The twelve ”guardian angels” from the middle division pose for a photo during the school’s first day of classes.One-hundred-four students started today for the first time at the middle division of Notre Dame. A total of 78 6th-graders, 14 new 7th-graders and 12 new 8th-graders made their way through the halls of Notre Dame Marist Academy's middle division today with the help of 12 "veteran" 8th-graders, who helped smooth the transition to Notre Dame.
Ethan Carino, Brian Gebara, Andrew Hannoudi, Vincent Larsson, Tyler Rowe, Matt Wood, Sara Avery, Gabby Bendtsen, Liz Brouns, Selena Cade, Mikaela Crute and Rachel Kloss spent the day helping out with the new student orientation to meet the new students at lunch and discuss topics regarding homework, organization, organizing lockers, clubs and sports.
The twelve 'guardian angels,' chosen by their teachers and school administration, help the new students during the first few months of school. According to middle-school counselor Kim Smith, this program gives the newcomers a chance to ask questions, problem solve any issues, see familiar faces and make new friends. "This helps the new students make a smooth transition and feel right at home at Notre Dame Marist Academy," she adds.
Notre Dame Marist Academy’s guardian angels will spend the first few months of the school year helping new students make the important transition into middle school.
"I am very confident about the new school year after today. I met teachers, found classrooms and met new friends."
"I learned how to keep myself organized and get good grades. Today was a great preparation day and it made me feel more confident."
"I loved it because the 8th-graders helped us."
"I learned today that NDPMA is a community and we help each other out."
"I am feeling both a little nervous and excited."
"I learned that the teachers at NDPMA are always willing to help and are very kind."
Follow Notre Dame at @NDPMA.
About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.