Freshman, Heads Up!
P.C. Mrs. Morello
Looking back on the past few years at ND, from learning the Alma Mater to attending school dances and making new friends, freshman year was just the start to the best experiences someone can get. Transitioning from middle school with rules and ways of doing things, you get to Notre Dame and gain some freedom,supported to learn who you want to be. Notre Dame may be small, but all students are very spirited.
In the first week of November, we will be experiencing a national high school dance known asHomecoming! In the week leading up to this special dance, Notre Dame puts on their own small spirit week, and then the iconic Hoco Games! While there is Freshman Vs Sophomores playing dodgeball, Juniors will play against Seniors to play a very exciting game of flag football. Notre Dame brings out body paint stations and food trucks, so this upcoming event will be an unforgettable time. When asked what she expected and experienced from the homecoming games, Amabelle Ngyuen ‘25 said, “I knew the school had spirit coming into ND, but the enthusiasm I got to watch and experience was very intense. I recommend all freshmen should sign up for the dodgeball game, but if you don’t, cheer your classmates on super loudly!”
Coming into winter, all anyone can think about is Nirvana Soul’s hot chocolate and coffee, Christmas in the Park, and our very own Christmas in Pardini. To get into the Christmas spirit, each co-curricular club is given a tree to decorate, bringing their own spirit into Pardini. Answering the question of how she feels about the christmas spirit at ND, Kate Padlan ‘25 responds stating, “I do get the feeling of Christmas spirit here because you walk into school and see all the bright decorations, but there is definitely more do be done here to give more holiday vibes.” It might be hard to remember the Christmas season since California doesn't exactly fit the white Christmas narrative of having the true snow days and piping hot chocolate to warm us up. Yet, we have 2 weeks of the Christmas season on campus, so make the most of it!
And for the most important event of the school year: Spirit Week! Spirit week will be coming later next year! This is a time where all students take advantage of the free dress policy for costumes to each theme of the day, making the coolest gym decorations to go with the class theme of the year, and participating in fun games to win points and awards! You may not think much of it, but it's the craziest event of the school year! Sign up for the games during the week, and participate alongside your classmates to represent your grade!
So much time and effort is put into planning these 3 major school events, and every year is better than the last. Put yourselves out there and join in on the fun this school year, because you will not regret making those memories.
