Dear MHC Academy Family and Friends,

Thank you to all of you who participated in our Safety and Security on Campus Survey which helped us to plan and prioritize the "Be a Part of Mary's Mantle" project, upgrading our security and safety on campus. We are happy to continue our partnership with North Haledon and the SRO program, it was great to hear how important this resource is to you and your daughters. In terms of the other items listed in the survey, we will have three phases of upgrades.  

• Phase 1: Updating the Emergency Alert and Communication System This will take place this summer.
• Phase 2: Updating Doors and Locks We are currently receiving quotes for this step of the project.
• Phase 3: Updating and Increasing Security Cameras We are in the process of mapping the strategic placement of our cameras. 

Let us continue to entrust the "Mary's Mantle" project to the Blessed Mother knowing that she covers each one of us with her mantle as she guides us always to her Son. 

Sincerely,

GLOW IN THE DARK VOLLEYBALL

Student Council hosted Glow-in-the-Dark Volleyball on Friday, April 12th. Competition was fierce as teams played against each other under the black lights. Stations were also set up with face painting and temporary neon tattoos. Thank you to StuCo for putting on a great event!

TALENT SHOW

The Junior Class hosted a Talent Show on Friday, April 19th showcasing a broad range of gifts. There was Irish step dancing, vocal jazz, several duets and History teacher, Mr. David Dunn even jammed out on his guitar! Congratulations to those who displayed their talents for the wider Mary Help community.

BAGS & BLING BINGO

Bingo! The MHC Academy PTG organized an exciting night of Bingo with designer bags for prizes. Held in the Academy's gym, guests enjoyed ten rounds of Bingo and tested their luck with Tricky Tray baskets as well. It was a fun evening for all!

SPRING CONCERT

The MHC Academy Spring Concert showcased the musical gifts of our students - from singers, to violinists, to drummers, and more! Members of the Don Bosco Prep Choir and band and orchestra also joined in the performance. The hours of dedication and hard work certainly paid off. A special thanks to our music department faculty for all they have taught these young musicians!

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD QUILTS

Ms. Gagnon's English I class completed quilts based on To Kill a Mockingbird. Each student designed a square that they felt symbolized an aspect of To Kill a Mockingbird, the novel. The finished quilts were displayed for the rest of the school community to enjoy. 

HIGH SCHOOL 101

The MHC Academy Counseling Department held a special evening workshop for students and parents in the 9th and 10th grades. Topics covered included long-term college and career readiness prep, goals to have for each year in high school, and what to know about standardized testing. Hopefully this helped families feel more prepared to make the most of their high-school experience.

As we approach the end of April, our Spring Sports Programs are reaching their halfway mark of their seasons. This spring we have 4 Varsity Sports Programs: Varsity Softball, Varsity Track, Varsity Lacrosse and Varsity Golf. 

Our Varsity Softball team consists of 12 student-athletes; 1 Senior, 1 Junior, 5 Sophomores & 5 Freshmen. The young team is working hard this season as they compete in the NJIC Liberty Division. Senior Night will be celebrated at the final Home Game of the season on Thursday, May 9th at 4:15pm vs Pal Park.

Our Varsity Track team is in its 3rd year of Varsity competition. The varsity team has doubled in size from last year's team, consisting of 22 student-athletes, including 2 Seniors, 2 Juniors, 6 Sophomores & 12 Freshmen. Track is competing in the NJIC American Division this season. Track will compete in the NJIC Championship Meet on Tuesday, April 30th at Emerson HS. Also, select runners will compete in both the Passaic County Championship Meet on May 21st and the NJSIAA Championship Meet in June. 

Our Varsity Lacrosse team is in its 2nd year as a Varsity Program. The varsity team consists of 20 student-athletes, including 1 Senior, 10 Juniors, 1 Sophomore & 8 Freshmen. Lacrosse is competing in an independent schedule this season. 

Our Varsity Golf team is in its 2nd year of the program and is competing with the Big North Conference Girls Teams this season. The varsity team consists of 14 student-athletes, including 2 Juniors, 9 Sophomores & 3 Freshmen. The team has competed at several courses in Bergen County, including Darlington, Overpeck, and Orchard Hills. Our top golfers will be competing in the Passaic County Girls Golf Championship on Thursday, May 2nd, at the Preakness Golf Course in Wayne, as well as our top 4 golfers who will compete in the NJIC Girls Golf Championship on Wednesday, May 8th at Orchard Hills in Paramus. 

SALESIAN YOUTH COUNCIL

Four students from MHC Academy, accompanied by Sr. Pamela Rose, joined over a dozen other young people from Salesian schools in which the Sisters serve, across the United State and Canada as part of the Provincial Youth Council. They worked over the weekend to create a "pastoral plan" with activities and scripture quotes that will be used for the elementary and high schools in which the Salesian Sisters are present. Thank you for being the voice of the young, representing our school so capably!

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Spread the word! Our Spring Open House is coming up on Thursday, May 2nd from 6pm - 8pm. Pre-registration is required at www.maryhelp.org/ohreg/

DANCE & ARTS SHOWCASE

On Friday, May 17th MHC Academy will have its annual Dance & Arts Showcase. This year's Dance theme is Sisterhood and Strength and will involve over 100 students. All are welcome to attend.