March 19, 2021 Dear Notre Dame Community,
Over the past year, the pandemic has powerfully disrupted our sense of time, space and "normalcy." Last week marked the one year anniversary of our retreat to our homes in a global effort to keep our communities safe. Our children have all changed considerably over the past twelve months, working hard at the business of school--in multiple forms--while simultaneously engaging in the lifelong project of growing up. As we conclude the third quarter of our 2020-2021 academic year, I applaud your daughters' focus, determination and stamina. I am consistently impressed and inspired by our young women of Notre Dame.
As we look ahead to the warmth of spring and the promises of Easter, indicators of hope and transformation are everywhere. Campus lawns are now dotted with lavender crocus flowers, and our girls excitedly look ahead to the many activities Quarter 4 will bring. Spirit Day, social events and the fulfilling conclusions of their academic courses are all well worth looking forward to. Just last evening, during our "Supporting Your Student and Family Through the Changing Pandemic" Zoom, parents discussed balancing the challenges of our current moment with cautious optimism for the future. We see this hopeful tension in our students' eyes and smiles every day, and look forward to a healthy, joyful spring.
Dr. Liz Willis Associate Head of School
Spring 2021 Campus Events Reminder: Please mark your calendars for our upcoming spring 2021 campus events. We look forward to seeing you on campus in the coming weeks and months!
Ms. McAnulla's 6th grade Geography classes have been working on various world issues, such as Climate Change. In an effort to analyze data about global warming and areas of air pollution, the class made use of GIS - Global Information Systems, a tool used in many professions to map data to investigate patterns.
2021-2022 Curriculum Guide Reminder: The 2021-2022 Curriculum Guide is now available. The Counseling Department will be meeting with students in grades 9-11 to develop their course plans and schedules for next year. All Upper School curriculum questions can be directed to Mrs. Kim Burke at ktburke@ndapa.org.
Important Busing Information - Next Friday, March 26 There will be a noon dismissal for all grades next Friday, March 26. 12:00 noon bus transportation will be provided by the following school districts and private transportation services:
For students from districts not listed above, please make alternate transportation arrangements for a noon dismissal.
From the College Counseling Office Save the Date for our Virtual Underclass Parent Night on Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 pm! We are very excited to have JT Duck, the Dean of Admission from Tufts University, present on how to best prepare for the college process as underclass students. This night will be most appropriate for 9th and 10th grade students and parents, but all are welcome to attend. A Zoom link will be sent closer to the date; no RSVP is required.
Spaces Filling Quickly for ND Summer Sports Camps! Notre Dame is thrilled to be able offer our students summer sports programs and camps.
Upper School: Basketball, Crew, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Soccer Fitness, Tennis and Volleyball
Middle School: Basketball, Crew and Field Hockey
In Their Own Words: ND Students Share Camp Experiences
ND COVID-19 and Standard Illness Protocol Reminders Travel: Testing or quarantine not required when traveling out of state. Positive for COVID-19: 10-day quarantine Close Contact: 14-day quarantine Sick with COVID-like Symptoms: See healthcare provider, get PCR test for COVID-19, submit negative results and medical clearance note Off Campus with Illness for 3+ Days: Contact school nurse for instructions regarding returning to campus, provide note to return from healthcare provider.
Seventh grade students wrapped up their study of Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk by participating in a mock trial. Throughout the novel, the class explored the theme of injustice and learned the valuable lesson that words and actions matter. Throughout their study of this novel, the girls met many characters whose actions and words led to later events. The girls combined new learnings about different aspects of law and legal practices with their current knowledge of characters, plot and setting from the novel to write legal briefs and create the case they brought to trial. This exercise opened the door for new ways of thinking and shed light on how perspective plays a role in our everyday life.
13 Notre Dame Field Hockey Players Named to NFHCA National Academic Squad Congrats to the following ND Field Hockey players who were named to the 2020 Keith Waldman - Optimal Performance Associates/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad!
Hanna Bodner* Alexandra Coneys
*indicates Scholar with Distinction
Read more here.
ND Dancers Participate in Inter-Ac Virtual Dance Festival A group of 19 ND dancers presented a number of beautiful performances in the Inter-Ac Dance Festival on Wednesday, March 17. Congrats to the following dancers:
Anna Diederich Grace Ganley Abigail Hall Anne Herrin Sarah Joslin Emma Keller Ava Kelly Jaiden Kennedy Marilyn Langley Natalie Lynch Ella McGovern Amber Morrison Francesca Pupo Alexa Pyfer Alison Romani Molly Stirling Madeline Turley Gena Volpe Rachel Warren
Watch their stunning performance of "Carry On" here.
Lent Week 6 We have been on this Lenten journey for a while now, and it feels like we've been on a Lenten journey for a long time because of the pandemic. This point in a journey can be exhausting! Jesus, too, shared that he was troubled. Are you troubled? Talk with God about how you are feeling at this point in your journey.
Psalm 23 shares that even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side. Do you feel God at your side on your Lenten journey? If you don't feel God's presence, take time to ask for it in prayer today. Good and loving God, as I move toward you, help me to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Help Spread the Word for ND Admissions! The ND Admissions team would love your help in spreading the word to prospective families. Spring weather has arrived, and so have our brand new lawn signs!
Please consider picking up a sign and placing it on your lawn to promote ND Admissions and "After Hours" tours on our extraordinary campus! Lawn signs are available for pick up after carline or after sport practices on the front porch of the Advancement Cottage (next to our North Campus Building), or have your daughter swing by the Admissions Suite (first floor St. Julie) for a sign.
We deeply appreciate your assistance and support in promoting the Notre Dame sisterhood!
Please direct questions to Ms. Heayung Cho, Admissions Associate, at admissions@ndapa.org. PARENT LENTEN PROGRAM | Mar. 19/26 END OF QUARTER 3 | Mar. 19 SPEAKUP! VIRTUAL PARENTING ADULT COFFEE | March 19 CLASS 2025 PARENT NIGHT | Mar. 23 GR. 12 "LIFE BEYOND THE GATES" | Mar. 24 NOON DISMISSAL | Mar. 26 SPRING BREAK | March 29-April 7 CLASSES RESUME | April 8
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