Mount Mercy Academy 88 Red Jacket Parkway Buffalo, New York 14220 Phone: 716-825-8796 WWW.MTMERCY.ORG Fax: 716-825-0976 E-mail: [email protected]Accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT MMA! Hallmarks of a mercy education Dedication to Christian values Academic excellence Leadership Service Family in partnership All you Hockey Fans - Here’s the “TICKET” for you!!! 2008 MMA GALA Sabres Tickets Raffle! TWO Grand Prizes!! 2 pairs of 2 tickets for Buffalo Sabres Game on Friday, March 28, 2008 @7:30 p.m. Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Section 123 (Six rows behind the ice) AND Package includes passes for entry to the Harbour Club and $10 of Sabres Bucks. Each chance is $5. Or score a bargain - 5 raffle tickets for $20. The drawing to be held before the Gala on March 7, 2008. Winner will be notified by phone. Early March Drawing Date!!! So, get your raffle tickets soon!! Raffle Tickets are now available at the Academy in Room 303. You may call for Raffle Tickets 825-8796 ext. 219 or email us @ [email protected]MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY February 2008 Newsletter VOLUME 5, ISSUE 43 SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: ♦ Feb. 5: Student Appreciation Day ♦ Feb. 6: Ash Wednesday Prayer Service– Mid—day Assembly ♦ Feb 7: Faculty / Staff Recognition Day ♦ Feb. 8: 2nd Quarter Honors Assembly ♦ Feb. 9: Oratory & Debate Tournament ♦ Feb. 9: Valentine’s Dance ♦ Feb. 11: Anniversary of the first House of Mercy to open in Buffalo — 1858 ♦ Feb. 12: Incoming Freshmen Course Selection Day ♦ Feb. 13: Ring Day Ceremony OLV Basilica 7:00 PM ♦ Feb. 18: President’s Day No School ♦ Feb. 20: Parent Teacher Conferences 5-8 PM ♦ Feb. 22: Faculty Meeting Day– Early Dismissal for students – 12:42 PM February, 2008 Dear Parents and Guardians, Second semester is in full swing and February will be a short but busy month for us at Mount Mercy Academy. Students should be experiencing a height- ened sense of urgency as they look toward improving academically so that the conclusion of this semester can be a successful one. February is National Black History Month. Displays on bulletins boards, and the LMC and PA announcements will highlight the lives and achieve- ments of individual Black Americans. February is also American Heart Month and we will be raising student awareness of cardiac health for children and adults. This will be coupled with our major campaign for Donate Life at the end of the month. Donate Life educates students on organ and tissue donation. February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month and Potato Lover’s Month! We will also celebrate National School Counseling Week from February 4 -8. In case you didn’t know it, February 7 is Ballet Day and Greet Your Neighbor Day, February 12 is Lincoln’s Birthday, February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, and February 22 is Washington’s Birthday. All the celebrations can help us better cope with the winter doldrums. Mercy will celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Student Government Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 9 and there will be a dress down day to benefit the Mount Mercy Gala on February 14. The proceeds from this day from students, faculty and staff will be used to purchase an item for the live auction. Juniors will be attending a session of Making Your College Search Count on February 20 and we hope to see a large number of parents at our second Parent-Teacher Conference Night that same day from 5 – 8 PM. Most importantly the holy season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 6th. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the season and receive ashes that day. Be sure to read the article by our Campus Minister regarding Lent and its importance to us as Catholics. God bless each of your families as we continue on through this school year. Sincerely, Paulette Gaske Principal
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Mount Mercy Academy 88 Red Jacket Parkway Buffalo, New York 14220
All you Hockey Fans - Here’s the “TICKET” for you!!! 2008 MMA GALA Sabres Tickets Raffle!
TWO Grand Prizes!! 2 pairs of 2 tickets for Buffalo Sabres Game on Friday, March 28, 2008 @7:30 p.m.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Section 123 (Six rows behind the ice)
AND Package includes passes for entry to the Harbour Club and $10 of Sabres Bucks.
