A. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Palma High School was founded in 1951 through the efforts of Monsignor Thomas J. Earley and dedicated laymen, among them the late Joseph Piini and the late Lloyd Stolich. Their collective dream of Catholic secondary education was realized in September, 1951 when Palma opened its doors to boys and girls as a co-institutional school. The boys were instructed and have continued to be instructed by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The Christian Brothers, known internationally as Catholic educators, were founded in 1802 by Brother Edmund Ignatius Rice who was beatified in Rome on October 6, 1996; his feast day has been set as May 5. This great man's goal was to give the youth of his time a unique Christian education. Brother Rice passed to his eternal reward in 1844; today his work continues in 25 countries by 3,000 Brothers in over 500 schools on six continents. Their motto, Facere et Docere, "To Do and to Teach," bears witness to their tradition of experienced and effective Catholic education. Palma continued to be operated as a co-institutional school for thirteen years when, in 1964, a separate facility for girls was opened a few blocks away. At that time, Palma became an all boys' school and the Christian Brothers assumed administration of the entire facility.

Palma has built itself a reputation as a leader in the development of the whole person and is one of the leading private secondary schools in the state of California.

Palma High School is the only Roman Catholic secondary-level private school for young men within 65 miles. It is a six-year junior/senior high school open to young men of all denominations. As a private college preparatory institution, it has been a stepping stone into business and the professions for thousands of young men over the years. Palma students have traditionally felt and experienced a call to success and accomplishment. Palma rates high academically among schools in the central coast section of California. In an agricultural community, where post-high school academic work sometimes gives place to more immediate concerns, approximately 99% of Palma graduating seniors continue their schooling in a post-secondary setting.

Palma is distinguished by qualities that set it far ahead of the ordinary school. Students are encouraged to develop a healthy self-concept and view the world around them with a critical and discriminating understanding.

Palma is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Educational Association; in the spring of 2007 Palma was awarded a full six-year term of accreditation. Palma diplomas are recognized by all institutions of higher education; Palma's courses of study are registered with the University of California.

The Christian Brothers are a talented group of men who attempt to lead young men toward the fulfillment of their human potential, always aiming to bring that potential to bear on the realities of the practical world. The faculty of Palma, lay and religious, chosen for sound professional preparation and subject-area expertise, contribute unique abilities toward an integrated, consistently superior, learning experience. Together with their students and parents, Palma strives to build a community of faith based on the Roman Catholic tradition.

The Palma student body reflects an extraordinary geographical diversity. Palma draws students from within a fifty-mile radius. Students come from as far north as beyond Gilroy and from as far south as King City while other students commute from Santa Cruz, the Monterey Peninsula and beyond.

In addition to the core academic program, preparing young men for higher education and, ultimately, professional and business careers, Palma makes available through the R.O.P. program a limited number of vocational courses, directing interested students towards profitable skills.

The athletic program at Palma embraces a wide range of competitive physical activities. With a professional coaching staff, a large and well-equipped gymnasium and ten acres of playing fields, sports-minded young men have the guidance and facilities to achieve creditable accomplishments. Football, basketball, baseball, cross-country, wrestling, track and field, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and golf comprise the school's athletic program.

Non-athletic and club activities include community service, dances, the high school yearbook, the junior high yearbook, the newspaper, the literary journal, a music program, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, outing club, ski club, roller hockey club, science club, Latin club, foreign language club, fishing club, investment club, young republicans club, interact club, symphonic band, jazz ensemble, student council, as well as other social and academic activities on both the high school and junior high school levels.

 B. THE SCHOOL NAME

Palma is named in honor of the birth place of Junipero Serra, founder of the California Missions. For fourteen years Father Serra taught philosophy at the University of Palma which takes its name from the city on the island of Majorca off the coast of Spain. Father Serra was educated at Palma University. The school name reflects the devotion of many Californians to Father Serra and his missionary efforts. Fr. Serra was born on November 24, 1713 and died on August 28, 1784; his feast day is July 1st.

 C. SCHOOL MOTTO - Palma Merenti

Translated, the school motto means, "Palms to the Victor", which reflects the days of ancient history when distribution of palms was considered the highest form of acclamation for one who was successful.

 D. SCHOOL CREST

The school crest is made up of the words Palma Merenti which are at the top of a circle that symbolizes the everlastingness of God and man's immortal soul. The Celtic cross reflects the Irish origins of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. 1951 is the year the school was founded. The star in the middle of the Celtic cross is a reminder to all that "those who lead others into the way of justice will shine like stars in eternity" (Daniel 12:3).

E. SCHOOL NICKNAME "Chieftains" - representing bravery, loyalty, and leadership. F. SCHOOLS COLORS Red and gold. G. SCHOOLS MASCOT Click on picture above to get larger view.

Palma Junior High School is run in conjunction with the high school and is designed to meet the needs of 7th and 8th grade boys.

Palma is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). Its enrollment comes from Salinas and other communities in the Monterey Bay area.

