Belcroft Newsletter - September 2012

Dear Parents and Guardians,

For most of us, summer vacations are quickly becoming

a memory. After all, in the current retail economy, back

to school sales follow close upon those discount offers

celebrating Independence Day. Still, those vacations

hopefully provided us some relaxation, a chance to be

with family and friends, a change of scenery and routine.

If we’re lucky and know how to look, perhaps they

provided some insight as well. I was fortunate to have

such an experience in July when I was able to spend my

mini-sabbatical between jobs in Australia. Though only

a few of us have had the chance to visit, most know

the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour from post cards or

broadcasts of the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Practically everyone can picture mentally the striking

façade of the Opera House there, silhouetted against the

water and Bennelong Point, the Harbour Bridge in the

background. It’s a remarkable building, beautiful in its

expressionistic modernity.

At least on the outside. Halfway through the 15 year

construction process, Jorn Utzon, the visionary Danish

architect responsible for the plans was cashiered by

a New South Wales Premier with less than cultivated

aesthetic sensibilities. Drastic cost-cutting measures

were implemented and plans downsized to save

money. As a result, the interior of the Opera House is a

black box, a cold and sterile place with poor acoustics,

the stage and pit alike too small for many possible

performances. As cynics Down Under will comment, “It’s

true that Australia has a beautiful opera house, but the

outside is in Sydney and the inside’s in Melbourne.”

There’s the insight. Many public high schools and

almost every college preparatory school you could have

selected can provide a product that’s impressive on

the outside: an academically prepared graduate with

a résumé of extracurricular achievements that will be

found worthy by competitive colleges. Here at La Salle,

whether you are launching your first freshman or in your

fourth year with your fourth son, you will soon come to

understand how we build impressive interiors as well.

A habit of reflection grounded in faith, the insight that

service changes not the disadvantaged or the world so

much as oneself, the appreciation that these classmates

are not rivals or simply colleagues, but brothers for

life: such are the interior furnishings being installed

in your son’s spirit and character from timid freshman

orientation through triumphant graduation. While

faculties everywhere are comprised of adults who are

academically qualified and instructionally capable, here

at La Salle our teachers and staff accept the Mission

assigned to them by our Founder, St. John Baptist de

La Salle: “According to the grace of Jesus Christ that

God has given to them, they are like good master

builders, who give all possible care and

attention to lay the foundation of religion

and Christian piety in the hearts of these

children.”

May Jesus Christ, the architect sublime

who gave us His Spirit to perfect fully his

design, bless us all this year as we work

together to educate young men who make

real the profile of a La Salle graduate

outlined by our Foundation Documents – a

person whose striking qualities of intellect

and accomplishment are apparent to all on

the surface, deeper knowledge of whom

reveals rich and resonant interior

dispositions of faith and compassion,

service and justice, integrity and respect.

Fraternally,

Brother James L. Butler, FSC

President

September 2012Volume Twenty-Two Number 1

La Salle College High School is a community whose students are taught to make use of their freedom and overcome prejudices, ready-made ideas, and social pressures. La Salle boys are encouraged to listen, seek, understand, trust, love, respect, and contemplate – all in an attempt to develop in the image of God.

Enter to Learn Leave to Serve

La Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

215 402 4800 phone215 233 0284 [email protected]

www.lschs.org

Dates to RememberSpend A Day At La Salle Starting September 17, 2012 Visit www.lschs.org/vipday

Open House Sunday, November 11, 2012 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Preregister at www.lschs.org/openhouse

Eighth Grade Scholarship and Entrance Exam Saturday, December 1, 2012

Sixth and Seventh Grade Practice Tests Saturday, March 2, 2013

Admissions DeadlinesFriday, November 23, 2012* (for all applications)

Friday, November 30, 2012 (for filing for Financial Aid)

* Applications will be accepted up until and including the day of the Scholarship/Entrance Exam.

La Salle College High School – The Belcroft September 2012 3

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back! To our newest families and students

in ninth grade – all 277 of them – and to those

transferring in from other high schools, a very special

welcome to La Salle. I hope that you have all had

a very good summer, filled with good memories of

families and friends.

As one of more than five dozen Lasallian high schools in the U. S., La Salle shares a special emphasis on Catholic values, personal relationships, and academic excellence. Within our school, we continually try to discover and nurture distinctive talents, promoting a variety of quality contributions for the betterment of all. Working together as teachers, students, and parents, we want to provide opportunities for success and growth for this entire community.

“Working together” is an important value in Lasallian schools. And we naturally see parents as our partners in this enterprise. We can proudly point to the outstanding achievements of our students and teachers throughout our academic program. During the most recent school year, a record number of La Salle students sat for AP exams and they achieved remarkable distinction. While our college-certifying grade rate hovers near 90%, a record 117 students were named AP Scholars, 15 of them meriting the highest rating of AP National Scholars. To these students, their teachers, and their parents, congratulations on the all of the hard work leading up to these achievements.

These strong academic achievements highlight our entire curriculum, and, more importantly, prepare La Salle men for service to their communities. As striking examples of service and good Christian citizenship, we acknowledge the community service of La Salle students and faculty from urban Philadelphia to Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, West Virginia to the Caribbean and Bolivia. Joining our students in these summer efforts were twenty faculty and staff and, as part of our opening days, the entire faculty joins in service to several sites in Philadelphia.

For the second year, we greeted our newest Explorers with a day of prayer, information and activities on Thursday, August 30, 2012, welcoming them and their parents in a special way to this Lasallian community. Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 7:00 pm begins Back to School Night for all parents. Please come that evening to follow your sons’ rosters. As you meet your sons’ teachers that evening, you will also learn about teacher expectations for their courses.

Two special events for parents new to La Salle are the Men of La Salle Freshman Fathers Welcome Picnic, Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 6:30 pm and the New Mothers Tea on Sunday, September 25, 2012 at 1:00 pm. As you can see, the first part of becoming a community which works together is being a community which shares meals together.

For information through the school year, www.lschs.org is your best bet. School calendars, sports schedules, daily bulletins, The Belcroft, and teacher contact information may all be easily found on our website. La Salle also uses the AlertNow messaging system to inform parents about school-related emergencies and weather-related delays and closings. Please make sure our Main Office has your updated contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses). Parents of returning La Salle students who have recent changes in their telephone numbers of email addresses should send that information to Mrs. Carol Haggerty ([email protected]) as soon as possible.

La Salle is an extraordinarily special place rooted within a four-century tradition of Lasallian education. I am privileged to be re-joining this community of students, educators, and families, all working together to change lives and life opportunities for our young men of service and justice. Thank you for the trust you have placed in us in the education of your sons. We all look forward to a great school year.

In the spirit of hope and challenge,

Michael A. O’Toole ‘68 Principal

Office of the PrincipalM i C H A E L A . O ’ T O O L E ‘ 6 8

P R i N C i P A L

Welcome to a New Academic YearAs the hot summer fades the refreshing academic rhythms of a new school year arrive. The office of Academic Affairs is proud to offer another exciting year of educational opportunities to all of our students.

The entire student body will report for class on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 (an “A” day) beginning with homeroom at 8:00 AM. Be sure to bring a copy of your first semester roster.

