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MERCY MEMO PARENT E-NEWSLETTER - October 27, 2017
Message from Mrs. Sattler
Dear Mercy Families,
 
Since becoming a part of the Mercy community, I have frequently shared how welcoming the students, families, faculty and staff have been. I have now formally been welcomed as well into the Mercy Education Systems of the Americas (MESA).
 
MESA was formally established July 1, 2017 to ensure "Mercy sponsored, co-sponsored, and affiliated education ministries are identified within the mission of the Catholic Church and are faithful to the charism, mission and core values of the Sisters of Mercy".
 
Each year, an educational conference is held with all of the Mercy schools to further the Mercy charism and address in-depth a particular critical concern of the Sisters of Mercy. This month, several of our staff members attended the annual conference in Omaha, Nebraska where we were joined by sister schools from across the United States and Argentina, Belize, Guam, Honduras, Jamaica and the Philippines. The current theme is "Who is Your Neighbor?", and educators are challenged to continue the reflection and discussion on issues of diversity and acceptance. Social Studies teachers and Human Relations Council facilitators Mr. Mike Barnes and Ms. Abigail Youngerman also participated in the conference, and will help share the relevance of this experience with fellow students and staff members.
 
I was touched by the conference message of welcomeness and inclusion, as I know this to be a strength of our community. We are blessed to have such a diverse school family, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing a sense of belonging for each of our students.
 
Another exciting project of the MESA network is the establishment of virtual cohort groups (pastoral ministry, learning support, counseling, etc) for the sharing of best practices across Mercy schools. This forum allows for the exchange of ideas and building of relationships throughout the global Mercy community!
 
Academic News
It's a 3-peat! The news that has all of Mercy a buzz is our celebration of once again being awarded the recognition of Apple Distinguished School! This prestigious award is given to schools who demonstrate innovative technology practices of collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Apple Distinguished Schools are leaders in technology education and model schools who share their expertise with other schools within the community.
 
100% of our teaching staff are certified Apple Teachers committed to enriching the learning experience for each student. At Mercy, technology is not a policy but a living, dynamic practice. Ask your student about some ways in which technology enhances their daily learning! We are excited to soon be able to share our unique technology story with you, through the publication of our iBook that details best practices here at Mercy. This book was created under the facilitation of Associate Principal and Apple Distinguished Teacher Mr. Larry Baker, along with the hardworking staff technology team, and innovative student iWizards.
 
TechTalk: Since Mercy is a technology leader within the educational community, we are proud to be hosting our annual Tech Talk conference on November 3. Tech Talk provides a day of real-world applications for K-12 educators from across the state. Educators and district administrators return each year to Mercy's Tech Talk conference, often ensuring this is a part of their annual staff professional development plan.
 
Keynote speakers and educational technology experts will be joining us from as far away as Nebraska, the United Arab Emirates, and Ottawa, Canada!
 
Students in Tech: T his year, Mercy will be participating in CyberPatriot, an educational program created by the U.S. Air Force to promote and encourage cybersecurity and other STEM related professions. A major component of the CyberPatriot program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, a six hour competition that places teams of high school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals and tasks them with managing and protecting the network of a small company. Students will test their skills in early November.
 
iWizards are an integral part of technology at Mercy. Our iWizards not only helped with our Apple Distinguished School application and 9th grade technology orientation, but are also partnered with other tech teams from around the world on their new Global Project. The students are working on a webpage where teams can connect and collaborate with others at a global level! More information can be found a t techteamhub.weebly.com .
 
Diversity Committee: Did you know that five of our Mercy students participate in the Farmington Diversity Committee? This committee meets monthly and is made up of students from all of the Farmington Public High Schools, in addition to Mercy. In February, Mercy will host the annual Farmington Youth Diversity Conference.
 
