President's Letter
The Notre Dame Preparatory and Marist Academy Parents Club is an organization of parents representing all three divisions of the school. We support the mission of the school “ With God, we form Christian People, Upright Citizens and Academic Scholars”. We accomplish our goal through many roles including fundraising, sponsoring social events, supporting curricular functions such as theater, band, choir, and promoting several extra-curricular activities. The Parents Club exists and functions because of the volunteer commitment of the parents and guardians of our children.
The Parents Club is involved in seven main areas. We are always looking for motivated chairs and volunteers to help us with these critical activities. Please contact one of our officers if you are interested in becoming more involved.
Fundraising
The Parents Club is responsible for a substantial contribution to the schools operating budget. Our formula, which has proven to be quite successful, is one of consolidated fundraising. We begin each school year with the Super Raffle. The Super Raffle is a fundraiser designed so that each family can contribute equally and in a manner that best meets their individual circumstances. A family may purchase their committed amount of raffle tickets or sell them. Each year many families go above and beyond their committed amounts and bring in additional funds to the school and our program. Each year Alumni Parents and Alumni Students support our school and help the next generation of NDPMA graduates.
The Arts
Exposure to the Arts is an important part of a student's learning experience. Our parents support drama, chorus, band, and the visual arts activities by assisting with transportation, publicity, costumes, programs, make-up, meals, refreshments, and much more. The Parents Club is proud to be able to provide our High School students with a high-quality performance venue for the Fall Musical each year. The Parents Club also reinvests some of the funds in equipment (such as wireless microphones) so that our student performers can be exposed to the right technologies.
Extra-curricular Clubs
Children’s interests need to be nurtured and developed during the schools years. Parents facilitate key activities such as the Ski Club, Forensics, and Robotics as coaches and leaders.
Student Activities
The school year would not be complete without those special memories including Senior All Night Party, Mother/Son Event, Daddy/Daughter Dance, Field Day, Fifth Grade Farewell Reception, Eighth Grade Graduation Reception, and Senior Graduation. Parent responsibilities include event planning and food preparation.
Social Activities
Parents can have some fun too. Events include our Freshman Launch, Fall Family Festival, Marist Ice Cream Socials, Irish Style Celebration (Oktoberfest), Fashion Show and our Spring Mother's Mass and Brunch. Oktoberfest is a Parent Only evening that allows us to get together and celebrate as a community the work and contributions put forth from our Super Raffle. The other events are opportunities for both parents and students to get together and celebrate based on specific themes. We offer many activities not listed here, so please contact a Parent Club representative for more details.
School Support
Many behind the scenes tasks are supported by the Parents Club including Advancement Clerical, Advertising, Teacher Appreciation Lunches, Hospitality, Open House, and Liturgies. Many different personal and professional talents are involved.
Community Outreach
The Parents Club holds some events at other venues to allow the students to showcase their talents while living out the mission of being Christian People, Upright Citizens, and Academic Scholars. One example of this is the choir students visiting local nursing homes to bring the joy of music to the residents. Our outreach programs tend to be dynamic and changing. Please contact us, if interested in promoting new ideas.