The Explorer's Blog

La Salle, being a private school, does place a heavy emphasis on academics. At La Salle, the curriculum is broad enough to offer many unique electives, while comprehensive enough to include numerous AP and honors courses for ambitious students. The course-load is tough, and can sometimes appear overwhelming to an incoming freshman, but the dedicated faculty is always available for assistance and guidance during the "horse-race" of the school year, as counselor Mr. Leahy calls it.

The freedom that La Salle offers in course selection is very unusual in most high schools, and something that is very advantageous to the student body. At La Salle, students must take the required courses (Religion, English, Science, History, World Language, and Math), but can also enjoy many electives of their choice. A plethora of students decide to take Art or Music, while others prefer other electives like Public Speaking and Creative Writing. As a student progresses into the upper grades, he is given more privilege to take special classes like AP Economics, History of Philadelphia, or Vietnam. The rostering process is a tedious one at La Salle, but extremely efficient. I encountered a rostering problem of my own this summer, and went into school to try and fix it. Mr. Barna and Mr. Evans helped me in less than fifteen minutes to sort out the problems with my schedule and rectify it. At La Salle, a student that takes initiative and holds responsibility will reap further successes.

Two such teachers that demonstrate the full values of a Lasallian education are Mrs. Ponisciak and Mr. Colistra.  Both teachers are infamous at La Salle for their difficulty, but also legendary for their intelligence and desire to inspire young men. Mrs. Ponisciak, the Chemistry maestro at La Salle, pushes her honors and AP students to the limit, helping instill a love of science while dutifully preparing her students for college. Another "living legend" at school is history/economics teacher Mr. Colistra. Having taught at his Alma Mater since 1969, Mr. Colistra still enlightens his classes each day with playful metaphors and rigid essay assignments. My day begins and ends with Mr. Colistra, having both his history and economics class. His class is truly a must-take for anyone looking for the full La Salle experience.

School is not meant to be just academics, and La Salle is no exception, offering plenty of service and extracurricular opportunities. In truth though, a student attends school in order to receive a superb education, and-believe me-La Salle will provide that...in excess.

All is well here on 8605 Cheltenham Avenue. See you next week!

La Salle is the type of school that never slows down, no matter what time of the year it is. With the first week of classes in the books, homework and tests are suddenly appearing everywhere: in the cafeteria, the library, and even the locker room, as students scramble to work toward another successful academic year. La Salle’s extensive extracurricular program is getting back on its feet and the Activites Fair was held yesterday during lunch periods.  Here, I'll write about three parts of the extracurricular experience at La Salle: Speech and Debate, Music/Chorus, and Service.  These are not the only activities through which a student can express themselves at La Salle, but are the ones that will be spotlighted today.

One unique activity offered at La Salle is the Speech and Debate team. The “Forum,” as the speakers and debaters affectionately label themselves, is a group of academically motivated students who are skilled in the areas of oration, persuasion, and writing. While it might seem a bit boring, the Forum has their share of fun – traveling across the country to places like Harvard, Yale, Pittsburgh, and even Minneapolis, to compete and test their skills. Besides the terrific confidence and experience the members of the Forum gain from competing, they also win – and win a lot. La Salle in recent years has had State champions, elimination-round placements in national tournaments, and even bids to the prestigious Tournament of Champions.  To learn more about the Speech and Debate team, visit the Forum area of the Website.

Another popular extracurricular taken by students at La Salle is music, whether it be as part of the Band or Chorus. The Band, headed by the immensely talented duo of Mr. Ciccimaro and Mr. Vettori, teach a wide array of students each day. The music staff has the uncanny ability to transmit knowledge to each of their pupils, somehow creating multi-instrument musicians over four years. During a band concert last year, one beaming teacher said to me, “One student was playing an instrument, then he came back and was playing another, and then I saw him play a third!” The band rooms in the West Wing of the school host the Freshman Band, Lab Band, the award-winning Competition Band, and the ever-popular Pep Band (seen at football games…playing “Crazy Train” or “Bad Romance”). The Chorus room is Mr. Norman’s domain, guiding freshman singers to the upper levels of vocal superiority in classes like Advanced Chorus and Independent Chorus. Members of Chorus accompany each school liturgy with their voices, as well as treating the school community to two Choral concerts a year.  To learn more about the band and chorus at La Salle and to stream/download past musical performances, visit the Musical Arts area of the Website.

