Vol. VII. No. 5
                                          April 3, 2020


We hope this Christian Brothers School newsletter provides some respite from the realities of life today. Our teachers and students have embraced at-home learning, and some students find themselves working alongside working-from-home parents. It's a "new normal" for now that we all hope has an ending soon.

With schools mandated to close, many school events likewise have been canceled or postponed. Please consult the school website, www.cbs-no.org , for any changes in the calendar. Also, please be on the look-out from weekly email communications from the CBS president, Mr. Joey Scaffidi, and from our principals, Mr. Michael Prat and Mr. Richard Neider. Please continue to remember our CBS families in your prayers as we go through this together. 

St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us. 
St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us. 
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to our aid.



                                            -- artwork by Kinsley Smith (3V)


The greater your storm,
 
the brighter your rainbow,
 
especially if Jesus 

lives in your heart forever.


CBS Faculty, Students Embrace Distance Learning

As we enter another week of the mandated school closure due to COVID-19, teachers, students and parents have adjusted to learning at home. We hope you enjoy some of the photos we've received.  More can be found on our website.

First grade teacher Melissa Hoffman recorded a video of her reading "How To Catch a Leprechaun" on St. Patrick's Day, and student Blaine Buras (1H) was one of those students who enjoyed the reading.

At right, Eleanor Barber (PKB) proudly shows her work in a screen shot captured by teacher Beth Landry.



Hudson Cambre (2G) works on his online class work at home alongside dad Colin, who is also working from home.
Third grade teacher Stacie Richardson used online software Zoom to have a face to face meeting with her students.


Thompson Thriffiley (PKA) uses an iPad to work on a lesson at home.

Olivia Ryan (1R) shows her artwork of a cross with a stained-glass design.
Cate Womac (2G) studies in her math workbook with plenty of fresh, wholesome snacks close at hand.



Sloan Ricca (1R) made dioramas after watching Mrs. Rachael Prat's online lesson about habitats.
Mila Glavinic (5E) works on her math course work.

Matthew Schmidt (1H) keeps up with his first-grade course work online at home.




Lindsey Phillips (7W) found an open-air place to do her work.
Macy Anclade (5E) tries to decide which book to use next.
Jack Lousteau (7T) finds the kitchen table works for his online studies.



Eleanor Clark (1R) has found a quiet place to do her school work.
Cristiano Windham (1H) is working in his workbook from home during the closure.
Drew Flair (3V) works from home.


The Palmisano family gathers around the table for their online lessons. From left, Embry (5E), Eliza (3V), Easton (1H) and Egan (7T).

At right, Jake Bravo (7C) takes a break with a 10-minute run in a nearby park.


Registration for Summer Camp Is Underway

CBS Summer Camp is open to boys and girls entering grades Pre-K4 through seventh next school year. The camp offers three two-week sessions from June 8 to July 17. The Canal Street Campus camp is for students entering Pre-K4 through 2nd grade. The City Park Campus camp is for students entering grades three through seven. For information about the camp and for registration, visit the school website (cbs-no.org) and click on the Summer Camp Link. Or, CLICK HERE.

Brownies Collect Diapers for Junior League

Brownie Troop 15003 based at Christian Brothers School has been hard at work earning "change a story" badge for its members. They visited the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank in February to learn about diaper needs in our community and the importance of diaper drives. They helped sort and pack 1,000 diapers. Diapers are not covered by government assistance programs. They collected a total of 2,400 diapers and 17 packages of wipes. The collected diapers were given to the Junior League of New Orleans for their diaper bank. Troop Leaders are Jessica Woodruff and Rachael Prat, and mom Melyne Holmes was the parent organizer of this activity.
 


Brownies in Troop 15003 collected 2,400 diapers for needy families. The scouts are, front row from left: Emery Brooks (2C), Cecilia Prat (2C), Elizabeth Woodruff (2G), Anna Prat (2C), Elise Braud (2C), Sophie Cusimano (2G); back row: Maren Schaefer (2G), Eleanor Holmes (2G), Lucia Ragas (2C) and Elizabeth Bartlett (2C). 

CBS Students Take First in GNO Science Fair
Two Christian Brothers School science projects were awarded first place ribbons at the recent Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair. Ryan Darrah (7P) took first in the Physics category for his project entitled "Which Bat Is Most Consistent." He also received an award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, GNO Section, and a first place award from Broadcom MASTERS.
 
Haley Valdine and Marguerite Hopkins, both in 7D, were awarded a first place in Engineering for their project, "Suck It Up, Plastic." The two also received a Broadcom MASTERS first place award.
 
Honorable mention (4th place) awards were given to Camille Clement and Elyana Espinoza (both in 7D) in Engineering ("Hot 'n Hear"), Casey Swanson and Grace Rivera (both in 7D), in Medicine and Health ("Can I Eat That? The Five Second Rule"), Wyatt Mire and Cole Heap (both in 7T) in Energy (" Which Insulation Material Has the Highest R Value?" ), and Nathan Flynn (7P) in Medicine and Health ("Pills and Coats Of Colors through Digestion").
 
