Please forward this email to family and friends to help share the good news of Notre Dame - Fairfield.
November 30, 2012 
In This Issue
Congratulations
Sticks For Soldiers
Students Out in the Community
The Challenge
Students Recognized for Achievement
Winter Arts Celebration
Key Club Holiday Drive
College Planning Meeting
Host Families Needed
Care Club
Lancer Athletics
Appalachia
Yearbooks
Alumni Update
Booster Club Events
Get Published!
College Planning
Target and Stop and Shop
ND on Facebook and Twitter
Share Your Good News
Dates to Remember   
 
Saturday, Dec. 1  Wine Tasting
7:00 - 9:00 pm

Monday, Dec. 3
Meet the
Coaches Night
7:00 pm - Gym

Wednesday, Dec. 5
Winter Arts Celebration
7:00 pm

Friday, December 7
Appalachia Applications Due

Friday, Dec. 21
Half Day Schedule

Monday Dec. 24 - Tues. Jan. 1
Christmas Break
No School 

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Congratulations to... 

... Steve Cavallo '13 was named as the Notre Dame recipient of  the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the award recognizes outstanding community service by young adults. Steve is now eligible for the Connecticut youth volunteer of the year award.

Sticks For Soldiers   

Members of the boys' lacrosse team raised over $650 for the annual Sticks For Soldiers charity lacrosse tournament that took place at Ludlowe High School on Saturday, November 24. All money raised for this event went to wounded veterans of war. This year's veterans being honored were US Army Cpt. Greg Galeazzi and USMC Sgt. Greg Caron.

Students Helping Those in Need     

On Saturday, several students along with Fr. Cipriani traveled to Staten Island, NY to help with Hurricane Sandy clean up relief efforts.  They were able to lend help to three families in a decimated area, where along the stretch of road that they worked on, three people lost their lives.  The devastation continues to be beyond imagination.  Another group of Notre Dame students will be returning to New York again this Saturday to lend whatever help they can. Students who volunteered their time were Jennifer Mezzapelle '13, Annie Dunn '13, Dan Murphy '13, Lauren Jones '13, Mark Komaromi '14 and alumni: Megan Pace '12, Eleni Stefanatos '10, James Piazza '09, Lindsey Russo '10 and Kelly Russo.

ND Students Participate in "The Challenge"  

"The Challenge" is a quiz show that includes 192 high schools from the entire tri-state area. It tests students' knowledge of history, arts and literature, current events, math, and science. The episode aired on Friday evening on Cablevision's Optimum, Channel 14. The team is represented by: Seniors: Duncan Plumb, Allison Rohr, Steven Meyer (captain), Mark Salvioli, and Brendan Wardlow. The academic advisor is Mr. Peter Philipp.

The students were featured in the Daily Voice. Click here to read the full story.

Students Recognized for Outstanding Academic Achievement   

On Thursday evening, November 29, students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements during Notre Dame's annual Honor Society inductions and Academic Awards Banquet. Students who met eligibility standards, including academic excellence, and traits such as character, leadership and service, and who were selected by a faculty committee, were inducted into the National, French, or Spanish Honor Society. In addition, those students who attained a minimum GPA of 3.5 during the 2011-12 school year were recognized for this outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations to all students who were honored:

National Honor Society Inductees:
Pedrica Belizaire, Thomas Bergamasco, Christine Blanchard, Kevin Bradley, Jessica Cannon, Collin Cegelka, Sean Cronan, Alexandra Danas, Michael DeGennaro, Charles Fallon, Jasmine Fuller, Jillian Gelmetti, Garrett Gintoli, Andrew Goldstein, Joseph Gomolson, Rachel Jankovsky, Matthew Lasky, Dy-Mond LeRoy, Myles Marinez, Matthew Moffat, Daniel Murphy, John Notarfrancesco, Nadia Orjiugo, Colleen O'Reilly, Brandon Pavlik, Nicholas Pond, Michelle Scatamacchia, Kayleigh Spataj, McKenzie Stone, Daniel Walsh, Emmett Whelan, Kereece Williams

Spanish Honor Society Inductees
Evelyn Alvarez, Pedrica Belizaire, Annie Dunn, Jasmine Fuller, Joseph Gomolson, Amanda Goncalves, Justin Krochko, Matthew Lasky, Peter LeMere, Nicholas Pond, Fernando Olivares, Jasmin Williams, Kereece Williams, Emily Wonsiewicz

French Honor Society Inductees
Alexandra Danas, Lizette Dos Santos, Jillian Gelmetti, Kimberly Labady, Dy-Mond LeRoy, Raphael Torres, Gwendolyn Vital, Jaclyn Wainwright

Academic Award Recipients
Seniors: Kaitlin Adams, Garcia Curtis, Maria Delgado, Njeri  Dodson, Alyssa Furgiuele, Joseph Gomolson, Madeline Guman, Lauren Jones, Scott Kline, Michael Lenard, Jennifer Mezzapelle, Fernando Olivares, Amy Pagliaro, Duncan Plumb, Lauren Puskar, Allison Rohr, Mark Salvioli, Sandie Samrin, Michael Samulenas, Kayleigh Spataj, McKenzie Stone, Brendan Wardlow, Jasmin Williams, Kereece Williams, Evan Yiannoulis

