Today Lent begins. Over the next six weeks, we will open our hearts and minds to move closer to and strengthen our relationship with God in preparation for Easter Sunday.

Our school community will gather this morning for two Lenten prayer services and we will also be offering a prayer at 2:40 this afternoon on behalf of Ukraine, at the request of Pope Francis. Please join us and recite the prayer below from your home.

Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

O Prince of Peace,
Once more we hear the guns of war,
Once more we see the faces of frightened children.

We pray for the people of Ukraine,
That they may be granted peace;
We pray for the people of Russia,
That they may demand peace;
We pray for our country,
That we may be a positive part
Of peacemaking in this world.

O Prince of Peace,
Lead us from this dark time
To a deeper understanding
Of the global human family,
So all may break bread together
In the secure embrace of peace.

Amen.

In solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors at St. George’s Ukrainian Academy and Church, our Campus Minister, Brother Richard Galvin, will be attending Mass with seven of our seniors at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Thursday. Please continue to pray for an end to the aggression against our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

New York, N.Y., October 27, 2021 – Four La Salle Academy students have been selected as QuestBridge Finalists based on their outstanding academic accomplishments. Nationwide, 16,500 students completed the National College Match application. Out of the 16,500 applicants, 6,312 were selected from across the country, 1,452 of which were from the Northeast region of the United States. La Salle Academy is thrilled to be home to four of those students: Carlos Apreza, Abiola Laguda, Frank Reyes, and Joshua Rocamora.

Despite financial challenges, the group of four La Salle seniors have demonstrated impressive academic achievement throughout their four years of high school. They will submit additional documentation and are contenders for four-year all expenses paid scholarships at some of the most prestigious schools in the United States such as Princeton, Stanford, and Yale. Visit www.questbridge.org for more details about this wonderful opportunity.

“I am proud of our quartet of scholars and grateful they merited this national recognition. I applaud them and am optimistic they will rise to the top as they continue their quest for full scholarships to highly regarded colleges and universities,” said Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC, President of La Salle Academy.

La Salle Academy is a college-preparatory Catholic high school that serves a culturally diverse group of students from all five boroughs that celebrates a spirit of brotherhood grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the tradition of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers. For more information about La Salle Academy, contact Ms. Daria Coney at 212-475-8940 ext. 301, email [email protected], or visit www.LaSalleAcademy.org.

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The mission of La Salle Academy, a rigorous college-preparatory high school, is to educate students of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds with special outreach to those most in need. We provide a nurturing environment, which fosters spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional and physical growth in the Roman Catholic tradition and the Lasallian spirit, as embodied in Saint John Baptist de La Salle. We create experiences of community within the school and encourage each student to develop his gifts and talents for his own growth, as well as to engage in the caring service of others, through its academic, extra-curricular and spiritual programs.

Approximately a year and a half ago was the last time the full contingent of La Salle students came to 215 E 6^th Street for class. As we anticipated welcoming back all our Cardinals for the 2021-2022 academic year, we realized that some of the challenges ahead will relate to the social and emotional well-being of the young men whom we serve. We wanted them to return to a familiar, yet different, place where they feel at home in a refreshed environment.

Our space, which has been pretty much vacant and devoid of life since we sent our students home for the last time in March 2020, appeared a bit faded and tired. Some areas required a fresh coat of paint, others called for a dash of pizazz, and still others needed a significant makeover. During the summer months, some students volunteered to come in for “Days of Service” and helped our staff transform the appearance of stairwells, corridors, and classrooms. In particular, the new look of our entryway clearly offers a celebration of life at La Salle Academy once you cross the threshold.

Preparing the building for full occupancy has associated expenses for labor and supplies, as well as food for the students who volunteered their time. Will you make a donation towards the cost of refreshing our school? While not glamorous, it is a necessary project that will enhance our message of welcome and enable us to begin our year in a vibrant way. The brightened look and feel of our common space will affirm for our students that we’re back together and it’s a new beginning. The results of this project will make a lasting impression on all who enter our building at 215 E 6^th Street.

I appreciate your consideration of my request and assure you of my prayers.

