Last summer we made the decision to resuscitate our Performing Arts program after a period of dormancy. We instituted an Interdisciplinary Arts course which provides students exposure to dance, visual arts, choir, and drama. This course has brought out the talent of our young women in many ways.

This goal dovetailed with our desire to make our liturgies more meaningful (and frequent). Our choir, led by Jimmy Rossi, have provided a prayerful ambiance for our liturgies. I believe our liturgies can be a tremendous opportunities for our young women to take a break from their pressure-packed lives and reflect. Even non-Catholics can benefit from good liturgy!

We have put on fall play and a spring musical which have showcased our hidden talents. Our Spirits are funny, joyful, and hard working. Our Visual Arts and dance programs have also brought out talents that have positioned our Spirits for deeper study.

This week we have two opportunities to showcase our Spirits. Yesterday we held our Spring Performing Arts showcase which served as the semester exam for dance and drama. We decided to hold the showcase during the school day so the entire student body could participate and celebrate. It was amazing to see how confident and joyful our Spirits were while performing. Each student performed in at least one group dance and at least one monologue--but we saw quite perform solos or in multiple scenes. It was definitely performed at a much higher level than the fall!

On Friday night, the choir will present the Beatles showcase which represents a yearlong effort to learn the songs and influence of the Beatles--a group which made landfall the same year that Notre Dame opened!

I hope you get a chance to join us Friday night. Even if you can't, I hope you can appreciate the new energy around Performing Arts at Notre Dame.

Go Spirits!

Dr. Tim Uhl

• We need parent volunteers to help with the following summer activities:

• • June 1st: Monster Truck Throwdown - volunteers can be high school age as well as adults.
  • June 28th-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)

• 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.

• There are two openings at St. Angela's preschool in Pacific Grove. Here and here are ads.

• Miss Jess is putting together a fundraiser for Izzy Trego Cardenas (Class of 2024). Here is the link for the June 20th Paint Party.

• 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 15th: All-School Mass (Commons) with Sacred Heart school choir; AP Spanish exam 8 am; AP Computer Science exam noon
• May 16: AP Psychology exam noon; "Our Story of the Beatles" production; 7 pm
• May 18: Spring Sports banquet, 6 pm (Commons)
• May 19: Final Exams begin (blocks 1 & 2) 8:30-noon
• May 20: Final Exams blocks 3 & 4 8:30-noon
• May 21: Final Exams blocks 5 & 6 8:30-noon
• May 22: Final Exam block 7 @ 8:30 am; Class Day assembly 10:30 am
• May 23: Baccalaureate Mass 10 am Notre Dame Theater
• May 25: Graduation 3:00 pm; Theater

Mental Health Awareness Month: Notre Dame Day of Wellness

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, Notre Dame hosted a Day of Wellness on Tuesday. Students enjoyed healthy snacks, received wellness kits gifted by NHS, and explored a variety of tools and resources to support their overall well-being.

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 continues this week and will conclude on Friday, the 16th. Students should report to room 17 prior to their scheduled exam with all required materials. Students can refer to their email from Mrs. Stone with all other details related to their AP exam.

Remaining AP Exams

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

Outside Opportunities

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

• Salinas Valley Recycles Youth Council-Apply by 6/30
• Youth Co-Lab, a Paid Youth Mental Health Advisory Group, is Accepting applications
• The Salinas Valley DREAM Academy is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 cohort! Students take part in leadership development, community service, college visits, and an exciting educational trip—this year's destination is Budapest, Hungary. Learn more and apply at svdreamacademy.org/apply-now.

2024-25 College Scholarship Opportunities

NHS's StrongHer Together Service Initiative wraps up with a presentation to the middle school girls at Sacred Heart (pictured above)

First of all, we are asking that you keep one of our alumnae in your prayers. Izzy Trego -Cardenas, Class of 2024, has been attending Chico State and was in a car accident last week. She is back in Salinas, but is looking at a long road to recovery. Our good thoughts and prayers go out to her.

The ND Class of ’76 stay in touch by taking long walks every few months and then meeting at someone’s home for lunch afterwards. This Saturday they will be walking in Toro Estates and then meet for lunch on our campus in the Commons which they called the “Social Hall,” They are looking forward to a tour of the school and rehashing old memories! We love when our alumnae come visit!

We hear the class of ’95 is planning a get together…more info to follow!

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.