Parent eNews

2022-23 eNews

List of 20 items.

  • DSHA Parent eNews | Monday, March 20

    Parent eNews | Monday, March 20 

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    Last week, the DSHA Class of 2023 returned to campus after their two-week Vocare service immersion experience. We formally welcomed them back in prayer on Thursday with the Vocare Welcome Back All-School Assembly.
    Vocare in Latin means to "draw forth, to call." This experience sends each DSHA senior to serve for two full weeks in the greater Milwaukee community. By working alongside the elderly, children, those with special needs, or in community outreach organizations, each senior experiences firsthand many of the critical issues facing our society and gains a deeper understanding of how she can utilize her God-given gifts and talents in service to others.
    During the welcome back prayer service, several girls shared their reflective experiences with the student body. The reflections represent how, through their DSHA experience, our students grow as confident and capable believers, critical thinkers, communicators, leaders, and self-advocates who accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference. 
    God Bless, 
    Dan Quesnell
    Principal
     

    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.

    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    NEW! No School | Friday, March 24
    Due to a professional development day for all DSHA faculty, there will be no classes on Friday, March 24.
    NEW! Report Cards | Third quarter report cards are available on your daughter's myDSHA account. As a reminder, the quarterly report cards are a snapshot in time and are not permanent records. We have rolling grades at DSHA and the only permanent grades are at the semester. If you have questions or concerns about a grade, please reach out to your daughter’s teacher to seek more information. 
    STEM Scholars Program | New Applications due Wednesday, March 22
    If your daughter is interested in joining the STEM Scholars Program for the 2023-24 school year, application forms can be picked up from Specialized Studies Department Chair & Mathematics Faculty Connie Farrow in room 314. Applications must be completed and returned to room 314 by Wednesday, March 22. This information was communicated to students via Microsoft Teams and announcements.
    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.
    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.
    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    Lent | During Lent, we unite ourselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to better enter the experience of the pascal mystery. This year we will be focusing on supporting the organizations that the student body voted on as a part of our $10,000 Together challenge. Those organizations are the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Best Buddies of WI, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    As we continue through this reflective time in the liturgical season, we encourage your daughter to participate in the programs listed below. There are many opportunities for her to grow stronger in her faith this season. 
    Lenten Programming | Upcoming Events
    • Best Buddies Down Syndrome Awareness Day Kickball Game | Tuesday, March 21
    • All-School Reconciliation in Theology Classes | Thursday, March 23
    • Sophomore Retreat #3 | Monday March 27 - Tuesday, March 28
    • Sophomore Retreat #4 | Tuesday, March 28 - Wednesday, March 29
    • All-Day Eucharistic Adoration | Wednesday, March 29
    • Bingo Fundraiser for $10,000 Together | Thursday, March 30
    • Faith Friday & Soup with Substance | Friday, March 31
    • Lenten Small Groups | Monday, April 3
    • All-School Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, April 5

    All-School Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, April 5 at 10:03 a.m.
    Wednesday, April 5 will NOT be a late start day to accommodate the All-School Stations of the Cross experience. Classes will begin at 7:50 a.m. as usual.
    Students will experience Jesus’ Way of the Cross through the eyes of His mother, Mary, on Wednesday, April 5. This will take place in the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. Parents are welcome to join but should check-in at the main office upon arrival.
    Please contact Theology Faculty & Campus Minister for Retreats Jena Thurow-Mountin for more information.
    NEW! Salvatorian Service Reminder | Service due by Monday, May 1
    The Sister of the Divine Savior's charism to be the goodness and kindness of the Savior compels us to serve the poor and vulnerable among us. All Dashers are required to participate in service and receive credit for completing their requirements each year. Your daughter's service hours must be logged on x2VOL and approved by Director of Salvatorian Service Dr. Katie Pickart, DSHA '84 by May 1. Service reflections will take place in Theology classes on Wednesday, May 10. 
    Students who do not meet the requirement will receive an incomplete in service at the end of the year. Parents and guardians, please confirm with your daughters that they have fulfilled their requirements to serve.
    NEW! Interest Survey for a DSHA Italy Trip | Survey due Friday, March 31

    DSHA is considering offering a school-sponsored trip to Italy in 2024. This trip would be co-sponsored by both the Latin and Campus Ministry programs and would highlight classical Rome and the heart of the Catholic world. Rome will act as the home base for students with trips to other Italian cities included.
    We are looking for input from families that might be interested in going. If interested, please submit the survey information by March 31. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.
    STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES
    NEW! Youth Risk Behavior Survey | Thursday, March 30 - Friday, March 31
    DSHA students will be taking the online Youth Risk Behavior Survey at school during their Theology classes on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31. This online survey is anonymous and was developed to monitor the health behaviors that contribute to social issues among youth and adults in the United States.
    The Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is conducted as part of a national effort by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor health-risk behaviors of the nation's high school students. These behaviors result in the most significant causes of both mortality and morbidity during youth and adulthood. The behaviors monitored by the Wisconsin YRBS include traffic safety; weapons and violence; suicide; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behavior; and diet, nutrition, and exercise.
    The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has administered the YRBS every two years beginning in 1993. The YRBS is administered to students in Wisconsin's public high schools and voluntarily by Wisconsin’s private schools. Survey procedures were designed to protect the privacy of students by allowing anonymous and voluntary participation.
    DSHA uses this data to inform programming such as the Risk Behavior Workshop where DSHA data is presented. Results from this survey are used to help determine programming within DSHA Student Services to best support our students. If you do not want your daughter to take the anonymous survey, please contact School Counselor Janet Como by the end of the day on Monday, March 27.
    NEW! Spring Sophomore Meetings with School Counselors | School counselors are currently meeting with all sophomore students regarding their academic and college/career planning. The purpose of this meeting is to check in with students on how they have been getting involved and how they are engaging in their personal wellness. They will also have the chance to explore Naviance, an online tool available to all students in exploring career and college information. If your sophomore missed her sophomore meeting, she should reach out to schedule it with their assigned school counselor. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    NEW! Revolution Prep AP, SAT, and ACT Exam Support | As examination season is upon us, Revolution Prep is offering free practice tests. 

    Click here for more information and to register. 

    Highly Selective Universities Admissions Program | Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Marquette University High School, O'Rouke Performing Arts Hall
    Please join us as we welcome Director of Outreach and Communications at the University of Chicago College Admissions Office Katie Chaszczewski who will lead a conversation on "Understanding Admissions at Highly Selective Universities." You and your daughter can gain insights from a seasoned, respected professional and learn tips on putting her best foot forward in the process. The program will have information geared towards sophomore and junior families who are closer to the college application process, though all families are welcome to attend. 
    If you and your daughter are interested in attending, please fill out this RSVP form no later than Friday, March 24.
    NEW! College Essay Support | This spring, Prompt is hosting a series of free "Secrets to Great College Applications and Essays" webinars. A Prompt writing coach will share practical advice to help your daughter develop a compelling personal brand, identify what to write about, and avoid common mistakes. They’ll also host a live Q & A session.
    Registration is required for all Prompt events. Your daughter can sign up for upcoming webinars here:

    For more support from Prompt, check out the DSHA Prompt Resources Page.
    Individual Junior Meetings | Now through Thursday, April 27
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will be meeting with each junior student to help start the college search and share information on the college application process here at DSHA. Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02, is in the process of scheduling the meetings. Please contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea with further questions.  
    NEW! DSHA College Application Workshop | Mornings of June 6 - 8
    DSHA will once again be offering a college application workshop for rising seniors this summer. This three-day workshop will focus on completing the common application including the essay section. Students will also have their college essays read by two different college admissions counselors.
    More information will be sent out at a later date.
    College Fair Information and Registration | Wisconsin Education Fairs
    Wisconsin Education Fairs provide easy access to information about postsecondary options on a timely basis for all Wisconsin citizens, regardless of geographic location.
    The fair includes all UW state universities and centers, Wisconsin's independent colleges and universities, Wisconsin technical colleges, and many out-of-state institutions. In addition, many community colleges, trade schools, and national service organizations are represented.
    Click here for fair dates and registration. 

    National Association for College Admission Counseling Virtual College Fairs
    The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is hosting virtual college fairs. Title IV eligible and accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions and programs will be present. 
    International institutions that offer academic degrees or diplomas sanctioned by the country's Ministry of Higher Education or by a US accrediting association will also be in attendance.

    Click here for virtual fair dates and registration. 

    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    APPLIED WELLNESS UPDATES
    NEW! Applied Wellness Program | Check-In Surveys
    As we are halfway through the spring semester, please encourage your daughter to think about how she utilized her Applied Wellness this year. What has she enjoyed? What would she like to see offered? How has she taken ownership of her engagement?  
    Applied Wellness will be meeting with sophomores and juniors for an end of the year check-in. There will also be an opportunity for them to complete an interest survey that will be used to develop programming for the next year.
    • Sophomore Check-In | Monday, April 3 |  Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre during their Applied Wellness hour
    • Juniors Check-In | Tuesday, April 4 | Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre during their Applied Wellness hour
    • Seniors will be completing a capstone survey allowing them an opportunity to reflect over the past 4 years.

    Any sophomore or junior student that misses April 3 or 4 should report to the DSHA Den during their Applied Wellness hour for information they missed.
    Questions? Contact Applied Wellness Director Joanna McQuide, DSHA '93.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES
    NEW! Upcoming Dasher Dialogue | Friday, April 21
    The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council will be hosting an "Autism Awareness" Dasher Dialogue on Friday, April 21 in the Commons during early and late Dasher time from 11:28 - 12:29 p.m.
    Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven 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.
    NEW! Parent Meetings | Monday, March 27 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the DSHA Commons
    Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze will be meeting with parents who are raising students of color on Monday, March 27. Families can expect more information to be sent via email in the next few days.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    NEW! Junior Prom | Tickets Available for Purchase Today - Wednesday, April 5
    Tickets for Junior Prom are now available on your daughter's myDSHA account. They will be available for purchase until Wednesday, April 5.
    Questions? Please contact English Faculty Kayla Gilgenbach. 
    NEW! Graduation Announcements | Senior parents, please stay tuned for information in the coming weeks regarding all-things graduation. You can expect to see information coming out by the first week of April.
    NEW! Graduation Dress Details | Senior parents, below are the guidelines for graduation dresses. All graduates must submit a photo of themselves wearing the dress to Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes or Dean of Student Affairs Rachel Fredricks no later than Thursday, May 2. The photo may be submitted in person or electronically.
     
     
     
    Full or Tea Length White/Ivory Dress:  
    The white or ivory graduation dress is to be floor length or tea length (mid-calf). A wrap or cover-up in white or ivory is allowed and encouraged with backless, strapless, or halter dresses. Any color graduation dress other than white or ivory is not acceptable.  
    Alternatively, students may choose to wear a white or ivory pantsuit. Any color pantsuit other than white or ivory is not acceptable. 
     
     
     
    White Gloves:
     
    Full length white or ivory gloves are mandatory.
     
     
    Hair/Jewelry/Shoes: 
     
     
    Hair and jewelry should be appropriate for the occasion and conservative in appearance. Shoes must be white or ivory in color.  
     
     

    Attendance Reminders | If your daughter is going to miss school for any reason, please call our Attendance Office at 414-721-2920 as soon as possible. If your daughter is marked absent from class, and we have not heard from you, she will be marked unexcused and given a slip to verify her absence. If her absence does not get verified, she may receive a Saturday detention.
    Uniform and Snack Donations | We are in high need of uniform donations. We are especially in need of polos and sweaters in all adult sizes. 
    Secondly, the Student Services team is looking for snack donations that are given out to students in need. 
    Any snack or uniform donations can be dropped off at the DSHA Main Office.
    Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee | Spring Programing Available
    The Davis, Mary Ryan, and Pieper Hillside Boys and Girls Club locations are hosting spring programming every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. until Saturday, May 20. Kids and teenagers ages 9 and above are welcome to attend. The programming includes a variety of sports, games, art projects, and more.

    Click here for more information about the program. 
    Boys & Girls Club Free Driver's Education Courses | Monday - Friday, 5 - 7 p.m. at The Ready Center
    The Boys & Girls Club is offering free driver's education courses to teenagers 15-17 years old at The Ready Center. Classes are limited to 20 participants and participants must be members of the Boys & Girls Club.

    Click here for registration information. 
    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.

    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES

    NEW! Lands' End Sale | Lands' End is running a promotional sale of 40% off on all uniform essentials. The sale will end on Friday, March 31. 
    Click here for sale information. 
    DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards.

    Click here to purchase items. 
    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    Parent Association Meeting | Tuesday, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sisters of the Divine Savior's Fireside Lounge
    Please join us for our next meeting! Questions? Contact Parent Association President Moe Tarantino.
    NEW! Parent Fine Arts Association Meeting | Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    Future PFAA meetings include:

    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Please join us for the next PFAA meeting and to learn more about what is happening in the Fine Arts at DSHA. Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker.
    Save the Dates | Upcoming DSHA Fine Arts Events
    Please join us for one of the following upcoming concerts and events!
    • HandbellPalooza | Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
    • Instrumental Concert | Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
    • Angelaire and Choral Concert | Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
    • Fine Arts Awards Night | Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

    NEW! Dasher Resale Additional Information | If you are looking to buy or sell your daughter's used uniforms or textbooks, this is a great opportunity! Uniforms and textbook collections will happen during exam week.
    • Tuesday, May 23 from 11 a.m. - noon | Junior and senior students may bring donations
    • Wednesday, May 24 from 11 a.m. - noon | Freshman and sophomore students may bring donations
    • Thursday, May 25 from 11 a.m. - noon | All-students may bring donations

    This parent-run event will happen on Wednesday, June 14 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Stay tuned for more details to come in April!
    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.
    SPECIAL EVENTS
    NEW! Grandparent Liturgy | RSVP by Wednesday, April 19
    DSHA invites grandparents to join us for the annual Grandparent Liturgy on Wednesday, April 26. Grandparents will enjoy Mass followed by a continental breakfast with their granddaughter and the DSHA community. Parents—please extend this invitation to your parents! 
    RSVP no later than Wednesday, April 19.
    Click here to register for the DSHA Grandparent Liturgy by Wednesday, April 19. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.

    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    Community Theatre Works | Disney’s Descendants
    Auditions for Community Theatre Works’ (CTW) summer production of Disney’s Descendants will take place on Tuesday, June 6 for students in rising grades 5-8 and Wednesday, June 7 for students in rising grades 9-12. Adults may audition either day. Callbacks will be held Thursday, June 8 for all ages. Audition materials will be posted on the CTW website on Monday, May 1. All students in rising grades 9 - 12 will get a part in the show.
    Students in rising grades 9-12 must register for DSHA Summer Cool to audition. Registration for DSHA Summer Cool is now open!
    Rehearsals begin Monday, June 19 and run Monday through Friday from 12 - 4 p.m. for high school students and lead roles. Rehearsals will run from 1 - 4 p.m. for middle school students. There will be no rehearsal Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4. Performances will be held Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16.
    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.
    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    2/6 - 2/19
     
     
    2/20 - 3/5
     
     
    3/6 - 3/19  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    19  
     
     22
     
     
    4
     
    87 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    0  
     
     5
     
     
    20 
     
    170
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    3  
     2
     
     
    1 
     
    55 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    0  
     
     1
     
     
    0 
     
    9
     Current active positivity rate: 1/772 (0.13%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 

    Community Health Measures | The health and safety of the DSHA community remains our priority. Our up-to-date COVID protocols can be found on the DSHA website under DSHA Community Health Measures. Any changes to the protocols during the school year will be communicated via the eNews. 

    Click here to view our full Community Health Measures | 2022-23. 

    NEW! Message from the School Nurse Patti Hughes
    • Testing Supplies | If you would like free rapid COVID tests, the State of Wisconsin has a program with an easy order process. If you are in need of a rapid test kit for home use, School Nurse Patti Hughes is available to help. Many insurance companies offer a number of test kits at no charge for subscribers and can typically be picked up at a local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for availability.
    • Emergency Funding to End | The COVID Public Health Emergency is ending Thursday, May 11. Due to this, federal emergency funding to support COVID programs will end. It does not mean that COVID has ended but that emergency funding has ended as the pandemic moves into endemic status. Testing, treatments, and vaccines will likely have a fee after this change.
    • Antivirals | If you have tested positive for COVID and would like to be evaluated for antiviral treatments, the Department of Health Services has been offering telehealth appointments with health clinicians. If eligible, a prescription will be ordered. To participate, the individual must be 18 and over and tested positive for COVID (home or lab test) regardless of insurance status. The individual must be able to take the antiviral treatments within 5 days of symptoms beginning. The individual will not be asked for proof of positive test.

    Click here for more information about antivirals. 

    School COVID Lab Closing | Friday, April 28
    The School COVID Lab will close indefinitely on Friday, April 28. Until then, the lab is open to students, household members, and staff.
    Click here to register for a test. 

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  

    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    NEW! Dasher Day of Giving | Wednesday, April 19

    Dasher Day of Giving is an opportunity for parents, alumnae, dedicated faculty and staff, and friends of the DSHA community, to join us and celebrate the school spirit we all have for DSHA. The 24-hour period raises critical dollars for the DSHA Annual Fund and helps us reach our goal of $1.08 million. Giving to the DSHA Annual Fund makes a difference in the education of every single young woman attending our school. 
    Last year, on Dasher Day of Giving, the DSHA community rallied in record numbers. This year, let’s show our community how Dashers work together and set a new record of generosity. We have set a goal of 350 donors, the most gifts in one day in DSHA giving day history!
    Want to be more involved? Join the #DasherDay2023 volunteer team! Whether in-person or virtually, giving day volunteers can have a big impact. Invite fellow families to give via text-a-thon, write thank you notes to donors, and generate a spirit of gratitude in partnership with other DSHA families. The best part? You can have a big impact by volunteering for 30 minutes or less.
    Click here to sign up to volunteer for Dasher Day of Giving. 

    Click here for more information about Dasher Day of Giving. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    NEW! Sarah Hegarty Loyalty & Caring Award | Submissions due by Friday, March 31
    DSHA has the privilege of annually honoring a current sophomore student with the Sarah Hegarty Loyalty & Caring Award. The award was created in 2014 to honor Mr. Rick Majerus, his values, and the impact he had on DSHA. In 2021, the award was renamed the Sarah Hegarty Loyalty and Caring Award to highlight the sisterhood developed between students at DSHA. 
    The award serves to recognize and perpetuate these values at DSHA and within the broader community. We invite you to nominate a current sophomore who demonstrates the values of loyalty and caring. 

    Click here for more information and to submit an online nomination. 
    NEW! Alumnae Service Scholarship Submission Extension | Applications due Friday, March 24
    The Alumnae Service Scholarship recognizes the tradition of service, a cornerstone of the DSHA community. One scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore or a junior who is enrolled for her 2023-2024 academic year. Consideration may be given to students who have financial need. Application information has been emailed to current sophomores and juniors. Hard copies can be picked up in Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore's office.
    NEW! Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship Submission Extension | Applications due Friday, March 24
    The Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship was established in 2022 to be awarded annually to one student who has demonstrated her commitment to advocate for the unborn and serve the needs of expecting mothers. This includes, but is not limited to, membership in the Respect Life co-curricular, participation in pro-life events facilitated by DSHA, and/or service opportunities promoting pro-life initiatives. Application information has been emailed to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Hard copies can be picked up in Theology Faculty Mary Duffy's room.
    The scholarship is awarded to one student entering her sophomore, junior, or senior year, meets the criteria stated, submits a short essay reflecting on experiences as a pro-life advocate, shows her intention to further the pro-life mission at DSHA, and provides two letters of recommendation. A committee blindly reviews and selects the scholarship recipient based on that student’s merits.
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    NEW! 2020 DSHA Graduate Wins National Championship
    Jadin O’Brien, DSHA '20, attends the University of Notre Dame and won the National Collegiate Athletic Association Indoor Pentathlon at the track and field indoor championships on Friday, March 10.
    O'Brien participated in basketball and track and field while attending DSHA and earned a Division 1 scholarship to compete in track and field at the University of Notre Dame. Congratulations on a fantastic accomplishment!
    NEW! Upcoming Events | Come support the DSHA lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, and track and field teams this season.
    Click here to find event times and location. 

    Soccer Tryouts | Today, March 20 - Thursday, March 23
    Tryouts will be held at Hart Park, 7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Varsity tryouts are from 4-5:30 p.m. and Junior Varsity 2 and Junior Varsity tryouts are from 5:30-7 p.m. All tryouts will be outside on the Hart Park turf field. Your daughter must attend all tryout days to be considered.
    Spring Sports Picture Day | Wednesday, March 29

    All spring sports pictures will be taken on Wednesday, March 29 after school in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium. Each sport coach will provide information on how to order a team and/or individual photo.
    NEW! DSHA Basketball Great Metro Conference Honors | Congratulations to the following girls on receiving 2022-23 Greater Metro Conference Basketball All-Conference Honors and All-State Honors.   
    • Honorable Mention All-State & 1st Team All-Conference | Ally Timm, DSHA '24
    • Honorable Mention All-Conference | Ashley Jones, DSHA '23; Karinna Trotter, DSHA '25

    NEW! DSHA Ice Hockey All-Conference Honors | Congratulations to the following girls on receiving 2022-2023 Eastern Shores All-Conference Honors and All-State Honors.
    • 1st Team All-State & 1st Team All-Conference | Molly Jex, DSHA '24
    • 2nd Team All-State & 1st Team All-Conference | Charlotte Fetherson, DSHA '24

    NEW! DSHA Ski Team All-Conference Honors | Congratulations to the following girls on receiving 2022-2023 Midwest High School Ski Conference All-Conference Honors and National Team honors.
    • National Team Member & 1st Team All-Conference | Payton Bradford, DSHA ’24
    • National Team Member & 2nd Team All-Conference | Riley Doerr, DSHA ’26
    • Honorable Mention All-Conference | Mack Doerr, DSHA ‘23

    NEW! Faith Fridays for Spring Sports | The Faith Fridays with spring sports intentions will be as follows:  
    • Friday, March 31 | Lacrosse & Track and Field
    • Friday, May 5 | Soccer & Softball
    • Friday, May 12 |  Spring Rugby 

    Please encourage your daughter to attend Faith Friday on the designated day. She can wear her team spirit wear with her skirt at Mass. A group photo will be taken following the service.
    DSHA Summer Cool Sports Camps | The DSHA 2023 Summer Cool Sports Camps are open for registration. Camps fill up quickly so please register as soon as possible.
    Click here to register for 2023 DSHA Summer Cool. 

