Please forward this newsletter to family and friends to share the
good news about Notre Dame High School.

January 17, 2014

Dates to Remember

Monday, January 20
No School
MLK, Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 21
Period H Mid-Term Exam

Wed., January 22
Mid-Term Make-Up Exams Given/
March for Life

Thursday, Jan. 23
Third Marking Period Begins

Monday, January 27
Report Cards Mailed Home,
Catholic Schools Week Begins

Tuesday, January 28
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day

Wed., January 29
Parent/Guardian Appreciation Day

Thurs., January 30
Student Appreciation/
Spirit Day

Friday, January 31
Community Service Day
Join the Athletic Association  
Join the Athletic Association! All new members will receive a Lancer car magnet. Please contact Mr. Jim Olayos, Director of Athletic Advancement, for information or to enroll in the Notre Dame Athletic Association.
Go Lancers!
Parent Volunteers  
Before volunteering at school, parents are required to go through Virtus training.  To register for a Virtus training session, please click here. Contact Kevin Philipp at kevin@notredame.org for questions.
 
Have a Target Red Card?

If you have a Target Red Card, you can designate Notre Dame to be the recipient of Target's donation of 1% of your annual purchases. All you need to do is link your card to Notre Dame, shop and use your Red Card at Target. It's that easy. In the summer, we received a check for $231.75 thanks to those who designated Notre Dame last school year. Click here to sign up for this program.

Notre Dame earned $1297 in October, November and December thanks to the 162 people who have registered their Stop and Shop cards as part of the A+ Rewards Program.
It's not too late to still do so ...

Help earn money for Notre Dame by registering your Stop and Shop card with the store's A+ School Rewards Program.
Click here to register your card today! You must re-register each year. Participation in this program does not affect gas points.

facebook

Have you "liked" ND on Facebook yet? To visit the ND page on Facebook and become a fan, click here.


To visit our Twitter feed, click here. To follow Mr. Cipriano's Twitter account, click here.


Click here to follow us on Pinterest! Check it out - it is full of great photos, both old and new!


ND is on Instagram @NDFFLD
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.
Commemorative Bricks  
ND is selling commemorative bricks which pave the entrance way of our school.
Commemorative bricks are a way to honor ND families, graduates, parents, faculty members and friends. Each brick is $65, of which 100% of the proceeds are allocated to helping Notre Dame maintain its high level of academic excellence. Click  here for an order form.
 
ND Mugs For Sale   

ND Mugs For Sale
The Home School Association is selling ND mugs for $10 each. Contact Theresa Marzik at marzik@notredame.org to get yours today.
Quick Links...
Join Our Mailing List
Congratulations to...
...The following students who were named the January Students of the Month: Gabe Bittencourt '17, Katelyn Pires '15, Jasmine Fuller '14, and Caitlin Wardlow '16. Students are nominated by faculty based upon achievement, attitude, community service and academic achievement.
Thank you...
During the holiday season, ND became aware of a family in need of assistance. The family was so overwhelmed by the ND community's generosity that they sent this thank you note in return:

