January 8, 2015

Dear Parents,

One of my undergraduate majors is History.  I often said that if I did not use it for teaching, it would make me great at Trivial Pursuit.  The latest piece of trivia I read is that only 8 percent of people who make New Years' Resolution actually carry them out.  I know I am not in that 8 percent, so what can I do to get there?  Perhaps what I can do is to make a simple goal that I can keep.  Perhaps it could be to pray more often or longer in the morning. It could be doing a good deed for someone each day.  Perhaps the resolution can even be exhibiting better manners.  

On Epiphany the Three Kings were guided by the star to receive direction.  Perhaps we can follow their example in receiving direction on what resolution we can make to guide us to be better people.  Who says a History major is meaningless?

It is that time of year again when Mother Nature rears its ugly head in Wisconsin.  I want to insure that you read the Parent  Handbook when it comes to bad weather days as to closures, late starts, and early dismissals.  When we have a two hour delay, teachers report at 9:30 am. for the school day.  If a late start day falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, there is no three year old pre school.  Please look at the television stations indicated in the Parent Handbook as to late starts, closings, etc. We will also put the status change of the school day on Constant Contact and the ND Facebook page as well as on the website.  Some of us may be here a little earlier on late start days in the event that a child is outside.  Both maintenance men are aware that when these kinds of days take place they should watch for anyone who may come early. The most important aspect of days such as these is that every child is safe.  On weather related days, all students who are tardy will be marked as excused.  If you decide not to send your child to school because of the weather, please call it in. That is an excused absence.  

Middle school students will be receiving a hard copy of the new Incomplete Work Procedure. This will take the place of the working lunch.  The teachers at the middle school and I collaborated to put together a procedure that will make students more accountable when it comes to missing work.  The middle school students will also be going on their annual ski trip to Brule on Thursday, January 15.  Mrs. Nance will be communicating with the middle school students and parents expectations as to conduct and responsibility on the trip.  I speak for the middle school staff in writing that it is our hope that all who go on the trip have fun while at the same time act respectfully and responsibly.

Some students will be taking a part of the MAP test ( either Math or Reading) this month. Reasons for the second test for some students are to see improvement from the first test or if the child did not take the test in the fall.  This testing will be done during the child's regular school day. If you have any questions on whether your child is taking a second MAP test, please call or e-mail me.  I do have the list of students who are taking another test.  The next test for all students will be in April.

The GRACE System will soon have registration procedures for 2015-2016 online. Registering in a timely manner is one of the most important things parents do that assist principals.  When parents register as quickly as possible, it is easier for me to determine numbers of teachers, budgets for supplies, additional resources such as technology, and other items that require a great deal of planning for the upcoming school year. If you  think you could qualify for financial aid under the Wisconsin Voucher Program, please apply.  Although financial assistance is available for eligible parents, the voucher program can provide free education for a child all the way through high school.  It would be most helpful not only for the GRACE System in general but to Notre Dame School in particular that when the time comes you register for school as soon as possible.  In my next newsletter I will be detailing activities for Catholic Schools Week, Shadow Days, and other events that we schedule for enrollment next year.  Incidentally, you are the best marketers of our fine school by passing on positive words about the education your child(ren) are afforded.  We have admitted several students to school this year because of the enthusiasm parents communicate to others. 

 It is my observation that more of our students are taking hot lunch.  One thing I can say about our excellent program is that no student (including middle school students) goes away hungry. I would ask you to consider having your child take hot lunch.  Regardless of what kind of lunch our kids take, I am very impressed with the type of food the students bring.  I think it reflects upon the positive nutritional habits shown your child(ren) by all of you as parents.  I also like the lunch period because it is the best time for me to get to know your children.  I am getting better at knowing student names as a result of interacting at lunch time. I just wish we would get different milk cartons as I am not very good at opening the ones we have.

I am currently working with Cindy Lee from the De Pere Recreation Department to see if we can institute a before school program at Notre Dame. The time of the program would be each morning from 6:45 am. until the time school begins.  We need ten students who would come to the program to get it here at ND.  If you are interested in having before school care, contact me via e-mail or at one of the campuses by Thursday, January 15.

 This weekend's Gospel commemorates the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. By listening to the Gospel all of us can learn about the virtue of humility as demonstrated by John The Baptist.  As we continue our journey as a Notre Dame School Community, let us all remember the model that both John The Baptist and Jesus gave us in terms of both their humanity and humility.

 One of my three brothers lives in Plano, Texas, which is a suburb of Dallas. He is so excited about the football game this weekend.  My brother wrote me indicating that there are five Packer Sports Bars in the Dallas area and that they are almost always full of Packer fans when they play the Cowboys.  My brother would want me to wish you a great weekend and cheer the Packers on to victory.

Stay warm and have a great rest of the week.

God Bless,

James A.( Jim) Clark, Principal

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

An information night for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program will be held on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 pm at St. Thomas More School.  All interested families are invited to attend.

Techgyrls

The second session of Techgyrls is starting soon! It will be starting on Tuesday, January 20th and there is still room for more girls to join in the fun! The second session is called "Adventures in Architecture." It involves designing houses, neighborhoods and cities. You also will have a chance to be an architect and design your own dream home! If you would like more information or a registration form, please see Ms. Korinek (second grade teacher) in room 221 or email at ckorinek@gracesystem.org. Thanks and we hope to see all of the girls there! :) For grades 3-5 For more information click here
 

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 

Catholic Schools Week

Parent Education

Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post on our webpage. This week he added the topic of Musical Training May reduce Anxiety in Children. 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