    2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame  | Nomination Submissions Due Monday, May 1
    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame! The deadline for submission of nominations is Monday, May 1.  

    Click here to view the nomination criteria. 

    Click here to complete an online nomination. 

    Click here to download a nomination form to mail. 

    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell or Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun.
    FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
    Admissions Events | Do you know a Future Dasher? Please share the following!

    Open House | Sunday, April 23 

    Click here to register for Open House. 
    NEW! Yard Signs
    Help us spread the word by putting an Open House sign in your yard. Yard signs can be picked up at all school entrances. 
     
    Thank you for your help recruiting Future Dashers! 
    Click here to learn more about Open House. 

    2023 DSHA Summer Cool

    Registration is open for 2023 Summer Cool! From visual arts and STEM camps, to faith and athletics offerings, there is something for every girl in rising grades 1-9 at DSHA Summer Cool. Create and build a customizable schedule that works for your family!

    Visit
    dsha.info/summer to view the full brochure, camp schedules, camp descriptions, and other important information.

    We courage you to register now to reserve your camp spot! 

    Click here to register for 2023 DSHA Summer Cool. 

    Click here to view the 2023 Summer Cool brochure. 
    Questions? Contact Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA '16 or Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | March 6, 2023

    Parent eNews | Monday, March 6

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    This past week has been an opportunity for our students to gather in unity and engage in learning outside of our traditional classroom environments. 
    On Ash Wednesday, our All-School Mass included a send-off for our seniors who are currently serving at 51 different service sites throughout the Milwaukee area. The Sisters of the Divine Savior led a special blessing over our seniors before embarking on their two-week service immersion experience. On Friday, our faculty were able to visit seniors at their sites for the afternoon. We ask that you join us in prayer for these young women as they serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world at their sites this week.
    On Wednesday, our sophomores and juniors had the privilege of taking place in Carla Olle, HA '60, Career Day. This long-standing tradition at DSHA invites DSHA alumnae back to school to discuss their careers with current students. Students heard from keynote speaker Kristin Branch, DSHA '92, who serves as the Director of Marketing Leadership Institute at UW-Madison. Following this presentation, Dashers were able to meet in smaller groups with alumnae working in professions of interest to each student.
    Our freshmen had a unique opportunity this week as well—to gain practical and life-saving knowledge about how to be a Good Samaritan. One of the well-known lessons in the Bible is that of the Good Samaritan. This lesson of a passer-by helping a person in need is a great example of being the goodness and kindness of Jesus. Each year in our fitness classes, students are trained in CPR & AED, with the freshman class training this week. This training prepares our students to respond as the Good Samaritan. Students learned that Wisconsin's Good Samaritan law provides civil immunity to any person rendering emergency care at the scene of an accident or emergency. 
    This past week is full of examples of how our young women are learning to accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference in this world—whether through service to the community, their future careers, or others in need.
    God Bless, 
    Dan Quesnell
    Principal
     
    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.
    FINANCIAL AID UPDATES
    2023-24 School Year Financial Aid Application | Submit by Friday, March 17
    The financial aid application for the 2023-24 school year is open. Families who are interested in need-based scholarships and financial aid for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to complete this application due by Friday, March 17. 2022 tax information is required.

    Click here to view the financial aid application instructions. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    NEW! Freshman/Sophomore Testing Day Information | Tuesday, March 7
    Tomorrow, DSHA will be administering the PreACT to the entire sophomore and freshman classes. It offers students experience with the ACT test items, provides a predicted score, and offers a wealth of information to help students prepare for college. There is no student fee associated with this test and DSHA will handle the registration for this test. This test must be taken in person. Students will fill in non-testing information the day of. There is no need to pre-register.
    On testing day, freshmen and sophomore students should expect the following:
    • Check-in and report to the DSHA Quad at 8:05 a.m.
    • Exams start promptly at 8:30 a.m. Once test booklets are distributed, a student can no longer participate in testing.
    • Your daughter should anticipate about 3.5 hours of testing, with an anticipated dismissal time of around noon.
    • Make sure to bring No. 2 pencils with good erasers, her student ID, a permitted calculator, snacks, drinks, and medications (if applicable).
    • Students may be out of uniform on testing day.
    • For students who commute via bus, there will be a bus commute available from UCC (Bruce Guadalupe) with the normal pick-up time. The bus will leave DSHA at 1:30 p.m. 

    NEW! Junior Testing Day Information | Tuesday, March 7
    Tomorrow,  DSHA will be administering the ACT + Writing Test to the entire junior class. This test must be taken in person. All students are pre-registered but must complete the MyACT information to ensure non-testing information is entered and to take advantage of obtaining four free test scores. Students will be given their MyACT information during their Theology classes this week. 
    On testing day, all junior students should expect the following:   
    • Arrival time is 7:50 a.m. with exams starting at 8:15 a.m. sharp. Once the test booklets are distributed, a student can no longer participate in testing.
    • Your daughter should anticipate four hours of testing, with an anticipated dismissal time of around 12:30 p.m.
    • Please make sure your daughter brings No. 2 pencils with good erasers, her student ID, a permitted calculator, snacks, drinks, and medications (if applicable).
    • Students may be out of uniform on testing day.
    • For students who commute via bus, there will be a bus commute available from UCC (Bruce Guadalupe) with a normal pick-up time. The bus will leave DSHA at 1:45 p.m.

    To opt your daughter out of testing, please contact Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02.
    NEW! STEM Scholars Program | New Applications due Wednesday, March 22
    If your daughter is interested in joining the STEM Scholars program for the 2023-24 school year, applications will be available beginning Wednesday, March 1. Application forms can be picked up from Specialized Studies Department Chair & Mathematics Faculty Connie Farrow in room 314. Applications must be completed and returned to room 314 by Wednesday, March 22. This information was communicated to students via Microsoft Teams and announcements.
    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.
    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.
    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    NEW! Lent | During Lent, we unite ourselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to better enter the experience of the pascal mystery. This year we will be focusing on supporting the organizations that the student body voted on as a part of our $10,000 Together challenge. Those organizations are the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Best Buddies of WI, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    As we continue through this reflective time in the liturgical season, we encourage your daughter to participate in the programs listed below. There are many opportunities for her to grow stronger in her faith this season. 
    NEW! Lenten Programming | Upcoming Events
    • Tosa Cares & Vision Screening Service Field Trips | Thursday, March 9
    • Faith Friday Mass | Friday, March 10
    • Walking Stations of the Cross & Lenten Small Groups | Monday, March 13
    • Lenten Small Groups & Vocare Welcome Back Assembly | Thursday, March 16
    • All-School St. Patrick’s Day Mass | Friday, March 17
    • Lenten Small Groups | Monday, March 20
    • Best Buddies Down Syndrome Awareness Day Kickball Game | Tuesday, March 21
    • All-School Reconciliation in Theology Classes | Thursday, March 23
    • No School | Friday, March 24
    • Sophomore Retreat #3 | Monday March 27 - Tuesday, March 28
    • Sophomore Retreat #4 | Tuesday, March 28 - Wednesday, March 29 
    • All-Day Eucharistic Adoration | Wednesday, March 29
    • Bingo Fundraiser | Thursday, March 30
    • Faith Friday & Soup with Substance | Friday, March 31
    • Lenten Small Groups | Monday, April 3
    • All-School Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, April 5 

    NEW! Walking Stations of the Cross | Monday, March 13 from 10:55-11:25 a.m.
    The Walking Stations of the Cross will start in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the way of the cross with both their feet and hearts. DSHA will be using the Salvatorians’ Way of the Cross, created by Brother Silas Henderson, SDS. If you would like a copy of this version, please contact Sister Grace Mary Croft.
    NEW! Vocare Welcome Back Assembly | Thursday, March 16 at 10:20 a.m.
    DSHA seniors are currently serving at 51 Vocare sites throughout the Milwaukee area and giving their gifts and talents to the community. 
    Last night, seniors reflected on their experiences so far, supported each other, and prayed as a class. On Thursday, March 16, they will share their reflections with the entire school community. Parents are invited to attend this reflection. Please contact Director of Salvatorian Service Dr. Katie Pickart, DSHA '84, for more information.
    Donations Needed for Bingo Fundraiser | Thursday, March 30
    We are still looking for small prizes for our Bingo fundraiser for our $10,000 Together challenge on Thursday, March 30. If you have fun items and are willing to donate to DSHA, please drop the items at the front office or send with your daughter to drop off at the Campus Ministry office. We are looking for the following items:
    • $5 Gift Cards
    • Unopened Make-Up
    • Specialty Products

    We will use the items as prizes and offer them as single prizes or group them to make small basket items. Any item or basket not chosen that day will be donated to the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary. Feel free to contact Camps Ministry Administrative Assistant Tracy Richburg with questions or concerns.
    NEW! All-School Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, April 5 at 10:03 a.m.
    Wednesday, April 5 will NOT be a late start day to accommodate the All-School Stations of the Cross experience. Classes will begin at 7:50 a.m. as usual.
    Students will experience Jesus’ way of the cross through the eyes of his mother, Mary, on Wednesday, April 5. This will take place in the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. Parents are welcome to join but should check-in at the main office upon arrival.
    Please contact Theology Faculty & Campus Minister for Retreats Jena Thurow-Mountin for more information.
    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.
    STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES
    NEW! Youth Risk Behavior Survey | Thursday, March 30 - Friday, March 31
    DSHA students will be taking the online Youth Risk Behavior Survey at school during their Theology classes on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31. This online survey is anonymous and was developed to monitor the health behaviors that contribute to social issues among youth and adults in the United States.
    These behaviors are often established during childhood and adolescence. Some behaviors include alcohol and other drug use, unhealthy dietary behaviors, and inadequate physical activity. Results from this survey are used to help determine programming within DSHA Student Services to best support our students. If you would like your daughter to opt-out of taking this survey, please contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    NEW! Highly Selective Universities Admissions Program | Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Marquette University High School, O'Rouke Performing Arts Hall
    Please join us as we welcome Director of Outreach and Communications at the University of Chicago College Admissions Office Katie Chaszczewski who will lead a conversation on "Understanding Admissions at Highly Selective Universities." You and your daughter can gain insights from a seasoned, respected professional and learn tips on putting her best foot forward in the process. The program will have information geared towards sophomore and junior families who are closer to the college application process, but all families are welcome to attend. 
    If you and your daughter are interested in attending, please fill out this RSVP form no later than Friday, March 24.
    College Fair Information and Registration | Wisconsin Education Fairs
    Wisconsin Education Fairs provide easy access to information about postsecondary options on a timely basis for all Wisconsin citizens, regardless of geographic location.
    The fair includes all UW state universities and centers, Wisconsin's independent colleges and universities, Wisconsin technical colleges, and many out-of-state institutions. In addition, many community colleges, trade schools, and national service organizations are represented. 

    Click here for fair dates and registration. 

    National Association for College Admission Counseling Virtual College Fairs
    The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is hosting virtual college fairs. Title IV eligible and accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions and programs will be present. 
    International institutions that offer academic degrees or diplomas sanctioned by the country's Ministry of Higher Education or by a US accrediting association will also be in attendance.

    Click here for virtual fair dates and registration. 
    Individual Junior Meetings | Now through Thursday, April 27
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will be meeting with each junior student to help start the college search and share information on the college application process here at DSHA. Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02is in the process of scheduling the meetings. Please contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea with further questions.  
    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    NEW! Applied Wellness Experiences | All sophomores, juniors, and seniors have an Applied Wellness hour set in their schedule. Although we have minimal requirements each week, the purpose of this program is to allow students the opportunity to have a choice of as many breaks they feel they need each week. Experiences are offered during Applied Wellness hours, study hall, and Dasher times. Students should look ahead in the Applied Wellness application and filter ALL the hours that they are available so they can make the choice that works best for them each week.

    APPLIED WELLNESS UPDATES
    Experiences being offered in March include:
    • Registered Dietitian-led discussions
    • Mindfulness, neurographic art, phone detox series
    • Hands-only CPR/AED, jump rope, walks outside, and open fitness center
    • Student-led Lenten small groups, Bible study, Eucharistic Adoration
    • Charades, telestrations, Disney trivia, and other social games

    The purpose of the program is to foster decision-making skills, personal accountability, and follow through within the comforting walls of DSHA. The flexibility of the program is intentional. This program is as unique as our students, and they are the drivers of their engagement, mindful participation, and reflection. We are here to support them, offering opportunities to reflect and engage in discussions on lessons learned.
    Please encourage your daughter to play a role in her wellness choices by being engaged on the Applied Wellness application, reading the "Need to Know," and checking the Applied Wellness Microsoft Teams page weekly so she can make educated choices that work for her each week.
    Questions? Contact Applied Wellness Director Joanna McQuide, DSHA '93.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES
    NEW! Upcoming Dasher Dialogue Location Change | Friday, March 10
    On Friday, the Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council will be hosting a Dasher Dialogue about eating disorder awareness. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, the dialogue will be held in the Sisters of the Divine Savior's Fireside Lounge for added privacy.
    Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven 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.
    NEW! Small Parent Meetings | Monday, March 20 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the DSHA Commons
    Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze will be meeting with parents who are raising African American students on Monday, March 20. Families can expect a personal email invitation to be sent within the next few weeks containing further details.
    Black History Month Collaborative Celebration | February Prayers & Reflections Re-Cap
    The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council worked with the Sisters of Culture co-curricular to host Black History Month events at DSHA. There were several school-wide offerings for students, faculty, and staff to choose to participate in throughout the month, including an all-school prayer service. In addition, the Sisters of Culture co-curricular shared short prayers or reflections by or about faith leaders in the Black community during afternoon prayer each Monday for the month of February. Visit the DSHA Facebook and Instagram accounts to learn more.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    NEW! Attendance Reminders | If your daughter is going to miss school for any reason, please call our Attendance Office at 414-721-2920 as soon as possible. If your daughter is marked absent from class, and we have not heard from you, she will be marked unexcused and given a slip to verify her absence. If her absence does not get verified, she may receive a Saturday detention.
    Uniform and Snack Donations | We are in high need of uniform donations. We are especially in need of polos and sweaters in all adult sizes. 
    Secondly, the Student Services Team is looking for snack donations that are given out to students in need. 
    Any snack or uniform donations can be dropped off at the DSHA Main Office.
    Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee | Spring Programing Available
    The Davis, Mary Ryan, and Pieper Hillside Boys and Girls Club locations are hosting spring programming every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. until Saturday, May 20. Kids and teenagers ages 9 and above are welcome to attend. The programming includes a variety of sports, games, art projects, and more.

    Click here for more information about the program. 
    Boys & Girls Club Free Driver's Education Courses | Monday - Friday, 5 - 7 p.m. at The Ready Center
    The Boys & Girls Club is offering free driver's education courses to teenagers 15-17 years old at The Ready Center. Classes are limited to 20 participants and participants must be members of the Boys & Girls Club.
    Click here for registration information. 

    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.

    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES
    DSHA Snow Closure Procedures | DSHA has policies and procedures in place to follow in the case of severe winter weather.

    Click here to see the DSHA snow closure procedures. 
    DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards.

    Click here to purchase items. 
    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    NEW! Trap Recap | Thank you to those who came out to support Trap! The PFAA's concession sales, 50/50 raffle, and silent auction helped raise funds that will go directly towards the DSHA Fine Arts programs.
    Parent Fine Arts Association Meeting | Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room
    Future PFAA meetings include:

    ● Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Please join us for the next PFAA meeting and to learn more about what is happening in the Fine Arts at DSHA. Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker.
    Parent Association Meeting | Tuesday, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sisters of the Divine Savior's Fireside Lounge
    Please join us for our next meeting! Questions? Contact Parent Association President Moe Tarantino.
    NEW! Save the Dates | Upcoming DSHA Fine Arts Events
    Please join us for one of the following upcoming concerts and events!
    • HandbellPalooza | Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
    • Instrumental Concert | Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
    • Angelaire and Choral Concert | Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
    • Fine Arts Awards Night | Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m.
    NEW! Dasher Resale | Wednesday, June 14 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

    If you are looking to buy or sell your daughter's used uniforms or textbooks, this is a great opportunity! Uniforms and textbook collections will happen during exam week.
    Juniors and seniors can plan to bring their donations to school on Wednesday, May 24. Freshmen and seniors can bring their donations on Thursday, May 25.
    This parent-run event happens annually in June. Stayed tuned for more details to come in April!
    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.
    SPECIAL EVENTS
    NEW! DSHA Auction | Ways to Get Involved & Support the Auction
    We’re so excited to see everyone on Saturday! If you can’t attend the DSHA Auction in person, there are still plenty of ways to support our school! Bid on our silent auction items, purchase DSHA Auction exclusive spirit wear, or donate champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco to the bourbon and bubbles pull. Bourbon and pull donations can be dropped to the DSHA Main Office and are being accepted until Tuesday, March 7.
    Additionally, Golden Tickets are available for purchase by cash or check at the DSHA front office. Please ask for Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Sarah Delaney, at the school front office. Tickets will also be sold at the auction on Saturday, March 11.
    Furthermore, if you're interested in live auction items or being a Stop-the-Auction proxy bidder, please contact Senior Director of Development Matt Johnson. Stop-the-Auction donations can also be made online here.
    Click here to bid on DSHA silent auction items. 

    Click here to learn more about purchasing a Golden Ticket. 

    Click here to purchase limited DSHA Auction exclusive spiritwear. 

    Click here to volunteer the day of the auction. 

    Click here for more information about the 2023 DSHA Auction. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    Grandparent Liturgy | Wednesday, April 26
    Save the date for the 2023 Grandparent Liturgy. Grandparents will be invited to accompany their granddaughters for Mass and a light breakfast at DSHA.
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.

    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    Angelaires Auditions | Wednesday, March 15

    Auditions for next year's troupe will be held after school on Wednesday, March 15. The Angelaires are an auditioned show choir and the musical ambassadors of DSHA. The group performs jazz, pop, rock, Broadway, and contemporary acapella. They meet every day during 9th hour, 3:15-4 p.m., until completion of the spring concert in early May. Auditions are open to any rising sophomore, junior, or senior student.
    Director of Theatre, Choir, & Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler will host an audition workshop on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10 during the school day for students looking for additional audition support.
    Worried about your daughter auditioning? Read the FAQ's below!
    • My daughter is in a sport. Can she do both? The Angelaires have students who are also athletes!
    • Can my daughter hold a job and participate in Angelaires? Most of this year’s Angelaires have jobs.
    • What if my daughter can't sing or dance? The Angelaires prioritize growth over perfection. Encourage your daughter to audition if interested and we’ll help her learn to be a better singer, dancer, and overall performer.

    Community Theatre Works | Disney’s Descendants
    Auditions for Community Theatre Works’ (CTW) summer production of Disney’s Descendents will take place on Tuesday, June 6 for students in rising grades 5-8 and Wednesday, June 7 for students in rising grades 9-12. Adults may audition either day. Callbacks will be held Thursday, June 8 for all ages. Audition materials will be posted on the CTW website on Monday, May 1.
    Students in rising grades 5-12 must register for DSHA Summer Cool to audition. Registration for DSHA Summer Cool is now open!
    Rehearsals begin Monday, June 19 and run Monday through Friday from 12 - 4 p.m. for high school students and lead roles. Rehearsals will run from and 1 - 4 p.m. for middle school students. There will be no rehearsal Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4. Performances will be held Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16.
    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.
    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    1/23 - 2/5 
     
     
    2/6 - 2/19
     
     
    2/20 - 3/5  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    2  
     
     19
     
     
    22
     
    83 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    0  
     
     0
     
     
    5 
     
    150
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    2  
     3
     
     
    2 
     
    54 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    0  
     
     0
     
     
    1 
     
    9
     Current active positivity rate: 1/772 (0.13%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 
    Community Health Measures | The health and safety of the DSHA community remains our priority. Our up-to-date COVID protocols can be found on the DSHA website under DSHA Community Health Measures. Any changes to the protocols during the school year will be communicated via the eNews.  

