From the Assistant Principal

“In each class, a student earns a grade based on the teacher’s professional assessment of demonstrated mastery of course content, satisfactory application of required skills, and effective class participation.” [Student Handbook, p. 11]

The first quarter ends on October 16.  As you know you are able to monitor your daughter’s grades regularly now via PowerSchool  so there will be NO paper quarter grades sent.  Please keep in mind that first quarter grades are a type of “progress report” which indicate your daughter’s grade to date.  Although they are not included on student transcripts, these grades are used in determining eligibility for athletics and certain co-curricular activities.  If the grade is where you want it to be, it is important to continue your support and encouragement.  On the other hand, if the quarter grade is lower than you expected, it is not too late to raise it.

Here are some steps you can take to assist your daughter in achieving her best:

a. Review her CHS student planner.  Are test and quiz dates clearly marked?  Are homework assignments and deadlines noted?

b. Review all homework.  Was it carefully and neatly done?  Did your daughter understand her teacher’s comments and suggestions?  Are there any missing assignments?

c. Review all quizzes and tests.  Your daughter should keep a record of these in her academic log as directed by her teacher.  Are your daughter’s “study strategies” aimed at her teacher’s expectations?  Are there particular types of questions or problems which continue to be difficult from test to test?

d. Evaluate all notes.  Are class notes kept together in a notebook or file system?  Does the note-taking method your daughter uses allow for easy and efficient study?

e. Evaluate study habits.  Is time set aside every day for study?  Is the study area quiet, uncluttered and well-lighted?  Does your daughter always have the materials necessary to complete her homework?

f. Contact the teacher.  Sometimes a telephone conversation will answer your questions; sometimes a parent-student-teacher conference is more appropriate in addressing your concerns.  In either case, leave a message on our Voice Mail system and your daughter’s teacher will get back to you as soon as possible.  (To avoid “phone tag”, please specify an appropriate time for the teacher to return your call.)  Of course, the first conversation should be between your daughter and her teacher – that is often all that is needed to address a concern.

Finally, if there is anything Ms. Harris (academic advisor for 9^th-10^th grades) Sr. Anne Eugene (12^th) or Nancy Libby (11^th) can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.  As partners with you in your daughter’s education, we will do our best to help her do her best. 

And, last but certainly not least, a word about the flu ….

The Safety Committee discussed the advent of the flu season at our last meeting.  And of course there are continuing concerns about the so called swine flu, technically H1N1.  Staying home when symptomatic, AND enthusiastic, frequent, hand washing seem to be our best defense against flus and colds.

Please remind your daughter about the importance of staying home and in bed at the beginning of flu symptoms.  While we are proud of, and encourage our students’, zeal at learning everything they can and maintaining top grades, it CANNOT come at the expense of their health. (And in order to contain any illnesses from spreading, we need those who are ill to stay “away” from everyone else)!

All teachers are more than willing to help students get caught up with work missed for legitimate absences.  (Please call Ms. Menconi in the Attendance Office to let her know when your daughter will be out sick and she will be happy to notify teachers).

It’s not too late to register for our upcoming Mother/Daughter Liturgy and Brunch on Sunday, October 4.  The day begins with Mass in the gym at 10:30 am, followed by a delicious brunch in the Garaventa Center.  Forms are available in the Campus Ministry Office.

Although we refer to this event “Mother/Daughter,” if a mother is unavailable to attend, we hope that each student will feel free to invite an adult woman in her family who functions as her mentor/nurturer to accompany her.  We look forward to seeing you at our celebration of womanhood.

Sophomore retreats are in full swing with each Religious Studies class spending a day together at the Diocesan Retreat Center in Lafayette under the skilled direction of Sr. Joann Heinritz, Director of CSJ Spirituality and Mission.

Freshmen will be spending a special morning together on campus Wednesday, October 14 while other students are taking tests.  This morning, designated as Frosh Unity Day, focuses on introducing students to each other, to the Sisters of St. Joseph, and to various Carondelet traditions.  Additional information will come to students through their Religious Studies teacher.

This year once again Carondelet will be joining DeLaSalle in taking twelve of our students on “Ven a Ver” immersion mission trips to the Salinas area October 14-17 and 21-24.  Remember to pray for us as we minister at Dorothy’s Place and work in the fields with migrant workers.

Seniors wishing to make a Kairos retreat should register as soon as possible.  Forms are available in the Campus Ministry Office.  Financial assistance is available; please speak to Mrs. Mondello.  Parents whose daughters are scheduled for the November 11-13 retreat should expect to receive an informational mailing from the Campus Ministry Office by mid October.

Because All Saints Day falls on a weekend this year, we will have an autumn all school Eucharist on Wednesday, October 21, focusing on a prayer for peace in the world.  Dress Uniform should be worn.

Mrs. Mondello

Do you have a heart for prayer and a little bit of time to spare?  Please consider joining the “Moms-In Touch” Group at Carondelet.  We meet in the Chapel twice a month on Mondays, after drop-off at 8:20 a.m.  For more information, please contact Audrey Tormey at 943-6885 or Kathy Dasso at 938-1468.

Interscholastic Sports

Fall sports teams have been selected with 213 girls representing CHS on Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Cheer and Dance.  Thanks to all the fall sports parents who joined the Athletic Association on September 2.  The $30.00 membership (2 cards) allows two people entrance to all the EBAL-CHS home Volleyball and Basketball games FREE!  The money is used to buy extra equipment, pay entry fees for clinics, and grant special requests from the coaches.

