ParentNewsletter THE LA SALLE
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CALIFORNIA • MARCH 2018
Principal Ideas Hello! We have made it to March! February was a busy month here at La Salle.
Learn•Serve•Lead
February Highlights I am proud to share that in February our students competed and achieved in a variety of ways. Here are some of the highlights: Our Academic Decathlon team had great success at the Annual Academic Decathlon. This year’s theme was Africa and the team came home with a total of 80 medals! La Salle placed in the top three in three separate divisions, winning 3rd place overall in Division I, 3rd place overall in Division II, and 2nd place overall in Division III. This was the first year we have competed in the top division and we were the only school to place in the top three in all of the three highest divisions of competition! Congratulations to our decathletes and their coach, Mr. John Erb. Our debate team continued to make us proud throughout February. Seniors John Nahas and Jack Crawford competed at the Cal Berkeley
Round Robin, where John was awarded 3rd speaker overall. They were then joined by 15 of their teammates at the Cal Berkeley Invitational. Three La Salle teams placed in the top 16 out of 174 teams in the JV Public Forum competition and John and Jack placed in the top 16 among 278 varsity teams; they also received their fifth bid this year to the Tournament of Champions. The success shows the dedication of the students as well as their coaches, Ms. Elizabeth Meerson and Mr. Jeff Niemeic. Four out of five of our winter sports programs advanced to the playoffs. Boys and girls soccer and boys basketball all made it to the first round of playoffs, while our girls basketball team made it to the quarterfinals. All of these successes are testaments to the work ethic and talent of our students, as well as the quality of our teachers and coaches who spend many, many hours working with our students to make sure they are prepared to succeed.
Admissions February was also a busy time for our admissions team. Letters will go out to all incoming Principal Ideas Continued on page 2
In the Words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle "By God's grace, good teachers are master builders who give all possible care and attention to lay the foundation of Christian religion and virtue in the hearts of their pupils." Saint John Baptist de La Salle Patron Saint of Teachers, c1704 Meditations for the Time of Retreat
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MARCH 2018
Principal Ideas Continued from page 1
freshman applicants on Friday, March 2 to notify them of the Committee’s decisions and we will be welcoming another new class of Lancers to our school at freshman registration on Saturday, March 10.
Challenges Facing Us
SCREENAGERS TO BE SHOWN MARCH 14
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February brought lots of excitement, but it also brought challenges. A challenge facing schools today that most of us parents did not think about when we were in high school is that of security, specifically of active shooter situations. The February 14 shooting in Parkland, FL was horrific and has caused fear, anger, and a desire to implement change in many people across the country, especially our young people. As an educator it has been inspiring to see young people taking stands and taking action. I have heard some commentators in the media insisting these students must be coached, that there is no way teenagers could be so smart and articulate. I can’t help but wonder what teenagers these people know. The teens I know, the teens that attend La Salle, are more than capable of intelligent thought, moving speech, and sophisticated organization. And I know that many of our students would like to participate in events, such as the planned March 14 walk-out. As a school administration we are working with students to support them in their desire to be proactive citizens. After all, as a Lasallian school our mission is to prepare our students for more than college; we are preparing them to Learn, Serve, Lead and we endeavor to give our students the tools to look at the world and see what they can and must do to make it a better place. News outlets give the number of school shootings in 2018 anywhere from seven to 18 depending on the criteria being used to label something a school shooting. Last month we had assemblies and mentor lessons surrounding the subject of school safety and heard from the students about their feelings at this point in time. I also heard from many parents, and of course our faculty. Auditing and enhancing our school safety plan is a priority for our school. Part of safety of course has to do with physical things: gates, doors, and so on. But another part of it has to do with the culture
of our school. In talking with students these past few weeks, we have not only discussed what can be done to our campus, but also what we can do as a community to ensure safety. At La Salle we talk a lot about our community and being part of the Lancer family. We also point to the Lasallian Five Core Principles: Quality Education, Faith in the Presence of God, Inclusive Community, Respect for All People, and Concern for the Poor and Social Justice. I truly believe that creating an inclusive community and making others feel respected, cared for, and wanted is crucial in creating a safe campus. So, while my challenge is to ensure that the school has everything in place to create a physically safe environment, I think the challenge for all of us is to pay as much or more attention to others as we do to ourselves and make sure that each student at La Salle feels cared for and seen by their peers and faculty.
