The JA Times Notre Dame Academy * 3535 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623* Vol. 2 * Issue 1 * Dec. 17, 2018
Fitting in at a New School for Junior High By Elizabeth Weaver As with every new school year, there are many new 7th and 8th graders joining the NDJA family. Most say it was fairly easy to find friends and have had a generally easy time fitting in with new friends. Of course it still takes work to fit in, but the NDJA family has a diverse group of people to meet, and the students get along fairly well. “Most girls have been very nice and inclusive,” 7th grader Allison Westmeyer said. Some 7th and 8th graders have come to NDA knowing nobody else coming here, which made it a little more challenging to make new friends. “It was kind of hard at first, but it was easier as the year went on,” Savannah Wenzel, 8th grade, said. The day before school starts, the girls have JA Orientation to learn their way around school and meet new friends before classes start.
JA students spend time together in TCB before classes.
Some of the new students who did not know anyone coming here found it easier in making friends with other girls who also did not know anyone coming into Notre Dame Junior Academy. Some new students also found that
Principal’s Corner By Dalia Afifi NDA Principal Ms. Sarah Cullum As Ms. Sarah Cullum is in her second year as principal of Notre Dame Academy, she has a new appreciation of the JA girls. “I think we have an amazing group of 7th graders. They are always so understanding and kind. For the 8th graders I see a big difference from last year. I like seeing them change and grow.” The JA girls impressed Ms. Cullum right
away. “My first impression was courage, definitely,” she said. Ms. Cullum enjoyed going on the Chicago trip and looks forward to attending many more events with the girls. “There will be many exciting events coming up, but I want to hear more from the girls. Chicago is obviously a big one. It’s definitely exciting getting to go there and seeing new people,” she said. When asked if new uniforms for the JA were being considered, Ms. Cullum said, “No, but I’d love to hear ideas. Uniforms are always a big topic.” Lastly, Ms. Cullum shared one of her favorite quotes, “When someone loves you, they don’t have to say it; you can tell by the way they treat you. Actions speak louder than words.”
the school seemed large and intimidating at first, but as time went on and they got used to the school and met new people, the school seemed a lot easier to navigate. Now the new students will move up together throughout high school.
The JA Times This newspaper is produced by the Notre Dame Junior Academy Exploratory Journalism Class. The JA Times Staff: Dalia Afifi Tyiona Allen Clare Dillon Brooklyn Swiden Elizabeth Weaver Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells