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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

ALL SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

SPECIAL SECTIONS

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

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Upper School Open House Set for Sunday

Sunday is the first Open House of the season and we're ready! Thanks to the efforts of a great many people: To 4th graders Kelsey Branco and Erin Ciarfella who decorated our front door, to everyone who submitted Open House articles for their Church bulletins, to those who are displaying lawn signs, to people who have attended feeder school visits or community fairs, and to everyone who shared our Facebook posts with their own followers. Thanks also to the Grounds crew for hanging the banners and planting flowers, to the Facilities crew for decorating and setting up, and to the Transportation department for displaying the magnetic bus signs. Gratitude is also lifted to all who will attend the event from administrative staff to faculty members, guidance counselors, student ambassadors, alumnea, and parents. It's been a team effort and it is appreciated! 

Prepare Your Newsletter Submissions

Student Council Gets Spooky 

The Upper School Student Council will sponsor a Spooky Walk from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 23rd on the Academy’s cross country trails. All grades are invited, but younger kids should be accompanied by an adult. 

Help Support the Academy with Your Everyday Shopping (Amazon, Target, Stop & Shop)

AmazonSmile - AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Academy every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Academy. You may use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.  To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com.

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Clik here to view.Target's Take Charge of Education® - Primary cardholders of a Target® Debit Card, Target® Credit Card and Target® Visa® Credit Card can sign up for their Take Charge of Education program to earn funds for the Academy. When you sign up and designate the Academy, Target® will donate an amount equal to one percent (1%) of your purchases (minus returns and sales tax) at Target stores and Target.com. Target will track purchases, and will distribute the accumulated donations to us once a year. Only one school may be designated for each Target®Credit Card account, Target® Visa Credit Card account, and Target®Debit Card.  The program will be ending in May 2016.  For more information, or to sign up, please visit target.com/tcoe, call 1-800-316-6142, or visit an in-store kiosk. Thank you in advance for your support.
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Stop & Shop’s A+ School Rewards - The Academy is participating in Stop & Shop’s A+ School Rewards program through Spring 2016.  By registering your Stop and Shop card, each time you use it you will earn cash for the Academy. Each month, the amount of cash awarded will be updated on the Stop & Shop website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at www.stopandshop.com.  Our school will receive a check at the end of the program.  To register your card online, log on here and select “customer registration.” The school ID# for the Academy of Notre Dame is 10096.  Please encourage your friends and relatives to register as well.

If you have any questions regarding any of these programs, contact the Academy's Office of Institutional Advancement at 978-649-7611, Ext. 323.

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Clik here to view.Robotics Open House for 7th-12th Graders - October 13

Students in grades 7 through 12 and their parents are invited to the Robotics Open House at 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 13 in the Upper School Computer Lab on the first floor.  This program, @ND Robotics (spoken as "AND Robotics") is our FIRST Robotics FTC team (FIRST Team 8664)!  FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) is a competitive robot building, life changing, fun engineering challenge!  Many colleges, professional associations, and corporations offer college scholarships to high school students who participate on FIRST teams. Anyone in grades 7-12 who is ready for camaraderie, excitement, learning and fun can join! By participating, you will build teamwork, leadership, professional and life skills!  We had a very successful inaugural season last year! Come learn more about the program on the 13^th!

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Gala Auction Update

The Gala Auction preparations are well underway.  Our volunteers, parents, alumnae and friends are actively seeking auction items from all over.  They are beginning to arrive on campus in preparation for our big night.  Invitations have been mailed and reservations are being made every day.  

“How Can You Help?”

• Donate – We are looking for live and silent items.  Are you a season ticket holder for one of our great Boston and New England teams? Do you own a vacation home or time share? Do you have frequent flyer miles or credit card points that you won’t use? Do you provide a service and looking for new customers? All of these make great live or silent auction items. Unsure what to donate, make a cash donation and our volunteers will do the shopping for you!  Send your check to the Gala Auction, payable to the Academy of Notre Dame and your gift will be fully tax deductible.
• Sponsor/Advertise – There are several opportunities that provide great exposure for you and your business through our program book, website advertising, as well as signage at the event.
• Volunteer - You can volunteer the day and/or night of the event – set up, cover shifts at the tables, sell raffle tickets, help with check-in as well as check-out and break down.
• Attend – Be part of the celebration of the Academy’s more than 160 year history as well as having lots of fun with friends, meeting new people and supporting our great school!

For sponsor or auction item forms or to make your reservations, visit www.ndatyngsboro.org/auction.   

All Are Welcome at the Gala Auction Meetings in the Academy Boardroom. See schedule below:

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

8th Grade Alumna Returns as College Representative Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.It was deja vu for Leslie Murray last week as she drove up the long drive to the Academy. Sixteen years after she graduated from the 8th grade here at NDA, she returned to campus as a college representative from Maine College of Art. Leslie attended NDA from 2nd to 8th grade. She attend Maine College of Art as an undergraduate and studied painting. Then she attended NYU for her master's before going back to Maine where she now works as an Adjunct Professor of Painting and Foundation and Admissions Counselor. She spoke to a group of six Upper School students who are considering studying art in college to talk about the college experience and about the importance of building a portfolio. While on campus, 5th grade teacher Mrs. DeRosa surprised her with photos taken when she was a student. It was great to have Leslie back on campus for a visit.

National Honor Society (NHS) in Full SwingImage may be NSFW.
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Tutoring began on September 21st with NHS members tutoring students in grades 5-12. Tutoring and essay help will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:35 to 3 p.m. in Room 117. The Used Book Sale was a success for the new inductees. All members have been enthusiastically getting involved with volunteer work within NDA and in their communities. 

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Clik here to view.Lancers High-5: by Lisa Zappala

The Varisty Volleyball team record stands at 7-3. The team captured the title at the Birthplace of Volleyball Classic Tournament in Holyoke last weekend. Although the tournament doesn’t count for or against their record, it was a history maker! The team also had an exciting win over the formerly undefeated Shawsheen Tech last week.  The Lancers were ahead 2-0, but Shawsheen came from behind winning the next two sets sending the match into a decisive fifth set with the Lancer’s prevailing 3-2.  Set scores were 25-15 NDA, 25-13 NDA, 25-23 Shawsheen, 25-21 Shawsheen, and 15-5 NDA.  The team is now in first place in the league. If the team wins today's game versus Chelsea it will be Coach Rob Mahoney's 250th career win!

All Upper School fall sports teams have been busy with games and meets.  Over the past two weeks team records are:

• • Cross Country 4-0 (1st place in the CAC)
  • Soccer 5-3-1
  • Swimming & Diving 1-4
  • JV Volleyball  6-4

Name that Lancer: NDA Athletics Coming to Your Facebook Newsfeed Soon

Starting soon you’ll be able to stay abreast of the week’s sports scores and highlights on the Academy’s Facebook page. We just need to come up with a good name for it: Lancer’s ____ ? Do you have any suggestions? Contact Lisa Zappala (lzappala@ndatyngsboro.org) with your suggestion and then we’ll post all the nominations on Facebook and you can vote for your favorite. We might even be able to come up with a prize for the person who contributes the winning name. Here’s a couple ideas to get you started:  Lancer Low-Down, Lancer’s Logbook, Lancer’s Life. 

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

From the Desk of Beth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

October has arrived, and this month of autumn is filled with many days/weeks that have themes for all curriculums. There is Child Health Month, International Dinosaur Month, Family History Month, World Teachers’ Day (10-5), World Space Week (10-4 through 10-9), Columbus Day (10-12), World Food Day (10-16), National Character Counts Week (10-18 through 10-24), United Nations Day (10-24), Pablo Picasso’s Birthday (10-25), The Statue of Liberty Birthday (10-28), and of course Halloween (10-31), and so many more!  If you are looking for bulletin board ideas or just some “fun facts” or activities and crafts, take a glance at the following websites:
http://www.first-school.ws/theme/occasions10.htm or
http://themes.atozteacherstuff.com/october-themes-resources-and-lesson-plans/   

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Clik here to view.CPT: Mission and Ministry: Hallmark Four: We are committed to Community Service.  During the month of October, please start discussing with your students what makes our school an SND school, defining the term "hallmark" and sharing the seven hallmarks with them.  Please hang the Hallmark Four poster in your room where it will be visible, so it sparks conversation.  Thank you for all your creative ideas and input on how important it is to participate in community service, and how we all here at NDA do a great job of helping others! I will be making a list of all the organizations and places that homerooms/grade levels will be choosing to adopt this year.  I am happy to reach out and make the connection.  Please pass in ideas soon! 

I would like to offer a very special thank you to Allyson Gnoza and Caitlin Fehr for traveling to Weston yesterday to participate in the Mission Integration Meeting.  We look forward to hearing how the day went at our next faculty meeting on October 7.

Also, a very grateful thank you to Kathy Smith for organizing a very successful Summer Reading Gold Club Celebration pizza party!  The club – 87 members strong – had a fabulous time! 

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We look forward to John Pelletier’s presentation on Fire Prevention on October 6. Here are the updated sessions to be held in the auditorium: Grades K-2A - 8:30-9:00, Grades 2B-6- 9:10 - 9:40 and Grades 7 -8 - 9:50 - 10:20.   

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Clik here to view.Parents of 8^th Grade Girls Save Money on Your Upper School Application

If you are considering enrolling your daughter in the Upper School next year, here’s a way to save money: Join us at the Upper School Open House this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and submit an application to receive a waiver of the $100 application fee! By attending the event you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Upper School faculty and staff, students, parents, and alumnae. Information booths will also be on display for all the student clubs, organizations, and athletics. We look forward to seeing you there!

Parents’ Club Looking for Homeroom Representatives

Homeroom Representatives are needed to:

• Represent each homeroom class in the Lower School
• Serve as a channel of communication between the families of the homeroom class and the Parents’ Club
• Distribute information to the families (primarily via email) from the school and Parents’ Club
• Be a liaison between the Lower School and Institutional Advancement
• Attend the monthly Parents’ Club meeting which is held the first Tuesday of the month at 7:45 a.m. in the conference room
• Assist the homeroom teacher with activities when needed
• Be a source of ideas, information and feedback

We need your help to enrich the NDA community! If you have questions or have a few extra hours to share for this minimal commitment, please email: parentsclub@ndatyngsboro.org. The next Parents' Club meeting is at 7:45 a.m., Tuesday, October 6.

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Lower School Sports Roundup

Girls Soccer: The girls are learning many new skills from their new coach, Jennifer Holder. Ms. Holder not only teaches STEM classes at NDA, but also has 25 years experience playing soccer.  She played at the college level and in adult leagues in the Boston area.  As a rebuilding season, the 5th-8th grade girls are working hard. They have fewer substitutes and have suffered injuries and illness, and yet the girls have pulled off one win, one loss and two ties. We look forward to seeing how the season progresses!

Boys Soccer: The boys’ soccer season is off to a great start as well! Returning Coach John Hamilton has led the team to a 2-1 season so far. The boys hosted IACS on Monday, September 28th and goals were scored by 8th graders Liam Fisher and Abhay Gandhi. Good luck to the boys in their next game!

Volleyball: Both the JV and Varsity volleyball teams are full of new players to the game that are ready and willing to learn! Head Coaches and former NDA graduates, Meaghan Harney and Jillian Gariepy, along with the returning players, have been teaching the logistics of the game. Everyone is having fun and putting in their best effort every game. The team is doing so well that Varsity went to a 3rd game tie breaker and JV won their first game! 

Cross Country: Cross Country is off and “running” as well.  Returning Head Coach Karen Pierce and Assistant Coach Nate Froment have led the Girls’ Cross-Country to a record of 2-1-0, while the Boys’ team has a standing of 1-2-0! Everyone is looking forward to Invitationals, at the end of October, which will have many teams from across Massachusetts.

Have You Seen the New Lower School Video?

A six minute video titled, “An Introduction to Lower School Academics,” is now available for viewing on our homepage, Facebook page, and YouTube page. Do you know anyone who is interested in enrolling their son or daughter or parents who are unhappy with the school their children are attending now? If so, send them a link to the video so they can learn what we have to offer. Click here to view the video.

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Clik here to view.Summer Reading Wrap Up and Pizza Party

The lazy days of summer are now behind us and the Academy’s halls echo with the cheerful sound of students and teachers.  All of our students returned from summer vacation well-rested and ready to begin an exciting new school year.  For many apparently, it was a summer of not only fun, but of READING as well! Here are the results of their Summer Reading work: 

• Students in 1A, 2A and 3B did a ton of reading and writing over the summer and were rewarded for their efforts with a Dress Down Day held yesterday. 

• We are thrilled to announce that this year our Summer Reading Gold Club membership (open to students in grades 4-8) is a spectacular 87 members strong. They received Dress Down Day passes, homework passes and attended yesterday’s Pizza Party.

The results of the Summer Reading drawings are as follows:

• Our top prize winner for participation winner was Sarah Houston in 6A. She will receive a $10 gift card to the Scholastic Book Fair coming November 2^nd. 

• The winner of the Bronze Club drawing is Lela Rainovic also of 6A. Lela will receive a $15 gift card to the Book Fair.  

• Alexis Martineau of 5B is the winner of the Silver Club drawing and will receive a $20 gift card. 

• Finally, our Gold Club winner is a new student Tim Van Opstal in 4A. He will receive a $25 gift card. 

Can You Help Our School Library? 

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Our Book Fair and Grandparent/Special Person day is coming! We are in need of volunteers to help with the following:

• Book Fair Set-up on October 29th.  Set-up begins at 8 a.m. until we finish! (Please be advised that set-up generally requires some lifting, and helping with set-up of book displays.)
• Book Fair Week is November 2-6.  If you can help with sales anytime during that week, we would be most appreciative.
• We especially need volunteers to help with sales from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on our Grandparent’s Day November 4. 

 If you are able to help, please contact Kathy Smith at ksmith@ndatyngsboro.org.