Challenges of the Electronic Age School safety is just one of the many newer problems we face. As a school administrator and a parent myself, I spend a lot of time thinking about the challenges that face youth today that we in the older generation did not have to contend with and what we can do to help meet and mediate those challenges so that our children grow up to be healthy, happy, and productive. Another one of those more recent challenges is that of screens: computers, television, tablets, smart phones. These devices have great value for learning, communicating, and entertainment, but they also can be the cause of a lot of frustration and problems for children and adults alike. With that in mind, I would like to invite all of you to a showing of "Screenagers" on Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30pm in the Dining Hall. As stated on its website, Screenagers is “an award-winning film that probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games, and academics.” The film is 67 minutes and we will have an opportunity for discussion following the screening. Students will be watching a 47 minute version of the film in mentor and having their own discussions about how being “wired” affects them in ways good and bad. I hope to see many of you on March 14.
ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018
Course Selections Due As we head into March, your students should be completing their course selections for the upcoming school year. These need to be entered into PowerSchool by Friday, March 9. All students should be meeting with their academic advisors to review their choices, but please be sure you have also reviewed them with your child.
Grandparents’ Day March will also bring us Grandparents’ Day. This annual event will take place on Wednesday, March 28, the last day of school before Easter Break begins. The students and grandparents really enjoy this day together, so if your child is lucky enough to have grandparents or similar figures in their lives, I encourage you to make sure they participate in this special day.
And of course March continues our Lenten journey and brings Easter. Lent is a time or prayer, alm sgiving, and fasting leading up to the celebration of Easter. As Catholics, we are Easter people, people of hope and belief in the Risen Lord and I wish all of you a joyous and meaningful Easter. Sincerely,
Mrs. Courtney R. Kassakhian
Rotary Clubs Select RYLA Winners Nine juniors have been selected by the Pasadena and the Sierra Madre Rotary Clubs for their Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). This is Rotary’s leadership training program for high school juniors. This year’s RYLA will be held in Camp Cedar Crest in Running Springs, CA from March 16 to March 18. La Salle juniors selected by the Pasadena Noon Rotary Club for RYLA, are: Devon Culpepper, Isabelle Abboud, Kate Mena, Meredith Moreno and Tristan Huo. La Salle juniors selected by the Sierra Madre Rotary Club for RYLA, are: Mina Thoresen, Anela Leis, Derek Mendez-Takizawa and Pierce Nakamura. Samantha Grijalva is an alternate.
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Join us for Grandparents' Day Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 9:00am La Salle Dining Hall. Celebration concludes at 11:15am.
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La Salle Matters
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Typically, my morning route to La Salle takes me to the south gate entrance of the lower parking lot, so I don’t often experience the congestion that takes place in front of the School during student dropoff at the time of the warning bell prior to the start of first block (I’m told it isn’t pretty). Not too long ago, however, I had an 8:00am meeting with a donor in Sierra Madre, so I found myself driving north on Hastings Ranch Drive with the intention of turning right onto Sierra Madre Boulevard. The light was red, so I came to a stop, looked to my left and, proceeded to make a right-hand turn, thinking there was sufficient time to do so without impeding oncoming traffic. Apparently, I was wrong, because an SUV caught up behind me and, while leaning on the horn, proceeded to swerve to the left and then immediately cut into my lane, just in front of me. It appeared to me that the driver was angry that my poor judgment prevented him (her?) from arriving at the intended location in a timely manner. So, imagine my surprise when, not more than 1000 feet later, the driver pulled over to the curb in front of La Salle to drop off a student. I say, surprise, because I can only imagine the conversation between student and parent at that particular moment of high drama: “I’m going to be late and I’ll have to serve a detention and miss (insert activity) after school!” I suppose that this is a typical dialogue between most teenagers and their parents at some point in time. Having grown up in New York, my version of that conversation entailed getting out the door and to the bus stop in time – only it was my mother urging me to avoid the detention! So, I recognize that it was ever thus. What troubles me about the particular scene which I encountered on a certain Thursday morning was the SUV driver’s use of the car horn as an instructional tool. I say “instructional” because I’ve noticed over my nearly 20 years living in Los Angeles that the car horn – initially designed as a safety/warning device – appears to be more frequently used as a means of informing someone else of their errant behavior behind the wheel of a car – an electronic version of “You’re an idiot!” Don’t get me wrong – I spent a significant chunk of my life in NYC – so I’m used to horns blaring. But, for the most part, blaring horns were the provenance of taxi drivers, not SUV drivers. Yes, any visitor to Manhattan will recall the incessant use of the car horn; but, in general, their function is to alert another car driver that they are dangerously close to another vehicle (or to point out that cutting off another vehicle in order to make it through a changing stop light is a foolish choice). So, from my perspective, a blaring horn ought to be for the purpose of alerting another driver that an oncoming train is about to bring a life, well-lived, to a premature end. Not so in Los Angeles. I get how frustrating traffic congestion is here (it really is worse than NYC). I get the frustration drivers experience when unexpected events clog the freeways (I’ve had too many heart-thumping-justin-time-to-get-on-my-plane-at-LAX moments). What I don’t get is – other than providing an outlet for a person’s frustration at losing control of one’s expected arrival time – why leaning on a car horn is an acceptable response to the unexpected behavior of a complete stranger who, undoubtedly, is making his/ her own assumptions about what is taking place at a particular moment. In my situation, I am ready to grant that I may have misjudged the distance between me and the oncoming vehicle. If so, a quick tap on the horn would (it seems to me) alert me to my error. A blaring horn (it seems to me) is a statement about my poor driving skills (most of my family and friends would agree) rather than a reminder to be
