Quick Messages

 

August 3, 2011

 

Dear Parents,

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and school will begin in just two weeks! Everyone here at Notre Dame School has been very busy this summer and a lot has been accomplished. We are going to have some exciting new opportunities for families and students this coming year: New Reading curriculum, NEO 2 technology for students in 1st through 8th grades, a computer lab, the Renaissance suite of supplemental Reading and Math practice and assessment tools, and a new Jr. High schedule that includes weekly electives.

 

Reading Curriculum

Kellie and Christian Steinbach were able to accomplish some serious fundraising in a very short amount of time this past Spring. We received generous donations from several Notre Dame families. As I mentioned last year, the Steinbachs were also able to find a matching grant which really gave us the momentum we needed to make this dream come true.

The teachers researched and chose HSP Excursions, a fully integrated reading program published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. We had originally hoped to purchase for only 1st, 2nd and perhaps 3rd, but thanks to your support we will have this new curriculum in kindergarten through 4th grades! We are very grateful to all of the families that donated.

 

Neo 2 and Renaissance

Mrs. Howard and I traveled to Dallas, Texas this summer for a week-long training on our new Neos and all of the components of the STAR assessments. Renaissance is also providing on-site training to the staff August 15th and 16th. We hope to have the Neos in the students’ hands right away, and will have them available for all of you to explore on Back to School Night. Plus, our Renaissance Learning Program Manager, Terri Jacobson, will present all of the online tools available to parents at our September PTO meeting!

 

Computer Lab

With everything else that has been happening around this campus, the Lab has been coming along slowly this summer. The computers are purchased, but we are waiting on some small details for the room itself. We may need a work crew one day during that first week of school, so if you can help out please let us know. We would like to have it ready for students by our 2nd week.

 

Jr. High

We have a new class schedule that includes Electives twice a week. I am currently finalizing a new subscription service with Rosetta Stone so that we will not only offer Spanish as a Jr. High elective, parents will also have the opportunity to purchase individual subscriptions through the school contract. The Jr. High students will also have Electives in sign language, performing and fine arts, music, and science. The new schedule included with this electronic packet reflects some adjustments that were necessary in order for our students to have an even richer Jr. High experience.

Notre Dame has always delivered an outstanding Catholic education and we will have even more to offer our students this year. I know all of you share in my thankfulness; our Heavenly Father has blessed us so abundantly! It has been a busy, productive summer, and we are looking forward to a terrific school year!

 

Sincerely yours,

Terri Sobieralski

Principal

 

 

Dear Notre Dame families,

I hope this letter finds everyone relaxed from summer days of swimming, camping, hiking, s’mores and whatever family fun you have discovered over the past two months!

It is now time to transition from summer freedom to school-time schedules and it is time for me, Shanna Long, to transition from Notre Dame mom to PTO President. Yes, PTO President! I am now charged with filling the shoes of past president Jean Hensley (Yikes)! I would like to thank Jean (and her talented husband, Lain) for giving an amazing amount of time and energy on behalf of Notre Dame. Jean worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make each and every PTO event exciting – and profitable!

I am in the process of taking each family’s volunteer check-off list and marking down the events and volunteer categories you have so graciously offered to help with on behalf of PTO this year.

My goal for Notre Dame PTO goes something like this: "Many hands make light work." With each family contributing a little bit of time in the area of their expertise, I think we can do amazing things to support our teachers’ and students’ academic and social needs.

A little bit about myself: I grew up in Escalon, Calif. and graduated with a journalism degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After teaching in Switzerland, my company bought a newspaper in Corning and I moved here in 1991 to take the job as editor. I met and married my husband, Greg, a third-generation orchard farmer. We have three children: Remington, she is a sophomore at PV and NDS alum; Sutter, she is in 8th  grade, and Chandler, he is in third grade. I became a member of the Corning Rotary Club and a director with the Chamber of Commerce. I had the pleasure of coordinating the Russian Farmer exchange for two years between the Corning, Chico, and Colusa Rotary Clubs and the Wine and Blues on the Sacramento River (at Woodson Bridge) for several years. These events taught me volunteering – while exhausting and at times, frustrating – brings people together and makes communities unique and special.

Notre Dame is one of those truly special communities. Here, we can blend faith and academics like no other place I’ve seen. It takes just one Grandparents Day or one Friday Mass to realize how blessed we are to be a Notre Dame family.

The first PTO meeting of the year is Tuesday, September 13. We will introduce our PTO officers and our Room Mothers and discuss upcoming events. Please join us for a welcome reception, Notre Dame style, following the meeting.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you this coming year. To our first year parents, welcome to the Notre Dame family!

 

Sincerely,

Shanna Long

PTO President (but really just a mom)

 

Important Dates

 

August 11, 2011 New Student Testing

All newly registered students in grades 2-8 will be tested from 9:00AM until approximately 10:30AM. A testing fee of $10.00 is to be paid in the office prior to proceeding to the classroom. Checks should be made payable to Notre Dame School.

