ParentNewsletter THE LA SALLE
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CALIFORNIA • FEBRUARY 2018
Principal Ideas Hello! Here we are in February. Unlike the first semester, there is no slow start to the second half of the school year. Instead we jump right back into a fast paced second semester.
Learn•Serve•Lead
Academic Awards January brought us multiple opportunities to celebrate our students and La Salle. On January 25 we had our Academic Awards Assembly. We were excited to have Jamie Kwong ’14 speak to our students at the event. Jamie is concurrently pursuing a Master’s in Public Diplomacy from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and in December was awarded a prestigious Marshall Scholarship. This competitive honor, awarded to only 43 students nationwide, enables top American undergraduate students to pursue fully funded graduate studies at British universities. Jamie talked with our students about finding their passion and following through on it. It was wonderful to have one of our young alumna be able to come and speak with our students about her experiences and give our students some words of wisdom for how to be successful here at La Salle and beyond. The ceremony also gave our school community the opportunity to honor students who excelled academically last semester. We honored 440 students for achieving a first semester GPA of 3.3 or higher. Additionally we had 23 students earn Academic Achievement Awards in recognition of their improving their GPA by 0.5 from the previous semester. We also inducted 47 students into the National Honor Society, 79 students into the California Scholarship Federation, 10 students into the Science National Honor Society, seven students into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and 23 students into our newest group, the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. In speaking to the students that day, I said it is o.k. that not everyone earns honors. We all have different gifts and talents; for some that might mean excelling in math, for others it means something else. What is most important is that they can each look back at Principal Ideas Continued on page 2
In the Words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle "Let the proclamation of His truth be your continual effort in the lessons you give your pupils, looking upon yourselves as ministers of God and the administers of His mysteries" Saint John Baptist de La Salle Patron Saint of Teachers, c1705 Meditations for the Time of Retreat 1:1
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FEBRUARY 2018
Principal Ideas Continued from page 1
the end of the semester and say that they 1) learned something of value in every class, and 2) made good choices and earned the best grade they could. The grade is important, but most important is the learning.
Calendar for 2019-2019 PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR IS WELL UNDERWAY
Although we have just begun the second semester, we are well into planning the 2018-2019 school year. The first day of school for the 20182019 school year will be Wednesday, August 15. The first semester will end on Thursday, December 20 and the second semester will begin on Tuesday, January 8. Next year, we will make a change to our usual end of year activities by having all students take second semester final exams the same week, instead of seniors taking exams a week or so before the rest of the school. The majority of high schools have already made this change because so many classes are mixed grade levels. No longer is it that all freshmen take algebra and all sophomores take geometry. Students are placed in and select classes based on their skills and interest. This means that we could, and often do, have a freshman in the same math class as a junior or a sophomore in the same art class as a senior. As such, testing all students at the same time makes a lot more sense. The change in finals means that graduation will be one week later than in the past in order to enable us to have the number of days required of high schools in California. As such, the last day of school for all students will be Thursday, May 30. Graduation will be the Friday after Memorial Day instead of the Friday before Memorial Day. Next year that date is May 31.
Course Catalogue
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In addition to planning the calendar, we are also already planning for the courses that will be offered to our students next year. The 20182019 course catalogue has been published on our website. You can find it under the Academics tab. The course catalogue has all the information you and your student need in order to select courses for the upcoming school year, including prerequisites for honors and AP classes. These prerequisites are in place with the intention of
helping set students up for success. Department chairs, teachers and administration have determined these prerequisites based on history and looking at which students have succeeded and which have floundered in these more difficult courses. Some courses do require placement tests. Students will be informed of dates and times for placement exams via daily announcements, LTV and announcements on Schoology. Information will also go out in the weekly emails to parents. I encourage you to look through the course catalogue carefully and especially pay attention to new course offerings. We are continuing to grow our Technology and Engineering department with three new course offerings: Engineering and Automated Systems, AP Computer Science Principles, and a second STEAM course: The Science and Architecture of Engineering. Additionally, we will have a new forensic science course offered as an 8th period. As always, courses that actually run will depend on student interest, so it is important students think seriously of not only their first choices, but also their second choices as they fill out course request forms. Juniors will receive their course request forms on February 6; sophomores and freshmen will receive them on February 8. They should use these forms to help prepare them to input their course requests into Power School by March 1. Each student will meet with their academic advisor individually to review their course selections and make sure they are meeting all college and graduation requirements.
