Community E-News l 01.28.24

Dear Carondelet Community,

As we close out January, students, faculty, and staff feel fully back in the swing of the second semester. This upcoming week is Catholic Schools Week, which is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the many gifts of a Catholic education. The mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet is central to all we do. As students prepare for academic scheduling for next year; student-athletes practice and play; and young women develop their care for each other, our community, and creation—the touchstone values of heart, faith, courage, and excellence guide actions and choices.  

On campus this week, there are a few ways that students and families are invited to support students and our school community. On Tuesday, come on out to the Carondelet Gym for our Basketball SOS (Support Our Sisters) game against San Ramon Valley High School. Varsity takes on SRV at 7:30 PM. On Wednesday, College Counseling is offering a College Money Method Workshop. This session details the financial factors colleges use to determine student/family expected contribution and actions to maximize financial aid eligibility. On Thursday, Carondelet Soccer celebrates the team’s senior athletes with a Senior Night. Watch the Cougars take on Cal High and celebrate our senior soccer student-athletes at 6:30 PM at the CAC. 

This Friday, students do not have school. Faculty and staff will have a professional development day in advance of the WCEA/WASC accreditation committee visit the following week. Faculty and staff have worked diligently this past year to prepare our self-study and are excited to welcome the committee to campus. Thank you to all the parents who filled out the WCEA/WASC surveys, and to those who participated in our in-person parent sessions—we appreciate all of your support during this process!

Blessings,

Jennifer Reinwald

Vice Principal of Student Life and Mission

🎟️ Get your tickets here! 🎟️

Don't be crabby… Grab yours early!

📅 Saturday, February 24 

Doors open at 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM start

$100/person

🦀 Indulge in a sea-licious feast with succulent crab, famous tri-tip, penne with marinara sauce, salad, and a dinner roll.

🕺 Get ready to dance the night away to the tunes of our live band, Fast Times!

🤲 Participate in our Live Auction and Silent Auction and make waves of generosity! 🌊

And that's just the tip of the crab's claw! There's much more in store, so mark your calendars, spread the word, and let's make this night a shell of a good time! Learn More.

Volunteers needed! Sign up to help out with

Crab Feed prep and clean up HERE.

'Year at a Glance' Calendars

Carondelet and De La Salle High Schools are sharing “Year at a Glance” calendars for the next two school years, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. These calendars include dates for the start and end of the year, school holidays, Faculty/Staff PD Days, select key events, and school breaks. Details on all school events and special schedules will be released on each school’s website calendar closer to the start of each semester.  

Please note that the 2024-2025 school year has a week-long spring break and an extended Easter weekend holiday. On years when Easter occurs in the latter half of April, this schedule will be used to preserve optimal preparation for AP Testing in early May and to provide a mid-semester respite. The usual Easter Break returns for the 2025-2026 school year.

Link to 2024-25 Calendar

Link to 2025-26 Calendar

Laps for Life on Saturday, Feb. 3

Carondelet and the wellness counseling team are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students. Our programming includes education and advocacy for suicide awareness, as suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24. Suicide is preventable, and talking about it is our best defense. Currently, we are proud to partner with De La Salle in their conversation around mental health awareness and suicide prevention by supporting their upcoming annual Laps For Life event on Saturday, Feb. 3 (9:00 - 11:00 AM).

"Laps For Life is a powerful, positive event focused on changing the conversation about teenage mental health. We believe that with openness, love, and community support we can have the courage to talk about our struggles and loss and we can become healthier together. Part resource fair and part walk/run fundraiser, Laps for Life is hosted by De La Salle High School with the dual purpose of promoting mental health and preventing teen suicide. This event was created in the wake of the heartbreaking suicide of De La Salle student, Tyler Bunn, and is dedicated to him. Any support is greatly appreciated and will support suicide research, mental health resources, and treatment. Over the past 12 years, this project has contributed more than $12,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Contra Costa County Crisis Center, BeingWell CA, and Bring Change 2 Mind."

We welcome students and families to join us for the event, which will include inspirational speakers, community agencies offering information and resources, and an opportunity to walk the DLS track together in solidarity and support of this important cause. Bracelets will be sold in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). 

We encourage you to keep the lines of communication open with your daughters around this important and sensitive topic, and we have several additional resources on our Wellness Resources page to facilitate that conversation. 

As wellness counselors, we are here to support our students and families. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, or concerns, or would like further information regarding resources and community referrals.

Your Wellness Team

Tuition Assistance Applications Now Open for 2024-25 

Tuition assistance applications are open in FACTS for the 2024-25 school year. Applications are due February 12, 2024 and meeting this deadline is critical to receiving timely aid awards. You must apply each year you require aid. There is one application for both Carondelet and De La Salle students. You may also use this application to apply for FACE through the Oakland Diocese. Here is a link to the FACTS website to start the process.

Please see our website for additional tuition assistance information

or contact Terri Meehan, with any questions.

Winton Arts Film Festival Submissions Open Now

The 2024 Winton Arts Film Festival submissions are now open for students! We'd love for students to submit work to the film festival. Submissions are due February 2. Get all the info here: 2024 Winton Arts Film Festival. We hope you'll consider joining us for the festival and the awards show on Friday, March 1. We hope to see you there! 

