Community e-News l 11.13.22 | |
Eight of our Carondelet athletes signed their National Letter of Intents last Wednesday. We are so proud of our Cougars and we can't wait to see what they do in the future! For more photos check out our Carondelet SmugMug and for more info about each student-athlete check out the press release. (Top Row left to right: Allie C., Stephanie I., Jamie K., Maddie B., Shelby S. Bottom Row left to right: Lizzie V., Lauren K., and Sammie M.) | |
Don't miss out on important school information: at the bottom of your eNews be sure to always click "View entire message or view more" to see the newsletter in its entirety. | |
A Message from our VP of Academics and Ed Tech | |
|
Dear Carondelet Community,
With the opening of the Cannon Wellness Center, it could be tempting to declare that Carondelet is NOW focusing on student wellness. It is probably more accurate to say that the Cannon is the natural next step to supporting our students’ needs in an increasingly complex world. The foundational ethos of Carondelet is to embody the spirit and energy of the Sisters of St Joseph of unifying love and meeting the needs of the time. This new wellness center is an example of meeting the needs of the time.
How do we get to a space where we know what is the appropriate next step? And is this next step what we want to focus limited resources on? One way we do this is by attempting to keep a pulse on how students feel and how they are experiencing school. We do this in a variety of ways but surveys are an important part of that process. Way before COVID, Carondelet decided that we needed to get better at how we surveyed. It was decided that having a platform that was research-based AND allowed us to track our progress, identify our areas of improvement, and support our strategic initiatives was essential. We decided to partner with Panorama education because we could pick surveys that are targeted to helping us help students develop life skills. The surveys we select specifically ask questions that develop life skills for self-management. They also allow us to measure engagement and teacher-student relations in an effort to keep the curriculum student-centered. We also chose this vendor because the data that is collected is owned by the school and that was an important piece for us.
We understand that there are limitations to surveys and potentially even frustrations as the surveys are intended for us to get a feel for the overall impressions (and not one individual student’s take). They are also meant for our internal planning and not as a way to showcase success for us.
Having said that, I do want to give a few examples of the types of things we have looked at and how we have used the data in the past as well as what things look like this fall. For the purposes of this newsletter, I will focus on four areas. Two that we know are areas of growth and focus for us and two that are areas of strength and also areas for continued growth. We will never be happy until we hit a perfect score—even if we know that is an unattainable target.
Sense of Belonging: How much students feel that they are valued members of the school community. During COVID we found areas of growth for us were connected to how much students feel that they are valued members of the school community. Obviously, distance learning has embedded challenges, but we felt that students' feedback made that loss of connection tangible. Distance seemingly led to too many of our students stating they were not confident about their value to the larger group. This led to teacher training, spotlight/flex day programming, as well as many strategic conversations on how we can be more intentional. Many of the things that we did just for COVID have found a permanent place at school post-COVID and have led to steady positive increases.
Self-Efficacy: How much students believe they can succeed in achieving academic outcomes. Research shows that socially and culturally, women tend to rank themselves lower on self-worth than men will. As an all-girls school, this is an area we will always want to work on. Our marketing a few years back focused on this key area when we emphasized the “I can and I will” catchphrase. Mastery-based learning, embedded honors, and greater options for APs are some of the systems we have put in place to support greater self-efficacy and advocacy. As a result, we have seen our survey scores steadily increase. There is still a long way to go on this, but we will continue to provide opportunities for students to advocate for themselves and build confidence in their abilities.
Self-Management: How well students manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations. This area has always been a strength spot but even there we see continued growth. Initiatives like the Cannon Wellness Center help us continue to shore up this important life skill as we proactively ensure that COVID backlash is factored in and intentionally planned for in the future.
Social Awareness: How well students consider the perspectives of others and empathize with them. This is also an area where Carondelet has been strong. Carondelet is known for its sisterhood. Community is a major priority and emphasis so it is not surprising that our students would score well on this. But sisterhood does not grow in a vacuum and keeping a solid pulse on how connected our students feel to each other is essential. We know, for example, that social media has changed how teenagers navigate the world, bringing in programming that counters the negative effects and leverages the positive ones has to be planned and thought out.
