Parents eNewsletter: February 2011

Wit's End . . . Notes from the Principal

The age of technology. It is certainly not a phenomenon of the 21st century, since many tools were developed decades ago, but the nature of these tools, the number of tools, the very size of tools, and the applications and uses that they now afford, to say nothing of the speed, have permanently changed the landscape of communication. Like any change, there are realities to address. There are advantages and disadvantages.

Recent circumstances have once again reminded me of these very things. The ways in which we communicate and the means to the ends we derive are all in play. All outcomes are not necessarily desirable and, in some cases, maybe not even expected. Take for example one particular photograph of a shirtless state congressman who presumably never expected that said photograph would go viral, as it were, and bring about a sudden end to his position as a servant of the people. The tools for communication need to be thoughtfully considered.

On the positive side, however, who could have ever predicted that an autocratic leader and his regime could be toppled as a direct result of the communications shared on social media, namely Facebook?  Egypt, a country where two thirds of its population are age 30 or below, galvanized its citizenry of all ages, to stand together in peaceful protest against its leaders and in 18 tense filled days, brought about the end of a man’s iron fisted leadership that had been held for more than 30 years. The hundreds of thousands of protesters who assembled in Tahrir Square, crowds that began small but increased every day, could not be ignored because the communication was beyond any means that could be easily controlled or silenced. When that communication was briefly prohibited and the internet was shut down, the people responded in even greater numbers by leaving their homes and pouring outside into the square. They spoke to one another by their very presence, young and old, men and women. What had ended once and for all was the notion that a government could rule its people by keeping them isolated from the rest of the world, knowing and believing only what details the government chose to share.  Instead, the people of Egypt could not only know about the rest of the world, but also speak to and show the rest of the world what was going on. Attempts to stop that flow of information were comparable to using a band aid when a tourniquet was needed. Information had changed everything! The genie had escaped the bottle.

Social media, a passing fad? Something we must live through, suffer through, until it goes away and we can get back to simpler times? Never! And we should not hope for such a return. Are there risks to a world with such transparency? Of course. Are there challenges when we recognize that we no longer control and limit who has the information? Certainly. As a school in the business of educating young women, does this change the game plan? Absolutely!!

Regardless of the age of your daughter who attends Mercy, each of you is clearly aware that attendance at this school brings with it the required attachment to and use of technology. Mercy planned for its one-to-one tablet pc initiative long before students marched into the building with these powerful devices. Was it risky? You bet. Were parents, teachers, administrators and many others more than a little unclear as to where it might lead? Yes again. Did you spend at least a little time hoping that mega filters could protect your child from ever seeing or knowing anything you did not approve for her? Come on; be honest.  Does she, to this very day, seem far more fearless than you are when she navigates her high tech world? Probably. And finally, does this make our job as parents more challenging? No doubt. Do not despair.

The means of communication and the sharing of information are no longer ours to control, either as parents or as teachers. All information is accessible: the good, the bad, the accurate, the faulty, the biased, the objective, the filtered and the uncensored. And, any information can be had in real time, an answer of some weight being available only seconds after the thought of a question. That is the reality, and it is a reality that we can truly celebrate if we so choose.

You are now, more than ever, very influential with your daughter. If information abounds, and yet you want her to assimilate and discern what she thinks and what she believes, then you must be willing to support her as she struggles to manage all the data and draw her conclusions. What she does in school needs to be significantly broader than what you or I were asked to do. We at Mercy must give her opportunities to discuss, disagree, critique, and challenge what she reads and hears. Viewpoints, other than her own (or yours) need to be introduced. The merits of one’s argument need to be investigated.  The people whose ideas and opinions she seeks need to extend beyond the teachers in the classrooms. Experts are now accessible. Persons around the state, the nation, the globe can offer her insights. The students within her classroom have opinions, perceptions, and capabilities that can enhance her learning. Conversations with her classmates in tackling real issues need to be part of her experience. If problem solving ability is still a desirable goal of education, and it is, then we have to deal with the messy nature of problems without a clear, simple and obvious solution. What passes for valuable assignments within any high school classroom must include some work that challenges and stretches our students beyond the comforts of what they are used to doing or highly competent at doing.

Social media will continue to connect us to one another. The globe has shrunk. The people of Egypt traveled easily to my living room last week and I witnessed, first hand, their changing reality. How exciting!

Look forward. Be fearless. Keep the dialogue open. Believe in your daughter’s capability to make valuable, ethical, and important decisions, and believe in the wisdom that you can provide for her along the way.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte, Principal

Bid to Your Heart's Content

There is still plenty of time to purchase tickets for the 32nd Annual Mercy Auction. This is important to the school and important to the girls so if you haven't done so yet, please call today and reserve your spot! Same date, same location, same great fun....new NAME! Rock Financial has changed its name to the Suburban Collection. It is still located at 46100 Grand River in Novi, MI.

