Members of La Salle Academy’s Class of 2020 ended their memorable senior year with their graduation ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday, August 13^th.

The ceremony begins at the 19:15 mark

Graduation exercises were delayed by more than two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these unprecedented times, the 74 seniors in La Salle’s Class of 2020 completed their senior year with resilience and optimism. They collectively received over $15 million in grants and scholarships for college and will be attending some of the nation’s best four-year universities, including Boston College, Manhattan College, Syracuse University and Temple University. For a complete list, please visit www.LaSalleAcademy.org.

Steven Dumeng ’20, who will be attending Boston College, and Elijah Perez-Mendez ’20, who is headed to Fairfield University, are the Class of 2020’s Co-Valedictorians.

“I am glad we were able to provide this opportunity for our seniors. Although the timing was unprecedented, the spirit was familiar. I hope those who participated remotely via livestream felt the joy associated with participating in this rite of passage,” said Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC, President of La Salle Academy.

“It was so important to be able to provide the seniors with this experience,” said Ms. Kerry Conroy, Principal of La Salle. “While the ceremony took on a slightly different format, the simple act of being together in the Cathedral sparked an array of emotions for all of us. It was a beautiful night.”

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 Ismini Scouras at 212-475-8940 ext. 204, email [email protected] or visit www.lasalleacademy.org.

Class of 2020 Co-Valedictorians, Steven Dumeng (left) and Elijah Perez-Mendez (right), speak at La Salle Academy’s 171st Commencement Exercises held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral held on Thursday, August 13, 2020.

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Thank you for your replies and participation in the re-opening survey. After reviewing the results of all surveys (both the faculty/staff and parent), NYS guidelines and CDC recommendations, and looking at current Covid-19 numbers across the country, out of an abundance of caution for health and safety, we have decided to begin the school year with remote education for the first quarter. During the first quarter, we will reassess the situation and the possibilities of hybrid classes moving forward.

From March through June, La Salle Academy did a commendable job of emergency remote education with almost no notice. As we move forward to begin the 2020-2021 school year, we are developing plans to improve upon the good work we did in the spring. Teachers will receive additional training and will conduct more live classes via Microsoft Teams and/or Google Meet. The administrative team is developing a class schedule that will fit our distance learning needs. Those details will be communicated to you when they are available.

We will offer virtual opportunities for extracurricular activities (clubs) and support services. The Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) has postponed the start of any possible fall season until late September. As more news from the CHSAA is made available to us, we will pass that along.

There will be the need for all students to come in for an orientation day during which books and tablets will be distributed, along with other pertinent information. This will be conducted with the appropriate guidelines (masks, social distancing, smaller groups, etc.). The schedule of those days and all details will be sent out to you at a later date but will not take place before September 8^th.

Please reach out with any questions. We will continue to keep you updated throughout the summer as more details are available. Thank you for partnering with us on this journey.

Sincerely,

Kerry Conroy
Principal

June 11, 2020

Dear Friends of La Salle Academy:

A week ago tonight, 74 young men in La Salle Academy’s Class of 2020, would have walked down the aisle at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in midtown Manhattan to receive their diplomas after four years of hard work. While COVID-19 restrictions thwarted our plans, our graduates will receive their diplomas in the Cathedral at a later date, tentatively August 13th.

The unexpected delay has not stopped the forward momentum of La Salle Academy’s Class of 2020. Our shared belief in our school’s mission and our successful association on behalf of these men catalyzed the transformation of this very special class. We have embraced them. We have educated them. We have empowered them. Now, we celebrate them!

Donate today and continue to work with us in building a better world. Text LSAEMPOWERS to 41444 or click here to be one of 74 participants in our campaign to honor the 74 members of the Class of 2020.

Give $5.00 or $50.00 – whatever the amount, your contribution counts, and will make a significant impact on our school and the young men we embrace, educate, and empower with the gift of a quality, Catholic college preparatory education.

Sincerely,

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

P.S. Follow along with us through the rest of the month as we share testimonials from our newest alumni on social media.

La Salle Academy’s senior Creative Writing class recently published the first edition of their Literary Magazine. Click here to view the Spring 2020 edition.

On the morning of Wednesday, June 3rd, the graduating Class of 2020 “gathered” together on a Zoom call for a virtual Senior Breakfast. The Senior Breakfast is a long-standing tradition at La Salle Academy, usually held the day before graduation in the school gymnasium for seniors to celebrate the end of high school, reminisce with classmates and be welcomed as La Salle Academy alumni.

More than 110 students, parents, faculty and staff joined together virtually to celebrate the Class of 2020. The event began with a prayer as always and Principal, Ms. Kerry Conroy followed with a few words of affirmation and hope for the future.

“It is my sincere hope that you will take all of the knowledge you have gained, the talents you have discovered, and the passion that has been fueled in your experiences at La Salle and that you will use them to serve this world and make it a better place” -Ms. Kerry Conroy, Principal

The fun continued with a slideshow of photos from the past four years and a presentation of “Silly Awards” like “most likely to be on television” and “most dramatic.” Afterward, Mr. Stark, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, highlighted the great academic achievements of the Class of 2020, especially Co-Valedictorians, Elijah Perez-Medez and Steven Dumeng. A presentation followed, which highlighted where the 2020 graduates will be attending college.

Brother Thomas Casey, President of La Salle Academy, ended the presentation with these words:

“Your graduation is our claim as La Salle Academy that you are ready to step away from high school and bring that message of brotherhood to the world.”