ParentNewsletter
more careful next time, or a quick alert that I am too close to an oncoming vehicle. The blaring horn, the rapid movement to circumnavigate my car and the immediate move to the curb tells me that, not only have I inconvenienced the offended driver, but that I needed to be taught a lesson. Perhaps I do – but I don’t think that responsibility should be held by any driver (especially in LA!) who is irritated by my – seemingly – poor judgment in a situation that transpired in less than two minutes. I especially don’t think that responsibility should be shouldered by a harried parent who is anxiously trying to ensure that the student passenger avoids being late for school. Here’s why… What’s the worst that can happen … an afternoon detention that becomes an inconvenient interruption into an already overscheduled day? Actually, that’s not the worst that can happen. The worst that can happen is that a teenager learns that it is okay to vent anger at strangers who may (or may not) have made a poor choice. We see too much of that among our peers in today’s society. We (perhaps) agree that everyone should exercise more patience, more tolerance towards others. We worry about how to ensure that the next generation behaves in a responsible manner with respect to situations that, inevitably, they will not be able to control. But, what we don’t necessarily appreciate is that they are watching us and watching how we react to unexpected situations. They learn from us – without our ever noticing – that our reactions teach them how they should react. One of the most difficult challenges I face in my role as a leader of the La Salle community is paying attention to the fact that my every reaction is parsed for its significance to those around me. I don’t always get it right – and my colleagues are there to help me accept that. I can’t imagine how difficult it is for parents to endure a lifetime of scrutiny. I only know that if we aren’t prepared to notice that our reactions to unplanned disruptions to our routine have consequences beyond the momentary annoyance, we run the risk of sending mixed signals to those for whom we have the greatest hope will be able to move our fragmented world closer to embracing the values of respect, tolerance and giving others the benefit of the doubt. I think we would all benefit from putting the car horn on mute.
Richard Gray, Ph.D. President
MARCH 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
MARCH 2018
FROM THE PARENT ASSOCIATION
A Call to Service The La Salle Parent Association and Boosters would like to thank our current parents that have served on several committees over the years and looking forward to the incoming and current parents wanting to be of service to our school community. During the 2019 school year, our La Salle school community will have several vacancies. I would like to encourage all our parents to take the time and look through the list below of opportunities to serve:
Hospitality Chair o This individual is responsible for creating a small committee of parents
Parent Association Meeting March 13, 2018 6:00pm Blakeslee Library
o Works with various committees to organize and set up refreshments, food, decorations, open house, and registration o Maintains hospitality supplies by working in conjunction with the Pantry Chair o Assign volunteers to take turns and help room setup and clean up for meetinsgs o Coordinates the purchase, preparation and setup of refreshments, food supplies, nametags and any decorations needed for events
Volunteer Service Coordinator o This is a crucial link between the work that needs to be done and finding the people to do it o Help inform parents about volunteer opportunities and responsibilities o Coordinates and manages the online signup forms for various events throughout the year and distributes the form links to event chairs to promote
Grandparents Day Chair o Focus on the idea of students connection with grandparents o Work with the Art Booster President to coordinate activity for the day o Ensure you have ample volunteers for the day of the event
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o Coordinate with the Parent Association President on items needed
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Faculty Appreciation Chair o Work with Parent Association President on the date o Decide on a theme and/ or menu for luncheon o Utilize parent community for donations o Work with Volunteer Coordinator to let parents know what food items are needed on the date of the luncheon This summary of what the responsibilities entails for each of the chair positions needed is for 2019. If you need additional information please reach out to me at evaughnhenry@gmail.com. If you are sincere about wanting to improve La Salle and the school community we are all part of, I encourage all of you to take the first step by volunteering for one of the committees listed above.
THERE ARE MANY ENJOYABLE WAYS TO SERVE
It was my ultimate dream to serve at La Salle when our family started our journey four years ago– and when I turned my attention to living this dream. My life was flooded with passion, purpose and joy for the education sector. Being of service at La Salle was a privilege and one I will definitely miss.
Emily Vaughn Henry P'18 Parent Association President
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
Jacky Samartin at jsamartin@charter.net.
