Paul Cancilla, Assistant Principal, Ed Curtin, President, Deborah Laughlin, Principal, and Tom Rinke, Assistant Principal/Dean of Operations. FOUR ADMINISTRATORS GOVERN OVER THE AREA S PREMIER CATHOLIC CO-EDUCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THE PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD PROGRAM. STUDENTS COME FROM COUNTRIES ALL AROUND THE WORLD TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR SUPERIOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS. Mission Statement Mercyhurst Preparatory School is a four year co-educational Catholic secondary school founded by the Sisters of Mercy to prepare students from all religious and ethnic backgrounds for a successful, productive, and compassionate life in an ever-changing and interdependent world. A Mercyhurst Prep education is based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, the charism of Mercy, and a modeling of Judeo-Christian values. We strive for excellence in academic and co-curricular programs, we promote service to our local and global communities, and we foster the dedication and active support of the students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni of the Mercyhurst community.
( What is a Laker? ) LAKERS can be anything or everything A LAKER HAS UNIQUE INTERESTS AND TALENTS THAT ARE EMBRACED, ENCOURAGED AND RESPECTED BY A WELCOMING, COMPASSIONATE MPS COMMUNITY WITH A KEEN FOCUS ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS. ( ) A Laker is inspired to find his/her niche through the numerous opportunities offered at MPS. He/she can be an athlete, an artist, a scholar, a spiritual leader or any combination of those. ( ) A Laker is invigorated to give back to his community and become a responsible citizen. ( ) A Laker learns to live the Spirit of Mercy, embracing the core values of Justice, Service, Hospitality, Compassionate Presence and Concern for the Dignity of All Persons. YOU, TOO, CAN BE A LAKER! mpslakers.com
LAKER Every finds his place at MPS 1 ( YOU SET YOUR COURSE) FROM THREE CHOICES MPS is an INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) WORLD SCHOOL The IB program aims to do more than any other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. IBO.org. With IB earn: Substantial scholarships l University credits l Advanced placement l Both an IB Diploma and a Mercyhurst Prep Diploma l Global opportunities (Recent graduates have studied in China, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Scotland, Morocco, and more.) 3 ( ) but is Alex attending Kruszewski Notre graduated Dame University with the as Class a sophomore of 2015, to his success with the International Baccalaureate program. due HONORS If you excelled in your middle school years and are looking for a rigorous 2 academic experience in high school, then Mercyhurst Prep s honors program is the best choice for you. The most challenging and diverse set of honors courses at MPS attracts the top students from the region to Laker Life. COLLEGE PREP Many of our students choose College Prep as they progress on their journey from high school to university. Our faculty offers mobility among course levels and works with students to facilitate the best specific learning path for each individual.
FACULTY MPS DEPARTMENT CHAIRS Bottom: Jane Fisher-Science, Kathy Pirello-English, Chuck Stachera-Technology, Cindy Comstock-World Languages, Jen Galla-Math, Lindsey Corle-Visual Arts. Top: Matt Ochalek-Theology, Frank Amicucci-Social Studies, Art Martone-Creative Arts, Gary Froelich-Guidance, Missing: Kirk Skelton-Physical Education/Health. ( ) The student to faculty ratio is 12:1. Besides in-depth expertise in their specific fields, our faculty embody the Mercy charism, attributes that make them unique and exceedingly qualified to work with teens. Many teachers travel extensively during breaks and summer vacation, bringing a global perspective to their classes.