Each chance is $5. Or score a bargain - 5 raffle tickets for $20. The drawing to be held before the Gala on March 7, 2008.
Winner will be notified by phone.
Early March Drawing Date!!! So, get your raffle tickets soon!! Raffle Tickets are now available at the Academy in Room 303.
You may call for Raffle Tickets 825-8796 ext. 219 or email us @ [email protected]
MOUNT MERCY ACADEMY February 2008 Newsletter
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 43
S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :
♦ Feb. 5: Student Appreciation
Day
♦ Feb. 6: Ash Wednesday Prayer
Service– Mid—day Assembly
♦ Feb 7: Faculty / Staff
Recognition Day
♦ Feb. 8: 2nd Quarter Honors
Assembly
♦ Feb. 9: Oratory & Debate
Tournament
♦ Feb. 9: Valentine’s Dance
♦ Feb. 11: Anniversary of the
first House of Mercy to open
in Buffalo — 1858
♦ Feb. 12: Incoming Freshmen
Course Selection Day
♦ Feb. 13: Ring Day Ceremony
OLV Basilica 7:00 PM
♦ Feb. 18: President’s Day
No School
♦ Feb. 20: Parent Teacher
Conferences 5-8 PM
♦ Feb. 22: Faculty Meeting Day–
Early Dismissal for students –
12:42 PM
A Message from our Principal Sincerely, Paulette C. Gaske Principal
February, 2008 Dear Parents and Guardians, Second semester is in full swing and February will be a short but busy month for us at Mount Mercy Academy. Students should be experiencing a height-ened sense of urgency as they look toward improving academically so that the conclusion of this semester can be a successful one. February is National Black History Month. Displays on bulletins boards, and the LMC and PA announcements will highlight the lives and achieve-ments of individual Black Americans. February is also American Heart Month and we will be raising student awareness of cardiac health for children and adults. This will be coupled with our major campaign for Donate Life at the end of the month. Donate Life educates students on organ and tissue donation. February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month and Potato Lover’s Month! We will also celebrate National School Counseling Week from February 4 -8. In case you didn’t know it, February 7 is Ballet Day and Greet Your Neighbor Day, February 12 is Lincoln’s Birthday, February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, and February 22 is Washington’s Birthday. All the celebrations can help us better cope with the winter doldrums. Mercy will celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Student Government Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 9 and there will be a dress down day to benefit the Mount Mercy Gala on February 14. The proceeds from this day from students, faculty and staff will be used to purchase an item for the live auction. Juniors will be attending a session of Making Your College Search Count on February 20 and we hope to see a large number of parents at our second Parent-Teacher Conference Night that same day from 5 – 8 PM. Most importantly the holy season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 6th. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the season and receive ashes that day. Be sure to read the article by our Campus Minister regarding Lent and its importance to us as Catholics. God bless each of your families as we continue on through this school year. Sincerely, Paulette Gaske Principal
MMA Photo Album
Models of Mercy
TREASURED THREADS PROJECT: Hospice Service Opportunity One of the hallmarks of a Mercy graduate is to become a woman of compassionate service. Students experience and learn this profoundly when they reach out to those in need. Currently, we are aware that Hospice has a program called TREASURED THREADS. This program creates blankets, stuffed bears and pillows that incorporate fabrics from loved ones who have passed away. While you may or may not be able to sew- also needed are people who can create designs. Students have been encouraged to consider getting involved with this program and perhaps there are moms, aunts, grandmas, even some male family members who have a talent to share. Anyone interested in learning more may call Mrs. Teresa Melonson, Campus Minister at 825-8796 ext. 242.
