Viewbook 2020-2021

Blanchet Catholic School
Viewbook
CAVALIERS

History
Blanchet Catholic School was founded in 1995
to provide Catholic secondary school education
in Salem. The school was named after
Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet, the first
Archbishop of the Oregon territory. Blanchet is
fully accredited by the Northwest Accreditation
Commission/AdvancEd and approved by the
Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.
Blanchet Catholic School opened in 1995
with 110 students enrolled in grades 7
through 9. Since that time, enrollment has
more than tripled and today Blanchet offers
a complete college preparatory curriculum
for mid high students, grades 6 through 8,
and high school students, grades 9 through
12. Blanchet has established an outstanding
reputation throughout the Mid-Valley for its
quality curriculum and dedicated faculty. It
is an excellent option for families who want
their children to learn in a safe environment
instilled with Gospel values.
While Blanchet Catholic School operates with
the approval of the Archdiocese of Portland;
the school and its facilities are owned by its

own non-profit corporation. Blanchet employs
a President and Principal administrative
structure. Under this system, the President is
the CEO and the administrative head of the
school, operating under the authority vested
in the President by the Board of Directors.
The President assures that the values, mission
and philosophy of Blanchet Catholic School
are reflected in all aspects of the school. The
Principal directs and administers all day to
day school operations such as overseeing
curriculum and instruction.
Blanchet’s Lee Student Center
Accredited by the Northwest
Accreditation Commission/AdvancED
Approved by the Archdiocese
of Portland in Oregon

Academics & Curriculum
DIVERSIFIED CURRICULUM
Blanchet offers a comprehensive curriculum in
college preparatory and standard core subjects.
Seventy-five percent of Blanchet’s faculty
hold at least one advanced degree, and all are
highly qualified in their subject area. With an
average class size of nineteen, teachers enjoy
the opportunity to know each of their students
individually.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Blanchet has a tradition of academic excellence.
The school boasts a 99% graduation rate
and over 95% of its graduates continue their
education immediately after graduation at
colleges and universities throughout the
country. Cavalier graduating classes average
$4.3 million in college scholarships annually.
Students at Blanchet consistently score higher
than state and national averages on the SAT
and the ACT exams. Since the school’s opening
in 1995, thirty students have been honored
by the prestigious National Merit Scholarship
organization.
Each year a number of students participate
in Blanchet Catholic School’s “College Credit
Now” program together earning on average 208
college credits for a total savings of $114,192.
FACILITIES
Blanchet features an excellent student center,
library, MakerSpace, performing arts center,
science center, computer lab, digital media
lab, turf field & track stadium, and two
gymnasiums.
COUNSELING
The counseling center provides both personal
and college guidance to students. Activities
include academic preparation, college and
scholarship application and career exploration.
The College Counselor offers several
informational evenings and assists students and
parents through every step of the college search

HIGH SCHOOL CORE REQUIREMENTS
Subject
Credits
English 4.0
Religion 4.0
Social Studies 4.0
Math 3.0
Science 3.0
Foreign Language 2.0
Health 1.0
Physical Education 1.0
Applied, Performing & Fine Arts 1.0
Computer Science 1.0
Electives 1.0
Total Credits 25.0
MID HIGH COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Grade 6
English, Math, Physical Education/Health,
Religion, Science: Physical, Social Studies,
Elective
Grade 7
English, Math, Physical Education/Health, Religion,
Science: Life, Social Studies, Elective
Grade 8
English, Math, Physical Education/Health, Religion,
Science: Earth, Social Studies: U.S. History, Elective
ELECTIVES
Advanced Drama
American Sign Language
Art I, II - Drawing & Painting
AP Biology
AP English Language &
Composition
AP English Literature &
Composition
AP U.S. History
AP Statistics
Band
Calculus
Chemistry II
Choir
College Algebra
Computer Applications
Digital Media Production
Digital Photography I, II
Drama - Mid High
Drama I, II - High School
Drama Tech
Exploring Art – Mid High
Faith in Action - Seniors
Financial Algebra
French I, II, III, IV
Global Issues
Honors Algebra II
Honors Chemistry
Honors Freshman English
Honors Pre-Calculus/
Trigonometry
Honors Sophomore English
Human Anatomy &
Physiology
Intro to Engineering
Leadership
Lifetime Sports
Marketing
Office Skills
Orchestra
Personal Fitness
Physics
Pottery I, II
Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
Programming
Psychology
Robotics
Seminar for Success
Sociology
Spanish I, II, III, IV
Study Hall
Teacher Aide
Trigonometry
Weight Training &
Conditioning
MID HIGH
To provide for an easier transition from
elementary school, Blanchet’s mid high
facilities are physically separated from the
high school. Mid high students enjoy their
own classrooms, lunchroom and locker
hallways. However, they also have access to
other campus resources such as the school’s
gymnasiums, library and computer lab. The
mid high has its own student government
and yearbook. Blanchet’s sixth grade students
enjoy a “homeroom” located in the mid high
commons. Students in seventh and eighth
grade are enrolled in six core curriculum
classes and one elective class daily.
SCHEDULE
Both mid high and high school students attend
seven 50-minute long classes per day. Classes
meet five days each week during the 18-week
semester. The school year is divided into
two semesters, each with six-week reporting
periods.