Although this was not the ending to their senior year that they expected, La Salle Academy’s Class of 2020 was still able to celebrate from a distance. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

La Salle Academy senior, Steven Dumeng, was recently featured in an interview on Telemundo 47. Steven is one of the co-valedictorians of the Class of 2020 and will be a first-generation college student at Boston College in fall 2020. In the interview, Steven expresses his wish to honor his family and his Puerto Rican heritage. He realized the importance of hard work as he began his high school career and that character trait has seen him through to his current success.  Click here to view the interview.

Check out this article in AM New York featuring La Salle Academy’s model for distance learning: https://www.amny.com/editorial/how-one-of-manhattans-oldest-high-schools-is-educating-enriching-students-during-pandemic/

Friday, May 15, 2020 – Today, La Salle Academy celebrates Founder’s Day, the founding of The Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Feast Day of St. John Baptiste de La Salle. To celebrate, students sent artwork and letters to the Christian Brothers in the Brothers retirement community in Maryland. Students wrote heart-felt letters to show their support of the retired Christian Brothers in Maryland. Raymond Roy ’20 wrote, “The work and sacrifice that the Brothers put forth in order to serve the community is humbling and makes me glad that I decided to enroll in La Salle Academy four years ago.” See below for student artwork in honor of Founder’s Day.

There will be a Founder’s Day prayer service held over Zoom today at 12 noon. For details and to learn more about Founder’s Day, click here.

Warren Grant ’20

Jose Gonzalez ’20

Tanis Martinez ’22

Jean Suarez ’22

May 6, 2020

Dear Friends of La Salle Academy,

Today was supposed to be much different. Today we would have been finalizing seating charts, making last minute adjustments to details with The Pierre, and tying up any loose ends in the office before the big day. Tomorrow was supposed to be La Salle Academy’s 29th Annual Spring Gala.

The Gala is La Salle’s largest annual fundraising event that provides much-needed scholarship aid to our students each year. Without the event this week, we are limited with the amount of tuition assistance we can provide our young men, including those whose families have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have postponed our premier fundraising event to November 12th, but we need those funds now.

In lieu of our Gala, we began a virtual COVID-19 appeal on April 9th with a goal to raise $7,000 by May 7th, the original date of our event. We have been overwhelmed with the level of participation so far… thanks to 57 generous benefactors like yourselves, we have raised $17,229 in one month and still have one day left!

If you are able, please consider making a gift before the appeal ends at 11:59pm tomorrow. Text LASALLE to 41444 or click here to donate. You can also mail a check made payable to La Salle Academy to 44 East 2nd Street, New York, NY 10003.

All of us are affected by this crisis, so if you are unable to give at this time, I understand and appreciate your investment to our mission over the years. Our students are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to receive the quality, college-preparatory Catholic education provided to them at La Salle.

Thank you so much in advance! Stay healthy.

Ismini Scouras
Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Communications

Dear Friends of La Salle Academy,

Q. How many teachers does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Change? Schools are notorious for relying on “we’ve always done it that way.” There is no precedent for what we are encountering now, however. It is concurrently unnerving and energizing to make decisions, formulate plans, communicate remotely, and live well. Here at La Salle Academy we are up to the challenge! Our solidarity in commitment to our Lasallian identity and the concern and creativity of each adult on our team is causing a new educational experience to evolve for students and teachers alike. Some examples are presented below.

Just before we adapted to our “new normal” way of life, a group of our students attended A Catholic Lens, a youth evangelization event organized by the Archdiocese of New York at The Sheen Center in March. Click here to read more about the experience. Pictured here are sophomores Angel Vasquez, Aaron Parajon and Carlos Apreza.

The La Salle Academy community is extremely grateful to healthcare workers and first responders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of New York University’s Men Entering Nursing (“MEN”) program, La Salle students sent electronic cards and letters to local NYC hospitals. Students in Mr. Estevez’s religion class started by making Easter cards a few weeks ago! Click here to view more of the students’ creations.

Students in Ms. Morales’ Chemistry Regents class were so excited to get back to work after Easter break that they showed up in their spring uniform! In their class, they are discussing how diluting substances will effect the amount of its concentration. Zoom allows Ms. Morales to use an interactive whiteboard display so students can solve problems together and share their work with one another.

Ms. Carlsen’s geometry class participated in a Zoom call paired with an assignment on Formative, which is a web-app for classrooms that allows teachers to give live assignments to students. These two highlights from Ms. Carlsen’s and Ms. Morales’ classes are just a couple of ways that our teachers and students have adapted to the new digital learning environment presented to us.

La Salle Academy has officially earned re-accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools! This is not just a prestigious recognition, but an affirmation by a respected group of peers that La Salle Academy is doing a top-quality job of living out its mission. I am pleased and proud! Click here to read more about the accreditation.

On April 9th, we kicked off a digital appeal to help our students’ families who are struggling to make their regular tuition payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We started with a goal of $7,000 and have since raised $16,906 thanks to 52 generous donors. The appeal ends this Thursday, May 7th, so if you haven’t done so already, please consider a gift. You can text LASALLE to 41444, click here, or send a check to me at 44 E 2nd Street, New York, NY 10003.

Attentive to our mission to offer a holistic education, and aware that our alumni continue to be bonded with their alma mater, La Salle’s Guidance Department compiled this list of resources for our graduates. While the material is focused more on the younger cohort of alumni, I am sure we can all benefit from these resources during this unprecedented time.

During Saint La Salle’s time, France experienced a famine. He reminded his followers that “God’s compassion for you is greater than the troubles you have” (Meditation 18.1). May you, and those special to you, be strengthened by that conviction. God bless us all!

