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October 10, 2014

In This Issue
This Week at ND
Open House
Campus Ministry
Clubs
Parent Information
Walk-a-thon
Guidance Department
Parent Association
Alumni
Advancement Office
Athletic Department
Dates to Remember

Monday, October 13
Columbus Day
No School

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Freshman Retreat/ Soph./Junior Testing
11:15 Dismissal

Friday, October 17
Half Day Schedule
Faculty Professional Development/
Homecoming Dance

Saturday, October 18
Homecoming 
Football Game

Monday, October 20
Junior Class Trip 
to Boston/
College Financial Aid Info Session
6:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 22
Underclassmen 
Yearbook Photos/
Sister Marion Reilly Mass & Reception

Friday, October 24
Half Day Schedule -
Walk-a-thon
End of Marking Period

Sunday, October 26
Fall Open House
2:30 pm

Quick Links...

Plus Portal

Click here to access 

Plus Portals.

Send us an email if you are having difficulty setting up your account. 

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 kphilipp@notredame.org for questions.

ND Tutoring Center

The ND Tutoring Center is open Monday through Thursday from 2 - 3 pm in Room 212. No appointment necessary. The Center is staffed by NHS and SHU tutors

Library Hours 
The library is open Monday - Thursday until 4:00 pm and on Fridays until 3:00 pm.
 
Register Your Target Red Card 
Notre Dame received a check for $321 thanks to friends of the school who linked their Target Red Card to Notre Dame. Notre Dame receives 1% of all purchases you make. To sign up your card, click here.  

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Help Us Share Your Child's Good News ...
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ccipriano@notredame.org. We look forward to the opportunity to share your good news with the entire Notre Dame community.
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This Week at ND...

Students Visit the Fairfield Museum and History Center

On October 2, students in Mrs. Fitter's World History classes attended an exhibit at the Fairfield Museum and History Center. Students examined primary sources related to witchcraft trials that occurred in Fairfield. In addition, they analyzed the artwork created for the exhibit Accused: Fairfield's Witchcraft Trials. In 17th century New England, religious beliefs and folk tradition instilled deep fears of magic, evil, and supernatural powers. How else to explain unnatural events, misfortune and the sudden convulsions and fits of local townspeople? In this exhibition, students were exposed to the fascinating history of Connecticut's witchcraft trials.


Student Newspaper Debuts
The ND Student Newspaper is being produced on a weekly basis by the students in Mr. Manzo's Period F Yearbook/Publications class. Students are responsible for all aspects, ranging from story ideas, writing the copy, taking photographs when needed, and distributing the paper. The paper can be found on the cafeteria tables during all lunch waves, and will also be posted to the the ND Facebook page as a pdf file. Click here to view this month's Lancer Times.

Art Classes
Mr. Testani's art classes are working on a new art display for the stairwell. The idea is to work with post it notes using the theme of the movie Up from Disney. The house was drawn and painted and the post it notes acted as the balloons. 

In Elements of Art class, students are learning about the line, using various line drawing and line techniques to create images.  
 
More images can be found on the ND Online gallery here.
Open House and Entrance Exam News
Open House for Prospective Students
Notre Dame's annual Open House will be held on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 2:30 pm. Tours of the campus will be offered beginning at 1:30 pm. All prospective families (including transfer students) are invited to attend to meet faculty, students, administration, coaches, alumni and parents. Please help to spread the word to all families who might be interested in applying to Notre Dame. Click here to pre-register to attend Open House.
Open House 2013 - Standing Room Only Crowd
Entrance Exam
All eighth grade applicants to Notre Dame must complete a Notre Dame application and submit the $50 application fee. Beginning this year, applicants to any of the five Bridgeport Diocesan high schools (Notre Dame, Kolbe, Trinity Catholic, Immaculate and St. Joseph) need to take only one entrance exam at one of the schools. At the testing administration, the student can indicate up to three (of the five) high schools to receive the exam results. Students, though, do need to apply individually to the respective schools. All schools will be offering the entrance exam on the same dates: Saturday, November 1 and a make-up session on Saturday, November 15. Notre Dame's exams will begin at 8:30 am. To complete an on-line Notre Dame application, click here.
Campus Ministry News...
Students Volunteer at Missionaries of Charity
On Monday October 6, Isaac Bjerklie'17, Daniel Guarini '18, SarahDewley '17, Emma Sweeney '18,Caitlin Lonergan '15, MorganSweeney '15, Margaux Atkins '18, and Chanell Grant '18volunteered to help at the after-schoolprogram run the by the Missionariesof Charity in Bridgeport. Following thisservice program, ND students joinedthe youth group at AssumptionChurch in Fairfield to enjoy afellowship opportunity watching themovie, To Save a Life. 

