"Example makes a much greater impression on the mind and heart than words."
St. John Baptist de La Salle.
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From Dr. Heather Alumbaugh, Vice President for Academic Life
February 1, 2018
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Friends of De La Salle,
There are so many interesting developments to report, both small and big. Yesterday and today included one of my favorite classroom events of the school year, which many of us affectionately call “the animals are here!” For our Animation & Drawing and Drawing & Painting classes, teachers Mrs. Ricketts and Mrs. DeWeese hosted Classroom Safari, whose volunteers brought a menagerie of animals for our students to render artistically. While I was in class, we met, among other animals, an American alligator named Darth Gator, a paradox albino boa constrictor named Pandora, and a 20-year-old tegu named Ruben. The animals usher in a multi-step assignment, in which students will in one class move from quick renderings, to sustained longer studies of the animals, and ultimately to paintings of the animals in landscapes. The unit asks students to use various artistic techniques, to consider the importance of conservation, and ultimately to use imagination in the service of rendering visible these majestic creatures.
Today witnessed our Recognition Assembly, which celebrates the various academic, service, and athletic achievements of our students. Among the various accomplishments to applaud are the following number of students on our Honor Roll: 42% of Freshmen, 39% of Sophomores, 45% of Juniors, and 48% of Seniors made the Honor Roll at the end of the fall 2017 semester. Congratulations, gentlemen! View the full list here.
This entire week (1/29-2/4) is our Mental Health Awareness Week, and our DLS and CHS students are responsible for planning most of the week’s activities. On Monday January 29th, Mr. Berkes (Religious Studies Department Chair) sent an email to all faculty and staff that included 15 different prayers and inspirational quotes that students in our Service Leadership class compiled to “convey the message of hope amidst the struggles that people may have with mental illness.” I was particularly moved by the time, effort, and thoughtfulness that our students dedicated to this prayer sharing. Please join us on Saturday, February 3rd from 9-11 a.m. for our 8th Annual Laps for Life event; all money raised will go towards organizations that research and work for the prevention of suicide. For more information, visit the website www.bit.ly/DLS-LapsforLife.
This month we are excited to serve as allies to our sisters at Carondelet High School as they participate in the global One Billion Rising movement to raise awareness about the physical and sexual violence suffered by women worldwide. The following week from February 12-16 kicks off our 2nd Annual Respect Week programming, a week in which we further explore our yearlong theme: “Respect for All Persons.” This year we will be examining and highlighting the role men play in creating lasting and positive change:
- February 12-13 (Lunch): In partnership with the Contra Costa Alliance to End Abuse, students will be encouraged to take the “No More” pledge against interpersonal violence.
- February 13-14 (Lunch): As part of the Ever Forward Club’s 100K Mask Challenge, students will be invited to examine the masks we wear that conceal our true selves.
- February 14: Ash Wednesday Prayer Service
- February 15 (Special Assembly): Mr. Ashanti Branch will conduct a keynote and workshop with students examining the masks of masculinity and challenging our young men to look at the role masks play in their own lives. Mr. Branch was here last year, and we are excited to have him return and continue this important conversation with our young men.
- February 15 (7:00-9:00 p.m.): De La Salle and Carondelet High Schools are pleased to welcome Dr. Jackson Katz for a special presentation, entitled “Bystander Training as Leadership Training,” on the role our students can take as empowered bystanders and leaders in ending cycles of harassment and violence. All families and students are welcome. Please see this page for additional information about both speakers, and please RSVP for the event!
- February 16 (Professional Development Day- No Classes for Students): Dr. Katz will conduct a professional development training for faculty, staff, and coaches at both CHS and DLS; this training will be the first in a series at De La Salle that will lead to bystander training for students.
- February 23: Our Respect Week Programming will extend into the following week to include our 10th annual sponsoring of Day of Silence, which is a day for all people to recognize and support all of those who are silenced through harassment, bullying, put-downs, and mistreatment. This year’s theme is “Use Your Voice.”
