FALCON FAMILY NEWS
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
DEAR FAMILIES:
Welcome to the 2022-23 school year. Our 147th year of Lasallian Catholic education is off to a fantastic start with solid enrollment, energized teachers and staff, and some exciting programming changes that we pray will enrich our community and promote an even richer sense of belonging among our Falcons.
I was blessed to attend the Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice in July. This two-year Lasallian program focuses on deepening our understanding of St. John Baptist De La Salle’s story and vision, Lasallian pedagogy, the Lasallian promotion of justice, and Lasallian spirituality while utilizing contemporary texts to inform and influence current and future Lasallian practice. It was incredible to see how our Lasallian Catholic mission, which men created for boys in 17th century France, has evolved to a majority female student body in 80 countries and more than 1,100 educational institutions. Exciting to me was the Christian Brothers’ embrace of the call of Vatican II to serve the contemporary world while remaining faithful to the founding charism. By doing so, Lasallian Catholic schools continue to change to meet the needs of the students of “today” while holding close our dedication to touching the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to our care. This experience certainly deepened my love of our Lasallian Catholic charism and my appreciation for our incredible faculty and staff who work tirelessly to “show that you have a real love” for our students.
This year, we are thrilled to introduce the Nurture Every Student Together advisory program – the Nest. Every student belongs to a “Nest,” which will serve as a homeroom and CB family. The Nest meets approximately every two weeks to provide each student with consistent support and guidance from a school staff member. These advisors advocate for their group of students and facilitate the planned activities of the advisory program. To effectively serve the specific student population, activities range from implementing gradelevel curriculum and facilitating meaningful discussions to distributing important school information. The Nest will also be where students can establish longterm relationships with peers as the groups will remain together throughout their time at CB. On alternating weeks, we adjusted the schedule to accommodate time for clubs, community activities, and academic support.
To add to our student services, I’m pleased to share that longtime CB math teacher, Ms. Lorie Frias, will be working in the Academic Resource Center full time. Ms. Juanita Patterson ’81, a wellness counselor, has also come on board to supplement the phenomenal work of Emily McDougall, our wellness coordinator. Please also join me in welcoming new faculty members; Sister Maria Aguilar (World Languages), Mr. Thomas Fleming ‘04 (Social Studies), Mr. Joshua Hammer ’12 (Religious Studies), Ms. Dawn Jackson (World Languages), Mr. Roberto Montes (World Languages), Ms. Lilia Pellegri (World Languages), Mr. Gregory Potter (Science), Ms. Saumure (World Languages), Ms. Michelle Timm (Class of 2026 Academic Counselor), Ms. Amanda Valine (Mathematics), Ms. Ashley Wake (English), and Mr. Carson Whitesell (Mathematics). Mr. Manolito Jaldon and Ms. Anna Fernandez have taken on new roles in the Lasallian Student Life Office as the Director and Assistant Director, respectively. I know they have exciting plans to make this a faith-filled, enriching year for all.
On behalf of our entire faculty and staff, thank you for entrusting us with the blessing of your children. We are committed to their care and look forward to making this a wonderful year!
Live Jesus in our hearts!
“By the care you take of your students, show that you have a real love for them.”-St. John Baptist de La Salle
Welcome to Christian Brothers, new and returning families! The Counseling Department continues its tradition of supporting students through their academics and co-curriculars, while maintaining a deep commitment to the Lasallian charism and a desire to be “big brothers and sisters” to our students. This month, counselors are busy assisting students with academic planning, offering personal issue support, helping plan strategies for academic success, and distributing a lot of college planning information. Each grade-level counselor is also scheduling individual and/or small group conferences with each of their students.
FRESHMEN
Mrs. Michelle Timm (Class of 2026 Counselor) will be teaching the class about Scoir. Students will then be able to access this important college and career planning and personal awareness website. Mrs. Timm will also hand out an information packet on how to be successful at CB and utilize counselors. This will take place during their pre-scheduled small-group conference. On Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center, the Counselors will host all freshmen parents for “Making High School Count”. We will give parents a preview of what to expect from the Counseling Department over the next four years and discuss important issues concerning Academic, Personal and College Counseling. This informative evening will also include an athletics orientation.
SOPHOMORES
Mr. John Riley-Portal (Class of 2025 Counselor) will be checking in with the sophomores, having them log into Scoir, and completing the Career Profile Assessment. He will also be handing out the Student Guide to the Pre-ACT for the October 12 test. It includes sample questions and a practice test that gives them a preview of the full-length ACT.
JUNIORS
Mr. Armando Diaz ’94 (Class of 2024 Counselor) will be visiting junior English classes along with our College Counselors (Ms. Melissa McClellan and Mrs. April Melarkey) to discuss college planning. Juniors are encouraged to begin the college search process on Scoir this year. They will be receiving their Official Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT so they can prepare for the October 12 test as well.
SENIORS
Mr. Kirk Purdy (Class of 2023 Counselor) will be joined by Ms. Melissa McClellan and Mrs. April Melarkey (College Counselors) as they continue their classroom visits covering important topics and due dates for the college admissions process. He and the college counselors will host “College Night for Seniors and Parents” on Thursday, September 1 at 6:00 pm in the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center, to present important and timely college information to seniors and their parents.
WELLNESS
Mrs. Emily McDougall and Mrs. Juanita Patterson ’81 continue their individual sessions with students in need of personal, wellness support. Be on the lookout for weekly Wellness Wednesday emails that go directly to the students via Schoology.
Other Reminders
Monitor these early weeks of school and make certain your child attends to the following tasks:
• Juniors and Seniors should schedule visits to colleges they haven’t seen yet. They are each allowed two excused days to visit colleges but must complete the proper paperwork in advance. Seniors will soon refine their list of “target”, “reach” and “likely” colleges and initiate the application process.
• It is crucial that students listen to and read the daily announcements, watch KBFT, and check Schoology in order to hear about important events, including college evenings and application workshops. Remind your student to sign up on Scoir for on campus college rep visits and to attend the Private/Parochial College Fair at Jesuit High School on Wednesday, September 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• Attend teacher office hours for help in classes students are struggling in. Our teachers are our best resources
Test Prep for SAT and ACT
• Sign up for an SAT workshop session. Held 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the following Saturdays: September 3, 17 & 24 Registration forms are available online and in the Counseling Center.
• Check out the Counseling page on the CB website for flyers and SAT and ACT registration and test dates.
• See the college counselors for help and information on how to access additional resources.
Have a great year and let us know how we can be of service to you!
Seniors, leave your mark at CB!
Parking space painting designs are due to Ms. Hanshew and Ms. Andrews by Friday, September 2. “Paint the Parking Lot Party” is Sunday, September, 11.
