Dear Parents:
As promised, we opened the 2020-2021 academic year in person, every day, and all day last week. Thanks to Dr. Beiting, her administrative team, faculty and staff, we were prepared to welcome students back to campus after five months of being physically apart. I also want to acknowledge and thank our students for their efforts at following our plan and procedures. Each day they arrived ready for their morning temperature check, morning COVID questionnaire, and did so cheerily.
Along with daily classes, we hosted several athletic contests including Women’s volleyball Senior Night and freshman football —- both finished our week with victories. On Friday faculty participated in on-going professional development related to upgrades in our technology infrastructure. Our faculty’s efforts at staying current in their field and in technology deserve special recognition.
Though our start to the school year was different, our approach of being in person was not. All week faculty and students engaged in teaching and learning; coaches and athletes worked together to compete on fields of competition; and you, our parents, supported our plan despite the sacrifices you are asked to make.
One example of that support occurred last Tuesday night at the MVR where the Golden Cardinals held the year’s first meeting. Golden Cardinals is a volunteer group made up of parents, alumni, and friends working as advocates and ambassadors on behalf of our students and Mooney. Let me invite all parents, especially those new to Mooney, to learn more about the Golden Cardinals. Joining the group is a great way to be involved, get to know Mooney from others, and meet many of the parents your student will get to know over their time at school. The next meeting is September 14 at 7 p.m. at the MVR. Hope you will join us.
Lots of planning went into the beginning of the year and yet we remain focused on our future — this academic year and those to come. No sooner do we begin fall semester than we begin our admissions calendar. Every year Cardinal Mooney receives and reviews applications from a group of competitive young men and women hoping to fill available spots in the upcoming class. This year we look forward to meeting students and families who will become the Class of 2025.
There are no better ways to communicate the Mooney difference and value than sharing with friends and neighbors the experiences of your family–both your own and those of your son or daughter. Parents, I encourage you to advocate on behalf of Cardinal Mooney. We tend to “purchase” what our friends purchase and so your influence is instrumental in our plan for growth and strength. I invite you to schedule me to meet with any families or friends who want to learn more about Cardinal Mooney.
I am pleased to announce a new initiative for current eighth graders. Through a generous gift made by a Mooney grad, we will be selecting students for the Mooney Scholars Program. This merit and renewable scholarship will be offered to selected students with a strong record of academic achievement and leadership. The total value over four years is $18,000. The Mooney Merit Scholars Program is the latest scholarship offered by Mooney alumni and families in providing quality Catholic education to families who desire a Mooney education. Details will follow.
Each week I learn more about the “Mooney Family.” Those who attended the Golden Cardinals’ meeting showed me their passion for the school and its future. Fans at our freshman football game enjoyed a family event as varsity players celebrated their teammates’ victory. With pride and tears, we celebrated our Senior volleyball women, their contributions to Mooney athletics over their four years, and a great victory over Ursuline. This family, your family, is a distinctive feature of our school and its ability to form a supportive social environment that promotes achievements for a broad cross section of students. Spread the word and welcome new members to our family.
Thomas Maj
Click here to download our full September 6th, 2020 bulletin (PDF Format)