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at Notre Dame High School.

November 7, 2014

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

Sunday, Nov. 9
Family Service Day

Monday, Nov. 10
College Planning Meeting for Junior Parents
7:00 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

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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.
 
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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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Congratulations to...
... the following students who have been named October Students of the Month: Viviana Quintero '18, Jordan Crawford '17, Matt Merced '16, Nicolin Goodin '15. 
Students are nominated by faculty based on achievement, attitude, community service and academic achievement.
This Week at ND...
Art Classes Create Pop Art
Art classes have been busy creating pop art. Inspired by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, students have create images of their own. You can see these pop art faces of Andy Warhol in the faculty room hallway. To the right, Master Painter class student Yasmine Namane '15 created a pop art painting in the style of Roy Lichtenstein and finished in time to have her face painted like her painting for Halloween. 
 
A Big Thank You to the ND Community
Thank you to all of our students, faculty and parents who donated over $2,000 on Thursday to support the Hall Family, whose fifteen year old son Zaire, a Kolbe Cathedral sophomore, recently passed away. If you would still like to donate, a final collection will be taken on Monday before a check is sent to the family. Our community's overwhelming support is very much appreciated!
 
Hot Off The Presses
The latest edition of the student created Lancer Times is out. Click here to check it out. 

Fairfield University Health Fair
On Tuesday, all freshmen participated in a Fairfield University Health Fair. Students in the School of Nursing visited Notre Dame and educated students on the following topics: concussions, the importance of sleep, stress, nutrition, do-it-yourself workouts, skin cancer, bullying and distracted driving. A big thank you to these student nurses for spending time sharing their knowledge with our students.


Faculty Retreat
On Friday, the Notre Dame faculty and staff participated in their annual retreat at Our Lady of Peace Church in Stratford. Thanks to our Campus Ministers, Jessica Medoff and Josh St. Onge and ND Chaplain Fr. Luke Suarez for organizing the retreat. Special thanks as well to Sacred Heart University Chaplain Fr. David Buckles and Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry Julie Rogers
for speaking with the staff and sharing their personal insights into the challenges of engaging the youth in their faith.

Spanish Classes Celebrate "El Día de los Muertos"
Students in Miss Alberti's Spanish classes celebrated "El Día de los Muertos" (The Day of the Dead).  They created and decorated assorted desserts (cakes, cupcakes, brownies and cookies) in true "el Día de los Muertos" style.  This holiday offers friends and relatives the opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. 
 
English Classes and the Scarlet Letter
Mrs. Miller's junior classes completed a Scarlet Letter project this year. Students chose a virtue or character trait that they needed to improve on. For example, some chose a P for Patience or C for Courage or T for Tolerance. The students decorated their letters and presented them to the class. Not only did students have to decide what virtue they needed to work upon, but they learned a great deal about themselves. The letters are on display in Mrs. Miller's room.

Students to Participate in Yale Splash

No, it is not a dip in the Yale pool. This is a program for high school students offered twice a year at Yale University. The program runs on a Saturday and offers students the opportunity to take some very "interesting" classes at the university. Students may take up to six classes per day. Some of the classes offered are: Bad Music Appreciation, Feminism and Harry Potter, Evolution of Disney Princesses, Shakespeare Sings, The History of the Literary Monsters, The Psychology of Shopping and Break Dancing. Some of our current Juniors are attending this Saturday. If you missed the fall Splash, you can always participate in the spring. Click here for more information.


Sophomores Attend Performance of Intimate Apparel 

On Thursday, October 30, the sophomore English classes attended a performance of Intimate Apparel, by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, at the Westport Country Playhouse. Accompanied by Mrs. Cipriano, Mr. Sulzycki, Mr. Salce and Dr. Callaghan, the class was transported into this moving drama, set in New York City at the turn of the twentieth-century.  It depicts a deeply moving story that touches on labor history, women's issues, immigration, migration and African-American experience. With riveting performances by five actors, the play touched the audience with many poignant, humorous, challenging and heart-wrenching moments.

