Welcome Class of 2018 2014-15 New Student Orientation Program Guide Sempre Avanti–Always Forward
Our Mission Justin-Siena is a Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition called to provide educational excellence in a loving, Christ-centered community that prepares students to serve and to lead in an ever-changing world. about Our School Seal In addition to identifying our physical location and the year of our founding, our seal contains the history of our school. The Justin-Siena High School seal embodies the icons of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael (who co-sponsored the school through the 2005-06 academic year) and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The original black and white cross, or Fleury, has been associated with Dominicans since the 13th century and indicates a spiritual ideal in spreading the Gospel of Christ by preaching and teaching. The five-pointed star signifies the sign of faith, which guides all Christian Brothers and Lasallian partners in their vocation of Christian education. The shield containing these two icons symbolizes the Dominican shield which first appeared in the early 15th century when the Order of Preachers began using the shield as a coat-of-arms for identification. Finally, Sempre Avanti heralds the legacy of the Brothers, and more specifically, Justin High School. Meaning always forward, these words appeared on the original school seal of Justin High School representing a commitment always to look forward and to uphold a high standard for preparing students to serve and to lead in an ever-changing world.
August 14, 2014 Dear New Parents, Welcome! On behalf of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and the many members of the Justin-Siena family, we are excited to welcome you to Justin-Siena. We are glad you have chosen Justin-Siena, and we trust that knowing us to be the premier Catholic, Lasallian, college preparatory institution in the Napa Valley made the decision easier. Justin-Siena provides an education that is accessible, sustainable, and relevant, marked by rigor, relevance, and relationships. The framework of a Lasallian school further provides context to who we are as a community and gives life to the mission of our school. You are now joining our family, and we look forward to your discovery of how our mission comes to life on a daily basis. We hope that the transition to high school will be a smooth one for you and your child. Tonight’s Orientation is intended to provide you with a glimpse into the many ways that the Justin-Siena community is here to serve you. With multiple sessions for you to choose from, tonight’s program was designed to assure that all your questions be answered. We wish you the very best as you join us here at the Home of the Braves. Know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers now and throughout the year. Sincerely,
Robert T. Jordan President & CEO
David Holquin Interim Principal
a catholic high school in the lasallian tradition 4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558 | 707.255.0950 | www.justin-siena.org
Orientation Schedule when what where 5:45 pm
Registration
Brother Bede Center
6:00 pm
Prayer & Welcome
Clark Gym
6:20 pm
Dinner
Patrons Plaza
6:50 pm
Session 1
Various
7:15 pm
Session 2
Various
7:40 pm
Session 3
Various
Tailor the evening to meet your needs! In order to best serve your needs, we will provide you with an opportunity to attend three sessions on topics about which you are most interested. Please know that the individual presenters are also happy to meet with you to answer any questions you might have, especially if you were unable to attend a particular session or your questions were not able to be covered in the allotted time. Please review the sessions topics available and determine which session you would like to attend.
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Session Topics Catholic and Lasallian 101 Room 416
Presented by: Robert Jordan President & CEO
You may know a lot or nothing at all about the Catholic Church and the mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, from where the Lasallian tradition comes. This session is an excellent primer to learn more about how the religious dimension of Justin-Siena comes to life while providing an opportunity to understand more about how we live this charism out daily.
Guidance Services Dining Hall
Presented by: Marisa Bartalotti Guidance Director Sandra Alvarez, Jill Sinclair ’99 Counselors
students journey toward self-advocacy and ownership. Learn from our Guidance Department about how they partner with you to ensure your student’s emotional, intellectual, and personal health throughout their high school career.
iPads
Senior Lawn
Presented by: Simon Rebullida Educational Technology Specialist
You and your family may have experience with iPads, but perhaps only for personal use. At Justin-Siena these devices are used as educational tools both in and outside of the classroom. Our Technology Integration Specialist will introduce you to some of the apps your student will use and provide an overview on proper care and use.
Justin-Siena Athletics Clark Gym
Presented by: George Nessman Athletics Director
Justin-Siena regards highly our partnership with parents, the primary educators of the students entrusted to our care. In this session, our Guidance Department will provide an overview on how they help
Did you know that more than 80% of our students participate in athletics? Our Athletic Director will provide you with information related to philosophy, schedules, expectations, and more for being a successful student-athlete at the Home of the Braves.
