J | The Catalyst | Volume 4, Issue 2 | October 2017

OPINION | Page 2

To take a knee or not? That is the question

www.TheNDBCatalyst.com

the

NEWS | Page 3

SPORTS | Page 4

CATALYST Guess who’s coming to visit? College reps

Volleyball wins Dig Pink game against Harker, 3-0

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE

Volume 4, Issue 2

1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002

@theNDBCatalyst

October 2017

NEWS

NEWS

N.D.B. stands for Nobility, Deserving and Blessed

for annual Ding Bat Day

Health & Wellness launches N.D.B. Week Community prepares

by Shreya Chatterjee Editor in Chief (Online) @TheNDBCatalyst

SAMANTHA RAMOS/THE CATALYST

Speaker Tyler Durman encourages students to keep the conversation going.

by Kaitlin McCarthy Asst. Arts & Life Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

N.D.B. Week -which stands for Nobility, Deserving, and Blessed -took place this week, starting Monday, October 23 and ending on Friday, October 27. It was organized by the Health and Wellness Board in response to suicide prevention events and

to create an awareness of positive mental health.

Each day had its theme: Miniscule Monday, Compliment Tuesday, Go Out Of Your Way Wednesday, Teacher Thursday, and Faithful Friend Friday.

Some days had its own activity, including a guest speaker on Monday and “puppy therapy” on Friday.

During an after-

noon assembly, motivational speaker Tyler Durman spoke with the student body about the the meaning of the word “ohana” or family.

Sophomore Deanna Omron states, “I think it’s nice that [Tyler] talked about how our school is our extended family. We can go to just about any of the faculty and staff and just have an open conversation.”

FEATURE

The shadows who walk among us

Director of Student Leadership Denise Uhl said that the Health and Wellness Board wanted to create a sense of belonging in their effort to address mental health issues in the student body.

She said, “People who think about bad thoughts and dark places, they don’t need to go there if they feel like they belong.”

Spirit Week will culminate on Tuesday with Ding Bat Day, an opportunity for students to dress up in costumes, participate in contests and games, and celebrate Halloween.

This year’s competitions include the annual pumpkin carving contest and a costume contest, and two new ones: Pet Dress Day and the Halloween Bake-Off.

For the pumpkin contest, students can carve anything on their pumpkins and win a prize in one of several categories, including the most creative, cutest, funniest, or scariest, or best overall.

The costume contest is a good way for students and teachers to show their creativity and imagination. This year’s categories include cutest, “Do it yourself,” duo, funniest, group, scariest, or teacher, or best overall.

This year, ASB has created the new Pet

Dress-up Day. Students can email pictures of their pets dressed up in costumes for a chance to be displayed on the school monitors.

Another new contest is the Halloween Bake -Off where students can cook sweet treats for the community to sample and then be judged based on apparance and taste. The winners will get a goodie bag, created by ASB.

The week preceding Ding Bat Day is Spirit Week. Each day of the week is a different theme, from “On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink” to raise awareness for breast cancer to Monday’s “Meme Day” for students to showcase their favorite Internet images.

ASB President and senior Roxana Khalili says, “Spirit Week is a great time for students to express not only their spirit from NDB, but also for the Halloween festivities to come on Ding Bat day.”

Ding Bat Day and Spirit Week are both opportunities to get involved and celebrate with the school community.

SPORTS

A banner in sight for water polo team

Prospective members of Class of 2022 visit campus Team goes undefeated in PAL Ocean League, 14-0

by Gaby Tiu Editor in Chief (Print) @TheNDBCatalyst

by Michelle Kleytman Assistant Opinion Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

The annual shadow season began earlier this month with dozens of prospective members of the Class of 2022 visiting campus to experience a typical day in the life of a NDB student.

Coming from many of the local private and public middle schools, these eighth graders begin their first day at NDB in the small gym where they are welcomed by the Admissions Department and taken to classes by student hosts.

