Bear Essentials - February 15, 2019  

This has been a very proud week for Ursuline Academy. On Tuesday, our community shone forth in its best light, embodying respect, compassion, and integrity as it stepped up to bear witness at the funeral for homeless Navy veteran Donald Benson. We thank Bill Lawlor P '13 '15 '16 for offering us the opportunity to respond to the call of the Corporal Works of Mercy: sheltering the homeless and burying the dead. Thank you also to all of the students and faculty who participated in or attended the Mass, or who offered their prayers.

In case you did not see the coverage in local news outlets, can you see WBZ-4's video here and Globe columnist Kevin Cullen's column here.

This Week at a Glance

Have a safe and happy vacation!  We'll see you all on Monday, February 25th!

Winter One-Act Plays Tonight
If you missed opening night of UA Drama's winter performance last night, it's not too late to join the Ursuline community tonight for their second performance. "Dark Road" will be performed along with two short pieces directed by Sabrina Nedder '19 and Faith Banach '20. Don't miss your chance to see it and good luck to all of our student performers! 

When: Tonight Feb 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Ursuline Academy Auditorium
Tickets: $10 adults, $7 students and seniors, FREE for UA students with an ID

This Week's Announcements

Re-Enrollment Forms Due Today
Parents of grades 7-11 are reminded to confirm enrollment for this coming fall for your daughters. Emails with tuition information for the 2019-20 school year and a link to the form were sent in January. All parents must complete the Tuition Agreement Form  to reserve a seat for your daughter for the upcoming year.

Dangers of Vaping Presentation Rescheduled for March 13
According to the CDC, more than 2 million middle and high school students were current users of e-cigarettes in 2017. We feel it is important to address and educate our students on this topic. On March 13, Grades 7-12 will attend a presentation given by Sydney Conti, UA '15 and currently a senior at Boston College/Connell School of Nursing on the dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping, and juuling. Sydney created this presentation for adolescents as part of her course work at BC. She will address the students in Grades 7/8, 9/10, and 11/12 for 30 minutes each and Mrs. Ferrucci has reviewed her program. We will also review this topic in guidance classes during the week after Sydney's presentation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Ferrucci at mferrucci@ursulineacademy.net or 781-493-7723.

Serviam

Upcoming Service Opportunities

Tuesday, February 26: Join us at Casserly House after school,  helping elementary school students with their homework.

Thursday, February 28: Have some fun with the residents at White Oaks Cottages.

Transportation is provided; please email Ms. McNally if you are interested at kmcnally@ursulineacademy.net, and pick up a permission slip in Campus Ministry when we return to school.

"Gal"entines for Catching Joy

Thank you to all those who bought "Gal"entines for their gal pals this year! We raised $165 for the non-profit Catching Joy and received many donated art supplies that Joy will bring to children in hospitals. Thanks for spreading the love!

Bears in Action

Robots in Plaid Qualify for State Championship

For the second year in a row, Robots in Plaid have qualified for the FTC Tech Challenge State Championship under the direction of team captains Chloe Burns '19, Taylor Bourikas '19 and Audrey Abraham '20.

New England Math League Contest #5 
Once again a large number of Ursuline students participated in the latest New England Math League contest. Congratulations to our three first place finishers Lauren Grela '19, Hamsa Shanmugan '20, and Brooke DeLucia '21. The last contest of the year is scheduled for March 19.

Ursuline Participates in Boston Model UN Conference

Last weekend, eight of Ursuline's Model UN team members took their talents to the Boston Model UN Conference at the Boston Marriott Copley Hotel. The conference is a three-day long event with teams from many parts of nation, as well as international teams. Ursuline students participated in committees ranging from the World Health Organization to the United Nations General Assembly, working to resolve a wide range of issues. Pictured below and displaying their passion for MUN are participants Eleanor O'Connell, Rosie Gellene, Cate McCluskey, Mimi O'Connell, Daphne Partridge, Ella Regan, and Madison Keka (Sofia Antelo, not pictured).

Life on Lowder Street

Over thirty alumnae moms, grandmothers and aunts attended our early morning Legacy of Love breakfast with their Ursuline daughters on Valentine's Day in the alumnae room of the Reynolds Center. For those who were able to attend and those who were not, we extend our appreciation for your commitment to the legacy of an Ursuline education.

Athletics

Athletics Update

As the winter sports season comes to an end, Ursuline teams have done extremely well.
Winter Track: Both Lauren Grela and Caroline Afonso finished in the top 3 in the Division 5 races this past week at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Ice Hockey: The team defeated Quincy/N. Quincy 7-1 last Saturday evening, qualifying for the State Tournament with an 8-8-3 record. Tournament details to come.

Basketball: The team also qualified for the State Tournament with a 13-7 record. Tournament details to come.

Skiing: The team finished strong at 7th out of 12 teams. Sophomore Kara Bobroff won the junior varsity race last night at Blue Hills. Varsity skier Elizabeth (Sara) Reidell qualified for the States along with her sister Michaela who is an alternate. The eighth graders will be going to Mt. Wachusett for the State Ski Tournament on Feb. 27.

Ursuline Athletes Attend Massachusetts Girls and Women in Sports Day

Maddi Sanders '19 and Mimi O'Connell '22 attended the Massachusetts Girls and Women in Sport Day on Friday, Feb. 1 at Faneuil Hall, an event sponsored by the MIAA. They were nominated and selected for their work ethic, character and for being consummate team players. Also in attendance from Ursuline was Maddie McInnis '19, who was recognized for her work on the student advisory committee for the MIAA. After the event, they had the opportunity for photos with keynote speaker Karissa Nieholl, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High Schools.

 Golf Tournament

Our 27th Annual Fore the Girls Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 3, at the Walpole Country Club. If you are interested in helping with the planning committee for this event, please email Joe Ziska in our Advancement office at jziska@ursulineacademy.net. More information about playing and sponsoring will be coming soon!  

Community News

Perils of Perfectionism Panel Discussion at Winsor School

Parents and faculty are invited to attend a program called "Perils of Perfectionism" on February 27, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at The Winsor School in Boston. Four expert panelists will lead a discussion on ways to create healthier and more balanced perceptions of success for our children and ourselves. Please click here for a detailed description of the program. The program is free and parking is available at The Winsor School but attendees MUST register through this link. Parent can skip the questions about your daughters' name and class. Any and all who would like to come are welcome!

On the Calendar

 Ursuline Academy | 85 Lowder Street | Dedham, MA 02026 | 781.326.6161