October 2012 Volume Twenty-Two Number 2
Dear Parents and Guardians, As most of you would have guessed, we don’t just dash off the Belcroft at 3:00 pm on the last day of the month for publication as the calendar page turns. In fact, as I prepare some thoughts for the second issue of the 2012-2013 school year, I am very conscious of the date: September 11th. I think back to who I was on that date in 2001, a fairly green (and much thinner) academic assistant principal in Jersey City. I remember wondering why the dean of students and another teacher were pacing outside my first period AP English class, waiting for the bell to ring. I remember being quickly disabused of my initial assumption that some mischance had occurred. The rest is more of a blur: assembling and dismissing the students, comforting faculty with relatives working in the city, finagling a way for two stranded Staten Island freshmen to get home across the Bayonne Bridge that evening. Two memories aren’t a blur, though: watching from the roof of the school as the second tower fell and hearing the endless stream of sirens over the next two days as ambulances raced to the triage station at the river front near Ellis Island. As some of you are aware, my most recent assignment was in a New Jersey county which basically consisted of bedroom communities for the financial district in New York. Every day I walked past a monument there to the seven alumni who died that day a decade ago. Each year at graduation time, I tried to find a moment to tell one or two seniors, “Your father would be very proud of you,” speaking on behalf of a man who lost his ability to do so himself on that day. It is amazing to pause and realize that our current freshmen were three years old when the events of September 11th happened. They have perforce no memory of that day when our national feeling of security was forever compromised, no knowledge of the date except as an historical one to be classed with D-Day or Armistice Day. Soon, the Class of 2019 will be composed of students been born after these tragic events, born into that changed world. What lesson can we adults in the La Salle family learn on this glorious early fall day by reflecting on such memories and changes? Perhaps they all point to the same dilemma and a possible way to address it. We need to accept that life both comes at us blindingly fast and can in an instant be forever changed. That young man who was a toddler on 9/11/01 will be off to college before you know it. That senior you nag to get out the door, in the car, and to school on time every morning (hopefully having coerced
him to put something more than a Tastykake and Gatorade in his stomach!) will be married and presenting you with grandchildren in a space of time that may not seem much longer. How can we respond to this dynamic, both as parents and educators? Possibly the best hunch I have comes from a meditation by Ronald Rolheiser, OMI on the topic of vision, understood in a special way. Father Rolheiser observes: To ‘really see’ someone, especially someone who looks up to you, is to give that person an important blessing. In a gaze of recognition, of understanding, in an appreciative look, there is deep blessing. Often, it is not so important that we say much to those for whom we are significant, but it is very important that we see them. Good kings and queens see their people; good parents see their kids; good teachers see their students; good priests see their parishioners; good coaches see their players; good executives see their employees. However many of these categories some of us fall into, the point is worth all of us noting, particularly on this day of shattering images. Take some time before next month’s Belcroft is published to really see your son: the challenges he is facing, the achievements he celebrates, the man he is becoming. Take a moment to see him at his studies, in practice, performance, or competition; take joy in him when he is playful or at leisure. Look often enough, see carefully enough, and I believe what you will discover is this: the face of the God who loves you and your family, who blesses you and protects you from danger, who has a plan for that rumpled young man with the Pre-Calc book in one hand and IPod in the other. Let us thank Him for His goodness and believe in His faithfulness. Fraternally,
Brother James L. Butler, FSC President
Dates to Remember
Admissions Deadlines
Spend A Day At La Salle Starting September 17, 2012 Visit www.lschs.org/vipday
Eighth Grade Scholarship and Entrance Exam Saturday, December 1, 2012
Open House Sunday, November 11, 2012 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Preregister at www.lschs.org/openhouse
Sixth and Seventh Grade Practice Tests Saturday, March 2, 2013
La Salle College High Sc 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania
Friday, November 23, 2012* (for all applications)
215 402 4800 phone 215 233 0284 fax admissions@lschs.org
Friday, November 30, 2012 (for filing for Financial Aid)
La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
* Applications will be accepted up until and including the day of the Scholarship/Entrance Exam.
www.lschs.org
215 402 4800 phone 215 233 0284 fax admissions@lschs.org
www.lschs.org
Office of the Principal M i chael A . O ’ T oole ‘ 6 8 PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians, We are off and running! And that doesn’t just refer to our cross-country team. We have seen prime evidence of the Lasallian sense of community in our student and parent orientations (aka back-toschool night!), the warmth of the welcomes hosted by the Men of La Salle, the Mothers Club, and our Multicultural Families Group, topped off by an outstanding Homecoming weekend. Following Saint La Salle, our faculty take to heart that “this work of teaching is one of the most important in the Church.” In a similar way, we truly believe that our students “have received talents and graces from God.” These Meditations from the Time of Retreat help us place into context our commitment to academic excellence. We are pleased to recognize these La Salle Seniors who have been designated National Merit Semi-Finalists, placing them among the top one-percent nationally of the Class of 2013 on the PSAT/ NMSQT test last October:
• Michael E. Bowen, son of Michelle and Michael of Doylestown • Eric W. Bridgeford, son of Barbara and Richard of Willow Grove • Robert J. Gormisky, son of Mary and Keith of Blue Bell • Frederick J. Ilsemann, son of Barbara and Frederick of Warrington • Conor E. Lavelle, son of Diana Long of Yardley and Thomas of Marvin, NC • Johnathan M. Neufeld, son of Barbara and Douglas of Doylestown • James M. O’Connor, son of Annette Lee and James of Lansdale • Ryan E. O’Donnell, son of Suzanne and Ward of Plymouth Meeting • Luke L. Persichetti, son of Susan and Mark of Blue Bell • Evan D. Quain, son of Daniel and Kathryn of Lansdale
We salute these La Salle Explorers who have developed their “talents and graces” and the “work of teaching” from parents and teachers who helped them along the way. Congratulations to all! On Thursday evening, October 11, 2012 at 7:15 pm, we will recognize these students and their classmates for a range of academic accomplishments at our Annual Honors Convocation. Mary Kay Meeks-Hank, Executive Director of Face to Face Germantown, will be our Convocation speaker. Ms. Meeks-Hank directs this local community service organization well known to the Men of La Salle and their sons. A graduate of Chestnut Hill College and Fordham University, she has also taught in the Sociology program at La Salle University. We welcome her insights on excellence, scholarship and service. At the same convocation, we will also recognize Ms. Martina Shustack of our math department for her quartercentury of dedicated service to La Salle. It should be a fine evening. Congratulations as well to the students who were recognized for achievements in academics, the arts, athletics and service at our in-school Awards Assembly in September. Thanks to Tim McAuliffe and Christian Endrigian for their reflective remarks during the presentations. October means that our top-ranked football team enters the heart of its league schedule. Soccer, golf, and water polo continue their quests for glory. And, La Salle theater will present not one – but two, count ‘em – productions. The Alumni Production of Company returns on Sunday, October 7, 2012 and our current students present Barefoot in the Park at the end of the month. Break a leg to Micky Dominick and his troupe. The month ahead also features the remarkable breadth of a La Salle education. Our latest Explorers, the Class of 2016, will join with their fathers in performing service to the greater Philadelphia community on Thursday, October 18, 2012 while the sophomores and juniors will get a chance to learn about careers first-hand from La Salle alums. Wednesday, October 24, 2012 presents a special opportunity for La Salle students to explore their interests and investigate the more than five dozen clubs and activities, from fencing to the Wisterian to the Human Rights Forum to the Art Club. Please encourage your sons to stretch themselves and sample an activity, large or small, that may be new to them. Thank you for joining us in the exciting educational adventure that is La Salle!
