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good news about Notre Dame High School.

April 25, 2014

Dates to Remember

Sunday, April 27
Spring Open House
2:30 pm

Monday, May 5
1:00 Dismissal

Thursday, May 8
Senior Yearbook Breakfast/
1:00 Dismissal

Friday, May 9
ND Spring Musical
Hairspray
8:00 pm SHU

Saturday, May 10
ND Spring Musical
Hairspray
2 pm and 8 pm SHU

Monday, May 12
Freshman/Sophomore Class Trips

Thursday, May 22
Junior/Senior Prom

Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Weekend
No School

Tuesday, May 27
Senior Class Dinner

Wednesday, May 28
Baccalaureate Mass
7:00 pm SHU

Thursday, May 29
Ascension Thursday
Early Dismissal

Friday, May 30
Graduation
6:00 pm Gym
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!




Stop and Shop and Big Y School-Wide Fundraiser
 
Purchase a gift card to Stop and Shop and Big Y through ND and the stores in turn donate 5% of the money collected back to the school. Place your order by Friday of each week and receive your cards 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!  
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.

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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   

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
Spring Open House...
Notre Dame will be hosting our annual Spring Open House this Sunday,
April 27 beginning at 2:30 pm. Tours will be offered at 2:00 pm. Please help spread the word to any prospective families, including students currently in middle school or any potential transfer students. Representatives from the academic departments, coaches and athletes, as well as students and parents will all be in attendance. Come visit to see the exciting growth happening at Notre Dame!
Congratulations to...
During spring break, on April 14, Kyla LoPresti '17 spent the morning at her alma matter Carrigan School in West Haven.  She spoke to over 400 sixth graders about the two books she wrote, Flashback & Reality. She created a PowerPoint presentation where she taught the students about the elements of literature and her writing process.  She received wonderful feedback from both the staff and students and inspired some of the kids to begin to write their own stories. Kyla really enjoyed going back to the school where she began writing her first book. She would like to continue going to other schools and talk about writing with kids of all ages.
Prom and Post Prom Fundraiser...
Support our upperclassmen by eating at Garden Catering located at 2074 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield, on Thursday, May 6 from 2:00-8:30 pm.  ND will receive 10% of all orders and 20% on all gift card purchases.  Proceeds will benefit the Junior/Senior Prom & Post-Prom. Contact Kathy Stefanatos with any questions.  
This Week at ND...
Art Students Create Nature at Night
Mr. Testani's Art and Nature classes created Nature at Night. The students worked on black metal sheets and embossed their image onto the metal. They then used various mediums to color in the night scene.
Pieces by: Danielle DaCosta '15, Jessica Fogassa '15, Anthony DeMatteis '14 and Morgan Sweeney '15

Science Department Update
The Aerospace Engineering class will be launching rockets! After covering a section on propulsion, engines, and rockets, the students will be launching their own builds of Estes rockets. Not only does this demonstration prove that a lot of power can come in a small package (or engine), but it's a fun way to demonstrate the concepts of lift, propulsion, and simple engineering!
Club News...
The Care Club has made three visits to the Grasmere/Jewish Home Day Care Center. The students and clients enjoyed many activities together including card playing, puzzles, dominoes, bowling and dancing.

The Care Club now asks for your help with two projects:  
1. The Bridgeport Homeless Project will occur in early August at the University of Bridgeport at Seaside Park. Sister Eileen Boffa R.S.M. is asking for donations of (a.) book bags and back packs-any size, any condition and (b.) hand wipes and body or hand lotions (small containers). Last year's response at ND was beyond expectations. Donations can be left in the library until the last school day in June. Volunteers will also be needed to set up and/or work at various areas on the project days.

2. Mrs. Haffner has received a request for a volunteer or volunteers who would be willing to spend an hour a week with a client at the Ludlowe Health Center (adjacent to ND). The client is described as a very gregarious and bright 60 year old woman who likes to do crafts, play games and go for walks. These activities would certainly help to brighten her long days. This opportunity is open, not only to students, but also to anyone who might be interested in enjoying companionship with a lovely woman.         

Both projects offer students the opportunity to gain service hours. For further information, please contact Jan Haffner either at home 203-377-4418 or leave a message at Notre Dame 203-372-6521. Thank you for caring.
Drama Club...
Tickets for the spring musical, Hairspray, are now on sale.  Seats are reserved, so get your order in early for the best seats.  Please click here for an order form.  For more information about tickets, please email ndfspringmusical@gmail.com. 

 

If you have a business or know someone who does, please consider taking out an ad in this year's Hairspray program.  This is a great way to support our Drama Club and the arts at Notre Dame.  Please click here for an ad form.
ND Supports Events in the Community

Parish Nurse Health Fair
Join the Parish Nurses on Saturday, 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.    