Palma students represent diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. A majority of the student population is Catholic, but 36% are members of faiths other then Catholic; 33% of the student body is minority.

The Palma campus consists of four academic wings of classrooms and two science laboratories, gymnasium, library, bookstore, guidance offices, a computer learning center and a new chapel. Ten acres of athletic grounds adjoin the buildings.

Palma admits qualified students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Palma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school programs. Seventh, 8th, and 9th grade applicants are required to take an entrance examination. A minimum grade point of 2.0 is required for transfer students entering Palma.

Palma High School tuition for the 2008 - 2009 school year is approximately $9,900 high school and $7500 for junior high. A registration fee of $400 and a building and maintenance fee of $400 are due upon enrollment. Graduation fees are $160 for high school and $140 for junior high. Palma has a limited amount of financial aid available. Applications must be returned to the principal. Admission test cost is $50. There are no athletic scholarships at Palma.

Palma requires its students to conform to a dress and appearance code.

DRESS CODE - The Palma dress code is in effect on the Palma campus between the hours of 7:20 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. The attire of students and the pride they show in their appearance contributes greatly to their performance in and out of class and to the respect they earn. This pride in being a gentleman and a student at Palma is well worth preserving and fostering. It is on display for all in student conduct and appearance; school attire shall consist of the following:

1. Shirts are to be of the polo style variety and be size appropriate; no hooded sweat shirts are to be worn during the school day at any time of year. Shirts are not to be worn as a jacket.
2. No denim jeans, pants, shirts, or jackets or their look-a likes; only cords or Dockers-style pants are allowed and are to be worn at the waist with a belt; dress shorts (not athletic, beach or play shorts) may be worn only when designated (in August, September, October, May June and July).
3. Footwear should be neat and clean, casual or athletic; sandals, canvas type shoes, or full-sized boots are not allowed; socks must be worn so as to be clearly visible.
4. Hair styles should always be clean and neat and well-groomed, not extending below the top of a normal shirt collar nor below the ear, not too short (no # 1 cuts), not too long, with no striping, shaved and/or hair engraving, no ponytails or other extreme hair styles (skin-cuts, dread locks, mohawks, etc.) and be the student's natural color. Students are to be clean-shaven; sideburns are not to go beyond the earlobe; beards are not permitted nor are tattoos or other markings of the body.
5. Hats are not to be worn on campus.
6. Excessive jewelry, studded belts and/or wrist bands, watch bands, etc., should not be worn or brought to school; earrings and/or other visible body piercing and/or visible tattoos are not to be worn on campus or as a participant in or at a school-sponsored event or activity.
7. Any article of clothing which is in poor taste or offensive in design and/or wording (i.e., messages or advertisements that include mention of sex, drugs, alcohol, or gang activity, etc.), or simply inappropriate, whether it be worn outside or under a shirt, during the school day or anytime on campus or at a school activity (including athletic events off the Palma campus), either on campus or away from campus, will be considered as a violation of Palma's dress code.
8. Students participating in physical education classes are required to wear and maintain a clean Palma P.E. uniform (shirt and shorts) in class and to shower with soap at the conclusion of the class.
9. Students book bags are to be maintained in a clean and graffiti-free manner.

The dress code applies to all Palma students, from the very first day of student orientations through exams. Therefore, when a student arrives on campus he is to be dressed properly. During the school day, that means from 7:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M., the dress code is always in effect while school is in session and whenever a student serves a weekday detention. If a student does not conform to the Palma dress rule, he will be sent home. It is the responsibility of parents to make sure their son arrives on campus and at school events in keeping with the provisions and expectations of the Palma dress code. Situations whereby the school dress code may be suspended in some form will be clearly announced to the students via the daily public announcements.

Students should be aware of the fact that certain events during the year call for an appearance above and beyond the normal school dress code; examples of such events would be academic and/or athletic awards presentation programs, the prom and graduation. Students not in appropriate attire for such events will be excluded from participation and could be subject to further disciplinary action as well as forfeit the reception of any such award that may have been under consideration. Students participating in Palma's graduation program will be required to dress appropriately: dress slacks, collared shirt with tie (no neck band shirts nor bow-ties), and dress shoes (not athletic shoes); a student not dressed for the occasion will not be allowed to participate in the ceremonies.

This dress code is the result of the decision of the Palma Administrative Committee after having consulted with students, parents, and faculty groups. It is the responsibility of each student to follow it and the responsibility of parents to be aware of how their son leaves home for school or school sponsored events. In the case of individual students, the final judge of respectability and compliance is the Dean of Students.

Palma's guidance department is staffed by three trained counselors. Tutoring is coordinated through the guidance department.

Palma requires a community service commitment of its high school students.

Palma operates on an 8-period day, with each period lasting 45 minutes (including lunch) . The average number of courses taken is seven. Palma requires graduates to have a total of 240 credits. 98% of Palma's 2004 graduates entered colleges.

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