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Community eNews | August 31, 2025 | | |
A Message from the Dean of Faculty:
Dear Carondelet Community,
With the beginning of the school year comes a flurry of activity and a whole new set of courses. And, as you probably realized while following your student’s schedule at Back to School Night, it can all be a lot to keep straight. Luckily, we’ve got a ton of great resources to help:
- The syllabus is the primary information source for course-related information. Teachers have carefully crafted every syllabus to clarify the course policies and expectations. If you have questions about late work policies or course topics or technology requirements, you’ll find the answers in the syllabus.
- Each course also has a Schoology page, where you can access not only the syllabus, but also daily agendas, course materials, and assignments. Ask your student to show you around their classes’ pages—they’re a treasure trove of information and resources.
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Other resources for academic assistance include PowerLab and student tutors. Students can look for announcements on Schoology or ask their teachers about specific times and programs.
In addition, there is one absolutely indispensable resource that students sometimes don’t consider: the teacher. Carondelet faculty are among the most dedicated teachers I’ve known in my 25 years of teaching, and they know their stuff. Every teacher holds office hours Tuesday through Thursday until 3:30 pm, and students can attend a teacher’s office hours for a few minutes or the whole period, no appointment necessary. Our teachers care deeply about their students and want them all to succeed, and students who’ve missed a class or have a question should check in with their teacher.
Here’s to a wonderful school year of learning and growing together!
In partnership,
Kat Spradlin
Dean of Faculty
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Upcoming Dates
Click event names for details.
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Monday, Sept. 1
No School: Labor Day
Camp Alpha Reg Due
Spread the Word: Applications & Event Reg Open for the Class of 2030
Tuesday, Sept. 2
A-Day
Junior Immersion
Wednesday, Sept. 3
B-Day (X Block)
College Counseling Lunch & Learn
Cougar U: Seniors
Thursday, Sept. 4
A-Day
Out-of-State College Fair
New Family Orientation
Friday, Sept. 5
B-Day (X Block)
Cougar Bowl Practice
Monday, Sept. 8
0-7 Day
Tuesday, Sept. 9
A-Day
Fathers Club Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 10
B-Day (Late Start)
Cougar Bowl Practice
Club Fair
Alumnae Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 11
A-Day
Student Preview Day
Jesuit Excellence Tour College Fair
Friday, Sept. 12
B-Day (X Block)
Mental Health Resource Fair
Frosh Alpha Retreat
Sat. Sept. 13
Frosh Alpha Retreat
View the Athletics Website for game schedules and information.
| | | Pro tip: Read your eNewsletter weekly to stay in the know! | |
Click [Message Clipped] View Entire Message at the bottom of this email to see the eNewsletter in its entirety.
| | Admissions Season Opens Tomorrow! | | |
Admissions season opens tomorrow, September 1, and we’re excited to start getting to know the Class of 2030! Prospective families will be able to register for admissions events, including our always-popular Student Preview Days—these fill up quickly every year!
As proud members of the Carondelet community, you know the heart of what makes this place so special. Share the love—tell a friend, neighbor, or coworker with an 8th grade girl about what Carondelet has to offer!
Please share our inquiry form so they can join our email list and be the first to know when registration goes live.
| | | Be Recognized on the Power of Her Wall | | |
We are grateful for individuals and families whose belief in our mission and have made extraordinary progress possible in this Campaign. Their investments have raised $2.6 million.
With less than $1 million to go, we feel a renewed sense of hope and determination. The project is on schedule and within budget, with anticipated completion this November. Soon, our students will have the learning, training, and wellness spaces they truly deserve.
Every contribution to this campaign counts. Gifts of $1,000+ will be recognized on the Power of Her Donor Wall in the new Gym Lobby. There are still dedicated naming opportunities in the Performance Center and at the CAC for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy.
| | | Join us. The time is NOW! | | | New Families Zoom Orientation Registration | | |
New Families Zoom Orientation Registration
Thursday, September 4 | 6:30–7:30 PM l Register Here
New families are invited to attend a virtual information session where you will hear from representatives in Academic & Learning Support, Wellness, Deans & Attendance, Student Activities, and Campus Ministry. The session will conclude with a Q&A.
Registrants will receive a zoom link early next week.
