Notre Dame Viewbook by Notre Dame High School

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NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL WEST HAVEN IN THE HOLY CROSS TRADITION 24 Ricardo Street West Haven, CT 06516 www.notredamehs.com

Notre Dame High School admits students of any race, color, religion and national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally allowed or made available to the students at the School.

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Notre Dame High School • 24 Ricardo Street • West Haven, CT 06516 • www.notredamehs.com Mr. Pasquale G. Izzo ’00, Director of Admissions • 203-933-1673 x501 • admissions@notredamehs.com Mr. Robert F. Curis, President • Mr. Patrick J. Clifford ’75, Principal

TRADITION

• INNOVATION • TRANSFORMATION

Join us for your Notre Dame Journey! A journey, rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, inspired by innovation, transforming the hearts and minds of young men. It’s a powerful journey and it’s what sets us apart. • A Notre Dame education gives each young man the opportunity to reach his highest potential in all areas of life, in a community he comes to know as an extended family. • Notre Dame is a Catholic, independent school known for teaching methods that incorporate learning styles best suited to high school boys. Our talented faculty are dedicated to transforming the lives of their students and work tirelessly to innovate, inspire, and guide Notre Dame men. • Our unique blend of tradition and innovation moves learning beyond the classroom and includes academic support and guidance, character development, and a wide range of vibrant, challenging, and rewarding co-curricular activities. • We partner with our students, their parents and families to foster habits of the mind, heart, and spirit that students can draw upon for a lifetime. In addition to our holistic and progressive approach to education, we continue to grow and enhance our learning environment. Over the past decade, we have invested over $13 million in our campus resulting in four state-of-the-art science classrooms, new centers for the arts, technology, and spirituality, and our fields of dreams for our physical education and athletic programs. Notre Dame has grown steadily in the past 70 years, shaping young boys and transforming them into men of strong character and intellect. Come visit. I look forward to introducing you to our community. Sincerely, Mr. Robert F. Curis President

“I didn’t know many people when I started Notre Dame but I was not too worried. I knew people were nice to each other, and I’d get to know them fast, especially if I got involved in activities. Now I’m a member of Team ND, and will be helping out at admission events and helping freshmen adjust to the school. I’m proud to be at Notre Dame and Team ND is one way to show that.” Lonnie Blackwell ’14 (UCONN), Varsity Basketball, Team ND 2

TRIMESTER

E-PORTFOLIO

VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

U C O N N E A R LY C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C E

ACADEMIC INNOVATION Notre Dame’s courses, all of which are college prep, accommodate a range of intellectual ability. We offer an innovative Honors Program for highly qualified students, an overall curriculum designed for the unique learning style of boys, and faculty who know how to teach to their strengths. Notre Dame also offers support services that help students become independent learners. Among Notre Dame’s distinguishing academic advantages are:

lets students work on joint projects from any location and submit their work electronically. • BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) School • Requiring each student to create an e-Portfolio. This electronic program lets each ND student digitally document his learning and showcase his accomplishments: written summaries of service obligations, reflections on learning experiences, and examples of coursework that illustrate growth over time.

Trimester Schedule Adopted in 2006, Notre Dame’s academic calendar is based on a trimester system that divides the school year into three equal terms. Each class period is 57 minutes long, and includes traditional instruction and hands-on or group activities that enhance learning. Because class time is nearly an hour, some courses can be taught in two rather than three terms, thereby giving students more options for electives — or the chance to create further academic advantages for themselves.

Teacher Advisory In addition to having the same guidance counselor all four years, each of our students belongs to a small Teacher Advisory group (4–5 students from each class year) that meets weekly with the same faculty member.

Essential Technology Recognizing that technology is a primary “language” for students who today have grown up with it, Notre Dame makes it part of every class (having ensured that every classroom has the latest and fastest Internet connections). Three examples attest to innovations that keep ND at the cutting edge of educational transformation: • New Library/Media Center and technology classroom • Becoming a Google Docs school (more often used by colleges). This program

SAMPLE ACADEMIC PROGRAM Grade 9 TRIMESTER ONE August – November

TRIMESTER TWO November – March

TRIMESTER THREE March – June

Old Testament World Cultures Algebra 1 Fine Arts Study English

Old Testament World Cultures Algebra 1 Spanish 1 English Study

Study World Cultures Algebra 1 Spanish 1 Physical Science Physical Education

Algebra 1 World Cultures Old Testament Spanish 1 English Fine Arts Physical Science Physical Education Portfolio Total credits

