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Mercy High School Monthly Parent E-Newsletter - February 2009
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Wit's End . . . notes from the principal
Right. Privilege. Entitlement.
What word(s) comes to mind when you think of kids attending school? Any of the above? Amidst much of the local and national gloom and doom that leads the evening news, how little attention seems to shine on the stories of heroism, love, and courage. In past weeks I have been saddened by reports of what continues to occur in a distant part of the world, the bombings of schools, but at the same time am embarrassed by how little knowledge I have of the frequency of such atrocities.
So in this month of February, in this time of Cupid’s arrows, boxed chocolates, and bundled bouquets, I focus my attention on a blessing I am surrounded by daily but often fail to appreciate – the sanctity of education.
School. I say again and I question. Right? Privilege? Entitlement? Of one thing I am sure. It is not a given. A momentary online search produces more than enough evidence to support my belief. In Afghanistan alone to date, attacks by insurgents have closed more than 600 schools. IRIN, a United Nations humanitarian news and information service, reports that in many cases, boys are forced into neighboring schools controlled by insurgents, schools where the teachings of religious extremism, armed Jihad, and hatred against the government are done in exchange for immunity from Taliban attacks. Girls fare much worse. Pakistan offers more of the same. As of June, 2008, a reported 118 girls’ schools had been damaged or destroyed in bomb attacks in just a year’s time. In the last four weeks alone, since militants o rdered the closing of all girls’ secondary schools in Swat Valley (North West Frontier Province, Pakistan), five schools have been bombed. Maybe the most wrenching news was the attack made last November on the Mirwais School for Girls in Kandahar. A New York Times article, written just last month, provided details. One morning, three pairs of men on motorcycles circled the school and squirted acid on a group of 15, 11 students and four teachers. Six were hospitalized. The school, built five years ago by the Japanese government, has touched off a revolution of sorts. As the Taliban pressures for control and increases intimidation, the girls continue to arrive each morning by the hundreds.
What is most amazing is the fact that not only have nearly all the wounded girls returned to school, but also nearly every other student – 1300 girls in all! One student, 17 year old Shamsia Husseini, the one scarred the worst by the acid, offers a simple explanation. “My parents told me to keep coming to school even if I am killed. . . . The people who did this to me don’t want women to be educated. They want us to be stupid things.”
Mahmood Qadari, the headmaster at Mirwais School for Girls, held a meeting for parents just four days after the attack. “I told them, if you don’t send your daughters to school, then the enemy wins. . . . I told them not to give in to darkness. Education is the way to improve our society.” The parents needed little persuasion. The girls began returning to school. As the January article now reports, “For all the uncertainty outside its walls, the Mirwais school brims with life. Its 40 classrooms are so full that classes are held in four tents, donated by Unicef.”
Right. Privilege. Entitlement.
Our girls, those who attend this school, Mercy High School, are blessed. They know it. I know they know it. Their knowledge is confirmed in countless ways, large and small. Just weeks ago, during Catholic Schools Week, a small group of us had discussed an activity to be done in adviser groups, a brief activity for fun and camaraderie. Each group received an 11 x 14 inch piece of white posterboard. The task was simple. Complete the phrase “Mercy is . . .” with words, phrases, symbols, pictures – representations rendered by brightly colored markers. The result is our 48 panel posterboard quilt which now hangs on a wall east of the cafeteria. Even though each panel is as distinctive as each group of girls, many of the same words appear repeatedly. How do our girls see their school? Teamwork. Friendship. Fabulous. Colorful. Sisters. Confidence. Spiritual. Diverse . Accepting. Fun. Growing. Embracing. Dynamic. Compassion. Encouraging. Faith. Dignified. Family. Challenging. Hope. Inspirational. Home.
School . . . a gift. Our girls know it and so too do the girls who struggle in villages half a world away.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte, Principal
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A U C T I O N 2009
AMAZING GIFT GATHERING PARTY!
A sincere THANK YOU to Mark & Carolyn Switala, John & Kim Mizzi, and Bill & Rose Fricke for hosting a fabulous Gift Gathering Party on January 24th at the beautiful Switala residence. Nearly 100 Mercy families and supporters gathered with excitement surrounding the 30th Annual Auction and enjoyed an elegant evening of delectable hors d'oeuvres, a lavish dessert room, live musical entertainment, and a wine tasting area hosted by Holiday Market of Canton. Countless exciting gifts and generous donations were given to support the Auction. Thank you, again, to all of these wonderful families for their enthusiasm and leadership!
