Happy Mother's Day!!!
A very Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the ND Family. 
Thank you for all you do for your families every day. 

May 9, 2014

Dates to Remember

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 15
Spring Arts Concert
7:00 pm - Gym

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.

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   

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
Drama Club...
Opening Night is finally here. Don't miss ND's spring musical Hairspray! Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm. Saturday night is Student Night - student tickets are only $5. Come out and support the drama club. 
Congratulations to...
... the April Students of the Month: Travis Willoughby '17, Emily Schofield '16, Maylene Vidro '15, Colleen O'Reilly '14. Students are nominated by faculty based upon achievement, attitude, community service and academic achievement.


... Matthew Lasky '14 and Jasmine Fuller '14 who were honored as Notre Dame's recipients of the prestigious CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award on Sunday at the Aqua Tuft in Southington. Each high school in Connecticut is able to honor outstanding student-athletes who have excelled both in the classroom and in their respective sports. Over 1,700 people attended the banquet on Sunday and listened to ESPN announcer Bob Picozzi who delivered the keynote address.

...Amy Castellanos '15 who was recognized as a semi-finalist in the Connecticut Governor's Scholars Program. This program recognizes academically talented high school students across the state. Each high school has the opportunity to nominate one junior ranked in the top 5% of his/her class.
End of Year Information...
Textbook Rental Returns
The Sacred Heart University bookstore will be at Notre Dame on the following dates to make textbook rental return more convenient. Of course, students can return rented books at any time directly to the Bookstore on the SHU campus.

Seniors: Wednesday, May 21 - 9:00 to 10:30 am  
Underclassmen: Wednesday, June 11 - 9:00 - 10:30 am, 
Thursday, June 12 - 9:00 - 10:30 am, Friday, June 13 - 9:00 - 10:30 am

End of Year Schedule For Seniors                                                   
Last Day of Classes - Friday, May 16
Final Exams - Monday, May 19 to Thursday, May 22
Prom & Post Prom - Thursday, May 22 - 6:00 pm - Italian Center and Sports Center of CT
Exam Make-Up Date - Tuesday, May 27
Senior Class Dinner - Tuesday, May 27 - 6:00 pm - Vazzy's Four Seasons
Breakfast, Graduation Rehearsal, Final Assembly - Wednesday, May 28 
Baccalaureate - Wednesday, May 28 - 7:00 pm in the SHU Chapel
Graduation - Friday, May 30 - 6:00 pm

Click here for more information on Graduation Week Activities.  

End of Year Schedule For Underclassmen 
Last Day of Classes - Monday, June 9 - ½ Day Schedule
Final Exams - Tuesday, June 10 - Friday, June 13
Six Flags Trip - After Exams on Friday, June 13
Exam Make-Up Dates - Monday, June 16 and Tuesday, June 17

Senior/Junior Prom
The Senior/Junior Prom will take place on Thursday, May 22nd from 
6:00 pm until 11:00 pm.  The cost of the prom is $70.00 per person. The Post Prom will take place at the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton from 11:30 pm-3:30 am. Post-Prom is $15 per person. Click here for more information.   
This Week at ND...
Math Department Update.
The AP Calculus class is finishing the year by studying solids of revolution using the Disk, Washer and Shell Methods. In addition, they are deriving formulas of known volumes. Analysis classes are ending the year with trigonometry and in particular the graphing of trig functions that involve transformations. Statistics classes are studying Normal Approximations to Binomial Distributions. Algebra II and Algebra II Trig classes are all studying radicals and rational exponents, as well as solving radical equations. Geometry classes are working on trigonometry and word problems that use trig functions. Algebra I classes are completing a unit of systems of equations and the Honors and High Honors levels are completing the square and using the quadratic formula to solve equations.

Art Classes
Mr. Testani's 3D Art Class finished creating "Buildings with Straws". The students designed a building and then created a large model of their design using paper straws to erect the pieces. They can be found by the chapel lobby area or in their online gallery.

Parents...
Freshman NYC Trip
We are looking for VIRTUS trained freshman parents to chaperone the class trip on May 12. Contact Mr. Kevin Philipp if you are interested. 

Scholarship Opportunity for ND Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
The Love Life Memorial Scholarship
The Love Life mission is to create a positive experience for all and help others to gain understanding of why Love Life wants to positively impact the lives of others. The group was inspired by a young girl who truly loved every aspect of her life - her family, her friends, her music, her school and every child - healthy or ill - with whom she had contact. Love Life incorporates the spirit of Kristin Appelberg into all that they do.

This is Kristin's story: She was born on April 23, 1994 at Bridgeport Hospital. From birth, Kristin had many medical challenges to overcome and, for the next 15 years, she fought every one of them with courage, determination, and character. On December 21, 2009, Kristin passed away from a medical condition that was too severe even for her to overcome, but her spirit lives on. Despite all the medical challenges she faced through her short life, Kristin's days were full of love for all that life gave her, love for her family, for her friends, for her music, for her TV shows, and for school. It was from a 2009 school notebook that her parents found the simple words, artistically printed by her hand, that epitomize the very essence of her being -- "Love Life". Her parents have committed to remembering "Love Life" as Kristin's legacy, and they want to share it. Visit www.kristinslovelife.com for more information.

