Tuesday, March 11, 2014






Bravo!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Les Miserables, presented February 28 – March 2nd in the Mercy High School Auditorium.  The show was incredible and so enjoyable!  If you were unable to enjoy the show, take a look at this small clip from YouTube
You can also order a DVD copy of the entire musical by going to this link:  ORDER DVD
 




Read Across America

On Tuesday, March 4 we celebrated with other schools across the nation, the importance of reading. Students and teachers together stopped whatever they were doing and took 15 minutes out of the day to read a favorite book.  Here are some photos of the day:




Model United Nations (UN)
On Saturday, March 1st our Model UN team attended the Boston College High School Model UN Conference held in Boston, MA.  Twelve Mercy women attended this conference as delegates along with delegates from Xavier High School.  We had four Mercy students win awards for best position papers and as distinguished delegates:  Kanwal Ojha, Erin Beckham, Julia Marcin and Hannah Chus-Reyes.  Our winners are pictured below.  Congratulations ladies!


 
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
 
The members of SADD enjoyed listening to the MCSAAC (Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council) winner of the 2013 Youth Volunteer Award.  This senior from Westbrook High shared her achievements and service projects that helped to make a difference in her community.  All in attendance were inspired to be active members of their communities.
 

 
TechTigers Win Spirit Award
Congratulations to the TechTigers who competed in the FIRST district event at Fitch High School in Groton the weekend of March 8 and 9.  Their robot, Tiger Lily, performed very well and the team won the weekend’s Spirit Award.  The second district competition will take place in Southington the weekend of March 22nd and 23rd.  FIRSTCompetition
 


 
Last But Not Least…..
 
Congratulations to the Mercy Basketball Team for their SCC Championship title win!
 

 
On Monday night, March 10 the Mercy Tigers won a Class LL state quarter-final game against Career and now advance to the semi-final game against Lauralton Hall on Friday, March 14.  Watch our website for the time and location of that game!
 
Edline App
We are excited to announce that an App has been created for Edline to make it easier for students to access their Edline accounts on their mobile devices.  Follow the links below:
For Apple devices go to:     Apple Edline App
 
For Android devices go to:   Android Edline App
 
UpComing Events
·       Progress Reports for the third quarter will be posted on Wednesday, March 12 after 3:00 p.m.
 
·         Discover Mercy, Saturday, March 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Girls in grades 5, 6 and 7 are invited with their parents to visit and participate in fun activities which introduce them to Mercy High School.  To register online go to:  Discover Mercy
 
  • Senior Class Trip to New York City, Wednesday, March 19
 
  • Spanish, French and Latin National Honor Society Inductions on Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m.
     
     
  • Mercy's 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, Saturday, March 29.  Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. with Dinner at 7:00 p.m.  For more information and to order tickets click: 50th Anniversary
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Friday, February 14, 2014

February 14, 2014


Happy Snowy Valentine’s Day
Even with the snow, we have certainly had an eventful few weeks before our February break! 


SCC Cheerleading Competition
On Saturday, February 1st our Cheerleaders competed at Shelton High School in the SCC Cheerleading competition.  They worked very hard to prepare for the competition and can be proud of their performance.  It is also great seeing them in Mercy uniforms cheering for the Mercy basketball team this year!


Blood Drive

On February 6, the National Honor Society sponsored a Blood Drive where 65 students volunteered to give the gift of life.  The American Red Cross arrived early, even with a snow delay opening of school.  The National Honor Society students did an excellent job of making sure each stage of the giving process went smoothly and can be proud of this successful service project.




Senior Valentine Dance

Keeping with the heart theme, on Friday, February 7th the seniors gathered for their Valentine Dance.  The cafeteria was transformed with lights, disco ball and streamers.  The juniors donated delicious cookies, brownies and cupcakes.  Our Mercy women looked lovely and all really enjoyed the evening.  Here are a few pictures of the night!






Class L State Indoor Track Competition

Congratulations to the Mercy Indoor Track and Field team who placed 9th out of 21 teams in the Class L State competition on February 6th.  Congratulations as well to Kaleigh Roberts who established a new Class L meet record in the 3200 meters race.  Read all about it here: Class L Meet

Poetry Out Loud

Given the prediction of snow, the Poetry Out Loud contest was held one day earlier than planned on Wednesday, February 12th.  Fourteen students recited poetry that they had memorized and performed with attention to presentation and presence.  It was truly an inspiring and enjoyable evening.  Thank you to the English department for organizing this event!  Congratulations to Maura Eckels who finished in 3rd place, Shanya Wyatt who placed 2nd and Michaella Toledo who was the first place finisher and will represent Mercy High School at the state competition in Hartford on March 12.





