Community e-News l 12.18.20 |
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Students and teachers did their very best to make things work this semester. It wasn't perfect but it was a daily joy seeing you all on campus. |
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e-News Update
We're sending this week's e-News a couple days early so you can read fully at the very beginning of Christmas break. The next e-News is planned for the second weekend in January and any important updates will be sent as needed.
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The weeks ahead...
Fri. Dec. 18 - Wed. Jan. 6
Christmas Break (campus closed)
Tues. Jan. 5
PowerSchool Opens (approx. 12 PM)
Thu. Jan. 7 - Fri. Jan. 8
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Days
Mon. Jan. 11
Second Semester begins
Tues. Jan. 12
Wed. Jan. 13
Thu. Jan. 14
Fri. Jan. 15
If you haven't yet, bookmark these pages:
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COVID-19 Update
We hope that everyone enjoys a peaceful, safe, and blessed Holiday Season. As we look forward to the spring semester, we are encouraged by our ability to mitigate any spread of COVID-19 on campus. Our safety protocols have not only allowed us to keep campus open for our hybrid learning, but have also provided safety for our students and our wonderful faculty and staff. I would encourage you all to reach out and thank your teachers, as they have surpassed our expectations in being on campus and working tirelessly to create an effective learning environment while facing truly difficult conditions.
We are constantly reviewing what is working and what we may need to modify within our hybrid environment. We have seen the on-campus numbers drop by 14% as students have switched from the hybrid to distance learning in the past month. The percentage of students in the hybrid who are not coming to campus since the Thanksgiving break has been between 25%-30%. This means that teachers are in classrooms with very few students in-person, making hybrid teaching quite difficult. We surveyed students and teachers to get input on what’s currently in place and will use that information, along with any new guidelines from the county health department, to create modifications to our hybrid platform so it’s as efficacious as possible, and we will be reaching out to get numbers on students who will begin the semester in our hybrid or distance environments. If we make changes we will share them with students and families the first week in January, so please keep an eye out for communication from both Carondelet and De La Salle that week. We will take a data-based approach with the input mentioned above to ensure that learning continues at a high level.
Regarding Athletics, the California Department of Public Health released new guidelines for athletic competition and CIF has already met to review these guidelines. CIF has stated it will wait until January 4 for further updates before discussing additional changes to the competition seasons announced earlier this school year.
Finally, as 2020 comes to a close, we are beyond thankful and proud of our students, faculty, staff, and our entire Carondelet community for your resilience and unity this year.
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Academics Update
Believe it or not, when we get back from break, we will be launching scheduling season for next year! Picking classes is a big deal and we want to give you all the information you need to make important choices with your daughter. You will be receiving an email this week giving you access to the scheduling website and explaining what the next steps will look like.
VP for Academics and Ed Tech
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Advent Message
from Campus Ministry
Dear Carondelet Community,
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.”
1Thessalonians 5:16
“During this third week in Advent we are called to be joyful. It is a hard time to be joyful. Our hearts are heavy. So many of our fellow Americans have died from this virus, so many are ill. Yet, the season calls us to ‘rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.’ Joy isn’t giddiness. This rejoicing isn’t so much a matter of feelings as it is of actions. In order to be more joyful, we have to work at it. Bad things will happen in the world, but they cannot derail us. Joy is an attitude toward life. Joy is our witness to hope. Advent joy is a response to what God has done in Jesus Christ.”
This Advent we carry all of the heartbreak and challenge of 2020 with us, along with our longing for wellness, unity, and joy. In today’s Daily Reflection, the Sisters invite us to ponder: How can our action help create a spirit of joy in these present circumstances? What specific things can we do to keep alive a hopeful spirit?
We pray that the joy of Christmas will compel us to be like the star that the Magi followed. Through our 2020 Advent Project, Following the STAR to Racial Justice, we have answered God’s call to recognize the darkness of racism and become lights of all-inclusive love in the world. We are so moved by the depth and authenticity with which many of our students, faculty, and staff entered into these difficult, yet life-giving conversations during Advent, and have witnessed the hunger for continued work in making our world a truly inclusive place for everyone.
During these last days of Advent, we joyfully prepare to receive Jesus anew in our hearts on Christmas morning. We celebrate God’s generous choice to join us in the flesh and become one of us, that all may be one. May God’s light and love be ever-present in our hearts and may your Christmas be filled with good health, joy, and peace.
