Community e-News l 9.27.20
ASB students were back on our campus in a small cohort this week! The girls are decorating campus for when students and teachers get back (soon, we hope!), prepared for ASB virtual bonding this weekend, and made plans for upcoming multimedia productions. The students and staff followed guidelines from Contra Costa Health and our approved cohort guides with plenty of wiping down, separate equipment, and hand sanitizer for all!
The Virtual Week Ahead...

Mon. Sept. 28
1/2/3/7 l 8:15 AM start


Tues. Sept. 29
4/5/6/0 l 8:15 AM start

Wed. Sept. 30
Flex Day l Spotlight: 9th
Supply Pick-Up l 1-4 PM

Thu. Oct. 1
1/2/3/7 l 8:15 AM start
Fathers Club Meeting l 5-6:30 PM
 
Fri. Oct. 2
4/5/6/0 l 8:15 AM start

If you haven't yet, bookmark these pages:
Dear Carondelet Families:

This is a reminder about our hybrid learning model, which we introduced in July when we thought we would be returning to campus under this model. We are hopeful that Contra Costa County will be downgrading from Purple (Widespread) to Red (Substantial) designation in the coming weeks. Though we have no specific updates from Contra Costa Health Services, we wanted to remind families of our Plan since we are now approaching October and it has been a couple months since we shared this information.

Please refresh your memory about the details of our hybrid learning plan over the next couple of weeks, which you can find in our Flexible Learning Plan beginning on page six.

Here are some steps we will take as we implement our hybrid plan:

  • We will have orientations for students for two days before we begin on-campus classes in order to review protocols and safety measures that must be followed by all students.
  • We will be sending a survey out to families so that we can determine the number of students who decide to continue to use our distance learning format as opposed to coming to campus in our hybrid environment. This also serves as a reminder that families do have the option of continuing distance learning if they so desire.
  • Reminding students of which days they will be on campus for face-to-face learning. We have grouped students by alphabet, with A-K on campus Mon-Tue and L-Z on Thur-Fri. There is some gradation to this in order to accommodate the numbers we need to properly distance in classrooms, which is one of the main requirements to have students back on campus.
  • Wednesday will continue to be our Flex Day virtual model.
  • We will also still be organizing extra-curricular cohorts even when we return to campus in the hybrid model.
  • Everyone on campus will be masked, and we will be supervising students to ensure social distancing.

We will continue to take direction from the State of California and Contra Costa Health Services on when we can move to hybrid learning. At that time, we will send out an announcement regarding next steps. In the meantime, please continue to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and healthy well-being with your family and patience with the process.

Thank you,

Kevin Cushing
Principal
Student Life Senior & Junior Town Halls

Save the date for two upcoming Town Halls with the Student Life Dept.:
Registration is required.

Hear from the Student Life team about the extracurricular opportunities and support systems for students. We’ll cover the entire Student Life Department, which offers support for all students. Offices presenting include: Campus Ministry, Student Activities, Academic Support, Deans and Attendance, and Wellness Counselors.

Students and family members in the classes of 2023 or 2024 can watch the video of their past Town Halls or events on all other subjects.
Supply Pick-Up this Wednesday

Supply Pick-Up this Wednesday, 9/30, 1-4 PM
We will have class t-shirts for those who were unable to come to campus on 9/16, as well as supplies for the following classes:

  • Physics 9 - Padilla & Clark (Marbles)
  • Forensics - Hutches (Return Goggles & Dropper Bottles)
  • College & Career Items - San Miguel

Questions? Email Caitlin Main ‘05, Dean of Students.
Student Activities Updates


Clubs Website 
September is Clubs Month! To check out over 40+ offerings, please visit our Clubs Website! Contact Ms. Lettire at mlettire@carondeleths.org for more details.

Ice Cream T-Shirts
Did you not pick up your ice cream t-shirt? We are hosting a Supply Pick-up on Wednesday, September 30, from 1-4 PM. Contact Ms. Main at cmain@carondeleths.org with questions. 

Sophomores continue to walk on for Suicide Prevention Month! Students are tracking their steps and learning about ways to help others who are going through a tough time in their life. They are also being educated on facts about the topic of suicide! We walk for all those affected by this issue.

Save the Date: Junior Ring Ceremony November 15
Hello Junior and Junior Families! We are excited to announce that a Junior Ring event will be held on Sunday, November 15. Mark your calendars for an event on campus that day as more details will be shared shortly.

Junior Council has also been working hard and are excited to debut their new class website. Stay up to date with the latest happenings for the Class of 2022 including a class calendar, weekly updates and more! Check it out for a new video prepared by Junior council with Teacher Alumnae highlighting their junior ring and junior experiences!
 