ATTEND THE AUCTION - SEND IN YOUR RSVP'S! TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Experience the Mercy Auction at its NEW VENUE - The Diamond Center at Rock Financial Showplace!
Join us on Saturday, February 28th for an evening out on the town to support YOUR OWN Mercy girl with this major school fundraiser. Simply send in your reservation with the return envelope provided in your invitation and reserve the evening on your calendar. Purchase individual tickets or gather a group of friends and sponsor a table and save $200! IF PURCHASING A FULL TABLE, PLEASE SEND INDIVIDUAL CHECKS (payable to MERCY HIGH SCHOOL) IN ONE ENVELOPE TO MAKE RECEIPTING EASIER.
This evening will not be a success without the support of Mercy families like you. See you on February 28th!!!
Misplaced your Auction invite? CLICK HERE to RSVP or Contact the Special Events Office at lcconradi@mhsmi.org.
MORE AWESOME AUCTION ITEMS
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WE WANT A WII!
If you don’t have one, your family NEEDS one! Take home one or ALL of these Wii Entertainment Systems: Wii console with Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Wii Guitar Hero: World Tour, or Wii Outdoor Challenge.
Donated by Jack & Nancy Auffenberg
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RIDING THE FAMOUS YELLOW SCOOTER: PRICELESS
Enjoy the perks of being Ms. Linskey! Your daughter could be the lucky winner of serving as Dean of Mercy High School for one hour (or whatever you can talk Ms. Linskey into).
This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that your daughter will never forget!
Donated by Jonell Linskey
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There's plenty more up for bid at Mercy Auction 2009! CLICK HERE to see all of the items received to date. CLICK HERE for all the Auction info or contact the Special Events Office at lcconradi@mhsmi.org or 248.893.3535.
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Mothers Club
ALL MERCY MOMS are invited to join us for our next gathering Monday, March 2 at 6pm in the Media Center.
Attention past Mercy Moms Club members and Chairwomen! If you have past years Mercy Moms Club information, please deliver to the Mercy reception area. We are organizing an archive file and you may send electronic or paper. THANK YOU!
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Dads Club
 Jackpot! Look at these lucky winners who walked away with the cash from the Dads Club Raffle: $10,000 Terry Gould; $1,500 Fred Rashid; $1,000 Thomas Barrow. THANKS to all who participated!
Bowl, eat, laugh, and spend time with your Mercy girl Sunday, March 8 from 1pm - 3pm at Drakeshire Lanes. Only $11 per person and includes two games, shoes, pizza, and pop. Space is limited! CLICK HERE to sign up today.
The Dads and Daughters Golf Outing will be held Wednesday, May 20 at Bay Pointe Country Club with a 1:30pm shotgun start. Attending students will be dismissed from school early.
Calling ALL MERCY DADS! We welcome and encourage you to come meet, greet, and eat at our next meeting March 3 at 7:00pm in the Cafeteria.
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MERCY Moment of the Month
For the past 15 years Mercy High School has bestowed the Heart of Mercy Award on a student and staff member who live out the Mercy values of Human Dgnity, Service, Justice, Mercy, and Option for the Poor. Religious studies teacher Mrs. Ann Lusch and senior Megan Devine were honored for living out these values everyday at Mercy and for being an inspiration to all of us.
Mrs. Lusch "is a beautiful representation of what it means to be Catholic," "looks out for everyone and is always willing to assist others," and "is a voice for the voiceless, taking concerns and raising questions with the appropriate people." Megan Devine has "an angelic personality and a kind heart," "she is incredibly compassionate and genuine," and "she has over 125 hours of community service with two mission trips and countless hours given to her parish." Both Mrs Lusch and Megan's legacy will live on long after they leave the halls of Mercy.
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INAUGURATION 2009 - - by Anna Vandecaveye '09
The most exciting event of my senior year has been my trip to the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, President Barack Obama. The inauguration was five exciting days in Washington, D.C. with an energetic group of high school students also attending the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference. During the Conference we had educational and interesting speakers like Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lisa Ling, Al Gore, Desmond Tutu, and Colin Powell. Colin Powell was my favorite.
On Sunday we attended the Presidential Inaugural Opening Celebration on the mall and enjoyed the entertainment with thousands of other people from across the US. Tuesday was the big day. The Inauguration on Tuesday was incredible. I was standing approximately 400 yards from the President! You could feel the excitement of the crowd and see the hope in everyone's eyes. Tuesday was finished with the attendance at an Inaugural Ball. Everyone was celebrating the new President and we were all proud to be a part of the historic event.