Staff Spotlight : Over the summer, Social Studies and Latin teacher Mrs. Lauren Marquard completed a two-week Latin immersion program, Scholae Aestivae in Italia, held in Montella, Italy. Participants came from across the world, and conversed in Latin during all meals, classes, and outings. The program consisted of eight hours of daily Latin lectures and discussion on topics ranging from Roman methods of art to the particulars of Latin grammar. A highlight of the program was an all-day tour of Pompeii, where participants read and discussed Latin texts on-site.
 
Mrs. Marquard shares, "It was one of the most challenging experiences in my life, but it was extremely rewarding. Not only did I improve my speaking ability, but I also gained many friends from around the world - and we text frequently in Latin!" Lingua Latina ubique est!
 
Mercy Visit : Last Friday, Mercy guides hosted forty middle school students visiting for the day from St. Fabian, Our Lady of Sorrows, Holy Name, MacArthur, Cranbrook, Birmingham, Covington, St. Mary Royal Oak and Roeper. We were pleased to welcome these students and share the unique advantages of being a student at Mercy. There was such energy across the school with the excitement of our visitors and the enthusiasm of each guide who was Mercy proud to share their school with a future Mercy girl!
 
Do you know a student who would benefit from a Mercy education? Please invite them to attend our Fall Open House this Sunday, October 29 from 12:30-3:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming future students and their families with a tour of the school, and answering any questions they might have.
 
Catholic Identity
Fr. Stephen Pullis: This month, Fr. Stephen Pullis, Director of the Department of Evangelization, Catechesis and Schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit, visited with Mercy school administrators and the campus ministry team, followed by a celebration of Mass with our Mercy girls. Fr. Pullis engaged the students and staff, challenging all to prioritize time in our busy lives to be truly present with the Lord. He encouraged us to set aside a period each day for prayer and reflection, free of distraction, to connect with our Faith.
 
On November 8th, Fr. Pullis will join Archbishop Vigneron in addressing Catholic School leaders and representatives across the Archdiocese to share in the vision for the future of the Church in Southeastern Michigan, most specifically as it relates to Catholic education.
 
Health and Safety
AED/CPR Training: Our entire staff was fortunate to spend a recent afternoon receiving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training with Lt. Jamie Neufeld (Mercy Dad), Lt. Dan Wecker and EMS Coordinator Jim Etzin from the Farmington Hills Fire Department.
 
Additionally, 10 Mercy staff members volunteered to attain American Heart Association CPR Instructor Certification. These team members will work to ensure CPR certification for the entire staff by the end of this school year. We applaud all involved who are supporting our health initiative to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
 
MI HEARTSafe: Another way in which we are committed to the safety of our students in in pursuing MI HeartSafe certification. This is an important endeavor to ensure a cardiac emergency plan is in place in the event of a sudden cardiac event.
 
As you can see, there are many reasons to be proud of our school. As our Mercy students remind us during daily announcements, "it's not what it is, but what it can become". Thank you for allowing us to support your daughter as she becomes a woman who makes a difference!

May God's Grace and Blessings be in your path,
pat_sattler_digital.jpg

Patricia Sattler
Principal
Mothers Club
All Mercy moms are invited to attend our
next meeting will be November 6th at 6:30pm in the Media Center.   

Be sure to check out the Mothers Club home page and calendar for more information about upcoming events and important notes. Also, next MMC Newsletter is coming soon!
Dads Club
MDC 500 RAFFLE
 
Get your ticket NOW before the next Early Bird Drawing for $500 later today, Friday, October 27th!  
 
Don't forget that you may designate a Mercy club or organization to receive $25.00 of each ticket you purchase to assist in their annual funding!  

Congrats to our second early bird September 29th drawing winner Chawki Fakih, father of Mayssa Fakih '18.

Buy your tickets here!

If you have any questions, please contact mercydadsclub@mhsmi.org. Thank you for your support and good luck.

Chili Cook-Off at next Monthly Event

All Dads welcome! Be sure to join us at our next Dads Club Monthly Event " Chili Cook-Off" on Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30pm in the Mercy Cafeteria.

To enter your chili, contact Paul Rzepecki at paul@madiasbrothers.com by November 3rd.
Mercy Named Apple Distinguished School
Mercy High School is pleased to announce that we have again been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2017 to 2019 for our integration of technology across the curriculum and school life.
 
