July, 2016
Dear Parents:

This year again we are communicating with you in a summer "mailing" electronically and through our website which contains important information regarding the commencement of the new school year and information from other program areas. Please take the time to READ THOROUGHLY all of the information provided. All forms have been placed on School Admin that you can sign electronically with the exception of the Handbook Form (link below) which must be physically signed and returned to school by August 12th  in order for your daughter to proceed through her first day of classes on August 17th.  

The first days of school (orientation) for incoming freshmen will be August 11 and 12. Information regarding these days will be sent to all freshmen and their parents.

Transfer students orientation will be on August 12 from 10 AM-12 PM.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SCHOOL WILL BE COMPLETELY CLOSED FROM
July 18-AUGUST 8. This means that there will be no access into the school building and that no one will be answering phones.  There will be a general voice mail message left on the main line of the school.

We cannot stress enough the following general information:  
It is your family's responsibility to familiarize yourself with the Parent/Student Handbook before signing off on it. Students and parents should be aware of all policies and procedures since this is your contract with the school.  ( Returning students need to be aware that the  Administration has decided that yoga pants will NOT be part of the free dress options next year).

Attention: All Incoming Freshmen Interested in Leadership 
and All  Elected Leaders and Board Members:
On September 22, the Santa Clara University "Coaching for Life" program will be on campus sponsoring a leadership workshop from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Dining Room.  If you are an incoming freshman who is interested in leadership, you are invited to attend this workshop.  All returning students who have been elected into a leadership position are required to attend.  Please RSVP to Mrs. Uhl at [email protected] to reserve your spot!  

Please refer to the items listed below for information that you will need before the school year begins:

Early Picture Day: Friday, August 12, Grades 10-12 only, from 1:00-3:00 PM.
Freshmen will have their school pictures taken on August 12 from 4:30PM - 6PM during day 2 of orientation.

STUDENTS MUST WEAR WHITE POLOS AND FORMAL SWEATERS FOR THESE PICTURES.   Should your daughter decide to take her picture early, she will need to be provided with a check from you.  Students who take their picture on this day will receive a free set of wallet prints with the purchase of a portrait package. The portrait package is an optional purchase , but each student must have her picture taken for the yearbook, PowerSchool, and her ID card.  There is no charge for the first student ID card. Students who request a replacement copy will be charged $10.  

Prestige will also be available for students to have their pictures taken on August 18 and 19 between the hours of 7:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.  We remind seniors that all photos taken on picture days are used for PowerSchool and schedules; hence, we expect that seniors will take pictures without pranking.  Seniors not abiding by this can expect consequences.

Wednesday,  August 17:  First Day of Classes for ALL students:  
Special Schedule:  8:30 AM - 2:30 PM)
Schedule : (can also be found on web calendar)
8:30-8:55 Homeroom
9:00-10:00 Prayer Service
10:00-10:20   Break
10:25-10:55   Block 1
11:00-11:30 Block 2
11:35-12:35  Lunch (all-in model beginning 2016-2017 so lunch will be provided)
12:40-1:10 Block 3
1:15-1:45 Block 4
1:50-2:30  Team Building Activities
2:30 Dismissal

Thursday, August 18:  Second Day of Classes
Special Schedule:  8:30 AM-1:30PM
8:30-8:55  Homeroom
9:00-9:30  Class Meetings
9:35-10:05  Block 5
10:05-10:15  Break
10:20-10:50  Block 6
10:55-11:25  Block 7
11:25-1:30 Welcome Rally/ Lunch/ Activities (lunch provided with all-in model)
1:30  Dismissal

GENERAL REMINDERS:
  • Athletic Information:
APPRYSE: Deadline is July 15, 2016 . All student-athletes (including the competitive cheer and dance teams) are required to enroll on Appryse - our medical information and injury notification system - before participating in the Notre Dame High School Athletic Program. No student-athlete will be permitted to participate in our conditioning program, weight training, try-out, practice, or game, until Appryse has been completed. Please go to the following link for more information and to enroll:

Parent Driver Forms: Parents interested in helping to drive student athletes to and from practices and games must complete the parent driving forms at least one week prior in order for our insurance to clear parent drivers. Please go to the following link and find Parent Driving Forms:

Mandatory Fall Parent Meetings: 8/23/16 and 8/24/16 at 6:30pm - Parents of athlete wanting to participate in a sport during the 2016-2017 school year must attend one meeting. If you are a parent of a fall athlete please note the following meeting date and attend that date only. If you are a parent of a winter or spring athlete, please note the following date of that sport. The meeting is in the NDB Dining Room. From6:30-7:30, Athletic Director Jason Levine will cover important topics pertaining to athletics. After Mr. Levine completes his presentation, parents of fall athletes will break out into classrooms to meet their coaches. Parents of Winter and Spring sport athletes may leave at that point. At the meeting, you will be able to pay your athletic fee, register for our Casino/Dinner fundraiser, purchase athletic gear and join Boosters. Checks, cash and credit cards will be accepted.

