La Salle Parent Newsletter For Parents and Friends of La Salle College Preparatory • Pasadena • California June/July 2020
Principal Ideas Hello. And welcome to summer 2020. The 2019-2020 school year has officially finished and, although it was not the usual ending, and it will not be the usual summer, there are some things that remain the same regardless of most anything else. In a high school, a few of those things are graduation and a moving on of students and, in most years, some faculty and staff.
Courtney R. Kassakhian Principal
This year rather than graduating at Paz Naz the last Friday in May, we celebrated our graduates in a drive through graduation on Saturday, June 27. It was not the normal formal event, but it was a wonderfully festive event with an enhanced sense of celebration. Families arrived in cars decorated with posters, balloons and more and many students walked on stage covered in leis made of flowers, candy and money. Everyone had smiles. Great thanks are due to our group of faculty and staff who worked to put together a very thoughtful and beautiful graduation event: Nicole Carlos, Jude Lucas, Ed O’Connor, Kristen Schultz and Elizabeth Serhan. Congratulations to our graduates! As our graduates move on, so do some of our employees. This year we are saying goodbye to three of our faculty members:
Reflection Prayer St. John Baptist de La Salle
"Let us Pray before starting whatever we need to do" Med. 107.1
Scott DoVale P’15, ’17 is retiring from teaching. Mr. DoVale has been an inspirational English teacher to our students and has been awarded both the Lasallian Educator of the Year and Signum Fidei Awards. Besides teaching in the classroom, he has walked alongside our students through his participation as a vocalist in Music for the Masses and performing in a number of our theatre productions. He has been an active supporter of the arts and athletics, often seen in the bleachers or the audience as our students compete and perform. Mr. DoVale will be missed by his students and colleagues alike, and we thank him for his years of service to La Salle.
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After teaching at La Salle for the last two years, Darryl Oliver ‘11 has decided that instead of teaching about writing he will write himself. It was a joy to have Mr. Oliver on our faculty the last two years and he will be sorely missed. Besides his work as an English teacher, he also oversaw our Student Success Workshop where he worked individually with students who were struggling in classes. We wish him well and look forward to hearing about his successes as a writer in the years to come. And of course, Mr. Bonacci. After 35 years, Mr. Bonacci P’94, ‘97 will be retiring from La Salle. Over the course of more than three decades, he has served La Salle as a teacher, dean, academic advisor, San Miguel coordinator, Vice President for Mission, Principal, and Acting President on two separate occasions. For generations of students and parents, Mr. Bonacci is La Salle. Although he will no longer be a daily fixture, I know he will likely not be able to stay away from his beloved La Salle for too long and we will surely see him continuing to cheer on our Lancers at athletic events and catch up with alumni at reunions. Thank you and well done Mr. Bonacci. With Mr. Bonacci’s departure comes the arrival of our new president, Perry Martin. Mr. Martin has been here at La Salle for about a month and already in just a few short weeks he has brought new energy and insight that is going to help La Salle continue to move forward in new and exciting ways. Although COVID-19 makes it unlikely that we will be able to have the large group events we would normally have to introduce a new president, I hope that you will all get to know Perry through the many new forms of communication we are all becoming accustomed to using. And, as we conclude another academic year, I want to say thank you for entrusting your students to our care and working in partnership with all of us here at La Salle to educate your students, especially through these uncertain times. As Principal, I am blessed to be surrounded by a terrific and talented group of educators and support staff who work hard and are diligent in caring for all of our students. That has been made clear as staff and administration have continued to be on campus every day throughout the school closure working on plans for an upcoming school year in our temporary new normal and our faculty continue to plan and rethink their classes in preparation for the new year. For our returning families, we will be mailing to you our summer packet of information in mid-July. There is a lot that will be different this upcoming year due to COVID-19; our aim is to get you as much information about the changes as early as possible so that you can plan accordingly. In the meantime, please continue to look out for our regular email updates and be sure to check our website for the summer reading list, as well as the 2020-2021 booklist. I hope all of you have a restful and rejuvenating summer. I look forward to our first day of school on Thursday, August 17!
