God was smiling on NDCL with a beautiful rainbow that stretched across the building on our first day of the 2023-2024 school year. We opened our doors on Wednesday, August 16 to nearly 700 students excited and ready to enter into a brand-new chapter at NDCL. This year's ninth graders come from thirty-six different elementary and middle schools across Lake County, Geauga County, and Cuyahoga County. Mrs. Jodie Ricci, NDCL's new principal, kicked off the year with an introduction, prayer, and community building activity for each grade-level class in the O'Brien Center. Mrs. Ricci shared her excitement for the year ahead; "many of you already know how absolutely incredible the NDCL community is, but I am just getting my first taste of this outstanding place. What an honor it is to lead NDCL into the future. I am filled with gratitude as we begin our work together."  

                        

On the first two days of school, students met their new teachers and participated in grade-level orientation sessions with administrators, counselors, campus ministers, and student leaders. Throughout the week, NDCL faculty, staff, and the SAB (student activities board) led activities to kick off this year's theme: Heart of a Lion, Hands of Christ!

            

"We are just wrapping up four days of professional learning along with our first week of school, and I have to tell you, I'm growing more and more excited about the year ahead. I feel confident that NDCL students are in good hands. The faculty and staff are working hard to assure that our students have what they need for success. It is going to be a great year," Mrs. Ricci said.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

NDCL welcomes the class of 2027 as they join together to sing the Alma Mater and celebrate their first official day on campus!	Faculty and staff line the sidewalk in the courtyard to welcome the Class of 2027 as they head home after a successful ninth grade orientation day on August 14, 2023.
Student and parent ambassadors were on hand to welcome all of our new students and families for our back-to-school bash on August 4, 2023. This high-energy program for families and students reinforced our core value of community by forging new bonds and setting a great tone for the year ahead! Click HERE for a peak into all of the festivities.	Faculty and staff from NDES, NDMS, and NDCL kicked off the year with a Mass at the Sisters of Notre Dame Chapel. Our interim president, Dr. Jacqueline Hoynes, opened the celebration with a reminder from Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus remains the same through all life's changes."
NDCL opened four newly renovated science rooms this week. The spaces include new lab stations, re-faced cabinetry, a chemical storage facility, improved power and plumbing, and greater flexibility for teaching and learning. A special thank you to our science team and facilities staff for all of the incredible work that was done to assure our new spaces were ready for the first day of school.	The first day of senior year for the class of 2024! A big thank you to all of our seniors for their leadership and enthusiasm in kicking off the new school year. Follow the Mane on Instagram to see additional pictures of our students in action @Themane_ndcl on Instagram!