Notre Dame English teacher, Ellen Visnyei traveled to China in March to interview prospective Chinese students for the international program at Notre Dame High School. She attended as the guest of recruitment company, EduBoston, along with eight other educators from private schools throughout New England. A positive political climate for Chinese students looking for more educational opportunity has created competitive international student programs throughout the United States. Visnyei added, "As important as it was to meet with the students, it was equally as important meet with the agencies in China who are placing these students. I was excited to present overviews of our school to packed rooms of students and parents eager to have their children accepted into an American private school." During her two weeks in China, Visnyei attended eight different student fairs in five provinces. Even though the schedule was hectic, there were several days set aside for sight-seeing. By the end of the trip, she took five flights and spent twelve hours on the famed Bullet Train as she criss-crossed the country.

"We walked the Great Wall, and saw the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. In some places, you couldn't see the tops of historical buildings due to the smog. Still, seeing the country and meeting people from every province made this an enjoyable and memorable experience."

"I discovered that the majority of students seeking enrollment did not want a school with a lot of Chinese students, but rather one where they could assimilate into an American experience. They liked our sports program, clubs, online courses and advanced science and math programs. They were also very interested in the Sacred Heart University partnership. We had a lot to offer these students. It was a trip of a lifetime and I was proud to represent Notre Dame." 

Town-Wide Food Drive 

Parish Nurse Health Fair
Join the Parish Nurses on Sat., May 3 from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM in the Parish Center at St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster St., Bridgeport, to learn more about nutrition, car seat safety, fire safety, proper exercise technique, advanced directives and ethical religious directives, medication safety, and more. Refreshments provided by Collins Medical Equipment. Visit www.StAnnBlackRock.com or their Facebook page for the schedule or call 203-368-1607.

St. Andrew Youth Group Fast & Food Collection
The youth group will be sponsoring a 16-hour fast in April 11-12. Donations of non-perishable food items and gift cards to grocery stores are being collected. Drop off donations at St. Andrew's, 435 Anton St., Bridgeport. For info call (203) 374-8118 or email sbaldwin143@yahoo.com.

Currently in Guidance, counselors are meeting with junior students and their parents to discuss college planning. If you have not made an appointment with your child's counselor, please do so soon.

Important Testing Dates 

• May 3, 2014 - SAT Testing at Notre Dame - Register for the May SAT by April 4. The late registration deadline is April 18. 

• June SAT - Register for the June SAT on or before May 9, 2014. Notre Dame is not a test center for June SAT's.

Counselors are wrapping up with course selection forms for the upcoming school year (2014-15). Students have been called to Guidance to complete the course selection sheet if it was not returned on the due date, which was March 21.

Juniors

• CHET Advance Scholarships
  The CHET Advance Scholarship is an annual program offered by the Connecticut State Treasurer's Office to help Connecticut students pay for college. This spring the program will award up to 100 high school juniors a $2,500 scholarship. High school juniors must have at 2.0 GPA to qualify. Winners will be selected in random drawings from all eligible students who submit a completed application before the deadline. Click here to read FAQs about the scholarship. Click here to apply.   
• College Fair
  Trinity Catholic High School is hosting an annual College Fair on Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 6:30-8:30 in their school gymnasium. There will be ample opportunities for students to speak with representatives on a one-on-one basis. 

Seniors  

• Naviance - Seniors are reminded to be checking Naviance for scholarship opportunities.  
• New Scholarships This Week (see scholarship section below for more scholarships)

• Trumbull Community Woman's Service Scholarship

  Trumbull Community Women will award one $2,500.00 scholarship to a graduating high school senior (male or female) who is a resident of Trumbull. The scholarship recipient will be chosen based upon their dedicated time and effort volunteering in the community, or surrounding communities, along with a demonstrated leadership role in said community service activities, and a 500 word essay. Completed applications must be postmarked by April 24, 2014. Applications are available in Guidance.  

• Branford Rotary Club  

  High School Seniors Living in Branford may apply for this scholarship. Scholastic Achievement, community service, and financial need are considered. Applications available at www.branfordrotary.org or in the Guidance Office.

• Council of Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport
  The Council of Italian American Societies will be awarding scholarships to students of Italian decent. Applications are available in the Guidance Office.