Living the Mount Mercy Mission “Women of Mercy think globally and act locally
– Stewardship of Earth” Mount Mercy Academy Students Roll Out Recycling Program
By Melanie Griffis
Buffalo, New York: — Paper has been flying around Mount Mercy Academy (MMA) lately in more ways than one as students and faculty have enthusiastically embraced a new recycling program. The theme of the program, Women of Mercy think globally and act locally—Stewardship of Earth, grew out of Mount Mercy Academy’s Spirit of Mercy Commit-tee of the Board of Trustees. The Committee, composed of Board members, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae and students, having reflected on various expressions of the charism of Mercy through Catherine McAuley’s (the Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy) life, the Direction Statement of the Sisters of Mercy and the contemporary needs of our society, have forged a new way of life for the school and the surrounding “Mercy Neighborhood”, i.e. Mercy Center, Trocaire College and Mercy Hospital, all in South Buffalo, through new strategies for recycling. “We have something special happening here,” said Sister Mary Ellen Twist, RSM, Chair of the Spirit of Mercy Committee. “The program has taken the school to a new level of shared ministry based on the charism of Catherine McAuley. Our focus this year is stewardship of the Earth and efforts will change over the next few years to address other concerns such as care for the poor, and justice issues.” Student committee members, using power point, presented the Committee’s theme proposal to school administra-tion, faculty, staff, Student Government and Board of Trustees, requesting integration of the theme into the curriculum of all courses, as well as the policies and daily practices of the school. The students’ enthusiasm and careful research, backed by the support of the whole committee, won the enthusiastic support of all for the project which is now growing beyond the school itself. MMA students Meghan Hess and Meredith Graber, representatives on the Spirit of Mercy Committee who presented the proposal, both said that students and teachers alike have been very receptive. “All the teachers have found a way to integrate the recycling project into their curriculum. For example, the science teachers have formed a recycling club,” said Meredith Graber. Meghan Hess commented on other ways the entire school is saving paper and participating in the project. “We have been e-mailing homework to teachers instead of printing it. We started a private blog for students so we can respond to readings via the computer. Our business teacher taught us how to print on both sides of the paper…every little thing helps,” she said.
Seniors Stephanie Miller and Caitlyn Biddle are ready for the bus
trip to NYC for the Senior Trip
Our beautiful Mercy girls sit with chaperone Mrs. Burvid at
Battery Park in NYC
The NYC Hard Rock Café really rocked once the Mercy girls got
things rolling!
Above: MMA Seniors Courtney, Maria, Courtney and Kerry enjoy
their Senior retreat. Below: Seniors hold flower petals during
closing prayer of the retreat.
Spirit of Mercy Committee Members Meghan Hess, Mrs. Paula Penepent, Meredith Graber and Sister
Mary Ellen Twist
SAT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines www.collegeboard.com
Mount Mercy Academy Testing Code – 331-065
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Fee Required March 1, 2008 January 29, 2008 February 7, 2007 *May 3, 2008 April 1, 2008 April 10, 2008 June 7, 2008 May 6, 2008 May 15, 2008
*Offered at Mount Mercy Academy – use Test Center code 33-274 to register to take at MMA
ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines www.actstudent.org
Mount Mercy Academy Testing Code – 331-065
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Fee Required
April 12, 2008 March 7, 2008 March 8-21, 2008 June 14, 2008 May 9, 2008 May 10-23, 2008
Licensed Social Worker: Sister Margaret Quinlan ext. 229 [email protected]
SENIORS – Do you want MONEY for college?!
There are numerous scholarships available to you! View a complete listing on the Counseling Center’s website. Just go to
www.mtmercy.org, click on “Campus Life”, then click on “Counseling Center”. At the bottom of the page will be a link: “Scholarship Info”. This listing will be updated regularly, and
application deadlines vary, so check often! We encourage you to apply to as many as possible; you have nothing to lose!
SENIORS: Please remember to bring in ALL scholarship awards and acceptance letters to the Counseling Center as you receive them. It is IMPERATIVE for your Guidance Counselor to have this information in order to accurately announce your awards at your Baccalaureate Mass. Continue completing scholarship applications - they can be found in the Counseling Center, as well as on Ms. Runfola’s webpage.
