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Dear DSHA families,
Together, we are off to a great start to the school year!
Parents’ interest and engagement in the Back-to-School Night evaluation were a success. Last year, we received eight responses. This year, we received 164 total responses! This is good feedback for us and evidence that our parent community is interested in joining our daughters in the quest for the house cup.
- Dignitas (42 responses): 5 house points
- Sono (35 responses): 4 house points
- Caritas (32 responses): 3 house points
- Lumen (32 responses): 3 house points
- Illustratae (22 responses): 1 house point
The next parent engagement event that will contribute to House points is a volleyball game. Stay tuned for a date in the near future!
At Back-to-School Night, you may have also noticed the house banners hanging in the Quad and the house displays in each hallway. One of our goals this year is to advance each house’s identity. Last year, on the feast day of each House’s patron saint, the house prayer was released.
This year, we have commissioned artist Nancy Cote to paint the image of each saint which will be blessed and revealed on the feast day of each patron saint. Illustratae’s patron saint is St. Hildegard of Bingen, whose feast day is September 12. As a teaser, the image is beautiful and is en route to Milwaukee. The images will be added to each house’s hallway, to the Salvatorian Family House System page on our website, and in the vestibule of the main office.
The next big house competition will be our second annual Field Day competition on Friday, September 11. We have our annual Dash-a-Thon assembly on Thursday, September 10. Fundraising is also for House points!
Finally, at each all-school Mass, a representative of each house processes in with a candle of each house’s color. This was the idea of DSHA Chaplain, Fr. Silas Henderson, SDS. You are invited to his installation Mass as the new Pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa. The Mass of Installation at St. Pius X Parish on Saturday, September 12 at 4:30 pm. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Jeffrey Grob. There will be a reception to follow.
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God bless,
Dan Quesnell
Principal
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Now through Wednesday, September 30: 🌟 Dash-a-Thon
Friday, September 11: ⛳ PA Golf Outing & Pickleball Tournament
Monday, September 14: NO SCHOOL; during this time, faculty and staff will be writing letters of recommendation for the class of 2027
Wednesday, September 16: Collections Day; students may be out of uniform with a cash or nonperishable food donation
Friday, September 18: All-school Mass with Archbishop Grob; parents welcome to attend – please check in at the front office
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Last week, we kicked off Dash-a-Thon! Our students are excited to work together in their Houses to raise money to support their school. This year, students are hoping to raise $90,000.
Encourage your daughter to get out and raise funds. To hit the goal, each student needs to raise about $150. Dash-a-Thon ends on Wednesday, September 30.
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NEW! Parent-Teacher Conferences Tuesday, October 7 - Wednesday, October 8 | All parent-teacher conferences will be held via Zoom. Parents can sign up for individual teacher conferences when the conference schedule opens on Monday, September 28. Information on how to sign up will be available in the next Dasher Digest.
Individual teacher conferences will be held at the following times and are five minutes each:
- Tuesday, October 13th (5:15 - 8:15 pm)
- Wednesday, October 14th (4:15 - 6:45 pm)
NEW! Freshman and Transfer Parents Enjoy a Meet and Greet with Our Principal and President | You will receive additional information about small group meetings with President Katie Konieczny, DSHA '92, and Principal Dan Quesnell. These meetings are to help you meet other new parents, share impressions, and ask questions about your daughter’s early experiences at DSHA. For your planning, the dates are listed below, and a formal invitation will be sent this week.
- Tuesday, September 22 | 8 – 9 am
- Thursday, October 15 | 8 – 9 am
- Thursday, October 15 | 5 - 6 pm
- Wednesday, October 21 | 2 - 3 pm
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Standardized Testing Support | Revolution Prep is offering free events to our students to help them hit the ground running as they prep for college admissions exams. These events are hosted live online:
- PSAT 101: Sunday, September 13, 6-7 pm
- PSAT/NMSQT Practice Exam: Saturday, September 19, 11 am-2 pm
- PSAT/NMSQT Practice Exam: Sunday, September 20, 11 am-2 pm
*Please note that these live exams are proctored in standard time only. If you have been approved for an extended time accommodation, go ahead and register for the exam,then use this SAT suite self-proctoring guide or this ACT self-proctoring manual to walk you through the process of using our on-demand video proctor with extended time.