New Enrichment Programs Kicking Off This Month

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Clik here to view.Session 1 of the Lower School EnriImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.chment Programs is now in full swing. Children are filling the fields and recreation rooms several days a week enjoying programs such as Soccer, Karate, Lego League, and Running Club. Though these programs are a blast, it is almost time to start thinking about Session 2 of Enrichment. Session 2 will bring a whole new list of activities for your child to participate in. Some of these include an After School Nature Program for grades 1-4 and 5-8, an All Sports Club for grades 1-4 and 5-8, a Tot Introduction to Dance program for ages 4 and 5, a new Drama Program, and the return of Concert Band for grades 3-8. Click here for the Enrichment webpage.

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Save the Date – Halloween Party on October 23

Mark your calendars! The Academy of Notre Dame and the Parents’ Club are inviting families of grades Pre-K through 8 to a Frightfully Fun Halloween Party from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 23. There will be pizza, a DJ, crafts, a pumpkin carving contest and more! Children are also encouraged to wear costumes. Get ready for a ghoulishly good time!

SPECIAL SECTIONS

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Clik here to view.Mission Reflection: by Hope Griffin

GREAT JOB to the Mission & Ministry girls on raising money for the SND Missions Projects! Last week we collected a total of $213.23!! Way to go!! The breakdown for each grade was: 

Does Your Furniture Need a New Home?

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The Mission & Ministry Office is in need of new furniture. If you have any furniture such as comfy chairs or smaller couches or futons that you are looking to get rid of  please consider donating them to the M&M Office. Contact Mrs. Griffin at hgriffin@ndatyngsboro.org with any information about a possible donation. 

Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Maria Svoronou, Upper School Music Teacher

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Where are you from? I grew up in Athens, Greece. I have lived in Marlborough for the past few years, after my husband and I moved here from Connecticut.

What is your professional background? I have a B.A. in Music from the University of Athens in Greece and a M.A. in Music Theory from Yale University. I also have piano and theory degrees from the Hellenic Conservatory in Athens. Before joining the Academy of Notre Dame, I taught music in the Pre-K - Grade 5 at St. Paul School in Wellesley. In the past, I also taught in the middle and high school of Costeas-Geitonas World Schools, a large private school with International Baccalaureate accreditation in Athens.

What led you to the Academy? I was first impressed by the beautiful campus and the professionalism and warm personalities of the people of the Academy. I realized I wanted to work at the Academy when learned about its high academic standards and the great number of activities and clubs.

What are your interests and/or hobbies? I like traveling, and I always try to watch a performance (music or theater) in the places I visit. I also like reading literature and poetry and watching world cinema.

What is your pet peeve? Traffic! However, it always gets better when I listen to music.

What is your best motivator? Watching my students learn and make progress. It makes me want to work harder, learn more, plan better.

What are some little known facts about yourself? I am the oldest of four children; I have two sisters (one of them is also a teacher) and a brother. I have been married to my husband Nasos for the past four years.

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Clik here to view.Faculty/Staff Achievements and Celebrations

Congratulations to Lauren Fish, Upper School theology teacher, who was married over the summer. Traveling to Rome for their honeymoon, she and her husband, Mike DeCristofaro were able to meet Pope Francis and shake hands with him. That’s two dreams fulfilled for Lauren! 

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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

ALL SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

SPECIAL SECTIONS

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

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Clik here to view.Closures and Emergencies

Please check the following resources for information related to weather related school closures:

• • • • WCVB ABC Channel 5-Closures will scroll at bottom of the screen or visit this link to check online: http://www.wcvb.com/weather/closings

• • • • Academy homepage-A pop up message will cover the homepage at www.ndatyngsboro.org

• • • • Academy Facebook-A post will be made to Academy's Wall at https://www.facebook.com/ndatyngsboro

Decisions regarding closures are made between 5 and 5:30 a.m. 

Parents, faculty, and staff can also expect to receive notifications via our information management system. To cut down on delay times, notifications will only go to the primary contact person for each student. The primary contact will receive a text, an email, and a phone call. Please notify the school administrative assistant with any updates to your contact information. 

In the event of an emergency on campus, information will be disseminated using the same resources.  

We Are NDA Prepared!Image may be NSFW.
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“NDA Prepared” is our Upper School recruitment tagline, but it is also apropos as a series of safety drills on were conducted on campus Thursday. We applied our ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training to three different intruder scenarios that were acted out and practiced soft and hard lock down procedures including locking and barricading the doors if we are unable to evacuate. Afterwards, a debriefing was held with Sergeant Steve Manning of the Tyngsboro Police Department who congratulated us on how well prepared we are.  

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Clik here to view.Academy Raises Money for Alumna with Breast Cancer

The Upper School National Honor Society sponsored a Breast Cancer Awareness Day today to benefit Kelly (McCarthy) DelGreco '06 who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Today’s school-wide “Wear Pink” Dress-Down Day provided students, faculty and staff an opportunity to donate money for the privilege of dressing down. (Since Grade 8 was away on retreat today they will be able to dress-down on October 28^th instead.) Proceeds from this afternoon’s Upper School soccer game against Lowell Catholic at 4 p.m. will also be added to the fundraising efforts along with that of the volleyball team’s Dig Pink games against Lowell Catholic on Friday, October 28^th.  JV will play at 4 p.m. and Varsity at 5 p.m.

Kelly was 12-season athlete here at NDA and played four years of soccer, basketball and tennis. All funds from these events will be given to the McCarthy-DelGreco family for Kelly’s ongoing medical treatment. 

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The Friends of NDA (FoNDA), a parent organization for the Upper School, will be selling wreaths, swags and kissing balls again this year for your holiday decorating needs. Prices will be the same as last year: 

• 12” Wreath - $12; with bow $17
• 16" Wreath - $20; with bow $26
• 24" Wreath - $23; with bow $31
• 12" Swag - $17
• Kissing Ball - $30

Orders will be accepted starting later this month through Friday, November 13 (look for updates on the FoNDA webpage). The delivery date is set for Monday, November 23. All proceeds support athletic and co-curricular activities.

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Student Council Gets Spooky 

The Upper School Student Council will sponsor a Haunted Walk from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, October 23rd on the small loop of the Academy’s cross country trails. All grades are invited, but younger kids should be accompanied by an adult.  There will be several activities to participate in if you do not like to be scared, including a donut eating contest, bobbing for apples competition and Halloween costume relay. Tickets are $3 if purchased in advance and $5 per person on the day of the event. You will also be able to purchase Student Council apparel, hot beverages, pizza, and popcorn.

Saturday, November 14

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Gala Auction Update

The Auction Volunteers are working hard to make this event a memorable one for all. Auction items are coming in and ticket sales are going great.  There are auction items for everyone from restaurant gift cards to the priceless 2016 February school vacation week stay in Orlando with four 1-day passes to Walt Disney World.

Gala Auction Addition:  The Blue & Gold Mystery Tower Raffle

Ever wonder what to do with those gift cards you will never use?  Well, we have a great suggestion: donate them to the Academy’s Blue & Gold Mystery Tower Raffle!  The glass tower will be raffled off the night of the Gala. Our goal is to collect a minimum of $750 in various gift cards. For example, a $5 gift card from your favorite coffee shop, an unused gas card, or a gift card using your credit card points. Look around and if there is a gift card you do not plan to use, consider donating it to our Mystery Tower.  For every gift card donated, you will receive one free raffle ticket. Raffle tickets will be $5 each or seven for $25 and are on sale now in the Advancement Office. 

If you plan to donate a gift card, please note that it is to be used for the Mystery Tower.  You may drop them off at the Reception Office or mail to Gala Auction, Academy of Notre Dame,180 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA 01879. Remember, all gifts are tax deductible.

The Auction Committee is also looking for ribbon or empty baskets to create those marvelous auction items, all sizes and styles welcome.

Auction items are still coming in.  Please send them along so that your donation will be included in our program book. For sponsor or auction item forms or to make your reservations, visit www.ndatyngsboro.org/auction. 

Thank you to the entire Academy of Notre Dame community for your generous support.  For more information or to ask a question, email auction@ndatyngsboro.org or contact Karen Weidner at 978-649-7611, Ext. 321.

All are welcome at the Gala Auction Meetings in the Academy Boardroom:

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Prepare Your Newsletter Submissions

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

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Student-of-the-Month

This student is an active member in all music clubs and has been generous with her time in September to promote and support these activities. She was a knowledgeable and friendly representative for Guitar Ensemble at both 8th Grade Shadow Days and Open House as well as finding time to update the club's poster. In Guitar Club meetings, she often works with less experienced students. For her helpfulness and willingness to work to ensure the success of the music clubs, let us congratulate Delia Regan as the September Student-of-the-Month.

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This senior has been involved in many clubs and activities in the NDA community. She has been an active member of Mission & Ministry for all four years and currently serves in a leadership capacity with the Mission & Ministry Office. She has represented NDA at many school fairs this year and is always a positive and gracious spokesperson with potential students and families. A talented athlete, this student has participated in cross country, track & field and indoor track all four years. She has also been a part of Glee Club, Model UN, Damie's Digest, Acapella and Liturgical Dance as well as holding leadership roles with her class since freshman year. Currently a member of National Honor Society and class president, let us congratulate Emily Francis as September's Distinguished Senior.

Seven Students to Lend Their Talents to Academy Marketing Office

Last week marked the start of a new program designed to help students explore marketing-related work. Under the direction of Cindy Boynton, Director of Marketing and Communications, the students will be working on a variety of assignments including logo development and design, photography, video production, social media strategy, and writing for news and marketing applications. Assignments will include reaching out to faculty, staff, and students to request interviews and photos for the newsletter, Facebook, press releases, and marketing collateral. So don’t be surprised if you are approached by any of the following young ladies for assistance on an assignment: Alexandra Bazzani, Jacky Bethea, Grace O’Connell, Keely Ford, Mollie Anderson, Eunji Choi, Isabella Rossetti. 

Mission Reflection: by Hope Griffin

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On Wednesday the freshmen experienced their very first Upper School retreat. Led by seniors, Elizabeth Bennett, Leakana Ly, Abby French, Kendall Liggett, Tori Crawford, Emily Masse, and Olivia Blatus, the day was full of fun games, insightful reflections and meaningful discussion. Leakana spoke to the freshmen about getting to know each other and making new friends. Emily and Olivia gave helpful advice on how to get to know yourself and grow into your own person. Abby reflected on what it means to get to know God here at NDA emphasizing the mission of the Academy to find God through service. All of the freshmen agreed at the end of the day that the retreat helped them get to know each other on a deeper level and grow closer as a class community. They are excited to develop the new friendships they made during the retreat back here on campus.

The 1804 Society 

After doing a superb job representing the school and giving tours at the Open House earlier this month, the 1804 Society was featured in the Lowell Sun newspaper. The 1804 members are very deserving of this great recognition! Nice job, ladies! Keep up the good work!

Lancers High-5: by by Ken Najem, Varsity Soccer Coach

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This is a story about two sisters, both of whom are passionate and competitive when it comes to sports and doing well in school. Tara (senior) and Natalie (freshman) Kelleher both possess a drive to achieve that is evident as teammates on the NDA varsity soccer team. Tara, on her way to being a twelve season athlete and member of the National Honor Society, is a mentor and supporter to her younger sister Natalie, who just began her first year at the Upper School. Although sisters are often competitive with each other, this is not the case with the Kelleher girls. They support each other as strong defenders on the soccer field and have helped lead the team to success. The Academy is a second home for these sisters and the tradition of excellence has been passed down to them. Tara and Natalie’s mother Nancy is an alumna and their younger brother Michael attends the Lower School. Tara and Natalie have been students here since kindergarten. The girls credit their ambition and desire to be the best they can be to the education they have received at the Academy as well as the Kelleher’s family values. Tara and Natalie deal with adversity by recalling the lessons they were taught by their parents at a young age. When something goes astray in their lives, the girls remember the lessons they have learned from their parents: “Do not let one mistake keep you from succeeding.” Both sisters put full effort into all they do and their work habits are second to none. Natalie recalls her parents sitting the girls down and telling them: “Proper preparation prevents poor performance; this applies to life whether it is a test or a game.” Tara has carried this advice through her four years and plans to major in engineering in college next year. 


As a first year head coach, I could not be happier with their performance in games. You might beat one of them, but you will never get past the second one! They have each other’s back and, as sisters, they intuitively know what the other is thinking. Tara’s contribution and leadership to the team will be hard to replace next year when she moves on to college. Knowing the team has Natalie for the next three years does help to ease this pain.

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Despite the fact that the team has suffered more losses so far this season than wins, the team has much to celebrate. At a recent meet against MVC D2 powerhouse Billerica, there were 11 individual best times including Sophomore Gracie O'Connell who swam two lifetime bests in the 200 and 100 free, Junior Catherine Bee who swam a season best in the 50 free, and Freshmen Rebecca Morgheim who dropped more than 12 seconds in two races, the 50 and 100 free, to swim lifetime bests as well. The team is 1-8 with dual meets remaining along with MVC D2 championships and possibly North Sectionals/D2 States. "Despite our very small numbers in a league where eight out of nine teams have double or quadruple our amount of athletes the girls are working very hard and enjoying small victories where we can,” says Coach Gregory Steinberg. “I am proud of the fact that at every dual meet we are averaging double digit individual bests along with relay bests!"

The team held a bowl-a-rama last recently at Brunswick Bowling lanes in Lowell which turned out to be a great bonding event and break from the season. They travel to Greater Lawrence Tech this Saturday to swim against North Andover at 2 p.m.

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Clik here to view.Senior Day for Cross Country

The Cross Country Team recently celebrated Senior Day giving special recognition to Abigail French, Abigail Morelli, and Emily Francis.

