Dear DSHA community,

As we transition to spring, this time of year is a time to love goodness. Our Dashers have completed winter sports seasons, the winter play, our third academic quarter, and Carla Olle Career & College Readiness Day. Spiritually, seniors are on Vocare; our robust Lenten Theme, Faith That Builds, is off to a strong start; and our faculty and staff held their annual Mother Mary Mission Day retreat last week.

All this goodness is a preview of the goodness of spring. Now, we anticipate the goodness of the resurrection of Jesus and the rebirth of God's creation through longer days and warmer temperatures. We also look forward to the goodness to come in the final quarter of the 2025-26 school year.

God bless,

Dan Quesnell

DSHA Principal

P.S. I encourage all parents to take part in our Catholic Identity Program Effectiveness survey. As part of our ongoing accreditation with Cognia, DSHA periodically uses accreditation-related surveys to assist with monitoring surveys across time and our continuous improvement efforts. 

TWO WEEK OUTLOOK

• Monday, March 9: PAA meeting
• Tuesday, March 10: Parent-teacher conferences, pre-ACT and ACT testing for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
• Wednesday, March 11: Optional 8 a.m. Mass
• Thursday, March 12: Optional Thankful Thursday Mass
• Thursday, March 13: Dasher Dialogue
• Saturday, March 14: DSHA auction
• Tuesday, March 17: 🍀PA meeting
• Wednesday, March 18: Collections; out of uniform with donation
• Thursday, March 19: Optional Thankful Thursday Mass
• Friday, March 20: Vocare welcome back assembly, PB&J ministry

ACADEMIC UPDATES

NEW! Makeup Tests and Quizzes | Please encourage your daughter to take any outstanding tests or quizzes and ensure her homework and coursework is submitted and up to date. Many teachers have grade penalties for late work (check the syllabus!) and ending the school year strong is important for final semester grades and official transcripts. The library is open after school for students to make up tests and quizzes.   

FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

NEW! Senior Class Keepsakes from Jostens | Graduation announcements, apparel, keepsakes, and more are available to order via Jostens. If you have any questions, please reach out to Taylor Crandall at Jostens.   

Parking Passes Now Available | Parking passes are available for purchase for any student who currently has their driver’s license. Passes are $125 for the remainder of the year. If a student is interested in purchasing a pass, she should contact Executive Administrative Assistant Dawn Hathaway in the Main Office.   

CAMPUS MINISTRY

NEW! Parents Invited to Our Vocare Welcome Back Assembly | Join us to welcome our seniors back from Vocare on Friday, March 20 at 9:08 a.m. Seniors will be welcomed back to DSHA by the Sisters of the Divine Savior and our school community. Some seniors will also share reflections on their service experiences.

NEW! Spots Available on MUHS x DSHA Service Trip to Lesotho | Dashers are invited on a service trip to Lesotho in southern Africa July 13-23. In partnership with Courts for Kids, students will build a multi-purpose sports court for the St. Camillus Center of Mohale's Hoek and the orphaned children it serves. Courts for Kids trips combine genuinely impactful service work with eye-opening cultural immersion.

This trip costs $4,100, and additional information is available here. For more general information on Courts for Kids, see these short videos on the organization's mission, trip funding, and safety. 

Students who wish to apply and parents who would like to learn more should contact MUHS Service Immersion Coordinator Kevin Murphy. Applications are due March 25.

Our Theme for Lent: Faith that Builds | Our theme reminds us that every small choice we make this season—every act of kindness, every moment of prayer, every sacrifice—adds another brick to the foundation of the person God is calling us to be. Lent isn’t about perfection; it’s about construction. It’s about letting God strengthen us from the inside out and living the discipleship we are called to live each day.

Here are some Lenten faith formation opportunities available to Dashers:



• Five-minute Fridays: Student-led reflections at 7:40 a.m. in the Chapel
• Wednesday morning Mass: 8:00 a.m. Mass before school in Chapel
• Lent Devotional Books: A booklet with short scripture and reflections
• Thankful Thursday Masses: Offered during Dasher Time each Thursday

STUDENT SERVICES

ACT and Pre-ACT Testing | The ACT will be administered to juniors, and the Pre-ACT will be administered to freshmen and sophomores on Tuesday, March 10, at 8:30 a.m. 