 
CBS students who participated in the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair were, front row from left: Kevin LaGraize (7C), Andrew Lalla (7P), Jake Lalla (7P), Rocco Marullo (7C), Nathan Flynn (7P), Haley Valdine (7D); back row: Jackson Wyble (7M), Giovanni Matranga (7C), Chester Harney (7C), Ryan Gaddy (7P), Liam Enger (7T), Cole Heap (7T), Caleb Downs (7P), Marguerite Hopkins (7D), Elyana Esponoza (7D), Grace Rivera (7D), Casey Swanson (7D), Ryan Darrah (7P), Wyatt Mire (7T) and Camille Clement (7D).
Ladies' Club Wraps Up Annual Book Sale

The CBS ladies' Club wrapped up its book sale in February on the City Park campus. Amy Palmisano and Kim Smith, co-chairs of the organization, work the registers while some of the middle school students check out with their purchases. The Ladies' Club enjoyed a $680 profit on the book fairs on both campuses.




Amy Palmisano and Kim Smith of the Ladies' Club check out book purchases of students on the City Park campus.

Kindergarten, Pre-K Students Parade in Auditorium




Inclement weather forced the Krewe of Little Falcons inside the auditorium, but they still paraded and tossed beads just the same.



Second grade teacher Bethany Carrigee reads the story, "The Little Float That Could," to her students following the school parade.
 


Fifth Grade Falcon Drive Delivers 'Necessities' 

Each month, CBS 5th graders on the City Park campus collect donations for various charities, following the letters in the word "FALCONS." Last month, the students collected "Necessities," towels, toiletries and other items, which they delivered to the Harry Thompson Center. The center provides shelter, food, showers, medical care, counseling and other types of support for those in need in our community.
 
At left, Gerard Adam (5B), Owen Truxillo (5R) and Jacob Rudloff (5B) deliver bags of donated items to the Harry Thompson Center.
 
City Park Students Hear about Black History Month

CBS students presented an historical timeline of important events in African American history then heard talks by various leaders as CBS City Park Campus celebrated Black History Month. Speakers included Judge Kern Reese, Civil District Court; Aulston Taylor, St. Augustine Marching 100 Band; Kendall Crawford, St. Augustine High School athletic director; and CBS alum Randy Hamilton (2016). Civil Sheriff Paul Valteau spoke of growing up in New Orleans, and Dooky Chase III presented a video of his mother, Chef Leah Chase of Dooky Chase Restaurant. The presentation was organized by Crystal Valteau-Morgan of the CBS Development Office.


Eight students helped present Black History Month by noting events in an historical timeline of African American History. From left, Zach Thornton (6C), Brandon Haynes (6C), Roemell Robin (7C), Stan Wiltz (7T), Jake Bell (5Z), Mr. Edgar "Dooky" Chase III, Evan Morgan (5R), Logan Boutte (5H) and Cody Martinez (6J).
 


Students Enjoy Trip to Washington, D.C.

During the Mardi Gras holidays, 26 sixth and seventh graders along with several teachers and parents traveled to Washington, D.C. for an educational trip. Some of the highlights included lunch with Congressman Steve Scalise, tours of the White House and Capitol Hill, and visits to Arlington Cemetery, Ford's Theatre, Museum of American History and Mt. Vernon. The students also had the opportunity to visit several other well-known museums and monuments. Mrs. Elizabeth Kuchler, sixth grade homeroom teacher, coordinated the trip. Plans are to offer a similar trip for sixth and seventh graders during the Mardi Gras holidays in 2022.



CBS sixth and seventh graders who visited Washington, D.C. over the Mardi Gras break were treated to pizza by Congressman Steve Scalise. CBS is anticipating offering a similar trip for sixth and seventh graders in 2022.




The students who visited Washington, D.C. took time to "explore" the Einstein statue.






Four students from CBS, Josephine Balhoff (6J), Caroline St. Pierre (7D), Zachary Raymond (6C) and Sam Trouard (7C) participated in a wreath laying ceremony when the CBS group visited at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington Cemetery.


Students in 6K Practice Egyptian 'Writing'



 

History teacher Donald Stout ended a class on the history of Egypt with having students "write" like an Egyptian. At bottom left, London Armstrong gives her take on Egyptian writing. Center, Kalais Lafrance and Penny Werner, right, prepare their parchments.




First Graders Visit Fair Grounds Race Track




The first grade classes, led by Melissa Hoffman and Lori Reuter, went on a field trip to the Fair Grounds, were able to watch a race and then take a picture with the winning jockey, who scooped up Reid McMyne onto his shoulders for a picture.
Neely Schmidt, Stella Kloor and Shylar Sanchez try on jockey goggles. Giggles optional.

Neely Schmidt and Blaine Buras learn from a jockey how to ride "high in the saddle" on wooden horses during their trip to the Fair Grounds.
 

Students Enjoy Canoe, Kayak Trip on Bayou St. John

Dad Ricky Rowell and son Henry (7M) enjoy the paddle on Bayou St. John.


