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Happy Graduation!

Guidance Dept.

Summer Camps

Faculty Forum

From Advancement

Service Learning

Campus Ministry

Snapshots

Kudos

Legacy of Caring

Jr High

From Advancement

Spring Sport Updates

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Elmira, New York

Volume 10 Issue 10

Connection

June 2015 Crusader

The Get connected!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT —

See the world through the eyes of God the Creator. The earth is an environment to be

safeguarded, a garden to be cultivated.—Pope Francis, Earth Day 2015

In the fall of 2015 a group of Notre Dame Students will be travelling to Philadelphia

where they will be able to attend an event with Pope Francis. This loving and

compassionate Pontiff will be making his first visit to the United States and will have a

special message for Americans.

His message may reflect some thoughts on the environment and human ecology from an

encyclical which will be released later this summer. This highly anticipated teaching

document will be the first from a pope to focus specifically on creation and our human

relationship with it.

Pope Francis has spoken regularly on environmental issues, such as protecting creation;

the challenge of climate change, environmental degradation and natural disasters; water,

food and sustainability. We are all called to be a protector of our earth; we are called to

respect God’s creatures and the environment in which we live. This includes protecting

other people, caring for one another, building friendships, protecting one another in

trust, respect and goodness. As we await the encyclical and our students visit to

Philadelphia, let us remember to be constant protectors of God’s great gifts to us.

—Sister Mary Walter Hickey, RSM—President

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK —

It was just four years ago that we welcomed the Class of 2015 to Notre Dame High

School. Now we are giving thanks for them and for all that they have done to make this

school year so successful. It has been a busy year with all kinds of activity. Our students

have been recognized for their achievement in the classroom and we have had many

champions in the athletic arena. We have been entertained by the drama department and

enjoyed the music from our bands and choruses.

It takes many to help our students be successful; we have wonderful faculty, staff and

supportive parents. I want to thank you for all you have done to make Notre Dame the

special place that it is. We couldn’t do it without you!

To the parents of our graduating seniors, I thank you for all the contributions you have

made while your son or daughter was with us and I want you to know you are always

welcome at Notre Dame. I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments on June

19th.

May all of you have a happy and safe summer!

—Sister Nancy Kelly, RSM—Principal

JUNE EXAM SCHEDULE

The June Exam Schedule is

available online for you to

view. You can find it under the

Quick Links Section on the

Homepage or by simply

clicking here.

2 Page 2—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

FROM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT—

Summer School 2015 The area public school districts are in the process of deciding the details for Summer School this year. As soon as

exams are over and grades are submitted, the ND Guidance Office will communicate with any families whose students will need to

consider attending summer school. Registration for Summer School must be done through the Guidance Office.

2015-2016 Academic Handbook The 2015-2016 Notre Dame Academic Handbook has been updated and published to the ND website. To download the

handbook, click on the Academic Tab > Academic Offerings.

Graduation Announcements & Tickets

Anyone who wants to attend the graduation ceremony will need a ticket with a specific seat number on it and they will have

to get a ticket from the graduate they are coming to see. Tickets will be distributed during the second week of June to the Seniors.

Each Senior initially receives 6 tickets, 2 “priority seats” for parents and 4 others that are still excellent seats. The seating is done

through a lottery drawing with the Seniors. If parents know that they will need more seats than these initial 6, they should email

Mrs. Barron as soon as possible. Special circumstances such as two sets of parents or elderly guests who need special seating or

wheelchair seating requirements can be accommodated. Please communicate any of these requests to Mrs. Barron at

barronm@notredamehighschool.com

Scheduling Students currently in grade 10 are strongly encouraged to meet with Mrs. Barron to review their course selections for the

2015-2016 school year. Ms. McKinery is in the process of finalizing course requests with students. Freshman and Junior schedule

reviews will wrap up the first week of June. Students who have not re-enrolled for the 2015-2016 school year will be unable to

select courses until they have officially re-enrolled.