	Day at a Hollywood Movie Shoot in Michigan Ready for your close-up?  See all the action when an upcoming Hollywood motion picture gets filmed right here in metro-Detroit. Meet the actors and directors, producers and film crew. Your day starts with a tour of Base Camp where make-up, wardrobe, props and stars' trailers are located.  Watch filming of a scene or two and then lunch with the cast and crew!!
	iPad Treat you or your daughter to the latest from Apple with this iPad Wi-Fi and case.
	Kindle Tired of carrying lots of books with you on Spring Break.  Use the Kindle to take all the books you could want for the day of reading on the beach!!

Mothers Club

Be sure to read the Notes from the Mothers Club President Yasmin Syed and check out the Mom to Mom web page. The Mothers Club is trying to help families find graduation dresses by providing information from last year’s senior class. CLICK HERE for contact information categorized by dress size from families who would like to sell their graduation dresses. If you are interested in purchasing, contact the seller directly.

ALL MERCY MOMS are invited to join us for our next meeting Monday, March 7 at 6:30pm in the Media Center.

Dads Club

Hit the Jackpot! Walk away with some serious cash from the Dads Club Raffle $10,000, $1,500, or $1,000!! Drawing will be held this Saturday, February 19 at the Father Daughter DANCE.

Bowl, eat, laugh, and spend time with your Mercy girl on Sunday, March 27 for the annual Dads and Daughters Bowling afternoon. Please SAVE THE DATES for a Detroit Tigers baseball game on Saturday, May 14 and Dads and Daughters Golf Outing Wednesday, May 18th. More event details and registration info coming soon!

Calling ALL MERCY DADS! We welcome and encourage you to come meet, greet, and eat at our next meeting March 1 at 7:00pm in the Cafeteria.

ART AWARDS

Sarah Montone	Miriam MacLachlan	Stephanie O'Neil

Congratulations to the 12 students from the Art Department who won 20 awards in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition. Special congratulations to Stephanie O’Neil. Her portfolio made finalist status and will compete in New York City for talent scholarships. Miriam MacLachlan, Stephanie O’Neil, Michaela Tanksley and Madeleine Wagner also won gold keys (first place) for individual entries. Their pieces will also compete in New York. Check out this Farmington Observer feature article!

There were 4,113 individual entries, 185 Art Portfolios and 111 Photography Portfolios submitted for adjudication. 1116 pieces were selected to represent the best work in this region (Wayne and Oakland Counties). 199 Gold Keys, 408 Silver Keys and 509 Certificates, 65 Gold Key Art Portfolios and 37 Photography Portfolios will be on display in the exhibit at the College for Creative Studies through Friday, March 4, 2011, in the Walter B Ford II Building, 9:00a – 5:00p, 12:00p – 5:00p.

Apple Educators + 3 Mercy Teachers + 3 Mercy Classes = Cool CBL!

Apple Distinguished Educator '09 and Mercy Social Studies/English Teacher Mr. Larry Baker submitted an application for 3 faculty members to participate in an ambitious Challenge Based Learning K-20 Pilot Program for Apple Education. Sixty-eight schools applied, and Mercy’s team was among 19 selected for CBL training in Dallas and participation in an extensive research project with Apple. Universities, Private, public, charter, and special needs schools were selected since they educate a rich variety of communities. Included were two international schools (Calgary, Melbourne), Four elementary schools (VA, TX, IL, CA), Four Middle Schools (HI, FL, IL, NC), Five high schools (MHS, CA, OH, NE, AZ), and Four Universities (IN, OH, TX, FL). Applicants were selected based on the school’s willingness to engage in student-centered, inquiry driven curriculum design. A stipulation of participating was the team’s willingness to use Apple technology for the research plan. Consequently Mercy purchased a set of iPod touches.

The Mercy teacher team consisting of Susan Smith (Art), Carol Shea (Language), and Cathy Riley (Science) who attended this Apple CBL Dallas training carefully plotted a terrific real-world project to study the connections of design across curriculum. They decided to mix three extremely different classes - Biology / French 3 / Drawing 1 - into teams to tackle the following challenge:

USE DESIGN TO IMPROVE THE CAFETERIA ENVIRONMENT.

