Weekly Parents ebulletin

May 29

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:46:45 -0700

In This Issue
• Senior Book Buyback – June 2
• All School Book Buyback – June 3
• Volunteer Parents Needed for Book Buyback – June 3
• New Summer College Classes for Class of 2010
• Re-Take English II or Freshman Science this Summer
• Notre Dame’s Summer Soccer and Tennis Camps
• Notre Dame’s Summer Tennis Team
• English Department Summer Reading List
• Online Book Buyback
• NDB 2009 Satisfaction Survey
• The REAL Cost of Your Car
• Senior Baby Ad Photos

BOOK BUYBACK: SENIORS – June 2– 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  ALL CLASSES – June 3 – Noon to 7:00 p.m.
By now you have marked your calendar for the Book Buyback. Varsity Books will scan each student’s textbooks, evaluate the condition of the books, and determine the total purchase price. Students are given a receipt for books; Varsity Books will process and mail a check to parents within thirty days. Varsity Books will buy textbooks that will be used at NDB next year. If inventory is needed, they will purchase textbooks that will be used by other schools in their program.

VOLUNTEER PARENTS NEEDED FOR BOOK BUYBACK – June 3
Thank you to all parents who have signed up to help with the all school buyback after Class Day on Wednesday, June 3. We count on you to help direct students follow the traffic pattern. We would still welcome a few more helpers. Please email Margaret Keller at mkeller@ndhsb.org and tell us what time you can help. Any time you can give us between Noon and 7:00 p.m. will be greatly appreciated.

NEW SUMMER COLLEGE CLASSES FOR CLASS OF 2010
NDB is responding to parent desire for additional college counseling support. Two courses have been created to give students access to that “private college counseling” experience at a fraction of the price! See the attached flyer for more information.

RE-TAKE ENGLISH II OR FRESHMAN SCIENCE THIS SUMMER
If your daughter wants to clean up her transcript, improve her GPA, or move on to the next level in her curriculum, she may make up a D or F grade in either English II or Freshman Science at NDB this summer. Intensive four-week courses will meet both state and Notre Dame Graduation criteria, and provide a fun, balanced, intensive curriculum designed to help students move forward with success and confidence. Registration is completed through the NDB website at www.ndhsb.org/Summer School/high_school/index.html. Please contact wmontgomery@ndhsb.org for assistance or information.

NOTRE DAME’S SUMMER SOCCER AND TENNIS CAMPS
There are still spots for ND’s summer soccer and tennis camps for incoming 8th graders as well as 6th – 8th graders. Please go to the school website and click on “for students” and click on “summer programs.” If you have any questions, contact Patsy Iannone at piannone@ndhsb.org for more information.

NOTRE DAME’S SUMMER TENNIS TEAM
Notre Dame’s summer tennis team Peninsula Power has space on its 15 and under team and 18 and under team. Please go to –http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?sid=17126499&url=peninsulapower or email Varsity Tennis Coach Jason Levine at jlevine@ndhsb.org for more information.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SUMMER READING LISTS
The English Department Summer Reading lists are now available for students and parents. Go to “Academics” then “Departments” then “English” and you will see the Summer Reading link on the right. All students should know what English class they are taking for the 2009-2010 school year, and directions are available on the Summer Reading link. Contact English Department Chairperson Jason Levine if you have questions: jlevine@ndhsb.org.

ONLINE BOOK BUYBACK
If you or your daughter cannot come to the buyback, there is an online option to sell back your books. You can box them up and ship them using a pre-paid shipping label provided by Varsity Books. For the online buyback option, go to the school web site, using QuickLinks, go to Books, and follow the prompts to get an estimate and pre-paid shipping label. We hold the school buyback for our families’ convenience, but the online option is available if you cannot come on June 2 or June 3.

NDB 2009 SATISFACTION SURVEY
The results are in and have been tabulated. Thank you for your outstanding participation and candor. Since the survey was anonymous, we can’t send this to the student population, so we hope that you’ll share this letter with your daughters as well. Click to read the letter.

THE REAL COST OF YOUR CAR
Another in the Teens and Finance series, this article introduces teens to factors that don’t usually show up on their financial radar screens when they consider a new set of wheels.

SENIOR BABY PHOTO ADS
Seniors may pick up their baby photos in room 118 until June 2.