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

New York, N.Y., April 30, 2020 – La Salle Academy has announced that it has earned re-accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement.

Brother Thomas Casey, FSC, La Salle’s President said, “Accreditation by Middle States is not just a prestigious recognition, but an affirmation by a respected group of peers that La Salle Academy is doing a top-quality job of living out its mission. I’m pleased and proud!”

Accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The 12 Middle States Standards for Accreditation are: mission; governance and leadership; school improvement planning; finances; facilities; school organization and staff; health and safety; educational program; assessment and evidence of student learning; student services; student life and activities, and information resources.

The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts an on-site peer review visit to observe school operations and interview various stakeholders. The visiting team makes its recommendation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which votes on the accreditation.

“The Middle States accreditation process supports schools in developing a strategic plan for the future that is built upon continuous school improvement,” said Lisa Marie McCauley, Ed.D., President of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “Middle States accredited schools should be commended for their commitment to collaboration, growth and advancing student achievement.”

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 Ismini Scouras at 212-475-8940 ext. 204, email [email protected] or visit www.lasalleacademy.org.

Click here for the Principal’s update from April 8, 2020.

April 23, 2020

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

I hope that you are all doing well. This is a reminder that there are no classes tomorrow, Friday, April 24th. The faculty will be engaged in an online training for the day. We will resume online classes on Monday, April 27th.

I know that you have many questions about upcoming school events, continued online classes, and many other things. So many of these decisions hinge on how circumstances evolve in our city, state, and the world. I can tell you that our plan is to send you some decisions within the coming two weeks. I am involved in many discussions about these plans and there are a lot of moving parts. We know that things change by the day. It is my goal to keep you informed every step of the way. We are not delaying the dissemination of information intentionally. Rather, we want to be very careful as we move forward and see what the possibilities are before committing to one prematurely. Please continue to reach out to me with your questions. I will answer you with as much information as I have in that moment. I wish you the best and keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

“I shall pray to God for you, and will have many others pray for you and your needs.”
(Letter 23 – From St. La Salle to Brother Gabriel Drolin in Rome: from Paris, 12 May 1706)
​
Sincerely,

Kerry Conroy
Principal

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Photo courtesy of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York.

Just before La Salle Academy adapted to the current COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned to distance learning, a group of our students gathered with other young New York City Catholic high school students for A Catholic Lens, a youth evangelization event through the Archdiocese of New York. During the March 12th event, students heard from a panel of speakers, including keynote speaker Pete Burak, the Director of a Catholic outreach for young adults.

After a full day of reflection, speakers and prayer, one of La Salle’s senior students, Steven Dumeng ’20, was invited to address the guests with a final reflection on all he had learned that day. “…the event taught me to eliminate the fear that comes with being yourself and openly practicing your faith… I believe conversations like we had that day is what makes better citizens, and most importantly, better children of God,” commented Steven, who has attended this event for the past three years as a La Salle Academy student.

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*Photos courtesy of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. 

Dear Friends of La Salle,

“But Brother, I’m home,” said a ninth grader to Brother Linus after the latter began an online religion class with our usual prayer that opens any gathering at La Salle, “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.” What a surprise to our freshman student to learn that his apartment is, too, a sacred space!

Easter is our annual reminder that God surprises us with the unexpected… and guides us on the new path that emerges. This year, maybe more than in the past, it’s comforting to hear this good news.

Our mission at La Salle Academy continues, which means the lives of young men are transformed for the better as our school year moves forward in a new mode. All of us at La Salle Academy stand in solidarity with you at this time of trial and send greetings for a blessed Easter season.

With prayers and best wishes,

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

Dear Friends of La Salle Academy,

Being at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the USA is humbling and challenging. Our teachers are doing an extraordinary job tapping the tools of technology to engage their students via remote classes. Our guidance staff is also attentive to the needs of our young men at this unsettled time. We are praying with and for one another. The fabric of La Salle Academy may be stretched but it is intact!

Before we dismissed our students on March 13th, a variety of activities occurred on campus. Some are highlighted below.

 The Most Reverend Edmund Whalen, Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of New York, celebrated a Lenten Mass at La Salle on Monday, March 2nd. Prior to the Mass, Bishop Whalen met with La Salle’s freshman class to provide them with a lesson about the vestments of a Bishop. A special thanks to Father Gregory Chisholm, pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo in Harlem, for joining us. Click the links that follow to see the Mass featured in Catholic New York and The Villager. (Photo on right courtesy of Tequila Minsky, AM NY.)

Students in La Salle’s Physics Regents course attended the Engineering Tomorrow Conference in late February and placed second in their breakout groups, beating out Cathedral High School! Click here to read more about this unique opportunity.

 Playing their second season in CHSAA’s ‘A’ Division, the varsity basketball team fell to St. Edmund Prep in the semi-finals on March 3rd. The team had a 13-13 win-loss record overall for the season. Good luck to all of the varsity basketball team’s senior players and managers! You can read more about the game here.

Every academic department requires students to complete a department-wide project in the second half of the school year. The sophomore class recently completed their religion project, which involved a verbal presentation based on individual research about saints in the Catholic Church. Kenneth Prophet ’22 is shown here conducting his presentation. Click here to learn more about the project.

Four guest speakers joined us this month including Shanta Lawson, Education Director at the Studio Museum in Harlem; Victoria Esser (shown above), graduate from the Johnson & Wales University culinary program; Susan Stetzer, District Manager of Community Board 3; and Dr. Jennifer Odien, forensic anthropologist from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Click here to read on!