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.
 
The selection of Mercy High School as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment. Mercy has been an Apple Distinguished School since 2013.
 
 
We are proud that at Mercy, students have the opportunity to be technology teachers and program innovators. The multi-touch book submitted with our application will soon be available for all to enjoy through iTunes. Stay tuned for more Apple Distinguished School developments!
OPEN HOUSE
Help us welcome even more Mercy girls to our spectacular school! Prospective students can MEET MERCY at Open House, this Sunday, October 29 from 1pm - 3:30pm. Invite 7th and 8th graders to tour Mercy and discover what it means to be a part of the Mercy tradition!
 
Mercy Alumnae and their families are invited to an early open house legacy tour from 12:30pm - 1:00pm. Arrive at the Chapel entrance. General Open House is from 1:00pm - 3:30pm beginning at the Lobby entrance.
 
Please encourage seventh and eighth grade girls to shadow a student and experience life at Mercy firsthand. Contact admissions@mhsmi.org for more admissions information.
Join us for Mass at Mercy
We are called to be Saints like those we celebrate today.

You are invited to Mercy High School for our All Saints Day Mass and Blessing of Student Leaders on Wednesday, November 1 at 10:15am in the Auditorium. Worship with us as we celebrate this special day and bless our school leaders.
"Anne of Green Gables"
Mercy High School Presents
"Anne of Green Gables"
November 10 and 11 at 7:30pm
November 12 at 2:00pm
Tickets $10
 
The play, set in the early 1900s on Prince Edward Island, Canada, centers on Anne Shirley, a freckled young orphan, who is sent to live with a stern spinster Marilla Cuthbert and her warm-hearted bachelor brother Mathew. The Cuthberts, thinking that they have agreed to adopt a young boy to help with farm chores at Green Gables, are startled when Anne arrives and realize that their lives will never be the same again. Anne's warmth, wit and imagination affect everyone around her, even, eventually, the cold Marilla. During the play, Anne ages four years, transforming herself from a rebellious girl into a young woman who is romantically paired with the handsome Gilbert Blythe.

Tickets are on sale now at the Reception Area or available for purchase at the Box Office before performance time. The Box Office will open 30 minutes before curtain and seating is by general admission.
Let's Hear it for the STAFF!
Madame Joyce Smetanka Campbell presented at the Michigan World Language Association  (MIWLA) state conference on October 13, at the request of the President of MIWLA, Dr. Daniel Noren. Mme Campbell presented "Passport to France:  An Interactive Experience" which she began at Mercy in 2011.  Teachers who attended the session learned how to develop an enriching immersion program for prospective students to experience the French language and culture. The project provided teachers with suggestions on how to create a passport for virtual travel through France through a variety of mini-lessons. Dr. Daniel Noren has been a guest participant in the program many times at Mercy and is always enjoyed by Mercy students. Madame Campbell also attended a meeting of the Oakland World Language Advisory Council of World Language Department Chairs, sponsored by Oakland Schools on October 10. This meeting provided information and updates of language assessment and current developments at the State level regarding World Languages.
Student & School Successes
The following students have been selected for the MSVMA High School Regional Honors Choir, which is made up of the top voices in our region. They will perform together at a concert at South Lyon HS on December 3. These students will also have an opportunity to audition for State and All-State Honors Choir.

Raquel Segars Alto 1
Alana O'Donnell Alto 1
Elinor Harrison Alto 1
Kylie Kreucher Soprano 1
Kristina Porcalla Soprano 1
Cayla Stus Soprano 1
Cara Forfinski Soprano 2
Emma Pickett Soprano 2

The iWizards participated in Global Collaboration Day last month and staged an event to launch discussion of a global project with other student tech teams. They used FlipGrid, Google Hangouts and a Google Survey. They enjoyed hanging out with a team at Pinch Elementary in WV. The Hub was built by the iWizards last year and has members from six countries and fifteen states. Visit at  techteamhub.weebly.com.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following students named to the Scholastic All-Catholic Team!