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COUNSELING CORNER
College Information Night - 10th and 11th grade families are encouraged to attend College Information Night next Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00pm in the Mercy Auditorium.
MME - All juniors will take the Michigan Merit Exam given at Mercy over the course of three days: March 10 - 12. For a student to be eligible for the Michigan Promise Scholarship, she must participate in all three days of testing. The Mercy Counseling Staff will register juniors for this exam. For further details, please visit www.michigan.gov/mme.
College Counseling - New this year to the Counseling Department's college planning curriculum was the implementation of the individual "College Counseling" meeting with each junior and their parent(s). Counselors have enjoyed meeting and working with families as they plan for post-secondary opportunities. Thank you to all students and families who participated in this process!
Summer Programs - Interested in having your daughter participate in an educational program this summer? Visit the Counseling website and go to "Summer Programs" to view these opportunities. We are always updating with new information!
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STUDENT ART RECEIVES AWARDS, GOES ON DISPLAY, and MAKES HEADLINES
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By Kathryn Smith
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By Egan Franks
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By Jessica Ford
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Congratulations to the 6 stellar students from Mercy’s Art Department who won 13 awards in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition. The winning pieces will be on display at the College for Creative Studies through March 6th Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00, Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00. Special congratulations to Jessica Ford and Egan Franks. Their portfolios made finalist status and will compete in New York City for talent scholarships. Congratulations, also, to Kelly VanDenBerg who was awarded a gold key for a digital photography piece which will also compete on the national level.
Tara Ellis '10 - Silver Key Mixed Media, Silver Key Design: Apparel
Jessica Ford '09 - Certificate Painting, Certificate Mixed Media, Gold Key Art Portfolio
Egan Franks '09 - Silver Key Painting, Certificate Mixed Media, Gold Key Art Portfolio
Christina Lehman '10 - Certificate Ceramics and Glass
Kathryn Smith '10 - Two Certificates Digital Photography
Kelly VanDenBerg '10 - Gold Key Digital Photography, Silver Key Digital Photography
Wanna read more about these talented Marlin artists? CLICK HERE to read Farmington Observer article and CLICK HERE to read Farmington Press article.
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STUDENT SUCCESSES . . . APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE!!
Marissa Martz '09 has been named one of the top runners up in the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Michigan which honors outstanding community service by young Americans. Marissa started a program in 8th grade to recruit youth volunteers to work at the South Oakland Shelter during her church's annual shelter week and over 150 young people participated in 2008.
Erin Keith '09 reached finalist status in the National Achievement Scholarship program sponsored by the National Merit Testing Program. This program awards scholarships to outstanding Black American students; these awards will be announced later this month.
Bridget Hickey '09 reached finalist status as a MHSAA Scholar Athlete. Only 120 students out of over 2,000 applications were named as a finalist.
Seniors Kelly Cebula, Emma Fricke, Sara Fritz, Karen Malloure, Kristen Malloure, Molly Malone, and Marissa Martz were selected to the 2008 NFHCA High School National Academic Squad. These Field Hockey nominees must have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
 Senior Jordan Mueller signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Michigan State University. She will kick her way through State on a four year scholarship!
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Spring Musical ~ "CRAZY FOR YOU"
Dance, sing, laugh, and revisit 1930's New York at the show stopping Mercy Spring Musical Production of "Crazy For You" based on the book by Ken Ludwig and music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin.
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Friday, March 20 at 8:00pm
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00pm
Sunday, March 22 at 2:00pm
Mercy High School Auditorium
Tickets:
$12 Adults
$10 Students & Children
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NAIMUN
 Mercy juniors Grace Ward, Rosie O'Malley, Lisa Carlson, Regina Gilmour, Kira Boneff, Serena Sana, Erin Kirkland, and freshwomen Jasmine Wehr, and Mikhaella Norwood, along with Ms. Lisa Robinet and Mrs. Georganne Salvia journeyed this month to Washington D.C. for the North American Invitational Model United Nations Conference. Approximately 3,000 students from around the country and even a few from Puerto Rico and China attend this influential and rewarding conference run by Georgetown University.
Congratulations to Kira Boneff who won the Honorable Delegate Award in the European Union Committee! This is quite an accomplishment considering that only 50 awards are given. The trip was filled with monumental tours of the American History museum complete with a special Abraham Lincoln exhibit, as well as visiting the Jefferson Monument, Franklin Roosevelt Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. The girls also enjoyed a Saturday night out on the town for dinner at Union Station. Nice way to spend a winter weekend in Washington!
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DID YOU KNOW?