Sincerely,

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC

President

P.S. All our years are in some ways exceptional. We recognize what has happened in the last two and we move forward with confidence and enthusiasm. “Back to school” in 2021 is unique! Contribute to assure our students they are welcome as they return to La Salle this fall.

On Thursday, July 15th, the Lasallian Region of North America hosted a virtual Lasallian Youth Assembly. This assembly included 125 high school students from across the United States. Lasallian Youth groups exist in Lasallian schools like ours. Members seek understanding of themselves and the world. They search for this understanding through activities of faith, service, and community.

La Salle Academy was well-represented with the participation of five students: Alejandro A. ‘22, Matheus D. ‘24, Eamon M. ‘23, Aaron P. ‘22, and Rowan T. ’24. These young men were joined by Brother Richard Galvin, FSC, La Salle’s new campus minister. Rising senior, Aaron P. served as La Salle’s spokesperson, introducing the group and leading us in a cheer, “We Are La Salle!” The assembly’s theme was “Mapping Our Way Forward.” It began at 12:00 pm and ended at 5:30 pm. The afternoon consisted of opening and closing ceremonies and prayer as well as breakout sessions and two keynote presentations. Pictured are Matheus D. (3^rd Row, 1^st frame), Rowan T. ( 2^nd Row, 3^rd frame), and Br. Richard (1^st Row, 4^th frame.)  All students are encouraged to consider joining La Salle Academy’s Lasallian Youth Group in September!

Dear La Salle Academy Community, 

Thank you to all who replied to the 4^th quarter survey. We look forward to welcoming more students back in person. Our classes will resume on April 12^th (spring dress code begins then, too) and the 4^th quarter will begin on April 19^th.   

We have experienced a very difficult year together with great tragedy and loss, from a pandemic that is not yet over, to acts of racially motivated hate that continue.  La Salle Academy stands against all acts of racism and hate. Our Christian faith, summed up in the feast of Easter, involves a belief in new life and in a commitment to come together as brothers and sisters. That is the message we proclaim and the example we model at La Salle. 

I wish you and your family a happy Easter! 

Sincerely, 

​Ms. Kerry Conroy

Principal

Two brothers. Two parents. Two countries. Those pairings come together surrounded by one pandemic and form a story that characterizes 2020 at La Salle Academy.

Roberto and Manuel are both gifted and diligent students who benefit from the talent of our teachers and the ethos of our school. Each is the recipient of a merit scholarship. Each receives financial aid as well. They live with their mother, Marta, and communicate with their father who lives in his native country. He was here in New York with his family, and employed, before he was deported. The fiscal responsibility for Marta and her sons became her obligation. The economic consequences of the pandemic increased the burden she had to bear. She alerted Mary Anne Glassen in our Business Office to the challenge she was experiencing in paying the monthly tuition installment for her sons. Thanks to you, our benefactors, we were able to ease her burden, reduce the amount she owed, and prevent Roberto and Manuel from leaving La Salle, the school of opportunity. 

Similar good news was conveyed to 32 other families who, likewise, sought relief when faced with the bill they had to pay La Salle for the education provided. In order to serve a significant segment of the clientele our mission calls us to serve, we offer tuition assistance from the start of a family’s relationship with us and we have learned we must be prepared to augment it when an aberration like the events of 2020 upsets our world. Your contributions enable us to make life a bit easier for our students, while still covering our operating expenses.

Please consider making a gift today to help students like Roberto and Manuel. You can text MISSION to 91999 from your cell phone, click here to make a gift through our website, or you can send a check to La Salle Academy, 215 E 6th Street, New York, NY 10003 ATTN: Development Office.

I started this message referencing two brothers, two parents, and two countries. I cited the role you play in providing a positive impact for our students and their families. I conclude by asserting we are linked as one La Salle. Let us continue to stand tall and proud together!

Gratefully, with prayers and best wishes,

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

P.S. I have changed the names of the individuals mentioned in my message to respect their privacy. What is not changed, is the way the Easter message of hope comes alive for this family, and for all at La Salle, because of your generosity and prayers. I wish you a blessed Easter as well.

Dear Parents and Guardians,   

Thank you for your continued patience as we continue to navigate this challenging year! Your commitment to your son’s educational experience has been excellent. As promised, we have taken two months to determine the direction of the remainder of the 2020 – 2021 academic year.