Juniors: Pedrica Belizaire, Lauren Berard, Jessica Cannon, Karissa Cook, Sean Cronan, Charles Fallon, Jasmine Fuller, Jillian Gelmetti, Andrew Goldstein, Jake Hawthorne, Rachel Jankovsky, Justin Krochko, Matthew Lasky, Myles Marinez, Nadia Orjiugo, Nicholas Pond, Gwendolyn Vital

Sophomores: Adonnis Andrade, Alyssa Bergamasco, Amy Castellanos, Tyler DaSilva, Michelle DeLeon, Joane Delia, Shadea' Foster, Jake Heaton, Patrice Lauture, Sidney Legister, Ashley Maitland, Joseph Mangiamele, Trenton Moore, Mario Nunes, Marleena Reed, Sean Rowland, Rebecca Stefanatos, Christian Turner, Sophia Zephir

Winter Arts Celebration  

On Wednesday, December 5, the talented students of Notre Dame will be hosting their annual Winter Arts Celebration. Come enjoy a night of entertainment which includes student artwork, a music performance by the ND Glee Club and an original play entitled Felon-In-Law written and directed by our own Dan Murphy '13. It is sure to be a good time for all. The performance begins at 7:00 pm.

Key Club Holiday Drive    

The Key Club is conducting a drive to help some of the poor families of the Bridgeport area.  Sr. Theresa has sent us three families for adoption, and if we can help these people out we would be most grateful.

 

Family #1 - The mother would like a Target gift card and her daughter would like a Go Go Walking Pup or anything Curious George.

 

Family #2 - The mother would like a king comforter, a dress-size 14 and a new Bible.  She has two girls.  The 8 year old girl is in need of pajamas (8), slippers (1), boots (1), a raincoat (8), under clothes (8), a children's Bible, a doll and baby stroller and for the six year old girl - pajamas (8), Slippers (2), a raincoat (8), under clothes (8), a children's Bible, stuffed giraffe, baby doll carrier and a doll house.

 

Family #3 - The mother is 7 months pregnant.  She needs anything for newborn baby boy.  If anyone has a stroller or car seat that is in good condition we would love to be able to give it to her.  Her 7 year sold son wears size 7 in clothes and likes video games (PSP) and the 2 year old daughter takes size 4 in clothes and she likes Minnie Mouse, Dora, Elmo, Baby Alive and a kitchen set.

 

If there is anything that you would like to contribute, we would gladly accept it.  If you are unable to buy an item and would rather send in money, that would be great too.  Any questions or commitments to purchase itesm can be emailed to Miss Zembrzuski by clicking here.  Any donations can be sent to Miss Zembrzuski at school.  We thank  you for helping us to make Christmas a joyful event for those who are less fortunate.

College Planning Meeting - Junior Parents  

The college planning meeting for junior parents has been reschedule to Monday, December 10 at 7:00 pm at the Curtis Hall Theater at Sacred Heart University.  A mailing has been sent home to parents about this meeting. The college planning process and use of Naviance will be discussed. All families are strongly encouraged to attend.

Host Families Needed   

Interested in becoming a Host family for a new international student at ND?

New ND students from South Korea are looking for warm and caring host families. They are interested in staying with host families because they want to learn more about American culture and to practice their English in an authentic atmosphere. By becoming a host family, you will not only give a student the chance to experience daily American life, but will also provide your family an opportunity to learn about another culture without having to leave your home.

An appropriate Host Family will:

1.    Have an open mind towards a different culture and be ready to learn about it.
2.    Be able to provide a private room (a bathroom may be shared) for the student.
3.    Be able to accept and take care of the student just like your own children, which includes:
  • providing a safe and comfortable environment
  • providing 3 adequate meals and appropriate snacks each day 
  • providing rides to and from school and activities and/or for essential shopping
We understand that sharing your home with a stranger is not easy, and your offering cannot be easily measured. However, as a gesture in appreciation of your hospitality,  JY Education will contribute $1,200 monthly stipend to the host family.

If you are interested, please use contact information below:

Dr. Jinyoung Park - JY Education (www.jyeducation.com)
Phone:  (203) 763-4345  or  (347) 860-0859
e-mail: jyeducation@gmail.com

Care Club Members Keeping Busy 

The Care Club will be working on several projects after the holidays. Two agencies have a need for diapers and two nursing homes are anxious for our students to visit with their clients. We also hope to join again with "Project From The Heart" for our troops. So please, when we set the dates, consider contributing to many great causes. Thank you and "Happy Holidays"!

Lancer Athletics Update  

Meet the Coaches Night will be held on Monday, December 3 at 7:00 pm in the gym. All winter athletes, along with a parent/guardian, must attend this meeting.