Buses will have regular pick-up time in the morning and will depart DSHA at 1:30 p.m. This is the same day as parent-teacher conferences.

• ACT: DSHA will administer the ACT Plus Writing test digitally to the entire junior class on March 10. Families will be billed via Smart Tuition. Students who participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice program will have their testing fee covered by the state of Wisconsin. The test will conclude about 1 p.m.
• PreACT: DSHA will administer the PreACT to the entire sophomore and freshman class on March 10. The PreACT offers sophomores and freshmen an early experience with ACT items, provides a predicted ACT score, and offers a wealth of information to help students get the start they need to be college-ready. There is no student fee associated with this test. The test will conclude about noon.

If you are opting your daughter out of either test, please contact College Assistant & Testing Coordinator Amy Lund.

COLLEGE COUNSELING

NEW! Marquette University High School Bilingual College Fair | DSHA students and families are invited to this fair on Tuesday, March 24, 6-7 p.m. in the third-floor atrium at MUHS.

Recent MUHS alumni will be available to offer advice and provide insights on the college search process, applying for school, and transitioning to college.

Bilingual admission representatives from the below colleges will be available to speak with students and their families. We encourage you to learn more about academic majors, scholarships, and the admissions process.

• Carroll University
• Carthage College
• Marquette University
• Milwaukee Area Technical College
• UW-Madison
• UW-Milwaukee
• UW-Parkside
• UW-Whitewater

NEW! Complete College Planning Forms | On Carla La Valle, HA '60, Career & College Readiness Day, Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea met with juniors to discuss letters of recommendation, the common application, ACT testing registration, and other college application information. Students were given forms (teacher LOR requests, transcript releases, FERPA releases, and ACT registration); these must be completed and returned by March 20.

Students who were absent on March 3 should see College Assistant & Testing Coordinator Amy Lund.

Revolution Prep Practice Tests | Revolution Prep is offering the following programs to help students prep for the ACT and SAT:

Bilingual admission representatives from the below colleges will be available to speak with students and their families. We encourage you to learn more about academic majors, scholarships, and the admissions process.

• ACT 101 sessions: Provides a breakdown of the test structure, content, and how to develop a focused test-prep plan.
• Practice tests: Work on pacing and endurance in a setting that simulates the testing environment during a proctored practice exam. Students will see their score report instantly.
• Webinars: Revolution Prep offers webinars to help students navigate the college admissions and testing process.

APPLIED WELLNESS

NEW! Sophomores Joined Applied Wellness | We welcomed the class of 2028 as they joined Applied Wellness experiences last week. We're engaging in social-emotional experiences through Bonding with Bracelets, Art Hub, Speed Friending, and Mindful Mandalas.

Engaging in these creative activities cultivates social connection, boosts confidence through self-expression, and exposes students to hobbies outside of technology. They also get to practice patience, persistence, relaxation, and stress-relief strategies while exploring the self.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

Dasher Dialogue | Students are invited to attend an optional Dasher Dialogue focusing on confidence on March 13.

Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last nine years. Consistent with the DSHA mission to form young women who accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference, Dasher Dialogues create a loving and caring space for conversations that can be uncomfortable. These conversations focus on the dignity of every Dasher while helping students understand their responsibility to act as disciples of Jesus Christ.

FROM THE BUSINESS OFFICE

Tuition Fees | The remainder of first semester dual-credit courses have been invoiced through Blackbaud Tuition as part of March billing. Payment for these courses is due March 15. You must make a payment via your Blackbaud Tuition account or by submitting yor payment to the DSHA Business Office. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact the DSHA Business office by email or phone at 414-721-2916.

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP INFO

2026-27 School Year Financial Aid Application Submissions Due March 13 | The financial aid application for the 2026-27 school year is open. Families who are interested in need-based scholarships and financial aid for the 2026-27 school year are welcome to complete this application by Friday, March 13. Keep in mind, 2025 tax information is required.

