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MERCY MEMO PARENT E-NEWSLETTER -
September 2016
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Wit's End...notes from the principal
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Check in.
What was the first thing you thought of when you read those two words? Did you immediately think about an airport kiosk or desk? Was your thought that of making an appearance somewhere? Finding out how someone is doing? Is there a difference between Check in and Check on? Does "check on" imply that you now have a responsibility, somehow there is a person or persons whose welfare requires your involvement? Is there some monitoring going on? If so, is there now an element of verification that a person is doing the right thing, or behaving in a certain way?
Wow, all this from just two small words. Take your pulse. If you are experiencing any anxiety, take another moment or two and relax. Let's try again.
Check in.
Now think of this having only to do with making a connection today with your high school aged daughter. Hopefully, your shoulders have dropped and there has been an audible release of breath. Oh, you mean just check in with my kid sometime today. OK. Nothing new here. I check in with her every day at some point (as well as with each one of my children who still resides at home). Is there something more required of me? Yes there is, but I am hopeful that as a parent, you will easily assent.
Since we have just gotten this school year up and running, I think there are immeasurable gains to be had by setting some goals. Consider them
new year resolutions
as it were, sans funny hats and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. These resolutions are four things which merit some brief conversations between you and your daughter. The task of insuring these conversations falls to you, and no one else, because yours is the role of loving parent. No one cares more about the welfare of your daughter than you. No one is more vested in your daughter's healthy development than you. So let's get to work.
1.
Check in
with her about the start of her year
. How have things begun? What is she most excited about? What gives her pause? Don't start a list. Just ask the questions and listen.
2.
Check in
and suggest that she try something brand new this year
. Maybe she already has (like a particular class or an activity). Maybe there is a club or an extracurricular event she has mentioned. Have her look ahead on the school calendar. Trying something new has at least two benefits - new presents challenge and challenge builds confidence.
3.
Check in
and invite her to consider how this year fits in her four year high school plan
. What does she hope might happen? If it is her first year, don't talk about college planning just yet. She gets to be a ninth grader just once. Has she met anyone new? Is she finding her way around the building on most days? Is she laughing? If she's a sophomore, what has she learned from last year's successes and difficulties? If she can even mention one of each and translate that into something she will do this year, she's earned praise. If junior year is upon her, the groundwork toward college and career is much more relevant. Whatever has happened in the past, even difficulties, cannot be changed. What she can do, however, is make some decisions now about what she hopes to accomplish that will enhance her profile. If she can identify the what, she can then begin to construct the how. If her status is that of a senior, she's now polishing her image, readying herself for future options and opportunities.
4.
Check in
with her regarding her safe and responsible use of social media
. What is her online persona? If her digital image (in words and photos) was all that other people had on which to base their judgments, how would she fare? What opinions would people justifiably form? Now is a good time for her to purge the unflattering, the inappropriate, the immature. Each of us knows that we are creating a digital trail about ourselves. That trail is both available and searchable. Your daughter can impact her own image. She can make improvements. She can take control.
Not so bad. Wouldn't you agree? Checking in with your daughter demonstrates the undeniable: care, concern, and love. Done face to face, with a smile, and even a gentle touch, those moments can break through even the toughest teenage facade. All one needs to do is
check in
. And all your daughter needs is for that to be a constant in her life. She needs to have that tangible proof (that comes in addition to all the other intangible examples) that you are pulling for her, that you see her as capable, and resilient, and resourceful.
That's the task. It is worth your time. Make it happen.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte, Principal
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On September 13th, over 120 Mercy mothers gathered to enjoy good food and great company at the first Mercy Mothers Club Welcome Dinner of 2016/17. We had words of wisdom from Dr. Cheryl Kreger (President) and Mrs. Carolyn Witte (Principal), and the blessing was given by Sister Marianne Bennett. The theme of the evening was Welcome to the Sisterhood. The Mercy Mothers Club would like to thank all of our guests and the Mercy staff for their support. We look forward to deepening our friendships at the dinners and events to come!
October Meeting - Don't miss out on our next Mercy Mother's Club meeting! Ockoberfest theme!
Monday October 3rd at 6:30pm. Come join the fun and get connected with other Mercy Moms. We will be discussing all of our fun fall events.
Save the dates! Join us on Saturday, November 12th for a fun-filled, stylish event, our annual
FASHION SHOW. The
Mother Daughter Evening of Spiritual Reflection, "The Angels Whispering One to Another," will be held on
Monday, December 12th at St. Edith Catholic Church. Registration is at 6:15pm Mass at 6:30pm.
