January 22, 2020  |  PARENT ENEWS 

Dear Mercy Families,

 

One thing that I love so much about Mercy's charism is how deeply rooted it is in community and hospitality. It is very important to me as Head of School that we build a strong parent community so we can partner in supporting our students and planning for Mercy's future.

 

In the coming weeks and months there will be so many opportunities for parents and families to engage with Mercy. From the Lobster Feed and the Father Daughter Dance to service activities and Making A Difference, we hope that you will choose to get involved in our school community.

It is hard to believe that I am halfway through my first year as Head of School. One area that I would love to focus on this semester is engaging more with you.

 

I would welcome the opportunity to get to know you better while also bringing you into the conversation of where Mercy is and where we want to go as we look towards our future. In March we will be hosting some additional events to share the state of the school with our parents, as well as to have additional socials so that we can continue to build community with one another. I look forward to sharing more information on these events in the coming weeks with you. Until then please don't hesitate to reach out to Lynn Beal to schedule a meeting with me so we can get to know one another and so you can share your hopes for your daughter.

Thanks,
Natalie

2020-2021 Mercy Course Catalog

The Mercy Course Catalog for 2020-2021 is available now. Students will meet one-on-one with counselors in the coming weeks to make their course requests in PowerSchool. This year families will not be responsible for making those requests at home, which is a change! We hope this is more convenient for you. Parents will still have access to the recommendations and course requests, and we encourage you to talk with your daughter about them. Email or call your daughter's counselor with questions or concerns. Thank you for careful consideration of a balanced and rigorous course load!

Winter Formal is THIS Friday 1/24 at the SF Design Center

• Students must attend all classes on Friday to go to the dance. They can not be late for school or leave school early. The only exception is if they are a Freshman or Sophomore who earned the day off from the Mercy-A-Thon Fundraiser. Students may check the list of who earned the day off in Advisory. If there are any questions about the Mercy-A-Thon day off reward, contact asilva@mercyhsb.com
• The dance is from 7:00-10:00pm. Check in is from 7:00-8:00pm. If a student is going to be late email Coach RG at crietmanngrout@mercyhsb.com. Doors will open at 9:30 for pick up.
• All students must be picked up by a parent or guardian, ride share app, or limo service by 10:00pm. Please be respectful of our chaperone's time.
• Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the SF Design Center. There is parking across the street for those who drive. 
• There will be a coat check for all jackets and purses. Students may not bring in open containers or perfume bottles.
• Students may purchase professional photos at the dance with cash or check made out to Lifetouch. 

CSF Applications are now available!

If you would like to apply to CSF using your Fall 2019 grades, please turn in the application to Mrs. Ohanessian by January 31st. Please do not leave applications in the main office!  Please note: There is a new course list, click HERE for the new form that must be turned in with your application.  Old versions of the application will not be accepted.

Remember:

·  CSF is for 9-12 grades only

·  You must reapply every semester

·  Always use grades from the previous semester ONLY

·  The application fee is $5.00 per semester ($5 will come out  of the FACTS account in the upcoming weeks.

·  A transcript or report card must be attached to the application

 

Dads Project Continued 

Thank you to our lovely parents who volunteered at the start of the year to assemble our new flexible classroom desks. The students love the mobility they have to create different learning groups! We're hoping for a few helping hands to disassemble the old desks and get them loaded up for delivery. If you have some time to spare at pick-up next Monday or Tuesday, we'd greatly appreciate your help! Sign up HERE

 

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
On January 31st there is a play regarding Human Trafficking Awareness at Calvary Church in San Mateo.

If you would like to attend you can get the tickets at: Lily's Wings.

Students who attend will receive 2 Learning Hours.

ASL Art Contest

Congratulations Zoe Chow

In the Fall there was an American Sign Language Honor Society Art Contest. This contest was open to all Mercy ASL students. The contest featured a Deaf artist and the submissions could be a reproduction of that artist, or an original art piece in the same style as the artist featured. 

Zoe Chow submitted a reproduction. This year there were a high number of submissions, so there was a delay in announcing the winners. Zoe's submission was recognized as being in the top 10% of submissions received. As such, Zoe received a special certificate.

