Web Site updated: May 14, 2012

Volunteers help prepare students for statewide academic competition
ALBANY, NEW YORK - April 16, 2012 - "Year after year, I've heard from my staff what a terrific activity this and was determined to experience it for myself," Kerri Barber, acting director of the albany Regional Office of OCFS was talking about coming to LaSalle School to help prepare LaSalle's student competitors for the first stage of the 2012 Annual National History Day contest.

Each year, LaSalle history students and thousands of students from across the country choose historical topics related to a theme, conduct extensive research, analyze and interpred their sources drawing conclusions that result in original projects.

This year will mark LaSalle's fifth participating in this highly regarded academic program, and the third year their entrieswere judged by volunteers. Barber joined her colleagues - many returning and many new to the mock judging. Attorney for the Child Barbara Strauss traveled from Orange County just to see what this student exercise wal all about. Strauss had the opportunity to judge the project of one of her young clients competing for History Day honors. She listened intently while he explained how he developed his display, his comfort talking to adults, and his acceptance of criticism... Click for more>>

Winter camping trip brings LaSalle boys back to nature
ALBANY, NEW YORK - March 27, 2012 - Last month, LaSalle's Recreation Department organized a winter camping trip for five boys. Alex Branch, a Montana native and currently a Lasallian Volunteer, was one of the trained and experienced staff that accompanied the youths on the trip. Alex kept a journal detailing his impressions of how the boys approached different situations and reacted to the many challenges such an excursion can, and did, present. What follows is his personal account of the trip.

"A lot of preparation goes into a winter camping excursion, and students Rob, Jason, Jordan, Eli, and Mike did a great job of being present and positive about the process. It took us about an hour the night before and another 45 minutes the morning of to get all our gear packed and get on the road. Each boy had a pack with about 25 pounds of gear, including a one-person tent, heavy winter sleeping bag, foam sleeping mat, extra clothes, and their fair share of community gear - cooking stove, cook-pot, pan, food, etc... Click for more>>

New York State Senator John J. Flanagan comes to LaSalle School
ALBANY, NEW YORK - March 7, 2012 - Senator John J. Flanagan is the Chairman of New York State's Senate Standing Committee on Education. Although extremely busy, on February 29th, he came to LaSalle School to learn more about State Education Department approved schools that operate on the campuses of day and residential treatment centers in New York.   

What started out as a routine tour of the campus - beginning in the wing of LaSalle’s self-contained classrooms - grew more and more personal as the senator interacted with staff and students. First, he was able to observe the small classes designed to address the emotional and educational needs of students at LaSalle. Later, he participated with students and the instructor in a discussion in one of the science labs. Then he heard from a member of the faculty at the University at Albany about the collaborative research work and field placements underway at LaSalle...Click for more>>

Singapore residential treatment centers look to LaSalle for advice in best practices
ALBANY, NEW YORK - March 7, 2012 - On February 27th, Dean Katharine Briar-Lawson from the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfarearranged for the Director and staff of Singapore's Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports - Rehabilitation, Protection and Residential Services Division to come to LaSalle School. The group totaled eight in number, and their stop in Albany was the first among several scheduled for the next few weeks that would take them to Tennessee, New Mexico and Los Angeles.

The purpose of the delegation’s visit to the United States was to learn more about emerging and best practice models for residential care, as Singapore finds it necessary to both enhance their practices and increase the capacity of its child welfare system. The diverse team of program directors, managers and practitioners, was especially interested in the growing body of knowledge about trauma informed care as well as methods for working effectively with seriously emotionally disturbed youth and their families...Click for more>>

Open House brings 300 to LaSalle
Albany, N.Y. - December 16, 2011 - After the guests had gone, the student displays closed and the remaining desserts put away, plans for next year’s Holiday Open House were on the minds of many. The success of the event was that impressive. Staff and students worked together to celebrate the holiday season as well as showcase LaSalle’s many activities.

