mercy parent newsletter - Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women

MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2013
LETTER FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Mercy Community,
Mercy has wonderful school spirit and it is evident every year at this time when we celebrate
with Spirit Week. We could all benefit from the energy of youth. However, I found that this year
there seemed to be a different focus with some of the girls during Spirit Week. I found that a
few of the girls used it to put down others sending the message of superiority and intimidation. I
know they often get mixed messages from television, advertisements, social media, and sometimes adults. I talked with all of the girls in grades 9-12 in an assembly about what the Mercy
expectation is for behavior of all students. I mentioned that rather than following along with
much of the social interactions portrayed on television, we should be more accepting and welcoming to others. The large majority of our students had a wonderful and wholesome time,
dressing up in class colors and silly outfits, showing their commitment to their class and pride in
their school. Remember, we always need to model the behavior we expect for our students and
let them know when they do things that are not acceptable.
The college application process is being pursued heavily by our seniors. Jane Searl and Lori
Purcell have assisted students in the application process. Many of them are applying early this
year. Last year’s 145 seniors were quite successful in gaining entrance into a variety of wonderful colleges (MIT, Wellesley, Boston College, Boston University, Notre Dame, Georgetown,
Villanova …) with over $18 million dollars in financial offers. The counselors have put together
a booklet to help our students and parents through this process.
I want to thank everyone for your constant support of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young
Women. I am grateful every day for the faith you have put in me as principal and entrusting
your daughter’s to us every day. Please feel free to contact me with any issues or concerns. I
can be reached at tquinn@mercyhs.com or by phone at 585-288-7120 x303.
May God bless you,
Terry Quinn
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
NOTES FROM NANCY—MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
On Wednesday, August 28th, the 6th, 7th and new-to-Mercy 8th graders were introduced to each
other, had breakfast together, toured the building and met with their homeroom teachers to get a
head start on what to expect on the first day of school.
For the remainder of the morning, teachers and trainers from “Pack, Paddle & Ski”, facilitated team
building activities for the 7th grade students. While that was going on, the 6th grade students were
escorted to their homerooms, learned a little about their new teachers, were involved in some “get
acquainted” activities, then checked out their new locker room. Entering the building that morning,
we witnessed some tentative, scared, little girls who didn’t know any one. At Noon, we were delighted to see many secure, young women with smiling faces, looking forward to seeing their new
friends/classmates again when classes start the following week.
Throughout the beginning weeks of school, the McAuley M.S. Wing (“Wunderland”)
was buzzing with activity: locker set-up (always a popular family event), figuring out locker combinations, schedules and where classrooms are located. Parents of 7th and 8th grade students, I’m sure
you were more empathetic to your daughter’s “I got lost “stories after Mini-Schedule Night on September 26th. At the end of September, the M.S. students will be electing Spirit Leaders, Class
Board officers, as well as homeroom representatives for CMB (Campus Ministry Board). This is a
great opportunity for the girls to take on leadership roles. Also during this month, the M.S. students
also had an opportunity to learn about and sign up for clubs. A complete list can be accessed from
the Mercy MS webpage.
At the first M.S. Family Picnic that was held on Sept. 11th, students and their families enjoyed a picnic dinner, had a chance to meet some teachers, and play some games. It was a great way to meet
other Mercy Middle School families.
Many smiling faces could be seen at “The Big Sister/Little Sister” lunch activity where “sisters” and
“cousins” shared some conversation and lunch together. It was especially pleasant to witness the
excitement of the 6th graders as they were introduced to their H.S. “Big Sisters”! I am sure they had
much wisdom to offer their “Little Sisters”. The “new- to- Mercy” 8th grade students were treated to a
luncheon on Sept. 24th. At that time they had an opportunity to share their experiences with Administration and express how positive the transition to Mercy had been.
During “Spirit Week”, the students showed off their Mercy Spirit by dressing according to different
themes each day. Then to end the week, the 8th grade had their first Ministry Day. They were out of
the building in the morning, providing services to several different schools/agencies in the Rochester
area. That same morning, the 6th and 7th graders had their yearly Retreat experience. The Theology Dept. provided activities to educate, enlighten and entertain – all in the Spirit of Mercy and our
foundress, Catherine McAuley.
