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March 1, 2018
DLS Spartan Spotlight Home Page

"Do not have any anxiety about the future. Leave everything in God's hands, for he will take care of you."


St. John Baptist de La Salle.

From Dr. Heather Alumbaugh, Vice President for Academic Life


March 1, 2018

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Friends of De La Salle,

President Mark DeMarco and I just returned from our attendance at the Lasallian Association of Secondary School Chief Administrators Conference in Orlando, Florida, during which Presidents and Principals from North America gather annually for multiple days of sharing and professional development. The conference not only introduces us to national educational specialists, but also enables us to contemplate and question the best practices of partner schools and allows us to connect in and through community. As you would expect, we spent a great deal of time in discussion about the most recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida; the growing student-led movement; school safety; the prayer and scriptural resources that help us navigate such a horrible event; and how we can best support our students before, during, and after moments of national trauma. Please watch our website for updates regarding these issues.

February’s frenzy of activities at the school also embody how inclusive community and quality education are inextricably intertwined in the Lasallian tradition. I am struck repeatedly by how many of our students exhibit daily these values, and as always, I am inspirited by their leadership.

From Mr. Mark DeMarco, President


March 1, 2018

Dear Parents,

In setting the annual budget, we always seek to achieve three goals: to provide the highest-quality educational program, to meet the full financial needs of our students, and to ensure the long-term financial stability of the school.  The annual increase in the Consumer Price Index from December 2016 to December 2017 upon which we gauge the economy and our budgeting at De La Salle was 2.9%.

Tuition revenue covers approximately 80% of the actual cost of educating our young men.  In 2018-2019, each student’s actual cost of education will be underwritten by approximately $1,900, which will come from fundraising and the generosity of benefactors.  Your tuition payments and our benefactors’ donations together represent a serious investment in your son’s education.

This current year (2017-2018), the tuition and book rental fee totaled $18,550.  For the 2018-2019 school year, tuition and book rental fees will total $19,380, an increase of 4.5%.  We understand that a tuition increase may constitute a hardship for some families, which is why we made available approximately $2.8 million in financial aid in 2017-2018 and plan on making $3 million available in 2018-2019. 

Our commitment to keeping tuition increases to a minimum is made possible through two focused and finely balanced efforts: (1) detailed financial budgeting and (2) the philanthropic support we receive from parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, foundations, the Brothers’ Community, faculty, staff, and friends thanks to the efforts of the De La Salle Annual Fund.  Our plan for the coming year, carried out in partnership with you, should enable us to balance next year’s operating budget, without diminishing De La Salle’s trademark academic program or decreasing access to our school for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.  I hope that you will agree that we have struck an appropriate balance and that we are serving as wise stewards of De La Salle’s extraordinary resources.

Please feel free to contact Lynne Jones, Vice President for Finance, with any thoughts or questions you might have regarding tuition at (925) 288-8125 or by email.

In the Spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle,
Mark DeMarco '78
President

Office of Admissions 


Friday, March 16 - Decision letters for the Class of 2022 will be mailed.

Spartan Success Program for Conditional Acceptances:
All students who are conditionally accepted into the Class of 2022 as part of the Spartan Success Program will be required to attend summer school at DLS. Summer school will be July 9 – July 27. Classes will be offered in both Mathematics and English, combined with a Study Skills component. Students are required to attend all classes.  Please plan your summer vacation accordingly.  Absence from these classes may jeopardize fall enrollment. If you have any questions about Spartan Success summer school, please contact Mr. Sean Bristol at (925) 288-8104.

Come join the summer fun!

DLS Summer Camps are now open for registration


De La Salle High School hosts athletic camps to provide a fun, skill-building week for kids. Appealing to local youth with a variety of athletic interests, De La Salle will offer sessions for Football, Basketball, Track and Field, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Volleyball, Baseball, Water Polo, Soccer, Swimming, and Strength & Conditioning. The mission of the De La Salle High School athletic camps is to offer children of all ages (male and female) the opportunity to participate and experience an enjoyable camp while at the same time providing assistance to the Bishop John S. Cummins program.

Visit our webpage for more information and to register today!
DLS Summer Camps

Business Office 

Financial Aid Applications for the 2018-19 school year were due on February 12, 2018. Families who are currently receiving financial aid must reapply each school year. If you are currently receiving financial aid and have not applied yet, you must do so as soon as possible or your student will not be considered for a grant for the 2018-19 school year. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Kathy Resch or Mrs. Angelica Rodriguez.
Tuition payments: As a reminder, tuition payments are due on the 1st of each month and are 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.
Class of 2019 Junior Prom

Campus Life


Welcome to March!  Lots of co-curricular activities this month for students.
Class Council Elections: Students interested in running for class council leadership positions for the 2018-19 school year have submitted applications and are currently being screened by senior leadership.  Elections are scheduled for the week of March 12th or March 19 – date TBA as schedules are being reviewed.   

Talent Show: Lasallian Student Leadership class is prepping for a school talent show on Thursday, March 22nd.  Auditions are in process. 

 

On Friday, February 23, students gathered for a prayer service for victims of the Parkland shooting as well as victims of oppression and violence.

Campus Ministry 


“The life we seek is inside the life we live.” Marv and Nancy Hiles – The Daybook Papers II


The Sophomore Immersion Program (SIP) is underway, serving our sisters and brothers in need in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. The Spartan Charity Challenge has launched with a goal to raise $10,895.31. The last Kairos retreat will head to Bishop’s Ranch on March 13. There are still 7 spots open. On March 4th, we will celebrate Seniors and Moms with a mass and brunch.
On March 19, 8 seniors will participate in a week-long Ven A Ver Immersion in San Diego. This year’s Lasallian Youth Assembly will take place at the University of Portland (June 17-22). Through educational and direct community service experiences, students from the Gulf Coast, the Southwest, the West Coast, and Colorado will open their eyes and hearts to the dire issue of human trafficking. Contact Mr. Hassett if you are interested or have questions. 

College Counseling 


Check out the many college planning events for underclassmen coming up this spring—from our Planning Ahead to Pay for College presentation on March 6th (for parents of freshmen through juniors), to our College Preview Night for Juniors and their Families on April 18th, and the College Fair at St. Mary’s College on May 5th.  Please also see reminders for seniors to wrap up all of the required steps as they make their college decisions by May 1st.
Nominate someone today!
The Jefferson Awards Students in Action Club wants to recognize students, faculty, staff, or parents who are involved in significant community service activities. The Jefferson Award for Community Service student recipients receive an official certificate, are listed in the graduation program, and are given special pins to wear at graduation. Adult recipients will receive the certificate and a pin, as well. 
All Jefferson Award recipients are eligible to be recognized at a Giants home plate ceremony, featured on KPIX Channel 5, and honored through other regional or national Jefferson Awards platforms.
If you know of someone who does great service/volunteer work in the community, please fill out this form. Deadline is May 1, and the winners will be announced at the Academic Awards Night on May 22. 
DLS California Scholarship Federation - Chapter 918

CSF Membership/Associate Membership for Spring 2018


Congratulations to the many students who applied and qualified for California Scholarship Federation (CSF) membership/associate membership for the Spring 2018 semester. 

CSF membership is based on an on-time application (retroactive membership is not allowed) submitted at the beginning of each semester and based on the previous semester grades earned. Applications for fall of 2018, based on spring of 2018 grades, will be available at the end of August from Ms. Lopez, CSF Moderator. 
Click on this link to see the names of these students, and help us congratulate these men on a job well done!

Announcing the 2018 DLS Parent Survey!


We welcome this opportunity to ask you for feedback about your family’s experiences in the De La Salle community—within and beyond the classroom. You can expect questions about the school’s communication with you, school culture, the counseling and student support services, and your son’s experiences with co-curricular activities. The survey should take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Please note that this survey is anonymous, and your responses cannot and will not affect your son’s grades or financial aid award. We deeply appreciate your feedback and the time you take to communicate with us through this important survey.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Berkes, Director of Faculty Development and WCEA School Coordinator (berkese@dlshs.org or 925-288-8149).
Take the DLS Parent Survey Now

Interested in being a Parent Association Board Member?


Our next Parent Association (PA) meeting will be April 9 in the DLS Library starting at 7:00 pm in the Library (guest speaker and topic TBA).
Also, we are looking at our PA roster for next year. If you are interested in being a part of this incredible group of volunteers and leaders, please email Cathy Avila, DLS Parent Association President.
Missed a meeting and want to catch up? Visit our home page for minutes from last month's meeting.