Cathy Lewis, Head of Admissions, says, “I think that shadowing is the most important step that students take in mak-

A longstanding dream of the water polo team has been achieved: getting a banner.

This is the first time in NDB history that the girls will receive one.

This is also the first time that the girls finished their league season undefeated, 14-0, and are playing in the CCS playoffs.

“Well, honestly, it’s kind of what I came here to do,” says Callie Malone, varsity starter and sophomore.

“This is what I wanted to bring to this school,” she adds. “And, to go undefeated, it’s unimaginable. Coming from last

KAYLA STUART/THE CATALYST

A shadow (right) follows along with an English lesson. ing a decision about high teachers… Can you picture school because, when they yourself there?” come to Notre Dame, it’s Shadow season their opportunity to see often causes NDB students what it feels like [as a high to recall their own shadowschool student] -- How are ing experiences and how the girls with each other, how are they with the See SHADOWS | Page 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF TWITTER/NDBATHLETICS

The team and their coach celebrate first place.

year, I honestly didn’t think we would’ve been able to do it and it’s exciting for this team because we’ve worked our butts off and it’s nice to have that reward for us.”

To help rally in

celebration of yet another win for their last league game, played against San Mateo High School (1610), Coach Mike Marques got in on the action and jumped in the pool to join the team.

Follow @TheNDBCatalyst and visit TheNDBCatalyst.com for Spirit Week stories

OCTOBER 2017

page 2

#StandUp

#TakeAKnee

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE

Vice President Mike Pence stands for the national anthem before he walked out of the game between the Colts and 49ers.

Michelle Kleytman Assistant Opinion Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

From young children to famous celebrities, standing up for the National Anthem is an important way for American citizens to show off their patriotism for their country.

Written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, it illuminates what America fought so hard for against the British during the War of 1812.

Today, it continues to celebrate American pride and to honor those who serve and protect our country.

However, some Americans are not so patriotic anymore. Some of them are following the example set by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his protest against police brutality. They are choosing to take a knee, instead of standing during performances of the National Anthem during sports games.

What everyone needs to realize is that there are much better ways to protest. Americans certainly need to advocate for social issues and injustices, but that should not interfere with respect for their own country, for its beliefs and values, and for the brave

servicemen and women who risk their lives to keep Americans safe over the past two hundred and forty one years.

Nowadays, Americans are facing great concerns that the country is moving backwards in terms of race relations and developing a greater divide amongst themselves.

During a time of such tense divisions within this country, the line between patriotism and the freedom to protest in order to stand up for marginalized groups is thickening when it should not be.

Americans who want to raise awareness for such issues should exercise this right freely and proudly, but there are many ways to do so that do not blatantly disrespect this country’s great American values.

Recently, Vice President Mike Pence walked out of a professional football game after a few players took a knee during the National Anthem, and explained his actions on Twitter, tweeting, “I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National

OPINION

Anthem.”

In spite of this country’s two disparate political parties that have their differences of opinions, people do not see any of their representatives kneeling in Congress when they hear speeches from colleagues that they do not agree with.

“Players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem,” states the NFL’s Player/Team Conduct and Dress Guidelines.

How are those who choose to break this rule fixing the issue at hand? Are they solving the problem of corrupt law enforcement? Are they taking strides in ending police brutality? Being flippant and rebellious against America’s historical traditions answer none of these questions.

The National Anthem itself does not ignore the sometimes difficult history of the United States.

It is not a song designed to celebrate one group of people more than another.

It has historically been and should continue to serve as a symbol of American unity and resilience.

So, maybe in order for Americans to unify our country once again, they should “stand up” for what they believe in.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

Several Bellarmine College Prep football players kneel for the national anthem before they play against Serra HS.

Johana Ligtenberg Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

The First Amendment protects Americans’ rights to free speech and protest. So, why are so many people upset over the Take a Knee movement?

