ParentNewsletter The La Salle
FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL • PASADENA • CALIFORNIA • SEPTEMBER 2015
Principal Ideas Learn•Serve•Lead
Hello parents and friends. Our 2015-16 school year is well underway and I am most pleased to report that all is in place – students, teachers, and classrooms. The teachers have gone right to work with their students and the instruction we hoped for is occurring.
Welcome, Welcome With every new school year we welcome not just our freshmen and transfer students, but also new classroom teachers and staff members. This year our “new crop” is a bit larger in numbers than previous years but no less talented. Their professionalism, competency and likability by students and colleagues is already quite evident. Our new members are as follows: Ms. Tina Bonacci is a graduate of La Salle in 1994. In 1998 she returned as a teacher and fulfilled other assigned responsibilities. In 2007 she was appointed the Director of Education for our Lasallian Mid-west District and then Principal of Ramona Convent. She is pleased to be back with La Salle in the role of College Counselor. Mrs. Lizabeth Cadwalader is our new Director of Admissions. Most recently she served
Cantwell / Sacred Heart of Mary High School fulfilling the responsibilities of Director of Public Relations and Marketing. Her dayto-day work also had her immersed in working with high school applicants. Mr. Anthony Holyfield has been a familiar face on our campus having been both a short and long term substitute teacher. He is now a full-time Math Teacher for the Lancers. If the last name sounds familiar, yes, he is the spouse to Mrs. Kjersti Holyfield. Ms. Yesenia Macias is now a member of our World Languages Department as an instructor in Spanish. In her previous work she taught at Saint Mary’s Academy. Ms. Yona Han comes to us from the Arcadia School District. La Salle has been receiving increased inquiries and applicants from families of foreign descent. In our effort to address the needs of these students, we have decided to take a more proactive role by appointing a Director of Continued on page 2
The words of St. John Baptist de La Salle to the first Brothers "Like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, you too must take care of those entrusted to you. Some will require tenderness while others firmness; some need patience, others attention; some discipline and others forgiveness." Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Patron Saint of Teachers, c.1705 Meditations for Sundays PAGE 1
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
Principal Ideas Continued from page 1
A GREAT YEAR WITH GREAT STUDENTS TEACHERS AND STAFF
International Students who is tasked with working with these students, families and their teachers. Mr. Nate Houseman, class of 2007, who in the past was our School Receptionist has again returned to his alma mater, this time as our Assistant Director of Admissions. Mrs. Beatriz McGuiness has taken on the responsibility of Library Manager. Coming to us from Saint Anthony’s High School, she has served as school Registrar, Receptionist and in the Finance Office. Mr. Andrew Pankow is from the Class of 2010. He will be an instructor in our Physical Education/Health Department and is also working in our Athletic program. Mrs. Elizabeth Silva has accepted the invitation to be the Assistant to the President, Dr. Gray. Previously, she worked for Pearson Education and America’s Choice, Inc. Mr. Nelson Wong has been our Girls Varsity Basketball coach for the previous two years. He now joins our faculty as an instructor in mathematics. Ms. Marcia Yu joins our Guidance and Counseling Department as the full-time Academic Advisor for the Junior Class. Most recently she worked for the Monrovia School District. In addition to the above individuals who have joined our ranks, some of our faculty and staff have been most gracious in accepting a reassignment or additional responsibilities. These folks include the following: Br. DeSales Benning, FSC who most recently served as an academic advisor will now be our new Assistant Library Manager. In addition, he will continue to direct our San Miguel Program.
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Mrs. Teresa Elmslie-Britt, a member of the class of 2003 who worked in the Admissions Department, is going to focus her attention as an assistant to the Guidance and Counseling Department. Mrs. Jenné Hakanen is the Mathematics Department Chairperson. Mr. John Ring enjoyed a well-deserved sabbatical year during 2014-15 and will now be a part-time social studies teacher. Mrs. Debby Sinnette-Baird is the Director of the Guidance and Counseling Department. Ms. Glenda Smith has been a member of our instrumental music program for the past 10 years instructing students on wind and brass instruments. Part of her responsibilities also included managing the music library. Ms. Smith is our new Director of Instrumental Music. Mr. Willie Tuitama will be managing the use of our athletic facilities in the “off” hours. He is also the equipment manager for all athletic teams. As you can see by the above list of individuals and changes, it was an active time here on campus during the summer. As I shared with the faculty and staff a few weeks back, the changes that we have seen have occurred for a variety of reasons. I am most hopeful that our new teachers and staff along with our reassignments will bring a vibrant energy to our school community. The enthusiasm of our students for La Salle is contagious and I am anticipating an enjoyable and action packed year.