2018 Tax Reform and How It Affects Your Giving


There are a lot of questions surrounding the 2018 Tax Reform Bill and how it will affect charitable giving in 2018. What will remain the same is, as long as you itemize your tax return, you will still be able to deduct your charitable gifts to De La Salle. We invite you to contact the Advancement Office and your tax professional to discuss how your giving can reduce your taxes and support the students of De La Salle.

We are here to help you. Feel free to contact our Vice President for Advancement, Mark Chiarucci at (925) 288-8106 / chiaruccim@dlshs.org or Director of Development, Karla Wiese at (925) 288-8195 / wiesek@dlshs.org.

Alumni Relations


We hope to see you at one or more of these exciting events!
Saturday, March 31 - DLS Alumni Swim Meet & Reunion
Friday, April 6 - DLS Alumni Volleyball Match & Reunion
Sunday, April 15 - DLS Spartan Car Show (contact Lloyd Schine for more information)
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.



Bookstore

Monday                7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday               7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday          8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Thursday              7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Friday                   7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
 
Days and Hours reflect the Student Schedule
We will be CLOSED from March 28th – April 8th and reopen on Monday, April 9th.
March Madness Sale: From March 12th – March 25th, everything ONLINE is 10% off (excludes special order items).  This is the perfect opportunity to purchase something green to wear for St. Patrick’s Day!

Book Reminder:  Has your student checked that he has all of his textbooks?  Several have been turned into the Bookstore and entered back into our system.

Online Shopping:  Shop online with the option to pick up your items at the bookstore or have them shipped to any location of your choice. Visit us at  www.dlsbookstore.org.


2018 Spring Winton Arts Festival

The annual Winton Arts Festival is around the corner! It will feature:

April 20 - Choir Concert & Dance Showcase at 7 p.m. in the Carondelet Gym

April 26-May 5 - Little Shop of Horrors in the Brother Celestine Cormier, FSC Theater (https://www.dlshs.org/arts/company)

April 25 - Beat Cafe during lunch in the Carondelet Inner Court

April 27 - Art Show opening at 6 p.m. in DLS OC (view the art before and after Little Shop of Horrors)

April 27-May 4 - Art Show open during school hours in the DLS OC

May 11 - Concert & Jazz Band Concert at 7 p.m. in DLS Theater

Come see all that the De La Salle and Carondelet Visual and Performing Arts departments have to offer. Thanks for supporting all of our student artists!


Driver's Education will be available in the 4th Quarter starting March 20. There will also be a class in June (dates TBD). Students must be 15 before taking this class. Follow this link to register for the Quarter 4 class with Mr. Bradford.

Upcoming March Calendar Dates

March 1
Special Schedule - 0-x-6-2-4-7 
March 6
March 7 
Modified Schedule -  0-x-1-2-3-7
March 8 
Special Schedule - 0-5-6-4-7 
March 15 
Modified Schedule - 0-x-6-2-4-7
Contra Costa County Science & Engineering Fair
Sophomore Meeting regarding Junior Rings 
March 16 
Professional Development Day - No Classes
Acceptance Letters Mailed for Class of 2022
DLS Swim Invitational Starts
March 20 
Quarter 4 Starts 
March 21 
Modified Schedule - 0-x-5-1-3-7
Class of 2020 -- Josten's Junior Ring Order at Lunch (Day 1)
March 22 
Class of 2020 -- Josten's Junior Ring Order at Lunch (Day 2)
 
March 23
Special Schedule - 0-2-4-6
March 26 
Holy Week
Charity Challenge Ends 
Special Schedule - 0-x-1-3-5-7
March 27 
Special Schedule/Lenten Prayer Service -  0-6-x-2-4
March 28-April 6
Easter Break 
April 9
Classes Resume 

Did you know?


In March 1679, John Baptist de La Salle met with Adrien Nyel at the Convent of the Sisters of the Child Jesus.
During that visit, Adrien spoke about wanting to open a school for poor boys in Rhiems.
This visit, which some scholars attribute to happening on March 15, would lead to St. John Baptist de La Salle's involvement with educating young students, the gathering together of those first teachers of the Christian Schools, and the eventual founding of the Brothers.
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