Academically, this year is expected to be as rewarding as ever. Momentum generated from recent and ongoing successes shows no sign of weakening. Guided by our school’s not-so-recent reaccreditation, we continue to move toward reaching several lofty goals set by our Lasallian community. As a reminder, these strategic benchmarks are in the specific areas of Lasallian Values, Academic Performance and Initiative, and Communication and Critical Thinking. Most recently, our school unveiled its 5-year Strategic Plan. The plan is available in it’s entirely at lschs.org under the “About La Salle” heading. Please consider reviewing this important information, for it will continue to provide a framework for our school’s educational initiatives. The administration and faculty are confident that the collective effort of our school community, in due time, will develop an even more complete Christian gentleman and college bound learner. Not surprisingly, our academic data continues to suggest that La Salle College High School has much to be proud of. Thank you for your generous support of our school’s efforts.

Academic Adjustments for 2012-13There are a few changes in our program of studies for 2012-13. Despite the many challenges associated with running a dynamic academic program, La Salle is proud to offer more curricular additions than deletions. It is always with regret that we are unable to schedule a few courses due to low class size/interest. Placing our teaching resources in areas of need is a realistic dilemma that we encounter annually. Thank you for your understanding here. As you have come to expect, this process is ultimately motivated by our school’s desire to develop our students into Men of Intellect and Accomplishment, Men of Faith and Compassion, Men of Service and Justice and Men of Integrity and Respect. Overall, the changes highlighted in the area of curriculum and programming are reminders that ambitious and dynamic programs are alive and well at La Salle College High School. All course details, as well as academic policies, are explained in La Salle’s Program of Studies and available through the school’s website under the Academic Life subheading.

Our new school year brings the appointments of Mr. Vernard Abrams, Director of Diversity, and Mrs. Nary Smith, Director of International Students. These specific areas of the school are expected to see growth and development as outlined by our Strategic Plan. Consider reaching out to Vernard and/or Nary if you have a specific interest in such areas. As always, we welcome your participation and support.

The beginning of the year is always a good time to remind parents and students of La Salle’s Math Resource and Writing Centers. The popularity of these help centers has remained high since their inception years ago. By design, these learning spaces are for students looking to get extra academic support in the areas of Mathematics and English. La Salle will also continue to staff its World Language Resource Room. These help centers will be open during school hours and staffed by La Salle teachers in these respective areas of study. Last year nearly 200 students were served in these areas. It is La Salle’s hope that similar rooms in the disciplines of Science and Social Studies will also be made available to students in the near future. Please remember, when dealing with academic challenges, your students first response should be to his teacher.

Reintroducing Digital Grading Resources (AKA “My BackPack”)Three years ago students began accessing their grades online. Parents also took advantage of this opportunity. Grades were posted regularly. This real-time information was well received by all of the school’s constituent groups. Digital gradebooks will continue to be available through the student and parent portals of La Salle’s website. As a parent of an incoming freshman or transfer student, you should expect to receive information explaining the process and how the system works via e-mail from the Office of Information Technology as the start of school approaches. Obviously it may take some time for you to become comfortable with this technological tool.

The start of another school year is also a great time to remind students and parents that written progress reports not issued at the midway mark of each academic term since access to a teacher’s digital gradebook will provide each family with an ongoing report on progress. Parent-teacher meetings have also evolved as a result of open access grading. A 1st quarter parent-teacher conference night has been set for Wednesday, November 14th. Meeting with teachers after this date should be done on an as need basis. It is a parent’s prerogative to request a meeting with a teacher or teachers during any time during the academic year. Grade level counselors and learning specialist can be helpful in coordinating such a meeting.


Office of Academic AffairsT H O M A S R . B A R N A

A S S i S T A N T P R i N C i P A L F O R A C A D E M i C A F F A i R S


Academic Excellence

Other Academic RemindersThe beginning of each year is a great time to review time honored academic essentials. Please encourage your student to adhere to La Salle’s homework recommendation minimum of 20-minutes per night per subject. Academic Affairs is never bashful in pointing out that the approximate 2-hours of at-home work per night easily adds up to an extra day of school per week. Dedication and consistency remain important cornerstones of academic success in an ambitious college preparatory experience like ours.

Your student will continue to experience programming related to character development; specifically honor and integrity. Please stress the importance of this initiative and encourage him to become well familiar with our Student Honor Code (available on the website). This will be addressed explicitly in all of his classes by teachers, counselors, and administrators.

Encourage your student to get settled into an academic rhythm as soon as possible. Despite the similarities and difference of personality and expectations, encourage your son to develop the relationships with each of his teachers. Remind him to take advantage of the resources provided by his counselors.

At La Salle, and across the country, there is more interest in taking Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses than ever before. To illustrate, we had a record number of students enrolled in an A.P. course (300, a remarkable number when keeping in mind that the freshmen currently are not eligible and there were only two sections of sophomore A.P. courses), and another record in the number of tests they took (615). In response to this increased interest, we have recently added new subjects (Physics B, Psychology and Latin) and additional sections of A.P. courses. Furthermore, each summer a few more faculty members get training to teach a specific A.P. course. To date, nearly 30 % of our faculty, who teach subjects with a corresponding A.P. test, have taught or have been trained to teach A.P. courses.

With a higher number of students sitting for tests, one might expect the overall success rate to drop at least a little bit; however, that is not the case at all. Last year, 87% of the tests merited a “qualifying” score of 3 or higher (La Salle’s five-year average is 86%), and 60% earned a four or higher. As a comparison, in 2012, only 68% of the tests in Pennsylvania and 59% of the tests in the United States were labeled a 3 or higher. Clearly our A.P. students are rising way above their peers across the nation. The rapid growth, seen in the chart below, in a relatively short amount of time in the number of tests (top line), the number of “qualifying” scores (middle line), and the number of students taking at least one test (bottom line) illustrates the trends.

Our students realize that top-tier colleges and universities are looking for students who not only commit themselves to intense learning experiences through a College Board-approved curriculum but also have the test results to validate their learning. A.P. courses have become perhaps even more important pieces of the college admissions puzzle because of the objectivity and comparability of the measurements. Our students, on average and especially in the top quartile, challenge themselves with far more A.P. and Honors-level courses than their peers at La Salle just five years ago.

For those students who can handle multiple A.P. courses, we work hard to enable them to completely maximize our curriculum and schedule. Then, they take it from there and typically take off to incredible heights. Each year, the College Board recognizes exceptional AP students with

notable designations based on the total number of AP exams they take during high school. Last year, La Salle was blessed with 117 total AP Scholars, another record.

15 students were named as “National Scholars”, having earned an average of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and grades of 4 or higher in 8 or more of these exams.

44 students were named as “AP Scholar with Distinction”, having earned an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on 5 or more of these exams. (“National Scholars” are also “Scholars with Distinction”.)

30 students were named as “AP Scholar with Honor”, having earned an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on 4 or more of these exams,

43 students were named as “AP Scholars”, having earned grades of 3 or higher on 3 or more exams.

The momentum the College Board has amassed in recent decades by pushing the A.P. program is stunning, but our students and faculty have more than outpaced it. We are so proud of all our A.P. students and the faculty who instruct and mentor them. We look forward to witnessing the growth of our young men again this year and in the future as they strive to respond to their demanding teachers and the challenging A.P. curricula.


