January 8, 2021 We look forward to welcoming back the Angela cohort on Monday, January 11 and the Ursula cohort on Thursday, January 14.
Community Voices: A Message from the President and Principal Dear Ursuline families,
On January 6th, the U.S. Capitol building was taken over by insurrectionists seeking to disrupt the certification of votes to formally declare the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Like countless others, we watched, disturbed and unnerved, by the violent events that unfolded. Whatever our political views, we can all agree that fear and hatred do not have a place in a democratic transfer of power.
Rooted in the peaceful tradition of St. Angela Merici, Ursuline faculty and staff members stood ready both to pray with and respond to the questions and concerns of students. Although we were physically distant from one another this week, classes joined together in shared prayer and deep discussion. Many students called for peace, reconciliation and healing for our country. Some expressed sadness that these events were occuring during a pandemic, a time when the nation should be coming together to support those ill and in need.
It is in the wise sentiments of our students that we are reminded of God's presence whenever and wherever most needed. They echo the words of St. Angela who encourages us, "Do not lose heart. He who called you will not desert you, but the moment you are in need he will stretch out his saving hand." We are grateful for her profound guidance which reverberates through the ages to our community today. We know with certainty that living Gospel values requires us to disavow all violence and work to create a culture of justice, equality, unity and above all, peace, as one nation under God.
During the days ahead, we encourage families to engage in meaningful conversations on these important topics. If you feel that your daughter needs additional support during these uncertain times, please do not hesitate to reach out to her school counselor so that we may address her needs appropriately. As always, we are grateful for your partnership.
Sincerely, Kate Levesque President Mary-Kate Tracy Principal
Important Reminders Financial Aid Applications Due January 15 Financial Aid applications for the 2021-2022 academic year can be completed through FACTS. The deadline for financial aid consideration is January 15, 2021. Financial Aid decisions will be emailed beginning March 6, 2020. Additional information can be found by visiting our website. Questions about the financial aid process should be directed to Mr. Ed Spadoni, Chief Financial & Operating Officer at espadoni@ursulineacademy.net. Athletics Junior High Basketball will be held this week for those who have registered, on Monday and Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. for the Angela cohort, and Thursday and Friday from 3-4 p.m. for the Ursula cohort. All other teams are back to their regular schedules this week. Looking to get more involved? Join the Fore the Girls Golf Committee and Support UA Athletics! We are starting to plan the 29th Annual Fore the Girls Golf Tournament for June! We need you! You don't need to know anything about golf. Parents interested in helping with this year's event are invited to a Zoom meeting on Friday, January 15, at 8:30 a.m. Please email Brendan King (P'22 '20), Golf Chair, at bking@kingbishop.com, or Joe Ziska (P'22) in the Advancement Office at jziska@ursulineacademy.net if you have any questions and to RSVP.
School and College Counseling Samaritans Parent Program Recording Available on Student/Parent Portal Samaritans, Inc. of Boston will be collaborating with Ursuline Academy to host a number of workshops for all students during their guidance classes later this month. Each student will attend an age-appropriate workshop in late January on mental health and suicide prevention, allowing students to learn both information and skills in a clear way. If you missed the parent session on Thursday, January 7, you may view the recording on the parent portal now. To find the recording, log in to your account on the UA parent portal, and scroll down to the bottom of the home screen to "School Links and Files." The School Folder includes general documents/videos for parents. When you change the School Folder to "Guidance," you will find the recorded Parent Speaker videos coordinated by the School Counseling Office. See details here. College Talk Junior Parent College Meeting, January 13th at 7 p.m. The School and College Counseling team will be holding its annual Junior Parent College Meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, January 13 at 7 p.m. On this night, parents will get an overview of the UA College Counseling practices and the application process. We ask that one parent/guardian for each junior attend this important meeting. Click here for the Zoom invitation. Parent Zoom Speaker Series on Tuesday, January 26, 7 p.m. Essay Scholarship Contest
School Safety Traffic and Visitor Reminders Last month, we began implementing some new approaches for the afternoon pick up to keep the pick-up line moving steadily with safety as our top priority. Click here for full details. In addition, in order to increase the safety and security on the campus of Ursuline Academy for our students and staff, we now have a new visitor management program. This system will require all visitors to report to the main office of the school, present identification to office staff, sign in, and receive a self-expiring visitor badge. Thank you for your cooperation.
Bears in Action Three Ursuline juniors are working with the nonprofit Tree-Plenish on an event to plant trees to offset Ursuline Academy's paper usage during one academic year. Cassandra Cowell '22, Marissa Petrucci '22, and Helen Way '22 plan to plant 140 trees in the Dedham area on April 24, 2021.Tree-Plenish partners with schools to help build sustainable communities through youth engagement, mentoring students through a step-by-step process to calculate their school's paper usage and then to host their own tree-planting event. Students ask residents of the community to request trees to be planted by volunteers in their yard. A $2.00 donation funds the purchase of each sapling. Click here to help them reach their goal! Anyone interested in volunteering may email the students through their Ursuline email accounts. Quick Links |