May 2021
Living Out the NDAA Core Values
Each newsletter will now feature a story from an NDAA Ally-a volunteer who serves the students, staff and families of the NDAA schools. This Ally will focus on one of the NDAA Core Values that all of the schools share and promote as part of their curriculum. The core value for May is Serve.
The Opportunity to Serve at Holy Angels
Andra Liepa
I have always loved reading. From an early age, my parents read to me and my siblings, and taught us to read before Kindergarten. We were regulars at the local public library. At the time it seemed completely normal and ordinary, but I have come to learn that not all children have the same experience. Many of the children at Holy Angels Catholic School have had a more limited exposure to books and reading and many are behind in their reading skills. Research has shown that if you cannot read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, your ability to learn and succeed in other subjects can be severely impacted.
I had the opportunity to step away from my corporate career several years ago and decided to make the next chapter of my life about giving back. I became aware of the Notre Dame ACE academies through the Notre Dame Alumni Association and given my passion for education in underserved communities, I felt an immediate connection with their vision of preparing children from low-income communities for college and heaven through sustainable, high quality Catholic schools. Over the past several years, I’ve been privileged to provide informal coaching and advice to the Notre Dame staff based here in Indianapolis and to volunteer at the schools in various capacities.
The pandemic limited many of the ministries and volunteer activities in which I’m engaged. I was delighted when Holy Angels reached out to ask if I would be willing to volunteer at the school in the fall. At the beginning of the school year, I helped sign up all the new “scholars” with an Indianapolis Public Library card. As I typed each child’s name, I was imagining how exciting it might be for them to check their first book out of the library. In November, I helped assemble supplies for children to take home when the school switched back to virtual learning. Best of all, I tutored 6 children in literacy, helping the Kindergarteners with their letters and sounds, the 1st graders with blending sounds and sight words, and the 2nd graders with sight words and reading. I soaked up the joy of accomplishment they expressed when they “got it right”. Even though we were wearing masks, I could still see their eyes sparkle, and I hope they saw the sparkle in mine. I don’t know if my time with each child made a significant difference, but we plant seeds, not knowing how God might cause those seeds to mature and grow. Serving these children, even in this small way, brings joy to my heart.
Choice Scholarship Program Expanded
Exciting news! In the recently passed state budget, Governor Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly made educational options more affordable for families across our state. Starting with the 2021-22 school year, students of Hoosier families whose household income is 300% of Federal Free or Reduced-Price Meals guidelines or less now qualify to receive financial aid to help cover the cost of private school tuition. To learn more about the expansion of educational options for Hoosier families, contact Ellen Sanders at (317) 236-1501 or esanders@archindy.org.
School Updates
Central Catholic
Central Catholic Kindergarteners recently learned about living and non-living things in science by observing earthworms and gummy worms.
Holy Angels
The 6th graders met with the other grades to explain the importance of the ILearn assessment and how to prepare for it. Top three suggestions: arrive to school on time, eat breakfast, get to bed earlier than normal.
Holy Cross
After working hard on the IREAD-3 test, Holy Cross third graders complete an art project in social emotional learning class.
St. Philip Neri
The Middle School scholars have had a quarter filled with STEM challenges! They have learned all about the scientific process, making hypotheses, and testing their theories. !
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For more information
- To inquire about admissions or to arrange a tour of one of our schools, contact Rose Springman, at rspringman@archindy.org or call (317) 236-7324.
- To inquire about donating to Notre Dame Ace Academies, please contact Ellen Sanders at esanders@archindy.org or call 317-236-1501.
