Two-Week Outlook

Academic Updates

• To sign up for a conference, log in to myDSHA and click on the Resources tab at the top. In the Resources tab, locate the Parent-Teacher Conference tile and click on it to access your daughter’s schedule and teachers.
• Conferences are five minutes and serve as an opportunity for DSHA faculty to share specifics about your daughter and answer any questions you may have. If you need more than five minutes, please email your daughter’s teachers to set up additional time to talk.  
• You can attend the Zoom conference wherever it best meets your needs, whether that be from home, work, or your phone—anywhere you are able to get an internet connection. We do ask that you turn on your camera so DSHA faculty can see you, put a face to a name, and connect with you more effectively.

Updates from the Dean of Student Affairs

Parking Passes Now Available | Parking passes are available for purchase for any student who currently has their driver’s license. Passes are $125 for the remainder of the year. If a student is interested in purchasing a pass, she should contact Executive Administrative Assistant Dawn Hathaway in the Main Office.

 

Questions? Contact Dean of Student Affairs Rachel Fredrick​s.

Campus Ministry Updates

NEW! Our Theme for Lent: Faith that Builds | Our theme reminds us that every small choice we make this season—every act of kindness, every moment of prayer, every sacrifice—adds another brick to the foundation of the person God is calling us to be. Lent isn’t about perfection; it’s about construction. It’s about letting God strengthen us from the inside out and living the discipleship we are called to live each day. All students will have an opportunity to go to the sacrament of reconciliation during theology classes on Tuesday, February 24. In addition, there are some optional programs that students can join to build their faith this Lent:

• Five-minute Fridays: Student-led reflections at 7:40 a.m. in the Chapel
• Wednesday morning Mass: 8:00 a.m. Mass before school in Chapel
• Lent Devotional Books: A booklet with short scripture and reflections
• Thankful Thursday Masses: Offered during Dasher Time each Thursday

NEW! Our Lent Project: Secondary School for our Sister School | This year, DSHA students have the opportunity to build the foundation of a secondary school for our sister school in Buyuni, Tanzania! Currently, Salvatorian Pre and Primary School offers K-6 grades. DSHA collaborated with other Salvatorian parishes in 2022 to donate two buses to the school, and since then, they are flourishing. Families are requesting a secondary school so their children can continue their education. DSHA is trying to raise $10,000 this Lent so next year’s seventh graders can stay at the Salvatorian School in Buyuni. Here are some ways you and your daughter can help:

• Donate to the student auction
• Help your daughter’s house win the Penny War; cash and pennies are positive, silver coins are negative
• Donate money on Collections Days
• Donate online

NEW! Senior Parents Invited to Vocare Send Off | We invite parents of the class of 2026 to attend our Vocare send off prayer service on Friday February 27, 9:08-9:48 a.m. in the Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre at DSHA. Vocare means to be called forth and that is exactly what the prayer service entails. Seniors will hear from an alumnae speaker, Rosie Schildt, DSHA ’20, about how service has called her forth to live a life dedicated to others, especially through her post-graduate service with Homeboy Industries with Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ. Then each senior's name will be called forth and commissioned for their site by the Sisters of the Divine Savior.

Parents are also invited to the Welcome Back Assembly on Friday, March 13, 9:08 – 9:48 a.m. in the theatre. Seniors will share some of their experiences and be welcomed by the Sisters of the Divine Savior and the school community. 

Vocare runs Monday, March 2 - Friday, March 13.

Fr. Silas to Speak at Holy Family Parish | DSHA Chaplain Fr. Silas, SDS, will be speaking at Holy Family Parish in Whitefish Bay on March 12 at 7 p.m. He'll discuss how we can turn our ordinary lives into opportunities for discipleship and offer space for reflection. This is a great way to spend the Lenten season!

Holy Family Parish is located at 4825 N. Wildwood Avenue in Whitefish Bay. Parking is available behind the school off Marlborough Avenue and in the Wildwood Avenue lot.

Service Hours Due April 21 | If your daughter needs help, she can reach out to Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monso​n. Lots of opportunities are up on x2VOL, and students can set up their own service. The full requirement can be found here.

Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monso​n.

Student Services Updates

Screen Time & Social Media Presentation from Children's Wisconsin: On February 24, 6-7:30 p.m., join Children's Wisconsin Therapist Emi Orr for this event in the DSHA Commons. This event is open to DSHS and MUHS families. Social media and screen time play a powerful role in today’s teens’ mental health and well-being. Join Emi Orr, psychotherapist with Children’s Wisconsin and in-house therapist for DSHA and MUHS, for an informative evening exploring the benefits and risks of technology use, the impact of screen dependence on mental health, and practical strategies for helping teens build a healthy relationship with technology. Parents and caregivers will gain valuable tools, tips, and resources to support a more balanced and healthy home environment. If you have any questions, please reach out to Director of Student Services Maria Schram. 

ACT and Pre-ACT Testing | The ACT will be administered to juniors, and the Pre-ACT will be administered to freshmen and sophomores on Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Tests will wrap up by 1 p.m., and buses will arrive at 1:30 p.m. This is the same day as parent-teacher conferences.

• ACT: DSHA will administer the ACT Plus Writing test digitally to the entire junior class on March 10. Families will be billed via Smart Tuition. Students who participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice program will have their testing fee covered by the state of Wisconsin. Test will conclude about 1 p.m.
• PreACT: DSHA will administer the PreACT to the entire sophomore and freshman class on March 10. The PreACT offers sophomores and freshmen an early experience with ACT items, provides a predicted ACT score, and offers a wealth of information to help students get the start they need to be college-ready. There is no student fee associated with this test. Test will conclude about noon.

If you are opting your daughter out of either test, please contact College Assistant and Testing Coordinator Amy Lund

 

Questions? Contact Student Services Administrative Assistant Katie Hoffmann,​ DSHA '02.

College Counseling Updates

NEW! Carla Olle Career and College Planning Day | On Tuesday, March 3, 7:50-1:30, sophomores and juniors will experience a day of career exploration. Girls will begin the day interacting with our keynote panel:

• Moderator Maredithe Meyer, DSHA ‘13, Associate Editor at BizTimes Media
• Lindsey Townsley Birdsall, DSHA ’07, Director of Marketing at Wantable, Inc.
• Katie Spaulding Wessel, DSHA ’02, Owner of Milwaukee Pretzel Company
• Nyama Sillah, MD, DSHA ’01, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Aurora Healthcare

Afterward, they will attend four career presentations aligning with the professions they selected through a survey. Sophomores will end the day with professional career programming, while juniors will meet with Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea to learn more about the college process.

• Attendance is mandatory for all sophomores and juniors
• Dismissal is at 1:30 p.m.; buses will arrive at 2 p.m.
• Freshmen will have no classes on this day
• Seniors will be on Vocare

There will be a modified day schedule (7:50-1:30) and bus schedule. Students must bring their own lunch as the cafeteria will NOT be open.

NEW! High School Student & Parent Educational Form Brought to You by the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation | High school families are invited to attend this bilingual forum on March 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring informative sessions on scholarships, FAFSA, and the key steps students should take on their path to higher education.

Multiple colleges will be present with information tables, offering details about academic programs, admissions processes, and student support services. In addition, parents will be able to speak directly with college advisors in both English and Spanish to receive guidance on supporting their students, understanding financial aid options, and planning for college expenses. 

The forum is open to high school students of all grade levels and their parents or guardians. School counselors, educators, and community organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with families.

 Date: Saturday, March 28
 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 Location: Flores Hall 2997 S. 20^th St. Milwaukee, WI 53215
 Language: Bilingual (English & Spanish)
 Cost: Free 

For more information or to register, please contact the Mexican Fiesta office at 414-383-7066 or visit www.mexicanfiesta.org. 

Register now

Applied Wellness Updates

NEW! Applied Wellness Conferences | Sign up for spring conferences with Applied Wellness via the Sign Up Genius form on myDSHA. 

Questions? Contact Applied Wellness Director Joanna McQuide,​ DSHA '93.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Updates

NEW! Dasher Dialogue | Students are invited to attend an optional Dasher Dialogue focusing on confidence on March 13.

Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last nine years. Consistent with the DSHA mission to form young women who accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference, Dasher Dialogues create a loving and caring space for conversations that can be uncomfortable. These conversations focus on the dignity of every Dasher while helping students understand their responsibility to act as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze. 

Financial Aid & Scholarship Information

NEW! Scholarship Opportunities for Current Dashers | Thanks to our generous donors, the following scholarship opportunities are currently available and are due Monday March 9.

• Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can apply for the Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship
• Current sophomores and juniors can apply for the Mary Mross Public Policy Scholarship

2026-27 School Year Financial Aid Application Submissions Due March 13 | The financial aid application for the 2026-27 school year is open. Families who are interested in need-based scholarships and financial aid for the 2026-27 school year are welcome to complete this application by Friday, March 13. Keep in mind, 2025 tax information is required. 

How to apply for financial aid

NEW! Spring 2026 Dual-Credit Financial Aid | DSHA has specific financial aid available to help with the cost of dual-credit classes. Financial aid is limited to one dual-credit course per school year, as there are limited funds for dual-credit financial assistance, and students must be registered for the class to receive dual-credit financial assistance. If you are interested in an application, complete this form on your resource board in myDSHA.  

Questions? Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy Scott​, DSHA '10.

From the PA, PAA, and PFAA

NEW! MUHS Mothers Guild Welcomes DSHA for Lenten Reflection | Mothers are invited to join MUHS mothers Tuesday, March 24, 9:15 a.m.-noon for a reflection on womanhood. All moms are welcome and can attend for the entire or partial event (whatever fits your schedule!). The event will be held by Anne Auger.

Anne is a wife and mother of 7 children. She graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with an MA in Theology and has worked for over 20 years in parochial, RCIA, Adult Catechesis, and Religious Education programs throughout the Milwaukee and Madison Dioceses. She has served as an instructor at the Madison Seat of Wisdom Institute and has been a keynote speaker at many parishes and Catholic events. Most recently, Anne has worked as the Director of Evangelization for St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Madison.

• 9:15 a.m.: Check in at the Gordon Hencke entrance at MUHS
• 9:30 a.m.: Mass and Mary's Way of the Cross in the Three Holy Companions Chapel
• 11 a.m.: Reflection, refreshments, and fellowship in room 127 led by Ann Auger

NEW! Coffee and Conversation | Join the PA on March 17, 8 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge.

NEW! Teacher Appreciation |The Parent Association is looking for desserts and treats for a few more TSC events on March 10 and April 15. The PA would also love a few more parents to volunteer for Teacher Appreciation Week Planning.  

Sign up to volunteer
Join a parent association

Questions or want to join? Contact PA President Sue Miller 

NEW! PFAA Meeting on Tuesday, March 3 | We would love to see you at our next meeting on March 3 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room. We will discuss how we can help move the arts forward at DSHA, and we need you to be part of the discussion. Join us!

Apply for PFAA Summer Scholarships | PFAA members, your daughter has access to PFAA scholarship information in her myDSHA account. All applications must be submitted by February 28 for consideration. Click here to learn more and join the PFAA.

Questions? Contact Parent Fine Arts Association President Emma Gillette.

DSHA Parent Associations | Parents are key members of the DSHA community and important partners in much of the work done through the school on behalf of each student. In addition to individual volunteer activities, the Parent Association (PA), Parent Fine Arts Association (PFAA), and PAA (Parent Athletic Association), provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the PA, PFAA, and the PAA invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.  

Fine Arts

NEW! Dashers at the Milwaukee Art Museum | See DSHA's fine arts on full display at the Milwaukee Art Museum on February 28. Divine Strings will perform in the atrium at 1 p.m. This performance will include an eclectic program including pop tunes by Laufey, Imagine Dragons, Huntrix, and others. Soloists Sophia Collins, DSHA '26, Maddie Dubois, DSHA' 28, and Carolina Islas, DSHA '26, will also perform the complete Corelli Concerto Grosso No. 1. 

After enjoying the concert, head into the museum and see works on display in the Scholastic Art Award Exhibition by DSHA Silver Key-winning artists Sofia Babovich, DSHA '26; Johanna Hernndez, DSHA '27; Sophie Koehler, DSHA '26; and Amalia Pfaff, DSHA '26, and Gold Key winner Zarahy Renteria, DSHA '26.  

NEW! District Solo & Ensemble Results | We're so happy to celebrate the wealth of success at this weekend's festival. The students below earned a rating that qualifies them for the state competition in April: 

