With summer 2019 coming to an end, the Griffins, Tigers, Raptors and the Class of 2023 made their way back to school, filling the campus once again with laughter and excitement. Before all their classes, students made their way to JB Hall for the start-of-school assembly. Student leaders opened the year with the theme of Belonging at the assembly. ASB student body president Neha Jain ’20, introduced the Belonging theme in her opening address -  “I know that if all of us make an effort to stretch ourselves, to push ourselves and include others, we too can create a sense of security and belonging within ND. So, throughout this school year, I encourage every one of you to try something new, to find a place where you belong and expand your acceptance of others to make it easier for them to belong as well. Join a new club or start a conversation with someone you haven’t talked to before. Raise your hand in class if you don’t already or step back to let someone else answer if you talk the most. Ask someone to join you during lunch. Give someone a compliment or go out of your way to say hi. These small, but easy actions can change someone’s day and make them feel comfortable and secure.” Each student received a navy hair tie imprinted with Belonging to inspire them throughout the year.

The classes all came together for a time of prayer, reflection, and recognition, and once the first Alma Mater of the year was sung, students were sent off to their first block of the school year!

With the first day of school also comes many other firsts––the first day of fall sports including golf, cross country, tennis and volleyball. The first day of an extracurricular or an afterschool meeting. As the freshmen adapt and adjust to a new school environment, the rest of their ND big sisters are ready to support them––from setting aside lunch tables during the first week of school for the newest class, to the overall friendly nature of the rest of the faculty and students.