Notre Dame Heroes #13
Heroes think of others before themselves. They have learned to hold a firm sense of self-sacrifice and their devotion to others drives their words and actions.

Carol Battalora is a beloved Notre Dame Teacher. It is not only her amazing daily living skills classes and her focus on essential real world knowledge that makes her such a treasure. She is a beacon of positive energy and the enthusiastic and understanding leader of the Bridges department. Carol has held several positions at Notre Dame and these different roles make her a familiar and friendly face to all of our students. Her kindness and love for her students is not only obvious through her dedication to Notre Dame, but also in her relationship with her daughter, a Bridges student at Notre Dame. Her daughter’s very active participation in the many extracurricular activities offered through the school; make the entire Battalora family true Notre Dame Heroes!

Notre Dame Heroes #12
Heroes have giant hearts. They are givers and pleasers. With their every breath, they seek to create joy and happiness.

Kaylynn Eckler has devoted her life to creating lessons which not only teach, but take students on adventures they never forget. Her language arts classes are filled with enthusiasm. Her positive spirit guides students to not only learn new concepts, improve their spelling, and develop their reading skills, but also to grow as Christians. During her religion classes, Kaylynn presents the word of God in a way that is both accessible and exciting. She stresses the need for prayer and song through her popular praise Fridays. Kaylynn is on the constant watch for new ideas and activities to enhance her teaching and it is this dedication to the art of teaching that makes her a true Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #11
Heroes are not afraid of their opinions. They are confident leaders who speak, not with arrogance, but from well earned experience.

Margarita Gonzales has been a leader in both the cafeteria and in the Notre Dame athletic department. Her vast knowledge of sports has lead her to coach and teach Notre Dame students not only in the rules of the game, but also in the lifelong skill of good sportsmanship. She has been a DJ, a teacher, a chef, a driver, a counselor. Margarita’s bright and fun-loving personality carries over to every aspect of her life. Her quips make meetings breeze by and her laughter fills the halls of Notre Dame. Though she is always ready with a good joke, Margarita is also very pious and a great role-model for the Catholic faith and a true Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #10
Heroes are those who work with no expectation of reward except through the satisfaction of a job well done.

Candice Huntington is the consummate teacher. She is full of amazing and creative ideas that inspire all of her fellow teachers. Her passion and love for her students is evident in every move she makes. Candice is never hesitant to spend her free time working on projects that will add spice to programs, plays, and performances and is always there to lend a helping hand assisting with extracurricular activities. She is an artistic, innovative teacher whose impact can be seen throughout the halls of Notre Dame. Though her modesty would not allow her to admit it, Candice is a real Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #9
Heroes live their lives with grace, honor, and dignity. They also share those gifts with those around them.

Vicki Mulder has been an institution at Notre Dame for years. Her dedication to her students shines through her constant smile. She is a beam of positivity that has lead and guided all of her students to reach their full potentials. Vicki doesn’t just look at making small term gains, but focuses on making gigantic sea changes that will make a positive impact far into their adult lives. It is with her big vision that the vocational department creates achievable goals that witness to Vicki’s remarkable contributions to the Notre Dame School. She is a true Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #8
Heroes know when to speak up and when to listen. They have the prudence to hear other ideas before jumping to conclusions. They are thoughtful and wise.

Frances Wollos has become a key member of the Notre Dame Staff through her experience, creative ideas, and hard work. She is able to adapt to any situation and this mutability has greatly enhanced the Intermediate program. She is a morning greater, speech teacher, Language Arts assistant, and a welcoming smile to all of our students. Her love for each and every one of our students is evident by her kind and gentle nature. Though sometimes soft-spoken, Frances has made a loud impact on the lives of our students and is a true Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #7

Heroes are leaders. They must challenge, love, nurture, and work with those around them to create a whole worth more than the sum of its parts. It is a difficult balancing act, but a hero earns respect through their passion to create real and meaningful change in the lives of those around them.

Theresa Francis is the captain of the Notre Dame ship and she has steered us into prosperous waters using her vision, dedication, and passion to the art of education. She is conscious of her decisions and how they affect everyone. With careful consideration, she has grown the Notre Dame School to its special standing in the community while maintaining a strong backdrop of essential academic skills. The students of Notre Dame love and respect Mrs. Francis. She makes sure to treat everyone fairly and with dignity. It is her exceptional model of behavior and professionalism that pervades throughout the school. She is a spectacular speaker and has opened up new channels of communication with parents and teachers. We are indebted to her many years of service and guidance. Thank you Mrs. Francis for being a great Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #6

Heroes possess a giving heart. They are the dispensers of love through gifts, kind words, and ebullient smiles. With their every step they light up a room and put everyone in a good mood.

