Notre Dame High School (Belmont, California)

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Notre Dame High School
Location
Belmont, California, USA
Information
Principal Rita Gleason
Type Private
Campus Suburban
Mascot Tigers
Color(s) Blue and gold          
Established 1851
Homepage www.ndhsb.org

Coordinates: 37°30′55″N 122°17′10″W / 37.5153, -122.286 Notre Dame High School, Belmont is a private, Catholic, college preparatory high school located in the San Mateo County suburb of Belmont, California. The school is operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The school's mission is driven by the teachings of Saint Julie Billiart, the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Contents

[edit] History

On August 4, 1851, Notre Dame Academy was established by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in San Jose. The Academy, one of the earliest secondary schools to be accredited by the State of California, included elementary and high school classes for local students and was a separate entity from the College of Notre Dame which served high school and college resident students at the same location. Because of increased enrollment in both the resident and day student population, a new building was erected in 1853, and the first Mass was celebrated in the chapel on January 1, 1854. The curriculum was rigorous and included Latin, English, French, German, Spanish, mathematics, science, astronomy, botany, music, art, drama, physical education, secretarial studies, homemaking, and sewing.

The present high school building, designed for a large resident population, was completed in the fall of 1928. The first graduation from the new high school building was held in 1930 with 31 graduates. During the next three decades, Notre Dame's day and resident student population continued to grow. In 1968, the Stanford School of Educational Research conducted a general study of the high school facility. As a result, the science area was renovated to provide increased laboratory space. The introduction of flexible scheduling followed and enabled greater utilization of the high school building. An additional classroom enlarged the art department, and former resident rooms were converted into seminar rooms and resource centers. In 1972, the boarding school was discontinued.

Today, Notre Dame High School appears to be quite different from Notre Dame Academy and the College of Notre Dame in San Jose; yet, in many ways it is the same. The school continues to provide an educational foundation which emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, critical thinking, creative expression, physical well-being, social awareness, and self-confidence. Reflecting the vision of St. Julie Billiart and her pioneer Sisters, Notre Dame High School will continue to be a special place for students to learn, grow, and prepare for life.

[edit] Programs

[edit] Student council

Each class has 7 officers and homeroom presidents for each homeroom. The 7 offices are: president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, historian, athletics, activities, and mascot. There are also 6 student body officers who work with the director of student activities in coordinating the programs listed. Student Council meetings are held twice a month. Student body officers run the meetings. All class officers and advisory presidents are asked to attend, but any student may attend a student council meeting. Student Council members also attend three leadership conferences/retreats per year.

[edit] Leadership seminars

There are many opportunities for students to sharpen their leadership skills. Monthly leadership seminars are held on topics ranging from "How to Run a Meeting" to "Understanding Self & Others." Students receive a certificate at the end of the year indicating which seminars they attended.

[edit] School mascot

Two students share the position of "NDB Tiger." They make appearances at school, athletic, and community events.

The official school colors are navy blue and gold

Each grade also has their own colors and mascots, which were voted on at the beginning of their freshmen year. Currently, they are:

  • Class of 2008
    • Color: Green
    • Mascot: Titans
  • Class of 2009
    • Color: Purple
    • Mascot: Patriots
  • Class of 2010
    • Color: Blue
    • Mascot: Knights
  • Class of 2011
    • Color: Red
    • Mascot: Spartans

[edit] Clubs

There are over 20 clubs at Notre Dame. A member of the faculty or staff moderates each club. Clubs meet regularly to plan activities. Students are welcome to join a club at any time during the school year. If a student would like to start a club, they are welcome to do so under the guidance of the Director of Student Activities.

[edit] Rallies and assemblies

Spirit rallies are held several times during the school year to honor sports teams or simply to celebrate school spirit! Rallies take place in the NDB or NDNU gym. Awareness raising assemblies are also held. Past topics include: mental health, abstinence, and forgiveness. These assemblies are held for the entire school as well as for smaller groups of students.

[edit] Dances

Dances are held on four Friday evenings during the school year. Each dance has a theme, which is chosen by student council. All NDB students are invited to buy tickets for the dance on a first come, first served basis. All dances are chaperoned by a crew of faculty and parents.

[edit] Aquacades

One of the high school's traditions is an annual event called Aquacades, in which the four grade levels compete against one another in synchronized swimming, cheerleading, banner design, and a series of dances. Students perform musical numbers to introduce the swim acts, and a crowd adorned in class colors (red, green, purple, and blue) scream cheers for their classmates. The teachers also perform a musical number as do the members of ASB (Associate Student Body). A committee of teachers and alumni judge all performances in addition to each class's overall spirit.

[edit] Spirit points

Spirit points are awarded to classes that have the most involvement in a particular activity (Aquacades, food drive, fundraiser, etc.). At the end of the year, the class with the most spirit points is awarded the spirit trophy.

[edit] Notable alumnae

[edit] See also

[edit] External links