Returning Students As our returning students prepare for next year here at La Salle, I know our seniors are looking forward to graduation and college. Parents of seniors will be receiving a mailing this month outlining all of the information you need to know about prom, senior exams, Grad Nite, and graduation activities. If you have any questions about the materials, you are always welcomed to call the school with questions at any time.
ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
over four days. Additionally, our community donated canned goods to Pasadena City College’s food pantry, toiletries and books to the St. Francis Center, and gently used winter clothing to the Union Station Homeless Shelter in Pasadena. The week also included a prayer service as well as an assembly with alumni Bowdien Derby '12. Bowdien talked about faith and family and how he has continued to live out the five core principles of Lasallian schools long after graduation. It was a great week to be a Lancer.
Catholic Schools Week Sunday, January 28, marked the beginning of National Catholic Schools Week. Schools all over the country celebrate this in many different ways. Here at La Salle we celebrate through service and prayer. These two things are so much of who we are as a Lasallian school and a living out of the values we are working to impart to and instill in all of our students. Our entire student body, along with more than 50 of our faculty and staff members, completed service at nine service sites
I hope that the experiences your students had during Catholic Schools Week gave you a lot to discuss at the dinner table and that they were a reminder of why you and your student chose La Salle. Thank you for continuing to entrust your students to all of us here at La Salle.
PROUD TO BE LASALLIAN
Sincerely,
Mrs. Courtney R. Kassakhian Principal
Lancer Speech & Debate Team The La Salle Speech & Debate team will be competing almost every weekend in February. On the weekend of February 3, the Lancer Debate Team will travel to University of Las Vegas, Nevada to compete at the Golden Desert tournament, and the Lancer Varsity Speech team will compete at the Arcadia High School tournament. Over Presidents' Day weekend, the La Salle Speech & Debate team will compete at the prestigious Cal Berkeley tournament, and seniors John Nahas and Jack Crawford will participate in the exclusive Berkeley Round Robin, an early invitational for the top eight teams of the tournament. On Saturday, February 24, the debate team will compete at National Qualifiers to qualify for spots to travel to Florida for the 2018 NSDA tournament. Finally, on March 3, the speech team will compete in National Qualifiers for slots to the national tournament as well.
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La Salle Matters "May you live in interesting times" is commonly attributed to a traditional Chinese proverb. While seemingly a blessing, the expression is normally used ironically in that “uninteresting” times is generally a preferred situation for most people. Regardless of one’s political persuasion, I think we can all agree that we are definitely living in interesting times. What I want to comment on, however, is not the latest news (fake or otherwise) coming out of the Nation’s Capital (or, indeed, any State Capital) but, rather, the unintended consequences of the shouting, finger-pointing and “holier than thou” attitudes which increasingly characterize conversations in the public square. The recent partial shutdown of the Federal Government is a case in point. Including the one just ended, each of the last four government shutdowns occurred because of ideological challenges that had nothing to do with the issue at hand: enacting a continuing resolution to fund the government until Congress is ready to approve the annual budget. We teach our students that a continuing resolution is a simple tool designed to continue last fiscal year’s authorized spending patterns until disagreements surrounding next year’s budget can be resolved. So, they ask “Why is new stuff put in that doesn’t have anything to do with the continuing resolution?” Good question.
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With this most recent shutdown, both political parties are guilty as charged with “putting
stuff in” that shouldn’t be there. The answer, of course, is complicated – beginning with the tired meme “playing to their base” – which while tired, is generally the first problem with this dysfunctional method of funding the Federal Government. The Democrats were “playing to their base” by insisting on addressing immigration issues. During the Obama Administration, a 15 day shutdown was driven by the Republicans desire to limit – or eliminate – the Affordable Care Act. Neither objective should have ever seen the light of day in a continuing resolution. So why do our political parties pursue this strategy? Because (in my opinion), they have lost the ability to manage the art of compromise. One could make the argument that the need to pass a continuing resolution is a function of the failure to compromise with respect to the approval of a full budget. In the words of Country Music Singer, Kenny Rogers, “you have to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.” By playing to their bases, our political parties inherently understand that they can’t risk “folding their cards” and angering their base. Compromise is the victim of this short-sided approach. Recently elected Red state (Alabama) Democratic Senator Doug Jones observed that this approach robs the Senate of its most vaunted characteristic as the world’s greatest deliberative body (1a: the act of thinking about or discussing something and deciding carefully: the act of deliberating).
