Community e-News l 10.4.20
Students captured vibrant colors (before this week's weather got too hazy) during a Photo Walk in Flex Day's Exploratory with Chris Walsh, Director of Innovation. We hope the pics brighten your day and weekend!
The Virtual Week Ahead...

Mon. Oct. 5
1/2/3/7 l 8:15 AM start

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

Wed. Oct. 7
Flex Day l Spotlight: 12th

Thu. Oct. 7
1/2/3/7 l 8:15 AM start
 
Fri. Oct. 8
4/5/6/0 l 8:15 AM start

If you haven't yet, bookmark these pages:
Hybrid Learning Update

By now families on both sides of Winton Drive will have received multiple communications from our schools over the past week. In case you missed them, here are the important links:

 
We want to assure you as we approach the potential reopening of school that as “Two schools, One community” we have the flexibility, community connections, and resources to welcome our students back in person. As you know from our multiple communications over the summer, we have been planning across both Carondelet and De La Salle for our hybrid learning plan for months. Our highest priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our students, families, faculty, and staff. We will send another update later this week with more information so please continue to be patient. Thank you!
Social Media Expectations

We are aware of several anonymous social media accounts that involve Carondelet and De La Salle students that discuss sensitive issues. While some of these accounts raise awareness and build community, others perpetuate rumors, spread gossip, and cause undue harm. 

Our digital footprints are an extension of our values and beliefs. As members of the Carondelet community, we expect our students to behave, online and in-person, in a manner that is consistent with our core values. We ask our students to be mindful of what they post online, what they “like” and “follow,” and how their comments may impact others. Students should also be aware that it is a violation of our Student Handbook (pg. 16) to post photos/videos of other students or teachers without their consent; share student information, like first and last names, without consent; and use language that is sexist, racist, or homophobic. Any violation of these policies will result in disciplinary action. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Caitlin Main ‘05, Dean of Students.
New Digital Streaming Service

The Library is happy to announce a new digital book service for all students: Junior Library Guild Digital Stream. Access a variety of Young Adult titles in Audiobook or eBook format that change every other month!
"Rising Star" in Sustainability

Chloë de Smedt ’22 was recently named a “Rising Star” for her efforts and lifestyle choices around environmental sustainability. 

Chloë was presented the award during the virtual Contra Costa’s Leaders of Sustainability awards program on September 17, 2020. She was recognized amongst small business owners and activists with decades of efforts in building sustainable communities.

“I think of how my life could be affected in the future growing up in this world,” said Chloë. “The small impact each person has becomes a large impact. It can really have the potential, if everyone works together, to save our world which is in pretty critical danger right now.”

On our campus, Chloë is President of Green Team and a member of Model UN. She also volunteers with Sustainable Contra Costa, working on the organization’s newsletter and social media teams. Read the full story
Junior Families ~ Sign up for the Student Life Town Hall

Save the date for the upcoming Junior Town Hall with the Student Life Department

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.

Past Student Life Town Halls
Students and family members in the classes of '21, '23, or '24 can watch the videos of their past Town Halls or events on all other subjects.
Student Activities Updates

ASB Update
Season 2 of ASB’s baking competition, Quarantined in the Kitchen, is officially underway! Thank you to everyone who volunteered. Stay tuned to see all of the amazing treats being baked! September Club Month was also a success! Many clubs have a rolling entrance policy, meaning you can join throughout the school year. Lastly, our Instagram (@carondelet_asb) is a great resource to stay up to date on our other initiatives.

Junior Council
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!

Sophomore Council
Sophomores finished their walk for suicide prevention month! Students tracked their steps and learned 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 it.
Gatsby Ball

Juniors and seniors were guests of honor at a special Gatsby Ball with Mrs. Leila Campbell, who recently finished teaching the book with her AP Language students. The soiree happened during Exploratory on Flex Day.

Students had fun getting into the zeitgeist of the period by watching a scene from the Luhrmann film, drafted fictional scripts with 1920s slang, learned how Flapper fashion developed in response to women's newfound freedoms after WWI, cut a rug dancing the Charleston, and learned about the Harlem Renaissance by taking a virtual field trip to Harlem's Cotton Club using archival footage. It was the cat's meow!
Do you love reading books?
Virtual Book Club

Carondelet Parents/Guardians, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents ~ Want to connect with new people? Have you considered joining a book club before but haven't yet? Then join Carondelet’s Virtual Book Club led by Dr. Chaponot! Starting this Tuesday, October 6 at 5:00 PM. All meetings via Zoom.