For Juniors: At this point you should have begun your college search process. Fall will creep up soon, and college

application season will be upon us before you realize it. It is best to go into your senior year as prepared as possible, as this will

help make the process much more manageable. Ms. McKinery will be meeting with you in classroom guidance sessions starting in

September to start the Common Application, but it will be helpful if you have some extra pieces prepared. This summer is a great

time to fit in some college campus visits, generate a list of schools to apply to, and to start thinking about your application essay.

To All Students There are a variety of Mercy Learning Online courses that students can currently enroll in. Registration is open and

students are encouraged to see either Mrs. Barron or Ms. McKinery as soon as possible to sign up for these courses. Mercy

Learning Online courses run from June 15-July 15, and there is a fee for each course. Courses can either be taken for new credit or

credit recovery. Please contact the Guidance Office with any inquiries.

The Notre Dame Guidance Department operates on a Open Door Policy, stop by anytime with any questions or concerns.

June at a Glance June 3 7th & 8th Grade Soup Kitchen June 6 Senior Prom 7-11 PM June 9 Senior Banquet 5:30 PM June 10 Athletic Awards 7 PM June 11 Senior Dress Up Day Awards Assembly 8:30 AM June 12 Senior Trip to Hershey Park Last day of classes June 15 School and Regents Exams (6/15-6/25) June 16 Mark Twain Scholars June 18 Baccalaureate 7:30 PM June 19 Graduation 7:30 PM June 24 8th Grade Graduation

To see what camps are being offered, to view the course

catalog, and to download the registration form, simply visit

the ND website by clicking the image above.

3 Page 3—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

FACULTY FORUM—

Some Thoughts As the School Year Ends John Olisky, Theology and Psychology Teacher

Teaching is more than content. Students need to know that a teacher cares not only about their learning, but that they are

also is interested in them as individuals. Sr. Nancy is fond of reminding us that students may forget what we taught them, but

they will always remember how we made them feel. Sr. Mary Walter used to say," Don't give children what they want, give

them what they need." My Irish grandmother was always willing to point out that if you had a pig and a boy and gave them

both everything they wanted, you'd have a good pig and a bad boy! Sr. Carmella used to say that most kids will work very hard

for what they want. The problem is that what they want is not always what we want. It bolsters the old maxim that for

everyone who wants to teach there are 25 who do not want to be taught. So much of what teachers do is about motivation.

Grades are big motivators, but tests and numbers are only part of the process. I tell my students to tell their parents that a manic

focus on percentages derails the learning experience. That's why I encourage discussion in the classroom. Discussion not just

for content but for answers to why something did happen and what does it mean. Cooperative learning is nothing new. Getting

kids to think critically and speak intelligently is where we want to go. Students who can motivate other students to cooperate

forms the basis for better citizenship. And read. Please read. Read something that challenges. It expands vocabulary. It allows

you to imagine. It makes test scores go up. That should make everyone happy.

FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE—

JOEL STEPHENS MEMORIAL PARK

There are cobblestone blocks available to purchase in the beautiful Joel Stephens Memorial Park. Blocks are $500 each,

which includes the inscription of your choice. What a great way to honor or memorialize a loved one. For more information

call 607.734.2267.

ND’s SCRIP PROGRAM—CONVENIENT AND HELPS DECREASE YOUR TUITION The Notre Dame Scrip Program is an easy way for you to help raise funds for the school on items you are already going to

buy: gifts, gas, hotels, gifts and goods. You can download an updated scrip form from the ND website under the Crusader

Cards tab or stop by the ND school office and purchase scrip on the spot. Plus: save money on next year’s tuition

PLEASE NOTE: Scrip tuition credit for the 2016-2017 academic year runs through April 30. Scrip purchases after

April 30, will be credited for the next school year.

Top Ten Scrip Card Purchasers (includes purchasers from May 2014-March 26, 2015)

1. Mr. & Mrs. Shawn Barkley

2. Mr. & Mrs. David Velasquez

3. Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Keefer

4. Mr. & Mrs. Robert MacBlane

5. Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Volino

6. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Diehr

7. Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Bauco

8. Mrs. Nancy Works

9. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Willsey 10. Ms. Marge McKinery

SAVE THE DATE—ND RUMMAGE SALE “One Man’s Junk is another Man’s Treasure.”

