taking a test early or for taking a test more than once. Colleges will see every SAT score (unless a student chooses SAT score choice, which we do not recommend), but they always take the highest score. Many private colleges and the CSUs take a student’s highest score from each section during different sittings and combine them into the highest possible score (called the “super-score”). Since colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT and take
CB ACT Prep Class for Juniors We are also offering an ACT prep class at CB in March, leading up to the exam we host on April 2. The course will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. When: TBD Registration Information: More specific information on how to register for this prep course with an external service will be available on the school website in early spring.
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 on the CB website under the Log-in Center section. • Student training video • Parent training video
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG
2
LASALLIAN STUDENT LIFE OFFICE
MEDIA, VISUAL, AND PERFORMING ARTS
Morning Mass
The holidays are here and CB artists are in the Christmas spirit!
Please come and join us for morning mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays in St. Joseph’s Chapel at 8:00 a.m. All students, families, faculty, and staff are invited to join us to celebrate the Eucharist together with our CB community.
Freshmen Class Retreat Becoming, the Freshmen Class Retreat, is an opportunity for freshmen to look at their own goodness and explore who they are becoming. Freshmen will spend this day in reflection at the Sacramento State Newman Center. The dates for the retreat are January 25 or February 16. This is a one-day retreat. Sign-ups will be sent to freshmen families to select a date for students to attend.
Sophomore Class Retreat “Quest” is the sophomore retreat during which we will focus on our values and choices. What is important to us and what influences the decisions that we make? Sophomores will spend a day learning to honor their values and choices through a faith-filled lens. This one-day retreat will be held at the Sacramento State Newman Center on either February 9 or March 22. Sign-ups will be sent to sophomore families to select a date to attend.
Falcon Family Drop-off Drive The December Falcon Family Drop-off Drive is scheduled for Saturday, December 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Donations will be accepted the week before, from December 6 to December 10 at the Lasallian Student Life Office. On the day of the drive, families are invited to bring unwrapped donations to the front of the school. This drive will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento. The following items are being accepted: Board games, new books, crafts for kids, stuffed animals, sports balls, Legos, art supplies, dolls, action figures, STEM projects for kids, puzzles, remote-controlled vehicles, gift cards, self-care or beauty items, tech accessories, sports equipment, or new clothing. The Social Action Leadership Team will be wrapping the various gifts and delivering them to the Boys and Girls Club. SALT will need boxes, gift wrapping paper, and tape to wrap all of the wonderful gifts you will be donating. Please donate what you have and can spare. Donations will be accepted at the Lasallian Student Life Office until December 11.
Support a CB Family for the Holidays Beginning on December 1, please stop by the Christmas Tree in the main hall and pick up an ornament to donate a gift to members of our community in need during this holiday season. Gift cards can be dropped off to the LSLO until Friday, December 10.
Ariana Milner ’24 performs Aztec dances for Latino Heritage Week In November, the La Raza Club shared the beautiful artistry of Latino culture with the school. Students made artistic and moving ofrendas dedicated to deceased loved ones and shared them in the main hall. And on a special Activity Wednesday, club members entertained students and staff with Aztec dancing, traditional dances from the state of Veracruz, and singers performing “La Llorona” and “Por Un Amor.” Thanks to La Raza for showcasing student talent and Latino culture at CB!
Christmas Instrumental Concert The Christmas Instrumental Concert is first up on Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Maslen and a variety of CB instrumental groups will help you ring in the holidays with classic favorites and a few new tunes as well. Tickets are available online only at this link, so don’t wait!
Christmas Choral Concert Then it’s time to sing “Fa La La” with the Christmas Choral Concert on Saturday, December 4. With two chances to get in on the fun at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., pick the show time that works for you. CB’s six choirs are all set to have a holly jolly good time and you won’t want to miss it. Tickets are available online only at the CB Ticket Hub.