 

August 13, 2011 Parent Work Day

If you were short hours from last year or want to get a jump start on hours this year, please come and help out starting at 8:00AM. We will be sprucing up, moving storage items, rearranging and possibly painting. The plans are still in the works, but we guarantee you will be glad you were there! If you would like to help that day please RSVP by Wednesday the 10th. You may call or email the office. And remember, parents who work together for a common cause are parents who build life-long friendships!

 

August 15, 2011 Kindergarten Open House

All Kindergarten parents and students (siblings welcome) are invited to meet Mrs. Smith and explore the classroom from 4pm to 5pm. Plan on approximately 30 minutes during the one hour drop-in time frame.

August 15, 2011 6th Grade Parent Info Meeting 5:30PM

All new 6th grade parents should plan to hear about expectations and requirements for ND Jr. High students. Information meeting will precede the Jr. High Locker and Social Event. Students welcome.

 

August 15, 2011 Jr. High Locker and Social Event 6:00PM

Jr. High students show up to get settled into their new lockers! We are also planning some fun social time. Again, mark your calendars and stay tuned for the details!

 

August 15, 2011 New Family Night 6:30PM

Parents of all new students are encouraged to attend this informative meeting in the Upper Meeting Room. This is an opportunity to address many different topics to help with your orientation to Notre Dame School. You will have a chance to ask questions and meet some staff, parent leaders, and other new parents.

 

August 17, 2011 First Day of School

The first day of school is a minimum day. (8:12 am to 12:30 pm) All students are to be in uniform. Grades 1-8 will meet in the gym. Kindergarten and T-K students will go directly to their classroom. Parents are invited to stay in the gym for a welcome back social immediately following Morning Assembly. There will also be a Prayer Service and Blessing of the Students and Staff, time TBA. All parents are invited to attend.

 

August 26, 2011 Hot August Nights with the Chico Outlaws

Join us for some back-to-school family fun at a Chico Outlaws game! Please check out the attached flyer.

 

August 30, 2011 Back to School Night

This is an evening for parents only. Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to come to school, meet teachers, become informed of their student’s curriculum and activities, and begin this year’s partner relationship between family and school. Please watch the Husky Hotline for more information.

 

October 1, 2011 Fall Festival

This is our biggest Fall fundraiser and a great opportunity for fellowship and fun for the whole family. This year our theme is "Family Fun Hoedown!"

Here’s your opportunity to get in some or all of your fundraising volunteer hours. If you have not been contacted and are interested in helping with the event, contact Susie Carlos @865-5039 or sscarlos@sbcglobal.net or Lara Bramon @ 894-4037 or dlbramon@comcast.net

 

March 31, 2011 Spring Auction Gala

The Spring Auction Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year and an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars now. If you are interested in chairing this event, please contact Shanna Long @ 586-1741 or shanna@dm-tech.com. Most of the sub-committees are already in place!

 

PTO Meeting Dates

PTO meetings will be held in the Upper Meeting Room the second Tuesday of every month except February, which will be held the first Tuesday (due to a conflict with St. Valentine’s Day.) There is no meeting in December. All meetings will begin promptly at 6:30pm and will last approximately one hour unless specified otherwise. Childcare will be available for a $1 donation per child.

All families are required to attend a minimum of 4 meetings per school year. We hope you find them so helpful you will attend even more!!!

September 13 October 11

November 8 January 10

February 7 March 13

April 17 May 8

 

Volunteer Coordinators

Fall Festival Susie Carlos 865-5039

Lara Bramon 894-4037

Karen Swartz 894-2204

Auction TBA

Scrip Julie Koehnen 934-3009

Cassandra Crossen 899-7965

Julie Polito 343-2872

Volunteer Hours Recorder Marie Huitt 343-0017

Health Records Monica Riccomini

Soup Labels & Box Tops Maria Pelletier 345-8777

Sports Coordinator Mary Johnson 892-0378

Uniform Exchange Felicia Lucero 828-6863

Husky Hotline Editor Ann Wilson

Hot Lunch Kami Smith 809-0571

Library Suzi Bronner 894-5614

Kathryn Specchierla 895-8165

Hot August Nights Heather Quilici 566-9848

Roster Kimberly Moore 345-2829

New Parent Outreach Kimberbly Moore 345-2829

Bill Paris 899-8202

Website Michael Specchierla 895-8165

Yearbook Michelle Anchordoguy 896-1548

PTO Meeting Childcare TBA

 

Important Information from the office

Connie Freitas has been the Notre Dame School Secretary for 14 years, but has decided she is now ready for a change. Connie originally worked here at Notre Dame as a substitute teacher. (She is a credentialed teacher, and also holds a Masters degree in Religion.) Connie would like to return to the classroom to work more closely with students so she will be switching roles with Mrs. Kari Bertagna, who has been around NDS for quite a while. She is an alumna, former very-involved parent, and has been employed here at Notre Dame for the past eleven years.

