New Student Orientation Guide 2014

2014-15New Student Orientation

Program Guide

Sempre Avanti–Always Forward

Welcome Class of

2018

Our MissionJustin-Siena is a Catholic high school

in the Lasallian traditioncalled to provide educational excellencein a loving, Christ-centered community

that prepares students to serve and to lead in an ever-changing world.

4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558 | 707.255.0950 | www.justin-siena.orga catholic high school in the lasallian tradition

about our sChool seal

In addition to identifying our physical location and the year of our founding, our seal contains the history of our school. The Justin-Siena High School seal embodies the icons of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael (who co-sponsored the school through the 2005-06 academic year) and the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

The original black and white cross, or Fleury, has been associated with Dominicans since the 13th century and indicates a spiritual ide-al in spreading the Gospel of Christ by preaching and teaching. The five-pointed star signifies the sign of faith, which guides all Christian Brothers and Lasallian partners in their vocation of Christian education.

The shield containing these two icons symbolizes the Dominican shield which first appeared in the early 15th century when the Order of Preach-ers began using the shield as a coat-of-arms for identification. Finally, Sempre Avanti heralds the legacy of the Brothers, and more specifically, Justin High School. Meaning always forward, these words appeared on the original school seal of Justin High School representing a commit-ment always to look forward and to uphold a high standard for preparing students to serve and to lead in an ever-changing world.

August 14, 2014

Dear New Parents,

Welcome! On behalf of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and the many members of the Justin-Siena family, we are excited to welcome you to Jus-tin-Siena. We are glad you have chosen Justin-Siena, and we trust that knowing us to be the premier Catholic, Lasallian, college preparatory institu-tion in the Napa Valley made the decision easier.

Justin-Siena provides an education that is accessible, sustainable, and relevant, marked by rigor, relevance, and relationships. The framework of a Lasallian school further provides context to who we are as a community and gives life to the mission of our school. You are now joining our family, and we look forward to your discovery of how our mission comes to life on a daily basis.

We hope that the transition to high school will be a smooth one for you and your child. Tonight’s Orientation is intended to provide you with a glimpse into the many ways that the Justin-Siena community is here to serve you. With multiple sessions for you to choose from, tonight’s program was de-signed to assure that all your questions be answered.

We wish you the very best as you join us here at the Home of the Braves. Know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers now and throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Robert T. JordanPresident & CEO

David HolquinInterim Principal


Orientation Schedule

5:45 pm Registration Brother Bede Center

6:00 pm Prayer & Welcome Clark Gym

6:20 pm Dinner Patrons Plaza

6:50 pm Session 1 Various



In order to best serve your needs, we will provide you with an op-portunity to attend three sessions on topics about which you are most interested.

Please know that the individual presenters are also happy to meet with you to answer any questions you might have, especially if you were un-able to attend a particular session or your questions were not able to be covered in the allotted time. Please review the sessions topics available and determine which session you would like to attend.

Tailor the evening to meet your needs!

when what where

2.

Session Topics

Catholic and Lasallian 101Room 416

Presented by:Robert JordanPresident & CEOYou may know a lot or

nothing at all about the

Catholic Church and the

mission of the De La Salle

Christian Brothers, from where the La-

sallian tradition comes. This session is an

excellent primer to learn more about how

the religious dimension of Justin-Siena

comes to life while providing an opportu-

nity to understand more about how we live

this charism out daily.

Guidance Services Dining Hall

Presented by:Marisa Bartalotti Guidance Director Sandra Alvarez, Jill Sinclair ’99Counselors

Justin-Siena regards highly our partner-

ship with parents, the primary educators

of the students entrusted to our care. In

this session, our Guidance Department

will provide an overview on how they help

students journey toward self-advocacy

and ownership. Learn from our Guidance

Department about how they partner with

you to ensure your student’s emotional,

intellectual, and personal health through-

out their high school career.

iPadsSenior Lawn

Presented by:Simon RebullidaEducational Technology Specialist You and your family may

have experience with iP-

ads, but perhaps only for

personal use. At Justin-Siena these devices

are used as educational tools both in and

outside of the classroom. Our Technology

Integration Specialist will introduce you

to some of the apps your student will use

and provide an overview on proper care

and use.

Justin-Siena athleticsClark Gym

Presented by:George NessmanAthletics Director Did you know that more

than 80% of our students

participate in athletics?

Our Athletic Director will

provide you with information related to phi-

losophy, schedules, expectations, and more

for being a successful student-athlete at the

Home of the Braves.

3.

Justin-Siena artsRoom 413

Presented by:James BaileyDirector of Theatre ArtsWith a vibrant arts

community thriving on

campus there are many

ways for students to

express themselves–dance, music, the-

atre, and visual arts. Always a must-see,

Justin-Siena Theatre has a long history of

outstanding productions that bring musi-

cals, plays, and more to new heights. Hear

from the Director of Theatre Arts about

various opportunities in performance and

visual arts, including production schedules,

expectations, and more.

