Parent Newsletter - February 7


Kathryn Baal, Ph.D.

Principal
principal@mothermcauley.org

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

Important Note for Scholarship Recipients

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.

Mother McAuley Honors the Empowerment of Women and the Transformative Impact of Education at Annual Celebration Event

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.

Presidents Carey Harrington, Keith Elder, and Mark Donahue smile together

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.

First page of the PDF file: 1-8-25FatherDaughterDance1

The Mother's Club will host the Senior Father Daughter Dance on Friday, March 7. Save the date! More information will be available soon.

Get ready for graduation!

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

Southwest Florida Gathering
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Alumnae Insights: Finding your Path - Education
BSU Welcomes Back the McAuley History Makers
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Mother McAuley Dining Hall
Senior Father Daughter Dance
Celebration 2025
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University Club of Chicago
Alumnae Insights: Finding Your Path - Psychology
Alumnae Insights: Finding Your Path - Art and Design

Counseling

School Spotlight

Students attend Career Day

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.

Cheerleading team qualifies for first state final

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!

Kicking off Catholic Schools Week

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

Winter Athletic Udpates

Join us in cheering on our teams and individual athletes as they head into regional, sectional, and state competitions! 

Recruitment Corner