February 26, 2015

 

 

Dear Parents,


 

Every morning when I drive to De Pere I see a number of runners putting in their miles.  I look at their faces and some of them appear to be in pain (been there done that as a runner).  One thing I can assure you is that when the runner finishes, he/she has a great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment.  I view Jesus' struggles during Lent as that of the runners I see on my drive in the morning.  The struggles He faced for us were monumental.  At the same time when He rose from the dead, all of His followers felt a great deal of accomplishment and wonder with this sacred event.  When you go through Lent and reflect upon Jesus' struggles, think of the runners you see during this cold weather.  I think they get it in the same way we should during this Lenten Season.


 You will soon receive a Parent Satisfaction Survey online for you to complete.  The School Advisory Council is reading over its contents and will give me suggestions on questions that have been compiled.  One could view this as a School Report Card, something that is similar to what the public schools do during the school year. Now is good time to administer a survey in that we may be able to make some revisions and changes in our school program yet this year.  There will be more information on such a survey in next week's newsletter.


 Mrs. Healy forwarded me some data regarding the number of Notre Dame Students participating in the WCATY program.  91 students from kindergarten through eighth grade are participating in the program. This is a program that gives students the opportunity for enrichment education as a means of accelerated learning. Students who particpate in the WCATY program are gifted because they have a real thirst for learning.  This desire to learn separates a gifted student from one who is intelligent. This large number of Notre Dame students who participate in the WCATY program is very impressive.


 

The end of the trimester is March 6.  You should be aware that optional spring conferences are March 12 and students will receive report cards on March 13. These conferences are on an 'as needed' basis. If the teacher would like to speak with you they will contact you. If you, on the other hand would like to speak to a teacher regarding your child then I would encourage you to contact the teacher to set up an appointment.  


 

I know I have put a paragraph in the newsletter each week regarding enrolling your child for school next year.  As of Monday, our count for next year is 327 students. SAC and other parents have told me this is an encouraging number as this about eighty percent of our current enrollment.  If you know your child will attend Notre Dame next year, please register. If you have any questions about school next year, do not hesitate in contacting me.  GRACE will be issuing teacher contracts next month and the budgeting process for textbooks, technology and supplies will begin shortly after that.  If Tuition Assistance is a concern, contact me as soon as possible.


 

The following items are important concerning the magazine sale.  The first turn in day at the elementary campus is Friday, February 27 (tomorrow).  Online orders count toward prizes.  The final turn in date is March 6, and middle school students can turn in orders any day during the sale but are also due on the sixth.  Mr. Milligan from the magazine company have put together a prize package that is more "kid friendly."  I believe that anyone can use money, so many of our prizes center around that.  Ask your son or daughter the fun in sitting in the money machine.  


 

Kudos to Mrs. Pagel and the middle school students.  Notre Dame Middle School leads the city of De Pere Schools in the Play 60 competition, which is an outstanding accomplishment.  I have noted several times that our students at both campuses are in excellent physical condition.


 Ms. Turba will be having Elisabeth Schulte from France speaking to the Spanish classes at the elementary campus Monday morning March 2 and at the middle school on Tuesday morning March 3.  She will teach the students some French and about school in France.


 

During the month of February the KINDergarteners are working hard to "spread love and kindness" as Jesus did.  One friend we want to support in a special way is our classmate, Morgan Frain, with her mission to KEEP HEARTS HEALTHY AND SAFE by spreading the news about PROJECT ADAM -an organization that helps bring AEDs and proper CPR training to LOCAL schools.  As you know Morgan's life was saved by an AED (please see this link- http://blogchw.org/2013/01/how-project-adam-saved-mylife/   for more details.  The KINDergarteners created 70 heart necklaces and 70 heart ornaments to sell-in an effort to raise funds and awareness-to help spread the word about the availability of AED machines... ALL of the necklaces and many of the ornaments have already been purchased-bringing it to over $150 for the cause so far.  If you haven't had a chance to support Morgan/Project Adam- we still have 50 heart ornaments available in the elementary school office and/or Mrs. Hoeppner's room for sale with any donation toward Project Adam!  Thank you for your generosity: Our ND family truly has a loving heart!!

 

Please look at the website each and every week.  Mrs. Nance, Mrs. Lamers and I are trying to provide you with as much information about school activities as possible.  The website is updated on a daily basis and is full of information. Reading the materials and knowing what is going on in school makes it easier for all of us to help your child(ren) as well as all of the children at Notre Dame. Also many highlights are below in the NEWS & EVENTS segment below.  Please do not miss it.


 Have a great rest of the week and for those of you who are runners, remember that you are more like Jesus than you think.


 

 God Bless,

 

James A.( Jim) Clark, Principal

"May all of us pray the Gospel, and if necessary, use words."

  

  

 

 

NEWS & EVENTS 

Notice to all Volunteers

We will need ALL VOLUNTEERS to sign an updated Volunteer Agreement Form. Even if you have signed one in the past this updated form must be signed.  Please click here to print off form. Please return the form to the school office.

 

Dress Down Day for Feconi Anemia Friday February 27th

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects two of the students at Notre Dame of De Pere. For more information on this disorder and how to donate please click here

 

Get Mr. Clark out of Jail

Mr. Clark will go to jail unless he can raise the money for Muscular Dystrophy. DON'T let it happen!!!  Please donate today!! For more information and to donate please click here

 

Laser Tag Lock In

This is for grades 8-12 in the middle school gym. Saturday February 28th from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.  For more information and to sign up for the event or to sign up to volunteer please click here

 

Teacher Appreciation Week - Planning Committee

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8.  Kathy Nordeen is putting together a committee and would like your help.  For more information please click here.

