Student Life

I. Policy Statement

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to maintaining school communities that are safe, inclusive, and grounded in the dignity of each person as created in the image of God. Hazing, in any form, is contrary to Catholic teaching and is strictly prohibited within all diocesan schools. This includes hazing that occurs on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, online or through social media platforms, or off-campus when connected to the school community.  No student, teacher, coach, employee, or volunteer may engage in, condone, or ignore hazing activities. All reports of hazing will be taken seriously and addressed in accordance with applicable laws and diocesan policies.

II. Definition of Hazing

In accordance with New Jersey’s “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law” (2022), hazing is defined as: “Knowingly or recklessly causing, coercing, or forcing another person to engage in conduct that places them at risk of bodily, emotional, or psychological harm for the purpose of initiating, affiliating, holding office, or maintaining status in a group, team, or organization.”

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse (e.g., whipping, beating, branding, forced exercise)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or substances
• Sleep deprivation or social isolation
• Public humiliation or ridicule
• Coerced criminal, immoral, or demeaning acts

Note: A person’s consent to hazing does not absolve responsibility or mitigate disciplinary consequences.

III. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all:

• Students (grades Pre-K–12)
• Faculty, staff, and coaches
• Volunteers and affiliated school personnel
• School-sanctioned student groups (e.g., clubs, athletic teams, honor societies)

IV. Reporting Procedures

Any individual—student, parent, staff member, or community member—who witnesses or suspects hazing should report it immediately to the school principal or designated school official. Anonymous reports may be made, and retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited.

The school will:

• Follow diocesan policy
• Promptly investigate all reports
• Notify diocesan leadership as appropriate
• Involve law enforcement where required by law
• Provide support to affected students

V. Disciplinary Actions

If hazing is confirmed, disciplinary measures will be applied in proportion to the severity of the offense and may include:

• Detention, suspension, or expulsion (students)
• Suspension or dismissal (employees/coaches)
• Disbandment of student organizations involved
• Notification to law enforcement where applicable

VI. Medical Amnesty

A student who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a hazing-related emergency, and meets the criteria outlined in state law (remaining on scene, cooperating with authorities), may be granted immunity from certain disciplinary or legal penalties.

VII. Education and Prevention

To cultivate a culture of respect and accountability, diocesan schools shall:

• Provide annual training on hazing prevention for faculty, staff, and students in grades 6–12
• Clearly communicate this policy to all members of the school community including faculty, staff, coaches and volunteers
• Post the full anti-hazing policy on each school’s public website

VIII. Recordkeeping and Transparency

Schools will:

• Document all reported hazing incidents
• Share reports with the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools

IX. Catholic Identity and Formation

As Catholic schools, we believe that every student is called to treat others with dignity and compassion. Hazing contradicts Gospel values and our shared mission of forming disciples of Christ.

Moderator: Mrs. Grianti

"Power in Silence"
Members of this club begin to learn the art of communicating in American Sign Language. We also work to raise awareness about the deaf community and culture.

Moderator: Dr. Bridgewater

View various Anime movies and participate in group discussions.

Moderator: Mrs. Mejia

Art Club offers students of all skill and ability levels the opportunity to express themselves within a creative and supportive environment. The club meets twice monthly and offers students the option of a free studio space where they can create and experiment with available materials or take part in one of our monthly activities such as felting, paper mache, tie dye, and embroidery. 

Moderator: Dr. Bridgewater

Like Asian food? Breakdancing? Origami? Karaoke? Want to learn karate? We've got it covered. We also have other things such as pen pals from Japan. Asian Club is also a place where you can learn more about Asia and its' languages.  

Asian Club meets every first and last Monday of every month. The AAC is open to everyone! So come to join and learn about yourself and the world around you! Talk to other people from other countries! You don't need to bring anything but your appetite! (oh! and any Asian food you bring is always appreciated) 

Moderator: Mrs. Repsik

There are lots of reasons that being in our book club is a positive, fun thing to do in your spare time:

• You will make new friends.
• You might read a book you wouldn’t have read otherwise, which will open your mind to new possibilities/perspectives.
• Improves your fluency in reading, vocabulary, comprehension, etc.

Please join the Notre Dame Book Club today!
See Mrs. Repsik in the library for more information.

Moderator: Mr. Stephan

This club is designed to find the inner "Joe Buck" in each person.  Join up and learn to broadcast the sport of Basketball, covering all levels, including freshmen, JV, and Varsity, for both boys and girls.  Join and learn to broadcast the play-by-play action.

The club also discusses current sports news, fantasy sports lineups, and possible college opportunities in a sports setting.

Moderator: Mr. Cortese

The Notre Dame Board Games Club welcomes all to enjoy the wonderful world of Tabletop Gaming. Despite what our name would have you believe, the Board Games Club is not just limited to Board Games. Students are encouraged to bring trading card games and other tabletop games to the club for everyone to enjoy and play together.

Some of the games we play include: Magic the Gathering, Uno, Exploding Kittens, Settlers of Cataan, and more!

Moderators: Mrs. Reed and Mr. Greely

Campus Ministry is a student organization that centers on the awareness of religion and spirituality at Notre Dame. This group consists of several dedicated Juniors and Seniors who lead morning prayer, prepare and organize liturgies, serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, and facilitate retreats among many other responsibilities. Each year, students volunteer to be a part of Campus Ministry at Note Dame by attending a summer retreat where the training takes place.

Moderators:  Mr. Clancy and Mr. Treacy

This is a faith based group that meets every two weeks. The meetings may include reading from the Bible, guest speakers, group discussions and work on service projects. 

Moderator:  Mrs. Falcone

This club is to raise awareness and celebrate the value of all life - at all ages and all stages.  The club hopes to educate the members of the club on the many aspects of life and how we can they can share the information with the ND Community.