Senior Sweatshirts
Did you not pick up your Senior Shirt/Sweatshirt? We are hosting a Supply Pick-up on Wednesday, September 30, from 1-4 PM. Contact Ms. Main at cmain@carondeleths.org with questions.

Baking Competition
Lastly, ASB is excited to announce season two of "Quarantine in the Kitchen!" Fill out this form to apply to participate in this super fun Halloween baking challenge.
Parent Fund Appeal
Last chance to support our students!

Thank you to all our families who have participated in the parent fund appeal. Our campaign is coming to a close in a few short days on September 30. Your support enables us to immediately address issues that arise in our students’ lives. We set an aggressive goal of 100% participation and it’s not too late to get us closer to the finish line. Below are current participation rates by class:

Class of ‘21: 4%
Class of ‘22: 48%
Class of ‘23: 39%
Class of ‘24: 11%

“My freshman daughter loves her classes and teachers. We didn’t know what to expect with distance learning and have been so impressed with the faculty and staff at the school. I know that our partnership is critical and we are happy to invest in our daughter’s future.” Parent ‘24 and donor to the Parent Fund.

Auction Closes Monday at 10 PM!

The Cougar Classic Online Auction ends soon! Don’t miss out on fabulous items, including Graduation Seats, Downtown Walnut Creek Parking Pass, Golf and Wine packages, Cinco de Mayo Sign Up Party, and much more.

Please donate to the Fathers Club Scholarship fund to provide tuition assistance to students with single parents that want their daughters to experience all that Carondelet has to offer.

Auction ends Monday, September 28 at 10 PM.
iPad Chargers - Yes, there is a difference

We've had many reports this semester about iPads losing charge too quickly or not charging to full strength. Please check that your student is using the correct charger (12W USB charging block) as not all Apple chargers are created equal. Here is a helpful doc that explains the differences between iPad chargers.
AP Test payment available

Payment for AP Tests is now available at a cost of $95 per exam. Payment is collected online with debit or credit. All students in AP classes are automatically enrolled to take the exam. If you choose to not take the exam, do not pay for it and an exam will not be ordered for you.
Ven a Ver DC
Applications Available!
Juniors & Seniors may Apply
Applications due this Thursday October 1 at 11:59 PM

Ven a Ver DC (Flex Days, 2-4 PM on Flex Days: 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18) is an immersion into the reality of social injustice and political advocacy. We will participate in this year’s virtual Ignatian Family Teach-In, where we’ll hear from experts and theologians about our responsibility to respond to the needs of our time. This year’s social justice focus includes racial justice, ecology, and migration. Interested in learning more about these issues and advocating for change? Apply to be part of Ven a Ver DC!

Apply today! Questions - Contact Ms. Miranda, Campus Minister for Community Service and Social Advocacy. NOTE: Applications for our other immersion experiences will become available later this semester.
Campus Ministry Updates

Community Service Opportunities
Many of you may be feeling a desire to do more and help especially vulnerable populations during this time of uncertainty. We are working with several organizations who are serving those most affected. If you are able (after having a conversation with your parent/guardian) and desire to help, please view the opportunities on the Community Service page on our website. This page will be updated as service opportunities arise.

Senior Deadline to Register for Journey - September 30, 2020
We are excited to provide our Seniors with a Kairos-inspired retreat that meets current public health guidelines! 

This is a three-day retreat, held both on campus and at the San Damiano Retreat Center. Although we cannot provide the overnight component, seniors will experience many of the long-awaited Kairos traditions such as small groups, leader talks, and other special gifts/surprises - all led by young alumnae who are eager to share the gift of this special retreat!
 
Register for Journey to secure your preferred dates! Seniors who attend Journey in November will be the first who can apply to the retreat in the spring. 

*Please note that if we are still using a Distance Learning model for school, Journey will be a cohort. Applicable school policies for cohorts will apply and a “cooling off” period from other cohorts may be required.
Short Film contest and Festival

Short films are a creative outlet for sharing stories and inspiring self-expression during the Covid-Funk. Let’s make something! Between now and October 10, the DLS/CHS Theatre is accepting short films under two-minutes that show an ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances. What are the circumstances? That’s where you come in. Show us a character who alternates between reality and a parallel reality. A perfect “what if” scenario. Teams of 1-4, no dialogue permitted, crazy editing cuts, and transitions welcome! Bring whatever movie magic you can muster. 
 