Michael A. O’Toole ‘68 Principal
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 3
Office of Academic Affairs THOMAS R. BARNA ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
The annual Academic Convocation, honoring last year’s first honors students, is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 7:15 pm. The faculty and administration are proud to honor these young men who have distinguished themselves by earning the Scholastic “L” by virtue of attaining a final grade point average of 3.75 or above with no grade below a “B-” based on final yearly grades. La Salle will also honor its National Merit Semi-Finalists and National Merit Commended Students. Finally, La Salle will recognize those members of its faculty who have distinguished themselves with 25-years of completed service. This year Ms. Tina Shustack and will be recognized. If a student had a late grade change or is uncertain whether or not he has the required “Final” GPA and lettergrade qualifications, he should see the school’s Registrar, Mrs. Suzanne Russo, in the Office of Academic Affairs as soon as possible.
Dedication of Sterner Hall On Saturday morning, September 15, 2012, the La Salle community gathered for the formal dedication of Sterner Hall. Brother Rene Sterner, FSC served as President of La Salle College High School from 1991 to 2005. He passed away in 2009. During his tenure at La Salle, Brother René energized the school community and was responsible for two major capital campaigns that significantly increased the school’s facilities and transformed the face of La Salle. The construction of Saint Michael Hall in 1993 and the West Wing in 2001 added over 100,000 square feet of academic and extracurricular space to the original building. The West Wing was dedicated in his honor and will forever be associated with his efforts and accomplishments. Brother Kevin Dalmasse, FSC, a long-time colleague of Brother Rene spoke of his legacy and over one hundred colleagues and members of the Sterner Family gathered in the courtyard outside of Sterner Hall for the dedication.
Invitations are expected to be mailed out to the families of qualifying students during the final week of September. Invited students and their families are encouraged to attend this special event. We look forward to seeing you on October 11, 2012.
Campus Store The new school year is on its way and we thank everyone for their patience. Hopefully, October will bring crisp fall weather and lots of school activities. The Campus Store has full supply of new La Salle Merchandise in stock, including an array of Nike and Under Amour. Some items are limited editions that cannot be reordered, so shop early. We also have a full supply of our old standards, we have something for everyone It is never too early to think about La Salle Christmas gifts. Mark your calendars for additional hours: Sunday, November 11, 2012 Open House Saturday, December 1, 2012
Entrance Exam
Unveiling of the Dedication Plaque by the Sterner Family and Brother James Butler, FSC
Sunday, December 2, 2012 Mothers’ Club Pictured (left to right) Brother Rene Sterner’s brothers Shopping and sister – David Sterner, Margaret Kenworthy, and Stephen Sterner join Brother James Butler, FSC for Spectacular Monday, December 10, 2012
Band Concert
the unveiling of the dedication plaque.
Computer Club Old and Digital? Don’t forget the school’s Computer Club when you look at “x” and it is old and digital. Our students need such devices to make mistakes on, learn through their moderator and Co-Presidents, Billy Krudthoff and Kevin Brady, and get ready to become lab managers for Mr. Sigmund. Thank you for supporting our club. Please feel free to contact me at nicolettig@lschs.org
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 4
Academic Excellence Ten Students Named as National Merit Semifinalists The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that ten seniors from La Salle College High School are semifinalists in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarship Awards. The ten students place La Salle at the top among private, Catholic, and independent schools in the State of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship
Approximately 1.5 million students from 22,000 high
Corporation in Evanston, IL was established to reward
schools across America entered the 2013 National Merit
academically talented high school seniors. Winners stand
Scholarship Program. About 16,000 students nationwide
to receive 8,300 corporate-donated scholarships valued
were named as Semifinalists and given the opportunity to
in excess of $34 million.
compete for scholarships.
Pictured (left to right): Brother James Butler, FSC, Connor Lavelle, Luke Persichetti, James O’Connor, Frederick Ilsemann, Evan Quain, Ryan O’Donnell, Eric Bridgeford, Jonathan Neufeld, Michael Bowen, Robert Gormisky, and Principal Michael O’Toole
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 5
Men of Accomplishment Class of 2013 First Honors (as of June 2012) Mitchell Winslow Abramo Peter D. Auteri Julian Spencer Baseman Michael E. Bowen Matthew William Brecht Eric W. Bridgeford Johnray A. Briones Matthew Mark Chadwick Jeffrey David Cimbalista Sean Thomas Cincotta Sean Michael Coleman Thomas McNichol Coyle Paul G. Curcillo, III Nicholas Umberto D’Orazio Matthew Joseph Daly Michael Paul deLuca Anthony Michael DeSantis Carlos Martin Diaz Joseph Thomas Dooney Michael Christian Eife Christopher Michael Esposito Nathan Paul Ezzo Jonathan Raymond Fabriziani Christopher John Fagan Brian Patrick Farley Patrick James Finlay Matthew Burton FitzPatrick Jacob Michael Ford Charles Anthony Formica John Paul Forrest Robert Joseph Gormisky Kevin David Groome Andrew Patrick Halton Joseph Jerome Heidt Jared Thomas Herrmann Peter Gregory Hildebrandt Steven Michael Hladczuk Patrick Joseph Hoffman, Jr. Frederick Joseph Ilsemann, IV Francis P. Johnson Luke P. Kane Conor Michael Kennedy Brendan Joseph Koch Brian Robert Lagreca Conor Elwin Lavelle
Christopher Allen LePrevost William Christopher Lucas Christian Gerard Lutschaunig Kurt Reed Lutter Sean Patrick MacIntosh Mark Manjardi, Jr. Agustin Tomas Marty Connor Thomas Masterson John Robert Matthews Patrick Edward May Luke Edward McCann Nolen Richard McElwee Brendan Michael McGonigle Connor Bradley McHugh Anthony Louis Mercader William John Mischler Colin Patrick Moran Preston Michael Murray Johnathan Michael Neufeld James Michael O’Connor, III Michael James O’Connor Kevin Francis O’Donnell Ryan Edward O’Donnell Shea Timothy O’Neill Luke Louis Persichetti Joseph R. Podraza, III Evan Daniel Quain Kevin J. Reed Conor Anthony Resch Griffin James Ripley Gregory Charles Rogers Michael Steven Ryan, Jr. Zachary S. Scheier Matthew Richard Scott Michael Andrew Selner Scott Patrick Serpico Riley Dennis Slusarski Thomas Andrew Spiteri Andrew Joseph Stone Robert Vito Stratton Joseph C. Sullivan John Thomas Tyrrell George Thomas Uhrich Evan Walsh Nicholas Sergei Ward Ryan Henry Winslow Kiyoung Won Joon Hyuk Yoon
Class of 2014 First Honors (as of June 2012) Ryan Thomas Abell Maxwell Hunter Albone Erik J. Azzarano Michael Patrick Barrett Keith Joseph Basara Griffin Nemo Brown Eric Claude Burgmann John Edward Carlidge Connor James Casey Anthony William Ciliberto David Wayne Cox Pierce Dutton Cunneen Nicholas Anthony Dermo Harrison Edward Dittrich Charles Ambrose Donnelly John Halsey Durbin Andrew Brian Durkin Robert Casey Dwyer John Joseph Ernandez, Jr. Tyler Michael Fallon John Jude Farris, Jr. Michael D. Flanigan Christopher Evan Frazzette Sean Matthew Furgiuele John Manus Gallagher Kevin James Gay Sean Michael Greenberg Colin John Happ Patrick Quinn Hasson Thomas Joseph Herron, III Connor McKendrick Higgins Stephen John Hudak Brendan Robert Keenan Jacob Joseph Klemmer Joseph Edward Krol Nicholas Daniel Kush Adam David Lagner Keith Alan Lee Kevin Patrick Lindsay Tyler Patrick Little Charles Tiers Lloyd, Jr. Eric Christopher Lopresti Matthew Gregory Lucas Christian Matthew Mancini Connor V. Martin
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 6
Peter Gerald Abdalla Thomas Paul Albertson, Jr. Reid Andrew Anderson James Patrick Austin Richard E. Beaver, III Ryan Vincent Buchanan Brian Patrick Buckley Eric Steven Bunting Christopher Dane Ciliberto Spencer Thomas Coats Peter Emmanuel Collins Mason N. Comtois Thomas William Conroy Matthew James Conway Patrick Timothy Corcoran
