Palma School NewsletterA monthly newsletter for the parents of Palma AUGUST 2020

919 Iverson Street, Salinas, CA 93901 | 831.422.6391 | palmaschool.org

schedule highlightsMonday, August 17 9:00am Student Orientations and Classes

Wednesday, August 26 6:00pm Mini-Schedule Night - Virtual TBA

• Letters from the President and Principal

• 2020-2021 Academic Calendar

• E-School Fall 2020 Schedule

• E-School Student Expectations

• Guidance Department

• Chieftain Athletics

• Yearbook

• The Palma Fund

What’s Inside:

Where boys of promise become men of character

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Questions, comments or suggestions: please email marketing@palmaschool.org

2020-2021WE ARE READY

Palma School Newsletter 2 August 2020

If you were to ask a certain young man, a graduate of Palma High School class of 1988, if he thought one day he would be asked to lead his alma mater in the year 2020, he would have thought that task impossible, maybe a bit out of reach.

As the years have passed, that same graduate pushed away these insecurities one by one, challenge after challenge, primarily due to a foundation set in place at 919 Iverson Street. A foundation set in place which taught a young man how to challenge himself, how to better himself, how to center himself.

This model was put in place at Palma High School in 1951. In 1964 the Congregation of Christian Brothers moved forward with the school creating the premier all-male Catholic school on our Central Coast. Many of these Christian Brothers shaped and challenged me as I moved through my time at Palma. One brother in particular, Brother Patrick Dunne, became my principal as I entered my senior year. This same Brother Patrick Dunne hired me back as a part-time junior high teacher and coach in the fall of 2001. Since that time, I have learned, as Brother Dunne would say, “miraculous things happen at Palma on a daily basis.” Incredible students and families entrusted Brother with their sons, grandsons, nephews, cousins, and brothers to help their young boys of promise become men of character. I only hope I can carry the mantle of these ideals half as well as the man did before me.

I look forward to these coming years, meeting you all, and seeing your son become a Palma man.

My best to all,

Chris Dalman ’88President

From the President

I only hope I can carry the

mantle of these ideals

half as well as the man did before me.

palmaschool.org 3 Palma School Newsletter

Greetings! The new school year is just over two weeks away! I know our teachers andstaffarealllookingforwardtoservingyouandgettingtoknowthe100+families who are new to Palma — welcome! The annual August edition of the Palma Newsletter provides families with reminders important to the start of a new school year. There are dates, events, and other userful information.

Withconfidenceandhope,Iamaffirmingthatincompliancewithstateandcountydirectives for all schools, public and private, we will reopen for distance learning beginning Monday, August 17. While this was the very last option for our return to school, we are poised and ready to take on the challenges of distance learning. We arealsopreparedtopivotnimblyandefficientlyintoahybridmodelofcohortlearning, both in-person and online, when it becomes safe to do so.

All schools in our area have been dealt the same hand, but we’re committed to playing it better. Palma School will go above and beyond to deliver an unparalleled experience for our students. Palma transitioned to distance learning more quickly andeffectivelythananyotherschoolinthearea.Itisafactthatanumberoffamilieshave joined us this year precisely because we do things better. Just as Palma pivoted to distance learning after only two days last spring, we can swiftly transition back to safe cohorts with in-person instruction when conditions allow, while at the same time continuing a remote learning program for those who need or want it.

Thankstofeedbackfromourstudents,parents,andstaff,wearebuildingonourexperience with E-School to ensure a college prep education with the rigor, accountability, and individual attention you deserve. Perhaps just as important, we will create ways to foster community and healthy relationships among students and teachers so students feel connected even when they are apart. Supported by The Essential Elements of a Blessed Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education, our highly qualifiedteachersmakeeveryefforttoengage,motivate,andinspirethepursuitofexcellence in all endeavors. We listen. We foster healthy relationships. We mentor boys of promise to men of character. We are committed to reaching out to every Chieftainandhisfamilyduringthecomingweekstoaffirmyouandtoshareourplans and our readiness to serve you. We want to know your hopes and any concerns and we want to assure you that learning at Palma School — despite the distance — is a whole-person enterprise of growth.

This pandemic will not last forever. When the proverbial dust settles your son will be poised with the preparation and education to pursue success and leadership for life.

We have a history here of many good and giving people with willing and gracious hearts. I encourage you to continue this legacy with that same generous hospitality and loving investment in your son’s future. I look forward to meeting you, working with you, even serving you in this holiest of endeavors we recognize as a Catholic education for young men at Palma. Go Chieftains!