Seniors: You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student
aid and to apply for most state and college aid. Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Atlas Test Prep SAT Course SAT Prep Course to Be Offered at MMA
MMA and Atlas Test Prep have partnered to offer an SAT prep course at MMA in preparation for the May SAT exam. This is an excellent opportunity for MMA juniors to take a convenient and comprehensive course in order to get the edge in the college admissions process!
A letter was mailed home to the parents of MMA Juniors containing incorrect dates. Please find the corrected information below.
SAT Prep Course Details: Classes will be held on Tuesdays at MMA from 3-6pm and diagnostic
exams will be held on Saturdays at Bishop Timon from 9am-1pm. Class Dates: 3/11, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 at Mt. Mercy
Test Dates: 3/8, 4/5, 4/19, 4/26 at Bishop Timon *Students can attend a make-up class at Bishop Timon on the
preceding Monday if they have a schedule conflict.
Cost: $399 (Students in financial need should see Miss Perry.) Register at www.AtlasTestPrep.com. Select the Mt. Mercy class.
Deadline to register: March 1, 2008 If you have any questions about the SAT prep course, the SAT exam, or the college admissions process in general, please do not hesitate
to contact your School Counselor.
Planning for college? A career? The SAT, ACT, PSAT, or AP Exams?
You now have free access to an online resource center that can help you with all your preparation. The Counseling Center at MMA is pleased to announce its purchase of Peterson’s StudentEdge for all high school students. StudentEdge gives you access to test preparation, college searches, scholarship search, financial aid tools, a career assessment, and a resume builder—all in one location and totally free! Even 9th grade students can get a head start on the planning with the online practice tests and career assessment. You can access StudentEdge by going to www.mystudentedge.com. First time users should see their School Counselor to get our access code.
Congratulations MMA Junior Heather Yablin, recognized by the United States Achievement Academy as a National Business Education Award Winner! We are proud of you !
From the Chief Financial Officer
Dear Parents, Financial aid packages for the 2008 -2009 school year were mailed on January 18, 2008 to the families that applied last year. Please call the tuition office at 716-825-8796 x 234 or email [email protected] if you would like a financial aid package mailed or sent home with your daughter. Forms must be completed and sent back to FACTS by February 15, 2008 to be considered for financial aid for the 2008 - 2009 school year. Thank you, Mrs. Marie Mancini
Earn Bryant & Stratton College Credit at MMA!
MMA has recently entered into an articulation agreement with Bryant & Stratton College. Students who plan on attending Bryant & Stratton may earn up to nine college credits while still attending high school by simply taking classes that MMA already offers! Students may take any of the following courses at MMA and must earn an 80% or better: Economics, Life Skills, Intro-duction to Business, Career Seminar I & II, Keyboarding Communications, Desktop Applications & Design, Design & Drawing for Production, and Understanding Architecture. An Admissions Representative at Bryant & Stratton will then review the student’s high school transcript. After review, the college may grant up to nine hours of college credit from the following courses: OSFT100 Keyboarding & Document Processing, BUSS100 Business Principles, INFT100 Information Technology I, and GRAD100 Introduction to Design. If you have any ques-tions, ask one of MMA’s School Counselors!
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES TO BE HELD
FEBRUARY 20, 2008 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
TEACHERS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE DINING HALL
AND IN SOME CLASSROOMS NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY
REGENTS MATH A JANUARY EXAM RESULTS
96%, passed the exam with a 65%+ 44%, passed the exam with an 85%+ 100% of students enrolled in Math II
passed the exam.
ENGLISH 3 REGENTS JANUARY EXAM RESULTS
99% PASSED THE ENGLISH 3 REGENTS 80% RECEIEVED A SCORE OF 80% OR BETTER
IMPORTANT FOR SPRING ATHLETES
To be eligible to participate in a spring sport your daughter must have a physical dated within one year of the first day of the sport. You must also complete a sports update form. If you need to obtain a physical please call the doctor as soon as possible to get an appointment. Please call the health office at 825-8796 if you have any questions or would like to check the date of your daughter’s last physical. March will be here before you know it!