Students...
Scholarship Opportunities for Juniors, Sophomores and Freshman
  • 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. The deadline for applying is April 30.
  • Current freshmen, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply for the Sister Marion Reilly and Richard LaTorre Memorial Scholarships. The deadline for submitting applications for either or both scholarships is Friday, May 9. A total of six scholarships will be awarded (two per grade level) with Marion Reilly scholarships worth $2,000 each and LaTorre scholarships $1,000 each. Click here to obtain a Marion Reilly application. Click here to obtain a LaTorre application. Each application's cover page has details about eligibility and other requirements. 
Freshman Class Trip to NYC
The freshman class will travel to New York City on Monday, May 12, 2014. The group will visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, take a 90 minute "Liberty Cruise" in and around New York Harbor, eat lunch in Times Square, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, and have time to explore 5th Avenue. The cost per student is $75, which includes coach bus transportation and various admission charges. Permission slips were distributed in school or to obtain another copy, click here. Permission slips and payment are due by Wednesday, April 30, 2014 to the Main Office. 

Synod 2014 Youth Delegates
Bishop Caggiano has announced the convocation of the Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Bridgeport. This year-long process is an opportunity for the "clergy, religious and lay people of the Diocese to come together to discuss and plan the pastoral future of the Diocese". The Synod officially lasts from September 19, 2014 through September 19, 2015. Many constituencies in the Diocese are being invited to participate in this process, including the youth of the Diocese and those representing our schools.

The Diocese is requesting applications for those youth who would be interested in serving as a voice for their peers through the Synod process. There will be 25 Youth Delegates who will be a part of the entire Synod process and 400 Youth Co-delegates. Each school, parish and town in the Diocese will be represented. For details on serving as a Youth Delegate (including an application), click here. Applications are due no later than May 1, 2014. For details on serving as a Co-delegate, click here. Students interested in serving as a Co-delegate should see Mr. Cipriano, Mr. St. Onge or Fr. Cipriani.

ND Tutoring Center Open After School
The ND Tutoring Center is now open (located in room 201A). The Center will be staffed Monday through Thursday from 2 to 3 pm. National Honor Society students will staff the Center as well as Sacred Heart University students (including some of our graduates). Students may drop in for assistance as needed after school. No appointments are necessary.

 

High School Essay Contest  
Volunteersquare.com and Patch.com are partnering up to offer an essay contest open to all 9-12 graders (age 13+) in select communities in the region. In 500 words or less, describe what community volunteering means to you. Essays will ONLY be accepted starting May 5 and until May 7. To submit your essay, email them to essays@volunteersquare.com. Click here for more information.

  

Sacred Heart University Presents: Successful Study Skills 4 Students **Special Pricing for Notre Dame Students** 

Skills for School, Tools for Life™ 3-session Evidenced-Based Study Skills Workshops That Work! The S4 program is based on a scientifically proven, easy-to-implement system for student organization, note taking, test preparation, time management and much more. Led by credentialed and engaging teachers, S4's goal is to equip students with the study skills needed for academic success. Click here for more details. 

Guidance Department Update...

All Students Taking SAT's at Notre Dame on May 3rd ...

***Important Information You Need To Be Aware Of***

You need to have your registration form with a picture on it (you had to send that into the College Board). Testing will start at 8:00 am. No one will be allowed into the classroom after 8:05 a.m. Make sure you have pencils (#2). A roster will be posted on the Library window to direct students to their testing room.

 

Juniors

A second letter is being sent out to those families who have not met with their counselor to discuss college planning. Please look for the letter and fill out the bottom portion and return to your guidance counselor to set up an appointment.

 

Revolution Prep Programs

AP Final Review Course and SAT/ACT Small Group Course

Nothing works better than a 1-on-1 personalized approach, especially for SAT Subject Test, SAT's, and AP testing. To enroll, call an Academic Advisor at (888)-773-7123 or visit www.revolutionprep.com   

 

AP Testing

AP Testing will begin on May 6th and run through May 14th. Tests include: AP Spanish - May 6, AP Calculus - May 7, AP English - May 8, AP Biology - May 12, AP French May 13, AP US & European History - May 14.

 

Seniors

It is also very important that you complete the graduation survey on Naviance. Under the "About ME" section, click on "graduation survey". Please complete the survey for Guidance records and for recognition of awards at Graduation. Please list any scholarships and/or grants you were awarded from any of schools you were accepted to. When listing the scholarships and/or grants, please indicate if the award is for one year or four years. DO NOT list any loans that you have received. If you need to add additional colleges and/or scholarships, complete the survey, then click on "graduation survey" again and you will be able to add and/or delete any of the information. Please complete the survey by Friday, May 9.

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

    • Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol USA Scholarship  

      Lodge #2 of the Slovak Gymnastic Union Soko (Sokol USA) will award up to two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors accepted for admission to an accredited college/university who are of Slovak or Carpathro-Russian descent and are residents of Bridgeport, Stratford, Trumbull, Shelton, or Milford. Applicants must complete the official application for scholarship award and submit it with requested documentation to the Lodge's Secretary by May 15. Criteria to be used in judging: overall merits of applicant, cumulative grade average, community activities, college acceptance, financial need and essay content. Award must be applied to tuition or the purchase of text books in the pursuit of higher education. Applications are in Guidance office.
    • The Borck Family Foundation (Golf) Scholarship 

      The Borck Family Foundation, Inc. offers an annual scholarship to a young man or woman. The foundation awards the scholarship based upon the following standards: Academic acceptability; And interest in golf; and Excellent citizenship. The scholarship amount is $1,500 per semester for four years, or a total of $12,000.00 provided there is satisfactory performance on the part of the recipient. Visit www.theborck.com for further information. Applications are in the Guidance Office. 