Join our first meeting to learn more about it. Register Here
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. The final day to pay is October 30.
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.
Campus Ministry Updates

Thank You, Class of 2024!
It was wonderful to spend time with our new students in the Class of 2024 this week in Frosh Wellness and in our Frosh Spotlight. Thank you for your creativity, participation, and openness! Your masks are amazing. May you continue to grow in self-acceptance and your willingness to share your true selves with the world! We look forward to sharing more experiences with you as we continue through the year.

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.
Audition Masterclass

15 Carondelet students interested in pursuing a career in Musical Theater were treated to an audition masterclass! Students met with Broadway/TV actor and faculty member at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, Kathy Morath to learn audition tips and tricks in preparation for college auditions. Ms. Morath shared her insight on auditions, including to eat the morning of an audition (proteins, toast, no dairy!), which composers to choose (and avoid) when selecting an audition piece, and tips on being prepared for virtual auditions. It was a hit!
Theatre production to premiere outdoors

We've been approved for an outdoor production! De La Salle and Carondelet theatre Company’s outdoor performance of "12 Angry Jurors" is scheduled to run November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:15 PM under the tent in the DLS quad.

The cast and crew have been meeting in cohorts this semester to bring our community a production that, like our reality, takes place during a pandemic. Students constructed plexiglass juror tables and incorporated the fears we face and safety precautions we take. Add that to the pressure of determining the fate of an accused 19-year-old boy and we have some powerful theatre! "12 Angry Jurors" wrestles with our justice system and the people who determine if one really is innocent until proven guilty.

Seating will be limited and complimentary, and reservations will be required. Reservation information will be available mid-October on the Company website and announced in our weekly newsletter.
Short Film Contest and Festival
Submit your films this week!

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 this week October 7-10. Submission Form
Festival in November. Prizes will be awarded.
Student Life Updates

Senior Spotlight this week!
After an opening prayer experience, this Spotlight will focus on providing seniors with some necessary time to work on college applications. College and Career is coordinating college essay workshops, and appointments with faculty and staff to review college application essays.

Plans for the Upcoming Flex Day on 10/14
We have a lot happening on Wednesday, 10/14! 
  • 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.
  • Some seniors will be taking the SAT on campus.
  • All other students will participate in a Cougar Flex Day. A Flex Day Planner will be made available for students on Friday, 10/9.

Main Campus Cohorts
This upcoming week, we have some new main campus cohorts starting. We are welcoming October Frosh Social Cohorts on campus so that our frosh can meet some fellow classmates in person and complete a craft. This upcoming week, students will create friendship bracelets!

Model UN and Junior Council are also starting main campus cohorts, joining Company Costumes, and ASB as our student activities small groups with some time on campus.
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:

College & Career Weekly Updates
  • Seniors, Wed., Oct. 7 will be Workshop Wednesday (essay help, DVC presentation, application workshops). Learn more on our Weekly Updates page.
  • Attend a FAFSA help session on Oct. 5 or 8.
  • Participate in a Yale Virtual Information Session.
  • Apply for a $500 scholarship for pet lovers.
  • Apply to the Rensselaer S.T.A.R. Program for academically talented, underrepresented students.
  • Attend UC Berkeley’s first annual Fall Open House.
  • Learn more about Purdue Polytechnic University at the Windows of Opportunity for Women in Technology event.
  • Participate in Seton Hall University’s Pirate Pitch to learn the basics of entrepreneurship and idea generation by pitching your own business idea. 
  • Attend a College Rep Visit this week: Hawaii Pacific, Michigan State, Sonoma State, Portland State, University of Chicago, Pacific University, Indiana University, Lynn University, Southern Methodist University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Loyola University of Chicago, Westmont, Dartmouth, Northeastern and many more!
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!

Get an extra 10% off everything in the school store this month!

See what's new at the Online School Store and get your
Back to Basics Bundle
for just $60!
Choose one Comfy Pant and one Spirit Tee, and get Cozy Cougar Socks and a Carondelet Flag for FREE!

Use code OCTOBER10 at checkout for 10% off!
$30.00

Use code OCTOBER10 at checkout for 10% off!
$10.00

Use code OCTOBER10 at checkout for 10% off!
$60.00
You can now shop Clearance items by size!
Wednesday's Daily Prayer

1 Corinthians 13:4-7: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (picture taken pre-COVID)
More than high school. Her school.