NeWSLETTER

We've had a fantastic start to the school year! Here are a few important reminders:

• At Palma, our dress and grooming codes are more than just rules — they reflect self-respect and respect for others. By adhering to them, our students proudly represent what it means, both on and off campus, to be Palma Chieftains! As we finish the first month of the school year, we now begin to enforce our dress code more strictly. Students who do not comply may be sent home to correct their attire and/or grooming (clean shaven and hair). This will be marked as a suspension from school when students are gone. To review the dress code CLICK HERE
• Punctuality is important, but we understand that transportation challenges can arise. To avoid an unexcused tardy, please have a parent provide a note, email, or phone call. Remember, six unexcused tardies will result in a detention.
• We encourage all students to take responsibility for their digital citizenship. Using social media appropriately will help them be better friends, and resisting online temptations will make them happier and healthier. Think before posting or re-posting.
• Palma School will no longer permit outside food deliveries (such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub). With ongoing construction and limited secure areas for food, we ask that students bring their lunches or enjoy the great options available in the Chieftain Cafe. This change helps ensure a safe and secure environment for all our Chieftains!

This is just a reminder that your Deans of Students are here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s responsibilities as a Chieftain, don't hesitate to contact us. You can call us at 831.422.6391 or email us using the links found to the right of our photos.

Community Service/Logging in Hours
All high schoolers must have 60 hours of approved community service before they graduate. On the campus ministry page, there are several sites and opportunities. The hours must be service-oriented in relationship with people. Hours should be logged using their gopalma email on X2VOL. Students may see Mr. Beesley or Brother Mac for more information. Log in at https://www.x2vol.com/index.html

Start Your Day in Prayer
Come join us on school day mornings at 7:30am for prayer and community. On some days we will have Mass. All are welcome.

Prayers and Props
The Campus Ministry page on our website has short forms for Prayers and Props that allow you to share a Chieftain accomplishment that happened outside of school or submit a prayer request. Visit our web page (or use the button below) to share your props or to request prayers to be offered up during Palma’s Masses and Chapel Time. 

Polo and Concorso Italiano
Thank you to Palma’s water polo team who volunteered at the Concorso Italiano during car week. They raised $560 for the Edmund Rice Society.

Looking for Student Musicians
Student musicians, vocalists and troubadours are needed for liturgies and prayer. Please see me if you are interested.

Edmund Rice Society on Campus
The Edmund Rice Society embraces Blessed Edmund Rice's charge to "give to the poor in handfuls." Community outreach with the poor, the sick, the elderly, the homeless and those prison is the hallmark of being a Chieftain. Please come see me about opportunities.

Student Poll Workers
Students are now allowed to be poll workers serving in the operation of a poll site or inspecting vote by mail ballots on one of two Saturdays before the election. Students must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the election, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident. For more information, CLICK HERE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Jacob’s Heart - Deliver groceries, decorate cards and grocery bags, assist staff with office tasks, etc. — CLICK HERE

All in Monterey County - Food drives every Wednesday. ALL-IN Drive Through Market at Seaside High School at 4:30pm until supplies run out. Volunteers help gift bounties of food to our guests as they drive through. — CLICK HERE

Blue Zones Project - Live longer, better. Encouraging changes in our community that lead to healthier options. — CLICK HERE

Save Our Shore - Foster thriving and sustainable ecosystems in the Monterey Bay and surrounding habitats through equitable environmental action. — CLICK HERE

Dorothy’s Place - Essential services and transitional support to people experiencing the injustice of homelessness and extreme poverty. — CLICK HERE

Seaside Parks - The city of Seaside schedules volunteer maintenance on selected parks throughout the year from 10am to 12pm. Bring your gloves, water and snacks. For schedules and their volunteer form — CLICK HERE

Visit the STUDENT OUTREACH page on our website for more volunteer opportunities. Do you know about an upcoming service opportunity? Contact Mr. Beesley at beesley@palmaschool.org.

Thank You
Thank you to everyone who made Palma’s Red & Gold Family Day a great success. Thank you to our volunteers and to the businesses that support Palma. And, of course, thank you to all who attended.

The 2024 Fall Athletics Season is Here
I encourage everyone to attend as many games as you can. Our student-athletes area aware of your presence in the stands and it makes a huge difference to know they have the support of our school community. Games are also a great way to socialize and continue to build family at Palma. Please CLICK HERE to visit the Palma Athletics website for the fall athletic schedule and venue locations.

