Falcon Family News - December 2022

FALCON FAMILY NEWS

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CBHS PRESIDENT Merry Christmas Falcon Families,

As I write this letter, the songs, and scenes of our fall musical, “Seussical,” continue to swirl through my mind. The whimsical set, memorable music, and performances by the entire cast, band, and crew were phenomenal. This year, we were even able to welcome our wonderful kindergarten through third grade neighbors from Oak Ridge Elementary School for an afternoon performance. It was incredible to see the theater filled with such an enthusiastic and joyful audience.

What a blessing it was to be in Oak Park that day, and truly every day. In the words of Horton “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I am profoundly grateful for our faculty, staff, families, alumni, and friends who care “a whole awful lot.” Thanks to them all, Christian Brothers High School continues to thrive as the place to be and the place to belong, as we prepare our students for success in college and beyond.

What a thrill it is to see the return of some beloved events, such as the CB Extravaganza, one of our biggest school fundraisers of the year. At that event, which featured donated local food, wine and beer, live music, and dozens of community volunteers, more than 2,000 attendees celebrated our party with a purpose raising more than $150,000 in support of the school’s need-based tuition assistance program!

Our Lasallian Student Life Office hit the ground running organizing VENAVER service immersion trips, Kairos retreats, sophomore and junior class retreats, community Masses and prayer services, and numerous meaningful opportunities to serve others. These are crucial to building and strengthening relationships between students and God. Club Day saw the formation and promotion of more than 60 student-led clubs to ensure that all students have an opportunity to participate in CB’s vibrant campus life.

Our community has rallied around our athletic teams, celebrating successful seasons for football,

volleyball, cross country, water polo, cheerleading, and tennis. You all showed up for student athletes and coaching staff by attending games, supporting the team, and showing our athletes in action on social media. Go Falcons!

For all of this and more, we thank God. And as we head into the Christmas season and prepare our resolutions for the year to come, we pray for the continued health of our students, faculty, and staff. We look forward to a successful search for the next Principal of CB and finding the best leader to continue our phenomenal tradition of Lasallian Catholic education in Sacramento. I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year!

Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever!

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL ENTER TO LEARN, LEAVE TO SERVE

Together and By Association, Dr. Crystal LeRoy, Ed.D. CBHS President

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

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! (Also, see below for a quick resource on whether your school will require the ACT or SAT!) 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 information

• 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

Some Schools May Not Require SAT/ACT For Admissions

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 2024 and beyond. Check out Fair Test for a list of schools that do not require either the SAT or ACT for admissions purposes.

SAT information

• Tests Reading & Mathematics

• 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

Free SAT/ACT Prep

• KHAN ACADEMY and ACT ACADEMY have made an agreement with SAT and ACT to do free online test prep. Click the links above to check out these free services.

• CB is once again offering an SAT Prep course for the Class of 2024 students planning to take the SAT on March 11, 2023. The class will be taught by our own Math and English teachers and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 11, 18, 25 and March

4. Registration Information will be announced and available on the school website once we return from Christmas break.

NEW! Student Support Resources Guide

There is a wealth of resources available to students to support their success at CB. In a collaborative effort involving Administration, Grade-Level and Wellness Counseling, and the Academic Resource Center, the school is publishing a document integrating many of the key resources available to help students survive and thrive at Christian Brothers. Please click here to view or download the document. It lists key areas of support:

• Teacher Office Hours & Peer tutoring

• The Academic Resource Center

• Building Effective Study Skills

• Stress Management Tools

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.

Tips for Parents on Using Scoir

Scoir is a new tool for all students and parents to use for self-awareness or for educational, career and college planning. Access 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 and parents should have received invitations to set up their account and are encouraged to explore this site. Parents who have specific questions about Scoir are urged to contact their son/daughter’s grade-level counselor or the college counselors (see below.) Scoir can be accessed here or by clicking on Quick Links on the front page of the CB website. There are also training videos for students and parents if you need more information.

Final Exams

Finals and review days are December 12-20. View the schedule here

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. Below are some suggestions for every student to consider when preparing for their exams:

Tips for Final Exams

• See a teacher during office hours for additional guidance or clarification of specific topics or test prep suggestions.

• Consider visiting Drop-In Peer Tutoring both before or after school. Click here for additional details.

• 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.

• Study groups are great ways to collaborate, share ideas, and help your classmates review important material.

Counselor Quick Contact Guide

Michelle Timm

Grade Level Counselor for the Class of 2026

916-733-3613

John Riley-Portal Grade Level Counselor for the Class of 2025

916-733-3678

Armando Diaz ’94 Grade Level Counselor for the Class of 2024, Counseling Dept. Chair 916-733-3692

Kirk Purdy Grade Level Counselor for the Class of 2023 916-733-3686

Emily McDougall Wellness Counselor

916-733-3688

Juanita Patterson ’81 Wellness Counselor

916-733-3655

Melissa McClellan Director of College Counseling

916-733-3679

April Melarkey College Counselor 916-733-3658

Cynthia Grajeda Administrative Assistant 916-733-3680

• Balance out study sessions with breaks, outdoor activity, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.

• Visit the CB Virtual Wellness Center for resources and tips for a balanced work-life approach.

Serve in the Oak Park Community!

There are several opportunities to serve our Oak Park neighbors this year. We need students to support after-school tutoring at Saint Patrick’s SUCCEED Academy, Oak Ridge Elementary School, and Keith B. Kenney Elementary school. Please have your student reach out to Mr. Elorduy to get involved. Other opportunities arre available through the MobileServe app or by visiting Ms. Fernandez in the LSLO.