“Lancer’s Log” Wins Athletics Naming Contest for Facebook Post

Thanks to all who suggested names for the weekly NDA Athletics Facebook post. Athletics Director, Lisa Zappala has chosen “Lancer’s Log” for the official new name of the Friday post. Soon we’ll be unveiling a new logo for the post! Here’s a look at our team records:

• • • Cross Country 9-0 (1st place in the CAC)
    • Soccer 6-5-2
    • Swimming & Diving 1-7
    • JV Volleyball  9-7
    • Varsity Volleyball 12-4

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

From the Desk of Beth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

Students in grades K2-8 have been participating in the MAP Testing since early October. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) creates a personalized assessment experience by adapting to each student’s learning level. Week two of NWEA MAP testing is almost completed. The students have been focused and motivated to do their very best!  Thank you to all the teachers for your patience and flexibility during the testing times.  K2-3 will be testing the week of October 19-23.  Shortly after, the sessions for make-up testing will begin. 

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Sr. Jeanne Frechette, an accomplished choral instructor, is recruiting students in grades 3-8 who would like to join the chorus. The chorus will rehearse from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Chapel and will sing at all Lower School masses. For more information, contact Sr. Jeanne at jfrechette@ndatyngsboro.org.

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Early Years Children Love to Touch-a-Truck!

Thank you to Taryn Brosnan and Lauren Hannaford for planning the very successful Touch-a-Truck Day. The students enjoyed seeing and being able to discover the “ins” and “outs” of both a Tyngsboro fire truck, Engine 1, and a local ambulance.  A grand time was had by all in grades PreK-2.

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Continue to encourage your students to participate in the Read-a-Thon. The Lower School Read-a-Thon began on October 10 and ends on October 19.  Remind your students that they are able to keep 50% of the pledge money they raise in the form of gift vouchers that they can redeem at the Book Fair coming in November. The Read-a-Thon and the Book Fair are the two big fundraising efforts that support Library programs and purchases.

Pictured right: Peter Mokoro, K1B, reads a book to his Aunt via Facetime.

Halloween Troop Candy is Our Fall Service Project

For the Fall Service Project the Parents' Club is donating unused leftover Halloween candy to the troops.  The class that donates the most candy by weight will win a Dress Down Day!  Please note that this is candy that was not used at Halloween, please do not purchase any additional candy.   

The Halloween Troop Candy Project is also asking for donations of tooth brushes in lieu of candy.  The candy will be weighed out and shipped on November 5th in order to arrive by the 15th.  

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Clik here to view.Frightful Partying and Haunted Walks on October 23rd

The Academy of Notre Dame and the Parents’ Club would like to invite families of grades Pre-K through 8 to a Frightfully Fun Halloween Party on Friday, October 23 from 6 – 8 p.m. There will be pizza, a DJ, crafts, a pumpkin carving/painting contest and more! Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Please RSVP to parentsclub@ndatyngsboro.org.

Volunteers are always needed to make these events successful, please click on the signup genius if you'd like to help out! 

And don’t forget to participate in the Upper School Student Council Haunted Halloween Walk as well. You can stop by before or after the party during the period of 6 - 8:30 p.m. The cost for the walk is $5.  There will be many fun-filled activities: donut eating contest, bobbing for apples, Halloween costume relay and so much more! The walk will take place on the small loop of the Cross Country trail.  There will be festive food and drinks for purchase.

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Clik here to view.Lower School Sports Roundup

Girls Soccer: What a great group of hard workers! The team won the last regular season game against SJA yesterday 2 to 1. Their record is 2-3-4.

Boys Soccer: The team won their game against Community Christian Academy on October 14th 7 to 2 with star players Joe Farina (Grade 5), Parker Breton (Grade 6), and Jake Allison (Grade 8). Their record is 6-1.

Cross Country:  The team had a great meet October 15 against Ste Jeanne d’Arc. The girls won and the boys had some of their personal best times. The top five boys were  Evan Mills (Grade 8), Will Rizos (Grade 5), Cam Daly (Grade 5), Ben Faletra (Grade 5), and Matt Choate (Grade 5). The top five girls were Caroline Rizos (Grade 8), Sophia Jean (Grade 8), Sophia Bradley (Grade 7), Sydney Bradley (Grade 7), and Rose Daddario (Grade 7).

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Clik here to view.Can You Help Our School Library? 

Our Book Fair and Grandparent/Special Person day is coming! We are in need of volunteers to help with the following:

• Book Fair Set-up on October 29th.  Set-up begins at 8 a.m. until we finish! (Please be advised that set-up generally requires some lifting, and helping with set-up of book displays).
• Book Fair Week is November 2-6.  If you can help with sales anytime during that week, we would be most appreciative.
• We especially need volunteers to help with sales from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on our Grandparent’s Day November 4. 

 If you are able to help, please contact Kathy Smith at ksmith@ndatyngsboro.org.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

ALL SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

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ALL SCHOOL NEWS

Saturday, November 14

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Still Time to Get Involved

With two weeks to go there are still many ways to get involved with the Gala Auction on Saturday, November 14th. There is still time to…

• Buy your Auction tickets
• Donate a gift card for the Blue & Gold Mystery Tower and receive a free chance to win the tower
• Donate an auction item
• Volunteer at the event

Please consider donating a few hours of your time on Saturday, November 14th and experience the excitement of the event!  That morning we’ll need drivers to help transport the auction items to our venue and set up and decorate the auction lanes.  That night, we’ll need help checking in our guests, selling raffle tickets, assisting with the Red Carpet Photo area, monitoring the Silent Auction Lane, checking out the winning bidders as well as picking up at the end of the evening.  As a volunteer at the event, you’ll  have the opportunity to bid, buy raffle tickets and be part of the fun.  Click here for the Gala Auction Volunteer Form.  For questions, call Sue Adams at 978-649-7611, Ext. 323 or email auction@ndatyngsboro.org.

Gala Auction Dress Down Day

Faculty, staff, and students can help support the Gala Auction by donating $2 on Friday, November 6^th for the opportunity to dress down for the day. The money raised will go toward purchasing auction items.

All are welcome at the Gala Auction Meetings in the Academy Boardroom:

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Clik here to view.Register Now for Rachel’s Run

The second annual Rachel’s Run will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 28^th at the Academy’s cross country course. The event is a charity run/walk to raise funds for the Academy of Notre Dame Rachel Morrison Scholarship Fund. Before the tragic hit-and-run drunk-driving accident that took Rachel’s life on March 28, 2014, in Del Mar, California, the event was run by Rachel and her teammates to collect cans of food and other non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. Now the event benefits a young woman entering college to study science and/or marine biology research in honor of Rachel who was a fourth year PhD student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California.  

Registration for the run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:15 a.m. followed by the run which starts at 10 a.m. Please click here for more details and to register. 

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Order Your Wreaths Today

The Friends of NDA (FoNDA), a parent organization for the Upper School, will be selling wreaths, swags and kissing balls again this year for your holiday decorating needs. To place your order, click here. All orders must be received by November 13th. The delivery date is set for Monday, November 23rd. All proceeds support athletic and co-curricular activities.

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Clik here to view.Last Friday was Frightfully Fun!

The Halloween Party and Haunted Walk were a complete success last Friday night! More than 200 people attended the party and had fun showing off their Halloween costumes; their scary, silly and creative pumpkins; dancing to the DJ; eating pizza; taking photos in the Selfie Booth and doing crafts. Some even braved the Upper School's Haunted Walk! The nine winners of the pumpkin contest each won an ice cream gift certificate to Sullivan's Ice Cream. The winners were:

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Logan Curran - Grade 1 - Silly Pumpkin

Josslyn Ploof - Grade K1 - Creative Pumpin

Kiley Riley - Grade K2 - Scary Pumpkin

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Alexa Bouras - Grade 2 - Silly Pumpkin

Sedona Feddersen - Grade 3 - Creative Pumpkin

Jaden Merwin - Grade 2 - Scary Pumpkin

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Roger Ploof - Grade 5 - Silly Pumpkin

Caroline Hanson - Grade 5 - Creative Pumpkin (missing from photo)

Maeve McComas - Grade 6 - Scary Pumpkin

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Support the Operation Gratitude Service Project

Bring your leftover Halloween candy to school from Monday, November 2nd through Thursday, November 5th to have it packaged and shipped to our troops serving in the military.  The Lower School class that turns in the most candy by weight will win a Dress Down Day! The candy will be sorted, packaged, and weighed at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, November 5^th. Students and parents interested in volunteering for this work should report to the Boardroom across from the Reception Office. Upper School families who would like to contribute should bring their donation to the Reception Office. No leftover candy? Consider collecting or donating individually wrapped toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss instead.

Snow Plow Driver Needed

The Academy is looking for an experienced snow plow driver for the upcoming winter season. Candidates must be available for early morning clean up so school can open on time as well as for weekend snowfall. Contact Lisa Manley at lmanley@ndatyngsboro.org.

A Girl with a Smile by Upper School Marketing Student Eunji Choi

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For the first time in  Academy history, the Lower School is accepting international students. Currently there are two students from China within the ranks of the 7th and 8th grades. To help us get to know the students, Sophomore Eunji Choi, a Korean international student herself, interviewed each of them. In part one of this two-part series, Eunji introduces us to Jecolener He.

The Academy has a long history of welcoming international students to the Upper School and providing them with many opportunities. Even though they come from different countries and have various cultural backgrounds, the students become good friends and learn wonderful things through their friendships. Now that opportunity is being extended to the Lower School. Jecolener He, an 8th grade international student from China, has the distinction of being the first ever Lower School international student.

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Clik here to view.Jecolener is a girl with a bright smile and great confidence.  She likes to play sports, listen to music, and cook whenever she has free time. Studying in the United States was first suggested by her parents. They encouraged her to study in America to experience more diverse cultures and opportunities. Her first day of school was September 19, 2015. At the beginning of the day, Jecolener felt very nervous because everything was new to her: the language, school system, friends, and teachers. However, after a few days, she quickly felt very comfortable about school due to her classmates’ warm hospitality. Jecolener said she was very surprised by her classmates and teachers’ kindness and willingness to help her.

Jecolener really enjoys her life in the Academy especially being a member of the soccer team. She is so happy to be on the team and truly likes the people. Because she joined later than the other students, she has been unable to participate in any game, but she is still very passionate about the team. However, she has something else that she likes most about the Academy - the positive atmosphere. Everyone respects and treats each other with an open mind. All the nice people here made Jecolener love this school even more.

Jecolener is thinking about applying to the Upper School because she loves the people here so much and the teachers have been so helpful. She is also excited to join the soccer team and all the music clubs at the Upper School.

Look for part two of this series on the Lower School international students in the next issue of the Academy News when we will feature an amazing artist named Charlie. Thank you to Jecolena for participating and to Mrs. Chen for scheduling the interview. 

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Prepare Your Newsletter Submissions

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

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by Upper School Marketing Student Keely Ford

This past Saturday, sixteen students from the Upper School attended the St. John’s Model UN conference at St. John’s Prep in Shrewsbury. Model UN is a club at the Academy in which a group of girls attend several different conferences throughout the year. At these conferences, they discuss our world’s problems and solutions for these problems in selected committees. Each student acts as a delegate for a country. Some countries the Academy represented included Liberia, New Zealand, Russia, and North Korea. At this first conference of the year, the students participated in committees such as the North Korean Defense committee and committees making resolutions for the Millennial Development Goals. The conference was a great success and the group is looking forward to participating in many more as the year progresses.

Mission Reflection: by Hope Griffin

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Lancers High-5: 

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Soccer Team Avenges Loss, Celebrates Seniors, and Holds Clinic

The girls avenged an earlier loss to Whittier with a 0-­0 tie on Thursday, October 22nd. Goalie Elizabeth Bennett registered her 6th shutout this season. The team weathered a lot of offensive pressure at the beginning of the game. As the game progressed the Lady Lancers’ defense stiffened up (led by Tara Kelleher) and allowed our offense to exert our own pressure throughout the game. The MVP for Thursday's game went to Senior Tara Kelleher. Defensively Tara led the way shutting down Whittier’s offense with help from our other defensive players. Tara’s aggressive play never let our opponent’s offense get on track. After the game, we honored our seniors for all their hard work and dedication. Our five seniors this year are Manager Olivia Sergi, midfielders Katie Frisoli and Madelyn Hallisey, fullback Tara Kelleher, and goalie Elizabeth Bennett. On Friday, October 23, the team held a soccer clinic for Lower School Girls Soccer Team. Gabby Llanos did an outstanding job running goalie drills on her own.

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Cross Country Celebrates Impressive Finishes

Impressive finishes and season personal records (PR) were clinched by the Cross Country Team at the Bob-McIntyre Twilight Invitational. Abby French leads the team with a 12th place finish and an all-time PR of 19:00.74, followed closely by Katie Valin (21:24.4), Emily Paquette (21:41.9), Abbey Morelli (22:04.7), Grainne Casey (23:29.9), Emily Francis (24:19.5). Freshmen Annabelle Fandozzi and Olivia Hebert also had season PR’s in the 2.1 mile race with times of 15:35.2 and 18:04.7 respectively. The Cross Country team remains undefeated in league meets with a record of 9-0. The team ended the regular season undefeated and competes in the league championship meet on Saturday at Greater Lawrence.

The Cross Country Team ended their regular season undefeated on Tuesday at a home meet. They will compete in the league championship tomorrow at Greater Lawrence. 

Varsity Volleyball Heads to States

The team handed Lowell Catholic their first loss of the season on Wednesday night at the Dig Pink game in honor of Kelly McCarthy DelGreco.  The team has one more regular season game to go before states begin next week.

JV Volleyball Ends Season

The team has officially finished their season. Coach Karla Mahoney had a great time coaching and was very pleased with how the girls progressed throughout the season.  

Swim/Dive Posts Win

The team had an exciting win over Mt. Alvernia last Friday.  It came down to the last relay and NDA prevailed!  Today’s meet against Dracut High School is their last of the season.

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

From the Desk of Beth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

Thank you to the Parents’ Club and the many volunteers who made the PreK - 8 Frightfully Fun Halloween Party last Friday, October 23^rd so very successful!  A grand time was had by all! 

