September 25, 2014

Dear Parents,

Several years ago two students came to see me in my office.  When they came into see me, I am thinking the worst (occupational hazard of a principal).  They wanted to talk to me about an article they were assigned to do for the school newspaper and the two girls were required to talk to me.  The topic of their article was "What Do I Dislike About Being A Principal?"  Needless to say, this took me somewhat by surprise.  Their questions centered around whether I disliked kids, parents, teachers, staff, and other people.  I responded by saying that people are the best part of my job.  The girls looked quite dumbfounded with my answer.  They finally got the courage to ask me what I disliked about my job.  I responded by saying "paperwork."  I did conclude my interview by saying that although a principal's job is not easy, working with people who are committed to a child's education is my biggest pleasure.

What does this have to with Notre Dame?  The Open House on Wednesday night proved why I like administration.  It was wonderful to see so many people interacting with one another for the sake of the child's education at ND.  A school of excellence is all about community and people as well as providing the best for our child's education.  In the short time I have been at Notre Dame, I see a wonderful community that is all about the good of the students.  My belief as a principal has always been "people before paper."

The students have been busy this week taking their MAP tests.  One thing we have put as a link on the webpage is a series of articles from SPARK COMMUNITY. This community is a blog from educators that contains articles on specific aspects of MAP testing.  Over the years I have found SPARK COMMUNITY to be an invaluable resource in allowing parents and teachers to look at items such as typical growth, "summer slide," and other events related to MAP testing.  I encourage all of you to read the articles on the link.  I will provide more information for parents on MAP and also educational issues such as homework, assessment, and differentiation.

The annual Catholic Schools' Week Liturgy is on October 1 at 10 am. at St. Gabriel Church in  Neenah.  Mrs. Westhoven will accompany some student council members as representatives of the Notre Dame Community.  Catholic Schools throughout the Green Bay Diocese attend this special Liturgy in which Bishop Ricken is the main celebrant.  Our students will join students from Our Lady of Lourdes and St. John The Baptist for the bus ride down to Neenah.

Staff Development is a necessity for teachers today.  A number of elementary teachers have and will attend sessions on Wilson Reading and Fundations Reading Program.  Several more will be starting and continuing Teacher Effectiveness Training, which is a new form of evaluation developed by the Wisconsin Department of Education.  Teachers are also taking Religious Certification Classes as part of the diocesan expectations in varied areas of Religious Certification.  I am also meeting with all teachers to dialogue with them to establish individual goals for evaluation as the school year progresses.  As professionals, teachers must always update themselves in teaching methodology.  Nothing is ever static in educating children in the Twenty-First Century.

One item the staff is working on this year is to organize several activities that will take place as one school.  Our first activity is when the students will help "roll out" the APPP (Allies for Positive Peer Pressure) pledge on October 3 beginning at 1 pm in the Middle School Gym.  I would ask you to read the material provided on APPP when they bring it home. APPP is a great way to stress the positive aspect of appropriate relationships and how students should treat one another.  Programs like these are positive and proactive ways in preventing inappropriate behaviors that must be addressed through disciplinary means.  The APPP program should provide a climate of safety, trust, and positive relationships among students of all ages at Notre Dame.  Other activities tentatively scheduled as a school will include events such as an International Day, Catholic Schools Week Activities, and a Dr. Suess Day.  Like the Holy Trinity is three persons in one God, Notre Dame School is two buildings in one school.

Our instrumental music program is off to a good start.  We are most fortunate to have Mr. Risch direct our band and guitar students in place of Ms. Freeman.  Many of us are already thinking about both the Christmas Concert and Art Show that will be later in the year. I have told a number of parents although I can't draw a straight line with a ruler I have always been an advocate of doing everything possible in establishing and maintaining a good music and art program.  These programs allow many students to find their niche.  I have been so impressed with the number of students who take piano, guitar, violin, and other lessons that allow a student to learn many life skills they can use far beyond middle and high school.

The Building Committee is entering a phase where some important decisions will be made regarding the future structure of Notre Dame School.  Members of the committee spoke at all Masses at St. Francis Xavier and St. Mary this past weekend. The committee will appreciate any constructive input you can provide. This process is an exciting one as it indicates that Notre Dame is a school of growth and progress.

Mr. Katona is conducting Bible Study sessions after school Monday evenings.  This gives our middle school students an opportunity to listen to Scripture as well as to discuss their own faith lives.  I would encourage students to attend these sessions. 

In this weekend's Gospel from Matthew, Jesus challenges us by asking whether it is our words or actions that show our love for God.  Let all of us continue to teach our young people that it is important that they "walk the walk" when it comes to serving God.

May all of you have a great weekend!

God Bless,

James A. (Jim) Clark, Principal

Packer Fun Night

Please join us for a Packer Fun Night at Graystone to enjoy the Packers vs. Da Bears on September 28th. Bring the family and have some fun with friends.  Your help and support is needed. For more details click here

VIRTUS Training/Background Checks

All volunteers MUST have VIRTUS training and a background check. For more information click here

Notre Dame Living Rosary

Notre Dame families, friends and parishioners you are invited to celebrate with us the Month of the Most Holy Rosary. Join our school children in praying the Rosary on Mon. Oct., 6th, 8:30 a.m. in the Middle School Gym.

Our Notre Dame K-8th graders will be leading us in the Joyful Mysteries in the format of a Living Rosary. 

Youth Jam and Middle School Youth Group

Looking for some cool things to do for your middle schoolers?  Go as a group and have a great time at these two events. For More information on these two events please click here

Spirituality

Who is Notre Dame Spirituality? What does Notre Dame Spirituality do? For answers to these questions and more information please click here

To find out about more events go to our activities web page or to the ND web calendar for more On-Going and Specific Events during the 2014-15 school year.

GRACE Newsletter

We now have an online version of the GRACE Newsletter.  To view the most recent publication please click here

Home and School Collection Contest

Students brought home baggies to fill with Box Tops, Milk Caps, and Campbell Soup Labels for Education to earn cash for Notre Dame.  Rewards for the two classrooms collecting the most items are a pizza party (first place) and a milk and cookie treat (second place). 
For further details, click here to see the letter sent home with a baggie last week.   

Fall Cut Out Cookie Sale

Want to have cookies around the house for company or family?  Let Carrie Zehms and her team do the cooking for you.  You can order these cookies already beautifully decorated or have fun with the kids and order a kit.  Either way the cooking is done for you.  And they are yummy.  If you would be interested in volunteering to help this could go against your Third Source Funding hours. For more information and the form to order click here

Future Triton Softball Program

As school gets underway, it is time to start looking ahead to summer. Notre Dame Academy Softball is in the process of trying to get a feeder program set up to help teach and develop younger players. Our goal is to be able to assemble a 12u and a 14u team for the summer of 2015. These teams will work with the high school coaches throughout the winter and play in some tournaments during next summer. For more information please click here

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