Dear Mercy Family,

After much consideration and discussion, the Mercy Curriculum Council and Administration made the decision to cancel traditional Final Exams for this Semester for all classes, with the exception of some AP classes. Students will have a Final Experience (final unit test, paper, presentation or project), but the traditional mandatory 20% weighting will be waived for the Fall 2020 Semester. Final grades will be posted on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 9am.

Since Final Exam days will not be needed this Semester, the following changes will be made to the School Calendar:
  • Wednesday, December 16 (Regular Online Flex Day Schedule)
  • Thursday, December 17 - KC Cohort (Regular Daily Hybrid Schedule)
  • Friday, December 18 - SF Cohort (Regular Daily Hybrid Schedule)
PowerSchool Update
After an enlightening conversation with some juniors and seniors last week about the frustrations faced due to PowerSchool being turned off during the school day, Administration and Counseling agreed to have it turned on for a two week trial period. The student feedback included: teachers discussing grades without being able to view them; receiving notifications that grades are increasing or decreasing without being able to see what was posted; the limited time in the building to discuss an incorrect grade with a teacher and not being able to show on PowerSchool the issue.

PowerSchool will remain on during the school day with the following procedures:
  • Students can check PowerSchool only between classes and during lunch. 
  • Grades cannot be checked during class time unless permitted by the teacher.
  • Any errors with attendance will be discussed with the teacher after class.
  • Communication with parents about grades will occur after school or at home.
We are requesting parents work in partnership with our teachers and communicate with your daughter about her grades after school. When she is in school, her attention should be on her classwork and learning. We also encourage you to have your daughter communicate with her teacher if there is an issue or question about her grade. A communication to the teacher should occur after you have had a chance to speak with your daughter about her grades.

Saturday, December 19 - Monday, January 4 
PowerSchool will be turned off on Saturday, December 19 and turned back on Monday, January 4. The purpose for turning off PowerSchool is to give students and staff a true break over the holiday. Please note: Staff are not expected to answer emails over the Christmas Holiday. Emails can be sent, but will not be responded to until staff returns to school on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

Thank you,

Mercy Administrative Team