Daily Schedule

7:30 a.m. Students may come for a free, cold breakfast

7:50 a.m. Bell rings

8:00 a.m. Start of school

11:30 a.m - Lunch and recess
12:10 p.m.

3:30 p.m. End of the school day

- Beginning of the After-School Program-
3:30-3:35 p.m. Students change into after school uniform

3:40-3:55 p.m. Snack & announcements in the cafeteria

4:00-4:55 p.m. First period of the After-School Program*

5:00-5:55 p.m. Second period of the After-School Program

5:55 p.m. Students prepare to go home

6:00 p.m. Dismissal

* Each student participates in one activity period and one study hall period. A bell will ring to signal the end of the period. At that time the students have a few minutes to prepare the proper materials and pass to the site of their next period. A second bell will ring to signal the beginning of that period. At this time the students should be silent and ready to begin their activity or study hall.

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The After-School Enrichment Program

The After-School Enrichment Program at NDMS runs from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. During this time students have many responsibilities and activities. First, the students change into their after-school uniforms and have an afternoon snack while listening to announcements. After snack time the students are dismissed to their activities or study hall. The rest of the afternoon is divided into two equal segments where each student will have one activity period and one study hall period. The activity period can be anything from a fine art activity to an athletic team practice. The study hall period provides the students the opportunity to finish homework and work on projects as well as receive individualized attention and tutoring.

Why does Notre Dame Middle School have a mandatory After-School Enrichment Program?
NDMS implemented a mandatory After-School Enrichment Program in response to current studies indicating the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. as the time when juvenile crime reaches its peak. The controlled environment of our program aims to accomplish two goals: the practice of positive study habits in a safe, quiet atmosphere where help is available and organized activities that not only provide an opportunity to build lasting relationships and have fun, but also expose students to new experiences that otherwise would be out of reach. Studies show that the Milwaukee area alone suffers from 55% of Latino students quitting school before graduation from high school, while many of those remaining in the system perform poorly. Many at-risk youth mentally disengage from school during the middle grade years (grades 5 through 8), before actually dropping out sometime during their high school years. The After-School Enrichment Program is structured to provide healthy experiences during a potentially detrimental time and allows young women to learn how to make positive choices and discover their individual potential as responsible citizens.

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Graduate Support Program

Central to Notre Dame Middle School’s mission statement is its commitment to support our graduates after they leave our doors and go on to high school and higher education. The Graduate Support Program is designed to prepare students for admittance into college preparatory high schools and then into colleges. During their eighth grade year, NDMS students work closely with the Director of Graduate Support to find a school that is the right fit for each student. After graduation, the Graduate Support Program then follows students to their different high schools, tracking their accomplishments and working closely with teachers and guidance counselors to ensure their success. Students’ grades are released to NDMS at quarter and at semester, which enables us to monitor each student carefully. Graduate study halls are provided nightly at NDMS where the graduates have access to the computer lab, quiet study space, tutoring resources, and study skills development. The Graduate Support Program also matches current high school students with volunteer mentors, linking them up with support from the community and positive life experiences that will assist them in their academic endeavors. During their senior year, the Director of Graduate Support works with the students and their parents to facilitate the college application and financial aid process.

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