August 15, 2014

Dear Parents,

                Welcome to a new school year!  Did I really just write that?  Seriously, although school hasn't started yet, we at Notre Dame School have been busy preparing all summer for a new school year.  I would like to highlight some of the things that have taken place over the summer and what will wait before the school year begins.

                There have been some updates made to the Parent Handbook.  These updates reflect the fact that parents appreciate things in writing so rules and expectations are clear and understandable.  The teachers will receive a new handbook with expectations they will have to follow during the school year.  It has always been my belief that if as many things as possible are clearly spelled out, communication is much more constructive and positive for you and the teacher.

                We will have a number of new staff members for this upcoming school year.  These new members of the Notre Dame Family will be great assets that will impact in a positive way the total happiness of your child (ren).  I will make all of you aware of all of the new members of the staff once they are all in place.

                Several grades have waiting lists or limited numbers we can take for classes this year.  Sections for 2 and 3 day per week preschool are full as well as second grade.  Five day per week preschool can take three more students, and fifth grade can accept two more students.  This is an encouraging sign for Notre Dame as it shows a true commitment for quality Catholic education.

                The meeting for middle school parents concerning the Chrome books will be the evening of August 20 at Notre Dame Academy 6:30-7:15.  GRACE is arranging an alternative plan for those of you that will not be able to attend this meeting. we will get you that information as soon as we are notified.  No student will receive a Chrome book for classroom use until a parent signs a statement indicating that the meeting was attended or the webcast was seen. There will be more information on this coming to middle school parents next week.

There are a number of activities the week of August 25-28:  

Tuesday August 26th

• Kindergarten screening will be from 8 am. until 4 pm.  
• Mrs. Hoeppner and Mrs. Gilson will meet with the Kindergarten parents that evening from 6-6:45 pm. 
• Form drop off will be in elementary school gym from 4-6 pm

• 6th grade student orientation from 9am-12pm
• Preschool parents will meet with Mrs. Nejedlo and Mrs. Kuehl from 6-7.

• Meet the teachers/ Drop off Supplies 4- 6pm
• Form drop off will be in the middle school gym from 4-6pm

                Please check the Constant Contact that was sent out today or the Notre Dame website to fill out the forms needed for the beginning of the school year.  I realize that there are many things to fill out.  At the same time this information is needed in many cases to preserve and protect your child as well as to provide needed information for both teachers and the office.

              On Wednesday September 24th we will be having a Fall Family Open House for the middle school and the elementary school. All are invited to attend especially the new families. We will start the evening off with a meeting in the elementary school gym to discuss what is new in regards to the website, home and school, introduction of new teachers and various other school organizational information.  There will be a question and answer period as well so you can get your questions answered.  There will be more information on this event as it gets closer.

              There will be an after school program this year as in the past.  Forms for sign up are at the end of this letter.  I am working on a before school program as well but some things need to be finalized so I will get that information to you as soon as it's made available.

                A number of parents have requested to meet with teachers before school begins.  It is best to call the respective office(s) to make an appointment to see a teacher.  The teachers will be participating in staff development activities the week of August 25. Calling ahead of time will be very helpful in arranging a meeting with a teacher.

                There will be more information I will provide for you before school begins.  I want to do my best to keep you posted on what goes on in school that is important for you to know. 

                As we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, let us follow Mary's example by saying yes to whatever God requests of us. 

God Bless,

James A. (Jim) Clark, Principal