March 13, 2020 Dear Mercy McAuley Community,
"Never let anything cause you trouble or anxiety which is not an offense to God." —Catherine McAuley
These are extraordinary times. As the country faces a public health crisis and our school simultaneously plans its day-to-day response, we continue to plan and execute a compelling plan for a long and stable future. There are many ways, in fact, that we have been truly blessed that provide us with calm and confidence for now and into the future.
In these trying times, we have been blessed by the foresight of those who came before us, and the talents of those who are with us. For example, the vision to offer required hybrid, or "blended" classes (half in-class/half-online) has been the gift that will enable us to seamlessly deliver high quality education should this health crisis require our long-term closure. Rather than scrambling to learn something new to adapt to online learning, our talented faculty and staff will be focused on refining their skills and supporting robust learning no matter what comes our way in the coming days and weeks. As a result, should we need to close school for an even longer period beyond three weeks, our students will benefit from their blended learning experiences as well as a robust combination of proven live/distance learning and online learning techniques. As a result, we are confident that our students will continue to learn in a high-quality, albeit adapted, environment.
We have been blessed by timing. While institutions debate whether or not to cancel critical revenue-generating and engagement events, our Fire and Ice Gala and Student Raffle were executed flawlessly in February with results that exceeded expectations. Together with our community, Mercy McAuley has already achieved over 80% of its annual fundraising goal. In addition, despite having to reschedule the State of the School Address due to my own illness in January, a wonderful, inquisitive crowd of parents, alumnae, board members and supporters attended in February to learn not just about our current state, but also our emerging plans for the future.
We are blessed by technology. The Mercy McAuley community is thrilled to host our second BIG Day of Giving on March 17, 2020! Join us on this one special day by making a gift to Mercy McAuley. Thanks to matching funds provided by generous donors, YOUR GIFT WILL BE DOUBLED, making an even greater difference for our students and helping us to reach, and possibly exceed, our goal for this year.
We are blessed by our alumnae. Just two short weeks ago, over 40 alumnae (half from each legacy school), gathered here at Mercy McAuley for a fellowship lunch and an afternoon of Career Day presentations for our students. These strong, inspiring women came from all walks of life: book authors, healthcare providers, scientists, business and non-profit leaders, politics and much more! We are so grateful for their wisdom and perspectives. One told me that she returned because her high school career day helped her decide on a college major and career. Now that's "Inspiring Potential Within!"
We are blessed by leadership. In these weeks and days, have been struck by the tremendous professionalism of our faculty and staff; the support of our board of directors and the board and staff of the Mercy Education System of the Americas; and the patience and understanding of our parents and families. I am a firm believer that leadership isn't defined by position; it's defined by action. All of our Mercy McAuley family has pulled together, and is "leading from where they are," to ensure continuity, success and well-being first for our students, and then for each other. This creates a ripple of impact that will allow us to navigate crisis and move forward to a robust future. The future (short and long-term) is bright for Mercy McAuley High School. There will be more difficulties to manage, but with togetherness, we will lean upon our many blessings, and manage through them together.
And last but not least, we are blessed by our STUDENTS. Every day is a blessing for those who work in education. The days are not always easy, and the rapidly changing environment can be stressful. Still, we get to do God's work. We get to transform the lives of young women who bless us with their creativity, need for guidance, intellectual horsepower and their FAITH. We get to inspire the potential already within them.
Thank you for being a part or our community. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for blessing us. May the inspiration of the Holy Spirit diminish your anxiety and bring a true Lenten Peace to you and your loved ones now and always.
Sincerely, Patty Lusheck Ragio Mercy McAuley High School 6000 Oakwood Avenue • Cincinnati, OH 45224 • (513) 681-1800 |