The HERMITAGE ROOM is a place in the chapel where students sign up to spend a 55-minute period alone to think and to pray, read or write. It is for some of our students, a unique experience to be in silence for that long of a time. The student's time in the hermitage room begins and ends with a prayer said for them by a staff member.
Here are a few student reflections about their experiences:
"I learned the power of silence and how it has the ability to rejuvenate me…I learned that although I believed I could easily pray in the midst of noise, my prayers reached a whole new level when I was immersed in silence;"
"I learned that I need to take more time for myself and God because after I finished my hour, I truly felt more relaxed and refres hed. I was able to talk to God easier when I was in the hermitage room. Because there were no outside distractions, I could listen to God speaking to me."
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Latest and Greatest from the Alumnae Office
Mercy Women. . .Reflect, Reconnect, Rejoice
Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 12 to attend an evening of reflection and prayer during the Lenten season. A simple meal of scrumptious soup and conversation with other Mercy women will warm your spirit. The meal will be followed by a special speaker, Director of the Office of Family Life for the Archdiocese of Detroit Kathleen Tomaszewski. She will facilitate a reflection on coping with the daily stress that women feel. Let Kathy lead you to a better appreciation of your daily life during these hectic times. Free will offerings appreciated.
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Thursday, March 12
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Soup Supper in the Mercy Development Offices
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Speaker and personal reflection in the Chapel
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Time for Tea
The 5th Annual Tea for Tuition will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 2-4pm in the Mercy High School Gym. A French flair will be added to the tea, treats, and decor this year. Spend some time with women who are important in your life by hosting a table of friends and family at this event.
Please contact Jennifer Stark in the Alumnae Office at 248.476.3270 for more details and to RSVP for either or both of these events hosted by the Alumnae Association.
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Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
Sr. Regina announced the 2009-2010 scholarship and tuition assistance program to the students on February 16th during advisee group.
Mercy
High School
is committed to recognizing academic excellence as well as providing financial assistance to families who need it. Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to further these goals. Students applying for named scholarships are required to submit a one page, double spaced, typed essay responding to the criteria required for the particular scholarship of interest. Essays written by the same student must be different for each named scholarship application and inclusive of a direct response to the criteria for the particular scholarship. Essays are due in the Development Office by Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Click here for complete descriptions and further information.
Tuition assistance is awarded yearly by the Mercy Tuition Assistance Committee on the basis of financial need. Consideration is also given to attendance, effort, and school involvement. Mercy utilizes an independent review company to determine need. Families must complete the application (one per family) and forward it with the required documents directly to Private School Aid Service (PSAS) by April 17, 2009. An application fee is required. Tuition assistance applications for current students are now available in the Development Office. DO NOT complete the online PSAS form. Applications for incoming freshwomen can be obtained at the time of registration. The Detroit Archdiocese also offers a tuition assistance program. A limited amount of forms are also available from the Mercy Development Office. Click here for requirements and further information.
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Give Me a M, Give Me an E, Give Me a R, Give Me a C, Give Me a Y!
Winter sports got a jolt of Mercy PEP at an all school assembly to get the Marlins fired up to win, win, win! Ms. Ann Jamieson outshot the rest of staff and students in a basketball shoot-out. Wow, we got spirit! And . . . the Mercy STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Swim and Dive Team were honored between periods at the Whalers Hockey game last month at Compuware.
Check out studentandathlete.com for plenty of Marlin sport action and check out Mercy In The News web page for articles. And don't forget to cheer on all our awesome teams! CLICK HERE to view the Athletics Calendar and even get driving directions. Spring sports are coming . . .
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New Governance Structure for Mercy High School
Now that twenty-six regions of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas have reconfigured into six communities, the geographic size of the West Midwest community necessitates a modification in the governance structure of their sponsored ministries. Extending from Michigan to California, the President and Leadership Team have established three councils with delegated authority to oversee their ministries—Education Sponsorship Council, Health Ministries Council and Spiritual/Social Outreach Sponsorship Council.
The eight member Education Council has membership across the WMW, including two former principals of Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, Sister Camille Kelley and Sister Nancy Thompson, with the latter being the liaison to MHS. Boards of Trustees will be accountable to the Council rather than directly to the Regional Community Leadership Team as in the past. According to Church law, certain reserve powers cannot be delegated and remain with community leadership, i.e., change in the school’s mission.
The Council will be responsible for ensuring the entities’ ongoing fidelity to mission, teachings of the Catholic Church and the charism, core values and traditions of the Sisters of Mercy; appointing the trustees and the Head of School (President); and approving the Board recommended operating and capital budgets. The Board of Trustees will maintain authority as presented in the Corporation’s bylaws.