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Frosh Overnight Retreat is Coming up on September 12–13
The deadline to register your freshman is tomorrow, Monday, September 1!
Camp Alpha is a foundational retreat experience that helps ease the transition into high school and often paves the way for strong friendships and a sense of belonging. Icebreakers, reflections, community builders, discussions, and prayers are led by older students and faculty and staff. REGISTER
Service & Advocacy
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Junior Immersions with religion classes began on August 25. Permission Slips were due on August 25. Junior families, please make sure you review the informational letter you received last week about this hands-on opportunity for juniors to serve our dear neighbors at Monument Crisis Center.
- Log volunteer hours: This is a friendly reminder that students should be logging volunteer hours right after they’ve completed a volunteer opportunity. For help on logging volunteer hours, visit the MobileServe page on our website.
| | | Parent & Family Engagement | | |
Breakfast Donations Still Needed for Alpha Retreat
Our freshman retreat is almost here and we are still in need of a few breakfast items to finish off the retreat strong. Please check out the donations still needed here.
Volunteer Clearance Information
In order to be a cleared Carondelet volunteer, you must complete a LiveScan request and upload the required documents to our Parent Engagement Manager. When all items are completed and verified, you will receive an email from Carondelet confirming your clearance. If you have not received an email of clearance, but have uploaded all documentation to volunteer, please reach out to Candice Mannoni. Be sure to read through all the requirements on the volunteer clearance webpage.
RSVP Today for Carondelet’s Fathers Club Meeting
All Carondelet dads are welcome! Our first event of the year will be on Tuesday, September 9, at 6:30 PM in the Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation. Come enjoy dinner, 15 minute speakers, and socialize with other dads. RSVP Today!
| | | Traffic Advisory: Treat Boulevard | | |
Through October 4, the City of Concord will be working on a median road project along Treat Boulevard.
If you are arriving or leaving campus between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, please plan for possible delays. Drive carefully, allow extra travel time, and consider turning right when exiting campus to avoid any lane closures on Treat.
| | | California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Drive | | |
CSF Drive Is Open Until September 8
The fall 2025 California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Membership Drive opened on Monday, August 25 and closes on Monday, September 8. CSF recognizes students for high academic achievement, service, and citizenship. Eligible students must apply each semester—membership is not automatic. For details on requirements and eligibility, visit the official CSF website. Questions? Contact Registrar and CSF Advisor Nattiel Arias.
| | | Cell Phones and Screen Time Resources | | |
Cell Phones and Screen Time Resources
Keeping up with technology, social media platforms, and current trends can often feel overwhelming. Our students are often on the cutting edge, and it can be difficult to hold them accountable and ensure that they are making age-appropriate choices when we ourselves are not in the know. Common Sense Media and their partners are working to build a healthy, equitable, and empowering future for all kids in the digital age. They have dozens of helpful articles aimed for parents including guides to Snapchat and TikTok, as well as tips for the best privacy settings and how to help teens with balancing phones, screens, and sleep.
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All Students:
- Colleges will be on campus to introduce their schools and answer questions as part of an Out-of-State College Fair at Carondelet on Thursday, September 4, from 1:20 to 3:30 PM. Some of the colleges that will be there include: TCU, Arizona State University, Baylor, and the University of Utah. See the full list of who's coming and Register.
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The Jesuit Excellence College Tour (JET) will be on the De La Salle campus at lunch on Thursday, September 11. Stop by and learn more about Jesuit colleges including Gonzaga, Fairfield, Santa Clara, College of the Holy Cross, and more.
All Students and Families:
- College Counseling is pleased to invite all Carondelet students and families to our annual Road to College Night on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. A variety of informative college-related workshops will be offered. Details / Register
Seniors:
- Final College Lists (the Green Form) are due to your College Counselor September 15. Please read the instructions on the Green Form. If you need a form, please stop by College Counseling.
- Seniors have a mandatory Cougar U College Workshop at 1:40 PM on Wednesday, September 3.
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On Wednesday, Sept. 17, College Counseling will be participating in a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair at Pittsburg High School from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. This event allows seniors to engage directly with recruiters from over 30 HBCUs to gain insights into academic programs, campus life, scholarship opportunities, application waivers, and possibly earn on the spot admissions! Please complete this form by Sept. 1 if you are interested in attending. Additional information about the event and permission slips will be sent closer to the date.