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MARCH 2018
Lancer Academic Decathlon Team Wins 80 Medals By John Erb, Academic Decathlon Coach
Earlier in the month, the La Salle Academic Decathlon teams vied in their only competition of the year, a two-Saturday event held at Bishop Alemany High School. Forty teams representing a wide variety of private schools in Southern California, parochial and non-parochial, competed in ten separate disciplines all based on this year’s theme: Africa. Teams of nine are divided by overall GPA: honors (3.75-4.00), scholastic (3.00-3.74), and varsity (up to 2.99). La Salle’s students garnered a total of 80 medals this year! We also medaled in overall team scores in Divisions I, II, and III, the only school to do so. LANCERS MOVE UP TO DIVISION 1
Due to our incredible scores last year, all of our teams were moved up a level. Thus our first team competed in Division I against Bishop Alemany and Mater Dei, the behemoths of private school AD. That being said, the individual Lancers on Team #1 won over two medals each on average which is, dare I say, awesome! Overall Team #1 won a bronze medal, Team #2 won a bronze medal, and Team #3 won a silver medal. La Salle was the only school that fielded four teams thanks to 39 students who have enrolled in our two Academic Decathlon classes. Most schools only field one or two teams but I have seen first hand how important that winning just one medal can aid in college admissions. For this year, 27 of the 28 students won a medal and 25 of them won at least two medals. Incredible! The following four students led their teams with high scores: junior Gwyn Schoenbaum for Team #1, senior Greg Jasper for Team #2, junior Kees Hood for Team #3, and freshman Matthew Day for Team #4. This is only the fourth year of the Academic Decathlon program at La Salle and it has grown from one team of nine students to almost 40 students. But for La Salle to maintain its continued growth and success, we will need to recruit more “varsity” students, as we could only manage four this year out of a needed twelve. I will need your help to recruit your sons and daughters to join the fun and win lots of medals. To compete in the ultra-competitive Division I, we will need more “varsity” students so if you have a sophomore or junior that meets the GPA conditions, tell them to join AD. They can win and win big!
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Next up for the Lancer AD program is the World Scholars Cup which we will host on Monday, April 30. We will field fourteen teams of three as we will compete against public and private schools. Many medals are to be had... and won! Go Lancers!
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MARCH 2018
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 La Salle Dining Hall • 6:30pm to 9:00pm
AN EVENT FOR THE TASTEBUDS FEATURING UNLIMITED TASTES
Adictivo Tequila • Altadena Town & Country • Asian Mix Boba Fix Bloomfield Creamery • Brother Timothy Wine • Casa Del Rey • Chef Carmen’s 3 C’s COLETTE • Craft Beer Cellar Eagle Rock • Domenico’s Italian Restaurant Dulce Amargura • E. & J. Gallo Wine • El Cholo Cafe • El Portal • Fauborg Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. • Frank Family Vineyards • Hop Secret Brewing Company Jones Coffee Roaster • Lagunitas Brewing Company • Mt. Lowe Brewing Company Nothing Bundt Cakes • Pasadena Sandwich Company • PizzaRev • Pressed Juicery Quintessential Wines • Roy’s Restaurant • San Antonio Winery • Sierra Filtration Services Sierra Fusion • Stone Brewing • Stonefire Grill • The Peacock Grille at Embassy Suites Twohey’s • Twohey’s Tavern • We Olive Pasadena • Wilson Creek Winery and many more!
GREAT FOOD! GREAT PEOPLE! GREAT TIME!
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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 • "Temecula Getaway" Trader Joe’s "Ultimate Gift Basket," and much more!
Opportunity Drawing tickets are: 1 for $10, 5 for $25, 15 for $50 or 40 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 available online at
www.lancernetwork.com/Taste2018
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MARCH 2018
Students Create Portraits for Black History Month
Art teacher, Mrs. Kate Williams, asked the La Salle National Art Honor Society to create illustrations for the Black History Month display in the Blakeslee Library. These are some of their contributions. PORTRAITS IN HONOR OF GREAT AMERICANS
Booker T. Washington Educator, Inventor By Melody Griffith Tiger Woods Golfer By Taylor Hanna
Katherine Dunham Dancer By Sophia Almaraz
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Kenneth B. Clarke Psychologist, educator By Miles Ogden
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MARCH 2018
Claudette Calvin Equality activist By Gwyn Schoenbaum
Malcolm X Minister, activist By Nikki Strubinski
Thurgood Marshall Justice, US Supreme Court By Taylor Hanna Jesse Jackson Activist By Amy Wang
Whitney Houston Singer, entertainer By Angela Estrada Paul Robeson Singer, actor, activist By Cristina De La Cruz
James Baldwin Novelist By Ailani Sato-Lim
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MARCH 2018
FROM THE COLLEGE COUNSELING CENTER
College Center News By Tina Bonacci '94, Owen Hou ’90 and Marcia Yu, College Counselors
Senior News College acceptances are continuing to come in. Seniors have been offered admission to many colleges throughout California and the United States. Remember to add your admissions decisions on Naviance. We need to know all the news, both good and not so good, to get a complete picture.