To Beth and All Angels - We want to thank you from the top and bottom of our hearts. It is wonderful to know that there are loving and caring people so close to us. I hope these pictures show how grateful we are (oh the words too). Angela was so happy; The whole family is and was on the blessed day. Thank you again. Monica, Laura, Joel and Angelica
Alumni Update...
Jovan Kingwood '13 was recently highlighted in the Norwalk Hour for her hard work and dedication on and off the court at Keene State. "Her athleticism and court instincts don't just come out of the blue. While hard work and dedication can certainly take you far in the game, there's something to be said for God-given talent -- not to mention good family genes."Click here to read the article by Stuart Kaufman.
Notre Dame Alumni Association...
At long last, Notre Dame has an official Alumni Association.  For the past several months, a group of alumni have been meeting to plan and organize a formal Alumni Association. The purpose of the Alumni Association will be to maintain and promote alumni participation in the development of ND through professional, educational, and social programs and events.  The first event sponsored by the Alumni Association will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children and grandchildren of our alumni and faculty/staff members.  The event will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 am at ND (rain or shine).  There is no charge for this event however an RSVP is required. If you are interested in joining the Alumni Association or would like to RSVP to the Easter Egg Hunt, please contact our Alumni Office at marzik@notredame.org.  The next meeting will be held in the ND Library on April 8 at 6:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend.
This Week at ND...
Art and Nature Class Creates "Blown Trees"
Mr. Testani's Art & Nature class has completed a project called Blown Trees. Students created a water color background and used pen and ink to create a setting, then spilled ink in an area and used a straw to blow the ink upwards to create a tree and its random branches. You can view the images in the building view them online by clicking: http://ndnature14.tumblr.com/.
Above: Hannah Spataj '15, Natalia Londono '16 and Claudia Fajardo-Rodriguez '16 work on their projects.
Art History Classes
Mr. Testani's Art History classes finished their semester with Impressionism. Impressionism is a 19th-century art movement that originated with a group of Paris-based artists. The students had to take a photo and then create an impressionistic painting on canvas utilizing techniques created by the impressionists. The image had to be of the outdoors and the painting had to be created using small brush strokes with no black. You can view the paintings in the front stairwell by the guidance office or online at nd-art.tumblr.com
From left to right: Mario Nunez '15, Michelle DeLeon '15, Shelby Nolan '17 and Olivia Keden '15
Breakfast with Santa
Twenty young children from the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate Day Care were treated to a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 21.  Students from Campus Ministry hosted the event with the help of Mr. St. Onge, Mr. and Mrs. Marzik, Mr. Testani, Ms. Hong, Mrs. Crucetti, Irene Boyle '09 and Mary Boyle '12. Those attending were treated to breakfast, several craft projects, a dance performance and of course presents from Santa.  Many thanks to the faculty, parents and students who volunteered and/or supplied presents and Jim Olayos who provided several of the craft projects including 40 gingerbread houses.  A very special thank you to Santa (Eddie Schwartz '16) and his elves (Eric Monies '16 and Justin Malinow '15). 

World History
Mr. Sweeney's World History class will be exploring YouTube and its various CNN channels this coming term to learn about the world we live in and how we can contribute to the Common Good.
Club News...
Care Club
The ND Care Club will begin their annual visits to the Jewish Home/ Grasmere Day Care Center. All members must have a parent/guardian permission slip delivered to the main office by January 31. While earning service hours, students have the opportunity to enjoy a morning of fun and games with the wonderful clients. Contact Janet Haffner with any questions.
Dance-A-Grams Available...
The Dance Department will be selling Dance-a-grams after the conclusion of midterms. Groups of dance students will deliver the dancing telegrams in homeroom during the week of Valentine's Day.  Song choices are 1) You're the One That I Want (Grease), 2) I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), 3) Three Little Birds (Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be All Right), and 4) Treasure (Bruno Mars).  Dance-a-grams may be purchased from any Dance student for $5. Money raised will go towards purchasing costumes and props. 
26 Acts of Kindness Campaign...
Notre Dame's 26 Acts program will run through the first week of February. Our acts of kindness are in memory of the victims of the Newtown tragedy. Everyone is invited to participate. Click here to view this year's calendar.

Acts of Kindness for the week of January 20th:
  • Thursday, January 23 - Canned Good Drive - donate canned or boxed goods for a local shelter. Bring donations to main office. 
  • Friday, January 24 - Thank a Soldier - write a letter to a U.S. soldier and ND will mail the letter out for you. 
Notre Dame Lancer Legacy Gala...
The third annual Notre Dame Gala will be held at Sacred Heart University on Saturday, March 1 from 6:00 until 10:30 pm. This is the school's largest fundraiser of the year and promises to be a wonderful evening celebrating Notre Dame's past, present, and exciting future.

Honorees at this year's event include -- Lancer Legacy Gala Awards: Dr. John Petillo, President of Sacred Heart University (Carole Christy Surina Educator Award), Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carrano (Sister Marion Rielly Leadership Award), Hon. Daniel Caruso (Notre Dame Community Impact Award). 

Alumni Hall of Fame Recipients: Stephen Cavallo '65, Michael Clancy '80, Thomas Intelisano '73, Hugh Narcisco '80, and Dawn Pilotti '92.  Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: Jeff Bevino, George Burr '64, Bill Garfield '91, Patricia Stramoski Hajducky '79 and the 1964 Football, 1964 Baseball, 1977 Softball and 1989 Hockey teams.  For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Theresa Marzik at marzik@notredame.org or 203-372-6521.

 

There are several ways to make a donation to this year's auction.  Again, this is ND's biggest fundraiser and any and all donations would be greatly appreciated.  Please click here to see the many opportunities to donate.  We are looking for donations of silent auction items, program book ads and major sponsorships as well. Click here for our silent auction wish list.
Parents ...
Parent Appreciation Reception 
As part of Catholic Schools Week, parents and guardians are invited to stop in to school on Wednesday, January 29 for a light breakfast between 7:30 and 9:00 am. Bagels, muffins, coffee and juice will be served. January 29 is also Thank a Parent Day as part of our 26 Acts of Kindness Campaign. Please join us when you drop your child off or on your way to work. We look forward to seeing you!

Financial Aid Applications 
Financial aid applications are now available for the 2014-15 school year. Families are reminded that these must be completed annually and no financial aid will be awarded if an application is not submitted. To download and print an application, click here. The deadline for submitting applications is April 11, 2014. 

Parent Volunteers for Student Service Day  
Any parents who are interested in volunteering on Friday, January 31 for Community Service Day (driving and serving alongside our students) should contact Kevin Philipp at kevin@notredame.org to obtain the necessary volunteer forms.
 
Yearbooks
Orders are now being taken for 2014 yearbooks which will arrive in May. Click here to order the yearbook online. Simply enter Notre Dame's order number 14196 to begin placing your order. The cost is $75.
Upcoming Events...
Stop and Shop and Big Y School-Wide Fundraiser
We are pleased to announce a new school-wide fundraiser that is of
NO COST to parents!  We are now selling gift cards to Stop and Shop and Big Y.  Parents purchase the gift cards at face value and the stores in turn donate 5% of the money collected back to the school.  It is a win/win fundraiser!  Everyone needs groceries so this is the perfect way to buy your weekly groceries AND have money go back to Notre Dame.  Please try and make this part of your weekly shopping routine! Orders need to be in by Friday of each week. Cards will be delivered the following Wednesday or Thursday. To order, simply click here to complete the order form and send it and your payment (checks payable to Notre Dame) in to Theresa Marzik. Happy shopping!

Scrapbookers...Save the Date!
Do you love to scrapbook? ND is holding an all day scrap-booking event on Saturday, January 25 from 10 am to 8 pm. Pay by January 15 and the fee is only $40 for a full day and $25 for a half day (10-3 or 3-8). The price will increase by $5 after January 15. If you have any questions, contact
Denise Gagne at Dgagne@sbcglobal.net.
Seniors ...
Scholarships Available
The Connecticut Building Congress Scholarship Fund will once again be offering scholarships to graduating Connecticut high school students entering college-level programs in construction-related fields such as architecture, construction-related engineering, or construction management.  These scholarships have historically ranged from $500 to $2,000 per year and are renewable (four years for a four year program; five years for a five year or longer program) contingent upon available resources, the student's continued study in a field related to the construction industry, and their maintenance of a Grade Point Average of not less than 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.

The deadline for filing applications is March 31, 2014. Click here to download the application.
Seeking Host Families for Chinese Students Who Are Visiting for One Week
Short Term Chinese Student Exchange Program
Notre Dame will be welcoming a group of four eighth grade students from China (and a teacher) during the last week of January. The company coordinating this program, EduBoston, is seeking interested families to host these potential future Notre Dame students for the week. The Chinese students would shadow the ND student during the day and observe after school activities and events. For additional information on this exciting opportunity, click here.
Student Opportunities...
Exciting Youth Event for Teens
An exciting youth event will be coming to the Diocese of Bridgeport on Saturday, January 25 at St. Philip Church in Norwalk and is open to all!  Meet nationally known speaker, songwriter, worship leader and musician Steve Angrisano. To learn more about Steve click here.  Visit the Diocese of Bridgeport Youth Webpage for more information.
Girls' Tennis
There will be a meeting on Friday, January 24 at 2:00 pm in the cafeteria for any girls interested in playing tennis this spring.

Spring Sports Sign-Ups
Sign-ups for spring sports will begin next Thursday, January 23.  Spring sports include baseball, softball, boys' lacrosse, girls' lacrosse, boys' & girls' track & field, girls' tennis, boys' tennis, boys' golf, and girls' golf.  Please sign up in Mr. Bleggi's office.

ND Student T-Shirts and Sweatshirts Are Here
ND student t-shirts and sweatshirts are now available in Mr. Olayos' office for purchase. The t-shirts are $10 and the sweatshirts are $25. Students who purchase a t-shirt and wear it to the boys' and/or girls' home basketball games will have free admission to the games. Students who purchase a sweatshirt and wear it to the boys' and/or girls' home hockey games will have free admission to the games. These t-shirts and sweatshirts are good for any games at ND, the Milford Ice Pavilion, or at Sacred Heart University.
 
"Coaches vs. Cancer"
The International Association of Approved Basketball Officials is joining forces with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society during the "Coaches vs. Cancer" crusade.

On Tuesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 23 at the girls' and boys' basketball games at ND, the Fairfield County officials, as well as all IAABO officials in Connecticut, will display their commitment to the campaign by using a pink whistle for all boys and girls games. Officials will be donating a portion and up to their entire game fee to help with this national initiative. A collection will also be taken during half-time. Last year, because of your help, IAABO Fairfield County Board #9 again was one of the top IAABO fundraising boards in the country, raising over $ 17,000.00.
 
ND Basketball at Webster Bank Arena 
Tickets for the boys' and girls' basketball games versus Bunnell High School at the Webster Bank Arena on Monday, January 27 will be on sale beginning Monday, January 13. Tickets are available at school for $8 and are good for both games. Please see Mr. Bleggi or Mr. Olayos to purchase tickets. 
   
ND Girls' Basketball & Soccer Raffle 
Support the girls' teams by purchasing a raffle ticket. As a thank you for your donation, you will receive one entry for every dollar you donate to our teams. Prizes awarded: 1st Prize is a $200 Visa Gift Card, 2nd Prize is a $50 Visa Gift Card and 3rd Prize is a $50 Visa Gift Card. Contact Mr. Bleggi with any questions.  

Notre Dame Winter Season Athletic Passes
Adult and Family winter season athletic passes are now available for purchase in Mr. Bleggi's office. The athletic passes will allow for admission for an individual or family (immediate family members only) to all ND home athletic events at the Milford Ice Pavilion, Sacred Heart's University's Pitt Center, and events at ND. The cost of an individual pass is $40 and a family pass is $75. Checks can be made out to Notre Dame. This pass does not include admission for present Notre Dame students or games played at the Webster Bank Arena. 

ITown Store   
Notre Dame and ITown have partnered for an exciting online store where you can purchase official Notre Dame Fairfield clothing and apparel.  The store will be continually updated throughout the year. ITown Store is a virtual store focused on sales of apparel and promotional products with logo customization options. Visit www.itownstore.com and click on "Find your store" to see ND's merchandise.