We invite students to join Revolution Prep for an introductory strategy session for the official test! This hour-long session is designed to give students insight into the exam as well as provide tips and tricks for test day. In this session, one of their professional tutors will teach core test-taking strategies, including a dive into the exam content and structure, how to avoid common traps, and how to create the best plan for success.
| Contact Academic Dean Erin Housiaux with any questions. |
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FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS | |
NEW! Homecoming Tickets | DSHA Homecoming is Saturday, October 3, 7-10 pm at DSHA. Tickets go on sale this week in myDSHA and are $25 each. Both students and at least one parent must log into their account to sign the form for a ticket to be purchased. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
NEW! Marquette University High School Homecoming Tickets for Freshmen | Freshmen parents, MUHS is selling single tickets to the MUHS Homecoming Dance on Saturday, September 26. Girls should not purchase a ticket if they are attending the dance with an MUHS student who is purchasing a ticket for them. Tickets can be purchased starting on Wednesday, September 9.
| NEW! Dance Team Tryouts | Audition for the dance team on Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17, 4:30-6:30 pm in DSHA's Mind Body Studio. | |
NEW! DSHA & MUHS Robotics Team Information Session | We are looking for students to join the back-to-back State Champion Hilltopper Robotics Team!
Information sessions for the 2026-27 season are:
- Wednesday, September 9, 7 pm at DSHA
- Tuesday, September 15, 7 pm in the Hall of Presidents at MUHS
All interested students and a parent/guardian need to attend one of the sessions, whichever is more convenient for your schedule.
The award-winning Hilltopper Robotics Team is a collaboration between MUHS and DSHA. This is a world-class team with 80+ students. Experiences include building, programming, and competing with robots; web design; marketing; fundraising; and leadership training. The team traveled to eight competitions last year and brought home 11 trophies! For questions, contact Marianne Stone at stone@muhs.edu.
To learn more about joining, visit our website team1732.com/join-us. For further questions, contact Marianne Stone at stone@muhs.edu.
| Contact Dean of Students Rachel Fredricks with any questions. |
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NEW! Upcoming Campus Ministry Events
- Thursday, September 10 | Thankful Thursday Spanish Mass at 9:56 am in the chapel
- Friday, September| 7:15 a.m. Mass in Remembrance of the 25th Anniversary of 9/11
- Saturday, September 12 | Fr. Silas Installation Mass at St. Pius X Parish at 4:30 pm
- Tuesday, September 15 | Freshmen Dasher Time in Campus Ministry
- Wednesday, September 16 | Collections Day
- Thursday, September 17 | Illustratae Patron Feast Day (St. Hildegard of Bingen)
- Friday, September 18 | All-school Mass with Archbishop Grob at 9:08 a.m. in the theatre
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NEW! Join Us for All-school Mass at DSHA with Archbishop Grob | We are honored to have Archbishop Jeffrey Grob celebrate Mass at DSHA on Friday, October 18. Mass will take place in the theatre at 9:08 a.m. Please check in at the main office before taking a seat anywhere in the theatre.
NEW! March for Life Trip 2027 | The March for Life is a powerful opportunity for students to join thousands of people from across the country in Washington, D.C., to peacefully witness to the dignity and value of every human life. Through prayer, the vigil Mass, educational experiences, and participation in the national march, students deepen their understanding of Catholic social teaching while building friendships with peers who share their faith and values. Spots are limited, so sign up by October 1 through Campus Ministry.
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Leggings Drive | This September, Service Team is collecting gently used leggings for Franciscan Peacemakers. As you clean out your closet, please consider donating any leggings you no longer need. Franciscan Peacemakers supports women in Milwaukee as they heal from sexual exploitation. One of their ministries includes a clothing closet located in the hospitality room of their retail store. They are in particular need of small-size leggings.
Leggings can be donated in the Quad throughout September or on September 16 instead of or in addition to canned food items or $1 donations. Thank you in advance for helping us walk alongside women in Milwaukee this month.
| Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson with any questions. |
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NEW! Cultivating Connections | As our Dashers settle into the rhythm of the new school year, the Student Services team is in full swing. Our counselors have begun individual meetings with your daughters, and we look forward to supporting them through a successful semester. Transitioning back into high school expectations takes time, but whether navigating a new schedule or balancing fresh commitments, we’re here to ensure every girl feels known, valued, and fully supported. We invite you to remind your daughter that her counselor is a personal advocate here at school. No question is too small, and no topic is off-limits. We are here to support her in every aspect of life. | NEW! Junior Interview Day on Friday, November 6 | All DSHA juniors will participate in Junior Interview Day, which allows Dashers to reflect on their time at DSHA, participate in a mock professional interview, practice skills they have learned over the years, and more. Please stay tuned for additional details as the date gets closer. |
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NEW! 2026 Jesuit Excellence Tour (JET) at DSHA | Seniors, Juniors, and their families are invited to attend the 2026 JET on Tuesday, September 15, 2:35-3:25 pm in the Quad.
