Parent Orientation Guide 2016

Welcome CLASS OF 2020

2016-17 Parent 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 location and the year of our 1966 founding, our seal contains the history of our school. The Justin-Siena 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 Dominican black and white cross, fleury, 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.

Finally, “Sempre Avanti” heralds the legacy of the Brothers, and more specifically, Justin High School. Italian for “always forward” these words appeared on the Justin High School seal representing a commitment of the Christian Brothers to looking forward and never being complacent, while exhibiting a passion for preparing the students entrusted to their care.

August 12, 2016 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

John Bordelon Principal

a catholic high school in the lasallian tradition 4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558 | 707.255.0950 | www.justin-siena.org

Student Welcome

Welcome New Parents!

It is my pleasure to introduce myself, Neha Sidhu, as Justin-Siena’s Head Girl for the 2016-17 school year. In this leadership role it is my responsibility to represent and be an active voice for the entire student body. I will also strive to be a role model for your children, guiding them through this exciting journey.

Speaking from experience, these four years will pass in the blink of an eye.

We encourage each student to take advantage of all our school has to offer, whether your child be an artist, an athlete, or a scholar—everyone finds his or her place.

This coming year is particularly exciting as we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary. There will be some extra special events in the mix this year and plenty of ways for students to be involved. I feel lucky to be a student leader during such a milestone year.

I look forward to getting to know the Class of 2020!

Welcome to the Justin-Siena family,

Neha Sidhu Head Girl, Class of 2017

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Orientation Schedule WHEN WHAT WHERE 6:00 pm Registration

Breezeway

6:20 pm

Community Prayer

Patrons Plaza

6:25 pm

Dinner

Patrons Plaza

7:05 pm

Welcome Remarks

Patrons Plaza

7:15 pm

Session 1

Various

7:35 pm

Session 2

Various

7:55 pm

Session 3

Various

8:15 pm

Parent Social

CBC Courtyard

Design Your Evening 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 Parenting in the Digital Age

Room 416 Presented by:Dean of Students Adolfo Guevara and Vice Principal for Faculty Bob Bailey Today your student is receiving a powerful educational tool – an iPad. Learn how as parents you can manage the iPad at home so that it is used for its’ primary purpose – education. Mr. Bailey will review tips and strategies for how the iPad should be managed in your household, how to set parent controls, and how to play an active, yet respectful role in helping your son or daughter use this tool. Feel free to borrow your student’s iPad for this session and learn how they should be used at school and at home.

Counseling Overview

Room 211 Presented by:Director of Counseling Marisa Bartalotti; School Counselors Sandra Alvarez and Jill Sinclair ’99 Justin-Siena regards highly our partner-

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ship with parents, the primary educators of the students entrusted to our care. In this session, our Counseling Department will describe the many facets of our service to students: personal counseling, social-emotional guidance, college counseling, and academic advising. Learn about how counselors partner with the advisory program, deans, parents, and teachers to ensure a positive and productive experience for your students.

Justin-Siena Athletics

Room 213 Presented by: Athletics Director George Nessman and Atheltic Trainer Sarah Merkel 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.

The Arts Scene

Room 210 Presented by: James Bailey Director of Theatre Arts & Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department

Justin-Siena’s strong tradition of excellence in the arts will live up to its reputation once again this school year. Hear from Mr. James Bailey as he details the opportunities in the areas of theatre, dance, music, film, and visual arts available to students this year. He will highlight specific programs and productions as well as performance calendar and expectations.

Communications Systems 101

The First Few Months of School Room 414

Presented by: Director of Admissions Alicia Valdivia and Director of Transportation Tim Garcia 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 firsts.

The Parent Community Room 402

Room 415 Presented by: Director of Academic Services Alma Gallegos an Director of Communications Eileen Mize Justin-Siena utilizes a number of online systems and databases to enhance your Justin-Siena experience. Learn about Schoology and PowerSchool and webiste features designed to keep you connected.

