*Dear Mercy Parents,

The end of the year is almost upon us, and we know that students are looking forward to a much-deserved break. We wish your families a fun and safe summer!

With this letter you will find our summer assignments (click HERE for summer assignments), which we believe will have a real impact on students’ achievement when they return in the fall. We are very aware of the need for teenagers to use their summers to relax and refresh, but we also recognize that students who continue to read and practice during the summer lose fewer skills and recover more quickly from their break.

To that end, Mercy’s teaching faculty revamped many of our summer assignments to give students more choices, more hands-on learning, and less rote work. We’ve removed assignments that were overly time-consuming, instead seeking to engage students in meaningful learning. All of the assignments include work that teachers will follow up on in the fall, whether as an extension of the summer assignment, or to build toward the next year’s skills.

Students will of course benefit from working on their assignments throughout the summer, and so some of our teachers included rolling deadlines for the work, rather than requiring that everything is turned in on the first day school. We hope you as parents will partner with us to encourage students to both take time to care for themselves and to recharge, and to work on the assignments so they are completely thoughtfully.

We hope this summer is a time for your family to take trips, connect together, and enjoy hobbies so everyone is ready for an excellent 2016-2017 school year.

Best,

Lauren Conklin
Assistant Head of School for Academics

all school information

*Important Dates for 2016-17 Beginning of School

Aug 15-18: 9 a.m. College Boot Camp – Required for all seniors
Aug. 15: 9:30 a.m. - Link Crew Training
Aug. 19: 8:30 a.m. - Freshman Orientation
Aug. 19: 9 a.m. - Transfer Student Orientation
Aug. 22: 8:30 a.m. -  Freshmen and Junior Full Uniform Orientation Day
Aug. 22: 12:30 p.m. - Sophomore and Senior Full Uniform Orientation Day
Aug. 23: First Day of School; Tri-School Classes Begin
Aug. 25: 6:30 p.m. Freshmen Parent Orientation
______________________________________________________________________________

*Undergraduate Awards Program
Click HERE for the Undergraduate Awards Program which lists student names and awards that were given on May16, 2016.

*Senior Awards Program
Click HERE for the Senior Awards Program which lists student names and awards that were given on May 24, 2016.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

Transportation for 2016/2017

San Francisco and points north: The Mercy van currently stops at the Peets on Sloat, Westlake Shopping Center and the Starbucks at El Camino and Sneath Lane (across from Tanforan). We would like to continue this morning only service and need at least six students to make this work. Cost for next year will be $800 per student.

Half Moon Bay and Pacifica: We would like to begin a morning-only pick-up service from Half Moon Bay (pick up at Routes 1 and 92) and Pacifica (pick up Route 1 near Clarendon shopping area). Possible stop in Montara, if there is interest. An additional stop in Pacifica, if there is interest. Cost for the year would be $1,000.

Points south of San Mateo: Some families have expressed interest in a van run from Redwood City north to Mercy. The van would make stops along El Camino in Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont and south San Mateo. Cost is estimated at $800 per student and we would need at least six students. This, again, is morning only pick-up.

If you are interested in any of these transportation services please email Lynn Beal at lbeal@mercyhsb.com by June 1, 2016. A 50% deposit will be due for transportation by June 30, 2016.
______________________________________________________________________________

Library News! 

• All Mercy library books borrowed during the year are due back by the end of this week (May 20).  This will allow for a complete inventory of the library collection.
   
• Checkouts for the summer begin during collaboration on May 20 for juniors, sophomores and freshmen.  The girls may borrow up to 4 books for the summer break.  Please keep careful track of these, as any lost books will have to be replaced.  
   
• The Mercy library summer reading challenge begins on May 20.  Read three or more books just for the fun of it and join us for a pizza party in the library in the first two weeks of school to celebrate.  A suggested reading list, and the form to be filled out will be available on Schoology.  
   
• All students, including seniors will have access to Mercy's online library of books - Overdrive - throughout the summer.  Instructions to access are available through the library tab under "academics" on the website.
   
• The library is very grateful for donations of books or audio-books as you clear out rooms and bookshelves over the summer.  We cannot, however, accept items which have been written in (Subject practice test books, or annotated text books for example), items in poor physical condition, or anything unappealing to high school girls. 

Donate back Used Uniforms...  Do you have any Mercy uniforms around your house that your daughter doesn’t need anymore? Please drop them by the Main Office and we’ll offer them to other Mercy students at our upcoming Used Uniform Sales! We’ll take skirts, polos, sweaters, sweatshirts, pants, vests, shorts, etc! 