Angelaires: Show Choir Abby Egbede, DSHA '28, and Emma Esser, DSHA '28: Music Theatre and Duet Harper Fortmann, DSHA '29: Music Theatre Solo Natalie Hartung, DSHA '27: Soprano Solo and Music Theatre Solo Natialie Hartung, DSHA '27, and Madi Lampe, DSHA '27: Music Theatre Duet and Duet Mackenzie Howell-Smith, DSHA '28: Music Theatre Solo Lily Ibarra, DSHA '29: Alto Solo Ann Frances Janisch, DSHA '27: Music Theatre Solo Ellie Kirgues, DSHA '27: Music Theatre Solo Madi Lampe, DSHA '27: Music Theatre Solo and Soprano Solo Jenna Mansfield, DSHA '26, and Mary Moran, DSHA '26: Duet Ondine Mastrolia, DSHA '27: Alto Solo and Music Theatre Solo Sofia Miller, DSHA '26: Music Theatre Sophia Monson, DSHA '28: Soprano Solo and Music Theatre Solo Delia Mooney, DSHA '29: Music Theatre Solo Mary Moran, DSHA '26: Music Theater Solo Alexia Nicoletopoulos, DSHA '26: Soprano Solo and Music Theatre Solo Natalie Nolan, DSHA '28: Soprano Solo Divine Strings Alternative String Ensemble for "Beyond" from Moana and "J.D. Meets the Rhythm Section" Special String Ensemble for their complete performance of Corelli Concerto Grosso No. 1 Maddie DuBois, DSHA '28: Piano Solo; Chopin Revolutionary Etude Serena Hughes, DSHA '27: Violin Solo; Haydn Violin Concerto Vivienne Marschke, DSHA '28: Violin Solo; Handel Violin Sonata No. 3

Dasher Athletics

NEW! Ski Team Update | The WIARA State Ski Championship took place at Mount La Crosse on February 15 and 16.  DSHA had a strong showing with a team of seven student-athletes, including Riley Doerr, DSHA ‘26; Elizabeth Doneff, DSHA ‘28; Kate Bradford, DSHA ‘27; Emily Peterson, DSHA ‘26; Sophie Walker, DSHA ‘28; Reagan Dunn, DSHA ‘28; and Ellen Barry, DSHA ‘28.

The team finished second in the Slalom with Bradford placing 11th, Doneff 12th, Peterson 24th and Walker 27th.  Later in the day, the team had a thrilling victory finishing 1st in the GIant Slalom with Doerr placing 18th, Dunn 22nd, Doneff 26th, and Bradford 31st.  On Monday,  the team competed in the Super G and placed 6th with Doerr placing 18th, Bradford 30th, and Doneff 31st. 

The combined three-event total for the team landed them on the podium in second place overall in D1! Outstanding results in a field of 22 teams and 157 female athletes. Doneff led the team with a three-event total placing her 16th overall as an individual, Bradford placed 18th overall as an individual, and Peterson finished 27th overall as an individual.

NEW! Basketball Senior Night | The Varsity Basketball team celebrated senior and senior parent night on Tuesday, February 17, before warm-ups at their game vs. Wauwatosa West. DSHA honored players Maddie Brown, DSHA '26; Maria Hilbert, DSHA '26; Emily Frank, DSHA ‘26; Lillian Lancaster, DSHA ‘26; Margaret Richburg, DSHA ‘26; and Mia Minessale, DSHA '26, as well as senior managers Grace Hodges, DSHA '26; Meghan Quesnell, DSHA ‘26; and Mara Tyrrell, DSHA '26.

NEW! Basketball Update | The varsity basketball team will be hosting the WIAA Regional Semi-Final game on Friday, February 27.  DSHA received a #6 seed in their sectional and will be playing #11 seed, Manitowoc Lincoln. The Regional Final will be played on Saturday, February 28 at Hartford High School.

Finally, on February 14, the basketball team volunteered to work the 28th Annual Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Club Run/Walk. The organization helps fund life-saving heart research at the Medical College of Wisconsin in memory of former Milwaukee Alderman Steve Cullen, who died at the age of 40 of a heart attack. Steve was the father of DSHA Athletic Trainer Annie Cullen Olivares, DHSA '04. The team had a wonderful experience. 

NEW! Ice Hockey Post-Season Updates | The DSHA Co-Op Ice Hockey Team will begin WIAA Regional play on Friday, February 19 at Uihlein Ice Arena at 7 p.m. Check out the WIAA website for more information on who, when, and where they will play. Come support the team! 

NEW! Gymnastics Update | The DSHA Co-Op Gymnastics team will compete in their Conference Tournament on February 20 at 5 p.m. at Waupun to complete their regular season. The WIAA Sectional is scheduled for Friday, February 28 at Arrowhead beginning at 5 p.m. The state championship is scheduled for March 6 and 7 at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School.

NEW! Open Gyms | If your daughter is interested in playing a spring sport, make sure she attends open gyms being held this winter. For more information on days and times, contact the head coach for each sport:

• Lacrosse | Coach Allard 
• Soccer | Coach Lawrence
• Softball | Coach Wynn
• Rugby | Coach Kloiber
• Track and Field | Coach Tracy-Thewes

Make sure your daughter is prepared to compete at her best this spring by preparing during the pre-season! She is also encouraged to work out in the fitness center! See the fitness center calendar posted on the door.

