Bear Essentials - October 14, 2018
On Wednesday, October 10, grandparents and special friends of our seventh and eighth grade students came to campus for a prayer service at the Reynolds Center, followed by a breakfast in the Tea Room, at our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Thank you to our Campus Ministry and Advancement offices for coordinating the event, and thanks to all of our guests for taking the time to visit Ursuline Academy!
Looking Ahead
Featured Content
Calendar Highlights
Wednesday, Oct. 17: Admissions Coffee for prospective parents, 8:30 a.m., Reynolds Center
Wednesday, Oct. 17: Senior Parent Gift Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m., 112 Lowder Street offices
Monday, Oct. 22: Feast of St. Ursula Mass, 8:15 a.m.; full uniforms required
Wednesday, Oct. 24: Picture retakes
Wednesday, Oct. 24: UA/XB Speaker Program, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 25: Virtual Tour of Brescia program in the iHub for parents and alumnae, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 28: Admissions Open House, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
From the Main Office
Principal's Letter
Dear Parents and Friends,
During this month which honors St. Therese of Lisieux, one of the few female Doctors of the Church, I am reminded of her powerful message to do "ordinary things with extraordinary love." This was a week which exemplified her words, where seemingly simple gatherings revealed great love at Ursuline Academy.
We welcomed the grandparents and special friends of our seventh and eighth graders on Wednesday. Read more.
Student/Parent Handbook
Handbook forms are past due! Students and parents who have not signed their forms are asked to sign and return the form at the end of the Student/Parent Handbook by Monday, October 15. Many thanks to those who have already done so!
Molly Treseler '19 and Samantha Maggio '19 Named Merit Scholars
Congratulations to seniors Samantha Maggio and Molly Treseler on their stellar performance in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. Samantha was named a Commended Student for placing among the top 3% of the 1.6 million students who took the 2017 PSAT (Preliminary SAT). Molly earned the status of semi-finalist for placing among the top 1% of test takers. She has the opportunity to continue in the competition for a National Merit Scholarship in the spring. Ursuline Academy is extremely proud of these two students.
It's time to start thinking about your Halloween costume! On Wednesday, October 31, all students, faculty, and staff are invited to wear costumes to school to celebrate the holiday. There will also be a costume contest where winners will earn Grizzly Grind points for their grade. Please keep costumes and costume props appropriate for school. Masks and weapon props are not permitted.
Halloween Costume Contest!
The categories for the 2018 costume contest are:
- Scariest Costume
- Funniest Costume
- Most Creative Costume
- Best Pun
- Best Duo
- Best Trio
- Best Group (more than three people)
- Best "Who is that?" costume (Be creative and show off your makeup skills!)
- Most Festive Faculty Member
Wireless Access Testing on Monday
We are in the process of preparing the Reynolds Center for online bidding and registration at the Brescia Ball. On Monday, October 15, all students will report to the RC Gym for Activity Block to test the wireless access that will be used during the Brescia Ball. Students will be asked to bring their phones to the RC during this time.
Admissions News
Open House on Sunday, October 28
The Admissions team is busily getting ready for our annual Open House on Sunday, October 28. We are asking each family to take a lawn sign and find a spot to display it in your community. The signs will continue to be available inside the main entrance of the school. If you know a potential student, let us know and we will send an invitation. Note: We also need parent volunteers to help at Open House. Click here if you can help.
This Week's Ursuline Promotional Video!
We invite you to watch "This is Ursuline" and share it with your friends on social media or to email it to friends who may be considering private school for their daughter. Happy viewing!
World Language Department News
Ursuline Four and a Half Country Tour:
"See History with 20/20 Vision" - June 17-29, 2020
There will be an informational meeting for current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students and their parents considering our European tour planned for June 2020. The meeting will be held this Thursday, October 18, 2018, 6:30 p.m., in the Ursuline Library.
The tour will spend a day each in Germany (Berlin), Belgium (Bruges), France (Normandy and Paris), England (London and Cambridge), and a half day in the Netherlands. This tour is a refining of the very successful April 2018 Four Country Tour. We will visit WWI and WWII sites in each country, famous art museums such as the British Museum and Louvre, the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel, and the great cathedral, Westminster Abby. We will enjoy the cuisines of each country, such as afternoon "Tea" in London, and - well- just chocolate in Bruges. Please come to the meeting for more details. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Petti.
Medusa Mythology Exam
On December 10, Ursuline will offer the Medusa Mythology Exam. The exam is free and open to all students at Ursuline, from grades 7-12, no matter what foreign language you study. The exam is 40 minutes long and multiple choice. If you do well on the exam, you can earn a certificate, medal, or even a cash prize of up to $75. Every year, the exam has a different theme; this year's theme is "Where Have All the Heroes Gone?" If you are interested in taking the exam, please sign up with Magistra Cummins in room 011 by Monday, October 29. Study guides, materials, and group study sessions will be available in room 011 during activity periods and before or after school leading up to the test.
Parents at Ursuline
Calling all Senior Parents
A planning meeting for the establishment of a Class of 2019 Senior Family Gift Committee will take place on Wednesday evening, October 17, at 7:00 p.m. (note new meeting time!) at our 112 Lowder Street offices. If you are interested in working on the senior family gift campaign, or just want to know more about the plans for this year, please join us. All senior parents are welcome. RSVP to shehir@ursulineacademy.net.