The MPC sponsored Used Uniform Sale dates and times are: 

• Monday June, 13th 4-6pm
• Tues. June, 14th 8:30am-12 noon
• Wed. June 15th 11:00am-3:00pm

______________________________________________________________________________

Summer School: 

Students and parents, if you are planning to take a summer school class to ADVANCE (not remediate), you must send your counselor proof of registration for this course as soon as possible. 

We also need to receive the transcript from the online or summer school by Aug. 1 (or contact Mrs. Conklin if you are unable to send it by then) in order to register you for the advanced class in the fall. If we do not have this information we will be unable to schedule you for the class in the fall and you will need to take that class at Mercy. Click HERE for The Summer School Request form.
______________________________________________________________________________ 

Click HERE for the Summer School Course Catalog. Classes are available for advancement and remediation. Please sign up early so we can ensure that we have enough classes available. Your daughter should fill out the Summer School Request Form so that her schedule in the fall is accurate. 

mercy parent club

*Ushers Needed for Graduation on Sunday, June 5th - We need volunteers for graduation, please let me know if you can help! Parents are needed from 12:30pm – 3:30pm on Sunday June 5, 2016 at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. This is a great way for underclass parents to get a sneak peak at what graduation will be like for your daughter. Please use the sign up genius link below or email Jennifer Munsey at jmunsey@mercyhsb.com for details.

Mercy Graduation Volunteer Sign up

Junior Parents

*Parking Permit Requests for the Class of 2017
are now available in the Main Office.

The requirements are as follows:
1. Form must be completed and signed by student AND parent. 
2. Copy of Driver's License must be attached.
3. Fee of $100 (please make checks payable to Mercy High School)
Please bring all required paperwork and fee to Mrs. Folan in the Main Office. 

* Rising Seniors: You will have the rest of the school year and one week at the beginning of next school year to get parking permits.  Following that time parking will be opened to Rising Juniors. Questions? Please Email Mrs. Folan at cfolan@mercyhsb.com 

senior parents  

Mother-Daughter Senior
Mass & Brunch Photos
Click HERE or visit the MEDIA GALLERY on the Today at Mercy page of our website to view photos from the Mother-Daugther Senior Mass & Brunch.  

_____________________________________________________________________________

Senior Pinning Photos
Click HERE or visit the MEDIA GALLERY on the Today at Mercy page of our website to view photos from the Senior Pinning ceremony.

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Please click HERE for Important 2016 Graduation Information.

Year of Mercy events

Calling all Mercy Artists! 
Year of Mercy Event: 
Mercy Art Exhibit
We are looking for Mercy Artists to submit their artwork to an art exhibit celebrating The Year of Mercy.  The theme of the submissions is Mercy.  The Art Exhibit will be held at Mercy Center, Burlingame from July 1, 2016 - August 31, 2016. Submissions due by June 1, 2016. All those interested should contact Angie Simonetti at mercyartexhibit@gmail.com

Educational Travel

Science Research Opportunity through
Ecology Project International
Join us for a trip to the Galapagos Islands to explore their unique biodiversity!  There's no better laboratory for conservation and biology field studies! From the waters teeming with species found only here, to the highlands inhabited by giant tortoises, you'll work to understand and protect this fragile ecosystem.  We will be working behind the scenes at the Darwin Research Center, collecting data on the baby tortoises, snorkeling around various islands, and helping to clear out invasive species. Students will receive 20 core service hours.  The trip will be from July 10 – 21, 2017. Details can be found by clicking HERE.  Parents and alums are welcome to attend!  Please contact Jennifer Lambdin, jlambdin@mercyhsb.com, if you have questions. Here are some photos from our 2012 trip!

______________________________________________________________________________

Secure your spot for ICELAND!!!  Initial payment to secure a spot is $200 and is due on May 23rd.  Please make checks out to Mercy High School, put the student's name on the memo line as well as ICELAND.  Turn in to Dr. Bradley in room 104R. For more info email Dr. Bradley at pbradley@mercyhsb.com

Iceland Spring 2017
Parents and Students interested in going to ICELAND: Read about the trip below and in the attached itinerary.  We will be going for 5 days during Spring break (April 15-20, 2017) at a cost of approximately $2400.  We need to have at least 20 students interested for this trip to happen.  Iceland: Fire & Ice | Reykjavik & The Westman Islands, Iceland 5-days / 4-nights in destination This picturesque island contains some of the most impressive natural wonders found anywhere in the world. Spectacular phenomena include smoldering volcanoes, slow-flowing glaciers, extruding lava, gushing geysers, bubbling mud pots, soothing thermal pools and, in the darkness of winter, the magical northern lights. With a focus on volcanology and geothermal science, we’ll uncover geysers, glaciers, thermal pools, waterfalls, wildlife and more as we soak up the Viking history that dominates this awesome place.  Click HERE for itinerary.

