November 20, 2014

Dear Parents, 

I am a man of many weaknesses.  One of them is to park myself on the couch Saturdays and Sundays to watch football.  I can't ever get enough football on the weekends.  

 You may be aware of the fact that Melvin Gordon, a running back for the University of Wisconsin, broke the single game rushing record with 408 yards against the University of Nebraska.  Needless to say, I was glued to the set the whole game watching this accomplishment.

 What does this have to do with your child? What Melvin Gordon did was a great example to demonstrate that people of any age can do things if they set their minds to it through dedication, sacrifice, and hard work.  Whether it is good grades, good manners, good musicians, good athletes, reverent Catholics or anything else important, a child does not have to be Melvin Gordon. All they have to do is be the best person he or she can be.

FUNDRAISER EVENT: BOUNCING FOR THE BYRNES'

There will be a special fundraising event on Thursday, December 18 from 3-5:30 pm. in the elementary school gym.  Mrs. Byrne, one of our fine preschool aids, could use a little help from her and other school families.  Her husband has had multiple surgeries this year and is in line for further treatment.  Although life has deal a difficult hand right now, she still comes to school each day with the most amazing smile and helps our little ones. In addition there is not a day that goes by in which she makes me laugh at something the pre schoolers say and do.  All of you are invited to attend to enjoy an evening of large bounce houses, face painting, music, food, and a visit from Santa!  All proceeds will go directly towards helping Mrs. Byrne and her family.  A free will offering of money is appreciated.  A sign up genius link will be coming out soon and any private donations are greatly appreciated. Please contact Mrs. Kuehl if you have any questions or are willing to help her make this great event a reality.

 As one of the team members of the Total Catholic Education Board for our two parishes, I listened to the organization and plans for the First Reconciliation of our second graders on December 10.  Parents who are not members of either St. Mary or St. Francis Xavier parishes will receive a contact from me soon as to whether their child will participate on December 10.  The team realizes that some of you may participate in the First Reconciliation ceremony at  your home parish.  If you are a parent from another Green Bay area parish and are not attending the ceremony at St. Mary's, contact me ahead of time so I do not have to make that contact.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.  Fr. Getchel and the team have many of the details for First Reconciliation planned and organized already.  

One of my educational goals this year is to utilize the position of Supportive Consultant in order to meet the needs of as many students as possible.  I can assure you that Mrs. Healy is busier than busy.  She has done such a fine job organizing the Odyssey and WCATY programs, designing learning plans, meeting with the De Pere Public Schools to advocate for our students, and giving suggestions to the teachers on helping all of our students.  One thing I would ask is if you would like for us to work with you on a possible learning need, e-mail Mrs. Healy at jhealy@gracesystem.org  directly you make any further contacts. Mrs. Healy and I work closely with Mr. James Cullen, Director of Student Services for GRACE.  If you have a chance, thank Mrs. Healy for all of the hard work she does. Her effectiveness as a Supportive Consultant along with the work of all the teachers has insured that all students get as much help and support in their learning as possible.

Basketball season is underway with some of our student athletes.  One piece of advice to consider is that all of us (parents, staff, and students) represent Notre Dame School and that we want to portray a positive a image to the communities of De Pere and Green Bay.  All of us may get wrapped up in basketball, which can be a very emotional game played in an indoor environment. You many not always agree with the referees or even some of our coaches, but the modeling of adults has a great impact on our student athletes. .Athletics is a great venue in which "
teachable moments" occur. 

There are times when our students succeed at events, competitions and other special events outside of school. If your child wins something or succeeds  at an outside event, e-mail me.  I like to recognize students in any way possible.

I realize that the magazine sale is not until spring, but Mrs. Meverden has asked me to request any newer copies of magazines such as Highlights, Zoobooks, Ranger Rick, Back Yard, or other appropriate periodicals for the elementary students.  Mrs. Meverden will make a space in the library for monthly drop offs.  We will be asking for materials that will interest the middle school students at a later date.

I wish to clarify that I regularly put information for parents on the website under Parent Education.  I do not restrict the site to MAP resources and data.  Parent education is a valuable tool for any parent who wants to do the best for his/her child.

The end of the first trimester is Wednesday, November 26.  Mass will be at the regular time of 8:35 am.  Dismissal will be at 11:30 am.  I would ask that you pick up your child(ren) as quickly as possible, especially with the unpredictable Wisconsin weather now upon us.

 In the Gospel this weekend Matthew tells us that in dying on the cross, Jesus shows himself to be one of the hungry, the naked, the ill, and imprisoned. His message to us is that we must think of others at all times.  Demonstrating humility and  caring for the less fortunate may be one of the best ways we can follow Jesus' example. We will hear more about the theme of humility during Advent.

 May all of you have a great weekend.  Perhaps after writing this letter, I may make a concerted effort to do more around the house this weekend than to watch football. By the way, what time does the Wisconsin game start Saturday?

God Bless,

James A. (Jim) Clark, Principal

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

 Winter Skate with Campus Ministry

For more information please click here

Catholic Schools Week

Box Tops For Education

 SCRIP News for the Holidays

St. Mary's is looking for SCRIP sellers before and after Mass on Saturdays and Sundays.  Just one Mass a month and you will be able to get volunteer hours for it. You will need to contact Sherry Karcz 920-336-2838.

Please plan ahead for the holidays. The week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) and Christmas (Dec. 21) we will be placing our SCRIP orders on Sunday sometime before 1:00.  Make sure your online and paper orders are in before this time. Next week SCRIP will be available on Wednesday morning starting at 8:30.

Would you like to do something special for the school or an individual teacher? Notre Dame of De Pere is in need of so many items for our school. Items that would make things easier, better or simply more effective for the staff and students. If you would like to look through the list please check our website out. At the top of the website click on My Teacher you will get a drop down then click on Teacher Wishlists or just click here

A Guide to Understanding MAP Testing for Parents

Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post on our webpage. There are many valuable tools in which parents can educate themselves in different aspects of their children's education.  Very helpful information.  Most recently added was the toolkit for parents in understanding MAP testing.  Check it out here.

Feed the Hungry - Food Drive - Ending Tomorrow

Chip in to help feed the hungry in our community. Notre Dame is sponsoring a Food Drive for our school.  What classroom will bring in the most food? Sounds like a challenge to me. Make sure it is your class and you will win a special prize. Who will win? The homeroom that brings in the most food and the hungry in our community. For more information click here

This year our battle will be February 2. For a list of the books and the letter that went home click here 

VIRTUS Training/Background Checks

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