December 11, 2013

A Time of Celebration

 

It has been a time of wonderful celebrations these past few weeks.  There have been many opportunities to see parents and alumnae as we recognized achievements and offered service.  We truly have quite an extended Mercy family!

 

National Honor Society Induction

On November 14^th we inducted forty six members of the Junior and Senior classes into the National Honor Society.  In order to qualify for this distinction, students must have a 3.6 cumulative GPA and show evidence of the four characteristics of character, leadership, scholarship and service.  We were very proud of our young Mercy women as they were recognized that evening for this achievement.

 

 



Father –Daughter Dance

A long standing tradition at Mercy is the Father-Daughter Dance.  I enjoyed watching as the dads arrived with their daughters and lined up for their picture mementos.  The girls were so proud to be there with their fathers and I know that all who attended really had a great time! 

 

 



Radio City Music Hall

On Tuesday, November 19^th the Sophomore class went on their class trip to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  The weather was great resulting in a very smooth ride in four coach buses with Christmas movies playing!  The Christmas show was wonderful featuring the Rockettes, GPS controlled snowflakes which floated over the audience,  and always the most impressive, the live Nativity Scene.

And how could a trip to New York be complete without some shopping!

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Pies

Another long standing tradition is the baking of pumpkin and apple pies to add to the Thanksgiving meals of many in the greater Middletown area.  We had a good number of students, parents and alumnae come to peel and cut apples, roll out some pie crusts and measure and mix!  With Christmas music playing we were able to supply nearly 300 pies to local organizations for their Thanksgiving food baskets.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to this great service that Mercy High School offers the local community!

 

 

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness

 

We also had a number of activities in the past month which were organized to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.  The Fight Against Cancer club sponsored a wear pink day and the Field Hockey team did a great job organizing a “Play for the Cure” game and fundraiser. Thanks to Frank Dicostazo who donated pink bracelets for the team to sell and parents who helped to organize a bake sale.  A total of $1443. 50 was donated to Middlesex Hospital through the combined efforts of these school organizations.  This is just another example of the Mercy community coming forward to contribute their time, talent and treasure.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Liturgy

On November 25^th we offered thanks for the many blessings received here at Mercy by celebrating a Thanksgiving Liturgy.  At that Mass, twenty five peer ministers were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers.  We are fortunate to have so many young women desiring to be of service to their school community in this way.

 

 

Christmas Hallway Decorations

The competition has begun between the grade levels for the best Christmas Hallway Decorations.  All four hallways look great and are really moving us into the Christmas spirit!  Which is your favorite?

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

 



Book Discussion

On December 2^nd the Library Club sponsored a book discussion on the novel “Book Thief”.  The students really enjoyed reading the book and are looking forward to now seeing the movie.

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

  *  December 12, Sisters of Mercy Foundation Day.  There will be an assembly to celebrate the founding of the Sisters of Mercy.  This will also be an Orange Accessory Day to support anti-bullying efforts.

 

 * Progress Reports for the 2^nd Quarter will be posted on Friday, December 13 after 3:00 p.m.  You will receive an e-mail from Sr. Peggy when they are ready to be viewed.

 

 * Christmas Concerts:  Our Winter Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.  It is a time to get into the Christmas spirit and hear from our various instrumental and choral groups.  On Saturday, December 14^th our choirs will be singing once again in the Exchange Club Christmas Concert.  Click here for more information on that event

 

*  The Prince of Peace pajama drive will occur on Friday, December 20^th.  Students are allowed to wear their own pajama sets when they bring in PJ’s for children in need (sizes L to XXL are requested). This is the last day of school before the Christmas Break.

 

 *   Christmas Break is December 23 – January 3.  Classes will resume on January 6.

*  Midterm Exams are scheduled for the week of January 13^th

 

 

Be well and have a joyful Christmas Season!

We are Grateful

We have had many events and activities already in this month of November.  We are grateful for the parents, faculty, staff and students that participated and helped to make these days great!  Here is a look at our most recent events!

Halloween

Halloween arrived the day before Walk-A-Thon and many students who had permission to be out of uniform could come that day in costume.  Faculty and students alike arrived in very creative attire!

 

 

Here's Mrs. Malafronte as a member of the senior class of 2014 and Ms. Grassi as the "Iron Chef"!

 

Mr. Harley with soccer team as Team USA!

 

 

Walk-a-thon/Dance-a-thon

The walk-a-thon is an event that I have found is anticipated with great joy and eagerness.  Students work hard to collect their contributions and advisor groups have friendly competitions to get that coveted first group walking place.  This year, walk-a-thon day arrived with a deluge of rain!  It was decided, in true Mercy spirit, to dance instead of walk!  Pictures from the day:

 

 

 

 

 

Open House

 

On Sunday, November 3^rd we welcomed potential Mercy students and their families at our Open House.  What was most impressive was the number of Mercy Women who volunteered their time to be Mercy Ambassadors; leading tours and sharing information about their clubs, activities and classes.  There were over 300 Mercy students here and we are still receiving compliments about their presence and helpfulness that day.  We are very pleased with the number of visitors we had at Open House and look forward to the placement test on Saturday, November 16!