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 7
Leave to Serve Enter to Learn
First Honors (as of June 2012)
John Raymond Quirk Victor Manuel Rivera Matthew Gerard Sacchetta Ryan David Sax Stephen Vincent Schanes Justin Christopher Senyk James Paul Soulges Joseph Armand Splendido Justin Tyler Stout Matthew Timothy Strosser Kevin John Tavolaro Sean Thomas Walsh Benjamin Grant Weiss Connor Alexander Williams
EXCELLENCE
Class of 2015
Daniel O’Connor Corr Michael J. Crone Tyler Matthew Crouch John George Curran David Michael Del Grosso Anthony Joseph DeNofa Joseph Domenic DeSimone Edward L. Devlin Ralph Edward DiLemmo Michael Francis Doyle, III Zachary Leo Drake James William Durkin, Jr. Edgar J. Eason, III Christopher Michael Filice James Anthony Galasso John Richard Grogan Jason Thomas Hahn James P. Herron, III Christian James Hoban Colin Francis Hoffman Conor Patrick Hogan John Fletcher Jordon, IV David Andrew Keeton Aidan Joseph Kerrigan Eric Liam Kindelan Anthony John Knesis Kyle Timothy Kowalczyk Colin Patrick Krouse Gabriel Gaspare LaBella Robert Joseph Lastowski Connor David Lloyd Graham Howard Maguire Daniel Joseph Martino Gary Melle McCabe William Joseph McDonnell , III Anthony Joseph Morabito Kevin Michael Moran John Carl Mueller Conall Patrick Mulligan Michael P. Mulligan Justin Richard Naylor Clint Ormsby Frank Shane Osterman, Jr. Andrew Roman Perrong Christian Xavier Picofazzi Matthew Emmit Pizzo Brian James Price Jeremy Puntel
Academic
Christopher Jordan Mather Timothy McAuliffe Matthew Vincent McCarry Evan Francis McDonnell Timothy David McElroy Liam J. F. McGrother Ryan Patrick Meeks Trent Anthony Melsheimer Mark Joseph Metzler Quin R. Murphy Charles Greif Newell James Harrison Palmer Jordan Paul Petrellis Mark Andrew Reed Roger Aloysius Reynolds, III Michael Alan Rihm Patrick Francis Ryan Oscar Ricardo Sanchez John O’Bryan Scheffey Thomas Andrew Schmitz Andrew John Schutta Zachary Gray Smith Aaron Paul Sosnader Mitchell James Soufleris Daniel Anthony Spinelli, Jr. Daniel Jennings Thomas Ryan Joseph Weathers Reid Rothwell Worster James H. R. Worthington Phillip M. Zminda
Office of Student Affairs J u l i a K . M aher A ss i stant P r i nc i pal for S t u dent A ffa i rs
Activity Fair
Hall of Athletics Induction
The annual Activities Fair was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 in the gym during all lunch periods. This was an opportunity for all students, particularly the Class of 2016 to learn about all the co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that La Salle offers. Hopefully all of the students will experience La Salle totally by “getting involved”.
The inaugural induction of the Hall of Athletics at La Salle College High School took place on Friday evening, September 14, 2012 during a ceremony held in the auditorium and attended by over three hundred people. Over a five month period, over 5,000 people visited the Hall of Athletics website to submit public nominations for candidates representing three different categories – athletes, coaches, and teams. An eleven member committee then determined the inaugural inductees. Athletes inducted included Tom Gola ’51, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of Philadelphia high school basketball, along with Jack Stanczak ’89, who is regarded as one of the best all-round athletes in the history of La Salle College High School. The two coaches inducted were Charles “Obie” O’Brien, who coached basketball at La Salle for thirty four seasons, and John “Tex” Flannery, who coached football for thirty-three years. The 1945-46 Basketball Team, who won the first City Championship in school history, was also inducted as was the 1957 Football Team who likewise won the City Championship. Twenty-five members from that championship team returned for the induction ceremony.
Student Council Mixer The first Mixer of the school year will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012 with about 1,000 young people expected to attend. Music will be provided by DJ Miro Productions (Jim Mirynowski ’09). Some of the profits from the dance will be go toward fulfillment of the student pledge to the successful capital campaign. REMINDER TO ALL PARENTS Only La Salle young men are eligible to attend any La Salle dances. Girls’ tickets are now being sold on-line.
Magazine Drive The annual magazine drive got underway on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 with a special assembly/pep rally sponsored by Great American Fundraising and the senior Student Council. Hopefully all those who subscribed last year were asked to renew their subscriptions when the students came calling. The school goal for this year is $100,000. If the students reach it there will be a school holiday. Seniors were once again challenged to achieve their class goal in order to wear golf shirts in the spring. This year students were eligible to win one of two trips to Disney World in the spring. All who sold their quota of 5 were in the drawing for one lucky winner and the top ten salesmen were eligible again in a separate drawing. Next month’s Belcroft will have a list of the top salesmen and prize winners. This drive is a most important event for the La Salle community. Thanks for your support.
Attendance Line All parents are reminded that they must call their son(s) out of school by 8:00 am. You can reach the attendance office by calling (215) 233-2911 (and selecting Option No. 1) or (215) 402-481,9 which sends you directly to the Dean’s Office attendance line. Thanks for your cooperation.
Inductee Jack Stanczak ’89 is joined by his former Principal and Coaches Pictured (left to right) Football Coach Joe Colistra, Principal Dave Diehl, Baseball Coach Joe Parisi, Jack Stanczak, and Basketball Coach Marty Jackson.
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 8
L I G H T S La Salle Intervention: Giving Help To Students
The LIGHTS Team The Student Assistance Program of La Salle College High School Ms. Tina Shustack Program Coordinator Mathematics Department Ms. Lisa Agnew David Program Mr. Greg Bielecki Social Studies Department
Families and LIGHTS: Partnership in Assistance The LIGHTS Team works together with the parents of academically or behaviorally troubled students. To that end, the LIGHTS Team contacts parents of referred students early in the process. In some cases, a student will require assistance which La Salle cannot provide. In these cases, the LIGHTS Team will work with parents to facilitate the process of accessing resources in the community.
Help Us Help Your Son The goal of LIGHTS is to help referred students overcome their academic and behavioral difficulties. Ideally, parents and LIGHTS work together toward this goal by offering mutual respect and support, open channels of communication, awareness of the student’s strengths, and shared responsibility.
Mr. Lew Clark Campus Ministry Mr. Matthew Derrick English Department Mrs. Rosemary Gedeik World Languages Department
Student Referrals
Mrs. Jeanne Holt-Brabson Guidance Department
A student may be referred to the LIGHTS Team in a number of ways.
Mrs. Julia Maher Assistant Principal for Student Affairs
A faculty or staff member may express his or her concerns regarding a student’s academic performance or behavior to a member of the LIGHTS Team. A parent with similar concerns may refer his or her son to the LIGHTS Team. A friend or classmate who is worried about a certain student may refer him to the LIGHTS Team for assistance. A student may refer himself to the LIGHTS Team for assistance.
The LIGHTS Team The LIGHTS Team, a Student Assistance Program (SAP), assists La Salle students as well as the families of those students, who face behavioral and/or academic difficulties. The team is comprised of specially-trained school faculty and staff, who meet weekly to discuss the needs of referred students.
All information about referred students is kept strictly confidential.
The LIGHTS Team works to identify problems and seek out solutions. The LIGHTS Team does not diagnose or treat students. The LIGHTS team seeks out and collates information about referred students from a variety of sources, including parents, teachers, coaches, and the school nurse, and uses the information to determine suitable strategies for helping the students.
