September 11, 2014

Dear Parents,

Have you ever had something called an "aha" moment?  An "aha"moment is an event or activity that is something significant or makes an impact on the way one thinks or feels.  I had one of those "aha" moments last week when I observed and talked with the students at both campuses who were tie-dying their tee shirts to celebrate our school theme  A RAINBOW OF EXCELLENCE.  The middle school students did a marvelous job in helping out the elementary students make their shirts so attractive.  The teachers were also very helpful in providing their advice and the materials for the students to make their shirts more attractive.  As the school year goes on, I will try to bring your attention to an "aha" moment or two.

Please do not park in the Great Harvest Bread parking lot unless you are going to purchase items from them---they are a good neighborhood business with limited parking space and they would appreciate if our parents did not use that as a school parking spot.

Some clarifications need to be written regarding dress code. The clarifications include: 

- A boy's hair can be no longer than collar length in back, not below the ears on the sides and not below the eyebrow.  These hair length expectations are compatible with that of Notre Dame Academy.

-  The length of a girls' skirt must be at knee length.

-  Athletic shorts may be worn on non uniform days as long as they are at knee length and are neat.

Violations of the dress code may result in disciplinary action through the new Notre Dame Behavior Policy.  Violations are referred to and interpreted by the principal, whose decision will be final.  I would like to thank you in advance for following all aspects of the Notre Dame Uniform/Dress Code Policy.  Dressing in good taste is a sign of pride and school spirit that sets apart Notre Dame School from other schools.  There may be periodic clarifications to the dress code as the year goes on.

Mrs. Danen is beginning the process of establishing a Wellness Policy for Notre Dame.  One thing I would ask at this time is for parents not to bring soda or fast food for lunch.  The government regulations on hot lunch as well as many Wellness Policies I have looked at do not allow any fast food items brought into school.  I will keep you posted on the progress of our Wellness Policies.

We are  getting our After School Program well staffed.  Mrs. Ambrosius and I will be working with students from St. Norbert College who will assist us in supervising the program.  The After School Program at Notre Dame is a real asset for parents and students alike as part of a safe and educational climate at Notre Dame.

The annual School Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 from 6 pm. to 7:30 pm. There will be brief presentations on SCRIP,Home/School, Key Club, and Third Source Fundraising.  These programs are a crucial lifeline to improve resources for students and teachers as well as to promote an atmosphere of fellowship and community.  

We will begin MAP tests the week of September 22.  I will provide more preliminary information  on MAP test procedures. Mrs. Schueller, the Curriculum Director of the Diocese and I are planning a Data Retreat for parents in order for all to understand what MAP tests are and are not.  The projection for this data retreat will be an evening the last week in October. You will receive more information in upcoming letters.  

If you are interested in helping the pre school teachers in reading stories as part of story time, contact either Mrs. Kuehl or Mrs. Murphy.  We currently do not have library time built into the pre school student schedule, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. You will need to be VIRTUS trained.

Mr.Schwarten has initiated the Weather Bug Schools Project.  This includes the announcements for severe weather warnings on WBAY TV 2.  Once the grants have been secured, Notre Dame School will be one of the locations that Channel 2 will use to indicate temperature, severe weather and other weather related activities.  

Mrs. Utrie and I have met to discuss the continuation of piano lessons for students. One thing implemented is to have lessons during lunch periods, recess, and during study halls for the middle school students.  Mrs. Olson is filling in as a long term substitute for Ms. Freeman.  We should have a band instructor on board early next week.  Let us keep Ms. Freeman and her mother in our prayers.

Today marks the day we remember the tragedy of September 11.  Let us continue to pray for our soldiers and leaders who attempt to bring peace to the Middle East and other areas of the world.  I have attached a prayer commemorating 9/11.  

May all of you have a great weekend!

God Bless,

James A.(Jim ) Clark, Principal

"Let Us Preach The Gospel, and If Necessary Use Words."

PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER 11

Jesus, beloved Savior,

in remembering these terrible events, 

we recognize our great need

for Your guidance and protection.

We have painfully learned 

that our country is vulnerable 

and that violence can disrupt

both nations and individuals.

We pray then for healing for all the people whose lives

were shattered in the attacks.

We pray for those who defend our freedom.

We pray for wisdom

for our national leaders.  

We pray for peace, for our country

and our world.

Jesus, beloved Savior, as we remember

hold us in Your loving hands.

Amen

(St. Charles Borromeo Church Woburn, Masaschusetts)

NDA Girls Basketball Youth Program

Win a SMART board for Notre Dame of De Pere

The top 10 schools wit the highest earn & learn points win. Contest sponsored through Shopko.  For more information click here 

The Key Event

The Key Event, Our Largest Fundraiser of the year, will take place on

Friday, November 7 at the Swan Club.  Book your Babysitter now! For more information please click here

All Notre Dame Moms

You are invited to the MIP Welcome Back Breakfast Friday September 19th.  For more information click here

We Run This City

GRACE Families and Friends are invited to the 2014 Green Bay Cross Country City Meet hosted by Notre Dame Academy on Thursday, September 18, 2014. Our team will be there so please come out and cheer them on. For more information click here

T-Shirt Tuesday Is Back

Every Tuesday (unless noted) we will be having a t-shirt Tuesday.  This is the day we can all wear our tie-dyed t-shirt that we made last week.  We will do this to show our spirit for our school and to reinforce our theme, A Rainbow of Excellence.  T-shirts may be worn with uniform pants, skirts, jumpers or shorts (April 15-October 15).  Previous spirit shirts will be allowed as well. No non uniform clothing is to be worn except for the t-shirts. Have fun on T-Shirt Tuesday!!

Interesting information from The Community Partnership for Children

To view this information please click here