Yours in Blessed Edmund Rice,

David J. SullivanPrincipal

From the Principal

We are committed to

reaching out to every Chieftain and his family

during the coming weeks toaffirmyouand to share

our plans and our readiness to serve you.

NOVEMBER 2020 SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11 22 33 44 55 66 77

88 99 1100 1111 1122 1133 1144

1155 1166 1177 1188 1199 2200 2211

2222 2233 2244 2255 2266 2277 2288

2299 3300

APRIL 2021SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11 22 33

44 55 66 77 88 99 1100

1111 1122 1133 1144 1155 1166 1177

1188 1199 2200 2211 2222 2233 2244

2255 2266 2277 2288 2299 3300

AUGUST 2020 SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11

22 33 44 55 66 77 88

99 1100 1111 1122 1133 1144 1155

1166 1177 1188 1199 2200 2211 2222

2233//3300 2244//3311 2255 2266 2277 2288 2299

In anticipation of the coming school year, the above dates have been provided to assist families with vacation schedules so as not to conflict with school attendance. All of these dates are official, as of July 1, 2020.

2020-2021 PALMA SCHOOL ACADEMIC CALENDAR As the Palma Student and Parent Handbook reads, “Doctor appointments, college visits, family vacations, etc.,

should be made/planned to take place outside of school time or on school holidays, not during the school day.

DECEMBER 2020SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11 22 33 44 55

66 77 88 99 1100 1111 1122

1133 1144 1155 1166 1177 1188 1199

2200 2211 2222 2233 2244 2255 2266

2277 2288 2299 3300 3311

991199 IIVVEE RRSSOONN SSTT RREEEETT ,, SSAALL IINNAA SS ,, CCAA 9933990011 •• PPHHOONNEE 883311..442222..66339911 •• FFAA XX :: 883311..442222..55006655 •• WWWWWW..PP AALLMMAA SSCCHHOO OOLL ..OO RRGG

MAY 2021SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11

22 33 44 55 66 77 88

99 1100 1111 1122 1133 1144 1155

1166 1177 1188 1199 2200 2211 2222

2233 2244 2255 2266 2277 2288 2299

3300 3311

MARCH 2021SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11 22 33 44 55 66

77 88 99 1100 1111 1122 1133

1144 1155 1166 1177 1188 1199 2200

2211 2222 2233 2244 2255 2266 2277

2288 2299 3300 3311

SPECIAL EVENTS: M-Aug. 17, 1st Day of ClassesW-Aug. 26, 6 p.m. Mini-Schedule Night TBAW-Oct. 14, PSAT Testing for Gr. 10-11S-Nov. 8, Palma Open House TBAW-Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. Christmas ConcertT-R Dec. 15-17, Fall Semester Final ExamsT-Jan. 26, 6:00 p.m. Fall Semester Honor Roll ProgramS-Feb. 20, Mother/Son Dinner & DanceW-Mar. 17, St. Patrick’s Luncheon M-F May 3-14: AP ExamsW-May 5, 6:00 p.m. NHS & NJHS Induction CeremonyW-May 5, 6:30 p.m. Jr. High Academic Awards ProgramW-May 12, 6:30 p.m. HS Academic Awards ProgramW-May 19, 6:30 p.m. Spring ConcertT-R May 25-27 Spring Semester Final Exams TBAF-May 28, 5 p.m. Junior High Graduation in Clayton Memorial GymS-May 30, 10:30 a.m. Senior High Graduation at Sherwood Hall

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, VACATIONS & FACULTY INSERVICES (NO CLASSES) AANNDD SCHOOL-WIDE CLOSURES: M-Sep. 7, Labor Day SCHOOL CLOSEDM-Sep. 28, Faculty In-service Day NO CLASSESW-Nov. 11, Veterans Day NO CLASSESM-F Nov. 23-27, Thanksgiving Week Vacation NO CLASSESR-F Nov. 26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday SCHOOL CLOSEDF-Dec. 18, Exam Correction Day NO CLASSESM-Dec. 21-Jan. 4 Christmas Vacation NO CLASSESF-Dec. 25, Christmas Day SCHOOL CLOSEDF-Jan. 1, New Year’s Day SCHOOL CLOSEDM-Jan. 4, Faculty In-service Day NO CLASSESM-Jan. 18, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day SCHOOL CLOSEDF-M Feb. 12-15, Palma Winter Break NO CLASSESM-Feb. 15, Presidents Day SCHOOL CLOSEDW-Mar. 17, NO CLASSESF-Apr. 2, Good Friday SCHOOL CLOSEDF-Apr. 2-F-Apr. 9, Easter Vacation NO CLASSES F-Apr. 30, Founder’s Day NO CLASSESM-May 31, Memorial Day SCHOOL CLOSED