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Please join us for a Webinar with President Perry Martin on
Monday, July 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM or Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 6:30 PM Register at www.lasallehs.org/MeetPerryMartin 3
June/July 2020
Change Happens from the Inside Out
Perry Martin President
I am so fortunate to be at La Salle College Preparatory. The vibrant life of the school, its students, and its employees develop a unique and caring culture for young adults to transition to the future. Even in these compromised days of pandemic change, the future still holds a special place for your son or daughter. A college graduation and stepping into the workforce isn't far away. Future opportunities abound due to the rapid changes in our world and the need for compassionate and empathic leaders. La Salle College Preparatory encourages its students to be the leaders that the world needs. I was recently asked to share my thoughts regarding designing a school-wide plan to address the inequalities of race and racism in our school with a colleague. We both knew that we genuinely needed a path forward for our students, employees, community, nation, and world. We need to be the change our school and community needs. We need to find a way to personalize the problematic state of ongoing racism and offer different avenues of education and actions of lasting change. We need to address this with all who enter the campus in the morning and depart each afternoon. We need to make an impact on everyone's hearts and minds from the inside out. Kamal Ravikant once said, "Life radiates from the inside out. When you shift on the inside, life shifts on the outside." Only real personal change, the change that comes from within, can change the way someone thinks about another person. It's this inside shift in people that has the potential of creating real change in extinguishing inequality and bias. Figuring out when, where, and how to begin school-wide conversations about racial identity can seem daunting at times, especially when trying to create meaningful learning strides that would make a lasting impression and the change (impact) we want to make in our world. As Lasallian educators, it is our responsibility to teach against the evil presence of racial injustice. It's a responsibility that supersedes
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June/July 2020 all curriculum as it is the God curriculum. Our work will lead our students and employees in discussions and solutions toward action-oriented results of equality, peace, and social justice. Teaching about racial identity and bias also means "dredging" up what each person already knows, what biases have been present during their lifetimes, and how they view a world that should not be colorblind. The process must be personalized and not just taught traditionally. I believe that America has had many great leaders that have led us to the brink of positive change for a world of inclusion, equality, and respect for life. Their worthy efforts in changing hearts and minds were only as good as the human actions that followed and the degree of consistency by which the effects were lived out. To be the change that our world needs, we must continually have the discussion everywhere and every day without ceasing. Conversations about race and racism need to be present at all times. I will work closely with our employees and students, keeping the conversation alive, encouraging them to find solutions to what is currently happening around them, and steps to change the hearts and minds of others for future generations. As a community and school, we all need first to be the spark that ignites lasting change. While the spark is undoubtedly vital, it's the lasting change we value. We have had way too many flashes only to see the flame go dim. Lasting change can only come when we recognize our struggles and failures. Lasting change comes from within, when we can confront the racism within ourselves and think and act in anti-racist ways. This will take God working side by side with us. This will take prayer. The author, Jessica Beltran, states, "Nothing ever changes, until you do. If you want true change, face yourself. Believe you can change, then persevere. Don't hope you can change. Believe that you will." The God-given breath of George Floyd, and so many others, were extinguished by the crushing pressure of our nation's failure to produce equality and inclusion in our society. We must change with intent. We must make this Godly change evident to others. One breath represents one heartbeat. One heartbeat represents a new life. A new life represents a new spiritual "spark" and the opportunity for transformation. One breath can be the catalyst for enormous change. In John 13:15, Jesus states, "I have set an example for you so that you will do just what I have done for you." It will be our faith, following Jesus' example, and determination that will give us the courage to make our commitment a reality. Please join me in making La Salle College Preparatory the hope of the future. Please pray with us.