   

Thanks to the support of many benefactors and a sincere desire to engage young people in live theater, the Westport Country Playhouse offered ND students a very generous transportation/ticket price.  Grateful for this opportunity, the sophomores look forward to another trip to the theater!

Attention Parents and Students...

Attention Juniors! Caribe Youth Saturday Academy - 

SAT Prep

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders is launching its 6th annual SAT prep program for Bridgeport high school students. An Orientation will be held on December 6, 2014 for both student and parent. The orientation is mandatory due to a pre-test assessment. The course runs from January 2015 to March 2015 and will be held Saturday mornings from 9:00 - 1:00 on the University of Bridgeport campus. Due to a partnership with UB, Caribe is able to keep the program fee very low for students ($70) and all costs go to cover books, materials and college tours. If you are currently a junior from Bridgeport please consider learning more about the program as space is limited. The last 5 classes have recorded at least 100 point improvement in their SAT test compared to pre-test! Click here for more information. 

 

Girl Power Enrichment Program

Girl Power Enrichment Program is a group program for girls ages 12-18 years old, designed to increase knowledge of self, healthy decision making and effective communications skills.

During the 7 week program, girls will participate in two trips which will be part of the curriculum that will be covering the following topics: Self Esteem, Trust, Education, Fears and Challenges in School, Establishing Boundaries, Self Respect and Goal Setting. This program is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bridge Academy in Bridgeport. The cost is $25. Click here for registration information.  


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...
Key Club Turkey/Food Drive
It is November and that can only mean that it is time for the Turkey Drive sponsored by the Key Club. We would like to reach a goal of 200 donated turkeys for this Thanksgiving. We are asking anyone who can donate a frozen turkey to bring it to Notre Dame on Friday, November 21 between 7 and 8 am.  After 8:00 am, we will load the cars/vans and bring the turkeys and any canned foods to Sr. Theresa Trembly who will provide
them to needy families.  This has become an annual event and Sister is so appreciative of our support  Please email Miss Zembrzuski or Mrs. Miller to sign up to bring in turkeys or if there are any questions or concerns.  Please note, we cannot take the turkey before November 21 because we do not have the capacity to keep them frozen. Each homeroom is also being asked to bring in non-perishable items.  The list is attached here.  Thank you to everyone who is able to make this another successful Thanksgiving turkey/food drive.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Care Club
On October 30, members of the Care Club spent the morning assisting Sister Eileen, coordinator of the Bridgeport Homeless Project, in packing donated items for removal from Kolbe Cathedral to a new warehouse. We couldn't have asked for a more dedicated  group of young people. They have also offered to move everything when a new location is found. God bless these wonderful volunteers - Anno Zhang '15, Chanelle Grant '18, Camisha Vilme '15, Jaemin Ahn '15, Yamil Cobo '15, Keith Quinde '15, Jeanna Emanuel '15, Brittany Fulton '18, Jessica Fogassa '15, Chris Rojo '15, Nick DaSilva '15, Tyler DaSilva '15, Yasmine Namane '15 and Cheyenne Hill '18. 
Debate Club
Debate club will meet weekly on Thursdays at 2:05 in Room 308. There will be no meetings on half days.
Campus Ministry...
Mite Box
The Mite Box collection on October 29, which raised $121.61, was for ND alum Jessica (Marzik) Golen '06 who ran the NYC Marathon and raised money for Fred's Fund, benefiting Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Hospital. A huge congratulations to her for such a momentous accomplishment!  Congratulations also to Mrs. Guarino's homeroom who raised the most money and received a dress down day this past week. The next Mite Box collection will take place on Wednesday, November 12 and will go to The Fight with Frank Foundation, which is a non-profit organization created by ND alumn Jenna Camputato '08 in honor of her father who passed away of salivary gland cancer in late 2012.  Frank was also the father of Drew Camputaro '07 and uncle of senior Tori Samatulski '15.  

Volunteers Needed
Student volunteers are needed to help do some fall cleaning and raking at St. Margaret's Shrine on Saturday, November 15 at 8:30 a.m. Please see Miss Medoff if you are interested.