Last year, now former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began taking a knee during the National Anthem. He did that to protest racism in America, especially incidents of police brutality against unarmed black men during the past several years.

When the movement began to incite controversy, Kaepernick said to NFL media, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”

Many people were furious at his protest, calling it disrespectful to the American flag and disgraceful to America.

But, nowhere in the U.S. flag code does it state that one must stand for the National Anthem.

It does state that the flag should not be used for advertising or clothing, which are both seen everyday, but do not cause outrage.

Originally,

Kaepernick sat during the National Anthem, but after meeting with former NFL player and military veteran Nate Boyer, he changed his protest to taking a knee to protest more respectfully.

Regardless, the movement has taken off.

Players across the NFL, WNBL, and even some high school and collegiate teams have joined the protest and taken a knee.

Still, dissention has followed. President Trump spoke out against the movement at a rally in Alabama, saying, “That’s a total disrespect of our heritage. That’s a total disrespect for everything we stand for,” and calling for players to be fired.

His statements raised the question: If not the ability to freely exercise our rights, what do “we” stand for? What heritage does the movement disrespect, besides the history of legal racism and white supremacy in the U.S.?

Compare the way Trump spoke about white supremacists that marched in Charlottesville compared to these athletes -- He took several days to condemn

the neo-Nazis and, when he did, he said that there were, “very fine people” on both sides.

A popular argument against the movement is “It’s not the place or time” for players to express their political views. Americans would rather view athletes as entertainers who will shut up and do their job during a game than individuals who want to use their position for good.

It is heard that celebrities should use their fame to better the world.

Yet, the second black athletes try to, Americans are angry about how it disrespects the country.

As an American citizen, when is ever the wrong time to exercise your constitutional rights? What do brave soldiers fight for, but to protect American liberties? If peaceful protests never accomplished anything, then why do people oppose them so vehemently? And most importantly, what is more disrespectful to America than turning away when the freedom, rights, and safety of fellow citizens are being repeatedly violated.

When Nazis are freely marching in the streets and innocent people are being gunned down for no reason, it’s not the time, nor is it ever, to criticize Americans for exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

theCATALYST NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL’S FINEST NEWS SOURCE

EDITOR IN CHIEF (PRINT) Gaby Tiu gtiu18@ndhsb.org

OPINION EDITOR Isobel Senhaji isenhaji18@ndhsb.org

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Shay Levy slevy19@ndhsb.org

EDITOR IN CHIEF (ONLINE) Shreya Chatterjee schatterjee18@ndhsb.org

ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR Michelle Kleytman mleung17@ndhsb.org

DESIGN EDITOR Lizzie McGuire emcguire20@ndhsb.org

MANAGING EDITOR Frankie Dakin fdakin18@ndhsb.org

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Bella Lopez illopez19@ndhsb.org

PHOTO EDITOR Samantha Ramos sramos19@ndhsb.org

NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR Maggie Donaho mdonaho18@ndhsb.org

ASSISTANT ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Kaitlin McCarthy kmccarthy20@ndhsb.or

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Kayla Stuart kstuart19@ndhsb.org

ASST. NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR Winnie Saulala fsaulala19@ndhsb.org

SPORTS EDITOR Vanessa Velasco vvelasco18@ndhsb.org

FACULTY ADVISOR Robert Rojas rrojas@ndhsb.org

ABOUT THE CATALYST The Catalyst is a student-run newspaper that is published eight times a year in print and 24/7 online for Notre Dame High School community.

Catalyst, Notre Dame High School, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, or the Archdiocese of San Francisco, but are solely the views of the writer. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of The Catalyst.

EDITORIAL POLICY

CONTACT US

The Catalyst accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as press releases from on and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication. The Catalyst reserves the right to edit or reject submissions it deems objectionable.

Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002

The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of The

Phone: (650) 595-1913 Email: TheCatalystNDB@gmail.com Social Media: TheCatalystNDB

NEWS OCTOBER 2017 page 3 College reps visit College Center Junior Bea Ross performs to meet prospective students in int’l dance competition

by Winnie Saulala Assistant News Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

KAYLA STUART/THE CATALYST

College Counselor Dina Cuna meets with a student regarding her apps. by the Editorial Staff @TheNDBCatalyst

As college application season comes around, juniors and seniors’ inboxes become flooded with emails from College Counselor Dina Cunha, notifying them of upcoming visits by many college representatives from all over the U.S.

Many reps come bearing brochures, flyers, and other college swag with information about their schools. These visits offer a more personal way for students to hear about their programs and to ask questions about the campuses that might not be so easily answered by browsing their website.

“Typically, the rep that comes to our campus is assigned to our territory and are often either the only person evaluating the student’s application or part of the committee that evaluates for this territory,” says Cunha. “Thus, it is beneficial to get to these reps and get on their radar.”

Each rep comes with a wealth of information about what their school

Shadows From SHADOWS | Page 1 they aided them in selecting NDB as their future (now current) school.

Senior Ariel The explains the value of the shadowing experience. She says, “I didn’t know how much I liked the school until I attended [a shadow day].”

The responsibility of welcoming shadows is not completely reliant on their specified shadow hosts; every NDB girl takes part in chatting with shadows and encouraging them to feel comfortable among the students they sit

has to offer a prospective student, but they are always willing to tailor the information that they present to what the attendees are specifically interested in.

For instance, when the crowd of 7 to 10 students leans more towards asking questions regarding Santa Clara University’s participation in an engineering challenge or Chapman University’s unique study abroad opportunities, the representative’s ability to quickly speak about those topics comes in handy.

Visits offer an excellent chance for juniors to get a better idea of what to look for in schools as they slowly begin their adventure into the college application process. These visits can be a tool to craft a more refined list of colleges to visit, rather than spending money and time roaming around a campus that might be too big or too small for their liking.

The visits also give seniors a chance to ask questions pertaining either to their decision to apply or about programs within the school that they want to

participate in.

In addition, “Reps can also see if a student is a good fit for their college by meeting and talking with them,” says Cunha.

Senior Maggie Donaho says, “It is intimidating to be in a room with someone who may be reading my application.”

College meetings can last up to an hour and are scheduled throughout the school day to maximize the amount of schools that can visit NDB.

Sometimes, students miss classes to attend these meetings. They are expected to fill out certain forms and get their teachers’ permissions at least two days in advance.

College visits have the potential to be an advantageous tool in helping students to navigate through the seemingly vast and never-ending forest of information about colleges.

Rather than mindlessly gathering information from family, friends, or online resources, attend a college visit to set yourself up for the most successful future there is to have after graduating from NDB.

through classes with.

Over the course of several hours, shadows visit four classes in different subject areas. Classes welcome shadows, often taking a few minutes to introduce themselves, share what they are studying, and talk about their favorite foods, sports, or TV shows.

Teachers also get shadows involved. English/ Social Science teacher Rebecca Fisher is one who makes sure that, in addition to watching and listening to classes, the shadows also have the opportunity to participate in them.

She says, “I en-

joy having shadows in the discussions specifically because it brings a different perspective… To compare the idea of a younger mentality to a little bit older with juniors is sometimes helpful to bring another level of depth to the conversation.”

Throughout the duration of the day, shadows attend classes, have lunch with the NDB girls, return to classes, then head home after having experienced Notre Dame in a way that will lend new perspective to them when it comes to applying to future high schools.

Earlier this month, Junior Bea Ross traveled to Scotland to compete in the 2017 All Scotland Championship in Irish dancing.

The competition took place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall from October 5 through 8.

When asked to describe how the competition went for her, Bea explained there are three rounds. The first two rounds are a solo dance that all contestants must do. The third round is also a solo dance, but limited to invited contestants only.