As we draw closer to Lent, we think daily of how fortunate we are to be a part of your sons’ academic and spiritual journeys. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Heather Alumbaugh
Vice President for Academic Life
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Office of Admissions:
Friday, March 16 - Decision letters for the class of 2022 will be mailed. Transfer Applicants: 1. Application deadline for early decision is May 4, 2018.
2. Transcripts and recommendations are due May 18, 2018.
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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.
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Students in Kairos #112 witnessed a double rainbow over Bishop's Ranch (photo by Matthew H. '18) |
| Campus Ministry
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”
(1 Corinthians 12:26)
The first (of 6) Sophomore Immersion Program days will be on 2/2 when De La Salle will be serving our sisters and brothers in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. On 2/3, the Parent/Son retreat will be exploring deep and meaningful filial connections. On 2/14, DLS will observe Ash Wednesday and launch the Spartan Charity Challenge to support four deserving charities. And Campus Ministry is preparing for the two Ven A Ver Immersion programs that will take place in San Diego (March 19) and Lost Angeles (April 16).
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College Counseling
Important Notes for Seniors - Diablo Valley College
- Cal State University
- Scholarship Opportunities
- FAFSA
- Cal Grant
Important Notes for Juniors - College Planning Meetings
- Summer Academic/Enrichment Programs and Camps
- SAT and ACT Testing
Planning ahead to Pay for College (for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors): March 6 @ 7 p.m.
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CSF Applications due February 9
The California Scholarship Federation, usually called CSF, is a statewide honor society that fosters high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship on the part of California high school students. Eligible students must apply each semester. For Spring semester, 9-12th graders are eligible to apply.
To be eligible as a CSF Life Bearer and receive recognition at graduation, a student must be an eligible member for at least 4 semesters (10-12th grade), including at least 1 semester in 12th grade. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 9 (no late applications can be accepted per CSF bylaws). Find the application here (pdf).
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National Honor Society (NHS) applications are now available. Any student with a 3.5 unweighted GPA is eligible for NHS. National Honor Society is a service group that helps with tutoring in the Learning Center, directs parents on Back to School Night, leads tours for Open House, and serves at the Crab Feed. If your son is interested in applying to join NHS for the 2018 - 2019 school year, tell him to find Mrs. Marnell’s Schoology post with the application.
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E3 Student Survey - Don't forget!
ALL students must complete the E3 Student Survey. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES UNTIL THEIR SURVEY IS COMPLETED. Students are expected to complete the survey BEFORE they see their counselor for registration, which begins one week from today – Monday, February 5. The survey will be available 24/7 and will take most students approximately 30 minutes to complete. Students may take the survey on any mobile device or desktop computer at home or away from school.
Here is the electronic link for students to take the E3 Student Survey.
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Student Support Services
Results for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) were passed back to Juniors on January 10. Mrs. Appel and Ms. Lopez discussed the results of the test and possible implications for the future. They also reintroduced Naviance, which will help students during the college admissions process. Parents should ask their sons for their PSAT results.
Results for the pre-ACT test were given to Sophomores also on January 10. The results were distributed, interpreted, and discussed with students by Mr. Bristol and Mrs. Melaas. Parents should check with their students to see the results.
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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
Don’t Forget Your Sweetheart! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We have sterling silver necklaces to display our selection of sterling silver charms – a football, a basketball, baseball, a Spartan head, etc. We also have a Spartan green bracelet that is sure to turn heads. Select the perfect gift for whoever your sweetheart may be… mom, wife, sister, grandma or girlfriend! These items always sell out so don’t delay!
ONLINE SHOPPING: The Online Spartan Store is always up and running! Day or night, check out all the items we have for sale. You can pick up your items at the Bookstore or have them shipped to any location of your choice. Visit us at www.dlsbookstore.org.