May 22

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:59:26 -0700

In This Issue
• Final Exams Schedule and Student Study Day – May 27
• Yoga for Stress Relief
• Senior Book Buyback – June 2
• All School Book Buyback – June 3
• Volunteer Parents Needed for Book Buyback – June 3
• National Bone Marrow Program
• New Summer College Classes for Class of 2010
• Teens and Finance: Credit Cards
• Swine Flu Update
• Re-Take English II or Freshman Science this Summer
• Notre Dame’s Summer Soccer and Tennis Camps
• Notre Dame’s Summer Tennis Team
• English Department Summer Reading List
• Free Bowling This Summer
• Teen Safety Online Course
• Online Book Buyback
• NDB 2009 Satisfaction Survey

FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE AND STUDENT STUDY DAY – May 27
Similar to first semester, students will have the opportunity to come to school for independent study or class review with their teacher beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. This is optional attendance for students! Unless previously arranged by an individual teacher, study day ends for students at 12:30 p.m. However, if students attend, they must honor the meeting time for their class period and not expect teachers to “tutor” them outside that time frame. The afternoon is for teacher planning and construction of final examinations. See attached schedule.

YOGA FOR STRESS RELIEF – May 27
Yoga for Stress Relief, co-sponsored by Stressed Out Students (SOS) and the Religious Studies Department, will be offered on Wednesday, May 27, during fourth and fifth period in the small gym. Students and faculty are invited to participate in yoga for stress relief led by our in-house Yogi, Ms. Emilie Fleig. Bring a yoga mat or towel and dress in pants or shorts, comfortable clothes according to free dress guidelines in the handbook.

SENIOR BOOK BUYBACK – June 2
Graduating seniors may sell back their used books after their last final exam on Tuesday, June 2, the day before Class Day. Other students may still be taking finals, so seniors will sell back their books in the Soda Fountain.

ALL SCHOOL BOOK BUYBACK – June 3
Students in any class may sell back their textbooks after Class Day activities. The all school buyback will be open from Noon to 7:00 p.m. in the Small Gym.

VOLUNTEER PARENTS NEEDED FOR BOOK BUYBACK – June 3
Thank you to all parents who have signed up to help with the all school buyback after Class Day on Wednesday, June 3. We count on you to help direct students follow the traffic pattern. We would still welcome a few more helpers. Please email Margaret Keller at mkeller@ndhsb.org and tell us what time you can help. Any time you can give us between Noon and 7:00 p.m. will be greatly appreciated.

NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM
Alumna Noelle Valladares’97 has had a recurrence of acute myelogenious leukemia. It is crucial that she find a compatible marrow donor. Anyone who, like Noelle, is of European and Hispanic ancestry is especially encouraged to consider this gift. Go to www.bethematch.org. Click “Join,” then “Join Now,” then use the promo code TEAMNOELLE 2009 to receive a swab kit. It takes only four swabs of your cheek cells (10 seconds each) to determine your tissue type. The fee of $25.00 is waived for mixed race or Hispanic donors. If you are between 18 and 60 years of age, you could be the one to save someone’s life. Noelle and her family and friends appreciate the prayers and support of our community. Questions about the National Marrow Donor Program can be directed to Magda Silva, msilva@nmdp.org or 510-301-9512. To become better acquainted with Noelle, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noellevalladares.

NEW SUMMER COLLEGE CLASSES FOR CLASS OF 2010
NDB is offering a number of courses for high school students this summer, some of which are tri-school courses. Check our website for information about Driver’s Education, Personal Finance for Teens, Fencing, Dance Intensive, and more! We also offer an intensive Freshman Science course for students who want to improve their GPAs for college. Get rid of that D or F grade in one month!

TEENS AND FINANCE: CREDIT CARDS
“Teens and Finance: Credit Cards” is one in a series of articles written by Jane Beule, NDB Alum Mom, Registered Financial Advisor, and instructor of NDB’s Summer School Course Personal Finance for Teens. (attachment)

SWINE FLU UPDATE
Please read the information provided in the following link to keep you informed regarding swine flu updates from the County of San Mateo.

RE-TAKE ENGLISH II OR FRESHMAN SCIENCE THIS SUMMER
If your daughter wants to clean up her transcript, improve her GPA, or move on to the next level in her curriculum, she may make up a D or F grade in either English II or Freshman Science at NDB this summer. Intensive four-week courses will meet both state and Notre Dame Graduation criteria, and provide a fun, balanced, intensive curriculum designed to help students move forward with success and confidence. Registration is completed through the NDB website at www.ndhsb.org/Summer School/high_school/index.html. Please contact wmontgomery@ndhsb.org for assistance or information.

NOTRE DAME’S SUMMER SOCCER AND TENNIS CAMPS
There are still spots for ND’s summer soccer and tennis camps for incoming 8th graders as well as 6th – 8th graders. Please go to the school website and click on “for students” and click on “summer programs.” If you have any questions, contact Patsy Iannone at piannone@ndhsb.org for more information.