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The first Money Method webinar, Succeeding in the Financial Aid Process, is for senior families and will be held on Zoom Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 PM.
Juniors & Seniors:
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College reps have begun visiting Carondelet and De La Salle campuses. All juniors and seniors are able to attend these presentations with teacher approval at least 48 hours in advance. Make sure to check Maia weekly for up-to-date information on visits and to register. Pass for Rep Visits
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors:
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Notre Dame on the Road will be at Carondelet on September 24 at 7:00 PM. Learn more about academic, community and spiritual life at the University of Notre Dame. Registration
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:
- Freshmen and Sophomores are invited to attend monthly Lunch and Learns to hear about a variety of college and career-related topics. Students can register through the link on their Schoology College Hub or with their school email address at the links below.
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Wednesday, September 3 - Students in any grade can learn about what colleges look for when they review applications.
Carondelet shares these opportunities for informational purposes only. We do not affiliate with or endorse any particular organizations.
| | | Academic & Learning Support | | |
Invitation to PowerLab: Support for Student Success
We’re excited to invite your student to PowerLab and PowerStart. This program provides customized academic support and helps students build strong habits for success.
If you believe your student would benefit, and with their permission, please complete our PowerLab Referral Form to help our Academic & Learning Support team best partner with them this year.
PowerLab/PowerStart Sessions in the Library:
- Monday–Thursday: 7:30–8:10 AM & 2:50–3:45 PM
- Late Start Wednesdays begin at 8:30 AM
PowerLab support ranges from quick check-ins to ongoing academic coaching, alongside teacher office hours. Our goal is to build independence, confidence, and ownership of learning.
For questions, contact Director of Academic & Learning Support Merrilee Silveira or the ALS team. We welcome both proactive referrals and early interventions.
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The Cannon provides a supportive, restorative, and community-building space where all students are welcome. Students are encouraged to drop in during break, lunch, or after school to participate in ongoing wellness activities and programming. They may also make individual counseling appointments, as needs arise.
Parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to contact a wellness counselor if they have any questions or concerns regarding emotional health and well-being and would like support or community referral information.
Please visit the Cannon Wellness Center webpage for more information and links to resources, student appointment request form, and our Virtual Cannon Wellness site.
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New 24 Highway Morning Shuttle—Stops at Rockridge, Orinda, and Lafayette BART
Carondelet and De La Salle are offering families the opportunity to sign up their student for a spot on the Oakland to Winton Drive morning 24 Shuttle! Register your student here to secure their spot—and spread the word!
Afternoon Schedule to BART
Pleasant Hill BART - Carondelet and De La Salle offers two daily bus services to Pleasant Hill BART. They depart from Winton Drive 20 minutes after the last bell (including X-Block) and at 3:50 PM. There is no need for advance registration for this free service.
Visit the Transportation webpage for more information.
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School Store Orders
Pick up your orders in the Convent stairwell. Purchases are in alphabetical order. Contact Angie Hatfield, Proforma, if you cannot find your order.
| | "At the heart of our charism is the belief that we are all one, that God's love unites us beyond fear and division." ~ Sisters of St. Joseph | |
Thank You to Our Annual Event Sponsors!
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Heart Sponsors
Countrywood Shopping Center
Mary Beth Kulawiec Dittrich ’79 and Thomas Dittrich
Faith Sponsors
Michelle and Rob Craw P’25
Lehmer’s Buick GMC Concord
Christine Sabatte Logan ’73 and Rich Logan P’12
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Courage Sponsors
Armanino LLP
Michelle and Dean Quiambao P’28
Balestrieri Family Farm
Anabelle and Rudy Galera P’20, ’24, ’26
Julie Gonzalez ’99
Aimee Pourroy-Martin and James Martin P’26
Excellence Sponsors
Nicole Vasta Field ’98 and Tony Field P’27
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More than high school. Her School.
Connect with us.
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Mission: Carondelet High School inspires excellence by preparing young women to live with heart, faith, and courage in the Catholic tradition and spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Vision: A Carondelet graduate is empowered by her Catholic, college-preparatory education and is known as a woman who responds to the needs of the times and makes a positive difference.
| | Carondelet High School l 1133 Winton Drive l Concord, CA 94518 l CarondeletHS.org |
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