This $2,500 scholarship towards 2014-15 tuition will be awarded to a current freshman, sophomore or junior. The deadline for submitting an application is Thursday, May 22. Click here for a scholarship application. 
Students...
Bake Sale  
There will be a Bake Sale on Thursday, May 15 during all lunch periods. All proceeds will benefit Post Prom. If anyone would like to bake, please contact Kathy Stefanatos at kpstef@aol.com.

Class of 2017 Opportunity
Every summer, Villanova University seeks to engage freshmen students in high end programs held at the university through a partnership with the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). For 9th grade students, a special program on Villanova's campus focuses on reasoning, argumentation, and the power of communication. Students arrive at Villanova University in the Philadelphia area for a 6-day experience. The first portion of the program is spent forming teams and introductory games to get the "competition ready" for the second half of the program which is a 3-day tournament. Students work with abstract concepts and have to look at themes from multiple angles. This year the theme will be based on Ethics and Morality Among Latino Leaders. Students will explore the leadership qualities they want out of future leaders. This program is open to students of all ethnic backgrounds who have at least a GPA of 3.0 or better. Villanova University is very interested in having Notre Dame High School students join them this summer and is extending up to a $200 scholarship per student to attend the program. This would mean students would only need to cover to remaining $400 plus their travel expenses. Other programs like this can cost upwards of $3,000! Click here for more information. 

ND Tutoring Center Open After School 
The ND Tutoring Center is 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.  
 

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. 

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.
ND Supports Events in the Community
2014 SYNOD - Youth Representatives - Youth "Listening" Session

As part of the preparation for the Synod, there will be a Youth "Listening" Session on Saturday, May 17 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Notre Dame High School. This session is open to all young people in the Diocese 14-29 years old. All minors are required to sign a liability form and adults need to comply with the Safe Environments regulations of the Diocese.  If you have questions, please email youthministry@diobpt.org.  

 

Guidance Department Update...

Students Interested in SHU Credit   

The Guidance office will be mailing out registration forms for students who will be taking ND courses which are also eligible for Sacred Heart University credit. The eligible courses are: AP American History, AP British Literature, AP American Government and AP Spanish 4. Students may select up to two courses for dual credit, and the cost is $195.00 per course (for SHU credit). The deadline to turn in application and payment is June 6, 2014. 

 

Free SAT or ACT Practice Test

To celebrate the opening of C2 Westport, take a practice test on us!(C2Westport): on May 10, May 24 and May 31 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm or join us on our "Grand Opening" on May 17 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Space is limited, call or email to reserve a seat: 203-226-2646 or westport@c2educate.com.

 

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 revolutionprep.com.

 

Seniors

Naviance - Seniors are reminded to be checking Naviance for updated scholarship opportunities. 

Scholarships for Seniors...

The Avon Scholarship  

The deadline for submission is Friday, May 16. The Scholarship Awards will be presented at the Avon Theatre on Wednesday, June 4, at a special ceremony at 7:30 pm, preceding the screening of the documentary Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago. Click here for more details. Click here for the application.  

 

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; 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.   

 

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.  

 

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. 
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.
 
Join the Lancer Open Committee 
Want to get involved?  Help the Lancer Open in Memory of Bob Shea Golf Committee make this year's event one of the best golf tournaments in ND history.  There will be a golf tournament meeting on Tuesday, May, 13 at 6:30 pm in the library.  For more information, please contact Theresa Marzik at marzik@notredame.org.
Spring Athletic Awards Banquet

The Spring Athletic Awards Banquet will be held on Wednesday, June 4 at 6:15 pm in the ND gym. Team MVPs will be announced, All League award recipients and All Academic team recipients will be honored and All State winners will be recognized. Click here for more information.  Please RSVP to Mr. Bleggi by Friday, May 30th.  

 

Wounded Warrior and VFW Baseball Event at Harbor Yard

Notre Dame of Fairfield baseball will be hosting a baseball tripleheader at Harbor Yard on Saturday, May 10, 2014. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the VFW.

  

The game schedule is as follows:

  • Newtown High School v. Masuk High School - 12:30 pm
  • Bunnell High School v. Bethel High School - 3:00 pm
  • Stratford High School v. Notre Dame High School - 5:30 pm  

All players will be wearing camouflage jerseys in honor of our nation's veterans and each game will be preceded by a select veteran throwing out the first pitch. Tickets will be available at Notre Dame for $5 and will be $8 at the door. All veterans will be admitted free of charge.


Fall Sports Sign-ups
Sign ups for next year's fall sports has begun.  If you are interested in playing a fall sport (football, boys' & girls' soccer, boys' & girls' cross country, girls' volleyball, and cheerleading) please sign up in Mr. Bleggi's office (Room 201).  Sign-ups will end on Thursday, May 22.  Any questions, please see Mr. Bleggi.

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.