Mother McAuley's Black Student Union (BSU) cordially invites alumnae to an inspiring breakfast. Join us for a meaningful morning of keynote speakers, student reflections, roundtable discussions, and more.
Parent Newsletter - February 7
Dear Mighty Mac Families,
As we push through winter, it is hard to believe we are mid-way through the third quarter. If you have not already done so, this would be a great time to engage in a conversation with your daughter about her progress and grades. Many of your daughters are in the process of registering for courses for the 2025-2026 school year and planning for the future. This is always an exciting time for them as they work with their counselor to balance classes they need with classes they want to explore or take because of personal interest.
We continue to live in the current school year but work towards the future school year. And within those moments, we work to give thanks for all that we have and all that is to be. A few shout outs and highlights that have occurred on 99th street recently.
- After three years as a program, our cheerleading team will be competing at the state competition this weekend. This competitive cheer program has soared to great heights quickly under the leadership and direction of three mighty amazing coaches - Cait O’Connor ‘15, Julia McGivern ‘17 and Kaley Lunz ‘14. And it is composed of 16 Mighty Macs - A’shadieeyah Adebayo, Reagan Arethas, Eleni Baltsas, Camryn Demus, Abigail Graber, Penelope Griffin, Jane Klinger, Gia Lombardo, Maggie McCall, Maura O’Hara, Erin O’Hara, Lucy Panush, Esthie Pedroza, Caitlyn Sawicki, Shannon Stanley and Gabby Terry. Congratulations to these girls and their coaches! You have made history on 99th street and we are beaming with pride. Go Macs!
- Our Advancement team welcomed and hosted more than 80 alumnae and community members to campus today for Career Day. This event provided our young women the opportunity to interact and network with numerous professionals while learning about potential future endeavors and careers.
- Over a week ago, we had four of our young women - Sophomore Grace Sebby, and Seniors Amanda Schuler, Amar Tadros and Amelie Villasenor - compete at the Illinois Music Education (ILMEA) State competition. These musicians were able to compete in a variety of events while interacting with fellow musicians in workshops throughout the weekend. It is quite challenging to make it to this competition and an honor that only top musicians achieve. We are mighty proud of all four of these young ladies!
- One of our own counseling faculty members, Ms. Shanta Wheeler has been awarded the Thea Bowman Award for Teacher Leadership by the Archdiocese of Chicago. This annual award is given to a teacher who exemplifies service, integrity and commitment to Catholic education and the values of our faith. This award will be bestowed upon Ms. Wheeler on Friday, February 21 at the Archdiocese African American Heritage Prayer Service at Holy Name Cathedral. We are excited to celebrate Ms. Wheeler and to recognize her numerous gifts.
Hoping you and your family are appreciating the longer days and a bit more sunlight as we move closer to March.
Warm Regards,
Important Information and Calendar Reminders
Mighty Mac Info
Our annual Donor Appreciation Breakfast will take place on Friday, February 14th. Students who have received a scholarship in Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Incoming Freshman 2024, and/or a renewable, all four-year scholarship, are required to attend the breakfast. Please turn in your permission forms, and look out for an email next Wednesday, February 12, to see if your donor will be in attendance.
Get ready for a MAC-nificent summer at McAuley! Registration for summer camps is now open. Browse our camp offerings and get signed up today!
Mother McAuley High School is proud to announce the upcoming Celebration event, an annual gathering that honors and supports the unique and transformative experience provided to its students. Taking place Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the University Club in Chicago, this event showcases Mother McAuley as a beacon of excellence in education for young women - empowering them to lead with integrity, compassion and strength, and to shape the future with confidence.
Our next Finding Your Path - Alumnae Insights panel will be held on Wednesday, February 19 during lunch periods. This session will focus on careers in education. All students are invited to attend.
Come enjoy conversation, cocktails, and Mighty Mac camaraderie with fellow alumnae. President Carey Temple Harrington '86 and Peggy Evans Rourke '76, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, will be on hand to share the good news from 99th Street! If you live in the area permanently or seasonally and are interested in attending one of these events, RSVP to join us.
Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice High School, and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School are proud to announce a joint initiative to enhance academic and experiential opportunities for students. Reinforcing the shared values and mission of Catholic education, leadership from the three schools are partnering to formalize cutting-edge plans designed to benefit students’ personal and professional development.
The Mother's Club will host the Senior Father Daughter Dance on Friday, March 7. Save the date! More information will be available soon.
The Mothers' Club is launching an online only graduation glove sale! Seniors are invited to order their gloves by April 17 to be ready for graduation.
Upcoming Events
School Spotlight
More than 80 alumnae and friends joined us for Career Day this morning. Students had the chance to learn more about a wide variety of careers, participate in activities, and learn more about the many opportunities available to them once they graduate from McAuley.
After just three years as a program, we are MIGHTY proud to congratulate the Mother McAuley Cheerleading Team on qualifying for the IHSA State Finals in the Large Team Division!
MacNation cheered them on with a cart ride through the halls before they head down state to compete this weekend! Wishing the best of luck to the entire team and our coaching staff, all of whom are Mother McAuley alumnae!
Students and faculty members ended Catholic Schools Week by attending the weekend-long Kairos retreat.
Congratulations to Quinn Arundel '26 and Taji Alexa '27 on being awarded the GCAC Red Division All Conference Honors for basketball. We are MIGHTY proud!
We are MIGHTY proud to congratulate Amelie Villasenor '25, Grace Sebby '27, Amar Tadros '25, and Amanda Schuler '25 for their participation in the ILMEA All-State Choir and Orchestra!
We are MIGHTY proud to announce that ALL of our Fall Sports Teams qualified for IHSA Team Academic Achievement Awards! Congratulations to our student athletes for maintaining excellent cumulative team grade point averages during the 2024 season.
Happy Catholic Schools Week! Our entire school community gathered together this morning for a wonderful Mass to celebrate the theme of "United in Faith and Community."
Mighty Mac Highlights
Join us in cheering on our teams and individual athletes as they head into regional, sectional, and state competitions!
Spring Athletics will begin March 3rd! If you have not yet registered your daughter for lacrosse, soccer, softball, water polo or track and field, please do so! All athletes must have a physical dated within 13 months of participation in order to try-out. We are so excited to kick off the spring!
Recruitment Corner
We're hosting a shadow day for 6th & 7th grade girls on Monday, February 17, 2025! Join us for the day, learn more about our curriculum, meet our teachers and be a part of MacNation! Dismissal will be at 1:00pm.
McAuley will host a placement test on Saturday, March 8 for current 7th grade students who are interested in taking Pre AP Algebra during their 8th grade year. This class will be taught by a McAuley math faculty member, and will be held Monday - Friday mornings from 7:00-7:45am during the 2025-2026 school year.