Mount Mercy Ring Day Ceremony February 13, 2008 OLV Basilica, 7:00 PM
Every year, the Mount Mercy school rings are presented to each young woman in the junior class at a special celebration of Mass. Perhaps many of you are familiar with the Mercy school ring because you wear one yourself, or you might know someone who wears one. This special symbol of a Mercy education has a long and rich history of tradition. The Mercy Ring was designed in 1916 by the first principal of Mount Mercy Academy, Mother Borgia. It was Mother Borgia’s intention for this unique ring to symbolize the values of a Mercy education, and to be worn only by graduates of the academy. The symbolism of the Mercy ring is as such: A circle representing unity of all Mercy graduates; Gold, signifying loyalty to school, country, church, family and friends; Blue Band-- representing Our Lady’s mantle—a reminder of her gentle, compassionate protection and care; Seven Pearls, reminding us of Mary’s purity, which stand for faith, hope, charity, obedience, humility, joy and patience. Today, there are over 12,000 women who feel an immediate bond of friendship and recognition when an outstretched hand bears this cherished symbol of Mount Mercy Academy. Because of the beautiful, feminine and delicate design of the Mercy ring, many graduates wear them for years after their high school days have ended. Again this year, in the 104th year of the Academy, the traditional Mercy ring still represents a circle of Mercy and the pride of belonging to a community which has been touched by the mission of Catherine McAuley to become women of faith, knowledge, integrity and compassion.
Practical Chemistry
Review for Test on Units 1-3
(February 19 & 20) Wednesday 1/30
Thursday 2/07 Tuesday 2/12
Living Environment Regents Review
Afterschool 2:45 - 3:30 Room 18 Tuesday 1/29
Wednesday 2/06 Thursday 2/14 Tuesday 2/19
Wednesday 2/27 Thursday 3/06 Tuesday 3/11
CAMPUS MINISTRY TERESA MELONSON
Have you ever considered the role that food has in the season of Lent? In preparation of the season, I’ve prepared some “food for thought” that I hope you find interesting.
MARDI GRAS: “Lots of food”
Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday") and Carnival ("Farewell to Meat") precede Ash Wednesday and Lent around the world. It is
celebrated as a "last fling," before the prayerful fasting and abstinence of Lent. What's important is that we let our feasting anticipate our fasting. We can pray in the spirit of this day. Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for it is from your goodness that we have this day to celebrate on the threshold of the Season of Lent. Tomorrow we will fast and abstain from meat. Today we feast. We thank you for the abundance of gifts you shower upon us. We thank you especially for one another. As we give you thanks, we are mindful of those who have so much less than we do. As we share these wonderful gifts together, we commit ourselves to greater generosity toward those who need our support. Prepare us for tomorrow. Tasting the fullness of what we have today, let us experience some hunger tomorrow. May our fasting make us more alert and may it heighten our consciousness so that we might be ready to hear your Word and re-spond to your call. As our feasting fills us with gratitude so may our fasting and abstinence hollow out in us a place for deeper desires and an attentiveness to hear the cry of the poor. May our self-denial turn our hearts to you and give us a new freedom for generous service to others. We ask you these graces with our hearts full of delight and stirring with readi-ness for the journey ahead. We ask them with confidence in the name of Jesus our Lord.
The Fridays of Lent: “Less food”
On the Fridays of Lent we abstain from meat. This is intended to be a religious experience shared by Christians. We remember that we keep these Fridays special because it is the day our Lord gave himself selflessly for us on Good Friday. This thought is not intended to be sad but instead helps us remember that we are incredibly loved and are redeemed from the victory sin and death might have had over our lives. Look upon a crucifix and feel gratitude, freedom from sin and death, and freedom to love and give of ourselves more generously. Additionally, we fast to remem-ber the poor of the world. Doesn’t gratitude help us to be mindful of those who have so much less than us? If we inten-tionally place our minds with the poor of the earth as we prepare Friday meals, it can help us feel we share a communion with them. Then, our own penance and solidarity combine to become a meaningful experience.
