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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Uniforms, Shakespeare, morals and more

Scenes from a recent school day at LaSalle Institute in Troy: teenage boys in navy and grey uniform pants and light-blue shirts chat as they walk between class periods. Two classes hear from a leading anti-death penalty advocate, while ninth-graders in an English Regents class act out scenes from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." All the while, the school looks forward to a joint learning venture with Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

With its dress policy and its traditional military background, LaSalle presents a message of integrity and merit. The school has twice been designated a "National School of Excellence" - not that students and teachers miss the chance to relax amid the work. 

"The kids are very friendly, warm kids. And that goes for the teachers, too," said Brother Carl Malacalza, FSC, principal at LaSalle. "When I see the kids working hard that tells me the teachers are doing their job."

Founded in 1850, the school offers classes to boys and teens in grades 6-12. Total enrollment for the 2008-09 school year is 436 students. Graduates from the class of 2008 received more than $7.75 million in scholarships; the class of 2009 is on a similar track. 

Brother Malacalza has served as principal since March 2008. In that time, he has noticed a strong bond among the students.

"The kids look out for each other," he stated. "Before classes even start in the morning I see kids working with each other in the library, on the computers, and just helping each other out."

Next year, LaSalle hopes its academics will be even more intriguing: Teachers are working on a program for seniors to take courses at Hudson Valley Community College, preparing them for the next stage in their academic careers.

"We wanted to find out the best way to utilize HVCC being so close to us," explained Todd Krandle, director of guidance at LaSalle. "Not only does this do that, but it benefits the school because we're offering more opportunities."

With the program, seniors would travel periodically to HVCC for classes and receive college credit for the courses, if they pass. Brother Carl hopes the program will take off; it could help LaSalle survive the challenges facing all Catholic schools in terms of enrollment and finances. 

"If it goes well and our relationship [with Hudson Valley] continues, I would hope more kids get involved and maybe we can take more classes over there," he stated.

One student who hopes to take advantage of the program is Brian Shank, a junior. 
"It's very unique," he said. "I'm always looking to expand my knowledge and any chance to learn something new is a great opportunity."

The program does have its drawbacks: Students would have to make up for the LaSalle class they would miss while studying at HVCC; and there is a $360 charge to take a three-credit college course.

However, Brother Malacalza was quick to point out the benefits: "Hudson Valley has an agreement with RPI, where all their classes will count [toward college credit there, as well]. And the typical three-credit course at RPI costs around $3,000."

In other ventures, LaSalle brings experts in to talk to students.

David Kaczynski has been giving presentations at LaSalle since 2002. As the executive director of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty, Mr. Kaczynski spent the day speaking to students about his brother, Ted Kaczynski, the "Unabomber" who terrorized college campuses and airlines with letter bombs from 1978 to 1995 before being caught and imprisoned. 

Mr. Kaczynski campaigned for his brother to be spared the death penalty. He said the story was important for the students to hear.

"I really enjoy interacting with the young people," he said. "I really want them to think about what I went through and make them aware of such situations."

Students say that they feel able to meet the high standards at LaSalle with help from peers and teachers.

"I like its challenging atmosphere," said Mitchell Allen, an eighth-grader. "The courses really prepare you."

His classmate, Cody Johnson, added: "If you struggle with something, the teachers are very caring and will offer help to anyone who needs it."

It is this attitude that Brother Malacalza looks for.

"I don't care if he's the brightest kid, just as long as he does the best he can," he said of any LaSalle student. "That's all I ask for."

(04/30/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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