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Message from Mrs. Sattler
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Dear Mercy Families,
Welcome to second semester where the activity and energy continues throughout Mercy! Students are meeting new teachers, challenging themselves with new course experiences or delving deeper into content areas. Winter sports and clubs are in full swing, and teachers and staff are busy preparing for our upcoming AdvancED accreditation site visit. I am pleased to share with you the many reasons we have to be proud of our school.
Academics
Site Study and Survey Says: This past fall, Mercy commissioned a site study from the CLC Network to obtain an independent evaluation of our academic support structures for the diverse learning profiles and experiences of all students. The resulting CLC report attests to the strength of our community in providing a learning environment that is caring and committed to helping students maximize their academic potential.
The CLC report details our strengths and also provides recommendations for helping to alleviate some of the stress factors associated with high performing schools. Guidance is given on expanding support strategies for students with unique learning styles, and suggested techniques are presented for enhancing classroom engagement.
Thank you to our community members who also participated in the recent AdvancED survey process. Invitations were sent to all current Mercy parents, students, faculty and staff. Survey results overwhelmingly indicate that Mercy is a safe and supportive school where teachers and staff go above and beyond to support student success. Analysis of the stakeholder surveys also support the independent findings of the CLC site study for consistency of engagement in classroom experiences, as well as further development of support structures to address student social/emotional needs.
We look forward to prioritizing, implementing and monitoring these findings into our school strategic plan. We continually assess our curriculum and program offerings, and value the opportunities this report provides.
Health/Safety Update
Healthy Relationships: Positive and healthy teen relationships have many benefits for youth in developing self-esteem, better interpersonal skills, and improved school performance. As teens develop emotionally, they are heavily influenced by experiences in personal relationships. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that 1 in 3 women will be in an abusive relationship and that females ages 16 through 24 are at three times greater risk than the rest of the population. Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships have many short and long term lasting negative effects on a developing teen.
In March, our Mercy senior students will participate in an informational workshop focusing on identifying and reacting to potentially negative relationship characteristics that either they personally, or a peer could experience. Our intent is to engage in this important conversation to support students as they prepare to transition to college.
Inclement Weather Reminder: As we are now in the midst of winter weather, please know that Mercy follows the direction of Farmington Public Schools in determining school closure. Our student body is drawn from over 70 different communities, making it difficult to define a closure policy that always supports each region. We respect that you best know the limitations and comfort level of your student driver in the event of winter road conditions, specifically in your area.
Grants
MESC: Mercy is committed to educating the "whole young woman" in an environment that is inclusive, equitable and representative of our student diversity. We are pleased to share that Mercy was awarded a $5,000 grant from the MESC (Michigan Equitable Services Collaborative) to be used as an opportunity to enhance our racial equity inclusion, conflict resolution, skills for reflection and introspection, and programming in order to fully support our entire student population in maximizing the potential of all to be the leaders our society needs. This grant is possible through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Education and non-public schools in the state.
First Robotics: Mercy was also awarded $2,500 from the Michigan Department of Education FIRST Robotics Grant! This grant supports the efforts of our outstanding robotics program in providing STEM experiences. Over 87% of students involved in First Robotics competitions report being more likely to take challenging science and math courses due to their involvement in this program. Females involved in FIRST have a dramatically increased understanding of STEM compared to their counterparts not involved in the robotics competition. We are proud to support the First Robotics program for our Mercy Riveters!
Catholic Happenings
Called to Serve Workshops: Called to Serve is a required interactive safe environment training program for teens attending area Catholic schools and parishes who wish to volunteer with children. All tenth graders complete the program through their religious studies class in the spring each year. Our ninth graders are informed of this program, yet sometimes are in need of fulfilling this volunteer requirement for select service opportunities prior than it being introduced. Multiple group workshop sessions are hosted
throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit which students may attend at their convenience. Students are also able to complete this program online through Mercy. Please contact Associate Principal Ms. Colleen McMaster at cmcmaster@mhsmi.org for registration or a completion certificate for your service organization.
Lunch and Learn: Our Campus Ministry team continues the Baggott Street Lunch and Learn series with featured speakers centered around the Mercy Critical Concerns. February's guests include a journalist and Carmen and Cesar, asylum seekers from El Salvador who will share their personal experiences.
Mark Your Calendar: Catholic Schools Week kicks of on January 27th to celebrate the many ways Catholic education develops students to learn, lead, serve and succeed. Did you know that with a 99.2% high school graduation rate, Catholic school graduates make 14% more over their lifetime than public school graduates? We celebrate Catholic schools because they truly provide positive impact in the lives of our students!
We are grateful that you are in partnership with us us to support your daughter as she becomes a woman who makes a difference!
May God's Grace and Blessings be in your path,
Patricia Sattler
Principal
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