Brother Christopher Brady, FSC Principal
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
From the Parent Association
Lasallian Traditions My grandfather, Thomas Curry, was attending Sutro Grammar School in San Francisco, with prospects of attending the local public high school, when he and his parents were called in the principal’s office. The principal, a Catholic gentleman, felt that Tom was “very smart” and had “great potential.” He thought that Tom would benefit from study with the Christian Brothers at Sacred Heart High School, rather than the path that he was on. And so started my family’s association with the Lasallian Tradition. My grandfather, the son of Irish immigrants, whose father’s job was greasing the rails of the streetcar tracks, graduated as a member of the Class of 1917 from Sacred Heart High School. Tom went on to finish college and obtained a law degree. His principal at Sutro Grammar School was right: Tom was a very smart young man. It took three generations for a member of the Curry Family to return to a Lasallian school. His only child, my mother, Nancy, was taught for 13 years by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and his three grandchildren attended schools taught by the Sisters of Mercy and Jesuit priests of St. Ignatius High School. Finally, 99 years after his own high school graduation, Tom Curry’s great granddaughter, Emily, will graduate from a Lasallian School. The tradition has finally come full circle. My grandfather would be so proud! Whether you are building upon a family legacy, or beginning your own Lasallian Parent Association tradition, I want to take this opportunity to once again welcome you, parents of the Class of 2019. I hope you were able to attend the Freshman Parent and New Parent Orientation on Meeting August 18th, hosted by the Parent Association and the Arts, Academic and Athletic Boosters. September 15 I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make the program a success, 6:30pm especially Chair Christine Marez, who orchestrated an amazing evening. A huge thank you also to Josie Beringer and Emma Ayala, Lancer PALS co-chairs, and all of the PALS members, Blakeslee Library who contacted the new families over the summer and shepherded them to their destinations throughout the evening. As mentioned in the August newsletter article, all parents are encouraged to attend Back-to-School Night on August 27th. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the classes your son or daughter is taking, and meet their teachers and/or college counselors. You will have a fascinating glimpse into your child’s life at La Salle. Also, please join the Parent Association at our first meeting on Tuesday, September 15th. The PA meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of the month, but because of the Labor Day holiday, this meeting has been pushed back a week. Please join us for conversation and refreshments starting at 6:10pm, with the meeting starting promptly at 6:30pm in the Blakeslee Library, on campus. The PA meeting is followed by individual Arts, Academic and Athletic Booster meetings, beginning at 7:30pm .As a reminder, all parents are given credit for one service hour for each meeting attended. As we begin the start of this new school year, I cannot help but think about our school and the impact that it has on every family that calls La Salle their own. A Lasallian education holds something special for each and every student here. I invite you to explore the opportunities that abound, share the experience with your children and discover the infinite possibilities that are within your student’s grasp. Best wishes for an exciting and happy new school year!