Each month the departments will be recognizing students in their classes whom have shown incredible effort. Their names will be announced at an assembly and they will be given a recognition pin.
Also each month a Character Trait will be highlighted and the faculty will choose one student from
each grade whom exemplifies that particular trait. October’s trait is RESPECT. These students
names will be announced at the monthly assembly, they will be awarded a certificate and their picture will be placed on display. A luncheon will be held with Mr. Quinn at the end of the year to honor
these students.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (cont’d.)
Coming up for 6th grade parents, on Wednesday, October 17th, there will be an opportunity for you to
meet with the teachers and have your daughter show you all that she has accomplished thus far.
More details will be available to you soon.
Thank you for all of your good wishes for a successful year. Your prayers, support and encouragement are very much appreciated. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. You can check the weekly parent e-mail blast and the Mercy Website for updated Middle
School news. We are off to a great start…
Nancy E. Wunder, Middle School Director 288-7120x328 nwunder@mercyhs.com
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
MONARCHS FALL SPORTS UPDATE
It is hard to believe that our Fall Sports Season has already raced through its first month. Tryouts began for JV and Varsity teams on August 19th…it has been non-stop since for the 350-plus studentathletes involved. That’s right. Approximately half of the student body is participating in nine different
interscholastic sports programs, grades 7-12.
The Opening Parent-Athlete Assembly on August 27th was a huge success…thank you for contributing
to one of the largest turnouts ever, and more importantly, taking the steps to become members of our
Sports Booster Club. President Greg Lefebre encouraged families to join. Membership is booming.
Don’t worry, it is never too late! Download a form from the Athletics website and join today. Come join
us for our next meeting on Monday, October 7th at 7pm in the HS Board Room. We want every sport
represented!!
Let’s take a brief look at each program, alphabetically. Cheer has formed a solid junior varsity squad
of 20 and is training hard for their opening competition in early October. Coach Danielle Valerino (’04)
has been impressed with the work ethic the girls have exhibited in training.
Mercy Varsity Crew, led by new Head Coach, Mark Salzler, a three-year Mercy assistant, will participate in the LiftBridge Regatta in Fairport to kick off their Fall season. The following boats earned medals for their outstanding finishes:
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Lightweight Varsity 8 - Gold Marlena Morton, Krissy Stoev, Allie Hodge, Ally Seymour, Marcy
Rose, Lauren Marr, Izzy Lafler, Ava Cavatassi, Megan Kilmartin
Varsity 4 -Silver Emma Bevilacqua, Mary Coppola, Chloe Shortz, Katie Seeger, Caroline Fjermedal
Lightweight Varsity 4 - Bronze Marlena Morton, Krissy Stoev, Allie Hodge, Ally Seymour,
Marcy Rose
Quadruple Scull - Gold Elena Pochodylo, Allyson Wentworth, Lauren Mattle, Mary Kosanke
Crew will travel to Philadelphia and Boston this fall for competition. They will close the season “at
home” November 2-3 at the Plug-the-Plug regatta in Pittsford.
Mercy Cross Country, led by long-time Head Coach Tim Jones, is “off and running.” The team opened
the season at the Parma Invitational where the Varsity finished in 2nd place! Last weekend the team
traveled to the 19th Annual West Seneca Invitational and finished 7th out of twenty-one teams. Charlotte Kurzweil, a sophomore, led Mercy to a 6th place finish at the McQuaid Invitational this past Saturday. The Modified program is coached this year by Mercy Alum Ms. Kendra Zaffuto. In the Modified
race at the McQuaid Invitational, Ruth Crowley led the Monarchs to an 8th-place finish. Follow the individual results of Cross Country runners at www.sectionvtrack.org.
Coach Julie Odenbach has an outstanding bunch of girls participating in the Mercy golf program. Returning players include the amazing Christine Schmitt, the three-time Section V champion and NYS
Champion in 2013. The golf team has a very impressive match record of 5-2 losing two very close
matches with archrival Pittsford. Victories have come over Webster, Fairport and Penfield.
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
SPORTS UPDATE (cont’d.)
The Sailing Team has taken to the water this season at the Rochester Yacht Club under the direction
of returning Coach Jimmy Carminati. Mercy’s regulars are led by Maryn Cannon and Venice Aureli
who recently traveled to San Diego to participate in a national regatta. Stay tuned for news of their
success in the upcoming regattas.
