MESSAGE FROM MRS. SATTLER MAY 1, 2020
OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Mercy Family,
At every opportunity we let our students know how much we miss them. These incredible young women are the reason we are committed to offering so many experiences through our E-LEARNING program. We continue to learn, guide, pray, share ideas and laugh with students. During this time, we miss you - our Mercy families - as well! We prayerfully look forward to the time when we can once again personally connect.
We understand that our Mercy senior students and parents are anxiously awaiting news of senior celebrations and traditions. We are working diligently behind the scenes to explore options and scenarios. Please expect a detailed communication early next week.
E-LEARNING Survey Results
Thank you for participating in our Mercy E-LEARNING Survey. We are pleased to share with you results from the Parent Survey and the Student Survey. We greatly appreciate the supportive and encouraging words, and the suggestions to guide us in further enhancing the digital learning program for all students. As we learn together from this experience, we are proud of the incredible dedication of our Mercy teachers, the resilience of our students, and the support of our parents!
Unique Virtual Experiences
On Tuesday, April 28 the Mercy Administration held our traditional Catherine McAuley Tea Celebration over Zoom to honor the Class of 2020 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Finalists and National Merit Scholars. A surprise package of cookies and tea was delivered to each student participant to enjoy during this special online celebration. Sr. Lisa Griffith, Executive Director of MESA (Mercy Education System of Americas) joined us for prayer and reflection. Sr. Lisa’s participation emphasized that our Mercy students are connected to a common global community of 54 schools in 6 countries and 1 territory. Sr. Lisa reminded the honorees that no matter where they may travel as their journey begins, they will be near a fellow Mercy girl!
Mercy Dad Dr. Robert Sherwin, an emergency medicine physician and clinical researcher at the Detroit Medical Center, presented to Mercy students, staff and parents about COVID-19. This immensely informative presentation included an overview of COVID-19 along with a question and answer period. Dr. Sherwin not only works on the front lines during this crisis, yet is also part of research trials and is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. We are immensely grateful for Dr. Sherwin’s generous gift of time and expertise to help the Mercy community become better informed. Dr. Sherwin will also remotely visit our microbiology classes! A recording of the adult COVID-19 presentation can be found here.
Lawyer and Mercy Dad Mr. Morganti, is offering to co-host a virtual career webinar to Mercy students who have an interest in a law career and would appreciate the opportunity to learn about international litigation. If your daughter might be interested in participating, please encourage her to check her email for a communication from Associate Principal Colleen McMaster.
Mercy Cares
The Archdiocese of Detroit announced a new campaign to assist those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. This program is designed to help people know that they are not alone through this time of crisis. The Calming the Storm program provides assistance and resources for physical, mental, and spiritual support to help navigate thIs pandemic. Please help spread the word! Anyone who needs assistance can call 313-237-4646, text 'SOS' to 313-315-5758, or visit http://calmingthestorm.org/.
Michigan Virtual Learning has newly launched the Michigan Cares program, offering free digital lessons to children, teachers and parents. These online modules focus on developing social, emotional, and mental wellbeing skills, which are especially important in this time of the COVID-19 crisis. The Michigan Cares program will be freely available to parents, students, and educators in Michigan until the end of the 20-21 school year. Further information may be found here.
The American Red Cross is offering a free online course geared to providing support for an online only course designed to help individuals build resilience and support themselves and lend support to others during and following the COVID-19 outbreak. Information about the Mental Health First Aid for COVID-19 course can be found here.
There is much uncertainty during this time, yet the Mercy commitment to providing an education in support of the whole young woman remains constant. We are on an incredible journey and are blessed to be walking in partnership and support with our Mercy families.
Praying for the health and safety of our entire Mercy community,
Mrs. Patricia Sattler, Mercy High School Principal