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December 11, 2015
Dear Parents,
How many presents do you buy a person for Christmas? I got an answer from one of the first graders last week. The boy mentioned that he gets three presents; one for each of the Three Wise Men. What a great thing to say. Out of the mouths of babes.............!
All of you are invited to attend the annual Christmas Musical and Art Show tonight. The musical begins at 6:30 pm.with the art displayed prominently in the Dolski Center. The students were wonderful in their rehearsals on Wednesday. Ms. Freeman has to be one of the most organized teachers around. Ms. Janssen has assured me that there should be at least one if not more pieces of artwork from each elementary student. Many students remember such special events throughout their lifetimes. Here is a little tease as to what the Musical is about:
It's a late-night crowd... the cook, the waitress, travelers for the census, the innkeeper, trouble-making shepherds, and camel drivers. The big news about a little baby travels fast around Bethlehem -- even in the wee hours of the evening at the all-night Falafel House, Bethlehem's 24-hour roadside cafe. It's Bethlehem's only 24-hour restaurant, and owners Flo and Mo are proud of the fact that they've never closed their door... until, perhaps, tonight! As the information stacks up, they've got to make the big decision to go see for themselves. Super-fun story, super-cool music that even the older kids will love, but a solid gospel-based celebration of the birth of the Savior.
We have been fortunate in receiving donations to purchase Chromebooks for fourth grade use as well as iPads for use in the elementary school. The teachers are very grateful for the generous donations that allow them to provide the students with the best education possible.
All of the schools in the GRACE System are and will be working on constructing and implementing a marketing plan that will be the basis for future sustained and increased enrollment. Items such as personalized letters, scripts for tours, structures for Shadow Days, increased use of Social Media are but a few of the varied things that both GRACE and Notre Dame will work on already this month. The Site Advisory Council will meet over the Christmas Recess to put the finishing touches on a marketing plan for our school. It is hard to believe that the enrollment season will begin in three short weeks. In the meantime don't hesitate to pass on the "Good News" about Notre Dame of De Pere. Several people who have toured have told me that a parent from Notre Dame has encouraged them to come and visit.
The GRACE Principals will meet on Monday, December 14 to discuss the results of the MAP Tests system wide as to where strengths are and where we as a system can grow. The system results are outstanding in all subject areas throughout GRACE. You will receive more information about the findings of our data retreat. The time the principals and Mrs. Desotell will devote with the MAP data will only improve the direction GRACE will go in improving each child's education.
The second graders who are members of St. Francis Xavier and St. Mary Parishes received the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time last night. I talked to some of the second graders at lunch yesterday and they seem to have a good understanding of the importance of the sacrament. Ms. DenRuyter and Ms. Korinek did a great job organizing and preparing the students in their Religion classes to be so prepared for receiving their First Reconciliation.
I would like to thank Mrs. Amy Ertman for her commitment to Notre Dame School in her capacity as our elementary school Playground Supervisor. Mrs. Ertman will be spending more time working in school helping her child's teachers. Working with the children on the playground each and every day can be a thankless task and Mrs. Ertman did a very fine job in watching over the children. If you have an opportunity, thank Mrs. Ertman for her commitment to each and every elementary school child.
We are in need of a lead person for the Open House Breakfast. The Spirituality Committee handles all the Catholic Schools week items, including the Mass. However we are seeking a lead to organize and facilitate the Breakfast. Stacy Richards will work with you to coordinate the Breakfast with the Open House. If interested please contact either Stacy Richards: stacy@burnhamrichards.com or Alisa Conway: alisa.conway@gmail.com as soon as possible.
We are still in need of After Care staff and a playground supervisor for the elementary school. If you know of someone who is interested in finding out more about either or both positions, encourage to call Mrs. Lamers. I will contact the person directly. Any assistance you can provide to fill these positions is deeply appreciated.
Saturday is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in Mexico. Through this "visit," Mary came to show love and compassion for the poor and oppressed people of Mexico. Perhaps we can take Mary's example and show love and compassion for all we see and meet during this Advent Season.
Tomorrow is Packer Dress Down day. Wear your Packer gear proudly!
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 Year of Mercy - Resources. 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.
Booster Club News
The Athletic Booster Club is now selling Notre Dame Raider mid calf socks for $15! Mr. Clark has approved them for wear on Spirit Tuesdays! There are sample socks and order forms in each office. Please return the form and payment to the office and we will fulfill your order.
Save the date! The Athletic Booster Club is planning a March Madness Event at Starry Realty on March 19th! Adults only!
Save the date! There will be an Athletic Banquet for all athletes of this school year held in the Dolski Center and Middle School gym on April 28th.
Phoenix Swim Lessons
This is a student-athlete swim lesson program which is a non-profit fundraiser to help Phoenix swimmers and divers with the funds necessary to compete in Division I athletics. It also serves as a way for them to connect with the community and share their knowledge and love of swimming. For more information click here
Notre Dame Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program 2015
This Christmas Season, the Notre Dame of De Pere school community has the opportunity to share its blessings with local families in need. Mr. Clark along with Christian Outreach have identified families that would benefit from this wonderful program. We have a wish list of gift suggestions and household needs in the sign up genius link below. Monetary donations are also welcome, as we will use these to purchase Hot Lunch school meals and other requested items.
Items do NOT need to be wrapped, but it would be very helpful if you can mark which slot you signed up for on the donation (i.e., Boy 2T pants). Please send all donated items to the school offices, labeled Adopt-a-Family at any point prior to December 11th as this will ensure that everything is wrapped and delivered to the families on time.
Thanks in advance for your help in making this program a success!
If you have any questions please contact Erin Enright, Jessie Lawton, or Sommer May.
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
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