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Farmington Student Diversity Conference 2009
“The Next Generation: Coming Together: Many Faces, One Future”
 On Friday, February 13th, nineteen Mercy students joined approximately 40 students from each of the three Farmington Public high schools along with smaller groups of students from Novi HS, Troy HS, Bloomfield Hills Andover HS, International Academy and the three Farmington middle schools for this year’s Student Diversity Conference. The opening keynote session was a performance by poet/artist Jamaal “Versiz” May. His poetry and presentations were powerful and spoke directly to the students, setting the stage for breakout discussion groups.
Three breakout sessions followed where students preregistered from a selection of 11 relevant topics. Small group discussions led by Student Diversity Committee members were extremely well received with active, serious and respectful sharing. Mercy students gained much by sharing and listening to peers from other schools.
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Monday Moms Prayer Circle
Please join a group of Mercy Moms who meet on Monday afternoons from 1:30pm - 2:30pm in the school chapel to pray the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We are dedicated to lifting up in prayer our daughters and the entire faculty, staff, and student body of Mercy High School. We also pray for specific intentions as they are presented to us. Even if you are unable to join us, please feel free to contact us anytime throughout the school year if there is something you would like us to pray for. Prayer intentions remain confidential.
The Rosary is a beautiful scriptural and meditative paryer that reflects on events in the lives of Jesus and His mother, Mary. It is a wonderful way to ask for our Blessed Mother's intercession, protection, and Her Son's blessings upon our daughters. Please join us even if it has been awhile since you've prayed the Rosary or if you never learned how. Please contact Katey Devine at 248.538.4159 or 248.840.0979 if you have questions.
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RENOWNED SPEAKER to VISIT DETROIT - Parents and students may be interested in knowing that noted author, Maya Angelou will appear at the Max M. Fisher Music Center here in Detroit on Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30. Ms. Angelou's autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was included in the English 9 curriculum here at Mercy for many years. She is known internationally as a most compelling speaker. Click here for event and ticket information.
MARLINS IN THE NEWS - Mercy girls like to be in print! CLICK HERE to see photos and read newspaper articles about how Mercy students scored big in sports, were featured for amazing artwork, helped promote the Auction, and even quoted in the Free Press about the economy!
Faith on Fridays - There will be morning Mass at 7:25am on Friday, March 20 and Friday, May 1.
AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING - The National Honor Sociey will offer after school tutoring on Wednesdays from 2:45pm - 3:30pm throughout the school year. Tutoring sessions will have 4 to 5 NHS members in the Media Center to tutor in all subject areas.
SENIORS DIPLOMA NAME CHANGES - Last call to make any name changes to graduating student diplomas. Please send any corrections to Mrs. Colleen Rozman at cmrozman@mhsmi.org ASAP!
Look who is a Sweepstakes Drive winner!
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Snapshots of Mercy
MERCY IS . . .FAMILY, FRIENDS, FAITH
During Catholic Schools Week Mercy students gathered in advisee groups to make some spontaneous art, a collection and expression finishing the sentence, "MERCY IS . . ." These 48 poster pieces of pride were placed together to form a Mercy quilt which hangs in the south hall. If you have a snapshot of Mercy, please send to jhearle@mhsmi.org
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Mercy Month Ahead
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Event
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Date / Time
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Location
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Winter Break - No School
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Feb 20, 27, Mar 6, 13
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New Student Information Meeting
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Feb 23 / 7pm
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MHS
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College Information Night
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Feb 24 / 7pm
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MHS
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Ash Wednesday Mass
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Feb 25 / 9:55am
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Auditorium
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Black History Month Assembly
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Feb 26 / 9:55am
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Auditorium
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Feb 28 / 6pm
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Diamond Center
Rock Financial Showplace
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New Student Registration
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Mar 2 -3 / 3pm - 6pm
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Media Center
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Mar 2 / 6:30pm
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Media Center
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Mar 3 / 7p
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Cafe
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Parent Teacher Conferences
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Mar 5 / 4pm - 7pm
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MHS
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MME Testing
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Mar 10 - 12
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MHS
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Mar 20 - 21 / 8pm
Mar 22 / 2pm
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Auditorium
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THANK YOU for taking the time to read the MERCY MEMO. The purpose of this parent newsletter is to inform, enlighten, and entertain. The MARCH MEMO will be delivered to your inbox by March 19. If you have any questions or want to submit information 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, view past issues of the
MEMO newsletter, and browse the home page yellow box to link to what's happening today @ Mercy.
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