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Justin-Siena Arts Room 413
Presented by: James Bailey Director of Theatre Arts
With a vibrant arts community thriving on campus there are many ways for students to express themselves–dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Always a must-see, Justin-Siena Theatre has a long history of outstanding productions that bring musicals, plays, and more to new heights. Hear from the Director of Theatre Arts about various opportunities in performance and visual arts, including production schedules, expectations, and more.
Living with Teenagers Room 503
Gasser Center Presented by: Heidi Harrison Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction
High school academics will be different from previous years as students and parents encounter many changes. Whether it be a different homework load, students struggling with new academic concepts, or students asking new and critical questions, this session will provide some context to the high school academic life.
Schoology & PowerSchool 101 Room 508
Presented by: Adolfo Guevara Dean of Students
Life is messy, and the teenage years can be some of the messiest, and we aren’t just talking about their bedrooms. Our Dean of Students will share some common concerns facing teenagers in general as well as some specific issues facing Justin-Siena Braves. More importantly, this will be an opportunity to discuss some positive strategies for living with the teenage years.
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Managing the Academic Challenges of High School
Presented by: Alma Gallegos Director of Academic Services Bob Bailey Vice Principal for Strategic Initiatives Schoology and PowerSchool are two important online tools for students and parents. Hear more about these tools, how your student can use them effectively, and ways you can be aware of what your child is doing in the classroom.
The First Few Months of School Clark Gym
Presented by: Alicia Valdivia Director of Admissions Tim Garcia Director of Transportation From the first dance, the first bus stop, or the first liturgy dress-up day, this is an opportunity to see the schedule and how you can help your student be prepared for all those first firsts.
Volunteer Opportunities Room 511
Presented by: Fiorella O’Neill Special Events Manager Volunteers make the difference for Justin-Siena! Come share your time and talents with our school community. We know it’s high school, but we still need you. Meet other parents and make friends. Jobs/tasks are varied and both large and small—come find out tonight. There are plenty of exciting opportunities—something for everyone!
College Counseling
College Counseling Center
Presented by: Andrea Flores Director of College Counseling Kim Kostin-Borders College Counselor Justin-Siena believes that the four years spent with us are among some of, if not the most, pivotal of a student’s life; we recognize that the college admission environment is increasingly more complex. Hear from our resident experts a little about what the school does to provide information to students beginning even at the freshman level.
The Class of 2014 by the numbers: • 158 graduates; JustinSiena’s 45th Commencement • 185 universities/colleges issued acceptance(s) to Braves • 100% attending college (81% to 4 yr./18% to 2 yr./ 1% other) • $1.3 Million awarded in scholarships 5.
People to know School Administration
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Robert Jordan President & CEO Instructor of English rjordan@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 675
David Holquin Interim Principal dholquin@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 641
Bob Bailey Vice Principal for Strategic Initiatives; Residential Faculty rbailey@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 665
Adolfo Guevara Dean of Students aguevara@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 524
Heidi Harrison Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction hharrison@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 602
Guidance Department A well-qualified and professional counseling staff is available to assist Justin-Siena students with academic counseling, personal, and college counseling. Students may request to see a counselor by filling out a request form. Parents who wish to meet with their student’s counselor may call or email for more information (see below). Be sure to check the website and school calendar for upcoming college and guidance evenings for students and parents. The Guidance Offices are located in the Christian Brothers Center.
Sandra Alvarez Guidance Counselor salvarez@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 633
Marisa Bartalotti Guidance Director mbartalotti@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 622
Michele Farver Student Support Program Coordinator mfarver@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 634
student Counseling Assignments (based on student last name) Jill Sinclair ‘99 Guidance Counselor Instructor of Ed Skills/Health jsinclair@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 623
Matthew Schmitz ‘01 Guidance Counselor; Residential Faculty mschmitz@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 561
A-E………..Bartalotti F-M……….....Sinclair N-Z……….....Alvarez
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College Counseling The College Counseling Department, located in the Christian Brothers Center, provides guidance and support through the college exploration, application and selection process. We provide assistance in developing your college application list, organizing and compiling your applications, gathering information on scholarships and/or financial aid, making a college choice and transitioning to college. We offer a full spectrum of college counseling, such as individual meetings with students and their parents, workshops for students and parents, and advice on visiting colleges and admission interviews.
Andrea Flores Director of College Counseling aflores@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 610
Kim Kostin-Borders College Counselor kkostinborders@ justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 664
Braves Athletics More than 80% of Justin-Siena students participate in our Athletic Program. Student-athletes compete in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) and we are well regarded for both our accomplishments and our sportsmanship. Athletics are seen as an extension of the classroom and teach about character and commitment as well as successful competition.