Missy Ruvaldt is one of the backbones of the Notre Dame Bridges department. She works each and every day with a positive attitude and giving spirit. Days do not end at 3:30 for Missy. Consistently, she stays behind to work on the details that our very special students love to see. Making materials, copies, and activities, Missy’s ideas add so much to the classroom. She is nurturing, kind, and compassionate when the time calls for it. She is disciplined, authoritative, and challenging when she needs to be. Missy is able to adapt to any situation in the school. She comes to work with a smile on her face and a song in her heart and the students react positively to her. She has a wonderful sense of humor and it’s wonderful to be able to joke and laugh with her after a stressful day or a challenging class. With her tremendous experience, Missy is a vital component of the department. Her time with cheerleading and other extracurricular activities create events that no student will forget. In religion class, she provides a solid model of Christianity and relates many of our Biblical stories to our students’ perspectives. She makes it a joy to come to work and is a true treasure and hero to our students.

Notre Dame Heroes #5

Heroes go above and beyond their required duties to make each day extraordinary for those around them. They have an ability to make memorable moments and leave a lasting impression on those around them.

Nancy Wiley has been an institution at the Notre Dame School of Dallas for over 35 years. She brings a caring, loving heart to work every day and is nearly impossible to replace. Her duties have included girl scouts, cheerleading, after school care, and countless other extra-curricular activities along with her ability to contribute to every class as a teacher’s assistant. Though Nancy works as my assistant, her desk is often filled with teachers seeking her advice or expertise and she always gives of herself. Much of her evening is spent giving her time to help our exceptional students reach their true potential. Despite her busy schedule, Nancy finds time to keep up with the latest technology to incorporate into our math lessons. She has become an expert at the IPad and has found new ways to assess student progress and increase students’ math skills. Her love for students abounds and her passion for education is made clear by her remarkable dedication. Nancy is a true blessing to the Notre Dame School, irreplaceable in every way, and very much a Notre Dame Hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #4

Heroes feel an obligation to impart their knowledge to others. They share, teach, and communicate their gifts with those around them.

For the last 12 years, Linda Rush has been a valuable asset to the Notre Dame. Her seemingly infinite knowledge of SmartBoards, websites, Senteo, I-Pads, and all things technological has allowed our students to experience learning in a whole new manner. Though she teaches many classes at Notre Dame, Linda also spends much of her time educating the staff on the latest technology and assisting them in incorporating it into their daily lesson plans. Her foresight has led to SmartBoards and I-Pads in every classroom. Through the annual magazine drive, Linda has raised funds that allow students to learn from new I-Pad applications and computer programs. She is also free to discuss programs and will eagerly sit and teach students or staff how to work the technology. Linda excels at making complicated concepts simple and her monthly tech-bites and frequent professional development sessions are conducive to creating an environment of lifetime learners. She is very much deserving of any professional recognition and we are blessed as a school to this hero on staff.

Notre Dame Heroes #3

Heroes are selfless donators of their time; cheerleaders for all of those around them. They share in the triumph of victory and are comforters through the bitterness of defeat.

Anita Bagnall is a tireless helper of her students; she treats them with a warmth and kindness that radiates throughout the vocational hallway. With her trademark laugh and terrific sense of humor, she edifies and uplifts the entire staff of Notre Dame. As both a coach and teacher, Anita excels at being a leader for her students. Anita is the ultimate cheerleader for her students- her drive pushes them to reach their potential and her nurturing nature sooths them if they are feeling frustrated. She makes a tremendous effort to get to know each and every child at Notre Dame and forms strong relationships. All of the students at Notre Dame, look up to and admire Ms. Anita- a true Notre Dame hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #2

Heroes have the ability to draw upon their experiences and use them to help others. Heroes don’t simply proclaim their love for others, but they make it apparent through their actions.

