Notre Dame Elementary School News
A heartfelt word of congratulations is extended to Sister Mary Donnalee who is celebrating the milestone of 60 years as one of the Sisters of Notre Dame...
Congrats, Sr. Mary Donnalee
A heartfelt word of congratulations is extended to Sister Mary Donnalee who is celebrating the milestone of 60 years as one of the Sisters of Notre Dame. With the official anniversary in 2020, Notre Dame Elementary School would like to formally offer its sincerest recognition of Sr. Mary Donnalee for the love she has shown the school family and the blessing she is to all.
Inspired to become a Sister after her own elementary school experience at Holy Trinity in Avon, Sr. Mary Donnalee was moved to follow in the same steps of the very Sisters who instructed her and whose values and presence have stayed with her throughout her entire life. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint John’s College and then a master’s degree in administration and supervision from John Carroll University.
Over her many years of service, while championing the Love of God and her passion for educating youth, she has taught elementary school, served as an assistant community supervisor, was a principal for 10 years and then returned to the classroom as a primary teacher. Her educational experiences have taken her to Massillon, Warren, Cleveland, South Euclid and to her current home at Notre Dame Elementary School.
Sr. Mary Donnalee formally retired in 2013 from the classroom, but she has remained faithful to her calling toward serving the Lord and students and has served as an aide. Without a doubt, her love for working with children was advanced by being a member of a large family. With her brothers and sisters, she pretended to be a teacher and developed a joy to see the enthusiasm a student can receive from learning, one that remains to this day.
Sr. Mary Donnalee is fond of the relationships she has developed with the Sisters of Notre Dame and her other colleagues. She says, “this is our ministry, our way that we can share God’s love with others.” In addition to her passion for the Lord and educating students, her interests include driving other Sisters to various appointments, making jam, baking and music. She is a beautiful example of God’s workmanship through humanity and the NDES community thanks her for her service to God and for her love of children.
Transitioning to High School
The eighth-grade class recently had the opportunity to participate in a presentation and discussion with a team of NDCL students. Students had a chance to share what they were excited about, what concerned them about the transition to high school and any questions that they wanted to ask.
NDCL students facilitated small group discussions and were able to share their unique experiences that gave insight into what to expect next year. The hope was that in listening to the high school students, the eighth-graders would have a greater understanding of what habits and skills they can work on this year to be even more prepared for entering ninth grade next year.
NDES is grateful to NDCL students Kaitlyn Valentic, Joash Grambo, Jane Koci, John Kellis, Mallory Sah and Paolo Dottore for coming to share the afternoon with the eighth-graders. The eighth-graders are even more excited about their high school adventure beginning with Shadow Days this month.