A long-standing Christmas tradition, the Catholic Women's Service League began the Christmas Open House more than 50 years ago to kick off the holiday season. This year, a planning committee of League members, agency trustees, and LaSalle staff realized that this event was an opportunity to organize activities maintaining old traditions and adding new ones. They worked to update the event’s format to heighten awareness of student interests and accomplishments, expand the invitation list to attract a more diverse crowd, and increase attendance. What resulted was an gathering that would mobilize a great number of staff and students...Click for more>>

HEARTS Initiative receives $75,000 grant from Charles R. Wood Foundation
Albany, N.Y. – October 27, 2011 – The HEARTS Initiative received a $75,000 grant from the Charles R. Wood Foundation. HEARTS are Healthy Environments And Relationships That Support youth to reduce costly, later life consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACE). 

According to Rick Riccio, executive director of St. Anne Institute, “The grant will be used to strengthen social networks within and across agencies while building workforce and community capacity for ACE Response.”  Toward this end, HEARTS will reach out to include other agencies, invest in workforce development, share knowledge across systems, inform policymakers about the consequences of childhood trauma, and offer presentations to raise awareness of ACEs and comprehensive ACE Response. In addition, a website will assist policymakers, program directors, practitioners and community members in sharing ACE Response strategies.

The HEARTS Initiative includes St. Anne Institute, LaSalle School, Troy Housing Authority, The WAIT House, Community Hospice, and Homeless and Traveler’s Aide Society. Prevent Child Abuse New York and the University at Albany School of Social Welfare provide policy, research, and in kind support. The agencies will work together through HEARTS to improve program and community responses to prevent and address ACEs and their costly health and social consequences.

This recent award will catalyze activities of the HEARTS Initiative – a coalition of well-established Capital Region service providers. “A multi-organization services integration model such as HEARTS is rarely found in the social service sector,” said Joseph J. Shields, PhD, a Catholic University of America professor. Shields is developing a recovery measure at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

According to Bill Wolff, executive director of LaSalle School and participant in HEARTS, “The Charles R. Wood Foundation recognized that in the years to come, the HEARTS Initiative will serve as an example of an integration model for other communities to emulate. They decided to make this generous investment to increase the impact of HEARTS that mobilize resilience and recovery to empower youth.”

The mission of The Charles R. Wood Foundation is to provide assistance to areas of special need in the Lake George region and surrounding areas, by supporting not-for-profit organizations with an emphasis on programs for children, healthcare and the arts.

For more information about the HEARTS Initiative contact Heather Larkin, PhD, assistant professor, UAlbany School of Social Welfare, hlarkin@albany.edu.

Staff Take a Day to Celebrate One Another
Staff have really had to scramble to transition into the Specialized Treatment Program," said Dina McManus, the Clinical Supervisor for Specialized Treatment Services. "The retreat was a way for them to take some time away from their offices, appreciate all they have accomplished together and gather up their strengths for the changes yet to come."

On Tuesday October 4th, approximately 27 clinicians took a break from their regular work day to participate in a staff retreat. Initially, Camp Scully (a summer get-away) was the site for the day-long gathering. However, at the last minute, everything had to be moved inside due to rain. So the retreat could carry on as planned, LaSalle's Hanner Chapel Cultural Center, a multi-purpose facility, was transformed into a gymnasium... Click for more>>

Getting to Know LaSalle School
How do you get the word out to those who may not necessarily be in the know” but live and work in the community?  Invite them to come see for themselves.  This was the idea that put into motion LaSalle School’s Courtyard Gathering.

LaSalle's reputation as an agent of healing for at-risk youth and families has largely resided within the circle of those who are familiar, and involved in the industry itself.

“We do great work here. Sometimes our work goes unnoticed and even our
closest neighbors don’t quite know what it is we do on campus.” said Agency Board Member BJ Costello. "That is why it is important for us to bring those people to LaSalle, to invite them to our 'home' so they can see first hand the great work done right here on campus.”

On September 21st, members of the school’s Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors extended an invitation to a few friends, colleagues, and supporters to come onto campus. This was an effort to inform a wider population of the impact made daily at LaSalle. Also it was an opportunity for them to see first hand just what LaSalle has to offer...
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LaSalle eNews unveiled
LaSalle School has launched its BRAND NEW eNewsletter.  This eNews will come out monthly and will highlight the cutting edge programming, and welfare work being done on LaSalle’s campus, as well as keeping all of our supporters friends and colleagues up to date on any events to take place at LaSalle. The monthly eNews will also be archived on our website so if you missed an edition, or read a story that you particularly enjoyed it will be accessible through our website. 