NOTRE DAME’S SUMMER TENNIS TEAM
Notre Dame’s summer tennis team Peninsula Power has space on its 15 and under team and 18 and under team. Please go to –http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?sid=17126499&url=peninsulapower or email Varsity Tennis Coach Jason Levine at jlevine@ndhsb.org for more information.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SUMMER READING LISTS
The English Department Summer Reading lists are now available for students and parents. Go to “Academics” then “Departments” then “English” and you will see the Summer Reading link on the right. All students should know what English class they are taking for the 2009-2010 school year, and directions are available on the Summer Reading link. Contact English Department Chairperson Jason Levine if you have questions: jlevine@ndhsb.org.

FREE BOWLING THIS SUMMER
Parents, sign your kids up for free bowling this summer. This opportunity is available to all students (elementary, middle school, and high school). Click HERE to sign up for this opportunity. It is available at Bel Mateo Bowl, Palo Alto Bowl, and Serra Bowl.

TEEN SAFETY ONLINE COURSE
During this past semester in the Junior Women in Relationships and the Freshman Hebrew Scriptures courses, students took an online course provided by the Archdiocese. It is the Teen Safety course that promotes healthy relationships and self-respect in those relationships. Many topics are covered and we invite you to see the attached flier that introduces the topics and tells you how to use the course if you want to see it for yourself. Your daughter may have discussed it with you already, but it might be something worth discussing with her at some point.

ONLINE BOOK BUYBACK
If it is impossible for you or your daughter to sell back her books at the on site buyback, you can still sell textbooks back to VarsityBooks using the online process. Go to the school web site, using QuickLinks go to Books, and follow the prompts to get an estimate and a shipping label. After you branch from Notre Dame to the Varsity Books/Follett site, you will find a button that says “Cash for Books.”

NDB 2009 SATISFACTION SURVEY
The results are in and have been tabulated. Thank you for your outstanding participation and candor. Since the survey was anonymous, we can’t send this to the student population, so we hope that you’ll share this letter with your daughters as well. Click to read the letter.

May 15

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:50:25 -0700

In This Issue
• Final Exams Schedule and Student Study Day – May 27
• Senior Book Buyback – June 2
• All School Book Buyback – June 3
• Volunteer Parents Needed for Book Buyback – June 3
• Information Regarding Semester Grades Lower Than a C-
• Challenges for College Students with ADHD
• National Bone Marrow Program
• NDB Summer Courses for Current Students
• Graduation Packets
• The Faculty Wish List
• New Summer College Classes for Class of 2018
• Teens and Finance: Credit Cards
• Campus Café
• Maintenance Appreciation Day

FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE AND STUDENT STUDY DAY – May 27
Similar to first semester, students will have the opportunity to come to school for independent study or class review with their teacher beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. This is optional attendance for students! Unless previously arranged by an individual teacher, study day ends for students at 12:30 p.m. However, if students attend, they must honor the meeting time for their class period and not expect teachers to “tutor” them outside that time frame. The afternoon is for teacher planning and construction of final examinations. See attached schedule.

SENIOR BOOK BUYBACK – June 2
Graduating seniors can sell back their used books after their last final exam on Tuesday, June 2, the day before Class Day. Other students may still be taking finals, so seniors will sell back their books in the Soda Fountain.

ALL SCHOOL BOOK BUYBACK – June 3
Students in any class can sell back their textbooks after Class Day activities.

VOLUNTEER PARENTS NEEDED FOR BOOK BUYBACK – June 3
Several parents helped with the book buyback last year. We need your help again on Wednesday to assist students fill out a brief form and follow the traffic pattern. It’s easy and we’re grateful and we tell you we love you. Please email Margaret Keller at mkeller@ndhsb.org and tell us what time you can help. Any time you can give us between noon and 7:00 p.m. will be greatly appreciated.

INFORMATION REGARDING SEMESTER GRADES LOWER THAN A C-
If your daughter’s PowerSchool reports indicate that she has any grades below C- at this point, here is a link to some important information.

CHALLENGES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ADHD
The New York Times posts an excellent article on issues for parents and students with ADHD to consider in their transition to college: www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/education/edlife/guidance-t.html?_r=1&ref=edlife

NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM
Alumna Noelle Valladares’97 has had a recurrence of acute myelogenious leukemia. It is crucial that she find a compatible marrow donor. Anyone who, like Noelle, is of European and Hispanic ancestry is especially encouraged to consider this gift. Go to www.bethematch.org. Click “Join,” then “Join Now,” then use the promo code TEAMNOELLE 2009 to receive a swab kit. It takes only four swabs of your cheek cells (10 seconds each) to determine your tissue type. The fee of $25.00 is waived for mixed race or Hispanic donors. If you are between 18 and 60 years of age, you could be the one to save someone’s life. Noelle and her family and friends appreciate the prayers and support of our community. Questions about the National Marrow Donor Program can be directed to Magda Silva, msilva@nmdp.org or 510-301-9512. To become better acquainted with Noelle, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noellevalladares.