School Dances School dances are held several times throughout the school year. This year’s SUPER Mixer is scheduled for Friday, October 12, 2012. Attendance is restricted to La Salle students and female students invited from the other Catholic private academies. A limited number of tickets are available for each dance. Tickets can only be purchased in the Student Affairs Office at published times. NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED TO A DANCE WITHOUT A TICKET. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR THE NIGHT OF A DANCE. A student who is in possession of or using alcohol or illegal substances may be turned over to CIVIL AUTHORITIES. The student will be suspended, put on disciplinary probation, and be subject to expulsion.

La Salle is a smoke-free campus: Smoking and the use of smokeless products in the buildings and on the campus of La Salle College High School are prohibited. Students are required to refrain from smoking and the use of other forms of smokeless tobacco products on campus and while traveling in school vehicles.

Busing at La SalleA reminder to all students who ride district or private buses to La Salle – STUDENTS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO RIDE ON THE BUS FOR WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN REGISTERED. Insurance coverage is only for the students who live in the various school districts or who pay for private busing. No permission will be granted to change a bus or ride a bus for which one is not registered.

Magazine DrivePlans for the annual Magazine Drive are well underway. Letters will be sent asking for your support of the student body’s only fund raiser each year. This year’s profit goes to fulfilling the Student Pledge to the Capital Campaign.

Students will be given copies of last year’s sales so subscribers can renew If you have already renewed on your own, a reminder: you can extend subscriptions at any time. The drive will begin on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 with the Magazine Drive Assemblies. The first day for collections will be Friday, September 21, 2012. Other days for returns are September 24, 2012, September 26, 2012, and September 28, 2012. Your involvement in the drive will go a long way in helping the students reach this year’s pledge to the capital campaign. Many thanks in advance for your support!

Student Council NewsStudent Council elections were held last spring for the 2012 - 2013 officers and senators. Members of the council are:

Executive OfficersPresident Andrew Carlone ‘13

Vice-President Preston Murray ‘13

Secretary Mike Eife ‘13

Officers/SenatorsClass of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015

President President President

Anthony Sticco Andrew Knowles Collin Giongo

Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President

Andrew Schieve Robert Gillies Matt Wallace

Mike deLuca Mike Barrett Tom Albertson

Nate Ezzo Jack Carlidge John Connolly

Matt Grecco Eddie DeAngelis John Curran

Denis Harp Jack Farris Matt Desner

Connor Masterson Jack Gregor Brian Price

James Princivalle Tim McElroy Jeremy Puntel

Conor Resch Brennan O’Donnell Ryan Sax

Riley Sluarski Sean O’Kane Connor Tramo

Kyle Stofka David Price Nick Ventresca

Jason Yoon Reid Worster

Installation of Student Council will take place at the Opening School Liturgy on Friday, September 14, 2012. The Moderators for the respective classes are: Mr. Charles Cirelli for the Class of 2013, Mr. Anthony Mieczkowski for the Class of 2014, and Mrs. Rosemary Gedeik for the Class of ’15.

Freshman officers and senators will be elected in October. Mr. Terrence Gillespie is Moderator for the Class of 2016

Junior Ring MeasurementsThe representative from Jostens will be here on Thursday, September 20, 2012 during the lunch periods for ring measurements and orders. Information packets will be distributed to the juniors at their orientation on September 12, 2012. The Ring Liturgy is scheduled for Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 7:15 pm in the auditorium.

La Salle Respondsthis past school year was our third year with this endeavor to assist many worthwhile charities and organizations with our financial support. There were 6 dress down days in which over $34,000 was raised. 36 different groups benefited from the generosity of the students, faculty and staff. We will once again be sponsoring these days to assist more groups. Applications (obtained from the Student Affairs Office in the fall) can be submitted by students, faculty and staff.

Office of Student AffairsJ u L i A K . M A H E R

A S S i S T A N T P R i N C i P A L F O R S T u D E N T A F F A i R S


La Salle College High School is fortunate to welcome the following new faculty members to our school community:

Barb Chesnik joins the David Program faculty. Mrs. Chesnik was a teacher and administrator. Barb holds degrees from Penn State and Chestnut Hill College.

• Full load as Learning Specialist

Jason Eisele joins our Social Studies faculty this year. A graduate of St. Mary’s (CA) and UC San Diego, Jason comes to us from La Salle High School in San Diego where he also served as Associate Director of Athletics and Chair of the Social Studies Department.

• Teaching Psychology and World Civilizations

Returning to La Salle, this time in the Science Department, is Vishal Patel. Vish has taught at La Salle (math) and in recent years in science at Chestnut Hill Academy and Prestige Academy Charter in Wilmington. Vish holds degrees from Temple, Arcadia and Penn.

• Teaching Physics and Chemistry

A new face in the math department this year is Bob Zanneo. Bob is a newly minted graduate of De Sales University, and prior to that, attended Fr. Judge HS in Philadelphia.

• Teaching Geometry and Algebra 1

Under the “new faces in new places” category are a number of faculty. Marty Jackson takes over as Chair of Guidance and will welcome Tony Resch as the new freshman counselor. Reappearing as La Salle Athletic Director is Joe Parisi. Vernard Abrams is now our Director of Diversity. Gerard Brett, Bill Geiger, and Gerry Hartey move into department chair roles in College Counseling, World Languages and English, respectively. Last, but certainly not least, Brothers Carl Clayton and Jim Rieck will assume the booster-nudger-guide-counselor role for some of our junior students. Good luck to all in their new roles.

Joining us as La Salle Alumni Volunteers are Michael McCabe ’08 and Sean Montgomery ’08. Mike graduated from La Salle University and will be helping with Social Studies, Forensics, and Campus Ministry. Sean is a graduate of the University of Dayton and brings his talents in art and service to his alma mater.

Dedicated Faculty


Commitment to Service

Many La Salle students relaxed on the beach this

summer. Others traveled far and wide nationally and

internationally on service trips. However, three groups of

La Salle College High School students, faculty, and staff

spent a week making a difference in our community.

Over 100 juniors participated in one of three trips from

May 29, 2012 through June 15, 2012. This represents

approximately over 40% of their class. What makes this

impressive is that La Salle does not have a mandatory

service requirement.

The Philadelphia Urban Immersion is a unique opportunity for students to live in community and work at various social service organizations in the city. Students encountered the poor in soup kitchens, schools, churches, and on the streets. In addition, students had the opportunity to participate in homeless outreach, work at Project H.O.M.E. (West Philly), Saint John’s Hospice (Center City), Sarnelli House (Kensington), Visitation Parish (Kensington), Saint Lucy School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired, Holy Innocents Parish (Juniata), as well as other agencies. The project is based on the principles of the Lasallian Service Corp which are faith, service, and community.

During each trip, 35-40 students and four faculty chaperones will sleep on the floor at the Saint Peter Claver Center at 12th and Lombard Streets in Center City Philadelphia. Highlights included:

• Each participant volunteered for days at a social service agency and spend one night on street outreach. On Outreach, students will share food, drink, clothes, and friendship with those on the streets.

