by Rafael Escobedo

The introduction of Mr. Jeff Powers and Mr. Jon-Paul Masciel in their new roles as Deans of Student Conduct gave administration the power to better hold students accountable. 

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lull in student accountability was identifying among the faculty and staff. This includes tardiness, lack of proper uniform and generally inappropriate behavior. However, with the addition of these new roles taken on by these two men, along with the help of Vice Principal of Student Conduct Mr. Linares, those issues have come to be nipped in the bud.

Mr. Powers has been working at St. John Bosco High School for ten years and has taken on other roles previous to Dean of Student Conduct, such as Water Polo and Swim Coach as well as a strength and conditioning and health teacher. However, Mr. Powers believes right now is the best time for him to take on this role.

“Mr. Antonelli asked me if I would be interested in doing it.  It is perfect timing because my own kids are getting older and have a lot of things that they do,” said Mr. Powers. “This new role allows me to be able to attend a lot of their events.”

Mr. Powers expressed concerns about the absence of a student conduct team in the past, which allowed an environment more conducive to students being disobedient to school guidelines.

“By having more people in the Office of Student Conduct, we will be able to hold students to a higher standard than has been possible in recent years,” said Mr. Powers.

He strives for students to become better decision-makers and more self-disciplined in order to prepare them for the harsh realities of adulthood. Not only does he do this through his current administrative position, but also through his past teaching and coaching experience, which has influenced students in a positive manner. For this reason, Mr. Powers’ attitude and morals make him the perfect candidate for this position.

“Coach Powers was different from most coaches. He truly cared and believed in us to become the best we could be,” said Senior Adrian Lobos. “As for a dean, he has always told us to follow the rules and he’s always disciplined the people appropriately. That’s why I believe he’s a good fit for Dean of Student Conduct.”

Mr. Masciel began working here at Bosco seven years ago when he took on a role as an American Literature and Composition teacher. Shortly after he took on the role of Dean of Students. Due to him working in a Catholic school environment for so long, he believes he has the right amount of experience to help move students in the right direction.

“I’ve learned that I could really make a difference to help guide and direct young people beyond the classroom,” said Mr. Masciel.

He believes the campus itself is a special place that provides a welcoming atmosphere. It allows students to feel comfortable and provides them with the opportunity to succeed. With the help of faculty and staff, he believes the students’ conduct will improve. 

“What made Mr. Masciel a good teacher was his commitment to students and his compassion,” said senior Ivan Moran. “He’s the right person to be Dean of Student Conduct because he keeps a good balance of enforcing student conduct guidelines but also caring for each individual student and being understanding of their circumstances.”

A major lesson that both Mr. Powers and Mr. Masciel are trying to emphasize amongst the students is the accountability of their actions. This is what Mr. Masciel has been trying to accomplish throughout his time here at Bosco, which is helping prepare for the real world where there are no second chances. 

“I hope my role as Dean of Students for the past 6 years has helped the Bosco community become a stronger family through teaching accountability and leading by example on how to be a good person and practicing loving kindness,” said Mr. Masciel

Not only are they helping students be more cautious with their actions, but they’re assisting Mr. Linares in achieving this new goal.

“Both Mr. Masciel and Mr. Powers are very attentive to details. They work with students, as they hold them accountable,” said Mr. Linares. “They do a great job of getting students to buy in through their firm and caring approach.”

Both Mr. Masciel and Mr. Powers hope to improve and excel in the tradition of the dream of Don Bosco. They strive to help young men have a well-rounded education in a place that provides a nurturing environment, but will still hold students to a high standard of morals and personal growth.