Community E-News l 03.03.24

Dear Carondelet Community,

At Carondelet, prioritizing student health and wellbeing remains a constant focus and integral part of our mission. These formative years provide so many opportunities for students to gain awareness and develop essential lifelong skills that foster healthy development and wellness. As women of Heart, Faith, Courage, and Excellence we strive to empower our students to be positive stewards of their own health while advocating for the safety and wellbeing of others. 

As we transition into the month of March we want to highlight current programming focused on the important topics of both drug and alcohol awareness and relationship-based violence. Education on these pertinent issues is crucial, and we encourage students and families to engage in ongoing communication about safety, awareness, and positive decision making.

In recognition of Teen Dating Violence awareness in February, a student workshop was offered through the Cannon Wellness Center, focusing on Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships. Additionally, our Sophomore Wellness classes completed a unit on self defense and healthy relationships. This important topic will continue to be addressed through Carondelet’s RISE (Respect, Inclusion, Solidarity, and Empowerment) programming during lunch on Friday, March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. For the 13th consecutive year, our students will support the One Billion Rising organization by participating together in the “Break the Chain” dance—a symbolic gesture of solidarity and community in advocating for the end of global violence against women. 

This Wednesday, on March 6, Carondelet and De La Salle are partnering to host a drug awareness assembly for all students titled “Drugs in the Age of Fentanyl'' with Song for Charlie, a national family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about the danger of Fentanyl. The goal is to provide students with crucial information to keep themselves safe and be a positive bystander for their peers. Freshmen and sophomores will attend the assembly at Carondelet. Juniors and seniors will attend the assembly at De La Salle. We will be offering a partner presentation for parents/guardians from both schools that evening, held in the Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation, from 5-6 PM. Please use this link to register. As drug and alcohol use is a broad issue, throughout this month several academic classes in the Science, Kinesiology, and Religion Departments will be addressing various aspects of this topic. The Cannon Wellness Center will also be hosting a workshop from Bay Area Community Resources, focusing on education and how to be a positive bystander.

For additional information and resources supporting students and families on these vital and sensitive topics, please visit the Carondelet Wellness page. Should you have any questions or need support or referral information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Blessings,

Jen Reinwald

VP of Student Life and Mission

Stacie Besagno

Director of Wellness Counseling

Lenten Project: Food Drive

In the Gospel today, Jesus defies cultural norms of the time by engaging a Samaritan woman, offering her living water as a symbol of eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. He reveals his identity as the Messiah. Despite initial surprise from his disciples, many Samaritans come to believe in Jesus through the woman's testimony, recognizing him as the Savior of the world. This passage highlights Jesus's message of inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and inviting all people to experience the transformative power of his love.

Here are the Lenten Project updates for the week:

• We are preparing to host a Hunger Banquet as part of our "Ashes to Abundance" Lenten project. In order to respond to Jesus' invitation to break down barriers, it is helpful to learn about the barriers that exist and keep people on the margins. The Hunger Banquet, which will take place on Thursday, March 14 during X Block, provides students with a chance to gain insights about famine and food inequality in the world through an interactive meal experience. Students can sign up here by Friday, March 7.
• We will begin collecting whole wheat pasta! Don’t forget to drop off your donations in your grade level bin in the Inner Court. Read more about our Food Drive here, and learn what items to bring each week.

March Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programming

This March, Carondelet and De La Salle High Schools are focusing on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention. Science, Kinesiology, and Religion classes at Carondelet will address topics concerning drugs and alcohol during the month of March. The Cannon Wellness Center is hosting a workshop from Bay Area Community Resources focusing on education and how to be a positive bystander. On March 6, both schools will host an assembly on their campus on “Drugs in the Age of Fentanyl” with Song for Charlie, a national family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about the danger of Fentanyl. Freshmen and sophomores will attend the assembly at Carondelet. Juniors and seniors will attend the assembly at De La Salle.  

Show her you Believe in Her - Wednesday, March 13 🎉

❣️How can you participate? 

Believing in Her is easy and meaningful. Become an early bird giver and be counted towards our goal while receiving EXTRA incentives including two luggage tags! You are also entered to win an Apple Airpod Max.

Become an advocate by sharing our campaign on social media to encourage others to participate. When you share our campaign while logged in we track every gift you generate and offer incentives for your advocacy!

🎁 Your support matters

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on the opportunities we can provide for our students. Your support is invaluable in shaping a future where they can thrive and achieve their dreams. 

Your gift will be matched by a generous group of donors having 2x the impact. 

Thank you to our matching gift donors:

• Anonymous Donors (Matching all gifts)
• Fathers Club (Matching gifts to the Fathers Club Tuition Assistance Fund)
• Lynn and Michael Mahoney P’97, ‘98 (Matching all gifts)
• Barbara and Brad Sloan P’26 (Matching Athletics gifts)

• Sue Solger ‘73 (Matching all gifts)
• Amy Yakaitis ‘94 and David Yakaitis P’26 (Matching all gifts)
• Neil Wirth (Matching gifts to Tuition Assistance and the Sisterhood Fund)

Follow Our Parent/Guardian Social Media

Instagram: @carondelet_fam l Facebook: @Carondelet Fam

Easter Egg Hunt Registration is OPEN!

It’s time to hop-to it! Register now for the Carondelet Easter Egg Hunt.

The Easter Bunny will be back for the second year in a row on Sunday, March 24 now at 11:30 AM at the Carondelet Athletics Complex. 🐇

We need student volunteers. Please fill out this form if you're interested. We anticipate high interest in student volunteers, helpers will be chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Ms. Caroline Cabral ‘15 with any questions.

Cougar Classic 2024

Save the Date! Mark your calendars for the 2024 Cougar Classic on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Round Hill Country Club. Learn more here.

 @CarondeletCougars on Instagram l Follow @Go_Carondelet on X

@CougarAthletics on Facebook l Subscribe to the Athletics Calendar

Progress Reports

Quarter 3 ended on Friday. Progress Reports will be sent at the end of the day, Tuesday, March 5.

Uniform Updates and Reminders

Our uniform policy reflects our CSJ values and the academic atmosphere of our school. Sweatpants, pajama pants, and athletic attire may be in style, but they are not appropriate for the academic/professional environment we want to create at school. Moving forward, regardless of previous uniform violations, students in cotton sweatpants will receive a 30-minute detention that must be served that afternoon. We believe this adjustment will help reinforce the significance of adhering to the uniform guidelines and contribute to the overall atmosphere we strive to achieve at our school.

Weekly Updates can be found on the website:

• Sophomores and Juniors
• FREE Practice SAT just for Carondelet students: March 16 Register.
• Registration is Open! 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. RSVP today!
• Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
• The Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) announced seven upcoming college fairs this spring. These are free, in-person events with representatives from 100+ colleges. Information and Registration.
• Juniors
• Stop by College Counseling for Here on Wednesdays Late (HOWL) on Wednesday, March 13 from 2:50 - 4:00 PM. There will be a brief presentation on exploring majors for college and time to ask college counselors general questions.
• Course scheduling meetings with College Counselors are being held now through March 15. Make sure to complete your “Select My Courses” assignment in Schoology and meet with your College Counselor. College information will also be discussed in this meeting.

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