Ms. Smith featured a terrific challenge video with graphic documentary evidence of our cafeteria's present plight, but also depicted inspiring designs which teased at possibilities. Mrs. Shea clearly explained the approach of the project and Mrs. Riley started exploring the challenge with the students. The entire launch event on February 1 was documented on video and the team intends to make this experience transparent and hopes to demonstrate the value of CBL. Students will collaborate in interdisciplinary groups to work toward a solution to their challenge together. They are working in group meetings, communicating via Google docs and Moodle. There are a total of 76 students divided into 15 groups with girls ranging from grades 9 thru 12. They are already recording reflections on their iPod touches and their tablets have already served them well in documenting their progress toward a solution. Learn more about Challenge Based Learning and the research study at this community site http://nedcom1.apple.com/challenges and visit Mr. Baker's blog at http://larryrthoughts.blogspot.com/. You can also check out the Moodle course page and login as a guest. Stay tuned for more pictures and video from this innovative educational initiative!

Course Registration for 2011 - 2012

Beginning February 21^st, Counselors will meet with students individually to discuss and confirm course selections for the 2011-2012 school year. Students will be assigned a specific appointment time.  Appointments for 10^th graders are scheduled from Feb. 21 – March 23. Appointments for 9^th graders will run from Feb. 21 – March 30. Class meetings will be held with each grade prior to the start of registration to explain the entire process. A paper copy of directions will be given to all students, as well as a Course Selection Form. The registration process begins at home with students completing the Course Selection Form and making those selections online in PowerSchool. Additionally, students must have a parent signature on the Course Selection Form in order for the student to have her individual meeting with her Counselor and for the registration process to be complete. CLICK HERE to view course catalog and visit these links for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior registration directions.

Spring Musical ~ "HELLO, DOLLY"

Friday, March 18 at 8pm Saturday, March 19 at 8pm Sunday, March 20 at 2pm Adults $12, Students & Children $10

"Hello, Dolly" is set in the 1890s. Dolly Levi, a widow and matchmaker, arranges marriages for suitable couples, but she secretly has set her sights on Horace Vandergelder, the richest and stingiest store owner in Yonkers, New York. On the pretense of making a match for Horace with Mrs. Irene Molloy, a widow, Dolly arranges for him to meet Miss Ernestina Money. Meanwhile Horace’s two employees, Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, are expected to mind the store while Horace goes to New York to have an adventure, but the boys decide to have one of their own. Unbeknownst to any of them, Cornelius and Barnaby unexpectedly meet Mrs. Molloy and her assistant Minnie Fae and matters become complicated as Cornelius and Irene fall in love. To add to this, Vandergelder’s niece, Ermengarde, plans to run off with her love Ambrose Kemper because her uncle disapproves of the match. This fas t-paced show boasts such tunes as “It Takes a Woman,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” and the show-stopping “Hello, Dolly.” This high-energy, high-fashion show will lift everyone’s spirits. CLICK HERE to check out WHO'S WHO in the cast!

Counseling Corner

Michigan Merit Exam - All juniors will take the Michigan Merit Exam given at Mercy over the course of three days: March 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd. The MME is made up of three testing components: the national ACT test; WorkKeys tests in Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information; and subject tests in the areas of Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.  In order for the student’s ACT score to be college reportable, she must participate in all three days of testing. Please visit www.mhsmi.org and click on “Counseling.” Links to both the ACT and SAT testing agencies are available on the site under "Testing." For more information about the Michigan Merit Exam visit:  www.michigan.gov/mme.

PLAN Test – All sophomores will take the practice ACT on Tuesday, March 1^st.  Testing will take place during the school day and will end at approximately 11:45 AM.

College Information Night - We strongly encourage you and your daughter to attend College Information Night held at Mercy High School on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 7:00pm in the Mercy Auditorium.  Four college admission representatives from different universities will join us to answer the most commonly asked questions about college planning and admissions. Topics include: "fit" factors; application process; ACT/SAT tests; admission factors; essay, resume, and letters of recommendation.

Freshwomen Parents - CLICK HERE to read February Ninth Grade Newsletter.

PomPon Clinic

Please help us spread the word to all girls in grades K-11! Learn how to Pom with the award-winning Mercy Varsity Pompon Team (MVP)! 10th Annual Mercy High School Pom Clinic Saturday, March 5, 2011 9:00am - 11:30am OR 12:30pm - 3:00pm Mercy High School Gym Mercy Varsity Pom earned a Grand Champs Trophy, was awarded the Team Unity Award, and took 3rd Place in Senior Kickline at Summer Camp! They also took 4th Place at the High Kick Competition, 3rd Place at Catholic Leagues, and they placed in Class A-Division 1 at the Regional Competition – the first time in 10 years! For more details and the registration form, please click here.

Student Successes . . . APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!

Lana Grasser '14 participated in Solo and Ensemble for Voice in January and received a blue medal award.

