STATUE OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE La Salle College High School – The David Program
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THE DAVID PROGRAM AT LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL is an academic support service for students with specific learning needs. The David Program serves a unique group of college bound students with documented mild learning differences in reading, writing and math, and/or attention issues, organizational difficulties, or memory processing problems. The students have a scheduled period each day where they develop individualized strategies for academic success. Emphasis is placed on raising each student’s skill levels by focusing on problem-solving, organization, self-advocacy, and study habits. “Have great respect for each person you are with. Know your students individually and be able to understand them. Inspire and lead through encouragement. You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care.”
SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE 1651 – 1719 FOUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS PAT R O N S A I N T O F T E A C H E R S
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THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS TO HELP EACH STUDENT UNDERSTAND HIS OWN LEARNING DIFFERENCE AND STYLE. IN ADDITION, THE LEARNING SPECIALISTS PROVIDE REMEDIATION AND COMPENSATORY STRATEGIES TO HELP THE STUDENT BECOME AN INDEPENDENT LEARNER. The David Program, inspired by the educational vision
The David Program continues to search for methods to
of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, provides a challenging and
meet each student’s personal needs. Today, some students
nurturing environment for learning. In this tradition, and
with language processing difficulties use assistive technology
in conjunction with the greater Lasallian community, the
such as text-to-speech, audio books, or other options to
staff of the David Program empowers each student to accept
help with reading.
responsibility for his own learning and to achieve his fullest potential. Students are encouraged to contribute their unique talents and perspectives to benefit the entire school. An important component in each student’s success is the collaboration of David Program staff with other Lasallian faculty, parents, and the school administration. In keeping with Saint La Salle’s motto of “Enter to Learn,” the David Program strives to teach students how they learn most effectively.
Students are encouraged to use technology to enhance and strengthen their learning repertoire. By using appropriate accommodations and adaptive strategies, students become aware of their invisible differences and are able to turn their weaknesses into strengths. ”The David Program was instrumental for our two sons, who have very distinctive learning differences that seemed insurmountable during their previous education. Their Learning Specialist in the David Program along with all of the staff at La Salle, recognized the potential in our sons and facilitated their learning accordingly. We are grateful that this program was available to promote their education and prepare
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them for college.”
THERESA MCINTOSH, MOTHER OF COLIN ’11 AND IAN ’15
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La Salle College High School – The David Program
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La Salle College High School has a long tradition of
students with learning disabilities. Through his vision,
educating and guiding young men of various abilities
in September 2002, a program to meet the needs of students
and backgrounds in a challenging and nurturing
with mild learning disabilities called the David Program
environment. The David Program continues Saint John
was launched.
Baptist de La Salle’s legacy of touching the minds and hearts of students by providing adaptive study strategies, and an understanding of academic strengths and weaknesses to increase the student’s sense of self-worth.
Named after two of La Salle College High School’s motivational educators, Brother David Albert, FSC and Mr. David Diehl ’55, The David Program provides a daily class period for a selected number of college bound students with a mild learning difference. Through a
Following the footsteps of Saint La Salle, Brother Rene
seriousness of purpose, consistent effort, understanding
Sterner, FSC, President Emeritus, wanted to introduce a
and acceptance of a boy’s individual learning style,
program to enhance the academic support given to
strengths, and adapted strategies, a student with a learning
students with documented learning differences. Brother Rene
difference can grow towards self-advocacy and
knew there are lots of individuals who are very intelligent,
academic success.
creative, and industrious but who learn differently.
BROTHER
He wanted capable young men with problems like dyslexia
D AV I D A L B E R T, F S C
and other learning disabilities to know that they can succeed. He noted that all college and universities, even Ivy League schools, provide accommodations for
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M R . D AV I D D I E H L ’ 5 5
One David Program student remarked…
”
Saint La Salle would like the David Program
Saint La Salle looked into the core of the individual and was a hands-on teacher. He advocated the use of practical, easy to implement teaching methods. He believed
because even though he was the promoter of
students should be taught in their native language instead
teaching a full classroom of students,
of Latin, as was the custom in the 1600s.
he never lost sight of the individual student’s
Saint La Salle listened to people, saw needs, felt compassion,
”
needs. The David Program addresses the individual learning styles of students.
and prayed to the Spirit for guidance. He used every resource to gain assistance. Saint La Salle believed in the intellectual and gentlemanly potential of boys of all classes and backgrounds. He believed in the worth of each of these young men and used insight and adaptability to find success. Saint La Salle believed a man should always be growing, maturing, and developing. Through the David Program, students learn that challenges can be exciting and that if they focus and stay on course nothing is beyond their capacity. The David Program strives to inspire, affirm and empower young men to discover their God-given potential and to realize that life is an amazing journey.