La 2011 LaSalle SalleCollege CollegeHigh HighSchool School––The TheBelcroft BelcroftSeptember October 2012 9
Commitment to Service
Building Bridges of Solidarity
Bolivia
by Roman Bond ’14
While in Bolivia, we were able to do so many good things for the locals. We went to different schools and helped them paint walls, gave them building supplies to make different rooms, and created more space. We went to an orphanage and played with
Word got out about what we were doing and Channel One (Bolivia’s main news station) came over and filmed us giving out cloths. They asked Senora to bring a few kids to the news station so that they could interview Senora and the kids and let people know about what we were doing. One of the schools where we put a new addition asked to name the school after Senora Breen. As you can tell, the summer service trip to Bolivia was in the news in Bolivia and they can’t wait for us to come back.
the children. One day we went to a hospital and gave out cloths we had collected for pregnant women. La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 10
Ministry and Service LEWIS CLARK DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS MINISTRY
Freshmen Retreats (Theme: Lasallian Identity) September 26, 2012 (1A-5A) September 26, 2012 (6A-10A) Sophomore Retreats (Theme: The Road to Emmaus) April 10, 2013 (1B, 2B, ½ 3B) April 11, 2013 (½ 3B, 4B, 5B) April 23, 2013 (6B, 7B, ½ 8B) April 24, 2013 (½ 8B, 9B, 10B) Junior Retreats (Theme: Choices) February 5, 2013 (1C/2C) February 11, 2013 (3C/4C) February 12, 2013 (5C/6C) February 26, 2013 (7C/8C) February 27, 2013 (9C/10C) Senior Retreats Kairos 37-87 Kairos 37-88 Kairos 37-89 Kairos 37-90 Kairos 37-91 Kairos 37-92 One-Day Retreat
Grade Level Opportunities Freshmen Branch Out-Day Junior Urban Challenge
October 2 - 5, 2012 November 6 - 9, 2012 December 11- 14, 2012 January 29 - February 1, 2013 March 5 - March 8, 2013 April 16- 19, 2013 December 4, 2012
School Wide Liturgies and Prayer Services Opening of School Liturgy September 14, 2012 All Saints Day Liturgy November 1, 2012 Thanksgiving Prayer Service November 20, 2012 Immaculate Conception Liturgy N/A (Saturday) Christmas Liturgy December 21, 2012 Ash Wednesday Prayer Service February 13, 2013 Lenten Liturgy March 26, 2013 Founder’s Day Prayer Service May 9, 2013 Ascension Thursday Liturgy May 9, 2013 Student Led Prayer Services (7:35 am in Marian Chapel) Peace. Light. Hope. in HIS footsteps
Monthly/Seasonal Drives Casseroles for the Homeless Magazine Drive for Grade Schools Thanksgiving Food Drive Operation Santa Claus Secret Santa La Salle Responds Initiative
Fridays During Advent Fridays During Lent
Sacrament of Reconciliation November 13, 2012 and February 19-20, 2013
September 19-28, 2012 November 13-20, 2012 November 26, 2012 – December 21, 2012 November 26, 2012 – December 24, 2012 Ongoing October 18, 2012 December 4-5, 2012 and February 12-13, 2013
Summer Service Opportunities Junior Urban Immersion May 26-31, 2013 (Philadelphia) June 2-7, 2013 and July 21-26, 2013 Project Appalachia June 2-8, 2013 (West Virginia) Migrant Worker Immersion June 22-29, 2013 (Coachella Valley, CA) Saint Lucia June 13-21, 2013 Navajo Experience June 23-29, 2013 (Arizona/New Mexico) Blackfeet Immersion July 28-August 3, 2013 and (Montana) August 4-10, 2013 Gulf Coast Immersion August 4-10, 2013 (Louisiana) Building Bridges of Solidarity TBD (Bolivia)
For additional information, please contact Campus Ministry: www.lschs.org/ministry Mark Chesnik Lew Clark Assistant Director of Director of Campus Campus Ministry Ministry chesnikm@lschs.org clarkl@lschs.org
Eucharistic Adoration and Daily Mass Varies On- Going Service Projects Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
(Monthly/Ongoing)
Elder Share, Cooking for Outreach La Salle Academy Tutoring, Triest House, and Street Outreach Visitation BVM Tutoring, Human Rights Forum Sarnelli House, Kids Helping Kids Lasallian Service Corps Face-To-Face Dining Room Face-To-Face Dining Room
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 11
Micky Dominick Assistant Director of Campus Ministry dominickm@lschs.org
College Counseling Center GERARD M. BRETT DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
College Counseling Website of the Month http://collegecost.ed.gov/
College Counseling Center Seniors will be notified about daily visits of college admission officers, Open Houses, competitions, and scholarships in the Daily Bulletin, our website, Naviance, WEXP, homeroom and college counseling bulletin boards and in advisory class. Please encourage your son to check these many sources for pertinent information to help navigate the college search and application process. The College Counselors have been meeting with seniors once a cycle in Senior Advisory Class. Topics covered have been an explanation of the college search and application process, Early Action/Early Decision, updating of transcripts, teacher letters of recommendation, Naviance, college visits, and interviews.
deadlines as soon as possible but at least three weeks prior to deadlines. Please be advised that October 5, 2012 is La Salle’s internal notification deadline for Early Action/ Early Decision applications. Counselors and teachers need sufficient time to write letters of recommendation.
College Interview Day College Interview Day will take place at La Salle on October 2, 2012 during the school day for our seniors. Sixty-five colleges and universities and eighty college admission officers will be represented at this event. Seniors will have the opportunity to schedule at least two appointments with college admission officers. A list of schools attending is on our website. Feedback in previous years from our students and college admission officers clearly indicates the value of this event.
All seniors are encouraged to make individual appointments with their college counselor. The sign-up books are in the College Counseling Center. Mr. Gerard M. Brett Director of College Counseling (215) 402-4846 brettg@lschs.org Mrs. Mary Kay Mullen Associate Director of College Counseling (215) 402-4845 mullen@lschs.org Brother William DiPasquale, FSC Assoc. Director of College Counseling (215) 402-4852 dipasqualeb@lschs.org Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell Administrative Assistant (215) 402-4849 oconnell@lschs.org
NCAA Any senior who is considering playing Division I or Division II intercollegiate sports must make application for eligibility clearance through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Read the directions carefully. Inform Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell in the College Counseling Center when you register so transcripts can be sent to the Clearinghouse. NCAA information is explained on the last page of our school calendar and on our webpage. Coaches and counselors are available to answer any questions.
Our website, www.lschs.org/college is filled with information helpful in understanding the college search and admission process. Naviance can be accessed via the student and parent portals. The scattergrams available on Naviance are particularly helpful in determining a “good match” college list. Information specific to La Salle as well as general information can be found in the sources listed above. Deadlines for applications – both early and regular admission – vary with each college. The student is responsible for knowing and meeting the deadlines. The College Counseling Center must be notified about
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 12
College Counseling Center CONTINUED
Financial Aid A number of sites dealing with financial aid are listed on our webpage. Go to Links and Resources on the college counseling website and look for the section on “Paying for College”. Also check out the latest newspaper articles regarding the current state of financial aid posted on our webpage. Understanding financial aid, especially current changes by lenders, is an important part of the college application process. In order to qualify for Federal or State funds, parents and students need to complete the FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa. ed.gov for information and the form. Online application is preferred. The form may be filed beginning January 1, 2013. In order to have an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid, check out FAFSA4caster. Every college is required to offer a Net Price Calculator on their website. This allows prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account. In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges require their own financial aid form or the CSS Profile. Information and Profile forms are available on the College Board site. Forms may be filed now. Additional websites are listed at our site. Two particularly helpful ones are www.studentaid.ed.gov for an excellent overview and www.fastweb.com for scholarships. Meeting requirements and deadlines for financial aid is crucial and is the student’s responsibility. A Financial Aid Night for Parents of juniors and seniors will be held at Gwynedd Mercy Academy on November 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Bonnie Lee Behm, Director of Financial Assistance at Villanova University, will present.