First Last Grade
Katherine Broderick
10
Elizabeth Chevalier
10
Marissa Ernat
10
Grace Fadool
10
Rachel Glowzinski
10
Katherine Hutter
10
Madison Konja
10
Juliana Petrucci
10
Angela Rea
10
Isabelle Sawicki
10
Grace Turner
10
Dana Yono
10
Madeleine Ballard
11
Caroline Bimberg
11
Jessica Dillon
11
Nathalie Gijsbers
11
Isabelle Miner
11
Abigail Najar
11
Kylie Scott
11
Casey Stoneback
11
Sophie Vanderweele
11
Katherine Minnich
12
Alexandra Thomas
12
Anastasia Warner
12
Golf Outing Success!


Thank you for investing in Mercy girls! Mercy parents, alumnae, staff and friends enjoyed a delightful day at Fox Hills Fox Classic Golf Course for the Make a Difference for Mercy golf outing held September 25, 2017. Over $31,000 was raised for tuition assistance and athletics at Mercy High School. Click here to see all of our generous sponsors and donors. We are Mercy!
Auction 2018
Successful auctions always depend on fabulous gifts. Now is the time to start thinking about acquisitions and the ideas are endless from air miles to gift certificates. Check out the auction wish list of suggested donation ideas. If every family obtained one gift for the auction, we would have more items than ever before! Please feel free to bring donations to the school by January 31st.

Do you have a product or service not conducive for bidding? Advertise! From business card to full page color sizes we have a spot for all. Advertising contracts are available online  here.
 
Click here for all things auction and save the date of  Saturday, February 24, 2018 for a night of fun, food and friends at St. Mary Cultural Center in Livonia.

Please contact Olivia Hanna in the Special Events Office at 248-893-3535 or ohanna@mhsmi.org with any questions. Thank you for supporting the Mercy High School 39th Annual Auction! 
Latest and Greatest from the Alumnae Office


Legacy Dinner
97 of our students have mothers or grandmothers who attended Mercy. We celebrated this bond at the annual Alumnae Legacy Dinner on October 18, 2017. Thank you to Mrs. Stephanie Acho-Tartoni '90 and her daughter Annie Acho-Tartoni '18 for sharing heartfelt Mercy memories and to Mrs. Eleasha Mercer-Tarplin '94, Dean of Student Affairs, and her daughter Elon Payne '18 for leading the pinning ceremony. See more photos on the Alumnae Association Facebook Page.
Alumnae Memorial Mass
All in the Mercy community are invited to celebrate the lives of alumnae, staff, family, and friends who have gone before us at the annual Memorial Mass.
 
November 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Mercy High School Chapel
Informal reception follows Mass
RSVP Requested: alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org or 248.476.3270    
 
If you are unable to attend, please contact the Alumnae Office with names to be included in our prayers and Book of Remembrance.
Accent on Mercy Alumnae Podcasts
 
Catch up with Mercy Alumnae Making a Difference! Mr. Larry Baker, Associate Principal Operations, serves as host of this new and very interesting podcast series! Check out interviews with Linda Holliday '75, Lynn Margherio '84, Amy Sill Iacobell '93, Kelly Stirling McSweeney '93, Cari Curtiss Marino '95, Julia Siciliano Trevino '01, Bridget O'Donnell '05, Jennifer Paxton '08, and Gabriela Santiago-Romero '10. Subscribe to " Accent on Mercy Alumnae" on Apple Podcasts so you don't miss upcoming interviews!
 
Thank you to sponsors Jacokes Communications and Mercy Tech Talk.
Download New Mercy Mobile App!
 NOW AVAILABLE for iPhone/iPad and Android!
 
Stay up to date this school year with Mercy on the go! The all-new
Mercy High School MI App allows students, staff, parents, alumnae and supporters quick access to the latest Mercy news, events, activities and announcements. Receive notifications, sign-up for e-newsletters, upload a photo, submit a prayer request, view calendars and connect to Mercy social media. 
 
