The second marking period at Notre Dame High School brings more change and regulations.

As a result of skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, the diocese made the decision to postpone winter sports for another month. Originally scheduled to begin mid-December, wrestling, as well as boys and girls basketball will now kickoff Jan. 11, with all participants wearing masks and social distancing. The season will include the winter sports cheer squad, which will bring much needed school spirit during this challenging time. Although fans are not currently permitted at any games of the winter season, there will most likely be a livestream for those who will not be in attendance.

In other sports-related news, ND’s cross country team did impressively well at states ,where the girls finished sixth overall, and out of 141 places, senior Grace Medei placed 12th, freshman Katherine Koons, 13th, junior Serena Azzalina, 29th, freshman Lauren Bower, 33rd; senior Laura Dainuski, 54th; sophomore Catherine Mahoney, 55th; and sophomore Rosetta Shupe, 57th. Senior Cody Smith placed 35th.

The Key Club’s annual wreath sale proceeded as usual.

This season’s raffle drawing, “Christmas Bliss,” held Dec. 15 in the Finance Office, had 42 winners. Three more drawings this school year include: “Winter Wonderland” (Dec. 16-Feb. 2), “Luck of a Crusader” (Feb. 3-March 16), and “Spring is in the Air” (March 17-May 4). Ticket deadlines for all participants are the Mondays before the final days of the raffles. They can be picked up as well as dropped off at ND’s main office 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas came early in the form of a snow day Dec. 17, when all virtual and in-school classes were canceled! ND’s holiday break officially started Dec. 22 with early dismissal and ended Jan. 4.

For more information, visit the school’s website, www.ndcrusaders.org.