Take the proper precautions, stay healthy, and let us continue to pray for one another, and for all who share this planet, our common home.

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

March 25, 2020

Dear Students and Parents,

Today marks 6 full days of online classes. Thank you to our teachers who continue to be the heroes of this process. They adapted quickly in order to continue the educational process. Thank you to our students and their families, as well. Your flexibility and patience are greatly appreciated. We have done our best to listen to your feedback and make adjustments where necessary. Please see a few important updates below.

Extension of online classes:
As we all continue to follow the updates and guidelines set forth by our government and the CDC, La Salle Academy has decided to extend the dates on our online learning. At this time, our earliest possible return date will be April 20, 2020. While that seems like a long period of time, with Easter Break factored in, that means an addition of 8 online class days from what was originally planned. (Our original plan involved online classes from March 18 – March 27). We will continue the online classes from March 30th through April 8th. Easter Break goes from April 9th – 19th. We are in a time of rapidly changing circumstances. La Salle will continue to be in touch with you during this time to share updates and decisions.

Tuition payments:
We understand that the financial consequences of the current pandemic have made it challenging for many of our families to meet their expenses. To make things a bit easier, we have extended the deadline for the final tuition payment of the year by one month. So instead of it being due by April 15, you now have until May 15 to pay your balance. Please consider paying half of what you owe now and the rest in May so the expense is spread over two months. While we are aware of the struggles that many families will face in the coming months, we also have obligations to cover our ongoing expenses. As always, we appreciate all that you do to provide your sons with a Lasallian education.

As St. La Salle wrote to his fellow Brothers in 1706, I say the same to you. “I shall pray to God for you, and will have many others pray for you and your needs” (Letter 23 – to Brother Gabriel Drolin in Rome: from Paris, 12 May 1706). Stay healthy and safe. Know that the entire LSA faculty, staff, and administration are here to support you in every way we can.

Sincerely,

Kerry Conroy
Principal

March 20, 2020

Dear Friends of La Salle,

Lent 2020 has taken a unique turn. The pandemic that envelops our planet is impacting lives across the globe. A surreal scene surrounds our school and anxiety is in the air. I suspect the same is true where you are. May God bless us all and guide us safely through this period of crisis.

As one of our benefactors wrote to me in a recent email, “the obligation to educate these guys is not suspended.” He’s right; I assure you La Salle Academy is mobilized and moving forward!

Students, staff, and teachers are working remotely and all of us are learning how to live out the mission of La Salle Academy in these uncertain times. Each of our students has a school-issued Microsoft Pro tablet at home with him. Each of our teachers is working at his or her house. Spectrum has offered free Internet access to anyone who may not have had that service at home. A regular school day schedule is in effect! Teachers are tapping their creativity and using technology to their advantage. Students are growing in responsibility as they set their timers for the change of periods, punctually log into their next class, participate in the lesson that is presented, and submit their work within the given time interval. Students are seeing teachers as learners. Each teacher’s experience as a role model will be enhanced as our young men witness the importance of learning to learn!

Our guidance personnel are regularly checking in with the students in their caseload to ensure they are coping well. Our clerical staff is working remotely, monitoring attendance and responding to phone calls. Our administrators are supporting teachers, providing pedagogical resources, and addressing glitches that surface.

Although our modality may have changed, our obligation to educate the young men entrusted to us continues. Our fixed costs remain stable and the ability of some parents to pay next month’s tuition on time is in jeopardy. If your financial situation is such that you can contribute to our Easter appeal, please consider donating at this time.

La Salle Academy is composed of a terrific team of dedicated people, who are currently energized in a new way to serve the students entrusted to us. Please join us by investing in those young men! The Easter promise of new life looms on the horizon. Together, with God as our shield, we will make the journey!

Thank you, be well.

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

Online instruction starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Click here for a series of instructions and other information.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Dear parents of La Salle Academy,

Given the latest guidance from trusted authorities and experts, we have decided that today (Thursday, March 12) will be the last day La Salle students will commute to our building for the next two weeks. Distance learning will begin tomorrow Friday, March 13 and continue through Friday, March 27. Additionally, as students leave school today they will bring home all materials (books, etc.) that will be needed as we transition to remote instruction.

Tomorrow and Monday, assignments will be posted as usual on PlusPortals. Students should be completing those assignments form home. Tuesday, March 17 will be designated as a school holiday as it is St. Patrick’s Day.

On Wednesday, March 18, rather than returning to school, we will be conducting virtual school days from 8:15 to 2:15. Students are expected to fully participate online during these hours and communicate with their teachers during these specific class times. A separate email will be sent to you and them explaining exactly how this will take place. Please know, in advance, that attendance will be recorded and counted as school days with their online participation. For the time being, all athletics and extracurricular activities will be suspended as we focus our energies on our academic work.

During the next two days, more specifics will be communicated to students and parents about the plans for remote instruction and the adjustments involved. Students and parents must pay especially close attention to your email during this time and for the duration of the period we remain away from our building. This won’t be a seamless transition, but we will experience and learn from the coming growing pains together as a community as we navigate this unique phase in La Salle’s history.

We will follow the advice of the appropriate authorities and hope to return to face-to-face instruction here in our building as soon as possible, but for the sake of planning, it will not before Friday, March 27. As that date approaches, if the circumstances dictate it, we will extend the digital instruction period accordingly. We will keep you informed as any critical decisions are made.

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and patience during this historic and difficult time. Please trust that we will continue to seek to fulfill our mission while prioritizing above all the health and safety of our La Salle community.

Be assured of my prayers for you and your family.

