|
September 3, 2015
Dear Parents,
Notre Dame has a very warm climate, but this week the warmth has been a little much. I admire the staff and students for being so good with the weather being as warm as what it has been. The first week is an adjustment for all of us. In the letter this week I just want to give you some little reminders pertaining to the first week of school.
I am very pleased with our lunch program in working with Konop. I also wish to thank you and your children for being so good communicating about food allergies that we need to watch for. The students seem to be eating more, especially at the elementary level. I think that having recess before lunch has something to do with that. Mrs. Simonet has asked me to remind you that we need to have a phone call before 8:30 am. indicating that your child(ren) is taking lunch. Konop will be making only so many meals that our students request. If you cannot sign up for lunch by 8:30 am., please have your child(ren) bring a cold lunch. We also ask that all lunch bills be paid in a timely manner as we are working with an outside vendor for our lunch program. I must say after the first week that it is "so far so good" with the hot lunch program. I also wish to remind you that when treats are brought to school that every effort is made to avoid any items with peanuts or other type of nut allergies. Incidentally, please make checks for lunch out to GRACE/Notre Dame of De Pere as soon as possible? Thank you.
After speaking with Mr. Steckart, we will have our After Hours Program in the cafeteria and the gym. This situation can work out very well as Mr. Steckart will get a buzzer system established so parents can still enter the door in the same way as previously done. Our After Hours staff consists primarily of St .Norbert students who are in the elementary education program. Working with our students is great preparation for the workers when they begin their student teaching experiences. I also ask that any parents who use the service pay in a timely manner as we must pay the After Hours workers.
Since I seem to be writing about money and bill payment, I am asking on behalf of the Home and School Association that fees for Home and School be paid as soon as possible.
The spirit shirts that we have for this year are in high demand. They were designed by one of our 8th grade students, Gracyn Gemignani. If you missed the first chance to order one of these t-shirts and you would like one please get your order in right away. No orders will be taken after next Tuesday (September 8th). We will not be submitting any more orders after that. Please see the below t-shirt link for an order form.
Please be aware that if you drop off your child on Huron St., the front area is a "loading" instead of a "parking" zone. The De Pere Police Department has informed us that any car left unattended when picking up a child there can result in either a warning or ticket being issued. A committee will be formed to discuss strategies not only to address this issue but to address the general parking situation around the elementary school, which has been a problem. If you are interested in being part of this subcommittee, contact Alisa Conway, SAC Chair at alisa.conway@gmail.com
Our first Mass is next Wednesday, September 9 at 8:35 am. at St. Francis Xavier Church. I encourage all parents to attend the Mass. I know that we have an excellent turnout of parents and grandparents who attend the Childrens' Masses. Celebrating Mass is the greatest form of prayer we participate in. The presence of adults at these Masses is great modeling for all of our students.
Every year we set goals as a staff and school for the upcoming school year. Goals are important things schools of rigor and excellence strive to achieve. Our goals at Notre Dame for the 2015-2016 school year are:
- Increase student enrollment by twenty students for the 2016-2017 school year
- Provide more opportunities and instruction in Literacy and Writing for students
in all subject areas.
- Demonstrate evidence that the newly formulated GRACE Religion Standards are
used by every teacher regardless of subject area.
- Review and develop more effective communication skills between teachers
with parents, colleagues, and administration.
We will continue to provide staff development in technology through our Wired
Wednesday Program. Teachers will also use technology as part of their evaluation process as well as utilizing a technology based program for learning more about important concepts in Best Practices such as Differentiated Instruction, Utilization of MAP Data and others. As professionals, teachers must update themselves constantly so they can provide the best possible education for each child. One goal I have for myself is to utilize my link page with more practical articles as they pertain to parent and student education.
One of my favorite "reads" is any publication by a teacher named Ron Clark (no relation). Ron began his teaching in an intercity school in New York. He has statements entitled RON CLARK'S 55 RULES IN EDUCATION. I will insert one or two of these in my newsletters each week throughout the school year. One of of his "ESSENTIAL 55" is:
WHEN RESPONDING TO ANY ADULT, YOU MUST ANSWER BY SAYING "YES MA'AM" OR "NO SIR." JUST NODDING YOUR HEAD OR SAYING ANY OTHER FORM OF YES OR NO IS UNACCEPTABLE.
In closing, I want to let you know that the average preschool student smiles 300 times per day. Just thinking of that makes my face sore.
We have had a great first week of school. Thank you for helping the staff make this transition to school a smooth one.
Have a great rest of the week!
God Bless,
James A.( Jim) Clark, Principal
"I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH."
Philippians 4:13
Parent Education
Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post at the top of our webpage. This week he added the topic of The Essential 55. 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 .
T-Shirt Order
If you are interested in purchasing a 2015-2016 school spirit t-shirt get your orders in now. The cut off for ordering t-shirts will be Tuesday September 8th. That will be the last order placed for the school year. For an order form please click here
Notre Dame Raider Wear
If you are interested in purchasing Raider Wear to show your school spirit please click here. Nice quality, warm fleece, great looking wear.
| 