By definition, our school will always strive to go beyond what can sometimes feel like transactional educational opportunities that many schools offer. Carondelet’s commitment to being a school that provides an education focused on the whole child and includes a student’s spiritual and emotional wellbeing as part of the educational journey speaks to our desire to be a school that moves past transactional education and to a transformational educational model. We sincerely hope that when students walk across our graduation stage that families know their daughters have been loved and not just processed.
Heart + Faith + Courage = Excellence,
Vice Principal of Academics and Ed Tech
| |
|
Deck Your Halls with a Carondelet Tree AND All Its Gifts!
Now is the time to enter for the chance to win one of our renowned Tree Drawing Christmas Trees: Carondelet Country Christmas, Christmas en la Cocina, the Gift of Tuition, to Disney and Beyond, and a Wellness Tree!
Contribute to Our Wine & Spirits Cellars
Please sign up to STOCK our Instant Wine & Spirits Cellars to contribute to the success of Visions for our students!
Collectible Carondelet Ornament
The perfect timeless keepsake for your family, student, or alumna representing the spirit of Carondelet. Limited Quantities available for purchase here.
Helping Hands Needed!
We need assistance taking down the event in the Garaventa on Friday, Nov 18th in the morning. Please sign up here. Coffee and breakfast burritos will be served!
Online Auction Coming Soon
Can’t make it to the in-person Visions events this year? We have you covered with the Online Auction from Nov. 17 - Dec. 1. Don’t miss out on Carondelet exclusives, travel, home, wellness, and more!
|  | |
|
Tuesday, Nov. 15
This Tuesday, our school community will share a Thanksgiving liturgy together. It’s a time to gather together and express thanks for the blessings in our lives. Our school’s Advent project will also be introduced to the whole community.
As with all liturgies, students are expected to be in dress uniform. Students will leave phones and iPads in their fifth-period classrooms before gathering in the Garaventa for liturgy. There are many competing interests in our students’ lives, and we work to create an environment in which we all respect our time together in prayer, as well as our academics. We are asking for parent partnership with us as students navigate distractions such as buying concert tickets with the importance of respectful presence at school programming.
| |
|
Thank You
A big thank you to our Grandparents Club who have been coming to campus and helping make homecoming bouquets, stuffing 400 Open House bags, stuffing envelopes for Carondelet alumnae, and helping with Vision of Christmas. We are so grateful for you all!
Epicurean Cafe Closed Thursday, Nov. 17
In order to prepare for our Visions of Christmas events, the Garaventa Center and Epicurean Cafe will be closed on Thursday. Please have your student either bring lunch or cash to purchase lunch at De La Salle.
Ven a Ver Applications for Spring Immersions Now Available
Learn more and apply for our spring immersion trips: Ven a Ver Borderlands (juniors and seniors) and Ven a Ver Fruits of Labor (frosh and soph) here.
Attendance Reminders
For any absence, tardy, or early out, please contact the Attendance Office before 10:00 AM. We understand that last-minute appointments or emergencies do occur, however, early communication is the best way to ensure that we can dismiss your student on time.
We are continuing to see a rise in cold and flu-like symptoms on campus. If your student is feeling unwell, please keep them home and report their absence to the Attendance Office. Masks are optional for all students and are available in the Main Office.
| |
Speaker Series: Lessons from Life at Mach 25 | |
|
Astronaut Steve Smith
Don't miss Astronaut Steve Smith! He'll share amazing stories from his four trips to space and inspire us all to achieve our biggest goals. On January 26 at 7:00 PM at the Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation.
RSVP for free, but secure your seat soon since there is limited space!
| |
|
Thank You!
Thank you to all of our students, families, faculty, and staff who participated in our Open House last weekend! We had a great time welcoming prospective families onto campus and showcasing our awesome community!
Anyone who has questions about admissions is encouraged to email [email protected]
| |
|
Uniform Updates
As the cold weather sets in, we are now allowing solid-colored outerwear jackets, coats or vests to be worn over Carondelet/De La Salle sweatshirts. This change is to ensure that students are warm enough on campus and during passing periods. Please note that flannels and non-Carondelet/De La Salle sweatshirts/fleeces are not permitted. Additionally, solid-colored tights and leggings can be worn under skirts. Sweatpants and pajamas are not permitted. We encourage students to layer up and dress for the weather.