Living with teenagersRoom 503

Presented by:Adolfo GuevaraDean of Students Life is messy, and the

teenage years can be

some of the messiest,

and we aren’t just talking about their bed-

rooms. Our Dean of Students will share

some common concerns facing teenag-

ers in general as well as some specific

issues facing Justin-Siena Braves. More

importantly, this will be an opportunity to

discuss some positive strategies for living

with the teenage years.

Managing the academic Challenges of high School

Gasser Center Presented by:Heidi HarrisonVice Principal for Cur-riculum and InstructionHigh school academics

will be different from

previous years as students and parents

encounter many changes. Whether it

be a different homework load, students

struggling with new academic concepts, or

students asking new and critical questions,

this session will provide some context to

the high school academic life.

Schoology & PowerSchool 101 Room 508

Presented by:Alma Gallegos Director of Academic Services Bob BaileyVice Principal for Strategic Initiatives Schoology and PowerSchool are two

important online tools for students and

parents. Hear more about these tools, how

your student can use them effectively, and

ways you can be aware of what your child

is doing in the classroom.

4.

The First Few Months of SchoolClark Gym

Presented by:Alicia ValdiviaDirector of AdmissionsTim GarciaDirector of TransportationFrom the first dance, the first bus stop,

or the first liturgy dress-up day, this is an

opportunity to see the schedule and how

you can help your student be prepared for

all those first firsts.

Volunteer Opportunities Room 511

Presented by:Fiorella O’Neill Special Events Manager Volunteers make the

difference for Justin-Si-

ena! Come share your

time and talents with

our school community. We know it’s high

school, but we still need you. Meet other

parents and make friends. Jobs/tasks are

varied and both large and small—come

find out tonight. There are plenty of

exciting opportunities—something for

everyone!

College Counseling College Counseling Center

Presented by:Andrea Flores Director of College Counseling Kim Kostin-Borders College CounselorJustin-Siena believes that the four years

spent with us are among some of, if not

the most, pivotal of a student’s life; we

recognize that the college admission

environment is increasingly more complex.

Hear from our resident experts a little

about what the school does to provide

information to students beginning even at

the freshman level.

5.

The Class of 2014 by the numbers:• 158 graduates; Justin- Siena’s 45th Commencement• 185 universities/colleges issued acceptance(s) to Braves• 100% attending college (81% to 4 yr./18% to 2 yr./ 1% other)•$1.3 Million awarded in scholarships

PeoPle to know

Bob BaileyVice Principal for Strategic

Initiatives; Residential [email protected] ext. 665

School Administration

Heidi HarrisonVice Principal for

Curriculum and [email protected]

707.255.0950 ext. 602

David HolquinInterim Principal

[email protected] 707.255.0950 ext. 641

Adolfo GuevaraDean of Students


Robert JordanPresident & CEO

Instructor of [email protected] ext. 675

6.

Sandra AlvarezGuidance Counselor

[email protected] ext. 633

Marisa BartalottiGuidance Director


Michele FarverStudent Support Program

Coordinator [email protected] 707.255.0950 ext. 634

Guidance Department

Matthew Schmitz ‘01Guidance Counselor;

Residential [email protected]

707.255.0950 ext. 561

Jill Sinclair ‘99Guidance Counselor

Instructor of Ed Skills/[email protected] ext. 623

7.

A well-qualified and professional counseling staff is available to assist Justin-Siena stu-dents with academic counseling, personal, and college counseling. Students may request to see a counselor by filling out a request form. Parents who wish to meet with their stu-dent’s counselor may call or email for more information (see below). Be sure to check the website and school calendar for upcoming college and guidance evenings for students and parents. The Guidance Offices are located in the Christian Brothers Center.

StuDent CounSelinG ASSiGnMentS(based on student last name)

A-E………..Bartalotti

F-M……….....Sinclair

N-Z……….....Alvarez

8.

Andrea FloresDirector of College


George nessmanDirector of Athletics


Follow on Twitter:@JSBraves

Sarah Merkel, MA, AtCAthletic Trainer; Instructor

of Sports [email protected] ext. 624

Follow on Twitter:@JSSportsMed

Kim Kostin-BordersCollege [email protected]

707.255.0950 ext. 664

College Counseling

Braves Athletics

The College Counseling Department, located in the Christian Brothers Center, provides guidance and support through the college exploration, application and selection process. We pro-vide assistance in developing your college application list, organizing and compiling your applications, gathering information on scholarships and/or financial aid, making a college choice and transi-tioning to college. We offer a full spectrum of college counseling, such as individual meetings with students and their parents, workshops for students and parents, and advice on visiting colleges and admission interviews.

More than 80% of Justin-Si-ena students participate in our Athletic Program. Student-athletes compete in the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) and we are well regarded for both our accomplishments and our sportsmanship. Athletics are seen as an extension of the classroom and teach about character and commitment as well as successful com-petition.

9.

Stan CorderoDirector of

Lasallian Student [email protected]

707.255.0950 ext. 609

James BaileyDirector of Theatre Arts; Instructor of V&P Arts


Sarah neidhoeferDirector of

Lasallian Student [email protected]

707.255.0950 ext. 591

Lasallian Student Life

Justin-Siena TheatreJustin-Siena has a rich histo-ry of successful productions in the performing arts. Each student-artist is encour-aged to stretch themselves. Coupled with the skill of our performing arts faculty, who are all working, professional artists, the opportunities for artistic expression bring a unique experience to the Justin-Siena student-artist. Justin-Siena is thrilled to host many guest-artists through-out the year.

The Lasallian Student Life Office (LSLO) is responsible for serving the needs of the student from prayer and wor-ship experiences, retreats, rallies, dances, student council, clubs, assemblies, and more. The Directors also assist in ensuring that the 5 Core Principles of a Lasallian school are lived out on a daily basis in all the activities of our school. LSL offers many student leadership opportut-nies for students.

facebook.com/JustinSienaTheatre

Important Office Staff

10.

BrOther Bede Center (BBC):

Cynthia Paniagua ‘75Attendance [email protected] ext. 677

Debbie SkillingsAssistant to Student Life [email protected] ext. 642

Patty SugarAdministrative Assistant to the [email protected] ext. 661

Silvia VillalobosAssistant for Academic [email protected] ext. 676

BuSineSS OFFiCe (CBC):

leanne iundFinance [email protected] ext. 689

eileen SimmonsAccounting [email protected] ext. 608

John Van HofwegenDirector of [email protected] ext. 604

ChriStian BrOtherS Center (CBC):

Caroline Gerlomes ’79Executive Assistant to the President [email protected] 707.255.0950 ext. 644

letty HerreraChristian Brothers Center Receptionist and Admissions [email protected]

707.255.0950 ext. 637

Fiorella o’neillSpecial Events [email protected] ext. 620

tiffany WingDatabase [email protected] ext. 646

Faith: At Justin-Siena, we invite students to explore their relationship with God. Essential to our school’s Catholic identity is a respect for the many religious traditions in our world. We propose the Catholic faith, but do not impose it, because faith is a gift freely offered and freely received.

SChOLarShiP: As a college preparatory school, our curriculum is designed for students to be competitive for college placement, while becoming young men and women inspired to put their faith into action, to apply their knowledge for the benefit of others, and to embrace their bravery within.

BraVery: Vibrant co-curricu-lar programs enhance student life by engaging young people in unique activities including spiritual development, service, athletics, and the arts while developing and exercising personal lead-ership skills and being of service to the greater community.

Inspiring . . .

Lasallian Core Principles

OConCern for

the Poor and soCial justiCe

quality eduCation

faith in the PresenCe of god

resPeCt for all Persons

inClusive Community

11.

MA

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calendar

Save these Important Dates!

Key dates forthe start of school

For a complete and up-to-date

calendar of school events visit:

www.justin-siena.org/calendar

The JusTin-siena family eagerly anticipates this spectacular journey of the senses at the Great Party 2015. We are a family with much to celebrate and brave traditions of our own that light the way to a bright future. Don’t miss the 2015 Great Party.

www.justin-siena.org/greatparty

Save the Date for 2015!

JuStin-Sienasaturday, January 24, 2015

5:30 pm Registration | 7 pm Dinner | 9 pm DancingClark Gym | Justin-Siena | 4026 Maher Street

12.

Parent welcome reception

Monday, August 18, 20146:30-8 pm

Christian Brothers CenterAND

Tuesday, August 19, 20147:45-10 am

Christian Brothers Center

Fall SportsParent Meeting

Monday, August 25, 20145:30-6:15 pm

Back to School night

Monday, August 25, 20146:30 pm

Mon, August 18First Day of School

A special welcome to the Class of 2018!

Fri, October 31Homecoming

Football Gamevs. San Rafael

@ Dodd Stadium

Thurs, November 20President’s

Circle ReceptionDining Hall

Thurs, October 30Braves Bash,

Rally, & BonfireA Braves Homecoming

tradition

Sun, October 26open HouseA great day for

prospective families to visit campus

Fri, December 12our lady of

Guadalupe Mass and Celebration

Thurs, September 4Mass of

the Holy SpiritFirst All-school Liturgy

Patrons Plaza

October 23-26Justin-Siena Theatre presents

The Twilight Zone – live on

Stage

Wed, November 26Alumni Games

First All-school LiturgyPatrons Plaza

Fri, October 3Alumni Hall

of HonorHonoring our most distiguished alumni

Mon, November 3Alumni

Generations Golf tournamentNapa Valley Country Club

Fri, December 12“A Winter’s

night”- ConcertThe Chapel

at Mont La Salle

Places to go. People to see!