_____________________________________________________________________________

G’Day Mates - Fancy a snuggle with a Koala? Ever want to box a kangaroo? Maybe we will all just have our feet waxed in Hobbiton. If this sounds like your type of trip then throw a shrimp on the barby and grab your suitcases for our 2017 VPA trip down under to both Australia and Zealand. During this 15 day trip we will immerse ourselves in art by seeing a musical/ballet or opera at the world famous Opera House and explore the architectural marvels like the skyline Gondolas and the town of Hobbiton from the acclaimed series “The Lord of the Rings”.For more information contact Gary Ferguson gferguson@mercyhsb.com or visit  http://www.eftours.com/tour-website/1812821VB?utm_source=link&utm_medium=RC&utm_campaign=sharetrip
____________________________________________________________________________

Music Festival in Dublin Ireland 2017 - For all Mercy girls who plan or are hoping to be in Mercy Chorales  during the 2016-2017 school year!  We are planning an amazing trip to Ireland!  This will be in June, 2017 and of course recent graduates will be invited to participate! We will be participating in a Music Festival in Dublin, Ireland with participants potentially from all over the world and the festival will be hosted by the renowned educator and composer, Henry Leck.   This is a rare and wonderful opportunity and we think that aside from performing programs and seeing the sights we will get to visit Baggot Street, where Catherine McAuley began the Sisters of Mercy. I will be sharing more about our plans...but in the meantime, don't hesitate to get in touch with me! Mrs. Matthews pmatthews@mercyhsb.com.

Athletics

*The Mercy Spring Sports Awards was held last night. Congratulations to the following girls for receiving WBAL all-league status:

______________________________________________________________________________

Summer Conditioning 

• A comprehensive conditioning program has been put together during the summer months for all athletes. Conditioning sessions will take place at Mercy on June 14, 16,17,21,23,24,28,30. July 1,5,7,8,12,14,15 from 9-11am. The sessions will be conducted by track coach Sunny Diaz who is also physical education teacher and personal trainer. Meet by pond area near mansion
• In addition, we will be offering conditioning sessions on June 20,22,27,29, July 11,13,18,20 Aug 1, 3,8,10 with a choice of 3-4pm or 4-5pm. These sessions will also be held at Mercy. They will be conducted by trainers from Pacific Therx, a group that Mercy contracts with to provide medical coverage at our home games/matches. Meet by pond area near the mansion.

• Our volleyball program will be holding open gyms this summer. Any girl who is interested in playing volleyball is encouraged to attend on June 14, 21, and 28 at Our Lady of Angel’s gym. In addition, there will be open gym sessions on July 12 and 19 at St Catherine’s gym. Each session is from 7-9pm.
• Basketball will be holding open gym sessions at Our Lady of Angels on June 15, 22, 29 and July 6 at Our Lady of Angel’s gym and July 13 and 20 at St Catherine’s. Each session is 7-9pm. All basketball players are encouraged to attend.

Any questions concerning the conditioning sessions or open gyms can be answered by Athletic Director Charlie Dougherty. cdougherty@mercyhsb.com

Be a host

Host an International Student 
with gphomestay!
Looking to share an international experience with your family without leaving the comfort of your home? Open your home to an international student and receive a monthly stipend of $1500! We’ve partnered with gphomestay and together, we are looking for caring host families for the FALL 2016 semester. Visit www.gphomestay.com for more information on how you can benefit from this cross-cultural experience. Contact info@gphomestay.com or click here to fill out a Host Inquiry Form. Click here for flyer.

Cafeteria Specials

Lunch Order Form - to save time, students may fill out this form and drop off at the Cafeteria in the morning. Please Visit the cafeteria for our NEW and improved daily salad selections

Thursday, 5/26: BBQ Chicken with Mash Potatoes and Corn 

Musc at Kohl

MUSIC AT KOHL 

We begin our season again on October 16 - anyone interested in joining us, please let me know and I will put your name on my email list for each concert. Volunteer duties involve front of house of distributing programs, taking tickets, ushering and reception preparation. You have an opportunity to enjoy part of the concert, or just enjoy time with the other volunteers. Mercy and Serra students are invited to participate and will receive community service credit.

Also, anyone who is interested in helping in our office with our resubscription mailing (stuffing envelopes) during the summer break, sometime in June, please let me know and I can contact you.

Thanks also to all our volunteers this entire season. We could not successfully present our concerts without the Mercy and Serra community!

Yvonne Wun
Program Administrator, Music at Kohl Mansion