Marianne K. Wright P'16 President, Parent Association PAGE 3
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
La Salle Matters We just received word that Archbishop Gomez has appointed Bishop-elect David G. O’Connell as Episcopal Vicar for the San Gabriel Pastoral Region (the Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction within which La Salle High School resides). He replaces Msgr. James Loughnane, P.A. who has been doing double duty as Pastor of Saint Denis in Diamond Bar. With over 50 years of service as a priest in Los Angeles, I imagine Msgr. Loughnane is pleased to hand the baton over to Bishop-elect O’Connell and to “just be a pastor” again. The job of Episcopal Vicar is not an easy one. At nearly five million Catholics, not only is the Archdiocese of Los Angeles the largest diocese in the Nation; if the San Gabriel Pastoral Region (one of five in the Archdiocese) were its own diocese, it would be the tenth largest in the country. With 67 parishes and 13 Catholic high schools, the San Gabriel Pastoral Region provides plenty of challenges for the incoming Episcopal Vicar (the Catholic equivalent of a Chief Operating Officer). Forgive the “inside baseball” nature of my remarks; but for Catholics - receiving a new Bishop is a big thing – especially when it is someone with Bishop-elect O’Connell’s background. I cannot resist – of course – noting that Bishop-elect O’Connell hails from my family’s native County Cork in Ireland (I look forward to sharing stories with him about the “old country”), but far more relevant to the “story” of La Salle is his decades-long commitment to serving the poor
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and marginalized. Bishop-elect O’Connell is widely admired for supporting education, and, especially, for his extensive work in inner-city parishes. He has been Pastor of Saint Michael’s Parish in South Los Angeles for over a decade and is fervently committed to the support of a 300 student parish school. This is how he views his role as a pastor: “I’ve always thought that the Catholic parish is the real player in making life better for the people…” Veteran Lasallians will not be surprised at my delight that Bishop-elect O’Connell has been assigned to the San Gabriel Pastoral Region. As the largest Catholic high school in the Pasadena area and with an absolute commitment to serving the poor, marginalized and struggling middle-income families on an equal basis with parents who are fortunate to afford our tuition, La Salle welcomes Bishop-elect O’Connell to our community. His story suggests that he shares our values with respect to serving a diverse community where everyone should feel welcomed. I’d like to believe that he would be pleased to know that our parents regularly express pleasure regarding the children who hang out in their family room or backyard – which of course means that teenagers from all walks of life are enjoying each other’s company. And that is what explains the La Salle Difference. I am fond of wishing students, parents and teachers a “happy new year” this week – they all do a double-take; but only the students giggle when they get the double entendre. It is an especially happy new year, knowing that we will enjoy the support of someone like Bishop-elect O’Connell - who shares our Lasallian values.
Richard Gray, Ph.D President
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
La Salle High School
Faith, Service, Community The Purpose of Lasallian Education: to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according to the ministry which the Church has entrusted to it. The Rule of the Brothers of the Christian School, 1694
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
© 2015
• Editor, Designer John Blackstock ’67 Director of Communications
Saint John Baptist de La Salle Patron of All Teachers Founder, Brothers of the Christian Schools
Telephone: 626.696.4316 • email: jblackstock @ lasallehs . org
Let us remember... ...we are in the Holy Presence of God. Transforming Lives Since 1680
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
From the Athletic Boosters
Lancers Begin Victory Quest
Summer is over, school is starting and the Lancers' fall athletic season is beginning to get under way, so make sure you get out there and support our teams. A great way to earn your hours and meet parents is to join us at the Lancers friday night football games. The Lancers expect to have an exciting and successful season. I know Coach Gordon has the boys fired up and ready to compete in the third hardest division in the state. Please check the schedule for JV games as most of them are on Thursdays. We need some help at those games as well. Always check the athletic website as it has the schedules for all our fall teams along with articles, rosters and school direction maps. Please see the athletic website for the complete schedule; however, here are the home game dates and what we plan:
Football Games: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ARE HERE
Athletic Boosters plan to sponsor tailgate parties and after game events at the Old School Eatery in the former Albertsons' Shopping Center. Boosters will receive a portion of the proceeds from Old School Eatery. We want parents and fans to come together to celebrate our victories with our coaching staff and other fans after each game, so plan to join us. Lancer Football Home Schedule: 1. August 28, 2015 El Camino Real High School, 7:00pm. White Out Night. Everyone wears white. 2. September 4, 2015 Blair High School. Grandparents Night. Grandparents get free parking in the upper parking lot and free admission. This is our Red Out Night! Red Out means everyone wears red and boosters will supply red towels to wave in support of our Lancers. 3. September 18, 2015 Temple City High School. Junior High Night and our Blue Out Night same program as the Red Out Night only with blue clothes and towels. 4. October 30, 2015 Salesian High School, La Salle Homecoming. Theme to be announced. 5. November 6, 2015 St. Francis High School. Senior Night. We will bring back the Red Out Night with additional props to support our Lancers. See you Friday nights! Athletic Boosters meet every month after the Parent Association meeting in the Band Room. The Athletic Boosters are looking for people who want to be more involved in the athletics at La Salle, so please do not hesitate to contact me for more information at jdcina@sbcglobal.net. God Bless,
John Cina P’13,14,18 President, Athletic Boosters PAGE 6
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
Lancers Football Packages Season Home Game Packages The Athletic Boosters offer special packages for parents to enjoy the games and make it easier to gain access, parking and meals through our special packages: The Platinum Package: $700.00 Includes: 2 field passes, 2 meals, parking for 1 car, 2 stadium chairs, 2 shirts and 2 hats. The package is valid for all home games. (CIF playoffs not included for admissions).