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George Nessman Director of Athletics gnessman@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 655 Follow on Twitter: @JSBraves
Sarah Merkel, MA, ATC Athletic Trainer; Instructor of Sports Medicine smerkel@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 624 Follow on Twitter: @JSSportsMed
Lasallian Student Life The Lasallian Student Life Office (LSLO) is responsible for serving the needs of the student from prayer and worship experiences, retreats, rallies, dances, student council, clubs, assemblies, and more. The Directors also assist in ensuring that the 5 Core Principles of a Lasallian school are lived out on a daily basis in all the activities of our school. LSL offers many student leadership opportutnies for students.
Stan Cordero Director of Lasallian Student Life scordero@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 609
Sarah Neidhoefer Director of Lasallian Student Life sneidhoefer@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 591
Justin-Siena Theatre Justin-Siena has a rich history of successful productions in the performing arts. Each student-artist is encouraged to stretch themselves. Coupled with the skill of our performing arts faculty, who are all working, professional artists, the opportunities for artistic expression bring a unique experience to the Justin-Siena student-artist. Justin-Siena is thrilled to host many guest-artists throughout the year.
James Bailey Director of Theatre Arts; Instructor of V&P Arts jbailey@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 659 facebook.com/JustinSienaTheatre
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Important Office Staff Brother Bede Center (BBC):
Christian Brothers Center (CBC):
Cynthia Paniagua ‘75 Attendance Officer cpaniagua@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 677
Caroline Gerlomes ’79 Executive Assistant to the President cgerlomes@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 644
Debbie Skillings Assistant to Student Life dskillings@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 642 Patty Sugar Administrative Assistant to the Principal psugar@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 661 Silvia Villalobos Assistant for Academic Services svillalobos@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 676
Business Office (CBC): Leanne Iund Finance Associate liund@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 689 Eileen Simmons Accounting Manager esimmons@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 608 John Van Hofwegen Director of Finance jvanhofwegen@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 604
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Letty Herrera Christian Brothers Center Receptionist and Admissions Assistant lherrera@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 637 Fiorella O’Neill Special Events Manager foneill@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 620 Tiffany Wing Database Coordinator twing@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 646
Lasallian Core Principles
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concern for the poor and social justice
faith in the presence of god
respect for all persons
quality education
inclusive community
Inspiring . . .
Faith:
At Justin-Siena, we invite students to explore their relationship with God. Essential to our school’s Catholic identity is a respect for the many religious traditions in our world. We propose the Catholic faith, but do not impose it, because faith is a gift freely offered and freely received.
Scholarship:
As a college preparatory school, our curriculum is designed for students to be competitive for college placement, while becoming young men and women inspired to put their faith into action, to apply their knowledge for the benefit of others, and to embrace their bravery within.
Bravery:
Vibrant co-curricular programs enhance student life by engaging young people in unique activities including spiritual development, service, athletics, and the arts while developing and exercising personal leadership skills and being of service to the greater community.
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Save these Important Dates!
mark your | calendar
Key dates for the start of School
Parent Welcome Reception Monday, August 18, 2014 6:30-8 pm Christian Brothers Center
Save the Date for 2015!
Justin-Siena
Saturday, January 24, 2015 5:30 pm Registration | 7 pm Dinner | 9 pm Dancing Clark Gym | Justin-Siena | 4026 Maher Street
AND Tuesday, August 19, 2014 7:45-10 am Christian Brothers Center
Fall Sports Parent Meeting Monday, August 25, 2014 5:30-6:15 pm
Back to School Night Monday, August 25, 2014 6:30 pm www.justin-siena.org/greatparty
For a complete and up-to-date calendar of school events visit: www.justin-siena.org/calendar
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The Justin-Siena family eagerly anticipates this spectacular journey of the senses at the Great Party 2015. We are a family with much to celebrate and brave traditions of our own that light the way to a bright future. Don’t miss the 2015 Great Party.
Places to go. People to see!
Mon, August 18
Thurs, September 4
Fri, October 3
First Day of School
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Alumni Hall of Honor
A special welcome to the Class of 2018!