Please, sign up to receive our eNews by clicking the link in the upper left-hand side of this page and refer all those who you think may benefit from hearing all of the great things happening here on the campus of LaSalle School.

LaSalle Students Get a New Look
“When a student wears a school uniform, he sends a message that he is proud of his school, respects his peers, and cares about his appearance,” said LaSalle Direct Care Training Supervisor Troy Kennedy. “Another thing these uniforms do is cut down on any unneeded distractions that some street clothing may introduce or bring to the classroom.
On the first day of school, heads will turn when teachers and staff notice students sporting brand new LaSalle School uniforms. Every student will wear khaki pants and navy blue shirts featuring an original LaSalle logo designed exclusively for these newuniforms. Staff and Student Senators serving on the PBIS committee began discussing the pros and cons...”
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Spotlight on LaSalle School's Don Card
Mr. Don Card has created more than a career at LaSalle School in Albany, NY, he has created a life. Card vividly remembers his first day on the job.
Don was hired in the office directly across from where he now sits. That day stands out because a client entered the office, while he was being hired, in tears. Don was impressed with the way a LaSalle social worker, a child care worker, and an administrator worked together to calm the child and ultimately bring him out of crisis. He knew he had found a truly rewarding place to work. Since that day in 1973, Card has proven to be invaluable to the school’s success. His roots at LaSalle run deep. From 1900 to 1905, Don’s grandfather...
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It's back to school for students . . . and their families
A well-rounded activity designed to give students and parents the tools needed for a successful 2011-2012 school year.

ALBANY, NEW YORK - September 26, 2011 - "I think it was a combination of parent interest and staff persistence that resulted in the capacity crowd at LaSalle School's second annual Back to School Night," said Associate Director Anne Moscinski. "It is rare LaSalle has an event with more family attendance than we anticipated."

Nearly 140 students and families from LaSalle's Evening Reporting Center, Day Services Program, and Family Empowerment Services joined presenters and LaSalle staff for the August 24th event. The purpose was to bring families together from all of the agency's community-based programs for an evening of fun and education in preparation for a successful start to the new school year.

"It starts with the family," said Padraic Ellis, LaSalle's After School Program Supervisor. "If they are involved...
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Fall 2011 school semester updates
Advanced placement course coming to LaSalle in September
ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 - LaSalle is planning to offer an Advanced Placement Course in Social Studies this coming school year. This is a new enhancement for the educational program. Building on the success our students have had participating in National History Day, administrators believe staff have the ability to support students with the exceptional achievement an AP course offers.

School uniforms
ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 - The Student Senate has been working with a team of LaSalle staff to develop a dress code for the school day beginning in September of 2011. Integral to our continued implementation of PBIS, build on our guiding expectations of We are Respectful, We are Responsable, and We are Safe, the move to uniforms for the school day helps support an environment where these principles will flourish.


Summer 2011 program updates
Back to school parent night to prepare families for school year
ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 - La Salle's major summer event will be on August 24th  with the Second Annual Back To School Parent Night. Parents and students enrolled in LaSalle's ERC, Day Services, and Family Empowerment Services programs and local after care families will be invited. Confirmed participants, to date, include Ron "Cook" Barrett, City of Albany Gang Prevention; Sal Villa, Truancy Abatement; Kristi McClamroch, JOURNEY Mentoring Program; Kim Otis, Fidelis Care. Back packs and school supplies will be provided to all attendees. LaSalle is currently seeking organizations or individuals interested in making donations of school supplies and/or gift certificates to be awarded as family prizes for community events/local attractions. This activity is supported, in part, by the LaSalle School Foundation, board members, and the staff. Logistics can be found under Upcoming Events on this web site page.

Recreation program takes off with a variety of activities
ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 - The summer recreation program at LaSalle is underway with exciting, age appropriate activities both on campus and at local venues. The campus is fortunate to be centrally located near college campuses, theaters, state parks, and family entertainment centers. LaSalle has a firm commitment to introduce wholesome activities to their students to expand their horizons, and help them experience the joy of participation in a full range of personal and team sports, outdoor adventure based activities, chess tournaments, music club, table games, and photography. 