• Participants toured the National Liberty Museum at 2nd and Chestnut Streets, which educates visitors about the importance good citizenship. In addition, John Delaney, Deputy District Attorney of Philadelphia spoke to the group about the Juvenile Justice System and the steps the city is taking to keep adolescents out of the system.

• Participants planned and participated in morning and evening reflection sessions and were encouraged to apply their experiences to their life.

• Participants used public transportation or walked to all service sites and activities.

• Participants blogged about their daily experiences each night of the immersion and the blogs were sent to their families and the La Salle Community.

Service Starts at Home40% of La Salle College High School’s Juniors Participated in urban immersion


In the summer between high school and college, I was selected to represent the

U.S. at a world conference in Mexico. Young women from numerous countries met to

discuss what daily life was like in our vastly different cultures. While the conference

was one mind blowing experience, even more illuminating was an opportunity open

to conference representatives to help people in the more remote regions of the

country. I was directed to teach English to Spanish speaking students in an obscure

mountain village.

I wasn’t exactly fluent in Spanish. Before I left, I was exposed to a “crash course.” I spent six weeks in a sorority sized house where the only language allowed was Spanish. Even the music we heard was in Spanish. Since I lacked grammatical knowledge and vocabulary, I learned ways to get around not knowing how to say something. I pointed, and when pressed, I described what I wanted using the few Spanish words I knew. Basically, my knowledge of Spanish could be described in one word - horrific. I wasn’t worried. I knew once we arrived in Mexico, I would have an interpreter. So, I memorized phrases that would help me like, “I am delighted to meet you,” and “Where’s the bathroom?” I had no idea I would be teaching English to Spanish speaking children, and that my interpreter, Elsa, wouldn’t be there! The night before, I racked my brain trying to figure out how I would teach English when I could hardly put a sentence together in Spanish. In desperation, I grabbed every available magazine and cut out pictures. I would use nouns to help the class learn English! I fell asleep feeling clever and confident.

The next morning we traveled into the mountains on winding dirt roads. As the altitude increased, the drivers came out of the cars and kicked the tires to ensure they were not going to blow out. Then they drove farther up the twisting way. I held back a gasp as we drove into a tiny village largely consisting of one-room huts. The doors and windows were holes to the outside with nothing to keep bugs or animals out. When we arrived, the people greeted us smiling and waving seemingly oblivious to their obvious poverty.

Our car trunks held donations from numerous U.S. companies including text books, medical supplies, and clothing. Adult villagers joyously emptied the vehicles. The students, many barefoot, opened my car door and pulled me into their one room school house. They anxiously took their places on long benches and sat in anticipation while I took out magazine pictures. The boys and girls participated enthusiastically as I gave them the English words to describe each picture. Time flew. Then it happened.

I proudly said to the class in my best Spanish: “The lesson is over. You are dismissed.” The students sat motionless staring at me. I repeated my statements. No one moved. The students were being polite; clearly they had not understood me. I ran from the classroom desperately looking for my interpreter. Why hadn’t she been put in charge of the class?

I didn’t have to go very far. Elsa was standing a few feet from the classroom talking to villagers. I started to blurt out what happened. She held out her hand to stop my diatribe and walked past me into the classroom. She spoke fluently to the students. I stood, mortified, leaning on the doorframe. The talking stopped very suddenly. My eyes met Elsa’s. “They understood everything you said,” she told me.

I shook my head, “They are saying that to be polite.”

“No, they understood. It’s just that they want you to teach them more. They do not have a regular teacher.” My mind stopped. I tried to digest what she was saying. In the last hour, these students may have learned a few English words, but the lessons I learned in this secluded village were life-changing. I had never seen that much poverty. I never witnessed students with such voracious appetites for learning. It was tough, upsetting, sad and eye-opening.

I think of those young Mexican children as I return to La Salle each fall, and I am reminded not to take opportunities for granted. La Salle facilities are amazing, the faculty dedicated, the student body talented and thirsty. La Salle allows students to understand the rich tradition of the Christian faith. St. John Baptist de La Salle wanted students to know that touching hearts occurs by giving and receiving. Students and faculty spend time together exchanging information and during that process we are processed by God.

Touching Hearts Occurs from Giving and Receivingby Jo Ann Cohen, PhD

SeniorsThe college search and application process can be a challenging experience for students and their families. Our goal in the College Counseling Department at La Salle is to educate your sons regarding the process and to support them in their efforts.

The College Counseling Department consists of three college counselors and an administrative assistant: Mr. Gerard M. Brett, Director of College Counseling; Mrs. Mary Kay Mullen, Associate Director of College Counseling; Brother William DiPasquale, FSC, Associate Director of College Counseling; and Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell, Administrative Assistant. Each of the counselors is responsible for one-third of the senior class, and one-third of the junior class for college counseling. The alphabetic division of the class of 2013 is:

Brother William DiPasquale, FSC A-G

Mr. Gerard M. Brett H-N

Mrs. Mary Kay Mullen O-Z

The College Counseling Department exists in addition to the Guidance Department. Mrs. Jeanne Holt-Brabson, senior counselor, and Mr. William Leahy, junior counselor, will work with the juniors and seniors with grade level academic issues and personal issues. As you know, one of the greatest strengths of our College Counseling Department is our ability to work as a team. Our collaborative efforts allow us to share insights about the process, the latest happenings in the field, and our students.

This past summer, members of the College Counseling Department visited college campuses to meet with admission officers and attend state and national conferences regarding the college admission process.

In order to bring clarity to the college process in general, and specifically at La Salle, we encourage you to become familiar with our site on the La Salle College High School website: www.lschs.org/college. The link to Naviance, a useful and important college research tool, can be accessed through the Parent Portal.

By early September we will send the parents of seniors information regarding the “Question & Answer Evening for Parents of Seniors” on Wednesday, September 12th at 7:15 PM in the school auditorium. In order to facilitate the organization of that evening, a form will be included for you to respond with a list of questions you may have about the college application process.

The College Counseling Center will communicate with your sons in a number of ways:

• Advisory classes each cycle

• La Salle website (www.lschs.org/college)

• Daily Bulletin (posted each day on the La Salle website)

• Daily WEXP morning news program

• Homeroom

• College and scholarship bulletin boards (located outside the College Counseling Center)

• Personal one on one meetings

Please encourage your sons to check these many sources for pertinent information to help navigate the college search and application process.

The SAT registration deadline for the October 1st test is September 9th with a late registration deadline of September 21st. Students can register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. The registration deadline for the October 22nd ACT is September 16th with a late registration deadline of September 30th. Students can register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org.

Please remind your sons to enter La Salle’s CEEB number (393370) when registering.

STUDENTS MUST SEND THEIR STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES DIRECTLY FROM THE TESTING AGENCIES TO THE COLLEGES TO WHICH THEY ARE APPLYING.

College Interview Day for Seniors at La Salle College High School will take place on Tuesday, October 2nd. Admissions officers from approximately 60 colleges will be on campus to conduct interviews with our seniors. Look on our website, www.lschs.org/college, in September for the list of colleges attending. The positive feedback we have received from our students and college admission officers clearly indicates the value of this event.