What do pumpkin patches, fresh warm apple donuts and bumpy hayrides remind you of during this time of year?  If you said, “Fun at Parlee Farm,” you are correct!  Students in PreK-K2 traveled to the farm right here in Tyngsboro!  The little ones enjoyed the fresh air and exploring the many activities offered.  In addition, this week the Fifth and the Sixth Grade Team treated their students to field trips that enriched the love of learning and discovery.  Grade Five visited the New England Aquarium in Boston and Grade Six explored the Christa McAuliffe Center located at Fitchburg State University.           

Newly Formed Student Council Elects Officers

In late September, Eighth Graders Alicia Glasheen, Caroline Rizos, Meghan Anderson, and Roisin Casey, proposed the idea to create a Student Council for the Lower School.  A very special thank you goes out to Mr. Craig for volunteering to be the advisor for the Student Council in Grades 4-8.  Mr. Craig writes, “The priority of the Student Council is to help provide for the less fortunate, build student confidence, and to serve the Academy in a positive way.” Election results are: President - Megan Anderson; Vice President - Alicia Glasheen; Secretary - Sophia Jean and Treasurer - Shreya Sagi.  Congratulations to these students!  We look forward to their many ideas and projects on supporting Hallmark Four:  We are committed to community service.

Community Service Update

The Breast Cancer Awareness PreK-12 Dress Down Wear Pink Day was a success!  The Lower School raised a total of $630.  All funds collected will be added to the Upper School collection amount and will be sent to an Academy Alumna suffering from the disease to assist with medical expenses.

Thank you to the following teachers who are organizing and engaging our students in various outreach/community service programs to support Hallmark 4. 

• Mr. Riley is still accepting magazines and books that have been gently used to be distributed to local facilities for our veterans. Collection ends November 11.
• Mrs. Beauchesne is delivering all Halloween cards made by various Academy classes for the residents at the Mary Immaculate Nursing Home located in Lawrence, MA.
• She is also collecting can pull-tabs or “pop-tops” for Shiners Hospital children in Springfield and Boston.
• Mrs. Carnevale and Ms. Fehr will be collecting gently used warm winter coats for children and adults.  All collected items will be sent to Coats for Kids sponsored by Anton’s Cleaners. Collection ends in January.
• Ms. Fratus has proposed a collection of needed items for Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. Collections begin in January.

Knock and You Shall Be Treated

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This morning the Academy had some unusual visitors come knocking on classroom doors. Good thing we had treats on hand to satisfy them!

Read-A-Thon Results Are In
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The Lower School is happy to congratulate everyone who helped make our Read-a-Thon a success. Once again this year, Mrs. Barbara Beauchesne inspired and motivated students in her homeroom to participate and help in this fundraising effort for our Library. Her class had the highest percentage of participation with 78% of children in 1B taking part.

Mrs. Hourihan’s homeroom class in 6A achieved the distinction of logging the highest number of minutes reading (4830) during the event.

Finally, Ms. Hannaford’s K2B class collected $643 in pledges during the event making them the top Read-a-Thon fundraising homeroom team! 

The students in each of these homerooms will be rewarded with a Dress Down Day.  Their lucky teachers will each receive a $25 gift card to the Book Fair.

Our heartfelt congratulations also go to our individual student winners. Eliza Dzuong who read the highest number of minutes during the ten day Read-a-Thon and Peter Mokoro  in K1 who raised the highest dollar amount during the event.  Both students will receive a $25 gift card to the Book Fair.

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Sr. Bernadette Visits Eighth Graders

Sr. Bernadette, who led the Eighth Grade retreat in Ipswich, visited students yesterday during lunch.  Sister was joined by teachers for lunch and then assisted her in handing out cross necklaces.

Monsters Will Be in the House

The Seventh and Eighth Grade Monster Bash will be held tonight from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the large gym. 

Global Gourds Galore

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Seventh Grade Makes Revolutionary Posters

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Experiments Take Off in Grade Six

Some "explosive" science experiments were concocted last week in Mrs. Glennie's Grade 6 science class. Studying chemical reactions, thrust, and velocity the students discovered what would happen when they mixed baking soda, vinegar, and water in a bottle and then corked it. The next day the experiment was with soda and Mentos. Look for video of the experiments on the Academy’s Facebook page next week.

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Clik here to view.Book Fair Week Kicks Off Monday 

Our Book Fair kicks off on Monday and runs the entire week. On Wednesday, November 4th we invite Grandparents to visit the Book Fair as well.  

If you are able to help, please contact Kathy Smith at ksmith@ndatyngsboro.org.

Lower School Sports Roundup

Girls Soccer: The girls Soccer Team lost their championship bid on Wednesday with a loss to Innovation Academy.Image may be NSFW.
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Boys Soccer: The boys Soccer Team won the semi-final playoff game against Ste. Jeanne d'Arc Tuesday which sent them to the championship game on Wednesday against the Innovation Academy. After a hard fought game, the Lancers were defeated 9-3.

Cross Country: Congratulations to Moira Thompson for receiving a medal for placing in the top 10 JV team at the season Invitational. All of the girls ran really well.  The team traveled to Gloucester yesterday for the Jim Munn Invitational which was an event outside of the league and included more than 1,000 runners! Congratulations also to Evan Mills who placed 5th in the top 10 with a time of 12:20 in the varsity race. Both Cross Country teams traveled to Gloucester yesterday for the Jim Munn Invitational, which was an event outside of the league and included over 1,000 runners! Everyone had a great time.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

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Clik here to view.Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Laura Cosgrove, Upper School Mathematics

By Upper School Marketing Student Grace O’Connell

Where are you from? I’m  from Belmont, MA, originally- outside Boston. 

Do you have any unusual talents? No, I do not think I have any unusual talents, but according to my kids I do! 

What clubs and sports were you involved with in high school? The clubs and sports that I was involved with were Field Hockey, Swim Team, Water Polo, and leadership/government. On the water polo team I was one out of two girls who were on the boys water polo team. I was also picked out of the whole high school to attend a leadership forum. 

What is your favorite part of the day? My favorite part of the day is early morning. Before the sun comes up.  It is the most peaceful time of the day.  I take that time to walk my dog, do yoga, go for a run, or the gym.  It is my own time. But since my kids are still sleeping it doesn't take away from time with them. 

What is your pet peeve? I can't stand when things are messy.  I like things organized.  If too much is out of place it throws me off! 

What is your best motivator? My best motivators are my kids.  They motivate me to stay healthy. They motivate me to be the best I can be. They remind me to be in the moment I am in with the people I am with.

Waht is one piece of advice you have gotten from someone that has helped you in your teaching career? One piece of advice I have gotten from someone in my teaching career was to never forget why I went into  teaching. To always be passionate about what you are teaching, because you will draw more students in that way.

What is a goal you would like to accomplish in or out of the classroom? One goal I would like to accomplish in the classroom is to create a comfortable learning environment where students can feel comfortable enough to ask questions, take chances, and know it is OK to be wrong!

What is something you are grateful for? I am grateful for my family. They are my light and my strength.

What is one unique characteristic you think the Academy expresses and what led you to the Academy? The incredible sense of community. Since the first day I walked back into NDA I have felt welcomed and part of the team.

Kudos Corner: 
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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

ALL SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

SPECIAL SECTIONS

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

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Deadline for Wreath Order is TODAY!

The Friends of NDA (FoNDA), a parent organization for the Upper School, will be selling wreaths, swags and kissing balls again this year for your holiday decorating needs. To place your order, click here. All orders must be received TODAY. The delivery date is set for Monday, November 23rd. All proceeds support athletic and co-curricular activities.

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Register Now for Rachel’s Run

The second annual Rachel’s Run will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 28^th at the Academy’s cross country course. The event is a charity run/walk to raise funds for the Academy of Notre Dame Rachel Morrison Scholarship Fund. Before the tragic hit-and-run drunk-driving accident that took Rachel’s life on March 28, 2014, in Del Mar, California, the event was run by Rachel and her teammates to collect cans of food and other non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. Now the event benefits a young woman entering college to study science and/or marine biology research in honor of Rachel who was a fourth year PhD student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California.  

Registration for the run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:15 a.m. followed by the run which starts at 10 a.m. Please click here for more details and to register. 

 THIS Saturday, November 14

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One Day Until the Gala Auction!Image may be NSFW.
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The food is being prepared, the drinks are on ice and the auctioneer is preparing for the live bidding. With more than 170 auction items and 300 people reserved to attend…the Academy is officially ready! Are you? By now all that's left for you to do is to choose your outfit, warm up your paddle-raising shoulder and bring your wallet. It's Auction time ladies and gentlemen! Get ready to bid! And don't forget our valuable raffles: the Blue & Gold Mystery Tower has $750 worth of gift cards (and still growing) and the wine raffle has 29 bottles from around the world. See you Saturday! For more information, click here. 

Still Time to Volunteer

The Gala Auction staff could still use the help of more volunteers from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at the UMASS Lowell Inn & Conference Center. We’ll need help checking in our guests, selling raffle tickets, assisting with the Red Carpet Photo area, monitoring the Silent Auction Lanes, checking out the winning bidders as well as picking up at the end of the evening.  As a volunteer at the event, you’ll  have the opportunity to bid, buy raffle tickets and be part of the fun.  Click here for the Gala Auction Volunteer Form.  For questions, call Sue Adams at 978-649-7611, Ext. 323 or email auction@ndatyngsboro.org.

Mission & Ministry Needs Your Blood!Image may be NSFW.
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The Upper School Mission & Ministry group is holding a Blood Drive on Monday, Nov. 16 from 12 to 5 p.m. Babysitting is available from 2 to 5 p.m. for those that need it. They're hoping for 45 donors and are about half way there. Please spread the word and sign up here. 

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Clik here to view.Host Families Are Needed

Our International Program is growing and host families are needed for two Upper School students starting in January 2016. Click here to find out what it means to be a host family and how you can help. 

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Bring your Christmas spirit and enjoy an afternoon of food, dancing, crafts and games for the whole family. Come see the Academy’s decked halls filled with Christmas trees and holiday cheer. Take a picture with Santa, create holiday crafts and join the DJ for a dance party. Hear your favorite holiday carols and indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts.  As an added bonus, please don’t miss the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a $1,000 scholarship! It all happens from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, December 6. Email parentsclub@ndatyngsboro.org to RSVP. This event could not be the success it is without help from parents!  Please consider volunteering the Friday before or the day of.  Click here to see the list of opportunities on Sign-Up Genius. 

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Clik here to view.New “Hallmark Helpers” Program Builds Connections

A collaboration between the Lower School and the Upper School Mission & Ministry group has resulted in a new program called, Hallmark Helpers. Lower School Assistant Principal, Beth O’Connell says the program accomplishes two goals at once. “Hope Griffin and I have created this program to not only celebrate Hallmark 4, but also to make connections between the Upper and the Lower schools," says O’Connell. “The program pairs students in order to promote prayer, service and community.”  Grades 5 and 9 were the first pairing. The students met today during lunch and opened with a prayer and a "Get to Know You" activity.  The students then decorated a flash card with the words - prayer- service - community and attached a prayer to it. The hope is that the card will be hung in all lockers. 

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Clik here to view.The Parents’ Club would like to thank everyone for all of their help with the Operation Gratitude leftover Halloween candy service project.  The project collected over 600 pounds of candy to ship to the troops. Lower School class 4B won a Dress Down Day by collecting 49.6 pounds of candy. Thank you to all who helped collect the candy and all of the volunteers that came to help sort and box up the candy last Thursday.  Enterprise Bank graciously offered to help the Parents’ Club by donating $500 towards the shipping costs.  What remained of the shipping cost was funded by the club.

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Clik here to view.Snow Plow Driver Needed

The Academy is looking for an experienced snow plow driver for the upcoming winter season. Candidates must be available for early morning clean up so school can open on time as well as for weekend snowfall. Contact Lisa Manley at lmanley@ndatyngsboro.org.

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Parents of little ones mark your calendars for summer 2016! Camp NDA will be offering a new program this summer called, Tiny Campers, for early learners ages four and five. Our early childhood staff will adapt each week's themes to give our tiny campers a wonderful and interactive camp experience. This half-day program will run in conjunction with our main full-day camp program. Tiny Camper hours will be 9 a.m. to noon with an extended program option from noon to 3 p.m. to allow children the opportunity for lunch, rest time, center play, and free play.

The Amazing Artist, Charlie by Upper School Marketing Student Eunji Choi

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Clik here to view.The Academy of Notre Dame has a long history of welcoming international students to the Upper School and providing them with many opportunities. For the first time in Academy history, however, the Lower School is starting to accept international students. Currently there are two students from China within the ranks of the 7th and 8th grades. To help us get to know the students, Junior Eunji Choi, a Korean international student herself, interviewed each of them. In part one of this series, Eunji introduced us to Jecolener He. In part two this week, she introduces us to Charlie Tian.
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Charlie Tian, a 7th grade international student from China, has the distinction of being among the first international students accepted to the Academy’s Lower School. Charlie is brilliant 13-year-old boy. He likes to spend his time playing basketball and painting. It has been only three years since Charlie discovered his talent for painting. His art portfolio is impressive. Charlie and his parents sought a better educational environment and decided to come to America to study. He learned about the Academy through the parents of Jecolener He who was the first Lower School international student admitted to the Academy.   

Charlie says he is enjoying his school life at the Academy so far. He was surprised by the beautiful, old building at first and was later impressed by the great hospitality shown to him here. The two biggest reasons why Charlie likes this school so much are the friendly people and the great education. He says every teacher and student is willing to help him. They are kind and very respectful. Teachers consider the understanding of the student as the most important part in class. They will make sure every student in class gets the concept and understand of the materials rather than just provide the facts. This educational system encourages him to participate in the classes and feel more comfortable with classes. He describes the class as, “an active class” and his favorite part of NDA. Because of the positive atmosphere here at the Academy, he would love to recommend his other friends to come to here. 

Jecolener and Charlie are both surprised by the great hospitalities of their classmates and teachers. They love to be involved in the school and study in the environment, surrounded by the nicest group of people in the world. 

This concludes our two-part series. I would like to thank Jecolener and Charlie for participating and Mrs. Chen for scheduling the interview. 

