Mother of Mercy High School2

Mother of Mercy High School, a Catholic secondary school for young womensponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, provides quality educational programs ina Christian community which promote life-long learning and strong, clearMercy values: Faith, Compassion, Service, Leadership and Excellence.Empowered by these values and by the discovery of their individualgiftedness, Mercy women are equipped to think critically, communicateeffectively, embrace life and beauty, act with compassion and integrity, andassume roles of service and leadership in society.

The Mercy tab is published by the Specialty Publications

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The Community Recorder.

Questions and comments canbe sent to Editor Melissa

Hayden c/o The CommunityPress/Recorder/394 WardsCorner/Loveland, OH 45140

e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com.

Or call 248-7121.

For advertising call 923-3111.

ContactA message to parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Faculty, staff maintain focus . . . . . . . . . .4

You’ve just got to be thinking Mercy . . . .5

I’m Thinking Mercy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calendar of events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

‘Perks’ of being a Mercy parent . . . . . . . .9

Mercy technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Inside

Mercy’sMission

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Set your children on the rightpath, and upon it they shallremain. - Prov: 22-6

When I became Mercy’s president, Icame not only as a leader for anacademic institution – I came asa parent of two young girls,ready to assess the truevalue of Mother of MercyHigh School for its families.

What I’ve found atMercy are exemplary teach-ers who prioritize the needsof each student and continual-ly further their own professionaldevelopment; I’ve seen an adminis-tration that works diligently at keepingour “product” of the highest quality andcontinually seeks ways in which toimprove; I’ve met parents who remainactively involved in their daughters’education and spoken with alumnaewhose tremendous success in collegeand beyond is attributed to the directionthey received at Mercy. Lastly, I’ve wit-nessed the compassion our girls have forone another as they grow togetherthrough different challenges. So you see,Mercy’s outstanding academic, athletic,and artistic success with 100 percent ofour girls continuing on to college, is notat all by chance; it’s by a consistent com-mitment to excellence throughout ourentire community.

Making the best choice in a highschool, while at times overwhelming, is

still a wonderful opportunity to look notonly at next year, but to where you seeyour daughter in four years, and in 40. Ican tell you there is a confidence inMercy girls as a whole that astounds me.

These young ladies are ener-getic, focused and serious

about their learning. It’sobvious that the faith-filled environments inwhich they are matur-ing, both at schooland at home, are pro-viding the ideal com-

bination for leadershipto result and futures to

be realized. By Mercy’sacademically challenging cur-

riculum that provides exactly the rightamount of support as well as accounta-bility, the girls of Mercy gain valuableskills and work habits while developingthe inner strength essential to fulfillingtheir God-given talents and ambitions.

Please come visit Mercy and spendsome time with us. You and yourdaughter really have to experience thisschool! In so doing, I have to believeyou’ll understand why I say, “It’s theCatholic high school gem of the westside.”

Feel free to contact me at macdougal_k@motherofmercy.org

Kirsten MacDougalPresident, Mother of Mercy High School

A message to parents from Mercy's president

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Mother of Mercy High School4

Mother of Mercy’s facul-ty and staff always maintaintheir focus; in fact, ‘Focus’ isthe theme for this schoolyear. They are focused oneach student’s success,focused on each student’shappiness, focused on eachstudent’s future.

As one senior studentsaid, “All of the teachershere encourage me tostrive higher and accom-plish more than I everthought I could! I reallycan’t imagine any otherhigh school preparing mefor life in the way thatMercy can.”