Submissions accepted October 7-10. Submission Form
Festival in November. Prizes will be awarded.
Student Life Updates

Upcoming Spotlights
9/30 Frosh Spotlight this week!
Campus Ministers and Wellness Counselors will visit all Frosh Wellness classes on Mon. Sept. 28 and Tues. Sept. 29 to facilitate special retreat-like activities which will culminate in team building games, small group sharing and communal prayer on Wed. Sept. 30. 

10/7 Senior Spotlight
After an opening prayer experience, this Spotlight will focus on providing seniors with some necessary time and tools for college applications with the College and Career Center coordinating college essay workshops.

10/14 Frosh Virtual Day of Service
This year’s Frosh Day of Service will be a virtual experience! Students will learn about Catholic Social Teaching, engage in a poverty simulation, and learn what it means to care for the dear neighbor without distinction, one of our CSJ charisms.

Main Campus Cohorts
In the past two weeks, we have welcomed some main campus cohorts to campus. The Company Costumes and Associated Student Body cohorts have also come to campus to work on their projects. We are continuing to work on welcoming more main campus cohorts to campus.

Students can participate in any of the following:
  • One athletic cohort
  • Two athletic cohorts
  • One athletic cohort and one main campus cohort
  • One main campus cohort

Students already participating in two athletic cohorts, must complete their current three-week camp before dropping an athletic cohort to join a main campus cohort.
College & Career Updates

Each week, your College & Career counselors will share updates for students and families about upcoming opportunities for your road to college. In this week's edition, here are some of the highlights:

  • Seniors, Financial Aid Night is on Monday, September 28 at 7:00 PM. A Zoom link will be emailed to families Monday morning. Mrs. San Miguel will be hosting FAFSA help sessions on Oct. 5 and 8 for families who have questions while completing the FAFSA.
  • Seniors, Wed., Oct. 7 will be Workshop Wednesday (essay help, DVC presentation, application workshops). Learn more on our Weekly Updates page.
  • Apply to be part of Newsroom by the Bay.
  • Tuesday, October 20 College and Career will host Coffee with the Counselors (virtually) at 8:00 AM for junior and senior parents who have college-related questions.
  • Monday, October 26 will be the DLS/CHS Student-Athlete College Information Night for students who are interested in learning more about the recruitment process.
  • College During COVID: A virtual event with Harlan Cohen for juniors, seniors, and parents
  • Learn about how to turn your education into a career fighting inequality.
  • Attend a College Rep Visit this week: Boston College, Bucknell, Texas Tech, Marquette, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Denver, Lehigh, St. John’s, USC, UC Santa Barbara, Seattle University, Baylor, Xavier, Gonzaga and more.
...and more!
College & Career Connections

Check out this new program sponsored by the Alumnae Association and College & Career Counseling for our students.

Join us weekly during Flex Days 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, to hear from guest speakers about life from high school to college to a career. Ask questions about the path they took to get there and what advice they have for you.

Trying to figure out everything about college? Listen to recent college graduates talk about what college life is like at their alma mater. Ask them questions and get advice on how to make your college experience rewarding.

Wed. Sept. 30th - Career Exploration: Mental Health/Social Work
Join our guest panelists to hear their stories and ask questions about working in the
mental health industry.

  • Jonna Hall '98 - Child Welfare Worker/Child Protective Services, Alameda County
  • Andrea Garcia Pezel '99 - Medical Social Worker, Sutter Care at Home
Invite friends to Admissions virtual event

Know a girl who would be GREAT at Carondelet? Tell them to attend our online Town Hall this week! We're hosting a virtual event covering the admissions process and answering families' questions is Wed. September 30 at 6:00 PM and registration closes on Monday at midnight. Tell your friends and share this link with any middle school families who would love the Carondelet educational experience!
Do you love reading books?

Carondelet Parents/Guardians, Aunts/Uncles, & Grandparents ~ Want to connect with new people? Have you considered joining a book club before but never did? Then join Carondelet’s Virtual Book Club led by Dr. Chaponot! Starting on Tuesday, October 6 at 5:00 PM. All meetings via Zoom.

Join our first meeting to learn more about it. Register Here
School Store
Direct Delivery to Your Home Available
Shop for home delivery for your student or yourself at the Carondelet online school store. Lots of new accessories and spirit wear available for your family!

See what's new at the Online School Store and get your
Back to School Basics Bundle
for just $60!
SEPTEMBER SPECIAL

Choose one Comfy Pant and one Spirit Tee, and get Cozy Cougar Socks and a Carondelet Flag for FREE!
e-Gift Cards available now

Send your Cougar a pick me up surprise!
You can now shop Clearance items by size!
More than high school. Her school.