Click to read our November parent newsletter
Click to read our November parent newsletter

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
~ John F. Kennedy ~


Between Admissions activities, Crab Feed sales, and theatre productions, November is already such a busy month! Read on for reminders, highlights, and more in this issue of the Spartan Spotlight.

Vice President for Academic Life


Dear Parents, Students, and Friends of De La Salle,
As October comes to an end and November announces it presence with All Saints’ Day, I am yet again awestruck by the ebb and flow of the school year at DLS. Much of what will be accomplished in November by our students, faculty, and staff began in October. Take, for instance, our ongoing service learning projects, including those connected to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of our beloved teacher, Mr. Jim Olwell. On October 21st, students, faculty, staff, and more participated and raised funds for the “Light the Night” walk; on Friday, October 27th, we hosted the Jim Olwell memorial duck race, which also raised funds for the society. On this Friday, November 3rd ........

California Scholarship Federation - Fall 2017 Membership and Associate Membership


Congratulations to 164 Spartans who earned membership (11th & 12th graders) or associate membership (9th and 1st semester 10th graders) for CSF Fall 2017! 
The De La Salle Chapter # 918 of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is part of the statewide organization. The main objective of this organization is to recognize aspiring, young citizens of California who possess outstanding standards in academic scholarship, community service, and citizenship.  Membership is on a semester basis based on grades earned from the previous semester.

 Register for the Open House today!


Key Dates for those applying for the 9th grade:
  • Freshman Applications Due: Fri., December 1.
  • Photocopy of Birth Certificate and Immunization Record Due: Fri., December 1.
  • Photocopy of Baptism Certificate (Catholic applicants only) Due: Fri., December 1
  • Grade Request Form and Recommendation Form Due: Fri., February 2.
  • For the Online Application, please visit our website at www.dlshs.org/admissions/frosh-app-info.
Entrance Exam (for Freshmen Applicants only: 
Saturday, January 20, 2018 
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Register for the Entrance Test at http://Oakland.stsusers.com
Calculators are NOT allowed. Please bring two #2 pencils
If you have questions, please contact Mr. Grantham at granthamj@dlshs.org or by telephone at (925) 288-8102.

SAVE THE DATES!


Tuesday, November 14, 2017 

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m.
$70 per person
Tickets available in both the Hofmann Student Center and Old Cafeteria (O.C.)

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Crab Feed 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.


NEW CRAB FEED REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR 2017


We are using Eventbrite to handle the ticket sales for us this year. You do not need an account with them to purchase your tickets. However, if you do have an account with them, then you might consider logging in to help expedite the process. 
You will have 10 minutes to complete your purchase. At this point, you only need to purchase the quantity of tickets for your group. In late November/early December, we will email you for your guest names and any requests you might have to sit next to other groups.
Again, you do not need an Eventbrite account to purchase your tickets. You will have 10 minutes to complete the registration, so make sure you have your credit card handy.

We've been asking students to consider signing up as student servers. You can find that registration link also on the Crab Feed homepage.



The Outsiders tells the story of two teen groups whose poisonous rivalry stems from socioeconomic differences. They judge. They stereotype. They viciously act on an unidentified anger that is grounded in hatred and catapulted by misunderstanding. De La Salle’s theme this year is Respect for All Persons. This play is about what it means when a person does not belong to a particular group. In this play – who is the outsider?
That depends on your perspective.
Both groups demonstrate loyalty. Both groups live by a moral code. Both groups experience fear, love and sorrow. We chose this play because, really, aren’t each of us on the “outside” of something based on another person’s perspective?

College Counseling 


Visit our current page for information regarding:
  • Important Dates for November
  • Upcoming Testing Dates for Seniors
  • College Application Information
  • Letters of Recommendation Request Procedures
  • UC, CSU, and other college application information to keep in mind
  • How to send official SAT/ACT score reports
  • College Housing 101
  • Scholarship Information
  • College Visits
  • Academic and Testing advice for Juniors
  • Sophomore/Junior East Coast Tour (June 2018)

Campus Life 


October was yet another busy month on our campus. In addition to our Cereal Drive and Retreats, Mrs. DeWeese took her art classes to the DeYoung Museum, our Jefferson Awards Club engaged with "Light the Night Walk" in Walnut Creek, and our Visual and Performing Arts Department held a new "One Night Only" event for middle school students and families that provided a window into the creativity of our students.
We eased into the end of October with a mini Fall Fest/Halloween Celebration with the Jefferson Award's Duck Race in the DLS pool to support blood cancer awareness and also with our Junior Mass of Unity liturgy and ring ceremony.

