Parent Newsletter - May 15

Kathryn Baal, Ph.D.

Dear Mighty Mac Community,

As we approach graduation weekend, our community finds itself in a sacred space between what has been and what is yet to come. Tradition takes center stage during moments like these. They are more than routines or celebrations, they are the steady rhythms that shape our young women over their time at Mother McAuley. These traditions form not only what they know, but who they become.

At McAuley, our traditions are deeply rooted in our Mercy core values. Through classroom learning, prayer services, athletic and art competitions, service opportunities, concerts, plays, and everyday moments of sisterhood, our young women are formed in both seen and unseen ways. It is the traditions that become anchors quietly guiding them, challenging them, and calling them to something more.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to cross the stage, we are reminded that they are what we often call “threshold people.” They stand at the doorway between their McAuley experience and what lies ahead. Threshold people carry something sacred with them as they do not leave their formation behind. Instead, they bring it forward, embodying the values and lessons that have been woven into their lives. Our hope is that our graduates do not leave with only a diploma, but rather with a deep sense of purpose to change the world in small and big ways just like Catherine McAuley.

Meanwhile, we are reminded that traditions are fluid, not fixed. Traditions grow with us. Yesterday at our pep rally, we celebrated that spirit of continuity and renewal with the unveiling of an updated version of our beloved mascot - the M. The energy in the room was remarkable! The refreshed look honors our history while embracing the present moment. Much like our young women, it carries forward what is essential while stepping confidently into what is next.

As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we are reminded that McAuley is built on both tradition and transformation. We hold fast to who we are, even as we continue to evolve and grow.

Go Mighty! Go Mercy! Go Macs! Go Class of 2026!

Important Information and Calendar Reminders

Second Semester Exam Schedule

Time	Tuesday, May 26	Wednesday, May 27	Thursday, May 28
8:00 - 9:20am	Period 1	Period 3	Period 7
9:30 - 10:50am	Period 2	Period 4	Period 8
11:00am - 12:20pm	Period 9	Period 5	Period 6

Semester Exam Important Information

Study halls and Freshman Edge will not meet during finals. Students in AMP can access the space if they need a place to study.
AP classes will not have final exams.
Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Physical Education classes will not meet on final exam days. These classes will have already taken their finals the week prior to exams.
The student lounge will be available as a study space, and the Kitty Mac Cafe will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The building will open each day at normal hours (6:30 a.m.) but will close each day at 1:00 p.m.

Student Course Requests and Schedules for the 2026-2027 School Year

We are currently working to build the schedule of courses for next year using student course requests from earlier this semester. For this reason, changing your daughter's course requests and/or classes for next year is not possible at this time. When schedules come out in July, students will have a chance to drop and add courses. While not guaranteed, it does give students an opportunity, particularly if they have changed their mind about a class or their priorities for courses have changed. In July, there will be a form that will need to be filled out and signed by you as well as your daughter in order to drop or add. Students should be checking their McAuley email over the summer and keeping up with the deadlines. Schedules are typically released in the middle of July. Any questions, please reach out to your daughter's counselor.

Key Calendar Dates for 2026-2027

Important Information for the Class of 2026

Submit College Acceptances & Scholarship Awards

If you have not done so already, please share college acceptances and financial aid awards with us using this online form. The form is accessible to both parents and students which will allow you to work together to upload the information. Information can be added or edited at any point and does not have to be done all in one sitting. We appreciate your attention to this request and your support as we work to collect this data.

College Acceptances & Financial Awards Form

Graduation Information

Thank you - Senior Legacy Gift!

THANK YOU so much to everyone who contributed during this year’s Senior Legacy Gift! Your support means the world, and we are thrilled to share that the Class of 2026 reached the $1,000 match from an anonymous alumnae and raised $2,915 in total.

Thank you again for your incredible support, and for helping leave a legacy that will benefit the entire Mighty Mac community for years to come.

Key Updates & News for Parents

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Upcoming Events

Counseling

College Counseling

College Counseling

College Counseling - May 15, 2026

Study Abroad Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, May 20th
11:45am - 12:27pm
Community Room

RSVP for the Study Abroad Lunch and Learn

Study abroad opportunities abound and allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures and countries for a truly life changing experience. Juniors can learn more about studying abroad directly from a panel of admissions representatives from four international universities! Juniors who would like to learn more about study abroad in college should plan to attend the Study Abroad Lunch and Learn on May 20th.

University of Glasgow
St. Louis University-Madrid
University College Dublin
John Cabot University-Rome

College Counselors and Junior English teachers are working together with juniors on their college essay (also known as the common application personal statement.) College counselors are scheduling 1-1 meetings with your daughters to discuss their essay, as well as touch on other topics such as college lists, retaking the ACT, teacher letters of recommendation and summer plans. Our goal is for each student to finish the year with a completed essay draft and their teacher letter in place.