Student Activities
Throughout the school year, we provide a wide range of activities for our students through the support of our teachers, faculty, staff and parent volunteers. Field trips, dances, assemblies, parties and many other interesting and informative events are scheduled to provide safe and secure activities for our students.
Preparatory School
Chillfest and Concert on the Hill
Notre Dame is blessed with students who possess a wide range of talents. They can showcase these at Chillfest in January, and at Concert on the Hill after exams in June. While Concert on the Hill primarily features a program of student musicians and vocalists, Chillfest is more of an open mic night, with the stage available to singers, dancers, comedians and anyone looking to display their talent in a relaxed, accepting environment.
Dirty Dozen
Students at Notre Dame Prep have the opportunity to earn a “Dirty Dozen” award at graduation. To get the honor, the student must play a fall, winter and spring sport all four years at the school.
Senior Barbecue
On the day of graduation practice in May, Notre Dame Prep treats is seniors to an on-campus barbecue. With exams finished and college on the horizon, the barbecue gives our soon-to-be graduates one more opportunity to be with their friends and classmates before taking the next step on their educational and life journeys.
Middle School
Class Trips
Each May, students in grades 6 and 7 have the opportunity to go on a two-day class trip to Chicago or Cedar Point (the destination rotates annually). Highlights of the Chicago trip are visits to the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, John Hancock Observatory, a performance of Blue Man Group, and a sightseeing cruise through the city. The trip to Ohio begins with a stop for a tour at Detroit’s Ford Field, follows with a visit to the Toledo Zoo, continues with an overnight at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, and concludes with a day at Cedar Point amusement park.
In 8th grade, students can elect to go on a four-day class trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, students visit the White House, the National Mall, the Smithsonian, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Arlington National Cemetery, numerous monuments and memorial buildings, and other points of interest.
Grandparents and Special Persons Day (6th Grade)
Each October, Notre Dame welcomes our students’ grandparents and people dear to them to our campus for a special event celebrating who they are and what they mean to us. The day begins with a Mass, attended by all participating students and their guests, and concludes with a complimentary brunch.
House System
Beginning in Fall 2017, Principal Brandon Jezdimir implemented a House system to build community across grades and to create leadership opportunities for 8th grade students. Each student is placed into one of four Houses: Bon Repos, Cerdon, Hermitage, and Little Seminary of Belley. (All are named after significant places in the life of Fr. Jean-Claude Colin, founder of the Society of Mary). Each House has three presidents who lead meetings once a month. Students build camaraderie with their housemates through various competitions, notably Irish Week. The winner at the end of the year claims the House Cup.
6th Grade Orientation
During the first weeks of the new school year, all 6th grade students go to the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center to bond as a class and to develop teamworking skills. Placed in groups of 12 to 15 students, the students participate in a variety of activities that will challenge them both physically and mentally, and help them build trust among one another as they embark on their middle school experience.
Spaghetti Dinner
Held on a select Friday evening each fall, the Spaghetti Dinner gathers the whole middle school community together to enjoy delicious food and fellowship in our cafeteria. On display during the dinner is information on clubs that middle school students can join. After dinner, everyone is invited to make the short walk to Alumni Field for Notre Dame Prep’s varsity football game.
Lower School
Back to School Dance Party and Ice Cream Social
The Sunday before the start of the school year, all lower school families are invited to campus to meet classmates, parents and teachers; to enjoy some ice cream; and to dance. The event gives Notre Dame another opportunity to exhibit the Marist value of hospitality to new and returning students and families.
Fall Family Festival
Each September, our lower school plays host to the Fall Family Festival. The entire school community is invited to attend—free of charge—to enjoy food, folks and fun. Activities for children include bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall, and multiple games resulting in prizes.
Field Day
Each June, our lower school students participate in Field Day. The special event takes place on our main campus, where students get to play a range of fun games on our football field and grounds. They also are treated to a complimentary lunch before finishing the day with the screening of a movie back on the lower school campus.
Grandparents and Special Persons Day
Each October, Notre Dame welcomes our students’ grandparents and people dear to them to our campus for a special event celebrating who they are and what they mean to us. The day begins with a Mass, attended by all lower school students and their guests, and concludes with a complimentary brunch. Middle school and NDP students also may participate in this event.
Sneak Peek and Growing Up Day
Sneak Peek is a special day for 5th grade students, who enjoy this opportunity to shadow at our middle school. Typically held on a Friday in November, Sneak Peek pairs fifth graders with middle school students who serve as their personal hosts throughout the day. The 5th grade students are treated to a snack in the morning, as well as a complimentary lunch, not to mention a fun experience that gets them excited about attending our middle school next fall.
Each April, students in Pre-K through 4th grade participate in Growing Up Day. On this special day, students move up one grade level to experience a small taste of what it will be like to be in the next grade with a new teacher. Typically the students have about an hour to do a fun lesson or experiment, and then gather in an assembly to share what they liked most about “growing up” at Notre Dame.