A school cannot be Catholic in name only, and La Salle is certainly no exception. Service as a school community is an integral part of the Lasallian experience. Different service opportunities are offered throughout the school year and summer for students to take part in. The most popular service activity is La Salle Academy Tutoring, in which a group of La Salle students take a bus down to La Salle Academy, a San Miguel grade school in Philadelphia, where they tutor children. After tutoring, the high-schoolers are welcome to buy pizza at a great shop nearby. It is a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday before grudgingly having to…do homework.  To learn more about all of the service opportunities available at La Salle, visit the Ministry & Service area of the Website.

All is well here on 8605 Cheltenham Avenue. See you next week!

The first week at La Salle is in the books! Students, teachers, and administrators are getting back into the routine of classes, with Freshmen Orientation taking place on Tuesday, and the remainder of the student body reporting on Wednesday. Freshmen Orientation is always a memorable event for La Salle's youngest class as they are greeted magnificently at the entrance by Principal Marchese, President Brother Richard, and the La Salle Band It was a rainy day for orientation this year, but I am sure the freshmen had a good time, being introduced to the school, their fellow classmates, and meeting the Student Council as well as the school administration. In an innovative twist this year at orientation, the freshmen were joined by their parents in the evening for a combined orientation at night.  Click here to view a short video from Freshman Orientation.

Even though school did not officially begin until Wednesday, the unofficial start was Saturday night at Plymouth-Whitemarsh Stadium when La Salle took on its cross-town rival, the North Penn Knights. The special thing about football games, most especially this early-season one, is their ability to unify the student body. The freshmen, days before their orientation, cheer right beside the upperclassmen in support of their soon-to-be home for the next four years. Football brings together all classes and activity groups in support of their classmates on the field. This Labor Day contest held important bragging rights though as most of La Salle's suburban students are quite familiar with North Penn, but the 3rd time against the Knights was still the charm. After beating North Penn twice in last year's football season, the Explorers rallied from a 21-10 halftime deficit to again triumph over their public school foes, 44-27. The Knights are a physical football team, and to see La Salle find success in three straight contests-all of them instant classics-is quite a treat.  Click here for the game recap and video highlights.

The first week of school contains its mix of excitement...and typical school-year angst. The distribution of syllabi and discussion of class expectations is always interesting, but hints at a year-long workload. Some teachers used "icebreaker" exercises to help the class get to know each other. For example, in Mrs. Maher's Chemistry class, the students began class giving their name and a fact about themselves. Each day for the first week or so, the class repeats their name and fact, in an attempt to allow each classmate to immediately grow comfortable with each other.

After the short week, the fall sports teams continued play over the weekend. Varsity soccer achieved a nice overtime win over Pittsburgh Central Catholic on Friday, the golf team strummed along in their attempt for Catholic League and District glory, and the cross-country team (after seeing their 1st PCL meet cancelled on Wednesday) participated in a 2-mile event at Belmont Plateau. There, both the JV and V runners reached noteworthy success. Finally, the football team came out again at P-W to play New Jersey power Bergen Catholic. Prior to the Game, La Salle commemorated the 10th Anniversary of 9-11.   After losing by one-point to BC last year, the Explorers fell short again, falling 41-17 to an athletic Bergen football team. Despite the loss, the loyal La Salle fan base will be out again to support their team at Homecoming on Friday against West Catholic. The event brings back alumni and friends of the school to a barbeque at La Salle, followed by a walk across the street to Springfield High where the Explorers can rebound from a wrenching loss.

