May 9, 2018
Sections
  • Head of School
  • Academics
  • Mission
  • Business
  • Advancement
  • Mercy Parent Association
  • Important Dates
  • Upcoming Events
Important Dates for the 2018-19 School Year
Friday, August 24
  • First Day of Classes - Special Schedule
Nov. 21-23
  • School Closed - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 7-12
  • Final Exams
Dec. 17-Jan. 6
  • School Closed - Christmas Break
April 18-28
  • School Closed - Easter Break
May 24, 28, 30
  • Final Exams
Friday, May 31
  • Last Day of School
Saturday, June 1
  • Senior Graduation Ceremony
Head of School
Dear Mercy Families,

I cannot believe it’s May! As we approach the end of the school year, I want you all to know how grateful Mercy is to be partnering with you in the education of your daughters. As you know, Mercy is about to complete its 65th year. Such longevity is only possible with commitment from parents. The support you provide your daughters at home and at school is so critical and not always easy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Mercy is also dependent upon the constant, passionate, and dedicated work of teachers, coaches, counselors, program directors, and mentors, who work with and support your daughters on a daily basis. In the spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week, if you see one of them around, please be sure to say thank you. It goes a long way - longer than you think.

And if you’re like me and you’re already looking forward to some summer reading opportunities, I offer this recent blog post from Donna Orem, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (and a proud graduate of a Mercy school herself!): Summer Reflection: Books to Spur New Perspectives .

In Mercy,
Scott McLarty
Head of School
Parents are invited to enjoy an informal social gathering with our Leadership Team during Catherine's Cup in the M Lounge on the 4th floor. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, snacks, and light bites.

Date: Friday, May 18
Time:  8-9:30 a.m.
Location: M Lounge on the 4th floor
Academics
Dear Mercy Families,

I want to update you on a couple important events that are coming up as we enter the final weeks of the 2017-18 school year.

May 18 Schedule Change
On May 18 we have scheduled a Transition to College Workshop for seniors. This event helps seniors with their planning as they transition from high school to college (regardless of the kind of school). Due to a scheduling conflict for our guest speakers we are changing the day from a Faculty to Long Assembly Day. School still ends at 3:05 p.m. as planned. Students in grades 9-11 will be lead through study skills and students will explore scientifically proven study methods that increase exam performance. Students will have time to explore how to organize study sessions, where to study, what the body needs to function at optimal levels on exams, and strategies for studying.

Finals Schedule
In an effort to provide students with more time to study for finals, and to help combat some of the stress associated with that time of year Mercy is piloting a new format for finals.

Rather than the traditional finals schedule with two exams each day for three consecutive days, finals will be spread out so that students do not take finals on consecutive days. Below is the finals schedule for this Spring.
  • Friday, May 25 - World Languages, Science
  • Tuesday, May 29 - English, Math
  • Thursday, May 31 - Social Studies, Religious Studies

Monday, May 28 is a holiday and Wednesday, May 30 will be a study day for students (and grading day for teachers). There is no school these two days for students - Mercy is closed. It is our hope that this schedule will enhance student’s ability to study, de-stress, and take proper care of themselves between exam dates.

Academic Awards Assembly
As is our tradition, the last day of school for Mercy students is the Academic Awards Assembly, taking place on Friday, June 1. The day starts at 9 a.m. and ends by 11:30 a.m. Families are welcome to join us that morning in the theater to celebrate the Class of 2018.

In Mercy,

Dan Meyers
Associate Head of School, Academics
Mission
Kidpower Self-defense Workshop May 12

Kidpower is holding a Personal Safety Workshop for teens ages 13-17.


Contact Elizabeth Heuser, Director of Wellness, eheuser@mercyhs.org
May Crowning & Junior/Senior Transition Ceremony May 16

Our community will celebrate its first May Crowning and Transition Ceremony on May 16th!