8/23: VB, Tennis, Cheer/Pom, Soc, SB, Lacrosse
8/24: WP, XC, Golf, BB, Track, Swim

Athletic Fees Information: Athletic fees are collected for each season of sport.
  • 1st sport: $150
  • 2nd sport: $100
  • 3rd sport: $50
  • Cheer or Pom (year round): $200
Spirit Pack Information: Once your athlete makes a team, she is required to purchase items from our spirit pack site. All athletes must purchase practice T's, shorts/skirts/pants, game uniform (depending on your sport), sweat suit, bag, or other. Some items are required and some are optional. More information will be available after your daughter makes a team.

  • 2016-2017 Calendar:  The calendar is available on the Notre Dame web page , and we ask families to please access the calendar by the web page.   Please be aware that this is a living calendar and will be updated often . Please access the Athletic Calendar on the Athletic web site. Updates will also be maintained on that site.
  • EMERGENCY CARDS:  An emergency card and all necessary forms which must be completed by all students (incoming 9,10,11,12, and transfers) have been sent to you through School Admin.    Important:  If you request that the school supply your daughter with Tylenol or Advil for headaches, cramps, etc., you must complete the student's medical information section on the back of the Emergency Card.  If this information is NOT completed, the student will not be administered Tylenol or Advil on request. Be sure to electronically sign the form as well in the area indicated.
  • FIRST DAY OF CLASS :  Students are expected to have all books and materials by the first full day of classes, Friday, August 19, 2016, which will be an A Day.   Students should be in full everyday uniform.   All summer reading is also due on Friday, August 19, or Monday, August 22 in the student's English class.
You can expect delays in the parking lot the first days of school while new parents try to learn the process of drop off and pick up.   PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIVES OF THE PARKING ATTENDANT WHEN YOU DROP OFF AND PICK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS.  Be patient in the parking lot, please.
  • FORMAL UNIFORM:  The first day for formal uniform attire will be on Wednesday, September 14, for our opening school liturgy, the Mass of the Holy Spirit.   Formal uniform includes navy blue skirt, white polo, v-neck sweater, ND socks, and black dress shoes.  
  • HEALTH FORMS:  All freshmen and transfer students must have on file a completed Physician's Report which includes up-to-date immunizations (which this year must include booster DTap, DTP- Adacel, Boostrix)) and a TB test in order to register. State law dictates that this information be on file before admission to classes.   Please be sure all completed forms are turned in to the Registrar by August 1st.
  • LOCKS AND LOCKERS:  Students will retain the same lockers they used last year. Incoming freshmen and new students will be issued lockers and given locks on the first day. Remind your daughter, if a returning student, to bring her school-issued lock with her or she may purchase one in the front office. All locks must be issued by the school.   Athletes will be expected to keep their belongings in an assigned locker in the Moore Pavilion and must provide a school lock for that purpose. Students MAY NOT leave bags and other belongings in hallways in between lockers.
  • LUNCHES:  All students attending Notre Dame High School with the "All-In Model" will be provided with a well-balanced and healthy lunch daily by our food service, Epicurean.  
  • MEDICATION:  If you request that the school administer medication to your daughter, you must complete the student's medical information section on the Emergency Card. The school will not administer any medication, including over the counter drugs , to students unless you have completed this information.  The school should also be notified anytime your daughter is taking medication for a chronic condition.
  • MORNING SHUTTLE SERVICE:  A morning shuttle service is provided from 6:45 A.M. 7:45 A.M for students who take the train or bus. The shuttle will pick up students at El Camino and Ralston (in the Walgreens Parking Lot) and at the San Carlos Train Station. Afternoon shuttle service will not be provided because of the use of the vans for athletic teams and other student activities. Shuttle service is also provided from Junipero Serra High School back to Notre Dame after the first block of tri-school classes, and to and from Serra for the second  and third tri-school blocks.
  • PARENT EDUCATION AND INFORMATION EVENINGS:   Notre Dame High School presents several evenings to provide education and information for parents.  Note that some of these are mandatory while others are offered for your enrichment only. All of these dates are noted on the 2016-2017 Web Calendar.  Please mark the following dates on your calendar to ensure that you are able to attend those that pertain to your daughter's grade level:
FIRST SEMESTER:
August 12: New Parent Orientation and Barbeque
August 23 or 24:  All Sports Parent Meeting in Moore
September 7:  Back to School Night
September 12 or 26: FROSH and  Frosh Parents Drug Alcohol Awareness Presentation (ONE OR THE OTHER IS  MANDATORY for freshman  parents and freshmen)
September 28:  SENIOR Student/Parent College Night in DR
October 19:  Tri-School College Fair at Junipero Serra High School
November 2:  Mandatory Community of Concern Drug/Alcohol Information for SOPHOMORE Parents.