With an average of 21years teaching experience,Mercy’s faculty is dedicat-ed and professional, anx-ious to help each studentachieve her greatest poten-tial. One teacher told hisclass at the end of theyear, “I like to think ofwhat I do not as necessari-ly teaching, but as sharinga part of myself and whatI hold dear. You haveproven worthy of the gift;

I hope you cherish it.”Mercy students do

cherish it – consider thestatistics:

• 100 percent of theClass of 2008 and 2009 wenton to higher education

• 70 percent of theClass of 2009 shared inscholarship offeringstotaling $7.4 million, or

more than $70,000 each• Class of 2010 has two

National Merit Semi-Finalists and four Com-mended Students

• Nationally, 18 per-cent of students who takeAP Exams become APScholars; at Mother ofMercy, 44 percent becomeAP Scholars

Faculty, staff maintain focus

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You've justGOT to

be thinkingMercy!

“I love walking up the Mercysteps - it builds character... and

burns calories! I love every-body’s positive energy and

happy smiles. I love everyone’swillingness to help and get

involved and have innovative,creative ideas.”- Karina, Class of 2010

Mother of Mercy High School motherofmercy.org6 7

FAITH

Four years of high schooltransforms a girl to a

woman. A Mercy girl isnot only empowered bythe challenging curricu-lum, but she also learns

how and when to takeresponsibility as she

comes to better under-stand the importance of

accountability. The educa-tional experience and

opportunities at Mercyfor leadership help each

girl grow into a confidentwoman, one who will

make a difference in hercommunity, in her coun-

try and around the globe.

Mercy’s numerous clubsand activities give our stu-dents the amazing opportu-nity to discover and devel-op their leadership abilities.Over 90 percent of Mercystudents participate in themany clubs and activities -over 30 different clubs andorganizations from whichto choose! From art, musicand drama to sports, sci-ence, service and more, agirl can certainly find herniche at Mercy.

There’s something extraordinary aboutsharing your faith feelings with your

friends in a family atmosphere of respectand trust. The development of clear val-

ues, a deepening of one’s faith, and reach-ing out in service to others are definite

qualities of a Mercy education. Mercy hasa four-year, powerful retreat program, cul-

minating with senior Kairos, which iscited by an endless number of graduatesas one of the most valuable experiences

they had while a student at Mercy.

Mercy’s curriculum isbuilt around a collegiate

“block” schedule thatprovides more concentrat-

ed, quality time in theclassroom and prepares

students for the seminar-style of instruction found

in colleges. Each schoolday consists of four 85-

minute classes that meeton an every-other-day

rotation. This uniqueschedule allows for the

most effective integrationof Mercy’s advanced tech-

nology and encouragesactive learning through

engaging discussions, in-depth laboratory work,

and detailed research. Thediverse curriculum

approach ensures thatevery Mercy girl is

appropriately challengedand properly supported

to reach her greatestpotential.

Experiencing the thrill of physical competition can addunforgettable fun and challenge to your high schooldays. More than a third of Mercy students play on the25 different varsity, reserve and freshmen teams.Mercy athletes are marked with respect, sportsman-ship, dedication and self-discipline. Bobcats are proudto be part of Mercy’s long tradition as a premier school for women’s athletics in Cincinnati and thestate of Ohio.

CONFIDENCEI’m thinking…………..

EXTRASI’m thinking…………..

I’m thinking…………..

BOBCATSI’m thinking…………..

I’m thinking…………..

ARTSI’m thinking…………..

ACADEMICS

Mercy’s Fine Arts Department is like noother. It is the most honored and widelyrespected program in Cincinnati, with one ofthe highest number of Overture Award nom-inations and more Scholastic Art Awardsthan any other Archdiocesan High School.An award-winning music program featuresthe only high school Hand Bell Choir in thecity! Every year, drama-loving students havea blast while experiencing five different pro-ductions. Performances of Mercy’s ever-pop-ular fall musical are featured at the College of Mount St. Joseph’s Theatre.

National Merit Scholars

Mother of Mercy High School8

•• OOccttoobbeerr 2255,, 22000099Open House for

prospective students andtheir parents; 11:30 a.m. to2 p.m.