GREAT FOOTBALL PACKAGES AVAILABLE
The Gold Package: $550.00 Includes: 2 passes reserved seating, parking for 1 car, 2 meals, 2 stadium chairs, 2 shirts and 2 hats. The package is valid for all home games. (CIF playoffs not included for admissions) The Silver Package: $450.00 Includes: 2 passes reserved seating, parking for 1 car. The package is valid for all home games. (CIF playoffs not included for admissions). The Field Package: $400.00 Includes: 1 field pass, parking for 1 car. The package is valid for all home games. (CIF playoffs not included for admissions). If you are interested in any of these exciting football packages, please contact me at jdcina@sbcglobal.net. or see the athletics website for more information. We are offering more opportunities to support all our Lancers in the fall sports Media Guide. Sponsorships, advertising and/or field banner purchases are available. Please visit our athletic website for specific information. The Athletic Boosters have many more exciting plans for the year, so stay tuned and look for more information.
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
They're Back and They are the Greatest!
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS, GO TO LA SALLE HOME PAGE, LINK TO FLICKR AT Bottom Left
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS, GO TO LA SALLE HOME PAGE, LINK TO FLICKR AT Bottom Left
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
From the Vice President for Mission
Mind the Mission By Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, Vice President for Mission
Let me once again welcome all of you to the new school year. As I enter my 30th year at La Salle, I can honestly say that I have always enjoyed this time of the year – a new beginning for our 9th graders and transfer students as well as a fresh start for our returning students. This is also a time to create new friendships and to rekindle old ones. I look forward to getting to know my 9th grade Religious Studies students and to rekindle the relationship with my 10th grade Mentor class. There are very few institutions that have a 25% turnover of clients each year; but in a four year high school, that is the norm. In my role as Vice-President for Mission, I will periodically share with you information about specific school projects/events and reflection material that I hope you will find interesting. Therefore, I would offer the following thoughts from the beginning of the year retreat that faculty, support staff and administrators attended a few weeks ago. The theme for that retreat, and in fact the theme for the whole year, is an in-depth reflection on a series of writings authored by our Founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Saint La Salle was a prolific writer over his lifetime; the set of writings we will be studying this year is called: Meditations for the Time of Retreat. Saint La Salle wrote these over 300 years ago as a compendium of meditations that the teachers at his schools – the Christian Brothers - would reflect on during their annual eight-day spiritual retreat. Our teachers, staff and administrators will likewise reflect on these meditations over four retreat opportunities going through August 2016. The following are a few excerpts from the First Mediation of Saint La Salle’s Meditations for the Time of Retreat:
"God is so good that having created us, he wills that all of us come to the knowledge of the truth. This truth is God and what God has desired to reveal to us through Jesus Christ, through the holy Apostles, and through his Church. This is why God wills all people to be instructed, so that their minds may be enlightened by the light of faith." "One of the main duties of fathers and mothers is to bring up their children in a Christian manner and to teach them their religion… You (teachers), then whom God has called to this ministry, work ac c ording to the grace that has been given to you to instruct by teaching a n d to e xhor t b y e n c o u ra g i n g those who are entrusted to your care (students), guiding them with attention and vigilance in order to fulfill toward them the principal duty of fathers and mothers toward their children." After listening to the thoughtful and sincere conversations that occurred a few weeks ago at the retreat, I can assure you that our faculty, staff and administrators take their responsibility regarding instructing and caring for your students with the same zeal as you. Again, I welcome all of you to this new school year. “Live Jesus in Our Hearts…Forever!” PAGE 10
SEPTEMBER2015 2015 SEPTEMBER
ParentNewsletter
Matching Gifts Robolancers Prepare for Vex Challenges Lancer Robotics Team members gathered for two weeks after school ended in June to work on and complete three working prototypes seen in the foreground of the photo above. The team wished to express their thanks and appreciation to the Academic Boosters for their generous support. The boosters provided funding for the six VEX Robotics kits and six VEX IQ kits that are shown in this photo as well. The new equipment will be used in the Robotics class and during our six-week STEAM outreach program in the spring of 2016. "All indicators point to a growth spurt in our Robotics program this year," said Team moderator Mr. Roy Chang. Â Shown above are eight of the current 15 Robolancers (La Salle High School's Robotics Team) who attended the optional meeting on Saturday, August 22. From left are, Steven Luyapan, Phillip Krings, Bhav Patel, Izcalli Rios-Aguirre, Riley Cuttruff, Lauren Rogez, Samuel Southard and Ursula Marshall.