The 2026 JET will include Jesuit colleges and universities from around the country and offer our families time to meet with these college admissions representatives, learn more about their universities, gain valuable insights into the college application process, and opportunities to continue missions-driven Jesuit education.
Participating schools:
- Creighton University
- Fairfield University
- Gonzaga University
- John Carroll University
- Loyola Marymount University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Marquette University
- Regis University
- Rockhurst University
- Saint Louis University
- Santa Clara University
- Seattle University
- University of Detroit Mercy
- Xavier University
This year, the JET is using STRIVE SCAN to register attendees. Only students attending will need to register using this link before they attend.
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Financial Aid Night: Thursday, October 1, 6:30 pm | DSHA/MUHS Financial Aid Night is open to junior and senior students. The night will cover the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the basic timeline for completing the form, and the components of a financial aid package. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for an email with more details.
Presentations will be held in English and Spanish.
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College Admissions Representative Visits | Juniors and seniors are allowed to come to the College Center during the school day to meet with college admissions reps. This fall, we will have over 50 different colleges come to talk with our students. This is a great place to start your college search process, meet the person who could be reading your application, and/or narrow down your list of prospective colleges.
To request a pass to visit with a College Admissions Representative, follow the steps below:
- Log into their Student Naviance account
- Click on the College Visits page
- Click the “Register” button
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Print out the registration form and get it signed by the teacher whose class you will miss (this is your PASS); the teacher must APPROVE the absence.
- Bring the pass with you to the College Center
| Contact Director of College Counseling & School Counselor Kristin Shea with any questions. |
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION | Fall Retreat | The first retreat of the year is Monday, September 14, 9 am-3 pm. We look forward to planning an exciting year! | Contact Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Director Tanya Keenan to learn more or to ask questions. |
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Applied Wellness Experiences Are in Full Swing | Juniors and seniors should be choosing their experiences each week within their AW web-based application. We encourage students to make their selections early in the week. If students have any technology issues or program questions, they should reach out to Mrs. McQuide or Mrs. Brezovar.
Freshmen met with Mrs. McQuide during their first week of the Freshmen Wellness Program. They learned how the program is structured and engaged in a wellness wheel activity. Each week in the fall, they will participate in an experience with either Applied Wellness Staff, Counselors from Student Services, or Campus Ministry staff.
| Contact Applied Wellness Program Director Joanna McQuide '93 to learn more or to ask questions. |
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👟 Cross Country Season Updates | The DSHA cross country team took to Veterans Park on the lakefront to compete in the Hoehnke-Hill Milwaukee River Invitational on Thursday, August 27. Helen Tamburrino ‘28 and Charlotte Fleming ‘28 both medaled by finishing 33rd and 36th. The dashers will be back in action at the Leighton Betz Invitational on Friday, September 4, on Nathan Hale High School’s legendary course at Greenfield Park.
🏑 Field Hockey Season Updates | Dasher Field Hockey is currently 1-1 in the conference and preparing for a Labor Day Weekend trip to the Gateway Tournament in St. Louis. The varsity team faced Arrowhead and Brookfield Academy in the first week of the regular season. Against BA, Captain Maggie Klaus '27 had a hat trick as the Dasher went on to win 6-0. Both JV and JV2 started their season as well.
Field hockey is also excited to welcome 22 new players this season: two juniors, four sophomores, and 16 freshmen!
⛳ Golf Season Updates | The DSHA varsity golf team is off to a great start. This past week, the varsity team had two matches. The first was a head-to-head vs De Forest. The girls played a Best Ball format and tied. The following day, DSHA hosted their first GMC mini meet at Brown Deer Park. The team finished first with a score of 156 and an 18-shot victory.
🏉 Rugby Season Updates | The A-side rugby team opens its season against the Furies on Friday, September 11 at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex in Cottage Grove. Come support the team in their opener!
🥽 Swim and Dive Season Updates | The DSHA Varsity Swim and Dive team is off to a great start. The team opened their season on August 22 with the early bird invite at Wauwatosa West High School which was followed by the Muskego Invite on August 25.
🎾 Tennis Season Updates | The DSHA tennis team is off to a fast and furious start. The team lost eight seniors last season and has built a new team with two new freshmen and multiple players who have taken the leap from JV to Varsity.
The varsity team has a winning record of 7-5. The girls earned 6th Place in the 16-team Spartan Invite tournament and had wins over Franklin, Nicolet, Kimberly, Pewaukee, Oak Creek, and Shorewood. The #1 doubles team of Amelia Stuckslager ‘28 and Lydia Packee ‘27 are already 11-1, with their only loss coming to a top area team, De Pere.