All is well here on 8605 Cheltenham Avenue. See you next week!

As the cars pulled into 8605 Cheltenham Avenue on Tuesday, the students returning from their well-deserved four-day weekend were greeted by President Brother Richard Kestler. The first day of the second marking period proved to be a very busy one with the defending District XII Champion Basketball Team beginning tryouts and the beginning of the Bowling season. Following school on Tuesday, a group of forty students and teachers left for Diamond Ridge Conference Center in Jamison, PA to participate in the Kairos 37-76 retreat. On Wednesday, twenty students traveled with Mrs. Haggerty and Mr. Parisi to Love Park in Philadelphia to participate in Homeless Outreach, a new service opportunity at La Salle. Wednesday also was the AAA Varsity Hockey team’s long awaited rematch with Holy Ghost Prep as the Explorers came out victorious behind strong performances by Tom Jacquay and Neil Laessig. Friday night the Explorer’s went up against the Cahillites of Roman Catholic High School in a bid for their third straight Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. Coasting to a victory, La Salle claimed the dominance in the league. Saturday night at La Salle was the annual Auction, Bella Luna, which raised over $200,00 for the school!

This week grants every student at La Salle a long awaited break by declaring Monday a school holiday. The break gives students the extra energy they need to arrive Tuesday ready to learn and compete but also gives underclassmen the focus they need to prepare for their NEDT and PSAT/NMSQT testing day on Wednesday.

Tuesday acts almost like a normal Monday at La Salle as students stroll in recovering from their three-day weekend, but also hosts a number of sports events such as the JV and Varsity Soccer games against Conwell-Egan and the JV and Varsity Water Polo matches at Penn Charter.

When Wednesday rolls around underclassmen are prepared and focused for their exams that, mostly for juniors, could very well award them merit money or state-wide recognition for any exceptional performances. At the same time, seniors are granted the day off. Students enter Thursday refreshed and attentive while gathering in the gym to prepare for the evening’s Honors Convocation. Students that have earned an average GPA of 3.50 or higher are honored at this event in recognition of their outstanding performances in the classroom.

The following day La Salle prepares for its first Student Council Mixer of the year. Student Council members can be seen actively promoting the mixer and selling tie-dye La Salle shirts to the student body. Approximately 1,000 students from La Salle and surrounding sister schools – Mount St. Joseph’s, Gwynedd, and St. Basil’s – will be in attendance for the first social event of the year.

The week starts off very similarly to past weeks as students stroll into La Salle at 8:00 am working their way out of the Monday Morning Blues. Monday does not herald much activity as usual except for the periodic visits seniors are making during the day to the College Counseling Center. Seniors are anxiously preparing for the fast approaching College Interview Day that will take place in La Salle's gymnasium within the next 24 hours. By the time Tuesday morning rolls around, seniors are dressed up and more than ready for their impending interviews with more than 50+ college representatives.

Wednesday feels like a new week to seniors as they recover from their hectic college interview day while many of the underclassmen are just working towards their weekend. Students arrive to see that the gymnasium has been transformed into a cordial restaurant in anticipation of the Golden Explorer Liturgy and Luncheon with Brother Richard Kestler as its host. Also today, the Cross Country team heads to its 5th PCL meet at the Belmont Plateau. THOSE KIDS CAN RUN!

Thursday and Friday produce two varsity water polo matches against respective opponents, Springfield High School and Souderton High School, but more importantly have many juniors and seniors studying hard for the SAT's and SAT II's on Saturday. This exam date is one of the first times many juniors are applying their knowledge to the SAT's but at the same time is the last chance for many seniors to boost their already impressive scores.

As the La Salle community reconvenes early Monday morning, a buzz is heard from St. Michael to McLean Hall. Saturday night, La Salle defeated arch rival Saint Joseph’s Preparatory by the score of 31-7 to claim the Philadelphia Catholic League football regular season title with an unblemished record. After school on Monday the Fencing Club met for their second ever meeting as they begin to steer the club towards becoming part of La Salle’s community, under the direction of Mr. Dan Williams.