1.5 credits 1.5 credits 1.0 credit 1.0 credit 1.0 credit .5 credit .5 credit .5 credit .25 credit 7.75 credits

ROTATING SCHEDULE Three terms of 60 days Fifty-seven minute periods Six periods per day

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

TRIMESTER

E-PORTFOLIO

VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL

“I did well freshman year and am moving up to the Moreau Honors Program for sophomore year. Colleges like to see that you’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to take the highest level classes you can. You can do that in many ways at Notre Dame.” Dan Madsen ’15 (West Haven), Soccer, Lacrosse, Team ND, Model UN

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Moreau Honors Program Freshmen and sophomores selected to participate in the Moreau Honors Program learn in an interdisciplinary setting. They read more challenging material, do individual and group long-term projects, benefit from lively classroom interaction, learn research techniques and practice critical reading skills — all of which strengthen analytical thinking. The program is team taught by faculty who focus not only on their own area of expertise, but also on the connections between the various subjects. Incorporating Web 2.0 technology, the Moreau Honors curriculum includes religion, English, and social studies. UCONN Early College Experience Through the UCONN Early College Experience, many Notre Dame students earn college credit for courses they take while at Notre Dame. Not every high school can offer this dual enrollment — only those with faculty whose caliber and credentials qualify them to serve as adjunct professors for UCONN. Notre Dame currently offers collegecredit courses in Biology, English, Italian 4&5, Latin 4, and Spanish 4&5.

U C O N N E A R LY C O L L E G E E X P E R I E N C E

Last year, 106 young men earned from 3 to 15 UCONN (transferable) credits each. Not only does this joint program give students a jump-start on college, but it allows for greater flexibility in scheduling (and/or changing majors) once there. In some cases, work done while at Notre Dame has opened time needed for work or an internship during college. In other cases, it has saved parents a full semester of college tuition. Advanced Placement/Virtual High School Notre Dame offers a full complement of AP courses, for which students may receive college credit after taking the national College Board exam. Notre Dame’s participation in the Virtual High School program makes nearly 200 additional AP courses available online, with the same testing required upon completion. This program creates options for more in-depth study or for exploring new interests. Our trimester system creates the flexibility to exercise this option. ON CHARACTER: More than 100 years ago, Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, observed that the world has a greater need for people of values than it does for scholars. Seeking a balance between the two elements, schools founded and operated by the Brothers of Holy Cross place equal emphasis on academics and character development. At Notre Dame, this student-centered education takes place both in and beyond the classroom. NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

“Brotherhood is not just some magic word that makes everyone kind and thoughtful. Brotherhood takes time and effort, a willingness to keep other people’s needs on your radar. When I started Notre Dame, I told myself to get out and meet new people.” Michael Mancuso ’17 (East Haven) Baseball, Team ND 5

FINE ARTS In an all-male educational setting, young men are more likely than their counterparts in coed schools to engage in a creative outlet — be it art, drama, writing, or music. To enhance the drama and music programs for which ND is known, we included a staged auditorium with seating for 450 in our new Arts, Technology and Spiritual Center as well as a music suite with separate classroom and practice space. Both areas include the latest technology for lighting, sound, digital editing, and more. At Notre Dame, the arts weave their way through the curriculum all four years, exposing students to the major art forms. Not considered “frills” or “extras,” the arts at Notre Dame include academic courses, credit-bearing performance groups, and cocurricular activities that allow our budding artists, musicians, actors, and writers to share their common interests. Credit-bearing course options include art, studio art, photography, digital photography, music appreciation, concert chorus, concert band, string ensemble, and guitar. Co-curricular activities result in student art exhibits, annual stage plays, a literary magazine, and a variety of concerts. The following performance groups earn credit for participating, and their collective talent is a source of pride for Notre Dame: Introduction to Band Intermediate Band Concert Band Concert Chorus String Ensemble * Jazz Ensemble* *as student talent warrants

ON CHARACTER: Through the arts, the strands of character development are strengthened as students learn that patience is a component of progress, that only “practice makes perfect,” and that sharing creative results with others includes both risks and rewards. In the Holy Cross tradition, such avenues to self-expression contribute to the shaping of a well-rounded person. NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