    Click here to view our full Community Health Measures | 2022-23

    School COVID Lab Closing | Friday, April 28
    The School COVID Lab will close indefinitely on Friday, April 28. Until then, the lab is open to students, household members, and staff.
    Click here to schedule a testing time slot. 
    NEW! Message from the School Nurse Patti Hughes
    • DSHA is exhibiting about 2-3 positive COVID cases per report period. There are more close contact reports this report period due to some off-campus social events. The symptoms of loss of taste and smell have been reported in newer cases. Otherwise, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and body aches are the most frequently reported first symptoms. Several of the most recent positive cases have experienced stomach symptoms as well.
    • There has been an increase in stomach viruses reported durng this period. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or stomachaches with fever and fatigue. 
    • Overall, reports of colds have reduced this past period. Sore throats, or sore throats with fever are still being reported. Currently, DSHA has no reported strep cases. 

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  
    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    Scholarship Opportunities | Thanks to generous and passionate donors, DSHA is able to offer both need-based scholarships/ financial aid AND a handful of merit-based scholarships. Eligibility for merit-based scholarships varies depending on the scholarship criteria which ranges from excellence in math and science to demonstrated leadership in and out of the classroom. The following require an application to be completed to be considered for the scholarship. All applications are due March 17 at 4 p.m. Recipients will be announced at the Underclasswomen Honors Assembly in May.
    • Mary Mross Public Policy Scholarship Information | Applications Due Friday, March 17
      DSHA will award one scholarship to a current sophomore or junior who demonstrates exemplary knowledge and passion for public policy. The award will be applied to her 2023-24 academic year tuition. Application information has been emailed to current sophomores and juniors. Hard copies can be picked up in Social Studies Faculty & Department Chair Patrick Dawson's room. A committee blindly reviews and selects the scholarship recipient based on that student’s merits. Note: Students who applied as sophomores are eligible to re-apply their junior year if they have not previously been awarded the scholarship.
    • Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship | Applications Due Friday, March 17
      The Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship was established in 2022 to be awarded annually to one student who has demonstrated her commitment to advocate for the unborn and serve the needs of expecting mothers. This includes, but is not limited to, membership in the Respect Life co-curricular, participation in pro-life events facilitated by DSHA, and/or service opportunities promoting pro-life initiatives. Application information has been emailed to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. The scholarship is awarded to one student entering her sophomore, junior, or senior year, meets the criteria stated, submits a short essay reflecting on experiences as a pro-life advocate, shows her intention to further the pro-life mission at DSHA, and provides two letters of recommendation. A committee blindly reviews and selects the scholarship recipient based on that student’s merits.
    • Alumnae Service Scholarship | Applications Due Friday, March 17
      The Alumnae Service Scholarship recognizes the tradition of service, a cornerstone of the DSHA experience. One scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore or a junior who is enrolled for her 2023-2024 academic year. Consideration may be given to students who have financial need. Application information has been emailed to current sophomores and juniors.

    Mosaic Senior Gift Class Tradition
    The Mosaic senior class gift is an important DSHA tradition in educating our future alumnae on the importance of paying it forward. The dollars raised will go towards this year’s DSHA Annual Fund to help close the gap between tuition and the full DSHA experience. 
    The Mosaic Leadership Committee has been hard at work this year! The committee, made up of 10 current seniors, one junior, and one sophomore, have set a steep goal of 100% participation from the senior class by graduation. They spent the first semester learning fundraising best practices and planning different events to promote their efforts.
    A message to the class of 2023 from their kick-off event last month:
    “The mission of the Mosaic committee is to maintain the connection of the class of 2023 and thank DSHA for all they have done for us the past 4 years. Providing a community gift of love and gratitude to DSHA allows us to bond and provide legacy before graduation. On behalf of the Mosaic committee, we are looking for all 164 seniors to donate something back to DSHA before you leave. We recommend that each senior donates $20.23 in honor of our class, but any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated! These donations go towards filling the gap between tuition and the full DSHA experience. The donations you make will allow future dashers to enjoy the same retreats you did, participate in co-curriculars, and so much more!” 
    ~ Meg Dorrington, DSHA ‘23, Mosaic Leadership Committee Member
    The next Mosaic event, "Pie" Day, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14. Stay tuned for more details and follow Mosaic on Instagram @dsha_mosaic.
    Click here to learn more about the Mosaic program and follow their progress. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.

    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    NEW! DSHA Track and Field Information | If your daughter is interested in joining the 2023 DSHA Track and Field team, there is an informational pre-season meeting on Wednesday, March 8 in the DSHA Quad from 7 - 8 p.m. All are welcome to join!
    DSHA Spring Sports Information | Spring sports are just around the corner. If your daughter is interested in participating in lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, or track and field, please have her check with Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell in the Box Office to make sure she has filled out and turned in all of the athletic forms. If your daughter has already participated in a sport, she should be set to go. If spring is her first sport season, she may want to double-check.
    Tryouts and Start Dates for Spring Sports
    • Lacrosse Today – Friday, March 10 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the indoor Uihlein Soccer Park on Pat Jones field. To be considered, your daughter must attend all tryout days.
    • Track and FieldToday in the DSHA Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium from 5:30-7 p.m.
    • RugbyTuesday, March 14 in the DSHA Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium from 7:15-9 p.m.
    • Softball | Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15. Tryouts will be broken into two groups this week. Group one, mostly freshmen and sophomores, will tryout from 3:05-4:35 p.m. Group two, mostly juniors and seniors, will tryout from 4:15-5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, March 15 all groups will tryout from 3:05-5 p.m. and team assignments will be completed from 5-5:30 p.m. Your daughter must attend all three days of tryouts or speak with Social Studies Faculty & Softball Head Coach Tom Montgomery.
    • SoccerMonday, March 20 - Thursday, March 23. Tryouts will be held at Hart Park, 7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Varsity tryouts are from 4-5:30 p.m. and Junior Varsity 2 and Junior Varsity tryouts are from 5:30-7 p.m. All tryouts will be outside on the Hart Park turf field. Your daughter must attend all tryout days to be considered.

    Spring Sports Picture Day | Wednesday, March 29

    All spring sports pictures will be taken on Wednesday, March 29 after school in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium. Each sport coach will provide information on how to order a team and/or individual photo.
    NEW! DSHA Varsity Ski Team State Champions | Monday, February 20
    Special congratulations to the DSHA Varsity Ski team who finished in first place at the Wisconsin Alpine Racing Association State Championship. This is the team's fourth state championship in the last six years. The team finished 2nd overall in the Slalom, 5th overall in the Grand Slalom, and 1st overall in the Super Giant Slalom (Super-G Race) to bring home the trophy!
    Payton Bradford, DSHA ’24; Riley Doerr, DSHA ’26; Mack Doerr, DSHA ’23; Piper Dupies, DSHA ’23; Joan Barry, DSHA ’23; Emily Peterson, DSHA ’26; and Anne Klaus, DSHA ’25, represented the team at the competition. A special congratulations to the following Dashers:
    • Payton Bradford, DSHA '24 | Bradford placed second overall as an individual and qualified for nationals. She also placed second in the individual Slalom, placed 3rd in the individual Giant Slalom, and placed fifth in the Super-G Race.
    • Riley Doerr, DSHA '26 | Doerr placed ninth in the individual Slalom and 9th overall in the individual Super-G Race.

    In addition, the DSHA Junior Varsity Ski team placed 2nd at the Midwest High School Ski Conference Championship on Thursday, February 23 at Sunburst.
    NEW! Ice Hockey Sectional Runner-Up | On Tuesday, February 21 the DSHA Co-Op Varsity Ice Hockey team defeated the Fond du Lac Warbirds 2-0 in the WIAA Sectional semi-final game in Fond du Lac! Eileen Carey, DSHA '23, scored the game winning goal in the second period with an assist from Charlotte Fetherston, DSHA '24. Goalie Molly Jex, DSHA '24, secured all 24 saves in the shutout victory!
    On Saturday, February 24 the team fell to Bay Area with a score of 3-1 in the WIAA Sectional Championship. Charlotte Fetherston, DSHA '24, scored the lone goal for the team. The team finished the season with a 20-6-1 overall record. Congratulations on a fantastic season! 
    NEW! DSHA Varsity Basketball Regional Champions | Friday, February 24
    The DSHA Varsity Basketball team hosted the WIAA Regional semi-final game on Friday, February 24 and defeated DePere 44-42 in an exciting game. The team moved on to the WIAA Regional Championship on Saturday, February 25 and took on #4 seeded Hartford at Hartford. They defeated Hartford 74-64 to claim their fifth straight WIAA Regional Championship!
    On March 2, the team fell to #1 seed Germantown. Special thanks to Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23; Kelly Coury, DSHA '23; Meg Dorrington, DSHA '23; and Ashley Jones, DSHA '23, as well as senior managers Caitlin Organ, DSHA '23, and Grace Pawlowski, DSHA '23. DSHA is grateful for their dedication and hard work over the past four years! 
    NEW! DSHA Varsity Ski Team Gives Back | The  DSHA Varsity Ski team hosted a winter hat and mitten drive from Monday, February 13 - Friday, March 3. The proceeds went to Warm Hands, Warm Hearts, a non-profit organization that donates new hats and mittens for adults and children in need.

    Thank you to the DSHA Varsity Ski team for serving this important cause!
    DSHA Summer Cool Sports Camps | The DSHA 2023 Summer Cool Sports Camps are open for registration. Camps fill up quickly so please register as soon as possible.
    Click here to register for 2023 DSHA Summer Cool. 

    2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame  | Nomination Submissions Due Monday, May 1
    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame! The deadline for submission of nominations is Monday, May 1.  

    Click here to view the nomination criteria. 

    Click here to complete an online nomination. 

    Click here to download a nomination form to mail. 

    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell or Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun.
    FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
    Admissions Events | Do you know a Future Dasher? Please share the following!
    5th-7th Grade Open House | Sunday, April 23 

    Click here to learn more about DSHA Open House.

    NEW! 2023 DSHA Summer Cool 

    Registration has started for the 2023 Summer Cool! From visual arts and STEM camps, to faith and athletics offerings, there is something for every girl in rising grades 1-9 at DSHA Summer Cool. Create and build a customizable schedule that works for your family!

    Visit
    dsha.info/summer to view the full brochure, camp schedules, camp descriptions, and other important information.
    We encourage you to register early to reserve your camp spot!
    Click here to register for 2023 DSHA Summer Cool. 

    Click here to view the 2023 Summer Cool brochure. 

    Questions? Contact Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA '16 or Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | February 20, 2023

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity!- Psalm 133:1
    On Ash Wednesday in 2009, I was at DSHA for an all-day interview as an applicant for the principal position. As I discerned this amazing opportunity, I was moved by the invitation to share in the Ash Wednesday liturgy with the DSHA community. Every time we gather for Mass or any form of prayer, it is a grace given to us by God.
    On that day in 2009, I also learned how DSHA lives out its Catholic faith by building community during the Lenten season. Now, fifteen years later, DSHA continues to observe Lent in special ways. Besides Ash Wednesday Mass, we will gather for our Lenten kick-off assembly, walking Stations of the Cross, the Vocare welcome back assembly, our St. Patrick’s Day Liturgy, and more. Additionally, all students and staff will have the opportunity to participate in Eucharistic Adoration and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A full list of Lenten activities can be found under the Campus Ministry section.
    John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This passage unites us during the season of Lent because it reminds us that we are all loved by God. The DSHA Lenten observance gives witness to His love.
    God Bless, 
    Dan Quesnell
    Principal
     

    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.
    FINANCIAL AID UPDATES
    2023-24 School Year Financial Aid Application | Submit by Friday, March 17
    The financial aid application for the 2023-24 school year is open. Families who are interested in need-based scholarships and financial aid for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to complete this application due by Friday, March 17. 2022 tax information is required.

    Click here to view the financial aid application instructions.

    Questions? Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    NEW! Parent-Teacher Conferences | Tuesday, March 7 via Zoom
    Conference sign-ups are now open! Log in to your myDSHA account and click on the resources tab at the top. Find the tile Spring 2023-Parent Teacher Conferences and schedule an appropriate time.
    Please keep in mind that spring conferences follow the same format as the fall conferences and will happen via Zoom and are five minutes in length.
    Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Testing Day | Tuesday, March 7
    • Freshmen and Sophomores | DSHA will be administering the PreACT to the entire sophomore and freshman classes. It offers students experience with the ACT test items, provides a predicted score, and offers a wealth of information to help students prepare for college. There is no student fee associated with this test and DSHA will handle the registration for this test.
    • Juniors | DSHA will be administering the ACT + Writing Test to the entire junior class. Families will be billed $52 per student via Smart Tuition. Students who participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program will have the testing fee covered by the state of Wisconsin. DSHA will handle the registration for this test.

    If you are opting your daughter out of testing or have additional questions, please contact Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02.
    NEW! MyACT | Starting this week, all junior students will use MyACT to complete their non-test demographic and interested inventory information. The non-test information completed can provide several benefits to students including: 
    • Career counseling
    • Identifying data gaps
    • College and career planning
    • Interest-major fit information
    • Sending scores to up to four (4) colleges for free 

    When students create a new MyACT account, they will be sent a verification code via email or text. Students will be expected to complete the information on their own before the deadline. Students will be notified of the deadline and when the sign-up window opens.
    Families may be contacted by Revolution Prep as they work in collaboration with DSHA regarding test readiness, resources, and test preparation for the ACT. This is something families may consider if a student would like extra support before the actual test date.
    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.
    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.

    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    NEW! Lent | During Lent, we unite ourselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to better enter the experience of the pascal mystery. This year we will be focusing on supporting the organizations that the student body voted on as a part of our $10,000 Together challenge. Those organizations are the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Best Buddies of WI, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    Lent at DSHA will kick-off with our all-school Lent Assembly on Tuesday, February 21. As we begin this reflective time in the liturgical season, we encourage your daughter to participate in the programs listed below. There are many opportunities for her to grow stronger in her faith this season. 

    • Every Lunch Period throughout Lent | Campus Ministry Office | Encourage your daughter to fast from her phone with this offering! Fast from certain applications, substitute a positive behavior, etc. Campus Ministry will be hosting phone-free lunches all Lent with games and other fun activities.
    • Every Monday During Early Dasher Time | Lent Small Groups | Small Groups consist of freshmen and sophomore students who meet once a week with junior student leaders to prayer with scripture and then walk together. Your daughter can make some new friends, grow closer to God, and then head down for lunch when the bell rings for late Dasher.
    • Thursday, February 23 | Beats & Eats in the DSHA Commons | Live music and food in the DSHA Commons sponsored by the Sisters of Culture co-curricular. Proceeds benefit Pearls for Teen Girls.
    • Wednesday, February 22 | “Fasting in Different Religions” in the Sisters of the Divine Savior’s Fireside Lounge | This program combines a simple lunch with a simple message. Encourage your daughter to step away from the busy lunch room, enjoy some soup, and learn of various fasting practices.
    • Friday, February 24 | Walking Stations of the Cross | To participate, your daughter can meet at the Mother of Our Savior Chapel at the beginning of Faith Friday time. Groups of 30 will walk the way of the cross throughout the school building.
    • Thursday, March 9 | Tosa Cares Field Trip | Have your daughter sign-up on the Applied Wellness application if she is interested in delivering bags to the Tosa Cares Food Pantry during her co-curricular/Dasher time.
    • Tuesday, March 21 | Kickball in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium | Have your daughter help raise money for Best Buddies, WI by playing kickball on Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
    • Thursday, March 23 | All-School Reconciliation | Your daughter has the option to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offered all day, during her theology class.
    • Wednesday, March 29 | Adoration | To participate, your daughter can sign-up for quiet time with Jesus through the Applied Wellness Program application. She has the option to stay for 15 minutes or a whole class hour.
    • Thursday, March 30| Bingo in the DSHA Commons | Have your daughter spend her lunch playing bingo for a good cause. Cards are $1 and there will be LOTS of prizes. Proceeds of this event benefit the $10,000 Together challenge.
    • Friday, March 31 | “Kinship Over Community” in the Sisters of the Divine Savior’s Fireside Lounge | This program combines a simple lunch with a simple message. Encourage your daughter to step away from the busy lunchroom, eat some soup, and learn with her classmates.
    • Wednesday, April 5 during co-curricular time | All-School Stations of the Cross | Your daughter will experience the Stations of the Cross through the eyes of Mary.
    • Labyrinth | Bible Study |  Holy Week Craft in Wellness
    Ash Wednesday Schedule Reminder | Wednesday, February 22 | Regular Start Time
    Wednesday, February 22 will NOT be a late start day due to the All-School Ash Wednesday Mass and Vocare blessing. Please remember to send your daughters at the regular start time that day.
    NEW! Freshman and Sophomore Small Lent Groups | Sign-ups end at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21
    Parents of freshman and sophomore Dashers—Lent is a great time for your daughter to get involved in Campus Ministry. Throughout the Lenten season, underclasswomen are invited to participate in Lent small groups with the guidance and leadership of two junior students. The groups meet every Monday and give your daughter the opportunity to pray, get to know her classmates, and have some fun together. 
    Sign-ups can be found on your daughter's Microsoft Teams class page. Sign-ups end on Tuesday, February 21 at 3 p.m. Contact Theology Faculty & Campus Minister for Retreats Jena Thurow-Mountin for more information.  
    NEW! Donations Needed for Bingo Fundraiser | Thursday, March 30
    We are looking for small prizes for our Bingo fundraiser for our $10,000 Together challenge on Thursday, March 30. If you have fun items and are willing to donate to DSHA, please drop the items at the front office or send with your daughter to drop off at the Campus Ministry office. We are looking for the following items:
    • $5 Gift Cards
    • Unopened Make-Up
    • Specialty Products

    We will use the items as prizes and offer them as single prizes or group them to make small basket items. Any item or basket not chosen that day will be donated to the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary. Feel free to contact Camps Ministry Administrative Assistant Tracy Richburg with questions or concerns.
    Vocare | Monday, February 27 – Friday, March 10

    Vocare, Latin for "to draw forth or to call," is the capstone of each student’s four years of service. Each DSHA senior serves for two full weeks in the greater Milwaukee community. By working alongside the elderly, children, or those with special needs, each senior experiences firsthand many of the critical issues facing our society and gains a deeper understanding of how she can utilize her God-given gifts and talents in service to others.
    Vocare helps integrate the true meaning of what it means to be a Dasher – believer, self-advocate, critical thinker, communicator, and leader. Senior parents are invited to join us for the prayer services surrounding Vocare. Please check your email for more information.

    165 seniors will serve at 51 different sites throughout the two weeks. Please join us in praying for our seniors!
    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.
    STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE
    Marquette University High School My Ascension Documentary Film Viewing | Tuesday, February 21 from 6 - 8 p.m.
    MUHS will show the documentary film, My Ascension, meant to spread hope and fight against suicide. There will be a Q & A session following the film. Due to the sensitive nature of the film content, high school students should be accompanied by an adult. The film will be shown in the MUHS O'Rourke Performing Arts Hall.

    Click here for more information about the documentary film.
    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    NEW! Carla Olle, HA '60, Career Day | Thursday, March 2 from 7:50 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    During career day, DSHA sophomore and junior students will experience a day filled with career exploration. The day will begin with keynote speaker Kristin Branch, DSHA '92, who currently serves as the Director of the Marketing Leadership Institute at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Following the speaker, the girls will attend four career presentations aligning with careers they selected through a survey. The day will end with a resume building workshop and learning networking strategies.
    Attendance is mandatory for all sophomore and junior girls. Freshmen will have no classes on this day and seniors will be on Vocare.
    NEW! Summer Pre-College Programs
    Many colleges offer pre-college summer programs for high school students. The summer programs are all about learning through experience, receiving college credit, exposure to a major of study, networking, gaining a sense of independence, and learning about oneself. Please note, attending a summer pre-college program at a college will not boost your daughters chances of admission to that specific university or college.

    Click here for a list of pre-college summer programs. 
    College Fair Information and Registration | Wisconsin Education Fairs
    Wisconsin Education Fairs provide easy access to information about postsecondary options on a timely basis for all Wisconsin citizens, regardless of geographic location.
    The fair includes all UW state universities and centers, Wisconsin's independent colleges and universities, Wisconsin technical colleges, and many out-of-state institutions. In addition, many community colleges, trade schools, and the national service organizations are represented.

    Click here for fair dates and registration. 
    National Association for College Admission Counseling Virtual College Fairs
    The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is hosting virtual college fairs. Title IV eligible and accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions and programs will be present. 
    International institutions that offer academic degrees or diplomas sanctioned by the country's Ministry of Higher Education or by a US accrediting association will also be in attendance.

    Click here for virtual fair dates and registration. 
    Individual Junior Meetings | Now through Thursday, April 27
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will be meeting with each junior student to help start the college search and share information on the college application process here at DSHA. Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02, is in the process of scheduling the meetings. Please contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea with further questions.  
    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES
    Black History Month Collaborative Celebration | Month of February
    The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is working with the Sisters of Culture co-curricular to host Black History Month events at DSHA. There are several school-wide offerings for students, faculty, and staff to choose to participate in throughout the month including:
    • Thursday, February 9 | Black History Month Read-In hosted by the DSHA English Department.
    • Friday, February 10 | All-school prayer service organized by the Sister of Culture co-curricular which included a worship dance and song.
    • Thursday, February 23 | "Beats and Eats" food fair hosted by the Sisters of Culture co-curricular with special guest and DSHA current parent DJ Anthony (A-BIZ) Foster from HYFIN
    • Friday, February 24 | Optional Dasher Dialogue on Black History Month organized by the DSHA Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

    In addition, the Sisters of Culture co-curricular are sharing short prayers or reflections by faith leaders in the Black community during afternoon prayer each Monday for the remainder of February.
    NEW! Civil Rights Pilgrimage | Wednesday, March 22 through Saturday, March 25
    On Monday, February 13, students who will attend the Civil Rights Pilgrimage met to prepare for the trip. The Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., led by Theology Department Chair Lisa Metz, will take place from Wednesday, March 22 - Saturday. March 25. This pilgrimage offers sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to “pray with their feet” as they learn, reflect, and share about racial justice and civil rights within our country and through the lens of our Catholic faith.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    Winter Formal Dance | Saturday, February 25 from 7 - 10 p.m.
    The Winter Formal Dance, open to juniors and seniors, is on Saturday, February 25 from 7- 10 p.m. The doors will lock at 8 p.m. and will reopen at 9:30 p.m. Permission slip forms can be found on your daughter's myDSHA account from Friday, February 10 through Friday, February 24 at 3 p.m.
    Tickets are $10 per person and $20 for a couple. Be sure your daughter brings her high school ID to the dance. Contact Mathematics & Specialized Studies Faculty Libby Wissing, DSHA '10, or Mathematics Faculty Rissie Lundberg for questions.
    Important Dates for 2023-24
    • Thursday, August 17, 2023 | Check-In Day
    • Friday, August 18, 2023 | Freshmen Orientation
    • Monday, August 21, 2023 | First Traditional Day of School
    • Tuesday, December 19 - Friday, December 22, 2023 | Semester Exams
    • Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Wednesday, January 3, 2024 | Christmas Vacation
    • Tuesday, March 28, 2024 - Sunday, April 7, 2024 | Easter Vacation
    • Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Friday, May 24, 2024 | Semester Exams
    • Friday, May 24, 2024 | Graduation

    NEW! Uniform and Snack Donations | We are in high need of uniform donations. More than ever, we are accepting donations of used uniforms and are especially in need of polos and sweaters in all adult sizes. 
    Secondly, the Student Services Team is looking for snack donations that are given out to students in need. 
    Any snack or uniform donations can be dropped off at the DSHA Main Office.
    NEW! Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee | Spring Programing Available
    The Davis, Mary Ryan, and Pieper Hillside Boys and Girls Club locations are hosting spring programming every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. until Saturday, May 20. Kids and teenagers ages 9 and above are welcome to attend. The programming includes a variety of sports, games, art projects, and more. 

    Click here for more information about the program. 

    NEW! Boys & Girls Club Free Driver's Education Courses | Monday - Friday, 5 - 7 p.m. at The Ready Center
    The Boys & Girls Club is offering free driver's education courses to teenagers 15-17 years old at The Ready Center. Classes are limited to 20 participants and participants must be members of the Boys & Girls Club.

    Click here for registration information. 
    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.
    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES
    DSHA Snow Closure Procedures | DSHA has policies and procedures in place to follow in the case of severe winter weather.

    Click here to see the DSHA snow closure procedures. 
    DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards.

    Click here to purchase items. 
    PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
    Spring Parent Education Series | Tuesday, February 28
    The spring semester has one remaining education series topic on coping skills to support mental health challenges with teenagers Tuesday, February 28. Please join us!

    Click here for more information. 
    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    Parent Fine Arts Association Meeting | Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room
    Future PFAA meetings include:

    ● Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Please join us for the next PFAA meeting and to learn more about what is happening in the Fine Arts at DSHA. Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker. 

    Click here for more information. 
    Parent Fine Arts Association Summer Scholarships | Applications due by Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m.
    The Summer Scholarship applications will close on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. If you are a member of the PFAA, your daughter is eligible to apply for the scholarship to help offset the cost of summer camps, lessons, classes, or materials that further her development in the Fine Arts. Applications are available on your daughter's myDSHA account. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible.
    Fine Arts Woman of the Year Applications | Submissions Due Tuesday, February 28
    Fine Arts Woman of the Year applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28. Only seniors are eligible for this award and the $1,500 scholarship. Applications are available on seniors' myDSHA accounts.
    Parent Association Looking for Breakfast Donations | Wednesday, March 1
    The Parent Association is looking for volunteers to donate breakfast items for a grab and go breakfast for TSC (faculty and staff) the morning of Wednesday, March 1. Donations can be dropped off at the DSHA front office.
    Parent Association Meeting | Tuesday, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sisters of the Divine Savior's Fireside Lounge
    Please join us for our next meeting! Questions? Contact Parent Association President Moe Tarantino.
    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.
    SPECIAL EVENTS
    DSHA Auction | Registration for the DSHA Auction ends on Tuesday, March 1!
    Just over ONE WEEK left to purchase your tickets to the 2023 DSHA Auction! Join us for a "pearly" party at the Pritzlaff to help us further the mission of DSHA. Ticket sales end on Tuesday, March 1.
    A few important reminders for March 11:
    • Table capacity is 10.
    • Valet will be available for all attendees. You can pull up to 333 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
    • The theme is Pearls of Wisdom, so feel free to work that into your cocktail attire for the evening. (We'll also have some beautiful pearl jewelry to bid on in the silent auction!)
    • Registration, open bar, silent auction, the giftcard wall, and the bourbon & bubbles pull will all open promptly at 5 p.m.

    Last minute donation items should be dropped off at DSHA by Friday, February 24 at DSHA to Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney. Giftcards, and bourbon & bubbles (champagne, sparkling wine, prosecco) donations can be dropped off at DSHA through Tuesday, March 7. 
     
    A huge thank you to everyone who has donated items(s) to our auction this year! We can't wait to showcase all of the awesome packages which will continuously be uploaded to the
    Givesmart bidding site. Items will be up for bid starting Monday, March 6. 

    Click here to purchase a ticket by Wednesday, March 1. 

    Click here to become a family or corporate sponsor. 

    Click here to donate an item to the live or silent auction. 


    Click here for more information about the 2023 DSHA Auction. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    Grandparent Liturgy | Wednesday, April 26
    Save the date for the 2023 Grandparent Liturgy. Grandparents will be invited to accompany their granddaughters for Mass and a light breakfast at DSHA.
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.

    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today.

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    Tickets Available for Trap | March 2 - 5
    Did you guess the secret? Did you tell the secret? The cat’s out of the bag—the official name of DSHA Theatre’s winter play is Trap! Tickets for Trap are on sale now!
    In this documentary-style drama, using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, the cast and crew will bring to life the story of a strange, past event in the theatre where everyone in the audience fell unconscious — every person but one.
    You won't want to miss this show! Note for parents of young children: Parent guidance is suggested as some scenes may be scary for young children. We estimate the show to be rated PG.

    Click here to purchase your tickets. 

    NEW! Angelaires Audition | Wednesday, March 15
    Auditions for next year's troupe will be held after school on Wednesday, March 15. The Angelaires are an auditioned show choir and the musical ambassadors of DSHA. The group performs jazz, pop, rock, Broadway, and contemporary acapella. They meet every day during 9th hour, 3:15-4 p.m., until completion of the spring concert in earl May. Auditions are open to any rising sophomore, junior, or senior student.
    Director of Theater, Choir, & Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler will host an informational meeting during co-curricular time on Thursday, February 23 with this year’s Angelaires officers. Director of Theater, Choir, & Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler will also host an audition workshop on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10 during the school day for students looking for additional audition support.
    Worried about your daughter auditioning? Read the FAQ's below!
    • My daughter is in a sport. Can she do both? The Angelaires have students who are also athletes!
    • Can my daughter hold a job and participate in Angelaires? Most of this year’s Angelaires have jobs.
    • What if my daughter can't sing or dance? The Angelaires prioritize growth over perfection. Encourage your daughter to audition if interested and we’ll help her learn to be a better singer, dancer, and overall performer.

    Community Theatre Works’ Disney’s Descendants
    Auditions for Community Theatre Works’ (CTW) summer production of Disney’s Descendants will take place on Tuesday, June 6 for students in rising grades 5-8 and Wednesday, June 7 for students in rising grades 9-12. Adults may audition either day. Callbacks will be held Thursday, June 8 for all ages. Audition materials will be posted on the CTW website on Monday, May 1.
    Students in rising grades 5-12 must register for DSHA Summer Cool to audition. Registration for DSHA Summer Cool is now open!
    Rehearsals begin Monday, June 19 and run Monday through Friday from 12 - 4 p.m. for high school students and lead roles. Rehearsals will run from and 1 - 4 p.m. for middle school students. There will be no rehearsal Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4. Performances will be held Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16.
    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.
    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    1/9 - 22 
     
     
    1/23 - 2/5
     
     
    2/5 - 3/19  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    2  
     
     2
     
     
    19  
     
    53 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    20  
     
     0
     
     
    0 
     
    145
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    3  
     2
     
     
    3 
     
    52 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    0  
     
     0
     
     
    0 
     
    7
     
     Current active positivity rate: 0/772 (0.00%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 
    Community Health Measures | The health and safety of the DSHA community remains our priority. Our up-to-date COVID protocols can be found on the DSHA website under DSHA Community Health Measures. Any changes to the protocols during the school year will be communicated via the eNews.  

    Click here to view our full Community Health Measures | 2022-23

    School COVID Lab Closing | Friday, April 28
    The School COVID Lab will close indefinitely on Friday, April 28. Until then, the lab is open to students, household members, and staff.

    Click here to schedule a testing time slot. 
    NEW! Message from the School Nurse Patti Hughes
    The majority of COVID positive students have reported cold symptoms but few of the recent cases have also reported an upset stomach along with cold symptoms as their early presentation. 
    During this reporting period we have also had an increase in colds and stomach viruses. There is public health guidance for returning to school after illness including:
    • A student with a fever of 100 or higher needs to wait 24 hours after the fever has broken and without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to school.
    • A student who has vomited needs to wait 24 hours before returning to school.
    • A student who has had 3 or more bouts of diarrhea in a day needs to wait 24 hours before returning to school.
    • The DSHA Community Health protocol asks for the student to test negative for COVID if their symptoms are consistent with potential COVID. Results are to be submitted to the school nurse. If you are in need of a home COVID test, please contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  
    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    NEW! Mosaic Senior Gift Class Tradition
    The Mosaic senior class gift is an important DSHA tradition in educating our future alumnae on the importance of paying it forward. The dollars raised will go towards this year’s DSHA Annual Fund to help close the gap between tuition and the full DSHA experience. 
    The Mosaic Leadership Committee has been hard at work this year! The committee, made up of 10 current seniors, one junior, and one sophomore, have set a steep goal of 100% participation from the senior class by graduation. They spent the first semester learning fundraising best practices and planning different events to promote their efforts.
    A message to the class of 2023 from their kick-off event last month:
    “The mission of the Mosaic committee is to maintain the connection of the class of 2023 and thank DSHA for all they have done for us the past 4 years. Providing a community gift of love and gratitude to DSHA allows us to bond and provide legacy before graduation. On behalf of the Mosaic committee, we are looking for all 164 seniors to donate something back to DSHA before you leave. We recommend that each senior donates $20.23 in honor of our class, but any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated! These donations go towards filling the gap between tuition and the full DSHA experience. The donations you make will allow future dashers to enjoy the same retreats you did, participate in co-curriculars, and so much more!” 
    ~ Meg Dorrington, DSHA ‘23, Mosaic Leadership Committee Member
    The next Mosaic event, "Pie" Day, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14. Stay tuned for more details and follow Mosaic on Instagram @dsha_mosaic.
    Click here to learn more about the Mosaic program and follow their progress. 

    NEW! Scholarship Opportunities | Thanks to generous and passionate donors, DSHA is able to offer both need-based scholarships/ financial aid AND a handful of merit-based scholarships. Eligibility for merit-based scholarships varies depending on the scholarship criteria which ranges from excellence in math and science to demonstrated leadership in and out of the classroom. The following are some opportunities:
    • Mary Mross Public Policy Scholarship Information | Applications Due Friday, March 17
      DSHA will award one scholarship to a current sophomore or junior who demonstrates exemplary knowledge and passion for public policy. The award will be applied to her 2023-24 academic year tuition. Application information has been emailed to current sophomores and juniors. Hard copies can be picked up in Social Studies Faculty & Department Chair Patrick Dawson's room. A committee blindly reviews and selects the scholarship recipient based on that student’s merits. Note: Students who applied as sophomores are eligible to re-apply their junior year if they have not previously been awarded the scholarship.
    • Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship | Applications Due Friday, March 17
      The Dashers Outstanding Pro-Life Advocate Scholarship was established in 2022 to be awarded annually to one student who has demonstrated her commitment to advocate for the unborn and serve the needs of expecting mothers. This includes, but is not limited to, membership in the Respect Life co-curricular, participation in pro-life events facilitated by DSHA, and/or service opportunities promoting pro-life initiatives. Application information will be emailed this week to students. The scholarship is awarded to one student entering her sophomore, junior, or senior year, meets the criteria stated, submits a short essay reflecting on experiences as a pro-life advocate, shows her intention to further the pro-life mission at DSHA, and provides two letters of recommendation. A committee blindly reviews and selects the scholarship recipient based on that student’s merits.
    • Alumnae Service Scholarship | Applications Due Friday, March 17
      The Alumnae Service Scholarship recognizes the tradition of service, a cornerstone of the DSHA community. One scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore or a junior who is enrolled for her 2023-2024 academic year. Consideration may be given to students who have financial need. Application information will be emailed this week to students. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.

    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    NEW! Greater Metro Conference Winter Scholar Athlete Award Winners

    Congratulations to the Dashers who qualified for the Greater Metro Conference Scholar Athlete Award!
    • Basketball |  Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23; Kelly Coury, DSHA '23; Meg Dorrington, DSHA '23, Ashley Jones, DSHA 23; Hailey Bachmann, DSHA '24; Lilly Cesarz, DSHA '24; Haley Feldbruegge, DSHA '24; Flan O’Keef, DSHA '24; Natalie Swiderski, DSHA '24; and Ally Timm, DSHA '24
    • Ice Hockey | Charlotte Fetherston, DSHA '24; Molly Jex, DSHA '24; Eleanor Langenfeld, DSHA '24; and Nina Szatmary, DSHA '24 
    • Ski | Joan Barry, DSHA '23; Piper Dupies, DSHA '23; and Payton Bradford, DSHA '24

    To receive this award from the conference, a student-athlete must be a junior or senior, varsity letter winner, and have a 3.5 or above cumulative GPA. Congratulations, Dashers!
    NEW! DSHA Varsity Basketball Regular Season Recap | The DSHA Varsity Basketball team wrapped up their regular season on Thursday, February 16. The team finished 4th in the Greater Metro Conference with a record of 8-7 and an overall record of 13-10.  
    They begin their journey to the WIAA State Basketball Championship with WIAA Regional play on Friday, February 24 against DePere at 7 p.m. at DSHA. If they win, they will take on the winner of the Hartford versus Milwaukee King game and will play on Saturday, February 25 at 7 p.m. at the school with the higher seed.
    Click here to view the WIAA website for more information on who, when, and where they will play. 

    NEW! DSHA Gymnastics Regular Season Recap | DSHA has a co-op with the West Allis schools to compete in gymnastics. DSHA has six girls competing on the team this season. The team competed in the Greater Metro Conference Tournament on Friday, February 17 to complete their regular season. 
    The WIAA Sectional is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at Hartford beginning at 11 a.m., with the State Championship scheduled for Friday, March 3 - Saturday, March 4 at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School.
    NEW! DSHA Ice Hockey Team Regular Season Recap | The DSHA Ice Hockey co-op team with University School of Milwaukee finished their regular season with a 18-5-1 overall record, including a 5-1 win in the last game of the regular season over the Stoughton Icebergs. 
    The team moved on to WIAA Regional play on Friday, February 17 and won against the Lakeshore Lightning. The team will move on to the Sectional Semi-Final game on Tuesday, February 21 at 8 p.m. against Fond du Lac at the Blue Line Ice Center.
    Click here to view the WIAA website for more information on who, when, and where they will play. 


    NEW! DSHA Ski Team Regular Season Recap | The DSHA Ski team finished the regular season with five first place finishes and 1 second place finish to take second place in the Midwest High School Ski Conference. 
    The team played in the Wisconsin Alpine Racing Association State Championship at Mount LaCrosse on Sunday, February 19 and Monday, February 20. Those competing in the state championships included Payton Bradford, DSHA '24; Riley Doerr, DSHA '26; Mack Doerr, DSHA '23; Piper Dupies, DSHA '23; Joan Barry, DSHA '23; Emily Peterson, DSHA '26; and Anne Klaus, DSHA '25.
    The DSHA Junior Varsity Ski team qualified for the Junior Varsity Midwest High School Ski Conference and will compete on Thursday, February 23. Best of luck to both teams!
    NEW! DSHA Snowboarder Chloe Rummel, DSHA '25, Competes at State

    Special congratulations to Chloe Rummel, DSHA '25, who took 1st place in boardercross snowboarding and 3rd place in slalom snowboarding Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5. Rummel ended the regular season as the Midwest High School Ski & Snowboard Conference Champion in boardercross, 3rd overall for slalom, and 3rd for giant slalom in the overall conference standings. She is the only female to place in all three disciplines. 
    Rummel moved on to the Wisconsin Alpine Racing Association State Championship meet in LaCrosse on Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 and will competed in all 3 disciplines. She received 3rd place in boardercross, 4th place in giant slalom, 6th place in slalom, and 4th place overall.
    NEW! Congratulations to Winter Captains

    We want to send a special congratulations to captains!
    • Basketball | Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23, and Ally Timm, DSHA '24
    • Ski | Joan Barry, DSHA '23; Caroline Denton, DSHA '23; Mack Doerr, DSHA '23; and Sally Manning, DSHA '23

    Students from other schools were chosen as captains on the gymnastics and ice hockey co-op teams.
    NEW! DSHA Spring Sports Information | Spring sports are just around the corner. If your daughter is interested in participating in lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, or track and field please have her check with Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell in the Box Office to make sure she has filled out and turned in all of the athletic forms. If your daughter has already participated in a sport, she should be set to go. If spring is her first sport season, she may want to double-check.
    NEW! Tryouts and Start Dates for Spring Sports
    • Lacrosse Monday, March 6 – Friday, March 10 from 4- 5:30 p.m. at the indoor Uihlein Soccer Park on Pat Jones field. To be considered, your daughter must attend all tryout days.
    • Track and Field | Monday, March 6 in the DSHA Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium from 5:30-7 p.m.
    • RugbyTuesday, March 14 in the DSHA Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium from 7:15-9 p.m.
    • Softball | Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 15. Tryouts will be broken into two groups the week before. Group one, mostly freshmen and sophomores, will tryout from 3:05-4:35 p.m. Group two, mostly juniors and seniors, will tryout from 4:15-5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, March 15 all groups will tryout from 3:05-5 p.m. and team assignments will be completed from 5-5:30 p.m. Your daughter must attend all three days of tryouts or speak with Social Studies Faculty & Softball Head Coach Tom Montgomery.
    • SoccerMonday, March 20 through Thursday, March 23. Tryouts will be held at Hart Park 7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Varsity tryouts are from 4-5:30 p.m. and Junior Varsity 2 and Junior Varsity tryouts are from 5:30-7 p.m. All tryouts will be outside on the Hart Park turf field. Your daughter must attend all tryout days to be considered.

    NEW! Spring Sports Picture Day | Wednesday, March 29

    All spring sports pictures will be taken on Wednesday, March 29 after school in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium. Each sport coach will provide information on how to order a team and/or individual photo.
    NEW! Basketball Team Gives Back
    On Saturday, February 11, the DSHA Varsity Basketball team volunteered to work the 26th 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 of a heart attack at the age of 40. The Alderman was the father of DSHA Athletic Trainer Annie Cullen Olivares, DSHA '04. The Dashers served water during the race and chili to the runners after the race. The team had a wonderful experience!

    NEW! DSHA Varsity Basketball Senior Night Recap
    The DSHA Varsity Basketball team celebrated senior and senior parent night on Tuesday, February 14 prior to warm-ups of their 7 pm game. We honored seniors Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23; Kelly Coury, DSHA 23; Meg Dorrington, DSHA '23; and Ashley Jones, DSHA '23. In addition, we will also celebrated team managers Caitlin Organ, DSHA '23, and Grace Pawlowski, DSHA '23.
    NEW! Milwaukee High School Sports Awards Girls Tennis Play of the Year | Winner Announced Tuesday, May 23 at the Pabst Theatre
    The Milwaukee High School Sports Awards program announced the nominees for girls tennis player of the year on Tuesday, January 31. Two DSHA student-athletes were nominated including Molly Jex, DSHA '24, and Lizzie Stuckslager, DSHA '26.
    In addition, three DSHA volleyball players were nominated for volleyball player of the year on Saturday, January 26 including Jordan Czajkowski, DSHA '25; Madison Quest, DSHA '25; and Sophia Wendlick, DSHA '24.
    The winners will be announced Tuesday, May 23 at the Pabst Theatre during the live show. During the show, nominees will be honored along with the athletes of the year in 24 other sports. The Milwaukee High School Sports Awards show is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country.

    Click here for more information. 
    NEW! DSHA Summer Cool Sports Camps | The DSHA 2023 Summer Sports Camps are open for registration. Camps fill up quickly so please register as soon as possible.

    Click here to register for 2023 DSHA Summer Cool. 
    2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame  | Nomination Submissions Due Monday, May 1
    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame! The deadline for submission of nominations is Monday, May 1.  
    Click here to view the nomination criteria. 

