CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL • ENTER TO LEARN, LEAVE TO SERVE
FALCON FAMILY NEWS Dear Families: In one of his myriad writings, St. John Baptist de La Salle advised the Brothers to “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”. We hold sacred this calling to care for our young men and women. While this year marks my fourth year at Christian Brothers High School, I continue to be amazed by our faculty and staff who lovingly minister to the students entrusted to our care. It is a blessing to have Principal Dave Perry, Ed.D., on board and I am thrilled by the team he has put together to join him in leading our school. As I write this letter, the students are enjoying an all-school lunch and I am taking in the view from my window as music fills the air, as do the sounds of excited chatter, and children at play. Yes, play! Spikeball, Nine Square in the Air, and even a large circle of students tossing a football in a keepaway game of sorts fill the main lawn. The joy and energy are palpable and truly something you might see in a movie.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
But this movie, unlike a Hollywood production, is the work of centuries. St. John Baptist de La Salle knew more than 300 years ago that students thrived in environments where they felt seen, safe, and loved for who they were. The emphasis on faith, teacher/student relationships, service, inclusivity, and belonging are at the heart of our Lasallian Catholic charism. They are also at the heart of what every high schooler needs. Teen years are challenging, and we know that mental health problems in adolescence are on the rise. I’m grateful for our dedicated wellness counselors and team of grade-level counselors who, in addition to our faculty and staff, keep a close eye on our students. Data shows that feeling connected to school and family makes a difference. This year, in adjusting our bell schedules, course rotations, co-curricular activities and athletics, great care was taken in ensuring opportunities for fostering community and belonging. Enhancements have been made to the bi-weekly NEST (Nurturing Every Student Together) sessions and we have added a weekly all-community lunch. On September 22, the Lasallian Student Life Office will be hosting its annual Club Rush. Please encourage your student(s) to join one or more of our approximately 60 student-led clubs where they will find opportunities to get involved in campus faith life, service, academic clubs, and unique interest-based clubs. Our Assistant Directors of the Lasallian Student Life Office have been busy gearing up for this year’s retreats, VENAVER serviceimmersion trips, spirit weeks, rallies, and more. As we work to make this, our 148th year of Lasallian Catholic education in Sacramento our best yet, please know that we “have great care and love” for the students entrusted to our care and we are grateful for the trust you place in us as partners in preparing your sons and daughters for college and life. Live Jesus in our hearts!
Crystal LeRoy, Ed.D. President Falcon Family News | Sept 2023
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NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT Welcome to Christian Brothers, all new and returning families! The counseling department continues its tradition of supporting students through their academics and cocurriculars here at CB, all while maintaining a deep commitment to the Lasallian charism and a desire to be “big brothers and sisters” to all our students. This month, counselors are busy assisting students with academic planning, support with personal issues, planning strategies for academic success, and distributing a substantial amount of college planning information. Each grade-level counselor is scheduling individual and/or small group conferences with each of his/her students, so all students will be seen by their counselor. FRESHMEN: Mr. Kirk Purdy (Class of 2027 Counselor) is introducing himself to the class and teaching them about Scoir. Students will then be able to access this very important website for college and career planning and personal awareness. Mr. Purdy will also be handing out a packet of helpful information to the frosh regarding how to be successful at CB and utilize their counselors. This will take place during their pre-scheduled small-group conference. On Wednesday, September 6th (6:00 p.m. in the George Cunningham ’40 Performing Arts Center) the Counselors are hosting 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 we will discuss important issues concerning Academic, Personal, and College Counseling. This informative evening will also include an athletics orientation, which will be very helpful to attend if your student is a student-athlete. SOPHOMORES: Mrs. Michelle Timm (Class of 2026 Counselor) will be checking in with the sophomores and having them log into Scoir and complete the Career Profile Assessment. She will also be handing out the StudentGuide to the Pre-ACT for the October 11th National Testing Day. It will include sample questions and a practice test that that gives them a preview of the full-length ACT. JUNIORS: Mr. John Riley-Portal (Class of 2025 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 11th test as well.