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 Milton at: tmilton@lasallehs.org or call 626.696.4381.
MATCHING GIFTS ARE an Easy way to help la salle
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SEPTEMBER 2015
ParentNewsletter
Grooming & Appearance Clothing items not specifically mentioned in this section are not part of the uniform, and therefore may not be worn. Polo shirts bearing the older interlocked “LS” are not permitted. PLEASE FOLLOW UNiFORM GUIDELINES
MEN Dress Uniform
Pants • CKW, Mills, or Dockers beige khaki pants that are not tight-fitting, baggy, jeans-like, or rolled at the ankle
Belt • Solid black or brown
Shorts • CKW, Mills, or Dockers beige khaki shorts that are not baggy
Shirt • White long sleeve oxford shirt and must be tucked in at all times • Undershirts, if worn, must be white with short sleeves La Salle Tie • Must be worn properly all day and not loosely around the neck Outerwear • Restricted to the following on Dress Uniform Days: La Salle Vest, La Salle V-Neck Sweater or La Salle Varsity Cardigan Shoes • Brown or black leather dress shoes not extending above the ankle. (Boat shoes, such as Sperry Topsiders may not be worn) Socks • Brown, Black, or white socks
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Regular Uniform
Pants • CKW, Mills, Dockers beige khaki pants that are not tight-fitting, baggy, jeans-like, or rolled at the ankle
Belt • Solid black or brown Shirt • La Salle issued polos • Must be tucked in at all times • Undershirts, if worn, must be white with short sleeves Outerwear • La Salle issued outerwear only (Sweaters, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Jackets) Shoes • Must be closed back and toe and cut at or near the ankle (Boots, slippers, or moccasins may not be worn) Socks • White socks not extending beyond the lower calf with minimal logos
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
Grooming & Appearance Clothing items not specifically mentioned in this section are not part of the uniform, and therefore may not be worn. Polo shirts bearing the older interlocked “LS” are not permitted.
WOMEN Dress Uniform
Regular Uniform
Skirt • Red plaid only (Not shorter than 1 inch below the fingertips when held straight alongside the skirt)
Skirt • Red plaid or Khaki (Not shorter than 1 inch below the fingertips when held straight alongside the skirt)
Shirt • La Salle white short-sleeve overblouse which may be left untucked • Only top button may be left unbuttoned Outerwear • Restricted to the following on Dress Uniform Days: La Salle Vest, La Salle V-Neck Sweater or La Salle Varsity Cardigan Shoes • Brown or black leather loafers, brown or black flats, or saddle shoes in brown, black or white Socks • White dress knee socks shall not extend over the kneecap
PLEASE FOLLOW UNiFORM GUIDELINES
Pants • CKW, Mills, or Dockers beige khaki pants that are not tight-fitting, baggy, jeans-like, or rolled at the ankle Shirts • La Salle issued polos • La Salle white short-sleeve overblouse (Polos must be tucked in, while overblouses may be left untucked with only top button unbuttoned) Outerwear • La Salle issued outerwear only (Sweaters, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Jackets) Shoes • Must be closed back and toe and cut at or near the ankle with flat heels (UGGS, boots, slippers, moccasins may not be worn) Socks/Tights • White socks not extending above the lower part of the knee with minimal logos • Solid black or solid navy tights that cover the entire foot
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
City of Pasadena and La Salle Parking Laws The following rules and guidelines have been established by the administration and the Pasadena Police Department for the safety of your children. Parents may drop off students in front of school and by driving into the school parking lot on Sierra Madre Boulevard. Enter the parking lot using the second gate west of the gym and exit as indicated. The City has provided an additional drop-off zone going south on Michillinda Avenue, just north of the School’s driveway. This is for immediate drop-off only and is indicated as such. Both La Salle and the City are very concerned by the ongoing double, (and at times, triple) parking by parents during drop-off on Sierra Madre Boulevard. This is not only illegal, but extremely