ND's First Living Rosary
On October 7, CampusMinistry sponsored the firstND Living Rosary to helpcommemorate the feast dayof Our Lady of the Rosary. Also known as Our Lady ofVictory, this feast daycelebrates the victory of theChristians over the Turks in abattle in Lepanto in 1521. Pope Pius V realized theimportance of the battle and called upon all Christians andsoldiers to pray the Rosary for help in succeeding. Participating students used flashlights to form the rosarybeads and lead the prayers in the dark, quietgym Tuesday morning. Thank you to all the studentvolunteers who helped to make the program a success.

ND Campus Ministry is on Twitter!
Looking for an easy way to keep up with what Notre Dame'sCampus Ministry team is up to? Follow us on Twitter!@NDLancerCM is our handle, and we're lookingforward to sharing all our good news with you.

Freshman Retreat
Campus Ministry will host the Freshman Retreat on Wednesday, October 15. This is a school day for freshmen who are expected to be in attendance. Freshman can dress casually. The retreat will begin at 8:00 am and students will be dismissed at 11:15 am.

Service and Fellowship Opportunities
There are several service and fellowship events coming up this month.  On Monday, October 27, ND will be hosting its first Trunk or Treat event.
Families and groups of friends can come together, decorate their trunks, and hand out candy from 4:30 to 6:30 in the ND parking lot.  Service hours will be given for this event!  Also, the ND Halloween party will take place during school on Wednesday, October 29.  Students will serve as mentors for elementary school children who visit ND that day. Students must sign up for both of these opportunities during the school day.

Additionally, the two fellowship events scheduled for October are the Lake Compounce Haunted Graveyard tour on Sunday, October 19 and the Wallingford Trail of Terror on Sunday, October 26.  Permission slips are available for these events in school, and they must be returned with payment ASAP!  

Please email jmedoff@notredame.org or 
jstonge@notredame.org for more info, and please remember, students must sign up in person, not via email.

Campus Ministry Needs Chaperones
Throughout the year, ND's Campus Ministry program runs a variety of programs off-site, both during the school day and after school. An example of one of the largest of these programs is Community Service Day. We need to update our list of chaperones and drivers, so, if you are Virtus-trained & willing to help us out, please email jmedoff@notredame.org 
or jstonge@notredame.org with your name, cell phone number, and the number of seats you have in your main vehicle. We will then provide you with any additional paperwork (including background check forms). Thanks for your help and God Bless.
Club News...
Drama Club
Drama Club is thrilled to announce its 2014-2015 officers. Over fifty people voted for this years officers; we almost ran out of ballots! This year's officers are: President: Andrew Chimento '15; Secretary: Patrice Lauture '15; Treasurer: Megan Jankovsky '17; Fundraising Officer: Marleena Reed '15; and Publicity Officer: Alyssa Bergamasco '15. 
Art Club
The art club meets after school and is currently creating fall inspired images for the cafeteria hallway. The theme includes candy corn, leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows...

Care Club
We begin our 30th year of service with two opportunities to aid the Bridgeport Homeless Project.
Sister Eileen Boffa is requesting donations of warm garments socks, scarves, mittens, hats, sweaters-new or used. Donations can be left in the library during the month of October. Care Club members will also volunteer in moving items previously donated to the project to a new location. Thank you for caring.

Dance Club
The Dance Club meets every other Thursday in the 
cafeteria. The next meeting will be on October 16. All levels are welcome.

Principal's Advisory Council
Students are invited to apply to serve on the Principal's Advisory Council for the 2014-15 school year. A meeting with Mr. Cipriano will be held once per marking period with student input solicited, questions answered and concerns addressed. Students in grades 9 through 12 are encouraged to apply. Applications are available in the Main Office and must be returned by Thursday, October 16.
Attention Parents and Students...