NDB SUMMER COURSES FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
NDB is offering a number of courses for high school students this summer, some of which are tri-school courses. Check our website for information about Driver’s Education, Personal Finance for Teens, Fencing, Dance Intensive, and more! We also offer an intensive Freshman Science course for students who want to improve their GPAs for college. Get rid of that D or F grade in one month!

GRADUATION PACKETS
Seniors may begin picking up their graduation packets on Friday, May 8. Information regarding location will be announced to students. Students must have met all financial obligations, may not owe fines of any kind, including parking tickets or detention hours in order to receive their packets.

THE FACULTY WISH LIST
Parents, do you want to make an end-of-year gift to Notre Dame in honor of your daughter? Would you like to say “thank you” to her favorite teacher or department? The Faculty Wish List is available on our website to help you select something you know they’ll like.

NEW SUMMER COLLEGE CLASSES FOR CLASS OF 2010
NDB is responding to parent desire for additional college counseling support. Two courses have been created to give students access to that “private college counseling” experience at a fraction of the price! See the attached flyer for more information.

TEENS AND FINANCE: CREDIT CARDS
“Teens and Finance: Credit Cards” is one in a series of articles written by Jane Beule, NDB Alum Mom, Registered Financial Advisor, and instructor of NDB’s Summer School Course Personal Finance for Teens. (attachment)

CAMPUS CAFÉ
Freshman, sophomore, and junior food cards should not be thrown away as they are reloadable and good for the new school year 2009-2010. Trying to help during these difficult times, we are running a special for the month of May; we are loading 110% if the purchase amount is over $200. If you load $200, you will receive $220. This will alleviate having to program 200 to 300 cards in August.

MAINTENANCE APPRECIATION DAY
Club SNDWICH, our diversity club, coordinated the Maintenance Appreciation Day celebration this past week on Tuesday, May 12, to honor the six members of our maintenance team: Sean Chin, Chris Orinion, Miles Huynh, Van Huynh, Juan Lopez, and Jorge Prieto. Faculty, staff, and students put on an appreciation lunch, signed thank you cards, helped clean the dining room, contributed to gifts of appreciation, and ran a campaign to remind students to do their part and pick up after themselves. Way to go NDB community! Thank you for all your help.

May 8

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:50:10 -0700

In This Issue
• Dance Cancelled – May 8
• Academic Department Awards Celebration – May 17
• Parent Enrichment Nights – May 27 and June 3
• Save the Date: June 2, 2009
• Information Regarding Semester Grades Lower Than a C-
• Challenges for College Students with ADHD
• National Bone Marrow Program
• Tentative Academic Calendar
• Graduation DVDs
• Letter Regarding Pandemic Flu
• NDB Summer Courses for Current Students
• Graduation Packets
• Swine Flu Update
• The Faculty Wish List
• New Summer College Classes for Class of 2010

DANCE CANCELLED – May 8
The Notre Dame dance scheduled for Friday, May 8, has been cancelled due to low ticket sales. Your daughter may bring her ticket to Student Activities for a refund. Credit cards will be refunded for tickets bought on-line. If you have any questions, please contact Theresa Vallez-Kelly, Director of Student Activities at tvallez@ndhsb.org or (650) 595-1913 ext. 355.

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT AWARDS CELEBRATION – May 17
On Sunday, May17, at 3:00 p.m. in the Moore Pavilion, Notre Dame will recognize students in grades 9 – 12 who have earned prestigious school awards, specific Department Awards, local community scholarships, and other department awards for contests and other academic activities. Students who are invited to this event will be sent an invitation in the mail and will be notified at school that they have earned an award. This event also marks the beginning of the graduation activities that signal closure for the senior student. These awards give all recipients their due recognition for their steadfast perseverance with the academic rigor that has been a part of their journey to college and beyond. It is always such a pleasure to honor these young women with a program that highlights their special achievements. If your daughter is so honored, look for an invitation that will be sent home in the mail on Friday, May 8.

PARENT ENRICHMENT NIGHTS – May 27 and June 3
Several parents and administrators have asked about this year’s Parent Enrichment Nights. On May 27 at 6:30 p.m. The Belmont Police Department will host training on Cyber Safety. On June 3 they will host training on Current Drug Trends and Overall Drug Awareness. Both trainings will be held at the Notre Dame de Namur Theatre (1500 Ralston Avenue) and will be geared towards parents. Children will not be allowed in.