Kerry Conroy
Principal

_______________________________________________________________________

Estimados padres/guardianes de la Academia La Salle:

En respuesta a las fiables recomendaciones de las autoridades y expertos correspondientes, hemos decidido que hoy (jueves 12 de marzo) será el último día en que los estudiantes de La Salle asistirán a nuestro edificio durante las próximas dos semanas. La educación a distancia comenzará mañana viernes 13 de marzo y continuará hasta el viernes 27 de marzo. Además, les avisamos que hoy, cuando los estudiantes sean enviados a casa de la escuela llevarán con ellos todos los materiales (libros, etc.) que serán necesarios para trabajar durante el tiempo que estemos fuera y que hacemos la transición a la instrucción en línea.

Para mañana y el lunes, las tareas se publicarán como de costumbre en PlusPortals. Los estudiantes deben completar esas tareas desde el hogar. El martes 17 de marzo es un día feriado escolar ya que es el Día de San Patricio, por lo tanto, se designa como tal. El miércoles 18 de marzo, en lugar de regresar a la escuela, las asignaciones y trabajos serán realizados de manera virtual en los horarios de 8:15 a 2:15 PM. Se espera que los estudiantes participen completamente en línea durante estas horas y se comuniquen con sus maestros durante los horarios que se han establecido. Se les enviará un correo electrónico por separado y se les explicará exactamente cómo se llevará a cabo. Tenga en cuenta, de antemano, que la asistencia se registrará y se contarán como días escolares, por lo tanto, es obligatorio realizar los trabajos en línea. Por el momento, se suspenderán todas las actividades deportivas y extracurriculares a medida que enfocamos nuestras energías en nuestro trabajo académico.

Durante los próximos dos días, publicaremos más información y detalles a los estudiantes y padres sobre los planes de instrucción remota y los ajustes involucrados. Recomendamos que los estudiantes y los padres presten mucha atención a su correo electrónico durante este tiempo y durante el período que permanezcamos lejos de nuestro plantel

Tenemos en cuenta que esta transición no será perfecta, pero nos servirá para experimentar y crecer como comunidad en la medida que nos adentramos a una fase única en la historia de La Salle.
Seguiremos las recomendaciones de las autoridades correspondientes y esperamos volver a la instrucción presencial en nuestro edificio lo antes posible, pero como ya mencionamos, no será antes del viernes 27 de marzo. A medida que se acerque esa fecha, Si las circunstancias lo ameritan, ampliaremos el período de instrucción virtual. Los mantendremos informados a medida que se tomen otras decisiones.

Gracias por su cooperación, comprensión y paciencia durante este momento histórico y difícil. Confíe en que continuaremos buscando cumplir nuestra misión y sobre todo velar por la salud y la seguridad de nuestra comunidad escolar.

Tenga la seguridad que usted y su familia estarán en mis oraciones.

Kerry Conroy,
Principal

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 – La Salle Academy’s Lenten Mass with Bishop Edmund Whalen was featured in The Villager. Click here to read the story: https://www.amny.com/news/the-villager/bishop-edmund-whalen-celebrates-mass-with-la-salle-academy-students-in-east-village/

Thursday, March 5, 2020 – Every academic department at La Salle Academy requires each student to complete a special project. The religion project includes a presentation based on individual research completed by the student. Each grade level presents on a different topic.

The sophomore students recently completed their religion projects, which focused on the lives of the saints in the Catholic Church. Every sophomore wrote a three-page paper about a Catholic saint and made a formal presentation to their classmates, elaborating on the facts and major achievements, as well as traits and attributes of the saint that everyone can strive to exemplify. One student wrote, “Saint Josephine Bakhita’s traits of love and forgiveness should be some of many that we as Catholics should exemplify in our daily lives.” All the students gave specific examples of how they can carry on the legacies of these saints, such as random acts of kindness, helping others even when it is not in our best interest and praying for the saints’ intercession “so we may share the same strength and courage.”

Click here to learn more about departmental projects at La Salle Academy.

Monday, March 2, 2020 – February brought engaging visitors, culturally enriching assemblies, informative field trips, and prayerful union among our students. Enjoy the highlights below!

We began February by recognizing Black History Month. We hosted an assembly full of music, prayer and celebration. Thank you to the special guests who joined us for this event. Pictured here (left) is NYPD’s First Deputy Commissioner, Benjamin B. Tucker. The photo at right shows a group of our young men at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the annual Black History Month Mass. Click here for more photos from the assembly.

We are grateful for the invitation to the discussion between St. Francis College President, Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz (pictured here) and Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams, at SFC earlier this month. Yamil Sanchez ’20 (left) and Isaiah Perez ’20 (right), received a private tour of the Downtown Brooklyn college afterwards.

The week of February 3rd marked National School Counselors Week! Thank you to our Guidance Department (pictured from left to right), Ms. Rosalie Cernaro, Ms. Krista Cernaro, Ms. Sandra Sanchez and Ms. Beverly Fields.

The Newspaper Club visited the New York Post’s Print Center in the Bronx. Our students had a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour of the operations. Students even received the newspaper a day early! Click here for more photos from their visit.

As prospective La Salle Academy students make their high school decisions, the young men who were accepted into La Salle’s Class of 2024 and their families spent a sunny Saturday morning at our annual Accepted Students Breakfast.

Seniors enrolled in our Finance course spent a day learning from the experts at the offices of National Australia Bank. Special thanks to Rick Taiano ’83 and his colleagues for hosting us! The young men got a kick out of Rick’s vintage La Salle letterman sweater.