ParentNewsletter
So why comment on this in the ParentNewsletter? Because, as with so many other national, political, social and cultural issues, when our students see social and political dysfunction on television (and increasingly) on Social Media; they are inherently absorbing lessons which are antithetical to the values we seek to promote at school and which you seek to promote at the dinner table. As I’ve commented in this space before: if everyone is shouting, no one is listening. What makes matters worse is the plummeting rates of voter participation in local, state and national elections. When our students witness gridlock in Washington, even the most compelling civics lesson taught by the most charismatic teacher isn’t going to counteract their perception that things are broke and their inevitable conclusion that elections can’t – or won’t – fix them. We want our students to listen to each other, their teachers and parents. We want them to respect positions with which they don’t agree and, most importantly, in a world touched by Original Sin, we want them to learn the art of compromise. As a Catholic school, we emphasize that perfection is to be found in Heaven and not on earth. Compromise is the only strategy capable of moving any issue, project or cause closer to perfection. After 30 years as a Catholic school administrator, I know that La Salle is the best school I’ve ever had the privilege to lead. I also know it isn’t perfect and that, without the art of compromise, it will not become even better than it now is. I want our young people to appreciate the art of compromise when it comes time for them to assume leadership roles in business, social institutions or politics. That hope can’t be realized without willing partnerships beyond home and school. However, I don’t see us returning to “uninteresting times” in the near future. Maybe we should turn the TV off for a while.
Richard Gray, Ph.D. President
FEBRUARY 2018
LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL
3880 E. SIERRA MADRE BLVD. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91107-1996 • TELEPHONE 626.351.8951 FACSIMILE 626.351.0275 WWW.LASALLEHS.ORG • THE LA SALLE PARENTNEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT JANUARY AND JULY BY LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL OF PASADENA, INCORPORATED
© 2018
• EDITOR, DESIGNER JOHN BLACKSTOCK ’67 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: 626.696.4316 • EMAIL: JBLACKSTOCK @ LASALLEHS . ORG
Transforming Lives Since 1680
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EVEN ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
FROM THE PARENT ASSOCIATION
Being of Service As we are approaching National Catholic Schools Week, I am reminded of a key value my grandmother taught me; the importance of serving others. As the students at La Salle prepare to go out into the community and perform service, I would like to encourage our parents, if you are able, to find a community event to volunteer your time to. It will well be worth your time. During the holidays, my son and a few of his friends decided to collect blankets, sweaters, coats, and pants in order to hand out them to the homeless in Pasadena. I was quite moved by the actions of these students. This is a testament of the values of service that La Salle has installed in these young men. I am so proud of the selflessness of these students and all of the students at La Salle. This is one lovely memory I will always have of my son and his friends. We have an amazing group of parent volunteers at La Salle. During my four years as a parent volunteer at the school, I can tell you without a doubt every time there is a school event and we ask for parent volunteers, they will show up! Our parents have always given their time freely reParent Association gardless of the service hours they earn. I am so grateful and would like to personally thank all our amazing family of volunteers as we celebrate our Catholic Schools Week. Meeting
February 13, 2018 6:00pm Blakeslee Library
In the upcoming weeks and months we will be asking our parents to come out and support our spring musicals, Gifts from the Heart event at Dr. and Mrs. Clarizio's home, and our various sporting events. You will enjoy these worthwhile and fun events.
During National Catholic School Week, I wanted to share our school's core values with our parent community: • We NURTURE the talents of each student. • We INSPIRE in our students a sense of responsibility for others. • We CHALLENGE our students to embrace diversity. • We MOTIVATE our students to respond compassionately to the needs of others, especially the poor. “Real hope for the future comes from giving everything to the present.” - Matthew Kelly.
