EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Our extracurricular activities offer students the opportunity to discover who they are, where their talents may lie and how they might use their gifts to enrich the lives of others. We encourage students not only to excel academically, but also to explore activities that may become life-long passions. With a wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics and service opportunities, a Notre Dame education is well-balanced with strong academics and a firm foundation to succeed in life post-graduation.

Why Extracurricular Activities are Important
Although a student's academic profile is the primary factor in determining their admission to college, their record of involvement in extracurricular activities can be a significant supporting credential. Out-of-class activities indicate that a students' personality has more than one side. Colleges tend to notice students who participate in athletics, drama, musical groups, special interest clubs, student publications and/or student government. However, membership alone is not the important factor. Rather, it is the level of involvement and accomplishment that is important. It is better to be involved in one activity and to be a significant contributor to that activity rather than to be involved superficially in several organizations.

Studies from the Case for High School Activities by the National Federation of High School Associations have shown that extracurricular activities increase self-esteem, improve academic performance and enhance peer relationships. They are an essential part of the glue that makes an outstanding high school education stick. Research aside, decades of experience have validated that our extracurricular activities play a critical role in our students' success. From service organizations to art clubs, literary publications to leaderships opportunities, many of our current offerings have grown out of student's own interest.

What is a Planned Gift?

A planned gift is any major gift made in lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate plan. Planned giving often allows individuals to make larger gifts than they could make from their annual income. By making a planned gift to Notre Dame High School you can make a difference.
Which Planned Giving Vehicle is Right for You?

Not every type of planned gift is right for every donor. It is important that you discuss your ideas with your attorney and/or financial planner. Together we can make the right decision for your circumstances.
The McAuley Legacy Society

The McAuley Legacy Society has been established to recognize those alumni, alumni parents, current parents and friends who have made provisions for Notre Dame in their estate plans, in any form or amount. See the McAuley Legacy Society brochure for additional information.
GIFTS BY WILL

Through various types of bequests to Notre Dame High School, you may secure a charitable estate-tax deduction for the value of the gift. Best of all, you will know that your generosity will support the mission of the school for years to come. Types of Bequests: Special Bequests are used to make a gift of a specific dollar amount, a specific percentage of assets, or specific assets. Residuary Bequests are used to give all or a portion of the rest, residue, and remainder of your estate after a payment of expense and any specific amounts designated to other beneficiaries. Designating a purpose of a Bequest: Unrestricted Bequests - The most useful type of bequest is unrestricted, allowing the funds to be allocated by Notre Dame High School wherever the need is greatest. Restricted Bequests - You may designate that a bequest support a special purpose that reflects your personal or interest (e.g. scholarships). If you wish to designate a specific purpose, we would be please to provide appropriate language for you to share with your attorney. Alternatively, you may specify the purpose of your bequest in a separate letter of designation to remain on file with the school.
GIFTS THAT PAY YOU INCOME

Do you want to support Notre Dame High School, but worry about having enough income for yourself and your loved ones? Life-income gifts, such as gift annuities, charitable annuities and charitable remainder trusts, can provide donors with an income stream, significant tax savings, and the satisfaction of supplying the school with vital, long-term resources.
GIFTS THAT PROTECT YOUR ASSETS

A Charitable Lead Trust may appeal to you if you wish to make a gift to Notre Dame High School, but want to retain the property in your family. Payments can be made to the school for a number of years (until the end of your or another’s life) and then the principal is distributed to your heirs.
GIFTS FROM RETIREMENT PLANS

You may consider using retirement-plan benefits to make a significant gift that will support Notre Dame High School. The cost of your gift to your estate and heirs is often relatively small because of the estate and income–tax treatment of retirement-plan benefits.
GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE

You may consider naming Notre Dame High School as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
GIFTS BY ESTATE NOTE

An estate note is an irrevocable pledge or debt against the donor’s estate.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

Many donors find a donor-advised fund to be an economically attractive alternative to a private foundation and a superior opportunity for their involvement in a long-term charitable giving plan.