I know it is the end of the year and we are all busy, but these two trainings will assist all of us in keeping our children safe. I encourage everyone to attend this event and invite as many people as you would like. Feel free to distribute the attached flyer to anyone and everyone you think might be interested. Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about these areas of great concern to parents.

For more information please call Officer Dan Friedman with the Belmont Police Department @ (650) 595-7400 or send an email to dfriedman@belmont.gov.

Rita Gleason, Principal

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 2, 2009
Sophomore and Junior Parents will be hosting the 2009 Baccalaureate reception for this year’s graduating class. We are asking each family to send in $10.00 to cover the cost of this reception. Please send the money in with your daughter to her advisory. We will be collecting starting May 3. Thank you for your help with this. If you would like to help the night of the event, please contact Denise Severi at dseveri@ndhsb.org. Click for more information.

INFORMATION REGARDING SEMESTER GRADES LOWER THAN A C-
If your daughter’s PowerSchool reports indicate that she has any grades below C- at this point, here is a link to some important information.

CHALLENGES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ADHD
The New York Times posts an excellent article on issues for parents and students with ADHD to consider in their transition to college: www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/education/edlife/guidance-t.html?_r=1&ref=edlife

NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM
Alumna Noelle Valladares’97 has had a recurrence of acute myelogenious leukemia. It is crucial that she find a compatible marrow donor. Anyone who, like Noelle, is of European and Hispanic ancestry is especially encouraged to consider this gift. Go to www.bethematch.org. Click “Join,” then “Join Now,” then use the promo code TEAMNOELLE 2009 to receive a swab kit. It takes only four swabs of your cheek cells (10 seconds each) to determine your tissue type. The fee of $25.00 is waived for mixed race or Hispanic donors. If you are between 18 and 60 years of age, you could be the one to save someone’s life. Noelle and her family and friends appreciate the prayers and support of our community. Questions about the National Marrow Donor Program can be directed to Magda Silva, msilva@nmdp.org or 510-301-9512. To become better acquainted with Noelle, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noellevalladares.

TENTATIVE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR 2009-2010
Please note the information provided on the attachment.

GRADUATION DVDs
Attention Senior Parents: It’s not too late to purchase Graduation DVDs. The deadline for purchase has been extended until Graduation Day. The price is $50 per DVD. Please send payment to the Front Office..

NDB SUMMER COURSES FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
NDB is offering a number of courses for high school students this summer, some of which are tri-school courses. Check our website for information about Driver’s Education, Personal Finance for Teens, Fencing, Dance Intensive, and more! We also offer an intensive Freshman Science course for students who want to improve their GPAs for college. Get rid of that D or F grade in one month!

GRADUATION PACKETS
Seniors may begin picking up their graduation packets on Friday, May 8. Information regarding location will be announced to students. Students must have met all financial obligations, may not owe fines of any kind, including parking tickets or detention hours in order to receive their packets.

SWINE FLU UPDATE
According to the Health Department’s latest update, there are no more confirmed cases of swine flu in San Mateo County. As you know, statistics can change from day to day. We ask that you keep apprised through the local news and continue to follow the precautions listed in the last communication to you. We will take direction from the Health Department and the Superintendent of Schools should any cases appear on campus. Their latest communication includes the following: “School closure is no longer advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.”

THE FACULTY WISH LIST
Parents, do you want to make an end-of-year gift to Notre Dame in honor of your daughter? Would you like to say “thank you” to her favorite teacher or department? The Faculty Wish List is available on our website to help you select something you know they’ll like.

NEW SUMMER COLLEGE CLASSES FOR CLASS OF 2010
NDB is responding to parent desire for additional college counseling support. Two courses have been created to give students access to that “private college counseling” experience at a fraction of the price! See the attached flyer for more information.

May 1

Fri, 1 May 2009 15:55:36 -0700

In This Issue
• Belmont Jamba Juice
• Nominate Parent Association Officers for 2009-2010 – May 5
• Last Dance – May 8
• Parent Enrichment Nights – May 27 and June 3
• Save the Date: June 2, 2009
• Information Regarding Semester Grades Lower Than a C-
• Spanish I and IB Pillowcase Review
• El Cinco de Mayo
• Challenges for College Students with ADHD
• Summer Engineering Institute
• National Bone Marrow Program
• Day of Silence
• Tentative Academic Calendar
• Graduation DVDs
• Letter Regarding Pandemic Flu
• NDB Summer Courses for Current Students
• Parent Splash Party Update
• Thank You!

BELMONT JAMBA JUICE – May 1, 2, 3
If you happen to be at the Belmont Jamba Juice today, tomorrow, or Sunday, please make sure you tell them you are from Notre Dame. Student Activities and the Link Crew Program will receive 20% of the purchase price. Click here for a flyer you can print out and take with you. Your purchase will also earn spirit points for your daughter’s class.

