Staff & Students

The students and staff of Notre Dame make it a wonderful environment in which to learn.  Every Notre Dame teacher is state-certified having at least a Bachelor's degree.  Many teachers have post-graduate degrees.

The staff is very dedicated to the students.  Teachers volunteer their own time before and after school to assist students in need of extra help.  The rapport and respect between students and teachers encourages students to work harder and work to their utmost ability. 

The school principal is also known for her personal concern and interest in all of the students.  She frequents the classrooms and knows all of the children by name.

The family atmosphere at the school is evidenced by upper-grade students interacting with and helping the younger grades through such activities as Reading Buddies and supervision as lunch monitors.

Our Mission Statement

Notre Dame School is committed to a Christian education environment in which each student can achieve academic excellence in an atmosphere of
trust and mutual respect.
 
Guided by the values and teaching of the Catholic Church,
the administration, faculty, parents, parish community and students work to encourage and assist each other's growth and wisdom.

Test Scores Exhibit
Academic Excellence

Notre Dame students in second through seventh grades take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills each year and consistently score above the 80th percentile.  Areas of testing include reading, math, science, and social studies.

Philosophy

The education and development of children into mature Catholic-Christians is the fundamental reason for the existence of Notre Dame School. 

The school, as an extension of the Church, shares its education mission to enrich the faith community, foster discipleship and proclaim the Gospel message through liturgical activities, daily worship, and opportunities for service to school and community. 

This philosophy is reflected in recognizing the potential and individuality of each child.  We emphasize the development of academic achievement, cooperation, multi-cultural awareness and respect, and the development of responsible leadership and service.

 Parents are the primary educators of their children and parental involvement enhances all aspects of our education program.  The education of the total, Catholic-Christian person emanates from the modeling of the home, the school, the church and society.

Service Projects

Each year Notre Dame students participate in a wide variety of service projects.  Recently the students raised hundreds of dollars for the Heifer project, which helps buy livestock to feed people in war and poverty stricken nations. 

Other projects include support of the juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Port Ministries for the homeless, Misericordia, Ronald McDonald House, Children's Memorial, Minister of Care and various food, toy and clothing drives.