Parent Survey

 

As part of an ongoing effort to best serve our students and address their social-emotional needs, we invite our parent community to complete a Parent Survey on Student Social-Emotional Needs. Your answers to this survey will provide us with your unique perspective on student needs and the resources you find useful on these topics. Thank you very much for your time and participation.

 

Click HERE to complete the survey. 

Parent Education Workshop on Social Media 

Tuesday, January 28 • 6:30pm

Mercy's Counseling Department invites parents and guardians to join us for a special educational workshop that will include a screening of the new documentary LIKE, and a discussion facilitated by licensed clinical counselor, Laura McGrouty. We will discuss how social media affects the way young people perceive themselves and others, and how parents can promote awareness of and facilitate positive online behavior. Register HERE to attend!

 

LIKE is an IndieFlix Original documentary that explores the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain. 

Grandparents/Special Elders Day

Friday, January 31 • 12:45 - 2:30pm

At Mercy we recognize that many special people participate in the growth and development of our students. Often grandparents and significant elders have a profound impact on our students lives. As a way to honor those special relationships, Mercy will hold a Grandparents/Special Elders Day on January 31, 2020 from 12:45pm-2:30pm. Our special guests will have the opportunity to tour the school and meet your daughter's teachers and friends. Ms. Simonetti sent out a Google Form through Schoology for students to sign up to bring a guest. Please encourage your daughter to invite a special guest and sign up on the Grandparents/Special Elders Day form. Please keep in mind our campus has special challenges, so if a guest has special needs please let us know by contacting Angie Simonetti at 650 762-1149 or asimonetti@mercyhsb.com.

Join us for the New England Lobster Market's traditional-style boil!

Enjoy a unique dining experience with entertainment, cocktails, and a live and silent auction.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 

6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Mercy High School, Burlingame

 

Early Bird Ticket Price - $75 Per Person

through February 1, 2020

Standard Ticket Price - $85 Per Person

after February 1, 2020 

 

Buy your tickets now! This event is sure to sell out.

Chicken dinner substitution available at time of ticket purchase. 
MUST BE 21 AND OVER TO ATTEND, NO HOST BAR

All proceeds benefit Mercy High School, Burlingame

Please contact Jennifer Munsey, in the Mercy Advancement office with any questions.

Dad and Daughter Dance RSVP 

Join us for the Dad and Daughter Dance on Friday February 7th, 8-10pm at Kohl Mansion. Students are welcome to bring their dad, guardian, or special adult in their life! Prizes awarded for best-dressed duos so come in your 50s dancing shoes for a date at the diner! RSVP HERE

 

Sneak peak into our raffle prize! A lucky winner will receive a pair of Warriors floorseats with club access, Feb 10th 7:30pm at Chase Center Food and beverage included. This is your chance for a premier experience at the Chase Center! Make sure to check out our prize table and purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win! Cash, Card & check accepted. 

 

Moms, we need your help to make this a special night! Sign up to help (and sneak some photos that night) HERE. 

Dads Beach Clean up and Saturday of Service 

The dads beach clean up has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 4th at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica from 9-11am! Families are welcome to join, and this will serve as a Saturday of Service for students to receive service hours. Please RSVP HERE if you plan to join! 

 

Close-Up 2021

January 16-23, 2021

This trip is open to all students Freshmen to Seniors of 2020-2021. Click HERE to watch a video with more information. Please contact Tom Wootten at Twootten@mercyhsb.com if interested.

Thank You!

Music at Kohl Mansion gives a big Thank You to the volunteers who helped with our Violins of Hope World Premiere concert on January 19th: Kelly Fetisoff, Madi Fetisoff, Mia McElroy, Jennifer Carniato, Hanako Fick, Yohko Fick, Casey Troost, Sophia Flagg, and Brandon Gregg. 