NOMINATE PARENT ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010 – May 5
NDHSB Parent Association ballot to nominate officers for the 2009-2010 school year is ready. If you are interested in serving as an officer and would like more information, please contact Ronele McCurdy@rkmccurdy@sbcglobal.net. Click here for a nomination form. All ballots must be received by May 5, 2009. Mark your calendars: Parent Association Meeting on May 6, 2009.

LAST DANCE OF THE YEAR – May 8
Our last casual dance takes place on Friday, May 8, from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. We are in need of at least 10 parent chaperones. If you have not been able to chaperone this year and it’s been on your list of things to do, please email Theresa Vallez-Kelly at tvallez@ndhsb.org. If you chaperone, your daughter will receive a free ticket to the dance.

PARENT ENRICHMENT NIGHTS – May 27 and June 3
Several parents and administrators have asked about this year’s Parent Enrichment Nights. On May 27 at 6:30 p.m. The Belmont Police Department will host training on Cyber Safety. On June 3 they will host training on Current Drug Trends and Overall Drug Awareness. Both trainings will be held at the Notre Dame de Namur Theatre (1500 Ralston Avenue) and will be geared towards parents. Children will not be allowed in.

I know it is the end of the year and we are all busy, but these two trainings will assist all of us in keeping our children safe. I encourage everyone to attend this event and invite as many people as you would like. Feel free to distribute the attached flyer to anyone and everyone you think might be interested. Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about these areas of great concern to parents.

For more information please call Officer Dan Friedman with the Belmont Police Department @ (650) 595-7400 or send an email to dfriedman@belmont.gov.

Rita Gleason, Principal

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 2, 2009
Sophomore and Junior Parents will be hosting the 2009 Baccalaureate reception for this year’s graduating class. We are asking each family to send in $10.00 to cover the cost of this reception. Please send the money in with your daughter to her advisory. We will be collecting starting May 3. Thank you for your help with this. If you would like to help the night of the event, please contact Denise Severi at dseveri@ndhsb.org.

INFORMATION REGARDING SEMESTER GRADES LOWER THAN A C-
If your daughter’s PowerSchool reports indicate that she has any grades below C- at this point, here is a link to some important information.

SPANISH I and IB CLASSES
Mrs. Folco’s Spanish I/IB will continue the tradition of the Pillowcase Review the last weeks of May. She needs all the used pillowcases possible. Using bright colored permanent pens, the girls write all the grammar and vocabulary they have learned this year on the pillowcase; they take it home and sleep on it until finals. It’s another “artsy” way to review and a good thing to have before the next school year begins. If you have any solid colored pillowcases that you would like to donate, please email Mrs. Folco at tfolco@ndhsb.org. Gracias!

EL CINCO DE MAYO
Mrs. Folco’s classes will celebrate El Cinco de Mayo by playing “Capture the Flag,” eating, dancing, and singing. If you would like to participate, please contact her through email.

CHALLENGES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH ADHD
The New York Times posts an excellent article on issues for parents and students with ADHD to consider in their transition to college: www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/education/edlife/guidance-t.html?_r=1&ref=edlife

SUMMER ENGINEERING INSTITUTE
CalTrans and SFSU are offering a two week free summer experience in engineering. Is your daughter interested? See website for application information: www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/sei2009/.

NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM
Alumna Noelle Valladares’97 has had a recurrence of acute myelogenious leukemia. It is crucial that she find a compatible marrow donor. Anyone who, like Noelle, is of European and Hispanic ancestry is especially encouraged to consider this gift. Go to www.bethematch.org. Click “Join,” then “Join Now,” then use the promo code TEAMNOELLE 2009 to receive a swab kit. It takes only four swabs of your cheek cells (10 seconds each) to determine your tissue type. The fee of $25.00 is waived for mixed race or Hispanic donors. If you are between 18 and 60 years of age, you could be the one to save someone’s life. Noelle and her family and friends appreciate the prayers and support of our community. Questions about the National Marrow Donor Program can be directed to Magda Silva, msilva@nmdp.org or 510-301-9512. To become better acquainted with Noelle, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noellevalladares.

DAY OF SILENCE
Notre Dame High School faculty, staff, and students participated in the Day of Silence on April 29 by entering into silence for those who are oppressed, discriminated against, or silenced in our world past and present. It was a powerful, reflective awareness event to stimulate critical thinking about how students can become part of the solutions to end silencing of various minority groups in our world today. Thank you NDB for your fabulous participation.

TENTATIVE ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR 2009-2010
Please note the information provided on the attachment.