    Click here to complete an online nomination. 

    Click here to download a nomination form to mail. 

    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell or Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun.


    FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
    Admissions Events | Do you know a Future Dasher? Please share the following!

    Save the date for these events !

    7th Grade Visit Days | March 14, 21, 28 and April 4
    5th - 7th Grade Parent Tours | March 9, 23, and April 20, 27 
    5th - 7th Grade Open House | April 23, 9 a.m. - Noon

    Click here to learn more. 

    NEW! 2023 Summer Cool | Registration has started for the 2023 Summer Cool! From visual arts and STEM camps, to faith and athletics offerings, there is something for every girl in rising grades 1-9 at DSHA Summer Cool. Create and build a customizable schedule that works for your family!

    Visit
    dsha.info/summer to view the full brochure, camp schedules, camp descriptions, and other important information.

    We encourage you to register early to reserve your camp spot and take advantage of the 20% early bird discount, which ends Tuesday, February 28.

    Click here to register and view the brochure for DSHA Summer Cool 2023. 
    Questions? Contact Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA '16 or Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | February 6, 2023

    Parent eNews | Monday, February 6

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    Last week, as part of our Catholic Schools Week celebrations, we were blessed by the presence of national Catholic speaker Chika Anyanwu for our All-School Goodness and Kindness of Jesus Assembly as part of our Catholic Schools Week celebration. Ms. Anyanwu showed our daughters how good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity by reminding them how they are all made in His image and likeness. 
    Ms. Anyanwu used the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew to relate her faith story to the girls. Explaining one of the Beatitudes, “blessed are the poor in heart, for they will see God,” and using the pitfalls of social media as an example, she encouraged the girls to be in relationship with Jesus as that will lead to a clean heart.
    During the evening presentation for parents, Ms. Anywanu recognized the joys, challenges, and stressors of parenting. She asked those present, "what if parents prayed for other parents?" The evening closed with prayer in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel.
    DSHA celebrated the end of Catholic Schools Week with an All-School Mass on Friday, February 3. The closing song, We Are One Body, had the girls singing with loud voices and big hearts. We are one body, one body in Christ! 
    Dan Quesnell
    Principal
     

    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.

    FINANCIAL AID UPDATES
    2023-24 School Year Financial Aid Application | Submit by Friday, March 17
    The financial aid application for the 2023-24 school year is open. Families who are interested in need-based scholarships and financial aid for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to complete this application due by Friday, March 17. 2022 tax information is required.
    Click here to view the financial aid application instructions. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.

    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    NEW! Parent-Teacher Conferences | Tuesday, March 7 via Zoom
    Sign-ups for parent-teacher conferences will be in the Parent eNews on Monday, February 20. For now, mark your calendars for March 7, between the hours of 2:45 – 6:30 p.m. If you have questions or would like to connect sooner, please reach out to your daughter's teachers.
    NEW! Test and Quiz Make-Up Time | Wednesday, February 15
    Parents, if your daughter would like to use the morning of Movie Day, Wednesday, February 15, to make up missing quizzes or tests, please let Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield know. There will be a teacher available to stay at DSHA to proctor quizzes or tests to help students get caught up.
    NEW! Scholastic Writing Awards | Congratulations to Quinn Jennings, DSHA '23, who was awarded by the Scholastic Writing Awards in multiple categories. The Scholastic Writing Awards recognizes students with exceptional literary talent and gives them opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships.
    In the southeast Wisconsin region, Jennings was awarded the Gold Key in the critical essay and poetry categories. Her critical essay "A Mocking Yet Honest Reflection" and her poem "Recollections of Home" will advance to the national competition where she will compete for the distinction of National Medalist. Jennings received a Silver Key in the writing portfolio category and was also given honorable mention in the contest categories of humor, personal essay and memoir, critical essay, and flash fiction.
    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.
    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.
    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    NEW! Lent | During Lent, we unite ourselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to better enter the experience of the pascal mystery. Past Lent projects include hunger through Heifer International, Syrian refugees through Samaritan’s Purse, or women’s education through the Malala Fund. This year we will be focusing on supporting the organizations that the student body voted on as a part of our $10,000 Together Challenge. Those organization are the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Best Buddies of WI, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Other activities during Lent include:
    • Ash Wednesday all-school Mass
    • All-School Lenten Reconciliation
    • School-wide walking Stations of the Cross
    • Lent Small Groups, especially for freshmen / sophomore led by juniors
    • Bingo fundraisers, and more
    More information is coming in the next Parent eNews on Monday, February 20.
    NEW! Vocare | Monday, February 27 – Friday, March 10
    Vocare, Latin for "to draw forth or to call," is the capstone of each student’s four years of service. Each DSHA senior serves for two full weeks in the greater Milwaukee community. By working alongside the elderly, children, or those with special needs, each senior experiences firsthand many of the critical issues facing our society and gains a deeper understanding of how she can utilize her God-given gifts and talents in service to others.
    165 seniors will serve at 50 different sites throughout the two weeks. Please join us in praying for our seniors!
    Ash Wednesday Schedule Change | Wednesday, February 22
    Wednesday, February 22 will NOT be a late start day due to the All-School Ash Wednesday Mass and Vocare blessing. Please remember to send your daughters at the regular start time that day.
    NEW! Pallium Lecture | Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Conference Center
    The 2023 Pallium Lecture, “Love for the Eucharist in an Apostolic Age," will be presented by Monsignor James P. Shea, president of the University of Mary, in Bismarck, North Dakota. The presentation was selected by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki and is an annual event meant to foster conversation through the Catholic intellectual tradition. 
    Free and open to the public, the evening is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee with the support of The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation.
    Click here to register for the Pallium Lecture. 

    NEW! Notre Dame Vision Summer Program | June 26 - 30 | July 10 - 14 | July 17 - 21
    Notre Dame Vision combines theological exploration, personal renewal, and a committed community of campus and youth ministers from across the nation to invigorate ministry to young people. This program is available to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

    Click here for more information about the program. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.
    STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE
    Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Testing Day | Tuesday, March 7
    • Freshmen and Sophomores | DSHA will be administering the PreACT to the entire sophomore and freshman classes. It offers students experience with the ACT test items, provides a predicted score, and offers a wealth of information to help students prepare for college. There is no student fee associated with this test and DSHA will handle the registration for this test.
    • Juniors | DSHA will be administering the ACT + Writing Test to the entire junior class. Families will be billed $52 per student via Smart Tuition. Students who participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program will have the testing fee covered by the state of Wisconsin. DSHA will handle the registration for this test.

    Additional information will be sent directly to students and parents via email in mid-February. If you would like to opt your daughter out of the test, please contact Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02.
    NEW! Marquette University High School My Ascension Documentary Film Viewing | Tuesday, February 21 from 6 - 8 p.m.
    MUHS will show the documentary film, My Ascension, meant to spread hope and fight against suicide. There will be a Q & A session following the film. Due to the sensitive nature of the film content, high school students should be accompanied by an adult. The film will be shown in the MUHS O'Rourke Performing Arts Hall. 

    Click here for more information about the documentary film. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    NEW! Carla Olle, HA '60, Career Day | Thursday, March 2
    During career day, DSHA sophomore and junior students will experience a day filled with career exploration. The day will begin with a keynote speaker. Following the speaker, the girls will attend four career presentations aligning with careers they selected through a survey. The day will end with a resume building workshop and learning networking strategies.
    Attendance is mandatory for all sophomore and junior girls. Freshmen will have no classes on this day and seniors will be on Vocare.
    NEW! College Fair Information and Registration | Wisconsin Educational Fairs
    Wisconsin Education Fairs provide easy access to information about postsecondary options on a timely basis for all Wisconsin citizens, regardless of geographic location.
    The fair includes all UW state universities and centers, Wisconsin's independent colleges and universities, Wisconsin technical colleges, and many out-of-state institutions. In addition, many community colleges, trade schools, and the national service organizations are represented.

    Click here for fair dates and registration. 
    NEW! National Association for College Admission Counseling Virtual College Fairs
    The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is hosting virtual college fairs. Title IV eligible and accredited colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions and programs are present. 
    International institutions that offer academic degrees or diplomas sanctioned by the country's Ministry of Higher Education or by a US accrediting association will also be in attendance.

    Click here for virtual fair dates and registration. 
    Individual Junior Meetings | Now through Thursday, April 27
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will be meeting with each junior student to help start the college search and share information on the college application process here at DSHA. Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02, is in the process of scheduling the meetings. Please contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea with further questions.  
    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES
    NEW! Black History Month Collaborative Celebration | Month of February
    The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is working with the Sisters of Culture co-curricular to host Black History Month events at DSHA. There will be several school-wide offerings for students, faculty, and staff to choose to participate in throughout the month including:
    • Thursday, February 9 | Black History Month Read-In hosted by the DSHA English Department
    • Friday, February 10 | All-school prayer service organized by the Sisters of Culture co-curricular to include a worship dance and song.
    • Thursday, February 23 | "Beats and Eats" food fair hosted by the Sisters of Culture co-curricular with special guest and DSHA current parent DJ Anthony (A-BIZ) Foster from HYFIN
    • Friday, February 24 | Optional Dasher Dialogue on Black History Month organized by the DSHA Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

    NEW! Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze is working on connecting with the parents of our students of color during the spring semester.
    NEW! Upcoming Dasher Dialogue | Friday, February 24
    The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council just completed their second retreat where they discussed and decided topics for the second semester Dasher Dialogues. The next Dasher Dialogue will be held on Friday, February 24 during the lunch hour and will focus on Black History Month. Future Dasher Dialogues include:
    • Friday, March 10 | Eating Disorder Awareness
    • Friday, March 19 | Feminism & Self-Esteem
    • Friday, April 21 | Autism Awareness
    • Friday, May 5 | Hispanic Heritage
    • Friday, May 12 | Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage in collaboration with the Asian Student Union co-curricular

    Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven 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.
    All-In Milwaukee | Applications due Wednesday, February 15
    All-In Milwaukee is a college completion program that provides financial aid, advising, and career support to high potential, limited-income, diverse Milwaukee students to complete college, build meaningful careers, and transform the Milwaukee community. The DSHA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is collaborating with DSHA College Counseling to support DSHA students who have met all requirements. 
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze will be meeting with the girls once a week until applications are due on Wednesday, February 15.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    NEW! Important Dates for 2023-24
    • Thursday, August 17, 2023 | Check-In Day
    • Friday, August 18, 2023 | Freshmen Orientation
    • Monday, August 21, 2023 | First Traditional Day of School
    • Tuesday, December 19 - Friday, December 22, 2023 | Semester Exams
    • Saturday, December 23, 2023 - Wednesday, January 3, 2024 | Christmas Vacation
    • Tuesday, March 28, 2024 - Sunday, April 7, 2024 | Easter Vacation
    • Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Friday, May 24, 2024 | Semester Exams
    • Friday, May 24, 2024 | Graduation

    NEW! Winter Formal Dance | Saturday, February 25 from 7 - 10 p.m.
    The Winter Formal Dance, open to juniors and seniors, is on Saturday, February 25 from 7- 10 p.m. The doors will lock at 8 p.m. and will reopen at 9:30 p.m. Permission slip forms can be found on your daughter's myDSHA account from Friday, February 10 through Friday, February 24 at 3 p.m.
    Tickets are $10 per person and $20 for a couple. Be sure your daughter brings her high school ID to the dance.
    Questions? Contact Mathematics & Specialized Studies Faculty Libby Wissing, DSHA '10, or Mathematics Faculty Rissie Lundberg.
    NEW! Student Birthdays and Half-Birthdays in February
    Students should use the following procedure for out-of-uniform birthday wristbands:
    • Students are expected to pick up the wristbands from the front office the day before they plan to dress out of uniform.
    • Picking up the day of is not an option due to the foot traffic in the front office.

    Dash-A-Thon Movie Day | Wednesday, February 15
    As a reward for reaching their Dash-A-Thon fundraising goals, all students will be participating in Movie Day at the Marcus Cinema in Waukesha on Wednesday, February 15. Students will have several different movie options to choose from and do not need to be in uniform for the day.
    Students riding the bus should arrive to school by 7:45 a.m. and those driving to the theatre should arrive at 8 a.m. The movies should end between 11-11:30 a.m. Buses will arrive back at school between 11:30 a.m. and noon. 
    Uniform Donations | DSHA is always accepting donations of used uniforms. Please drop off any items you would like to donate in the Main Office. We are especially in need of polos and sweaters in all adult sizes.
    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.
    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES
    DSHA Snow Closure Procedures | DSHA has policies and procedures in place to follow in the case of severe winter weather. 

    Click here to see the DSHA snow closure procedures. 
    DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards.

    Click here to purchase items. 
    PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
    Spring Parent Education Series | Tuesday, February 28
    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    NEW! Parent Association Looking for Breakfast Donations | Wednesday, March 1
    The Parent Association is looking for volunteers to donate breakfast items for a grab and go breakfast for TSC (faculty and staff) the morning of Wednesday, March 1. Donations can be dropped off at the DSHA front office.
    NEW! Parent Association Meeting | Tuesday, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sisters of the Divine Savior's Fireside Lounge
    Please join us for our next meeting! Questions? Contact Parent Association President Moe Tarantino.
    NEW! Parent Fine Arts Association Meeting | Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room
    Future PFAA meetings include:

    ● Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Please join us for the next PFAA meeting and to learn more about what is happening in the Fine Arts at DSHA. Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker.
    Parent Fine Arts Association Summer Scholarships | Applications due by Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m.
    The Summer Scholarship applications will close on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. If you are a member of the PFAA, your daughter is eligible to apply for the scholarship to help offset the cost of summer camps, lessons, classes, or materials that further her development in the Fine Arts. Applications are available on your daughter's myDSHA account. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible.
    NEW! Fine Arts Woman of the Year Applications | Submissions Due Tuesday, February 28
    Fine Arts Woman of the Year applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28. Only seniors are eligible for this award and the $1,500 scholarship. Applications are available on seniors' myDSHA accounts.
    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.

    Click to join the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and/or the Parent Fine Arts Association.

    SPECIAL EVENTS
    DSHA Auction | Saturday, March 11
    Registration for the 2023 DSHA Auction is now open! There are several ways to get involved in the auction including sponsorship, item donation, bourbon and bubbles pull donations, day-of volunteering, and more.

    Click here to purchase your ticket by March 1.
    Click here to become a family or corporate sponsor.
    Click here to donate an item to the live or silent auction. 

    Click here for more information about the 2023 DSHA Auction. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    NEW! Grandparent Liturgy | Wednesday, April 26
    Save the date for the 2023 Grandparent Liturgy. Grandparents will be invited to accompany their granddaughters for Mass and a light breakfast at DSHA.
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.

    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    NEW! Tickets Available for Trap | March 2 - 5

    Did you guess the secret? Did you tell the secret? The cat’s out of the bag—the official name of DSHA Theatre’s winter play is Trap! Tickets for Trap are on sale now!
    In this documentary-style drama, using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, the cast and crew will bring to life the story of a strange, past event in the theatre where everyone in the audience fell unconscious — every person but one.
    You won't want to miss this show!

    Click here to purchase your tickets. 
    NEW! Community Theatre Works’ Disney’s Descendants
    Auditions for Community Theatre Works’ (CTW) summer production of Disney’s Descendants will take place on Tuesday, June 6 for students in rising grades 5-8 and Wednesday, June 7 for students in rising grades 9-12. Adults may audition either day. Callbacks will be held Thursday, June 8 for all ages. Audition materials will be posted on the CTW website on Monday, May 1.
    Students in rising grades 5-12 must register for DSHA Summer Cool to audition. Registration for DSHA Summer Cool opens Wednesday, February 15.
    Rehearsals begin Monday, June 19 and run Monday through Friday from 12 - 4 p.m. for high school students and lead roles. Rehearsals will run from and 1 - 4 p.m. for middle school students. There will be no rehearsal Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4. Performances will be held Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16.
    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.
    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    12/19 - 1/8 
     
     
    1/9 - 22 
     
     
    1/23 - 2/5  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    1  
     
     2
     
     
    2  
     
    34 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    2  
     
     20
     
     
    0  
     
    145
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    2  
     3
     
     
    2  
     
    49 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    0  
     
     0
     
     
    0  
     
    7
     
     Current active positivity rate: 1/772 (0.13%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 

    Community Health Measures | The health and safety of the DSHA community remains our priority. Our up-to-date COVID protocols can be found on the DSHA website under DSHA Community Health Measures. Any changes to the protocols during the school year will be communicated via the eNews.  

    Click here to view our full Community Health Measures | 2022-23
    NEW! School COVID Lab Closing | Friday, April 28
    NEW! Message from the School Nurse Patti Hughes | Wisconsin made changes to the School Immunization Requirements for 2023-24 school year
    • Entry into 7th-11th Grades |  1-TDAP and 1-Meningoccal vaccine are now required. The previous schedule had the TDAP required for students entering 6th grade so most high school students typically have this vaccine. The Meningococcal/MenACWY vaccine is now required.
    • Entry into 12 Grades |  A booster of the meningococcal/MenACWY has been added to the required schedule. Students who receive their first MenACWY at age 16 years or over do not need the booster. 
    • Parents can sign a waiver of refusal of required vaccines for personal, religious, or medical reasons. The waiver must be on file at school.  
    • Your doctor or clinic can assist you in knowing if your daughter is up to date with vaccines.
    • Schools must provide an annual report of required vaccination compliance or signed waivers to the state and local health departments by day 40 of each school year. 

    Click here to view your daughter's Wisconsin administered vaccine records. 

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  

    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    NEW! Annual Fund Thank You & Giving
    Thank you to those who have already given to the annual fund this year. Giving to the annual fund makes a difference in the education of every young woman attending DSHA. These gifts supply important resources for the day-to-day work of DSHA to achieve the mission of developing confident young women of faith, heart, and intellect.
    Help us reach our goal of $1,088,697 for the DSHA Annual Fund and make your gift today!

    Click here to make your gift to the DSHA Annual Fund. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    Upcoming Games | Come support the basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey and ski teams this season!

    Click here to find event times and locations. 
    DSHA Basketball Games LivestreamedAll DSHA home basketball games at all levels will be livestreamed on the NFHS network.

    Click here to learn how you can livestream the DSHA Basketball games. 
    DSHA Varsity Basketball Senior Night | Tuesday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m.

    The DSHA Varsity Basketball team will celebrate senior and senior parent night on Tuesday, February 14 prior to warm-ups of their 7 p.m. game at DSHA vs West Allis Hale.  We will honor seniors Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23; Kelly Coury, DSHA 23; Meg Dorrington, DSHA '23; and Ashley Jones, DSHA '23. In addition, we will also celebrate team managers Caitlin Organ, DSHA '23, and Grace Pawlowski, DSHA '23. Come and support these Dashers!
    NEW! Milwaukee High School Sports Awards Girls Volleyball Player of the Year | Winner Announced Tuesday, May 23 at the Pabst Theatre
    The Milwaukee High School Sports Awards program announced the nominees for girls volleyball player of the year on Saturday, January 26. Three DSHA student-athletes were nominated including Jordan Czajkowski, DSHA '25; Madison Quest, DSHA '25; and Sophia Wendlick, DSHA '24. The winner will be announced Tuesday, May 23 at the Pabst Theatre during the live show.
    During the show, nominees will be honored along with the athletes of the year in 24 other sports. The Milwaukee High School Sports Awards show is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country. 
    Click here to learn more about the live show and purchase tickets. 
    NEW! MAX Field Hockey 2022 High School State Player of the Year
    Mack Doerr, DSHA '23, was named the Wisconsin State Field Hockey Player of the Year! Doerr was a forward on the 2022 Wisconsin High School Field Hockey Association State Championship DSHA Varsity Field Hockey team. She was named First Team All-Conference, MAX Field Hockey Second Team All-West/Midwest Region, and MAX Field Hockey Pre-season Player to Watch!
    Doerr will continue playing field hockey at Boston College in the fall.
    NEW! MAX Field Hockey’s 2022 High School State Coaches of the Year!
    Co-Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach, English Faculty, and Instructional Technology Coordinator Quinn Loucks and Co-Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach Sue Walline were named MAX Field Hockey's 2022 Wisconsin High School Coaches of the year! The two coaches led the Dashers to the 2022 Wisconsin High School Field Hockey Association State Championship with a 4-0 win over Arrowhead to finish the program’s first ever undefeated season at 12-0. 
    Congratulations on this honor!
    NEW! National Letter of Intent Signings Re-Cap | Tuesday, January 31
    Tuesday, January 31 was the second opportunity for student-athletes to sign their National Letter of Intent to play athletics at the collegiate level. The DSHA Athletic Department was proud to celebrate the following students:
    • Ellie Connor, DSHA '23, signed to play volleyball at Loyola University New Orleans.
    • Olivia deGuzman, DSHA '23, signed to play volleyball at Illinois Welseyan.
    • Piper Dupies, DSHA '23, signed to play soccer at Williams College.
    • Katarina Muha, DSHA '23, signed to row at Dunquesne University.

    It was a great celebration! Best wishes to all four athletes as they move on to play their sport at the collegiate level!
    NEW! Faith Friday DSHA Basketball Re-Cap | Friday, January 27
    The DSHA Basketball teams celebrated Faith Friday on January 27. It was a great way to come together in prayer before their games against Wauwatosa East that night.
    2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame  | Nomination Submissions Due Monday, May 1
    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame! The deadline for submission of nominations is Monday, May 1.  
    Click here to view the nomination criteria. 