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UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

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Grannie Casey Winns Best Game Honors 

Congratulations to Junior Grannie Casey of Pepperell who won the Best Game Award at this year's Boston Code Day, a 24-hour competition. Competitors participated in workshops and then were grouped into teams for game development. Grannie and her partner created a game of seeking and finding like objects. The game challenged players by changing goals throughout the play.

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St. Julie Testifies at Mock Trial 

St. Julie was busy at the Mock Trial in Mrs. Authier's Global History course this week.  King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were on trial for their lives. Called by the defense attorney, St. Julie spoke out against the violence of the revolution and the persecution of Catholics.  Roles were played by Emma Paxton as Louis XVI, Sarah Piela as Marie Antoinette and Callan Decew as St. Julie.  Louis and Marie's lives were spared! 

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Eileen Leach Profiled for Upper School Success Story

Sophomore Eileen Leach is a member of the Cross Country Team and 1804 Society. She is also the subject for our first Upper School Success Story which appears on the Academy website. Read Eileen’s story here. A condensed version will run in this Sunday’s education section of the Lowell Sun. 

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Clik here to view.Students Volunteer Time to Create Art Project for Auction

Twelve art students volunteered their time outside of class to create a wall hanging for Saturday’s Gala Auction. The piece, made of miniature canvases in the shape of a cross, will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Each student painted four canvases with their rendering of a sunflower which were then arranged within the cross. 

Mission Reflection: by Hope Griffin

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The CAC Soccer All-Star luncheon was held this past Tuesday at the Poet's Inn Restaurant at Whitter Technical School in Haverhill. The All-Stars are Senior Elizabeth Bennett and Sophomores Emma Paxton and Lauren Bradley. Also in attendance was Coach Ken Najem. Coach Najem writes: The  soccer program had a very productive season this year. The Homecoming Meal, New England Revolution game, Senior game, Lower School clinic, and Breast Cancer Awareness Week, proved to me that we were more than just 23 individual players on a team.  This year we had three freshmen, six sophomore, and two juniors, who saw a lot of varsity playing time. These eleven girls will be the foundation of next year's team. Replacing our four awesome seniors will be a strong group of seven freshmen and sophomores who have demonstrated great potential. Next year's season will be exciting and will build off of this year's success. 

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Despite a tough loss Tuesday night in the MIAA Div. 3 North Sectional Semi-Final game against Lynnefield, the Varsity Volleyball Team had a great season. The CAC Volleyball luncheon was held Monday at Gr. Lawrence Technical School. The All-Stars, pictured with Coach Mahoney, are Juniors Jane Campbell and Fiona Martin and MVP Sophomore Alexis Kirkland.

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Swim and Cross Country Compete on Saturday

The Swim Relay Team is set to compete tomorrow in the MIAA North Sectional at 4:15 while the Cross Country Team will be participating in the MIAA Div. 6 State Meet. Good luck girls!

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

From the Desk of Beth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

The leaves are falling and the chill in the air reminds us that the season of fall is upon us and it is only a few weeks before the first day of winter.  There is an excitement among both faculty and students that the holidays are fast approaching.

We remembered November 11, Veterans’ Day.  The day was a time to celebrate all military veterans, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces.  Mr. Riley, the Grade 7-8 math teacher, is a distinguished veteran of the Navy.  Thank you, Mr. Riley for not only your service to our country many years ago, but also for organizing the collection of gently used books and magazines that were distributed this week to a variety of veteran’s homes and hospitals.  

Common Planning Time (CPT): Technology in the NDA Classroom

According to an Education World article written by Doug Johnson, there are seven brilliant things teachers do with technology. The use of technology in the classroom empowers students – an “amplifier of natural abilities.” Technology is a “propellant” for academic rigor and enhanced projects and assessments.  The use of a laptop or tablet is an avenue for creativity through access to a multitude of resources.  The use of email, websites, newsletters, calendars, blogs etc. allows the student/teacher/parent an opportunity to partner with the most up-to-date information. Students who engage with technology have an open window to the world and a tool to see the world as a “bigger place.” Teachers who invite students to use technology embrace the role of co-learner. All in all, students who use personal communication devices delight in the discovery, the newness and the fun that all technology holds.  The following is a glimpse of a variety of classes grades 4-8 using technology here at NDA.

Mrs. A:  in her Grade 4 Science classes engages her students by the use of a projector.  Students are studying the rock cycle and some concepts need a visual to show the transformation from one state of composition to another.  Colorful and detailed illustrations allow students to be aware of the unending process by which rocks go from igneous to sedimentary to metamorphic. The classes also studied weathering in its many forms.  The focus was on ice wedging, which is a form that takes place most often in our area. In particular, the students studied The Old Man in the Mountain. All of these children were not born (2002) when the structure fell due to ice wedging, but they were excited to learn the history of the event.  With technology, science and history come together!  On a side note, please ask you fourth grader to sing the Rock Formation song or the Water Cycle song.  Songs created by the students to remember the facts! 

Mrs. DeRosa involves her grade 5-6 math students by the use of her StarBoard.  Students anxiously await his or her turn to explain and to solve a math problem.  The board can be split into two or three sections so multiple students can use the board.  This dynamic tool is used to create formulas from word form and to look up various mathematical terms. With a quick click, the internet is easily accessed when the Starboard is in use for a math problem. Brain Pop is chosen as reinforcement of math concepts.

Ms. Fratus: Grade 5-6 Social Studies - Students in grade 5-6 use their laptops or personal iPads to conduct research for in- class projects. Chapter-based PowerPoints are used as supplements for extra information and/or visuals. In addition, PDFs of the textbooks are used to assist in note-taking.   PDFs are displayed on the SmartBoard. Then with the assistance from Ms. Fratus, students choose facts and other important information for their notebooks.  Students have been working on taking Cornell-style notes. Lastly, to aid in studying, Ms. Fratus located two YouTube videos put to popular rap songs.  Take a listen: 5th Grade Video: "I Can't Wait to Colonize" at https://youtu.be/QsyEGQmcmzE and a 6th Grade Video: “Mesopotamia Rap" at https://youtu.be/84y2q4giihY.

Mrs. Glennie: Grade 6 Science Class - Students studied physical and chemical reactions by conducting two experiments outside on campus.  Click here to watch the exciting experiments completed.   What happens when you mix Mentos candy and soda?  Watch and see!

Mr. Craig: Grade 7 Social Studies Class - Students were treated to a PowerPoint presentation in the form of a Jeopardy style game show.  Students picked one of five categories: key terms, key people, key events, war, and no taxation.  This allowed students to answer questions that were related to the sections that would appear on the Crisis in the Colonies quiz.  The format allowed the students to go up to the StarBoard and touch the category they wanted and then they were able to see the correct answer. 

Mr. Craig: Grade 8 Social Studies Class - In explaining the causes and outcome of the Civil War, a variety of maps and other diagrams were projected on the StarBoard.  This allowed students to visualize specific battles and how they played out in terms of strategy and actual results. They were able to also see the imaginary lines created by the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.  In addition, being provided with pictures of some of the key players, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, was highly beneficial.  Including colored pictures made them look more realistic to students, providing for a sense of familiarity with the historical person.

Ms. Clayton uses technology in both her Grade 7-8 French and English classes. Quizlet is a popular choice for vocabulary practice. A projector is used to show movie adaptations of studied novels and to demonstrate how to fully access word processing tools. The StarBoard becomes a vehicle for fill-in-the-blank grammar practice.

Mr. Riley utilizes two programs in his Grade 7-8 math classes called Infinite Pre-Algebra and the other is Infinite Algebra I as supplemental practice for all students.

Hallmark 4 Community Service Projects

The support of Hallmark 4, we are committed to community service, continues to grow here at the Academy.  Reminder to all about the following outreach/community service programs and opportunities for all to become involved. Those marked with a * are newly posted.

Mrs. Beauchesne: Collecting can pull-tabs or “pop-tops” for Shiners Hospitals.

Mrs. Carnevale and Ms. Fehr: Collecting Coats for Kids sponsored by Anton’s Cleaners.

*In addition, Mrs. Carnevale: Missions around the World Grade 3 is going to be working with the Oblates around the world to help those in need.  The students will begin by collecting items such as school items, combs, brushes and toothbrushes for children in Madagascar.  See Mrs. Carnevale’s website for more details and collection dates.

Ms. Fratus: Collecting needed items for Floating Hospital for Children. See website for more details and collection dates.

*Sr. Jeanne Frechette, our PreK paraprofessional, has requested assistance with the new Ministry of Prayers for Addictions at St. Francis Parish in Dracut. Not only are the prayer requests for the addicts, but also for the families, caregivers and friends of the addicts.  Our communities also need prayers as we search for the causes, resources needed and understanding of this epidemic of drugs and alcohol. Sr. Jeanne’s outreach donation is one of new prayers asking for the Lord’s help with this serious cause. The prayers will be used in the prayer groups. Adults who submit prayers may sign their names or can be anonymous.  Teachers who choose to adopt this prayer activity will have students write anonymously. For more details or prayer submissions, please contact Sr. Jeanne at jfrechette@ndatyngsboro.org.

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ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Drills were held in the Lower School this week and demonstrated that our children are very well prepared. Sgt. Manning and his partner from the Tyngsboro Police Department were presented thank you notes from our students who were grateful for teaching them how to be safe.

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Clik here to view.Extended Day Program Holds Fall Festival

The Extended Day Program hosted a Fall Festival today after school. The celebration included seasonal crafts, fun activities, face painting and of course delicious baked treats!

Library Events Raise $9,000!Image may be NSFW.
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Lower School Sports Roundup

The Lower School sports program is currently in between seasons. Tryouts for boys and girls basketball occurred this week and last week. The Fall Sports Banquet (TBA) will occur before the Thanksgiving Break with ice cream and awards. The schedule for the winter season should be available next week and will get started after the Thanksgiving Break.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Lori McDermott, Database Administrator and Technology Support

Where are you from?  I was born Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.in Chicago, IL, but moved with my family to Albany, NY and spent most of my school years there. I have lived in 6 states, but have lived in New Hampshire the longest (22 years!). I live in Hudson, NH with my husband and two children.

What is your professional background? I graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and then went on to earn a master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. I worked as a software and systems engineer for 14 years, then transitioned into education. For the next 13 years, I was a computer and math teacher as well as the Technology Coordinator at St. Patrick School in Pelham, NH.

What led you to the Academy? I first heard about the opening in the Technology department at NDA after the closing of St. Patrick School, where I had been employed. When I interviewed for the job, I was impressed with the dedicated team of staff members and the new investments that were being made in technology at the school. I felt that I could learn many new things and also bring the benefit of my past experience to NDA.

What are your interests and/or hobbies? I love to ski, and can’t wait for the snow to start falling! I also enjoy golfing and spending time with my family, as well as volunteering around my community.

What is your pet peeve? Crinkling plastic water bottles.

What is your best motivator? A deadline. If I have too much time to prepare, I tend to change my mind often and be indecisive.  A deadline is certain to make me work more efficiently.

What are some little known facts about yourself? I solve most Wheel of Fortune puzzles before the contestants on the show. It’s not a very useful talent, but you never know when it may come in handy!

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Best of Luck to Jason Power

A sad farewell was bid to Jason Power last week as he left to pursue a new opportunity. Jason had worked for the Academy for 10 years as the Grounds and Athletic Fields Manager.  He was applauded for his efforts in improving the playing fields and “going the extra mile” as he did earlier this fall when he designed a pink ribbon on the soccer field for the Kelly (McCarthy) DelGreco ’06 benefit game on October 28th.  Thanks for all your hard work Jason!

Special Thanks to the Rossano's

The students who were given complimentary tickets to the volleyball game on Tuesday night would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Rossano for their generosity.  They purchased 20 tickets so that the team would be sure to have a student section of fans. 

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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

AUCTION

ALL SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

SPECIAL SECTIONS

AUCTION

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Gala Auction Results in an Outpouring of Support

The Gala Auction “Celebrating Our Legacy” was truly an historic evening with record attendance of more than 300 people. The event's net revenue was $73,511. More than the dollar value raised, the evening was about reconnecting. We reminisced over memories of the past with Upper School alumnae, Lower School alumni, current and former administrators, board members, faculty, staff, parents and friends. We were also inspired for the future as we witnessed an outpouring of support, strong leadership, and great potential among our staff and students who were in attendance. 

Thanks to All Who Made the Gala a Success

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Clik here to view.During this week of Thanksgiving, we have so much to be grateful for here at the Academy of Notre Dame. Today, we take time to offer our sincere gratitude for the time and talent that many of you shared with us to make the Gala Auction so successful.

Behind the scenes, many people dedicated countless hours to prepare for the event and the Academy is deeply appreciative! To the Lower and Upper School faculty who came out in record numbers and devoted classroom and after school hours on projects; to the Advancement, Maintenance, Technology, and Marketing departments for all your contributions; to the students who represented Student Council, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Marketing who worked as photographers, spotters, and front desk crew; and to the individual staff members who volunteered time to work in advance of and on the evening of the event...we thank you. 

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Clik here to view.To the Gala Auction Committee and co-chairs Julie Clark and Brianna Norton Eble ’04 who worked tirelessly around the clock doing everything from organizing and implementing classroom projects, to searching the archives for memorabilia, and securing auction items; to the class project volunteers especially Mrs. Terri Reich, art teach for the Lower School, for her dedication and for allowing classroom time to create the artwork, to Girl Scout Troop 66313 for making the video of the art projects as they were being created, to the auctioneer State Representative Tom Golden and Master of Ceremonies, Bob Scarano, Esq., who are both current parents and spouses of alumnae, for their lively and comedic leadership of the live auction…we thank you.

To the Gala Auction sponsors Mahoney Oil Company, Gervais Electric, LLC, Time to Clay, Clark Insurance, Roux Associates, Inc., Enterprise Bank, Dream Diner, The Liquor Shop and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur…we thank you.

To our venue UMASS Lowell Inn & Conference Center and our vendors Burke Advertising and AlphaGraphics of Nashua who both came through for us despite tight deadlines…we thank you.

This event could not have happened without your support and dedication! You are truly amazing!

A Night of Distinguished Honorees

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The evening’s program opened with the recognition of the new Honorary Alumnae Board Members. Alumnae Association Board President, Nicole Rocha Clark ’98, named the late Carol Boumila Murphy ’57 and Mary Doyle Carleton ’58 with this honor. Mary and Johnna Murphy ‘03 (daughter of Carol Boumila Murphy) were presented engraved bookmarks to commemorate the evening. Carol was honored for her contributions to help “continue our legacy” at the Academy through her work on the Development Committee, Capital Campaign, and Alumnae Association over the years. Mary, surrounded by her family, was recognized not only for contributions as an alumna (which earned her the St. Julie Alumna of the Year Award for Leadership in 2008), but also that of parent and grandparent of Academy students.

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Clik here to view.Highlighting the event was the recognition of Sr. Kathryn McGuiggan, SNDdeN. President Maureen Appel kicked off the tribute by sharing some funny stories that she had been told about Sr. Kathryn upon her arrival at the Academy a year ago and summarizing her significant contributions to the school over her 25 year tenure as President. Her remarks concluded with two presentations. The first of an Academy letter with all nine athletic team pins as well as the captain pin by Lisa Zappala, Upper School athletic director. Then Alumnae Association Board President, Nicole Rocha Clark ’98 returned to the podium to present Sr. Kathryn with a very special recognition. The Alumnae Association Board of Directors unanimously created a new Alumnae Service Award in Sr. Kathryn’s name. The Sr. Kathryn McGuiggan, SNDdeN Alumnae Service Award will be forever part of the alumnae efforts at the Academy. This award will be presented to an alumna who has given back to their community, distinguished themselves in their profession and/or has made a significant impact on the Academy of Notre Dame. Sr. Kathryn is the first recipient.  Throughout the evening, she posed for pictures and reconnected with friends. Days after the Gala, it was reported that she was still “on cloud 9.”

Check Out the Photo Slideshow

A photo slideshow is available for viewing on the Academy’s homepage or by clicking here.

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

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Register Now for Rachel’s Run

The second annual Rachel’s Run will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 28^th at the Academy’s cross country course. The event is a charity run/walk to raise funds for the Academy of Notre Dame Rachel Morrison Scholarship Fund. Before the tragic hit-and-run drunk-driving accident that took Rachel’s life on March 28, 2014, in Del Mar, California, the event was run by Rachel and her teammates to collect cans of food and other non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. Now the event benefits a young woman entering college to study science and/or marine biology research in honor of Rachel who was a fourth year PhD student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California.  

Registration for the run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:15 a.m., followed by the run which starts at 10 a.m. Please click here for more details and to register.  

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The annual Academy Christmas Party is scheduled for 2 - 4 p.m., Sunday, December 6, but volunteers are needed to make it a success. If you are available to assist on the Friday before (December 4) or the day of the event, click this link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084eafa92aa02-academy. To RSVP, email parentsclub@ndatyngsboro.org. 

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Clik here to view.27 Pints of Blood Collected at Thanksgiving Blood Drive
By Marketing Student Grace O’Connell

The Thanksgiving Blood Drive, run by the American Red Cross on last Monday resulted in the collection of 27 pints of blood.  Hope Griffin, head of campus ministry, Isabella Rossetti and Emily Paquette, both juniors, along with other girls from all grade levels helped plan this event. Upper School students aged 16 or older and the entire school’s community of teachers and parents were encouraged to participate. Some of the Upper school girls volunteered to provide childcare for adults donating blood during the event. Isabella Rossetti reached out to Vineyard Vines to sponsor the event and the company agreed. People who donated blood were entered into a raffle for a Vineyard Vines tote bag as well as two Vineyard Vines ties.  Goody bags with Vineyard Vines stickers and lanyards were given to all those who donated or volunteered. “I am very excited to be planning this blood drive,” said Isabella. “We have already gotten a great sponsorship from Vineyard Vines. The student response is phenomenal and we are all looking forward to hosting such an exciting event and for a great cause too. Even one student donating can save up to four lives!” Hope Griffin was thankful for all who donated. “I think the blood drive went really well,” reports Hope. “We were able to collect 27 pints of blood and while that was 3 short of our goal, we still had about 35 or so total people who came out with the intention of donating. I really want to thank all the donors as well as the volunteers who helped run the registration table and canteen area. I also want to congratulate the Mission & Ministry Core Team service coordinators, Isabella Rossetti and Emily Paquette, for successfully coordinating such an important event! ” It is estimated that every pint of blood donated may help save up to three lives which means the NDA Blood Drive could potentially save 81 lives.

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Reserve Your Tickets for “The Hobbit”
By Drama Guild Student Rosey Mulvey

The NDA Drama Guild's “The Hobbit” will be performed the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Break. The cast and crew have been hard at work since September working on the fall play. The Hobbit is a story about Bilbo Baggins, a proper hobbit, and his journey to help seven dwarf friends reclaim their home that was stolen from them by a dragon. The story also details his journey of self-discovery as he goes from a meek and mild hobbit to a hero. “The Hobbit” is suitable for all ages with its universal themes of friendship and bravery. Performances will be held Friday, December 4th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 5th at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets for students and seniors are $8 and General Admission is $10. You can reserve your tickets by emailing ndadramaguild@gmail.com.

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UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

College Financial Aid Workshop

A reminder for seniors and their parents: A representative from MEFA, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, will be giving a workshop on college financial aid from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1^st in the large cafeteria. The workshop will focus on the FAFSA which is changing this year.  Please contact your daughter's guidance counselor with questions. 

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Clik here to view.Class of 2017 Celebrates Ring Day

A Ring Day ceremony was celebrated last Friday for the Class of 2017 in the Chapel. Class President Gabriela Llanos offered a Welcome to the audience and Fiona Martin provided the opening prayer. Following a slide show of highlights from their years at the Academy, Class Secretary Amaya Murguia presented a reflection on the Class theme, the Lotus Flower. Thirty-four juniors were called to receive their rings from their senior sisters after which many demonstrated unique handshakes or other flourishes. Then Mrs. Authier reflected on her time with the girls eliciting many laughs from them. After the ceremony a reception was held in the parlors for all in attendance.

Fall Ball: A Night to RememberImage may be NSFW.
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By Marketing Student Alexandra Bazzani

An evening that the girls of Notre Dame anticipate for months beforehand finally arrived last Friday night.  The annual Fall Ball is a time where we get to see students without their customary messy buns and overloaded backpacks. The night began with all the nicely dressed students and their dates walking into a large ballroom with music playing.  Lenzi’s in Dracut provided a large dance floor for everyone, including the teachers, to let loose and not think about their AP classes or biology tests.  There were tons of delicious food to choose from, but what most of the students looked forward to was the dancing. The DJ, chosen by the student body, played the perfect mix of songs to get everyone out of their seats. It was truly a night to remember.  

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Student Leaders Attend Workshop

Student Council members and officers of each class and the National Honor Society attended a workshop last week. The students rotated through each of four sessions conducted on “How to Get People Involved,” “How to be Organized in a Meeting,” “How to Reach Decisions as a Group” and “Writing and Presenting Proposals for Activities and Ideas.” Dean of Students Pam Bernazani said the workshop went well. “The students seemed to enjoy and appreciate the information that was presented and are ready to use the examples in their next committee meetings.”

October Student-of-the-Month AnnouncedImage may be NSFW.
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During October this student was involved in numerous events at NDA.  She helped plan a very moving and successful All Souls Day Prayer Service that occurred in Theology classes, she volunteered on the Spooky Walk when there were not enough people, she participated as a shadow guide for prospective students and was active at our Open Houses. She is also Liturgical Coordinator on the Mission & Ministry Core Team, an 1804 Society pledge, and a three sport athlete participating in soccer, indoor and spring track.  You can always count on this student to lend a hand and do a great job! She does everything with a smile on her face and joy in her heart! Please join us in congratulating Olivia Farina as October’s Student of the Month!

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Rosey Mulvey Named October’s Distinguished Senior

This student is involved in so many things in our community and is really committed to every undertaking.  She is an officer of National Honor Society, member of the 1804 Society, and a founding member of the A Capella Group. She has been a great asset to the Drama Guild as well. As the Guild’s president, she organizes publicity and makes sure everyone is aware of schedules as well as providing her own talent as an actress. She is head of the Austen Review contributing to its overall success and this month decided to recreate the template for Damie’s Digest, designing something new and fresh. Described as outgoing, creative and intelligent this senior is an important part of our NDA community. Please join us in congratulating Rosey Mulvey as October's Distinguished Senior.  

Sophomore to Sing Anthem at Boston College GamesImage may be NSFW.
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Congratulations to Sophomore Sarah Piela on being invited to sing the National Anthem for the Boston College men’s basketball game (vs. University of Delaware) on December 19th and the women’s basketball game (vs. UMASS Lowell) on December 20th.

NHS Seeks Help with Toy Drive 

National Honor Society is working with Si Se Puedo, a community outreach organization, to help provide presents and clothes for children in the Lawrence area this Christmas season.  Gift tags with toy and clothing requests are in the hallways in the high school and items are due back to school December 9th. NHS will then gift wrap the items and deliver them to Si Se Puedo to be distributed.  For more information, ask a NHS member or Mrs. Marsden at smarsden@ndatyngsboro.org.

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Class of 2018 Give Thanks

The sophomore class took time during DLT to make hand turkeys and list what they are thankful for. They will decorate their locker area with the turkeys. 

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NDA Favors Rubio and Sanders

Four Upper School students in Mr. Comtois' Current Issues class recently completed a project in which they conducted a poll on the presidential race. Students and teachers could choose a candidate, a write-in, or "I don't know." (They also added a category for a Teacher candidate.) The overall results show Marco Rubio as the favored Republican candidate and Bernie Sanders as the Democratic candidate. The favored NDA teacher candidate was Mr. Comtois. The results from this poll will be consolidated into one ballot for an overall “President” to be chosen later in the year. 

Mission Reflection: by Hope Griffin

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Clik here to view.Swim/Dive

The 400 freestyle relay of Ana Stenstrom, AnnMarie Kordish, Gracie O'Connell and Catherine Bee dropped 10 seconds off of their seed time at M.I.T. on Saturday, November 14th and came very close to scoring. Coach Greg Steinberg says this was an amazing feat considering the team had the slowest seed time coming into the meet. “Ana, AnnMarie and Gracie all had lifetime best splits and I very pleased with the relay team’s performance,” says Steinberg. "I'm very proud that our small Swim & Dive team composed of only 13 girls won three meets this season. I hope that we can double our numbers next year to fill lanes/lineups so that we can build upon our success."

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Senior Abby French finished out her high school cross country career with a strong performance at the Massachusetts All-States.  Abby placed 48 out of 178 girls in the Division 2 All-States Cross Country meet at Westfield States this past Saturday. She earned the chance to compete after qualifying the week before by placing 7^th at the Division 6 State Championships with an overall time of 19:55. Her teammates also competed at Wrentham Developmental Center on November 14th.  Junior Emily Paquette finished in 41st with a time of 21:53 along with junior Katie Valin in 43rd with a time of 21:54. Senior Abbey Morelli finished 46th with a time of 21:58. Junior Grainne Casey came in 104th with a time of 23:40, closely followed by junior Carsyn Fisher in 111th with a time of 23:49. Finishing seventh on the team, was senior Emily Francis in 149th with a time of 25:04.

LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

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Clik here to view.From the Desk of Beth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

NDA was filled with the Spirit of Thanksgiving not only last week, but also this week as we prepare for a well-deserved break to be spent with our own family and friends.  The NDA community has much to be thankful for because of the many blessings we encounter on a daily basis.

First, thank you to all the members of the student choir and to Sr. Jeanne Frechette for planning a wonderful Thanksgiving Prayer Service.  The theme of the prayer service, “My Gift is Thanks,” was based on the quaint myth “Five Little Kernels of Corn.” It has been written that once Thanksgiving became a holiday, the Pilgrims would start their meal with five kernels of corn on their plate.  These five golden kernels represented all the pilgrims had to eat for the entire day during difficult winter. The corn that remained was planted in the spring.  At Thanksgiving the five kernels of corn was a reminder that many had nearly starved because of lack of food.  Each pilgrim would stand up and one by one pick up each kernel of corn and share five things they were thankful for on Thanksgiving.

This tradition has been passed on from the early times. To this day, many families place five kernels of corn on each plate to honor and remember the suffering and spirit of Thanksgiving of our Pilgrim ancestors. They also take turns sharing five blessings for which they are grateful. During the Prayer service, the five kernels were used to remind us of the meaning of Thanksgiving:

Kernel 1: Reminds us that God loves us.
Kernel 2: Reminds us that God provides for our needs.
Kernel 3: Reminds us of the friends God has given us.
Kernel 4: Reminds us of all the people God has given us who love us.
Kernel 5: Reminds us that God hears our prayers and answers us.

Secondly, I am happy to share that our Mission and Ministry November Project was a success! Thank you to Mrs. Acquaviva and Ms. Gnoza and all of the fourth grade students who participated.  We were able to deliver a package of Thanksgiving cards and some adorable pinecone Thanksgiving Turkey decorations to the ND Sisters living in Ipswich.  I am sure the Sisters will be very touched to receive the many cards and decorations.  

Lastly, the Thanksgiving Baskets were filled to the top! NDA is so very blessed with so many giving parents, students, staff and faculty.  Thank you to Mrs. Linda Connolly, Mrs. Terri Reich, Ms. Jennifer Holder and the 8^th grade volunteers for organizing the collection of the boxes.  Many families will truly have a happy Thanksgiving.

