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October 2012
One month down, eight months to go. Yes, if you ask any senior, she will share with you this countdown. I am also quite certain the underclassmen know the exact number of days off, when their next vacation is scheduled and their plans for next summer.
Fortunately for everybody at Ladywood, eight months grants us time to showcase our school spirit during Homecoming Week, honor our Felician traditions during Mission and Heritage Week, brainstorm ways to ask that boy to the dance, celebrate Liturgy with our parents, and the list continues. These are memories that will last a lifetime.
It is these activities and events and many others that make Ladywood a special place. Although the summer gives us the opportunity to make repairs, deep cleaning and other tasks, the school does not seem the same without the hustle and bustle of a school day.
Whether greeting a student in the hallway, sending a student back to her locker because she is out of uniform and hearing the line, "oh, I had no idea I left my sweatshirt on," observing the various teaching strategies, watching the seniors offer assistance to an underclassmen or just hearing the sounds of laughter, the quiet of summer reminds us that these halls, classrooms, stage and athletic fields showcase our talents and strengthen our Sisterhood. All of this happens because of our students, faculty, staff, families, alumnae and Leadership Team.
Although I am still in my infancy as a Principal, I know that the kindness and support I have received from my family, friends, colleagues, students, alumnae and parents will continue to guide me everyday. I also know this same kindness and support will give me the strength to make the best choices for Ladywood.
Our past is our foundation, our present is solid and the future better prepare itself for the awesome things to come. On the count of three let me hear you say: PROUD TO BE A BLAZER!
Fondest Regards,
Tracey L. Mocon
Principal
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October Calendar of Dates:
October 1: Junior Retreat
October 2: Sophomore Retreat
October 3: Freshman Retreat
Moms Club meeting 7:00 pm
October 4: Mission Heritage Week starts
All-School liturgy, Presentation Chapel
October 6: Bonfire 7:00 pm
October 10: Blessed Mother Angela
Dads Club meeting, 7:00 pm
October 13: Homecoming Dance, 7:30 pm
October 16: NHS Induction, 7:00 pm
October 17: PLAN/PSAT/EXPLORE Tests - 11:30 am dismissal
Senior Parent Liturgy, 7:00 pm
October 19: First Quarter ends
Memorial Mass for Mr. Jim Coleman, 1:15 pm Activity Center, parents & alumnae welcome
October 20: Prep Bowl
October 24: Living Rosary
October 25: Parent/Teacher confs, 1:30 (PM+ Schedule)
October 26: No school
October 29: Figure Skating & Ice Hockey tryouts
October 31: Halloween! Halloween dress up for students
Looking Ahead:
November 4: Fall Open House, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
November 6 & November 9: "Get Your Blaze On" days for 7th & 8th grade students
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Ladywood Welcomes New Faculty!
Ladywood is pleased to announce the addition of three new faculty members in our Theology and English Departments. Paul Stuligross and Sara Seligman join the Theology Department and Colleen Vandeer Veer joins the English Department. For Mr. Stuligross, teaching at Ladywood begins his second career after working 24 years at the Novi Police Department. He received his Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Sacred Heart Major Seminary and has recently taught at Orchard Lake St. Mary's. A quote he loves to tell his students, "God can bring reason out of anything that happens." Mrs. Seligman has a B.A. in Theology with minors in Religious Education and Peace Studies from Xavier University. She has taught Theology at Notre Dame Academy in Cincinnati, St. Mary Catholic Central in Monroe and she did a year of service with Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving as a P.E. coach at Dolores Mission School in East Los Angeles. A favorite quote she loves to share with her students, "The gate of heaven is everywhere" (Thomas Merton.) Mrs. Vander Veer moved east to attend Vassar College after high school and studied Art History. Her undergraduate thesis was entitled "The Inexhaustible Panorama of Eros: Klimt's Stoclet Friez." Upon graduation, she returned home to Michigan where she worked in Detroit Public Schools with the AmeriCorps Program City Year. She then earned her English major, Speech minor, and Secondary Certification at Madonna University. She is certified to teach both English and Speech. Her favorite quote, for education and life, "Sometimes questions are more important than answers" (Nancy Williard.) We welcome Paul, Sara and Colleen and wish them every success here at Ladywood! We're glad you're here! |
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Ladywood Students Go on Retreat
As the fall season begins, it will bring many changes to our environment as it prepares for the coming of winter. During this particular fall season, Ladywood will also be encountering changes within the student body as the students attend their annual retreats for spiritual renewal and reflection. September 24-26, thirty seniors will attend the Kairos Retreat at the Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center in Clarkston, MI. They will be on God's time and without the use of cell phones, computers, and any other distractions as they work to become closer with God and with each other. The following week on October 1, 2, and 3rd, the junior, sophomore, and freshman retreats will take place within the Ladywood Activity Center facilitated by two sisters from New Mexico, Sister Veronica and Sister Margaret, and Sister Felicity from St. Michael's. Please pray for these students that during this crucial stage in their lives God may touch them and give them guidance.