The Annual Notre Dame High School Rummage Sale will be held on Friday, July 10th and Saturday,

July 11th in the Notre Dame Cafeteria from 9a.m.-2p.m. Items can be dropped off in the cafeteria

beginning on Monday, July 6th. Only gently used items are being accepted.

4 Page 4—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

Happy Pentecost!

Pentecost celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit empowering

the apostles and disciples to go forth to build the kingdom

of God. It is a great reminder to all of us to use our gifts and

bear witness of God’s love to the ends of the earth.

This month we celebrate with our Seniors at the

Baccalaureate Mass on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 7:30pm.

This is a special mass for our graduates and their families as

we send them forth. We also rejoice with our 8th graders as

they graduate on June 24.

May all our students courageously bear witness to the good

news empowered by the Spirit of Pentecost!

Prayer reflection:

Dear Lord,

Help us to be more like you and walk in your shadow by:

feeding the hungry,

visiting the lonely,

treating all people as equals,

loving our families and friends, as well as our enemies,

being a good listener,

sharing with others,

appreciating all people,

praying alone and with others,

following in your ways,

helping the poor,

sharing your faith,

taking time to listen to what you have to say to us,

and being kind and generous to all people and respecting

everyone.

Lord, help us to follow these things in whatever we do and

whomever we meet.

Amen

Rachel Learned, Class of 2004

In Mercy, Mrs. Nancy Roy

Campus Minister

Service Learning —

The ND Service Learning class, in coordination with Officer

Tricia Sweet, recently funded the purchase of 1,000 bracelets

for the Youth Assistance Program at the Elmira Correctional

Facility.

This program gives students the opportunity to work with

selected inmates to utilize ten tools they (inmates) wish they

had/were aware of when they were younger, such as Faith,

Communication, and Mentoring. These tools are a way to get

kids to make better choices and to think about what they

could do better.

The bracelets are meant to serve as a takeaway for students

involved in this program. Kids across the region who

participate in this program will always have a reminder of the

tools they can use to make better choices.

5 Page 5—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

SNAPSHOTS

Students Trevor Works, Quinn George, and Katie Bohart, members of the

ND Robotics Team, visited Beecher Elementary on May 19, to present

information about FIRST Robotics and how it impacts STEM. Included in

this presentation was a live demonstration of the Robot they built for the

FIRST Robotics Competition that was held in March.

Take a look at this cake our English 8

students, Emma Westcott and Madeleine

Meier, created! Students in this class were

asked to read the book The Hobbit and then

create something related to the book. These

two creative students made a "Hobbit

Cake!" Nice job girls!

Mrs. Agan's Spanish students were given a

2 week project to create Cinco De Mayo

Posters, here is a photo of some of their

creations. In this photo:

Patrick Finnerty

Lattimer Audinwood

Olivia Murray

Austin Gleason

Chloe Stemerman Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our annual

MayFEST and MayFEST Mile. Fun was had by all!

Mrs. McCaig’s Theology 8 Class took

time out of their day to clean the benches

in the Joel Stephens Memorial Park.

Thank you all, they look great!

Richard Heyward and Kristen Franzese

created a burger and fries in their art class

which will be displayed at the Classic Café,

run by ND’s Teacher Mrs. Bernadette

McClellan and her husband. Great job guys!

Congratulations to our Jr High Drama

Club Students for a great production

of I Want My Mummy!

6 Page 6—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

KUDOS TO….