Appalachia 2013  

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors interested in applying for Notre Dame's 22nd annual service trip to Appalachia must complete an application no later than Friday, December 7. This summer's trip will be held from June 22 to 30 and the group will return to Neon, Kentucky. To obtain further details and a copy of the application, please click here.

Yearbooks Orders Now Being Taken  

Families can now place orders for 2013 Yearbooks by clicking here and enter Notre Dame's order number: 14196. The cost to reserve a yearbooks is $75.

Alumni Update  

For over 15 years, a group of Notre Dame alumni gather at the Galaxy Diner (the former Town & Country Diner) every Thanksgiving morning to celebrate Thanksgiving and their friendship of more than 40 years.  The "Boys of Turkey Day Special" include members of the Class of 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970. The group includes Dave Baye, Rich Bonosky, Tony Cefalogli, Patrick Dizney, Rich Dobbs, James Lavin, Larry Pace, Mario Paniccia, Guy Paniccia, Rich Pavone, Joe Polozzolo, Rich Principe, Jack Prusac, Don Rodgerson, Ron Rodgerson, and Mark Wilchinsky. Also in attending is the group's former teacher and coach Armand Fabbri. 

 

Many of the members of the group played on the 1964 State Championship football team.  The group's name came from their Football Coach Lou Saccone who would create a special play for the Thanksgiving Day Game. At the end of breakfast, the group makes a collection to donate to their alma mater. 

HSA and Booster Club Events 

Christmas Boutique
The Notre Dame HSA & Booster Club will be hosting a Christmas boutique on Wednesdays in December from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm in the Chapel Foyer. We hope you will come to browse our line of spirit wear along with other merchandise - all great for gift giving & stocking stuffing.  Father Bill's famous barbecue sauce will also be available. Students are welcome to browse during their lunch periods.

Help Needed for The Cookie Walk   
The ND HSA will host a Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 8 from 10 am to noon in the ND cafeteriaCome join the fun by browsing our tables filled with home baked cookies and assembling a box to take home with you.  Your family and friends will think you spent hours baking!  Don't worry...we'll never tell!

Cookies will be sold by the pound ($10 per pound). Proceeds from the event will support student activities at Notre Dame.

We are still in need of baked goodies to be dropped off at school on Friday, December 7.  We need your help to make this event a success. If you would like to be part of this great fundraiser, please contact Kathy Stefanatos at kpstef@aol.com or (203) 247-2417. Click here for more information.  
 

Wine Tasting This Saturday  
The Booster Club's Second Annual Wine Tasting Event will be held this Saturday, December 1 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Notre Dame cafeteria.
Admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Click here for more information.  Thank you in advance for your support of this event. All are welcome!  Bring your friends.  It's a fun night out!

Get Published!     

The Fairfield County Catholic newspaper is looking for high school-aged Catholic teens to write an article to be published in the Fairfield County Catholic Newspaper and the Diocese Youth Webpage. A different article will be published every month and there will be a $25 gift card for each article published.  Email articles with photo to jmonroe@diobpt.org.  Call Jill Monroe with any questions at 203-416-1461 or email her. 

College Planning Assistance Available 

Bridgeport Public Library will once again host Holly Franquet from The College Place. Ms. Franquet will be available in the downtown library's first floor Teen Café on Tuesday, December 11 from 3-5 pm to help answer your college questions.

This drop in session will emphasize: searching for colleges, majors, and careers, discussing college affordability and financial aid, discussing high school courses, grades, and test scores, starting the application to college, writing essays, asking for recommendations, and more.

This program is free and open to all high school students and their parents. Seventh and eighth grade students are also welcome. It is never too early to be thinking about college!

For more information please contact the Bridgeport Public Library Youth Services Division at (203) 576-7408. The Teen Café is located on the first floor of the Burroughs and Saden Main Library Downtown at 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport. 

Register Your Cards Today!  

Register Your Big Y card and designate Notre Dame as your school! Every time you shop, just look for items marked with the Education Express school bus logo. You'll save money on those items while you earn points for ND. Click here to sign up. 

 

If you have a Target REDcard, please consider designating Notre Dame High School as the recipient of 1% of the charges you make using this credit card. To link Notre Dame to your Target credit card, please click here.  

 

In June, Notre Dame received a check for over $1,500 thanks to all  the families and friends who registered their Stop and Shop cards for the A+ Rewards program and designated Notre Dame as their school. We'd love it if you could help us again this year ... all you do is select Notre Dame, use your Stop and Shop card, and we get a percentage of all the purchases. Click here to register your card. Keep in mind you need to register your card every year.   

ND on Facebook and Twitter  

facebook Have you "liked" ND on Facebook yet? Are you getting our daily tweets? To visit the ND page on Facebook and become a fan, click here. To visit our Twitter feed, click here

Help Us Share Your Child's Good News ...
If you have information to share about any out-of-school achievements of your son or daughter, please e-mail that information to cipriano@notredame.org. We look forward to the opportunity to share your good news with the entire Notre Dame community.