TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019
The 7th Grade Practice Test at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School
Our 7th Grade Practice Test will be administered on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th (alternate date) from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (both days). This test can give your family a true assessment of your daughter's 7th grade knowledge. **ADDITIONAL** There will be a Parent Information Session held on both days starting at 9:10AM
The Benefits
1. Gwynedd Summit this July. The Gwynedd Summit is a two-day FREE middle school experience, where your daughter will have the opportunity to meet some of our amazing young alumnae and attend a workshop held by members of our student council. Additionally, Dr. Chiaradonna, Director of our Catherine Learning Program, will share a variety of educational techniques that can be utilized in 8th grade and beyond. IMPORTANT DATES
*Morning Tours 2019 Tuesday, May 7
*Evening Tours Wednesday, April 10th
March - May Spring Sports
2. ENHANCED Accelerated Scholars Program (ASP): The ASP will give high performing seventh graders the chance for early admittance into Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School by the start of eighth grade. More information will be provided at a parent information session at the beginning of the exam (on the 27th and 28th).
3. Catherine Learning Program Presentation: During our Parent Information Session Dr. Chiaradonna, Director of the Catherine Learning Program (CLP), will discuss the program and address any questions families might have.
We want to highlight that the 7th grade practice test is just that: practice. Unlike the Terra Nova's or PSSA's, the practice test is administered over three hours (with several breaks) with timed sections in Reading, English, and Math.
Tips before Test-Taking:
NEW – 6th Grade Practice Test! Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School will host a 6th Grade Practice Test at the end of April. This test will cover grade-appropriate material in math and english. Additionally, students will be introduced to the procedures of high school entrance testing. The Practice Test will take place on Saturday, April 27th (9:00 am - 12:30 pm), with an alternate date of Sunday, April 28th (9:00 am - 12:30 pm). Register here!
The Admissions Department at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School knows a student's true capability and potential cannot be measured by/nor reflected in the results of a standardized test. At the same time, the entrance-scholarship exam is a part of our complete admissions process and we want to empower students to feel confident when taking the exam. The 7th grade practice test is a perfect way to begin to build test taking confidence! Connecting mindfulness with test taking, in school and outside out school (such as the 7th grade practice test), reminds students to try their best and implement strategies that can enable them to be successful while taking the test. Mrs. Kimberly Naucodie and Mrs. Kylie Steiert (Co-Moderators of Mindfulness and Meditation Club) along student Co-Presidents, Georgia Catte '19 and Madison Hasse '19 shared a variety of ways students can connect mindfulness during test taking. A Fun "Morning of" Test Tip Dance to music you love before you arrive. It gets you out of your head and aids in circulation and positive energy. It helps put you in a positive mind frame which aids in being your best self. During the Test
After the Test
Dr. Chiaradonna, Director of the Catherine Learning Program, also shared some of her top five test tips! The Day of Test
Breathe
Dr. Chiaradonna will be sharing even more test taking strategies and organizational strategies for 8th grade at the Gwynedd Summit in July! After the practice test – we look forward to seeing you there!!!
SOPHOMORE RETREAT On Friday, April 5th, the Sophomore class put Mercy Service into practice by helping with various tasks and meeting with school students in and around the Philadelphia area at De Paul Catholic, St. Martin de Porres, St. Helena, St. Malachy, Hope Partnership, Mercy Neighborhood Ministries and Face to Face.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION The National Honors Society Inductees from the Class of 2020 were honored for their Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Over 40 Juniors were welcomed by the Senior members of the National Honors Society.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
DIGIGIRLZ AT MICROSOFT On Friday, April 5th, 4 students attended Digigirlz, at the Microsoft offices in Malvern. We joined over 130 girls to hear an inspirational keynote, try some coding, explore 3D computer imaging, and be part of a presentation by a local FTC robotics team. Students were able to commune with other students, and network with successful women in various careers - all highlighting the benefits of a technology skillset.
ART AND MUSIC STUDENTS ENJOY A DAY IN NYC Mrs. Hohenstein's Art students viewed works related to their art history research projects and completed art criticism questions in the Post-Impressionism and Contemporary galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students also visited beautiful Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas paintings and drawings. Then they spent time studying the Hudson River School Paintings in the American Wing. Activities included a guided meditation with response questions and creative writing. Students also read 19th century poetry that inspired this American art movement. The exercises provided inspiration for the large landscape paintings that the students will complete at the end of the year. Dr. Myers took 25 students vocalists to attend a Broadway choral/acting clinic entitled, "Making Music for Choirs," that was specific to the show, the Tony Award-winning The Band's Visit, which they would attend that night. The rehearsal pianist and coach, as well as a cast member from the show led this exciting and informative workshop. Students were taught the opening number from the show and received compliments from the instructors on how quickly and beautifully they learned the music! It was so exciting for them to hear the opening song that they had just learned that afternoon now being performed by the professional Broadway cast! Mrs. Giangiulio took the Gwynedd Orchestra instrumentalists to the Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center to peruse the stacks containing collections of musical scores from a variety of composers as well as an extensive listening library. Students also saw a multimedia exhibit of Jerome Robbins, which featured his journal entries, photos, choreography notations, film clips and notes about West Side Story, On the Town and many other ballets and shows with which he was involved.