Christmas Show DatesImage may be NSFW.
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This year, our annual Christmas Show will return to its roots with a "Celebration of the Christmas Story in Song and Dance" under the direction of Sr. Jean and Mr. Davis. There will be four performances of the event and each child in grades K2-8 has been placed into a separate cast. Siblings have been assigned to the same cast and the same night. All shows will take place in Our Lady's Chapel and begin at 6:30 p.m. The performance nights are: 

Cast 1 - December 14

Cast 2 - December 15

Cast 3 - December 16

Cast 4 - December 17

There will be no tickets, no reserved seating, and no restrictions on attendance. The front main door will open at 6 p.m. each evening. (The Foyer of Our Lady's Chapel will be closed to all entrants until the main door opens.) There will be no day performances open to the public. We look forward to seeing you during the week of December 14^th.

Lower School Sports Roundup: Fall Sports Awards Recognizes 70 Students

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Clik here to view.A sports awards ceremony was held last Friday after school to recognize 70 student athletes in grades 5 through 8 for their contributions to their teams. Although they celebrated everyone’s accomplishments during the season awards for Most Valuable Player and Coaches Awards were also presented as follows:

Cross Country - Boys
Most Valuable Player: Evan Mills (grade 8)
Most Improved Player: Will Rizos (grade 5)
Coaches Award: Cameron Daly (grade 5)

Cross Country - Girls
Most Valuable Player: Caroline Rizos (grade 8)
Most Improved Player: Rachel Howe (grade 8)
Coaches' Award: Alyssa Kazanjian (grade 8)

Volleyball - Varsity
Most Valuable Player: Alicia Glasheen (grade 8)
Coaches Award: Kaitlyn Lewis (grade 8)

Volleyball - Junior Varsity
Most Improved: Julia Foster (grade 6)
Coaches Award: Caroline Sander (grade 6)
Most Valuable Player: Maya Hardy (grade 6)

Soccer - Boys
Offensive Player of the Year:    Abhay Gandhi (grade 8)
Defensive Player of the Year:  Theodore Adams (grade 8)
Maximum Effort Award: Liam Fisher (grade 8)
Coaches Award: Leo McNamee (grade 7)

Soccer - Girls
Most Valuable Players: Pena Niles (grade 7)and Kathryn Simpson (grade 7)
Most Improved Player: Ella Tomaino (grade 7)and Abigail Moore (grade 7)

“Thank you to all of the parents for all of their support this season,” says Lower School Athletic Director Jillian Boudreau. “And for always being willing to help out with rides or cheer in the stands.” She also wishes to send special thanks to Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Niles, and Mrs. Conrad for providing the desserts for the ceremony.  

SPECIAL SECTIONS

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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

ALL SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

ENRICHMENT

UPPER SCHOOL

ALUMNAE

SPECIAL SECTIONS

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

Academy Experiences False Emergency Alert

This morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. there was an erroneous activation of the new CopSync emergency alerting system at the Academy of Notre Dame. The alert triggered the response of emergency personnel who quickly ascertained that there was no threat. The Tyngsboro Police Department and Academy administration have determined that the incident was caused by an external glitch in the system. "At no time were the students, faculty, or staff of the Academy in danger," says President Maureen Appel.  "We acknowledge that the incident was frightening for everyone involved and are pleased that people took action as they were trained to do. We will use this unplanned exercise as a learning opportunity to improve our response to emergencies and will take the appropriate actions to correct any glitches in the system should they be identified." Normal operations at the Academy resumed at approximately 9 a.m. 

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Clik here to view.2015-2016 Annual Fund Launched 

Celebrating our Legacy … Accepting the Challenge, our theme for this year’s Annual Fund, has launched and gifts are being received every day.  As of this publication, $14,500 has been received in gifts and pledges.  Our Annual Fund Parent Chairs are Elizabeth Bennett for the Upper School, Cherie Farina for the Lower School and Kara Szymaszek Arpin ’99 is our Alumnae Chair.  As mentioned in previous communications, we have been blessed with a benefactor who will match unrestricted gifts to Annual Fund dollar-for-dollar if we reach $250,000.

Our dedicated team is strongly committed to increasing participation and reaching our goal, but we continue to need your generous support. Please help us reach both our financial and participation goals. Supporting the Annual Fund is vital to advancing our school mission and we hope you will help. Participation from the total school community helps to ensure our students continue to receive the finest learning experience possible and that experience will give them the best chance of success in life. Each gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference in the life of our school. We sincerely thank all who have generously given, and we thank in advance those who have not yet made a commitment.

Take advantage of the tax year-end by making your gift by December 31^st!  Please click here  to make your gift today. 

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Late Bus Option Now Available

Busy parents take note: A Late Bus Shuttle departing the Academy at 5:30 p.m. with drop-offs to Nashua and Chelmsford between 5:45 and 6 p.m. is now available. This option is ideal for EDP children (discounted rates apply), students participating in athletics and after school activities, and busy parents. For more information, click here or email csamuels@ndatyngsboro.org. 

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Order Your Service Shirt

The Spring Break Service Team will forego a traditional spring break to spend a week serving others in need in Jamaica. The team is in the process of raising money to help fund their trip and to buy supplies for the orphans they will be serving. To help support them, please consider purchasing an NDA service shirt which have been approved as part of the gym uniform for the Lower School by Dr. Murphy. To order a shirt, click here. Youth sizes are $12 and adult sizes are $15. Money and order forms are due Friday, December 18^th. 

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Clik here to view.Foster Family Wins Christmas Party Raffle

Last Sunday’s annual Christmas Party brought out the children in all of us. With help from the Parents’ Club, the school was elaborately decorated and provided the perfect setting for a visit from Santa, holiday food, and festive fun! Topping it all off was the raffle drawing for a $1000 tuition scholarship. Liz and Bill Foster, parents of Jack grade 2, Liam grade 5, and Julia grade 6, were the lucky winners. Merry Christmas indeed!

Morrison Family Thanks Participants of 2nd Annual Rachel's RunImage may be NSFW.
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by John Morrison

Congratulations to all participants of this year’s walk and run in honor of our daughter Rachel Morrison ’05.  The day was a day Rachel would have relished since the course was in great shape and the few raindrops never deterred her from her objective.  The walk and run results are posted on Cool Running.  I neglected to mention two important people at the event.  Sue Turkovich, who walked the course with her husband, John, and Harry Mann who wore the bib number 1 on his run.  It was in Mrs. Turkovich’s AP biology classroom that Rachel’s interest in science was stimulated which led her to focus in Marine Biology at Boston University and to pursue a Ph.D. in Marine Biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.  Harry was Rachel’s cross country coach while she was in high school and he always answered her emails on getting together for the annual Thanksgiving run when she was home.  I, her dad, went along for these runs also and for a few years it was just the three of us on the same course that all of you walked and ran on November 28^th.  And yes, we sometimes ran in the snow and rain and there were lots of leaves on the course, but not this year, thanks to the Academy’s maintenance staff.  We had 208 pre-registered walkers and runners and 61 post entrants and raised over $10,000 for the Rachel Morrison Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Academy.  Thanks to all of you for your support. We hope to see you next year no matter the weather! John Morrison on behalf of the Morrison Family!

Prepare Your Newsletter Submissions

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LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

From the Desk of Beth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

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Clik here to view.The week began with a very festive Parents’ Club Christmas Party this past Sunday.  A grand time was had by all!  There was a DJ and dancing, craft making, and letters being written to Santa.  The festive songs sung by the Upper School Glee Club echoed in the halls as guests mingled with friends while sampling the many delicious sandwiches and desserts.  Thank you to all who made the day a success!

Mission and Ministry:Image may be NSFW.
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Faculty and students are continuing to display the Spirit of the Season!  The halls are decorated with the traditional lighted Christmas trees – all with various themes – and  the classrooms have various decorations of Nativity scenes, angels, and Advent wreaths all made by the hands of our students.

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Clik here to view.Thank you to Mrs. DeRosa, Mrs. Wilfert, Ms. Fratus and the students in Grade 5 for hosting the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass this past Wednesday.  Fr. Tom Donohoe, the Pastor at St.  Irene’s Church, in Carlisle, Mass., was the Celebrant.   Thank you to Sr. Jeanne, Jamie Weinberg, Jackie Brouillard and the chorus for their gift of song.
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Many grades are participating in service by making Christmas cards and or decorations for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur living in Worcester.  In addition, the letters written to Santa are being sent to the Macy’s “Believe” campaign in support of the Make a Wish Foundation.  Stamped letters to Santa can be dropped off in the big red mailbox by Mrs. Beauchesne’s room. For every letter received, Macy’s will donate a $1 to the Foundation. 

“Stable of Love” Christmas Show Set for Next Week

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Clik here to view.Students in grades K2-8 are scheduled for performances on December 14, 15, 16, and 17 in Our Lady’s Chapel.  Students are asked to wear their Christmas best!  All shows begin at 6:30.  Students in the small choir and those in the Nativity scene should arrive by 6:00 in order to put on their costumes. Reminder: Angels are requested to wear white tights/stockings.   All other students should report to either the left or the right of the scarcity by 6:10.  Teachers have beenassigned to chaperone the students during the performances.  

Children Create Dioramas Depicting NativityImage may be NSFW.
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Mrs. Stangroom's second grade class was happy to show off their hardwork on their Christmas diorama projects. The dioramas depicted the Nativity scene and showed great creativity.

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Christmas Cards for Sisters

Mrs. Carnevale's homeroom class in 3B made Christmas cards with personal messages that will be delivered to the retired sisters who reside at the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s Residential Care Center in Ipswich.  

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A Balancing Act by 6^th and 7^th Graders

Ms. Holder’s 6th and 7th grade classes spent time learning about the center of gravity. Students really "used their heads" and built sculptures that had to balance on one central point! 

ENRICHMENT NEWS

This news section provides you just a glimpse into what the Enrichment Program can offer you and your family. Click here to see all of the offerings that are available. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kim Buccarelli, Enrichment Director, at enrichment@ndatyngsboro.org. 

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Clik here to view.Adult Couch to 5 K Group Crosses the Finish Line

Session 2 of the Enrichment programs are finishing up during the month of December. One highlight of the session was the Adult Couch to 5K Program where participants trained for and ran the Rachel's Run 5K. Kudos to the group for all of their hard work! Braving the rain, sun, and freezing wind, they could be seen running their hearts out all about campus! A big part of their success was Coach Vail and his assistant Emily for encouraging and pushing the group to do their best. The group hopes to open a spring session and would love to see more people join in the fun!

Karate Takes a HiatusImage may be NSFW.
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Our popular karate program will be taking a break during Session 3 in January. Enrichment will be sure to let everyone know when it will return in the spring. In the meantime, you can register your child for classes with their favorite instructor at Independent Karate in Nashua, N.H.

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Join the Band

The NDA band is busy learning and practicing their instruments after school. There are still openings for the second half of the year. The program is offered to students in grades 3-12 with all levels of experience welcome! For half year rates, please email enrichment@ndatyngsboro.org. 

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Our new drama program for students in grades 3-8 has been a roaring success. Forty students are currently participating in a six-week drama class and loving every minute of it! A performance will be held this spring, but participation will be limited. A parent information night, covering cost, time commitment, and the production process, will be scheduled soon for all families interested in participating in the program.

Tot Dance Coming Back in January

The Tot Dance program for children aged 4 to 6 was a great success during Session 2 with seven children participating in the weekly lessons. They learned the basics of ballet, hip hop, and had much fun with the ever-so- popular game of “freeze dance.” Tot Dance will begin again in January, so be sure to sign up before it's full! A giant thank you to Miss Emily, a senior at NDA, for all of her hard work and planning to make this program a success!

Adult Guitar Lessons Offered

The new adult addition to the Enrichment Program offerings for Session 3 is Introduction to Guitar. This course will run six weeks and be led by Mr. Barry Davis, our elementary music teacher. All you need is a desire to learn, a guitar, and an hour a week to treat yourself to class time. Have a family member who has always talked about trying? Give them the gift of music for Christmas by enrolling them in the upcoming class. Classes will be held in the evening one hour a week. Stay tuned for more details!

Drivers Education is Coming to NDA

The Enrichment Program has partnered up with AAA to begin offering Driver’s Education here on campus. The program will cover all Massachusetts state requirements for your child to achieve the ultimate goal of obtaining a driver's license. The first program will begin in February. More details will be provided as they become available, but help us to spread the word now! Enrichment Programs are open to the public as well, so call a friend and make plans to take Driver's Education together!

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

Reminder to Upper School Senior Parents: If you are planning to order a Medallion for your soon-to-be graduate, the order form is due by Thursday, December 31^st.  (Click here to view the form.) You may be familiar with the Academy medallion, a gold Maltese cross worn by graduates of the many Notre Dame Academies all over the world, including Hingham and Worcester.  This Medallion links us together and identifies alumnae as belonging to this amazing group of women, who are strong, intelligent, spiritual and giving to others.  Wearers love to tell their stories of recognizing other Notre Dame graduates and being recognized as such.  As is tradition, the Medallion will be presented to your daughter at the Alumnae Medallion Mass and Tea on Sunday, May 1^st following the liturgy in the Academy chapel.   This is our official welcoming of your senior into the Academy of Notre Dame Alumnae Association.  If you need further information, please contact Sue Adams in the Institutional Advancement Office at 978.649.7611, Ext. 323 or email alumnae@ndatyngsboro.org.

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Clik here to view.National Honor Society Has it All Wrapped Up

In the spirit of Christmas, the Academy's National Honor Society (NHS) led a gift drive for Si Se Puedo in Lawrence. Students and faculty selected gifts to buy from ideas given by NHS.  The drive ended Wednesday with a total of 165 gifts contributed, wrapped and delivered. 

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The High School music clubs (Glee Club, A Cappella Group, and Guitar Ensemble) performed Christmas Carols for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur’s Residential Care Center in Ipswich yesterday. The students sung and played arrangements of traditional carols and Christmas songs. After the performance the students had the opportunity to interact with the retired sisters and exchange goodies. The sisters gave the students care packages of fruit, cookies, candy canes and water while the students passed along candy bags prepared by the members of the National Honor Society. Many of the sisters used to teach at NDA and they shared stories of their time at here.

