The Valley Catholic April 24, 2018 | Page 20

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
April 24 , 2018 | The Valley Catholic

Notre Dame High School ’ s Sister Project

At Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose , where all the students are girls and most of the faculty are women , the topic of feminine products is no big deal and the concept of having to do without these basic necessities is unthinkable . But for many girls and women throughout the San Jose community , this is the harsh reality . According to Sacred Heart Community Center ( SHCS ), who serves thousands of people each month , women and girls are often forced to stay at home rather than attend school or work due to a lack of adequate supplies . Notre Dame shares a special bond with SHCS , one of its downtown partners , with students often volunteering in various capacities
. SHCS offers a comprehensive array of resources and services as it brings together the community to address poverty in Silicon Valley , and although they receive donations regularly , feminine products are rarely included .
After hearing about the challenges facing their ‘ sisters ’ in the community , Notre Dame students took action , launching The Sister Project . Held each year during Notre Dame ’ s annual Spirit Week , The Sister Project collects women ’ s underwear and sanitary products for donation to Sacred Heart . This year ’ s joint effort between ASB School Council and campus ministry homeroom reps collected more than 60,000 items – enough to fill three vans to capacity . In
the seven years since its inception , the project has raised more than $ 115,000 in products and cash donations .
“ It can be embarrassing for women to ask at our counter for hygiene products . If we don ’ t have what they need , it makes the experience that much worse ,” said Sacred Heart ’ s involvement coordinator . “ Thanks to Notre Dame ’ s Sister Project , we are able to supply low
income women with a basic need in a dignified way .”
“ In the 167 years we have been in downtown San Jose , we have graduated thousands of young women who have gone on to impact the community on a local , national and global level .” said Principal Mary Beth Riley . “ What we see now are high school girls who are already making an impact in the community in many ways including the Sister Project . We are very proud of our Notre Dame students .”
Several students helped distribute products at Sacred Heart recently , allowing them to personally connect with the women their contributions were meant for .
Writer ’ s Workshop Showcase at Saint Nicholas School : Joy , Stamina & Growth
On March 21 , more than 40 teachers throughout the Diocese of San Jose visited Saint Nicholas School to see Writer ’ s Workshop in action .
Writer ’ s Workshop is a writing curriculum that was designed , revised and tested in thousands of classrooms for over 30 years by Lucy Calkins at Teachers College , Columbia University . The program , which was adopted by Saint
Nicholas school in the fall of 2016 , is a comprehensive writing program that builds upon itself from kindergarten through eighth grade .
Since implementing the program Saint Nicholas school has seen : joy in students as they develop a love for writing , stamina that allows students at all grade levels to write pages and pages in one sitting , and above all growth in their writing capabilities .
At Saint Nicholas , teachers observed a 50 minute class period of writing , taking note of the structure of Writer ’ s Workshop as well as the positive and engaged response of students . Following the classroom session , teachers enjoyed a display of stu dent work as well as a question and answer session with teachers and students in the school library .
Saint Nicholas s tudents sharing their writing with visiting teachers from the diocese .
Summer Programs
Co-ed Academic , Art , Sport & STEAM Camps & Classes

Saint Mary School fi fth graders participated in a living history day with costumes and activities to tell the story of the American Revolution . www . ndsj . org / summer

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Saint Mary School , Gilroy , Fifth Grade Participates in Living History Day
Assuming the roles of historical figures in the American Revolution , the fifth grade at Saint Mary School participated in a living history day , Walk Through the Revolution , as part of their social studies curriculum . Students dressed in historical costumes and told the story of the Revolution as they acted out rehearsed lines of their characters , participated in battle scene skits , and competed on teams during the interactive day of history .
To participate in the experience , parents prepared an “ All-American ” meal for the students and enjoyed observing the activities throughout the day . The event concluded with the students visiting the other classes in the school to share their characters ’ roles in the American Revolution .
This unique event was brought to Saint Mary School by fifth grade teacher , Paula Reynolds , and has become an annual tradition .