Chez
News
Notre Dame School
of Manhattan
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Letter from the President
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February 2020
Dear Notre Dame,
As we celebrate Black History Month and prepare to begin Lent on Ash Wednesday, I came upon one of Maya Angelou’s poems that seems to touch on these two events. The poem moves us from experiences of suffering and darkness toward rising into a new dawn. The promise of our own resurrection in Jesus is always at the center of faith and the source of our hope. At Notre Dame, we are blest to have time to celebrate Black History Month and the forty days of Lent as we journey toward Easter, April 12th.
Chez News
touches on various ways we do this. It also provides an insider’s view of the work of our talented Musical Director, Ms. Wakabayashi, who is preparing our students to present
The Addams Family
on April 2, 3 and 4th. Other interesting articles await you as well!
I do hope to see you at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers on March 21
st
. Please purchase your tickets as they are going quickly. Thank you in advance for your support of Notre Dame.
Warm regards,
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Dr. Virginia O’Brien, SU
President
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Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
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Congratulations Notre Dame!
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Notre Dame School prides itself on giving all students a solid academic foundation. The rigorous curriculum speaks for itself and includes honors classes and challenging electives. Even with the intensity of the course work, there is still a high number of students each semester who make honor roll. This past semester, nearly 50% of students earned first honors by working diligently to maintain a grade point average of 92% or above.
One strong component of the school’s course offerings is the Advance Placement (AP) program that is available to juniors and seniors. Advanced Placement is a program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. Notre Dame offers ten different AP courses including AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and AP Government. Next year, the school will add AP Statistics as well. Students in these classes are required to move quickly through higher level texts culminating with a test given nationwide, gauging students’ understanding of the material.
Notre Dame students have had much success with the school’s AP program. Just recently, the College Board honored the school by presenting ND with The Advanced Placement Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This award is presented to a limited number of schools who have attained high female student representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA) for 2019. Out of 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 818 have earned the award. Notre Dame is one of only 143 to be recognized for achieving this important result in AP CSA.
This special honor acknowledges the outstanding work the school is doing to engage more female students in computer science and other previously male dominated fields. With information technology being at the forefront of expanding careers, such a foundation prepares the ND graduates for in-demand jobs of the future, and Notre Dame is proud to be leading the way!
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Black History - Our History
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Celebrating Black History Month - artistic interpretation of MLK by Sophia Gregory '21
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Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans, and a time for recognizing the central role of Blacks in U.S. history. Black History Month was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
Notre Dame School will be honoring this special month in a variety of ways; and students take pride in the fact that they celebrate the accomplishments of all ethnicities and cultures each and every day, all year long.
With a student body of 355, the community at ND is incredibly diverse. The following are the percentages of how ND students identify themselves:
50% - White
17% - Multiracial
16% - Hispanic
10% - Black/African American
7% - Asian/Pacific Islander
100% Total Students
With such a breadth and depth of diversity on campus - discussing, researching, and celebrating all cultures is at the core of the mission of ND. The school has recently had several special events to deepen its understanding of race in America, and is committed to ongoing opportunities during February’s Black History Month.
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Students presenting their reflections from the Encuentro service trip
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To honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., a special Mass was scheduled in the ND Chapel. The Liturgy Club (TLC) coordinated a beautiful service that recognized the impact of MLK’s accomplishments. Celebrant Fr. Rocco Danzi, SJ, made the point that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message needs to be lived out by us now in the 21st century, for the 21st century. It needs to be pertinent to 21st century situations and problems. “As we remember Dr. King's birthday this year”, he stated, “Can we see ourselves as his 21st century messengers, his 21st century voices? That is an on-going way to honor his memory.”
Sr. Mary Dolan, SU, reiterated this mission by having the students think back to the beginning of the school year, when STAND (Solidarity Throughout All of Notre Dame) asked the school community to prioritize the issues that the school should focus on. As this new decade begins, she asked the student body to recommit to making a difference for good; remembering one of Anne's Values that is very important in the work for justice:
perseverance
, especially in regards to eradicating racism. The students who participated in the Encuentro Project service trip gave powerful testimony to their own perseverance in a recent school assembly.
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Dr. Gay's Notre Dame workshop
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In subsequent weeks, the school hosted Dr. Derrick Gay for a special workshop on diversity, global citizenship, and reframing diversity and inclusion. Dr. Derrick Gay is an internationally recognized speaker and consultant to organizations, both domestically and abroad, on issues of Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Competency, and Global Citizenship. Dr. Gay has been featured on NPR, The Brian Leher Show, and 60 Minutes. Dr. Gay has also produced two TEDx Talks: “The Double-Edged Sword”, which explores the irony that the word diversity often undermines diversity goals; and “Why Elephants Hold the Key to Success in the 21
st
Century”, which explores the nature of racial discourse in the United States. His conversations with the girls were inspiring and enlightening, and added to the depth of reflection and dialogue on diversity on campus.