Emily Vaughn Henry P'18 Parent Association President
“Save the Date” for Grandparents Day
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Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 9:00am La Salle Dining Hall. Celebration concludes at 11:15am. Invitations will be mailed March 1st.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 AN EVENT FOR THE TASTEBUDS FEATURING UNLIMITED TASTES FROM
Altadena Town & Country • Asian Mix Boba Fix • Bloomfield Creamery Brother Timothy Wine • Casa Del Rey • Chef Carmen’s 3 C’s • COLETTE Domenico’s Italian Restaurant • Eagle Rock Craft Beer • El Cholo Cafe El Portal • Fauborg • Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. • Mt. Lowe Brewing Company Nothing Bundt Cakes • Pasadena Sandwich Company • PizzaRev Pressed Juicery • Roy’s Restaurant • Sierra Fusion • Stone Brewing The Peacock Grille @ Embassy Suites • Twohey’s • Twohey’s Tavern • We Olive Pasadena, and many more!
GREAT FOOD! GREAT PEOPLE! GREAT TIME!
Buy your Opportunity Drawing tickets NOW for a chance to win one of several fabulous prizes The Grand Prize: “Eat Out for a Year” featuring gift cards to local eateries • “Stock Your Bar” featuring premium libations • "Work It Off" Fitness Package • Trader Joe’s "Ultimate Gift Basket", and many more! •
Opportunity Drawing tickets are discounted between now and February 28th. Two for $10, Ten for $25, Twenty-five for $50 or Sixty for $100. Winners will be drawn at the event and do not need to be present to win.
www.lancernetwork.com/Draw2018
Sponsorships and event tickets are also available online at
www.lancernetwork.com/Taste2018
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ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
Academic Awards Features Marshall Scholarship Alum
NEARLY 400 STUDENTS RECEIVE ACADEMIC AWARDS
More than 200 students received recognition for their academic achievements on Thursday morning at the Academic Awards ceremony on January 25, 2018. Jaime Kwong, Class of 2014 and recently awarded 2018 Marshall Scholar recipient As the recipient of this scholarship, Jamie will pursue her goal of helping the world move towards nuclear disarmament as a graduate student in England. She spoke to the student body, faculty, and select chairs of the Boards of Regents and Trustees about her Lasallian experience. La Salle High School’s President Richard Gray, Principal Courtney Kassakhian, and Assistant-Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Tina Bonacci ’94 awarded the certificates and honors. “The academic achievements awarded to this group of students today is a reflection of the students’ notable diligence, hard work and motivation to succeed in the academic environment,” stated Gray. President Gray also awarded Robin Cadd ’19 the 2018 Robert Alcorn Scholarship in Humanities and Joshua Ng ’19 the Bob Thomas Scholarship in Math and Science. Each student was nominated for his or her distinguished academic achievements, including each maintaining a GPA of 4.3 or higher for each of the last five semesters. Almost 400 students received recognition for being inducted into five of La Salle High School’s honors societies: California Scholarship Federation (CSF), National Honors Society (NHS), Science National Honors Society (SNHS), Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honors Society, and the Hispanic Honors Society. Over 200 of the aforementioned students were awarded Gold Certificates for having earned a GPA above 4.0 in the 2017 spring semester. Lastly, La Salle High School awarded 22 students with the Academic Achievement Award for their feat of increasing their GPA by 0.5 points or more by the end of the semester.
