Dear Mercy Families,

Now that we are well into the 2019-2020 school year, I hope you've had an opportunity to visit the school for some of the recent events such as New Parent Orientation, Parent Night, a school Mass or one of our exciting athletic activities. I also hope families are finding opportunities to connect with each other as well, since the high school experience can be an enjoyable time in building community for families who support our students. 

Thank you to all who participated in the recent Parent Engagement Survey. We are carefully reviewing these results that indicate parents look forward to opportunities to be involved within the Mercy community. Our upcoming Spirit Week Bonfire sponsored by the Mercy Dad's Club on Thursday, October 3 and the Mothers Club Welcome Meeting on Tuesday, October 8 are two wonderful opportunities to meet other parents and make social connections.

Left to Tell Assembly: If you plan on joining us on October 3 for the Immaculée Ilibagiza assembly, please note the adjusted start time of 8:50am/9:00am in the auditorium. Ms. Ilibagiza, author and survivor of the Rwandan genocide, wiill be at Mercy to tell her amazing story and witness to how faith and forgiveness can change hearts. We warmly invite you to join us as we hear her incredible story and powerful words first hand.

Years of Service: If you attended Parent Night, you saw firsthand the heartfelt commitment and talent of our staff. Mercy is well known throughout the Detroit metropolitan area for the strength of our academic curriculum. All of our team members are committed to supporting the needs of each Mercy student. This year we recognize the following staff for their dedicated years of service to Mercy High School:

20 Years

Mrs. Kelly Bickes (Spanish)

Mrs. Jennifer Burek (Counseling Office Support)

Mrs. Carol Shea (Spanish)

15 Years

Mrs. Carolyn Arlen (Main Office Support)

Mrs. Anne Hallberg (Cafeteria Manager)

Ms. Kate Scalzi (Assistant Athletic Director)

Mrs. Patricia Scheid (Main Office Support)

Mrs. Jennifer Stark (Advancement Director)

Mr. Jan Wampuszyc (Science)

Mrs. Marlene Wojcik (Assistant to the President)

10 Years

Dr. Cheryl Kreger (President)

Mrs Cindy Richter (Social Studies/Student Activities Coordinator)

5 Years

Mrs. Laura Everett (Alumnae Director)

Mrs. Andrea Kowalyk (Religious Study)

Ms. Isabelle Moore (Performing Arts)

Mrs. Brandi Lavely (Health/Physical Education)

We are blessed and grateful to have these team members as a part of the Mercy family in sharing their many talents with us!

Welcome Mrs Shelley Fager-Bajorek: We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Bajorek has accepted a permanent position to join the Mercy Performing Arts Department, as well as to direct our spring musical. Mrs. Bajorek has extensive experience as a director, choreography and producer - as well as in designing and instructing performance arts curriculum. Having grown up in a theatrical family, she is skilled in many aspects of theater and we are anxious for her to share her expertise with our students. We warmly welcome Mrs. Bajorek to the Mercy family!

Drugs 101: We are grateful to the St. Joseph Mercy Network for once again sponsoring a Drugs101 program for both our parents and students. Through last week's educational awareness session, parents learned how to recognize warning signs of nicotine/vaping and alcohol and drug use. Strategies were given for engaging teens in conversation concerning avoiding peer pressure for dangerous behavior. 

Our 9th and 10th grade students also attended interactive drug prevention and awareness sessions. The topic of vaping was discussed and students were informed of the many potential health risks associated with vaping. Students were surprised to learn that a Michigan law went into effect September 2 that makes it a misdemeanor for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase, possess or attempt to possess or use in a public place a vape product.  

With the alarming increase in health events that are suspected to be associated with vaping, we encourage you to have a discussion with your daughter(s) about the risks of this behavior. The CDC offers valuable parent resources. 

Mercy Flu Clinic: Flu season is quickly approaching and we invite our students and their families to participate in our annual in-house Flu Clinic scheduled for October 15th from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. This convenience is offered through Alana's Foundation, in partnership with the Michigan Community Wellness Visiting Nurse Association, as a way to help prevent our students from missing out on school lessons and the co-curriculars they enjoy; as well as to avoid the potentially serious effects the flu may pose. You are asked to bring a copy of your insurance card, and Alana's Foundation will cover the cost for those without any insurance. 

A consent form must be completed in order to receive a flu shot. For insurance or vaccination related questions, please call the Visiting Nurse Association at 248-967-1440.

Vision Screening: Did you know that at least 80% of learning is facilitated through vision? To assure that ninth graders have adequate vision to meet educational demands, the Michigan Public Health Code, Act 368, requires vision screening for freshmen, or screening in conjunction with drivers training. To meet the screening needs of these students, the Oakland County Health Division offers free vision screening by appointments at the North Oakland health Center and South Oakland Health Center locations. Parents can call (248) 424-7070 to schedule and appointment.

Wellness Wednesdays: In partnership with our Cafe Team and in support of our Mercy Critical Concern of the Earth, a new initiative is to serve healthy wellness meals one day a week to promote reducing our carbon footprint and the nutritional well being of our Mercy students and staff. We've just begun and so far this effort was greatly received by students and staff alike!

Care for the Earth: Wellness Wednesday is just one of many ways Mercy High School demonstrates care for our Earth. Did you know that we have 125 square feet of roof solar panels that provide renewably generated power to electrical customers? We have smart LED lighting and energy saving mechanisms, as well as a school wide recycling program. We continually strive to enact sustainable options throughout our campus.

I thank you for allowing me to share with you the many reasons we have to be proud of our school. Thank you for allowing 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