Notre Dame High School’s fourth and final quarter is off to a remarkable start as the Crusaders are back to a semi-normal schedule, including four-day in-school weeks. COVID guidelines are all being met as the school is working tirelessly to enforce mask wearing, social distancing, and constant sterilization of classrooms.

The first day back, April 6, students were greeted by faculty members with smiling faces, encouraging posters and fun streamers.

“It’s really fun being back and seeing everyone, the posters make the halls so bright and cheery,” said Marin Frinzi (senior). The majority of Crusaders are back in the classroom for the last two months of the school year.

As decided by the Allentown Diocese, finals will be mandatory for students for all major classes that count towards their GPAs.

Spring sports are doing fairly well, with the boys baseball team leading an impressive two-week winning streak with an overall record of 10-1; softball, 4-1; and boys tennis, 5-3.

ND’s student-run newspaper, The Crusader, is working on its final issue of the school year. This last edition will be dedicated to all of the school’s seniors, who are anxiously awaiting graduation. It will include articles like “Do’s and Don’ts of High School” and “College Dorm Must Haves.” The adviser of the paper, Mrs. Clark, excitedly stated, “This is a great opportunity for those students who were not in the building all year to share their experiences and express their thoughts on the past four years, to leave their mark.”

ND’s newly founded SADD Club, organized by teacher Dr. Lencheski, held its first meeting in March during which the adviser explained the group’s goal to focus on different critical topics every two weeks. Those topics, so far, have included eating disorders and suicide prevention. To show solemn recognition for these themes, the club members are encouraging students to write positive messages on post-it notes to stick on the bathroom mirrors of each floor. SADD also managed to raise $573.25 in honor of Gabby Meixell (recently deceased Bethlehem Catholic senior) from its most recent dress down day.

The Notre Dame faculty has been working tirelessly to create a memorable COVID-safe Prom for its senior class. On May 7, ND plans to host an outdoor soiree in front of the school, where there will be tents, a dance floor and food trucks. The students cannot wait to celebrate this special event.

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