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Crystal Ball Raises over $160,000! On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration, La Salle is pleased to announce the final results of the 2020 Crystal Ball Virtual Auction. A very special thank you goes out to the entire volunteer committee, chaired by Carol Kirland P ’22, who had to make strategic adjustments along the way given the Coronavirus health crisis. These much needed funds will support the academic, arts and athletic operations of the school, including financial aid and the San Miguel Scholarship Program. The virtual event, which ran from May 14 through May 17 brought many participants, actively bidding on items and donating to La Salle and our Special Asks. Thank you to all our parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff and friends who generously supported this effort. Please visit the Crystal Ball webpage at www.lasallehs.org/CB2020. There you can view the Crystal Ball Online Auction Program that includes all our Sponsors and Business Ads. We are very grateful for their participation and for supporting this online experience. Also, you can view the video content highlights of La Salle that was released on each day of the event. Thank you again for all your participation! Here are the final numbers: • Net proceeds from the virtual auction event: $80,486.28 • Restricted donations from San Miguel Scholarship Social hosted by Hope and Dr. Dino Clarizio '75: $69,400.00 • Restricted donations to the "Special Asks” STEAM 4 and President’s Emergency Fund) $14,100.00 Grand Total: $163,986.28 Also, we would like to extend one more special thank you to our generous sponsors and underwriters of the event: Preakness $10,000 Mareina Family Leigh and Harry Olivar P’12,’21 Belmont $5,000 Anonymous Pete S. Griffith P’00,’03 Dennis A. Jebbia, Esq. Manwani Family Justify $2,500 Mark and Alison Gamble P’22, Sean and Elsy Headman P’22 Greg and Carol Kirland P’22 Clear Foundation – Gina Zhang P’21 American Pharaoh $1,500 Camilo and Stephanie Becerra P’18 / Bubalo Family Foundation Leann and Perry Martin Underwriters William H. Hannon Foundation Pasadena Tournament of Roses Brian and Michelle Smatko P’22,’24 In Memory of Margaret Smith The Schionning Family P’23
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Supporting La Salle in a Time of Health Crisis The Planned Giving program at La Salle College Preparatory provides support to the School’s endowment through one of a number of Planned Giving instruments. The program is essential in supporting the long-term goals and Mission of our School. For several months, the landscape of our environment has changed dramatically as a result of the impact of COVID-19. The impact of this on our School, students, faculty, administration, and staff has been dramatic on many levels. Under the guidance of the leadership at La Salle, the academic year was completed albeit it without the typical end of year traditions such as Prom, Senior Presentations, Baccalaureate, and Graduation. The season of spring sports was halted abruptly. Amidst all of this, La Salle has dealt with its day to day matters all the while continuing to plan for the start of School in a few months. This too will present its own challenges as we plan for the new academic year. For the first time, the Crystal Ball was held online, and the financial support generated was strong. Our School is most grateful to its many donors who have continued to provide financial support that is needed to maintain the quality of education and the unique coeducational environment offered at our School. Maintaining these attributes is essential, and our School greatly appreciates the philanthropy from its many supporters. As La Salle continues its focus of planning for what lies ahead, its need for financial support is as important as ever. In an uncertain financial environment, consideration of a Planned Gift is warranted. Such a gift would include but not be limited to:
Including our School as a beneficiary of one’s trust, life insurance, annuity, will or retirement plan
Donation of assets such as stocks and real estate
Construction of our School began in 1955, and on September 11, 1956 it opened with 117 ninth grade students. It has weathered many storms and challenges but has been steadfast in its commitment to the quality education of young men and women, especially the poor. Opportunities for supporting our School must be addressed in the context of one’s overall financial and tax plan. Consultation with one’s investment and tax advisor(s) is a must when addressing and considering such opportunities. IN SUMMARY La Salle College Preparatory can provide more information, both generically and specifically, regarding the benefits available through financial support our School. For more information, please contact either Jon Keates, the Major Gifts Consultant at (626) 696-4344 or Kevin Delaney, the Vice President for Advancement at (626) 696-4318.