Campus Life
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
One of the advantages of Blanchet’s small size is
that students have the opportunity to explore their
interests and join any activity they choose. Among
the activities and clubs offered at Blanchet are:
National Honor Society, Student Government,
DECA, Speech and Debate, Friends of Benedictine
Service Club, Cheerleading, Campus Ambassadors,
Outdoor Club, Oregon Battle of the Books, Science
Olympiad, Yearbook, International Club, Students
for Change, G.O.S.P.E.L. Club, and Spirituality
Team.
A continuous calendar of student and community
activities fill each semester. Homecoming, Spirit
Week, Junior-Senior Prom, Mother-Son Brunch,
Grandparents Day, Founders Day and the Annual
Auction all assure a sense of community. One of
the many outstanding features of Blanchet Catholic
School is the active and consistent support of its
parents in the educational process of their students.
Several volunteer and networking opportunities are
available for Blanchet families.
FINE ARTS
Blanchet’s fine arts programs have grown
significantly in recent years. Students can enroll
in band, string ensemble and choir and choose
from a number of co-curricular drama groups and
performances. Drama productions are presented
at both the mid high and high school levels and
are held in the Wiegand Arts Center. Students may
also choose to enroll in several outstanding visual
arts classes taught by Crystal Apple Award winner
Mary Heintzman such as photography, pottery and
drawing. The Blanchet Fine Arts Parents Group has
formed a working relationship with area arts groups
and actively supports the continuing development of
fine and performing arts at the school. The Parents
Group meets on a monthly basis, and all parents and
interested community members are welcome.
ATHLETICS
Blanchet Catholic School offers students of all ages
and abilities the opportunity to compete in athletics.
Our mission is to provide students with an athletic
experience that develops life skills by cultivating
moral, physical, intellectual and emotional growth. In
support of the mission and goals of Blanchet Catholic
School, the sports programs strive to enhance the
overall learning environment for student-athletes.
The Blanchet Cavaliers currently compete in the 3A
PacWest Conference and are respected contenders.
Varsity teams consistently make a showing in
league and state playoffs. Eighty-six percent of our
students take to the courts, field and track as they
represent Blanchet with stellar competitive spirit and
outstanding sportsmanship.
At the high school level, soccer, volleyball, football,
cross-country, basketball, track & field, tennis, golf,
swimming, baseball and softball are offered. Mid high
athletic programs include football, soccer, volleyball,
cross country, basketball, baseball, softball and track &
field.
Blanchet’s sports complex includes two excellent
gymnasiums, a weight room, training room and
practice and playing fields.

Spirituality & Service
A COMMUNITY OF FAITH
Approximately 64 percent of Blanchet’s
students are of the Catholic faith. We welcome
all students, regardless of their religious
denomination, who are serious about their
education and want to learn in a Gospel values
based environment.
The Blanchet community celebrates Mass
together twice a month. In addition, the
entire school gathers twice monthly for an
assembly that includes prayer and special
announcements. The school employs a
Campus Minister who coordinates religious
services and advises the student-led Spirituality
Team.
SERVICE
Service is an important component of a
Catholic education and helps youth develop
life-long sensitivities to improving the welfare
of others. Each Blanchet student is required to
complete 10 hours of volunteer service every
year. Each class is assigned a particular service
theme, such as poverty, the elderly or the
environment.
Blanchet students donate over 6,000 hours of
service every year to school, civic and church
organizations in the greater Salem area. All
students, faculty and staff participate in a
school-wide day of service annually. The Salem
Police Department Toy Drive, the Father
Taaffe Foundation, the Providence Benedictine
Nursing Center, and Lancaster Village are
among the many organizations at which
students may choose to serve. Blanchet’s service
program is organized through its Religion
Department.