Junior News Ms. Bonacci, Mr. Hou, and Mrs. Yu are now meeting with juniors and talking to them about college options. Some Junior College Planning Surveys are still outstanding. If your student has not submitted his/her survey, please remind them to do so as soon as possible. The sooner they complete the survey, the earlier we will meet with them. Their responses help us to identify colleges that might be a good fit for them, what actions they need to take, events to participate and so on. We then discuss our recommendations with them during the meeting. An early start in the college planning in the spring often leads to well thought out and less stressful college applications in the fall. We are also glad to meet with parents after your student has met with his/her College Counselor. Please feel free to call and schedule an appointment.
NOTE STANDARD TESTING GUIDELINES
Standardized Testing We would like to thank all juniors who took the ACT at La Salle in February. Some students have already reported seeing their scores on the ACT student website. We expect that all the results will be available by early to mid-March. We hope that all juniors have already registered for a spring SAT and/or another ACT. If not, they should register as soon as possible. Registration information is available in the College Center. The next SAT test dates are May 5th and June 2nd ; the ACT test dates are April 14th and June 9th. The registration deadlines are about five weeks prior to the exam. If your student is planning to apply to a University of California campus in a science or engineering major, then he/she is encouraged to take two SAT Subject Tests from different disciplines. The best time to take SAT Subject Tests is in June after the student has completed the course. There is time to re-test for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT during the senior year, and all colleges will take the highest scores. In addition to the UCs, some colleges* require or highly recommend applicants to submit two or three SAT Subject Tests. The College Center advises freshmen to consider taking the Biology test and sophomores, the Chemistry and/or World History test on June 2 if they are receiving a A- or higher in the course. Students should check out the pamphlet “Getting Ready for the SAT Subject Tests”, found in the College Center, about the material covered in the test or consider taking a practice Subject Test exam. Please contact Ms. Bonacci, Mr. Hou, or Mrs. Yu if you have any questions.
Plan to Visit Colleges Over Easter Vacation
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Plan a college tour locally or out-of-state with your son or daughter over the Easter break, March 29 - April 8. Touring a college this time of the year will allow your student to experience a true college setting with college students attending classes and club activities in the campus center. Seeing a college campus first hand will help your son or daughter find the right college campus for them. *A list of colleges that require/recommend Subject Tests can be found at www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx.
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College Forum – Thursday, March 22 Our largest college-planning event of the year will take place on Thursday, March 22nd at 6:00 in the evening. We are planning the following presentations for 9, 10 and 11 grade students and parents: • Understanding UC Admission • From Stress to Success: Finding the Perfect College and How to Pay for it! • Understanding Pharmacy Programs • Parent Forum • Dollars & Sense • Studying the Physical Sciences and Engineering • Understanding Self-Directed Programs • College Admissions from the College’s Point of View • Getting a Liberal Art Education on a State School Budget • Making the Moment Count: College Visits! • Standardized Testing Overview • College Quickstart: Naviance Overview • Getting in: Tips for Admission to Highly Selective Colleges • Preparing for the Health Related Careers • The Arts: Application Process, Auditions & Portfolios • Understanding the Business Major • Successful Transition to College for Students with Learning Differences • The NCAA, the Student Athlete & Admission
COLLEGE FORUM MARCH 22
We are finalizing the speaker list and should have all of them confirmed by the beginning of March. Once that is done, we will send parents a copy via email and distribute programs to students in their Mentor period. Please contact Ms. Bonacci, Mr. Hou or Mrs. Yu if you have questions.
Advanced Placement (AP) exams: May 7 to May 18. All students received their AP Exams Information Package including the Bulletin for AP Students and Parents, student checklist and schedule. The exam fees, originally scheduled for March, will be included in April’s tuition statements. The AP exams will be administered on the following dates (all dates are printed in the school calendar): Monday, May 7 – Chemistry (8:00am) Tuesday, May 8 – Spanish Lang and Culture (8:00am) Wednesday, May 9 – English Literature & Comp (8:00am) Thursday, May 10 – US Government and Politics (8:00am) Friday, May 11 – U.S. History (8:00 AM), Studio Art (8:00am) Monday, May 14 – Physics C: Mech (noon), Physics C: E & M (2:00pm) Tuesday, May 15 – Calculus AB/BC (8:00am) Wednesday, May 16 – English Lang & Comp (8:00am), Macroeconomics (noon) Thursday, May 17 – Statistics (noon) Friday, May 18 – Microeconomics (8:00am), European History (noon) Exams can only be administered at the designated date and time. If there is a conflict due to school athletics or any other school related activity, please let Mrs. Yu know as soon as possible.