To clarify, slippers are not allowed even if they are close-toed and/or have backs on them. Our uniform guidelines specifically state "no slippers allowed." However, Ugg-style boots and other winter boots are permitted on campus.
| |
|
Get ready for Winter Sports Season
We have three Team Stores that are open through November 14 (or while supplies last)!
Winter Sports Night Recap
If you missed Winter Sports Night, we posted a short video recap on the Athletics website. Check it out.
Fall Uniform Returns
Connect with your fall sports coach regarding uniform returns. If issued uniforms are not returned promptly, laundered and in good condition, you will be charged a replacement fee.
@CarondeletCougars on Instagram l Follow @Go_Carondelet on Twitter l @CougarAthletics on Facebook l Subscribe to the Athletics Calendar
| |
|
Parents Association Meeting
All parents are welcome to our next Parent Association meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 PM in the Faculty Lounge. Come meet other parents/guardians and find out how you can get involved.
Coffee with Your Dear Neighbor is coming to Brentwood!
Come have some coffee and pastries and just hang out and chat. Meet other Carondelet families that may live in your neighborhood. Our fifth morning coffee will now be on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Starbucks inside Raley’s in Brentwood 9:00 - 10:30 AM.
Tickets for the Father-Daughter Dance are now open!
Get your tickets for this annual Fathers Club event on Saturday, December 3, 6:00-9:00 PM in the Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation. A night of dinner, dancing, fun, a photo booth, and hot chocolate to end the night! Reserve your tickets today. It will be here before you know it. Purchase tickets here!
Crab Feed Committee Help Needed
Do you love organizing? Want to be a part of our amazing annual crab feed? It's our first Crab Feed back in-person. Help us make it a great one! Contact Candi Mannoni.
Follow Our New Parent/Guardian Social Media
Instagram: @carondelet_fam l Facebook: @Carondelet Fam
| |
|
All C&C Weekly Updates can be found on the website
- Seniors, remember that November 30 is the deadline for the UC and CSU applications. College Counselors have created UC and CSU Application Guides to help you with completing the applications:
- UC Application Guide
- CSU Application Guide
-
On Monday, Nov. 7, College Counselors met with sophomores to introduce them to our college planning program, Scoir. If students were unable to attend that session, they have been invited to attend a makeup session in College and Career on Monday, Nov. 14 during lunch.
-
The 2022-2023 Coolidge Scholarship application is now live. This scholarship is open to juniors and is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university.
- In partnership with John Muir Health, Junior Achievement of Northern California is pleased to offer their November and December Young Healers Career Speaker Series. Speakers will share details about their current role, their educational journey, and their unique path to career success, followed by a live Q&A with participating JA students.
-
Wed., Nov. 16 Pediatric Oncology Medicine with Dr. Karen Chao Registration
-
Wed., Dec. 14 Careers in Nursing with Anne Lum RN Registration
Read more on the College and Career Website
| |
Support Carondelet with Purchases you Make Everyday | |
|
Amazon Smile
When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Carondelet High School. Bookmark this link and support us every time you shop.
Escrip
Escrip rebates to Carondelet a portion of purchases you make at hundreds of participating stores and online vendors. Your card information is kept secure and confidential. Carondelet’s Group Identification Number is 5825088. Register with Escrip and select Carondelet High School as the recipient of your Escrip support.
| |
|
London 2023 - ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT
This trip covers it all from fashion design, health sciences, the physics of roller coasters, ecology, and even Harry Potter! Check out more information here.
Email Lesley Schooler for the Zoom Link
| |
|
Spain and France Trip 2023
Vamos to Spain and France for un voyage of a lifetime during spring break 2023! We'll visit celebrated landmarks, taste scrumptious food, and experience life à l'européenne.
De La Salle students who take Spanish or French classes at Carondelet are invited to participate alongside Carondelet students of Spanish and French.
Check out the dates, itinerary, and price on the trip website.
For more information about this trip, please reach out to Nadine Amarelo.
| |
If you haven't yet, bookmark these pages:
| |
More than high school. Her school.
| |  |
|
Carondelet High School inspires excellence by preparing young women to live with heart, faith, and courage in the Catholic tradition and spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph. | |
Carondelet High School l 1133 Winton Drive l Concord, CA 94518 l CarondeletHS.org
| | | | | |