The Drama Club welcomed special guest, actor, Ryan-James Hatanaka, to their rehearsal space after school for an acting workshop. This unique opportunity showcased our worldwide Lasallian network; RJ is an alumnus of De La Salle College, Oaklands in Toronto, Ontario!

Thank you to Monsignor Kevin Nelan ’69 who celebrated Mass with us on Ash Wednesday and a special thanks to our Campus Ministry office for planning such a reverent start to the Lenten season.

A team of 11 La Salle students representing all four grades participated and won the first of five matches in March Mini Madness, an AreteLabs live online math competition. Schools were randomly pitted against one another and our young mathletes enjoyed the experience and beat a school in Colorado by one point. Good luck to our math scholars in the remaining matches!

Lenten blessings!

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

P.S. Thursday, May 7th is the date of our 29th Annual Spring Gala. Make plans to join the party at The Pierre in Manhattan!

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 – A team of 11 La Salle Academy students from all four grade levels participated and won the first of five matches in March-Mini Madness, an AreteLabs live online math competition. The schools were randomly pitted against one another. The La Salle team managed to win by one point while having a ton of fun. Good luck to our math scholars in the next match!

As part of our college partnership, seniors Yamil Sanchez and Isaiah Perez visited the campus of St. Francis College for a discussion between St. Francis College President Miguel Martinez-Saenz and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Monday, February 3, 2020. This campus event was part of a discussion series titled Reflections on a Life in Public Service. Mr. Adams joined President Martinez-Saenz in a conversation focused on his early life in New York City, his law-enforcement career with the New York City Police Department, and his subsequent years in elected politics. After the event, seniors Yamil Sanchez and Isaiah Perez received a personal tour of the campus!

On Tuesday, February 4^th, members of the La Salle Academy Cardinal Newspaper took a trip to New York Post/ Bronx Print Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of the operations. They even received the newspaper a day early! Click here for more photos on La Salle Academy’s Facebook page.

The seniors in the elective Finance course spent the day learning from the experts at the offices of NAB (National Australia Bank) on Wednesday, February 12^th. Special thanks to Rick Taiano from the Class of ’83 and his colleagues: Mike Pryce, Tim Williams, Tom DeMaio, Rich Rauchenberger, Ben Cattanach, Mark Prendergast, Dean Kim and Geoff Schmidt! Click here for more photos on La Salle Academy’s Facebook page.

La Salle Academy has had a successful and festive month of December! Scroll down to see what we’ve been up to…

On the 3rd we participated in #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving powered by social media and digital outreach. It brought our La Salle Academy community together to raise nearly $7,000. These donations will be used to provide our students with field trips and assembles that enrich their education.

Students and their families celebrated the Advent season with their sponsors at our Annual Lasallian Student Sponsorship Dinner. Thank you to all the benefactors in that category who provide our students with the gift of a Lasallian Catholic college-preparatory education. Click here to view more photos from the event.

A group of our students visited the New York Stock Exchange and received an inside look at the trading floor from La Salle Academy alumnus, Michael Capolino ’91.

 A private reception in the Joseph F. D’Angelo ’48 Literacy Center co-hosted by my friend, Joan MacNaughton, welcomed many guests to La Salle for their first visit to our school. Click here to view more photos from the event.

Every year prior to Christmas, the Parents Association collects toys for children in need. Last week, parents, students and alumni wrapped the gifts which will be donated to DeWitt Head Start.

On Friday, December 20th we celebrated our annual Christmas Liturgy and assembly. Young men in chorus and band performed Christmas songs and students in the drama club performed a skit. We also heard from the NYPD Band and a special guest pianist, Katya Grineva, who will be playing at Carnegie Hall on December 27th.

I am grateful for your association with us in fulfilling the mission of La Salle Academy. I wish you, and those special to you, a joyous Christmas and a blessed 2020!

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

P.S. While doing any last minute Christmas shopping this weekend, be sure to set La Salle Academy as your charity of choice on AmazonSmile by clicking here.

La Salle Academy will hold its first Information Night for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th-graders on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please invite your students, parishioners and their families to learn about La Salle Academy, an all-male, culturally diverse, college preparatory Catholic high school in the East Village of Manhattan.

Freshmen students in Mr. Neering’s biology class recently completed a hands-on leaf project. Students were given the task of collecting and identifying 20 different types of leaves. If you live in the “concrete jungle” of New York City, you know this is not an easy assignment. Students literally stepped outside their comfort zones to find these leaves. Those who stayed within the City limits chose places like Central Park, but one student even found some leaves in his neighborhood of Little Italy. Another student traveled a little further to White Plains to find the leaves for his project. The exotic leaves that another student found by his Grandmother’s home in Florida made his project a little different from the others. One freshman student said he made it fun by taking his twin sisters with him on his leaf adventure while another student added ‘fun facts’ to his project.

Finding the leaves was just the beginning. Next, the students had to identify the types of leaves they found based on features like shape and size with the help of a website suggested by Mr. Neering. Central Park labeled some of the trees which gave some students a head start. The research was the hardest part according to most of the students. Most leaves look the same and it’s hard to find different identifying features. Although they may look the same, there are still many unique types of trees found right here in New York City. “I learned to appreciate trees more instead of just looking at them,” one student reflected. Another student was interested in the health benefits of the leaves he found, such as aloe leaves and tea leaves.

Mr. Neering was very impressed, saying “The students went above and beyond what I asked of them with this leaf project. The artistic creativity was truly amazing. The students benefited first by being outdoors away from the technology that can consume them. They were exposed to the natural world that they all have so little opportunity to engage with. They also learned some genus/species names that will help them on the biology Regents exam in June. I am very proud to teach them all.”