Jamie Kwong
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Cadd and Ng Receive Alcorn and Thomas Scholarships Bob Alcorn and Bob Thomas were highly regarded members of the La Salle faculty during the decade of the sixties. They had an enormous impact on the intellectual development of their students in the early years of the School. To honor the remarkable achievements of Bob Alcorn, the Class of 1962 has established a permanent scholarship to be awarded to a La Salle Junior at the time of the Spring Academic Awards Ceremony. They established as the criteria academic excellence in the fields in which Mr. Alcorn exercised such a profound influence: languages and language arts. The faculties of Social Studies, English, and Language Arts were asked to nominate candidates from each of their disciplines to be considered for this award. The scholarship is $1,000.00 to be applied to the student’s Senior year tuition. To honor the contributions of her late husband, Bob Thomas, Jayne Thomas established a math and science scholarship. Junior Robin Cadd recieved the 2018 Robert Alcorn Scholar. Dr. Gray commented, "Robin’s academic accomplishments are not limited to the fields of English, Social Studies and World Languages. In fact, she has earned an “A” in every single subject (including three AP classes) each of the last five semesters with a GPA of 4.3 or better. In addition to her duties as a three year member of Class Council, Robin is part of the leadership team for Support Our Troops Club, a member of the Red Cross Club and has assisted with Science Outreach. She is Robin Cadd a Student Ambassador and plays on the Varsity Tennis team. Robin has been elected to NHS, SNHS, and Rho Kappa Society. Outside of La Salle, music is her passion; playing the ukulele, piano, and guitar. Currently, she is also taking voice lessons. Dr Gray, continued, "Like his fellow classmate, Joshua Ng has earned an A in every subjects (including six AP classes) for each of the last five semesters with a better than 4.4 GPA. Josh is a faithful participant in Academic Decathlon and was part of the team that qualified for the World Scholar’s Cup – in Cape Town, South Africa and at Yale University. He is frequently to Joshua Ng be seen on the La Salle Stage, is a member of the Improv Club, Science Outreach, LEAP and has participated in Dance Composition and Choreography. Last Summer, Josh was selected to participate in the HOBY LA Leadership Seminar at Cal Poly Pomona. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, he is a member of the Student Life Communications team.
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FEBRUARY 2018
You Have Not Seen the Flickr Gallery? GREAT STUDENTS GREAT EVENTS GREAT PHOTOS
SNOW BALL FORMAL
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BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER
ADOPT-A-FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY
WINTER RALLY
FEBRUARY 2018
WINTER RALLY
BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL CRYSTAL BALL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
So much to see. Go to Flickr now!
Go to the La Salle home page and click the Flickr icon. It will take you directly to our Flickr photo gallery.
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ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
FEBRUARY 2018
FROM THE COLLEGE COUNSELING CENTER
College Center News By Tina Bonacci '94, Owen Hou ’90 and Marcia Yu, College Counselors
Seniors – Class of 2018 Transcripts with first semester senior grades were submitted to colleges on the Common Application by the end of January. Other colleges may contact students requesting their 1st semester senior grades. If so, please contact your college counselor and we will send your transcripts as requested. Students: Please update Naviance / My Colleges with your application results (acceptances, wait lists, and denials). If you are interested in applying for private scholarships, this is the time to do so. Numerous private organizations (Elks, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.) and companies (Target, Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Edison, Best Buy, etc.) offer scholarships. Some send applications to the college counseling office. Information on scholarships can be found on Naviance under ‘Scholarship List.’ Many more can be found at www.fastweb.com and other scholarship websites. Check out the ‘Money for College’ link on Naviance. Please note that there are plenty of scholarship scams out there. Beware of having to pay any money to qualify for a scholarship.
ACT FOR JUNIORS FEBRUARY 10
Juniors - Class of 2019 Thank you to the students who have completed the College Planning Survey for Juniors on Naviance by the January 26th deadline. These students have already met or will soon meet with their college counselors. In that meeting, students receive an Initial College Planning Report, which includes a list of prospective colleges for research that can be reviewed and discussed with their respective parents. Those who have not submitted the survey yet, please do so as soon as possible. Ms. Bonacci, Mr. Hou, and Mrs. Yu expect to meet with all students by mid-April. Appointments are scheduled in the order that the survey is received.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams The AP exams will take place during the period of May 7th to May 18th . Students taking AP courses have the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for college level work. They may also earn college credits for AP courses successfully completed in high school. As noted in the La Salle Catalog, students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the semester. The exam fee is $94.00 per course and will be added to the student’s tuition in March. Detailed information will be provided to the students during classroom visits in February If you have any questions after reviewing all the information, please contact Marcia Yu, AP Coordinator, at the College Center.
Summer Programs
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While there are still quite a few months until summer, it will be here before you know it. Now is the time to start thinking about possible summer programs because many have application deadlines in the next few weeks. Many college representatives speak about the importance of attending a summer program where a student can learn more about an area of interest or an academic discipline. A student who attends a summer program can stand out to an admissions officer as one who has foresight and one who is committed to their education.
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The Westridge School Summer Opportunities Fair (on Saturday, February 3 from 10:30 to 3:00pm), The Summer Program Finder ( http://summerprogramfinder.com) and Teen Life (www.teenlife. com) are three good places to start your research.
College Tours Please note the following changes this year: San Diego College Tour This tour has been rescheduled to March 5, 2018 University of San Diego, UC San Diego, San Diego State University Registration information will be available at the College Center. For more information please contact Mrs. Elmslie-Britt. Bay Area College Tour This tour has been rescheduled for the spring of 2019
PSAT and PreACT Results
UC SAN DIEGO MEDICAL CENTER
PSAT and PreACT Results (taken in October) were distributed back to students during Mentor Period in January. Please check with your student regarding them and feel free to contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions.
ACT for all Juniors: February 10 Reminder: All juniors are required and registered to take the ACT on Saturday, February 10 at La Salle. All juniors MUST bring the following: 1. Registration Ticket (students print out their ACT Registration Ticket from their actstudent.org account). 2. Student ID 3. #2 pencils 4. Calculator 5. Snack (almonds are considered brain food)! Remind your student to have plenty of sleep prior to the test and eat breakfast the morning of the test to give them energy for the 4+-hour exam.
SAVE the DATE – College Forum for Freshman, Sophomore & Junior families: March 22 College Forum La Salle’s College Forum will be held on Thursday, March 22, at 6:00pm. As in the past, college admission representatives from many colleges will present important information to our families (see tentative sessions below). The College Forum is a great opportunity for students to learn about the college admission process and learn how to research and identify the right college for them. So please highlight the College Forum on your calendar.
College Counseling Continued on page 14
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College Continued from page 13
The following were the presentation topics from the 2017 College Forum. While a majority of presentations will stay the same, some presentations will be different. Please advise if there are any specific topics you would like to see presented:
MOCK SAT FEBRUARY 24
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Words of Advice from Veteran Parents How to Pay for College Tips for Admission to Highly Selective Colleges The Visual Arts: The Application Process and Portfolios Navigating Naviance: Family Connection, Admission Stats, and More The NCAA, the Student Athlete & Admission Studying the Sciences and Engineering Searching for the Best Opportunity: Parents’ Advice to Out-of-State Colleges Understand Need and Merit Based Discounting Studying Business Studying Nursing and the Health Sciences Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program and other scholarships
More detailed information will be published in the March ParentNewsletter.
Mock Standardized Tests The Academic Boosters offered a Mock (practice) ACT in January and will offer a Mock SAT this month. This is a good way for students to familiarize themselves with these exams. These practice tests are designed for students who are currently not taking a prep course.
Mock SAT The Mock SAT will be on Saturday, February 24th, 2018, 9:00am to 1:00pm. La Salle High School – Room 227 (to be confirmed) $20 (Donation to Academic Boosters) Please register using this link: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/practice-exams/school/2/
The Lancer Armory We are looking for a few more parents to
volunteer in the Armory during lunch and after school. If interested, please contact
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Jacky Samartin at jsamartin@charter.net.
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FEBRUARY 2018
Seven
10th Annual
Gifts from the Heart
San Miguel Scholarship Social Dr. Richard Gray, President and the Board of Trustees of La Salle High School invite the community to the 10th Annual Gifts from the Heart • San Miguel Scholarship Social
AN FUN WAY TO SUPPORT LA SALLE
Sunday, February 11, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00pm Enjoy an evening of entertainment with
Los Angeles Rams Legend, Vince Ferragamo Hosted by
Dr. and Mrs. Clarizio ’75, P’06, 1412 Orlando Drive, Arcadia. RSVP by February 4, 2018 at www.lasallehs.org/GiftsfromtheHeart2018 For more information, contact Cherry Agapito at cherrya77@gmail.com or 626.720.3697.
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Catholic Schools Week LEARN SERVE LEAD
Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2018 is January 28 - February 3. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2018 is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.� Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. La Salle students and faculty spend the week in service at Ability First in Pasadena, Farm Sanctuary in Acton, Hope Garden in Sylmar, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Union Rescue Mission and Midnight Mission on Skid Row in Los Angeles, Project Angel Food in Hollywood Santa Teresita Manor in Duarte and St. Francis Center in Los Angeles. Through these events, La Salle and all other Catholic Schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our
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FROM INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Charitable Giving Changes Under the New Federal Tax Laws Income tax return filing season is upon us, and this provides an opportunity to take stock of one’s overall financial goals. The changes in the federal tax laws have a wide-ranging impact on much of the tax code. However, the impact on charitable giving is less significant than that on other parts of the legislation.
NOTE TAX DEFERRED GROWTH ON COLLEGE TUITION
Since the legislation was signed into law on December 22, many media outlets publicized the fact that tax benefits accruing to charitable donations will significantly reduce the level of such giving. With tax rates being lowered and the standard deduction being increased, certain taxpayers may see a decrease in the tax benefits of such giving. However, most charitable giving is based upon a donor’s willingness to donate from their hearts to support one or more causes about which they care. No amount of tax legislation will ever change this important dynamic. The following points summarize some key planning issues as they relate to charitable giving and education. • Prior law allowed for charitable donations up to a level of 50% of one’s adjusted gross income (the amount noted at the bottom of page one of form 1040). The law increased this level to 60%. • The exclusion amount for Estate Taxes has been increased dramatically to $11.2 million, up from about $5.5 million for 2017. This part of the law is scheduled to expire after 2025, but it could be extended at that time.
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• 529 accounts historically have been available to allow for nondeductible contributions that allow for tax deferred growth. If used to fund qualified education expenses (tuition, room, board, fees and books) at a college or certain other post-secondary institutions, the growth is tax free. Under the legislation, this benefit is now available to be used for an amount up to $10,000 annually in K-12 tuition.
ParentNewsletter
• The stock market continues to grow to record levels. Donating appreciated securities that have been held more than one year allows the donor to take a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the security. There is no tax due on the appreciated value of the security. This valuable tax benefit is not impacted by the legislation. As you compile your tax and other financial documents for tax return preparation season, it is an opportunity to review the tax and financial benefits available to you from these strategies. Consideration of certain opportunities like those noted above may provide you a tax benefit while supporting La Salle High School. Consultation with your tax advisor needs to be a part of this planning.
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PLANNED GIFTS HAVE BENEFITS TO THE OWNER AS WELL AS LA SALLE
Please review the Planned Giving articles in future publications of both the Parent Newsletter and Lancer Magazine for ongoing updates in the Planned Giving Program.
In Summary
La Salle High School can provide more information, both generically and specifically, regarding the benefits available through Planned Giving. For more information, please contact Jon Keates, the Director of Institutional Advancement at 626.696.4344.
If you are an employee of a matching gift company, we would love to work with you. This is an easy way to raise funds for La Salle. If you are not sure if your company participates, you can ask your employer or contact Tara Morales at: tmorales@lasallehs.org or call 626.696.4381.
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The Brothers Grimm will enchant and captivate with an epic fairy tale about wishes, family and the choices we make. A GRIMM FAIRY TALE THAT IS CLOSE TO HOME
Students across all grades and interests will come together to create an evening of fairytale magic as they perform as actors, singers, musicians, designers and technicians in James Lapine’s and Stephen Sondheim’s loved classic, Into the Woods. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Awardwinning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. One of Sondheim’s most popular works, Into the Woods is a musically sophisticated show with the opportunity to feature student actors adept at dark comedy. Student designers are busy highlighting the fantastical elements of this magical world. “Into the Woods” reminds us that there will be times when each of us must journey into the woods, but that we must mind the future and the past. The show ends as Cinderella says “I wish....” YOU JUST CAN’T ACT --- YOU HAVE TO LISTEN YOU CAN’T JUST ACT --- YOU HAVE TO THINK. The production opens March 9th and plays for three weekends at Porticos Arts Space, 2033 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104 Performance location dates and times are as follows:
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March 9th at 7:00 pm
March 15th at 5:00 pm
March 10th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm
March 16th at 7:00pm
March 11th at 4:00pm
March 17th at 2:00 and 7:00 pm
For reservations and information call 626.6964415
ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
Baskets, baskets!
