MARLINS MAKING HEADLINES

A big Mercy thank you and shout out to our wonderful Mothers' and Dads' Clubs on a spirited family Bonfire! A blazing warm fire, yummy food, treats and fun was had by all. Check out highlights on the MMC Facebook page here.

Launching next Wednesday, October 5! The 2022-23 Mercy HS Maroon & Gold Raffle Family Fundraiser will run through Friday, October 28. Each student will receive their tickets and full details about the fundraiser after the kick-off pep rally on October 5.

WE NEED YOU! Volunteers are still needed to help prep materials, count money, help with data entry and other duties. All work will be done at Mercy High School in the Advancement Department. Sign-up here. Thank you for your support!

Listed below are important attendance policy reminders and information for all parents/guardians and students.

Process for Skips

The code SK (verified skip) is assigned in PowerSchool if a student is absent from a class during the school day and a parent/guardian has not notified the Attendance Office of the absence or documentation was not provided to support the absence.

1. The Attendance Office will change A (absence) to SK in PowerSchool. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher or the Attendance Office if they feel the SK has been assigned in error. (Students should be reviewing their attendance in PowerSchool daily.) Please note: Parents/Guardians of students absent without a call are contacted by the automated system (email and phone call).
2. If the parent/guardian has not confirmed the absence with the Attendance Office within 2 days, the Attendance Office will send an email to the teacher requesting that two detentions be assigned to the student for skipping the class. In addition to assigning the detentions, the teacher must notify parents/guardians of the skip.

Reporting of Absence/Late Arrival/Early Dismissal

Parents are required to notify the Attendance Office by 9:00am on the day of the student’s absence or late arrival. If an emergency arises during the school day, a phone call from a parent to the Attendance Office is required for early dismissal by 2:00pm. A student must provide proper verification to the Attendance Office following a late arrival, early dismissal or leaving and returning during the school day. An absence will be counted as a skip/unexcused absence without proper verification submitted upon arrival. For more information see Truancy. Students will receive consequences for unexcused absences in all adviser group meetings, liturgies, assemblies, class/club meetings, pep rallies and any other school activity where attendance is mandatory. Examples of proper verification include but are not limited to a doctor’s note, police ticket or court documents.

There are three ways to reach the Attendance Office: call 248-476-8020, ext. 1616; call the 24-hour attendance line at 248-476-2222; or email attendance@mhsmi.org.

Long-Term Absences (2 or more days)

Since sufficient vacation is provided in the school calendar, additional vacation time is not condoned. If special circumstances require a student’s absence, not coinciding with school vacations, the following long-term absence process must be followed:

• A parent/guardian must inform the Dean of Student Affairs by e-mail or letter at least one week prior to the anticipated long-term absence.
• The Dean of Student Affairs notifies the student’s adviser, counselor and all teachers of the anticipated long-term absence.
• The student will work with each teacher to arrange a day/time to make up all missing assignments and assessments.
• The parent/guardian notifies the Attendance Office, 248-476-2222, of the long-term absence no later than 9:00am of the first day of the absence. Earlier notification is appreciated. The parent/guardian does not need to call after the first day, if the process has been followed.

Teachers are not expected to provide special tutoring or make-up work and are not obligated to re-teach material missed due to these absences.

Check out the September issue of the student-produced Newsprint here. Features include: Spirit Week; Inflation; Changes at Mercy; Hispanic Heritage Month; Concert Crazy; How to Achieve Success and more.

Get your own copy! An annual $15 subscription to the award-winning school paper Newsprint is available for purchase online here.

The Auditorium/Gymnasium Lobby Entrance will be closed all day on Friday, September 30 for the Athletic Hall of Fame & President Reception event set-up.

You may use the Auditorium/Gymnasium Lobby to enter school before 8am, but you will not be able to exit from there at dismissal. For students who stay after school, you may use the Cafeteria and need to arrange to be picked up from the Flagpole Entrance, not the Auditorium/Gymnasium Lobby Entrance. Thank you!

Help spread the word about Mercy Open House! All Mercy families are invited to take a sign and please place prominently in your yard to advertise Open House being held Sunday, October 30. The signs and metal stakes are available for pick-up at the Flagpole Student Entrance doors, Gymnasium / Auditorium Lobby doors and the Reception Area.

PSAT/NMSQT

On Wednesday, October 12, our school will administer the PSAT/NMSQT, a test that measures the skills and knowledge you have developed in reading, writing and language, and math. It measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills, which will be important to you through high school, college, and beyond. Taking the PSAT is great practice for taking the SAT.