Moderator:  Mr. Culnan

Moderators: Ms. Wargo

Together students create stories.  These stories are shared and critiqued in our group.  A focus of our group is children's stories we can share with a younger community.

Moderator: Mr. Kulka

Moderator: Ms. Torpey

Culinary Club is a fun and educational club that aims to bring people together through food as well as educate people on recipes, tips, techniques, and other ways to practice culinary arts.

Moderator: Dr. Bridgewater & Dr. Suss

Cyber Patriots is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the USAF to inspire high school students toward careers ibn Cybersecurity or other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, critical to our Nation's Future. 

Moderators: Mrs. Deussing & Mrs. Stansfield

DECA is a national student organization that develops emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in four key career clusters: marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. As a club, it offers a hands-on, co-curricular experience beyond the classroom. DECA’s strength is empowering students to apply learning in real-life situations, connect with business professionals through networking, and compete at local, state, and international levels. Joining this club is great for students because it helps them master essential business concepts and build critical college- and career-ready skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership through its dynamic competitive and networking events.

Moderator: Mr. J. Gibilisco

The Debate Team is comprised of an Affirmative Team and a Negative Team.  Each year a national topic is selected for use in high school debates.  The team competes in the CVC Conference.

Moderator: Dr. Bridgewater

Play D&D with your peers! All players, experienced and new, are welcome to join! Join in at any time in the campaign or sit in and watch a session to see if you’re interested!

D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create their own characters to go on a fun adventure in a fantasy world! This game allows players to work together on challenges provided by Dungeon Masters, who run the game.

Moderator: Mrs. Bauch

The club is responsible for assisting in ND's recycling efforts, maintaining ND's Energy Star Rating, helping to create a more enviornmentally sustainable and responsible ND Family.  The club serves the ND community thru a variety of service projects and activities.  K205 Tuesday Act. Per. Mtg. - Thursdays-Recycling Act. Per.

Moderator: Mr. J. Gibilisco

The Notre Dame eSports Team will be participating in two potential leagues in the Winter and Spring: the High School eSports National League and the Garden State eSports League. The games that we will be competing in are: Rocket League, League of Legends, Super Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Overwatch 2, Valorant, Apex Legends, Brawlhalla, among others. Considering joining this competitive team today! 

Moderators: Mrs. Bannon

ETC... is Notre Dame's annual art and literary magazine. Its purpose is to showcase the creative work of our ND students. Look for our publication in the Spring.

Moderator: Mrs. Bannon

Erika's Lighthouse is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about adolescent depression, encouraging good mental health, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Notre Dame's new club will organize events to help promote their mission.

Moderator:  Mrs. Ellsworth

The feminism club is open to all genders in Notre Dame High School.  Here we explore the issues facing women in high school and beyond.

Moderators:  Mrs. Savarese-Ahearn & Mr. Bartuska

The film club spends time exploring genres, critiquing films and creates an environment for film discussion.  Throughout the year, we sponsor several film nights.

Moderator: Mr. Greeley

Moderator: Mrs. Lushbaugh

For the Love of Recess Club strives to promote, collect and distribute simple recess equipment to local Catholic schools in need. We dedicate our strong organizational skills, passion for community service, creativity and fundraising efforts to bring light to our cause.

Moderators: Mrs. Grimonprez

French Club meets every other Friday during Activity Period in C102.

This club celebrates francophone cultures through games, challenges, crafts and food! 
Anyone is welcome whether you speak French or not.

Moderator:  Mrs. Grianti & Mrs. Sabogal

The Future Educators of America Club welcomes students who are considering a teaching career.  We hope to explore the role of educators, participate in service programs and grow with the exciting ideas of our new members.  We will provide opportunities to attend conferences where students will meet with educators and explore specific interest through seminars and exchange ideas with high school students across NJ.

Moderator: Mrs. Bauch

Moderator: Mr. Patton

This club provides an avenue for students with a passion for history to convene and share their interest with each other as well as the ND community. The club will meet twice per month, hosting historical movie showings, book discussions and plan trips to historic sites in the area. The club will also plan a service project.

Moderators: Mrs. Robinson

Intramural Club designs and implements activities for the entire student body. The activities will take place during Activity Period in the gym and on the playing fields. Champions will be crowned and receive tee shirts. Individuals in the club will enhance their leadership skills throughout the school year, thus enhancing their college resume.

Moderator: Mrs. Harkins

Investment Club offers students the opportunity to learn about different investing opportunities including the stock market. Students will share ideas and knowledge about investing and participate in activities including a friendly competition around buying and selling stocks and promoting different investment opportunities through a simulated stock market game.

Moderator:  Mrs. Ellsworth

The Irish people are very social, so the Irish American Club spends time enjoying each other's company.  We organize parties, play games, and watch Irish Television programs.  The club learns a wee bit of the Irish language and complete service projects.  Students do not have to be Irish to join the Irish American Club, all are welcome. D208 Mondays during Activity Period.

Moderator: Mrs. Savarese-Ahearn

The club participates in service to the local community, i.e. Italian American Festival, Italian Flag raising, and a Christmas Tombola Charity.  Participants also enjoy Italian food when they break bread together.

Moderator: Mr. Angiolino

Joey's Earth Angels assist with events and activities that Joey's Little Angels (JLA) hosts. Part of our mission as Earth Angels is to have Notre Dame students come together and help the children in need. This club is solely dedicated to helping little children in need because we believe that they are the true angels. Earth Angels will be volunteering at events such as the JLA toy drive, JLA gala, and the building of Joey’s Place (playground). It is our mission as a club to make sure that we help as many children as possible!