After a great deal of consideration, we have decided that we will be entering into a hybrid plan for the second half of the year. You have the option of having your son participate in this plan that involves some in-person instruction, or you may choose to continue the fully remote option that is currently occurring. Please note, if you decide to keep your son home, the next opportunity to opt for in-person classes will not be until the next quarter (the 4^th quarter begins April 19^th). If your son begins in-person education, and after starting, you change your mind, notify the Main Office and he will be reassigned as a student who is learning fully remotely.     

The proposed schedule and accompanying notes are below. As you will see, we attempted to keep things similar to the schedule we have now to provide some form of consistency in this time.

La Salle Academy – 3rd Quarter Schedule & Details:   

Monday – Wednesday* – Friday      

• A – 8:00 – 9:15 (first 15 minutes will be used as homeroom)   
• B – 9:25 – 10:25    
• C – 10:35 – 11:35    
• D – 11:45 – 12:45    
• Lunch – 12:45 -1:20    
• E – 1:30 – 2:30    

* All students will be taught remotely on Wednesdays*  

Tuesday – Thursday   

• F – 8:00 – 9:45 (first 15 minutes will be used as homeroom)   
• G – 9:55 – 11:25    
• Lunch – 11:25 – 12:00    
• H – 12:15 – 1:45    

• Homeroom will be eliminated as we know it now. Prayer, announcements, and attendance will now take place during periods A and F (the first periods of the day). This eliminates a transition time.    
• Students will move around the building between all periods. It will be the responsibility of the teacher and students to wipe down each student desk between each period. Wipes or paper towels and a spray bottle will be provided. Teachers will either hand each student a wipe or paper towel (in this case the teacher will spray each desk). The student is responsible for cleaning his desk before he leaves the room.    
• The structure of our building and placement of stairwells requires two-way hallways. Students will be instructed to keep to the right and signage will be posted.    
• We will work in a model that would probably not have more than 12 students in a room. Some rooms allow for more students, but we will work this out. Social distancing (6 feet) of desks will take place. That is what will determine the number of desks in a room.    
• Students would be allowed to begin entering the building at 7:15 am.    
• Students will enter the building through the fire exit on 6th Street. This is the stairwell at the back of the cafeteria (behind the back wall) that enters into the gym. Students will have their temperatures taken in the gym. Students who arrive early will stay in the cafeteria, socially distanced, until an appropriate time for them to be allowed upstairs. We will place the check-in table towards the middle of the gym or against the back wall. This will allow students indoor space to line up socially distanced for temp checks. If they do not meet the screening criteria, parents will be notified and asked to pick up their child. They will not come upstairs.    
• Parents must complete a Covid screening questionnaire for their child each morning he will come to the building. We will use an app for this. The specific app is being chosen by administration.    
• Students will be allowed to use lockers for the storage of their coats and umbrellas only. No books will be stored there. They will only go to their lockers at the start of and end of day.    
• There is only one lunch period. This is the only way to keep the schedule concept we have right now. This requires that some students eat in the cafeteria and some students eat in classrooms. Students can bring lunch or have the lunch provided by the lunch program.   
• To create the lunch period, the time between classes had to be shortened. There are now 10 minutes between each period. This will allow time for staggered dismissals from the rooms between periods (different grade levels every minute or two). It will reduce the number of students in the hall at one time.    
• Students must keep their masks on at all times except when they are eating lunch.    
• Classes are taught synchronously (students at home and students in the building are taking the class at the same time). The exception for this is PE. Mr. Schaller will teach only the students in-person at the assigned time. The students learning remotely will be given assignments. The WiFi connection and other restrictions in the gym do not allow synchronous education for PE to be an option.    
• Students will be allowed to wear their gym clothes to school on the days they have PE. This will eliminate the need for the use of locker rooms/changing. They will be allowed to bring a shirt to change into after gym if they would like. Clothing guidelines will be provided to them.    
• Students will likely come in 2 days per week. Either Mon/Tues or Thurs/Fri. All students will be taught remotely on Wednesdays. This may change depending on the number of students who want in-person education.    
• Students who have free periods will be assigned to a study hall. Seniors will not be allowed out of the building for free periods.    
• The schedule presented will be in effect from the date we start hybrid education through the balance of the school year, regardless of whether we are fully remote, hybrid, or all in-person.   
• Clubs will run. Those in person will attend in person. Those at home can participate online.    
• If a student or faculty/staff member tests positive for COVID, the school will revert to full remote education for 2 weeks. Deep cleaning and contact tracing will occur.    
• There will be a room on the 1st floor designated for students who become ill during the day. This room will be shared by St. George and the pre-k. It is our hope that it will not need to be used, but is there if we need it.    
• Dismissal will be staggered to avoid crowded halls.    