Evening reporting center (ERC) activities promise family fun
ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 - Upcoming ERC Events planned include Annual Family BBQ and lawn games on July 20, 2011. ERC participants will have the opportunity to take a field trip to Hudson Valley Community College's (HVCC) Joseph L. Bruno Stadium (aka "The Joe) on August 5th. They will attend a Tri-City Valley Cats baseball game and fireworks immediately following. Tickets were donated by the Tri-City Valley Cats. 

Innovative program intensification meets growing demand for services
OCFS Hard to Place model now underway at LaSalle
ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 - With the assistance and oversight of the Albany Regional Office of OCFS, LaSalle School secured approval for the intensification of their residential and clinical services to meet the needs of current and future LaSalle youth requiring specialized treatment services under the OCFS Hard To Place model. Referred to as the Specialized Residential Treatment Program (STP), LaSalle has been approved to offer both Segregated and Integrated options. By offering an innovative integrated program of services, the agency can respond to the changing needs of youth with little disruption in their placement. LaSalle has been successfully providing intensive clinical services to youth integrated throughout our residential program for years, and are pleased to continue this practice with the added support of STP resources. LaSalle now offer all three models to prospective referrals - Residential Services, Segregated Specialized Residential Treatment Program Services and Integrated Specialized Residential Treatment Program Services. 

LaSalle offers treatment option to all students
OASAS licensed chemical dependency outpatient clinic expanded

ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 13, 2011 -LaSalle is expanding the refferal opportunities for our OASAS liscensed Chemical Dependancy Outpatient Clinic. LaSalle no offers there substance abuse treatment services to yourht in any LaSalle School program and their siblings. We are now able to accept direct referrals from parents and ither community based agencies, for adolescent males ages 12 to 18 from the greater Capital Region, when there is a need for a substance abuse assessment or treatment. Parents or providers should contact LaSalle School at 518.242.4731 ext. 240 to request additional information.

Joining HEARTS to make children's lives healthier and happier
New initiative addresses childhood trauma in the Capital Region and surrounding counties

ALBANY, NEW YORK - July 7, 2011 - LaSalle School has joined the HEARTS Initiative, a coalition of several well-established Capital Region community service providers. The HEARTS Initiative will extend current programs and engage other community organizations. As partners, we will work together to improve program and community responses to prevent and address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their costly health and social consequences.

HEARTS are healthy environments and relationships that support youth. Services are provided within this context for a comprehensive ACE Response. LaSalle has developed programs to mitigate the effects of ACEs and is now participating in the HEARTS Initiative to facilitate a streamlined continuum of care and strengthen social networks to support youth and their families. LaSalle has partnered with UAlbany to carry out Service Outcomes Action Research (SOAR) and will continue to inform ACE Response through ongoing SOAR evaluation of program impacts. LaSalle will work with HEARTS Initiative partners to expand SOAR evaluation and share knowledge more broadly.

Together, HEARTS Initiative partners will invest in workforce development, inform policymakers about the consequences of childhood trauma, offer presentations to raise awareness of ACEs, and develop a website to connect policymakers, program directors, practitioners and community members to share ACE Response strategies. These steps will promote comprehensive ACE Response so that more agencies can work together to foster healthy development across the lifespan.

The HEARTS Initiative is an innovative model to replicate nationally, as well as internationally, to help make children's lives healthier and happier. Support, technical assistance, and in-kind services are being provided by all participating agencies, including support from the UAlbany School of Social Welfare and Prevent child Abuse New York. SOAR evaluation is carried out in partnership with UAlbany's Schools of Social Welfare, Education, and Criminal Justice.

2011 Graduation ceremonies held at LaSalle

ALBANY, NEW YORK – June 29, 2011 – LaSalle graduated seven high school seniors at their 2011 commencement ceremonies on June 24th. Exercises were held in LaSalle's Hanner Chapel Cultural Center. Education Director James Meyer and Board Chair Marcia Mahoney both recognized the hard work that it took for the boys to earn their diplomas. They encouraged them to go after their dreams and continue to reach their potential no matter what they pursued in the future. Students were reminded that they were members of the LaSalle family and could always return to the agency if they were in need of help. The LIFE Scholarship program was explained to them, and each recieved a monetary reward to support their next steps.