Standardized Tests The SAT and SAT Subject Tests will be offered on November 3, 2012. The initial registration deadline is October 4, 2012 and the late registration deadline is October 19, 2012. The ACT will be offered on October 27, 2012. The initial registration deadline was September 21, 2012 and the late registration for this test date is October 5, 2012. Students are reminded to send all test scores, especially from October, November, and December test dates, directly to the colleges and universities where they are they are applying. Information is available at the Links and Resources page of the college counseling website under “Standardized Tests”.
Prayer List Parents and alumni are asked to submit the names of deceased alumni who will be remembered at a special Mass to be celebrated in the Christian Brothers’ Chapel on All Soul’s Day – Friday, November 2, 2012. The Mass will be said in memory of these deceased alumni. Please submit the name of any deceased alum that you wish to be remembered to Maura Diehl at diehlm@lschs.org or (215) 402-4807.
Check out our new free test preparation module PrepMe for the SAT and ACT. It can be found in Naviance.
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 13
Pa re n t s St i l l Ma k e T h e Di f f e re n c e P R A C T I C A L I D E A S F O R P A R E N T S T O H E L P T H E I R C H I L D R E N .
Encourage your son to have a positive attitude.
Keep tabs on your son’s computer and cell phone usage.
Mentioning words like “positive attitude” is a good way to make many teens roll their eyes. But having a positive attitude is a foundation in building character.
A recent survey found that teens spend about two hours per day online – 80% of which is spent using a social networking site like Facebook. Another study found that half of teens send fifty or more text messages a day – roughly 1,500 each month!
Many key elements of character, including kindness, empathy and leadership, are impossible to achieve if you only look at the dark side of life. Here are some positive traits to nurture in your son: • Hopefulness. On most days, some things will go well and others won’t. Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Focus on what went well. • certain team. The next chance to try out isn’t until next year. After some disappointment, encourage him to put it behind him for now. • Laughter. Remember: Nothing is better than humor for getting rid of a negative attitude. • Seeking opportunities. Say your son loves animals. Having a positive attitude will tell him that there may be a veterinarian in your area who could use some help. Encourage your son to call a few of them and a new world could open up for him. Reprinted with permission from the October 2012 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2012 The Parent Institute®, a Division of NIS, Inc.
With statistics like these, it’s a wonder that teens get any schoolwork completed at all. Make sure that your son’s grades don’t fall by setting limits on computer and cell phone use. Here’s how: • Talk to your son about his computer and cell phone usage. Ask him how much time he thinks he spends on computer tasks that aren’t school related, and how many texts he sends a month. • Check his estimates. You can get his cell phone usage from the phone company. For his computer use, ask him to keep a log of each site he visits, and how long he spends at each one. He might be surprised!. • Be realistic. Your son really doesn’t need his phone while he’s sleeping. Consider having him “turn in” his phone at bedtime. That simple limit will decrease those texts while improving his quality of sleep. For the computer, think about a simple exchange: For every thirty minutes he reads, your son can have thirty minutes of computer time to do things not related to schoolwork. Reprinted with permission from the October 2012 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2012 The Parent Institute®, a Division of NIS, Inc.
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 14
Pa re n t s St i l l Ma k e T h e Di f f e re n c e P R A C T I C A L I D E A S F O R P A R E N T S T O H E L P T H E I R C H I L D R E N .
Avoid yelling to keep the lines of communication open with your son.
Quality time makes a difference in relationships with teenagers.
If there’s one way to guarantee your on won’t listen to you, it’s to yell at him. When a parent yells at a teen, the conversation basically stops. The teen is no longer listening, and the parent is venting his frustration more than he is trying to make a point.
A recent survey found that overall, 78% of teens rely on their parents for advice. In a time when teens seem to be facing more peer pressure than ever, that’s great news.
That said, boys occasionally do things that cause parents to yell. Whether it’s missing curfew or getting a lower-than-expected grade, your reaction may be to raise your voice. The key to keeping the lines of communication open--and keeping your son listening – is to not raise your voice. Here’s how: • Respond, don’t react. Reacting – acting on your first impulse without thinking about it – often leads to yelling. It’s like when you stub your toe – your reaction may be to curse loudly. But if your son is watching, you may silently count to ten instead. Try to respond calmly in a similar way. • Realize whose problem it is. If you lose your temper over a bad grade, your son becomes more concerned with hiding from your wrath than with determining how to raise that grade. Remain calm and ask your teen how she plans to deal with her problem. • Take a break. If there is no way you can face your teen without screaming, leave the room. Come back when you feel less angry.
However, your son can’t ask your advice if you’re never around. It’s important to carve out some quality time to spend with your son. Even an hour per week can make a big difference in your relationship with your son – and yes, talking during family dinner counts as quality time. Here are some other ideas: • Set up a standing coffee date – either at the local shop or at your kitchen table. You don’t have to serve your teen coffee. Just enjoy some relaxing one-on-one time together to sit and talk. • Schedule a monthly “Teen’s Choice Day”. Let your son choose his favorite meal and activity for the day. Maybe he’ll want pizza and take in a game. Or perhaps burgers on the grill and hanging out in the backyard is more his style. • Start a project together. Repaint the living room – or redecorate your son’s room. Volunteer at a local charity together. Being asked to help make teens feel like you trust them and being active Reprinted with permission from the October 2012 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2012 The Parent Institute®, a Division of NIS, Inc.
Reprinted with permission from the October 2012 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2012 The Parent Institute®, a Division of NIS, Inc.
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 15
Please join the for a thrilling night!
AUCTION
Saturday, November 3, 2012 L a S a ll e C o ll e g e H i g h S ch o o l
PM Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction PM Dinner PM Live Auction Followed by Mass and Continental Breakfast
For more information please contact the auction office at
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 16
ROYALE
The Excitement is Building!
Au c t i o n R oya l e S aturday, N ovember 3 , 2 0 1 2
6:00 PM Cocktails and Silent Auction 7:45 PM Sit-Down Dinner, Live Auction and Entertainment Mass and Continental Breakfast follow the conclusion of the Live Auction. Co-Chairs Laura Savage and Ray Delaney Send in your reservations early to make sure you’ll have a seat at this fabulous event! The auction is the largest fundraiser of the year. It also gives you a chance to relax and socialize with other La Salle parents, purchase some extraordinary items and enjoy a fun-filled evening! Guests will now be able to bid from anywhere in the room on a smart phone or we will issue a hand held device. You and your friends can reserve a table for 10 or, if you’re new to La Salle, you can request to be seated with other parents from your son’s class. If you are coming alone we can also accommodate. Online Auction – Bidding Starts Oct 14, 2012 Visit the online auction website, www.lschs.org/auction, where you will find gift certificates to all of your favorite shops, restaurants and salons, golf outings, items for your home and all the very popular La Salle Auction Exclusives. Online auction closes October 28, 2012 at 8:00pm. GET YOUR GROUP TOGETHER NOW! • 4 tickets to Dr. Oz, with a behind the scene greeting from the production staff • 5 tickets to all 4 days at the Country Music Association Festival plus 3 nights suit that sleeps 6 • Two Graduation Parties on Campus for up to 24 Guests • Parties, parties, parties… Look for our new La Salle Exclusive Items Luxury Auction Preview Jewelry, Golf at Local Clubs, Team Photos and more! Donations We have received some great donations but we still need your support. We are looking for donations of golf outings, vacation homes, concert tickets, sports tickets, jewelry, iPods, Christmas items, and wine or liquor baskets, get away weekend packages, etc.