Now is the time to check with the Attendance Office concerning current physicals for the upcoming Winter season of sports.  An athlete must have a current physical (valid for one year from the date given) on file in order to try out for Basketball or Soccer.  If the physical has been stamped “good for two years”, the school physical form must be resubmitted to the physician for current clearance.  Tryouts begin Monday, November 9.

Congratulations  to Allison Gargalikis, Madison White and Chelsea Chenault for being selected to compete on the 2009 National Youth World Cup Swimming team.  The girls will be competing in Sweden and Germany in November.  Twenty three girls were selected for the team; it is phenomenal that 3 were selected from the same high school.  Go, Cougars!

A special thank you to Club Sport Valley Vista for providing courts (at a reduced rate) for the tennis team.  All home matches will be played at the Club Sport facility.

Thank you to all CHS parents, alums and alum parents who are sharing their time and resources to help make Visions of Christmas a successful event this year.

Event Time Schedule

          The CHS website is the place to visit for dates and times of individual events.

          October 5 – 9 are Curbside Donation Drop-Off dates.  Follow the signs around to the Convent Garage where a Visions elf will gladly assist you.

Invitations and Reservations

          Look for your invitation to arrive October 16 or 17.

          Reservations are accepted in person or by mail beginning 7:00 am Monday, October 19.  If bringing yours in, follow the signs to the smiling elf.  You might bring her a cup of coffee!

Volunteers are Always Needed!

Below are listed several of the opportunities for you to volunteer your time to get those PIP hours out of the way.  We still have committee chair positions open as well as lots and lots of worker bee spots to fill.  In particular, we need parent volunteers to:

          Take the lead for the over-all decorations for the Garaventa Center, the area outside the Garaventa Center and the Inner Court for the Gala.  We have lots of stuff that can be used, and many people to help, I just need someone with the vision to implement.  I know you are out there . . .please call me.

          Co-Chair the Gala . . .come on, you can do this!  It is fun and much of the work is already done.

          Solicit Auction Items

          Co-chair the Senior Suitcase . . .this is a really, really easy one.  Just need 2 senior parents to sign a few letters and put together a finished product for the Saturday night Gala as this is a live auction item.

Sandwiches, Scones and Cookies oh my!

More than 2,000 people will attend the teas . . .we need lots and lots of sandwiches, cookies and scones.  Recipes are given, all you have to do is put them together in the comfort of your own kitchen and bring them to school.  Not only do you help Visions of Christmas, but you get PIP hours, too!

          Please email Kathleen Russell at kathleenrussell43@me.com for information on sandwiches and scones.

          Please email Bernie Mahan at bernie.mahan@sbcglobal.net or Alexandra Montgomery at avmontgomery@comcast.net for cookie information.

All Proceeds Benefit the Campus Building Program

Our goal is to have each of the seven events completely underwritten.  To do this, we need your help.  Please consider Visions 2009 Sponsorship opportunities for you and your workplace.  Many companies will match a donation given by an employee.  We are a 501 (c)3 Foundation. 

Please contact Cyndie Harrison at 686-5353 ext. 151, charrison@carondeleths.org or Marybeth Anicich at 686-5353 ext. 153, manicich@carondeleths.org if you would like more information or would like to be a part of Visions 2009.

Ms. Harris is leading a Study Skills workshop on the first day of the week at Period 7 (2:30-3:00) in Room 10.  Topics include goal setting, getting organized, managing time, discovering what kind of learner you are, learning how to study effectively, note taking and test preparation.  Check the schedule outside Ms. Harris’s office for the topic of the week.  Drop in for one topic or come for the entire series.

From the Personal Counselors

Lately, the media has been bombarding us with information about how sleep deprived our teens are.  As we know sleep deprivation is linked to memory and concentration problems, moodiness, hyperactivity, anxiety and depression.  In a recent article in USA Today it was reported that teens who are not asleep before midnight on school nights are 42% more likely to be depressed than teens who have a 10:00pm or earlier bedtime.  Furthermore teens who are allowed to stay up late are 30% more likely to have had suicidal thoughts in the last year.

Factors contributing to teens’ lack of sleep are texting, instant messaging and using Facebook late into the night.  In fact many teens are sleeping with their phones or laptops and are often awakened in the night to answer these messages.  They are so afraid of missing the opportunity to be socially connected with their peers.  As a result they do not have the opportunity to wind down and relax the mind in order to fall asleep.  As was reported in the Contra Costa Times teens tend to see sleep-deprivation as a “victimless crime.”  What parents can do is help them to understand cause and effect by talking with them and setting limits.  Have them try getting some phone-free, undisturbed sleep for a week and evaluate the differences.  Ask, “How’s your energy for sports, quizzes and class work?  How’s your ability to handle conflicts with your friends?  How do you really want to treat yourself?"

It is vitally important for the physical and emotional well-being of our teens that they learn to strike a balance between staying connected through the use of technology and taking care of themselves, i.e. getting enough sleep.

Mary Ahern, MSW

Stacie Besagno, MS

Mother/Daughter Liturgy and Brunch

 October 4, 2009
10:30 A.M.
$15.00 Per Person

Event is for all current students and one adult female per familyare invited. 

The Liturgy is in the CHS Gym, Doors open at 10:15 a.m.

*****

 The Brunch is in the Silvio E. Garaventa Center immediately following the liturgy.

 The Garaventa Center will be open after the liturgy has ended. Please enter from the doors on the south or west side of the building.

KEEPSAKE PHOTOS will be taken for an additional fee in the SAC Room, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., and then again after the Liturgy. The photographers will remain until everyone has had a chance to be photographed.

Tickets will be distributed to your daughter the week before this event in Period 4.

Any questions, please call Linda D’Souza at (925) 798-7626.