Spring 2026 Dual-Credit Financial Aid | DSHA has specific financial aid available to help with the cost of dual-credit classes. Financial aid is limited to one dual-credit course per school year, as there are limited funds for dual-credit financial assistance, and students must be registered for the class to receive dual-credit financial assistance. If you are interested in an application, complete this form on your resource board in myDSHA.  

Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy Scott, DSHA '10, with any questions or concerns.

FROM OUR PARENT ASSOCIATIONS

NEW! PA Volunteer Opportunities | The Parent Association is looking for desserts and treats for a March 10 staff event, for one more volunteer for the April 15 Staff Breakfast, and for a few more parents to join the team for Teacher Appreciation Week planning. 

NEW! Coffee & Conversation with the PA | Mark your calendars for the next Coffee and Conversation sponsored by the Parent Association is Tuesday March 17 at 8 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge

NEW! PFAA Meeting on Tuesday, March 31 | Due to Easter break, our April meeting will take place on March 31 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room. We will discuss how we can help move the arts forward at DSHA, and we need you to be part of the discussion. The PFAA supports all the fine arts at DSHA: Visual Arts, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre, and many others. Consider joining us! Dues are only $25 a year, and your contribution will go far!

Questions? Contact Parent Fine Arts Association President Emma Gillette.

Lenten Morning of Reflection at Marquette University High School | Looking for a special way to take a step back this Lent to repent, reflect, and renew? Consider joining us for The Mothers Guild Lenten Morning of Reflection which will take place on Tuesday, March 24 at Marquette University High School, sponsored by the MUHS Mothers Guild.  

The event will begin with Mass in the Three Holy Companions Chapel at 9:30 a.m., followed with Mary's Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross through the eyes of Mary). The morning will conclude with a special speaker, Anne Auger sharing her perspective on "The Gift of Womanhood" while enjoying a few refreshments. The event will conclude by 11:45 a.m. There is no cost associated with this program. Join us for a reflective morning of prayer & fellowship with other women!

For registration information, contact Elisa Gricunas or Mindy Hughes.

FINE ARTS

NEW! Angelaires Auditions | Auditions will be on Wednesday, April 15, after school. Interested students will need to prepare 32 measures (about one minute) of a song from a contemporary Broadway, pop, jazz, or radio song that showcases their voice. There will also be a short dance audition and some music reading.

Information on audition workshops will be communicated to students via Teams.

NEW! Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind | Join us in DSHA's Arena Theatre April 23-25 for our Acting Studio performance of Chicago's longest-running show. Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind is an ensemble experiment in presenting “30 Plays in 60 Minutes.” Each two-minute play is performed in random order with an interactive audience. An onstage 60-minute timer keeps everyone honest. Tickets for this wildly hilarious theater experiment will be sold at the door for $11 minus whatever you roll on a six-sided die. More information coming soon!

NEW! Spring Choral Concert | See the DSHA Concert Choir and Angelaires perform May 1 at 7 p.m. in DSHA's Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre.

NEW! Frozen Auditions | Audition information for our fall musical will be posted online May 1. Auditions will be held after school on May 26; callbacks will be May 27.

Contact Director of Liturgical Music, Choirs, & Theatre Zach Ziegler with any questions or concerns.

DASHER ATHLETICS

NEW! Basketball Update | The varsity basketball team hosted the WIAA Regional semi-final game on February 27 and defeated Manitowoc Lincoln 62-48 in an exciting game. They then moved on to the regional final game on February 28 and took on #3-seeded Hartford but lost 76-50.

Thank you to seniors Margaret Richburg, DSHA '26; Maria Hilbert, DSHA '26; Madeline Brown, DSHA ‘26; Emily Frank, DSHA ‘26; Lilly Lancaster, DSHA ‘ 26; and Mia Minessale DSHA ‘26, as well as senior managers Meghan Quesnell, DSHA '26, Grace Hodges, DSHA ‘26, and Mara Tyrrell DSHA ‘26, for all of the dedication and hard work over the past four years.