Connie will now serve as a Classroom Aide, primarily in 1st Grade, and Mrs. Bertagna will be our new School Secretary. In an effort to ensure a smooth transition, Connie will be working with Mrs. Bertagna (Mrs. B) for the next few weeks before school starts. Connie will be helping Mrs. B in the many roles of NDS School Secretary, a job that encompasses just about every aspect of our school. Below you will find a list of important items that will help Mrs. B with all of her office responsibilities. You are always welcome to email Mrs. Bertagna @ office@ndschico.org or call her in the office (342-2502.)

 

Husky Walk the Block

A NEW way to keep our school clean and safe! We are asking each family to chip in to show your Husky Pride by Walking Our Block! Arrive at school 15 minutes early just one day during the school year, check in at the office for gloves (if you don’t have your own), and pick up trash along the exterior sidewalk. This could be done by the whole family or just one parent. Please see the attached schedule. We ask that if you are not able to make it at the time we’ve scheduled, please trade with another family. Thank you!

 

Visitors/Signing in on Campus

It is very important for the safety of our students that all visitors, including parents, sign in and pick up a visitor name badge from the office. Parents should make arrangements with teachers in advance of classroom visits. Please note younger children may not accompany parents when they are volunteering during school hours. Some examples include: field trips, cafeteria duty, working in the classroom, yard duty, or library help.

 

Payments to the School

If possible, please make payments for field trips, tuition, extension, activity fees, choir, sports, scrip, fundraisers, etc. by check rather than cash. This will help keep our accounting efficient, accurate, and easy to track. Thank you for your cooperation in this effort.

 

Fingerprinting/Livescan

All school volunteers must pass a background check before working directly with students. If you would like to volunteer here at school or drive on field trips, you need to complete a Livescan fingerprint background check, which can be completed by the CSUC Police (898-5555) or the Chico Police Department (897-4900.) Please first pick up a form from the school office and then call one of the above departments to make an appointment. (It may be a two-week wait time.) Once you are cleared, it remains valid the entire time your child attends Notre Dame School.

 

Shield the Vulnerable

In addition to the fingerprinting/live scan, the Diocese requires all volunteers working with children to complete an online child abuse prevention course titled Shield The Vulnerable. This free course can be accessed at www.shieldthevulnerable.org. Please follow the instructions on the website and turn in printed certificate to office upon completion.

 

Parent Volunteer Hour Forms

This form is used to track all your volunteer hours. It may be downloaded off the Notre Dame School website. The forms should be turned in to the office each month. Marie Huitt is our Volunteer Hour Recorder, and can be reached at 343-0017 or mariemissy@aol.com.

 

Forgotten Items

All homework, lunches, clothing, or projects, which parents bring to school, are to be left in the school office. It is the responsibility of each student to check the office for his/her items.

 

Uniforms

We are offering a new way to purchase your uniform items; online through Dennis Uniforms. Visit www.dennisuniform.com and enter the Notre Dame School access code: UNDSCH. You are also welcome to order through their national customer service department at (800) 854-6951 or visit or call the Dennis Uniform store in Sacramento (916)361-6710. We will also soon offer Dennis Scrip! Remember, you are also very welcome to continue to purchase uniforms at Uniforms, Tuxedos & More.

Finally, we are very excited to soon have a grand opening of our Uniform Exchange in a new location here at school! Felicia Lucero is the Uniform Exchange coordinator, and she has been working very hard this summer to create an informational brochure, a receipt system, easy to use donation tax forms, and more. She will be making appointments for families who would like to look through the used uniform items and will be able to also help you over the phone. We will have more information available at New Family Night and Back to School Night.

 

Uniform Clarification

Our Handbook states: Hair must be its natural color and is to be worn off the face and out of the student’s eyes. Boys’ hair should not touch the collar or eyebrows or fall below the ears, and must be free of razor designs, Mohawks, and outlandish styles. Highlighted, colored, or decorated hair is not acceptable for any student. Girls may wear hair accessories that blend with the uniform. However please note an "accessory" is defined as: a small accompanying item of dress. An "accessory" is not permanent or semi permanent, therefore feathers and tinsel are not permitted.

More Information?

Parent and Student Handbook

Be sure to check the Handbook (which you received with your Registration Packet) for additional information. Extra Handbooks are available in the office.

 

Website

You may also access detailed information on all of the following by going to our website: www.NDSChico.org.

Hot Lunch Scrip

School Calendar Student Supply Lists

Fall Festival Teacher Websites

Contact Information FAQ’s

 

Daily Time Schedule

TK 8:12AM-11:15AM Grades 1 - 3: 8:12AM-2:50PM

Kindergarten: 8:12AM-1:45PM Grades 4 - 8: 8:12AM-3:00PM

Recess and Lunch (new times)

                 (K-1)           (2-3)            (4-5)             (6-8)

Recess 9:40-10:00 10:30-10:45 10:15-10:30 10:00-10:12

Lunch 11:20-12:00 11:50-12:35 11:55-12:40 12:46-1:18

 
Last Modified: Friday, Aug. 05, 2011
 
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