Peer-to-Peer
We are kicking off our annual Peer-to-Peer campaign to support fall sports. If you would like to donate to Palma Athletics or a specific sport, click the button below. Thank you for your continued support.

Athletic Council
The Athletic Council usually meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30pm in the Cislini Study Center. The Council is responsible for providing support for all of Palma’s junior high and high school sports, since tuition dollars are not used for athletics. You are invited to attend these meetings. Whether your sport is in or out of season, we would like at least one parent representative from each team to join us.

Get Involved
There are a variety of ways the Palma community can participate at athletics events and we can never have too many volunteers. From helping out at games to providing the many hands needed at fund raising events, Palma parents and friends are the ones who make athletics happen for our Chieftains. 

You can find daily athletic update on my Twitter feed at @CoachBishop. I tweet upcoming game times for all sports each week as well as results and other fun information regarding Palma and Palma Athletics.

Guidance Staff
The Guidance Department is staffed by two counselors: Mr. Phil Giammanco ’87 (left) works with all 6th through 8th graders. He also works with high school students whose last names begin with A through L. Mrs. Irina Short (above) works with high school students whose last names begin with M through Z.

Tips for Student Athletes
When 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 first task should be to determine which associations (NCAA, NJCAA, etc.) your prospective colleges and universities belong to, and then carefully review those groups’ websites.

Seniors Need to Finalize Their College List
September is the time to revisit your college list. Think again about what is important to you in choosing a college — location, majors, size, school values, diversity of student body, finances, etc. Adjust your list so that all of your prospective colleges are ones you’d be happy to attend. Now check that you have included institutions from all three tiers. Your list should include a couple of “reach” schools, then several “possibles” and finally a larger group of “probables.” “Reach Schools” include those at which most accepted students have higher GPA’s and/or test scores than you. A college that accepts less than 20% of applicants also should be considered a “reach” for nearly all students. “Possibles” are those colleges which regularly accept students with grades and test scores similar to yours. “Probable” colleges are those at which your test scores and GPA would place you in the top quarter of the entering class.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships come in many forms and sizes. Not all scholarships are based solely on grades and/or financial need. The Guidance Office posts information on all scholarships we receive in SCOIR. 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, religious affiliation, or any combination of the preceding. One can also use the internet to check out some of the outstanding FREE scholarship search sites like www.fastweb.com.

Counselors Will Meet With All High School Students This Month
Counselors will be meeting with all high school students this month to create their SCOIR accounts. Meetings will take place during Theology or PE class. Counselors will meet with seniors every Tuesday during their Theology class during the first semester.

Schedule for SAT/ACT Test Dates for 2024

Senior Portraits
Yearbook portraits are being taken by Cooks Photography. Seniors are welcome to choose between the two options below. Should Seniors purchase a Senior Ad for the yearbook, private photos and/or portraits by other photographers may be submitted. Senior portraits are due November 1. Any potential exceptions must be approved by Mrs. Jimenez.

Option #1: $49
• Private session
• Different poses from which to choose
• DUE DATE: all sessions must be scheduled directly with Jason Cook by November 1

Option #2: FREE
• On school site
• One pose, no choice
• DUE DATE: All those who have not submitted a photo by November 1 or scheduled a private session with Jason Cook will be defaulted to this option.

Senior Portraits
Young men: Tux topper
Young women: Black shawl
These items will be provided for your photo by Cooks Photography. Please just come with hair/makeup done. A reminder that all Palma dress code rules will still apply.

Baby Ads — DUE December 15, 2024
High School Ads: Full Page = $360 / Half Page = $260 / Quarter Page = $160
8th Grade Ads: Eighth Page = $25

How to Submit
• Step 1: Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter order number 7322
• Step 2: Click “Start your Ad”
• Step 3: Follow the prompts to design your ad, add it to your cart and purhcase it

Your ad is not complete until you add it to your cart and complete the checkout process. For ordering help, call The Yearbook Order Center at 866-287-3096 or email yearbookordercenter@herffjones.com.

For technical questions, call Tech Support at 877-362-7750 or email techadvisor@herffjones.com.

For more examples, please look at past yearbooks, or set up a time to come check some out with Mrs. Jimenez.