GRADUATION DVDs
Attention Senior Parents: It’s not too late to purchase Graduation DVDs. The deadline for purchase has been extended until Graduation Day. The price is $50 per DVD. Please send payment to the Front Office.

LETTER REGARDING PANDEMIC FLU
The attached letter is for your information regarding the recent outbreak of swine flu and provides some information and references for you.

NDB SUMMER COURSES FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
NDB is offering a number of courses for high school students this summer, some of which are tri-school courses. Check our website for information about Driver’s Education, Personal Finance for Teens, Fencing, Dance Intensive, and more! We also offer an intensive Freshman Science course for students who want to improve their GPAs for college. Get rid of that D or F grade in one month!

PARENT SPLASH PARTY UPDATE
See the pictures from this wonderful event! See smilebox.com.

THANK YOU!
Thank you to the Junior Class Parents who helped to make the Senior Mother/Daughter Brunch a wonderful event: Liza Vernazza, Annette Bucher, Theresa Stoye, Kelli Tejada, Tracy Rodriguez, Ronele McCurdy, Melissa Nightingale, and Lucy Takla. To view pictures from this event, click this link.

April 24

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:42:20 -0700

In This Issue
• Education Revolution 2009 – April 25
• Annual Parent Survey Ends – April 26
• Exploring College Options – April 26-29
• Parent Association Officers for 2009-2010 Ballot Deadline – April 27
• Senior Blue Forms Due – April 28 and May l
• Concurrent Enrollment Information Night at CSM – April 30
• Spanish I and IB Pillowcase Review
• El Cinco de Mayo
• Summer Engineering Institute
• National Bone Marrow Program

EDUCATION REVOLUTION 2009 – April 25
PEN presents its exciting annual conference, EDUCATION REVOLUTION 2009, on April 25 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Students must register online in advance to get Free Admission: www.parentseducationnetwork.org

ANNUAL PARENT SURVEY ENDS – April 26
Over 130 of you have responding to our annual survey. We appreciate the time and effort each of you has taken to provide us with this valuable feedback. As mentioned earlier, your response helps guide our school improvement process and benefits our students, teachers, and professional staff.

If you’ve not yet participated, we hope you will soon as the survey ends on Sunday, April 26. Completing it typically takes less than 10 minutes. The survey can be reached by clicking on the link below or by copying it and pasting it into your browser. All feedback is anonymous and confidential. Click to take the survey.

Thank you very much for your help.

Sincerely,
Rita Gleason, Principal

EXPLORING COLLEGE OPTIONS – APRIL 26-29
Student/Parent Information sessions from Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, and Stanford are scheduled for April 26-29. See website for details: www.exploringcollegeoptions.org

PARENT ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010 – April 27 Ballot Deadline
NDHSB Parent Association ballot to nominate officers for the 2009-2010 school year is ready. If you are interested in serving as an officer and would like more information, please contact Ronele McCurdy @ rkmccurdy@sbcglobal.net. Click here for a nomination form. All ballots must be received by April 27, 2009. Mark your calendars: Parent Association Meeting on May 6, 2009. All are welcome!

SENIOR BLUE FORMS DUE – April 28 and May 1
Blue forms have been distributed. The Award/Scholarship Form is due Tuesday, April 28, and the Final Transcript Form is due Friday, May l. Please ensure that your daughter attaches all college, local, or community award(s) or scholarship(s) received during her senior year. She must submit a copy of this information with the Blue Form to ensure that award and scholarship information is accurate for Graduation Program and Academic Awards Celebration and secure acceptance to the university she plans to attend in the fall.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT INFORMATION NIGHT AT CSM – April 30
Your high school daughter in grades 10-12 can take college courses for free at CSM. Information Night is April 30. See flyer for details.

SPANISH I and IB CLASSES
Mrs. Folco’s Spanish I/IB will continue the tradition of the Pillowcase Review the last weeks of May. She needs all the used pillowcases possible. Using bright colored permanent pens, the girls write all the grammar and vocabulary they have learned this year on the pillowcase; they take it home and sleep on it until finals. It’s another “artsy” way to review and a good thing to have before the next school year begins. If you have any solid colored pillowcases that you would like to donate, please email Mrs. Folco at tfolco@ndhsb.org. Gracias!

EL CINO DE MAYO
Mrs. Folco’s classes will celebrate El Cinco de Mayo by playing “Capture the Flag,” eating, dancing, and singing. If you would like to participate, please contact her through email.

SUMMER ENGINEERING INSTITUTE
CalTrans and SFSU are offering a two week free summer experience in engineering. Is your daughter interested? See website for application information: www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/sei2009/.