With Love and Gratitude,
Carondelet Campus Ministry Team
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Innovators@Carondelet presents Sonya Childress
Online Speaker l Thursday, February 4 l 7:00 PM
Art is a powerful tool to change hearts and minds, and there are few artforms as powerful as film. Now, a new role has emerged to harness the power of film as a vehicle for social change—the role of impact producer. In this talk, veteran cultural strategist Sonya Childress will reflect on her twenty-year career in impact production, and share lessons in leveraging the catalytic power of documentary film to spark change in beliefs, actions, relationships, and institutions. More details to follow in January.
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PowerSchool reopens Jan. 5
The PowerSchool Portal is currently closed to all students. This is to allow for students and teachers to concentrate on the final week of exams/assignments without distractions and allow students to have a restful break during vacation. The PowerSchool portal will re-open on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at (approx.) 12:00 PM, once the Semester One grades have been stored.
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All in with Maddie Gamble
Maddie Gamble '21 earned a cover story on the California prep magazine, SportStars! "With a renewed passion for her sport, Carondelet's Maddie Gamble is slaying amateur competitions and hoping for a chance to lead the Cougars one last time." Read the full story at SportStars Magazine. Congrats, Maddie!
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Cindy Cardenas '21 (center) stands in front of the Supreme Court during a Ven a Ver trip in November 2019. |
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National Hispanic Recognition Program awards
Cindy Cardenas '21 and Brooke Kocher '21 have received the National Hispanic Recognition Award for their academic achievement and test scores. Being a part of this program is an academic honor. Names of awardees are sent to colleges and can help students get accepted and receive prestigious scholarships.
The College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes approximately 5,000 students from the nearly quarter million Hispanic/Latino students who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Congrats, Cindy and Brooke!
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Jefferson Awards
Five students were honored with Jefferson Awards this semester.
Paige Pearson '21 worked with Elder Care Alliance to ensure that residents received a hand-written, personalized letter.
Shaila Santos '21 participates in various fundraisers that benefit children in the USA, Mexico, and the Philippines as Para Ti Global's senior ambassador.
Mary Saunders '23 (pictured) has completed more than 275 hours of service with Lindsay Wildlife Experience.
Maddy Wilson '22 used her personal experience with scoliosis to bring awareness, offer support, and provide education on the condition.
Jordyn Young '21 created a special project designed to help raise money for scholarships for the Juvenile Hall youth to attend a college or university, a trade school or a vocational program
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Morning Shuttle reservations for spring
Morning shuttle service is being offered for the Spring Semester on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are open now with service beginning Monday, January 11. The shuttle runs M-T-Th-F. Due to COVID regulations and guidelines the bus company will only allow 14 passengers on the bus at any given time and all passengers must wear a mask at all times when riding the bus. The shuttle makes three stops along the route for communal pick-ups - in Livermore, Pleasanton, and Danville - before arriving on campus. View the schedule details on the Transportation webpage.
If you would like your daughter to take the morning shuttle please fill out the reservation form to reserve your spot. First come, first serve. 20-21 pricing is still being determined at this time. Contact Diane Milano with questions.
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Danville Chipotle Fundraiser
Saturday, January 9
The Carondelet Athletic Service Club and Hearts for the Homeless Club are collaborating to create goodie bags for each student at the Monument Crisis Center in Concord. Our clubs are striving to promote a healthy balance of athletics and academics and demonstrate our support for students in our community. Each bag will include a mask, hand sanitizer, soccer ball, pencil, notebook, water bottle, and a handwritten note from a Carondelet student. In order to raise the funds needed to ensure each student receives an equal amount of items in their bag, we will be hosting a fundraiser night at Chipotle in Danville on Saturday, January 9 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A third of each check will go to our club's fundraiser. Come get your favorite Chipotle meal while contributing to help a child in need! We can’t wait to see you there!
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Books for Spring Semester
There will be an opportunity for students to pick up new textbooks on Wednesday, January 6. If your student has a new semester class that requires her to pick up a book, she will receive an email from Ms. Koski letting her know where and when to pick up her book. Most textbooks are digital, and do not require pick up at campus. Please have your students check their email after January 1 for more information. Questions can be sent to Ms. Koski at chslibrary@carondeleths.org.
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Delightful Duet
Julianna Giammona and Catherine DeVincenzi performed "O Holy Night" for the virtual Visions of Christmas celebration on November 14. Enjoy!
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Pre-Order Lunch for Your Student!
Ordering lunch at school is easier and cheaper! Our food vendor, Epicurean, has cut their prices and now allows pre-orders up to the 4 PM the day before! Let's rally behind Epicurean to keep this great service for your students!
