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at Notre Dame High School.

October 31, 2014

In This Issue
Congratulations
This Week at ND
Parent/Student Information
Club News
Guidance Department
Campus Ministry
Parent Association
Advancement Office
Athletic Department
Dates to Remember

Tuesday, Nov. 4
Fairfield U Health Fair,
Half Day Schedule
Faculty Professional Development
 
Thursday, Nov. 6
Half Day Schedule,
Report Cards/Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, Nov. 7
No School
Faculty Retreat

Sunday, Nov. 9
Family Service Day

Monday, Nov. 10
College Planning Meeting for Junior Parents
7 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 11
Veterans' Day 
Prayer Service, 
Senior Class Retreat

Thursday, Nov. 20
Academic Awards Banquet and Honor Society Inductions
6:30 pm - Gym

Tuesday, Nov. 25
ND Family 
Thanksgiving Mass
6:30 Gym

Wednesday, Nov. 26
Half Day Schedule
Powder Puff Game

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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Stop and Shop A+ Rewards

Families are encouraged to register their Stop and Shop card for the A+ Rewards Program. 
Click here to register. 

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facebook

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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
ccipriano@notredame.org. We look forward to the opportunity to share your good news with the entire Notre Dame community.
Join Our Mailing List
Congratulations to...
... Patrice Lauture '15, who has been selected to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, D.C. from November 14-16. The Congress is an honors-only program for students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. Patrice was nominated by Dr. Connie Mariano to represent Connecticut based upon her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to service humanity in the field of medicine.
This Week at ND...
Open House Success
Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word about our recent Open House. Nearly 300 families visited Notre Dame last Sunday and the gym was packed with a standing-room only crowd. Special thanks to all the students, faculty, parents and coaches who represented ND at the Open House and helped to share the ND story with our prospective families.

Walk-a-thon
Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered for this year's Walk-a-thon.  This was ND's most successful walk-a-thon in recent years. We are happy to announce that we raised over $26,000! Individual and class winners will be announced next week in the ND Update. 

Spirit Week
The Student Council sponsored the annual fall Spirit Week beginning on Monday. With a different theme each day, students showed off their creativity and school spirit. On Monday, students and staff enjoyed "Cozy Day", Tuesday was the annual Walk-a-thon, Wednesday was Class Color Wars, Thursday was Twin Day and Friday was Halloween Dress Up. The Student Council also sponsored a Door Decorating competition with students purchasing and decorating a specific teacher's door. 


Run With Simon Wheatcroft 
On Wednesday, Mr. Cipriano and six members of the Cross Country team, along with Nancy Sweeney '78, ran a 5.5 mile stretch of the Post Road with Simon Wheatcroft, a blind ultra-marathoner, prior to his running the New York City Marathon on Sunday. To read about Simon and ND's experience with him, click here. Students who ran included: Morgan Sweeney '15, Caitlin Lonergan '15, Sean Bradley '16, Andrew Fallon '17, Stella Henry '17, Karen Garza '18 and Ryan Keeley '18.
Attention Parents and Students...
Report Card Distribution/Parent-Teacher Conferences
First marking period report cards will be available for pick-up beginning on Thursday, November 6 at 1:00 pm. Teachers will be available for conferences on Thursday between 1:00 and 4:00 pm and 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Appointments are not necessary for conferences, which last 3-5 minutes each.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Now in its 20th year, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program provides an opporunity to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism throughout student bodies across America and recognize students who have distinguished themselves through community service. To apply for a 2015 Spirit of Community Award and possibly a $1,000 award and a trip to Washington, D.C., click here for the on-line application. The deadline for applications is November 4. This award is open to students in grades 9 through 12.


 

Pre-Order Your 2015 Yearbook
2015 Yearbooks are available for pre-order. To reserve your copy now for only $75, click here. Enter the school code: 14196 to begin the order process. If you'd like to pay by cash or check, send your payment in to the Main Office. 
Senior Experience Applications
Seniors planning to submit a proposal for the Senior Experience program are reminded that applications are due by November 25, 2014. The Senior Experience program affords students an opportunity to complete a four week internship or community service project from April 27-May 22, at the conclusion of their senior year. For additional details or to download an application packet, click here.

Cheerleaders to Hold Clothing Drive

Email Denise Gagne with any questions.
Club News...
Debate Club
Debate club will meet weekly on Thursdays at 2:05 in Room 308. There will be no meetings on half days.

Tournament Gaming Club
Next Wednesday, November 5, the Tournament Gaming Club will hold two tournaments: Soul Caliber and Project M Singles events. Both events will begin at 2:10 pm. Please bring a controller if possible. See Mr. Wajda with any questions.
Guidance Department News...

Junior Parent Meeting

Please mark your calendars for an upcoming Junior Parent meeting scheduled for November 10. More information will come through the mail. This will be a very informative meeting in regards to all Juniors beginning the college application and selection process.

 

College Rep Visits - Week of November 3 

  • Monday, November 3 - Elms College
  • Tuesday, November 4 - Manhattanville College
  • Wednesday, November 5 - University of New Haven

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.

Campus Ministry News...
Students Participate in M.A.D.D. Walk
On Saturday, October 25, Sade Maignon '18, Dasha Bazile '18, Rachael Watcke '16 and Daviann Cisneros '18 joined Miss Medoff and Miss Mercado for breakfast at Chips and then on to represent ND at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) walk to raise money for drunk driving awareness at Ludlowe High School. 

