December 18, 2014

Dear Parents,

There are things at school that impress and touch me more each day.  The latest example is the generosity of our students and parents.  Our students collected almost $1900  in the Penny Wars the classes had last week. The monies will go directly to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Green Bay Area.  A number of parents oversaw donating items and meals to those in the community who are  less fortunate. The students have also done some gift giving with each other through "Secret Santas." Some of you have purchased items to affirm the teachers and staff.  Your generosity and charity is a clear demonstration that thinking of others during this time of year makes one feel as good as when we receive presents for ourselves.  

Mr. Gil asked me to write up a request for assistance.  It is as follows:

Every year over Christmas break we scrub and wax the classrooms with hard floors and the halls of the middle school.  We could use a little help if you have time.  We will be working the morning of Wednesday, December 24, all day Friday, December 26, and all day Monday, December 29.  On the 29th we will need help putting the classrooms back together and scrubbing the halls.  Hopefully we will have the halls completely waxed on the 30th of December.

If you have a couple of hours to help, please call Mr. Gil at 360-8676.  He will schedule help when you are able to assist and when your help is needed.  

Many of you have purchased SCRIP for presents this time of year. As one who does the same, I realize that at this time of year a great deal of SCRIP is purchased.  We ask you to be patient when SCRIP orders are filled and ready for you.  The people who fill SCRIP orders work as hard as possible to get orders filled.

We are still working on a Wellness Policy for the students.  The issue we are addressing at this time is a process as how to address students with allergies.  We will inform all of the students as to some easy procedures that will help in addressing these situations.  I have informed the teachers that perhaps they may want to check their sheets of students who have allergies to check what other students have in their lunch bags.  To the children's credit, they are very responsible in making me aware at lunch as to potential situations that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Students in all of the grades are currently writing cards for two seminarians who have been "adopted" by St.Francis Xavier and St.Mary Parishes.  Their names are Zach Weber and Matt Rappl.  Students may be writing individual and /or group cards to give Zach and Matt something to celebrate this special season with.  

The GRACE system has a protocol regarding requests for student service plans that include special needs of students; be it remediation, enrichment, or behavioral/health situations. Although each parent has a legal right to contact the public school district, it is more effective to contact Mrs. Healy or me to begin the process with teachers, parents, and Student Services from GRACE.  In many cases, we do ask the De Pere Public School Staff to assist us in making determinations in modifications or accomodations for students.  I know Mrs. Healy and I can be more effective in assessing academic situations when we know right away.  Incidentally, the communication between teachers and parents over initial concerns in these areas have helped in helping our children reach their educational potential as effectively as possible.

The new procedure for students arriving late for school has been met  satisfactorily so far.  Again, the rationale for such a procedure is to insure that all students arrive safely on time and come to class appropriately.  The procedure is not meant to be interpreted as something negative.  Almost all schools and districts have procedures for excused/unexcused absences and tardiness.  If there are situations in these procedures that fall into "gray" areas, I will use my discretion in making determinations as to whether an absence or tardy is excused or unexcused.  

Slowly but surely, I am getting into classrooms to begin my cycle of observations and evaluations of our teaching staff.  I find this to be a rewarding and constructive experience for both the teachers and students.  Some of our teachers are evaluated under the Teacher Effectiveness Model that many public school districts use to assess their teachers.  Teachers submit to me goals they wish to address as part of the evaluation process.  Some areas I evaluate when I visit a classroom are knowledge of content, assessments and grading, activity of students in a classroom, classroom management and discipline, and professionalism/communication with parents and students.  I have found our teachers to be very good in receiving both positive and constructive feedback.  Like many in business and industry, teachers and principals learn all of the time through feedback and assessment.  Following an observation and evaluation process makes everyone better in their craft.

The GRACE System is launching a marketing campaign to attract more students to our schools.  Mr. Brauer, Ms. Sulzmann and I provided O Connor Connective with a great deal of information about the goodness of Notre Dame School.  I found this to be real eye opener in assessing the many good things about our school.  Some examples of our goodness include the following:

Over 90 percent of our middle school students participate in extracurricular activities.

Over 80 percent of our 4th through 8th graders made the Honor Roll the first trimester.

There is an extensive effort in the implementation of technology through the use of Chromebooks now and iPads for the elementary students in the future.

The large number of parent organizations provide tremendous support for improving school climate and making ND a school that lives out its Mission Statement that focuses on Spirituality, Academics, and Personal Relationships.

The APPP program is a proactive way in encouraging healthy relationships among students.

One goal all of us can continue to strive to achieve is that when anyone walks into either one of our campuses that it is a Catholic School that shows all of the positive attributes we provide at Notre Dame.

Because of the fact that we are at an awkward point in the trimester, I have decided that all students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at this time.  The next grade check for extracurricular activities will be Friday, January 16.  I will provide you with dates for grade checks in a more systematic way as the trimester progresses.

The students are dismissed for Christmas on Tuesday, December 23 and will return for classes on Monday, January 5. There should be someone who will be available to answer phone calls or take messages during the Christmas Recess.  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or assistance you may need during this time.  Many of you have discovered that I use e-mail frequently and respond as quickly as possible.

I have a contest for you.  I will give the first person or parent who answers this question via e-mail or in person a prize.

What city in the world has the most people of Polish descent?

Let's just say it is my way to see if you are reading this newsletter.  It is like a test when you read all of the questions and the last question is that you don't have to answer any of the questions on the test..

On behalf of the staff of Notre Dame School, I wish all of you a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year.  Let us all remember the true meaning of this most Holy Season.  I also encourage you to attend the event for Mrs. Byrne from 3-5:30 pm. tonight.

God Bless,

James A.( Jim) Clark, Principal

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

Staff Christmas Tree Wish List

The teachers and staff of Notre Dame dedicate so much time and talent to the students and Christmas is the perfect time to recognize their efforts.  In addition to the gifts of Scrip available, please consider helping them out with gifts for their classroom to assist with their teaching and to enrich your child's Notre Dame experience.  A Christmas tree has been decorated in the middle school office that includes information on how you can help.  To go directly to the wish list please click: Staff Wish List  

Notre Dame of De Pere Just Launched Facebook

Yes its true!!  We have arrived!!  Check us out and like us on Facebook.  Don't expect too much yet it is new but keep in touch with us in the future through Facebook and keep up with what is going on. Check us out here https://www.facebook.com/notredameofdepere 

Basketball Wear

Fundraising Event - Bouncing for the Byrne's

Winter Skate with Campus Ministry

For more information on this fun event for 5th -8th graders and to sign up or volunteer please click here 

Catholic Schools Week

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. 

Parent Education

Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post on our webpage. New this week is an article on Saturday Enrichment Program at UW-Madison. This site is updated constantly. There are many valuable tools in which parents can educate themselves in different aspects of their children's education. Very helpful information. Check it out 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