NEW! Gymnastic Update | The DSHA co-op team competed in the conference tournament on February 21 at Rock River Intermediate School. Varsity hit another new ten-year record high score of 130.85 and came in fifth place, while JV hit the highest team score all season with a score of 110.875. Many girls placed individually as well!

On JV vault, Lucy Elgersma, DSHA ‘26, took second with a score of 8.1, Ninah Young, DSHA ‘29, took fourth place with a score of 8.0, and Adelaide Priestaf, DSHA ‘29, took eighth with a score of 7.85. On bars, Ninah Young, DSHA '29, took seventh place with a score of 6.2.

On February 28, the DSHA co-op competed in the WIAA Division 1 Sectional in Manitowoc. The team finished in fifth place out of eight teams competing in the section. Highlights of the meet included Mary Stith, DSHA ‘26, finishing ninth in the floor and 22nd in the all-around results.

NEW! Ice Hockey Update | On February 19, the DSHA co-op team hosted the Brookfield Central Co-op at Uihlein Ice Area in the first round of the WIAA Girls Hockey Tournament. The team won 3-1. The second round of the tournament was on February 24, and the ice hockey team hosted the Cedarburg Co-op. The team competed hard and came up short with a 2-1 defeat.

NEW! Spring Sports Picture Day | All spring sports photos will be taken Monday, March 30 in the gym. Your daughter's coach will have information on how to order photos.

• Varsity Soccer: 2:30-2:45
• JV Soccer: 2:45-3
• JV2 Soccer: 3-3:15
• JV Softball: 3:15-3:30
• Varsity Softball: 3:30-3:45
• JV Lacrosse: 3:45-4
• Varsity Lacrosse: 4-4:15
• Rugby: 4:14-4:30
• Track & Field: 4:30-4:45

Spring Sport Tryouts | If your daughter is interested in lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, or track and field, have her connect with Athletics Administrative Assistant Allison Gill in the Box Office to verify all athletic forms are turned in.

Tryouts are as follows:



• Lacrosse: Monday, March 16-Friday, March 20, 4-5:40 p.m. at Uihlein Soccer Park; students must attend all practices
• Rugby: Tuesday, March 16, 4-6 p.m. at Frontier Park
• Soccer: Monday, March 23-Thursday, March 26 at Uihlein Soccer Park's Pat Jones Field
• Varsity: 4-5:30 p.m.
• JV and JV2: 5:30-7 p.m.
• Track & Field: Begins Monday, March 9 in the gym; daily practice 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Contact Athletics Administrative Assistant Allison Gill with any questions or concerns.

SPECIAL EVENTS

For the Love of DSHA Raffle Tickets | Tickets are on sale now! Snag a golden ticket for a chance to win a coveted live auction item without even raising a paddle! Eligible items include:

• DSHA graduation package, including 12 reserved seats at graduation and Baccalaureate Mass
• Brewers box seats for 24
• Private Mass at Gesu
• ...and more!

You can also purchase a silver ticket for $50; you could win $5,000 cash!

No need to be present to win!

Join Us for Mother Daughter Mass | We invite DSHA mothers and special mother figures to attend Sunday Mass on April 26.

This year, as a new tradition, we are honored to welcome current students and their mothers, alumnae and their mothers, and our incoming freshman families to celebrate the special bond shared across generations of Dashers.

Following Mass, enjoy a continental breakfast with coffee and tea, along with a hands-on floral arranging experience.

Join Us for Grandparent Liturgy | Grandparents and special grandparent-like figures are invited to join Dashers for Mass and breakfast at DSHA on April 29.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

DSHA Auction | We need your help to make this year's auction incredible! We're looking for volunteers to help set up the day prior to the auction and to help at the event on March 14.

WE'RE HIRING

Work at DSHA | Join our network of professionals at a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-recognized top workplace. We're currently hiring for these roles:



• Director of Student Services
• Math teacher
• Summer Cool instructor
• Cross country assistant coach