Category Archives: High School

Health and Safety are Top Priority As Athletes Return to Campus for Summer Workouts.

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By Tommy Smeltzer

Chaminade’s student-athletes have never been happier for those hot summer football workouts to be underway. After a lengthy prohibition of any athletic activity on campus, the CIF State office last week released guidelines for restarting athletic activities, and the Chaminade athletics department was ready for the green light. Coaches implemented optional summer training programs that allow students to prepare for the upcoming year of sports while employing all state, county, and local health and safety protocols. Social distancing is easily achieved on the Deep Blue C and on the adjacent baseball field as athletes spread out in smaller groups with plenty of space between them. The program is set up so that students remain with the same cohort in pods of 5-10 students to limit overall exposure. 

As students arrive, they are greeted in their cars to receive temperature checks at the main entrance and must answer screening questions before being allowed on campus. Gone are communal water stations, as students now must bring their own water bottles to practice and must keep any backpacks or equipment separated in an area to the side of the field. Masks are worn during stretching and non-exertion skill drills, but athletes are allowed to work without masks during high exertion drills as long as distances are maintained. Partner stretches, passing, and contact drills are not allowed in Phase I. 

“We are allowed to do about a third of what we would normally do,” said Coach Ed Croson, “But the important thing is that we are able to train individual skills and prepare our players for the rigor and collision that is unique to football, all while learning to comply with the guidelines.” The coach noted that this is a big adjustment for students, so we must reinforce the importance of taking safety protocols seriously, both on and off the field. While it is challenging to change habits, he assures us, “The kids are getting it down.” 

Back on the Deep Blue C, groans of exertion emanate from the drills amid the summer heat. However, it is clear by the smiles and laughter after practice that these students are thrilled to reclaim a piece of life before quarantine and declare, “Eagle football is back!”

Staying Calm in Quarantine with Your High School Teen

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By Kathryn Howard, LMFT, PPS/CWA, High School Therapist

It is important to recognize that during high school years the adolescent brain and hormones are in full sprint!  What does that mean for you as a parent? It is a reminder that they feel emotions more deeply and more strongly than at any other time in their life. Being confined in a quarantine may increase mood fluctuations, especially if they stuck at home!  Here are ways you can help your student during this challenging time:

Model the 4 C’s: Calm, Caring, and Compassionate Communication:

  • Please understand that your teen has not had the life experiences to deal with a situation like this. At this age, most are naturally social, and this is going to be extremely difficult for them. Be patient with the possible mood swings – being cooped up is especially hard for teenagers. They may become cranky and argumentative, and it’s important for you to know that this is natural! Try not to let that bother you.
  • No one wins when you argue with a teen. If you find yourself constantly arguing, step away and discuss matters when you are both calm. Don’t forget to listen with your heart during these challenging times.

Start collaborative parenting:

  • Try not to give too much advice.Being on the receiving end of a lot of advice makes your teen feel like they don’t have control. As teens transition into adulthood, parents need to allow them to feel like they have the ability to handle certain situations on their own.
  • If your teen is complaining about something, do your best to listen and empathize/validate. Complaints from your teen doesn’t mean you need to give them advice. Ask if your teen wants your suggestion before you give it. If they say “no” let them know that you believe they can handle what’s bothering them, but willing to help when they need support. Understand your teen may just be letting off steam, which is good for both of you! 
  • While you are home, it might be easy to treat your teen like they are in elementary school again. Waking them up, making their meals and catering to them. Remember that they are emerging into adulthood, and it is best to let them keep their schedule and continue to be independent.

Practice good self-care during stay-at-home orders:

  • Don’t forget to take the time for humor – Laughter is so important for improving mental health. If you are finding it hard to smile or laugh-watch your favorite comedian, funny movie or cute kittens. It is a good distraction from the news.
  • Find time for yourself – Everyone needs a little space right now. Find a quiet space (maybe with earbuds) and let your family know you are not available. Good time to practice prayer, meditation or something you enjoy.
  • Manage your stress – If you feel you are getting annoyed or frustrated, take a break, step away from the situation and breathe deep. You are going to need to negotiate with your teen during this time together.
  • Communicate – If you are worried about your child’s academics, contact their counselor. You can set an appointment to discuss your concerns. They are there for you.

Chaminade Counseling Offers Pacific Northwest College Tour

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Chaminade’s counseling department is excited to offer the Pacific Northwest College Tour, March 31-April 3.  A follow-up to their successful east coast tour in October, students in grades 9-11 are invited to travel to Oregon and Washington, where they will visit the University of Oregon, University of Washington, Oregon State University, Lewis and Clark College, Seattle University, Willamette University, and others! The tours offered on each campus provide students with valuable insight and perspective wherever they are in their college process. 

Taking advantage of visiting a college campus helps students form their own feelings and opinions about a school. How did they feel being on campus? Were the students friendly? Did it seem like someplace they could see themselves? How did they feel walking into the Student Union Building or sitting in the university library?  Students are choosing a ‘home away from home’ when they are exploring colleges. Nothing tells them more about a school, its opportunities and what they can expect, than being there themselves. Tours enable students to gather information directly from the source as they continue to learn about themselves and their needs and wants.

The benefit of touring colleges becomes evident when students begin applying to schools in the fall of their senior year. They will be well-informed about the kind of school they wish to attend and can see for themselves what sets one school apart from another.

Click here for more information about the Pacific Northwest College Tour, or contact the Director of Counseling, Laura Cuneo, at lcuneo@chaminade.org.

Chaminade Celebrates Advent

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Over the last three weeks, Chaminade has been celebrating the Advent theme, “So We Wait.” As a community, we reflected on the coming of our Savior, Emmanuel, God-with-us, and are now ready to celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent on December 22, which will mark the final week of prayer as we wait for the birth of Jesus Christ on the eve of Christmas. This final candle, the “Angel’s candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on earth, goodwill to all people.” As a Chaminade family, let us unite in peace and hold each other in prayer, knowing that our God of peace will soon be born and will ring hope to a new year!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Chaminade Senior Honored as a Finalist of the 2020 National YoungArts Foundation for Excellence in Theater.

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Jater Webb ’20 was named a winner of the 2020 National YoungArts Foundation honor for excellence in theater. Jater, a senior member of the Chaminade Players, was selected as one of the nation’s most accomplished young artists from a national pool of 7,000 applications.

In addition to a scholarship, Jater will be flown to Miami, Florida for YoungArts Week from January 5-12, 2020. There he will attend master classes with theater professionals, promotional events, and participate in a performance on Tuesday, January 7 at the New World Center Stage.

As a Finalist, the organization’s highest honor, Jater is qualified for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts Program.

YoungArts winners gain access to one of the most comprehensive programs for emerging artists in the United States, offering financial, professional, and artistic development opportunities over the course of their careers.

Learn More