One Story: Siena Thrasher

Sitting there listening to NDP junior, Siena Thrasher talk about “her life, her passions, and her faith,” I am reminded for all the world of The Little Flower, Therese of Lisieux. For starters, Siena bears an uncanny physical resemblance to Therese. She is a 21st century version of the 19th century saint: pretty, dark-eyed, and […]

Mathlish

“The universe cannot be read until we have learned the language… in which it is written. And it is written in mathematical language.” Galileo “They’re a special breed!” NDP Director of Communications, Cami Colarossi, responded with her own admiration to my observation about the triumvirate of middle school math teachers I had just come from […]

NDP’s Athletic Program: The Definition of Winning

Did you know that Notre Dame Prep, in addition to its regular Open House for prospective students and their parents, hosts a second and separate Athletic Open House? Why is that? Could NDP possibly be guilty of catering to a youth sports culture gone awry or is there something far more purposeful and substantial going […]

(Young) Women Rising

That Doonesbury strip, written back in the 70’s during the height of the still nascent Women’s Movement, is one of my all time favorites. At that time, the character, Joanie Caucus, ran the local daycare center where she watched over, among other 3 and 4 year olds, young Ellie. Joanie was also a new and […]

Today’s Bookbag: Form Follows Function

As prelude, please indulge me in a brief, personal, history of the book bag: In first grade, I carried my books (all two of them) in a nifty little scotch plaid satchel that went quite nicely with my green, velveteen winter coat. In third grade, I traded up to a handsome, chestnut colored, leather (OK, […]

Girls and Science: Fully Capable

Those involved in the nurture, training, and education of children sooner or later refer to the concept of a child’s potential: ‘Every child has great potential.’ Or, ‘Every child should be given opportunities to reach his or her full potential.’ It’s a noble concept and a worthwhile goal. But it has echoed out there for […]

The Person You’ve Become; The People We Are

In 2006 I had the distinct honor of delivering the commencement speech at Notre Dame. In preparation for the event, I spoke with a few of the graduates-to-be about their NDP experience and the road ahead. One of those young women was Chas Dunnaville, undeniably the brightest of stars in an exceptional class. While at […]

The Class of 2019: Going Up!

It made sense at the time. Interview a group of 6th graders towards the end of the school year and find out how their first year at Notre Dame went. There were several flaws in the plan, however. For one thing, I dropped by to conduct this hard-hitting bit of investigative journalism on a day […]

Oh! The Humanities!

Not long ago, Notre Dame alum, Bette Ellis O’Conor (’46) and her husband, Jim, approached NDP with an idea. In keeping with the college preparatory mission of the school, the O’Conors wanted to establish an academic program that would open the girls’ eyes and minds to the interconnectedness of coursework as a way to better […]

On Leadership: Sr. Patricia McCarron

Don’t hold onto words or gestures as if they were realities. They are hints. The way I can point my finger towards the moon. My finger is not the moon. To look at the moon, it is necessary to gaze beyond the finger. Ancient Proverb On Monday, May 6th at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the Daily […]