RETREATS
Annual class retreats are an integral part of
the Blanchet tradition. Retreats are designed
to foster personal growth and spiritual
development as well as to encourage friendship
and understanding among classmates. The
Junior Encounter is the most anticipated of all
the class retreats. Blanchet’s Spirituality Team
facilitates this two-day overnight event for the
junior class.
Our goal at Blanchet is to help students grow in their faith both inside and outside
of the classroom. We do this first and foremost by meeting students where they are -
intellectually and spiritually. Through retreats, liturgies and prayer services, students
are able to grow in their faith by focusing on a personal relationship with Jesus. This
faith formation combined with our service program gives students an incredible chance
to look at who they are and who they would like to become.
~ Danielle Wise, Campus Minister

Faces of Blanchet
STUDENTS
While the majority of Blanchet students reside in
Salem-Keizer, 17% live in outlying areas. Some
of our students commute from Albany, Corvallis,
Dallas, Hubbard, Newberg, Silverton, Woodburn,
Sherwood and other area towns. Many Blanchet
students attended Catholic elementary schools,
while others have public, private or home school
backgrounds.
The Blanchet community also benefits from the
experience of several international students who
study on campus each year, as well as an ongoing
sister-school relationships with Shukutoku High
School in Japan and Hainan Middle School in
China.
ALUMNI
Blanchet’s first senior class graduated in
1999. Each year our seniors are accepted to
prestigious colleges and universities throughout
the country. Blanchet alumni have studied and
earned degrees from the University of Notre
Dame, Stanford University, Sarah Lawrence
University, US Naval Academy, US Military
Academy-West Point, Tulane University and
Willamette University, just to name a few.
Blanchet remains in contact with its graduates
through publications, an annual Alumni Day
and reunion activities.
“I have received many blessings in my life and none greater, perhaps, than those I have received from the
Blanchet community. It is the spirit of giving that has sustained this school and will continue to sustain it
for years to come, for everyone. Blanchet remains a beacon of light in the Salem community.”
~ Dan Smith, Blanchet Class of 2011, University of Notre Dame

Admissions
Thank you for your interest in Blanchet Catholic
School. We encourage you to visit our website or
call for more information.
Parents and prospective students are welcome
to visit Blanchet to take a campus tour and visit
classes. Please contact the Admissions Office to
make arrangements.
Eligible transfer students and qualified
international students are also encouraged to
apply.
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
Applications are available online at
www.blanchetcatholicschool.com or at the
school by contacting:
Megan Johnston, Admissions Manager
(503) 485-4491
admissions@blanchetcatholicschool.com
APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT
• Blanchet uses an online application, or you
may request a paper application by visiting
the school or by contacting the Admissions
Office.
• Applications consist of an application
form, parent and student questionnaires,
recommendation form and permission for
release of records form. There is a $125
application fee.
• Blanchet’s principal will review all
application materials. He may request
an interview with you and your son or
daughter.
• Once your student has been accepted,
you will receive information about the
enrollment process.
• A limited amount of tuition assistance is
available to qualifying families. For more
information, visit Blanchet’s website.
www.blanchetcatholicschool.com/admissions

Blanchet
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Beth Vargas Duncan, Chairman - Board of Directors
Bob Weber, President
Robin Smith, Principal
Mission Statement
Blanchet Catholic School provides a comprehensive
education program that enables students to:
Be challenged by an academically rigorous curriculum,
Grow toward maturity in Christ,
Contribute to the enrichment of society, and
Participate in the traditions of the Catholic Church.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Blanchet Catholic School admits students of any race, color, religion and
all national and ethnic origins to all rights, privileges, programs and
activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and
ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability in the
administration of its education policies, admissions policies and athletic or
other school-administered programs.
Blanchet Catholic School • 4373 Market St. NE • Salem, OR • (503)485-4491
www.blanchetcatholicschool.com • admissions@blanchetcatholicschool.com