Early Action/Early Decision: Any student planning to meet an official Early Action or Early Decision deadline must alert the College Counseling Center by Friday, October 5th. Counselors and teachers need sufficient time to write letters of recommendation to meet those early deadlines.

NCAA Clearinghouse Eligibility: Any student interested in playing intercollegiate sports must meet NCAA Clearinghouse standards and file an eligibility form with the NCAA. The academic requirements are listed on the last page of our school calendar as well as on our website www.lschs.org/college/. Please become familiar with the information. Questions can be directed to the athletic director, coaches, and guidance counselors. The NCAA website is www.eligibilitycenter.org.

We look forward to working with your sons!


College Counseling CenterG E R A R D M . B R E T T

D i R E C T O R O F C O L L E G E C O u N S E L i N G


The LIGHTS TeamThe Student Assistance Program of La Salle College High School

Ms. Tina ShustackProgram CoordinatorMathematics Department

Ms. Lisa Agnew David Program

Mr. Greg Bielecki Social Studies Department

Mr. Lew Clark Campus Ministry

Mr. Matthew Derrick English Department

Mrs. Rosemary Gedeik World Languages Department

Mrs. Jeanne Holt-Brabson Guidance Department

Mrs. Julia Maher Assistant Principal for Student Affairs

The LIGHTS TeamThe 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.

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.

Families and LIGHTS: Partnership in AssistanceThe 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 SonThe 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.

Student ReferralsA student may be referred to the LIGHTS Team in a number of ways.

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.

All information about referred students is kept strictly confidential.

L I G H T S L a S a l l e I n t e r v e n t i o n : G i v i n g H e l p T o S t u d e n t s


Make your expectations clear at the start of the school year. High school matters. The grades your son receives can affect everything from how much you’ll pay for car insurance to whether he can play sports in college. So it’s important to give your son a solid foundation.

Research from the Harvard Family Research Project shows that there is one thing every parent can do – expect a lot. When you expect that your son can do well in high school, he picks that up. As a result, he also starts believing that he can do well.

That means he spends more time doing homework. The result, of course, is that he does better in school.

Here are three things you should do every day:1. Talk with your son about school. Tell him you want him

to do his best each day. Your son may not be at the top of his class, but he can always do his personal best.

2. Talk about next steps. Help him see the link between good grades and success in his future.

3. Emphasize effort. When your son is feeling like he can’t do his math or his English report, encourage him not to quit. Boys need to learn to stick with a tough task even if it’s a bit of a challenge.

Reprinted with permission from the September 2012 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2012 The Parent Institute®, a Division of NIS, Inc.

Attendance is the key to school success. School success is impossible without one factor – attendance. Your son’s attendance is the single most important element for school success, this year and every year.

Research shows how important attendance really is. So this year, make attendance your entire family’s priority:• Never let your son stay home to miss a big test or to rest

up for a big game.

• Don’t use your son as backup child care. Make other plans before your younger children get sick.

• Don’t make it a treat to stay home. Any boy who is too sick to go to school is also too sick to watch TV, play video games, or use the computer.

• Don’t schedule appointments during school hours.



Pa r e n t s S t i l l M a k e T h e D i f f e r e 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 .

Review your son’s responsibilities and make changes.This September, take some time to review your son’s current responsibilities. Boys can grow up a lot in a year, and it may be time for a change. Think about ideas like these:• Has your son gotten his license over the summer?

Maybe he’s ready for the new responsibility of picking up the dry cleaning or running some other errands for you.

• Did he manage to keep to his curfew this summer? Maybe you could extend his curfew an extra half hour on Saturday nights.

• Has he been begging you for a way to “prove” he’s an adult? Give your son sole responsibility for the family pet – feeding it, walking it and even making appointments to see the veterinarian.

Boys may seem apathetic sometimes, but that’s just their way of trying to assert their independence and show that they don’t really need their parents. But the vast majority of boys actually want their parents’ approval. Divvying up the household chores shows your son:• That he is an important part of the family.

• That you believe he’s capable of completing responsibilities.

• That his newfound independence has not gone unnoticed.

Updating your son’s responsibilities will show him you are proud of him and will also prepare him for the responsibilities of adulthood.


Help your son start the school year with solid study habits. It’s a new year, new teachers – and an opportunity for your son to revamp those old study habits. Try sharing these four tips with your son:

1. Get a planner. The only 100% effective way to remember what you have to do is to write it down. A planner helps you keep track of everything--from what chapter to read and what homework problems to complete, to when the next test is and when your next volleyball game is. That way, you’ll always be prepared and able to avoid those all-nighters.

2. Take notes--in every class. When your teacher is talking, she’s not doing it to waste your time. She’s telling you exactly what you need to know about the subject and what’s going to be on the test. Develop a way of taking notes that works for you--and use it. And if you spend a little time each day reviewing those notes you took in class, you will be better prepared at test time.

3. Think about your study spot. If you do your homework in the same place every day, your body actually gets used to it and it takes you less time to focus once you sit down. A good study spot is quiet, comfortable, well-lit and stocked with your study essentials--pens and pencils, paper, reference books, etc.

4. Form a study group. It can help to discuss some subjects with other students. Try to keep your study group small, though--and make sure your friends realize it’s for serious studying, not socializing.



Pa r e n t s S t i l l M a k e T h e D i f f e r e 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 .


Please join the Men of La Salle and the Mothers’ Club for a festive night.

Saturday, November 3, 2012 La Salle College High School

6:00 PM Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction7:45 PM Dinner

9:00 PM Live Auction

Followed by Mass and Continental Breakfast

For more information please contact the auction office at 215.402.4915 or [email protected]

6:00 PM Cocktails and Silent Auction

7:45 PM Sit-Down Dinner, Live Auction and EntertainmentMass and Continental Breakfast follow the conclusion of the Live Auction.

Co-ChairsLaura 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, 2012Visit 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 ItemsLuxury Auction Preview Jewelry, Golf at Local Clubs, Team Photos and more!

DonationsWe 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 GiftsIf 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/AdvertisingBecome 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 [email protected] ad deadline is October 15, 2012.

Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteers 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 WorkshopsThe 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 [email protected]

Questions If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Auction Office:

Gina Giuliani or Kathy Tavolaro (215) 402-4915 [email protected]

On behalf of the entire La Salle Community, we thank you for your generous support and participation!

T h e e x c i T e m e n T i s B u i l d i n g !

A u c T i o n R o y A l eS AT U R D AY, N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 2


Please join the Men of La Salle and the Mothers’ Club for a festive night.