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WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A
Freshman
“Regardless of the situation, there is always someone at La Salle to help you or talk to you. If you are struggling in a class then ask someone for help as there are plenty or people who can and will help. Even if you think you are not doing well, keep working hard as it will pay off in the end.”
JACK DAVID HEINEMAN ’20 ABINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA ABINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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TYPICAL DAY
SCHEDULE
ACTIVITIES
My day at La Salle starts with my mom taking me and my friends who
Homeroom 7A
• JV Soccer
live in my neighborhood to school. Then I will go to my locker and head
1st Period
English 1
• Freshman Baseball
2nd Period
Academic Support
• Branch-Out Day
Mrs. Jeffries who helps me with my class notes and makes sure I
3rd Period
Lunch
• Investment Club
am studying and working hard. When my school day is over I go to the
4th Period
Integrated Science
locker room and either get changed for soccer or baseball and if I
5th Period
Religion
do not have anything to do for that day I will either go to the fitness
6th Period
World Civilizations
7th Period
Algebra 1
8th Period
Information Sciences and Technology
to the library to do some studying and work for the classes I have that day. I am scheduled for the David Center for second period with
center and lift weights or go to the library and study. La Salle College High School – The David Program
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T H E D AV I D C E N T E R >
RENDERING OF THE GLASER CENTER (NEW STUDENT CENTER) 15,344 SQUARE FOOT DINING HALL La Salle College High School – The DavidASSEMBLY Program AND
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AREA
OPENED SEPTEMBER OF 2017
>
The David Program at La Salle College High School is an additional college preparatory academic support service for students with specific learning needs. The program does not ensure success through the artificial manipulation of grades. Students who are part of the David Program are La Salle College High School students and have to meet the same academic requirements of La Salle College
ADMISSION PROCESS Students apply for admission into the David Program at the same time they apply for admission to La Salle College High School. In addition to the regular admissions process, the following is required for admission to the David Program:
High School. There is no modification to the curriculum and the
A. Interview with the Director of the David Program
only accommodation that is guaranteed is extended time with
B. Recent (within two years) psycho-educational or
the appropriate documentation.
neuropsychological evaluation.
The David Program, although not a mandatory four-year program,
8th Grade students who may qualify for extended time on the Scholarship
is seen as a four-year process of growth. Students develop compensatory
and Entrance Exam are asked to submit all appropriate documentation
strategies, identify their learning styles, master academic tasks,
at least two weeks prior to the exam date to the Director of Admissions and
and internalize learned strategies. The ratio of students to educators
to the Director of the David Program.
is 2:1 during the academic support period. The students, with their Learning Specialist, will use the curriculum as the focus on Metacognition (awareness of how one thinks), Academic Achievement, Self-Advocacy, and Personal Reflection. The David Program is available for an additional fee with limited openings each year.
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TUITION AND FEES Tuition for the 2017-2018 school year is $22,400. Tuition for the David Program is an additional $9,120. Tuition increases 3% to 3.5% in an average year.
STUDENT EXTRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT David Program students
David Program students were
David Program students were members in a number of
participated in a variety of
members of sixteen different
clubs and activities including:
service activities including:
athletic teams including:
Art Club
Building Bridges of Solidarity
Baseball
Chess Club
(Bolivia)
Basketball Soccer
Chorus
Elder Share
Bowling Swimming
Cooking Club
Music Program (all levels including the Competition Band, Orchestra, Pep Band, and members of the award-winning Jazz Band)
Homeless Outreach
Crew
Drama and Musical Theatre
Respect Life Club
Junior Urban Challenge
Cross Country Track and Field
Fencing
Robotics
La Salle Academy Tutoring
Football Volleyball
Film Club
Ski Club
Philadelphia Urban Immersion
Golf
Gaming Club
SpeakUp
Saint Vincent’s Soup Kitchen
Hockey Wrestling
Global Studio Club
Speech and Debate
Sarnelli House
Lacrosse
Intramurals
Stage Crew Lighting
Lab Managers
Student Council
Summer Service Immersion Opportunities
Rugby
Tennis
Water Polo
Ultimate Frisbee
TechServe
WEXP
Triest House
“Although, it took me some time to understand how I learn and appre-
Visitation Tutoring
ciate the insights of the David Program, the program definitely helped me. I was also able to excel in music and the theatre and I am grateful for all that I accomplished and learned.”
COLIN O’MALLEY ’15 La Salle College High School – The David Program
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Wisterian (School Newspaper) World Language Club
Meet Matthew Vincent Shott ’16 North Wales, Pennsylvania M A R Y, M O T H E R O F T H E R E D E E M E R S C H O O L Coastal Carolina University
When Matt Shott arrived on campus as a freshman in September of 2012, he never envisioned that one day he would create a piece of art that would become a focal point of the school’s entrance; rather, he stood at that same entrance as a timid boy who was uncertain of what the future held. Matt worked with Mrs. Lisa Agnew, his Learning Specialist in the David Program, on study and organizational skills, and to improve a grade point average (GPA) that reached 3.50. More importantly, he gained confidence that allowed him to mature and grow into an amazing young man ready to attend college in South Carolina. In January of 2016, he began a project in his Advanced Ceramics class that would take would take over three months to complete. His piece, Building Foundations, would combine over 220 hand-crafted ceramic tiles into a mosaic that measures 44” wide x 38” high. Matt received a Blue Ribbon for “Body of Work” at the Art Exhibition in May of 2016 and the piece now hangs prominently outside the Main Office. The mosaic chronicled Matt’s experience at La Salle and depicts places and moments that have helped to shape these formative years, namely the Art Studio and his Kairos retreat. The piece is a constant reminder of the La Salle community and Matt’s experience as part of it. La Salle College High School – The David Program
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STATISTICS FOR GRADUATES IN THE DAVID PROGRAM THE CLASSES OF 2006-2017 HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO OVER ONE HUNDRED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES INCLUDING: Albright College
Elizabethtown College
Lynchburg College
Rutgers University
University of Vermont
Alvernia College
Fairfield University
Lynn University
Sacred Heart University
Ursinus College
American University
Fordham University
Manhattan College
Slippery Rock College
Villanova University
Arcadia University
Franklin & Marshall College
Marist College
Saint Anselm College
Virginia Polytechnic Tech
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Georgetown University
Marywood University
Saint Bonaventure University
Washington University
Gettysburg College
McDaniel University
Saint Joseph’s University
Washington and Jefferson College
Bridgewater College
Gwynedd-Mercy College
Merrimack College
Saint Mary’s College
West Chester University
Bucknell University
Hampton University
Monmouth University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Cabrini College
Hofstra University
Catholic University of America
Holy Family University
Montgomery County Community College
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Stevens Institute of Technology
Wilkes University
Chestnut Hill College
Immaculata University
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Susquehanna University
Widener University
Coastal Carolina University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Neumann University
Temple University
York College of Pennsylvania
College of Charleston
Iona College
Niagara University
University of Alabama
College of the Holy Cross
James Madison University
Northeastern University
University of Arizona
Curry College
Johnson and Wales University
Paul Smith’s College
University of Delaware
De Salles University
King’s College
Penn State University
University of Hartford
Dewison University
Kutztown University
Philadelphia University
Dickinson College
La Salle University
Quinnipiac University
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
Duquesne University
Lehigh University
Rider University
University of Pittsburgh
Drexel University
Lock Haven University
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Scranton
Drew University
Loyola University
Rosemont College
University of South Carolina
Rowan University
University of Tampa
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Western New England College
100% of the students who participated in The David Program for four years were accepted into a college or university.
DAVID PROGRAM STAFF Mr. John Keenan ’80
Mrs. Barbara Chesnik
Mr. Joseph Glacken
Director
Learning Specialist
Learning Specialist
B.A. Assumption College
B.A. Pennsylvania State University
B.S. Pennsylvania State University
M.Ed. Temple University
M.Ed. Chestnut Hill College
M.Ed. Bloomsburg State University
M.A. Saint Mary’s of Minnesota Ms. Lisa Agnew Learning Specialist B.A. Millersville University M.Ed. Arcadia University
Dr. Jessica Jefferis
Mr. Gerald Evans, Jr.
B.A. Boston College
Learning Specialist
M.Ed. Holy Family University
B.A. La Salle University
Ed.D. Gwynedd Mercy University
M.A. La Salle University M.S. Drexel University
“We could not have written a more perfect script for Matt’s time at La Salle. His first two years were not easy as he was challenged and worked harder than he ever did before; however, he discovered that there were new and different ways to learn and the David Program was helping him identify the tools that he needed. Lisa Agnew and the other learning specialists helped Matt understand he was smart and simply needed to learn a different way. After four years, Matt has learned those skills. He did the work and proved to himself that he can be successful. Matt was accepted into every university to which he applied and received a scholarship to his school of choice. He has the road map to be successful and it’s because of the talented people that make up the David Program. As a family we are eternally grateful for all that this institution has given us and we could not be more proud of our son.”
J O E A N D I L E A N A S H O T T, PA R E N T S O F M AT T ’ 1 6 La Salle College High School – The David Program
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La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038 215 233 2911 phone 215 233 1418 fax keenanj@lschs.org www.lschs.org
“I do not explain, I explore.”
MARSHALL MCLUHAN 1911 – 1980 PROFESSOR, PHILOSOPHER, AND PUBLIC INTELLECTUAL FAT H E R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S M E D I A S T U D I E S
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