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October 8, 2015
Dear Parents,
The Honeymoon Period for School is officially over! The teachers have established routines in their classroom, real learning is taking place, and extra curricular activities are either beginning or nearing completion. After being in all of the classrooms and meeting with teachers to set goals, the ND Staff believes that things are falling into place. The word routine often has negative connotations. In a school an established routine provides an environment conducive for the students learn spiritually, academically and emotionally according to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the remainder of the school year.
I have asked the faculty this year to utilize the monies gathered from the Activity as part of the parent payment for the 2015-2016 school year. We are planning in expanding the use of the Activity Fee to include items for activities such as Battle Of The Books at both campuses, STEM, music programs at both buildings and other extra events after school. The Activity Fee provides the students with many opportunities for them to become engaged in the learning process outside of the classroom.
This week an email was sent to all household regarding the SCRIP program. The SCRIP organizers will like to announce that SCRIP will now be selling at the elementary school on Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:15. This change will take place next Wednesday, October 14th.
I have on my link some articles pertaining to bullying. Unfortunately, I am beginning to receive referrals pertaining to bullying. If you can, please review the School Bullying Policy in the Parent Handbook. The teachers have initiated some programs such as APPP at the middle school and Random Acts of Kindness at the elementary school. Unfortunately bullying occurs at every school. It is how we as a school addresses bullying that should make for a safe and caring environment that all of us want to have. It is safe to say that bullying is an issue that goes above and beyond other inappropriate behavior as it affects in a negative way both the bully and the person who is bullied.
Now that the students have completed their MAP tests, I am beginning the process in looking at the results in order to provide a base line for data based instruction. Mrs.Patterson and I will attend a conference on October 27 for further education on how schools can effectively use the MAP results to impact learning. One preliminary observation I have made is that our Math scores have improved at both campuses from last year.
There will be information in next week's newsletter about the students in grades 2-8 attending the annual Catholic Schools' Week Mass at the Resch Center on October 21. The Mass will begin at 10 am. and will be concelebrated by Bishop Ricken and many priests from the Green Bay Diocese. It is truly amazing to see the Resch Center almost full with students and staff from the Green Bay Diocese. Most of the information you will receive will involve logistics for seating, lunch, etc.
Mrs. Patterson and the teachers are beginning to assess academic needs at both ends of the spectrum in terms of students who have academic needs in both remediation and enrichment. Mrs. Patterson and the teachers are being proactive in addressing learning situations of all students. This approach will reap dividends for students regardless of their learning situation.
Please be aware that next week you will have the opportunity to sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences. I will provide information next week on effective strategies for communication between teacher and parent at conferences.
On behalf of the students, staff and parish community I would like to extend a hearty congratulations to Ms. Allan, one of our fourth grade teachers. Ms. Allan will be married this weekend. The fourth grade students and the teaching staff have already affirmed Mrs. Henkel (married name) and wished her great success in her new life with her husband Henry.
In closing, I have my monthly $3 prize to give away to the first person who answers this question correctly:
WHAT DO YOU CALL A BEAR WHO HAS NO TEETH?
Have a great rest of the week and if you can, enjoy the fall colors and season.
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 National Bullying Prevention Website. 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.
Key Club News
There will be big news every week about the Key Event. It's our biggest fundraiser of the year. Please click here for current information.
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.
Check out the new designs for
Fleece jackets are still available... New this fall.... Newly designed tee's and sweatshirts. Fleece jackets are in compliance with the dress code
Shirts may be worn on spirit shirt Tuesday!!Tuesday.
Long sleeve, short sleeve, hooded sweatshirts, in cotton, dri-fit and Under Armour styles.
Sale ends October 12th
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
GRACE Volleyball Tournament
This is one of the Athletic Booster Club's largest fundraisers of the year. This tournament allows us to keep player fees low and maintain all of the sports offered year round.
All parents of students currently playing on a fall team at Notre Dame are asked to share a few hours of their Saturday Oct. 18th to support this event. We are the hosts for the league volleyball tournament at NDA...and it requires a lot of volunteers to run smoothly. It also raises a significant portion of our budget this year. No volleyball experience needed and middle school students are encouraged to volunteer as well.
Plan to stick around and watch some great volleyball. Have a younger daughter that may want to play in the future? This is a great time to introduce her to the sport. To sign up to help please 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 - 3:15 at the Elementary School. Feel free to work once, twice or as often as your schedule allows!
If you are able to help...please click
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
Techgyrls is a fun program where girls can just be themselves, but learn math and science skills as well! The girls will conduct experiments, build kites, be a graphic designer, as well as other exciting activities! For more information and contact numbers click here
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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