unsafe. In addition, unsafe parking endangers the bicyclists using the bike lane along Sierra Madre Boulevard. The City will continue to enforce a no-left-turn policy for northbound Michillinda Avenue traffic onto Canfield Road and Landfair Road, as well as a no-right-turn policy for southbound traffic on Michillinda Avenue onto Canfield and Landfair. This policy is in effect from 7:00am to 8:00am, Monday through Friday. Parents are also reminded that there is absolutely no student drop-off in the lower faculty parking lot. This creates a very dangerous back-up of cars in the oncoming traffic lanes. The School also reminds our driving students that they should not park their cars on residential streets such as Canfield Road. The School will continue to work with the City in providing a process for safe and efficient drop-off of students. Parents should make use of the Sierra Madre Boulevard lot to pick up students at the end of the school day. We expect our parents and students to adhere to these policies and regulations. They will be enforced by the Pasadena Police Department. Contact Mr. Brandon Birr, Dean of Students at 626.696.4360 if you have any concerns about these procedures.
Attendance Hotline 626.696.4406
A parent or guardian must call before 8:00am the day of the absence to notify the School if a student will be absent or tardy, or if the student needs to leave school early for an appointment. Please state student's name, date, time, and reason for the absence. On return to School, the student must stop by the reception desk prior to 8:00am with a note from the parents or guardians stating the reason for the absence. Notification of any planned absences, (college visits, etc.), must be in writing prior to the absence, given to the attendance office and approved by Mr. Brandon Birr, Dean of Students.
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
BIG DAY FORE ALL LANCERS
23rd Annual Lancer Golf Classic and Banquet Monday, October 12, 2015 Beautifully Renovated Glendora Country Club • Four-Person Scramble • 11:00am Shotgun Start • Auction and Opportunity Drawing
All-Play Golfer's Package Includes:
Green Fee and Cart, Range Balls, Bag Tag, Putting Contest, Hole-In-One Prize, Lancer Classic Golf Gift, Lunch on the Course, Complimentary Beverages on the Course (Beer, Soda, Water), Foursome Picture, Delicious Banquet Dinner and more.
LANCER GOLF CLASSIC OCTOBER 12
ALL LEVELS WELCOME Calloway Scoring System Special Young Alumni (’01-’15) Discount For more information, please contact: Tara Milton 626-696-4381 or tmiltom@lasallehs.org
Proceeds to benefit La Salle’s Academic, Arts, Athletic and Financial Aid Programs PAGE 15
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
From the College Counseling Center
College Center News By Owen Hou ’90 College Counselor
CHECK COLLEGE TOUR DATES
College Admission Counselors are on Santa Barbara College Tour the road visiting high schools and attending Monday, October 9, 2015 college fairs. Around 70 college visits will take UC Santa Barbara, Cal Lutheran, and Cal State Northridge. place at La Salle. You can find the up-todate schedule for college visits and college information sessions on Family Connection CSUN under College Visits.
News for Seniors and Parents
As requested in the August Parent Newsletter, senior students and parents should complete the College Planning Survey located on Naviance/Family Connection (both were due August 28). The Parent College Planning Survey helps the College Counselor learn about your student from another point of view and is helpful when we write your student’s recommendation letter. If you do not have or misplaced your login to Naviance/ Family Connection, please contact your student’s College Counselor. Also note that the individual senior college meeting will be scheduled according to the receipt date of the student’s Senior College Planning Survey. In other words, first come-first served.
College Fair All La Salle students are invited to attend the college fair held at Saint Francis High School on Tuesday, September 22 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. It is one of the largest fairs in the San Gabriel Valley with over 70 colleges present and attracts close to a thousand students each year. Plan to arrive early and carpool as parking will be scarce.