Lenten Cooking: “Pray and prepare food”
Anything can be prayer, consider how cooking for our family can be a great act of love combined with prayer. Food is so rich in symbolism. Because it involves preparation, each step of doing it can be open to meaning. Just imagine how different getting dinner together might be, if those early busy moments of preparation include prayer. Lord, as you nourish us with your love, let me prepare this nourishment with you at my side. Give me the joy of being creative and loving, self-sacrificing and generous. As I prepare, help me to contemplate the women of the campos and barrios and villages around the world who are preparing meals today for their families - with great love, and with what they have. Thank you for your love. Amen. Add any intentions that are in your heart to personalize your prayer. Lent offers us all a special opportunity to grow in a relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In this busy world, take some time to reflect upon life patterns, pray more deeply, and be generous to those in need. May Our Lord grant us all the graces we need and desire to do his will. *prayers excerpted from www.creighton.edu
The 2008 McAuley Gala - Celebrate the Seasons Dear Parents, Spring is coming and at Mount Mercy Academy plans for 2008 McAuley Gala are budding forth with lots of excitement! We hope that you have saved the date on your calendar for Saturday, April 5, 2008. We are so excited about the planning committee’s new ideas to make this year’s Gala blossom into a memorable event. The Decorating Chair, Kim Crowley, has great plans to turn the Academy’s first floor rooms and hallways into the best parts of our Western New York seasons. The gymnasium will be transformed into an elegant dining room where Frontier Catering will once again serve a delicious dinner with a Spring-themed twist. The live auction portion of this year’s Gala is sure to be exciting with the legendary Cash Cunningham, a professional auctioneer, at the microphone. Gift gathering parties are in full swing. A special thank you to the sophomore parents who planned and supported the “Pizza, Wing and Beer Tasting Party”. The freshman, junior and senior gift gathering parties are within the next month and are listed in the newsletter. So, please save the date and enjoy socializing while supporting MMA. If you are interested in gathering some friends and hosting a party, please call Grace in the Gala Office at @ Ext. 219. Thank you to all the parents who have returned their volunteer forms. It’s NEVER too late to volunteer. The Gala requires the work of many and we can find a spot to fit everyone’s schedule. A McAuley Gala Volunteer Form is included for those who have not yet volunteered. Our Chairpersons will be contacting the volunteers over the next few weeks for the Catalog, Decorating and Gift Acquisition; and Raffle and Split Club Committees. Another easy and great way to support the McAuley Gala is to participate in the ongoing raffles. We have a ticket to fit everyone’s budget and interests during any of our beautiful seasons in Western New York. We are excited to announce the 2008 Sabres’ Tickets Raffle. You need to get your tickets quick – this is a Pre-Gala raffle for a March 28th game! The winner will be drawn on March 7th. See the enclosed raffle flyer for details on all our raffles or contact the Gala Office at 825-8796 ext. 219. We hope to see you at a gift gathering party and an upcoming committee meeting. Thank you for your continued support of the 2008 McAuley Gala! The Auction Co-Chairs Mount Mercy Academy Development Team Patrick and Patricia Hess ’76 Cannan Colleen Miller David and Eileen Kraus ’68 Scott Sr. Sally Walz Erin Renowden Grace Gannon Jackson
Congratulations to the 2008 Mount Mercy Academy Academic Scholarship Winners
All Academic Scholarships are based solely on the student’s performance on the High School Entrance Exam.
Alumnae Academic Scholarship Winner (Full Tuition for 4 years)
Isobel Johnston Nativity of Our Lord
Academic Scholarship Winner (1/2 tuition for 4 years)
Victoria Riso Frontier Middle School
Four $1500 Academic Scholarships Winners (4 years) Erynn Motak Eden Jr/Sr. School Rachel Bellis Nativity of Our Lord Samantha Ventura Queen of Heaven Janelle Lauciello St. John Vianney
Four $1000 Academic Scholarship Winners (4 years)
Alyssa O’Brien Notre Dame Academy Charlene Takacs Queen of Heaven Kelly Hess Fourteen Holy Helpers Emily Diaz Our Lady of Victory
SABAH, which stands for Skating Athletes Bold at Heart, is an ice-skating organization for children and adults who struggle with physical and
mental disabilities. According to its literature, “SABAH’s mission is to challenge individuals with special needs and volunteer partners to experience
the success, pride, freedom, and joy of therapeutic ice-skating while achieving personal growth.” It gives the skaters a “can do” attitude, helping them
to feel they can accomplish their goals.