There are lots of cool upcoming events in November. Check them out by click here!
Members of the class of 2019 wait to receive their class ring (Oct. 29, 2017)

Campus Ministry 


“I believe that the world was created and approved by love, that it subsists, coheres, and endures by love, and that, insofar as it is redeemable, it can be redeemed only by love.” Wendell Berry

About 70 Juniors participated in a day-long retreat in October, deepening their bonds to one another and their commitment to faith and integrity. The next Retreat is 1/19.
On 10/29, more than half of the Junior class participated in a Junior Mass of Unity.

In November, sons and fathers will participate in a weekend retreat (Parent/Son Retreat is Feb. 3-4), and the De La Salle community will celebrate mass on All Saints Day (11/1).
The DLS annual Toy drive will start during the Advent/Thanksgiving school liturgy (11/16).
Looking ahead, January Kairos retreats are full, but there are open spots for the February and March retreats. The application deadline for the Ven A Ver Immersions in San Diego and LA is January 19. 

DLS Library


The DLS Library Week of STREAM was a success!  Students explored, designed and made remote control cars, catapults, and raced bristlebots—it was great watching their creativity and innovation.
 
Have you heard about the Library’s SpartanGuides?  These guides are created by the librarians to support the students’ coursework.  Click here to go to the Library’s homepage, then click on SpartanGuides: http://www.dlshs.org/academic-life/library-home

Business Office 

Tuition payments: As a reminder, tuition payments are due on the 1st of each month and considered late after the 10th of that month.  If you have questions relating to your tuition obligation, call Ms. Kathy Resch in the Business Office at 925-288-8122 or email her at reschk@dlshs.org.
All tuition must be current prior to semester finals.

Financial Aid Applications for the 2018-19 school year will be available online through our website after January 1, 2018. Financial Aid applications for 2018-19 will be due February 12, 2018. Families who are currently receiving financial aid must reapply each school year.
SAVE THE DATE! On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, De La Salle is celebrating a day dedicated to giving; #GivingTuesday, a national movement to encourage philanthropy during the holiday season that we are proud to be part of.

Throughout the month of November, be sure to follow De La Salle High School on social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter – to hear from alumni who are proud of their Spartan connection, learn how De La Salle impacted their lives, and why they feel it is so very important to give back to the school that set them up for success.

#Give2DLS - You can make your gift today, on #GivingTuesday, or anytime in between. Consider making a gift in honor of the year of our founding, 1965:  $19.65, $196.50, $1,965, or even $19,650! All gifts are treasured and through your support, you can give our students a GREAT gift this year.

PA Reminders


October was another busy month for the Parent Association! Sunday, October 29, the Senior Represenatives hosted the Junior Mass of Unity.  A beautiful ceremony was presided over by Father LaSalle, and class rings or gifts were presented to the Juniors. Special thanks to Ana Cortez and Theresa Tolson for all of their volunteer work!
The Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) presented a sneak preview for junior high school boys titled "One Night Only" on October 25.  The PA provided refreshments for the parents while the boys moved through various "stations" such as acting and drawing.  Great job VAPA teachers!
Our next Parent Association Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the DLS Library. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Michael Aquino, Director of Educational Technology, to speak with us about technology in the classroom as well as to talk about some of the other programs in our school.

DLS/CHS Moms in Prayer


What if you could change the world – not just for today but also for generations to come? Moms In Prayer (MIP) is a program where moms come together to pray, specifically and scripturally, for the lives of their children and their school.  
Whether you are coming for a special intention or occasion or just need a dedicated group to pray with, we hope that you consider joining us for this powerful time of prayer and fellowship.
Join us every Thursday at 9 a.m. at the St. John Vianney Library in Walnut Creek. We have a special evening meeting on Monday, November 13 at 7 p.m. in the Library for those who are not able to join us in the mornings.
For more information, please contact Spartan mom Teresa Drake at teresa@teresadrake.com 
Members of Hermanos Unidos with Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister

Los Hermanos Unidos 


On October 11, a few members of Hermanos Unidos volunteered with First 5 Contra Costa and Central County Regional Group (Grupo Regional del Centro del Condado) to help with the celebration of Meadow Homes and Ellis Lake parks.  Volunteers helped set up various tables and booths, participated in a parade and Ribbon Cutting with the Mayor of Concord and dressed up as the Paw Patrol.  
Hermanos Unidos (Brothers United) purpose is to create a community for students to explore Latino cultures, help further one’s education, become role models, and develop leadership skills. We support students to strive for excellence, most importantly in their high school years so they are prepared for college and life. We organize community service and cultural learning opportunities in order for students to have a sense of leadership and social interactions.  This is a new club this year and we are interested in welcoming new members.  HU meets every other Tuesday at Lunch in Room 102.

Adult Volunteer Opportunity at the DLS Academy


The DLS Academy is in need of new adult mentors for their students, especially those in the 5th and 6th grades. 
More information about their mentorship program can be found here. You can also watch this special video, too, about how much the mentors mean to the DLS Academy students (via Facebook).
If you are interested, please contact Katie O'Leary at olearyk@dls-academy.org.

