October 8, 2014

Dear Parents,  

I once saw a music box that played the song "I once was lost but now I am found." We all know that is one of the lines from the song Amazing Grace.  When I listened to that line I thought of a friend of mine who along with his wife adopted a child.  I remember all of the things he told me about the cost, the red tape, the inspections of the house, and the initial rejection from a birth parent.  My friend and his wife finally were able to adopt a child.  It was a true blessing for both of them.  I sometimes wonder if that child realizes how truly blessed he is that someone found him.  I think he does.  When we remember this month as Right To Life Month, let us think of the little boy who was lost but through the grace of God was found by two loving people.

We are asking you to use Signup Genius for signing up for the Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 22 from 3:30 - 8 pm. and on October 23 from 12:30-8 pm. The teachers in both buildings will take a dinner break from 4:45-5:30 pm.  The email with the information of the sign up will go out at noon on Friday, October 10th. Please look for this email as it will give you the link for the sign up genius. 

We are nearing the completion of the MAP tests. The students in the lower elementary grades will finish their tests next week. As I conference with the teachers on their goals for the year, many of them will use strategies that focus upon how they will use the scores as a means of improving instruction. You should receive your child's MAP data in time for parent teacher conferences.

We are in the process of installing more cameras and safety devices at both campuses. There will also be some re-keying rooms and offices at both campuses. No building is ever too safe for children. Having more security for our children is something both parishes and the GRACE system take seriously in the name of the students at Notre Dame.

This is another reminder that the last day for the early $500 raffle deadline for the Key Event is October 14th.  The Key Event is the largest fundraiser for Notre Dame School of De Pere.  Your support is greatly appreciated. I am looking forward in attending my first Key Event.  It sounds like a spectacular event.

Some students will be receiving materials on a karate club that will take place at the elementary campus.  Others will receive materials on a chess club that will not only include Notre Dame students, but others from the GRACE system.  I encourage you to consider these two activities for your child.

Please review the Notre Dame website from time to time.  Teachers are asked to update their web pages regularly.  Middle school parents should also review Google Classroom with their child. Both sites have timely information on homework, class activities, and wish list items.

The eighth graders will listen to representatives from Notre Dame Academy on Monday, October 13 from 8:15-9 am in the Dolski Center.  All eighth grade parents are invited to attend this informational event as well. One of the major focuses of any eighth grade middle school curriculum is to have the students understand the structure and rigor expected in any high school program.  

The theme for the readings this weekend centers around the fact that God provides for His people.  As we listen to those readings this weekend when we attend Mass, let us say a prayer of Thanksgiving for those who were "lost but now are found."

God Bless,

James A. (Jim) Clark, Principal

"May All of Us Preach The Gospel, And If Necessary Use Words."

VIRTUS Training/Background Checks

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

SCRIP

Yesterday SCRIP statements were sent out.  If you have any questions regarding your statement please email Tracy Glover: tglover@stfrancisdepere.org or call her at 337-1115.

After School Karate

Classes begin on October 14th at the elementary school.  for more information please click here

Check out what is happening at Notre Dame

There is always a lot going on at Notre Dame of De Pere.  You can stay in the know by checking out our website. We update our website front page with fun, useful and interesting informational posts on a regular basis.  Don't be the only one that doesn't know what is going on.  Check the website as often as you check your email (maybe more). For a quick link to our website calendar click here

Private School Tuition is Deductible

For more information please click here

Techgyrls for girls in grades 3-5

Techgyrls is a fun program where girls can just be themselves but learn math and science skills as well! The girls will conduct experiments, create budgets, design a dream home, as well as other exciting activities!  If you are interested in more information or to sign up please click here

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.

NDA Girls Volleyball Grade School Night

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 a few weeks ago.   

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

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.  There is new information happening all the time. Win an extra $500.00 if you get your Key ticket in by October 14th.  To find out the details please click here