In the evening, the groups of students and faculty reunited at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre to attend 'The Band's Visit,' which illustrates the message of how the power of music and kindness can overcome all differences.
CRITICAL CONCERN OF MERCY In learning about Nonviolence, a Critical Concern of Mercy, Sister Patti taught the Junior class how to create origami cranes. The origami crane is a symbol of peace around the world. After paying careful attention to Sister Patti's directions, each Junior created one with the hope that there be more peace in the world, in their life, and in themselves.
STALL DAY - Mercy Girl Effect Monday was Stall Day and it was no joke! Last week, students collected and brought in coins to give to teachers of their choosing. Then on Monday, April 1, before each teacher could begin their class period, they had to count the coins one by one before they can start teaching. Therein, they were "stalled" from teaching until all the money was counted.
Student Council thanks all who participated and contributed to the funding, which will benefit Mercy Girl Effect as well as Gwynedd seniors later this Spring.
NATURE WALK Mrs. Tobias' Physical Education classes took advantage of the beautiful weather and went for an adventure around the grounds of GMA
SCAVENGER HUNT On Saturday, March 30th, 44 Gwynedd dads and daughters enjoyed the Spring weather while participating in an "Old City Philadelphia" scavenger hunt followed by a dinner at Hard Rock Café. The event was hosted by Gwynedd's Fathers' Club. All agreed it was a very fun time!
Winning Team: Bob Herman with daughter Lindsay '22
CPR TRAINING Students in the Physical Education classes were trained in the life-saving skill of CPR last week.
Through the generosity of the Sullivan Family, whose daughters Ellie and Kiki will be attending in the Fall, our young ladies were able to practice with a new state of the art kit.
PRE-PROM ASSEMBLY In preparation of the upcoming Prom next week, the upperclasswomen of Gwynedd were able to learn from several presenters throughout the day about healthy habits to practice during Prom and in life in general.
In the morning the ladies learned about prevention, intervention, and addiction recovery solutions as well as unhealthy substances and behaviors with an emphasis on the dangers of vaping from David Fialko, a Prevention Specialist, from The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania. Jessica Rice of the Victims Services Center of Montgomery County spoke to the students about peer pressure and what to look for in healthy relationships. Alumna Olivia Rosenberger '12 also of the Victims Services Center of Montgomery County discussed the importance of planning ahead for events like Prom.
Later during lunches periods, representatives from United Tire talked with students about driving safely and the dangers of distracted driving. They also had an activity for the students to simulate impairment.
STUDENTS SUPPORT 'FOR PETE'S SAKE' For more than15 years, Gwynedd students have volunteered and supported the 'For Pete's Sake' Foundation.
Once again, the ladies turned out for the organization's 20th Annual Fashion Show featuring fashions by Nicole Miller.
CUPCAKE WARS!
The Freshman Student Council representatives assigned teams of 5-6 girls and had each student create a spring or Easter-themed cupcake. Then each team selected its best cupcake to be entered into a friendly competition. Thanks to the Freshman reps for coming up with the great idea to come together and do something fun and different as a class, and for implementing their plan beautifully! And a special shout out to Chef Craig for baking the delicious cupcakes and 8 lbs. of colorful buttercream icing for the competition! It was a fun morning for all and the teachers were very impressed!
MUSIC - PMEA ALL STATE It was an exciting weekend at the Pennsylvania Music Educators' State Conference in Pittsburgh where Dr. Myers accompanied junior Chloe Thum to perform with the State Chorus. While in Pittsburgh, Dr. Myers had the opportunity to spend a day with alumna Mia Venezia '15. According to Dr. Myers, Mia was one of the highlights of our music program. She majored in harp performance at Carnegie Mellon University and will graduate in May. It was great visiting with her and getting a first-class tour of Carnegie Mellon!
GEOMETRY: Inside and Out! Dr. Clementi's Geometry class constructed tessellations following the works of M.C. Escher. They also ventured outside last week to work on their symmetry projects. Students are examining flags of the world, flags of the states and signaling flags to find reflections and rotational symmetry.
ATHLETICS LACROSSE GMA Lacrosse welcomes Spring and a 16-7 Varsity win at Villa Joe with their favorite stop at Tanners Bros for ice cream
TRACK AND FIELD Kudos to Monarchs Track & Field for great performances during a recent meet.
SOFTBALL
GMA Softball erased a 0-3 deficit against visiting Villa Joe with a 4 run inning to take a 4-3 lead going into top of the 4th. Maddie Seidel roped a two run triple. Gwynedd exploded in bottom of 6th with 6 runs scored!!
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