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Notre Dame student artwork on display at the MLK Student Art and Essay Exhibition at the State Capital in Albany
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Raising awareness of race in America is not just occurring in workshops or liturgies, however. It is explored in music and arts as well. Students from Mr. Stordeur’s AP US History Class submitted artwork to the MLK Fine Art & Essay Exhibition recently. Each year, the New York State Education Department honors Dr. King's memory by inviting schools to submit student art and essays that reflect Dr. King's teaching of acceptance and nonviolence. Five members of Notre Dame’s Junior Class had their works chosen to be on display at the State Capital in Albany. They are Daria Ippolito, Cate Schoeneburg, Cecilia Horrigan, Fiona Sargent and Sophia Gregory. The school is proud of these girls’ participation in this endeavor as they represent the best of Notre Dame.
And the Lincoln Center jazz musicians once again came to campus, enlightening the students through dialogue and music from the Harlem Renaissance. Funded by a grant from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, this jazz ensemble from Lincoln Center comes to the school four times a year to share their music with students, as well as to give historic insights into the contributions of Black musicians. During this visit, the speakers focused their conversations on the Great Migration that began in 1910, when so many gifted musicians and artists fled the South and came to urban centers, bringing with them their foods, literature, and music. The visitors engaged the students by having them share their own cultures, backgrounds, and special traditions. The sense of camaraderie and empathy that stemmed from this exchange was palpable, and the students enjoyed this opportunity immensely.
So God created humankind kind in God's own image,
in the image of God's self,God created them;
male and female God created them. (Genesis 1:27)
Notre Dame honors and celebrates each of God’s creations. The school’s belief is that all humans are made in God’s image. That image is reflected in people of every race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, and the school takes pride in working towards a deeper understanding and acceptance of this equality in all that it does. The world would be a better place if all of society worked towards this same goal of acceptance of diversity that ND carries out in its daily life.
Well done, Notre Dame!
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Addams Family
Rehearsal in full swing
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Those who have attended recent performances at Notre Dame have commented on the strength of the music program at the school. There is a remarkable number of talented actors and singers, and they have impressed their audiences with their abilities. Such talents do not just happen. It takes strong leadership to facilitate and train these budding artists, and Musical Director Nicole Wakabayashi is the one who has brought out the best in these students.
Ms. Wakabayashi has been a part of the ND community since 2016, when she started at the school as an accompanist for liturgies and special events. It was not until later that she came on full-time as Arts Department Chair and Director of Music and Drama, and the school is lucky to have such an outstanding educator and performer. Ms. Wakabayashi grew up in the state of Washington, and started playing piano at a young age. She matriculated to the University of Southern California, where she studied piano performance and earned her Bachelor of Music degree. She came East to continue her music education at New York University, where she earned her Master of Music and Piano degree in 2016.
Before she began her career at ND, she utilized her talents in the NYC music world. She was a freelance accompanist for some well-known artists, including the Rolling Stones and Barry Manilow. She also helped out at local theater groups as a pianist for productions, and was the accompanist for Notre Dame’s first musical,
Little Women
. Her experiences instilled in her diligence and the need for structure, and she brought these philosophies with her as she began full-time at ND.
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The musical score for the
Addams Family Musical
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Ms. Wakabayashi believes that music should be a fundamental part of any academic program, and not be considered an ‘add-on.’ She created course requirements for the students, giving them all an opportunity to be exposed to music. The freshman requirement is for all of the incoming class to take 9
th
Grade Chorus. Tenth graders are offered Chorus as an elective, and many of the students continue on with this class. In addition, she recently added a Senior Seminar in Music Appreciation and Culture. Ms. Wakabayashi also directs the Glee Club, an elite group for which singers must audition. There are twenty girls from all grade levels who must commit to a strict rehearsal schedule to participate.
This same structure and accountability has gone into the productions of the annual musicals, which keep getting better and better! After
Little Women,
Ms. Wakabayashi saw the talent at the school, and raised the bar with her direction of the classic musical,
The Sound of Music
. A lively production of
Legally Blonde
followed in 2019, and this year, rehearsals are well under way for
The Addams Family Musical.
Auditions took place in the fall, and a cast of students from both Notre Dame and Xavier High School have been working hard ever since. “I have a collaborative work ethic and enjoy working with a wide range of students. There is no better collaboration than in theater,” she stated. Ms. Wakabayashi has brought in some professional colleagues for collaboration on this year’s production. Mr. Tyler Miclean, a fellow graduate of USC and a Broadway actor, is co-directing with her. And current parent Linda Cholodenko (Rachel’ 23), a dancer herself with Broadway credits, is helping with choreography. With such strong direction, and very talented students, the musical is bound to be a big hit.