Mercy Soccer returned to the field after graduating several seniors in the Class of 2013. Head Coach
Donna Trost and the girls have proved themselves capable of carrying on the winning tradition. They
have earned a very positive 6-3-1 record defeating Aquinas,1 to 0, and winning the Oswego Tournament. JV Soccer, under Coach Barry Desain, has played out to a 7-2-1 record, once again winning the
championship trophy at the Oswego tournament, defeating Aquinas, and Penfield, 1-0. The Modified
team, under returning coach, David Coumou, is competing in the Private and Parochial Modified
League compiling a record of 1win-1loss-1tie.
The Varsity Swim team, under returning coaches John Maxwell, and Jodi Byerts, has opened their
competitive season with strong showings. The Varsity won convincingly at Geneva and Newark.
Shelby Delladio continues to shine off the diving board this season. Follow individual and team results of Mercy swimming at www.section5swim.com.
Mercy tennis teams continue their winning ways. Coach Bill Nealon has stepped up to the Varsity position. He has been impressed by the positive attitudes and excellent work ethic of the full senior roster complemented by sophomore Kelsey Fjermedal. They are off to a very good start to the season.
Their record stands at 6-4 with recent wins versus HAC and Aquinas. On the JV court, the Monarchs
are now led by Judy Shelton, and continue to win earning a 6-2 match record to date with a recent
wins over Aquinas and HAC.
While Volleyball is alphabetically last on our list, it is certainly not least in the realm of our Fall sports.
Sixth-year Coach CJ Denk has worked to drive the Varsity team. Varsity has been unbeatable this
season, thus far, earning them a target on their backs at every match and tournament they play. They
have won three tournaments, including the Gary Adler and Eden tournaments. They will travel to Chicago next weekend to participate in the prestigious Asics Challenge hosted by Mercy’s sister school,
Mother McAuley high school. There are twelve of the Top 100 high school programs in the nation entered there. Modified Volleyball, under returning coach Mara Glamack began competition this week in
the Finger Lakes League.
So there you have it. Over a month old already, the Fall 2013 season promises much excitement as it
continues. As always full Athletic schedules, news, and scores are available through the Mercy school
website, athletics page, www.mercyhs.com\athletics. The current week’s schedule is posted on the
Monarchs’ wikispace at www.mercymonarchsathletics.wikispaces.com. Come on out and support our
girls as they put their hard work and dedication to the test in their various competitions. Remember to
join our Booster Club as well!! And get your own Mercy Athletic apparel…click on the banner on the
Athletics page. Orders are delivered right to your home!
Dr. Nick Schlierf, Athletic Director
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
AP SCHOLARS
87 Mercy students earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the
2013 AP Exams administered in May. Nationwide, only 18% of students taking the exams score high
enough to earn this designation of AP Scholar. The College Board establishes four levels of distinction
within a school for this award.
Twenty-two Mercy students qualified for the “AP Scholar Award” by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are:
Mary Appleby, Hyejin Ban, Andrea Brilbeck, Sarah Cedruly, Meini Chen, Elizabeth Collins,
Priscilla Files, Victoria Frankiewich, Shaina Garfield, Emily Hebert, Kelsey Johnson, Miley Lott,
Marcella Rose, Elizabeth Scheuerman, Olivia Schuler, Catherine Sciortino, Catherine Seeger,
Molly Stanley, Anne Stoklosa, Samantha Valvo, Marina Vanini, Tianyu Xu
Thirty-six students qualified for the “AP Scholar with Honor Award” by earning an average grade of
at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These
students are:
Bridget Baker, Jesse Bennett, Sarah Bushey, Maryn Cannon, Terese Cannon, Phoebe Conley,
Brianna Connolly, Leanne Cook, Elizabeth Crimi, Ariel Evans, Ashley Fallone, Yifei Fan, Maria
Geba, Emily Graham, Taylor Howarth, Carolyn Huff, Julia Jenkins, Jacqueline Klimek, Sarah
Kohlmeier, Kathryn Lippa, Victoria Markert, Mary Martin, Tess Murphy, Theresa Newell, Jacqueline O’Flynn, Martha Ormanowsk, Emily Overfield, Carly Pavia, Ciara Riefenstein, Caroline
Riedman, Nina Santacesaria, Jessica Simonetti, Leah Strassburg, Kathryn Tirabassi,
Delaney Vonderahe, Olivia Zucaro
Twenty-nine students qualified as “AP Scholars with Distinction” by earning an average grade of 3.5
on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The students are:
Emily Armstrong, Tegan Ayers, Sarah Basta, Bridget Behan, Katherine Brooker, Elizabeth
Cavacos, Anna Creatura, Giannina Crosby, Erin Geen, Melissa Gerwitz, Emma Gordon, Emily
Hann, Nora Hanna, Bridgette Klein, Jennifer LeBeau, Clare Malone, Grace Maxwell, Jennifer
McInerney, Margaret Miller, Anna Palmer, Soyeon Park, Ariana Perez, Caitlin Purcell, Katharine
Rubery, Christine Schmitt, Kelly Smith, Molly Verghese, Grace Winters
On top of earning awards at the highest building level, the “AP Scholar with Distinction,” two Mercy
students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on
a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.