Open Mic Night To send us all on our way for a joyful holiday season is Open Mic Night on Friday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. This night features the many varied talents of all in the CB community. From singers and musicians to dancing and poetry, Open Mic Nights have something for everyone. Auditions continue on December 1 after school in the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center. If you’ve got a talent to share, our stage is your stage!
Visual Arts Visual Arts students Nayeli Reynoso ’23, Olivia Geronimo ’23, Lana Storm ’23, Abby Boyers ’22, Isaiah Jones ’23 and alumna Raquel Silva ’21 have works that were featured in the St. John Vianney parish magazine, “Built On The Rock.” Congratulations to our talented artists for sharing their gifts with the greater Sacramento community!
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG
3
ATHLETICS Join the Auction Committee!
College Signing Day On Wednesday, November 17, our Athletic Department celebrated the official College Signing Day for our senior student-athletes in the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center. The following athletes signed NCAA National Letters of Intent: • Lilian Patock ’22: Volleyball – Boise State University • Jacob Tandy ’22: Baseball – University of the Pacific We are proud of these student-athletes and look forward to their continued success.
We’re Off to the Races for Auction 2022 and event planning is up and running! The Auction Committee is looking for volunteers to saddle up and help with planning, outreach, event support, and more. Visit the Support CB tab of the website to see the different volunteer opportunities and get involved or contact us at philanthropy@cbhs-sacramento.org.
CAL Congratulations to our CAL League Champion teams for Fall 2021: Women’s Golf and Women’s Volleyball! The following list contains our CAL All League Players for Fall 2021. Women’s Varsity Volleyball • Alexis Adebodun ‘22 • Brooke Bonetti ‘22 • Drew deGuzman ‘23 • Gillian Hurley ‘22 • Lilian Patock ‘22 (MVP) Women’s Golf • Briann (Brie) Briggs ‘23 • Maddy McFall ‘23 • Alison Oliveira ‘22 • Nicole Staggs ‘23 • Hannah Stouder ‘25 Women’s Water Polo • Brooke Brandenburger ‘22 • Melody Lednicky Lehman ‘22 • Logan Tiska ‘23 Men’s Water Polo • Adam Corgiat ‘23 • Patrick Cahill ‘22 • Jack Vicari ‘23
Cross Country • Ryan Dong ‘22 • Samuel Nealon ‘24 • Reign Saldana ‘24 • Elise Henderson ‘25 • Elise Perkins ‘25 Women’s Tennis • Tessa Easterling ‘22 • Lena Mikacich ‘22 Football • Landon Howard ‘23 (Lineman of the Year) • Phillip Bell ‘25 • Jake Elorduy ‘22 • Avante Lee ‘22 • Dustin Regino ‘23 • Jackson Tallent-Burleson ‘22
Please join us for: The Well-Balanced Student for CB Parents & Guardians with Jen Coté from Challenge Success, on January 6, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. (75 minutes, including Q&A) In a high-stakes, high-pressure culture, parent and school expectations may have unintentional but damaging effects on students. Increasing demands on students may lead to unhealthy stress, resulting in burnout, disengagement, or poor physical and mental health symptoms. This interactive webinar examines the tension that parents, students, and teachers often experience over issues such as homework, grades, and the culture of competition, and offers tools for creating a healthier school climate. We will also be looking at some of the data from the recent Challenge Success Student Survey.
Gather the family, bundle up…drive, bike or stroll, and share the holiday spirit with fellow CB families!
Auction Gift Gathering & Christmas Lights Tour Wednesday, December 15, 2021 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm First Stop: Limelight Bar & Café – 1014 Alhambra Blvd.
(corner of Alhambra Blvd. & J Street)
• Drop off your auction donation. • Support a fellow CB family by having a drink or dinner at Limelight. •
Pick up your Christmas Passport & Map, entitling you to cookies & cocoa at any of the CB Cheer Stations, located at homes throughout the Fab 40s.
Questions? Contact Lisa Travis at lisatrav@sbcglobal.net Special thanks to the Mikacich Family of Limelight Bar & Café and all our host families!
Happy December!
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG
4