Falcon Family News | Sept 2023
Counseling news cont. SENIORS: Ms. Melissa McClellan and Mrs. April Melarkey (College Counselors) will be continuing their classroom visits covering important topics and due dates for the college admissions process. 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 student attends to the following tasks: Juniors and seniors should consider scheduling visits to the colleges they haven’t seen at this point. They are each allowed two excused days to visit colleges but must complete the proper paperwork in advance. Seniors will soon be refining their list of “target”, “reach” and “likely” colleges and initiating the application process. It is crucial that all students listen to and read the daily announcements, watch KBFT, and check Schoology to hear about all events including college evenings presented by specific colleges/universities and dates and times for our college application workshops. Remind them to sign up on Scoir for any of the many college rep visits that will be held on our campus and to attend the Private/Parochial College Fair being held at Jesuit High School on Wednesday September 27th, from 6 – 8 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: See fliers on the Counseling page on the CB website. Refer to the Counseling page on the CB website for SAT and ACT registration and test dates. See the college counselors for help and how to access additional resources. HAVE A GREAT YEAR AND LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BE OF SERVICE TO YOU!
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PHILANTHROPY DON'T MISS CB'S PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! CB Extravaganza Friday, September 8, 2023 Private Reserve: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Main Event: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Established in 1987, this cherished CB tradition brings wineries, breweries, restaurants, caterers, and live music to campus in support of the school's Tuition Assistance Fund.
Auction Committee Meeting Please join us for our September Auction Committee Meeting on Thursday, September 21st at 5:30 p.m! Come find out how you can become involved with CB’s biggest fundraising event. Whether it is occasional participation or becoming a subcommittee chair, we welcome everyone. Have a friend or neighbor that would like to join in? Bring them along. No prior auction experience required! For more information and to RSVP please visit: VolunteerHub - Meeting Falcon Family News | Sept 2023
Falcon Families - Get Involved! Parent Volunteerism Volunteerism is a big part of who we are as a Lasallian community. We encourage parents to become engaged in community and one way to accomplish this is through volunteering. If you would like to find out how to become involved, select CB Volunteerism. We welcome all parents to join the Lasallian Parent Ambassador’s (LPA) Volunteers for a Committee Meeting on Thursday September 14th at 5:30 PM. To find out more or RSVP please visit: Volunteer Meeting
RaiseRight Help CB raise money through your everyday shopping! The RaiseRight™ program, formerly known as ShopWithScrip®, is a method of gift card fundraising. Buy gift cards from your favorite brands to earn on your daily purchases. To enroll select RaiseRight – Start Earning for the RaiseRight website and then use the Christian Brothers High School Code: LAD4DFC331629 at sign-up. Do you shop at Nugget or Food Co.? Learn more about other Scrip programs here. 3
ATHLETICS Freshman Parents: The Frosh Parents Guidance Night & Athletic Orientation will take place Wednesday, Sep 6, 2023, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the George Cunningham '40 Performing Arts Center. Grade Checks: The athletic department will conduct grade checks of all athletes based on team rosters. For the 2023-24 school year, the first check will occur on September 19, 2023. Any student-athlete falling below a 2.0 GPA will be suspended from all sport practice and contests for at least one week, until he/she meets minimum requirements. Suspended studentathletes must attend mandatory study hall Monday – Thursday until 5:00 pm. Once a student-athlete acquires the minimum 2.0 GPA, and one week has passed, he/she will be immediately reinstated to his/her sport.
Sport Passes: Sport Passes are now on sale for the 2023-2024 season. You may purchase a sport pass through the CB Website under the ticket hub tab at the top of the website. CB Falcons App: CB Athletics has great news! The CB Falcons app is updated! Please visit your apple or google play store and manually update your app. Download the CB Falcons App. This is the official app for Christian Brothers High School, which brings fans closer to the team than ever before. Get game coverage, news stories, game previews and recaps, enhanced stats, customized game alerts, player profiles and much more! Follow the CB Falcons all season long on your mobile device.
Holy Bowl at Hughes Stadium September 9, 2023 | JV 4:30 p.m., Varsity 7 p.m. Get ready for the 52nd annual Holy Bowl! The parking lot opens at 1 p.m. with the gates opening at 3:30 p.m. Only transparent bags will be allowed in the stadium. No crossovers after 6:30 p.m. and there will be no in and out privileges. For more information, visit the Holy Bowl website. Tickets will only be sold online. Click here to purchase tickets.