Super Gifts If you are still not sure what to donate - send in cash to go towards an awesome Super Gift. A $50, $100, $250 or $500 donation will go toward the purchase of one of this year’s fabulous super gifts. Pervious Super Gifts have included jewelry, electronic equipment, and fantasy trips. Your name will appear in the Auction Catalog under the appropriate gift. Visit our website to download a Gift form or Super Gift form - www.lschs.org/donations Raffle Don’t miss your chance to win up to $30,000. Send in your tickets today! $100 each or three for $200 Only 1,500 tickets will be sold! Sponsors/Advertising Become a sponsor or place an ad in the Auction Catalog to promote your business, honor your graduating son or your favorite team or club. All sponsors receive a full page color ad and tickets to the auction. Visit our website, www.lschs. org/auction, to download a brochure. If you need help with your ad design, please contact Gina Giuliani in the Auction Office at (215) 402-4915 or auction@lschs.org ad deadline is October 15, 2012. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are still needed for the auction. Please contact the Auction Office if you would like to volunteer for one of the many committees that need help. Our biggest volunteer day is Wednesday’s. We are at the Dunleavy center at 8:00am; join us for a couple of hours, all are welcome. Decorating Workshops The Decorating Committee will be meeting to transform our school into an Auction Royale. Workshops will be held on Tuesday mornings starting at 8:00 am in the Dunleavy Center. Everyone is welcome. Please contact decorating chair Patrice Lynch bandplynch@aol.com Questions If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Auction Office: Gina Giuliani or Kathy Tavolaro (215) 402-4915 auction@lschs.org On behalf of the entire La Salle Community, we thank you for your generous support and participation!
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 17
Mothers’ Club LISA DENTON PRESIDENT
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Other Volunteer Opportunities
October 2, 2012
The Mothers’ Club is in need of volunteers throughout the year to help before, during, and after our events. Please check The Belcroft and the Mothers’ Club page on the website each month to see where help is needed. You can e-mail the volunteer coordinator or one of the committee chairs listed with the event to let her know your availability. If an activity fits into your schedule, please join us. Volunteering is a great way to get to know La Salle moms in a casual and fun environment.
College Interview Day 8:00 am – Gym 12:30 pm Provide Assistance During the Event
October 6, 2012 Evening Meeting with Speaker Auditorium
7:00 pm
October 11, 2012 Honors Convocation Gym Provide Assistance Before and After the Event
7:00 pm
October 14, 2012
10:30 am
Fall Family Liturgy
Fall General Meeting Thursday October 4, 2012 7:00 pm Auditorium
Volunteer Coordinator Beth Napolitano beth100@comcast.net
Christmas Shopping Spectacular
Brief Business Meeting Followed by a Presentation by Ryan Manion Borek President of the Travis Manion Foundation Refreshments and a social hour will follow the presentation.
Sunday, December 2, 2012 12:00 to 4:00 pm Auditorium This event is open to all shoppers, so call your girlfriends and have them mark the date on their calendars.
Sunday, October 14, 2012 10:30 am Mass Followed by Continental Breakfast
Come join the fun and catch the holiday spirit while helping to support La Salle College High School. Reserve a table to sell your merchandise or just come and shop. Approximately sixty spaces will be available for merchants on a first-come-first-served basis. Register early as these tables go quickly. Look for your invitation in the mail later this month.
Register online at www.lschs.org
For vendor table reservations, please contact:
In the event that you have any questions, please contact:
Donna Marzullo (215) 784-0704 dtmarzullo4@aol.com
Fall Family Liturgy
Mary Chandler mary.chandler@aol.com
New York Broadway Trip
Wanted – Auction Decorating Volunteers Decorating workshops will begin on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 and will run every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 am until November 1, 2012 in the Dunleavy Center. Help is needed with painting, cutting, pasting, sewing, organizing, wrapping, attaching, mounting, stringing, etc. etc. etc.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 17, 2013 for La Salle’s annual excursion to New York City. Additional details will be available shortly. Check the website and the November issue of The Belcroft for updates.
If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact: Patrice Lynch (215) 646-3443 bandplynch@aol.com
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 18
Mothers’ Club (CONTINUED)
eScrip
Alumnae Committee News
Help La Salle earn thousands of dollars. It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Powerful!
The Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee
Please log onto www.escrip.com and register to do your on-line shopping with hundreds of merchants at the new “Online Mall”. The La Salle code is 6525176. In addition to regular shopping, you can even make purchases for travel, airlines and online services. In the event that you are already supporting another institution with eScrip, your contributions can be split. Local eScrip merchants will contribute up to 8% of the purchases you make to La Salle College High School. 1. Go to www.escrip.com
Kathy Caramenico, Donnamaria Dolan, Roseanne Duzinski, Lynn Gates, Karen Guerra, Pam Grady, Barbara Houldin, Janet McBride, Terry Millet
Fall In Love With Shared Treasures From Halloween items for your home to navy blue blazers and khaki slacks for your LaSalle gentleman, Shared Treasures thrift shop, located at Dunleavy Center, offers fabulous seasonal items at fantastic value pricing. The proceeds from sales at Shared Treasures are used to help La Salle students whose financial situations make it difficult for them to purchase needed books and supplies or meals during the school day.
2. Click on “Sign-Up” 3. Follow the instructions Register for Pathmark’s Cash Back Program. When you shop at any Pathmark store, a percentage of your bill will automatically be credited to La Salle. It’s that easy! Please register now so that La Salle can be a winner all year long.
Shared Treasures is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to Noon and welcomes your donations of gently used items, especially home goods and the blazers and slacks your sons have outgrown. All donations are tax-deductible.
For more information, please contact:
For information, please contact:
Regina Sontag (610) 937-0398 regscrna@verizon.net
Barbara Houldin (215) 990-2843 bag553@aol.com
Ink Cartridge Recycling Don’t throw those used ink cartridges away. The Alumnae Committee will earn cash for its support of students by recycling them. You can drop off cartridges in the recycling bins, which are located in the Main Office at school as well as at Dunleavy Center. For information, please contact: Kathy Caramenico (610) 608-2950 kcaram@yahoo.com
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 19
Check The Belcroft each month for important dates and information on the Mothers’ Club!
The Mothers’ Club cordially invites all mothers to the Fall General Meeting Thursday, October 4, 2012 7:00 pm Auditorium There will be a brief business meeting followed by the presentation by Ryan Manion Borek.
Refreshments and a social hour will follow the presentation. There is no charge for this event, but in order to plan appropriately, we do need an accurate count of those who will attend. Please let us know if you’ll be able to join us on October 4th by clicking on the “reservation” link of the Mothers’ Club website, www.lschs.org, no later than October 2nd. If you
Presentation by Ryan Manion Borek President Travis Manion Foundation
Ryan has been inspired to help wounded Veterans and Families of Fallen Heroes because of her brother’s character, leadership and sacrifice. As a Gold Star sister, Ryan has had many opportunities to speak to a national audience about the importance of supporting our military community. She is responsible for strategic development, planning, marketing and executing Foundation events and programs. She serves as keynote speaker to help students realize the importance of leadership and character. Character Does Matter (CDM) honors the fallen and challenges the living by delivering dynamic and inspiring presentations on character development and leadership to emerging leaders. This program is inspired by the spirit of 1st Lt. Travis L. Manion, ‘99 and the thousands of other Fallen American Heroes, who are honored through the program and its innovative “If Not Me Then Who...” Service Challenge. This program challenges young men and women to develop their character by seeking “If Not Me Then Who...” moments in their everyday life. This program is presented each year at La Salle to the freshmen class and is sponsored by the Mothers’ Club and funded through a Memorial Enrichment Grant. We want to share this important message given to our sons with the parent community.
encounter a problem in making a reservation, please email Lisa Denton, Mothers’ Club President at lisa_ denton@msn.com
La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038 215 233 2911 phone 215 233 1418 fax www.lschs.org
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 20
Men of La Salle M i chael H app P res i dent
Upcoming Calendar of Events Thursday, October 4, 2012 Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm Study Commons Open to All Fathers Thursday, October 18, 2012 Freshmen Branch-Out Day 7:45 am Friday, October 19, 2012 Father/Son Annual Golf Outing 8:30 am LuLu Country Club Thursday, November 1, 2012 Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm Study Commons Open to All Fathers Brief Meeting and Auction Set-Up Saturday, November 3, 2012 La Salle Auction Thursday, November 15, 2012 Father/Son Banquet 5:45 pm Williamsons Restaurant The Events Calendar is full of several different events for you, your sons, and your entire family. We urge you to get involved and participate in as many as possible as they are what makes our La Salle family so very special.