“When I joined the concert chorus freshman year, I barely knew what a voice part was, and knew nothing about harmonizing and balancing in chorus. I’ve learned so much about the beauty and discipline of music. The hard work we put in really pays off come concert time. Ours is a well-respected chorus.” Jason Abate ’13 (Ansonia), Fairfield University ’17

“More than 60 kids from all four classes are in the band, so it’s a great way to make new circles of friends. It’s good to have music in your life; for me, it’s a relaxing hobby. In the first term, we’re a band for football games; second term we focus on music for the Christmas and Spring Concerts, and third term we do a Pops Concert and play at graduation. I like the variety of the music, and the fact that each year we have new talent coming in.” Kadir Saravanan ’15 (Milford) The George Washington University ’19

“My family taught me that giving to others is the morally right thing to do. Notre Dame values that, too, and many of us go way beyond the school’s required service hours.” Tyler DeLaurentis ’15 (Wallingford), Providence College ’18

FAITH

WORSHIP

COMMUNITY SERVICE

R E T R E ATS

PEER COUNSELING

LEADERSHIP

DIVERSITY

CAMPUS MINISTRY Campus Ministry at Notre Dame, rooted in the Roman Catholic faith, welcomes students of diverse religious traditions. We believe in the mutual enrichment possible in the interweaving of prayer, study, and community service. All students complete a four-year religious studies curriculum, to which Campus Ministry offers a reflective dimension. Opportunities to deepen one’s faith abound — through worship, retreats, and service. Worship Each morning Notre Dame begins with a student-or faculty-led prayer, as do classes throughout the day. In addition, the Director of Campus Ministry collaborates with faculty to create prayer services that link to the curriculum. The entire community gathers for Mass on Roman Catholic holy days and on days special to our founders, the Congregation of Holy Cross. Our new addition includes the beautiful Saint Br. André Bessette Chapel, with stained glass windows that are reflective of our Holy Cross roots. It is used for daily morning prayers at 7:50 am and quiet prayer; its presence affirms our faith and our heritage. Retreats An ongoing retreat program provides opportunities for deeper spiritual reflection, and is an integral part of the academic year. These retreats not only foster personal growth, but also help build a community attuned to matters of the heart.

Peer Counseling Interested upperclassmen may apply and train to become peer counselors through a program of the same name sponsored by Campus Ministry. Participants in the Peer Counseling Program are well respected for the leadership and service they offer, particularly in assisting freshmen in the adjustment to high school life, and maintaining a culture of respect and compassion. Community Service Another form of servant leadership takes place through our four-year service requirement. In every instance, a written reflective component complements students’ hands-on witness to Gospel values. Freshmen participate in a one-day service project organized by the Campus Ministry Department. Service venues range from Catholic elementary schools through a wide range of local social service agencies. Sophomores and juniors propose and then volunteer 15 and 30 hours respectively for service projects of personal interest. The scope of their endeavors illustrates the breadth and depth of need in the greater community, and students may volunteer with the same agency both years. During senior year, through the Social Studies Department, the focus turns to civic engagement, and all students volunteer with a current political campaign. Reflection at this level is centered on Catholic teaching and public discourse.

ON CHARACTER: In activities sponsored by Campus Ministry — worship, retreats, peer counseling, community service — the element of reflection is as important as the activity itself. This built-in strand of character development goes deep, tapping into the hearts and souls of students whose lives in a busy world offer few opportunities to stop — and reflect. “The mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau, c.s.c. Founder, Congregation of Holy Cross NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

GUIDANCE

COUNSELING

SOCIAL WORK

TESTING

SKILLS CENTER

TUTORING

COLLEGE GUIDANCE

SUPPORT SERVICES Notre Dame’s Guidance and Counseling Department helps students acquire the academic, social, and personal skills needed to live successfully in today’s multicultural world. To ensure continuity and stability, students generally see the same counselor all four years. Our staff includes three full-time guidance counselors, a social worker, and a special education specialist, all of whom assist students, parents, and faculty in identifying and resolving academic and personal issues. Together we work to create an effective learning environment for each student. An added strength of the Department is the presence of our school social worker who is available for short-term counseling, group work, and crisis intervention.