13.

Honoring our past and the native inhabi-tants of the land with which the school has been blessed, Justin-Siena is proud to be the Home of the Braves–since 1966.

In 2011 the Justin-Siena community had a unique opportunity to partner with mem-bers of the local Wappo-Mishewal Tribal Council—representatives of the inhabi-tants who called the Napa Valley home as early as 4500 BC. With the blessing and encouragement of the Council, a group of Justin-Siena student leaders began to re-search the Wappo people, culture, and tra-ditions—a project which would inform the creation of our Brave.

Our mascot’s name is Pawa, which means number one in the Wappo language. The five red diamonds in the headdress, which is called a flicker, represent Justin-Siena’s five Lasallian Core Principles of: concern for the poor and social justice; faith in the presence of God; respect for all persons; in-clusive community; and quality education. These important tenets of a school in the centuries-old, Lasallian tradition perme-ate everything we do at Justin-Siena—in and out of the classroom and on and off the playing field.Located around the neck of our Brave is

a strand of shells representing the Wappo

currency. The arrowhead on the necklace symbolizes the resourcefulness of making tools from what nature provides, such as obsidian from nearby Glass Mountain. The fact that our Brave wears this arrowhead is to signify a sense of readiness and prepara-tion for whatever lies ahead.

The cross-armed stance of Pawa conveys a sense of all what it means to be BRAVE: faith, knowledge, confidence, strength, courage, integrity, tenacity, and commit-ment.

We stand together united by a proud lega-cy and the collective confidence in our pre-paredness for whatever we face on the field, on the court, on the stage, in the classroom, within our families, in our communities, and in life. WE ARE Justin-Siena, and to-gether we are BRAVE.

Gear Up For GAME DAY!

Enjoy fine wine and benefit the students

of Justin-Siena with each purchase of Speratus wine.

Speratus Winery exists for a single purpose:

to fund the Brother David Brennan, FSC, Tuition Assistance Program that ensures financial accessibility to all students desiring a JUSTIN- SIENA education regardless of their ability to pay. Speratus is derived from the Latin word sperare, which means to hope.

Meet Our Mascot

15.

Gear Up For GAME DAY!Shop our full line of signature Shield and Braves wear for men, women, and youth at

our convenient, online Braves Store. Apparel, gifts, gear, and more!

www.braveswear.comspecial new student discount - Save 15%!

Limited time only; act fast! Use neWStuDent15 before midnight Sunday, August 17 and save 15% off your order. It’s our way of saying, “Welcome to the Braves family!”

A Catholic High School in the Lasallian Tradition

16.

Learn Your Way Around

HistoryJustin-Siena High School was founded near-ly fifty years ago when a need for a Catholic college preparatory education arose in the Napa Valley.

In 1966, Justin High School for boys (spon-sored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers) and Siena High School for girls (sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael) were founded.

In 1972, the schools merged and became co-educational under the name of Justin-Si-ena High School. The De La Salle Chris-tian Brothers became the sole sponsor of Justin-Siena in June 2006. With such a rich heritage, Justin-Siena bears a distinction of educational excellence that ensures the school is always moving forward as our motto suggests—Sempre Avanti. We take pride in our current students and graduates who con-tinue to serve and lead in their communities.

De La Salle Christian BrothersThe Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (also known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers) is a Roman Catholic teaching order founded in France in 1680 by John Baptist de La Salle, a Catholic priest. Originally serving the purpose of educating the young, with a particular concern to those of modest or limited means, the De La Salle Christian Brothers currently sponsor ap-proximately 1,000 institutions more than 80 countries around the world. The Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, is regarded today as the patron saint of all teachers. It is from this rich legacy lasting more than 330 years that we celebrate our Lasallian traditions everyday, throughout our campus, and in all that we do.

A Catholic High School in the Lasallian Tradition

Inspiring Faith, Scholarship, & Bravery

BRoThER JUSTIN McMAhoN, FSCPioneer in Catholic Education & First Visitor

of the District of San FranciscoNamesake of Justin-Siena

ST. CAThERINE of SIENA14th Century Dominican Saint

Doctor of the ChurchNamesake of Justin-Siena

www.justin-siena.org


facebook.com/JustinSiena

@JustinSiena

#JustinSiena

Join the Conversation

Go Braves!

Documents

New Student Orientation Guide 2014