Contact Angelica Quinonez, Associate Head of School, Mission, aquinonez@mercyhs.org
Parents of Athletes: Join the Sports Awards Ceremony May 19

Join Mercy SF Athletics in honoring and celebrating our student-athletes for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments during the 2017-18 sport seasons. All proceeds will benefit Mercy sports teams.

Date: Sat, May 19
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Mercy High School, McAuley Pavilion
Tickets: $20 per person (Student-athletes and children 8 & under free)

  • No Host Bar & Appetizers
  • Dinner Buffet
  • Casual Dress Code (no shorts or sweatpants, please)


Contact Sheri Sam, Director of Athletics,  ssam@mercyhs.org
Senior Parents: Message about Graduation

We look forward to celebrating your daughter's’ graduation with you on June 2. Please review this important information about t ickets, church etiquette, and rehearsals.


Contact Angelica Quinonez, Associate Head of School, Mission, aquinonez@mercyhs.org
Business
URGENT: Final Tuition Payments Due May 25

With final exams fast approaching, ALL tuition accounts must be paid up-to-date by
Friday, May 25, at 3 p.m.

Final exams will be held back for those students whose accounts are not up to date. If a balance is stilled owed, please make arrangements with the Business Office immediately to clear your account.

Contact Marc Colelli, Interim Chief Financial Officer, mcolelli@mercyhs.org
Advancement
Dear Mercy Families:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of the wonderful Mercy parents who helped make this year’s La Merced Gala - celebrating 65 years of Mercy - such a rousing success! We couldn’t have done it without you - sponsoring the event, attending and encouraging others to come, filling baskets, volunteering at the event, donating … the list goes on. We are incredibly grateful. Special thanks to parent Karen Pierotti, the event chair, who did an incredible job and concluded the evening with lovely remarks.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening, for me, was after the event, when parents, alumnae and friends continued to gather and mingle. It was such a pleasure seeing everyone share cherished memories of Mercy, enjoy each other’s company, make connections, and continue to build our Circle of Mercy.

Again, many thanks!

In Mercy,

Anne Farrah
Chief Advancement Officer
La Merced Gala Exceeds Fundraising Goal
Through the generosity of parents, alumnae, sponsors, donors, and friends we raised more than $160,000 for the Mercy Scholarship Fund, exceeding our goal, during our annual La Merced Gala .

We received more sponsorships than ever before and the amount raised during our Fund-a-Need doubled from last year. It’s these generous contributions that form the foundation of Mercy’s 65-year legacy of educating more than 11,000 alumnae who now serve as leaders and influencers nationally and internationally.

We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our Honorary Committee and volunteers led by our La Merced Gala Chair, parent Karen Pierotti, who helped make the evening a great success.

Post-Gala Online Auction Now Open

Couldn't make it to last week’s La Merced Gala ? Bid in our Post-Gala Online Auction , live NOW through May 21!

You have the opportunity to win some excellent items. Bid on some exciting sports-themed items like a framed, autographed Steph Curry jersey, Warriors Camp with Jordan Bell for your basketball-enthusiast kid, and an unforgettable WNBA experience with the Seattle Storm. We also have a variety of thoughtfully curated baskets by our Mercy parents whether you’re looking for a movie night, spa day, or yoga—we have them all! There are also many great items for your kids of all ages from dance, to basketball, to family adventures, to ceramics!

We also have plenty of Mercy treasures—how would your daughter like to sing karaoke with Ms. Q and Mr. Pease before the end of the year? Or how would you like VIP seating and parking to any of next year’s Theatre Productions? Bid now!

Spread the word! Share our Online Auction with your friends and family and encourage them to bid for a chance to win some great items.


Contact Bekah Paige, Director of Development, bpaige@mercyhs.org
Mercy Parent Association
Thank You for Supporting Our Teachers
 
Thank you to the parents who provided and facilitated the coffee, doughnuts and homemade desserts for Teacher Appreciation Week. It was enjoyed by all the staff!
Mercy’s Parent Leadership Team is brainstorming and planning now for next school year, 2018-2019. If you have ideas or just want to have a lot of fun and make new friends, please join us.
 
