File this one under: “Something for Everyone” or “Learning In and Outside the Classroom” or… “Pick a Club, Any Club.”
In an era where cutbacks for even the bare essentials have been made throughout nearly every public school system in the country, any student who attends a school where those very same essentials are protected and cultivated is truly blessed. If a student is lucky enough to go to Notre Dame Prep, she is endowed with a veritable abundance of riches in the form of opportunity both in and outside the classroom. Notre Dame is dedicated to educating the whole person. To that end, it not only provides a depth and breadth of course offerings that prepare each student for college and the world beyond academia, but it also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities through which a girl can pursue an interest, stimulate her curiosity, and develop her talent. It is virtually impossible not to become meaningfully engaged as a student at 
Notre Dame. Or to feel a sense of belonging. There is a team, club, or organization to satisfy every member of the extremely diverse, interesting and interested student population. In other words…there is something for everyone. And if a student has a burning interest in an area for which there currently is no outlet to channel that curiosity, she is not only given the opportunity and responsibility to develop an outlet, but is encouraged to do so. While key organizations like Student Council, the Athletic Association, and Christian Community Awareness Programs are firmly rooted, as student interest develops and evolves through the years, some clubs or organizations come and go. That is beside the point. They are developed when needed. Here then, is a list of (most or all) upper school extracurricular opportunities (we’ll just have to do a Part Two for the middle school):
CLUBS WITH ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES:
Christian Community Awareness Program (CCAP)
Service based organization
Athletic Association
Supports all athletic programs
Student Council
Student Government organization
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Focuses on preventive education
Campus Ministry
Involved in prayer services and liturgies
COMPETITIVE CLUBS:
Mock Trial
Team presents a legal case; competes against other schools
Speech and Debate
Youth in Government
Plan and participate in mock legislative session.
Compete to have bills passed.
It’s Academic
Competitive academic team. Competes against other schools.
CLUBS THAT PROVIDE A SERVICE:
Student Technology Advisors (STArs) Aid and advance the use of technology
Habitat for Humanity
Renovates old row homes in Baltimore City
Club Umoja
Continues relationship with kids from Camp Umoja
Tutoring and mentoring city kids
HONOR SOCIETIES:
Art Honor Society
Promotes art appreciation
Math Honor Society
Promotes joy & creativity of mathematics
There is also a Md. Math League Club which holds math contests
Music Honor Society
Explores joy of music;performs. NDP also has
Band, choral arts, vocal groups, and musical ensembles
Science National Honor Society
Encourages Science Literacy and exploration
International Thespian Society
Explores theatre and drama;
Supports school production
Social Studies Honor Society
Explores connectivity of society
SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS:
French Club
Explores French language and culture
Spanish Club
Explores Spanish language and cultures
Sewing & Fashion Club
Explores the art of design and creates new fashions
Equine Club
Enjoys the love of horses and riding
Architecture & Engineering Club
Promotes love of design and building arts
Gateway Club
Publishes school newspaper
Writing Club
Enjoys creative writing
Environmental Club
Explores environmental issues
Promotes care of the earth
Marine Biology Club
Studies and explores coral reefs, marine mammals
and issues surrounding them
Photography Club
Explores the art of photography through
first hand experience
Filmography Club
Explores the art of filming;
Produces a short film
Book Club
Book discussion group
Baking Club
Promotes the love and art of baking
Partnership for Animal Welfare Club (PAW)
Promotes animal welfare
Cultural Awareness Club
Promotes diversity in community
Dance Troupe
Ballet, modern, tap and more
Cheerleading
Now a sport in its own right
Theatre Production Club & Theatre Tech Crew
Formerly the drama club; casts and stages productions
throughout the year
Team and Intramural Sports, including:
Field Hockey, lacrosse, soccer, badminton, volleyball, tennis,
Softball, Rowing, basketball, swimming, and others…
Bluenote is exhilarated just reading the list! Imagine how engaged and stimulated any given NDP student must be. So many choices, so little time! Did we miss one? Let us know!