Our next concert is February 16th and we always need volunteers.  If you are interested, please contact Katie Riggs at (650) 762-1130 or admin@musicatkohl.org

 

Kairos Retreat Information

We are beginning to finalize our list for Kairos in March.  The dates are:  Wednesday March 12-Friday, March 13th.  If your daughter wishes to go on Kairos in March, please have her sign up on the Campus Ministry Door or email me!  We will be closing the registration at the end of January. Angie Simonetti, Campus Minister

College Kickoff Meeting

It is time to schedule your College Kickoff meetings with Mrs. Ohanessian. Please click on this link to schedule a meeting. The meetings will include information about testing, the college application process, and upcoming events

 Yearbook Recognition Ad

Join us in celebrating your senior by placing a Yearbook Recognition Ad for your student. The final deadline is January 31st. 

To purchase, click HERE to begin. Ad space is limited so purchase yours today!

Please feel free to contact me anytime with concerns or comments at 650-762-1107. I am looking forward to a great 2019-20 with Mercy Athletics!

Charlie Dougherty, Athletic Director

 

Follow Mercy Athletics on Twitter for game updates and scores!

All results of each team can be found in the Mercy scoreboard-place HERE

Divers 

We will be starting back up a diving program. If you are interested in trying diving this spring, please come to an interest meeting on Monday Jan 27 at 2:30pm in Grassilli. Meet at the bleachers.

Coach Janie Dawes will be present to discuss program.

Spring Sport Tryouts/Practices start on Feb 3. All athletes must be cleared thru the Magnus system prior to starting a sport.

 

• Swimming will meet at Mercy pool
• Diving will meet at the Serra High School Pool
• Track and Field will meet at Mercy pond area
• Lacrosse will be at Murray Field in Burlingame on Anza Blvd
• Softball will be at Cuernavaca Park in Burlingame
• Gymnastics will be at Gymtowne Gymnastics in South San Francisco

Spring Sports Conditioning  

• 3:15-4pm-Softball and Swimming
• 4:00-4:45pm-Lacrosse, Gymnastics and Track and Field

We currently have coach openings in the following sports. If you are aware of a potential candidate, please tell them that we are accepting resumes. All interested coaches should contact Athletic Director Charlie Dougherty.

• Varsity Head Coach Volleyball-Fall of 2020

• Assistant Varsity Coach in Swimming-Spring of 2020

 Athlete of the Week 
Basketball player Ryan Galea

Ryan is a senior and 4 year member of the basketball program. A co-captain of this year's team, Ryan can always be counted on to bring a ton of energy and spirit to the court each day. Her relentless play on defense helps set the tone for the Mercy squad. Ryan is also one of the team's leading scorers and rebounders. This past week, Ryan had 11 points and 9 rebounds vs. Kings Academy. She then had an even more impressive game vs. Notre Dame SJ in which she accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds. Ryan's all around play will be a key to the team's overall goal of going to the CCS play-offs. Great job Ryan, Keep it going!!!!

Games & Practice Schedule

January 23-29

Purchase FALL and WINTER Team Photos

If you would like to purchase photos taken by Lifetouchplease use this link to access pictures. events.lifetouch.com/mercyburlingamehighschool

Parents, if your daughter is absent or late for school, it is imperative that you call the Main Office at 650 343 3631 to let the school know. You are welcome to call 24 hours a day and leave a voicemail if someone does not answer. Thank you for helping us make sure all of your daughters are accounted for during the day! Student safety is our number one priority.

 

Please be sure your back up emergency listings are up to date. If your daughter becomes ill at school and she will need to be picked up, it is important for us to have the correct phone numbers to call. Thank you!

 

We have had a reported case of Mononucleosis at Mercy. Students with mono are required to stay home from school until they are cleared by their doctor and are not contagious. Click HERE for more information from the CDC. 

Donate to the Dad & Daughter Dance Raffle! 

Mercy Parent Club raffles make it possible for us to host our traditional events free of cost for our families. For the upcoming Dad Daughter Dance raffle we are looking to fill the following baskets: Sports (Giants/Warriors/49ers etc. related items), Things Dads Love (tech, activities, experiences!), Formal/Prom (hair/nail services, gift cards to stores for formal wear), Lululemon and Yoga (yoga related items, hydroflask, gift card to Lululemon), Friday Night (movie tickets, snacks, food gift cards), Burlingame Ave (coffee, boba, shops on the Ave). Please include your name and the estimated amount to thank you!

 

If you have any related items you would like to donate or questions please email asilva@mercyhsb.com.