More event details coming soon!
Be sure to check out the Mothers Club home page and calendar for more information about upcoming events and important notes.
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MERCY BONFIRE
Join us as part of Spirit Week and to kick-off the Reunion Weekend!
Thursday, September 22
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Mercy JV Softball Field
Bonfire - DJ - S'mores Station
This is a free family event open to ALL Mercy families, Alumnae, and friends of Mercy.
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MDC 500 RAFFLE
Buy your 2016-2017 MDC 500 Raffle Ticket Today!
The Mercy Dads Club supports many activities throughout the year like Father/Daughter Social Events, Family Functions, Scholarships, School Social and Service Activities, Mercy Athletics, and Mercy Clubs and Organizations.
This year the Dads Club will only be holding one raffle, so be sure to purchase today! Great odds.....only 500 tickets will be sold!
1st Prize: $10,000
2nd Prize $3,000
3rd Prize: $1,000
Drawing to be held Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the MDC Monthly Meeting
Four Early Bird Drawings to win $500: October 10, November 1, November 21, December 6
Early Bird Drawings will take place at Mercy High School and winners are still eligible for all remaining drawings. Complete either the online order form or the pay by cash / check order form to purchase tickets. Ticket stubs will be mailed.
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CEDAR POINT
When: Saturday, October 22, 2016
From: Leave Mercy Parking Lot at 9:00am
Return: Leave Cedar Point Parking Lot same day at 9:00pm sharp. Arriving back at Mercy around 11:30pm.
Who: Any Mercy student and her father/guardian.
Cost: $130 per father/daughter. Additional sibling (NO Boys on the bus) or students are $65 each.
We have one 56 passenger bus reserved...spaces are available first come first serve.
More info here.
Sign up online at http://bit.ly/2016cedar. Remit form and payment to Mercy Reception Area.
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Welcome to the 195 members of the Class of 2020 and 11 transfer students who joined our Mercy family. More warm welcomes to these new staff members:
Vanessa Mallory (Science); Kelly McSweeney (Admissions); Erin Somerville (Advancement); Kristine Daley (Student Learning Liaison); Amy Iacobell (Admissions); Charli Migoski (English); Colleen Byrn (Science); Anne Marie Burras (Religious Studies).
Help us welcome even more Mercy girls to our spectacular school! Spread the word about our upcoming
Mercy Open House,
October 30 from 1pm - 3:30pm. Please encourage seventh and eighth grade girls to
shadow a student and experience life at Mercy firsthand. Shadow days begin October 3. Contact
admissions@mhsmi.org for more
admissions information.
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Mercy Spirit Week kicked-off today with a Pep Rally and plenty of activities are in store for the days ahead!
Click here for schedule of themes for the day.
The Homecoming Dance "Breaking News: Mercy Homecoming" will be held Sunday, September 25 from 7pm-10pm in the Mercy gymnasium. Students must arrive by 8pm and cannot leave prior to 9pm. Tickets are $15 and will be on sale before or after school at the Cafe Snack Bar or from Mrs. Tarplin during the school day.
No school Monday, September 26. Field Day is Tuesday, September 27 where students come dressed in their class colors. Show your Mercy spirit!
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National Merit Semifinalist - Congratulations to
Saveri Nandigama '17 who was named a Semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Miss Farmington 2016 - Miss Farmington is a Mercy Girl!
Grace Murphy '17 was crowned Miss Farmington during the summer on July 13th. Along with her title and crown, Grace also took home several other awards, including the Samantha Steckloff Leadership Award, Interview Award and the Mayor's Essay Award. Bravo, Grace!
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Haiti Mission Trip - Mercy girls made a difference in Haiti over the summer!
Claire Murray, Hailey Sygiel, Lauren George, Sydney VanAcker, Julie Lilly, Jackie Kaminski, April Seilo and Kristen Misfud
went on a mission trip with Good Girl Comeback. Good Girl Comeback is a nationally recognized nonprofit that empowers teens to set goals which build confidence, kindness, and personal fulfillment.
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AP Scholars 2016 - The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams.
AP Scholar With Distinction
(Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams
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Hyejeong Cha
Audrey Jones
Leah Kiros
Taylor Lombard
Alana Sullivan
AP Scholar with Honor
(Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams
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Kaitlyn Brown
Lucy Devine
Philomena Engel
Nadia Hakim
Erin Judd
Emma Mason
Maureen McGough
Lindsey Seashore
Keting Zhao
AP Scholars
(Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.)