Click here to see the video.

Abdul Karim, a senior and outgoing Student Council president, gave an address on behalf of his fellow graduates. He recalled what LaSalle has meant to each of them and their desire to make the school proud by succeeding in whatever their futures held. Tradition has it that the students select one staff member to speak at the ceremony. This year it was Child Care Worker John Hooverman. Hooverman, on LaSalle's staff for over 15 years, told the audience of families, staff, and board members some stories about the boys and became emotional when telling the youths he would miss seeing them in the hallways and on campus.

In the Fall, some students will be attending various colleges and training programs including Hudson Valley Community College and Schenectady County Community College. Others will be joining branches of military service. With our expanded Independant Living Services, several graduating youth are choosing to remain at LaSalle.

Albany Rotary honors LaSalle's Abdul Karim for academic success and helping struggling peers
A profile of perseverance printed in the Altamont Enterprise, May 26, 2011 written by Editor Melissa Hale-Spencer

ALBANY, NEW YORK - June 8, 2011 - The courage and perseverance of six area youth were recognized yesterday. Among them was a young man who was born into poverty in Bangladesh. Abdul Karim immigrated to America where, as a boy, he suffered from brutal prejudice, leading to an aimless life until he righted himself with the help of staff at the LaSalle School.

Roughly 2,000 Albany children care in the foster care, estimated Brian Barr who spent his career in the field, and a typical placement lasts six to nine months. "The foster care population, through no fault of their own, are uprooted from their communities, are taken away from their families and neighborhoods, and expected to make all kinds of adjustments," said Barr. "These kids have to do amazing things. I'm impressed with their resilience."

Barr, who lives in Westmere and is active in the Rotary Club of Albany, came up with the idea of a Rotary Youth Recognition program a quarter of a century ago. The club has partnered with St. Catherine's Center for Children, Parson's Family and Child Center, LaSalle School, St. Anne Institute, Community Maternity Service, and Equinox in hosting an annual luncheon where a student from each of those six agencies is honored. This year, the LaSalle School chose Abdul Karim.
Full Story

2011 Founder's Day awards presented
ALBANY, NEW YORK - May 17, 2011 - LaSalle School staff voted their peers to receive annual Founder's Day awards at ceremonies on May 17th. Receiving the Amphian Award was Senior Child Care Worker Don Washum, the De LaSalle Award went to History Teacher Jerald Hensler, the Brice Wilder Award was presented to Records Management Supervisor Thomas Eagan, the Barnabas Award was awarded to Residential Social Worker Kristen Ackner. Brother Richard Leo McAlice, FSC was pleased to give LaSalle's most prestigious honor - the Lasallian Educator of the Year - to Chief Nurse Connie DiNovo, RN.

This event presented the LaSalle family to recognize and honor Brother Richard Leo McAlice, FSC for 60 years of service as a Brother of the Christian Schools. Executive Director Bill Wolff was pleased to recognize Brother Richard's many achievements and what he has meant to LaSalle in the past as well as today. He is certainly the backbone of the LaSalle Brothers Community - overseers of the school's activities.
Full Founder's Day details

LaSalle is reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA)
ALBANY, NEW YORK - April 16, 2011 -The Council on Accreditation (COA) is delighted to inform you that LaSalle School has been reaccredited. COA’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of standards and quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have set high performance standards for themselves and have made a commitment to their constituents to deliver the highest quality services.  COA is proud to recognize LaSalle School as one of these outstanding providers.
Full Press Release

Well planned and executed student preparations spell success at National History Competition
ALBANY, NEW YORK - March 26, 2011 - The National History Day experience was a remarkable undertaking for teachers and students. Months of work during and after school with teacher mentors and a Mock Judging Day held at LaSalle helped the five student entrants succeed at the initial event at the New York State Museum on March 26th. Matt G earned First place in the senior web site design. Second place in the senior individual exhibit category was earned by Jordan D; Third place in the senior individual exhibit category was earned by AJ H. As first and second place finishers, Matt and Jordan tuned up their projects and represented LaSalle and the whole Capital Region at the state championships in April. Next year, they hope to come home with the top State Award.

