LaSalle School July E-Newsletter

Message from the Executive Director Welcome! We are excited as we begin our new fiscal year, to once again be providing you a quarterly e-newsletter. These e-newsletters are intended to keep our community partners, donors and friends updated on the latest news of LaSalle School. Four months ago, COVID-19 forced immediate changes in all of our lives. Here at LaSalle, we are essential and have continued on. Much of what you will read in this edition are the events that took place over the last four months under COVID-19 new restrictions. Our students and staff members continued to go above and beyond with creating fun and innovative social distancing activities for all to join, with the best celebration of all Graduation 2020! I am proud of our students, staff and board members for their patience and willingness to follow new protocols in order to keep us all safe and healthy. We look forward to bringing you all the updated news of LaSalle School-Albany and I hope you and your family continue to stay safe and healthy. David Wallace Executive Director

Campus Events

Founders Week: May 11 - 22 Founder's Week, normally a one week celebration, but due to COVID restrictions, and to make sure all enjoyed safely, this year's celebration was two weeks full of activities. Founder's Week kicked off with some of our students touring the USS Slater and fishing on the Hudson, tie dying over 100 t-shirts for our sister school in Africa, BBQ's, hikes at Grafton State Park and flag football games. Students and staff also partook in Chalk the Walk. This was an opportunity to create special messages and artwork out in the back yard to reflect just how strong our LaSalle family is through anything! On the last day of celebration, organized by one of our students, a lyric battle was held. Students came together and wrote their own lyrics to music and performed for their peers. We couldn't end Founder's Week without recognizing our staff during our annual Staff Appreciation Awards. All awardees were nominated by their peers for their commitment to LaSalle and our mission. Special congratulations to our Educator of the Year recipient, Mary Robinson! Mary's family was unable to be with us due to COVID, but joined us via Facetime to see Mary receive this much deserved award. Field Day: June 25 We ended the school year in full swing with our annual Field Day. Under beautiful blue skies, students and staff enjoyed a great BBQ, and numerous fun activities out on our lawn. The lyric battle was such a success, students requested we end our Field Day activities just as we had done during Founder's Week. Graduation: June 26 We were joined by family and friends of three very hardworking men who earned their diplomas! We couldn't be more proud of the Class of 2020 as they continued to strive towards accomplishing their goals during a time like no other. All three will be continuing their education, one attending Schenectady Community College and the other two beginning their fall semester at Hudson Valley Community College. Congratulations to LaSalle's Class of 2020! To view more photos from these events and to see more on what's happening at LaSalle Like Us On Facebook by clicking the icon below. ‌

2020 Graduates

Chalk the Walk

Educator of the Year, Mary Robinson

Message from LaSalle School Students

Many of our students have seen or been part of injustice. On May 25, George Floyd’s passing caused many discussions, questions and emotions. LaSalle School students partook in those discussions with each other, with staff members or just time away to reflect. We were proud of what we saw from our students. They worked to positively educate each other on the importance of liberty, justice and freedom. One of our students created a mural in the school hallway to reflect the current issues facing so many. Before kicking off our Field Day activities, students organized and led, a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to remember George Floyd and the many affected by injustice. Many of our staff members joined with our students during this remarkable and moving moment.

LaSalle Names New Chair of the Board of Trustees

We are thrilled to welcome Carmen Perez-Hogan as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Carmen is the first Hispanic and bilingual Trustee to serve in this role. Carmen has been a member of the board since 2013 and is retired from the New York State Education Department. Like our youth and staff, she is a determined advocate for social justice and equity. She is also deeply committed to LaSalle School and the wider community of which we are part. The LaSalle family looks forward to working with Carmen, and the entire Board of Trustees on advancing the LaSalle School mission. Carmen replaces Bob Wolfgang a fixture of the LaSalle School family beginning in 1987, when he partnered with Brother Bryce in the development of the Albany Police Athletic League. Bob is retired Chief of Albany Police Department and has been deeply committed to supporting the local community in various capacities, for decades. Bob has been a Trustee at LaSalle since 2001. His new role will be Chair of the Community Relations Committee on the Board of Trustees. With Bob's leadership the committee will work to partner and engage with community members and individuals and educate them on the work of LaSalle School.

Ways to Help

Giving a gift to LaSalle School is providing a gift of impact. With a donation to LaSalle you help us continue to.... Provide therapeutic and academic programs to youth and families in 25 counties around New York State Stock our food pantry with food, bathroom and other household items Provide clothing, beds, bedding and other essentials to those in need Organize fun and educational field and day trips for our day and residential students Provide school supplies to hundreds of youths Purchase books, tablets, and other educational materials Run athletic programs and additional healthy living activities for our students Secure PPE needed essentials for our staff and students to continue to stay safe and healthy Every gift counts, and every gift is a gift of impact. To give a gift today, simply click the button below or you may mail a donation to: LaSalle School Foundation Attention: Development Department 391 Western Avenue Albany, NY 12203 DONATE TODAY!

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