 

 

 

It was great to have Mercy Alumnae with us at Open House as well!

 

Jesuit College Fair

 

On Monday, November 4, we hosted a mini Jesuit college fair for our junior class.  Admissions representatives from institutions such as Fordham University, St. Peter’s College, and Loyola University set up in the multipurpose room to give our juniors an opportunity to ask questions and receive information as they begin their college search.  A group of six seniors also spoke to the juniors about their own college search and application process.  It was a great opportunity for the seniors to share with the juniors some recent lessons learned and hopefully pass on a few tips for success.

 

 

Meet Me in St. Louis

The Mercy/Xavier drama production of “Meet Me in St. Louis” was a rousing success!  Both nights saw the auditorium filled with happy theater goers.  Congratulations to Mrs. Dastoli and her cast and crew for such a well-produced show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Athletics

 

Congratulations to our fall team athletes on seasons well done!  Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country and Swimming/Diving all went on to compete in State level competitions and made us proud!  For results of the state playoffs go to:  CIACTournament Central  



  

Upcoming Events:

 November continues to be filled with activities that we look forward to with great anticipation:

 

·   National Honor Society Induction will take place on Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.

 

·   The Father-Daughter Dance is Friday, November 15 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Tickets are being sold during lunch periods this week.  Prices are $25 for a daughter and her father. The cost for each additional daughter is $10.

 

·   Class of 2018 Entrance Exam is on Saturday, November 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.  If you know of an eighth grade girl who is interested in taking this exam, you may find more information at:  Mercy Entrance Exam

 

 

·        Progress Reports:  The first progress report for the second quarter is scheduled to be posted after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22.

 

·        Pie Baking: Please join us on Monday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria to bake delicious Thanksgiving pies for the less fortunate in our local area.  For over 30 years, Mercy students and their parents have participated in this fun-filled evening baking over 300 pies.  The apple and pumpkin pies are donated to the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project and the Shepard Home.  This evening is a wonderful opportunity to socialize while doing something “good” during the holiday season.  Students may use this time as community service hours!!  Please sign up by contacting Mrs. Maria Bergan at mbergan@mercyhigh.com by Thursday, Nov. 21^st to register.

 

     Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated towards this effort.

Note:  Please bring an apron, measuring spoons, measuring cups – 1, 2 and 4 cup size, knives, large mixing bowls, vegetable peeler, roller pin, and a paring knife.

 

And for those who plan ahead.....

• Home and School is selling poinsettias direct from the grower again this year.  Orders are due by November 26. For more information click:  Poinsettia
 
• The Mercy/Xavier Family Advent Mass and Breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, December 8 with Mass at 10:00 a.m. followed by breakfast at 11:00 a.m.  The RSVP deadline is December 2^nd.  To RSVP please click:  Advent Mass 

Be well.

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Days!

What a beautiful Fall we have had!  The temperatures are only now starting to fall and the leaves have been spectacular!  We have had great days to celebrate with our fall sports teams the last games of their seasons and the move into playoffs. 

 

Senior Home Games

 Each of our teams has celebrated their senior members as they participated in their last home games of the season.  While many teams move forward into playoff games, there is something special about the last regular season game played at home.

Cross Country

Volleyball

Soccer

Swimming

Field Hockey

 



Junior Ring Ceremony and Dance

 On Tuesday, October 15^th Bishop Cote presided over the Junior Ring Ceremony. What a special evening to celebrate the class of 2015 becoming upperclasswomen.  The juniors quickly went to work asking those in attendance to “turn their ring” while all enjoyed a lovely reception sponsored by the Home and School Association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following Saturday the juniors were back to celebrate once again at the Junior Ring Dance.  The theme was “Under the Sea” and it was an enjoyable and memorable evening.

 

 

 

MYARC Halloween Party

 One of the more popular clubs and activities to participate in at Mercy is MYARC (Middlesex Youth Association for Retarded Citizens).  Under the direction of Brother Houlihan, students from both Mercy and Xavier volunteer to work with area adults and children with an intellectual disability.  On October 18^th a Halloween Party was held for this group in the Mercy Multipurpose Room. Here are some pictures of our students setting up for the party!

 

 

 

Teen Safe Driving Week

 

On Monday, October 21^st we were pleased to host a press conference in our gymnasium to kick off National Teen Safe Driving Week .  The state attorney general and other dignitaries came to show the importance of teen safety in driving, especially reminding all to not text and drive.  You can read the article by following the link:  Hartford Courant

 

 

 

Yale Physics Olympics

On Saturday, October 19^th four Mercy seniors participated in the Yale Physics Olympics.  The event takes place at Yale and is designed to increase student interest in Physics.  Read about their experience here:  Yale Physics

 

Cross Country Team Competes in CIAC State Competition

 

Congratulations to the Mercy Cross Country team which finished as the runner-up in Class L State competition on Saturday, October 26!