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Mrs. Maxine Shaw's Art Appreciation classes developed a real understanding and admiration for the artwork on the stained glass windows in our chapel designed by Sister Vincent de Paul. The students began with writing their analysis of the elements and principles of art as seen in their chosen window. Then they identified and sketched the symbolism from their window. The class will use the beauty and design of the windows as inspiration for a collaborative class project. The collaborative piece will include each student creating a symbol for one way we contribute to community service. The symbols will be finished in oil pastel in a 'stained glass' style.  

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Marketing students Alexandra Bazzani and Jacky Bethea produced this month’s NDA-on-the-Spot featured on the Academy’s Facebook page. Alexandra produced the video promoting the value of the shadow day experience and Jacky designed the NDA-on-the-Spot logo. To view video the video, click here. 

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Clik here to view.A Cappella Group Prepares for Video
By Marketing Student Eunji Choi

For the first time in NDA history, an acceptance video is being produced to welcome the newly accepted Upper School applicants. The A Cappella group was honored to be asked to participate in the video. Members of the A Cappella group met in Mrs. Svoronou’s room every Friday at lunch for about five weeks. Under Mrs. Svoronou’s musical direction, they practiced hard to make beautiful harmonies. Members also practiced on their own time to be prepared for the video camera. As a member of the A Cappella group, I am really glad and proud that we participated in the acceptance video.  

Follow NDA Guidance on Twitter

In addition to the Academy’s official schoolwide Twitter account (@ndatyngsboro), you can now follow NDA Guidance at @NDA_guidance for the latest college tips and information.

Reserve an Ad in the Yearbook

The NDA yearbook committee is soliciting ads from family members and students to be printed in the back of the yearbook. These personal ads are a great way to send your love and express your pride in your favorite senior or group of seniors before they head off for college. Ad space is also available for businesses who wish to congratulate the class. To reserve your space, click here. 

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Christmas Came Early for Sophomores

What do you have when you get a group of Sophomores all together with cookies, cupcakes, and cocoa...a party! In this case, it was a Christmas party feature a Secret Santa gift exchange and lots of fun!

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Juniors Party with Frosty and Cookies

The Junior class was in a festive mood at lunch today as they celebrated the season by watching Frosty the Snowman and decorating Christmas cookies. The girls also participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange. 

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Lancers High-5: 

The season opener for the basketball team was dramatic. After a hard fought game, which saw multiple lead changes, the Lancer's fell to Ursuline 47-38 in double overtime. The game kept Lancer fans on the edge of their seats as they cheered on their players. Sophomore Alexis Kirkland led the team in points scoring 14.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

Use the links below to jump to the section of news of interest to you:

ALL SCHOOL

LOWER SCHOOL

ENRICHMENT

UPPER SCHOOL

ALUMNAE

SPECIAL SECTIONS

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

No Tyngsboro Buses March 1^st; Make Alternate Plans

No Tyngsboro buses will be running on March 1st due to school closure for the Primary elections. NDA will be open so families who rely on a Tyngsboro bus will need to make alternative arrangements for transportation on that day. 

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Clik here to view.Annual Fund Campaign Off to a Great Start

Thank you to everyone who has already made their gift this year.  Celebrating our Legacy … Accepting the Challenge, our theme for this year’s Annual Fund, has launched and gifts are being received every day.  As of January 5, 2016, $136,214 has been received in gifts and pledges on our way to our goal of $250,000.  Support has come from members our Board of Directors and Alumnae Board, current parents, parents of alumnae/i, grandparents, friends and local foundations.  As mentioned in previous communications, we have been blessed with a benefactor who will match our unrestricted gifts to Annual Fund dollar for dollar if we reach $250,000.   

Tuition covers only 72% of the cost of one student’s Academy education.  Our dedicated team is strongly committed to increasing participation and reaching our goal, but we continue to need your generous support. Please help us reach both our financial and participation goals.

Supporting the Annual Fund is vital to advancing our school mission and we hope you will help. Participation from the total school community helps to ensure our students continue to receive the finest learning experience possible, and that experience will give them the best chance of success in life. Each gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference in the life of our school. We sincerely thank all who have generously given, and we thank in advance those who have not yet made a commitment. Please click here  to make your gift today.  Thank you for your support! 

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Late Bus Departure Time Changed

Busy parents take note: A Late Bus Shuttle departing the Academy at 4:30 p.m. with drop-offs to Nashua and Chelmsford between 4:45 and 5 p.m. is now available. This option is ideal for EDP children (discounted rates apply), students participating in athletics and after school activities, and busy parents. For more information, click here or email csamuels@ndatyngsboro.org. 

Camp NDA News for Summer 2016Image may be NSFW.
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Some very exciting changes are on the horizon for Camp NDA in 2016. This year in addition to our Swing into Summer, Basketball, Soccer, All Sports, Wilderness, Adventure, and Science camps we will be offering a Tiny Campers program for ages 4 and 5. Plus, our online registration process has been improved and offers online payment options as well! Our early bird special begins right away and offers discounts for each full week of camp. Don’t miss this offer! Be sure to visit our website and share the link with your friends and family! Spots are limited, so check us out today! Click here to review the camps and to register.

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All-Girls’ School Focus of Blog Post

This month’s blog post on The Academy Beacon asks the question, Is an All-Girl’s Education Best for Your Daughter? To read the post, click here. To be sure you don't miss the blog postings, sign up for Alerts which will notify you when a new one is uploaded. To sign up, go to the page and click the blue Alerts button.

Free Wellness Activity for Faculty and Staff

A free Wellness activity for all faculty and staff, sponsored by Enrichment, will begin on Monday, January 11th. The "T25" fitness DVD will be run every Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m. in the Recreation Room on the basement floor. This 25-minute workout can be adapted for beginners through advanced gym goers. The workout will progress following the “T25” calendar schedule for their Alpha disks. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers and bring your own water and mat. This is a drop-in activity for people to attend as their schedule permits. 

Prepare Your Newsletter Submissions

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LOWER SCHOOL NEWS 

From the Desk of Elizabeth O’Connell, Lower School Assistant Principal

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Clik here to view.It was a pleasure this past week to see the return of the smiles, the laughter and the excitement amongst friends who missed each other over the Christmas vacation.  January is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Students and faculty have returned with goals and resolutions for the New Year!  Classes are in full swing and the teachers are planning a month full of creative lessons and assignments.

There will be no school on Friday, January 15.  Both the Lower School and the Upper School faculty and staff have a professional day to review the purpose and the "how-to's" of CopSync911, and to discuss the procedures and policies established for implementation of the ALICE training if the need arises. Safety and knowledge on being safe is a top priority here at the Academy.

Who said these famous quotes? Image may be NSFW.
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• The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
• Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
• Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

If you said, “MLK, an activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement,” you are correct! On Monday, January 18 there will be no school in order to honor and remember the lessons and influence of Martin Luther King Jr.

Parent conferences for grades PreK-8 will be held on Tuesday, January 19th from 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m.  Each conference time will be limited to five minutes.  These conference sessions provide an opportunity to briefly check in with teachers to follow-up on your child’s success so far this school year.  If more time is needed, it is recommended that a different day and time be scheduled with the teacher requested.  Please note that the last conference will be held at 7:55.

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Clik here to view.There will be a Lower School Open House on Sunday, January 24 from 12 to 2 p.m.  Spread the word that the Open House is for prospective families to learn more about the Lower School for grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8. The two-hour event will provide an occasion for families to learn about the Academy’s mission to educate the whole person for life through academic excellence, spiritual formation and empowering community service opportunities.

National Catholic Schools Week 2016 will be celebrated the week of January 31 – February 6, 2016. There will be a flyer soon with details of all the fun activities planned for this week.  The theme this year is Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.

May the New Year 2016 bring you and your family peace and joy.  St. Julie's vision of education continues to inspire us as we embrace the challenges of this new year. My prayer is that the good God may establish His absolute reign in your heart and in the hearts of all.  ~St. Julie Billiart

Veterans Thank Students for Cards

Barbara Beauchenes’ first grade class received a very special thank you letter. Charles Bunce of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bedford wrote to thank students for the donation of Christmas cards they sent the veterans and staff at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital. He wrote, “Your thoughtfulness reflects the concern and compassion that our community feels for our Veterans and for the service they provided to all of us while serving our country.”

Order Your DVD of the Dec. 16^th “Stable of Love” ShowImage may be NSFW.
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DVDs of the December 16th performance of "Stable of Love" are available for purchase by contacting Frank Wallent Productions at 603-318-6842.

Lower School Sports Roundup
From Lower School Athletic Director, Jillian Boudreau

Here are a few updates about the games that were played before the Christmas break:

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Clik here to view.Congratulations to Boys Varsity Basketball team for their win against St. Margaret's School. Players-of-the-Game were Evan Mills for 12 points and Chris Bucci for six.

Congrats to the Girls Varsity Basketball team on their win against Immaculate Conception. Players-of-the-Game were Rose Daddario and Olivia Elmstrom. 

The Boys JV Gold team won against St. Margaret's 27-26. Players-of-the-Game were Bryan Ranagan for great defense and Neil Khurana for the game winning shot.

The Boys JV Navy team won against St. Margaret's too. Players-of-the-Game were Robert Wuerdeman for eight points and Jake Kirsch for two points

Finally, the Girls JV team won against St. Jeanne d'Arc. Players-of-the-Game were Heather Harrington and Sruthvika Kandru.

Current Standings: NDA Boys JV Gold 3-0; NDA Boys JV Navy 3-0; NDA Girls JV 3-0; NDA Boys Varisty 2-2; NDA Girls Varsity 3-1.

ENRICHMENT NEWS

This news section provides you just a glimpse into what the Enrichment Program can offer you and your family. Click here to see all of the offerings that are available. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kim Buccarelli, Enrichment Director, at enrichment@ndatyngsboro.org. 

Opportunities for Upper School and Adults                                                                    Image may be NSFW.
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Three Enrichment opportunities for Upper School students will start up soon. Concert Band is open to students in Grades 3 through 12 which will feature weekly group lessons and an end-of-the year concert; Adult Guitar Class is open to anyone aged 15+ and provides eight weeks of group guitar lessons; and Driver’s Education will be offered through a joint effort with AAA in three sessions (Febraury, April, and August). Registration is now open for all of these winter-start programs. The public is always welcome! For more information, visit the Enrichment Webpage.

Volunteer Opportunities for All!

Whether it’s helping out at EDP when you have a free day or assisting with Friday night events and weekly clubs, the Enrichment Program always welcomes volunteers. If you see something on the Enrichment site that interests you, or you want to offer a day or two to EDP, email Mrs. Buccarelli at enrichment@ndatyngsboro.org and she will set you up! All students who volunteer will receive a volunteer form stating the hours of service they have completed. 

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

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Clik here to view.Freshmen Take the Density Challenge

Mr. Walczak’s Honors Physical Science (HPS) students all took part in density labs this week which are among the 38 labsdone in the 9th grade HPS class. On Monday they worked on utilizing Archimedes' Principle of Density, "The volume of a solid is equal to the volume of water it displaces." Then on Thursday they each participated in the Density Challenge. Students had to calculate the maximum amount of sand that can be placed into a small plastic cylinder while still allowing it to float in water. The student whose cylinder floats with the greatest mass wins the prize and prestige. Of the 15 attempts, only three cylinders floated. The student who floated the winning mass of 30.7 grams was Julie Getchell. Runners up were Katie Curran and Elena Murguia. Well done, ladies! 

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Students Honored for their Contributions

Senior Leakana Ly of Lowell was named November’s Upper School Student-of-the-Month. Leakana was honored for her commitment to the Academy’s drama guild. A member since her freshman year, Leakana recently blew everyone away with her directorial debut of The Hobbit.  She worked tirelessly to cover every detail of the production and collaborated both with her peers and her advisors to ensure a smooth production.

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Abby French of Nashua, NH,  was honored as November’s Distinguished Senior. Abby has been involved in Mission and Ministry for four years, working on the Liturgical Committee and retreats. She has acted as a tour guide for Shadow Day and Open House events and represents the school at fairs. Abby has been co-editor-in-chief of Damie’s Digest, is a member of Glee Club and is treasurer of her class. She is also a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies. Outside of the classroom, Abby is a twelve-season athlete competing in Cross Country, Indoor and Spring Track. She holds the distinct honor of being named team captain for all three teams. She holds school records in the mile, two mile and several course cross-country records.  She has been the league’s most valuable runner for four years and has won every league cross-country race over her four years.

Reserve an Ad in the Yearbook

The NDA yearbook committee is soliciting ads from family members and students to be printed in the back of the yearbook. These personal ads are a great way to send your love and express your pride in your favorite senior or group of seniors before they head off for college. Ad space is also available for businesses who wish to congratulate the class. To reserve your space, click here. 

Lancers High-5Image may be NSFW.
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From Upper School Athletic Director, Lisa Zappella 

The Upper School winter sports teams are in full swing.  The Varsity Basketball team is currently 2-4.  The JV team is 1-3 and has shown great improvement over the past month.  During vacation the team participated in a jamboree at Billerica HS playing 9 mini games. The team did great; posting 5 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie, these games were against all MVC teams.  
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The Indoor Track team, competing in the very competitive MVC, has had two meets so far.  Although the team record is 0-2 there have been several athletes who have posted personal bests in their individual events.

Parents and athletes participating in winter sports are reminded to sign up for Alerts in order to get information on cancellations/postponements as well as scores.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

The following All School news item was mistakenly ommitted from last Friday's Weekly News:

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Clik here to view.FoNDA Invites You on a Trip Around the World

Pick a country, pick a nationality, pick a team and get ready for a night of fun, frivolity and frolick with FoNDA's annual Trivia Night. The event will take place on Saturday, January 30th from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Tyngsboro Sportsman Club, 90 Westford Road. The cost is $20 per person or $125 for a table of 8. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their table and themselves for their chosen country. Friends of NDA (FoNDA) is an Upper School parent group. Ticket sales of this event will support student clubs and athletics. Click here for more details.

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During the 2015-16 school year we will observe Hallmark 4:

We commit ourselves to community service.

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ALL SCHOOL