September 18, 2020
From the President and Principal
Dear Ursuline Families,
What a thrill it is to see students back on campus, in person, with smiling eyes behind their masks as they rejoice in one another's company after six long months without being together. The Bear Cave Days of the past week have been a resounding success, by all accounts. We extend our thanks and deep appreciation to the faculty and staff members who planned these days, which have required not only devising the programs and bringing in outside speakers, but also orchestrating the myriad of details needed to offer these days safely.
Each day began with the students hearing from Dr. Nadja Reilly, our consulting school psychologist. Her presentation to the students focused on the physical and psychological toll that the constant strain of COVID exacts on young people, and gave them permission to be a bit less demanding and more forgiving of themselves. She went on to introduce methods of stress relief, such as progressive muscle relaxation, and how to be truly empathetic when trying to help friends who may be struggling. The day continued with a class Mass, and progressed to a full slate of individual and team activities including scavenger hunts, an iHub activity, music, improv, and outdoor exercise. The students also heard about personal and digital safety from Director of Safety and Security Rick Halloran. Our intent is that through these programs, we live out our commitment to care for the social/emotional health of each student, as well as for her academic progress.
Next Wednesday evening, Dr. Reilly will address parents and guardians in a virtual presentation; a link with Zoom details will be sent before the program. We hope you have a wonderful weekend that includes some downtime with your daughter talking about her day on campus this week, and we look forward to welcoming her back next week, when Hale Reservation brings its program to Ursuline.
Sincerely,
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Next Week at Ursuline
Parent Event with Dr. Nadja Reilly on Wednesday:
"Holding Strong During Tough Times"
On Wednesday, September 23, at 7 p.m., Ursuline's consulting psychologist, Dr. Nadja Reilly, will be presenting a remote program on Zoom for parents, "Holding Strong During Tough Times: Managing Anxiety and Promoting Resilience in the Family." Dr. Reilly will discuss how to manage anxiety related to the pandemic and returning to school. Symptoms to look for, as well as strategies to promote wellness and resilience, will be discussed by developmental level and for the family as a whole. A Zoom link for this event will be emailed to all parents on Tuesday. Learn more about the event here.
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Online Class Reminders
- Monday September 21 is Day 2 of the rotational schedule. Girls are reminded that the days progress in order even when their class is on campus for Bear Cave Days.
- During the month of September, students do not have to log into their study halls, lunch or activity periods. These are times to move away from screens.
- Enrichment is always at 11:55 a.m. Unless their first period of that day was a study hall, girls should log back into their first period academic class for Enrichment every day.
- Students wishing to add or drop courses must first email their School Counselor before requesting schedule changes.
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Bear Cave Days
During this coming week's Bear Cave Days, we are excited to continue our 11-year "September partnership" with the Hale Reservation staff and their programs. The Hale staff are professional facilitators dedicated to providing a safe, active, and nurturing environment where participants can learn and grow. The week of September 21st, Bear Cave Days will involve each grade participating in the Hale program from 8:30-12:30 p.m. Learn more here. This year's Hale program will take place on Ursuline's school grounds. The afternoon will be dedicated to discussing UA life, class spirit and goals with UA administration, faculty, and staff.
Please note the following reminders:
- Grades 7 and 8: attend Monday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Grade 9: attends Tuesday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Grade 10: attends Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Grade 11: attends Thursday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Grade 12: attends Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Doors will open and drop off will take place at 8 a.m. at the Reynolds Center (front doors) . Students are asked to remain in their cars until 8 a.m. and may not congregate outside the building. Pick up will be at 2:00 p.m. All students must be picked up/off campus by 2:30 p.m.
- Brown bag lunch only. Microwaves will not be available to heat food items. Students should also bring a water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
- Students should wear athleisure wear/spirit wear clothing that is comfortable and can be layered, and wear sneakers.
- Please bring iPads and a drawstring backpack or other bag to carry your belongings.
- No lanyards are required at this time, but masks are always required.
- If you have not returned an emergency contact form, this must be on file at Ursuline in order for your daughter to participate in Bear Cave Days (see link below).
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New PAW PASS for Daily Wellness Check
All students are required to submit our Wellness Check form each morning before coming to campus. Please use the Ursuline Wellness Check (bit.ly/uawellcheck) before sending your daughter to school each day. Starting this week, you will see an additional field asking for your daughter's email address. When you provide this information, your daughter will receive a confirmation email including a "PAW PASS" that she can quickly show upon arrival to confirm her status. More information on the wellness check is provided in the Ursuline Health Protocol Guide, along with helpful information on what to do if your daughter becomes ill.
UA Health/Emergency Contact Form
All students must have emergency contact forms on file in the nurse's office. If you have not yet done so, please complete the UA health/emergency contact form, print it, and send it to school with your daughter this week. This form must be on file at Ursuline in order for your daughter to participate in the Bear Cave Days.
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Campus News
Junior Ring Orders Rescheduled
The Herff Jones Company will be on campus during Activity Block on the following days, for juniors wishing to order class rings:
- Tuesday, October 13th, 10:45 – 11:15 – Angela Team
- Thursday, October 15th, 10:45 – 11:15 – Ursula Team
All juniors should have received their packets from Herff Jones in the planner given out last week. Reminder: A $60 check is needed at the time of order.