Saturday, November 3, 2012 La Salle College High School

6:00 PM Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction7:45 PM Dinner

9:00 PM Live Auction

Followed by Mass and Continental Breakfast

For more information please contact the auction office at 215.402.4915 or [email protected]

Mothers’ Club2012-2013

President Lisa DentonVice President Beth NapolitanoTreasurer Theresa SchmitzRecording Secretary Cindi KaneCorresponding Secretary Barbara IlsemannTechnical Communications Jennifer PrincivallePast President Sue Mischler Moderator Brother James Butler, FSC

The Mothers’ Club would like to welcome the following members to our Board for the 2012-2013 school year:

Donna BennettSusan BilottaRandie BishofMary Rose BradyRosanne CampanellaMary ChandlerKate CorrHelene Crozier Carolyn DelaneyElizabeth DessenDiana DriscollDiana EidenshinkLynne EwellEileen FabiszewskiKathy FarrisAnne Flynn

Donna GeppertGina GiulianiMichele GiulianoMary Frances KellyChris LetcavageJanet LynchPatrice LynchEileen MarkmannSusan MartinDonna MarzulloMelanie May Ellen McCann Judy MeeksTerry MurrayJoanie NaylorLiz Podraza

Melanie ReinhardtJeanne Rihm Teresa RobertsAnn Marie SandersAnne SantilliLaura SavageSharon Silvestri Sharon SmartRegina SontagNorma SpiteriCate StefanskiMary Stone Theresa StreetsKathy TavolaroLucia Venneri

Upcoming Calendar of EventsSeptember 19 – 28, 2012 Magazine Drive

September 23, 2012 New Mothers’ Tea 1:00 pm Gymnasium

October 4, 2012 Mothers’ Club 7:00 pm General Meeting Auditorium

October 11, 2012 Honors Convocation 7:00 pm (Event Support – Volunteers Welcome)

October 14, 2012 Fall Family Liturgy 10:30 am

November 1-3, 2012 La Salle Auction Set-Up (Event Support – Volunteers Welcome)

November 3, 2012 La Salle Auction 5:00 pm

November 8, 2012 Mothers’ Club 9:15 am General Meeting Auditorium

November 11, 2012 Open House (Event Support – Volunteers Welcome)

Dear Mothers and Guardians,

“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” The 2012-13 school year promises to be an exciting one as we welcome our new President and Principal to the La Salle community.

It is my honor and privilege to serve as this year’s Mothers’ Club President. I am committed to continuing the outstanding work done by my predecessors to make this year a productive and enjoyable one for all members of the Mothers’ Club. As a mother or guardian of a La Salle student, you are automatically a member!

The Mothers’ Club has two main goals: to foster a sense of community and service among its members; and to raise funds to help the school meet its financial obligations. Accomplishing these objectives will take the efforts of many dedicated and talented people. I invite and encourage you to get involved. You will find that you share many common bonds with the women you meet and they will prove to be invaluable resources to you as you navigate your son’s high school experience. Participation varies widely and any and all contributions of time, talent or treasure are greatly appreciated.

Included in this issue are details of upcoming events. New moms, we look forward to meeting you soon at our New Mothers’ Tea. This is a great way to get acquainted with the Mothers’ Club and meet school administrators, as well as other new members.

All families are invited to gather as a community with us for the Fall Family Liturgy on October 14th. And the biggest fundraising event of the year sponsored by the Mothers’ Club and the Men of La Salle will be the 2012 Auction Royale on November 3rd. This James Bond themed event will include online, silent and live auctions. It promises to be a memorable night of fun and another great way to meet fellow La Salle parents.

Can’t make any of these events? Please know that we will be thrilled to see you whenever you’re able to add us to your schedule. You can stay connected by reading the Belcroft each month, by visiting our Mothers’ Club page on La Salle’s website (www.lschs.org – Parent tab) or by reading our periodic emails for details about upcoming activities. Feel free to contact me at any time via email at [email protected]. I welcome your questions and suggestions.

Best wishes to you and your sons for a successful school year!

Warmest regards,

Lisa Denton President


Mothers’ ClubL i S A D E N T O N

P R E S i D E N T

New Mothers’ TeaSunday, September 23, 20121:00 pm Gymnasium

All freshman mothers as well as mothers of new students are invited to join us for this traditional welcome. Look for your invitation in the mail. Responses are due by September 14th. Come “get to know us” during a lovely afternoon where you will meet new friends and rekindle old acquaintances. A light lunch including tea sandwiches and pastries will be served along with tea and coffee. We look forward to meeting all new mothers as we welcome them to our wonderful La Salle community. You will find the experience warm and rewarding as you learn about the many La Salle events and activities that take place during the school year.

For information, contact committee members:

Patrice Lynch [email protected] (215) 646-3443 Sharon [email protected] (215) 588-6171

Volunteers Needed

New Mothers’ Tea

Volunteers are needed for set up and clean up for the New Mothers’ Reception and Tea. Set-up will be on Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. Clean-up volunteers are needed for Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 3:00 pm. All interested volunteers should contact:

Patrice Lynch [email protected] (215) 646-3443

Magazine Drive

If you can help tally orders during the Magazine Drive, which is held from September 19, 2012 through September 28, 2012, please contact:

Janet [email protected] (267) 280-2910

SAVE THE DATES

Mother/Son Service Project

The Mothers’ Club will be partnering with Campus Ministry on a new service project for mothers and their sons this year. Details of the new project will be included in the October Belcroft.

Christmas Shopping Spectacular

Sunday, December 2, 201212:00 to 4:00 pm

Proceeded by an Advent Liturgy at 10:30 am organized by the Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee.

New York Broadway Trip

Wednesday April 17, 2013Details and reservation information will be included in the October issue of The Belcroft.

Musical Keyboards and Guitars Needed

The Mothers’ Club is collecting new or gently used musical keyboards and acoustic guitars for La Salle Academy, a Philadelphia school dedicated to educating children in grades 3 through 8 whose potential is limited by financial, academic, social, or emotional challenges, and whose parents desire, but cannot afford, a Catholic education. Our school community has met this collection with great support in the past and LSA has been deeply

grateful. If you have a keyboard or acoustic guitar to donate, please contact

Donna Geppert [email protected] (215) 368-8634

Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee News

The Mothers’ Club Alumnae CommitteeKathy Caramenico, Donnamaria Dolan, Roseanne Duzinski, Lynn Gates, Karen Guerra, Pam Grady, Barbara Houldin, Janet McBride, and Terry Millet

Shared Treasures Raises More Than $7,000 During 2011-2012 School Year To Benefit Students In Need Sales at “Shared Treasures,” the Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee thrift shop, totaled $7,364.70 during the 2011-2012 school year, while also supporting La Salle’s green initiative by recycling gently used household items and clothing. All items sold at Shared Treasures are donated, thus enabling enables the committee to pass on 100% of the proceeds to La Salle, which distributes them to students in need to pay for meal cards, books and other necessities.

Shared Treasures will re-open for the 2102-2013 school year on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. Located at Dunleavy Center, Shared Treasures offers fantastic values on a wide variety of home décor and gently used men’s and women’s clothing. The inventory changes often, so you’ll want to make a stop at Shared Treasures part of your weekly schedule.

We are open on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 am until noon. We will NOT be open on September 1, 2012.

We welcome your donations of gently used items, especially home goods. All donations are tax-deductible. Please call Barbara Houldin at (215) 990-2843 or e-mail her at [email protected] if you would like to arrange to drop off donations prior to September 5, 2012.

Warm Welcome To The Mothers Of The Class Of 2012

The Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee welcomes our newest members – the mothers of the Class of 2012 - into our ranks. We hope that they, and all mothers of La Salle alumni, will participate as actively as their schedules permit in both Mothers’ Club and Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee activities. It’s a great way of maintaining the friendships developed with other moms during your sons’ years at La Salle. In addition to a monthly article in The Belcroft, the Alumnae Committee also sends out a monthly e-newsletter to keep mothers of graduates up to date on both Mothers’ Club and Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee events. All events and activities, including information about Shared Treasures, are also listed in the Mothers’ Club area of the school website, www.lschs.org/mothers.