SECOND SEMESTER:
January 11:  Financial Aid for College for SENIORS and Parents at ND
January 25:  JUNIOR Student/Parent College Night
February 22: FROSH/SOPHOMORE Parent College Night in DR
April 6:  Parent Aquacades Night
May 17:  Awards Evening
  • PARKING AND TRAFFIC:  In order to avoid traffic gridlock when dropping off and picking up your daughter before and after school, particularly during the first days of school, please follow the directions of the parking attendant and STAGGER YOUR TIME OF PICK UP.   It is not necessary for parents to be here at the exact dismissal time.  Coming a little later to pick up your daughter will help alleviate some of the traffic congestion on the school grounds and Ralston Avenue.  Please pull into any available parking stall when you arrive on campus in order to avoid gridlock all the way back to Ralston Avenue.  
The first two weeks are always challenging, and we need your cooperation until everyone becomes accustomed to the routine.  Please also remember that the back of the school is an EXIT ONLY onto Notre Dame Avenue.  Cars ENTER campus by the east gate only and EXIT by the west gate or back gate only . The BACK GATE may not be used for entry onto the campus at anytime. DO NOT PICK UP OR DROP OFF NEAR THE WEST ENTRANCE-THIS ONLY CAUSES MORE CONGESTION.

PARENTS MAY NOT DROP OFF OR PICK UP STUDENTS ANYWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.  This policy is enforced by the Belmont Police Department.

ONLY SENIORS AND JUNIORS ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE TO SCHOOL.  Seniors will be given first priority for parking. Applications for parking permits will be available the first week of school. Students will be required to turn in a copy of their driver's license along with the application.  There is a $25 parking fee which includes up to two vehicles per family. Applications will not be accepted unless a copy of the student's driver's license is attached.  For the first week of school, students may park anywhere on campus  (except faculty and reserved stalls) until permits are issued . Students who park in this lot must have a driving permit from NDB.  Notre Dame High School adheres to the provisions outlined in the "The Three Stage Provisional Driver License" law that became effective July 1,1998 and that was updated more recently (new drivers are on a provisional license for one year).  The school will abide by the conditions established for provisional license holders. Provisional license holders MAY NOT drive other students (siblings excepted).

It is imperative that parents and students understand that Notre Dame High School does not endorse or allow student parking on surrounding streets.  We need to be respectful of our neighbors who work in partnership with us to maintain the safety of this neighborhood.  Students who drive recklessly will not be allowed to drive to school and their parking privilege will be revoked.  We expect that parents will work in partnership with us regarding all driving and parking regulations and will respect our request that only juniors and seniors drive to school.   Although we are aware that some sophomores may already have licenses, sophomores may not drive to school and park elsewhere. That means that a sophomore should be driven to school or should car pool with another family.
  • SKIRT LENGTHS:  Please ensure that all skirt lengths meet the dress code requirement (no more than 4 inches from the top of the knee to the bottom of the hemline).   Please be sure that your daughter begins the school year with an acceptable skirt.  (See Parent/Student Handbook).
  • SUMMER READING:  Information regarding the books required for summer reading may be accessed online.
  • TRANSCRIPT UPDATES:  Students who have earned high school credits this summer should request that an official copy of the transcript be forwarded to the Registrar at Notre Dame High School.
  • TRI-SCHOOL CLASSES:  Tri-School classes will begin on Tuesday, August 23 .  All Notre Dame High School's rules regarding dress code and behavior are in effect at Mercy and Junipero Serra High Schools. Students are expected to attend all Tri-school class sessions, even when school activities are scheduled at the same time and vacation or ending dates among schools differ.  Tri-school students should also follow the guidelines set forth by the host schools regarding parking. Notre Dame will provide a shuttle service after the first block tri-school class from Junipero Serra back to Notre Dame .  Shuttle service will also be provided to and from Serra for blocks 2 and 3. Students enrolled in all other Tri-school classes are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the host school. There are Tri-school parking spaces available for those students driving to and from off campus tri-school classes.
  • TUITION: Payment is made according to the plan selected .   If paying monthly, you must enroll in FACTS Management and the first payment is due in July .   If paying annually or by semester, the required payment(s) must be made by August 10, 2016.  The second semester payment will be due on January 10, 2017.  Any questions regarding tuition may be directed to the Business Office (ext. 230).
  • UNIFORM:  Students are expected to be in regular school uniform daily. ( See Parent/Student Handbook) .  Fridays are always free dress days unless announced otherwise. It is important that students and parents review the Parent/Student Handbook regarding appropriate uniform and free dress attire.   Please note that yoga pants will no longer be considered acceptable attire for free dress days.  This is a change for the 2016-2017 academic year.
May God's blessings be with each of you for a very safe and restful time with your families.   Enjoy your time together.

I look forward to your daughter's safe return in August and to working with you again this year.

Most sincerely,


Carolyn Hutchins,
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs