Raise Your Panda Paw: Inspiring Creativity, Cultivating Excellence

At Notre Dame Academy, we are more than a high-achieving school - we are a community of thinkers, innovators, and strategists. Our students expect excellence from themselves, and we hold the same high expectations of our programs and facilities. From the Innovation Space currently under construction on our campus to the classrooms where faith and knowledge meet each day, we are intentional about creating environments that challenge, inspire and empower young women to lead with vision.

Several years ago, our NDA community came together to honor Sr. Mary Reina Arlinghaus, SND, a beloved art teacher whose legacy continues to shape generations of Pandas. The funds raised then allowed us to update our art room, a vibrant hub where students continue to explore, create and grow.

This year, we are thrilled to expand that vision with the creation of the Sr. Mary Reina Memorial Art Garden: An Outdoor Classroom at NDA. This inspiring new space will not only support our Fine Arts students but will also serve as a resource for all students and faculty at NDA.

Outdoor learning is more than a change of scenery - it is a proven way to spark creativity, deepen focus, strengthen collaboration and support emotional wellbeing. Researchers have found that nature-based learning helps students concentrate, fosters imagination, reduces stress and even builds empathy. In other words, the outdoors isn't just an enhancement - it is a powerful classroom of its own.

At NDA, this outdoor space will provide limitless opportunities, including:

• Art students sketching and sculpting surrounded by natural beauty
• Religion classes using the garden for prayer, reflection and spiritual growth
• English students gathering for discussions and poetry readings in the open air
• Science students studying environmental impact firsthand
• Math and history students exploring problem-solving and inquiry in new contexts
• Innovation and world language students collaborating on projects inspired by the environment
• Clubs and leadership groups building community in a setting designed for creativity

The garden will feature a mini-amphitheater carved into the hillside, a calming water feature that masks nearby noise, and a donor wall and kiln shed showcasing student-created tiles - ensuring every generation leaves its creative mark.

To date, we have raised more than $50,000 toward this project. Tonight, we invite you to help us raise the final $50,000 needed to bring it to life. By Raising Your Panda Paw, you will give our students a space that blends faith, creativity and excellence - an outdoor classroom that will enrich the lives of all NDA students for generations to come.