FEBRUARY 2021SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11 22 33 44 55 66

77 88 99 1100 1111 1122 1133

1144 1155 1166 1177 1188 1199 2200

2211 2222 2233 2244 2255 2266 2277

2288

OCTOBER 2020

11 22 33

44 55 66 77 88 99 1100

1111 1122 1133 1144 1155 1166 1177

1188 1199 2200 2211 2222 2233 2244

2255 2266 2277 2288 2299 3300 3311

SEPTEMBER 2020 SS MM TT WW TT FF SS

11 22 33 44 55

66 77 88 99 1100 1111 1122

1133 1144 1155 1166 1177 1188 1199

2200 2211 2222 2233 2244 2255 2266

2277 2288 2299 3300

JANUARY 2021SS M T W T F S

11 22

33 44 55 66 77 88 99

1100 1111 1122 1133 1144 1155 1166

1177 1188 1199 2200 2211 2222 2233

2244//3311 2255 2266 2277 2288 2299 3300

PALMA SCHOOL ACADEMIC CALENDAR

JANUARY 2021T W T F S

PALMA SCHOOL ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Palma School Newsletter 4 August 2020

palmaschool.org 5 Palma School Newsletter

Palma E-School Fall 2020 Schedule

RED DAY

Monday & Thursday(85 min. Block Periods)

7:30-8:55ZERO PERIOD

9:00-10:25PERIOD 1

10:30-11:55PERIOD 2

1:00-2:25PERIOD 6

11:55-12:25LUNCH - Gr. 7-8

STUDY HALL - Gr. 9-10

OFF CAMPUS - Gr. 11-12

12:25-12:55STUDY HALL - Gr. 7-8

LUNCH - Gr. 9-10

OFF CAMPUS - Gr. 11-12

—

8:55 Warning Bell

GOLD DAY

Tuesday & Friday(85 min. Block Periods)

No Zero-Period Class

8:00-8:45Faculty Meetings

9:00-10:25PERIOD 3

10:30-11:55PERIOD 4/5

1:00-2:25PERIOD 7

11:55-12:25LUNCH - Gr. 7-8

STUDY HALL - Gr. 9-10

OFF CAMPUS - Gr. 11-12

12:25-12:55STUDY HALL - Gr. 7-8

LUNCH - Gr. 9-12

OFF CAMPUS - Gr. 11-12

9:00-9:45Period 1 Office Hour

9:50-10:35Period 2 Office Hour

2:00-2:45Period 7 Office Hour

10:40-11:25Period 3 Office Hour

12:20-1:05Faculty Collaboration

11:30-12:15Periods 4/5 Office Hour

1:10-1:55Period 6 Office Hour

8:55 Warning Bell

FLEX DAY

(Usually Wednesday)(45 Min. Periods)

Teachers available in classrooms for individual

help by class period. Students can sign up to

attend in person or by Zoom.

Flex Day (Wednesday): students complete their work independently and/or make appointments with teachers for individual help.This schedule is designed for easy pivoting from e-school to hybrid in-person cohort classes when they are permitted. Day structure and class start times would remain the same.

Palma School Newsletter 6 August 2020

E-School Student Expectations• Students are expected to be directly engaged and

participate in Palma E-School classes

• Student behavior expectations will remain the same throughout the course of the Palma E-School schedule and in accordance with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) as described in our Student-Parent Handbook

E-School Attendance• Students are expected to be logged in at or before

the start time of each scheduled classroom meeting and remain in the class unless otherwise directed by the instructor

• Whenloggingin,studentsmustusetheirfirstandlastname and their school-issued “gopalma” email address; students who are not recognized as such will not be permitted to attend class

• Students may not use any other name or nickname

• Students (or parent/guardian) are expected to contact their teachers prior to the start of class if they are unable to attend class or to log in on time

E-School Behavior Expectations• Students are expected to be engaged and avoid

distracting behavior during scheduled class time

• All language and communications are to remain Palma School appropriate

• Students are not permitted to take screenshots or otherwise record any part of class

• All work submitted during distance learning is to be the student’s own

• Palma students are held to standards of the school’s AcademicIntegrityPolicieswhetheronoroffcampus

E-School Office Hours• Dedicated time for students to meet with their

teachers has been built into the Palma E-School schedule

• Teachers will be available to meet virtually with studentsduringscheduledofficehours