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Save The Date!
The Blazer Ball An Auction Gala celebrating the mission and spirit of Ladywood High School Saturday, November 10 Laurel Manor Tickets are $75 or $125 for the VIB (Very Important Blazer) ticket - 5:00 pm Mass at the Felician Presentation Chapel
- 6:00 Doors open at Laurel Manor
- After Five Attire requested
- Questions? Email Helen Balmforth at helenb88@aol.com
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Mrs. Falzon Writes a Successful Grant to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
It is with great pleasure that I announce Ladywood's receipt of a $1,500 grant from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). The money received from this grant will be used to purchase 2 Bernina mechanical machines used for quilting and sewing to replace the older Singer sewing machines currently being used. In addition, two Bernina Overlock machines will also be purchased within the near future. These machines will enhance the students' creativity and learning within the 21st Century.
The curriculum area of Family and Consumer Science develops the creativity and problem solving skills of young women through the experience of garment construction using hand and machine sewing skills. Thus far, the projects created range from wavy/weave pillows, quilted tote bags, quilts, lounging pants, skirts, prom dresses, casual dresses, jackets, and shirts using a wide range of fabrics and textiles to create the projects.
In addition to creating garments and accessories for themselves, a sewing club has been organized to help students work on additional projects both in school and outside of school. To adhere to our 4th Felician core value, Solidarity with the Poor, students also get involved in service learning projects. For the year 2012, in cooperation with Sew News, students are "Sewing Their Support" for Operation Comfort Doll. The Comfort Doll Project encourages crafters of all abilities to make dolls for women who are victims of domestic abuse and currently living in shelters.
I look forward to the coming school year and all of the wonderful projects the students will continue to create, and I thank FIDM for their support and vision of Ladywood High School's students.
Mrs. Laure Falzon
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A RAINBOW OF SHOE COLOR !!
Who knew that a change in the dress code for Ladywood shoes would make such a colorful impact! Walk down the halls these days and its like a disco, with neon pink, blue, green, orange and every color combination you can think of. The girls love the opportunity to express their creativity and individuality. It has taken some getting used to, but it brings a sense of fun and whimsy to the halls. It also takes most of the faculty back to their fashion from the 80's. Cyndi Lauper said it, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun!"
Now to just get Ms. Mocon to don a pair of neon kicks... 
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Ladywood Celebrates Opening School Liturgy at the Felician Presentation Chapel
On September 12, Ladywood celebrated the opening liturgy at the Presentation Chapel. Students, parents, faculty, staff and administration attended this wonderful event. Reverend Ronald Richards from St. John Neumann Parish presided over Mass. Planned by Mrs. Brouliette with the help of her Theology class, the Mass was a lovely way to start the school year. The student choir provided beautiful singing, accompanied by Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Purrenhage and Mrs. Petricca.
The students really enjoyed the stunning atmosphere and ambience within the Chapel. Some comments made by the students were:
"It was beautiful..."
"I felt more involved in the Mass..."
 "I wish we could have all of our Masses there..."
 "The walk to the Chapel helped set my mind for Mass." 
We would like to express a special thank you to our new principal, Ms. Tracey Mocon, for bringing back this wonderful tradition.
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Junior Kayla Dempster's Girl Scout Award
Goes to the Dogs While many students were resting and relaxing over the hot summer month of July, Junior Kayla Dempster developed a summer camp program for 8-11 year-old children. For one day the children attended "Camp Pet-a-Palooza" at the Humane Society of Livingston County (HSLC). They took part in interacting with animals, touring an animal shelter behind the scenes, visiting with a veterinarian while learning about animal behavior and nutrition, making animal toys and treats, and playing animal games. Kayla's efforts earned her a Gold Award in Girl Scouts. She is also planning a pet supply drive to be held at Ladywood this fall. Congratulations, Kayla, on a well-deserved award!!
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Ladywood Choir Invited to Perform at Carnegie Hall!
The Ladywood Choir has been hand-picked by Eric Knapp, Artistic Director of the Memorial Day Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City, to perform on the famed stage. The Ladywood Choir will join other hand-picked choirs from around the country to perform John Rutter's "Mass of the Children." This extraordinary event will take place on May 28, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
"We're thrilled to be able to offer an invitation to the students of Ladywood High School," Mr. Knapp said. "Performing at Carnegie Hall is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These girls will remember this forever." The Choir is fundraising in order to make this dream a reality. For more information, contact Mrs. Jeffries at jjeffries@ladywood.org.
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Ladywood Announces Clubs
The clubs for the 2012-2013 year have been established. Students may join any club they are interested in. Below is a list of the clubs and the moderators. Joining a club is a good way for a student to make friends and expand their knowledge of a subject of interest.