COURSE OFFERINGS BY DEPARTMENT THEOLOGY Scriptures (YR) The Catholic Tradition (YR) Christian Ethics (YR) Christian Ethics-Honors (YR) Peer Leadership (YR-Application) Senior Religion Seminar (YR) Single or Married Life (T) Holy Orders/Religious Life (T) Death & Dying (T) Exploring Religions of the World (YR) Eastern Religions (T) Western Religions (T) Contemporary Religions (T) Religions of the World-H/IB (YR) Christianity in Popular Culture (T) Christian Spirituality (T) Love and Evil (T) Atom & Eve (T) ENGLISH World Genres (YR) World Genres-MPS PreIB/Honors (YR) American Literature (YR) American Literature -MPS PreIB/H (YR) British Literature (YR) British Literature- H/IB SL (YR) Humanities I-IB HL (YR) World Literature (YR) World Literature H/IB SL (YR) Humanities II-IB HL (YR) Composition, Speech and Digital Literacy (T) Journalism I (YR) Journalism II (T) Creative Writing (T) The Twilight Zone (T) Everything Harry Potter (T) SOCIAL STUDIES World Cultures (YR) World Cultures-MPS PreIB/Honors (YR) Government/Economics (YR) Government/Eco-MPS PreIB/H (YR) History of the Americas (YR) The 20 th Century-H/IB SL (YR) History of the Americas- IB HL (YR) Psychology (YR) Modern American History (YR) 20 th Cent. World History-H/IB SL (YR) World History-IB HL (YR) Art History (YR) Art History-H/IB (YR) Civil War (T) Anthropology (T) Art History-Non-Western (T) Sports & Society (T) World War II (T) Hollywood and History (T) Nazi Germany (T) The Vietnam Era (T) History s Mysteries (T) Global Perspectives Seminar (T) MATHEMATICS Algebra l-plus (YR) Algebra I (YR) Algebra I-Honors (YR) Algebra I-MPS PreIB (YR) Geometry (YR) Geometry-H (YR) Geometry-IB (YR) Algebra II (YR) Algebra II/Trig-H (YR) Algebra II/Trig-IB (YR) Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus (YR) Precalculus-Honors (YR) IB Math Studies (YR) Calculus I-Honors (YR) IB Mathematics (with Calculus)- SL (YR) IB Mathematics-HL (YR) Probability & Statistics-H (YR) SAT Math Preparation (T) TECHNOLOGY MS Office 2013 (T) MS Word 2013 (T) Digital Presentation Software (T) MS Excel 2013 (T) Publication Graphics (T) Photoshop (T) Dream Weaver CS5 (T) Modern Coding (T) Stop Animation (T) Intro to Media Production (T) BUSINESS Accounting (YR) Your Financial Future (YR) Financial Planning (T) Banking and Credit (T) Saving and Investing (T) Intro to Marketing (T) DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES (Semester Courses- $250.00 per course) Evolution of Games (S) Intro to GameMaker I (S) Intro to GameMaker II (S) Screenwriting (S) Games Design (S) 3D Modeling I (S) 3D Modeling II (S) Mobile Game Design (S) Unity 3D Programming (S) Game Production and Marketing (S) SCIENCE Foundations of Scientific Inquiry (YR) Foundations Scientific Inquiry- MPS PreIB/H (YR) Chemistry (YR) Chemistry I-H/IB (YR) Chemistry II-H/IB (YR) Biology (YR) Biology I-H/IB (YR) Biology II-H/IB (YR) Physics (YR) Physics-H (YR) Anatomy and Physiology-H (YR) Sports, Exercise & Health Science I- H/IB (YR) Sports, Exercise & Health Science li- H/IB (YR) Earth & Space Science (YR) Intro to Geology (T) Intro to Astronomy (T) Environmental Science (T) Pharmacy Technician (T) Atom & Eve (T) ENGINEERING Intro to Engineering (YR) Intro to Engineering-Design (T) Intro to Engineering-Disciplines (T) Intro to Engineering- Capstone Design (T) WORLD LANGUAGES Spanish I (YR) Spanish I-MPS PreIB/H (YR) Spanish II (YR) Spanish II-MPS PreIB/H (YR) Spanish III (YR) Spanish III-IB/Honors (YR) Spanish IV (YR) Spanish IV-H/IB (YR) French I (YR) French I-MPS PreIB/H (YR) French II (YR) French II-MPS PreIB/H (YR) French III (YR) French III-H/IB (YR) French IV (YR) French IV-H/IB (YR) Intro to Italian (T) VISUAL ARTS Art Foundations (T) Art Appreciation (T) Ceramics (YR) Ceramics I (T) Ceramics II (T) Advanced Ceramics (T) Drawing I (2T) Drawing II (T) Sculpture (T) Printmaking I (T) Printmaking II (T) Mixed Media (T) Jewelry/Metal Working (T) Independent Studio in Art (T) Stop Animation (T) Painting (YR) Art History (YR) Art History-H/IB (YR) Art History-Non-/Western (T) Art Seminar-H/IB (YR-Interview) Yearbook (YR-Application) Yearbook-H (YR-Application) Photo I (T) Photo II (T) Advanced Photography (T) Publication Graphics (T) PERFORMING ARTS-DANCE Social Dance (T) Beginning Tap (T) Tap II (T) Jazz (T) Dance Styles (T) Dance Company (All Levels-Audition) PERFORMING ARTS-MUSIC Music Appreciation (T) Music History-IB/H (T) Music Theory-IB/H (T) Music for the Music Major (T) Beginning Piano (T) Advanced Piano (T) Beginning Guitar (T) Musical Production (T-Audition) General Chorus (YR) Concert Choir (YR) Concert Choir-IB/H (YR) Show Choir (YR-Audition) Show Choir H (YR-Audition) Orchestra (YR) Orchestra-H/IB (YR) Jazz Band (T) PERFORMING ARTS-THEATRE American Musical Theatre (T) Tech Theatre Production (T-Interview) Musical Production (T-Audition) PE Cross Training (T) Advanced PE Games (T) Principles of Fitness & Wellness (T) HEALTH Health I-Interpersonal Health (T) Health II-Body Systems (T) Health III-Wellness Issues (T) SPECIAL INTEREST COURSES Theory Of Knowledge-IB/Honors (T) Theory Of Knowledge-IB/Honors (2T) Career Internship (T) COURSES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Intro to Theology (YR) The American Culture (T) English Writing (ELL)-(YR) English Writing (ELL)-(T) (YR)-Yearlong Course (T)-Term Course (HL/SL)-Higher/Standard Level (2T)-Two Term Course (S)-Semester Course (Application)-Application required for admittance to course (Audition)-Audition required for admittance to course (Interview)-Interview required for admittance to course
Collaboration with Mercyhurst University (adjacent to the MPS Campus) Academically advanced students may begin college course work or pursue a subject in greater depth at Mercyhurst University. Some students may complete freshman year of college and senior year of high school simultaneously. The two schools are adjoined by a walkway, making each easily accessible to the other.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES LEADERSHIP Student Government National Honor Society SERVICE Baking Club Feed the Hungry Serteens Women in Motion SOCIAL AWARENESS Ophelia Project Critical Concerns Club CULTURAL LEARNING Bible Study French Club Spanish Club Travel Club ACADEMIC AND COMPETITIVE Junior Achievement Model U.N. Math Club Speech and Debate ARTS Chrysalis Filmmaking International Thespian Society Movie Club National Art Honor Society FUN AND FITNESS Fitness Club Frisbee Club Gaming Club Ski Club Spirit Squad
( ) LAKER DAY! LAKERS WORK HARD BUT KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN! Laker Day is a tradition of friendly competition that students and faculty look forward to every year. Touch of Class Day is an annual event that showcases talent, leadership and fun!
( 2015-16 RENOVATIONS ( ) BETSY & BILL VORSHECK LIBRARY/RESEARCH CENTER Our newly transformed Library/Research Center enables our students to be miles ahead of the secondary standard in scholarly research and state-ofthe-art technologies. It has enhanced print and digital collections, making MPS a premier academic research center for students and faculty.
BILL & AUDREY HIRT DREAM LABS ) Design-Research-Engineering-Arts-Math This innovative space facilitates creative endeavors with a combination of CADD (computer-aided design and drafting), 3-D design, and hands-on learning. The DREAM Labs encourage technological experimentation, engineering, graphic design OUR and self-directed learning across the curriculum. Plans are in the works for a major renovation to the MPS Performing Arts Center (2016-17) and a brand new Fitness Center (2017-18). ( ) LADY OF MERCY CHAPEL, CAFETERIA, CAMPUS STORE, FACULTY ROOM & LOBBY As we prepare students for the academics of college or university, our facilities emulate the college campus experience. As graduates, our students are well prepared and readily adapt to higher-level education.
CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAM MPS is fortunate to have nine faculty members who are active award-winning artists regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community. Students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts. ( ) At a time when many schools are choosing to cut their music and arts programs, Mercyhurst Prep continues to value the creative arts. I truly believe that the arts help to create a more well-rounded student. I am so grateful to MPS for supporting these programs, including providing top quality teachers, a wide variety of classes, and state-of-the-art equipment. Both of my children have flourished in the arts programs at MPS and have received credit for taking music and art classes as part of the International Baccalaureate program. Pamela Magerle, current parent of Maia 17 and graduate Colin 14
FALL SPORTS Football Boys and Girls Cross-Country Boys and Girls Soccer Boys and Girls Golf Girls Tennis Girls Volleyball WINTER SPORTS Boys and Girls Basketball Girls Bowling Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Cheerleading SPRING SPORTS Baseball Softball Boys Tennis Boys and Girls Track and Field Rowing ATHLETICS ( ) OUR ATHLETES WIN ON THE FIELD, IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN LIFE! MANY GRADUATES GO ON TO COMPETE ATHLETICALLY AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL, SOME ON THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.
THESE ARE THE MERCY CORE VALUES: Concern for the Dignity of All Persons, Justice, Service, Hospitality and Compassionate Presence. Mercyhurst Prep is blessed to have a Chaplain, a full-time Campus Minister, and a full-time Community Service Learning Coordinator. Lakers find diverse events across the Campus Ministry calendar. These include planning and participating in school liturgies, daily mass and prayer, fellowship events, retreats, mission trips and service opportunities. Campus Ministry at MPS offers you a place to belong and to get involved. B
Pennsylvania International Academy (PIA) Pennsylvania International Academy (PIA) serves as administrators for both international and regional boarding students in grades 9-12 who attend Mercyhurst Preparatory School. Dedicated Student Service (SS) ambassadors act as leaders who offer a nurturing, safe, and secure living environment for residents of PIA. In this program, students feel at home conversing with their peers that share the same culture as well as developing friendships with others from around the world. The students gain a sense of understanding and support from one another. The boarding facility remains open throughout the year, including school breaks and holidays. PIA is an integral part of the Mercyhurst Prep experience, and we consider them part of our extended family. To learn more about all that PIA has to offer, please visit their website at www.piacademy.org. They would be happy to answer any questions you have relating to the boarding program. Amy Wiler, Director of International Boarding Admissions amy@piacademy.org 814-746-9489 OARDING STUDENTS
ALUMNI ( ) I know for a fact I wouldn t have the tools I needed to get through college and my daily job (ER nurse) if I didn t go to MPS. The education is simply unparalleled. MPS taught me the necessary skills not only to succeed in college but to thrive. It also instilled the discipline and student habits I needed to succeed in college and today. Conrad F. Kubaney 10 ( The Class of 2015 was offered nearly ) 14 million dollars in scholarships/financial aid. JUST SOME OF THE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES OUR LAKERS ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING: Harvard University / Johns Hopkins University / Mercyhurst University / Dartmouth College / Cornell University / Vanderbilt University / University of Notre Dame / Case Western Reserve University / Carnegie Mellon University / Boston College / DePaul University / U.S. Naval Academy / New York University / Rochester Institute of Technology / Fordham University / Georgetown University /
ADMISSIONS DATES 2015 NOVEMBER 6 DEADLINE: Application for early admission DUE NOVEMBER 14 Eighth grade entrance exam for Mercyhurst Prep 9 a.m. DECEMBER 18 Early admission acceptance letters mailed DECEMBER 2015 & JANUARY 2016 Visit MPS and shadow with a current student. Call 814-824-2323 for an appointment. 2016 JANUARY 8 Application for admission deadline DUE JANUARY 16 Eighth grade entrance exam for Mercyhurst Prep 9 a.m. JANUARY 22 Confirmations with $100 registration deposit due from first round acceptances FEBRUARY 19 Acceptance letters mailed to applicants MARCH 1 DEADLINES Diocesan Tuition Assistance Program applications DUE & DEADLINES Application for Academic and Creative Arts Scholarships DUE Application deadline for Alumni, Aura and Catherine McAuley Scholarships DUE MARCH 9 Creative Arts scholarship auditions and portfolios DUE MARCH 31 Notification of scholarships and aid mailed APRIL 18 DEADLINE Confirmation of registrations and $100 deposit from eighth graders DUE APRIL 25 Musical Production, Concert Choir, Show Choir auditions for the 2016-17 school year APRIL 26 Dance Company auditions and Technical Theatre interviews for the 2016-17 school year APRIL 30 Math Placement Exam at MPS 9:00 a.m. MAY 4 World Language Placement Test at MPS (test out) 3:10 p.m. MAY 11 Freshman Scheduling Night MAY 14 Freshman Welcome Dance 8-10 p.m.
A Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy 538 East Grandview Blvd. Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 814.824.2323 LAKERS can be anything oreverything