Upcoming Events

·         February Vacation will be February 17 – 21st with classes resuming on February  24th.

·         Sophomore Guidance Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, February 26th at 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
  • Mercy/Xavier Musical Production of Les Miserable will be presented beginning Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 2nd.  For more information click here:  Les Miserables

  • Financial Aid Application Deadline is March 1stClick here to sign in and complete the necessary form. 


  • Don’t forget to buy your Education Raffle ticket from our Home and School Association.  A great opportunity to win $25,000 to pay tuition for the students and schools of your choice.  Click here for more information:  Education Raffle
·       Summer is now 3X Cooler!  Click below to find out more details about our summer programs for girls in grades 5 - 8.


Be Well.




Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Catholic Schools Week


Principal’s Blog

Catholic Schools Week

We have had quite a January of cold and snow!  I am reminded that this is winter in New England and to be expected!   It does look like we are being blessed this week without a snow event and what better way to celebrate Catholic Schools Week!

 
January has been busy with Midterm exams and then the new beginnings that come with the second semester. 


Poetry Out Loud

Thanks to the dedication of the members of our English department, our students have been participating in a national poetry contest called “Poetry Out Loud”:  "...a contest that encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.” Poetry Out Loud



 
During the fall term our English department worked with students at all grade levels to memorize and recite poetry selections.  They then entered into classroom level competitions and then on to school level rounds.   I have been quite impressed with the professionalism with which our students do their recitations and I am looking forward to our school final competition on Thursday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m.  Please join us!  The winner of that evening’s event moves on to the State competition which will take place on March 12.  Good luck ladies!


MYARC
 

One of the more popular clubs/service opportunities that we have at Mercy is the MYARC club.  Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon you will find Mercy and Xavier students working together to help provide activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We were very proud to see this activity recognized recently in the Middletown Press. 
 
Class of 2018
On Thursday, January 16 we welcomed the parents of the Class of 2018 for their first parent information night.  We were pleased with the attendance and saw many familiar faces.  At the end of the evening, the new skirt for the class of 2018 was revealed and has received good reviews!  Here is a picture of one of our Senior’s modeling the pattern.  I look forward to seeing it in our hallways soon!

 
Tech Tigers
Our Tech Tigers are working busily as it is now “build season” for this year’s competition.  The current challenge is called “Aerial Assist” the details of which can be found at:  First Competition
 
It sounds quite complex to me but our Mercy Tech Tigers are enthusiastically engaged in the design and build!  Here are a few pictures:
 


 
Winter Sports
The winter sports season is well underway and our teams are doing quite well!  At this writing the Mercy Varsity Basketball team is now 14-0 and the Indoor Track and Field team just won the SCC West Sectional Meet.  I am also pleased to see our cheerleaders cheering at some of our home basketball games as well as the dance team performances at halftime!
 
 




 
 


Upcoming Events:
·         Report Card Night:  Teachers will be available to meet with parents regarding their daughter’s progress on Wednesday, January 29 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  If you forget to bring your daughter’s report card with you, there will be copies available in the main office.

·         SAT Prep Course:  The Spring SAT prep course will begin this Saturday, February 1st.  The class will begin at 8:00 a.m.  As they will be taking a practice test in this first session, class will last until 12:00 noon.  Sessions during the other weeks will conclude at 11:00 a.m.

·         Blood Drive:  The National Honor Society sponsored blood drive will occur on Thursday, February 6 from 6:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. 

·         Valentine Dance:  The Senior Valentine Dance is scheduled to occur on Friday, February 7 from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.  Seniors will be bringing home letters for parents with the details for the evening.

·         Les Miserables:  Mark your calendars to come and see the Mercy/Xavier musical production of Les Miserables.  I have been hearing them practice after school and they sound great already!  I can’t wait to attend on either February 28, March 1st or 2nd.

·         Progress Reports:  The first progress report for the third quarter will be posted on Friday, February 7th after 3:00 p.m.

 

 
 
Be Well.


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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 14th 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 19th 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 25th 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 14th 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 20th.  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 13th
 
 
Be well and have a joyful Christmas Season!