Frosh/Soph Valentines Dance on February 10

Carondelet and De La Salle are excited to announce the Frosh/Soph Valentine’s Dance. Students can go with their pals or their gals!

The guest pass link can be found on the ticket form and is due to the Dean’s office by February 6 at 3:00 PM.

Dress Code: This is a semi-formal event and students are expected to dress up for the occasion. Attire must be school-appropriate. If you have questions about a particular piece of clothing, please see Caitlin Main '05 or Stephanie Gutierrez. Please no bags as there will not be a coat check.

Questions? Reach out to Maggie Lettire ‘13, Director of Student Activities.

Elective Fair

Carondelet and De La Salle have partnered to provide students with an additional opportunity to learn about many of the course offerings available to them. On Tuesday, January 30, the first elective fair will be held (Lunch at De La Salle and X-Block at Carondelet).

California Scholarship Federation Spring Membership Drive

The California Scholarship Federation's spring membership drive is here! Use this link and your Carondelet Gmail to apply for spring membership.The CSF spring membership drive will end at 3:00 PM, on Friday, February 9. No applications will be accepted after this time, so don't miss out! If you would like to learn more about the California Scholarship Federation and its membership, please visit the Carondelet Club Mini-Site. Contact Merrilee Silveira '88, Director of Academic & Learning Support, if you have any questions.

Advisement Meetings Begin

Advisement meetings for the 2024-25 scheduling season have begun. Students should be connecting to the Scheduling Course on Schoology, picking their classes, and then signing up for meetings with their college counselor. Meeting dates vary per grade level:

Advisement Meetings with College Counselors:

• 01/29/24 through 02/15/24: Meetings for current 10th graders going into 11th (Class of 2026)
• 02/20/24 through 03/14/24: Meetings for current 11th graders going into 12th (Class of 2025)
• 01/22/24 through 03/1/24: Meetings for current 9th graders going into 10th (Class of 2027)

 @CarondeletCougars on Instagram l Follow @Go_Carondelet on X

@CougarAthletics on Facebook l Subscribe to the Athletics Calendar

Save the Date for our Easter Egg Hunt—Sunday, March 24 at 10:30 AM!

Something is hop-pening this spring, and we need your help! For the second year, Carondelet will be hosting an Easter Egg hunt for kids of all ages in our community.

We are in need of plastic Easter eggs and candy to support what we hope will be an amazing turnout. Please drop off donations to Ms. Caroline Cabral ‘15 upstairs and to the right in the Convent.

Registration coming soon...

Follow Our Parent/Guardian Social Media

Instagram: @carondelet_fam l Facebook: @Carondelet Fam

Weekly Updates can be found on the website:

• Juniors
• HOWL (Here on Wednesday Late) - January 31, 3:00 - 4:00 PM in the College Counseling Office. Take advantage of this dedicated study hall to explore colleges, ask questions, and build your college list. This is a great time to work on your activities list and connect with peers. A brief presentation about visiting colleges will be given at 3:00 PM.
• Sophomores and Juniors
• The next College Money Method Webinar: Understanding Your Ability to Pay and Aid Eligibility is coming up soon! Register for the January 31 live workshop now.
• Road to College: Mock Admissions Review will be on March 6, 6:30 PM (In Person Event). Using sample applicants and a fictitious university, college admissions officers will lead students and parents through an interactive discussion, giving them a better understanding of how schools review applicants. More information to come.
• Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
• Castilleja and other high schools are sponsoring a webinar: Debunking the Myth of the Starving Artist: College and Career Pathways in the Visual and Performing Arts on Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register.
• The Western Association for College Admissions Counseling (WACAC) is holding a virtual college fair on January 31.  Information and Registration. 

Carondelet shares these opportunities for informational purposes only. We do not affiliate with or endorse any particular organizations.



Learn More about all college-related events here.

Heart Sponsors

Countrywood Shopping Center

Mary Beth Kulawiec Dittrich '79 and Thomas Dittrich

Faith Sponsors

A Sweet Affair Bakery

Lehmer’s Buick GMC Concord

Christine Sabatte Logan ’73 and Rich Logan P’12

Courage Sponsors

Balestrieri Family Farm

Anabelle and Rudy Galera P’20, ‘24, ‘26

Julie Gonzalez '99

Aimee Pourroy-Martin and James Martin P’26 

Excellence Sponsors

Michelle and Rob Craw P'25

Nicole Vasta Field '98 and Tony Field P'27

UBEO Business Services

CSJ Sponsors

BACA Wines

Tracy and Brad Bowles P'22 '26, Bowles and Verna LLP

Choicelunch

SC Builders 

Stephanie Seeno-Miles ’80 P’14

Wasser Wealth Management 

Spirit Sponsors

Bay Alarm

Stephanie Canessa State Farm Agency

Chimirri’s Salon

Greenlight Simulation-Driver Training for Teens

Karen and Zachary Gustafson P'26

Lenox Homes