Annual Toy Drive

Students from the Social Action Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.) will hosts its annual toy drive to support the children at the Boys and Girls Club in Greater Sacramento from December 5 through 9. Please bring donations to morning drop off.

Festival of Trees

The LSLO will support the Festival of Trees at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday, December 2. This event is the largest fundraiser for the Cathedral in support of all its social ministries as a parish. Contact Ms. Fern at the LSLO if you are a student interested in decorating a Christmas Tree for this event.

Immaculate Conception Liturgy

All are welcome to participate in the school-wide liturgy celebrating the Immaculate Conception. This is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics and a wonderful moment for all to come together for prayer. The liturgy will be on Thursday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m. in our school gym and is hosted and organized by God Squad, our student led Campus Ministry Team. Students are expected to come in liturgy attire.

Ruby Bridges Walk with Keith B. Kenney Elementary School

On November 14, several CB students, faculty, and staff participated in a project initiated by AAA in partnership with Keith B. Kenney elementary school to celebrate the brave efforts of Ruby Bridges in 1960 to desegregated Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. We celebrated her this civil rights landmark by walking students down MLK Jr. Blvd. to the Keith B. Kenney campus with their community. A special note, Fr. Keith B. Kenney was a CB graduate!

ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER

Saturday, March 18, 2023

We are just 3 months away from the biggest fundraising event of the year, our Annual Auction. Our goal this year is to raise $500,000 to help our students pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and co-curriculars, but we need your help!

SPONSORSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING: Contact Kim Villarreal, Director of Parent Relations at via email or at (916) 733-3647 for personal or business sponsorships and to join our Auction Committee. Please reach out before the end of the year!

Thank you to our Presenting Platinum Sponsor: Capital Pediatrics-The Khaira Family!

Thank you to the rest of our sponsors, which can be found here

GIFT GATHERING PARTY IN GREENHAVEN:

Date/Time: January 28, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Hosts: The Dong, Brennan, Briggs, Dulucci, & San Julian Families

Address: 7616 West Vista Way, Sacramento, CA

Details: Bring an auction donation (item or experience) and enjoy refreshments and quality time with other CB parents and friends!

AMAZON WISHLIST: Click here for donation ideas. Pro Tip: Experiences and household items, like barbecues, are always a hit!

Website: ParisCBAuction.givesmart.com

Text: ParisCBAuction to 76278

Congratulations CB Football, our CAL League Champion Team for the Fall 2022!

Congratulations to our Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country team for qualifying again for the CIF State meet!

Congratulations to our CIF SJS Section Runner up teams Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Water Polo!

CAL All League Fall Players

The following list contains our CAL All League Players for the Fall of 2022. Congratulations, Falcons!

WOMEN’S WATER POLO

Logan Tiska ‘23

Carolyn Kauss ‘23

Linnea Fulton ‘24

Amili Aceves ‘25

FOOTBALL

Phillip Bell III ‘25 –Offensive Player of the Year

Landon Howard ‘23 –Defensive Player of the Year

Ezekial Castex ‘25

Yonathan Cervantes ‘24

Cooper Jennings ‘23

Erik Jensen ‘23

Isaiah Jordan ‘25

Lucas Krenn- Brown ‘23

Marcus Price ‘23

Dustin Regino ‘23

Mason Vicari ‘24

VOLLEYBALL

Elia Constancio ‘24

Drew deGuzman ‘23

Simone Huarte ‘26

Kimora McKechnie ‘23

CROSS COUNTRY

Elise Henderson ‘25

Sam Nealon ‘24

Alicia Romani ‘23

Reign Saldana ‘24

Tyler Simi ‘23

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Malia Scullary ‘23

Madeleine Steenhausen ‘25

WOMEN’S GOLF

Brie Briggs ‘23

Cali Rapolla ‘23

Nicole Staggs ‘23

Hannah Stouder ‘25

MEN’S WATER POLO

Jack Vicari ‘23

Gian Jones ‘25

Flynn Ryan ‘25

Ryan Delucchi ‘25

MEDIA, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Instrumental Christmas Concert

Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7pm. Mr. Maslen and the band kids will get your feet tapping with favorite tunes, so don’t miss out. Tickets are $5 for all and available online here

Choral Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 3 at 5pm and 7pm. From a cappella to rockin’ Christmas hits, this concert will put you in a festive mood. Tickets are $5 and available here

Christmas Open Mic Night

The Christmas Open Mic Night is Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door only. Come see the eclectic talents of our CB Community and share in the Christmas cheer.

Oak Ridge Elementary School Visit to Seussical

Mrs. Christianson ‘01 and Mr. Jackson invited our neighbors, Oak Ridge Elementary, to Seussical. On November 17, CBHS hosted nearly 300 students in first through third grades for a performance in George Cunningham ‘40 Performing Arts Center. For many students, it was the first time they had seen a live production. According to their energy and praise after the show, it was a big hit and they had a special opportunity to high-five and shake hands with the cast after the performance.

FOTA Family Arts Pass

Do you like to catch lots of arts events with your family? Did you know there’s a pass for that? The FOTA Family Arts Pass is $75 for the whole school year and grants four tickets to one performance of each arts event. After three events it has paid for itself and then some! You can get yours here

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Sign up to become a volunteer for events like the Annual Auction!

To make it easier to volunteer, we launched a new CB VolunteerHub website over the summer. CLICK HERE to find the various opportunities available.

CLICK HERE to find out more about volunteerism at CB, including information about background checks, or email KVillarreal@cbhs-sacramento.org.

LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL

WELLNESS FAIR

THANKSGIVING PRAYER SERVICE

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE FUN AT CB!

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS SNAPSHOTS