Mackinac Trip
Near the end of their time at our lower school, 5th grade students have the opportunity to go on a three-day overnight trip to Mackinac Island. The students—chaperoned by our principal, teachers and selected parents—ride a chartered bus up north, then ferry to the island, where they go on a guided tour of Mackinaw City, take a carriage ride, and dine at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Other highlights of the trip are tours of Arch Rock and the National Shrine of Cross in the Woods, as well as activities like ziplining and rock wall climbing.
Trunk or Treat
On a Sunday afternoon in October, the lower school invites current students, their parents and siblings to this treat-filled special event right before Halloween. Families in each grade level collaborate to come up with a theme, and then decorate their classrooms accordingly. The best-decorated classroom earns a prize, as do the adults with the best costumes.
Clubs and Extracurriculars
Beyond our classrooms and fields of play, you will have multiple opportunities to explore your interests, develop your skills, use your talents, and express yourself in one or more student activities at Notre Dame. So dive in! Audition for the play, write that article, build that robot, defend your position, serve your community! Take that healthy risk and find out what more you have to offer.
To see what opportunities await you at Notre Dame, click on the appropriate school level below.
Preparatory School
Champions for Life
The mission of this club is “defending and celebrating the sanctity and dignity of all life from womb to tomb.” The club’s goal is to instill in students a respect for all human life: the unborn, disabled and elderly.
Chinese National Honor Society
The Chinese Honor Society brings Chinese to NDP through various activities inside and outside school.
Computer Club
The Computer Club is open to students who are interested in technology. Members of the club gain practical exposure to and experience in computer-aided design, coding, cyber-security, technical support, 3D printing, e-sports, unmanned aircraft systems, community workshops, augmented reality, and a variety of hardware and software programs. The goal of the club is to explore, learn and have fun with the world of technology.
Creative Writing Club
The Creative Writing club offers students a chance to express themselves and their ideas through writing.
Debate
NDP Debate is a member of the National Forensic League, National Catholic Forensics League, and Great Lakes Debate League, and provides students opportunities to compete on the local, state and national levels. The students are trained and practiced in public forum and legislative debates.
Drama Club
Notre Dame’s theatre program provides multiple acting and tech opportunities throughout the school year, with a fall musical, winter one-act, and spring play. Other acting and tech opportunities are available, including assisting with the middle and lower school shows, performing at community outreach events, or playing in the student orchestra pit. Beginning in 2019-20, NDP joined the International Thespian Society.
Environmental Club
The Environmental Club is designed to raise awareness among the student body about the small differences we can make in our everyday lives to better conserve the earth’s resources. Members oversee recycling in the school.
Model United Nations
M.U.N. fosters global citizenship and addresses current world issues related to regional conflicts, peacekeeping, human rights, women and children, economic and social development, and the environment.
Multicultural Alliance
The Multicultural Alliance focuses on topics of diversity and cultural awareness for NDP students. MCA also puts on cultural awareness events throughout the school year.
National Honor Society
Students are invited to join NHS in their sophomore, junior and senior years if they meet the criteria for leadership, service and character. Students must have at least a 3.75 grade point average to be eligible for membership.
Newspaper
The Leprechaun is NDP’s student newspaper. Students write, edit and publish the newspaper multiple times throughout the school year.
Optimist Club
The mission of the Optimist Club is to foster an optimistic way of life for the improvement of individuals and society.
Robotics
Students interested in designing, building and programming robots have the opportunity to compete with their creations in FIRST, OCCRA and VEX. Though different, each competition affords students the opportunity to learn skills that will help them become future leaders in science and technology.
Ski & Snowboarding Club
The Ski & Snowboarding Club is open to students, parents, faculty and family members from all three schools of Notre Dame. (Students must be age 7 or older to participate.)
Spanish National Honor Society
La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica is composed of students who are in their second year or higher of Spanish and have maintained a B+ average or better in their Spanish classes. Various activities are offered for members each month.
Student Council
Student Council helps students develop life’s essential leadership skills. StuCo represents the entire student body and works to create a healthy and constructive social culture through developing and executing student events at Notre Dame.
Students Against Destructive Decisions / Behaviors (S.A.D.D.)
The mission of SADD is to provide students with the best prevention and intervention tools possible to deal with issues of underage alcohol use, drug use, impaired driving, and other destructive decisions and behaviors.
Varsity Club
The Varsity Club is a volunteer student group with board members who have earned a varsity letter. General members simply must be interested in school spirit and culture. The club sponsors athletic events and activities for the entire student body.
Middle School
Art Club
Art Club members are able to create in a variety of media and improve upon techniques in the visual arts. The club is limited to students in Grade 6.