Mary Barber is an amazing teacher with a great heart. She is kind to each and every one of her students and they all know how much she truly cares about them. All of her students cannot wait to get to her class to see what fascinating science project or intriguing history lesson they are going to learn about. Whether its flowers, insects, reptiles, congress, Texas, or solar systems, Mrs. Barber has an ability to make complicated things simple and bring them to life right before our eyes. She is an amazing leader with great instincts. She is willing to try any new idea that may help a student learn. Her dedication to Notre Dame has been an inspiration to her fellow teachers and she is a tremendous asset to the Notre Dame community and a real Notre Dame hero.

Notre Dame Heroes #1

Heroes are defined as those who make continuous steps to care for others. Heroes are not defined in moments, but in years. They are characterized not only by talent in their profession, but by an indominateable passion for giving their best.

Sister Maureen is an angel to the students of Notre Dame. They look on her with respect and love. She teaches them how to play instruments, how to make music, and how to sing. More importantly, she teaches them to love themselves and to love God. Her devotion to her craft makes her a role-model to all of her fellow teachers and we all look on her as an inspiration to do our best each and every day for the children. She has dedicated her life to selflessness, a path many of us would have difficulty traversing, and made it seem fun and easy. She may have faced many obstacles on her life’s journey, but Sister Maureen has breezed through them and remains a bright and shining light. It is amazing how she keeps going each and every year and always manages to top herself. Thank you Sister Maureen for keeping your light burning and leading the way for the rest of us.

Welcome to your official page for updates regarding the Notre Dame Talent Show! Keep watching here for all of the latest news.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

What is the Notre Dame School? What is the school’s mission?

                The mission of Notre Dame School is to provide a quality education to persons with mental disabilities and to facilitate their integration into society. Notre Dame School believes in the inherent dignity of each person as a child of God. The school also maintains that each child is a unique individual who should have the opportunity to develop to his/her fullest potential in an atmosphere of love and genuine concern. Integration into the non-handicapped community is encouraged. The school believes that not only the learning of skills, but also the building of self-esteem prepares the student to be integrated into society. In order for the student to become a contributing member of the larger community, it is imperative that he/she receives consistent, individualized training.

How do I find out more about the Notre Dame School?

                Go to our website http://www.notredameschool.org/ for information about admissions, events, and more.

What is the Art/Talent Show?

The show features performances from students and teachers, one of a kind art work, raffle drawings, snacks, videos, and so much more!
Last year's event was an amazing success and this year's is looking to be just as much fun!

I hope you will join us and please invite your friends and family to see the incredible talent Notre Dame School has to offer.

Also, keep checking http://ndstalent.blogspot.com/ for updates and information.

When is the Talent Show?

            Friday, March 1^st, 2013. The schedule is as follows:

            6:00 to 6:30 – Children and parent arrive at Lover’s Lane

6:30 to 7:00 – Preview of Art

7:00 to 8:30 – Talent Show

8:30 to 9:00 – Art Sales

Where is it?

                Lovers Lane United Methodist Church

                9200 Inwood Road Dallas, TX 75220

How does my child participate?

The Notre Dame Talent Show is an opportunity for ALL Notre Dame students to have an opportunity to perform for parents, friends, and the general public in a fund-raising event for the Notre Dame School.

For the sake of time, students do not perform individual talents, but perform in groups.

The groups, under the guidance of their teachers, practice at school in preparation for the big day. There are no practices outside of the school day; practices are incorporated into school hours.

Additionally, students will be creating art pieces for auction. These will be made at school during school hours.

So is my child in the show?

                Absolutely, yes!

Can I invite my friends and family?

                Absolutely, yes!

Can my child do an individual talent?

                Sadly, due to time constraints, we cannot do individual performances. Every student will be involved in a group performance.

What is the website for?

                The website is simply a way of generating interest and excitement about the event. We also want to honor the wonderful staff and students of the Notre Dame School in a new and innovative manner. Please keep checking for updates and help us get the word out!

How can I get my student featured on the webpage?

                If you know a Notre Dame Super Hero that you would like to see profiled here, drop us an email at aeckler@notredameschool.org with some information on their accomplishments (both in and out of school) and details on what makes them a true Notre Dame Super Hero!

How can I help?

                A great way to help is by selling and buying raffle tickets. This is a great way for our school to generate the money we need to continue to provide excellent education. Keep checking the website for sponsors and updated information about the raffle.

There are lots of parts to be played in organizing such a huge event. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Tina Taylor at TinaMarieTaylor@hotmail.com

What if you didn’t answer my question?

                Please email me at aeckler@notredameschool.org and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks again for all of your help and support!