Stop and Shop A+ Rewards

Families are encouraged to register their Stop and Shop card for the A+ Rewards Program. Just by shopping and linking your card to Notre Dame, the school earns points which turn into dollars. This past July, we received a check for $2,436. If you signed up at Back to School Night, we've taken care of the registration for you. If you've signed up in the past, you are all set. If you'd like to register for the first time to help support ND, click here. Gas points are not affected by participating in this program. 

Juniors and Seniors

Juniors & seniors who live in Bridgeport - are you working tirelessly on college applications? Or maybe you're stressing over your upcoming SAT's or ACT's? 

Bridgeport Public Library is here for you! You'll find all kinds of helpful resources at the library and on their website from test prep books to librarians that can help you research schools. Remember, they also offer Tutor.com which has several features that can help you ace your exams and write a killer application essay.  

 

Tutors are available online daily from 2:00-11:00 p.m. no appointment needed. Come into the library or visit their website here and let them "help you get into the college of your dreams."
Walk-a-thon 2014...

Walk-A-Thon 2014 Kicks Off

Our annual student Walk-A-Thon fundraising campaign is now underway. This year's Walk-A-Thon will take place on Friday, October 24. We need your help in making this event a success! Our goal is to raise $30,000 and have 100% participation. All donations to this year's event will be used to advance our locker replacement project which began two years ago. We are asking each student to raise $100 in sponsorships.  As a convenience to all our donors, we have provided a special donation link for online donations (notredame.ejoinme.org/walk).  All donations (up to $125) will be applied towards a family's 2014-15 fundraising obligation.

 

We have set a number of great incentives for all our participants:

  • All students who raise $100 or more will get a dress down pass for midterms AND finals.
  • The homeroom which raises the most will receive breakfast.
  • The class which raises the most will receive three dress down days - based on the highest percentage of participants.
  • Students who raise $150 or more will win a ticket for a throw at the dunk tank, to dunk a faculty member they choose from a list of volunteers.
  • The student who raises the most amount in donations will receive a $500 AMEX gift card, the second place student will receive a $250 gift card and the third student, a $100 gift card.  There are several other prizes which will be announced in school. To be eligible for any prize, all donations must be turned by the day of the walk-a-thon.
Please read the attached letter/sponsor form which explains more about the Walk-A-Thon.  
 
If you have any questions, please contact Theresa Marzik in our Advancement Office at tmarzik@notredame.org or 203-372-6521 ext. 38. 

Food Donations Needed for Walk-a-Thon
The Parent Association will again be providing food for this year's student Walk-A-Thon.  Our menu for this year's event will include: bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches, chili, hot chocolate, pizza, candy, chips, etc.  We are hoping that many of the items needed will be donated. If you would like to make a donation to help off-set the cost of our refreshments, please see the wish list below.  Monetary donations will be greatly appreciated, as well.  Please contact Theresa Marzik or Kathy Stefanatos if you would like to make a donation. Our goal is to make 100% profit on our concession stand -- with your help, we can!

We are looking for boxes of the following: (the large boxes with individual candies sold at Costco/BJ's) Starburst, Swedish Fish, M&Ms (Peanut and Regular), Snickers, Skittles, Airheads, Sour Patch Kids, Kit Kats, Blow Pops, Chips (mixed variety -- potato chips, Doritos, etc.). Please bring donations to the main office on or before Wednesday, October 22.
Guidance Department News...

College Financial Aid Meeting   

The Guidance Staff will be holding a meeting on October 20 regarding the college financial aid process. The meeting will be held in the Curtis Hall theater (located next to the Pitt Center).  Please mark your calendars and join us for an important information session.

 

PSAT Testing for Sophomores and Juniors

The Guidance Office will be conducting PSAT testing for our sophomore and junior students on October 15, 2014.  Please have your children bring at least two #2 pencils and their calculators. Students are to report to school on time and dismissal will be at 11:15 a.m.

 

College Rep Visits - Week of October 13  

  • Tuesday, October 14 - Providence College 
  • Thursday, October 16 - St. Leo University
  • Friday, October 17 - Curry College 

Seniors must sign up on Naviance to visit with a college representative. Once signed up, please stop by the Guidance Office to get a pass for that day. Please come at least 2 days prior to obtain a pass. No student will be allowed to leave homeroom without a pass. All visits will be at 8:00 am and in room 206. Check Naviance to see the full schedule.