Hear more about these tools, how you and your student can use them effectively, and ways you can be aware of what your child is doing in the classroom. We will also go over some basic forms of communications and publications utilized by the school.

Presented by: Advancement Associates Andrew Bettencourt ’02 and Jamie Powell 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!

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Freshman Classes and Coursework

Room 403 Presented by: Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Heidi Harrison

As freshmen transition from middle school environments to the high school college preparatory environment, they often encounter new kinds of academic expectations and coursework. This session will give an overview of academic expectations in freshman classes, typical challenges freshmen encounter in their classes, the academic systems in place to support them, and recommendations for how parents can help their children navigate the transition toward success.

2016, Justin-Siena welcomes 137 students to the Class of 2020 from 35 different schools, 6 different countries, and 3 local counties. The class makeup is 52% female and 48% male. They are 100% ready to be Braves!

In the fall of

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PEOPLE TO KNOW School Leadership

Robert Jordan President & CEO rjordan@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 675

Heidi Harrison John Bordelon Vice Principal for Principal jbordelon@justin-siena.org Curriculum and Instruction 707.255.0950 ext. 641 hharrison@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 602

Adolfo Guevara Dean of Students Summer School Principal aguevara@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 524

Emily Dutton Associate Dean Director of Advisory edutton@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 661

Bob Bailey Vice Principal for Faculty rbailey@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 665

Alma Gallegos Director of Academic Services agallegos@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 526

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Counseling Department

School Counselors

The mission of the Justin-Siena Counseling Program is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program to meet the academic, personal, social, and college/career needs of all students. Counselors work in conjunction with teachers, parents, and the community to maximize student achievement. We are advocates who support a rigorous learning environment where all students can value learning, appreciate diversity, and demonstrate responsible citizenship. The Counseling Offices are located in the Christian Brothers Center.

Sandra Alvarez School Counselor salvarez@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 633

Marisa Bartalotti Director of Counseling mbartalotti@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 622

College Counselors

Andrea Flores College Counselor aflores@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 524

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Alicia Parker College Counselor aparker@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 664

Jill Sinclair ‘99 School Counselor jsinclair@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 623

Student Support Counselors

Michele Farver Student Support Program Coordinator mfarver@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 634

Matthew Schmitz ’01 Student Support Program Counselor mschmitz@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 561

Advisory Program New for the Class of 2020, the Advisory Program ensures that we are living the mission of the De la Salle Christian Brothers to touch hearts by seeing, knowing, and loving all our students. Advisory is a dedicated time for a small cohort of students and an adult advisor to foster whole-person growth through authentic relationships. Advisory is not a class, but is a requirement. It meets every “A” day for thirty minutes, and serves as dedicated time to explore topics that contribute to whole person wellness and the development of collective culture. Students will be assigned an advisor who will guide them through their four year experience at Justin-Siena. Advisors are the day-to-day point person for each child; they serve as an advocate for each student and keep tabs on their academic development.

Megan Cadigan Instructor of Engineering and Math mcadigan@justin-siena.org

Alma Gallegos Director of Academic Services agallegos@justin-siena.org

Georgine Clarke Instructor of Religious Studies gclarke@justin-siena.org

Caroline Bettencourt Gerlomes ’79 Assistant to the President cgerlomes@justin-siena.org

Jim Day ’72 Instructor of Social Studies jday@justin-siena.org

Heidi Harrison Vice Principal for Curiculum and Instruction hharrison@justin-siena.org

Michael Douglass Instructor of English mdouglass@justin-siena.org

Andy Hodges Instructor of Religious Studies ahodges@justin-siena.org

Eric Ewing Residence Faculty eewing@justin-siena.org

Rick Landry Instructor of Religious Studies rlandry@justin-siena.org

Berenice Garvan Instructor of Spanish bgarvan@justin-siena.org

Br. Kevin Slate, FSC Advancement Associate kslate@justin-siena.org

Simon Rebullida

Instructor of Religious Studies srebullida@justin-siena.org

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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.

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

Justin-Siena Arts 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 James Bailey many guest-artists throughDirector of Theatre Arts; out the year.

Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair jbailey@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 659 facebook.com/JustinSienaTheatre

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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 leadership opportunities 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

Join the Conversation

@JustinSiena #JustinSiena facebook.com/JustinSiena

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Putting a Face with a Name BROTHER BEDE CENTER (BBC): Cynthia Paniagua ‘75 Attendance Officer cpaniagua@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 677 Debbie Skillings Assistant to Student Life dskillings@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 642 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

Alicia Valdivia Director of Admissions avaldivia@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 621 Letty Herrera Christian Brothers Center Receptionist/Admissions Asst lherrera@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 637

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT (CBC): Paula Vlaming Director of Advancement pvlaming@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 628

Eileen Simmons Accounting Manager esimmons@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 608

Br. Kevin Slate, FSC Assistant Director of Advancement kslate@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 705

John Van Hofwegen Director of Finance jvanhofwegen@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 604

Andrew Bettencourt ’02 Advancement Associate abettencourt@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 645

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS CENTER (CBC): Eileen Mize Director of Communications emize@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 669

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Caroline Gerlomes ’79 Executive Assistant to the President cgerlomes@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 644

Jamie Powell Advancement Associate jpowell@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 620 Tiffany Wing Database Coordinator twing@justin-siena.org 707.255.0950 ext. 646

Lasallian Core Principles

O

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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KEY DATES FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

Parent Welcome Reception

Save these Important Dates!

Thursday, August 18, 2016 6–7:30 pm

MARK YOUR | CALENDAR

Christian Brothers Center

or

Friday, August 19, 2016 8:45–10:00 am Christian Brothers Center

Coffee with Counselors Tuesday, August 23, 2016 8–9:30 am Christian Brothers Center

and

Thursday, August 25, 2016 6:30–8:00 pm Christian Brothers Center

Back to School Night Monday, August 29, 2016 6:30–8 pm

Dean’s Parent Night Monday, September 12, 2016 6:30–8:30 pm

ONE MISSION, FIVE DECADES, ALL HEART

KEY DATES: Mass of the Holy Spirit, Blessing of 100 Wing & Reception Thursday, September 1, 2016 | 9 am North Lawn Braves Bash Saturday, September 17, 2016 | 11 am–3 pm North Lawn Homecoming Rally & Bonfire Thursday, October 13, 2016 Clark Gym & North Campus Homecoming Pre-Game Alumni Reception JS Braves vs. TL Trojans varsity football Friday, October 14, 2016 Dodd Stadium 32nd Annual Crab Feed Saturday, January 21, 2017 Clark Gym A Golden Evening at Greystone Saturday, April 8, 2017 CIA/Greystone, St. Helena

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For a complete and up-to-date calendar of school events visit: www.justin-siena.org

Thurs, September 1

Sat, September 17

Mon, September 19

Fri, September 23

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Braves Bash

Open House

50th Anniversary event for all alumni, families, faculty, & friends North Lawn

A great day for prospective families to visit campus

Fall Film Forum

50th Anniversary All-school Liturgy North Lawn

Special guest speaker and discussion Dining Hall

Thurs, October 13

Fri, October 14

October 22–30

Sat, November 19

Homecoming Rally & Bonfire

Homecoming Football Game

Fall Theatre Rep

Winterlude Choral Concert

A Braves Homecoming tradition

vs. Terra Linda @ Dodd Stadium

Her Infinite Variety & Love on the High Seas The Grove at Silverado Country Club

Mont La Salle

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Sat, December 3

Thur, December 8

Sat, Jan 21, 2017

Sat, April 8, 2017

Solstice Instrumenal Concert

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

32nd Annual Crab Feed

A Golden Evening at Greystone

Siena Hall

Crab feast, auction, & DJ Dance Party Clark Gym

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Learn Your Way Around

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.

“Live by the spirit of faith.”

“Be who God meant you to be.”

one mission, five decades, all heart

a catholic high school in the lasallian tradition 4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558 | 707.255.0950 | www.justin-siena.org