 

 

 

 



Yellow Rose Auction

 

The annual Yellow Rose Auction which took place on Saturday, October 26 was a great success!  The number of items offered for auction was quite numerous and the quality impressive.  The evening promised great food, company and fun and it was delivered! Thank you to all who helped to organize and plan this event.  It was wonderful! Here are a few pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events:

·         The end of the First Quarter is today, October 30.  You will receive an e-mail from Sr. Peggy next week once the report cards are ready to be viewed.  She anticipates it will be after 5 p.m. on November 6.

 

·         The annual Walk-a-thon will be this Friday, November 1^st.  Students have been busy preparing and bringing in their donations for this event.  We will start the day with Mass as it is a Holy Day of Obligation.  The walk ends with pizza in the cafeteria and students should be finished between 12 noon and 12:30 p.m.

·         Please invite your friends with daughters in Middle or High School to attend Mercy High School’s Open House which will occur on Sunday, November 3^rd at 1:00 p.m.  It is a great opportunity for families to come and see what being a Woman of Mercy is all about!

 

• “Meet Me in St. Louis” is this year’s drama production and will take place on Wednesday, November 6 and Thursday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m.  For more information click

         “Meet Me in St. Louis” 

 

·         This is a reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, November 11 in honor of Veteran’s Day.

 

Be Well.

 

 

 

 

 

Mercy Tigers Roar!

 

We have had an amazing few weeks and much of the excitement involves our Mercy Roar video.  I can’t imagine that you haven’t yet seen our Mercy Tigers video by now, but if not, you will want to take a few minutes to watch at:  Mercy Tigers Roar

 

The feedback from our parents, alumnae and the community at large has been wonderful!  We have had students interviewed for the Middletown Press, Hartford Courant, Fox News and Channel 8 News.  We are still waiting to hear if we will be finalists for the Good Morning America contest but clips from our video were used in one of their promotions!  We are so proud of our Mercy women and Mercy High School!

 

Here are a few pictures from the taping of “Mercy Tigers Roar”:

 

 

Mini Class Night

We welcomed all parents on September 19^th for our mini class night.  Parents followed their daughters' schedules and had an opportunity to meet their teachers.  The highlight of the evening was a talk by Sr. Patricia McCarthy, CND (Sr. Mary’s sister!) Wonderful insights were shared and we are still hearing from parents about how much they enjoyed her words.

 

 

Mercy Day

 

We celebrated the founding of the Sisters of Mercy on September 24^th with a prayer service for the entire student body which ended with a viewing of the Mercy Tigers Roar video and then sharing of tea and cookies.  Thank you to Nancy Schempf, one of our Mercy parents, who baked and then donated the tea pot shaped cookies! It was a truly wonderful tribute to the Sisters of Mercy who helped to found Mercy High School 50 years ago!

 

 

 

 

 

Tech Tigers

Congratulations to our Tech Tigers who won the Spirit Award at the Bash at the Beach competition on Saturday, October 5^th.  Many comments were offered as to their helpfulness to others and enthusiasm.  Here is a pic of the Tech Tigers with their award:

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Athletics:

 Our teams are continuuing to have competitive seasons and we have had some beautiful days to watch!  Congratulations to the girls cross country team that won the SCC Quinipiac Division Championship. 

 

Our volleyball team is also doing well and was featured in the Middletown Press this past week!

 

 

Early Dismissal

We are finding that a number of parents are arriving to pick up their daughters early without the office having prior knowledge that the student is being dismissed.  In order to minimize classroom interruptions, please submit a note to the main office the morning of the dismissal by 8:00 a.m.  A pass may then be given to your daughter so that she may leave class and be ready for you when you arrive to pick her up.  Please refer to the Parent-Student Handbook on p. 15 if you have any other questions and thank you for your cooperation.

 

Upcoming Events:

·         Progress Reports will be posted after 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 10.  Sr. Peggy will notify parents when the reports are ready to be viewed.

 

    

·         The Junior Ring Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. .  The Junior Ring Dance follows on Saturday, October 19^th.  The Juniors have wonderful plans for each event and both promise to be great celebrations.

 

·         PLAN/PSAT Testing will take place on Wednesday, October 16 for the Freshwomen, Sophomores and Juniors.  Seniors are not expected in school on that day and are encouraged to use the day for college visits.

 

·         Walk-a-thon collections begin on Thursday, October 10 and will end with our annual Walk-a-thon on Friday, November 1^st.  This is a much loved event for our students and an important fundraiser for Mercy High School.  Please read the letter posted on our website from Sr. Mary:

 

·         The Yellow Rose Auction is the premier event run by our Home and School Association and will take place on Saturday, October 26^th at 6:00 p.m.  Donations are being accepted now.  It promises to be quite an enjoyable evening so please plan to attend with your friends!

For more information on donations and tickets clickhere

 

·         REMINDER:  There is no school on Friday, October 11 and Monday October 14^th.

Be Well.