Bea was very happy with her performances.

She says, “I got called back which was pretty cool because it’s my first overseas competition and only about 50% get called back.” She finished 29th out of 75 contestants.

Her participation in this championship qualified her for a world competition.

To prepare for competitions, Bea attends a two hour long group dance class at a studio in downtown San Francisco, five days a week. She also

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEA ROSS

Bea poses with a fellow contestant. practices dancing everyday, eats a gluten-free diet, and does not stay out late.

For the competition, contestants have to wear a traditional Irish dress. Bea said her costume is custom-made with various designs and shapes and costs about $3,000. It lasts for about a year to a year and a half before the style changes and she has to get another costume.

Bea has been involved with Irish dancing for the past eleven years.

She says her friends made her come to class with them and, after three or four years, they gave up, while she kept going.

She loves the connections she has made. She says, “I love the friends I made through dance. I have friends in Canada and on the east coast.”

What’s in a name? That which we call a graph

by Parker Daley Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

Math teacher Jude Loeffler’s students have been using an online graphing tool to enhance their learning experience in the classroom.

Recently, in Honors Pre-Calculus, students used the online graphing tool, Desmos, to graph their own names, using functions that they were exploring in class.

The integration of this hands-on project into the course curriculum allowed “students to get familiar with the online graphing program,” said Loeffler.

When asked how it enhances his teaching, he responded, “It fits in with learning the characteristics of behavior of the functions one will encounter in advanced mathematics…

The main part was for the students to use all sorts of different functions and domain restrictions in order to

PHOTO COURTESY OF DESMOS.COM

Desmos graphs the name of this newspaper. create their name.”

The response from students was positive – they were all excited to use this new classroom tool. In fact, many students from previous years wished that they had been able to do it.

Senior Shreya Chatterjee and junior Preyasi Kumar both responded with an emphatic “Yeah!” when asked if they would have liked to do this activity when they took this class.

Loeffler commented that he saw an increase in understanding of the course content upon

completion of this project.

He said: “[students are] much more comfortable, especially with doing piecewise functions… all of them really enjoy using Desmos for their graphing.”

Desmos is funded by Google and acts not only as an online graphing calculator, but as a valuable resource for teachers and students, with separate links and tools for educators.

By using this technology, Loeffler has been able to increase the level of understanding of difficult course content through an

Follow @TheNDBCatalyst

page 4

OCTOBER 2017

In search of the great pumpkin

by Kaitlin McCarthy Asst. Arts & Life Editor @TheNDBCatalyst

Halloween is right around the corner, which means it is the time of year where many head out to buy the perfect pumpkin.

Thinking about this raised a certain question: why do people buy pumpkins at grocery stores versus going to a real pumpkin patch, and vice versa?

To try and find an answer, I decided to go to a pumpkin patch with a friend. We spent plenty of time taking pictures, getting lost in the corn maze, and helping each other pick

If you have not gotten a chance to see TriSchool Productions’ featured fall play, “Radium Girls,” there is still just a little bit of time to do so!

D.W. Gregory’s “Radium Girls” is not a show not to be missed. The story follows the U.S. radium factories case and difficult choices that are made between accepting money

A day in the life of a Tiger

Just some of the things that have happened to our readers over the past month...

out pumpkins.

There are some differences between going to a pumpkin patch and the grocery store. Firstly, pumpkin patches provide more photo opportunities and activities than grocery stores.

Another difference is the pumpkins’ appearances. Pumpkins in the grocery were mostly perfectly shaped and a nice, bright orange. Some say this is due to GMOs and pesticides. Pumpkins in a pumpkin patch are often flawed, and have some deformities. This is because they are straight from the ground, and have been

grown organically.

So, here is the question: would you rather buy a pumpkin that may have some issues at a pumpkin patch and get

the experience that goes with it, or go straight for a perfect one at the grocery store? Share your photos with the Catalyst with the hashtag #TheNDBCatalyst.

and taking care of one’s well-being.

