Dear MHC Academy Family and Friends,

This being the year of 2024, the year of Mary Help of Christians, it brings to mind the image of the Blessed Mother standing regally, with crown and scepter, adorned with a blue cloak or mantle. We have often said that those who enter a Salesian place enter under Mary’s Mantle, and she will protect and guide them and their families. While we hold true to this part of our Salesian tradition and history, the history of our campus is something that should be updated and always improved upon. 

While Mary Help of Christians protects us, we are charged with keeping our procedures, precautions, and our facilities up-to-date so that at the end of all things we can say before the Lord, "I have done my part." We would like to announce a new initiative and campaign called, “Be a Part of Mary’s Mantle” to elevate our safety and security on campus. Parents, please be on the look out for a short survey that will be sent to you via email, so you can let us know which needs you find to be the most important. 

Sincerely,

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

MHC Academy celebrated Catholic Schools Week from January 29 - February 2. Each day the school focused on a different group of people who make our community so wonderful. Among the activities the student council organized were: "Are you Smarter Than a Teacher," a free breakfast for students, and a card making session where we thanked local first responders. We also celebrated the Feast Day of St. John Bosco with a mass on January 31st. Check out all our fun dress down days too!

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT

The Senior Class sponsored one of our most popular events of the year - International Night! Over 150 people dined on cuisine from all around the world making for a great evening of fun, food and culture!

SPRING MUSICAL - MATILDA

Rehearsals are well underway for our Spring Musical - Matilda! Be sure to save the date, so you catch one of the performances!

• Friday, March 22 at 7:00pm
• Saturday, March 23 at 7:00pm
• Sunday, March 24 at 2:00pm

FORENSIC SCIENCE PROJECTS

After spending a semester studying the use of scientific methods to investigate crimes and examine evidence that might be presented in a court of law, Ms. Pierre and her students developed projects based on real-life events or created fictional events that demonstrated their ability to bridge theory with practice. Students brainstormed ideas, made supplies lists, completed a crime scene report, and built three-dimensional models of different situations. The crime scene stories provided an insight into understanding, creativity, and ability to think critically.

FROM HIGH SCHOOL LAB TO THE NYPD LAB

MHC Academy alumnae ('08) Megan Carlson dropped in on the Forensic Science class to share about her career as a drug laboratory analyst for the NYPD Police Laboratory. At MHC Academy Megan gravitated to the sciences and was accepted into the University of New Haven which had a nationally known Forensics program. She encouraged the students to follow their passion, look for good mentors in their field of interest, and to be willing to persevere through challenges to achieve their goals. Megan also mentioned the importance that her faith life at MHC Academy played in helping her develop the resilience needed to persevere through moments of self-doubt and struggle on her path to become a NYPD Crime Lab technician. Welcome back, Megan! We are proud of all you've accomplished!

CULINARY ARTS CLASS

For Valentine's Day this year, the Culinary Arts class learned to mould, pipe, and create flowers and ribbons from fondant. They also made truffles to fill their edible, heart-shaped boxes!

THE CONCLUSION OF WINTER SPORTS

As we move toward the end of February all of our Winter Sports have finished up. 

We were able to celebrate all of our Seniors & their final Winter Season's here at MHC! Congratulations again to our basketball seniors: Shelby Gomez & Giulia Russo, competition cheer seniors : Isabella Facciolo, Caitlin Farley, Olivia Loos, Jacquelyn Pineault & Elizabeth Sincaglia, dance team senior : Liliana Cacciola, and our swim team seniors: Alyssia Dilone & Kelly Hinnigan. 

As we move into March we are looking forward to our Spring Sports Tryouts:

• Monday, March 11th-Wednesday, March 13th: Softball Pitchers/Catchers  
• Thursday, March 14th & Friday, March 15th: All Spring Sports Teams Tryouts Softball, Lacrosse, Track & Golf. 

VALDOCCO RETREAT

Seven MHC Academy freshman and sophomores attending the Salesian Youth Movement Valdocco Retreat with 103 other Salesian youth from parishes and schools around the US and Canada. It was a weekend filled with prayer, games, reflection, friendship, and family. Together we grew in our Salesian identity and family spirit. These seven freshman and sophomores will now oversee the leadership of #ProjectOratory, MHC Academy's version of an afterschool youth group. Keep on the lookout for when we launch it after Lent!

SPRING FLING TRICKY TRAY

Join us for a Tricky Tray on Thursday, March 7th beginning at 6pm at The Brownstone. Tickets are $85 and include dinner and 1 sheet of raffle tickets. We hope to see you there!

SPRING OPEN HOUSE

Spread the word! Our Spring Open House is coming up on Thursday, May 2nd from 6pm - 8pm. Pre-registration is required at www.maryhelp.org/ohreg/