Theresa Benton
Natalie Cieslak
Caitlin Delevie
Sarah Dwyer
Lauren Foley
Meaghan Fortney
Bridget Furlong
Erin Gormley
Colleen Hadley
Hannah Hembree
Julia Kirby
Annie Leuker
Emma Reck
Carmela Sleva
Caitlin Somerville
Madison Tarchala
Sabrina Yancey
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Summer Art Award Winner - Congratulations to Katie Wildern '19 who received a First Place in her age group and also a First Place Best in Show award for her "Art Room" painting at the Oakland County Fair held over the summer. This earned her two Blue Ribbons, a Trophy, and a small monetary award. The Best in Show award is a top honor and her painting was in a special display with the other Best in Show awards for each art category. Her "Skull" drawing earned a First Place in her age group and also a Second Place in Show award.
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 iWizards Earn their Badge - iWizards Amelia Bartels, Nicole Belans, Dani McClain, Madison Martin, Brooke Madek, Alyssa Sweeney, and Yayun Zheng completed training in solving common issues with iPads, projectors, and Apple TVs. They are now "badged" to serve as classroom tech trouble-shooters.
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Mercy Make a Difference Day Friday, September 23, 2016
Mercy High School is proud to announce the 4th Annual Make a Difference Day will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016. On this day during Spirit Week the entire Mercy School, staff and students, will be going out into the community to do service. Imagine what an impact 800+ people doing 3.5 hours of service can do! We are expecting 100% attendance so please do not make college visits or doctors appointments on that day.
Schedule for the Day:
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School will start at 8:00 a.m. with a meeting in Adviser Group followed by a short prayer service, directions for the day and boarding of the buses.
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Students will travel to the location and work with their Adviser and Adviser Group from approximately 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. doing a variety of service tasks. Students will earn 3 hours of community service towards their graduation requirement.
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The buses will bring the groups back to school. Lunch will be provided.
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The day will end at 1:30 p.m.
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Students need to wear their Mercy Make A Difference Day t-shirt. We are asking students to bring these in ahead of time to make sure they have them the morning of the event to wear to the site they are assigned. New students will receive a shirt the day of the event.
CLICK HERE for permission slip and medical forms. If you haven't already done so, please fill out both the
permission slip and medical form and have your daughter turn it into her Adviser ASAP. Students who do not bring in forms will be assigned service at Mercy High School. Participation is mandatory. The Mercy Make a Difference Day Committee has coordinated with many organizations that are counting on us for our service on that day. The goal is to have all of Mercy (students and staff) working together in the community. Students who do not participate may jeopardize their participation in further Spirit Week activities including the Homecoming Dance. Students not in attendance (due to pre-arranged absence, illness or injury) will still be expected to give 3 hours of service through Mercy either during unscheduled hours or before and after school.
Appropriate Dress
Please make sure your daughter is appropriately dressed to do service on that day. Jeans or comfortable pants, sturdy, closed-toe shoes and the service day t-shirt is necessary. Students may bring sunscreen and bug spray if needed. More specific details on dress will be provided by your daughter's Adviser. Please note: Most sites suggest bringing heavy-duty gardening gloves.
Parent Volunteer/Support
Parent volunteers are welcome to join us for the day. Please submit this
form to volunteer ASAP. Parents will need to provide their own transportation. You can also support the day's efforts by donating a case of water through
Sign-Up Genius or by providing dessert or drinks for lunch. Advisers will have a sign-up for their groups.
We are very excited about this day. This is what we stand for as a school. In the words of Catherine McAuley, "No work of charity can be more productive of good to society, or more conducive to the happiness of the poor, than the careful instruction of women."
We Are Mercy and Together We Can Make A Difference!
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Attention Senior Students and Parents (Class of 2017): On Friday, August 26th, The Counseling Office presented the
College Application Information for the senior class and parents. The presentation walked students through the "How To's" of completing their applications. Counselors explained in detail the specific procedures students must follow in order to make application requests from Mercy's counselors and teachers. Please keep in mind this informational meeting was "Part 2" in a two-part series regarding the college application process. Part 1 was presented in May, 2016. To assist parents in supporting their daughter through this process, the most recent presentation is available for viewing on YouTube by
clicking here.
The presentation is also linked on
Mercy Counseling web page
and in
Naviance Family Connection.
