We have committed our Notre Dame volunteers to serving our community in a number of different ways

this summer. We have our Fireworks booth back for the week before July 4th at Nob Hill and we have signed up to volunteer for various Rodeo events this summer. This will be very difficult to pull off and one might be wondering why we're doing this? Well, stick around for the answers.

1. It's important for us to let the community know that we're here and we're growing. When people see that Notre Dame name, they'll realize that we're still going strong. And hopefully our spirit will shine through!
2. It's important for us to get out in the community. We don't want to be a school that is a retreat from Salinas. We want to be in Salinas and serving the community. That is why we're going to see a revitalized student community service program next year AND we'll see community service in the senior Service & Justice class.
3. It's important for us to build community among our parents. When you enroll your daughters here, you should feel part of the community. Consider this your invitation to step up and do more than you normally would! It will pay off with new friends.
4. It's important for us to raise a little money, too. All of these projects will result in money for our school. All told, we're hoping to raise $25k through these summer programs--money that we didn't receive last year!

As you can see below, we'll need some adults to obtain their RBS licenses (Responsible Beverage Server--which can be obtained online) so the sooner we get our volunteers lined up, the better!

Here is the outline of the activities:

• June 1st: Monster Truck Throwdown - volunteers can be high school age as well as adults. Times TBA
• June 27th-July 4th: Fireworks Booth (signup genius TBA)
• June 27th: Rodeo Kickoff Concert - Blake Shelton - 21+ years of age and over
• July 16th: Bull Riding - 21+ years of age and over
• July 17th-20th: Rodeo - 21+ years of age and over
• July 13-20: set up and working Sponsors' tent (students)

I'll be working these events along with the family. My hope is that our sports parents can work the fireworks booth to raise money for athletics. But we'll need all types of parents for the rodeo events so we can show the community what Notre Dame is all about!

Go Spirits!

Dr. Tim Uhl

• This letter with important information about graduation and senior events went out to senior parents today. It's a Google Doc so keep checking for updates. This week we included the senior awards which will be given out at Graduation.

• Here's a first look at our newest promotional video.

• Here's a first look at the first marketing video we've put together--this one directed to our friends in China.

• Here's a look at our most recent commercial in English and in Spanish

• This week's student announcements can be found here

• The 2025-26 school calendar is out!

• Here's a letter explaining the AI summer program which has a link to a brochure.
• We've launched this simple Google Form to "crowdsource" alumnae information. If you know of any alumnae, feel free to share the link
• Here is a Google Doc with student service opportunities

Here is the link to the Student Handbook. We're continuing to adjust as issues arise.

• May 8th: AP World History, noon
• May 9th: Senior trip to Disneyland; AP US History 8 am; deadline for AP Art submission; Gym closed for floor refinishing
• May 15th: All-School Mass (Commons)
• May 16: "Our Story of the Beatles" production; 7 pm
• May 18: Spring Sports banquet, 6 pm (Commons)
• May 19: Final Exams begin (blocks 1 & 2)
• May 20: Final Exams blocks 3 & 4
• May 21: Final Exams blocks 5 & 6
• May 22: Final Exam block 7; Class Day assembly 10:30 am
• May 23: Baccalaureate Mass 10 am Notre Dame Theater
• May 25: Graduation 3:00 pm; Theater

This fall's volleyball and tennis schedules are now being built. Every interested Spirit coming out for fall sports needs to be up-to-date on Home Campus.

• May is Mental Health Awareness Month

  
  

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize youth wellbeing and shine a light on the importance of mental health. Next Tuesday, we invite students to participate in the Notre Dame Day of Wellness, a lunchtime event that will feature activities and resources designed to promote mental health.

  
  

  Looking for tools and guidance to support your child's mental health? Check out Mental Health America – Resources for Parents.

  
  

  AP Exam Information

  AP testing has begun and will continue until the 16th. Please be sure students get a good night's sleep and eat a nutritional meal prior to the test. See below, for other important testing reminders.