Family Service Day
Campus Ministry is still looking for families to help with Family Service Day this Sunday (November 9) starting at 9:00 am.  We will be meeting in the chapel for mass which will then be followed by a light breakfast.  Families will then be grouped to go to one of six nearby residences to rake for elderly and disabled neighbors from Assumption Parish in Fairfield.  Please bring rakes, leaf bags, blowers, tarps, etc.  Email Miss Medoff at Jmedoff@notredame.org to join and be sure to tell her the number of people in your family.   

Next Campus Ministry Meeting
Campus Ministry will hold its next meeting after school on Thursday, November 13 in the cafeteria. All students are invited to attend.
Guidance Department News...

Junior Parent Meeting

All junior parents are invited to all a College Planning meeting on Monday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart University in the Curtis Hall meeting room. Curtis Hall is located next to the Pitt Center. This will be a very informative meeting in regards to all juniors beginning the college process. Letters have been mailed to all juniors with their codes to sign up on the Naviance Program through Notre Dame for the college process.

 

College Rep Visits - Week of November 10 

  • Monday, November 10 - Mitchell College
  • Tuesday, November 11 - Monmouth University
  • Wednesday, November 12 - Plymouth State Univ.
  • Thursday, November 13 - Keene State  
  • Friday, November 14 - SUNY - Cobleskill  

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.

Alumni Association News...
Breakfast With Santa
Notre Dame's Alumni Association will be sponsoring a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6 from 8:30-10:00. The cost is $5.00 per child.  Reservations can be made by contacting the Alumni Office at tmarzik@notredame.org . This event is open to all Notre Dame Alumni and their children and grandchildren.
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...
Looking for a great, long-lasting Christmas gift?  
Consider purchasing a Notre Dame commemorative brick.  Notre Dame's Advancement Office is sponsoring their annual Christmas brick drive. The commemorative bricks line the Notre Dame entrance walkway and will leave a lasting legacy.  Have them engraved for an alumni, a graduating class, student, teacher, friend or family member.  Purchase a brick as a Christmas gift and receive a certificate to give to the special recipient. For more information please click here or contact our Advancement Office at tmarzik@notredame.org.
Save the Date
Save the Date for our Notre Dame's Lancer Legacy Gala which will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Sacred Heart University.  If you would like to volunteer for this year's Gala, please contact Theresa Marzik in our Advancement Office at tmarzik@notredame.org.
Lancer Athletics...

Girls' Soccer - State Tournament Information
Congratulations to the girls' soccer team who defeated Classical Magnet (5-1) and Bolton High School (3-0) to advance to the Class S Quarterfinals. Notre Dame will take on #1 seed Holy Cross on Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 pm at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury. This year is the first time the girls' soccer program has qualified for the state tournament in the history of the school. Good luck vs. Holy Cross, ladies!
Boys' Soccer Wrap-Up
Despite falling to Lyman Memorial High School on a last minute goal on Monday, a big congratulations to the boys' soccer team on qualifying for the state tournament for only the second time in school history. (The most recent visit to the state playoffs was in 1993!) 

Girls' Tennis
There will be a girls' tennis meeting on 
Monday, November 10 right after school in the café. All returning players and girls interested in playing are welcome.
Bowling
There will be a meeting for all students interested in ND bowling on Wednesday, November 12 at 2:00 pm in Room 308.
Start Dates/Times for Winter Sports
Girls' Hockey - November 17 - 2:45 pm - Milford Ice Pavilion - team meeting after practice at 4:30 pm
Girls' Basketball - November 24 - Freshmen at 2:15, Sophommores-Seniors - 3pm
Boys' Ice Hockey - December 1 - 5:40 pm - Milford Ice Pavilion 
Boys' Basketball - December 1 - 2:15 pm
Indoor Track - December  1 - 2:30 pm - Chapel Lobby
Bowling - December 2nd - 2:50 pm - Nutmeg Bowling Alley - Fairfield
 
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.
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.