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Religion Classes Study Native American Rituals Junior World Religion classes, who were studying Native American Religions, recently watched the acclaimed movie, “Dances with Wolves.” As part of the immersion process, the classes learned to set up and take down a real teepee on the La Salle field. The American Plains Indian teepee (tipi, tepee) is a Plains Indian home. It was constructed using 12 to 16 foot long wooden poles and covered with buffalo hides fastened around the poles, designed in a cone shape. Teepees were warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Women were in charge of the teepees. It was up to the women where to place a teepee in a new camp. The teepee was their castle, and they were in charge of anything to do with it, including building it, erecting it and breaking it down for transport. Men were in charge of the outside of the teepee. It was up to them to bring back the Buffalo skins necessary to cover the poles. The men often painted the outside of the teepee they called home. The genious of the teepee is that it could be broken down and loaded for transport (or dragged by horse) in as little as eight minutes enabling the Indians to follow fast moving buffalo (American Bison) herds, rapidly, move to protected areas when inclement weather approached or quickly escape potential enemies. The classes also examined and “played” lacrosse, the first American sport. Modern day lacrosse descends from and resembles games played by various Native American communities. These include games called dehuntshigwa’es in Onondaga ("men hit a rounded object"), and da-nahwah’uwsdi in Eastern Cherokee ("little war”). Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in North America. There is evidence that a version of lacrosse originated in what is now Canada as early as 1100 AD. Native American lacrosse was played throughout modern Canada, but was most popular around the Great Lakes, MidAtlantic seaboard, and American South.
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Seven
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10th Annual
FUN FOOD FUN TIME AND A NICE PASS
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Gifts from the Heart The 10th annual Gifts from the Heart social was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Clarizio '75, P'06 on Sunday, February 11. This event is held to support the San Miguel Scholarship Fund, a program designed to give full scholarships to students whose family’s household income is at or below the federal poverty line. Senior, Daniel Valdez was the guest speaker and a scholarship recipient. The evening was a resounding success as guests enjoyed great food, and amazing backstory about the Los Angeles Rams and the NFL from former Rams’ quarterback Vince Ferragamo. Dr. Richard Gray thanked Ferragamo for his words and also acknowledged the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Clarzio for opening their home to our guests for the past 10 years, but especially for their continued contributions to the San Miguel Scholarship Fund. In addition, the Webb Foundation was also acknowledged for their long-time support and contributions. Ferragamo autographed a Los Angeles Rams T-shirt and an NFL football that was raffled off that evening. Raffle winners were Doreen Harmon for the T-shirt and MorDino and Hope Clarizio with Richard Gray ris Victor who received a pass from Ferragamo of his NFL autographed football. Ferragamo also autographed an authentic Los Angeles Rams Jersey that will be auctioned off at the Crystal Ball on May 4th. This gift gathering event kicked-off the 19th Annual Crystal Ball celebration which will be held at Noor Pasadena, Friday, May 4, 2018.
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Vince Ferragamo with the Clarizio Family.
Vince Ferragamo and Morris Victor GP '05,'12,'18.
Guests enjoy the presentations including Mr. and Mrs. Pat Wickham, P'98,'07,'10, far left.
Daniel Valdez '18 during his presentation speech. At Left, Jeff Allen,'84, Monique and Ed Melicdem P'16,'19 and Cheryl Allen.
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FROM INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Achieve Your Financial Goals and Support the Mission of La Salle By taking advantage of financial opportunities that provide both tax and financial/investment benefits, you can also support the Mission of La Salle High School. A “Planned Gift” (as opposed to an “annual gift”) is a donation to La Salle High School made in one’s lifetime or at death that is a part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate plan. Such gifts enhance the endowment of our School by supporting and ensuring the commitment to its Mission. Planned Giving can be executed in many ways. These include: GIFTS ANNUITIES BEQUEATHS AND DONATIONS
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A Charitable Gift Annuity provides a stream of income (at competitive rates of return) either immediately or in the future along with a current tax deduction. Donating appreciated assets (real estate and securities as examples) that you have owned for more than one year will avoid federal and state capital gains taxes on the appreciation while creating a tax deduction. With the stock market at or near record highs, this is an opportune time to consider such a strategy. Gifts payable at death (a bequest or designating our School as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement fund) are exempt from estate taxation. Donating an asset to a charitable trust allows our School to receive it when the trust terminates in the future; in the meantime, the donor receives a stream of payments at a rate that exceeds that which can be conservatively attained in the open market.