•• NNoovveemmbbeerr 66,, 77 && 88,, 22000099Fall Musical - “Jesus

Christ Superstar”; 7:30p.m. - College of MountSt. Joseph Theatre (7 p.m.show time on Sunday,Nov. 8)

•• NNoovveemmbbeerr 77,, 22000099Test Prep Class; 8 a.m.

to noon

•• NNoovveemmbbeerr 2211,, 22000099Eighth Grade Place-

ment/Scholarship Test;8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

•• DDeecceemmbbeerr 1111,, 22000099Christmas on CampusOvernight for eighth-

grade girls; 8 p.m. to 8a.m.

•• DDeecceemmbbeerr 1188 && 1199,, 22000099Christmas Concert;

7:30 p.m. - Mercy Theatre

•• JJaannuuaarryy 77,, 22001100Sophomore Play -

“Disnee Divas”; 7 p.m. -Mercy Theatre

•• MMaarrcchh 55,, 66 && 77,, 22001100Spring Play - “Dancing

at Lughnasa;” 7:30 p.m. -Mercy Theatre (7 p.m.show time on Sunday,March 7)

•• MMaayy 22,, 22001100Art Show; 1 - 4 p.m.

•• MMaayy 66 && 77,, 22001100Freshman Play - “One-

Act Festival;” 7:30 p.m.

•• MMaayy 1144 && 1155,, 22001100Spring Concert,

7:30 p.m. -Mercy Theatre

Calendarof events

motherofmercy.org 9

1. Mercy’s faculty – ourteachers, as well as thestaff and administrationare outstanding. It’s soobvious they all genuinelycare about each studentand her future and serveas wonderful examplesfor the girls.

2. Mercy’s values –each Mercy student willcome to personify Mercy’sfounding values of faith,service, compassion, lead-ership and excellence. Asrecognized by her conductand her confidence, onecan always pick out aMercy girl in a crowd.

3. Mercy’s campus –the campus is beautiful,secure, expansive – it’slike a little oasis in themiddle of the city whichis used continually for

events, classes and evensenior picnic lunchesevery day!

4. Mercy’s location –centrally located in theheart of the west side,Mercy is an easy commutefrom nearly every neigh-borhood.

5. Mercy’s faith – ourCatholic identity is seam-lessly woven into everyschool day at Mercy,building for each studentan incredible foundationof strength for her future.The faith experiences thatare offered are amazing,especially the Kairosretreats.

6. Mercy’s girls – thestudent population atMercy is of very highquality with stellar aca-demic performance, deter-

mination, ethics andabsolute kindness. Also,there are no boys! Noth-ing wrong with boys, ofcourse, but there’s a lot ofevidence that both girlsand boys remain moreacademically focused insingle-sex schools.

7. Mercy’s community– it becomes just likeextended family. Girlsoften say it feels likeyou’re coming “home”when you come to Mercy.The whole familybecomes part of the circleof Mercy.

8. Mercy’s respect –you talk, they listen – real-ly. And they respond.There’s great school sup-port in everything aca-demic and extracurricularhere and parents areactively involved andtreated as partners in the

education of their daugh-ters.

9. Mercy’s preparation– Mercy girls are terrifical-ly well prepared for col-lege academically, spiritu-ally and morally. With anintense college-prep cur-riculum modeled in themanner of higher educa-tion with longer class timethrough block schedulingand integrated, option-based technology, Mercystudents have been arriv-ing at college completelyand confidently ready.

10. Mercy investment –Mercy is like a supple-

mental college-savingsaccount! The bounty ofscholarship offerings tonearly 70 percent ofMercy seniors annually istremendous and consis-tent. Additionally, withMercy’s many Dual Creditand AP course selections,there are even more waysto receive college creditfor a fraction of the cost.Mercy knows how to helpeach student earn themost she can toward col-lege expenses! It’s the bestreturn on investmentaround and it pays divi-dends for life.

‘Perks’ of being a Mercy parentA Parent’s Top 10 List

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