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Greetings from the Parent Association “This too shall pass” is a phrase instilled in me as a young boy by my Granny, who was born in 1900. She grew up in England during World War I, lost her father when she was 10, her husband drowned in a sailing accident in the English Channel when my dad was three, and immigrated to America with her two young children and a suitcase in the midst of the Blitzkrieg during World War II. Mark Gamble, P'22 Parent Association President
Despite her many setbacks, trials and tribulations, Granny taught us to view life as if the glass were always more than half full – even if reality tried to prove differently. So here we are in the midst of unprecedented times with social and racial inequities being brought to the forefront and a global pandemic that has changed our lives forever. COVID-19 has forced our kids to face challenges we never had to face or even dreamed possible seven short months ago. As I’m sure is true for you, it’s been extremely painful to see my kid’s lives disrupted in ways that should make the glass appear near empty – my daughter graduated from 8th grade without any pomp or circumstance, or being able to say goodbye to classmates. Matthew’s sophomore year at La Salle and experience on the volleyball team were cut short, the upcoming football season is full of uncertainty, and most importantly, he’s not been able to hang out with the “Boys”. And both our kids would tell you they’ve had enough “forced family fun” to last a lifetime. With all that said, the glass remains more than half full – our kids, as well as with so many others, have demonstrated a resiliency that we as adults could learn from. They’ve found new ways to “socialize”, burn steam and keep a positive outlook. They’ve become closer as siblings, and most importantly – they’ve demonstrated a great ability to adapt.
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As we approach the new school year in which the only certainty is uncertainty – we all must practice resiliency, flexibility, and compassion (sadly, there seems to be a shortage of all three lately). Taking the baton from Jacky as the president of the Parent Association (PA), I promise to practice resiliency, flexibility and compassion throughout the 2020-2021 school year. As for flexibility, the monthly in-person PA meetings will be Zoom events, and who knows what the on-campus events involving the PA will be like as well. But just remember – this too shall pass! If anyone would like to contact me about the Parent Association, my email address is mnalig@att.net and my cell number is 213.392.0800. I look forward to experiencing with you whatever awaits all of us involved with LSHS in the year ahead. Please stay safe and healthy. Mark Gamble P’22
Lancer Armory Regular Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 1:30 PM
By Appointment Only Remember to make your appointment with the Lancer Armory for the purchase of uniform and spirit items. Please contact Sonya Froio to make an appointment at sfroio@lasallehs.org or by calling 626-351-8951 x 336. Visitors must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. We look forward to seeing you soon and getting you into your Lancer gear!
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La Salle Legacies Congratulations to the 12 Legacy Families in the Class of 2020! This group includes 11 Dads from 1969-1993 and our first Legacy Mom from the Class of 1996. The traditional Legacy Reception could not take place this year so instead we brought the reception to our legacies. The Alumni Office personally delivered gifts and Legacy Cords to our 12 Legacy Families on Wednesday, May 27th. The Class of 2020 Legacies include: Joe Alvarez '83 - Josie '20 Jeff Allen '84 - Collette '20 Leo Anaya '89- Leo '20 Orlando Clarizio '81 - Brandon '20 Ron Escamilla '81 - Aaron '20 Max Esquivel '83 - Max '20 Eddy French '75- Edmund '20 Dennis Haupt '69 - Sydney '20 Johnny Lima '85 - Kevin '20 Armando Ramirez '93 - Vanessa '20 Chuck Tapert '79 - Lauren '20 Diana (Sankikian) Watkins '96 - Alex '20
Jeff and Collette Allen
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Joe and Josie Alvarez
Leo and Leo Anaya
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Orlando and Brandon Clarizio
Ron and Aaron Escamilla
Max and Max Esquivel
Eddy and Edmund French
Dennis and Sydney Haupt
Johnny and Kevin Lima
Armando and Vanessa Ramirez
Chuck and Lauren Tapert
Diana Watkins and Alex Parseghian
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College Center News College Counselors Tam Ly, Owen Hou '90, P'21, Marcia Yu P'21
Class of 2020 Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We wish this class all the success in college and in life. We very much enjoyed working with each graduate and look forward to staying in touch! Class of 2021
Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
Summer Writing Workshop & Case Study The Summer College Writing Workshop for seniors on August 3-5 is now full. Families can still access the free College Essay Guy course at any time. Our program is modeled using the same College Essay Guy curriculum. All materials and session recordings are available HERE. Please contact Mrs. Yu at myu@lasallehs.org with any questions. College Planning Survey for Seniors The College Planning Survey for Seniors is available on Naviance. It will be due by August 28th. In the fall, College Counselors will meet with each student of the class of 2021 to review their college list in preparation for the college application period. Virtual Senior College Information Night The College Information Night for Seniors will take place on August 26th from 6:00 to 7:00PM. Please save the date to attend this very important event. During this meeting we will share information about the application protocol/ paperwork, letters of recommendation, essay writing tips, and lots of other pertinent information. Parents and students are expected to attend either in person or online. Due to social distancing restrictions, spaces for in person attendance will be limited and by reservation only. This event will also be livestreamed. Registration information will be sent in the first week of August.