🏐 Volleyball Season Updates | The DSHA Varsity Volleyball team competed in their first big tournament of the season on August 28 and 29 at Homestead. The Joust Tournament consists of 24 of the top teams in Wisconsin and is played over two days to determine a winner. The varsity team finished 2nd and had a good showing. The team hosted its first home match against Brookfield Central on Tuesday, September 1st. The varsity team won in three straight sets 25-11, 25-19, 25-6. On Friday, September 4, all four teams traveled to Oconomowoc High School for a non-conference game against the Raccoons.
NEW! Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) | The Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) met for the first time this year on August 31. The group is made up of juniors and seniors who represent each sport offered at DSHA. The council provides a voice to student-athletes and creates a more streamlined format for communication and input regarding program improvement to enhance the athletic experience at DSHA. The SAAC supports the mission and core values of the Athletic Department which are as follows:
- Academic success
- Athletic excellence
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Service to others
- Sportsmanship
The group was chosen from coach recommendations and will meet once per month during the 2026-27 school year. The following student-athletes are members of the Student Athletic Advisory Council:
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President & Field Hockey, Maggie Klaus '27
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Vice-President & Basketball, Brailey Baxter '27
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Secretary & Swim and Dive, Jane Johnson '27
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Service Coordinator & Softball, Talia Vukelich '27
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Ice Hockey, Elizabeth Hambrook ‘27
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Rugby, Charlotte Culligan ‘28
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Lacrosse, Audrey Zimmer '28
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Downhill Ski, Kate Bradford ‘27
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Cross Country, Helen Tamburrino ‘28
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Soccer, Caitlin Caprez ‘28
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Volleyball, Marley Connor ‘28
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Track & Field, Lydia Packee ‘27
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Golf, Addison Roesch '28
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Tennis, CeCe Ortwein ‘28
Fall Athletic Team Thankful Thursday Masses | Every level of every team is invited to participate with their teammates in a designated Thankful Thursday Mass in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel during Dasher Time from 9:08-9:38 a.m. Be sure she signs up in Flex the week her team is scheduled to attend. If she forgets, put her name on the list on the table outside of the Mother of Our Savior Chapel. The team will take a group photo following Mass. This is a great way for your daughter to celebrate with her teammates!
Here are this fall's dates:
- Thursday, September 3 | Cross Country & Tennis
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Thursday, September 24 | Swim & Dive & Golf
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Thursday, October 8 | Rugby & Field Hockey
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Thursday, October 29 | Volleyball
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Thursday, November 7 | Flag Football
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Thursday, January 7 | Basketball
| Fitness Center Hours | The Fitness Center is open for in-season and pre-season workouts Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm. If you are in a fall sport, your team will work out together. If you are preparing for a winter or spring sport, you are encouraged to come in and use the facility to prepare for your season. | Livestreaming Home Events | Beginning this fall, fans can watch many of our home events live and free from anywhere on Hudl. | Contact Athletics Administrative Assistant Allison Gill with any questions. |
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PAA Golf Outing & Pickleball Tournament | Join us at Tripoli Country Club on Friday, September 11 for our annual golf outing and pickleball tournament.
This is the only dedicated fundraiser of the year for Dasher Athletics. DSHA's championship-winning program provides student-athletes with opportunities to grow in confidence, leadership, teamwork, and excellence.
Here's how you can get involved:
⛳Get on the course (or court!) with us: Purchase tickets for golf or pickleball.
⛳Support a DSHA team: Make a donation to a Dasher Athletics team. The team with the highest participation will get an out-of-uniform pass! Plus, parent donations of $25+ include a PAA membership!
⛳Donate: Contribute experiences, tickets, gift cards, and more to our golf outing auction.
⛳Volunteer: Join us in planning this exciting community event!
| Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Cassandra Aranda with any questions or to learn about sponsorhip opportunities. |
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At DSHA, our parents and family members are the heart of our vibrant community. Family involvement does more than support our school, it enriches the educational and spiritual journey of every Dasher. When parents share their time, talents, and energy, they model service and leadership for our young women while building lifelong connections with fellow families.
Whether you can give an hour at an upcoming event, assist with fine arts and athletics, or join one of our parent associations, your presence makes a profound difference.
| Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Cassandra Aranda with any questions. |
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Join our amazing network of professionals. Current openings include:
- Athletics Administrative Assistant (full-time)
- Spanish Teacher (full-time, beginning fall 2026)
- Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach (Winter 2026-27)
- Head Lacrosse Coach (Spring 2027)
- Head Softball Coach (Spring 2027)
- Assistant Track Coaches (General, Distance, and Throws – Spring 2027)
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