Contact Karen Pierotti, MPA Vice Chair, at MPAViceChair@mercyhs.org
Red Carpet Ceremony for Performing Arts Students May 18
 
The Performing Arts Parents Association (PAPA) proudly celebrates our Fall/Spring production actors, winter dance ensemble, all crew members, Dolce Choir, and WIPA students. Honored students are invited to attend this ceremony with their families.

Date: Friday, May 18
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Mercy High School   
Attire: Semi-formal (students dress-up)

If your daughter is involved in the performing arts and you have not received an email about this event, please RSVP by emailing PAPA parent, Lina Morales at linamor69@hotmail.com . We are preparing a slideshow, so please forward pictures related to any of the 2017-2018 productions to Lina Morales.
Senior Dinner Celebration May 31
 
Celebrate the end of four years of Mercy and let us welcome you to Mercy's alumnae community at the Senior Celebration Dinner!

Date: Thursday, May 31
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: McAuley Pavilion

This is a free event for each senior and two guests. PLEASE RSVP BY MAY 25. Note that this event has assigned seating and you will need to provide seating requests. Each table seats up to 10.


Contact Georgia Wasley, Alumnae Development Officer at gwasley@mercyhs.org
Important Dates
May 7-11
  • Teacher Appreciation Week
Thursday, May 10
  • Graduation Practice
  • 3:05-5 p.m.
  • Mercy Theater
Wednesday, May 16
  • May Crowning
  • Visual & Performing Arts Festival
  • 6:30-9 p.m.
  • Mercy Theater
Friday, May 18
  • Catherine’s Cup
  • 8:00-9:30 a.m.
  • M Lounge
  • Red Carpet Reception
  • 6-8 p.m.
  • Mercy Theater
Saturday, May 19
  • Art & Soul: A Visual Art Exhibition
  • 1-3 p.m.
  • McAuley Pavilion
  • Mercy Sports Awards Ceremony
  • 5:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Pavilion
Tuesday, May 22
  • Red Minimum Day
  • Graduation Practice
  • 2-4 p.m.
  • Holy Name Church
Friday, May 25
  • Final Exams
Monday, May 28
  • Memorial Day - No Classes
Tuesday, May 29
  • Final Exams
Wednesday, May 30
  • No Classes - Final Exam Study Day
Thursday, May 31
  • Final Exams
Friday, June 1
  • Senior Awards Assembly
  • 9:00-11:30 a.m.
  • Mercy Theater
Saturday, June 2
  • Graduation Eucharistic Liturgy
  • 10:30-1:00 p.m.
  • Holy Name Church
  • Admission by ticket only
Wednesday, June 6
  • 2nd Semester Grades Due
Upcoming Events
Senior Dinner Celebration May 31
Date: Thursday, May 31
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: McAuley Pavilion

Celebrate the end of four years of Mercy and let us welcome you to Mercy's alumnae community at the Senior Celebration Dinner!

This is a free event for each senior and two guests. PLEASE RSVP BY MAY 25. Note that this event has assigned seating and you will need to provide seating requests. Each table seats up to 10.

Parents of Athletes: Join Sports Awards Ceremony on May 19
Date: Sat, May 19
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Mercy High School, McAuley Pavilion
Tickets: $20 per person (Student-athletes and children 8 & under free)

Join Mercy SF Athletics in honoring and celebrating our student-athletes for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments from their 2017-2018 sport seasons. All proceeds will benefit Mercy sports teams.

  • No Host Bar & Appetizers
  • Dinner Buffet
  • Casual Dress Code (no shorts or sweatpants, please)

Our Mission
Mercy High School, San Francisco, educates women to pursue lives of spiritual and intellectual depth, determination and daring action to improve our world as an inclusive, Catholic, college preparatory community enlivened by the Gospel of Jesus and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy.
Our Vision
We are the Social Advocacy Based Learning Catholic school of the San Francisco Bay Area where women graduate with fierce determination to improve their world.