Election Results for the 2015-2016 School Year:

Student Council

President: Toby Wirth

Vice President: Dillan Leonard

Treasurer: Gia Wicaksono

Secretary: Sofia Harris

Class of 2016

President: Victoria Schutrum

Vice President: Alivia Clark

Treasurer: Emma Booth

Secretary: Sam Westcott

Class of 2017

President: Matt Karee

Vice President: Andy Wichtowski

Treasurer: Claire Czank

Secretary: Ally Wichtowski

Class of 2018

President: Seamus O’Brian

Vice President: Kaitlin Barkley

Treasurer: Claire Kubinski

Secretary: Jake Van Shoick

Congratulations to the following students for receiving

Academic Scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year:

Daniel Bentancourt-Trompa

Andrew Finnerty

Emma Westcott

Rebecca Shannon

Jackie Chen

Kristen Oplinger

Declan Sharma

Chemung County Youth Bureau Awards Ceremony

On Tuesday, April 28 the Chemung County Youth

Bureau put on its 32nd Awards Ceremony at the Big

Flats Community Center. During this ceremony, ND

student, Jonathan Chandonait was presented with the

Polly Sanders Youth Scholarship Award.

Congratulations Johnathon!

National Honor Society Congratulations to the new inductees to National

Honor Society! These students were inducted on

Sunday, May 3 in the ND Auditorium. Mrs. Karen

Ronsivalle was the keynote speaker and NHS

President, Colton Hillman was the Master of

Ceremony. Colton was assisted during the ceremony

by his fellow NHS members from the Senior Class.

The new inductees: Stefanie Bunnell

Charlene Burns

Alivia Clark

Ana Coulibaly

Alec Cutler

Abigail Fell-Dewalt

Emilie Guermeur

Mia Herlan

Noah Kravitz

Ty Kunzman

Anna Lackner

Ryan Lanning

Dillan Leonard

Yvie Molingou

Victoria Schutrum

IIana Sobel

Michael Stearns

Frances VanderMeer

Michaela Volino

Sam Westcott

Gianina Wicaksono

7 Page 7—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

Legacy of Caring Capital Campaign Update

As the 2014-2015 school year is rapidly coming to a close, we wanted to take a few moments to

update you on the Legacy of Caring Capital Campaign.

Campaign planning began in early 2013, with several key needs identified: greater financial

security through the establishment of an endowment, higher levels of academic excellence and

capital improvements to ensure a safe environment.

The campaign moved into its public phase in March of 2014 with a 2 million dollar gift from

Richard (’58) and Carol Crossed. Through the generosity of the Crossed family and other

benefactors we have been able to complete significant capital improvements throughout the school during the 2014-2015

school year:

Renovated and expanded tennis courts

Paved all-weather track

Artificial turf athletic field

New spectator seating

New stadium lighting

New concession stand and bathrooms

New track and field areas

New auditorium lighting and rigging

We have planned one more capital improvement before students return to school in September – the renovation of the

auditorium entrance and awning. Construction will begin at the end of June and is targeted for completion in early August.

At that time we will formally name the auditorium the“ Charles and Mary Crossed Auditorium”.

With many of the critical capital safety issues addressed, the Campaign is moving into its final phase as we now seek to raise

funds for:

1. New Boiler and Heating Components - We are in desperate need of a new boiler system and must address the issue

quickly.

2. Academic Excellence –We plan to make necessary technology upgrades and provide for teacher professional

development.

3. Endowment – The establishment of an endowment will help ensure the financial stability of the school and allow for

continued scholarships for students of the future.

We ask your help in addressing these important areas by giving to the Legacy of Caring Capital Campaign – gifts of any

size are welcomed and appreciated. For more information, and to make a donation, visit the Notre Dame website here:

http://www.notredamehighschool.com/legacy-of-caring-campaign.html

8 Page 8—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

7th & 8th Grade News Congratulations! School year 2014-15 is almost done. It’s hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close, with our 8th

graders about to become high school students. The 7th graders have grown from 6th graders in elementary school to being confident and

effective junior high students. June, the hardest month, is about to start and if we all work together, everyone will succeed.

Why would June be the hardest month? It’s the distraction of summer, teasing us every day. Classes are still important, with new material

and review. Final exams finish up our year and count 1/6 of the total year’s grade. Teachers will be giving review work in preparation for

exams—we would appreciate parental involvement to make sure that the review work is completed. It’s very tempting for students to ease

off on work during June. However, we all need to keep reminding them that 9 weeks of fun in the sun is the reward for striving towards

that goal of personal excellence in the final stretch.