All senior parents should SAVE THE DATE - the evening of November 15, 2018, for our Senior Parent Reception. Look for your emailed invitation this weekend.
Mind, Body and Soul: A Virtual Tour of Brescia
Parents and alumnae are invited to an evening event in our I.D.E.A. Hub on Thursday, October 25, 2018, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. where we will explore the birthplace of St. Angela Merici - Brescia, Italy - past and present, through a virtual tour with Director of Innovation Mr. Greg Mertz, and Campus Minister Ms. Katie McNally. Light supper will be provided. RSVP to parentevents@ursulineacademy.net.
Be a Brescia Ball Hero and Donate Today!
1. Donate an item for our silent auction. Sign up here.
2. Donate wine (bottles valued at $20 or more) for our mystery wine pull! Email bresciaball@ursulineacademy.net.
3. Donate baskets (empty) for our gift basket wrapping! You can drop them off at the main office!
Don't Forget!
Sell your raffle tickets (for cash prizes up to $1500) from now until October 26. And buy your event tickets now!
Saturday, November 3, 2018 in the Reynolds Center
Athletics
Soccer Cancer Awareness Game!
Be a warrior!
On Saturday, October 20, the UA soccer teams are hosting a breast cancer awareness game. The JV game starts at 12:30 p.m. and the varsity game starts at 2 p.m. Raffle tickets will be sold for some great prizes! Food and drinks will be sold as well. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.
Varsity and JV Volleyball Play to Support Making Strides
On Wednesday, October 17, the junior varsity volleyball team will play Fontbonne at 3:45 p.m., followed by the varsity team at approximately 5 p.m., in the Reynolds Center gym. Ticket fees and raffle proceeds will be donated to Ursuline's Making Strides effort.
Varsity Sports Update
Cross Country: 2-0
Field Hockey: 5-6
Soccer: 8-3
Swimming/Diving: 6-1 -- Catholic Conference League Champions
Volleyball: 9-5
Winter Sports Meetings this Week
The ski meeting has been rescheduled to this Tuesday, Oct. 16th in the gym at the Reynolds Center during activity period. Those interested in playing basketball for Ursuline are invited to attend an informational meeting in the gym at the Reynolds Center during activity period on Thursday, Oct. 18th.
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This Week's Fitness Center Schedule
Note: Students who are not members of a fall sports team are encouraged to try out the fitness center during the open time slots! Faculty are welcome to use the fitness center during open slots as well.
Monday 10/15:
3:30 p.m. - open
4 p.m. - open
4:30 p.m. - open
5 p.m. - cross country
Tuesday 10/16:
3:30 p.m. - open
4 p.m. - junior varsity volleyball
4:30 p.m. - open
5 p.m. - varsity volleyball
Wednesday 10/17:
3:30 p.m. - varsity field hockey
4 p.m. - varsity field hockey
4:30 p.m. - open
5 p.m. - open
Thursday 10/18:
3:30 p.m. - varsity soccer
4 p.m. - open
4:30 p.m. - junior high cross country
5 p.m. - open
Friday 10/19:
3 p.m. - swim/dive
3:30 p.m. -swim/dive
4 p.m. - open
4:30 p.m. - open
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The field hockey team continued UA team spirit day last week with a pregame get together hosted by MK and Mrs. Rusnock. The team played Braintree High School in Braintree on Friday night under the lights.
School Counseling
Adolescent Anxiety Program with Dr. Nadja Reilly on October 24
Ursuline Academy and Xaverian Brothers school counseling offices are pleased to continue their UA/XB Parent Education Series partnership for 2018-2019. Our first program presented by Dr. Nadja Reilly, Ph.D., will be held on Wednesday, October 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Ursuline auditorium and will address the topic of Adolescent Anxiety. This presentation will include talking about how emotional distress might manifest in male and female adolescents, as well as ways that the important systems in adolescents' lives ( parents, school) can offer support and build resilience. There will be opportunity for Q & A at the end. Dr. Reilly is a clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience specializing in children, adolescents, and families and is the author of the book Anxiety and Depression in the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide for Fostering Self-Regulation in Young Students. Please RSVP to Mary Ferrucci, mferrucci@ursulineacademy.net. If there is a particular question/issue that you may have, Dr. Reilly has asked that you include that in your RSVP.
Save the Date
On Tuesday, Nov 27, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a presentation for parents of students in grades 9-11 by Drew Halperin on ACT/SAT standardized testing. This annual program is very informative, and parents are encouraged to attend.
In the Community
Empowerment Coaching Event with Olympic Gold Medalist Haley Skarupa
2018 Olympic Gold Medalist Haley Skarupa will be speaking on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at the Charles River Country Club in Newton at 10:30 a.m. Skarupa will inspire and empower as she describes her rise to the top of women's ice hockey. From her stellar play as a Boston College Eagle to her coveted spot on the Team USA roster, parents, teachers and coaches alike will share this unique opportunity with their daughters, students and players! Click here for more info and to register.
On the Calendar
Thanks to all of our parents who took the time to support our Vineyard Vines fundraiser this week!
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Ursuline Academy | 85 Lowder Street | Dedham, MA 02026 | 781.326.6161