Stephen Miller (5B) and Harrison Scalise (5Z) prepare to launch for a canoe ride.



Seventh grade home room teacher Doug Moreau organizes the trips for the Falcon Canoe & Kayak Club.
 

Second Grade Moms Decorate Crosses for Students

Second grade moms gathered for an evening of decorating crosses for their second grade students preparing for their First Communion. Some of the moms were, from left, Jennifer Cheramie, Michele Vanderbrook, Beth Traina, Jennifer Dicharry, Lacey McKnight, Tina Ragas, Jennifer Womble, Jennifer Bartlett and Gabrielle Cusimano. 

Falcon Band, Dance Team March in Parade
 
 
Band Director Heath Barker leads the Falcon Band in the Krewe of Carrollton Mardi Gras parade in February. Many CBS students and parents lined the parade route to cheer on the Falcons.





The award-winning Falcon Dance Squad, coming off their All-State Championship, helped entertain the crowds during the Krewe of Carrollton parade.
 

Cheering on some of their classmates were, clockwise from front, Lindsay Goebel (7W), Camille Clement (7D), Millie McDaniel (7W) and Meredith Attardo (7W).
Tri-tom drummer Jonathan Brockhoff (6B) gets some water from mom Christine during a break in the Krewe of Carrollton parade.

3rd Graders Study Louisiana, Enjoy State Cuisine




Stacie Richardson's third grade class finished a social studies section on the State of Louisiana by enjoying a taste of the cuisine of the state. Moms Kelly Kloor, Mary Hubbard and Louise Segura helped serve tastes of gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, seafood pasta, red beans and rice, fried okra, corn maque choux, pralines and many other treats of Louisiana.


Middle School Girls Celebrate Women's History 
Middle school girls  celebrated Women's History Month with talks by Kiki Barnes, athletic director at Dillard University; Karen Vander and Maggie Jones, engineers at the NASA facility in Mississippi, and Candace Valteau, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Also speaking were sixth graders Kalais Lafrance (6J), Molly Richardson (6K) and Penny Werner (6K).



Seventh graders perform a skit during the Women's History Month presentation which was written and directed by Marguerite Hopkins and Casey Swanson, both in 7D. The actors each portrayed an important woman in history as well as role models among their teachers.

The presentation was organized by Crystal Valteau-Morgan of the CBS Development Office.


Ladies' Club Hosts Annual Tennis T0urnament



Tracey Tarleton, at left, and Ann Melius co-chaired the Ladies' Club annual tennis tournament which attracted 132 ladies, including 58 doubles teams, to the City Park Tennis Courts.




Cynthia Vutran, Ofelia Saracino, Kelly Kloor, Michelle McKeon

Rana Cabeceiras and Alicia Halphen
Laura Gravener and Stacey Gibbons


Stephanie Pilie and Stacey Duggan

Ginger Coffer and Caroline Toso



Lacey McKnight and Heather Lambert



Falcon 5th Graders Win Soccer Metro Title

The 5th grade Falcon Soccer Team won the championship trophy in the New Orleans Athletic League competition. The team is coached by Sean Mullen. Front row from left:
Ben Keller (5B), Justin Melancon (5B), Jude Ballay (5H), Finn Monahan (5R), Cameron Devine (5Z), Enzo Beaucoudray (5H), Ashton Hinyub (5H), Charlie Smallpage (5R); back row: Clayton Guste (5R), Peter Ellis (5B), Benjamin LeBlanc (5Z), Sebastian Rojas (5Z), Alex Prechter (5R), Eli Francingues (5Z), Matthew Jackel (5B), Blake Couvillon (5Z), Davis Hebert (5R), Andrew Eagle (5B), Noah Casey (5H), Bennett Piacun (5Z), David Quintana (5R). Coach Sean Mallen is standing in back row, far left.
CBS Grads Nastasi, Peters Earn Superior at State

Kolbe Peters
Hunter Nastasi
Two CBS grads, students at Brother Martin High School, earned superiors in the Louisiana Music Educators Association Solo & Ensemble Assessment at Chapelle High School. Hunter Nastasi (2017) and Kolbe Peters (2018) were evaluated according to the following criteria: tone, intonation, diction, technique, interpretation, and musical effect. Each performance was then rated on a scale from I to V, with I representing a superior performance.

Special thanks for help with the newsletter to Pam Smallpage, Katie Cambre, Missy Anclade, Ivona Glavnic, Alllison Akhter, Charli Womac, Dylan Thriffiley, Kari Smith, Shannon Schmidt, Tiphanie Buras, Elizabeth Kuchler, Deacon Len Enger, Melissa Olasin, Kim Smith, Amy Palmisano, Thomas Constant, Nancy Giacone, Bethany Carrigee, Melissa Hoffman, Shannon Denton, Bro. John Mai, FSC, Crystal Morgan, Karen Tullier, Sandy Dischner, Heath Barker, Kim Flair, Stacie Richardson, Don Stout, Shawn Gruenig, Beth Landry and Doug Joubert.