When you are a JUNIOR, taking the PSAT/NMSQT can enter you into the National Merit Scholarship Program, with a qualifying score. If you qualify for participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, it can open up opportunities for college scholarships and other programs that may help you prepare for college.

We encourage you to take advantage of the many benefits PSAT/NMSQT offers:

• Get connected to colleges and universities across the country - and to scholarship organizations - by opting into "Student Search Service" on the test.
• Get ready for the SAT. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is great practice for the SAT and helps sharpen your skills for college. After you get your scores you can link them to Khan Academy to keep practicing where you need it most.
• Get matched with AP courses that make the most of your strengths. AP can give you an edge in the admission process, and the opportunity to earn college credit.

Feel free to ask your counselor for more information about the PSAT/NMSQT, and visit psat.org.

October 12 Test Day Reminders 

You should have already received a "Student Guide" from your adviser. If not, please pick one up from the Counseling Office.   

• Use the Student Guide to familiarize yourself with the type of questions that will be on the exam. Take the practice test provided in the Guide.
• Get a good night's rest and eat a healthy breakfast.
• The morning of the exam, go directly to your assigned testing room. Attendance/Sign-in will take place in your testing room. Testing starts PROMPTLY at 8:15 am. Testing Room assignment will be sent to everyone at least one day before the test.
• Late students will NOT be permitted to take the test once the 1st section of the test has begun, as the tests are strictly timed.
• Dismissal will be at approximately 12:00 pm for the day.
• Remember to bring two #2 pencils & a calculator with you.
• A list of approved calculators will be sent to all students, so be sure yours is OK to use BEFORE test day!

If you have any questions, please see your counselor.

Once again Mercy will host a free influenza vaccination clinic in partnership with the Michigan Community Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Alana's Foundation. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

1:00pm-3:00pm

Mercy High School Auditorium / Gymnasium Lobby

A separate consent form must be completed (in its entirety) for each person who will be vaccinated. Parents must complete and sign the form for anyone under the age of 18.

• Complete consents online here: https://alanas.vna.org
• Clinic ID: 1376
• Passcode: ALANAS2022
• Select Mercy High School as Clinic
• Complete form and consent

Mercy is happy to offer our facility for this clinic. On the day of the flu vaccination clinic, any person who has pre-registered will need to present a picture ID and the insurance card (or a copy of the insurance card) in order to receive the vaccination. Alana’s Foundation will cover the cost for those without any insurance. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity for your daughter(s) and/or yourself.

Please consult with your family physician regarding any questions about the vaccine. Please note: Only quadrivalent injectable flu vaccine is being offered.

The Mercy Performing Arts Department presents...

Clue On Stage

Friday, October 21 at 7:30pm

Saturday, October 22 at 7:30pm

Sunday, October 23 at 2:00pm

Tickets $10

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT! Clue: On Stage, Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, Written by Sandy Rustin, Additional Materials by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture. Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE. Original Music by Michael Holland. Produced by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)

Boardercross Team Meeting TONIGHT

Want to know more about Mercy Boardercross Team? There is a mandatory informational meeting for all interested athletes (new and returning) on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Catholic Central cafeteria.

Senior Yearbook Ads

Please reference the communication here for Senior parents/guardians in regard to special yearbook ads.

Marlin Shop

The Marlin Shop will be open after school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Quarter zips are available for purchase for $35. Cash, check, credit card and Apple Pay accepted.

Important Dates at a Glance

Wednesday, September 28: Club Meetings

Saturday, October 1: Alumnae Milestone Reunion

Wednesday, October 5: Maroon & Gold Raffle Fundraiser Kick-Off

Friday, October 7: Blessing of Student Leaders Mass

Tuesday, October 11: Sophomore Retreat

Wednesday, October 12: 9th Grade Service Project & Diversity Retreat; 10th & 11th Grade Test Day; No School Seniors

Thursday, October 13: 11:30am Dismissal; Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, October 14: No School

Wednesday, October 19: 1:35pm Dismissal Staff Meeting

Friday, October 21 - Sunday, October 23: Fall Play "Clue"

Tuesday, October 25: Flu Vaccination Clinic

Wednesday, October 26: 1:35pm Dismissal Honor Society Meetings

Sunday, October 30: Open House 

Share your Mercy News

Have any news to share for the Mercy Messenger? Please send any announcements, media inquiries, awards, accolades, and more to Director of Communications Julie Earle at jhearle@mhsmi.org.