Please note the previous App version is no longer compatible and should be deleted from your device. Be sure to download this new version of the Mercy App today! You can also search Mercy High School MI in the App store.
 
 
Class of 2018
The Class of 2018 receives a lot of information in regards to upcoming activities, events, and deadlines. Stay connected to the Class of 2018 web page for all the info: mhsmi.org/mercy-life/student-activities/class-2018

The graduation announcement packet went home with all seniors on Wednesday, October 25th. Jostens will be at Mercy to take orders on Monday, October 30th from 7:45am - 9:45am and on Tuesday, October 31st from 7:45am - 2:45pm.

Thanks to everyone who showed up to support the senior class fundraiser at CPK which raised $750 for the senior class. Stay tuned for another CPK day during parent-teacher conferences second semester March 1st.
Go Marlins!


Golf won the Division 1 Region 3 Title. The Regional Champion is Sophie VanderWeele '19 who shot 76 and Regional Runner-up is Mia Sooch '19 with 78. Maddy Gwinn '18 scored 91 and Elyse Zurawski '21 carded a 92.

Swim & Dive won their 14th straight Division 1 Oakland County Championship! Read about it here.

Volleyball captured the Catholic High School League Volleyball AB Championship! Check out photo gallery here.

Congrats to these Volleyball CHSL Honorees:
All-Catholic
Logan Beyer
Lauren Hunter
Jess Mruzik
All-League
Julia Bishop
All-Academic
Libby Miodonski
Coach of the Year Central Division
Loretta Vogel

Congrats to these Field Hockey CHSL Honorees:
All-Catholic
Grace Drukker
Lexi Thomas
All-League
Maggie Dwyer
Bessie Mikula
All-Academic
Anastasia Warner

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.
 
Winter sports will soon be underway, so if you haven't already done so, please submit your athletic forms and physicals digitally. This will allow you to update from year-to-year with a few clicks. 


Having trouble scanning and uploading? You can do it right from your phone!  Try Adobe's Scan App.

If you completed your Privit Profile already, you are set until the 2018-19 school year! If you already turned in a paper physical, it will be uploaded to your account. If you have any questions, please kmscalzi@mhsmi.org.
Attention Senior Athletes and Parents
 
Are you signing a National Letter of Intent or committing to play a sport in college? The Mercy Athletics Department will be hosting a group signing day to celebrate all  athletes committing to play a sport next year at the college level.

Thursday, November 30, 2017 
2:45pm - 3:30pm
Mercy Gymnasium 

You're welcome and encouraged to invite your family and coaches. Please wear your college shirt. We will take individual and group photos. Light refreshments will be served.

Notify Ms. Kate Scalzi at  kmscalzi@mhsmi.org if you will attend. Please include your name, sport, and college.
MNotes...Miscellaneous Info you Need to Know
LORE Yearbook - If you haven't yet reserved what is sure to be another prize-winning yearbook, do it today. Yearbooks are $70 and available online at yearbookordercenter.com. Type in code 13826 to be directed to Mercy's page. Ads are also available for purchase at the site or by filling out this order form. Payment and ad materials are due November 17. Please e-mail mercylore@mhsmi.org with any questions.

Save the Date - Dads and daughters be sure to mark your calendars for the annual Daddy & Daughter Dance on February 3 at 8pm at Mercy hosted by the junior class.
Snapshot of Mercy
Spirit Week 2017

Mercy girls went on a road trip and showed some real Mercy spirit during Spirit Week 2017. Check out a video compilation from Newsprint here. Our hearts were also filled from serving and spreading the spirit of love and compassion on Make a Difference Day! #MakeMercyReal #WeAreMercy




If you have any questions or want to submit information for the Mercy MEMO, please contact jhearle@mhsmi.org. Want even more? Click the school year calendar and the Mercy web site. And don't miss all of the latest Mercy In The News articles. Check out the current announcements and browse the home page links to see what's happening at Mercy.
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