Through the duration of the show, you will see the effects of suffering from an incurable illness and how much modern science has improved healthcare since then. There are themes of beliefs, morality, and values, making the audience really think about what matters most in one’s life.

Under the direction of Mr. Long from

Serra HS, the cast brings expertise and talent to the stage. The cast includes NDB’s Keira Cruickshank and Grace Tillman. Combined with the Tri-School Productions community, they definitely deserve a standing ovation.

Junior Kendall Scarborough comments, “I thought it was really, really good, the plot was really interesting, and the actors did a good job of portraying the characters. Everyone

should definitely go see it!”

The show is running only until Saturday, October 28 at 7:30pm in the Gellert Auditorium at Serra HS.

If you are interested in working on a production as a performer or a member of stage crew, auditions for the spring musical “West Side Story” will be held November 15-17.

To sign up, visit www.TriSchoolProductions.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS

A pile of pumpkins await visitors.

Review: “Radium Girls” by the Editorial Staff @TheNDBCatalyst

ARTS & LIFE SPORTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABBY ROSSI

Students post for a group picture at Kairos, a four-day, three night spiritual retreat held every semester for juniors and seniors.

SAMANTHA RAMOS/THE CATALYST

The NDB community celebrates Living Laudato Si’ and the feast day of Saint Francis with a blessing of the pets in front of the school building.

Volleyball plays Dig Pink

by Fiona Quilter Contributing Writer @TheNDBCatalyst

Last Thursday, the freshmen, JV, and varsity volley ball teams played its annual Dig Pink games with the purpose of raising breast cancer awareness.

In preparation for the games, NDB students sold tie-dye shirts for $20 and decorated the Moore Pavilion, both in shades of pink and white. Fellow Tigers created posters with positive messages, such as, “We didn’t fight alone” and “Kiss away cancer.” They were hung next to pink and white balloons and papers arranged in the shape of the symbolic cancer awareness ribbons.

Students arrived at the afternoon event covered in pink bows, beaded necklaces, and cheer poms to show their united fight in beating cancer and their support for those playing in the games.

Overall, all three teams played confidently and claimed victories in their matches against Harker School.

With assistance from coach Leslie Glore,

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

Several sophomores pose in their best pink garb for the first day of NDB’s annual Spirit Week. The theme of the day was “On Wednesdays, we wear pink,” an homage to the film “Mean Girls.”

Humans of NDB: Delaney Fox

SAMANTHA RAMOS/THE CATALYST

Junior Krissy Smoot prepares to set the ball for her teammates. the frosh team fought hard throughout two full matches, resulting in a 2-0 win.

Led by coaches Kimmy Washington and Brooke Baldwin, the junior varsity team played two matches as well and took a 2-0 win for NDB

JV player and sophomore Brianna Nunn reflected, “From our team’s determination to the drive from our coaches to work hard together, we were able

to pull out a successful victory.”

In the final game with the varsity players, NDB gave the Harker team leis during announcements before the matches.

“One of my favorite parts of the Dig Pink game is seeing the volleyball teams, staff, and crowd wear pink,” said varsity player and senior Kat Ho. She loved seeing the community come together to

demonstrate their support towards beating cancer.

Coaches Jennifer Agresti, Anne Luchetti, and Kimmy Washington helped the varsity team pull another win for the Tigers after three sets against Harker.

In events such as the Dig Pink games, the strong sense of community and drive of NDB students are represented well from start to finish.

Visit TheNDBCatalyst.com for Ding Bat Day photos

ROBERT ROJAS/THE CATALYST

“My favorite scary movie is ‘Split’ because it’s not like a lot of other scary movies -- It’s more realistic. I like to see how the girls get out of the situation that seems impossible to get out of. I thought it was really interesting how the different personalities of the guy reacted to what the girls were saying and doing.”