Please also note that some alum moms have told us they are not receiving the monthly alumnae e-newsletter or other alumnae committee electronic communications, even though they have submitted their e-mail addresses to the committee. We have been told that the likely cause is that recipients’ computers are treating these communications as spam. If you hear from an alum mom that she is NOT receiving e-mails from us, please ask her to make sure that her spam filter does not trap mail that originates from [email protected].

Alumnae Committee Ink Cartridge Recycling Program

The Alumnae Committee is again collecting used computer printer ink cartridges, which are recycled for cash that benefits La Salle students. You can drop off cartridges in the recycling bins, which are located in the Main Office at school as well as at Dunleavy Center. Please call Kathy Caramenico at (610) 608-2950 or e-mail her at [email protected] if you have any questions about this program.


Mothers’ Club( C O N T i N u E D )

Dear La Salle Fathers and Families,

Welcome back to what promises to be a year of excitement and activity in 2012-2013 for all returning and new families. On behalf of the Board of the Men of La Salle, I want to congratulate all new fathers on joining existing fathers in the Men of La Salle.Founded almost 70 years ago, with the intent of ensuring that no La Salle student would be forced to end his education due to the loss of a parent or guardian, our group continues to support that mission. This past year alone we supported nine students. These were nine boys just like yours and mine who faced an unexpected tragedy and were able to continue their La Sallian education without having to worry about paying their tuition.

Today, we continue with this tradition and have expanded our role in supporting other efforts on campus with our time and treasury. By far our largest contribution continues to involve organizing and administering events that bring fathers and sons together. When our boys are at an age that increasingly finds them stretching their activities beyond the home, we plan activities allowing them to engage with both their fathers and their friends together.

I encourage all fathers to get involved in maintaining the success of our organization. It’s yet one more way for you to participate in your son’s life and the larger La Salle community. Whether you participate every month or when your schedule permits, your volunteering keeps the traditions alive, your family together and our contributions ongoing.

The events coming up quickly include our first general meeting on Thursday, September 6, 2012, our new fathers welcome barbecue on September 13, 2012, and our Father/Son Golf Outing on October 19, 2012, and our most popular event, the Father/Son Banquet on Thursday, November 15, 2012.

In addition, you’ll also want to mark your calendar for Saturday, November 3, 2012, which is our yearly auction co-sponsored with the Mother’s Club and is an event not to be missed. This year’s theme Auction Royale 007 promises an evening to remember.

Please stay tuned to the Belcroft for further updates throughout the year. Information will also be posted on the school website at www/lschs.org. You can follow the Men of La Salle specifically at www.lschs.org/mol

Make this the year that has you here and getting involved. I’m honored to be serving both you and your sons in the Men of La Salle this year. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to reach me directly at [email protected]

The best to everyone in the La Salle family for a successful year.

Sincerely yours,

Michael Happ President


Men of La SalleM i C H A E L H A P P

P R E S i D E N T


First-Class FacilitiesThe IT Department was busy this summer upgrading La Salle’s technology infrastructure, multimedia, and Website. The main focus has been improved user experience among the students and faculty throughout the campus. Network Improvements• Reviewed feedback from the End-of-Year Technology Survey

• Tested wireless connectivity throughout campus

• Deployed brand new Dell Optiplex 9010 desktops with newest Intel i7 processors, 8GB of RAM, and 24 inch monitors in the Room 020 (Teaching Computer Lab)

• Deployed upgraded desktop computers in: – Room 021 (Main Computer Lab) – The Study Commons – The Language Resource Room – The Writing Center – The Yearbook and Wisterian Offices

• Began deployment of Windows 8 throughout campus. (La Salle was one of the first organizations in the nation to test the new operating system while it was still in development.)

• Added 2 new host servers to our cluster for increased scalability and fault tolerance

• Began upgrade of all servers to Windows Server 2012

• Deployed Office 365 which migrates our Faculty/Staff email to cloud storage and allow our students to be on the same email system. This will allow for better collaboration and integration with online editing of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents within the web browser from any computer.

• BegandeploymentofOffice2013onlabcomputers

Multimedia Improvements• WEXP TV Studio added a High-Definition TriCaster300 as the

backbone of the studio which will improve the quality of the WEXP morning show and allow for the show to be shared online through the Web Site much easier.

• Launched new student-driven WEXP Sports Blog (www.lschs.org/wexpsports)

• Worked on new Mashup page on the Website to centralize our social media presence

• Continued to increase our school Social Media presence. To stay up to date throughout the year, find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LSCHS) and Twitter (@LSCHS).

• Worked on workflow plan for school Multimedia. (If you would like to assist us in getting photos and video on WEXP, the Website, and our Social Media outlets, contact Mr. Johnson ([email protected]).

Website Improvements• Launched redesign of the Website

• Completed the outdoor portion of the new Virtual Campus Tour

• Worked on the Data Mapping Project in Google Earth with Admissions Office

• Worked with Auction to deploy new web-based software and online auction site

• Began deployment of new app for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) and upgrade of mobile Website for all mobile platforms

• Began deployment of “Messaging” in Student and Faculty/Staff Portals

• Scanned yearbooks of Reunion Classes for viewing in Alumni Portal

• Annual updates throughout the Website for all constituents

With these improvements, we hope to provide the students and faculty with a greatly improved technological experience both on and off campus. And as always, La Salle continues to push the boundaries of innovation at the High School level and continues to lead the area in technology. This is evident in the Lab Manager Program being chosen by Microsoft as part of their 100 most innovative technological programs in the United States. Mr. Peter Sigmund ‘85 and Mr. Braden Bonner ‘08 were flown out to Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington to demonstrate the program at the national level and increase exposure for the program among Microsoft executives and national educators! This summer has been a busy one, but we feel that when the students and faculty return for the coming school year, they will be surprised by the advances we have made and the increased notoriety of the technology program at La Salle throughout the area.


A Year To Remember 2011-2012

Athletics National champions• 200 yard Freestyle Relay Team

swam the fastest time in America (1.22.91) and was crowned as National Champions

Pennsylvania state champions• Baseball,Hockey,andSwimming

Philadelphia catholic league champions

• Football,Golf,Lacrosse,Wrestling,Soccer,Swimming,andTennis

PiAA District 12 (city) champions

• Baseball,Football,Lacrosse, Wrestling,Soccer,Swimming, andTennis,andTrackandField

Flyers cup hockey champions

second in the Pennsylvania state championship in lacrosse

high school All-Americans• 12 students were named as HighSchoolAll-Americans

• 27All-AmericanAthletic Certifications achieved in five different sports

All-catholic Recognition• 75FirstTeamAll-Catholics• 52SecondTeamAll-Catholics• 25HonorableMention All-Catholics

Extraordinary Extracurriculars


Activities Band• CompetitionBandreceivedsuperiorratingsinallfiveareajazzcompetitions

• OutstandingSoloistAwardwasearnedbyaLaSallemusician at each competition

Mathletes• Philadelphia Catholic LeagueChampions

engineering club• conductingaRenewableEnergyStudy,whichstudiesthe feasibilityofinstallingwindandsolargenerationequipment atLaSalle

service• over265students,which

represents 40% of the upper classmen,alongwith27facultymembersparticipatedinsummerservice experiences in Philadelphia,Bolivia,St.Lucia,Arizona,Louisiana,Montana,Louisiana,NewMexico, andWestVirginia

• ThanksgivingFoodDrivecollectedover10,000non-perishable cans of food

• OperationSantaClausandSecretSantaraisedinexcessof$12,000andcollectedover2,500gifts

• through“LaSalleResponds”theschool community raised over $30,000tobenefitoverthirty different charities

speech and Debate• Philadelphia Catholic Forensic LeagueDebateChampions

• PHSSLDistrict11Champions

• 18studentsqualifiedtothe 2012PHSSLStateFinals

• 7studentsqualifiedforthe 2012NCFLNationals

• 2studentsqualifiedtothe NFLNationals

Mock trial• reachedtheDistrict/County

Championships of the PennsylvaniaBarAssociation MockTrialCompetition

technology• 93studentsachieved MicrosoftCertification (earnedanMCTSorMTA)

• onlyLevelOneMicrosoftIT Academy in Pennsylvania

• firstorganizationintheworld todeployWindowsServer2012 in production

• LabManagerProgramrecognizedbyMicrosoftCorporationas oneoftheTopTechnology ProgramsinAmerica

• RegionalWinnerofMicrosoftCorporation’sPartnersInLearningCompetition

• onlyhighschoolinAmerica tobeinvitedbyMicrosoft Corporationtojointhe TechnologyAdoptionProgram(joiningthelikesofBoeing,HewlettPackard,Intel,theU.S.Army,andBankofAmerica)

Extraordinary Extracurriculars

A Year To Remember 2011-2012


Varsity Sports SchedulesJ O S E P H A . P A R i S i

A T H L E T i C D i R E C T O R

SeptemberSoccerBob PeffleHead Coach

4 George School 3:45 pm Home 7 Bishop McDevitt 3:45 pm Away 8 Holy Ghost Prep 1:00 pm Away 10 Methacton 3:45 pm Home 12 Cardinal O’Hara 3:45 pm Home 15 Central Catholic 11:00 am Home 17 Neumann-Goretti 3:45 pm Away 19 Archbishop Ryan 3:45 pm Home 21 Father Judge 3:45 pm Home 25 Conwell-Egan 3:45 pm Away 28 Roman Catholic 3:45 pm Home

Water PoloSteve Duncheskie ’94 Head Coach

5 Germantown Academy 3:45 pm Away 6 Reading High School 4:00 pm Away 11 Malvern Prep 4:00 pm Away 13 Perkiomen Valley 5:00 pm Away 18 Wissahickon 5:00 pm Away 21 Beast of the East Tournament 24 Souderton 5:00 pm Away 28 Knight Invite 4:00 pm North pen

Cross CountryGreg Bieleck1 ‘99Head Coach

5 PCL Meet No. 1 Belmont Plateau 12 PCL Meet No. 2 Belmont Plateau 15 Briarwood Invitational Belmont Plateau 19 PCL Meet No. 3 Belmont Plateau 22 PIAA Foundation Race Parkview Cross Country Course 26 PCL Meet No. 4 Belmont Plateau

FootballDrew Gordon Head Coach

31 North Penn 7:30 pm Away 7 Monsignor Farrel (NJ) 5:00 pm Rutgers University 15 Cardinal O’Hara 3:00 pm Springfield (Montco) 22 Malvern Prep 2:00 pm Away

GolfMarty JacksonHead Coach

6 Germantown Academy 3:00 pm North Hills Country Club 10 Father Judge 3:30 pm Torresdale-Frankford Country Club 11 Archbishop Wood 3:30 pm North Hills Country Club 12 Roman Catholic 3:30 pm Whitemarsh Valley Country Club 17 Bonner-Prendergast 3:30 pm Bala Country Club 19 Neumann-Goretti 3:30 pm Whitemarsh Valley Country Club 21 Lansdale Catholic 3:30 pm Center Square Golf Club 26 Episcopal Academy 3:30 pm Merion Golf Club

Homecoming …the tradition continues.

$20 per person

Free for Children 12 and underPrice includes BBQ, Beverages, and a Ticket to the Football Game

Park at Springfield High School and Walk Across Paper Mill Road to the New Fields RSVP by Friday, September 7, 2012Register online at www.lschs.org or call (215) 233-2350

Friday, September 14, 2012

inaugural induction of the Hall of Athletes7:00 pm

The Auditorium

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Dedication of Sterner Hall11:00 am

The Pit

Dedication of the former

West Wing in memory

of Brother Rene Sterner, FSC

Varsity Soccer vs. Central Catholic High School11:00 am

Bartley Field

Cross-State Rivalry as the Defending

Catholic League Champions take on the

Christian Brothers school in Pittsburgh.

FAMiLy BBQ1:00 to 3:00 pmNew Athletic Fields

Varsity Football vs. Cardinal O’Hara High School3:00 pm

Springfield High School Stadium

Watch the Defending Catholic League

Champions tackle a perennial powerhouse.

Halftime CeremonyRecognition of the inaugural class inducted

into the La Salle College High School Hall

of Athletes

The Official Newsletter of La Salle College High School

PresidentBrother James L. Butler, FSC

PrincipalMichael A. O’Toole ‘68

Vice President of Institutional AdvancementDaniel L. McGowan

Director of Communications and Public RelationsChristopher M. Carabello ’82

The BelcroftLa Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor , PA 19038

215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 faxwww.lschs.org

La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

www.lschs.org

Return Service RequestedFirst Class Mail

First Class MailThe Belcroft is published by La Salle College High School during the months of September through May.

The Belcroft welcomes articles and submissions from the entire La Salle Community. The deadline for submissions is the fifteenth day of themonth 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.

September 2012 Volume Twenty-Two Number 1

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.

Calendar of EventsSeptember 2012 3 Labor Day

4 First Day of Classes – “A” Day

6 Men of La Salle Meeting 6:30 pm

8 ACT

10 Student Photos

11 Patriot’s Day

Alumni Board Meeting 7:30 pm

11-14 Senior Photos

12 College Q& A Night 7:15 pm

13 Freshman Fathers’ Welcome 6:30 pm

14 Hall of Athletics Induction 7:00 pm

15 Dedication of Sterner Hall 11:00 am

Homecoming (BBQ) 1:00 pm

18 Activity Fair

19-28 Magazine Drive

20 Back-To-School Night 7:00 pm

23 New Mothers’ Tea

Enter to Learn Leave to Serve

La Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

215 402 4800 phone215 233 0284 [email protected]

www.lschs.org

AcademicE X C E L L E N C E

Dedicated F A C u L T y

Extraordinary E X T R A C u R R i C u L A R S

First-Class F A C i L i T i E S

Commitment T O S E R V i C E

Caring C O M M u N i T y

Belcroft Newsletter - September 2012

Documents

salle graduate

beautiful opera house

grace of jesus christ

year construction process

sons spirit

harbour bridge

foundation of religion

foundation documents