Our ministry at the Elmira Soup Kitchen continues in June and then throughout the summer. We thank Mrs. McCaig, Mrs. Drake, and all

of our Soup Kitchen volunteers and donors for helping to keep Elmira fed in 2014-15. Any one interested in helping during the summer

should contact Mrs. McCaig before school gets out.

Please check out the exam schedule on the Notre Dame website. 7th and 8th graders need to be in the school building only when they are

scheduled for an exam. The last day for 7th graders is Monday, June 22 for the Spanish exam. 8th graders are required to attend a practice

for their 8th Grade Celebration, on Tuesday, June 23, 9:30-11:30, and they may dress down nicely. The 8th grade Celebration is Wednesday

evening, June 24, at 7PM, in the auditorium and all of your friends and families are welcome.

Congratulations to all of our accomplished students on a year well done: scholarship winners, athletes, stars of I Want My Mummy, and

every student who worked hard to get through this school year. We are so proud of each and every one of you. All of the teachers of the 7th

and 8th graders join me in wishing you a productive June and a joyful summer.

Peace and light,

Karen Jennings

Seneca Junior Sailing is looking for new members! The core program consists of Saturday sessions that will cover

three phases:

-Basic sailing and boat handling (June 6, 13, 27)

-Sailboat racing rules and tactics (July 11, 12, 18 & August 8)

-Sailboat racing competition (August 15, 29, Sept. 19 & 26)

This program is open to high-school-aged students. For more

information: info@senecapowersquadron.US Email Jessica Kneaskern kneaskernj@notredamehighshcool.com

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SPORTS SNAPSHOTS & UPDATES

Varsity Baseball IAC 1st Team All-Stars

Parker May

Cameron Reid

Matt LaBadie

Varsity Boys Track IAC Championship Results:

Garret Butters - 1st Place in 3200m and 3000m Steeplechase

Matt Karee - 3rd Place in 3200m

Varsity Girls Track IAC Championship Results:

Anna Lackner - 1st Place in Shot Put and Discus

Chase Yoder - 1st Place in 1500m, 800m, 3200R,

and 2nd Place in 1600R

Claire Fontana - 1st Place in 3200R, 2nd Place in 1600mR,

3rd Place in 200m Steeplechase

Laurel Vargas and Camile VanderMeer - 1st Place in 3200mR

Deborah Diarra - 2nd Place in 100m, 400m, 1600mR,

and 3rd Place in 200m

Megan O’Dell - 2nd Place in Discus

Peyton Yoder - 2nd Place in 300m and 3rd Place in 1500m

Victoria Schutrum - 2nd Place in 1600mR

Mia Herlan - 3rd Place in the High Jump

Allegra Dawes - 3rd Place in 800m

Page 10—June 2015 The Crusader Connection

IAC 2nd Team All-Stars

Kyle Minchin

Chris Karam

IAC 2nd Team All-Stars

Mackenzie Mahajan

Morgan Cox

Maura Glovins

IAC 1st Team All-Stars

Zach Brand

Mike Stearns

Alex Sherman

Toby Wirth

IAC 2nd Team All-Stars

Ryan Steed

Brooks Glovins

Varsity Softball IAC 1st Team All-Stars

Alivia Clark

Mackenzie Maloney

Brooke Harvey

Izzy Milazzo

Varsity Boys Golf IAC Championship Results:

Zach Brand - 2nd Place, Dean Winters Senior Medalist/

Sportsmanship Award Winner

Mike Stearns - 5th Place

Varsity Boys Tennis IAC Championship Results:

2nd Place in IAC Tournament

Declan Sharma and Mitch Vargas - 1st Place for 3rd Doubles

Jack Kaffenbarger - 2nd Place for 4th Singles

Junior Coulibaly - 3rd Place for 3rd Singles

*Keep an eye out for upcoming updates on team results