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Co-director Mr. Tyler Miclean working with the actors
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Ms. Wakabayashi believes that to be a good teacher, it is important for her to maintain her own skills as a performer. In addition to her stellar work at ND, she continues to be a working artist. She performed a classical recital at St. Johns in the Village and recently played at the Mercury Lounge. Her dedication to her craft has made her a role model for the girls. “Ms. Wakabayashi is amazing!”, states senior Grace Transom. “She motivates us all each day and makes us want to go the extra mile all the time”, she added.
It is obvious her motivation has paid off. Currently, more than one third of the student body is involved in the music program at the school. The students are inspired by Ms. Wakabayashi’s enthusiasm, motivation, and encouragement. Her spirit is contagious and the girls have reaped the benefits of her support.
The community looks forward to seeing the fruits of their labor in upcoming concerts and this year’s musical extravaganza
The Addams Family Musical,
will take place on Thursday, April 2nd at 3:30 pm; Friday, April 3rd at 6:00 pm; and Saturday, April 4th at 4:00 pm.
Stay tuned for future updates on the musical phenomenon taking place at Notre Dame!
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Prayer and reflection are important aspects of Lent -
Chez Nous
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The Season of Lent begins at the end of this month, and already preparations are underway for events that will guide and strengthen the faith journeys of each member of the ND school community. Lent, the forty days leading up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday, is the most holy period in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, Catholics will fast, pray, and be generous to open their hearts to God’s invitation to enter into new life at Easter. Notre Dame School has built its reputation for educating girls in the Catholic tradition of Anne de Xainctonge, who founded the Sisters of St. Ursula. Her spirituality was grounded in the Jesuit teachings of St. Ignatius Loyola, and this faith foundation continues to this day in every aspect of students’ lives at ND. This is apparent in the daily life at the school, but is especially visible in ND’s Lenten traditions. Many of these events are scheduled for the benefit of our student body, but some are open to all members of the school community. Parents and friends of ND are encouraged to attend these opportunities for prayer and meditation during this special season:
Ash Wednesday is on February 26 this year. The Liturgy Club and the ND Schola will prepare a prayerful entry to Lent for Notre Dame’s students. The Mass will be celebrated at 8:15 am in the Dolan Center. We hope to see everyone there!
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TLC planning liturgy with Sr. Mary Dolan, SU
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Arrupe Leaders Summit will be held in Spark, Maryland, from February 28-March 1. Named for Pedro Arrupe SJ, the former Superior General of the Jesuits, it is a gathering of young people from the eastern part of the US who will explore what “a faith that does justice” means in their own lives and what it can mean in their school community. Sponsored by the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN), the focus on faith and justice will help the students share ideas and resources for social justice programming.
Lent, Lunch, and Loyola - March 3, March 24, and April 2 - The ND faculty and staff have opportunities to set aside time during their lunch periods and gather for some prayer and reflection on Ignatian topics that tie in with Lenten themes.
Adult
Conversatio
– -March 5th from 6-8 pm.
Conversatio
is one of Anne’s Values and something the students
Chez Nous
know well. For Anne de Xainctonge, it was much more than “conversation”. It was more “how we are with one another.” Notre Dame offers an “evening apart” for parents and alumnae to come together for some input, quiet time to pray and reflect, and an opportunity to share with their peers about topics that pertain to life and Lent. A light supper is served at 5:30 pm on the mezzanine.
Junior Class Kairos Retreat – March 11, 12, 13 - Kairos is the ancient Greek word for ‘the opportune moment’, or ‘time out of time. It is a more ideal time to listen to God speaking to us in our hearts. All ND juniors attend this retreat together to strengthen their bonds with God and their
Chez Nous
sisters, and to begin their journeys as rising seniors and future leaders of the school. The retreat will take place at the San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, NJ.
Reconciliation Service – March 27 - The Notre Dame community will gather in the Dolan Center for a Reconciliation Prayer Service on March 27 and individual confessions. As we draw closer to the feast of Easter, this is an ideal preparation and all are encouraged to attend.
The community encourages Notre Dame's families and friends to enter the Lenten journey with us
Chez Nous.
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Saturday, March 21, 2020
Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers
Noon - 4:00 pm
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Contact Information
Elizabeth Bixenman
Director of Development &
Alumnae Relations
(212) 620-5575, Ext. 317
bixenmane@cheznous.org
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ANCHORING LIVES
for
GENERATIONS
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