Each student compiled their results into a book. Check out some of their work here:

We welcomed many visitors to La Salle Academy in October. Read about some of our special guests below.

St. Francis College President, Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz visited our school earlier this month to guest lecture in a senior Social Justice class and a junior American History class. I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Saenz to discuss the expansion of La Salle Academy’s partnership with St. Francis College. This expansion will include incorporating another college-credit course into our curriculum and a summer opportunity for our students.

Our school’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly welcomed special guests U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat; City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (pictured); Julissa Gutierrez, Deputy Director, Office of Constituency Affairs for Governor Cuomo; NYPD Deputy Commissioner Robert Ganley; Fr. Joseph E. Franco, NYPD; Assistant Chief Fausto Pichardo, NYPD; Deputy Chief Philip Rivera, NYPD; and the NY Police Band under the direction of Detective Amy Pape.

St. Joseph High School, an all-girls school located in Downtown Brooklyn, hosted our young men for a joint college fair. La Salle has thus far had 57 college admissions counselors in our building as our seniors make plans for life after graduation.

The 4th Annual William F. DeSpagna ’46 Memorial Mass was held on Sunday, October 20th at Saint Anthony’s High School on Long Island. Around 50 alumni and friends gathered in the chapel to remember deceased members of our Lasallian community. Pictured here is the DeSpagna family with the students who attended the Mass and brunch that followed.

La Salle students had the privilege of meeting American rower Garrett Klugh, who told his story of how he turned his childhood Olympic dream into reality. Mr. Klugh was a six-time member of the U.S. National Rowing Team, which won a World Championship in 1999. He represented the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Mr. Klugh, who was the last rower on the last day to make the Olympic Team, emphasized the importance of both creating your own opportunities and perseverance.

This past Saturday, we hosted our annual Open House. Prospective students and their families who attended received guided tours from our current students. Families had the chance to see our building, meet our competent and caring faculty and staff, and learn about our rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. A parent who visited said, “We had a lovely morning visiting La Salle. All of the young men were quite impressive and very respectful. They’re a real credit to your school community.”

I encourage you to visit our school someday soon as well. Also, please save the date for our 29th Annual Spring Gala on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at The Pierre in Manhattan! Click here to read the names of our honorees and to find ways you can participate. Reserve a seat or a table now and plan to join us for a festive evening as we build our scholarship fund.

Sincerely, with prayers and best wishes,

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

With the 2019-2020 school year well underway, I am happy to share some September highlights from La Salle Academy.

The second weekend of September was a busy one for our young men! One group of students made their way to Little Italy to celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro by marching in the Grand Procession Parade. Another group of students marched in the 50th Annual African American Day Parade in Harlem.

On September 18th, the entire student body attended the first Mass of the 2019-2020 school year. Thank you to Father Brian Graebe, pastor of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral, who presided at Mass.

Our 25th Annual Cardinal Classic Golf Outing was held on September 19th at The Village Club of Sands Point. The weather was ideal and the camaraderie was great. Congratulations to our 50/50 raffle winner, Steve Wojcicki ’66, who won $2,175. Click here for a full recap of the event and for more photos. Pictured above is our winning foursome (minus one!) from event sponsor, Country Bank.

Brother Ghebreyesus Habte, FSC, Visitor of the Lwanga District of the Brothers in English speaking Africa, visited La Salle Academy to thank our students for their past generosity to the Child Discovery Center in Nakuru, Kenya. He also spoke about the international character of our Lasallian mission.

Rabbi Robert Hirt, co-founder of one of our academic partners, Civic Spirit, visited our school this month. He and his team shared with me some of the goals of the program (see civicspirit.org) and spoke to some of our Civic Scholars about civic engagement in their community.

If we haven’t met yet, I welcome you to schedule a visit to the school, otherwise, I hope to do so at one of our upcoming events. Click here for the full schedule of events and be sure to mark your calendar for our premiere event — our 29th Annual Spring Gala on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at The Pierre in New York City!

Sincerely, with prayers and best wishes,

Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

The 2019-2020 school year underway. Here are some highlights of our summer here at La Salle Academy!

La Salle Academy began its fiscal year in July by welcoming new President, Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC, to serve a four year term at our school. Shortly after Brother Thomas’ appointment, La Salle welcomed Ms. Kerry Conroy back to serve as Interim Principal. Read about Brother Thomas’ appointment on the school’s website by clicking here.

La Salle welcomed five new faculty to the family this year: Ms. Krista Cernaro, Br. Linus Chenane, Mr. Elliott Krause, Ms. Susie Romanosky (pictured left) and Ms. Daisy Tavera. These individuals will play a crucial role in the lives of La Salle’s students and we are thrilled to have them join our team!

La Salle Academy’s Class of 2023 started school on Thursday. They were welcomed on 6th Street by Mr. Anthony Chin, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, to take “First Day of School” photos. Best of luck for a successful four years, gentlemen!

Over the summer La Salle hosted prospective students for our annual Summer Readiness Program and La Salle Basketball Program’s Rising Cardinal Clinic.

Nearly 40 alumni and friends of La Salle Academy gathered at the home of alumnus and Co-Vice Chairman of the Board, Mr. Marty Cottingham ’88, for the 5th Annual Breezy Point Summer Soiree. Check out photos from the evening here.

We are excited to share the good news coming out of La Salle Academy and we look forward to a fantastic year! Click here to see our full schedule of events and please mark your calendars for our 29th Annual Spring Gala on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at The Pierre!