- Animal Rescue - Mrs. Brouliette
- Anime Club - Mrs. Smith
- Blazer Media Club - Mrs. Cook
- Book Club - Mrs. Jablecki
- Environmental Club - Mr. Gaule and Mrs. Seligman
- Fashion Club - Mrs. Falzon
- French Club - Mr. Casey
- Garbonics Club - Mrs. Jeffries
- Internaional Conversation/Culture Club - Mrs. Maltby and Mrs. Crespo
- International Thespian Society - Mrs. Purrenhage
- Italian Club - Mrs. Cappi & Mrs. Falzon
- Kiva Club - Mrs. Holowecky
- National Art Honor Society - Mrs. Beeding
- National Honor Society - Mrs. Beeding
- Pro-Life Club - Mrs. Holowecky & Mrs. Kramer
- Society of Mother Angela (SOMA) Club - Ms. Stachura & Ms. Howe
- Spanish Club - Mrs. Griffith & Ms. Howe
- Spirit Club - Mr. Gaule, Mrs. Kramer, Mrs. Petricca
- Student Council - Ms. Howe, Mr. Gaule, Mrs. Vander Ver, Mrs. Kramer
- Students Against Destrcutive Decisions (SADD) Club - Mrs. LeVasseur & Mrs. Epps
- Writers Club - Ms. Stachura
- Yellow Ribbon Club (Suicide Prevention) - Mrs. LeVasseur and Mrs. Epps
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| Mrs. Schwalm Experiences Felician Core Values in Her Classroom
As the 2011-2012 school year was coming to an end, I found myself reflecting on the past year. Each class had a unique group dynamic, but one class in particular stood out from the others. That class had a very special group dynamic. Each girl contributed to a very positive classroom atmosphere. They worked together amazingly well and demonstrated a great deal of caring, respect and support for one another. The work ethic within this group of girls went beyond any that I have seen in my 18 years of teaching.
There was one girl in this group who had experienced a great deal of family hardship over the course of the year, yet she was always positive and determined to do her best. The girls were truly supportive of her through all of this. When it came time to take the final exam, they asked if they could pray before I passed out the exam. They stood up, held hands and formed a unity circle. These girls prayed for one another, offered thanks for each other and offered support to one another. This experience moved me to tears. I had never witnessed such an honest display of respect and compassion.
It was then that I realized that these girls were truly living Ladywood's Felician Core Values.
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Ladywood Freshmen Reflect on Their First Month of High School
By Veronica Gregory:
Being a freshman, my first week here was a blur of classes and corridors. I left that Thursday feeling a bit out of my league, but came back the next Monday ready to go down fighting. I was completely unprepared, then, for the onslaught of utter kindness and understanding I received whenever I asked which way a class was, or inquired for the millionth time what my teacher's name was. It was as if everyone at Ladywood knew exactly how I felt and were willing, so absolutely willing, to go beyond the call of duty and help a freshman in distress. How was it, I wondered, that one school could hold so many kind hearts in one place? Usually in a school, you have your share of snobbish upperclassmen and obnoxious peers in addition to these unacknowledged guardian angels, but I had never before in my life encountered such a multitude of kindred souls. I felt unworthy of their assistance, for what had I done to deserve their time and attention?
Then it struck me, with all of the force of the burning bush of old: I can help, too. What better way to give back than to return all of the favors I had received? It is truly to their credit that the students of Ladywood give so much of themselves and never, ever anticipate any reciprocal actions on their part. I have grown up in a busy family, so I can appreciate what extra effort it takes to step back and help someone lagging behind, even if it means you get a little behind as well. This is what takes place every single day at Ladywood. You can see it in the hallway, during sporting events, and in the spare time you have to work in class. That special something that drives a person to look around and care about others. Some people might call it selflessness, some might call it compassion. I call it extraordinary.
By Nina D'Ascenzo:
High school has the potential to be the best years of your youth. Change can be scary, but even though it's scary, it can be good as well. Coming from a nontraditional middle school, scary was at the bottom of my list of worries, while learning the ropes was at the top, as I've never had to switch classrooms every hour or so, and the uniform was new to me as well. Fortunately, with all the help you can find around every corner, I was able to get the routine down within the first couple of days.
Ladywood is a school of many possibilities, which is something I have noticed when listening to the announcements of all the clubs that have been meeting these past couple weeks. This is wonderful for someone who doesn't play sports, because I have the opportunity to be involved without having to put on a jersey ( and if you do play sports, the array of sports is great). The clubs that I've attended have all seemed very excited about having new members and were very welcoming.
Overall, Ladywood is a great school. It's a wonderful place to meet new people, as I've already had a chance to meet many different girls from my classes, and it's a great place to learn. My teachers are wonderful, and seem genuinely interested in teaching. I hope to continue to grow and prosper at Ladywood throughout my high school career.
