Happy New Year!  Still correcting the '06 on checks and other documents you've dated?  I forgive myself each and every time.

We begin a new semester on January 22nd.  A clean slate is a powerful visual image.  Remind your daughter to begin anew.  Encourage her to maintain the efforts that have served her well and to consider trying some different things so as to produce better results.  Mistakes and failures shouldn't haunt any of us.  As long as we retain the true lessons learned from those errors, we must let go of the rest. 

January 29 - February 2nd is Catholic Schools Week.  The national theme is "Good News in Education" and for Mercy, we connect that to Christ and His call that each of us live out the values expressed through Gospels.  We begin the week with a special assembly on Monday, the 29th.  At that time we will announce this year's recipients of the Heart of Mercy Award.  The honor goes to members of the Mercy community selected because they model our five Mercy values in daily interactions with others.  Also this week, the Archdiocese of Detroit will hold a special Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.  A group of our students will represent Mercy at this liturgy on January 31st at 10:30am.  You are welcome to attend.

We have blessings for which we are thankful as we start 2007.  Our Christmas toy collection put hundreds of toys into the hands of eager children.  St. Vincent dePaul Ladies of Charity of Oakland County distributed the bulk of the toys, but Mercy Education Project and Farmington Goodfellows also assisted with distribution to those in need.

It is timely this month that I thank each one of you.  The choice you make for your daughter, the choice of Catholic education, is one that means sacrifice on many levels.  As I have said before and firmly believe, this choice is an investment in her and in her future.  I thank you for your choice of Mercy High School and your partnership with those who work here.

In closing, each of you can be the "Good News" to others about Mercy.  Our Winter Open House will be held on Sunday, February 11th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.  Please encourage families with girls you know to come and take a look! 

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte 

P.S. A final note, pick up a MICHIGAN CATHOLIC when in church Sunday, January 28th.  We're told Mercy's Prayer class will be featured in their special Catholic Schools Week supplement.

Please join us at our next meeting Monday, February 5 @ 6:30pm for refreshments and an opportunity to meet other Mercy Moms. 

Just for JUNIORS

To assist in preparing for the Michigan Merit Exam, students have access to testGEAR, an online test prepration program.  Provided by Michigan Virtual High School, it is available 24/7 and will assist in preparing students with all areas of the MME, including the ACT and state subject-based tests in science, math, and social studies.  Click here to visit the Mercy Counseling website for further details on how to access this test resource.

Professional Performers Praise 42nd Street 

The cast of the Mercy Spring Musical 42nd Street received a surprise visit last month from four cast members of the holiday show White Christmas held at the Fox Theater.  These professionals were either in the Broadway version or the National Touring Company of 42nd Street and were so impressed Mercy was tackling such an ambitious show they wanted to speak with the cast about their experiences. 

The student cast was delighted to hear what life is like on the professional stage and on a national tour.  They shared realities of auditioning on Broadway  and gave insights into the process of becoming a professional as well as highlights of their 42nd Street career. 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 

The Tech Club joined the Cartridge World Recycling Program which collects used printer ink cartridges.  Any Mercy student can collect empty ink cartridges from teachers, parents, friends, businesses and deposit in the Cartridge World bins located in the Media Center and room N15 West Computer Lab.  Mercy Tech Club will receive around fifty cents for inkjet cartridges and $3 for laser cartridges.  Start saving your cartridges today!

Student Successes  ~  APPLAUSE!  APPLAUSE!

The Justice and Peace classes raised money to purchase a Llama for a South American family through Heifer International.  The animal will help the family work toward economic stability.  The purchase was in response to learning about poverty and lack of opportunity for many poor of the world. 

Juniors Liz Grden and Alison Allen were nominated to represent Mercy for the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing.  This school based writing program was established to encourage high school students in their writing and to recognize publicly some of the best student writers in the nation.  Liz and Alison will prepare work for the state level in April. 

CONGRATULATIONS to the 16 students from Mercy's Art Department who won 34 Regional Scholastic Art Awards. The winning pieces will be on display at the College for Creative Studies February 3 through February 23.

Special kudos to Megan Pryce whose photography portfolio made finalist status and will compete in New York City for scholarships.  Andrea Starbird was awarded two gold keys for photography and mixed media pieces which will also compete on the national level.

Sophomores Jessica Jary and Emily Wilkins and Freshwoman Sarah Blau were selected to be part of the Teen Journalist Program for the Farmington Observer.  Each girl had to submit a resume along with two writing samples and were chosen from among 100 applicants to write and report on issues important to younger readers.  All 3 had published articles in the Student Voices section of the Jan 7 Farmington Observer as well as online at hometownlife.com.  Look for more from our Mercy reporters in 2007!

A Great Valentine's Gift!

Memorial and Commemorative gifts offer a unique way to remember the life of someone dear or a special event -- birthday, wedding, anniversary -- while supporting our rich tradition of educating women who make a difference.

44 More Days of AUCTION Growth!

Mercy's Garden is set to bloom on Saturday, March 3 at the 28th Annual Auction.  The Special Events Office is buzzing with busy parent bees preparing their hive for a spectacular spring harvest!  A special Auction mailing was sent reminding each family how to sow their seeds in Mercy's Garden . . . Where Minds Grow.  The packet was filled with information about tuition raffle tickets, how to donate a gift, place an ad, and become a sponsor.  If you have any Auction questions, click, e-mail auction@mhsmi.org, or call 248.893.3535.

"Super Dad ~ My Mr Incredible" Father/Daughter Dance will be held Saturday, January 27 at 8pm in the Mercy gymnasium.  Tickets on sale Jan 22 - 26 for $20 per father. 

Come and hear the Mercyaires sing and dance in a variety of styles at a concert on Sunday, February 4 at the Retreat Center at St. John's in Plymouth beginning at 3:00pm.  Free admission and open to the public. 

You are always welcome to pray with the Mercy Moms Prayer Group  Monday afternoons 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm in the school chapel.  This group is dedicated to lifting up in prayer the entire faculty, staff, and student body of Mercy High School.  The format is based on Moms In Touch International and is very informal with no preparation required to attend.  Contact Linda Fiscus at fiscuslmf@hotmail.com for more information.

High 5 to the following Sweepstakes Drive winners:

Want even more?  Check out the school year calendar.

Submit information for our next issue by  FEBRUARY 9 to be e-mailed to your inbox  FEBRUARY 15.  Contact Julie Earle, Communications Coordinator, at jhearle@mhsmi.org.