Mercy-Filled Spring

 

With Spring finally arriving, so have the many activities that come with it!  We have especially enjoyed welcoming many alumnae and friends of Mercy who have joined with us in celebrating our 50^th Anniversary. 

Cake Auction

The week before our April break was Spirit Week at Mercy.  We had a “Country Club/Preppy” dress up day and “Worst Outfit” day, but the highlight of the week was the annual cake auction.  This activity is incredible for the generosity of students who bake cakes and then buy them back for charity!  The cakes were wonderful! 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Trips

On our return from April break, the weather was finally cooperating to allow for class outings.  The Spanish National Honor Society traveled to Hartford to the Artists Collective to see the show “Latin Rhythms” and enjoy Paella for lunch at a local restaurant, Costa de Sol.

 

 

 

The Biogeography class traveled to the Bronx Zoo and had a wonderful day as you can see below:

 

 

 

Retreat Day

Each year we take a day as an entire school community to stop to pray and reflect together.  This year the theme was Jesus the Healer and we had as our guest speaker Sr. Karen Schneider, RSM who is a Sister of Mercy and Pediatric Physician.  Sr. Karen works at Johns Hopkins Hospital and also travels to Haiti, Guyana, and Nigeria to care for sick children in those areas.  The students really enjoyed hearing of Sr. Karen’s experiences of serving the poor and of her life as a Sister of Mercy. 

 

Grandparents Day

On April 30 we welcomed nearly 350 grandparents to Mercy for Breakfast, Prayer and tours.  Our Mercy women were so proud to introduce their grandparents to us and give them a tour of the high school.  We enjoyed getting to know these very important people in our students’ lives.

 

 

May Crowning

 

The very next day on May 1^st we had our annual May Crowning.  We had hoped to have it outside this year as had been the tradition for many years, but the weather did not cooperate so the auditorium became the location.

 

 

 

Awards

Amidst the celebrations, we have had many members of our Mercy community win academic and community awards. 

 

 CAS Outstanding Arts Award:  Aleksandra Malz and Ashley Chase

 

 

CAS-CIAC Scholar Athlete Award:  Astin Donovan

 

 

 

DAR Good Citizen Award:  Abigail Nolan

 

Latin Exam Awards

Latin I                                                                Latin II

Danielle Andrews                                            Kimberly Arnold

Samantha Griswold                                         Michelle Reinert

Meghan Long                                                    Allison Wojciechowski

Suzanne O’Hara

Jamie Wyman

 Poetry III                                  Poetry IV                    Latin V

Christine Cammisa                  Ciara Hickey              Alice Ochterski

Savanna Hajdasz                      Madeline Kumm

 

SCC Scholar Leaders:  Stephanie Case and Alyssa Case

 

 

 And last but not least, our Third Quarter Honor Roll has been posted at:  Honor Roll

 

 

Senior Prom

The senior activities have begun as they will soon be graduating this month!  On Friday, May 2^nd the seniors gathered at the Aqua Turf for a great night of dancing and enjoying time together.  They looked beautiful as you can see!

 

 

 

 

50^th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, May 4^th was a great day of celebrating 50 years of Mercy High School.  We began with a well- attended Mass in morning, followed by a Brunch prepared by the Home and School Association.  Alumnae, parents and friends were able to go on tours and see memorabilia throughout the school building as well as the Art Show featuring work done by current students in art classes.

 The second half of the day featured a show entitled “We Know by Heart, 50 Years of Mercy”, written by Rose Masselli Morse, a current teacher and alumna of Mercy.  The show consisted of songs and memories from the past 50 years and was a great tribute to those who were here before us.

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events:

·         Course Lists for 2014-15:  All freshwomen, sophomores and juniors will receive their 2014-15 Course lists on Wednesday, May 7, in advisor group.  Incoming freshwomen will receive their course lists the middle of June.  You will need this list to order your books during the summer.

