7 Hallmarks

Proclaiming God's Goodness through Actions

This Hallmark is embodied in the daily lives of students and faculty by fostering kindness, gratitude, and positivity within the school environment. Through regular prayer, reflection, and religious services, the NDE community continually acknowledges God's presence in their lives. The school's masses, prayer services and daily morning assemblies encourage living out this value in ways that go beyond words.

Honoring the Dignity and Sacredness of Each Person

This value is reflected in the school’s culture of respect and inclusion, where each individual—whether student, faculty, or parent—is treated with care and understanding. Programs like peer counseling, social-emotional learning through our Friendzy curriculum, and conflict resolution initiatives help promote empathy, personal growth, and the recognition of each person’s unique value. Students are encouraged to demonstrate respect for themselves and others through both classroom interactions and school-wide events.

Educating for and Acting on Behalf of Justice, Peace, and Care for All Creation

This Hallmark comes to life through the school’s hands-on environmental efforts. Students actively participate in keeping the campus clean by helping with trash pick-up in the mornings, during recess, and at lunch. Recycling and composting are key parts of their daily routine, with lessons woven into the curriculum to teach the basics of environmental stewardship. NDE encourages students to be mindful of their impact on the planet.

Commitment to Community Service

NDE’s service-oriented programs and projects bring this Hallmark to life through initiatives like "Vikings in Service," where students and families engage in activities that benefit local shelters, including St. Vincent de Paul, food banks, and community organizations such as Toys for Tots and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Monthly outreach projects teach students the importance of giving back, while the school’s focus on year-round service encourages ongoing participation in making a positive impact on the broader community.

Embracing Diversity

At NDE, diversity is an integral part of the school community, with about half of the student population being non-Catholic and representing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. The school fosters an environment of inclusivity and respect for all. Through classroom discussions, activities, and a curriculum that encourages multicultural awareness, students learn to recognize and appreciate the differences that make each person unique. This commitment to diversity is embedded in the daily life of the school, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all students and their families.

Creating Community Among Those with Whom We Work and Serve

Collaboration and community-building are central to NDE’s mission. Programs like the Student Leadership Council, Peer Counseling, the NDE Parent Teacher Organization, and teacher-student collaboration projects foster a cohesive and supportive environment. School-wide events, classroom and buddy family meetups, and spirit-building activities such as buddy programs and service learning further strengthen the bonds within the school community and extend their impact beyond the school walls.

Developing Holistic Learning Communities that Educate for Life

The holistic approach at NDE is seen in the integration of mind, body, and spirit in the educational experience. The curriculum is enriched with programs like Makerspace classes, outdoor learning, and wellness initiatives that go beyond traditional academics. Social-emotional learning programs (Friendzy), enrichment opportunities, and faith formation are key components of how the school educates students not just for academic success, but for life.