In case you missed it, our Athletics Department launched its own app - DLS Spartans! 


After months of development with partner REPu, the app is one that players, parents, and fans across the country will enjoy. De La Salle is one of only a handful of high schools in the country that is able to offer an app like this to fans.
Similar to collegiate and professional athletic apps, DLS Spartans will allow fans to bookmark their favorite teams and receive updates through push notifications.
The app will also be mirrored on a new athletics website, www.dlsspartans.org, which will launch in the upcoming weeks. Combined, the new app and website will offer the DLS community an intuitive, engaging way to connect the DLS Athletics. Click here to read more information and to find links for the App Store and Google Play!

Athletics Update


Water Polo  
The Water Polo team has earned the #6 seed in the North Coast Section playoffs. They will play Washington Thursday at 7:30PM at DLS. Tickets are $10/adults and $6/students and seniors. 
Please come out and support our boys!  Click here to see the full bracket.

Cross Country
The Cross Country program will compete in the EBAL championships this Saturday at Shadow Cliffs park.  Please wish them good luck this week! #V7

Football
This Friday is senior night for the team, band, and cheer.   Please come out and support the students on their last regular season home game.  NCS playoff brackets will be released on Sunday, November 5. 
Winter Sports (basketball, soccer, wrestling) begin next week. For information in regards to winter sports please see the website.
 
Thank you, as always, for your support!

Spartan Store


Monday:          7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
Tuesday:         7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
Wednesday:    8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
Thursday:        7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
Friday:             7:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

We stay open during all HOME football games. General hours may vary depending on school schedules.           
Merchandise: Christmas is six weeks away - and we have stocking stuffers and gifts just for you! Items sell out quickly at this time of year, so stop by soon to check out the items that are flying off the shelves: men's quarter-zip jackets, women's bling t-shirts, pajama pants, scarves, beanies, blankets, and much more!  
Online Shopping: Visit our Spartan Online Store 24/7!  We update our website DAILY with all of our new Spartan swag. Avoid those long lines at the post office and have us send all of your online gifts. Place your online orders early for the best selection and arrival before Christmas! 

Alumni Relations


FOOTBALL ALUMNI: 
November 3: Alumni Pre-Game Football Mixer before Senior Night
CLASS REUNIONS:
De La Salle and Carondelet Class of 2012 Reunion
Sat., Nov. 25, 2017 at Skipolini’s Pizza and Pasta in Walnut Creek
NOVEMBER DATES (open to friends and family of alumni):
8: Company Alumni Preview Night of The Outsiders
22: Alumni Soccer Game and Reunion
22: Alumni Basketball Game and Reunion
25: Alumni Rugby Match and Reunion
For more information and to participate in these events, please contact Director of Alumni Relations, Lloyd Schine ’94, 925-288-8171 or schinel@dlshs.org or visit www.dlshs.org/alumni.
Varsity Golfer Jack Gardner '19 tees off on behalf of the golfers to help raise money.



Thank you to all who attended and supported our two major events this fall - our Golf Classic and A Classic Evening.
Together, these events raised $107,000 for the Annual Fund and Financial Aid programs. Thank you all for your generosity! 
2017 Cereal Drive
Photo credit: Dawson Diaz '18

Cereal Drive - Thank You

Thank you all for your support of our Cereal Drive. While we came up a little short of our goal, we are deeply grateful for your generosity and for the nearly 2,700 boxes we were able to donate to the Contra Costa County Food Bank.
Asbestos Update
Each year we have the responsibility to provide you with our annual asbestos statement.  This notice is being sent to all parents and guardians of students, as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).  
As required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), we are notifying you that a 3-year inspection was conducted on October 24, 2017.  The most recent inspection revealed no newly identified suspect asbestos-containing materials and all others remain unchanged. Our next semi-annual surveillance is due April of 2018. Click here to read the full letter.
Please feel free to contact the school office if you have any questions regarding this notification. 

Change the way you shop. Help the DLS Brotherhood in the process!


Thank you to all the families who have taken the time to register for P3 (eScrip, ScripSense and Amazon Smile).  
A change in the way you shop will lead toward donations to the Brotherhood Fund. Our partners will give a percentage of your purchase back to DLS. Whether you need a gift card, a special treat, or that pumpkin spiced latte, shop through our partners first.
Make sure to take advantage of ScripSense's promotionbefore it runs out!
www.scripsense.com

Did you know?

Connecting history with today through Lasallian tradition
On November 1, 1887, the Vatican formally approved three miracles attributed to the intercession of John Baptist de La Salle. His Beatification took place on November 19.

"The Saints see God clearly in his own nature, whereas we enjoy him only by faith."
St. John Baptist de La Salle, Meditation 70.3
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