NEW! Spring Tryouts | Spring sports are just around the corner. If your daughter is interested inparticipating in lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, or track and field, please check with Athletic Administrative Assistant Allison Gill that all athletic forms are turned in. If your daughter has already participated in a sport, she should be ready. If spring is her first season, contact Allison to verify.

Lacrosse; all tryouts will be held at Uihlein Soccer Park, indoor field #1; students must attend all tryout days Monday, March 16, 4-5:30 Tuesday, March 17, 4-5:30 Wednesday, March 18, 4-5:30 Thursday, March 19, 4-5:30 Friday, March 20, 4-5:30 Soccer; all tryouts will be held at Uihlein Soccer Park, Pat Jones Field; students must attend all days Monday, March 23 Varsity: 4-5:30 JV: 5:30-7 Tuesday, March 24 Varsity: 4-5:30 JV: 5:30-7 Wednesday, March 25 Varsity: 4-5:30 JV: 5:30-7 Thursday, March 26 Varsity: 4-5:30 JV: 5:30-7 Friday, March 27 Varsity: 4-5:30 JV: 5:30-7

Track & Field; this is a non-cut sport; all practices will be in the gym Practice begins Monday, March 9, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will continue through spring Softball; all tryouts will be in the gym Monday, March 16, 5:15-7:30 Tuesday, March 17, 3:30-5:30 Wednesday, March 18, 5:15-7:30 Thursday, March 19, 3:30-5:30 Friday, March 20, 5:15-7:30 Rugby; this is a non-cut sport Monday, March 16, 4-6 at Frontier Park Tuesday, March 16 3-4 in the DSHA weight room 4:30-6 at Dretzka Park Wednesday, March 18, 4-6 at Dretzka Park Thursday, March 19 3-4 in the DSHA weight room 4:30-6 at Frontier Park Friday, March 20, 4-5:30 at Frontier Park

Special Events

NEW! It's the Last Day to RSVP For the Love of DSHA! | DSHA's annual auction is coming up on Saturday, March 14. This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year; it's also a wonderful way to connect with the DSHA community and enjoy a night of fun! Registration ends today, February 23.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors, including Baird Private Wealth Management, for making this event possible.

Get your tickets

NEW! Out of Uniform Passes to Benefit the Auction | This week, out-of-uniform passes will be on sale at lunch for $10; cash and card are both accepted. The sale of these passes benefits the DSHA auction. These passes are valid March 16-20.

NEW! Save the Date for Mother Daughter Mass | We invite DSHA mothers and special mother figures to attend Sunday Mass on April 26. More details to come!

NEW! Save the Date for Grandparent Liturgy | Grandparents and special grandparent-like figures are invited to join Dashers for Mass and breakfast at DSHA on April 29. More details to come! 

Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Cassandra Aranda.

Volunteer Opportunities

DSHA Auction | We need your help to make this year's auction incredible! We're looking for volunteers to help set up the day prior to the auction and to help at the event on March 14.

Additionally, we're accepting donations of wine, spirits, and gift cards — all worth $25 or more. Donations can be dropped off at the Main Office, attention Cassandra Aranda.

Volunteer at the auction

NEW! Teacher Appreciation Week | Show our faculty some love for Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8. Help us coordinate the celebration or sign up to support the week of.

Volunteer

Grandparent Liturgy | On April 29, we invite Dasher grandparents to DSHA for Mass and breakfast. We need volunteers to greet guests, provide hospitality, and clean up to ensure a warm and memorable experience for all!

Volunteer

Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Cassandra Aranda.

For Future Dashers

Summer Cool Registration Now Open | Families with girls entering grades 1-9 are invited to register for Summer Cool at DSHA. This summer program includes 100+ camps designed just for girls! Families who register by February 27 will receive a 20% discount – no promo code required.

Girls and boys in rising grades 5-9 are also welcome to register for our summer musical, Footloose. All who register will receive a part!

Learn more about Summer Cool
Learn more about Footloose

Contact Director of Admissions Financial Aid Ann Duffy Scott​, DSHA '10, or Admissions & Marketing Assistant Grace Grahek, D​SHA '21, with any questions.

We're Hiring

NEW! DSHA is Hiring | Join our amazing network of professionals at a 2025 Journal Sentinel-recognized Top Workplace. DSHA is currently hiring for:

• Director of Student Services
• Summer Cool instructors
• Cross country assistant coach (fall 2026)

Learn more