The ND Spirit

The other day one of our Spirits said to me, "I'm still not quite into school." I told her we were closer to Christmas than summer and her mind was blown. It's happening. It's the Hallowthanksmas season after all and things really start happening quickly.

Today we celebrate last night's wonderful Open House. We had a great turnout of staff and students showcasing our great school. We had visits from prospective families as well as neighbors and supporters. Thanks for coming out.

Yesterday we celebrated Senior Nights for tennis (5 senior players!) in their playin tennis match vs. Carmel. Unfortunately the team didn't come out on top but their undefeated record in league this year was really impressive after not winning a match last year. Special thanks to Coach Doug Mansfield who is stepping down after this year.

We also celebrated Senior Night for volleyball last night. Our two seniors were rewarded for their persistence with a win and they now advance to the CCS playoffs on Saturday. Last year, the team only won four sets and dropped every match. This year they had much more success!

It's not too late to join us on Saturday night for Bocce Ball!

Go Spirits!

Dr. Tim Uhl

Seven Spirits volunteered their time on Sunday morning to prepare breakfast for a group of students from Presentation High in San Jose who were in town for a rural plunge!

• All students and families are invited to our annual Boo! Breakfast on Friday, October 31 7:30 - 8:30 AM. RSVP here

• Students are allowed to dress up on Friday for Halloween. We will be having a costume contest during lunchtime in the Commons. Here are the costume and contest guidelines.

• Volunteers are needed for Bocce Night! Sign up here.

• Freshmen and sophomore families must sign up here and turn in their gift cards to the main office for the retreat fundraiser by Wednesday, November 5th.

• Girls Night Out: Mother Daughter Paint Party on November 7th with our very own Ms. Jess! Purchase tickets here by Wednesday, November 5.

• Lunch orders for the month of November must be placed here by 12:00 PM Friday, October 31.

• 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 a look at the basketball schedule

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

• Oct 29th: Dia de los Muertos All-School Mass, 10:40 am
• Oct 31: Boo Breakfast & costume contest
• Nov 1st: Opening round volleyball CCS tournament; location & opponent TBA
• Nov 1st: Bocce Ball
• Nov 3rd: PCAL tennis tournament; Basketball practice begins
• Nov 7th: "Girls Night Out" Paint Party
• Dec 5-6: Fall Play
• Feb 7: Crab & Pasta Feed

Join us for Financial Aid Night on Thursday November 6 at 6:00 PM in the Notre Dame Commons to learn from the Hartnell Financial Aid Office about the financial aid process.

We will learn about the FAFSA, the Salinas Valley Promise Program and how we can best prepare ourselves to fill out all of the forms! The presentation is open to parents and students from all grade levels

COLLEGE VISITS AT NOTRE DAME

• 9:20 AM Wednesday Oct 29 - Chapman University

• 11:50 AM Wednesday Oct 29 - University of the Pacific

• 1:50 PM Wednesday Oct 29 - Whittier College

COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE DATES

• Saturday Nov 8 - Dominican University of California

Scholarship list

We need your help for our Bocce Night on November 1st! Here is the link to the Sign-Up Genius and we are hoping you will support the event, by working that night, donating a dessert for the dessert auction, or donating a raffle item for our raffle. In addition, we are asking each family to donate a nice bottle of wine for our Wine Barrel Raffle. All donations can be brought to the office by October 27th and desserts can be brought in on October 31st. When you sign up for a dessert, please let us know what it will be. Hours worked and donated raffle items can be put toward family service hours.

Information on the Bocce Night (November 1st) can be found here and sponsorship & signup information here.

We sincerely hope you'll consider joining us for an unforgettable evening. Whether you come to fiercely compete on the court, or simply to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak up the great company and spectacular singing, there’s a place for you. Don't forget, thrilling raffle prizes and delicious dessert auction await, and our famous wine barrel raffle guarantees the lucky winner at least two cases of exceptional wine! Come be a part of the fun!

On another note, our annual “Boo Breakfast” will be on Halloween in the Student Commons at 7:30 a.m. Families are invited as well as students. Please see the invitation and RSVP here. Should be a BOOTIFUL morning!

Email: tuhl@notredamesalinas.org

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

This week's podcast conversation delves into Pope Leo's new Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te. I speak with David Palmieri, a theologian and high school teacher. We share reflections and insights from this amazing work. Previous episodes this season:

• I recorded a podcast conversation with Greg Richmond, the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago. We discussed the joys of having a pope named from your hometown (and with a long history of Catholic schools) and the challenges and disruptions of ICE raids near your schools. Here is a link to the podcast.