Drama Club
Drama Club offers students the opportunity to learn firsthand what it’s like to tread the boards in a winter musical and spring play. Students may choose to perform on stage, or be a part of the stage crew in charge of lighting, sound, set design, costuming, etc. The club meets two to three days each week after school beginning in October.
Environmental Club (E Club)
Students in E Club learn about the environment, discuss human impact on the earth, and work to make Notre Dame more environmentally friendly. Students educate their peers about reducing, reusing and recycling, and take action by collecting cell phones and ink cartridges, and recycling paper, aluminum and plastic products. Students help research topics of discussion and initiate school-wide programs, including composting.
Forensics
Every student at the middle school is a member of the National Junior Forensics League. In addition to frequent classroom presentations, students have the opportunity to compete annually at the national level, monthly with the Great Lakes Debate League, and several times a year at the state level with Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association. Students explore a variety of formats, including Dramatic Duo, Poetry Interpretation, and Extemporaneous Speaking, as well as Public Forum and Congressional Debate.
Gamers Unplugged
Students looking for a fun atmosphere where they can unplug from technology and connect with friends while playing a variety of card and board games likely will enjoy membership in this club. Not only do students get to spend time with friends, but they also get the chance to learn teamwork, game strategy, and other useful skills.
Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code gives girls the opportunity to participate in fun activities as they learn the princples of coding. The outcome: girls begin to see themselves as computer scientists who one day can change the world! No coding experience is required.
Michigan Youth in Government
Middle school students have an opportunity to learn argumentation and compromise by participating in this three-day program in Lansing. Students write legislation, participate in committee meetings to encourage meaningful change in our state, and debate in the Michigan State Senate chambers at the capitol. Participants meet state legislators and aides, work with high school students with years of experience in the activity, and hear an address from a dignitary.
National Junior Honor Society
Membership to this esteemed club is by invitation only, and based on a student’s cumulative GPA following the first semester of Grade 7. An induction ceremony is held each May. Transfer students are accepted. In addition to earning high marks in the classroom, students desiring to be in NJHS should possess leadership skills and positive character attributes. As 8th graders, students meet monthly to discuss skill development, community service and social activities.
Robotics
VEX, an international competitive robotics program, is available to all middle school students. Sixth graders use the Vex IQ system to design, build and program plastic robots with Robot Mesh Blockly, while their older schoolmates use Robot Mesh with the Vex EDR system to design, build and program metal robots. Ultimately the students compete against other teams on a state, national and global scale.
Science Club
Science Club gives students a fun, hands-on experience in an co-curricular setting. The goal of the club is to increase students’ interest in science by exploring challenging topics through inquiry and experimentation.
Ski & Snowboarding Club
The Ski & Snowboarding Club is open to students, parents, faculty and family members from all three schools of Notre Dame. (Students must be age 7 or older to participate.)
Student Council
Students who enjoy the challenge and excitement of planning activities and strengthening their leadership abilities should consider running for a Student Council position in the fall. Student Council meets throughout the school year to plan numerous events and Christian Service projects. Events include dances, Irish Week and other school-wide activities.
Yearbook
Under the direction of faculty moderators, students take photographs, edit photos, choose page designs, and learn layout techniques in the production of an annual yearbook.
Lower School
Band
Students who are interested in learning to play an instrument have the opportunity to join the lower school band in 4th grade. Under the direction of our music teacher, band meets on various days during the week, depending on instrument sections and concert preparations. Band members also may meet during recess for individual instruction.
Drama Club
Students in 3rd through 5th grade may join the drama club, which stages an annual spring play. Younger students also may have the opportunity to perform in the chorus of the middle school winter musical. By joining drama club, students can explore their interest in performing on stage, or working on lights, sound and sets as a member of stage crew.
Robotics
VEX, an international competitive robotics program, is available to students beginning in kindergarten. Over the course of five meetings, students in K through 2nd grade gain exposure to VEX IQ robotics through children’s books and activities that follow the engineering design process, with an emphasis on problem solving.
Students in 3rd through 5th grades use the Vex IQ system to design, build and program plastic robots, while their older schoolmates use the Vex EDR system to design, build and program metal robots. Using Modkit on their iPads, students work on autonomous programs.
Student Service Patrol
The Student Service Patrol is made up of 4th and 5th graders who are committed to sharing their gifts and talents to help others in our school community. Some of their responsibilities are assisting with the morning drop-off line, setting up for Mass, helping PK and K students dress for outdoor recess in the winter, and returning lunch trays.
Ski & Snowboarding Club
The Ski & Snowboarding Club is open to students, parents, faculty and family members from all three schools of Notre Dame. (Students must be age 7 or older to participate.)
Student Council
Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade who are looking to share their leadership talents with the school community can run for a spot on the Student Council. Six class representatives are elected by their peers, with executive offices open to 5th graders. Student Council plans social events like bowling parties and movie nights, as well as school activities like Irish Week.