 

Box Top, Milk Cap and Labels for Education 

There will be a collection due date for this trimesters box tops, milk caps and labels for education on March 6th.  Please begin to get your items together now.  For more information please click here

 

Day Retreat at St. Francis Xavier - February 28th

Please join Dr. Carol Masuga for a day-long Lenten Retreat at St. Francis Parish in De Pere. For more information please click here 

 

Nies Eagle Scout Project

Brian Nies, a 2011 graduate of ND of De Pere designed, constructed and installed an amazing trophy case for the middle school. If that wasn't enough, he was able to raise money for his project and donate $700 back to the school. Brian is shown below (far left) in front of his project with his sister Liz (2013 ND grad) and brother Brad (2015 future ND grad).  Thank you Brian for your project to our school and for the donation and thank you to Liz and Brad and the entire Nies family for your contribution to this project as well.  This trophy case signifies more than a place to put our trophies. It is an act of commitment and love that will last as long as Notre Dame of De Pere stands.  

 

 

Tim Staples to Speak 

Tim Staples is the Director of Apologetics and Evangelization: Catholic Answers.

Tim will be speaking on Saturday, Feb. 28th, 9:00 am-2:30 pm at St. Bernard's. St Bernard's is located at 2040 Hillside Lane, Green Bay. Registration is not required but welcome. Please call 920-468-4811. The cost is $15.00 includes lunch. Tim's topic include: Black and White-Moral Clarity in a World of Gray, The Gospel of Suffering, and The Gift of Miracles.

 

Volunteer Service Hours 

Volunteer Service Hours are due April 30, 2015.  For more information and the log sheet to turn into the office please click here

 

Magazine/Cookie Dough Sale 

February 19th - March 9th are the days of the sale. Turn in Days are Friday February 27th and the final is Monday March 9th. This is a great profit for our school.  If you are looking to renew your magazines please look here.  There will be prizes given to teachers and students.  You can enjoy the consistency of your existing magazines or it could be a great opportunity for new magazines. For more information please click here

 

Life's A Beach!!

FUN!  AWESOME BAND PLAYING LIVE MUSIC!  DANCING!  DRINKS/FOOD! SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL!

If any of those things sound up your alley, you don't want to miss out on the "Life's A Beach" Party on Friday, February 27th!
If you interested in a fun and easy way to earn TSF hours, we are looking for volunteers to work the admissions table at the Beach Party from 7pm until 11pm (shifts can be broken down into 1-2 hour increments of preferred).  Please contact Alisa Conway (alisa.conway@gmail.com) if you're willing/able to help.

Please see the attached flyer for details - click here

To sign up for this event click here

 

Safety Town

Your child is invited to join the fun at Safety Town 2015.  Safety Town is brought to you by the Center for Childhood Safety.  Safety Town is a week-long program that teaches children how to be safe in their community.  for more information please click here.

 

Enrollment

Returning families will receive an email from SchoolAdmin on GRACE's behalf with a link for registration for the 2015-2016 school year. Returning families DO NOT go to the GRACE website to create a new account. Enrollment is open.  If you are an existing Notre Dame Family and have not received an email link to register please contact the GRACE office 499-4330.

A non-refundable fee is required at the time of enrollment.    Enrollment fee structure is as follows:
Feb 1-28:  $65/student
After March 1st:  $100/student

The earlier you enroll the lower the fee.


Tax Deductible Tuition

Here are the  instructions for families wanting to deduct their tuition off their taxes for 2014.  The instructions are self explanatory and very easy.

If you are having difficulty with the steps provided, please contact
FACTS directly at 1-866-441-4637.   Do NOT  call GRACE as they cannot get into your accounts for this information, only FACTS can. For more information please click here

Notre Dame of De Pere Facebook

Yes its true!!  Check us out and like us on Facebook.  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 

 

Middle School Tennis - Rally Day

The BCTA invites you to Rally Dy, An event to Kick-off the 2015 Green Bay middle school tennis league. Sunday, March 8.  Click here for more information and to register.


 Project Play 60 

The event takes place on Saturday March 7th from 10:00 am-4:00 pm at Lambeau Field Atrium and Legends Club on the 4th Floor. This event is free to all.  Click here for more details.

 

Camp Tekakwitha - Summer Registration

Time to register for summer camp.  Click here for more information

 

De Pere Park & Recreation Department
For the most fun this summer sign up for the De Pere Park & Recreation 2015 Summer Camp.  Click here for more details.

De Pere & Ledgeview Youth Soccer Teams
It is time to register for the 2015 De Pere and Wrightstown Youth summer soccer for ages 4-18.  Click here for more details.  

Parent Education

Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post at the top of our webpage. This week he added the topic of Why do Catholics Practice Fasting and Abstinence during Lent. 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.

 

Prayer Support New to the Notre Dame Website

Do you know someone who is sick?  Pregnant?  Having surgery?  Being challenged in life in another way?  If so, would you like a few extra prayers sent their way? Now you can anonymously submit a prayer request, and multiply the power of prayer!!

The Campus Ministry and Spirituality teams of Notre Dame of De Pere invite you to participate in the spiritual formation of our community.  Our school community provides many opportunities for prayer: through school liturgies, the Rosary, our classrooms and prayer groups.  If you have a special intention that you would like us to pray for, please feel free to submit your request and we will join with many others in our community praying for you.  Submitted prayer requests are anonymous unless you choose to include your name. To submit a prayer, go to the "Faith" tab on the ND website, and select "Prayer Requests" or 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