The Skills Center The Notre Dame Skills Center is designed to help students become confident, independent learners with a solid foundation for further success. For this reason, services are available to students identified with learning issues. In addition, the Center offers workshops that focus on test preparation, time management, organization, note taking, and study techniques. College Counseling Beginning in the sophomore year, students are introduced to a number of interest assessment exercises as a way of determining areas of study that may be suitable for them. As juniors and seniors, our students participate in both group and individual activities with the guidance staff in order to learn the details of the college application process. Our junior meetings are designed to introduce the students to all of the aspects of applying to college. Additionally, we host an evening program for parents offering insight into the college application process. Individual meetings are also planned between our guidance staff, the student, and the student’s parents so as to offer advice that relates specifically to that student and his family. In the senior year our students participate in group meetings and individual counseling sessions to be sure that all of the finer details of applying to college are covered. Our counseling staff spends considerable time writing comprehensive college recommendations for our seniors. The senior English teachers spend time during the fall reviewing a student’s college essay. Counselors are available for direction and support during this demanding time.

“The Moreau Honors Program offers a different way of learning. We gain a deeper understanding of each subject by making connections with our lives and with the world. It’s not something you can breeze through. You’re always thinking, taking an idea one step further, and then taking it one more step.” Michael Piechota ’17 (Milford) Football, Basketball, Baseball 11

ATHLETICS Notre Dame High School takes great pride in its athletics program, which is rich in tradition and known for success. In fact, we’ve won seven state championships in the past five years! For participants, the chance to excel as part of a team is forged through practice, discipline, and sacrifice. These competitive activities teach valuable life lessons, and they’re fun. For students and alumni, cheering on our various teams generates excitement, ignites school spirit, and forges a lifetime of loyalty to and pride in Notre Dame. More than half our students compete in sports that include baseball*, basketball*, cross-country, football*, golf, hockey, indoor track, lacrosse*, outdoor track, soccer*, swimming, and tennis. Of these, five sports (*) field freshman, j.v., and varsity teams, and basketball offers intramurals as well. The Notre Dame Green Knights play a competitive schedule in the highly competitive Southern Connecticut Conference. Many Notre Dame graduates have gone on to play in college, and many more have earned All-State status on our championship teams. Although the display of championship banners in our gym is among the most prestigious in Connecticut sports, the credit for Notre Dame’s success is accurately attributed to the athletes who work extremely hard to reach their full potential. Our student-athletes are in top physical condition. They play hard. They are well coached. They display good sportsmanship. They represent the school in a first-class manner.

ON CHARACTER: Young men often come to know themselves in the crucible of competition, where character development includes teamwork, practice, building confidence, dealing with disappointment, good sportsmanship, and right conduct. These attributes, shaped early, remain “in play” for a lifetime. They also bear witness to the Holy Cross tradition. NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

We are proud of our teams’ accomplishments, and are confident that future students who wear the Notre Dame uniform will make their own mark on the rich tradition of Notre Dame athletics.

Statement of Commitment: The Notre Dame High School athletic program is committed to following all the rules and regulations established by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) regarding recruiting, and therefore, will not engage in any activity designed to place undue influence on a prospective student to attend Notre Dame High School for athletic purposes. If you believe a coach or any member of the Notre Dame faculty or staff is in violation of this rule, please notify the Principal or Director of Athletics immediately.

“Athletics are an extension of school life. School comes first and our coaches stress that fact. If you need extra help, they urge you to go. Their goal is not just to develop our athletic talent or win games, but to build character and help us become good people.” Matt Shumaker ’13 (Milford), Stonehill College ’17 13

STUDENT LIFE Notre Dame believes strongly that a student’s education does not end when he leaves the classroom. In fact, Notre Dame is a place where students form and experience community even beyond the classroom. Be it during lunchtime, a classroom project, a spiritual retreat, a community service activity, or an afterschool event, students find many ways to interact with each other. In fact, for many it is only the beginning. Research has proven that co-curricular activities enhance a student’s academic performance. At Notre Dame, we provide students with a variety of outlets. Alum-Knights Art Club Book Club BRO (Brothers Reaching Others) CAAP (Changing Attitudes About People) Chess Club CSMC (Christian Student Mission Club) Debate Team DECA Dominoes Club Drama Club Environmental Awareness Committee Fantasy Sports Club Flag Football Club Gamers Club Green Machine Guitar and Rhythm Club Humanities Club Interact Club Intramural Sports Italian Club Jazz Ensemble

KNADA (Knights of ND Against Drugs and Alcohol) Latin Club Literary Magazine (The Mind’s Eye) Math Team Minority Student Union Model U.N. Outdoorsmen Club and Bass Team Programming Club Robotics & Science Club Ronald Reagan Political Debate Club School Newspaper (Knight Errant) Spanish Club Stage Crew Club Stock Market Club Student Council Table Tennis Club Team ND (Student Ambassadors) Webcast Production Team Yearbook (The Shield)

ON CHARACTER: Through participation in co-curricular activities, students learn self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations. Notre Dame’s student body is diverse — racially, socioeconomically, and geographically — and the school uniform is but one “equalizer” on a campus where character development includes learning to know a person for who he is rather than for what he has or does. NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

ND’s exclusive online home for live events! 15

“KNIGHT” FOR A DAY

THE PARENT CONNECTION The Holy Cross tradition has long recognized parents as the first and primary educators of their children. As boys become young men of high school age, the transition to independent learning begins — and needs — to take place so as to foster proper preparation for the demands of college and life beyond. The Brothers of Holy Cross and those who teach with them understand that the push-and-pull between dependence and independence also involves ups and downs, highs and lows, successes and mistakes. Our goal is to help students learn to communicate their needs and concerns, hear and consider related issues, accept responsibility, and become effective advocates for themselves and others. As parent(s) or guardian(s), you can expect informative and productive teacher conferences each term, because we ask you to bring your son with you! We’ve discovered that this helps ensure clear communication and expectations. Between meetings, you have daily access to an online Parent Portal through which you can check on your son’s homework assignments, grades, and progress. Of course, you are welcome to make an appointment with guidance any time.

We sincerely hope you will take the time to shadow at Notre Dame. Most eighth grade students take advantage of our invitation to spend a day attending classes, lunch, and other activities, in the company of students who actually vie for the privilege of being our ambassadors. Another way to get a feel for the Notre Dame community is to take in a football or basketball game, or come to a concert or play. Whatever you choose, please know that you — students and parents — are welcome guests. Notre Dame’s actual address is 24 Ricardo Street, West Haven, CT 06516. However, if your family is traveling to Notre Dame by a guided GPS, please enter the street address: 10 Zegmont Street, West Haven, CT 06516.

ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW Students and parents are encouraged to set-up an admissions interview as part of the admissions process. Interviews may be scheduled at the drop-off or pick-up time on your shadow day or at a mutually convenient time. Shadow days should be scheduled through your online admissions account. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact the Admissions Office.

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION We invite you to create an online admissions account by visiting the admissions section of the Notre Dame website. For detailed instructions, please refer to the enclosed Online Admissions and Financial Aid Instruction sheet. Once an admissions account is created families should login to the account to complete the online application portion. Also you will utilize your Admissions Account to schedule your shadow day, admissions test, and track the status of your application.

Enclosed your family will find the necessary forms (Principal/Counselor and Teacher Recommendation forms and a Record Release Form) that must be submitted to your current school. Allow at least two weeks for this information to be completed once received by the school.

IMPORTANT DATES Open House on Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 1 – 3 p.m. Admissions Test on Saturday, October 24th or November 7th, 2015 from 8 – 11 a.m. Early Applicants must take the first Admissions Test on Saturday, October 24th. Admissions Deadlines for Early Applicants is Monday, November 9, 2015 and for Regular Applicants is Monday, November 30, 2015. Financial Aid Applications are due Monday, November 9, 2015. Aid is need-based and available through the Notre Dame Loyalty and Endowment Fund, the Brothers of Holy Cross, and other sources. ALL families who would like to be considered for financial aid need to submit an online financial aid application. This link can be accessed under the admissions page on our website. Academic Scholarships are awarded to the top ten applicants to Notre Dame High School and are based on the entrance exam scores. The top two applicants will receive $4,000 and the other eight will receive $3,000. Notification Letters will be mailed out on Monday, November 30th for Early Applicants and Monday, December 28th for Regular Applicants. If accepted, enclosed with your notification letters you will also receive information pertaining to: Placement, Tuition, Financial Aid, Academic Scholarship, and Transportation.

Viewbook

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL WEST HAVEN IN THE HOLY CROSS TRADITION 24 Ricardo Street West Haven, CT 06516 www.notredamehs.com

@notredamewh FrieND us on

@notredamewh