Parents...
End of Year Schedule                                                                   
Barring any additional weather-related schedule changes, the final day of exams for underclassmen will be on Friday, June 13, 2014. A more detailed end-of-year schedule will be made available in the coming days, but many families have requested to know the last day of exams to make summer plans. 

Last Call for Yearbooks
This is the last call for 2014 Yearbook orders. Yearbooks will arrive in early May and there are only two dozen copies still available for pre-order. Yearbooks will sell out. To place your order, send cash or check (payable to Notre Dame) in to the Main Office. The cost is $75. 
Scholarships for Seniors...
Chester J. Lapinski Scholarship
Graduating seniors are invited to apply for the Chester J. Lapinski Scholarship, which is a $5,000 scholarship (or potentially two $2,500 scholarships). Applicants must be graduating from a Catholic high school, be Catholic, be of Polish American extraction whose mother or father's family surname has never been legally or otherwise changed and have demonstrated financial need. Students must submit an application and the FAFSA by May 12. Click here for a scholarship application.  

The Kate Sterling Bunnell Scholarship  

For students who live in Stratford. Financial need and Stratford residency are the sole criteria for this award. Awards typically have ranged from $500.00 to $2,500.00. Application packages are in the Guidance Office.

 

Theta Tau Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Scholarship  

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated--Theta Tau Omega Chapter. Graduating seniors from Bridgeport, Stratford, Huntington, Shelton, Trumbull, or Fairfield are invited to apply. Applicants must be pursuing higher education in a planned 2, 3 or 4 year program at an accredited institution and be active in community and extra curricular school activities. Submit SAT and or ACT scores. Applications are available in Guidance.

 

Branford Rotary Club 

High school seniors living in Branford may apply for this scholarship. Scholastic schievement, 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.

   

The Jacky Durrell Memorial Scholarship

The Jacky Durrell Memorial Service Award will be granted to graduating high school seniors. The recipients must be Fairfield residents. The student should be planning to attend a post-secondary institution with a program of study of one year or longer. Two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to deserving individuals on the basis of: Community Service, School Service, Evidence of Leadership, Ability, Financial Need. High school transcripts, completed application, and parent and student authorization must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Mail or deliver to: Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department, Attention: Ginna Paules, 75 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Applications available in Guidance.

 

Kiwanis Club of Fairfield Scholarship (Key Club Members)  

Key Club members are encouraged to take advantage of the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield Scholarship. Kiwanis will be awarding 10 scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00. The main criteria in awarding these scholarships are financial need, Key Club or community service equivalent and academic performance. Applications are available in Guidance. 

 

The Vera H. and William R. Todd Foundation  

Applicants must be a current resident of Derby or Shelton, with continuous residence for a minimum of four years: a high school graduate or high school senior planning to attend college. You must request your high school to mail a transcript of your academic record, including class standing and complete record of your SAT scores to the Trustee. Complete the application in detail and answer all questions. Copies of income tax returns are needed. Student will need two letters of recommendation. Applications are available in Guidance.   


Mutual Security Community Service Scholarships 

In honor of their commitment and service to the community, six high school seniors with outstanding promise will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded to students, who are in good academic standing, have demonstrated financial need, and have given selflessly of themselves to improve the overall state of affairs in their community. Applications available online at  www.mscu.net and in the Guidance Office.  

 

Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center (OSM) of Trumbull 

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center will be offering a $2,000 Scholarship and other awards of $1,000 to students from area high schools including Notre Dame. The scholarship is open to high school athletes planning to attend college in the fall who play for high schools where OSM serves as team physicians. Applications can be downloaded here: www.osmcenter.com. Applications can also be picked up in the Guidance Office. 

  

Fairfield Rotary Foundation
Seniors are invited to apply for the Fairfield Rotary Scholarship. One scholarship in the amount of $7,500 and five in the amount of $3,000 are awarded to graduating seniors from the four Fairfield high schools annually. Selection criteria is based upon academic achievement and community service. Click here to download an application. Applications must be received by May 5, 2014.

St. Patrick's Scholarship
Graduating seniors are invited to apply for the St. Patrick's Scholarship - a $24,000 scholarship - $6,000 per year. Applications are available in Guidance. Deadline for applying is May 1.
Alumni News...
Key Chains
The Alumni Association is selling custom Notre Dame key chains for $10.00. Please contact Theresa Marzik at marzik@notredame.org or call 203-372-6521 to purchase a key chain.  
 

Join The 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.  A membership drive is underway.  Please see the attached form for more information.  Please consider joining the Alumni Association and get involved in your Alma Mater!  We have some great events planned for 2014.

The ND Lancer Open Golf Tournament
Save the date! The ND Lancer Open in Memory of Bob Shea will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 at the Redding Country Club.
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.