After school culinary program leads to certification for successful students
ALBANY, NEW YORK - March 21, 2011 - LaSalle is partnering with The Daughters of Sarah and their Food Service Provider to start an after school Culinary Program leading to a certificate identifying that they achieved a skill set that should make them marketable in the food service work place. The 14 week Monday evening training program is being facilitated by Morrison Food Services’ Director of Dining Services, Keith Smith and Sean McGovern, one of LaSalle’s education staff. This program is only for older students (17-18 year olds) who expressed their desire to participate and completed the application. Seven youth are enrolled and began classes on March 21st. The Morrison instructor was very impressed with the student enthusiasm and participation for the first class and has high hopes for the upcoming weeks.

The Morrison Food Service Organization has many sites throughout the state and assures successful graduates will have opportunities for employment leading to a great career path.

Barr receives Volunteer Service Award
Sixth annual volunteer ceremony held in March 2011
ALBANY, NEW YORK – March 8, 2011 – W. Brian Barr, a longtime associate executive director of the Council on Family Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) received the 2011 Mary G. Breslin Volunteer Service Award from LaSalle School on March 8th at a breakfast ceremony hosted by LaSalle.

Barr, who holds the honorary title of Affiiliated Brother of the Christian School, closely matches the values that Mrs. Breslin displayed throughout her life of volunteer service. Family service - always a meaningful subject for the Barr family - led Brian to accept membership on the board of Family and Children's Service of the Capital Region where new programs and fundamental services strengthed during his tenure. For nearly 30 years, Brian has been a United Way of the Greater Capital Region volunteer. Other board and volunteer memberships include the Junior League of Albany, The Next Step, the Neighborhood Resource Center, and the Pine Hills Youth Center. A long-standing Rotarian, Brian started the Youth Recognition 25 years ago to honor youth from child care agencies in the County of Albany.

The seventh annual Volunteer Service Award is tentatively scheduled for March 8, 2012.

First Niagara awards second Mentoring Matters grant to LaSalle
ALBANY, NEW YORK - February 1, 2011 - Today, First Niagara awarded LaSalle a $5,000 grant in its Mentoring Matters program. Mentoring Matters if First Niagara's charitable giving program that provides critical funding and volunteer support to mentoring programs throughout Upstate New York and Pennyslvania. In total, $2.3 million dollars in mentoring donations have impacted more than 15,000 young adults in our communities.

At LaSalle, our First Niagara Mentoring Matters Grant Award supports some joint mentoring activities. One such activity - The Journey Program - is a collaborative effort between LaSalle, Equinox, SUNY Albany School of Public Health; City of Albany Gang Prevention Program and NYS Dept. of Health. Their slogan is: "The Journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step." This is a mentoring program for Albany youth aged 13 to 18 and allows teens to get together in a supervised and safe setting and promotes team building. They have approximately 35 teens. Each youth is teamed with a mentor who has 1-1 contact with them in the community. The participants do a variety of activities (fun and instructional) when they meet on a bi-weekly basis. Some of these activities are actually defined by the teen group participants themselves. They have guest speakers that talk about the issues that affect our teens in the community in order to help them meet "the challenges and opportunities of adulthood." Journey hopes to develop and "instill values/behaviors that will help them enhance their academic performances, improve their social skills, give them an added sense of pride in themselves and their community."

This is the second Mentoring Matters grant LaSalle has received. The first was awarded in January 2009 in the amount of $15,000.

Annual Christmas Boutique a much anticipated holiday event
ALBANY, NEW YORK - December 28, 2010 - The boy's Christmas Boutique, held last week was a success, thanks to the hard work by the women of the Catholic Womens Service League. The boutique is like a department store on LaSalle's
campus. Shoppers are boys from LaSalle's residential, day and evening reporting center. Store clerks are
members of the Catholic Women's Service League. Wrapping gifts are members of LaSalle's staff.

This holiday event has been sponsored by the Catholic Women's Service League for the majority of the 80 plus years
they have served LaSalle School's students and has become a mainstay of the agency's holiday season. The League
wastes no time starting to shop for gifts for the next year's Boutique immediately after the new year. By the time the
next Boutique is upon them, they have collected hundreds of items. Gifts include everything from perfumes and scarfs
for Mom, shaving kits and tools for Dad, and trains and teddy bears for brothers and sisters plus much, much more.