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BONUS CLEARANCE SALE! (online only):
Check out the New Clearance Items
(Including the Nike – Alpha Fly Rush Jacket)
Huge Savings!
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2018 Tax Reform and How It Affects Your Giving:Headline Text
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.
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Alumni Relations
We hope to see you at one or more of these exciting events! Sunday, April 15 - DLS Spartan Car Show (contact Lloyd Schine for more information) Friday, May 4 - Alumni Volleyball Reunion & Match
Monday, June 11 - 34th Annual Brother Maris Golf Tournament
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Thank You!
Thank you so much to all of you who attended our Crab Feed on January 20! We love seeing new families, alumni families, faculty and staff, and longtime DLS supporters every year at this event. The fact that the Hofmann Student Center sold out within minutes is a true testament to how much this event means.
We especially want to thank Parent Association Board Members Laura Flannigan and Julie Connolly for organizing such a fun evening. Thank you, too, to the incredible volunteers who were here Friday, Saturday, and Sunday working so hard behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly.
We want to thank Fuget About It Catering for the delicious food, and also Boudin Bakery, Calicraft Brewing Company, U.S. Foods, 7Up, Hillcrest Produce, and DVW Commercial for their generous donations.
And lastly, we want to thank our Spartan Servers who volunteered their time (and Saturday night, no less!) to support the Crab Feed.
Because of their hard work and your generosity in supporting this event, we raised $9,635 for the Brotherhood Fund - a 17% increase from last year! Details for the next Crab Feed will be posted in the fall on our website.
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Registration is now open for the Senior Mother and Son Liturgy & Brunch
This year, it will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018. It is a memorable, popular event every year, and we hope you are able to attend. We ask that seniors bring their mother, guardian, or special female guest over the age of 25 to this event.
Register for the Senior Mother and Son Liturgy & Brunch Here
9:00 a.m. - Liturgy in DLS Theater
10:00 a.m. - Brunch in the Hofmann Student Center
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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.
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De La Salle's Jefferson Awards Club and Service Leadership Class will be hosting the 6th annual Laps for Life Walk on Saturday, February 3 from 9-11 a.m. This suicide prevention and mental health awareness event was founded after the tragic loss by suicide of former Spartan Tyler Bunn. This year, we will also be hosting Mental Health Week, during which we - as a school community - will work to promote mental wellness and raise awareness for those affected by mental illness and suicide.
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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 - Company presents 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!
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Upcoming Calendar Dates
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Special Schedule - School Recognition Assembly - 8:05 a.m. Early Start (0-6-x-2-4-7)
Academic Advisement Night for Frosh/Soph Parents - 7 p.m. (Hofmann)
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Laps for Life - 9 a.m. (Hofmann)
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Spring Sports Begin Parent Association Meeting - 7 p.m. (Library)
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Modified Schedule (0-x-5-1-3-7)
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Ash Wednesday Prayer Service (0-6-x-2-4-7) (liturgy attire)
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Ashanti Branch Presentation (0-x-1-3-5-7) Jackson Katz, Ph.D. Presentation "Bystander Training as Leadership Training" - 7 p.m. (Hofmann) RSVP HERE
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Faculty Professional Day (no classes)
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President's Day Holiday (no classes)
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A Taste of De La Salle - 6 p.m. (Hofmann) RSVP Here
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Special Schedule (0-x-6-2-4-7)
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| Did you know?
At the most recent Faculty Professional Day in January, we meditated on the Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher, and in fact, many of our faculty and staff have a card with these virtues in their classroom. We spoke of Brother Agathon and how his words and examples have so much meaning - especially 233 years later. On February 12, 1785, Brother Agathon, issued his Circular Letter as a preface to the "Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher," virtues which St. John Baptist first listed. Here is the list of virtues: Seriousness Silence Humility Prudence Wisdom Patience Restraint Gentleness Zeal Watchfulness Piety Generosity
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