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September 24, 2015
Dear Parents,
Like many of you I have been watching the major news networks about the travels and celebrations centering around the visit of Pope Francis in the United States. Last evening a television station interviewed a prominent Muslim about the Pope's trip. One of his comments was that "It is good to be a Catholic right now." When the interviewer asked him why he would make a statement like that, he replied that the Catholic Church has a strong leader who exudes a hope and faith that is modeled for all who follow him. I know that the charismatic nature of Pope Francis has given all of us a chance to reflect upon and give thanks to God for the leadership Pope Francis has provided not only for Catholics but for all people throughout the world.
One of the organizations that serves our school in a wonderful way is our Home and School Association. Under the leadership of Mrs. Kukela and Mrs. Reince, Home and School is an organization that has affirmed the work of the teachers as well as being a major agent in creating community at Notre Dame. Those of you who submitted their dues by September 15 were eligible to win a $25 gas gift card. The winner of the drawing that took place this week is the Rosario Family. Congratulations and thank you to all of the families who turned in their Home and School dues. Home and School is also selling car decals for $2 in both school offices. These decals are a great way to show your Notre Dame of De Pere school spirit. The next meeting of the Notre Dame Home and School Association is October 15 at 6:30 pm. at Mrs. Kukela's house at 1855 N. Sunset Circle in De Pere.
Ms. Freeman and I are reviewing an initial draft of a safety plan for Notre Dame School. Beginning next week we WILL take car keys of people who volunteer or work in the building for any length of time. Don't worry about getting your keys back. No staff member will "test drive" your vehicle while your keys are in the office. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Mrs. Patterson has set up meetings with the teachers to assess students who may need extra help in the areas of literacy. There should be a regular schedule for Mrs. Patterson to work with students soon. Mrs. Patterson is processing Odyssey for students to use. We have received information on WCATY so we will process those students soon. One area that will be of help for the primary teachers is that Mrs. Pisani will work as an aide with the second grade teachers and Mrs. Byrne will assist the third grade teachers two days per week.
As a member of the Parish Pastoral Team, I am involved in activities of a Religious nature that positively impacts our school culture. We will soon be having times where all grades will be spending an hour in Adoration Of the Blessed Sacrament. Mrs. Westhoven is organizing the Adoration for the middle school students. Initial plans are being made for our second graders to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation later in the year. Being on the Pastoral Team provides me with the opportunity to collaborate with the Religious Education program of both parishes to provide the best educational opportunities for our students spiritually.
I had the privilege (yes, privilege) of inspecting the middle school report cards last week. Knock on wood but as a group grades are excellent. The eighth graders who are taking Algebra I are doing very well not only academically but in terms of comprehension. I would ask all of our students to "keep up the good work" academically.
We are making more of a concerted effort to put Notre Dame events and activities on our WEBSITE page. One of my goals this year is to increase our enrollment at Notre Dame next year. I have looked at a number of marketing plans, and prominent among them is the use of Social Media and a website that is outstanding and up to date. Notre Dame uses Social Media extremely well. I know some of you are following me on TWITTER. If you wish to follow me, my Twitter handle is @Jim Clark 10. I know some of you already follow me, so "the more the merrier." If you wish to know more about sports and education, my TWITTER page is for you.
The first step of the Overdue/Overhaul Project is complete. The Middle School LEARNING COMMONS has been completed, the elementary library has new furniture, and there will be books purchased for pre school through first grade this year. The second phase of the project will take place next summer with the completion of the elementary library along with the purchase of book for grades 2 through 8. With one of our school goals being to increase the amount of literacy at both campuses the Overdue/Overhaul Project has been a very timely venture.
Ron Clark's Rule for this week is Rule 13. It says "When we read together in class, you must follow along. If I can call on you to read, your must know exactly where we are and begin to read immediately." This is a rule students in all grades can do.
In closing, consider reviewing your child's Religion book and the Loyola Press website on my link page. These materials are steeped in the Jesuit Tradition. Jesuit priests teach in many schools throughout the world. Reading some of these materials with your child is a great way for you to understand some of the teachings of Pope Francis.
Tomorrow, September 25 is a Key Event Dress Down Day for a donation; with a family or corporate donation to auctions or monetary donation. Only students who follow the above request can have a dress down day. Two other days for Dress Down days are Monday, September 28 ( Packers v. Chiefs), and October 2 ( First Friday of the month).
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
The Key Event
Friday September 25th is a Packer Dress Down Day for the Key Event. Donations for this will go toward the Key Event. For more information click here.
Parent Education
Mr. Clark has set up a Education Post at the top of our webpage. This week he added the topic of New Research about 8th Grade Math and Algebra...What's the Rush?. 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.
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.
NDA Future Triton Basketball Kick Off
Open to boys 3rd-8th Grades For more information please click here
And there is a program for girls as well. Open to girls 3rd-8th Grades. For more information on the girls program click hereThere also will be a skills camp for both boys and girls no need to register, just show up. For more information on the skills camp please click here
Fundraising/Volunteering Opportunities
As the school year begins so do the opportunities to get involved at the school! We have many wonderful activities throughout the year. Some are fund-raisers, some are fun-raisers, some are in support of our Athletics Department, teachers and staff, Home and School, and some to meet our Third Source Funding goal. ALL are to support Notre Dame of De Pere! We would not be such a fantastic school without the volunteer support of our school families! For more information and to sign up please click here
That Man is You Program (TMIY)
Modeled on some of the country's leading men's programs, That Man Is You! combines Scripture, solid secular research and a little fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our modern culture. It seeks to form authentic leaders who will be capable of transforming homes and society. For more information click here
SCRIP office IS IN NEED of some additional SELLERS
* We are especially looking for volunteers who could work Wednesday's and Thursday's from 2:30 - 3:30 at the Middle School. Feel free to work once, twice or as often as your schedule allows!
If you are able to help... please click here.
* Also, NEW THIS YEAR we will have SCRIP SELLING shifts available at the weekend masses for both St. Mary and St. Francis. It is as easy as selling SCRIP (before & after) 1 mass - 1 weekend a month! This is another GREAT way to earn your fundraising service hours...Please contact Carla Gemignani at 920-864-2785
September 27th from 1:00 - 4:00 will be an opportunity for families from St. Matthew and Resurrection Schools and Parishes to come together to talk about the great opportunities that the reorganization of the two schools into one will bring. The event will take place at the Spirituality Center at the Norbertine Abbey. The theme of the day will focus on the Spirituality of Change. There will be a session for adults facilitated by Judy Turba from the Spirituality Center and a session for children facilitated by Mary Beth Friday from Communication Pathways. We will close the day with a Mass at 3:00 celebrated by Father Bob Kabat and Bishop Robert Morneu. Babysitting will be provided for children under the age of 5. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.
2015 Flu Vaccinations
The City of De Pere is offering free flu vaccinations to children 6 mo.- 18 years. For more information please click here
Haunted House Kids Day Saturday October 10. $1 per person. For more details click hereViral Meningitis Issues of health and safety are always a priority for our school. As a means to be attentive to this, we are sharing a letter from the Brown County Health Department regarding the recent concerns about viral meningitis. The letter outlines symptoms of viral meningitis and how you can help prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illnesses. These are all good practices to remember as we head into cold and flu season. Health Department Viral Meningitis Letter
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