In addition to the Boy's Christmas Boutique, the League partners with the agency to celebrate the Christmas season
with an Annual Christmas Open House as well as various holidays throughout the year. They also remember the special days in each youth's life including birthdays and confirmations. It is anticipated that the 2011 boutique will be held in mid-December of next year.

If you are interested in joining the Catholic Women's Service League, please contact Veronica Blendell emailing jblendell@nycap.rr.com.

LaSalle begins 2010-2011 Annual Appeal
ALBANY, NEW YORK - November 8, 2010 - LaSalle is launching its 2010-2011 Annual Appeal during this month. The
appeal is one of the agency's primary fundraising activities. Last year's Annual Appeal revenue exceeded $115,000 (an
increase of nearly $10,000 over the previous year). Donations will be accepted until April 2011 and are being accepted
online and by mail. Contributions will also be accepted by mail.

Further details may be obtained by contacting LaSalle's Development Office (518-242-4731 x271 or jadlos@lasalle-
school.org).

Parents learn about the power of communication

ALBANY, NEW YORK – October 8, 2010 – An evening presentation on the power of communication was held on October 6th at the LaSalle School campus' Hanner Chapel Cultural Center.

Parents with children in LaSalle's programs attended.The focus was on helping adults to learn about how they talk to their children has a terrific impact on open communication, and the positive consequences that good conversation can have on their youth.Troy Kennedy, LaSalle's supervisor of direct care training, talked about ways and strategies adults could help their children to help themselves. He emphasized that adults need to listen to their kids, understand where they are coming from, and talk to them about what is important to them.

Realizing that very often teenagers will not readily talk to their parents, Kennedy's message was clear. "Parents need to learn how to actively take the time to listen and communicate with their kids in a meaningful way," he said. "Kids are smart and will latch onto this and be more apt to talk and listen to their parents." More and similar presentations are being planned. Watch our web site's upcoming events for parent activities.

2010 Graduates look toward future

ALBANY, NEW YORK – June 30, 2010 – LaSalle was proud to graduate seven high school seniors from their Education program.

The June commencement exercises were held in LaSalle's Hanner Chapel Cultural Center and attended by family and friends as well as LaSalle staff and board members. Education Director James Meyer led the ceremony and awarded the diplomas. In his remarks, Meyer said many of the graduates had been at LaSalle for the majority of their high school careers and applauded them for allowing the staff at LaSalle to help them work to their potential to earn their Regents or school diplomas.

Marcia Mahoney, chair of the Board of Trustees, and Executive Director Bill Wolff also made remarks. Mahoney awarded each graduate a gift from the agency. Graduating seniors traditionally select a staff member to address them as they prepare for new challenges. This year's speaker was Teacher Patricia Lynch. In her remarks, she urged the students to remember what they had learned at LaSalle as they ventured into the future. Her words were especially poignant as she
retired from LaSalle this year.

In the Fall, the students will be attending various colleges and training programs including Hudson Valley Community College, Schenectady County Community College, Nassau Community College, and the Audio Research Institute. They will study culinary arts, hotel/restaurant management, liberal arts, and music.

LaSalle teacher wins national history award

ALBANY, NEW YORK – May 27, 2010 – LaSalle School's Jerald Hensler, a 10th grade global social studies teacher at the agency has won the 2010 National History Day Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award for New York State.

This honor recognizes outstanding National History Day (NHD) teachers at both the state and national level. Criteria include classroom experience with NHD with preference given to teachers working with an "at risk" population, a documented commitment to student-led historical research, and evidence of creativity in the classroom that exceeds expected participation in the NHD program.

Hensler brought the National History Day program to LaSalle in 2007. "Many of our students have never experienced any level of academic success," noted Hensler in his nomination letter. "Once the students make the choice to participate in History Day, they are quickly surprised by their successes and their confidence in their academic abilities increases exponentially."

Patricia Ronayne, a State Education Department regional associate, congratulated LaSalle on bringing the past and present advances in historical knowledge alive through innovative educational programming that bolsters academic performance in research techniques, writing skills, literacy, communication and college readiness.

Hensler is now in contention for the national award, which will be selected from among the state awardees and announced during the 2010 NHD competition in College Park, Maryland on Thursday, June 17.