These students are: Emily Armstrong and Jennifer LeBeau.
Our Lady of Mercy congratulates all of its 2013 AP Scholars!!
Dr. Nick Schlierf, AP Program Coordinator
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
Veritas 2014 – Our Lady of Mercy’s Yearbook
Order a Mercy Yearbook Online Today!
Go to YearbookOrderCenter.com
 Enter order number 4061
 Select “Buy a Yearbook”
 Seniors: Select Senior Package
 Grades 6-11: Select Yearbook
 Click continue
Follow the directions as they appear on the screen.
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
The cost is $55 plus a $3.50 service fee.
Please note: Online purchases require a credit card.
Don’t Want to Order Online?
$55 payment accepted via check only.
Include your daughter’s first and last name on the memo line.
Send payment to:
Mercy Yearbook
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610
Questions? Please email Miss Stein at rstein@mercyhs.com.
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MERCY PARENT NEWSLETTER
MERCY RADIO CLUB
Radio Club is new to Mercy this year! Students will be working with, and learning from,
staff from BOCES #1 and 90.5 WBER. Participants will have the opportunity to broadcast
live, on the air, directly from Our Lady of Mercy. Along with on-air time, the participants
will also have the opportunity to observe the "behind the scenes workings" of a radio station and work on other projects with WBER staff.
*FUND RAISING is a big part of the Club. To support this interest we have many
projects in the works.
*SAVE AROUND Coupon books: $20 (Big money saver....so worth it!
The perfect gift for those hard to buy for.)
*Spandex: Great for under the school skirts or running shorts for PE or just chillin'
on the weekends. Volleyball or Crew length $20, Matching Headbands $5
(The latest crazy colors that girls love! Christmas is coming.)
*Yotini Frozen Yogurt: Pick up a Voucher from Mercy and visit Yotini (4 Corners
Penfield) during the week of October 20th-26th. The owner, Jennifer, has
graciously offered to donate 10% of the profits from Mercy sales to the Mercy Radio
Club. It's a fun, healthy activity to do in celebration of RED RIBBON WEEK.
Contact Stephanie Barbero at sbarberbo@mercyhs.com
if you would like to support us with any of these fundraisers :)
DATES TO REMEMBER
October 7
October 9
October
October
October
October
October
October
10
11
12
14
15
16
October 17
October
October
October
October
19
22
23
24
October 25
October 26
7pm Sports Boosters Meeting
Communion Service
CMB Leadership Training
7pm Parents’ Association Meeting
Guided Meditation
No School—Professional Development Day
Fall Cheerleading Competition
No School—Columbus Day
7pm Performing Arts Boosters Kick-off Meeting
Noon Dismissal
Grade 10&11 PLAN/PSAT
Grade 6 Conference
Grade 7 Ministry Day
Grade 8 Retreat
Grade 9 Non-Violence Workshop
Senior Holiday
Guided Meditation
Catholic College Fair at Mercy
4-8pm Alumnae Reunion
Modified Basketball Health forms due to the Nurse
Communion Service
Guided Meditation
6-7:30pm Fall Open House
MS Character Counts
Grade 7&8 Dance
ACT
1-2:30pm Experience Mercy Day
www.mercyhs.com