The rollout of this will be as follows: 

• Feb 1-5 – Teachers only in the building teaching from there for the week. This allows faculty to adjust to teaching from the classroom and learn the new schedule. Students will continue to learn from home this week. 
• Feb 8-12 – students in building (all remote on Wed) 
• Feb 15- 19 – Winter break – no classes 
• Feb 22 – back in school 

We believe this to be the best rollout plan, as it allows for an “easing in” to the new process. We will have a week without students in the building, a week with the students, and then a week off. The week off will also allow us all time to make any necessary adjustments. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  

Best regards,  

Middle, high school and college students in NYC had a chance to win $500 in Schneps Media’s “Your Voice, Your View Point” essay contest by sharing a story of their personal experience with racism. Our very own Joshua M. ’22 (pictured here with his mom) submitted the essay below and won! Congratulations!

My first experience with racism was in 4th grade when my teacher assumed that because I am Hispanic, I could not speak English. This incident happened at the second parent teacher conference with my mom, my aunt, and my teacher. My mom and my aunt went into the classroom as I waited outside. About 20 minutes later, my mom came out of the room with a furious look on her face and told me to go inside.

As soon as I went inside, my teacher asked me if I was struggling in any of my classes. I told her I am not struggling but my teacher disagreed. She assumed because I did not talk very much, I did not know any English. My teacher then told my mom that there was a language barrier. English has always been my first and only language and my family does not speak Spanish. My teacher, insisted, however that I should be evaluated because she felt that there was a language barrier.

A couple weeks later my mother decided to transfer me because the teacher insisted that English was not my first language. The teacher never considered the fact that I may have been a shy student who felt nervous to participate in class. She instead judged me according to my appearance. Up to this day, I wonder if my teacher would have judged a shy white kid as she judged me.

When I woke up from a two-month coma on May 16th, I had three thoughts: my son, my mother, and La Salle Academy’s commencement ceremony.

Back in March, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York City, I had no idea I would be one of the millions personally affected by the virus. I spent a total of 101 days in the hospital fighting for my life, so to say I am thankful to be alive today is an understatement!

I am incredibly grateful to have made it to St. Patrick’s Cathedral on August 13th to watch La Salle’s Class of 2020 receive their diplomas; a special moment for their families and for me. As the graduates marched down the aisle to exit the Cathedral, I sat in the back to greet them. When I saw Amadou, I was overcome with emotion. I watched Amadou grow from a boy in the third grade to a young man who has excelled both academically and athletically. Amadou truly believed, promoted, and enhanced the brotherhood that has existed at La Salle for more than 172 years. At that moment, I realized that Amadou – and all the young men entrusted to our care – were the ones who gave me the strength to beat the coronavirus. My calling to continue impacting generations of young people was stronger than COVID-19.

Here at La Salle, my colleagues share the same passion. The commitment isn’t a superficial one; it is one that we make from the core of our being and one that truly becomes part of the fabric of our DNA. Collectively, we make decisions and sacrifices that result in what is best for the young men we serve – they are what matters.

Help us to continue to answer the call by making a contribution to the Lasallian Fund this Thanksgiving. You can click here, text LASALLE to 41444 from your cell phone, or send a check made payable to La Salle Academy to 215 E 6th Street, New York, NY 10003, ATTN: Development Office.

As we continue through this tumultuous year, let us all give thanks for what we do have: each other. That is the blessing that is bestowed upon us as we weather the storms of life. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jerome Pannell
Assistant Principal for Student Services