  
  

  AP Exam Schedule

• Tuesday, May 6 @ 12PM: US Government & Politics
• Wednesday, May 7 @ 8AM: English Literature & Composition
• Thursday, May 8 @ 12PM: World History
• Friday, May 9 @ 8AM: US History
• Friday, May 9 @ 5PM: AP Art Portfolio Submission Deadline
• Monday, May 12 @ 8AM: Calculus BC
• Wednesday, May 14 @ 8AM: English Language & Composition
• Thursday, May 15 @ 8AM: Spanish Language & Culture
• Thursday, May 15 @ 12PM: Computer Science Principles
• Friday, May 16 @ 12PM: Psychology

Before Test Day:

If taking a digital or hybrid exam, students must download bluebook onto their testing device. Students should practice signing into Bluebook using their College Board Student Account, and confirm that all their digital AP Exams are appearing on their Bluebook homepage. Students should also try a test preview within Bluebook.




When and where to arrive:

Testing will take place in room 17

Testing begins promptly at scheduled time; students should report there prior to start time.

Testing Time:

Varies by test; from 2-3.5 hrs

What students should bring:




• For Fully Digital Tests: Fully charged testing device and charging cord, pens or pencils for notes, external keyboard if using a tablet.
• For Hybrid Tests: All items listed under Fully Digital AP Exams apply, plus: 2 No. 2 pencils with erasers or 2 pens with black or dark blue ink and up to 2 approved calculators for the exam you’re taking, if applicable.
• For Paper AP Exams: 2 No. 2 pencils with erasers, 2 pens with black or dark blue ink.
• see detailed info on what students should and should not bring on the College Board website

Other Information:




• Students taking an AP exam ARE expected to attend their classes the day of the test
• Students taking an AP exam ARE expected to wear their uniforms the day of the test
• Students will be excused from class at 11:30 for a 12 PM exam, and students will have a 30 minute break following an 8 AM exam




Outside Opportunities

• Leadership in Civic Engagement Summer Internship-Apply by 5/16:

  This one-week program, running June 23–27, offers incoming juniors and seniors hands-on experience with elections, civic leadership, and voter education. Students will earn community service hours, a certificate, and a letter of recommendation while developing leadership and civic engagement skills. Interested students can learn more and apply online at www.countyofmonterey.gov/elections
• Salinas Valley Recycles Youth Council (Apply here by 6/30) tackle environmental and sustainability issues, learn about the waste industry, explore environmental challenges, and work in teams to create impactful school and community sustainability projects. See flyer.
• Youth Co-Lab, a Paid Youth Mental Health Advisory Group, is Accepting Applications: As a Youth Co-Lab member, you will have a unique opportunity to help reimagine mental health services, reduce stigma, and increase support. Learn more here

2024-25 College Scholarship Opportunities

All alumnae are invited to update their contact information--Here’s the link to the Alumnae Update Info Google Form:

Email: tuhl@notredamesalinas.org

Website: www.notredamesalinas.org
Location: Salinas, CA
Phone: 831-751-1850
Twitter: @drtimuhl

TheCatholic School Matters podcast is back and is now focused on conversations with authors from the upcoming book A Brighter Future for Catholic Schools. The eighth podcast is a conversation with Kent Hickey, a former colleague and a veteran Catholic school leader. Hickey wrote a chapter on Conscience in the new book and co-work a chapter on disernment, too.

Previous episodes this season:

• The seventh podcast in this series is a conversation with Dr. Kevin Baxter of Notre Dame's Mary Ann Remick Leadership program. We discuss the challenges of the Catholic school principalship and how the Remick leadership program is designed to meet those challenges. Here is a blog about the podcast conversation.
• The sixth podcast is a conversation about Cura Personalis & SEL in Catholic schools with Dr. Melodie Wyttenbach of the Roche Center at Boston College & Dr. Lauren Casella of Loyola Marymount.
• The fifth podcast is a conversation with Dr. Jeannie Ray-Timoney who recounts her experience of leadership in the church and her discussions with others
• The fourth podcast is a conversation with high school theology teacher David Palmieri who is leading a grassroots movement centered around inclusion of LGBT+ students and staff members in our Catholic schools. He discusses the theological framework of inclusion.
• The third podcast is a conversation when I speak with Dr. Timothy Cook of Creighton University about Catholic identity. Here is a link to a blog about the podcast. Dr. Cook talks about a 3-part framework--belonging, becoming, and believing. You won't believe if you don't feel a part of the group!
• The second podcast features a conversation with Dr. Michael Boyle of the Hermann Center at Saint Louis University. He discusses his work opening up Catholic schools to all learners. Here is a blog about the podcast conversation.
• The first podcast is a conversation with Dr. Antonio Felix from LMU who discusses his framework for engaging Hispanic families in Catholic schools. I wrote a longer blog summarizing the podcast here.