SUCCESS IN THE MARTIAL ARTS
Yes, we need 'em.
Are you not sure what to do with that empty gift basket you received this holiday season? The Crystal Ball Committee would like to help you put those empty baskets to good use. We need medium to large baskets for our auction. You can drop them off in the Institutional Advancement Office, room 340. We hope to see you at the th 19 Annual Crystal Ball, to be held on
Friday, May 4, 2018.
Salvatierra Earns Black Belt
Mary Grace Salvatierra, a sophomore, earned her 1st degree black belt this past December. She began at the age of 4 as a member of the National Taekwondo Center but took a break to play baseball. She returned in September 2016 training three days a week. Upon earning her black belt she also became a member of their demonstration team where they performed at the “Live On Green “ event in Pasadena. She will now go for her 2nd degree black belt which should take about 2 1/2 years.
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ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
The Crystal Ball
Opportunity Drawing TODAY IS YOUR LUCKY DAY
Opportunity Drawing tickets are on sale now! Here are our great prizes: A Pleasant Holidays Vacation for 2 to Maui* 8 days, 7 nights at the Royal Lahaina Resort Includes round-trip airfare from LAX $300 food and beverage credit at select resort restaurants Plus two complimentary Luau ticket tickets
• Disneyland Park-Hopper Family 4-Pack
•
Apple iPad Opportunity Drawing takes place on May 4, 2018 during the Crystal Ball
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Contact Cheryl Allen for more information at cherylallen8@icloud.com
ParentNewsletter
FEBRUARY 2018
Alumni Association College Scholarship Class of 2019 Application and Information www.lancernetwork.com/AlumniScholar
All members of the Class of 2019 are invited to apply for the $1,500 Alumni College Scholarship sponsored by the
A WONDERFUL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
La Salle High School Alumni Association. Application deadline is
Wednesday, February 21st at 5:00pm. Questions about the Alumni Scholarship should be directed to the Alumni Office at 626.696.4362 or alumni@lasallehs.org.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
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ParentNewsletter FEBRUARY
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK PRAYER SERVICE FEBRUARY 2
JUNIOR CLASS ACT FEBRUARY 10
ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14
RETURNING STUDENT FINANCIAL AID FORMS DUE FEBRUARY 16
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FEBRUARY 2018
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February Highlights January 29 -February 2 National Catholic Schools Week Monday Freshman Service Tuesday Senior Service Wednesday Junior Service Thursday Sophomore Service February 2 Special Schedule National Catholic Schools Week, Prayer Service 9:15 - 10:15am Dining Hall February 6 Huntington Hospital Blood Drive 8:00am -1:00pm Duffy Lewis Gymnasium February 10 Saturday Junior Class ACT Test 8:00am -1:00pm Campus-wide February 11 Sunday "Gifts From the Heart" San Miguel Scholarship Social 5:30 - 8:00pm Arcadia (See page 15 for more details)
February 13 Parent Association Meeting 6:00pm Blakeslee Library Parent Boosters Meetings 7:00pm Campus Locations
March 5 San Diego College Tour Senior Retreat Departs
February 14 Dress Uniforms Ash Wednesday Liturgy 9:15am Dining Hall
Opening Night Spring Musical "Into the Woods" 7:00pm Porticos Art Space*
February 16 Dollar Dress Day Returning Students Financial Aid Applications Due to FACTS February 19 School Holiday Presidents' Day February 23 12:30pm Dismissal School Dance "Mardi Gras a bit late! " 7:30 - 10:30 Dining Hall March 1 Rally Schedule Spring Rally 1:35pm Duffy Lewis Gymnasium
March 9 Third Quarter Ends. Official Eligibility Grading Period
(See page 20 for all performance dates and times)
March 10 Saturday Class of 2022 Registration 9:00am -12:00pm Dining Hall Duffy Lewis Gymnasium March 11 Sunday Daylight Saving Begins
Save the Date May 4, 2018
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For specific Lancer Athletic game dates, times and locations log on to www.lasallelancers.org or www.lasallehs.org Athletics. Please visit the La Salle Athletics Boosters page at www.lasallelancers.org under Boosters for volunteer opportunities. *Porticos Art Space, 2033 E Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104