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CIF cancels Season 1 Championships
On December 1, CIF released a statement that no decisions will be made regarding the start date for Season 1 sports (CIF Sponsored Sports-Cross Country, Volleyball, and Water Polo; Non-CIF sponsored sports: Sideline Cheer, Dance, and Rugby) until at least January 1. We will know more details once CIF works with the California Department of Public Health and announces its new plan, likely after January 1.
Since no season of sport started on December 7, the Athletics Department has resumed their Athletic cohorts for specific sports through Dec. 19.
Check out Junior Bella Veran in the Women of Will video promoting and empowering strong female athletes! Way to go Bella, you were fantastic and represented Carondelet with style, grace, and grit!
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This Week's CougarLight
We are highlighting basketball student-athlete Viola DeSzily '22 as our CougarLight this week. Check out our Instagram @carondeletcougars or Twitter feed @go_carondelet to find out more about Viola!
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Student Life Updates
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our wonderful students and families!
Thank you for your participation and energy at our class spotlights and other Student Life events and activities both virtual and in person. Information on the spring semester spotlights, events, and activities will begin to be communicated in January. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year!
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Virtual Tour
Take a peek at the places our students call home and meet some of the people who make it feel that way.
Share with a prospective middle school family!
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Early College Credit - new courses available
Enrollment for Early College Credit classes through the College of the Siskiyous for spring is now open. Visit our Early College Credit webpage for class schedules and registration forms. These classes are available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, but make sure you are not overloading yourself with too much work. These classes are entirely online and do require 3-5 hours per week of dedicated time. Please reach out to Mr. Cushing if you have questions or for more information. Return registration form to Mr. Cushing via email or you can drop forms off in his office on his desk if you are on campus.
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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:
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- Juniors and parents: Over break, don’t forget to complete the “Parents Brag Sheet” and “Getting to Know Me” Naviance Questionnaires to provide College Counselors with helpful information for course and college advising.
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Reminder to all juniors: The PSAT test will be given on campus on January 26. Visit the College and Career Weekly Updates page for additional information and resources.
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Seniors interested in majoring in computer science, apply for the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship for a chance at winning $40,000 for college as well as an internship with Amazon.
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Participate in Close Up’s Inauguration 2021: Defining Visions for Our Future to learn more about the inauguration and reflect on the nation’s values and priorities.
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The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school women who are interested in pursuing careers in orthopaedic surgery and engineering. Register today!
- Sophomore and junior families: Save the Date! Road to College will be held (virtually) on January 19 from 6:30-8:45 PM. Families will have the opportunity to attend workshops on a variety of topics such as standardized testing, UC admissions, community college opportunities, selective college admissions, attending college as a first-generation student, developing a college list, applying to nursing programs, honors colleges, and more!
- Freshmen: On Wednesday, January 13, College Counselors will be meeting with you to discuss course scheduling for next year and other college and career information. Please check your Flex Day planner for times and Zoom links.
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Seniors: If you want to be considered for financial aid at colleges, you must complete the FAFSA by your colleges’ financial aid deadline. If you need assistance with this, please reach out to Mrs. San Miguel in College and Career.
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Daily Prayer
During the Advent season, we're called to slow down a bit in preparation for Christmas... We know how difficult that can be! So, we place our focus today on inner peace especially considering we're at the end of finals! So we pray...
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Wellness during this Holiday Season
With the holidays approaching we understand this season may be filled with tough choices and changes in traditions for families, which is hard. Working to first acknowledge and then manage your own disappointment around this holiday season can open space for your daughters to do the same. Feelings of sadness, worry or anger are valid. Looking at the bigger picture can help adjust expectations. The holidays are a time when gratitude is front and center—and gratitude has been shown to help kids (and adults) feel increased joy and resilience. Consider sharing as a family each day things that you are grateful for and look for ways to create positive COVID-friendly family experiences. Maintaining a positive, festive, and calm demeanor can help your daughters to attempt to do the same.
Things you can do to help create stability during this holiday season include asking your daughters how they are feeling and reminding them that you are there if they need to talk. Allow them a sense of control by giving them choices even if it is as simple as what is for dinner—encourage positive social activities to honor the holiday season, in a socially distanced way.
We understand that holidays can be difficult for some and even more so during a shelter in place. If you or your daughter are worried about the mental health of a friend or loved one there are many resources available. Contra Costa Crisis Center and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are two fantastic sites that have both information and hotline numbers that we invite you to share with your daughters, friends, and family in need.
We wish you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.
Wellness Counselors
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School Store
Gifts for the whole Cougar family!
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New! Student-Designed Heart Hoodie |
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New! Student-Designed Cougar Wrap Sweatshirt |
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New! Student-Designed 1965 Tee |
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Perfect stocking stuffer! |
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More than high school. Her school.
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