    Click here to complete an online nomination. 

    Click here to download a nomination form to mail. 

    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell or Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun.
    FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
    Welcoming the DSHA Class of 2027
    Congratulations and welcome to our newest class of Dashers! We are so excited for the class of 2027 to start at DSHA this fall. Do you know of a future Dasher in 8th grade who is thinking about DSHA? Please have them contact a member of our admissions team–we are happy to speak with them to share more about DSHA! 

    Click here to contact a member of our admissions team. 

    Click here to see several members of the class of 2027 receive their acceptance letters. 

    The School COVID Lab will close indefinitely on Friday, April 28. Until then, the lab is open to students, household members, and staff. 

    Click here to schedule a testing time slot.

    Admissions Events | Do you know a Future Dasher? Please share the following!

    Girls Night In | Friday, February 10 

    4th-7th graders are invited to DSHA on Friday, February 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. for Girls Night In. At this event, a few of our popular Summer Cool camps will be featured. Participants will also write Valentines cards for a local nursing home, make a Valentine's treat, and learn more about our Summer Cool camp opportunities. 
    Click here to register for Girls Night In. 

    Save the date for these events! 

    7th Grade Visit Days | March 14, 21, 28 and April 4
    5th - 7th Grade Parent Tours | March 9, 23, and April 20, 27 
    5th - 7th Grade Open House | April 23, 9 a.m. - Noon 

    Click here to learn more.

    NEW! 2023 Summer Cool | The 2023 Summer Cool brochure is here! Start planning your best summer yet!
    From visual arts and STEM camps, to faith and athletics offerings, there is something for every girl in rising grades 1-9 at DSHA Summer Cool.

    Visit
    dsha.info/summer to view the full brochure, camp schedules, camp descriptions, and other important information.
    Registration for Summer Cool will open Wednesday, February 15.
    Brochures will hit your mailbox in the next couple of weeks. We encourage you to start planning early to reserve your camp spot and take advantage of the 20% early bird discount, which ends Tuesday, February 28.
    Click here to learn more about 2023 Summer Cool.

    Questions? Contact Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA '16 or Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | January 23, 2023

    Parent eNews | Monday, January 23

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    Our community has two very special and celebratory weeks to bring us together in unity as we start off our second semester. Last week we celebrated Multi-Cultural Week and next week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
    Multi-Cultural Week | As humans, we are all made in the image and likeness of God. Our human family is diverse just as our DSHA community is diverse. We are grateful for this because it reminds us our community is a gift from God. Diversity refers to the myriad of personal experiences, values, perspectives, talents, and worldviews that arise from differences in culture and circumstance. DSHA values diversity among the students we recruit and the staff we hire. DSHA promotes and supports diversity through a range of curricular and co-curricular offerings, as well as through programmatic pastoral and experiential learning. We support and develop young women, who rooted in their own faith tradition, are able to embrace and respect differences in background and perspective, while being open to appreciating and learning about the wider world.

    Catholic Schools Week | The Most Reverend Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki has encouraged all Catholic schools to celebrate. His Catholic Schools Week letter aligns with our theme of unity. Our week-long celebration will include the following:
    • Monday, January 30 |  DSHA will host the annual Gr8Lengths Assembly where students will have the option to donate their hair to children with cancer.
    • Tuesday, January 31 | Senior Dashers will play against staff in the annual student versus staff basketball game.
    • Wednesday, February 1 | Students will have the option to enjoy a pancake breakfast before classes begin.
    • Thursday, February 2 | Students, faculty, and staff will gather for an All-School Goodness and Kindness Assembly with special guest speaker Chika Anyanwu.  
    • Friday, February 3 | Students, faculty, and staff with gather as a community for an All-School Mass to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
    • Special Opportunity for Parents! | In unity, we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in the faith formation of your daughters here at DSHA. In fact, on Thursday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel, parents are invited to join an evening of prayer and a talk by Chika Anyanwu. See the Campus Ministry section below for more information.   
     
    God Bless,
    Dan Quesnell
    Principal
     
    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.

    FINANCIAL AID UPDATES
    NEW! 2023-24 School Year Financial Aid Application | Submit by Friday, March 17
    The financial aid application for the 2023-24 school year is open. Families who are interested in need-based scholarships and financial aid for the 2023-24 school year are welcome to complete this application due by Friday, March 17. 2022 tax information is required.

    Click here to view financial aid application and instructions. 

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

    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    NEW! Academic Learning Place for Higher Achievement (ALPHA) and Dasher Time | Your daughters will be halfway through the 3rd quarter on Friday, February 3. If she hasn’t tried ALPHA or seeing her teachers during Dasher time, please encourage her to do so! Data shows that students who participate in ALPHA or meet with their teachers during Dasher time have strong academic skills, relationships with their teachers, and generally feel less stressed over their academics.
    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.
    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.
    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    Respect Life Mass | Friday, January 27
    On Friday, January 27, Fr. John Burns of St. Francis de Sales Seminary will preside over a Faith Friday Respect Life Mass in the Mother of Our Divine Savior Chapel at 10:24 a.m. in honor of the 50th Anniversary of March for Life. Fr. Burns will also meet with any students who want to talk about discernment. Please encourage your daughter to attend this Mass.
    NEW! Parent Speaker for Catholic Schools Week | Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m

    Chika Anyanwu is a Catholic evangelist, former Confirmation coordinator/youth & young adult minister, and the author of "My Encounter: How I met Jesus in Prayer." Please join us for a parent talk on Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel.
    The evening will also include a group prayer for your daughters.
    This program is open to the public so please bring your friends and family. Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson for more information.
    NEW! Catholic Schools Week at DSHA
     
     
     
    Monday 
     
     
    Tuesday 
     
     
    Wednesday 
     
     
    Thursday 
     
     
    Friday 
     
     
    Activity 
     
     
    Gr8 Lengths Assembly 
     
     
    Senior versus staff basketball game 
     
     
    Pancake breakfast before school 
     
     
    Collections & PB&J Ministry 
     
    Goodness & Kindness Assembly with guest speaker Chika Anyanwu
    All-School Mass 
     
     
    Dress Up 
     
     
    Gr8 Lengths Shirt or DSHA Spirit Wear 
     
     
    Basketball Game Themes:  
    Freshmen: Beach
    Theme 
    Sophomore: Pink Out  
    Junior: Construction Wear
    Senior: Basketball Attire 
    "Zoom Day"
    (Nice on the top, casual on the bottom) 
     
     
    BBQ dads vs. soccer moms 
     
     
    Crazy socks with uniform 
     
     
    Do Good, Be Kind 
     
     
    Kidnap a Teacher Fundraiser
     
     
    Students can donate money to vote on the teacher they want to "kidnap." The teacher who raises the most money will not teach on Monday, February 6 and her/his students will have a study hall. All proceeds go to the $10,000 Together Challenge. 
     
     
    Bring in a canned good for MGC Food Pantry. 
     
    Kidnap a Teacher Fundraiser result announced & Social Studies Faculty Tom Montgomery will play the recorder as a reward for completing the last challenge.
    Bring your prayers to Mass! 
     
     
    Birthday Bag Collection – We are making birthday cake bags for the non-profit organization Tosa Cares Food Pantry with all the ingredients for a delicious and fun birthday cake. Please bring in the following items all week: 
    • Cake mix
    • Frosting
    • Sprinkles
    • Small oil bottle
    • Apple sauce cups (egg substitute)
    • Birthday candles

    NEW! Ash Wednesday Schedule Change | Wednesday, February 22
    Wednesday, February 22 will NOT be a late start day due to the All-School Ash Wednesday Mass and Vocare blessing. Please remember to send your daughters at the regular start time that day.
    La Quinceañera Retreats 
    Casa Romero of Milwaukee is extending an invitation for a retreat day for all young women approaching their Quinceañera celebration.
    Click here for more information. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.
    STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE
    NEW! Course Registration Reminder | Selections Close Wednesday, January 25 at 11:59 p.m.
    Course selection is open via myDSHA and will close Wednesday, January 25 at 11:59 p.m. Once course selections have been made, make sure your daughter and one parent or guardian signs the course acknowledgment form found in myDSHA.
    NEW! All-School Testing Day | Tuesday, March 7
    • DSHA will be administering the PreACT to the entire sophomore and freshman classes. It offers students experience with the ACT test items, provides a predicted score, and offers a wealth of information to help students prepare for college. There is no student fee associated with this test and DSHA will handle the registration for this test.
    • DSHA will be administering the ACT + Writing Test to the entire junior class. Families will be billed $52 per student via Smart Tuition. Students who participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program will have the testing fee covered by the state of Wisconsin. DSHA will handle the registration for this test.

    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    Individual Junior Meetings | Through Thursday, April 27
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will be meeting with each junior student to help start the college search and share information on the college application process here at DSHA. Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02, is in the process of scheduling the meetings. Please contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea with further questions.  
    2023 Summer Mount Mary University Leadership Academy | June 25 - 29
     
    Explore what's possible in the immersive personal development and career exploration sessions hosted by Mount Mary University faculty and staff and various Milwaukee business leaders. Participants will choose between three career pathways: arts & design, humanities & business, or STEM. They will be eligible to earn two college credits at Mount Mary University upon completion. This 5-day, 4-night program for current freshmen, sophomores, or junior high school students provides a leadership experience like no other. The application closes on Friday, March 3 or when spots are filled. 

    Click here for additional information about the program. 

    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    APPLIED WELLNESS UPDATES
    NEW! Wellness Requirements | Encourage your daughters to drive their engagement in Applied Wellness by planning, engaging, and reflecting on experiences each week. The program is designed for them to take breaks during their school day. Active and mindful engagement is a key part of this program. Some wellness experiences offered in the coming weeks include:
    • Board games
    • Fireside yoga
    • Salsa dancing
    • Badminton
    • Eucharistic Adoration
    • Progressive and muscle relaxation
    • Country line dancing
    • Guided breathing
    • School garden help
    • Walks
    • Bible study
    • Guest registered dietitians and nutritionists are offering experiences on Wednesday, January 25; Wednesday, February 1; Wednesday February 8; and Tuesday, February 14.

    NEW! Wellness Co-Curricular | Mental Health Matters | Thursday, January 26 & Thursday, February 9
    Director of Applied Wellness Joanna McQuide, DSHA '93, is a national board-certified health and wellness coach. What is wellness coaching? What does that mean and how can the students at DSHA benefit from this? Students are welcome to join her in discussion about what a coach does in this brief Q&A session.
    Questions? Contact Director of Applied Wellness Joanna McQuide, DSHA 93.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES

    NEW! Multi-Cultural Week Recap & Thank You | Tuesday, January 17 - Saturday, January 21
    Multi-Cultural Week was a great success and the engagement of DSHA students was wonderful. A sincere thank you to the students and staff who participated in the various student-led programming throughout the week including:
    • Tuesday, January 17 | The Student, Diversity, and Equity Inclusion Council helped organize an optional Martin Luther King Jr. trivia game during the lunch hour.
    • Wednesday, January 18 | For "Wear Your Ethnic Garb" Wednesday, students had the opportunity to trade their uniform for clothing that expressed their culture and background.
    • Thursday, January 19 | The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council helped organize the all-school Multi-Cultural Assembly. Students, faculty, and staff gathered in community for the special assembly with performances by several students and organizations.
    • Friday, January 20 | Students had the option to gather in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel during Dasher time to attend a Multi-Cultural Prayer Service. Following the prayer service, students could attend the Dasher Dialogue* on religious literacy.  
    • Saturday, January 21 | Students were invited to DSHA for "A World United Under the Stars" dance with an open microphone session at 6 p.m.

    *Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven 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.
    All-In Milwaukee | Applications due Wednesday, February 15
    All-In Milwaukee is a college completion program that provides financial aid, advising, and career support to high potential, limited-income, diverse Milwaukee students to complete college, build meaningful careers, and transform the Milwaukee community. The DSHA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is collaborating with DSHA College Counseling to support DSHA students who have met all requirements. 
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze will be meeting with the girls once a week until applications are due on Wednesday, February 15.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    NEW! Dash-A-Thon Movie Day | Wednesday, February 15 | Permission Slips Due Wednesday, February 1 
    As a reward for reaching their Dash-A-Thon fundraising goals, all students will be participating in Movie Day at the Marcus Cinema in Waukesha on Wednesday, February 15. Students will have several different movie options to choose from and do not need to be in uniform for the day. ALL students MUST have a parent/guardian log into their parent/guardian myDSHA account to complete the movie day permission form by Wednesday, February 1.
    Please complete the form in order to indicate whether or not your daughter will be attending, and if she is, whether she will be riding the bus or providing her own transportation. Students riding the bus should arrive to school by 7:45 a.m. and those driving to the theatre should arrive at 8 a.m. The movies should end between 11-11:30 a.m. Buses will arrive back at school between 11:30 a.m. and noon.  
    Questions? Contact Health & Fitness Faculty Jess Liban or Social Studies Faculty Katie Leszczynski, DSHA '10.
    Uniform Donations | DSHA is always accepting donations of used uniforms. Please drop off any items you would like to donate in the Main Office. We are especially in need of polos and sweaters in all adult sizes.
    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.
    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES
    DSHA Snow Closure Procedures | DSHA has policies and procedures in place to follow in the case of severe winter weather.

    Click here to see the DSHA snow closure procedures. 

    DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards. 

    Click here to purchase items. 
    Senior Photos for the Yearbook | See below for important information regarding senior photos. Photos must be submitted for the yearbook by February 1.
    Click here for more information about senior photos. 

    PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
    Spring Parent Education Series | Thursday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 28
    The spring semester will offer two parent education series topics on Thursday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 28. Please join us!

    Click here for more information. 

    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    Parent Association MeetingTuesday, January 24 at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge
    Please join us for the next PA meeting! Arrive a few minutes early at 8:15 a.m. to enjoy coffee and snacks.
    Questions? Contact Parent Association President Moe Tarantino.
    NEW! Parent Fine Arts Association February Meeting |  Our meeting scheduled for Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m. has changed. The PFAA will meet on Tuesday, February 21 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room. Future meetings include:

    ● Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker.
    Parent Fine Arts Association Summer Scholarships | Become a PFAA member by Tuesday, January 31
    If your daughter is interested in applying for a Summer Scholarship to offset the cost of summer camps, lessons, classes, or materials that further their development in the Fine Arts, then parents must be PFAA members by Tuesday, January 31. $25 dues must be paid to the Business Office at DSHA by noon on January 31. Summer Scholarship applications open on Wednesday, February 1 and close on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. on your daughter's myDSHA account.
    Click here to join the Parent Fine Arts Association. 

    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.
    Click to join the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and/or the Parent Fine Arts Association.

    SPECIAL EVENTS
    Father Daughter Dinner Dance | Saturday, February 4 | RSVP by TOMORROW, January 24
    DSHA students and their fathers or special father figures will dance the night away to live music and spend quality time together. Buy your tickets to this special event today. 

    Click here to purchase your tickets to the Father Daughter Dance by Tuesday, January 24. 

    DSHA Auction | Saturday, March 11
    Invitations to the 2023 DSHA Auction hit mailboxes! There are several ways to get involved in the auction including sponsorship, item donation, bourbon and bubbles pull donations, day-of volunteering, and more.

    Click here to become a family or corporate sponsor. 

    Click here to donate an item to the silent or live auction. 

    Click here to learn more about the 2023 DSHA Auction and the various ways to get involved. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    NEW! Grandparent Liturgy | Wednesday, April 26
    Save the date for the 2023 Grandparent Liturgy. Grandparents will be invited to accompany their granddaughters for Mass and a light breakfast at DSHA.
    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.


    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.

    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    NEW! 2023 Scholastic Art Winners | Saturday, February 11 at the Milwaukee Art Museum
    DSHA is proud to announce that three students will be awarded in the 2023 Scholastic Arts Competition and Exhibition. Their work was juried in various art categories representing students from Wisconsin area high schools. This year we are proud to announce the following award winners:
    • Lily Janisch, DSHA 23 | Mixed Media "In the Forenoon" & Drawing and Illustration "The Silver Slumber"
    • Kallan Mosley, DSHA '23 | Drawing and Illustration "Porcelain Snake" 
    • Alessandra Borchardt, DSHA '23 | Fashion Piece Handwoven Sunflower Crop Top
    The 47th Scholastic Art Awards - Wisconsin Exhibition will be hosted at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Janisch, Mosely, and Borchardt will be presented with their award at the ceremony on February 11.
    Congrats, ladies!
    Annual Winter Play | March 2 - 5
    In this documentary-style drama, using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, the cast and crew will bring to life the story of a strange, past event in the theatre where everyone in the audience fell unconscious — every person but one.
    Tickets will go on sale Monday, February 6.
    Click here for more information. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.

    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    12/5 - 18 
     
     
    12/19 - 1/8 
     
     
    1/9 - 1/22  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    3  
     
     1
     
     
    2  
     
    32 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    20  
     
     2
     
     
    20  
     
    145
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    8  
     2
     
     
    3  
     
    47 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    0  
     
     0
     
     
    0  
     
    7
     
     Current active positivity rate: 1/772 (0.13%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 

    Community Health Measures | The health and safety of the DSHA community remains our priority. Our up-to-date COVID protocols can be found on the DSHA website under DSHA Community Health Measures. Any changes to the protocols during the school year will be communicated via the eNews.  

    Click here to view our full Community Health Measures | 2022-23 
    NEW! Message from School Nurse Patti Hughes
    • DSHA is seeing a reprieve from the stomach bug that has ebbed and flowed the last couple of months. 
    • DSHA has had very low numbers for positive COVID cases. However, there have been reported increases in positivity in other parts of the country, which we may see in effect in the future.
    • Please continue to follow the school’s COVID testing protocol when your daughter has cold symptoms. Symptoms include headache and/or runny nose, low grade fever, chills, cough, and sore throat.
    • School lab COVID testing for students, families, and staff will be held Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m. by the ACL Labs when school is in session. Please click the button below to register.

    Click here to access the COVID testing registration site. 

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  
    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    NEW! Annual Fund Thank You & Giving
    We're halfway to our DSHA Annual Fund goal!
    Thank you to those who have already given to the annual fund this year! Giving to the annual fund makes a difference in the education of every young woman attending DSHA. These gifts supply important resources for the day-to-day work of DSHA to achieve the mission of developing confident young women of faith, heart, and intellect. 

    Click here to make your gift to the DSHA Annual Fund. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.

    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    NEW! National Letter of Intent Signings | Tuesday, January 31 in the DSHA Commons at 11:30 a.m.

    Tuesday, January 31 is the second opportunity for student-athletes to sign their National Letter of Intent. The following Dashers are signing their letters of intent:
    • Ellie Connor, DSHA '23, signing to play volleyball at Loyola University New Orleans.
    • Olivia deGuzman, DSHA '23, signing to play volleyball at Illinois Welseyan.
    • Piper Dupies, DSHA '23, signing to play soccer at Williams College.
    • Katarina Muha, DSHA '23, signing to row at Dunquesne University.
    We will be celebrating each Dasher athlete during lunch on Tuesday, January 31. Come and join the celebration!
    NEW! Female Student-Athlete Summit | Wednesday, February 1 at Alverno College

    Seven student-athletes from DSHA will attend the first ever high school female student-athlete summit on Wednesday, February 1 at Alverno College. The event was put together by five local high school female athletic directors. Twenty-four schools from across the state will take participate in this day held on National Women in Sports Day. The day will include:
    • Title IX large group presentation from guest speaker Peg Pennepacker, C.A.A. Pennepacker has been a high school athletic director for 26 years.
    • Three breakout sessions on topics including female student-athlete nutrition, female sports psychology, branding, marketing, and a chance to hear from three-time Paralympian in wheelchair basketball. 
    • A large group presentation from two-time Olympic Medalist in speed skating Katherine Adamek. 

    It should be a great day of learning and networking with other high school female student-athletes from Wisconsin. 
    NEW! DSHA Varsity Basketball Senior Night | Tuesday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m.

    The DSHA Varsity Basketball team will celebrate senior and senior parent night on Tuesday, February 14 prior to warm-ups of their 7 p.m. game at DSHA vs West Allis Hale.  We will honor seniors Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23; Kelly Coury, DSHA 23; Meg Dorrington, DSHA '23; and Ashley Jones, DSHA '23. In addition, we will also celebrate team managers Caitlin Organ, DSHA '23, and Grace Pawlowski, DSHA '23. Come and support these Dashers!
    DSHA Basketball Games Livestreamed | All DSHA home basketball games at all levels will be livestreamed on the NFHS network. 

    Click here to learn how you can livestream the DSHA Basketball games. 

    NEW! 2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame  | Nomination Submissions Due Monday, May 1
    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame! The deadline for submission of nominations is Monday, May 1.  
    Click here to view the nomination criteria. 
    Click here to complete an online nomination. 
    Click here to download a nomination form to mail. 