First All-school Liturgy Patrons Plaza
Honoring our most distiguished alumni
Sun, October 26
Thurs, October 30
Fri, October 31
Mon, November 3
Open House A great day for prospective families to visit campus
Braves Bash, Rally, & Bonfire
Homecoming Football Game
A Braves Homecoming tradition
vs. San Rafael @ Dodd Stadium
Alumni Generations Golf Tournament
Thurs, November 20
Wed, November 26
Fri, December 12
Fri, December 12
President’s Circle Reception
Alumni Games
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Celebration
“A Winter’s Night”- Concert
Dining Hall
First All-school Liturgy Patrons Plaza
October 23-26 Justin-Siena Theatre presents
The Twilight Zone – Live on Stage
Napa Valley Country Club
The Chapel at Mont La Salle
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Meet Our Mascot Honoring our past and the native inhabitants of the land with which the school has been blessed, Justin-Siena is proud to be the Home of the Braves–since 1966. In 2011 the Justin-Siena community had a unique opportunity to partner with members of the local Wappo-Mishewal Tribal Council—representatives of the inhabitants who called the Napa Valley home as early as 4500 BC. With the blessing and encouragement of the Council, a group of Justin-Siena student leaders began to research the Wappo people, culture, and traditions—a project which would inform the creation of our Brave. Our mascot’s name is Pawa, which means number one in the Wappo language. The five red diamonds in the headdress, which is called a flicker, represent Justin-Siena’s five Lasallian Core Principles of: concern for the poor and social justice; faith in the presence of God; respect for all persons; inclusive community; and quality education. These important tenets of a school in the centuries-old, Lasallian tradition permeate everything we do at Justin-Siena—in and out of the classroom and on and off the playing field. Located around the neck of our Brave is a strand of shells representing the Wappo
currency. The arrowhead on the necklace symbolizes the resourcefulness of making tools from what nature provides, such as obsidian from nearby Glass Mountain. The fact that our Brave wears this arrowhead is to signify a sense of readiness and preparation for whatever lies ahead. The cross-armed stance of Pawa conveys a sense of all what it means to be BRAVE: faith, knowledge, confidence, strength, courage, integrity, tenacity, and commitment. We stand together united by a proud legacy and the collective confidence in our preparedness for whatever we face on the field, on the court, on the stage, in the classroom, within our families, in our communities, and in life. WE ARE Justin-Siena, and together we are BRAVE.
Speratus Winery
exists for a single purpose: to fund the Brother David Brennan, FSC, Tuition Assistance Program that ensures financial accessibility to all students desiring a JUSTINSIENA education regardless of their ability to pay. Speratus is derived from the Latin word sperare, which means to hope.
Enjoy fine wine and benefit the students of Justin-Siena with each purchase of Speratus wine.
Gear Up For GAME DAY! Shop our full line of signature Shield and Braves wear for men, women, and youth at our convenient, online Braves Store. Apparel, gifts, gear, and more!
www.braveswear.com special new student discount - Save 15%! Limited time only; act fast! Use NEWSTUDENT15 before midnight Sunday, August 17 and save 15% off your order. It’s our way of saying, “Welcome to the Braves family!”
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Learn Your Way Around
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A Catholic High School in the Lasallian Tradition
Inspiring Faith, Scholarship, & Bravery
Brother Justin McMahon, FSC Pioneer in Catholic Education & First Visitor of the District of San Francisco Namesake of Justin-Siena
History
Justin-Siena High School was founded nearly fifty years ago when a need for a Catholic college preparatory education arose in the Napa Valley. In 1966, Justin High School for boys (sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers) and Siena High School for girls (sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael) were founded. In 1972, the schools merged and became co-educational under the name of Justin-Siena High School. The De La Salle Christian Brothers became the sole sponsor of Justin-Siena in June 2006. With such a rich heritage, Justin-Siena bears a distinction of educational excellence that ensures the school is always moving forward as our motto suggests—Sempre Avanti. We take pride in our current students and graduates who continue to serve and lead in their communities.
St. Catherine of siena 14th Century Dominican Saint Doctor of the Church Namesake of Justin-Siena
De La Salle Christian Brothers
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (also known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers) is a Roman Catholic teaching order founded in France in 1680 by John Baptist de La Salle, a Catholic priest. Originally serving the purpose of educating the young, with a particular concern to those of modest or limited means, the De La Salle Christian Brothers currently sponsor approximately 1,000 institutions more than 80 countries around the world. The Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, is regarded today as the patron saint of all teachers. It is from this rich legacy lasting more than 330 years that we celebrate our Lasallian traditions everyday, throughout our campus, and in all that we do.
Go Braves!
Join the Conversation @JustinSiena #JustinSiena facebook.com/JustinSiena
www.justin-siena.org a catholic high school in the lasallian tradition 4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558 | 707.255.0950 | www.justin-siena.org