New Fathers Welcome The Men of La Salle were treated with a beautiful evening as they hosted the annual BBQ welcome for all new fathers on Thursday, September 13, 2012. All fathers were treated to a very special evening full of speakers, raffles, and plenty of food and drink. Thank you to all the fathers who were able to attend. Over ninety fathers were in attendance and were able to receive a Men of La Salle T-shirt. The camaraderie, enthusiasm, and dedication of these new and returning dads made for a great evening. We look forward to everyone’s attendance at our monthly meetings. Michael Happ spoke to the Men of La Salle’s mission and discussed upcoming events like the Father/Son Golf Outing, Freshman
Branch-Out Day, and the Father/Son Banquet. Principal Michael O’Toole talked about the adjustment of the new boys to the school over the past few weeks, as well as himself. Brother James Butler spoke to his “Top 7” points about being involved with activities and sports at school and for parents to engage and support the boy’s new friendships. A special thanks to all who participated and made this a very successful evening. The Men of La Salle extends a sincere welcome to each of you to become involved with your son as they become part of the La Salle community.
Freshman Branch-Out Day October 18, 2012 As you drive into La Salle you see “Enter to Learn” and as you exit “Leave to Serve”. This simple and profound philosophy is the essence of the Lasallian education our boys receive. As part of molding that philosophy into the hearts and minds of our young men, we recognize the responsibility we bear to teach them the many ways in which they can serve, the value of serving others, and the many gifts and talents that they already possess, that can make a profound difference in the lives of the less fortunate. This is what Branch-Out Day is all about – an opportunity for each one of our young men in the freshman class to spend the day in a variety of service projects throughout the community. Helping, learning, exploring – but most of all giving of themselves. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2012, which brings us to the point of this note. We want to encourage each and every dad of the freshman class to join us and to be a part of this day of service. Your presence will not only add to the value of your day as a result of the additional work that can be performed, but more importantly as a visible role model to our young men, your sons, regarding the value you place on serving others. And, while we recognize the challenges of taking a day off of work, we would ask you to consider this opportunity to spend a day with your son in such a powerful and rewarding manner. Last year, more than half of the freshman dads were able to join us for this worthwhile experience.
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 21
Based on past experience, we can promise you it will be a great day for you and yours sons and one which will serve to strengthen the bond, and build lasting memories. In order to ensure the best planning of work sites and work teams, it is important that we have an accurate count, at least one week prior to the day. We will meet at 7:45 am in the auditorium and end at approximately 2:10 pm. Dads should wear work clothes and bring is a brown-bag lunch. While you have this note in front of you, will you please register for this event by sending an email with your name and phone number to: John Brady bunchof4@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunity Saint Vincent’s Roman Catholic Church Beginning this month, on Saturday and Sunday, and continuing until the end of the school year on all Saturday and Sundays, the Men of La Salle will begin providing services to St. Vincent’s Dining Room, the soup kitchen on 109 East Price Street in Philadelphia. Each weekend between 9:30 and 11:30 am, fathers and sons are asked to volunteer for food preparation in the kitchen, preparing meals for over 200 who are served lunch. We also need volunteers to serve lunch from 12:30 to 2:30 pm the last Sunday of each month. The Men of La Salle have a long history of serving the less fortunate at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. It is a great experience for you to share with your son and it does not require a significant time commitment. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the web at lschs.org then go to parents then Men of La Salle or contact Saint Vincent’s at patty@acetofacegermantown. org or feel free to contact: Joe Banecker (610) 828-0344 josephbanecker@aol.com
63rd Annual Father/Son Banquet
Plans are being made to ensure that this is a fine evening for you and your son(s), a time to share and grow together. The banquet will include an excellent dinner, door prizes for your sons, 50-50 raffles, and music by the Jazz Band. The event has always been a quick sell-out, so please don’t hesitate. Seating is limited to approximately 600 in the main dining room, with the overflow in an adjacent room. Complete the reservation form and return it with your payment in the enclosed envelope by than November 8, 2012.
If you wish to be seated with a specific group, full payment for your entire group and all names must be included on one reservation form. Every attempt will be made to honor all requested seating arrangements on a first-come basis.
Thursday, November 15, 2012 Williamson Restaurant Easton Road (Rt. 611) and Blair Mill Road Horsham, PA 19044
Payment must be made prior to the event. Please mail your check and form or register online via a secure server at www.lschs.org/mol
5:45 pm – Check-In and Reception 6:30 pm – Dinner
In you have any questions, please contact the Event Chairman: Tim Corcoran tim@tcorcoran.net
$35.00 per person
Guest Speaker Kevin Reilly
La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
Former Philadelphia Eagle
215 233 2911 phone 215 233 1418 fax www.lschs.org
Please list the names of all parties attending and the graduation year of the son(s) attending. All names must be listed on a single reservation form and payment for all persons must accompany the reservation if you want to sit together. Reservation forms received in whole or part without payment will not be accepted. 1.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
2.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
3.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
4.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
5.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
6.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
7.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
8.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
9.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
10.
Name
Circle One Father / Son
Year
Reservation Contact
Phone Number
at $35.00
$
Total Enclosed
$
Number Attending
Please return with your check made payable to “Men of La Salle” no later than November 10, 2011. Men of La Salle – Father/Son Banquet c/o Mr. Tim Corcoran 324 Woods Road Glenside, PA 19038 Payment must be made prior to the event. Please mail your check and form or register online via a secure server at www.lschs.org/mol
Guest Speaker Kevin Reilly
Former Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Reilly is a well-renowned motivational speaker and a former linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1979, Kevin underwent the life-changing amputation of his left arm, the result of a rare tumor from scar tissue called “desmoid” which resulted from a football injury. Kevin’s story began in Wilmington, DE. In 1969, he graduated from Salesianum High School, where he was captain of his varsity football and basketball teams and a starting catcher on the baseball team. He attended Villanova University on a full athletic scholarship. Kevin was Villanova’s MVP and was named First Team All-East as a linebacker. Upon his graduation in 1973, he was drafted in the 7th round by the Miami Dolphins. In 1976, Kevin returned home to serve as captain of the “special teams” for the Philadelphia Eagles. He later played for the New England Patriots. Upon his release from the Patriots, he began working for the Xerox Corporation in Wilmington, where he enjoyed a 30-year career as a Marketing Manager. In 1980, Kevin started to share his story as a motivational speaker. His emotional and physical comeback and the trials and tribulations he encountered along the way make him one of this country’s most valuable speakers. Kevin is known to his peers and business associates as being centered and knowing who he is. He has a positive attitude that touches all with whom he comes in contact. Kevin has been inducted into the Delaware, Villanova University, and Salesianum High School Halls of Fame. He currently resides in Wilmington, DE and serves in various capacities for many area charities including Easter Seals, Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics, Delaware Autism Society, and the Garo Yepremian Brain Tumor Foundation. During football season, Kevin serves as a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Eagles on WYSP. La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038 215 233 2911 phone 215 233 1418 fax www.lschs.org
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 23
FATHER/SON GOLF OUTING Friday, October 19, 2012 LuLu Country Club 1600 Limekiln Pike North Hills, PA 19038 (215) 884-5108
A Great Way to Spend a Day with Your Son Neither you nor your son needs to be scratch golfers. The scramble format (best ball) ensures that golfers at any level can compete. More importantly, we will always remember the opportunities we had to spend time with our sons during their La Salle years. What’s included?
Cost
$80.00 per golfer
• 18 Holes of Golf • Golf Car • Range Ball • Lunch • Golf Prizes including Hole-in-One on designated hole for free La Salle Tuition
Format
18-Hole Scramble
Date
Friday, October 19, 2012
Questions?