Parent Association News...
Save the Date!
Save the Date for the annual Wine Tasting on November 15 in the school cafeteria from 7 to 9 pm. Stay tuned for more information.

Parent Volunteers Needed
The Notre Dame Parent Association appreciates the help and support of all our parent volunteers.  Remember, before you can volunteer at an event with students, you need to 
complete Virtus training. To register for a training session, please click here. Once the session and a background check are completed, you will be able to volunteer for all ND events.  Please contact Kevin Philipp at kphilipp@notredame.org for questions or information on completing a volunteer packet.

Parent Association Questionnaire 
Parents are an integral part of the Notre Dame Family.  Every parent is encouraged to participate in the ND Parent Association. Our Parent Association's mission is to positively impact the lives of our students and families. We do this by working collaboratively year-round to enhance our school community by hosting events that involve our students, parents, teachers, alumni and friends. Please click here to access our Parent Association questionnaire. This questionnaire is very important and will help us with the many activities and events we have planned. The questionnaire should only take about five minutes of your time. Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill it out.  
Operation Lawn Sign...
Lawn signs are now available for our Fall Open House, which will take place on Sunday, October 26.  If you would like to reserve a sign, please email Gaetano Marra, Director of Admission, at gmarra@notredame.org.  Please know that this is helpful even if you do not live on the busiest of streets.  Not only will this help attendance at our Open House, but it will help to build our brand in a more effective manner. Thanks in advance for all your support!
Alumni News...
2015 Alumni Hall of Fame
The selection committee is now accepting nominations and applications for Notre Dame's 2015 Alumni Hall of Fame! Nominations must be received by November 1, 2014. Awards will be presented at the annual Lancer Legacy Gala on February 28, 2015. Click here for a Hall of Fame Nomination form. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at tmarzik@notredame.org or 203-372-6521 with any questions.
Advancement Office News...
Lancer Legacy Gala
Notre Dame's annual Lancer Legacy Gala will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Sacred Heart University. This is Notre Dame's biggest fundraiser of the year. We encourage everyone to get involved in helping us make this year's event a huge success!  If you have any questions, please contact Theresa Marzik at tmarzik@notredame.org
 

Father Bill's BBQ Sauce 

Father Bill's Best Barbecue Sauce which had its debut at the Garlicfest, is available. The unique combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy garlic in a specially blended barbecue sauce is the brain child of Father Bill and Judy Waldeyer and is specially prepared by her. Each 12 ounce bottle retails for $5.00. Contact the Advancement Office to make your purchase.

Lancer Athletics...
Girls' Basketball
Strength training for girls interested in trying out for basketball this winter begins on Tuesday, October 14 at 6:00 pm in the weight room. All students are welcome.  

Winter Sports Sign-Ups.  
Students interested in Boys' Basketball, Girls' Basketball, Indoor Track and Bowling must sign-up starting on Monday in Mr. Bleggi's office. Sign-ups will end on Wednesday, 
October 22. 
 
ND Presented With Certificate
ND was presented with a certificate from Kelly Stewart this week in recognition of the school's contribution to the American Cancer Society. Thank you to Mariann Cirisoli and the Cirisoli family for their efforts to helping to make our participation such a success.

Fall/Winter Athletic Passes 

Fall/Winter Athletic Passes are now available for purchase in
Mr. Bleggi's office. The athletic passes will allow admission for an individual or family (immediate family members only) to all ND home athletic events at Notre Dame, the Milford Ice Pavilion, and Sacred Heart University's Pitt Center and Campus Field.  The cost of an individual pass is $40 and a family pass is $75. Checks can be made payable to ND.

Upcoming Game Schedule

Community Events...

Synod Holy Hour 

You are cordially invited to attend a Synod Holy Hour from 7:00 - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster St., Bridgeport in preparation for the General Session of the Synod which is that following Saturday, November 15 (at St. Catherine of Siena, Trumbull). 

 

DOB - Youth Website  

Check out the Diocese of Bridgeport new Teen Space website. The page is filled with music, events, Youth Group stuff, and high school news from around the Diocese. Click here to view it now.