Last November 16, the sophomores in Miss Kisiel’s 2nd Block ACE Religion class visited the Bud Bakewell rink
in Riverside to participate in SABAH’s school day program. We left at 8:45 AM and arrived at 9:30 AM. We first
watched a video and got to visualize what SABAH was really about. Then we started to get ready to go on the ice. The
children soon started to arrive and get their equipment on. Then we were paired up with the skaters. As we went
through various drills, like stopping, strengthening hand-eye coordination, and skating hand-in-hand as one, we
learned personally about our skaters and the struggles they face daily. It was an eye-opening experience.
SABAH was founded in 1977 as a non-profit organization. It meets the needs of children, teens, and adults with disabilities. Their main goals
are to improve the skaters’ strength, balance, self-discipline, and focus. They help the skaters learn how to set goals and achieve them. The program
helps to improve their muscle strength, coordination, and social skills, and builds their self-esteem.
The efforts of SABAH demonstrate many of the Works of Mercy. A Spiritual Work of Mercy that applies to this
experience would be to “Advise the doubtful.” Some of the children doubted their ability to skate. Some of them were
skeptical as to which skating activity they could or could not do. Often these children feel different, because it’s hard
for them to be like everyone else. We had to advise, encourage, and affirm for them that they could do anything they set
their minds to. A Corporal Work of Mercy that applies to this experience would be to “Give drink to the thirsty.” In this case, the children were
“thirsty” for attention. They especially liked it when we would watch them do their skating activity. They would skate as best they could and say, in the
cutest way, “Look at me!” Through this, they gained self-confidence.
We experienced “leadership,” one of the hallmarks of a Mercy education, which helped each of us grow personally because, in a sense, we
were the “teachers.” We had to repeat the instructions to the children so they could process the information. We had to show them how to do
particular skating activities. Our dedication to the Mercy hallmark of “service” helped up feel good inside, because we were giving others a sense of
comfort. When we were skating with our SABAH partners, we got a better idea of what their lives are like. In watching them grow in skating, we grew
with them.
At SABAH, we acted as “servants” by helping the disabled and handicapped children to ice skate. We also helped them put on and take off
their skates. In Matthew 20: 26-28, Jesus calls us to be servants of one another. This experience enabled us to follow Jesus’ words and example by
serving the children. We showed compassion for the children at SABAH, just like the “Good Samaritan” in the parable in Luke 10: 25-37 ministered to
the wounded man who had been attacked by robbers. When someone can’t do something on their own, you feel good knowing that your help made a
difference to them.
SABAH’s goals are accomplished with the help of many caring volunteers who spend and hour or more a week with a skater. Volunteering is easy, even for those who can’t skate. You can also help out “off ice” with things like sewing costumes or fundraising. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact a SABAH employee through their website, [email protected].
The 2008 McAuley Gala Celebrate the Seasons
Looking for the perfect Valentine or birthday gift or a well-deserved treat for yourself ? Here are a few great ideas that your friends and family will love and the proceeds go directly to MMA! We have a raffle to fit everyone’s price range and interests from shopping and jewelry to premium 100 level Sabres’ tickets! _____________________________________________________________
The 2008 McAuley GALA Shopping Spree Raffle!
Who doesn’t love shopping? This raffle is the perfect gift! Give a loved one the chance to win a $1,000 Galleria Mall Gift Card, Lunch for 4, the services of a personal shopper and a limo ride to and from the mall! Just in time to boost your Spring and Summer wardrobes!!!