This Week's Fellowship Activities
After Open House on Sunday, October 26, Brittany Fulton '18, Cheyenne Hill '18, Michaela Luk '18, Chanelle Grant '18, Andrea Quiles '18 and David Marquez '18 participated in a fun fellowship activity with Miss Medoff and Father Cip.  Students attended mass, went out for pizza, and then screamed and laughed together at the Amity Road Horror Trail in Bethany. 

Trunk Or Treat

On Monday afternoon, Notre Dame threw its first Trunk or Treat event in the faculty parking lot. Students from St. Ann's School and the Missionaries of Charity after school program attended in addition to the children of alumni, parents, and staff.  Parents, students, staff, and alumni decorated their cars and gave out candy.  Trick or treaters went down the rows and then were able to play Halloween games, get their face painted, and have delicious baked goods and hot chocolate.  Thank you very much to everyone who participated in this fun event!

Students Sponsor Halloween Party
On Tuesday, October 29, Campus Ministry sponsored their annual Halloween Party for a local elementary school.  This 
year, the participants were the first grade class from Assumption School in Fairfield. Students were paired up with a Notre Dame big brother or sister, went trick or treating in the classrooms, participated in a Zumba lesson with Mrs. Hong, and then ate delicious treats and played games in the cafeteria.

Rake and Bake Family Service Day
Sunday, November 9 is Notre Dame's First Rake and Bake Family Service Day.  The day which will run roughly from 9 am to 2 pm will consist of mass, a light breakfast, a few hours to rake the leaves of an elderly or sick patron, and a BBQ lunch.  Please email Jess Medoff at jmedoff@notredame.org to sign up and include how many people will be participating from your family.
Parent Association News...
Wine Tasting Event
Join the ND Family for a wine tasting event on November 15 from 7 to 9 pm in the ND cafeteria. Wine will be provided by Fairground Wine & Spirits located in Danbury and Newtown and food will be catered by Carl Anthony's Restaurant. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Tickets will be sold at the door for $45 per person. Click here for a reservation form. Make checks payable to Notre Dame High School. Contact Kathy Stefanatos with any questions. 

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.
Advancement Office News...
Gala Meeting  
The next Lancer Legacy Gala meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 pm in the library.  All parents are invited to attend.

Save the Date 
The Lancer Legacy Gala will take place on Saturday, February 28 at Sacred Heart University. Mark your calendars now but more information will follow in the coming weeks.
 
ND & Gaetano's Italian Steakhouse Present Steve D'Agostino "A Night in Las Vegas!"
Don't miss an ND Family Fundraiser on Friday, November 21 at Gaetano's Italian Steakhouse in Milford. "A Night in Las Vegas". The 6pm seating is now sold out! Don't miss out on the 8:15 pm seating. This event is open to all ND families, alumni and friends with 15% of the proceeds being donated back to ND. There is limited seating so please call 203.783.1766 by Friday, November 7. Gaetano's Italian Steakhouse and Lounge is located at 1573 Boston Post Road, Milford.

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...
ND to Host "Crucial Catch" Game
Notre Dame will be hosting the 4th consecutive "Crucial Catch" game on
Saturday, November 1 when ND football takes on Bunnell at 1:00 pm. 
The Crucial Catch is the NFL partnership with the American Cancer Society and focuses on the importance of annual screenings, bca and community outreach. ND has been recognized as a Top Ten school for our efforts. All proceeds from the "Pink Game" benefit the American Cancer Society. Please join us for an afternoon of football and support our efforts to help this great cause. There will be raffles and baked good available for purchase.
Congratulations to...
The following student athletes that have received All League Honors:
Volleyball
Mackenzie Dobbins '16 - All Conference
Livia Silva '17 - All Division
Connie Tucker '17 - All Division
Michaela Luk '18 - Honorable Mention

Boys' Soccer
Felipe Canzian '18 - All Conference
Renan Giuberti '18 - All Division
Kevin Franco '15 - All Division
Max Cano '17 - Honorable Mention

Girls' Soccer
Samantha LaValle '17 - All Conference
Bryanna D'Arcangelo '16 - All Conference
Erika Quinones '17 - All Division
Sierra Chaves '16 - All Division
Brianna Kydes '17 - All Division
Soccer News
Boys' Soccer will open CIAC Class S State Tournament play on Monday, November 3 at 2:00 pm versus Lyman Memorial High School in Lebanon, CT. 

Girls' Soccer will open CIAC Class S State Tournament play on Tuesday, November 4th at home at 2:00 pm vs. Classical Magnet High School.
 
Boys' Hockey Gets Into the Zone With Weekly Yoga Classes!
You heard it right folks...these Lancers are making a statement posing like warriors! The ancient practice of yoga has been updated into a modern form, providing a workout not only for the body, but also the mind and soul! Yoga, as an asset for sports, is gaining more and more serious consideration among elite athletes. Professional athletes are discovering the many benefits of a regular yoga practice and taking their performance to a new level. Among the many benefits are improved flexibility, increased core strength and muscle tone, superior balance and body control, improved breathing and oxygen intake, better focus and concentration (which, by the way is a help for getting good grades!), injury prevention and faster recovery from injury. 

Boys' Basketball Meeting  
There will be a meeting for all boys interested in trying out for boys' basketball on Tuesday, November 4 at 6:00 pm in the café.  A parent/ guardian must attend with the student. If you cannot attend, but are interested in trying out, see Mr. Bleggi. 
 
Girls Interested in Playing Softball
Any girl interested in playing softball next spring should attend a meeting on November 5 at 2:15 pm in café. 
 
Fall/Winter Athletic Passes 
Fall/Winter Athletic Passes continue to be 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 Games
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.