The first semester Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Media class hosted speaker, Dr. Clarence Nixon, founder & chairman of TLAB: Technology Laboratory & Professional Development Center. Dr. Nixon was so impressed with the students that he offered an iPad and iPod nanos to those with the top 3 combined business plan and final presentation grades. On Friday, January 28th, he had dinner catered for the whole class and awarded the iProducts. The winners were 1st place (iPad) - Brianna Hamilton '12; 2nd place (iPod nano) - Jasmine Hart '11; 3rd place (iPod nano) - Rachel Anctil '11.

Tea for Tuition ~ A Worthwhile Tradition

All Mercy moms are invited to host a table, invite a few friends, and enjoy… Tea Party Fare with a Middle Eastern Flair!  7th Annual Tea for Tuition Sunday, April 17, 2011 2:00pm - 4:00pm Mercy High School This fabulous afternoon will offer gourmet hot and cold teas, appetizers and desserts, and a gift basket silent auction, all for only $25 per person. Proceeds benefit the Alumnae Association Tuition Assistance Fund. Nearly $70,000 has been raised in support of 60+ scholarships for deserving Mercy Girls. Please consider donating a gift certificate, service or gift basket to our popular silent auction. Read more about ways to give and see the online donation form. Contact the Alumnae Office at 248.476.3270 or alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org to reserve a table or make a donation.

Let's Hear it for the STAFF

Ms. Kathy Kitzmann, chemistry teacher and science department chairperson, recently completed a stint as a reviewer for Cengage Learning.  Cengage is the publishing company of the textbook that is used in Advanced Placement Chemistry and Ms. Kitzmann was asked to do an "accuracy review" of the PowerPoint presentations that will accompany the 7th edition of Chemistry: Principles and Reactions by Masterton, Hurley, and Neth.  "I have used this textbook since it was in its second edition, " comments Ms. Kitzmann, "and it was interesting to see the changes that have been made in this next edition.  Although it took quite a bit of time to review the PowerPoints, I did find some errors so I feel like I did make a contribution to the editing process."

Golf FORE Mercy Girls!

Save the Date for Mercy High School's Annual Golf Outing, Monday, June 20, 2011 at Fox Hills Golf Club in Plymouth, MI. All Mercy parents are invited to enjoy a day of comradery on the course, while supporting tuition assistance. Looking for a special way to celebrate your dad on Father's Day? Our golf outing is the Monday following Father's Day, so make Dad a part of your foursome! Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the Alumnae Office at alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org or 248.476.3270 for more information.

Scholarship and Tuition Assistance

Mercy High School is grateful to the donors who have generously created a legacy that will enable us to continue to offer learning opportunities to students who are in need of financial help through the Circle of Mercy, Named Scholarship and Tuition Assistance programs. The Named Scholarship and Tuition Assistance application period for the 2011-2012 school year began February 1. Please note that there have been some important changes to the program requirements. For complete descriptions, details and forms, please visit mhsmi.org/admissions/mercy_named_scholarship and mhsmi.org/admissions/tuition_assistance_fund. The Archdiocese of Detroit also offers a tuition assistance program. Visit www.aodonline.org for details.

Women Mean Business 2011

You're invited to hear influential women panelists share empowering stories of triumph and personal achievement as well as provide valuable advice about the importance of work, self-esteem, volunteering, and job choices. Each table will also have a break-out session hosted by many successful women and Mercy alumnae.

Mercy High School's 2nd Annual Women Mean Business Symposium

SPONSORED BY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF MICHIGAN

Moderator is Mary Kramer and panelists include: Denise Ilitch, Ilitch Enterprises; Rochelle Riley, Columnist; Faye Nelson, Executive Director, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy; Anne Doyle, Executive, Author; Kathleen Ryan ’87, Probate Judge; Jane Shallal, Past President, Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers, Attorney. Evening begins with networking and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00pm - 7:00pm followed by panel discussion, break-out table session, Q & A from 7:00pm - 9:15pm. Register online now!

Dance with DAD - The Junior Class invites you to attend the "King of the Jungle" 2011 Father Daughter Dance Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 8pm in the Mercy Gymnasium. Tickets are $25 per dad. And don't miss the big money Dads Club Raffle Drawing!

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Snapshot of Mercy

Photos by Richell Cyrus-Herndon '12

Reptile Rage! SCIENCE CLUB hosted special guest speaker, Mr. Michael Brophy, from R.E.P.T.I.L.E., Inc. He brought a few friends along to hang out with some Mercy girls!

Mercy Month Ahead

The MARCH MEMO will be delivered to your inbox March 17. If you have any questions or want to submit any educational stories or share some good Mercy news, 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.