• Officehoursarenotscheduledona“dropin”basis

• Where necessary, meetings must be prescheduled between the student and his individual teacher at a time that is mutually agreed upon by both

• Class meeting times may take place between 7:30 am - 3:00 pm Monday through Friday; Wednesdays are for independent study, preparation, student support, and the like

• Guidance Counselors will schedule virtual meetings with students as needed

Reporting Palma E-School Issues• Communication will be provided as needed and may

include updates and adjustments to these policies or schedules as deemed necessary

• Student and parent participation is crucial for our continued improvement of E-School services

• Palma School intends to distribute online surveys periodically to check on progress with E-School operations

Palma Tech AssistanceIT Director, Mr. Cunha, will be available from 8:00-3:30 every day school is in session via email. He can be contacted at:

• 422-6391

• cunha@palmaschool.org

• Zoom Meeting ID: 712 574 1571

• Google Classroom – Tech @ Palma (Class code: xvhgdx6)

• GoToMeeting app (Access Code 962-589-717)

Please be aware that an increase in need for tech support is anticipated; your patience is appreciated.

E-School Student Expectations

palmaschool.org 7 Palma School Newsletter

Guidance DepartmentMs. Irina Short, Chairx242short@palmaschool.org

Attention seniors, class of 2021Counselors plan to meet with seniors each Wednesday through Zoom, to work on college applications. They will also be available Monday through Friday by appointment.

The application for the University of California opens on August 1st. Seniors will not be able to submit their applications until Nov. 1, 2020 with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2020. This allows them the opportunity to begin their applications before starting their senior year in high school. This also allows for plenty of time to have their essays proofed by their English teacher. The Common Application will also begin accepting applications on August 1st. The majority of private universities are listed under the Common App. Therefore,studentsfilloutoneapplication,andareableto send it to any private/public school listed under common app. Deadlines vary for each university, so studentsmustpayattentiontothedifferentdeadlines.StudentscanfindtheUCAppandtheCommonApp.link on their home page in their Naviance account.

Scholarship and fi nancial aidScholarships come in many forms and sizes. Not all scholarshipsarebasedsolelyongradesand/orfinancialneed.TheGuidanceOfficepostsinformationonallscholarships we receive in Naviance. Many students may not be aware that they are eligible to apply for scholarships. Scholarships can be based on a wide range of criteria including academics, athletics, leadership, career interests, writing skills, ethnic background,religiousaffiliation,oranycombinationofthe preceding. One can also use the internet to check out some of the outstanding FREE scholarship search siteslikewww.fastweb.com.Thisandotherfinancialaidand college related links are indexed on the home page of your Naviance account at http://student.naviance.com/palma.

Tips for student athletesWhen it comes to athletic scholarships and college sports recruiting, it is important for you to become familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding the various college associations, conferences, and divisions. Violation of the rules, even while still in high school, can result in ineligibility in your future athletic career. Your firsttaskshouldbetodeterminewhichassociations(NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc.) your prospective colleges and universities belong to, and then carefully review those group’s websites.

Junior-senior monthly reminder• Juniors should sign up to take the ACT, SAT and SAT

subject tests this year. • As for seniors, the CSU/UC and many private

institutions are not requiring these tests for 2021 admission. However, there are some private institutions that are still requiring them. Some private institutions expect you to submit either the ACT/SAT score before you can attend, even though they are not requiring it for your college application.

• If you plan to play a sport in college and you haven’t signed up with the clearinghouse you need to do that now (www.eligibilitycenter.org)

• Continue to explore colleges, scholarships and financialaidopportunities

Schedule of SAT/ACT test dates Test Date Register by Late Reg. Deadline*

SAT Aug 29, 2020 July 31, 2020 Aug 11, 2020

ACT Sept 12, 2020 Aug 14, 2020 Aug 28, 2020

SAT Sept 26, 2020 Aug 26, 2020 Sept 15, 2020

SAT Oct 3, 2020 Sept 4, 2020 Sept 15, 2020

ACT Oct 10, 2020 Sep 17, 2020 Sep 25, 2020

SAT Nov 7, 2020 Oct 7, 2020 Oct 20, 2020

SAT Dec 5, 2020 Nov 5, 2020 Nov 17, 2020

ACT Dec 12, 2020 Nov 6, 2020 Nov 20, 2020

* A late fee will be added after the “Register by” date.

Welcome Back!

Palma School Newsletter 8 August 2020

Chieftain AthleticsMr. Rob Bishopx229bishop@palmaschool.org

Go Chieftains!