Returning to Campus Guide
All families should have received Ursuline's full guide detailing our plan for the return to campus. The guide is posted on our website here, along with other important information, for your reference.
Important Book and E-Book Purchase Information
Most textbooks can be ordered through the Follett Virtual Campus bookstore website: https://www.bkstr.com/ursulinestore. Families who still need to order books and electronic licenses can click here to find full ordering information and guidelines. Students who have ordered their ebooks through Savvas Learning should forward their confirmation order to support@ursulineacademy.net, with the subject "EText confirmation order." NOTE: Please include name, grade, and course in the body of the email.
Student Directory
Our Student Directory for 2020-2021 has been posted to the parent portal. This may be useful for those families who are interested in carpooling. If anyone has any questions or updates for the directory, please contact Ms. Sharon Tolland at stolland@ursulineacademy.net.
Mask Drive!
The Red Cross Club will be hosting a mask drive to kick off the school year in service. Masks can be dropped off at 194 Elmwood Road in Needham. There will be a box on the front porch, and each student who wishes to donate masks can put them in a ziploc bag with her name and class year written on the outside. Grizzly Grind points will be awarded! The drive will run from September 14-25. Masks will be donated to the American Red Cross, where they will be sanitized and distributed to hospitals and other organizations in need. If there are any questions, please reach out to Olivia Spalla '21 (ospalla21@ursulinededham.net). Thank you in advance!
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Athletics
Ursuline Athletics Earns Singelais Award for Third Year in a Row
Ursuline's athletes can all be proud that the school has been named the winner of the Singelais Award for having the highest winning record in its division for the THIRD year in a row! This achievement is a credit to all of our athletes and coaches. Read here for details.
Fall Tryout Information
Cross Country: High school students reported today (Friday) to meet the coaches and have practice.The coaching staff has shared the practice schedule for next week. 7th and 8th graders will meet on Monday at the grassy area in front of the school by the large tree at 2:15 p.m. for practice.
Soccer:
Junior High Soccer will meet on Monday at 2:15 p.m. at the tennis courts behind the school for the Skills and Drills session. It will last until approx. 3:15 p.m. Players should bring a #5 soccer ball, face mask, sneakers/cleats and water bottle.
Junior Varsity and Varsity tryouts took place today (Friday) on the field. They will also be held on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., same location. Interested players should meet at the bleachers.
Swimming and Diving: An informational meeting is being held today in the Reynolds Center at 4 p.m. for parents and students to go over paperwork and protocols for the Blue Hills Pool. Tryouts for swimmers for the UA swim team will be on Sept 21st and Sept 22nd at the Blue Hills Regional Technical School from 6:30 - 8 p.m. There will be NO changing into swimsuits on the premise; please come to pool wearing your swimsuits. Divers will have their first practice later in the week.
Field Hockey will meet on Monday at 3:15 p.m. on the field near the convent steps for their Skills and Drills session.
Reminders for all participants: Please remember to wear your mask at tryouts and maintain social distancing. Your bags should be spread out. Each of the areas mentioned above has adequate space to maintain distancing. Click here to view tryout information on the Ursuline website. Any questions, contact Mr. O'Connor at athletics@ursulineacademy.net.
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Thank You to our Golf Tournament Sponsors
We wish all of our golfers a great day on Monday and thank the following sponsors for their support of the tournament. Presenting Sponsors: Gaman RE Group, LLC and The N&D Group; Beverage Cart Sponsor: F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company; Lunch Sponsors: Dedham Savings, Foley Palenscar Schortmann, the Hajjar family P'17, '22, King & Bishop P'20, '22, and People's United; Hole Sponsor: Morgan Brown & Joy; Tee Sponsors: Boston Private, Boston Sports & Shoulder Center, Devaney Energy, FACTS Management, and Veterinary Services of Westwood P'22; and Friends of UA Athletics: Carol and John Gately P'89,'91,'95 and Roche Bros.
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School and College Counseling News
Beyond Booksmart Parent Session on Executive Function Skills
On Wednesday, October 14, at 7 p.m., Michael Delman, CEO of Beyond Booksmart will be presenting an event on Zoom for parents: "How to Build Executive Function Skills: Your Guide to Raising Confident and Competent Kids." Parents will learn tips and tools from a lifelong educator and expert in Executive Function intervention - and reassurance that their kids will be okay when equipped with the skills they need. Learn more here.
SAT/ACT Virtual Prep Classes
Summit Educational Group is pleased to partner with Ursuline Academy to offer an Online ACT Prep Class starting September 10 and an Online SAT Prep Class starting September 29. In their online programs, teachers and students will meet together at a set time in a live virtual classroom using Zoom.
Click here for ACT Prep Class details.
Click here for SAT Prep Class details.
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Spirit Wear Available
Spirit Wear and Ursuline Merchandise
Sweatshirts and other items from our Spirit Store are now available for purchase. Click here for item descriptions and prices. The navy blue crew neck URSULINE sweatshirt is the uniform-approved sweatshirt for the 2020-2021 school year. (Note: The blue fleece zip-up jacket is also still uniform approved.)
TO ORDER: Please contact Kate Gormley, bookstore manager, at uabookstore@ursulineacademy.net with questions or to place a credit card order.
We can arrange for pickup at the school on Bear Cave Days. Shipment also available.
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Photos of the Week
This week's Bear Cave Days included activity sessions in music, technology, improv, health, and guidance.
Quick Links
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