    Faith Friday for DSHA Basketball | Friday, January 27
    The DSHA Basketball team will observe Faith Friday at 10:28 a.m. in the Mother of Our Divine Savior Chapel. Please encourage your daughter to wear their team spirit wear with their uniform skirt. The group will take a team photo following Mass.
    NEW! 2022-2023 DSHA Varsity Volleyball Team Receives Academic Honor | Members of the WIAA Division 1 State Volleyball Championship team have earned academic honors from the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association. 
    The following members of the team earned a 3.5 or higher GPA first semester:
    • Sophia Anderson, DSHA '23
    • Helena Cesarz, DSHA '23
    • Ellie Connor, DSHA '23
    • Olivia deGuzman, DSHA '23
    • Bella Lipski, DSHA '23
    • Lilly Cesarz, DSHA '24
    • Caroline Harris, DSHA '24
    • Hannah Jochman, DSHA '24
    • Ava Kharitou, DSHA '24
    • Addy Leffler, DSHA '24
    • Nadia Perkovich, DSHA '24
    • Sophia Wendlick, DSHA '24
    • Olivia Durst, DSHA '25
    • Madison Quest, DSHA '25

    This achievement demonstrates the team's commitment to achievement both on the court and in the classroom. They have achieved the DSHA Athletic Department's core values of academic success and athletic excellence! Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! 
    NEW! DSHA Ice Hockey Faith Friday Recap | Friday, January 13
    The DSHA Ice Hockey team gathered in community at Faith Friday Mass on Friday, January 13.

    NEW! DSHA Ski Team Faith Friday Recap | Friday, January 13

    The DSHA Ski Team gathered in community at Faith Friday Mass on Friday, January 13.

    NEW! DSHA Gymnastics Senior Night Recap | Wednesday, January 18
    The DSHA Gymnastics team, is a co-op with other schools, celebrated senior and parent night on January 18 at West Allis Hale during their last home meet of the season. The DSHA students on the team are Jenna Czerwinski, DSHA '25; Emily Grining, DSHA '25; Dani Riemer, DSHA '25; Sophie Wrench, DSHA '25; Lucy Elgersma, DSHA '26; and Mary Stith, DSHA '26.
    NEW! DSHA's Gymnastics Team Gives Back | Wednesday, January 18
    The DSHA Gymnastics team held a bake sale at their meet on Wednesday, January 18 to benefit the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House. The team was able to raise $177! Thanks for your efforts to help serve others! 
    NEW! Bring Your Favorite TSC Member to a Game Recap | Friday, January 20
    The DSHA Varsity Basketball team players and managers asked a member of the TSC to come watch them play. The TSC member received an "I Back A Dasher" T-shirt and were introduced to the crowd with their player or manager during halftime. A group picture was taken following the game.
    Upcoming Games | Come support the basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey and ski teams this season!
    Click here to find game times and locations. 
    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell or Athletic Director Peggy Seegers-Braun.
    FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
    Welcoming the DSHA Class of 2027
    Congratulations and welcome to our newest class of Dashers! We are so excited for the class of 2027 to start at DSHA this fall. Do you know of a future Dasher in 8th grade who is thinking about DSHA? Please have them contact a member of our admissions team–we are happy to speak with them to share more about DSHA! 
    Click here to contact a member of our admissions team. 

    Click here to see Penny Dasher deliver acceptance letters to the DSHA Class of 2027. 

    Admissions Events | Do you know a Future Dasher? Please share the following! 

    Girls Night In | Friday, February 10 

    4th-7th graders are invited to DSHA on Friday, February 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. for Girls Night In. At this event, a few of our popular Summer Cool camps will be featured. Participants will also write Valentines cards for a local nursing home, make a Valentine's treat, and learn more about our Summer Cool camp opportunities. 

    Click here to register for Girls Night In. 

    Save the dates for these events! 

    7th Grade Visit Days | March 14, 21, 28 and April 4
    5th - 7th Grade Parent Tours | March 2, 23, and April 20, 27 
    5th - 7th Grade Open House | April 23, 9 a.m. - Noon 

    Click here to learn more. 

    Questions? Contact Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA '16 or Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | January 9, 2023

    Parent eNews | Monday, January 9

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    Over the last several weeks, I have been reminded of the importance of grandparents in the lives of our students. They truly make a difference in faith, support, and influence and help us to live together in unity as God’s people. For example, many grandparents have been in attendance at sporting events, choral and instrumental music concerts, and at drop-off in the morning. Perhaps these are obvious examples. 
    A special and less obvious example came in the form of a recent school project. Last semester’s Introduction to Engineering course, taught by Specialized Studies & Mathematics Faculty Connie Farrow, culminated in a 3-week long final project using the engineering design process to create an assistive device for the elderly. Students were asked to research the needs of the elderly, select an area of focus, develop project constraints and criteria, and brainstorm solutions. Students then developed their design by constructing and testing iterative prototypes or creating a design in Onshape, a software design tool. Following completion, students presented their project at the end-of-semester design fair on Tuesday, December 20. Some devices included special wheelchair handles, lighted gadgets to help pick up dropped items, a nail clipping assistive device, and more. When asked what inspired them, almost every student mentioned her grandparents.
    Recognizing the importance of grandparents, please remind your daughters and parents of the annual Grandparents Day Liturgy on Wednesday, April 26. An invitation will be sent to grandparents soon. Let us pray in gratitude for the positive influence of our earthly and heavenly grandparents.
    God Bless,
    Dan Quesnell
    Principal 

    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.
    IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION FOR THIS WEEK
    NEW! Course Selection Presentations for Students | Wednesday, January 11
    School counselors will be presenting information regarding course selection for the 2023-24 school year in the freshmen, sophomore, and junior theology classes on Wednesday, January 11. Students will receive updated course information and have the opportunity to work with counselors on their four-year plan.

    Click here to view the 2023-24 curriculum guide. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    NEW! Course Registration | Wednesday, January 11 at 5 p.m. - Wednesday, January 25 at 11:59 p.m.
    Course selection will open via myDSHA on Wednesday, January 11th at 5 p.m. and will close on Wednesday, January 25 at 11:59 p.m. Once course selections have been made, make sure your daughter and one parent/guardian signs the course acknowledgement form found in myDSHA.
    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.

    NEW! Sophomore Success Night | Wednesday, January 11 from 7 - 8:25 p.m.
    Sophomore Success Night is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED event that will preview resources available to facilitate student success, help students develop personal accountability, and assist them in becoming more self-aware and confident in their college and career goals. Breakout sessions will give families a smaller group setting to receive information and ask questions. The goal of this evening is to give students a better idea of their future goals and ways they can engage in their DSHA experience to achieve those goals leading up to graduation. 
    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.

    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    NEW! Semester Report Cards | First semester report cards are now available on myDSHA. Please note, report cards will not be mailed home so if you need a hard copy please print one for your records. At the bottom of the report card, there is important information about the cumulative GPA. If you have any other questions, please contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield. If you need help accessing your daughter's report card please contact Educational Database Coordinator/Registrar Rachel Kirsenlohr.
    NEW! Summer Class Opportunities | While our current students will soon be registering for their 2023-24 school year courses, there are two summer class opportunities for credit.
    • Personal Finance | This course is being offered in partnership with MUHS and Marquette University. The course information was sent to your daughters on their class teams page; it is not in the DSHA curriculum guide. Please email Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield if you need a copy.

    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.
    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.
    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    NEW! Respect Life Mass | Friday, January 27
    On Friday, January 27, Fr. John Burns, of St. Francis de Sales Seminary, will preside over a Faith Friday Respect Life Mass in the Mother of Our Divine Savior Chapel at 10:24 a.m. in honor of the 50th Anniversary of March for Life. Fr. Burns will also meet with any students who want to talk about discernment. Please encourage your daughter to attend this Mass.
    NEW! National Catholic Speaker | Thursday, February 2
    We are excited to announce that Chika Anyanwu will be speaking at DSHA during an all-school Goodness & Kindness assembly on Thursday, February 2. Chika Anyanwu is a full-time international Catholic evangelist and the author of “My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer.” Her love of God and neighbor enthuses her to share the gospel through testimony, scripture, and honest conversations about the difficult realities of faith and life. She’s had the opportunity to evangelize at NCYC, Given, Steubenville youth conferences, FOCUS SEEK conferences, and The Catholic Feminist France pilgrimage. She’s also a contributor to Blessed Is She as well as “Connected” and “Venture: the Bible Timeline” by Ascension Press. Chika loves sharing about all things Jesus and draws joy and enthusiasm from her beautiful Nigerian family.
    Additionally, DSHA parents are invited to a parent talk from Chika Anyanwu on Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commons. See Parent Education Series section below or contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson for more information.
    NEW! DSHA in the Catholic Herald | DSHA was featured in the Catholic Herald on Tuesday, December 27, for its student-led and faith-filled programming during the Advent season.
    Click here to read the full Catholic Herald article. 

    Senior Retreat #2 | Tuesday, January 17 - Wednesday, January 18 
    Families are invited and welcomed to attend Mass with their daughters. Please check your email for more information.
    La Quinceañera Retreats | Casa Romero of Milwaukee is extending an invitation for a retreat day for all young women approaching their Quinceañera celebration.

    Click here for more information. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    NEW! Individual Junior Meetings | Available through Thursday, April 27
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will be meeting with each junior student to help start the college search and share information on the college application process here at DSHA. Testing Coordinator/College Assistant Katie Hoffmann, DSHA '02, is in the process of scheduling the meetings. Please contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea with further questions.  
    NEW! College Night Thank You | College representatives and organizations provided valuable information on the college search, financial fit, and application process on Wednesday, January 4. Thank you to the following organizations for supporting DSHA: Marquette University, Xavier University, Providence College, UW-LaCrosse, UW-Madison, Mount Mary University, Cardinal Stritch University, Miami of Ohio, Saint Louis University, and Revolution Prep.
    Click here to access the presentation deck made by Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea. 
    Click here to access the class of 2024 college guide. 

    ACT Online Practice Exams | Saturday, January 21 from 8 - noon
    • This is a great chance for sophomore and junior students to get started on their testing plan or gain additional practice. A proctored practice exam will help your child build testing endurance and give a real-time snapshot of testing performance. 
    • Materials will be emailed to students 24 hours before the exam. 
    • Every exam comes with a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to assess specific strengths and areas of improvement.

    Click here to register. 
    2023 Summer Mount Mary University Leadership Academy | June 25 - 29
     
    Explore what's possible in the immersive personal development and career exploration sessions hosted by Mount Mary University faculty and staff and various Milwaukee business leaders. Participants will choose between three career pathways: arts & design, humanities & business, or STEM. They will be eligible to earn two college credits at Mount Mary University upon completion. This 5-day, 4-night program for current freshmen, sophomores, or junior high school students provides a leadership experience like no other. The application closes on Friday, March 3 or when spots are filled.
    Click here for additional information about the program. 
    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    APPLIED WELLNESS UPDATES
    NEW! Weekly Requirements
    • As we enter the spring semester, sophomores, juniors, and seniors should continue to refer to their weekly Applied Wellness tracker sheet and the "Need to Know" for weekly requirements. The weekly tracker sheet can be found in their Applied Wellness myDSHA page, in Microsoft Teams, or in the back of the student planner. 
    • Students continue to have choice each week but should be mindful to communicate if they are out of the building for an extended period of time and unable to complete the in-person requirement. Students are expected to take accountability for their choices and follow through in attending.
    • We encourage students to use their wellness hour as a time to explore various breaks and learn more about what they may need to provide some balance throughout the week. Experiences are opened on the app the Friday before the following week. This allows time for students to look at their schedule and make choices that work best for them. 

    Questions? Contact Applied Wellness Director Joanna McQuide, DSHA '93.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES
    NEW! Multicultural Week | Tuesday, January 17 - Saturday, January 21
    The DSHA Student Diversity Council will host a Multicultural Week from January 17 - January 21. There will be a variety of activities for students to participate in:
    • Wednesday, January 18 | "Wear Your Ethnic Garb"
    • Thursday, January 19 | All-School Multicultural Assembly
    • Friday, January 20 | All-School Prayer Service and optional Dasher Dialogue* on religious literacy
    • Saturday, January 21 | "A World United Under the Stars" Dance at 7 p.m. with an open microphone session that begins at 6 p.m.

    *Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven 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.
    All-In Milwaukee | Applications due Wednesday, February 15
    All-In Milwaukee is a college completion program that provides financial aid, advising, and career support to high potential, limited-income, diverse Milwaukee students to complete college, build meaningful careers, and transform the Milwaukee community. The DSHA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is collaborating with DSHA College Counseling to support DSHA students who have met all requirements. 
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze will be meeting with the girls once a week until applications are due on Wednesday, February 15.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES
    DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards.

    Click here to purchase items. 

    Senior Photos for the Yearbook | See below for important information regarding senior photos. Photos must be submitted for the yearbook by February 1.

    Click here for more information about senior photos. 

    PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
    NEW! Spring Parent Education Series | Thursday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 28
    The spring semester will offer two parent education series topics on Thursday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 28. Please join us!

    Click here for more information. 

    NEW! DSHA Snow Closure Procedures | DSHA has policies and procedures in place to follow in the case of severe winter weather.
    Click here to see the DSHA snow closure procedures. 

    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    Parent Fine Arts Association Meeting | Tuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room
    Please join us for the next meeting to learn more about the PFAA and what is happening in the Fine Arts Department at DSHA this spring.
    Upcoming PFAA Meetings

    ● Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker.
    Parent Fine Arts Association Summer Scholarships | Tuesday, January 31
    If your daughter is interested in applying for a Summer Scholarship to offset the cost of summer camps, lessons, classes, or materials that further their development in the Fine Arts, then parents must be PFAA members by Tuesday, January 31. $25 dues must be paid to the Business Office at DSHA by noon on January 31. Summer Scholarship applications open on Wednesday, February 1 and close on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. on your daughter's myDSHA account.

    Click here to join the Parent Fine Arts Association. 

    NEW! Parent Association MeetingTuesday, January 24 at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge
    Please join us for the next PA meeting! Arrive a few minutes early at 8:15 a.m. to enjoy coffee and snacks.
    Questions? Contact Parent Association President Moe Tarantino.
    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.

    Click here to join the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and/or the Parent Fine Art Association.  
    SPECIAL EVENTS
    NEW! Father Daughter Dinner Dance | Saturday, February 4
    DSHA students and their fathers or special father figures will dance the night away to live music and spend quality time together. Buy your tickets to this special event today!
    Click here to purchase your tickets to the Father Daughter Dinner Dance by Tuesday, January 24.

    NEW! DSHA Auction | Saturday, March 11
    The countdown for the DSHA 2023 Auction is on! There are several ways to get involved in the auction including sponsorship, item donation, bourbon and bubbles pull donations, day-of volunteering, and more.
    Look out for an invitation in your mailbox coming soon!
    Click here to become a family or corporate sponsor. 

    Click here to donate an item to the live or silent auction. 

    Click here to learn more about the 2023 DSHA Auction and the various ways to get involved.

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.

    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.
    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    Annual Winter Play Important Dates

    • All audition information is posted on the DSHA website.
    • Auditions are Wednesday, January 11 from 4 - 8 p.m.  
    • Callbacks are Thursday, January 12 from 4 - 7 p.m.  
    • Rehearsals begin Monday, January 16.
    • Performances are Thursday, March 2 - Sunday, March 5.

    Click here for more information and audition materials. 

    NEW! Jerry Nominations | DSHA's fall musical, Sister Act, the upbeat, laugh-out-loud, hilarious, and vibrant musical with fabulous voices, Catholic fun, incredible dance moves, and talent from our students, received numerous nominations from the Jerry Awards program in late December. The Jerry Awards, run by the Overture Center in Madison, recognizes excellence in high school musical theatre across Wisconsin.
    Individual Student Award Nominations
    • Outstanding Lead Role | Sandrine Biagui, DSHA '23
    • Outstanding Lead Role | Sera Stephenson, DSHA '24
    • Outstanding Lead Role | Maeve Pickart, DSHA '23
    • Outstanding Supporting Role | Caelinn Carraher, DSHA '23
    • Outstanding Supporting Role | Sarah Daniels, DSHA '23
    • Outstanding Lead Role | Luke Schneider, MUHS
    • Outstanding Lead Role | Henry Halpern, MUHS

    Production Team Award Nominations
    • Outstanding Musical Direction | Music Director and Orchestra Conductor Julie Johnson
    • Outstanding Scenic Design | DSHA Producing Director Amanda Marsala
    • Outstanding Lighting Design | Lighting Designer Mike Van Dreser
    • Outstanding Costume Design | DSHA Parent Martha Connelly and DSHA Past Parent Laura Lois

    Overall Production Award Nominations
    • Outstanding Ensemble
    • Outstanding Stage Crew

    Cast Nominated Spirit Awards
    • Sandrine Biagui, DSHA '23
    • Emily Fricker, DSHA '24

    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.
    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    NEW! Human Trafficking Awareness Day | Wednesday, January 11

    In collaboration with the Sisters of the Divine Savior, DSHA will recognize the issue of Human Trafficking by giving students the option of wearing a non-uniform blue top with uniform skirts on Wednesday, January 11.

    Click here to learn more about the ministry of the Sisters of the Divine Savior. 

    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.

    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    11/21-12/4 
     
     
    12/5 - 18 
     
     
    12/19 - 1/8  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    2  
     
     3
     
     
    1  
     
    30 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    0  
     
     15
     
     
    2  
     
    125
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    2  
     8
     
     
    2  
     
    44 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    0  
     
     0
     
     
    0  
     
    7
     
     Current active positivity rate: 0/772 (0.00%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 

    Community Health Measures | The health and safety of the DSHA community remains our priority. Our up-to-date COVID protocols can be found on the DSHA website under DSHA Community Health Measures. Any changes to the protocols during the school year will be communicated via the eNews.  

    Click here to view the full Community Health Measures. 
    NEW! Message from School Nurse Patti Hughes
    • The first couple of days of the semester have been fairly quiet in the nurse's office. Gastrointestinal illness (GI) is still spreading around. Symptoms include nausea, stomacaches, and vomiting. Please keep an eye on your daughter for such symptoms.
    • The ACL Lab stated the various schools they perform COVID testing for are seeing a significant rise in positive results this week. DSHA has not experienced this yet but it could mean that COVID is rising in the community. DSHA will continue the current protocol of asking students to be tested for COVID before being cleared to return to school, especially if experiencing symptoms. 
    • School lab COVID Testing for students, families, and staff will be held Monday-Friday, 8-11 a.m. by the ACL Labs when school is in session. 

    Click here to access the COVID testing registration site. 

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  
    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    NEW! Thank You and End of Year Giving 
    Thank you to those who have already given to the annual fund this year! Giving to the annual fund makes a difference in the education of every young woman attending DSHA. These gifts supply important resources for the day-to-day work of DSHA to achieve the mission of developing confident young women of faith, heart, and intellect. 
    There is still time to give!
    Click here to make your gift to the DSHA Annual Fund. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving
    Kathleen Mazelin.
    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    NEW! DSHA Basketball Games Livestreamed | All DSHA home basketball games at all levels will be livestreamed on the NFHS network.
    Click here to learn how you can livestream the DSHA Basketball games. 

    NEW! Faith Friday For Winter Sports | To help your daughter plan ahead, the winter sports teams will gather for Faith Friday Mass on the following dates:
    • Friday, January 13: The DSHA Ski and Ice Hockey team will observe Faith Friday at 10:28 a.m. in the Mother of Our Divine Savior Chapel.
    • Friday, January 27: The DSHA Basketball team will observe Faith Friday at 10:28 a.m. in the Mother of Our Divine Savior Chapel.
    • Note: The DSHA Gymnastics team already observed Faith Friday on Friday, November 18.

    Please encourage your daughter to wear their team spirit wear with their uniform skirt. The group will take a team photo following Mass.
    NEW! DSHA Field Hockey Alumnae Games Wrap-Up | On Wednesday, December 28, DSHA alumnae from ten different graduating classes came together to play field hockey at the Uihlein Indoor Soccer Park in the 4th Annual Field Hockey Alumnae Scrimmage. Whether the alums were working professionals, college students, or recent DSHA graduates, they showed they still had it.
    NEW! Top Volleyball Player in Wisconsin | Volleyballmag.com recently released the 2022 best high school volleyball players in all 50 states. Sophomore Madison Quest, DSHA '25, was named the top volleyball player in Wisconsin!
    Click here to read the full article featuring Madison Quest, DSHA '25. 

    Open Gym & Spring Sports | If your daughter is interested in playing a spring sport, make sure she attends the open gym sessions being held this winter.
    For more information on days and times, contact the head coach for each sport:

    Upcoming Dasher Athletic Events | Come support the basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey, and ski teams this season!

    Click here to find event times and locations. 

    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell.
    FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
    NEW! Welcoming the DSHA Class of 2027
    Some lucky members of the DSHA Class of 2027 received their DSHA acceptance letters from Penny Dasher! Join us in congratulating them and welcoming them to DSHA!
    Click here to see Penny Dasher deliver acceptance letters to the DSHA Class of 2027.

    Admissions Events | Do you know a Future Dasher? Let them know of our upcoming Future Dasher Night on Thursday, January 12.

    Help us cheer on the DSHA Varsity Basketball team as they take on Brookfield East. Make sure to check in at the admissions table to receive a free ticket and some DSHA swag. There will be a designated section in the bleachers for Future Dashers and their families. A few DSHA students will be in this section ready to meet you and cheer on our Dashers!
    Click here to register for Future Dasher Night by Tuesday, January 10.