NATIONAL BONE MARROW DONOR PROGRAM
Alumna Noelle Valladares’97 has had a recurrence of acure myelogenious leukemia. It is crucial that she find a compatible marrow donor. Anyone who, like Noelle, is of European and Hispanic ancestry is especially encouraged to consider this gift. Go to www.bethematch.org. Click “Join,” then “Join Now,” then use the promo code TEAMNOELLE 2009 to receive a swab kit. It takes only four swabs of your cheek cells (10 seconds each) to determine your tissue type. The fee of $25.00 is waived for mixed race or Hispanic donors. If you are between 18 and 60 years of age, you could be the one to save someone’s life. Noelle and her family and friends appreciate the prayers and support of our community. Questions about the National Marrow Donor Program can be directed to Magda Silva, msilva@nmdp.org or 510-301-9512. To become better acquainted with Noelle, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/noellevalladares.

April 10

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 09:20:04 -0700

In This Issue
• Authentic Mexican Cooking Class – April 16
• Be A Parent Ambassador – April 22 and May 8
• Parent Association Officers for 2009-2010 Ballot Deadline – April 27
• Senior Blue Forms Due – April 28 and May l
• Volunteer Information
• Update for Class Representatives for April, May, & June
• Curriculum Update: World Languages Department

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN COOKING CLASS – April 16
Are you looking for a creative, educational opportunity for you and your daughter over Spring Break? The Authentic Mexican cooking class is on April 16 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Notre Dame kitchen. Cristin Winn is coordinating a cooking class offered by Nicole Salgado, a former science teacher at NDB. See the flyer for the details or contact Ms. Winn at cwinn@ndhsb.org if you have any questions.

BE A PARENT AMBASSADOR – April 22 and May 8
We have two events coming up where the presence of parents is really important. Come join other NDB mothers and fathers to extend welcome to incoming parents at the Class of 2013 Welcome Dinner on April 22. The commitment is from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The other event is 6th and 7th Grade Day on May 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is a student-led event for 6th and 7th graders from about 60 middle schools. Many parents stay and we extend hospitality to them with refreshments and conversation with some NDB parents, faculty, and students. Both of these events are fun and easy and guest parents are so appreciative of our hospitality. If you can join us at one or both of these events, contact Admissions Director, Shyrl McCormick, smccormick@ndhsb.org.

PARENT ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010 – April 27 Ballot Deadline
NDHSB Parent Association ballot to nominate officers for the 2009-2010 school year is ready. If you are interested in serving as an officer and would like more information, please contact Ronele McCurdy @ rkmccurdy@sbcglobal.net. Click here for a nomination form. All ballots must be received by April 27, 2009. Mark your calendars: Parent Association Meeting on May 6, 2009. All are welcome!

SENIOR BLUE FORMS DUE – April 28 and May 1
Blue forms have been distributed. The Award/Scholarship Form is due Tuesday, April 28, and the Final Transcript Form is due Friday, May l. Please ensure that your daughter attaches all college, local, or community award(s) or scholarship(s) received during her senior year. She must submit a copy of this information with the Blue Form to ensure that award and scholarship information is accurate for Graduation Program and Academic Awards Celebration and secure acceptance to the university she plans to attend in the fall.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
We are currently compiling all records regarding parent volunteers; if you have worked on any school events for the 2008-2009 school year, please visit our website and enter your information: http://www.ndhsb.org/parents/volunteer_log.html. This list will be used for us to send out invitations to the Volunteer Appreciation Party on May 20.

UPDATE FOR CLASS REPRESENTATIVES FOR APRIL, MAY, & JUNE BY CLASS
Freshmen:
April 22 Class of 2013 Welcome Dinner
Juniors
April 26 Senior Mother/Daughter Mass and Brunch
June 2 Baccalaureate Mass & Reception
Please Note: Parents can and may be asked to work on any and/or all the events above regardless of class responsibility. The more volunteers we have for each event, the better.

CURRICULUM UPDATE: WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT: Current events help teach “tenses”
Current events help teach “tenses.” As students progress through the various future, future perfect, and pluperfect tenses in Spanish III and III Honors classes, they will be creating visual historical timelines to describe what will happen, what will have happened at a certain point, and what had happened before another significant event occurred. Juniors are studying World War II and this provides an excellent opportunity for students to visually express and reinforce their knowledge of this era. Sophomores, who are studying Modern World History, will be able to apply any number of topics including World War I, China, or Cuba to our timeline descriptions. Assessments come in students’ ability to correctly express the tenses and visually demonstrate where on a timeline these historical events occurred. This is a difficult concept to teach and to apply in students’ writing and speaking skills. Using current events and content across disciplines assists the students in their learning process.