College Tours Visiting college campuses is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see a variety of campuses before they begin the college admissions process. This school year we will be offering the following tours:
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As of the time of posting, there are still spaces available for this tour. Please turn in completed registration forms and payment ($95) to Mr. Hou at your earliest convenience.
More College Tours Future tours: February 12-13, 2016 (UC Berkeley (Cal), Santa Clara University, UC Santa Cruz, Saint Mary’s College, Stanford University, and University of San Francisco); April 25 (UC San Diego, University of San Diego, and San Diego State). More information on these two tours will be provided in the November and December newsletters. In addition, we will also have an East Coast tour for juniors during Easter vacation. Tentative dates are Monday, March 28 through Saturday, April 2. Additional information for these tours will be announced in the October newsletter. If you have questions about any college tours, please feel free to contact Mr. Hou.
Standardized Testing
Registration is open for the Fall SAT and ACT. If your student would like to take these standardized test(s) and has not registered yet,
ParentNewsletter please do so as soon as possible. We encourage you to register online. For the SAT, www.collegeboard. com and for the ACT, www.act.org. If you prefer to register by paper, registration forms are available at the College Center. SAT Test Date (Register by) October 3, 2015 (September 3) November 7, 2015 (October 9) December 5, 2015 (November 5) ACT Test Date (Register by) September 12, 2015 (August 7) October 24, 2015 (September 18) December 12, 2015 (November 6)
Fall SAT Prep Course We are proud to partner with the Princeton Review for this upcoming school year. They will be offering two SAT prep courses a year, one for the Fall and one for the Spring. In addition, they will also be offering an ACT boot camp during the Christmas Holiday. The Fall course prepares students for the October 3 SAT. It starts with a practice test on Saturday, August 29 and runs to Tuesday, September 29. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with practice tests on Saturdays. Additional information, including a full course schedule and cost can be found on the Princeton
SEPTEMBER 2015
Review website at www.princetonreview.com. First, click on ‘SAT’ and then the link next to ‘Classroom Courses.’ While the Classroom Course is usually 18 hours long, we were able to get the Princeton Review to six extra hours at no cost. Students may also receive a $100 discount with the promocode: LaSalle2015. Mock SAT The La Salle Academic Boosters will be offering a practice SAT exam with an SAT Strategy Session. This is a good opportunity for sophomores and juniors to become more familiar with the standardized test.
NOTE PSAT SAT AND ACT TEST DATES
Mock SAT – Saturday, September 19 at 9:00am Mock ACT – Saturday, October 17 at 9:00am The price for each mock test is $25 or $40 for both. The fee includes a follow-up Strategy Session workshop offered to both parents and students to review the test and answer any testrelated questions. The SAT workshop will be held Thursday, September 24 and the ACT workshop will be held Thursday, October 22. Both will be held at 6:00pm in the Blakeslee Library. To register, please submit a check to the College Center, made payable to La Salle High School.
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ParentNewsletter
IMPORTANT DATES FOR DONORS
SEPTEMBER 2015
SAVE THE DATES
The thoughtful support of alumni, parents, grandparents and friends has helped sustain La Salle High School’s margin of excellence since 1956. The School acknowledges this generosity in a number of important ways. The premier annual giving society is the President’s Circle, established in 2011, and which includes gifts of $2,500 or more per fiscal year (July 1 thru June 30). The President’s Circle succeeds the Crystal Circle (gifts between $1,000 and $2,499) as La Salle’s preeminent annual gift society. President’s Circle and Crystal Circle members are recognized on a donor wall in prominent display at the School and in the Annual Report. A reception will be held for each group in the fall:
Crystal Circle Reception Sunday, September 20, 2015
President’s Circle Reception Sunday, November 15, 2015
At whatever level you choose to support La Salle on an annual basis, your support is most warmly welcome.
Shop at AmazonSmile for Gifts? Buy Groceries at Ralphs? Use your Target RedCard? EARN A SERVICE HOUR and make $$$$ for La Salle at NO COST to you! Please see the Detailed Flyer Attached to this eNewsletter
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Go to the “No Cost Fundraisers” link (where you launched the parent newsletter) for more detailed information. Thank you for your support of all the students at La Salle
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
JOIN THE FUN!
The La Salle High School Academic, Arts and Athletic Boosters invite you to join us for the fall Gift Gathering Party in the Dining Hall.