Brother Dennis Lee, F.S.C., Provincial/Visitor of the District of Eastern North America (DENA) of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers), has announced that Brother Thomas Casey, F.S.C., will serve as the next President of La Salle Academy (LSA) NYC beginning July 16, 2019.

The appointment of Brother Thomas was made after consultation with the Ministry Corporation of DENA, the Executive Committee of the La Salle Academy Board of Trustees and, subsequently, the full Board.

Brother Dennis offered this reflection upon naming Brother Thomas as the new President of La Salle:

“Mindful of the significance of La Salle Academy to our Institute, to the Church, and to New York City, I am excited that Brother Thomas has accepted my invitation to serve as La Salle’s President. Working with all who serve at La Salle, Brother Thomas will preserve and advance further the Lasallian Catholic mission of the school in its central responsibility to develop young men in faith, service, and scholarship. At this critical time in the history of Catholic education across the United States, Brother Thomas takes leadership of La Salle so that its mission remains relevant, sustainable, and effective in touching the minds and hearts of the young men entrusted to its care.

Brother Thomas brings a wide range of pertinent experience, notably prior excellent service as Head of School. Imbued with the Lasallian charism, he will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the 171-year tradition of La Salle continues strong.

Brother Thomas has served these past two years as Auxiliary Visitor of DENA. His wisdom and expertise in this role will be sorely missed, but I am very confident that his service on behalf of the current and future students of La Salle will be a blessing.”

Brother Thomas commented on his appointment to serve as President of La Salle with these words:

“I am enthused by the opportunity to serve as the President of La Salle Academy. Being entrusted with this ministry and collaborating with so many individuals committed to the school’s mission is exciting. The school has a vibrant heritage and I am honored to participate in creating its future. May God bless all who share in the life of La Salle Academy, especially its students, whom I look forward to meeting soon.” 

La Salle Academy’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Salvatore LaRocca, speaking from the perspective of leading the governing board at La Salle, said:

“I am excited to welcome Brother Thomas Casey, F.S.C., as the new President of La Salle Academy.  Brother Thomas is the perfect leader to continue advancing the progress La Salle has experienced over the last several years in academic rigor, fundraising and student enrollment while preserving the Lasallian Catholic mission to educate young men most in need.”

La Salle Academy has served young men in Lower Manhattan since 1848. It is the second oldest high school sponsored by the Christian Brothers in the United States. La Salle offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education in the Lasallian tradition, opportunities for children to grow in faith and service, and provides a wide array of athletic and other extracurricular programs. For more information about La Salle, please contact Ismini Scouras at 212-475-8940 ext. 204, 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 St. John Baptist de La Salle. We create experiences of community within the school and encourage each student to develop their gifts and talents for their own growth, as well as engage in the caring service of others, through its academic, extra-curricular and spiritual programs.

This past Thursday, the La Salle Academy community of parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, faculty, staff, alumni and Board Trustees gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate as another class of La Salle Men joined the school’s elite 171-year history of alumni. This year’s senior class walked down the aisle led by Chairman of La Salle Academy’s Board of Trustees, Salvatore LaRocca ’82. Sharplydressed in their black tuxedos and red boutonnieres, these young men proudly marched to the altar to receive their high school diplomas.

Salutatorian Christopher Sanchez Leon ’19 (left) and Valedictorian Kristian Amado Olvera ’19 (right) each had a few moments to address their classmates from the podium. Later in the program, a handful of students were presented with awards and honors. Students received awards for Academic Excellence in each curricular subject and others received honors in science, leadership, and service.

We celebrated an important milestone for alumni, too. La Salle Academy’s classes of 1969 and 1994 celebrated their golden and silver jubilees,respectively, of graduating from high school. These alumni were presented with their commemorative diplomas on the altar of St. Patrick’s (photos below.) Congratulations, gentlemen!

It was a special night for all of us as we said goodbye to a group of 73 students. 100% of these young men were accepted to college this year and have committed to attend a school this fall, 90% of which are 4-year institutions. Collectively, the class of 2019 earned over $21 million in college scholarships and grants.

Congratulations on your achievements, men, and remember… you are always La Salle.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 – La Salle hosted its Annual Incoming Freshmen Dinner to the 100 young men of the Class of 2023. The annual event’s purpose is to celebrate and welcome the Incoming Freshmen and their families. Anthony Chin, Director of Recruitment & Admissions, was the Master of Ceremonies and Jerome Pannell, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, and Matthew Stark, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, each presented to the incoming freshmen and their families about the transition process and expectations at La Salle for September 2019. Many of the families were engaged and asked pertinent questions during the Q & A Session. There were many family members in attendance comprised of parents, siblings and grandparents that mingled and sat down to have dinner with La Salle’s Students Ambassadors, Parent’s Association and a handful of La Salle’s dedicated Faculty. Each member of the Class of 2023 was given a “Welcome Packet” containing their individualized tuition invoice, summer reading list, summer readiness program registrations forms, medical forms and uniform forms. Many of the Class of 2023 students were fitted for their uniforms and already signed up for the La Salle @2:30 activities and sports. Overall, it was a well-attended, fun and enjoyable evening despite the rain. If you have any admissions questions, please contact Mr. Chin by emailing [email protected] or by calling 212-475-8940 ext. 240. Click here for more photos from the Incoming Freshmen Welcome Dinner.

Due to the anticipated inclement weather, La Salle Academy will be closed on Monday, March 4, 2019. Please stay warm and safe.

-La Salle Academy Administration