April 30, 2015
Dear Parents,
One of my favorite movies is entitled "The Bucket List." Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star as two men who were diagnosed with terminal cancer. Once they hear their diagnosis, both men compose a list of the many things they did not have a chance to do previously. Once they complete an item on their bucket list, they cross it off and go to the next event.
During this exciting time of the school year, Notre Dame has its own "bucket list." There are many outstanding events on the calendar such as graduations, field trips, parties, and other activities that make the month of May. Don't be too quick to cross off the items of our school "bucket list." May is the most exciting month of the school year so let us appreciate the many good things all of us have deserved and earned.
We are still looking for parents to serve as members of our School Advisory Committee. Many of our parents who have made an important commitment in serving on SAC have sons and daughters who are graduating from Notre Dame so I would like some of you to "step up" and help me continue to provide a positive direction for our school. If you are interested in serving on SAC, or if you need more information please contact Julie Van Straten, SAC Chair at julie.vanstraten@gmail.com or me. I have valued the input and feedback SAC has given me. They have been a huge factor in making our year so successful.
Mrs. Schumacher, Parish Business Manager and I have been in discussion with the GRACE System as to some possible changes in our school lunch program for next year. Both of us need some parents to assist us in discussing options as to our lunch program next year. If you can assist us in providing input and suggestions, e-mail me as soon as possible. Both Mrs. Schumacher and I have discussed possible options with the GRACE System, but before any final decision is made we need parent input in order to make a wise and prudent decision.
After Mrs. Nance, Mrs. Lamers and I checked enrollment numbers for the next school year, we notice that a number of parents in grades other than Early Childhood have not enrolled their child(ren) for next year. I would ask those parents if they can enroll for Notre Dame next year. We have almost completed the budgetary and contractual process for the 2015-2016 school year. Enrolling children in a timely manner will assist me as to staff personnel and the budget.
The middle school teachers reviewed the behavioral expectations with their students yesterday. The purpose of such a review is to remind the middle school students that their focus in and out of class is to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner the rest of the year. I communicated to the middle school teachers to be consistent in the enforcement of behavioral expectations to all of the students in order for the environment the last month of school to be one of continued learning and academic focus.
As tomorrow is the first Friday of the month, students are able to "dress down" that day. There will be another dress down day or two before the end of the school year. I wish to give all of you a thank you for attiring your child in the proper uniform. When our children wear their uniforms, they are neatly dressed. It also allows parents to save time on what to buy their child(ren) clothing for school. I also think it is a great way to show school community and spirit.
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week in the United States. One thing you or your child may want to do next week is to say "thank you" to one or more of the teachers for the commitment they have in educating all of the children at Notre Dame School. Affirmation and compliments to a teacher is as special as any present given to him/her.
Don't be in a rush to cross the special school activities in May off of your "bucket list." Your children will miss the fun this month.
Have a great rest of the week!
God Bless,
James A.( Jim) Clark, Principal
"May All Of Us Pray The Gospel, And If Necessary Use Words."
NEWS & EVENTS
Overdue Overhaul
This year we will be kicking off a two-year fundraising initiative to transition our outdated libraries into Learning Commons. As the methods by which children learn change, so must the environment in which we want to the foster learning. Our plan is to transition our libraries into a space that is focused on creative learning. For more information please click here
Key Event 2015
We are looking for people to chair some exciting open positions for next year's event. This is a great way to fulfill your family's volunteer hours early in the school year, use your skill sets and ensure a successful Key Event! Please consider: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4cacaa2aa57-keyevent
Thank you,
Debbie Ruggles, Margy Eastman and Kim Connelly
Rosary Making Party
Enjoy Fellowship with neighbors and friends. You are invited to come and make rosaries on May 13 and have a great time. For more detail please click here
Bricks 4 Kidz
Exclusive Camps for Notre Dame. Grades K-5th at the Elementary School. For more information and a link to register click here
BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
Under the Sea, Explore an Ocean of Books! It's BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) Book Fair Time. Stock up for SUMMER READING! May 14-20 During School until 4pm Games, prizes and tons of fun.
All types of books available NEW to sale this year Middle School and Adult Bestsellers. Service hours will count toward next year. Get a jump start on your hours. We need your help!! To sign up to volunteer for this event please click here
Teacher Appreciation Week - May 4-8
Teacher Appreciation Week is fast approaching. Notre Dame Home & School and Spirituality Committees have the following planned for the week. Some classrooms may also have additional activities planned. Help is needed with the Tuesday Taco Bar. Please check it out and sign up to help. For more details on this week and to sign up to help click here
High School Mission Trip Raffle
Support our High School Mission to Louisiana this summer by purchasing raffle tickets for a weeks stay for 6 at Lake Tahoe AND $750 CASH! Winnings are for the week of August 1st thru 7th, 2015. Tickets are $20 each and there is a total of 300 tickets. Tickets are available at the Parish Offices and from Participating Youth. Raffle drawing will be at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Picnic at 4 PM, Sunday, June 7th. For more information click here
St. Francis Parish Picnic
Come and enjoy the picnic and the fellowship with neighbors and friends there will be the perfect combination of fun and games and food. Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th. For more information and to sign up to volunteer to help please click here
Triton Summer Volleyball Camp & Skills Clinic
This camp and skills clinic is sponsored by Notre Dame Academy. For more information and registration form please click here
Prayer/Giving Opportunities at Notre Dame
There are many opportunities to give of your time and talents at Notre Dame. Prayer is incredibly helpful to those in need. After all we all have been in need at one time or another. For more information click here
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.
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
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: After March 1st: $100/student
Parent Education
Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post at the top of our webpage. This week he added the topic of R - Word/Spread the Word to Stop the Word. 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.
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