Attention Junior Students and Parents (Class of 2018): Beginning in November, the College Counseling Staff will offer opportunities for junior students and their parents to have a one-on-one College Planning Meeting with their Counselor. Information regarding the focus of these meetings and how to schedule the appointment for your family will be mailed home the week of
October 17th.
Attention Sophomore Students and Parents (Class of 2019):
Sophomore students transition to a new Counselor this year and remain with that Counselor through their senior year. See below to identify your daughter's new counselor.
Last Names (A-G) - Work with Mrs. Dianna Shamus
Last Names (H-O) - Work with Mrs. Arpna Hessler
Last Names (P-Z) - Work with Mrs. Kristen Casey
Last spring we met with students as 9th graders in small group settings to (1) introduce ourselves; (2) Introduce students to Naviance Family Connection,
Mercy's comprehensive online college and career planning resource;
and walked them through a lesson on identifying their Strengths and Learning Styles, of which each are a part of the Naviance Family Connection suite of resources. Later this fall, we will meet with sophomore students to introduce them to career planning resources, as well as how to begin building a resume. In the spring, our attention will focus on introducing students to the college research functions and resources within Naviance Family Connection.
Upcoming Testing Day for 10th and 11th grade Students: Save the date...both sophomore and junior students will take the PSAT on
Wednesday, October 19th. Testing will begin promptly at
8:00am and will conclude approximately at
11:30 am. More information regarding the details of the day will be shared with students the week prior to testing.
Attention Freshman Students and Parents (Class of 2020): Mrs. Trish Brown, the 9th Grade Counselor, will begin meeting with each freshwoman for an
Individual Interview. This brief meeting is an opportunity for Mrs. Brown to begin to know your daughter on a more personal level. It is our hope that Counseling can begin to establish a relationship with each 9th grade student in order to better support her over the next four years.
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You are invited to Mercy High School for our
Mercy Day Mass Thursday, September 22 at 10:15am in the Auditorium. Worship with
us as we celebrate the
Feast Day of Our Lady of Mercy.
In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy, prayer and service are integrated: "Our center is God from Whom all our actions should spring as from their source, and no exterior actions should separate us from Him."
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September 19 - 30, 2016
This year during Spirit Week, not only will Mercy be serving the community on Make a Difference Day, but we will also join the Catholic League in a service project to help meet the ever increasing needs of families.
St. Vincent de Paul is asking the Catholic High School League to team up with them for
Annual Fall Clothing Drive. Every CHSL school will be involved in this drive. We will have until Sept 30 to fill the storage unit to the brim. The CHSL member school that accumulates the most poundage will be declared the 2nd annual Champions of Charity winner at the 2016 Prep Bowl at Ford Field. The winning school will receive a traveling trophy to be kept at their school until October 2017 and a commemorative t-shirt for every student and staff member.
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Come Encounter Christ: High School Edition
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The Archdiocese of Detroit will be providing opportunities for high school communities to attend a Come Encounter Christ: High School edition. Mercy Pastoral Ministry will be taking a small group of 14 to the event on
Friday, November 11 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. The program will run from 10am-12pm, with praise and worship, Eucharistic adoration, dynamic preaching, opportunities for confession and a Eucharistic procession. The Cathedral will be transformed with lights and sound to create an environment conducive to encountering Christ anew and in a profound way.
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Don't put your golf clubs away just yet! Join Mercy families and supporters at the
Make a Difference for Mercy Golf Outing
on Monday, September 26th at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth.
Proceeds benefit Tuition Assistance and Athletics at Mercy.
Register today!
This is a great way to meet other Mercy parents, staff and supporters. If you have any questions, please contact Olivia Hanna at
ohanna@mhsmi.org or 248.893.3535.
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Ireland Pilgrimage and Conference
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Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage
Dublin, Ireland
July 11-22, 2017
We are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to experience the Summer 2017 Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage in Dublin, Ireland to our students. The Young Mercy Leaders program began in 2011 with the visit of Mercy secondary school and college students from around the world to Mercy International Centre. They discovered together the riches of the Mercy story and were able to return to their daily lives better equipped to be leaders in their schools and world. The program was such a success that it is now taking place annually with secondary school and college programs being offered separately in alternate years.
In 2017, the Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage for secondary school students will be held again in Dublin, Ireland at Mercy International Centre Tuesday, July 18 through Friday, July 21, 2017.