Tuesday morning begins, like very day, with a prayer led by Mr. Doug Demeter, and the ever-informative WEXP broadcast to the homerooms. Following school on Tuesday, a group of thirty students traveled down to La Salle Academy, in Philadelphia, to help tutor the students there and assist them with their homework. On Wednesday, November 3^rd, La Salle was lucky enough to have Brother James Dries, FSC come speak to the religion classes, addressing the students regarding their vocations in life and what they are called to become.

As Thursday rolls around, excitement builds around La Salle as Friday is a school holiday and the students are off. Friday is also the semifinals of the PCL Football Championship where La Salle will play Father Judge. Following the dismissal at 2:15, approximately twenty students get changed into shorts and t-shirts and rush down to Upper Meehan Field to play a little Frisbee. Led by star player Jeremy Fus, the Frisbee Club is one of the fastest growing clubs at La Salle and always proves to be a good time for all.

This is the first week of the magazine drive and the school is crazy. Most students have sold their five subscriptions for the drive and are allowed to “dress down”. Tuesday was particularly crazy because La Salle is playing The Prep in soccer, which we won in overtime. The win shows how good our soccer team is – ranked No. 10 in the nation. This Friday is another big day at LaSalle, because of the football game against Roman Catholic. Roman Catholic appears to be the fiercest competitor that La Salle football will face this season in the Philadelphia Catholic League. Before the game, the student council sponsored a tailgate for La Salle students and any girls that wanted to attend.  La Salle ended up winning the game in grand fashion.

Now that school is getting in the swing of things, the student council activity fair was held.  All the various clubs and activities had tables set up in the pit, so that new and returning students may find a club or sport that interests them.  As students walked through The Pit, seniors tried to coax them into joining their club. The next day was the famed magazine drive assembly, featuring the one and only Nancy.  Each year there is an assembly, where we go crazy just for selling magazines in hopes for a week of no ties and possibly a day off.  Friday, September 24, 2010 was the second annual Awards Assembly.  All the sophomores, juniors, and seniors, received their awards for their outstanding academic achievements last year. The assembly concluded with the singing of the Alma-Mater. That evening was the big homecoming football game against Monsignor Bonner.  It was a good game, especially because La Salle won.  At halftime La Salle honored the members of the 1960 City Championship Football.  It was a good night, because of the mix of La Salle students – past, present, and of the future. 

We’ve made it to the second week alive! By now, we’re surely back into our regular routines (just kidding!). Now even more clubs and activities are coming back to life! This week stage crew comes together to help prepare for La Salle’s Fall drama, Blithe Spirit. La Salle’s esteemed Mock Trial team also starts holding their tryouts to prepare for a new and hopefully successful year. And we couldn’t forget the service opportunities. With our school’s great culture of service, there are truly service programs for everyone. This week tutoring begins at La Salle Academy. Not only is it a great time, but we also help the kids learn and get their homework done – overall great experience! In addition tutoring, the Elder Share Outreach program also began, in which we go to two retirement homes (we switch off weekly), either St. Joseph’s Villa for Retired Religious or the Artman Home. This is also a really great experience because all the residents really want is just someone to talk to, and the satisfaction you get from making them feel better is just priceless!

But how could we forget? Intramurals also began, which is perfect for those who don’t play a fall sport and want to have a lot of fun. Intramural competitions get real competitive at La Salle, so you have to be prepared to play your heart out! The weather is so nice these days that even the Tennis team is having pre-season (the season starts in March) hit-arounds for fun, and to get rid of some of the rust. The first student council meeting of the year took place this week. We planned out what’s going to happen at LaSalle this fall, including mixers and pep-rallies! Of course, we don’t have the freshman in council yet, because they’ll be elected in the next few weeks.