Students should see Sr. Peggy by Friday, May 23, if there are any errors on this list or if the student has changed her mind about any of her elective courses.

·   Junior Prom, Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

 

·   All are invited to attend the Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  I am hearing great music coming from the music room so I know it will be a very entertaining evening.  The winning ticket for the Tuition Raffle will be drawn during this event.  Don't miss your chance to purchase a ticket at:  Raffle

 

·  On Thursday, May 15^th the Senior Farewell Mass, Tree dedication and yearbook distribution will occur.  The last day for our senior class will be Friday, May 16^th.

 

 

 

 

Celebrations!

With Spring comes the beginning of a season of celebrations.  From the “wearin’ o’ the green” for St. Patrick’s Day to remembering  50 years of Mercy education!

 

 

 

 

Senior Class Trip

Our Seniors traveled to NYC on March 19 on their last trip together as a class.  They had lunch at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan called Bucca de Peppo and then saw Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Broadway.  What a great day!

 

 

 

Language Honor Societies Induction

From the Italian restaurant to the celebration of Language study here at home, we recognized the hard work of our language students with their induction into the Spanish, French and (for the first time) Latin National Honor Societies.  The ceremonies were beautiful and reflective of each culture honored.

 

 

From April 1^st to the 4^th we have continued our celebration of world cultures and language with “World Language Week”.  Each morning we have begun with a prayer recited in a different language, student made t-shirts are being worn honoring their language of study and we began the week on Tuesday with an assembly on African dance and storytelling.  What a great experience for all at Mercy!

 

 

50th Anniversary Celebrations

On March 22, 1964 ground was broken for the construction of Mercy High School.  On Monday, March 24, 2014 a Mass of Celebration was held in the Mercy High School Auditorium for students and nearly 100 guests with Bishop Cote presiding.  The Mass was beautiful followed by lunch for all.  A spirited assembly followed where the Mayor of Middletown, Daniel Drew, greeted the assembled and congratulated all on 50 years of Mercy education in Middletown.   All were then treated to a presentation of Mercy picture memories and the gift of an anniversary bracelet. (available at the Mercy online store)

 

Here are some pictures of that day:

 

 

On Saturday of that week, March 29, we held our Anniversary Dinner.  Over 400 guests came to share memories and see good friends.  It was a great night with good food and time spent together. Thank you to the dinner committee and memories committee that worked so hard to have the evening be a success!

 

 

 

 

 

The celebrations are not over!  On Sunday, May 4^th a 50^th Anniversary Day of Celebration has been planned.  For more information check on our website at:  50thAnniversary

 

 

Upcoming Events:

·          Lenten Prayer Service, Wednesday, April 9

 

·         Mercy Spirit Days, April 9 – 11.  This will include the  event that all are waiting for…….the cake auction on Thursday, April 10! 

 

·         Sophomore Ring Measurements for their class rings, April 10 & 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

·         Progress Reports for the 4^th quarter will be posted online after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11.

 

·         Spring Break:  Tuesday, April 15 – Monday, April 21^st with classes resuming on Tuesday, April 22^nd.

 

·         Don’t’ forget to buy your Mercy Education Raffle ticket! 

        The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, May 14.  For

        more information click here:  Raffle 

 

 

 

Bravo!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Les Miserables, presented February 28 – March 2^nd 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 1^st 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 22^nd and 23^rd.  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
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 1^st 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 7^th 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 9^th out of 21 teams in the Class L State competition on February 6^th.  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 12^th.  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 3^rd place, Shanya Wyatt who placed 2^nd 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 – 21^st with classes resuming on February  24^th.

·         Sophomore Guidance Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, February 26^th 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 2^nd.  For more information click here:  Les Miserables

• Financial Aid Application Deadline is March 1^st.  Click 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.

      Mercy Summer Programs

Be Well.

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 1^st.  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 1^st or 2^nd.

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

 

 

 

Be Well.