    Questions? Contact Admissions & Marketing Coordinator Meaghan Lagore, DSHA '16 or Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Ann Duffy, DSHA '10.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | December 19, 2022

    Parent eNews | Monday, December 19

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    Advent is a season of joyful anticipation and hope for the coming of our Savior who was sent to be the goodness and kindness in our world. At DSHA, we honored the spirit of the Advent season in many ways that represent the goodness and kindness of Jesus. Examples include: 
    • Reconciliation | On Monday, November 28, students had the option to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their co-curricular time.
    • Christmas at DSHA | On Monday, November 28, the Parent Association decorated the school with Nativity scenes, Christmas trees, wreathes, gingerbread houses, and more for students to enjoy.
    • Adoration | On Monday, November 30, students were invited to participate in an all-day Eucharistic Adoration in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel.
    • Rosary | On Monday, December 5, students were encouraged to pray the Rosary in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel.
    • St. Nick’s Market | On Tuesday, December 6, the proceeds from the 2nd annual St. Nick’s Market went to support our $10,000 Together project currently benefitting La Casa de Esperanza and Warm Hands, Warm Hearts.
    • Immaculate Conception Liturgy | On Thursday, December 8, students attended the all-school Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass presided by Archbishop Jerome Listecki.
    • Christmas Music Assembly | On Friday, December 9, students attended the all-school Christmas music assembly to hear performances by the DSHA Divine Strings, Orchestra, handbells, and the Angelaires.
    • Our Lady of Guadalupe Liturgy | On Monday, December 12, students attended the all-school Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass celebrated by Fr. John Thiede, S.J. and planned by DSHA Campus Ministry and the Furia Latina co-curricular.
    • Christmas in the Quad | On Tuesday, December 13, students were encouraged to participate in the annual Christmas in the Quad event by decorating their lunch tables in Christmas themes.

    We look forward to the return of our students on Wednesday, January 4. We will celebrate the beginning of the 2023 semester with an all-school Mass celebrating the Epiphany on Friday, January 6.
    As we look forward to celebrating the Christmas season with loved ones, I offer this suggested prayer taken from the DSHA prayer book.

    A Christmas Prayer 
    Rejoice, rejoice Christ our Savior has come. 
    Cast off the works of darkness.
     
    Put on the ways of light and clothe yourself with Christ.
     
    Put on love to surround you,
     
    put on hope to guide you, put on joy to sustain you
     
    and clothe yourself with Christ.
     
    Rejoice on this dawn of righteousness,
     
    rejoice for this day of justice,
     
    rejoice in the Prince of Peace
     
    and clothe yourself with Christ.
     
    Holy Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us.
     
    Jesus, help me to be the goodness and kindness.
     
    Amen.
     
    Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas!
    God Bless,

    Dan Quesnell
    Principal 
    Look for the NEW! label to view information new to this edition of the Parent eNews.
    IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION
    NEW! Final Exam Absence | If your daughter should miss a final exam due to illness, COVID, or other extenuating circumstances, please contact the Attendance Office at 414-721-2920 or contact Instructional Attendance Secretary Alyssa Tabers-Kwak. After the absence has been recorded, College Center Assistant and Testing Program Coordinator Katie Hoffman, DSHA '02, will reach out to your daughter to reschedule her exam.
    Make-up time slots are built into each day of finals exams in the afternoon and students can take their missed exam(s) during the make-up exam slot. If a student misses the last day of final exams due to illness, she will take the exam(s) when she returns to school in January.
    Final Exam Building Hours | During exam week, students are expected to leave the building once they have completed their last exam for the day. Please plan accordingly for students that will need to be picked up.  
    College Night for Junior Students & Parents | Wednesday, January 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre
    Please join Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea; the DSHA school counselors; and admissions representatives from Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Xavier College, Providence College, and others as they discuss the college journey for the class of 2024.
    Sophomore Success Night | Wednesday, January 11 from 7 - 8:25 p.m.
    Sophomore Success Night is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED event to help your student plan the second half of her DSHA career. Students and families will engage in breakout sessions geared to all areas of personal success including fostering personal responsibility and self-awareness. Please join us to support your daughter as she builds the necessary skills to achieve her goals and engage more fully in her last two years at DSHA.
    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.
    NEW! Interim Dean of Student Affairs
    Congratulations to Dean of Student Affairs Rachel Fredricks on the pending birth of her first child. The plan is for her to head into Christmas vacation on Thursday, December 22 and be on maternity leave through the end of March 2023.
    Dr. Kevin Hughes will act as the Interim Dean of Student Affairs. Dr. Hughes has a vast educational background. He has taught high school English and has served in several administrative capacities. Most of his educational experience has been in Catholic schools here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He is currently an adjunct professor at Alverno College and Carroll University.
    Dr. Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame University in English & Education. He has a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Administration. He also holds his PhD from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in Educational Leadership and Policy.
    He is familiar with DSHA and has been a member of our substitute teacher team for the last three years. Additionally, his wife is a DSHA graduate.
    Dr. Hughes has already begun working with Rachel Fredricks to create a smooth transition. In this role, he will lead the coordination and orchestration of our co-curricular activities and student discipline.
    Please help us in welcoming Dr. Kevin Hughes to DSHA!
    Questions? Contact Interim Director of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.

    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    AP, ACT, and SAT Test Program | We have a very user-friendly FREE AP/ACT/SAT online prep program that is totally individualized. Once a student establishes a login, she can access the test prep site from anywhere, anytime. The site provides individualized feedback on every question and a student could fit this prep into her day, 10-15 minutes at a time. 
    For help accessing this program, have your daughter contact Librarian Christina Thiele.

    Questions? Contact Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield.

    CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
    NEW! Special All-School Masses | In the past two weeks, we have celebrated two special all-school Masses in honor of the Advent season.
    The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception | Thursday, December 8
    Students, faculty, and staff gathered as a school community to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Thursday, December 8. The Most Reverend Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki presided over the Mass with Master of Ceremonies Fr. Jim Lobacz. The DSHA Divine Strings, handbells, and the Liturgical Music Team provided the music.
    At the beginning of the Mass, the Archbishop shared, “I want you to realize how much you represent the Catholic identity in our community.” He called attention to how DSHA lives out his three priorities of shepherding the Church: Catholic identity, evangelization, and stewardship.
    As an all-girls school, we have a special devotion to Mary, Mother of the Savior. During the homily, the Archbishop discussed the idea of decision making, advising students to look to Mary as an example. He urged students, when making a difficult decision, to ask themselves, "am I following God's will?" He went on to emphasize that the basis of our Catholic faith is "listening to God and His will,” just as Mary did when she became the Mother of God – when she was around the same age as our students.
    A most sincere thank you to Archbishop Listecki and Fr. Lobacz for helping us observe the Holy Day of Obligation at DSHA.
    Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass | Monday, December 12
    Faculty, staff, and students gathered as a school community to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with an all-school Mass on Monday, December 12. In collaboration with DSHA Campus Ministry, the Furia Latina co-curricular helped plan the bilingual Mass, which celebrated our devotion to Mary as an all-girls school.
    Edgar Islas, father of Carolina Islas, DSHA '26, led traditional mariachi-style praise and worship music. Fr. John Thiede, S.J. from Marquette University presided over the Mass. Members from the Furia Latina co-curricular served as the choir, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, and readers. At the preparation of the gifts, students from the Dance Academy of Mexcio performed a traditional Mexican folk dance as a form of prayer and to honor Mary who brought so many to Jesus in North America.
    In the Gospel reading, Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth while pregnant. Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth is filled with joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as Elizabeth experienced hope for the future, Fr. Thiede encouraged students to have hope this Advent season and for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
    Thank you to DSHA Campus Ministry and the Furia Latina co-curricular for organizing this special Mass.
    NEW! Advent Hope, Joy, and Prayer
    Advent is a busy time for your daughters because of looming exams, end-of-semester projects and tests, and all the extras of the holiday season. Campus Ministry focused on giving them moments of prayer and joy throughout the last couple of weeks. Students participated in the all-school Advent assembly, attended two all-school Masses, were offered times of Eucharistic Adoration, were invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and more. The Applied Wellness Program also offered prayer in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel, nativity crafts, and time in spent in Campus Ministry.
    NEW! Important Reminders for Seniors
    • Vocare placements will be announced on Friday, January 6. Please remember to keep Monday, February 27 - Friday, March 10 free of daytime appointments or Sunday plans due to Vocare commitments.  
    • Senior Retreat will be held Sunday, January 8 - Monday, January 9 or Tuesday, January 17 - Wednesday, January 18. Families are invited and welcomed to attend Mass with their daughters. Please check your email for more information.
    • If your daughter is applying for the Salvatorian Sisters' Service Award, her hours must be logged in by Sunday, January 1.

    NEW! Thank You | Thank you to everyone that donated items to the Advent warm clothing collection. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and able to send 60 bags of coats, jackets, leggings, and clothing to Franciscan Peacemakers and House of Peace. In addition, 2 full bags of new hats and mittens went to Warm Hands, Warm Hearts.  
    NEW! La Quinceañera Retreats | Casa Romero is extending an invitation for a retreat day for all young women approaching their Quinceañera celebration.

    Click here for more information.

    Questions? Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson.

    STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES
    Student Schedules | Please have your daughters check myDSHA for their second-semester schedule. Encourage them to review their schedule for accuracy and to contact their school counselor should they have any questions. 

    Click here for directions to access your second semester schedule.
    COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
    NEW! ACT 101 Webinar | Sunday, January 8 from 4 - 6 p.m. 
    We invite students to join Revolution Prep for a strategy session to practice for the official ACT! This is the last chance to register!
    This free two-hour session is designed to give students insight into the ACT exam as well as provide tips and tricks for test day. In this session, one of the professional tutors will teach core test-taking strategies including a dive into the exam content and structure, how to avoid common traps, and how to create the best plan for success.

    Click here to register. 

    NEW! ACT Online Practice Exams | Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 8 - noon
    • This is a great chance for sophomore and junior students to get started on their testing plan or gain additional practice. A proctored practice exam will help your child build testing endurance and give a real-time snapshot of testing performance. 
    • Materials will be emailed to students 24 hours before the exam. 
    • Every exam comes with a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to assess specific strengths and areas of improvement.
    • Schedule your consultation to review the score report with a dedicated Revolution Prep team member, who will help you interpret the results and develop a customized plan to prepare for the official exam.

    Click here to register. 

    2023 Summer Mount Mary University Leadership Academy | June 25 - 29
     
    Explore what's possible in the immersive personal development and career exploration sessions hosted by Mount Mary University faculty and staff and various Milwaukee business leaders. Participants will choose between three career pathways: arts & design, humanities & business, or STEM. They will be eligible to earn two college credits at Mount Mary University upon completion. This 5-day, 4-night program for current freshmen, sophomores, or junior high school students provides a leadership experience like no other. The application opened on Thursday, December 15 and closes Friday, March 3 or when spots are filled.


    Click here for additional information about the program. 
    Questions? Contact Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea.
    DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UPDATES
    DEI Branch of Student Council Retreat | Saturday, January 14
    The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion branch of student council will evaluate the first semester and plan the second semester Dasher Dialogues. They will also plan Multi-Cultural Week scheduled for Monday, January 16 – Friday, January 20. 
    Dasher Dialogue | Friday, January 20
    The Student Diversity and Inclusion Council will be hosting a Dasher Dialogue on Friday, January 20. The Student Diversity and Inclusion Council will collaborate with the Interfaith co-curricular and lead students in a discussion about religious literacy.
    Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last seven 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.
    All-In Milwaukee | Applications due Wednesday, February 15
    All-In Milwaukee is a college completion program that provides financial aid, advising, and career support to high potential, limited-income, diverse Milwaukee students to complete college, build meaningful careers, and transform the Milwaukee community. The DSHA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is collaborating with DSHA College Counseling to support DSHA students who have met all requirements. 
    Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze will be meeting with the girls once a week until applications are due on Wednesday, February 15.
    Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
    IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS NEWS AND NOTES

    NEW! DSHA Class of 2023 Graduation Announcements | Click on the link below to purchase graduation announcements and photo cards.
    Click here to purchase items.
    Senior Photos for the Yearbook | See below for important information regarding senior photos. Photos must be submitted for the yearbook by February 1.

    Click here for more information about senior photos. 

    FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA 
    NEW! Parent Fine Arts Association MeetingTuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in the DSHA Board Room.
    Please join us for the next PFAA meeting!
    Upcoming PFAA Meetings

    ● Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
    ● Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
    ● Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
    Questions? Contact PFAA President Tracey Fricker.
    NEW! Parent Fine Arts Association Summer Scholarships
    For students to be eligible for the PFAA summer scholarships, parents must be members by Tuesday, January 31. The PFAA funds summer scholarships for students to continue their artistic development outside of DSHA. PFAA annual dues are $25.

    Click here to join the Parent Fine Arts Association. 

    Join one of our 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, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.

    Click to join the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and/or the Parent Fine Arts Association.

    SPECIAL EVENTS
    NEW! Father Daughter Dinner Dance | Saturday, February 4
    Save the date for a beloved DSHA tradition—the annual Father Daughter Dinner Dance! DSHA students and their fathers or special father figures will dance the night away to live music and spend quality time together. Tickets will be available when students return from Christmas break on Wednesday, January 4.

    Click here for more information about the Father Daughter Dinner Dance. 
    NEW! DSHA Auction | Saturday, March 11
    Save the date for the 2023 DSHA Auction, a celebration that brings our community together while we raise funds to further the mission of DSHA. This year’s auction theme is Pearls of Wisdom, and the event will be held at the historic Pritzlaff Building in downtown Milwaukee. 

    Click here for more information about the 2023 DSHA Auction. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Sign Up to Volunteer Today | Volunteers hold a special place in the fabric of our community, and we invite you to join a fantastic team that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young women while you get to know other Dasher parents.

    Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities and to sign up today. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement and Special Events Sarah Delaney.

    FINE ARTS UPDATES
    Annual Winter Play Important Dates

    • All audition information is posted on the DSHA website.
    • Auditions are Wednesday, January 11 from 4 - 8 p.m.  
    • Callbacks are Thursday, January 12 from 4 - 7 p.m.  
    • Rehearsals begin Monday, January 16.
    • Performances are Thursday, March 2 - Sunday, March 5.

    Click here for more information and audition materials. 

    Questions? Contact Director of Theatre, Choir, and Liturgical Music Zach Ziegler.

    DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATES
    Uniform Donations | DSHA is always accepting donations of used uniforms. Please drop off any items you would like to donate in the main office. We are especially in need of polos and sweaters in all adult sizes.
    Questions? Contact Interim Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kevin Hughes.
    FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE/ COVID-19 INFORMATION
    COVID-19 Dashboard
    Covid Information: Total Community Members (772)    
    11/7 - 20 
     
     
    11/21 - 12/4 
     
     
    12/5 - 18  
     
     
    Cumulative total for the school year  
     
    Close contacts due to exposure outside DSHA *    
    0  
     
     2
     
     
    3  
     
    29 
     
    Close contacts due to exposure inside DSHA*   
    6  
     
     0
     
     
    15  
     
    123 
     
    Positive cases traced to outside DSHA   
    2  
     2
     
     
    8  
     
    42 
          
     
    Positive cases traced to inside DSHA   
    1  
     
     0
     
     
    0  
     
    7
     
     Current active positivity rate: 3/772 (0.39%) ** 
    *Number of individuals that were identified/reported as close contacts in this period.   
    **Positivity rate reflects the number of active positive cases divided by the total school community (students and staff=772) as of the date reported. 
    NEW! Spring Semester and Community Health Measures | As we move into second semester, our primary focus will be in managing our stay at home guidelines and our isolation and quarantine guidelines. Onsite testing will continue for students and staff, a dashboard will be published in each eNews, and there will be support for optional masking on campus. School Nurse Patti Hughes will continue to be available for all COVID-related matters. Our Community Health Measures website has been updated accordingly and can be found on the DSHA website under Community Health Measures.

    Click here to view our full Community Health Measures | 2022-23.

    NEW! Message from School Nurse Patti Hughes
    • The school lab will be closed over the Christmas break from Friday, December 23 - Tuesday, January 3, but School Nurse Patti Hughes can help find open testing sites for those in need. Families are welcome to email her over the Christmas break as needed.
    • If your student is sick with COVID over Christmas break, please notify DSHA. DSHA tracks COVID up to 90 days after testing. School Nurse Patti Hughes will be available to discuss any COVID concerns over the break.
    • COVID is rising in the community. Fatigue, congestion, runny nose, headache, and itchy or sore throats are common first symptoms. Wet or dry cough, body aches, chills, hoarse voice, and sneezing are also reported. Nationally, there are even breakthrough cases with the new booster vaccines and/or with natural immunity. This is likely because there are new sub-variants that are circulating.
    • Please be aware that rapid tests are taking close to three days into symptoms to trigger a positive result. If given a negative result, that means the individual does not have COVID or that it is too early for this type of test to accurately detect the virus. Please be diligent with multiple tests if using rapid testing and have your daughter wear a mask if she is COVID negative and symptomatic.
    • As of Monday, December 5, household members are eligible for COVID testing at DSHA. The tests are free and no insurance information is required. DSHA household members should enter the DSHA back parking lot through the north driveway and enter the lab through door #12. If you need testing outside of the scheduled lab hours, contact School Nurse Patti Hughes to arrange a time.
    Click here to access the COVID testing registration site. 

    Questions? Contact School Nurse Patti Hughes.  

    FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
    NEW! Thank You and End of Year Giving | Thank you to those who have already given to the annual fund this year! Your gift helps support DSHA's mission to develop students into capable young women of faith, heart, and intellect.
    If you would like to make a gift, join current parents Megan O’Neill Daily & Dave Daily, along with many others in the DSHA community, and give to the DSHA Annual Fund today!

    Click here to give to DSHA today.

    Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Mazelin.
    ATHLETICS UPDATES
    NEW! Open Gym & Spring Sports | If your daughter is interested in playing a spring sport, make sure she attends the open gym sessions being held this winter.
    For more information on days and times, contact the head coach for each sport:

    Upcoming Dasher Athletic Events | Come support the basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey, and ski teams this season!

    Click here to find event times and locations. 

    For general DSHA Athletics questions, Contact Athletic Administrative Assistant Maureen Stowell.
  • DSHA Parent eNews | December 5, 2022

    Parent eNews | Monday, December 5

    Dear DSHA Community,
    How good and kind it is when God’s people live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
    We welcomed students back from Thanksgiving break last week with the annual all-school Advent assembly. Liturgically, we have entered the season where we joyfully await the birth of Jesus. Academically, this can be a stressful time as students prepare for final exams. In an effort to support our community of learners, there are several things happening to help girls feel prepared.
    • Applied Wellness Study Hall | Wednesday, December 7 | Scheduled intentionally with exam preparation in mind, every student has a fitness or an Applied Wellness hour in their schedule that will serve as a supervised study hall to facilitate exam preparation.
    • Pancake Breakfast | Wednesday, December 14 | Campus Ministry; the Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council; and the Best Buddies co-curricular are collaborating to prepare a pancake breakfast for students from 7:55 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Encourage your daughter to fuel her body and mind!
    • Therapy Dog | Thursday, December 15 | As a reward for reaching the goal of raising $1,000 for After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) last month, we will have a therapy dog present on Thursday, December 15. Students can sign up through the Applied Wellness application to relieve some pre-exam stress.
    • Study Checklist | Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield put together a final examination preparation and study checklist for students to utilize.

    Click here to view Academic Dean Dr. Heather Mansfield's final examinations preparation and study checklist.

    Preparing and taking final exams is good preparation for college. A final exam is intended to assess learning from the semester. As we learned through the Dr. Lisa Damour presentation earlier this semester, stress can be a good thing to help us grow. It is okay for girls to experience some stress with final exams especially if we help them understand that this is normal.
    As we continute to embrace the Advent season, we are grateful for the unity within our DSHA community. I offer this suggested prayer taken from the DSHA prayer book.

    An Advent Prayer to Mary 

     O Mother of Wisdom, teach us your confidence and give us the same
     peace of heart to say yes to what God asks of each of us.
    O Mother of the Morning Star, enlighten us with the vision of Jesus
     who is our sun of righteousness, dispelling the darkness of our fear.
    O Mother of the King of Nations, share with us the indescribable joy it
     is to feel the very presence of Christ in our midst.
    O Mother of Emmanuel, show us the path to our Lord and our Savior,
     who comes not in regal splendor,
     but as the small child held in your loving arms.
    Rejoice! Rejoice! For our God is with us, cradled in the lap of His
     Mother.
    Holy Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us.
     Jesus, teach me to be the goodness and kindness.
     Amen.
    God Bless,

    Dan Quesnell
    Principal 

    IMPORTANT DATES
    Final Exam Schedule | Monday, December 19 - Thursday, December 22
    NEW! College Night for Junior Students & Parents | January 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Robert Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre
    Please join Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea; the DSHA school counselors; and admissions representatives from Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Xavier College, Providence College, and others as they discuss the college journey for the class of 2024.
    NEW! Sophomore Success Night | Wednesday, January 11 from 7 - 8:25 p.m.
    Sophomore Success Night is an evening for parents and students to learn about the various ways students can get the most out of the second half of their DSHA experience. There will be a new format this year; more information to come!
    Questions? Contact Director of Student Services Maria Schram.

    ACADEMIC UPDATES
    Finals Help Sessions | The following study/help sessions are available to prepare students for final exams:
    • NHS Tutors | Thursday, December 8 from 3:15 – 4 p.m. | The National Honors Society (NHS) tutors will be available to any student needing some extra help getting ready for finals.