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College Visits Under normal circumstances, we would be advising seniors to visit schools over the summer, attend college fairs and events in our area offered by the schools they are interested in. Since this may not be possible at the moment, we suggest that seniors shift their research even more so online. Below are very helpful websites to assist with your research: Naviance - Allows students to customize college searches, manage the list of colleges students are thinking about and eventually move them to colleges they are applying to. Accessible via lasallehs.org / Quick Links / Naviance Youvisit.com - Take virtual tours of over 600 campuses Niche.com - Customize college searches based upon a set of criteria setup by the user Campusreel.com - Student generated videos from the schools they attend Bigfuture.collegeboard.org - Customizable college search tool through College Board Here is a list of upcoming virtual college admission events, including virtual college tours. Attending virtual information sessions is a good way to gather information and also to demonstrate interest in a given college. Standardized Testing SAT • The College Board has announced that at home SAT will not be an option given the challenges to ensure fairness for all • La Salle plans to offer the SAT on September 23rd on site to juniors and seniors if there is demand for it • The upcoming test dates are August 29, September 26, October 3, November 7 and December 5. We recommend students who wishes to take the test to sign up as soon as possible as the number of seats available are limited this fall • Given the fluidity of the situation, please visit the College Board Coronavirus Update page for the most recent announcements in regards to the SAT ACT • ACT has plans to launch online testing as well as online retesting of specific sections starting in September • The upcoming test dates are July 18, September 12, October 24 and December 12. • Given the fluidity of the situation, please visit the ACT COVID-19 Update page for the most recent information.
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SAT Subject Tests Students should check this list of colleges that require, recommend or consider the SAT Subject Tests to determine if they should take the exam in the fall: http://www.compassprep. com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/ SAT Subject tests are offered on August 29, October 3, November 7 and December 5 Class of 2022
Be Sure to keep up to date regarding all standardized testing.
Standardized testing Standardized testing for the 2020-2021 school year is anticipated to take place Wednesday, October 14, 2020, when juniors are expected to take the PSAT/NMSQT. PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that provides first hand practice for the SAT. It also gives Juniors a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The current plan is for all Juniors to take ACT at La Salle on February 6, 2021. They would register for the ACT at school in the fall. The cost is covered by La Salle so there is nothing to do on your part. We will continue monitoring the status of the pandemic and will confirm the plans at a later date. In addition, most juniors will be taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of 2021. If the family is considering a test-prep course for the SAT, we suggest that you choose a program that finishes close to the test date. College and Career Planning Use Naviance! Remind your student to add their school and non-school activities and awards they received in “My Resume�. This is a great place to gather information and keep it organized for the college application process.