Times 7:30 am to 8:00 am Registration, Refreshments 7:45am to 8:30 am
Putting Contest
8:30am Shotgun Start 12:30 pm Lunch
Chris Gay conniemackpresident@gmail.com
1:00 pm
Prizes and Awards
Registration for You and Your Son(s) Please mail this form no later than October 5, 2012 along with a check made payable to “Men of La Salle” to: Chris Gay – Men of La Salle 2080 Mulberry Lane Warrington, PA 18976 Father’s Name Day Phone E-Mail
Son’s Name Class Year Son’s Name Class Year Son’s Name Class Year
Total Amount Enclosed $
@ $80.00 per golfer
Life is Full of Surprises by Jo Ann Cohen
When my son was merely two years-old, I was in the family room folding clothes while he immersed himself in Sesame Street. I left to carry laundry to my bedroom. When I came back, he had torn labels off at least a dozen food cans in our storage bin. For the next few weeks our supper menu was unpredictable. One day I opened what I thought was a can of carrots to add to my baked chicken. It turned out to be a can of apples. I added it anyway, and baked chicken with apples turned out to be a favorite dinner dish. So it is with most college students who study a specific college major only to find things are quite different once they get into a career. That’s what Dan Cipolla and Kelly Minton wanted to remedy. Both had been engineers at PECO Energy before they started teaching, which is why they created the Engineering Club. Little did they know the profound effect club members would have on the future of La Salle. At the time, McLean Hall was under construction. La Salle’s electric bill was roughly $22,000/month. With new construction, it was estimated the electric bill could more than double making it a much larger percentage of the school’s budget. Club members were presented with one question: How can La Salle control energy costs? Unlike residential customers, large commercial customers like LaSalle are billed on “demand” – the maximum rate of energy used during peak periods. Using spread sheets, calculators and blueprints of the school, students went to work. They were able to approximate energy costs to within $20/month. Their accuracy was stunning. But could they use the information predictively to lower energy costs in a building just being constructed? Students began examining different scenarios that employ energy shedding – a process of sequentially shutting down equipment so that less energy is used at one time. For example, classrooms on the third floor are more susceptible to temperature change than rooms in the basement, so they need to be cooled more frequently. Saint Michael Hall houses computers vulnerable to high temperatures. The computer room needed to be kept cool. Club members
had to devise a way to shift energy use without making anyone uncomfortable, compromising the energy needs of teachers, or putting expensive equipment in jeopardy. Students determined that a sophisticated computer driven system would be necessary to minimize energy demand by sequentially cooling rooms. Who would’ve thought that 16 and 17 year-old boys could do such impressive work? Dan Cipolla smiled as he relayed the story. “When the potential vendors of the system looked at the students’ calculations, they told us La Salle would have paid $100,000 if they conducted the study. Saving money on devising an energy management system is impressive; it doesn’t take into account the energy savings La Salle enjoys each month the system is in use. How much is La Salle saving? “We aren’t sure,” Dan said. “Estimates suggest energy management saves La Salle approximately $8,000/month.” “So what happened to all those kids?” I asked Dan Cipolla as we sat eating lunch together. “The kids in the Engineering Club who worked on the project?” Dan asked. I nodded. “They’re all engineering majors in college and unlike other students who go into engineering; they have a pretty good idea of what they will be doing in the future!”
“ Argue for your limitations and they are yours.” Richard Bach
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 25
Varsity Sports Schedules JOSEPH A. PARISI ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
October Cross Country
Soccer
Greg Bieleck1 ‘99 Head Coach 3 PCL Meet No. 5 6 Shore Coaches Invitational 10 PCL Meet No. 6 20 Catholic League Championships 25 District 12 Championships
Bob Peffle Head Coach 2 Archbishop Wood 4 Saint Joseph’s Prep 6 West Chester Bayard Rustin 8 Bonner-Prendergast 11 Lansdale Catholic 16 Archbishop Carroll
Belmont Plateau Holmdel, NJ Belmont Plateau Belmont Plateau Belmont Plateau
3:45 pm 3:45 pm 3:00 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm 3:45 pm
Home Home Home Home Away Away
5:00 pm 5:30 pm TBA 5:00 pm 5:00 pm TBA 4:00 pm
Away Springfield Reading Away Away Souderton Away
Water Polo
Football Drew Gordon Head Coach 6 Father Judge 3:00 pm 13 Saint Joseph’s Prep 7:00 pm 19 Roman Catholic 7:00 pm 26 West Catholic 7:00 pm
Lincoln PlymouthWhitemarsh PlymouthWhitemarsh Widener University
Steve Duncheskie ’94 Head Coach 9 Upper Perkiomen 6 Governor Mifflin 13 Dog and Pony 17 Wissahickon 18 Upper Merion 20 Conference Championships 24 William Penn Charter
Swimming
Golf Marty Jackson Head Coach 3 Catholic League Championships 8:00 am LuLu Country Club 9 District 12 Championships 10:00 am Philmont Country Club
As the 2012-2013 La Salle College High School swim team starts thinking about the upcoming season, we give pause to look back at the accomplishments of the 2011-2012 State Championship team. As the final results were released, from the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association, La Salle College High School swimmers placed high in many of the events this past year. The final results for national team rankings out of over 5,000 boys teams in the United States the Explorers finished 12th, the highest placing in school history. We want to bring special recognition to the 2012 seniors who led this team both in the water, and out. We wish best of luck as they continue in their college years. Ryan Murtha, J.P. Kelly, Eric Schultz, Chris Szekely, Scott Stone, Ryan Pospisal, and Luke Maguire will always be remembered as the seniors who led La Salle College High School to its first PIAA State Swimming Championship. Congratulations to those young men, as the current team prepare to follow their outstanding accomplishments.
La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2012 26
8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
First Class Mail
www.lschs.org
October 2012
Volume Twenty-Two Number 2
The Belcroft is named in honor of the mansion that first occupied the campus of La Salle College High School. Built in 1927, the home of Clarence M. Brown now serves as the residence of the Christian Brothers Community.
The Official Newsletter of La Salle College High School President Brother James L. Butler, FSC Principal Michael A. O’Toole ‘68 Vice President of Institutional Advancement Daniel L. McGowan Director of Communications and Public Relations Christopher M. Carabello ’82 The Belcroft La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor , PA 19038 215 233 2911 phone 215 233 1418 fax www.lschs.org
The Belcroft is published by La Salle College High School during the months of September through May.
Calendar of Events October 2012
First Class Mail The Belcroft welcomes articles and submissions from the entire La Salle Community. The deadline for submissions is the fifteenth day of the month prior to the date of publication. All submissions received after the fifteenth of the month will not be included in the upcoming issue; rather, will be considered for inclusion in a future issue. The Editor of the The Belcroft reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the content and layout of the newsletter.
2
College Interview Day
2-5
Kairos 37-87
3
Golden Explorers Luncheon Early Dismissal
10:30 am 1:35 pm
4
Men of La Salle Meeting Mothers’ Club Meeting
6:30 pm 7:00 pm
6
SAT I and II
7
Alumni Production of Company
9
Alumni Board Meeting
7:30 pm
10
Board of Trustees Meeting
2:30 pm
11
Honors Convocation
7:15 pm
12
Student Council Dance
7:30 pm
14
Fall Family Liturgy
10:30 am
16
Senior Class Photo
17
Testing Day (Grades 9-11)
18
Freshman Branch-Out Day Career Day (Grades 10-11)
19
School Holiday Father/Son Golf Outing
26-28 Barefoot In The Park 27 ACT
Fall Family Liturgy Sunday, October 14, 2012 10:30 am Celebration of Mass Lourdes Grotto (Weather Permitting) Continental Breakfast to Follow Auditorium $10 per person $20 per family Register online by October 8, 2012 www.lschs.org
8:00 am
No Classes 8:00 am 7:30 pm