These are a few of the opportunities available in the world of Planned Giving. Determining what type of Planned Gift is appropriate for you depends on your personal financial goals and the various circumstances that encompass your personal situation. In these months of compiling your tax and other financial documents for income tax return preparation, it is an opportunity to review the tax and financial benefits available to you from these strategies. 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
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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.
ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018 MARCH 2018
Baskets, baskets! 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.
See you at the 19th Annual Crystal Ball
Friday, May 4, 2018 MATCHING GIFTS HAVE BENEFIT TO DONOR AS WELL AS LA SALLE
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
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Students across all grades and interests will come together to create an evening of fairy tale 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 production features seniors, Anthony Becerra, Mary Harmon, Cami Brown, Alexander Weitzel, Mihi Stanek, Carlee Ladesich, Georgia Lutantowidjojo, Anthony Kyriakakis, Oliver Richards and Hunter Newell. Over 30 students will work to create the world of enchantment as they explore wishes, family, choices made and the resulting consequences. The production opens March 9th and plays for two weekends at Porticos Arts Space, 2033 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91104
Performance dates and times are as follows: March 9 at 7:00pm March 10 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm March 11 at 4:00pm March 15 at 5:00pm March 16 at 7:00pm ch March 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 626.696.4415 OR EMAIL DNEEDLES@LASALLEHS.ORG.
ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018
FROM THE ARTS BOOSTERS
Springtime and the Arts Spring finds the La Salle Department of Arts and Media a very busy and creative place. IMPROV AT LA SALLE - FREE - MARCH 2ND 3:00pm Grinstead Theatre Parents, students and the entire La Salle Community are invited to a free afternoon of student improvisation. Come and enjoy students exercising their wits and quick thinking skills. 3:00pm in the Grinstead Theatre.
SPRING STRINGS - March 25th 4:00pm at Porticos Arts Space A new offering from our very talented instrumental musicians. Come and enjoy chamber music performed by our string ensemble students. This is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Students have been preparing and rehearsing for a lovely afternoon of music that will leave you ready for the blossoms to come.
GRANDPARENTS' DAY - March 28th 9:15am Performances and presentations by students in the Department of Arts and Media. Film presentations by Lancer Film and Media. Be sure to stay tuned for our April performances and events. Information will be published in the April ParentNewsletter.
All Out of Fresh Coffee? Are you all out of the fresh-roasted coffee you ordered before Christmas? Wondering where you can buy more? The La Salle Arts Boosters will be selling their custom coffee again this spring at various school events including upcoming performances of "Into the Woods," Registration Day, Grandparents Day and arts performances, concerts and more. The artisanal blends come in several delicious varieties in both ground and whole bean. Support La Salle’s Arts Programs with a cup of joe! Please contact Jill Christopher at jcchristopher136@gmail.com. for more information.
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ParentNewsletter
MARCH 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
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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
MARCH 2018
La Salle's No-Cost Fundraisers Free to you, La Salle makes money, and you earn a service hour! Register ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 1st by signing onto your Ralphs.com account and selecting La Salle High School (81179) under “Account Summary” and “Community Rewards.” Ralphs gives back a percentage to La Salle on each purchase! Please ask family, friends and neighbors to participate.
1) Register your Credit/Debit/Grocery cards for shopping in stores, restaurants and on line at www.escrip.com. Use the registered cards and eScrip gives money directly to La Salle! 2) For on line shopping, please download the Forget Me Not Toolbar or shop directly at shopping.escrip.com to find hundreds of vendors. The tool bar will alert you if it’s a participating vendor, you shop and La Salle gets money! Virtual gift cards are purchased and delivered within seconds to the mobile app for immediate in-store redemption. While shopping at stores like Wal-mart, Home Depot, Target or Whole Foods, you can download a gift card to your phone and use it at check out. La Salle gets a percentage of the sale at no cost to you! You can also send gift cards directly from your phone to family and friends! Download the Benefit App, select La Salle High School, enter your payment method and start shopping!
WE ARE ALWAYS THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT
When you shop directly at smile.amazon.com and designate La Salle High School as your charitable organization, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchases to La Salle. Bookmark smile.amazon.com, shop smile.amazon.com and help La Salle at no cost to you!
La Salle has earned over $160,000 through current and past programs! With no cost to families and friends, sign up today and support La Salle. Please visit the La Salle website under “Support LSHS” and “No Cost Fundraisers.”
Questions? Please email: Loretta Whittingham - lorettawhittingham@att.net or Emily Vaughn Henry - evaughnhenry@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018
Ash Wednesday at La Salle LENT IS A TIME OF FASTING AND PENANCE
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Mass, celebrating the beginning of Lent, took place on Wednesday, March 14, Ash Wednesday, in the Dining Hall. Roman Catholics use this service to prepare church members to better appreciate the death and resurrection of Christ through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial. Ashes from the burned palms of the preceding year's Palm Sunday are blessed. With these ashes, the priest marks a cross on the foreheads of worshipers, saying, "Remember, man, that dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19). Father Mark gave a stirring homily and Music for the Masses provided wonderful music during Mass. Since it was also Valentine's Day, Student Life made heart valentines for every single student, faculty and staff member at La Salle. In addition the (Fred) Riley's Race for Change began. Donations benefit Mount La Salle in Nigeria, our "Twinning" Lasallian school in Africa.
ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018
“I got this” - read Cif-SS Commissioner Rob Wigod’s empowering message to coaches, parents and student athletes about the challenges facing young women in high school sports. RG Check the downloadable section when you open the newsletter
See you at the 19th Annual
Crystal Ball Friday, May 4, 2018
Noor, Pasadena Contact Cheryl Allen for more information at cherylallen8@icloud.com
Daniel Cina Receives Scholar-Athlete Award
Each year the National Football Foundation presents their scholar-athlete award to high school seniors who have exhibited outstanding football performances, academic achievement, leadership in school and dedicated community service. Daniel Cina has been selected to recieve the 20172018 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete award for the San Gabriel Valley. This award was first given in 1970.
GOOD STUFF TO KNOW
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ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018
La Salle Hosts CHLA Baseball Charity Game
THESE LANCERS MAKES A DIFFERENCE
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The Presidents’ weekend “ALL IN” baseball Zane Lindeman '19, Jackson Grant, Matt Oleden'20, and tournament began four years ago, as the brainchild of Principal Kassakhian. La Salle’s then head coach Harry Agajanian. Agajanian felt it was important to have high school ballplayers get involved with their community. Coach “Aggie” thought it best to have our athletes meet the children at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to understand their quality of life and hopefully making the day a little brighter for those children. In 2014 the baseball fundraiser began with 24 high school teams and has grown to 55 teams. Since its inception, the tournament will have contributed over $27,000 to the hospital through, not only high school tournament fees, but also with the help of sponsorships, umpire discounts (yes they’re good people too), and local businesses. Using 11 high school fields, games began on Friday night, February 16, as St. Francis High School took on the Lancers. That night, a now healthy Jackson Grant and La Salle’s principal, Courtney Kassakhian, threw out the ceremonial first pitches before an excited crowd at La Salle’s home diamond in Arcadia Park. Jackson Grant was the First Pitch Hero. When he was 10 year old, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Since that time, he has had two neurosurgeries at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles performed by Dr. Erin Kiehna, an extraordinary neurosurgeon. Jackson loves mountain biking, camping and soccer. He is an 8th grader who is proud to be a CHLA Junior Ambassador. He is currently writing a book for children about “how to go through an MRI like a boss,” he says.
Henry Kavenaugh '18
ParentNewsletter
MARCH 2018
MARCH 2018
Zane Lindrman '18
Brennen Mace '18
James Barnard, '18, dives back to first base.
Coach Jamie Guzman, Head Coach Eddie McKiernan and Harry Agajanian
First Pitch Hero, Jackson Grant
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ParentNewsletter MARCH 2018
INTO THE WOODS OPENS MARCH 9
REGISTRATION CLASS OF 2022 MARCH 10
COLLEGE FORUM MARCH 22
GRAND PARENTS' DAY MARCH 28
MARCH 2018
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March Highlights March 1 Rally Schedule Spring Rally 1:35pm Duffy Lewis Gymnasium March 5 San Diego College Tour Senior Retreat Departs March 8 Ice Cream Social Incoming Freshmen 5:30-7:00pm Dining Hall and Amphitheater March 9 Third Quarter Ends. Opening Night Spring Musical "Into the Woods" 7:00pm Porticos Art Space*
(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
March 13 Parent Association Meeting 6:00pm Blakeslee Library Parent Boosters Meetings 7:00pm Campus Locations March 15 MAC (Mothers of Alumni) "Cupcakes and Champagne" 6:00 - 8:00pm Blakeslee Library March 17 Saint Patrick’s Day Incoming Freshmen Placement Tests March 20 Mission Effectiveness Workshop First Church of the Nazarene, Pasadena 3:00 - 8:00pm March 22 College Forum 6:00 - 8:00pm Dining Hall, Classrooms
March 25 Sunday Band & Strings Ensemble Concert 4:00pm Porticos Art Space* March 27 Liturgy Schedule Holy Thursday Mass 9:15am Dining Hall March 28 12:30pm Dismissal Grandparents' Day 9:00 -11:30am Dining Hall March 29 - April 8 Easter Vacation April 7 Feast Day of Saint John Baptist de La Salle April 9 - 12 Student Life Campaign Week April 13 Student Life Elections
March 24 Saturday Taste of La Salle 6:30 - 9:00pm Dining Hall, Atrium
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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