✓ Physical Exam – ALL student athletes must undergo a physical exam to participate in sports. The Palma AthleticCouncilwillnotbeabletoofferthephysicalsthis year due to health concerns.

✓ Concussion Testing – Athletes needing to take the concussion test should keep an eye on their email. A concussion test is required every two years in high school and every year for junior high. Athletes new to Palma will be required to take a test. The test will be conducted remotely.

✓ School-sanctioned combination locks and P.E. clothes will be available prior to resuming on campus activities. ALL LOCKS USED ON CAMPUS MUST BE PURCHASED FROM PALMA.

✓ The annual fall Parent/Player/Coach Meeting has been postponed until early December.

You will receive the Sports Eligibility Packet from Palma Athletics in the coming weeks. When published, it will also be available on the website. The packet contains information regarding:

The Palma School Athletics App is Here!

The new app will contain schedules, rosters and updated scores when the season gets underway. It is part of the “gochieftains” athletic website that is under development. You can fi nd the app at Apple and Android app stores or by scanning this QR code.Go Chieftains!

palmaschool.org 9 Palma School Newsletter

2020-21 YearbookMs. Jennifer Pagliarox110pagliaro@palmaschool.org

We look foward to the upcoming year

Theyearbookstaffislooking forward to the upcoming year.

We want to thank you all for your patience with this year’s delay due to the pandemic. And, in preparation of possible changes in the future, we want to reach out to you now because we look to ensure inclusion of our Palma community in our book for 2021.

To do this, we are asking for all of our students to submit some of their own photos and writing. We will ask students to make submissions through their classes.Whilethisyearwillbedifferent,weknowthatourstaffwillproduceabookthatcapturesthePalmaspirit.

Please make all submissions to: yearbook@palmaschool.org

If you feel like you have photos of your son that you want to see in the book, please upload them at the aforementioned link as well. Please, remember to tell us who is in the photo and write at least two sentences explaining what is happening.

These photos will not replace the traditional baby ads. Those can be purchased online through the order center once that is open. We will send the paperwork concerning all ads and the pricing in September.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Senior portraits due by Friday, December 14, 2020

Please share these guidelines with the photographer of your choice.

The photo requirement are:• Head and shoulder/upper body shot• Sent as a jpeg• Full color (no black and white images), 300dpi • No props, please• Indoor or outdoor shots are accepted• Photo must not be too closely cropped• Do not submit photos smaller than 6” x 8”

All senior portraits must be submitted digitally to yearbook@palmaschool.org by Friday, December 14, 2020.

Here are some professional photographers.

Kathleen Marsh (831) 596-2928www.iphotobykmarsh.zenfolio.com

Cook’s Photography (831) 424-5486www.cooksphotography.com

Lorinda K Photography (831) 233-9593www.lorindakphotography.com

Ronnie Esparza Photography (831) 320-9328 www.ronnieesparzaphoto.com

Creative Images (831) 649-5443www.larrynordwick.com

MommieRazzi Photography (831) 402-7716 mommierazziphotography.com

Grace Irwin (831) 262-7915www.graceirwinphotography.com

Gary Dangerfi eld Photography (831) 915-9991 www.garydangerfi eldphotography.com

Theyearbookstaffislooking forward to the

We want to thank you all for your patience with this year’s delay due to the pandemic. And, in preparation of possible changes

Palma School Newsletter 10 August 2020

Can you remember a time when the world needed remarkable young men more than right now?

Or a time when young men needed a school that is positioned to cut through the confusion and

chaos? THE PALMA FUND ensures that our doors will be as open as our hearts when it comes to

providing a foundation for a solid future . . .no matter what may come. Your commitment helps to

improve technology, facilities, professional development and provide much needed financial aid.

Thank you for your commitment to the Palma promise. Unless you have checked the “anonymous donation” box

above, your name will appear in the Honor Roll of Donors published on the back of this flyer every month.

Thank you!

YES! I AM COMMITTED! Please complete this form and return it to the front office.

Name:

n One-time gift of $ (payable by check or credit card)

n Pledge total of $ to be paid: n Monthly n Quarterly (Must be paid in full by June 30th)

Bill me starting the month of: in the amount of $ per payment or

n automatically charge my pledge payments to my credit card

Please bill my gift or automatic payments to my: l Visa l MasterCard l American Express

Credit Card Number: Exp. Date:

Signature: CVV:

Name on Card: n I wish to be recorded as anonymous

All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

You can make your donation/pledge securely online by clicking on the “Give to Palma” button on the homepage at palmaschool.org or scan the QR here

Together we haveUNRESTRICTED POTENTIAL