Veronica and Nina will be asked again at the end of their first year to comment on their experience. Thank you, Veronica and Nina for your valuable perspectives!
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Ladywood Technology Upgrades Are
Best in Class
Ladywood has completed a year-long effort to upgrade wireless capabilities and install a new computer lab. This has been an extensive effort and one generously spearheaded by our technology sponsor, Cisco Systems. Below are the highlights of our technological upgrades:
- Installed a complete wireless network & new servers
- New virtual lab
- New interactive classroom
- New wireless classroom projectors
- New virtual workstations & iPads in Media Center utilizing the new Cloud technology
- All teachers received laptops
- New wireless classroom projectors
- New video screens in gym
- New rear projection screen in Activity Center
New Computer Lab
New virtual workstations and iPads
New Interactive White Board
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Support the 2012 Blazer Ball!
We are asking parents and alumnae to support our biggest fundraiser of the year by donating a $50 gift card to the auction. It can be for a restaurant or service, gas card, or local attraction (Detroit Zoo, DSO, water park, etc.)
-- OR --
you can donate to our raffle by donating bottles of liquor for our "tabletop of spirits" raffle prize!
Please drop off your donation at the front office by October 19.
THANK YOU for your support!
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From the Office of Admissions & Marketing
As you may remember from last year, Ladywood hosts a Blazer Mania Day each season. Our Fall Blazer Mania Day will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2012. It's an inside/outside celebration! Students in grades 5-8 can enjoy our field hockey and volleyball games, while tours of the building will be available from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Admission is free for the student, plus they receive a t-shirt and snack as they help cheer us on in our field hockey and volleyball games. Students can register by contacting our Admissions Secretary at 734-591-1544, ext. 224.
This year we are hosting two "Get Your Blaze On" Days for female students in grades 7 and 8. They are scheduled for Tuesday, November 6 and Friday, November 9. It's a day that is similar to a shadow day where the student will observe some classes with a Ladywood Student Ambassador, enjoy lunch with friends and learn more about our Ladywood traditions. Students can register by contacting our Admissions Secretary at 734-591-1544, ext. 224.
Our Fall Open House is Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Please invite a family to attend and check out all of the new things that are happening at Ladywood. They can even enter a raffle to win an iPad!
For more information on Blazer Mania, see attached flyer here.
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Senior Falon Simpson Reflects as She Starts Her
Last Year at Ladywood  The halls of Ladywood will always bring me comfort, no matter the changes that arise, the faces that come and go, or the activities that occur. It seems that every year, and every day for that matter, brings something new. For this, I am grateful. I have grown with Ladywood and will continue growing even after I graduate this year. Not only do I see the present state of Ladywood as wonderful, but also I see the future state of Ladywood as something even greater. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am on the edge of my seat, excitedly anticipating what new adventures this school year will bring. Today, the echoing screams of delight when headbands came back to Ladywood in 2010 continue on into cheers for neon shoes, quarter zips, Varsity sweaters, and more. Who knows what else is to come? Here is a preview. For homecoming week, I see myself walking down the halls of Hogwarts. The already present magical feeling of Ladywood will cascade from every corner even more so than usual. I see nothing but spirit because this year, students, teachers, and faculty will turn spirit into a visual presence, noticeable by everyone entering through the doors. Not only do I feel enthusiasm, but I feel a calm as well. I had the honor of attending Ladywood's first Kairos Retreat over the summer. During the retreat, I caught a glimpse of the ever-growing spiritual side of Ladywood. I hope that this year, religion as well as academics will come first more so than ever. With the Felician core values ever present in our minds, we will work to bring God into every aspect of our day. Lastly, I envision Ladywood girls forming a deeper bond, a community, or as Ms. Mocon put it...a SISTERHOOD. I hope we all became more than just classmates, Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors; I hope we become sisters. Truthfully however, there is only one thing I know for sure. Ladywood girls have always sparkled; but this year, we will SHINE with Blazer pride. At the end of the year, Falon will write an overall perspective of her experience at Ladywood. |
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Take a moment to reflect upon our
Felician Core Values
1. Respect for Human Dignity - Our reverence for and commitment to promoting and protecting the dignity of the person
2. Compassion - An empathetic consciousness of others expressed in caring service
3. Transformation - The process that encourages an open mind and heart, leading to continuous improvement of the person and ministry
4. Solidarity with the Poor - Ensuring the needs of the poor and vulnerable are met through advocacy and action
5. Justice and Peace - Forging right relationships...re-creating a sustainable environment...promoting the common good...all in the pursuit of peace
Photo credit: Maris Ryckman |
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Letters to the editors can be sent to: Kerry Burke at kburke@ladywood.org or Laure Falzon at lfalzon@ladywood.org . We welcome thoughts, opinions, suggestions!
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