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October 29, 2015
Dear Parents,
How do I combine All Saints' Day with National Vocation Week? At a Mass a few years ago, the celebrant indicated that a Saint can be identified as someone who is a role model to others. I think we can all agree that many of our Religious (priests, sisters and brothers) act in a very saintly manner as role models for all of us. Please pray for any of Religious who have received the call from God to serve all of us.
Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Laehn and I attended a workshop Tuesday learning more about the MAP Tests and how we can use them as effectively as possible. The conclusion the three of us came up with is how much data and information teachers and principals can use to improve a child's education. Over the next few weeks I will give you little "kernels" of information about the MAP tests and how we can work together to improve your child's academic performance.
Some of the things you may wish to know:
Lexile Scores - Access the website lexile.com Put your child's lexile numbers that are on your child's test sheet. You should be able to find books that are very appropriate for your child. Most libraries know about lexile scores to assist you in taking out books for your child to read for school or pleasure.
Goal Sheets - The teachers have or will be providing you with goal sheets in which you work with your child on certain skills that will improve MAP scores in the spring session. Teachers will monitor these goals and how the student is working toward reaching their numerical goal. Mrs. Patterson and I have also asked the teachers to set one goal in a subject area that can indicate improvement for MAP tests in the spring.
RIT Scores - We have already started to use RIT scores for the students. Mrs. Patterson has taken the scores and is assessing students for individual or group work in literacy. The RIT scores for Math in the eighth grade indicated that Ms. Norppa did a fine job in determining placement for students in Algebra I.
The teachers and I believe strongly that MAP data must be used to improve instruction, curriculum and student learning.
As a member of the GRACE Administrative Team, I wish to inform you that we are looking at aspects of curriculum as well. The two areas we are examining at this time are World Languages and Pre-School/Early Childhood. The team is looking at making curriculum and offerings more consistent in both programs. Improving these two areas not only will improve student learning but can act as a tool to attract more students to all of our schools in the GRACE System.
Parents who are behind in putting money into their Power Lunch account are reminded to do so. We realize that the bookkeeping system for lunch this year is something new and some bugs still need to be worked out. Thank you for your patience in making Power Lunch work at Notre Dame.
A big thank you goes to our Athletic Director Lynn Wolfram and the committee who organized and coordinated the Notre Dame Volleyball Tournament which took place at Notre Dame Academy. The sixth grade girls team took second place, and the seventh grade Green Team took first place. Notre Dame School profited $3318 which is up approximately $1,000 from last year. This money goes toward the athletic funds to help pay for new equipment and uniforms.
We all know that the purpose of any fundraising event is to make money, especially in non profit organizations such as Catholic Schools. Although the main purpose of the Key Event is to raise money for both Notre Dame and Our Lady of Lourdes Schools, the fellowship and community atmosphere is very special. Come to the Key Club Event and enjoy yourself with your friends and acquaintances. Remember that the beneficiaries of the Key Club Event are the students and staff of both schools. I hope to see you at the Swan Club on November 6 to have a good time and share friendship and community.
In closing, I wish to share with you one of the things that make being principal at Notre Dame so special. All of the preschool students paid me a visit in my office yesterday showing off their costumes for Halloween. I was so impressed with their creativity and originality. I also did not realize that POWER RANGERS are back. Ahh, the joys of working with children and young people.
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 Teaching Kids to be Savvy Savers. 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.
Scholastic Book Fair
With upcoming holidays and school underway, the Book Fair is the perfect way to support our school and promote your child[ren]'s literacy! Please stop by and check us out. Proceeds will be going to help stack the shelves of our classrooms and our amazing new libraries! For more information and to sign up to volunteer for the book fair please click here
Key Event News - Classroom Plates
Take a look at these cute classroom plates. Be careful though...after seeing them you will want one. Available at the Key Event on Friday, November 6th.Take a look 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
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
Notre Dame Academy Musical
Notre Dame Academy will be presenting Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. November 12-14 at 7:30 pm with a matinee on Saturday November 14th at 1:00 pm. For more information on purchasing tickets and on participating Notre Dame of De Pere alumni please click here
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