Tailgating Party
Saturday, October 3, 2015 6:00pm until 10:00pm
A FUN WAY TO MEET NEW PARENTS
Wear Your Favorite Athletic Team Attire: Pro, College or Lancers Donation: $30 per person or equivalent donation Admission includes all food, drinks and adult beverages Two service hours per family will be given for attendance
What kind of donations you ask? Gift cards to your favorite stores and restaurants Tickets to plays, concerts and sporting events And, of course, cash, checks and credit card donations are always accepted and welcomed RSVP to Jacky Samartin at jsamartin@charter.net 626.379.4723 PAGE 19
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
La Salle Begins Year with Mass of the Holy Spirit
OnWARD and upward for the lancers
The Lancers continued their long-time tradition of beginning the school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit. Over 190 new freshmen and transfer students joined the returning student body who gathered together for the concelebrated Mass by Father Mark Strader and Msgr. Richard Loomis.
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ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
The Obsequious Observer The year begins with happy students, excited and confident student-athletes and rested and energized faculty members coming together for another great year at La Salle. For a quick glimpse of the start of school, see pages 8 and 9 and then check out our website Flickr Gallery for more of the First Day of School photos. At the beautiful Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated this past Wednesday, Principal, Brother Christopher Brady, FSC presented the Signum Fidei Award to Father Mark Strader (below) from St. Luke the Evangelist Parish. The Signum Fidei Award recognizes outstanding service our to students, especially to the senior class, and is typically presented during the Senior Presentation in May. Father Mark was unable to attend the May ceremony and instead received his award before the
From left, Lars Krysdad, Isabel Sanford, Sean Espinosa, Mason Busbee.
Student Body after the Mass on August 26, 2015. Kicking off the school year, students in Ms. Kjersti Holyfield's '04 physics class (see above) formed teams to graphically discover how to calculate the speed of powered buggy carts. Also starting off the year is the first Crystal Ball Gift Gathering Party on October 3. See page 19. The Tailgate looks to be a lot of fun and it's a great way to meet our new parents. Our No Cost Fun Raising is the easiest way to secure needed items for students and teachers. See page 18 and the flyer attached to this electronic newsletter.
Excellence in all we do “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.� Booker T. Washington PAGE 21
ParentNewsletter
SEPTEMBER 2015
Check your School calendar for event times and dates
SEPTEMBER Highlights WELCOME BACK DANCE AUGUST 29
FALL ACADEMIC AWARDS SEPTEMBER 15
COLLEGE FAIR SEPTEMBER 22
PARENT TEACHER CONF OCTOBER 1
August 24-28 CSF, NHS, SNHS Applications Available (See President's Office, Principal's Office and Science Department) August 28 NHS, SNHS Applications Due Senior Parent and Student College Survey Due FOOTBALL vs El Camino High School Varsity 7:00pm Kohorst Field Red Out Night August 29 Saturday Princeton Review SAT Prep Course Practice Test #1 9:00am to 1:30pm Campus Lancer Welcome Dance 8:00-11:00pm Dining Hall August 31 CSF Applications Due
September 4 Rally Schedule FOOTBALL vs Blair High School Varsity 7:00pm Kohorst Field September 7 Labor Day School Holiday September 8 Freshman Retreat September 9 Freshman Service Day September 11 Club Day Lunch Dining Hall/Campus September 12 Saturday FOOTBALL @ Bishop Diego High School September 15 Assembly Schedule Fall Academic Awards 9:30am Dining Hall Parent Association Meeting 6:30pm Blakeslee Library
Parent Boosters Meetings 7:30pm Campus/Various Dining Hall September 18 FOOTBALL vs Temple City High School Varsity 7:00pm Kohorst Field SEPTEMBER 22 College Fair 7:00pm St. Francis High School, La Canada September 24 Thursday FOOTBALL @ Bellflower High School 7:00pm October 1 Parent Teacher Conferences 12:45-2:30pm 4:30-6:00pm Campus/Classrooms October 3 Saturday Crystal Ball Gift Gathering Party "Tailgate" 6:30pm Dining Hall
"TAILGATE" Crystal Ball Welcome Back, Welcome New Parents Gift Gathering Party October 3 • La Salle Dining Hall and Atrium
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