Falcon Family News | Sept 2023
UPCOMING EVENTS The next few weeks have some big events on tap: September 7 | Women’s Flag Football v. St. Francis: Holy Bowl at CB, 7 p.m. September 9 | Football - Holy Bowl at Hughes Stadium, JV 4:30 p.m., Varsity 7 p.m. September 13 | Men’s and Women’s Water Polo at Sacramento City College VS. Del Campo September 15 | Women’s Golf v. Del Campo at Bing Maloney, 3:30 p.m. September 19 | Women’s Tennis v. Rio Americano at Laguna Racquet Club, 4:15 p.m. September 25 | Women’s Volleyball v. Vista del Lago, Frosh 4 p.m., JV 5 p.m., Varsity 6 p.m. October 11 | Cross Country League Meet at Willow Hills Reservoir, 3:30 p.m. 4
THE ARTS Welcome to our new Arts teachers! The CB Media, Visual & Performing Arts department is delighted to welcome two alumni Falcons as teachers! Mr. Ross Hammond ’95 is taking the helm of the instrumental music program. He has been a talented professional musician and music educator for more than 20 years in the Sacramento area. Mr. Hammond is passionate about music, particularly Jazz and Blues. Visit his classroom at lunches or breaks and you’ll see his turntable spinning vinyl albums from Miles Davis and John Coltrane. As he loves to tell his students, “Music is fun!”. Ms. Leah Heine ’96 has returned to her alma mater as our new Choral Music Director. She developed her love of the arts as a CB student in the choral and drama programs, which inspired her to pursue a degree in music. She has spent the last 20 years heading the choir program at Jesuit High School and is delighted to return to Christian Brothers as a teacher. Ms. Heine is even teaching children of her former classmates!
LASALLIAN STUDENT LIFE OFFICE Activities in the LSLO are well underway, and we are happy to have so much student engagement across campus as the year begins! We especially love the energy on campus during Friday all-school lunches on the Main Lawn, with music playing, students playing Spikeball and 9-square, and sitting and enjoying down time with friends. September kicks off CB Spirit with a Holy Bowl Rally at the end of the school day on Thursday, September 7. Falcon Force, our student spirit leaders, encourage students to attend the first-ever Flag Football Holy Bowl against St. Francis High School that same evening in our stadium. Admission is free, donations to Wellspring are encouraged, and the cheering section theme is “Under Construction”. Wear high visibility vests, hard hats, traffic cones, overalls, etc. The traditional Holy Bowl against Jesuit HS is Saturday, September 9 at Hughes Stadium, and the cheering section theme is Blue Out. Hope to see you there in your CB blue! Our first all-school community liturgy is scheduled for Friday, September 15 at 11:30 a.m in the gym. Families are always welcome to join our liturgical celebrations. Please help your student remember this is a liturgy dress day. If your student was absent for ID photos, Bill Smith Photography will be on campus in the morning on Friday, September 29 to capture those photos. If your student took a photo and needs a retake, please contact Bill Smith Photography at 916-7491026 or info@campuscolorstudios.com so they can plan for this make up on the same day. Juniors and Seniors: Please consider applying for a VENAVER immersion trip. These trips offer students opportunities to explore faith, community, service learning, social justice, and simple living in a safe environment. Students of all faith traditions are invited to apply. Please click here for more information about the VENAVER trips offered this year, and click here to apply. Applications are due by September 22.
Welcome home, fellow Falcons! KBFT broadcasts will be starting soon, with our student news anchors bringing you all the updates, highlights, and campus culture features for the year. You can see their broadcasts on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kbft Parents! Want to get more involved with the arts? Volunteer! Head to www.cbhs-sacramento.org/volunteerism to get started. Once you complete the registration process, you’re good to go for four years. We need parent volunteers to assist with building and painting scenery, ushering, and ticket taking for our events. Plus, ushers and ticket takers get into the event they work for free and get to wear a snazzy vest. Join us to support CB and meet other parents passionate about the arts.
Falcon Family News | Sept 2023
Juniors are invited to participate in one of three overnight retreat opportunities this year. This is the first overnight retreat offered to CB students, and is led by the LSLO and the Senior Retreat Leadership Team. Seniors are invited to participate in a Kairos retreat. Kairos is the pinnacle of the four-year retreat program at CB and offers students opportunities to examine, develop, and deepen their connections with God, themselves, and others. Both the January Kairos and January Junior Retreat are currently full, but there is still space available on the other dates. For information about Junior Retreats and Kairos, click here for more information including dates, locations, and registration links. Students should log their Community Service hours via the MobileServe platform, where they can also find information about other service opportunities. This month, all students are invited to participate in the Great American River Clean Up on Saturday, September 23 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Families and friends are welcome to participate as well. There is also an opportunity to volunteer for the Ninth Circuit helping to update a high school database of teachers and counselors. More information and flyers about these opportunities can be found in MobileServe! Coming soon… Spirit Week and Homecoming bring excitement to the first week in October. Watch the Friday Family messages for more information about spirit week and the Homecoming Dance which takes place on Saturday, October 7.
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