• Chances are $10 • Raffle Tickets are available in Room 303 at the Academy or by calling 825-8796 ext. 219 or emailing [email protected] • Drawing to be held at the McAuley GALA, Saturday, April 5, 2008 • Winner need not be present to win.
Grand Prize Tiffany and Co. ® Bead Bracelet ($150 value) Beaded bracelet. Sterling silver, 7.5" long. AND Graduated bead necklace ($200 value) Graduated Bead necklace. Sterling silver, 16" long.
Everyone’s a Winner With every chance you purchase, you will receive a pair of Sterling Silver Ball Earrings*! The earrings are perfectly presented in a delicate organza bag. Great for Valentine or birthday gifts! Chances are $20 ● Drawing to be held at the 2008 McAuley GALA, April 5, 2008 • Winner need not be present ● Chances are available at the Academy in Rm. 303
or by calling 825-8796 ext. 219 or emailing [email protected] * Earrings are not Tiffany and Co.
Save the Date Class Gift Gathering Parties
2008 McAuley Gala
Freshman: Sunday, February 24th @ 4 p.m. Afternoon Cookout Junior: Saturday, March 1st @ 5-9 p.m. Dinner Dilemma Senior: Saturday, March 8th @ 7-9 p.m. Wine Tasting Extravaganza
Would you like to help?? Contact these Steering Committee Parents:
Freshman: Grace & Ed Jackson,
Mary & Tim Mc Donald, Joe & Kathy Murphy
Junior: Lorna & Don McCormick, John & Margy Recktenwald
Senior: Roseanne & Rick Wilson,
Jon & Mary Gruchala
2008 McAuley Gala Parent Volunteer Form
Family Name:____________Name of Volunteer(s):_____________________________ Address: ____________________________ City:___________ Zip:_____________
Phone: _________________ Cell Phone: _____________ E-Mail: ________________ Daughter(s) Name(s):__________________________ Year:______________________ Please mark which committee you would like to join: _____Catalog ______Decorating _____Gift Display ______Gift Check-out ______Reservation _____Clean -Up (April 6th) AND/OR: ______ I am available to help before the Gala wherever needed. ______I am available wherever needed the night of the Gala. _____I am available for post Gala work.
PLEASE RETURN FORM TO MAIN OFFICE ASAP!!
Please feel free to contact Grace Gannon-Jackson, GALA Coordinator, 825-8796 @ext. 219
“The Doors of Mount Mercy” Perhaps you have see artistic renditions of the doors of area high schools and colleges avail-able for purchase in various up-scale shops or at recent art shows. Local artist Bob Gregg has graciously donated his watercolor “The Doors of Mount Mercy” to the Academy. The original water-color will be available to the highest bidder at this year’s GALA! Prints of the original are avail-able. Matted ($40), unmated ($25), mounted plaques ($32.50), and magnets ($3) of this beautiful scene are available for purchase by visiting www.mtmercy.org or by contacting the Institutional Advancement Office. This is a perfect gift for those special people in your lives who have ties to our Mercy Community. Supplies are limited. Order yours today!
Mom’s Night Out! Friends Of Mercy! Interested Alums!
You Are Invited!
WHEN: Saturday, March 1st
(same night as the MMA Father-Daughter Dance)
TIME: Stop in anytime between 5-9 pm
WHERE: Dinner Dilemma
3021 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park, N.Y. 14127
WHAT: Unique party where you get to be with friends, sample recipes
and relax with a glass of wine. During the party you will prepare two meals for your family that you get to take home! (Each meal serves 6 people!)
Let Dinner Dilemma do the shopping, chopping, and clean up for you! Cost of $50.00 per person includes your meals and a donation to the Gala.
RSVP: Payment must be received by 2/23/08.
Please make check for $50.00 payable to Mount Mercy Academy and send it to: Mount Mercy Academy Attn: Grace Jackson
88 Red Jacket Parkway Buffalo, New York 14220 Or send it in with your daughter to the Main Office.
Please mark “Dinner Dilemma” on the outside of your envelope. Questions? Call Grace Jackson at 825-8796 ext. 219