In our Foundress Catherine McAuley's time, the building that is now Mercy International Centre, Baggot Street, Dublin, was a thriving center of education and training. It is wonderful that for these 4 days, the voices of young people from Mercy schools around the world, will once again echo through the corridors and rooms. "Our hope is that Catherine McAuley will become a living presence in the lives of those who participate in this pilgrimage," says Breege Donohoe RSM, a member of the 2013 planning committee. -
mercyworld.org
In the week prior to the Pilgrimage itself, we will explore the beautiful country of Ireland. Our tour will be guided by Irish Catholic tour escort and storyteller Batt Burns and will include stops in Knock, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Sneem, Killarney and many more of Ireland's most treasured places. While in Batt's hometown of Sneem we will work with their local Youth Ministry Group on a service project and spend the evening with the locals enjoying traditional Irish music and dancing.
When we make our way back to Dublin, we will make a stop at Blarney Castle. We will close our Sunday with the Catherine McAuley Walking Tour of Dublin where we can experience more richly the Mercy story by exploring many landmarks of importance in the life of Catherine and the history of the Sisters of Mercy. Monday we will explore more of the rich history of Dublin.
Below is a link to the Mercy International Centre web site Young Mercy Leaders' Pilgrimage page where you will find information and videos from the summer 2015 Pilgrimage.
We are very excited to be able to offer this experience to our students and look forward to seeing you at the upcoming informational meeting. Any questions, please contact Pastoral Minister Judi Griggs-Dennis at
jgdennis@mhsmi.org or 248-893-3588.
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 Yearbook: The 2017 yearbook is already creating a buzz. At the ybKickstart camp over the summer seniors Maddy Byrnes, Jordyn Kreucher and Sam Schubert received the silver award for their theme designs. Mercy was among the top five schools of more than 30 in attendance. Don't miss your chance to purchase this prize-winning book. Yearbooks are available for $70 at
www.yearbookordercenter.com using the code 13826. They will also be sold
Oct. 10-14 before and after school.
Yearbook Ads: Make your daughter's yearbook even more meaningful by including a personal message. Ad prices start at $25. Ads can either be purchased and designed at
www.yearbookordercenter.com using code 13826 or sent to the Lore staff using the
ad order form found here. Ad materials and payment are due
Nov. 11, 2016.
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Latest and Greatest from the Alumnae Office
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Alumnae Legacy Dinner
Special Invitation for Alumna-mothers
Together with their daughters, alumna-mothers of current Mercy students are invited to the annual Legacy Dinner. One lucky guest at this special evening will win $1,000 toward tuition! Must be present to win. Watch your mailbox for your invitation.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
7:00pm - 8:30pm MHS Media Center
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The Class of 2017 receives a lot of information in regards to upcoming activities, events, and deadlines.
Stay connected to the Class of 2017 web page for all the info: mhsmi.org/mercy-life/student-activities/class-2017.
Freshman pictures for the senior memory DVD are due October 8, 2016. Cap and Gown should have already been purchased. Students can see Mrs. Schrimscher.
The Senior Blessing Mass for the Class of 2017 will be held
Friday, October 21st during 6th and 7th hour at approximately 12:50pm. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend this mass of "sisterhood." and medallions will be distributed at this mass as the girls wear their cap and gown.
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Fall sports are in action! Field Hockey already captured some big wins.
Volleyball is spiking their way to the top in tournament play. Golf is finding early success. Swim & Dive stay strong with plenty of meets ahead while Cross Country and Equestrian continue on their courses to victory. Cheer on all your Marlins sports teams! Check the
athletics calendar and even get
driving directions. Our athletes are always making headlines. Read some sports features
here.
Hold the date for ARCHERY! Mercy will offer
archery as a 10-week club sport in the spring of '17. Practices will be held in nearby Heritage Park. No experience or equipment necessary. Anticipated cost is $150. An informational/organizational meeting will be held for parents and athletes at
6:30 P.M. at Mercy on January 26, 2017.
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Pizza with a purpose!
The senior class is holding a FUNdraiser at California Pizza Kitchen the same day as Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 6th. Simply bring in
this flyer, (hard copy or on your phone), present it to your server, and CPK will donate 20% of your check to Mercy High School Class of 2017.
Includes dine in, take out, catering and beverages. Valid at Twelve Oaks Mall, Laurel Park Mall and Farmington Hills Hunters Square.
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Snapshot of Mercy
Mercy students check out all the club offerings at the CLUB EXPO DAY.
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