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Classes of 2023 and 2024 Standardized tests Sophomores are expected to take the Pre-ACT on October 14th, 2020. Under normal circumstances, freshmen would also be taking the pre-ACT on October 14th; however, to adhere to social distancing requirements we plan on scheduling the freshmen preACT at a different date. More information on this will be sent as soon as plans are finalized. College and Career Planning We recommend that sophomores complete the ‘Career Interest Profiler’ assessment. Successful completion of this assessment will generate a report that will provide your student with important information about ‘matching occupations’. Your student will learn about careers that fit their characteristics, their personal strengths and blind spots, how they negotiate in their daily life, and a host of other useful information. General Information Summer Activities Students should use their summer time wisely while keeping safety precautions during the pandemic. It is a great time to read (helps build vocabulary and critical thinking skills), find a job (helps with time-management and communication skills), participate in an activity that they are passionate about (athletics, music, theatre, academics, etc.) or give their time to an organization that can use an extra pair of hands. This list of volunteer opportunities is published by the City of Arcadia. Students may also find opportunities to volunteer online at Meaningful Teens NHS and CSF Registration If your student is eligible for membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) and/or the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), please remind him or her to register. CSF and NHS applications will be available in late August. We wish all La Salle families a restful and safe summer. We will be checking our emails and voicemails on a periodic basis, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any question you may have regarding college counseling. A counselor will be onsite throughout the summer as a resource.
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Alumni Scholars Colby Stenzel ’20 is the first recipient of the four year Alumni Heritage Scholarship which he was awarded as an incoming 9th grader. Over his four years at La Salle he has been involved in the Support Our Troops Club, Senior Class Council, Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon, Rho Happa Honors Society President, World Scholar’s Cup: International Team, and the Student Life Service Team. Colby felt that the service opportunities he had the opportunity to participate in at La Salle to serve the community in tangible ways were his biggest blessing. Colby will be attending Westmont College. Amanda Orza ’20 has been a Student Ambassador, Retreat Leaders, Support Our Troops Club member, a members of CSF, NHS President, Water Polo Captain, and a member of the Swim, Soccer, Volleyball and Golf teams at La Salle. Amanda is a recipient of the Alumni Association College Scholarship and will be attending UC Santa Barbara. Annalee Longhurst ’20 has served on La Salle’s Student Life Team, as well as being a Retreat Leader, Student Ambassador and active on the Volleyball team and in the dance program. Annalee is a recipient of the Alumni Association College Scholarship and will be attending Regis University. Luc Aguilar-Fraley '20 received the 2020 Dash Award. This $1,500 scholarship award is made possible by the Tavakoli Family in memory of their son Arion '05 who passed away in 2014.
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Members of the 2019-2020 Alumni Association Executive Board with front row, second from left, Colby Stenzel ’20, Alumni Heritage Scholar, Amanda Orza ’20, Alumni College Scholar, and Annalee Longhurt ’20, Alumni College Scholar. Both the Alumni Heritage Scholarship and the Alumni College Scholarships are funded by the Alumni Association’s biennial Taste of La Salle event. The recipients are selected each year by the members of the Alumni Board.
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Drive Through Graduation On June, 27, 2020, the Class of 2020 was celebrated with a Drive Through Graduation event. The upper parking lot was decorated with banners, balloons, and posters as faculty and staff lined up to cheer our graduates on! The graduates were able to pick up their diplomas, move their tassels, and cross the stage (socially distanced of course!) As they close this chapter and open a new one, we wish them all the very best. We are so proud of you - Congratulations! All photos and videos showcasing the event will be available soon at www.lasallehs.org/Commencement2020. Until then, here is a quick preview.
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LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY 3880 E. SIERRA MADRE BLVD. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91107-1996 • TELEPHONE 626.351.8951 FACSIMILE 626.351.0275 WWW.LASALLEHS.ORG • LA SALLE PARENTNEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT JANUARY AND JULY BY LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
On behalf of the entire Faculty, Staff, and Administration of La Salle College Preparatory, we would like to wish you all a happy, safe, and well deserved Summer Break! 20
© 2020
• EDITOR, NICOLE CARLOS '12 COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR TELEPHONE: 626.696.4429 • EMAIL: NCARLOS@LASALLEHS.ORG
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