• Dec. 1 - FAFSA Official Launch
• Dec. 5 - Dress Down - Festive for Fine Arts (wear red & green)
• Dec. 5 - Kaleidoscope Christmas Concert: 7PM
• Dec. 6 - Dress Down - Serve Club
• Dec. 6 - MSM Athletics Meat Raffle: 7PM
• Dec. 12 - Progress Reports Available
• Dec. 13 - Dress Down - Science Olympiad
• Dec. 14 - ACT
• Dec. 15 - Breakfast with Santa: 9-11 AM
• Dec. 16-20 - MSM Christmas Spirit Days
• Dec. 20 - Dress Down - Robotics
• Dec. 23-Jan. 5 - No School (Christmas Break)
• Jan 6. - School Resumes

Progress reports are issued mid-quarter to update on student performance. If a student is failing or if there are teacher concerns, a report will be issued. Second quarter progress reports will be available on 12/12 via Blackbaud under the Progress tab.

If your child receives a progress report, we encourage you to talk to them about it. We have many support services available at school - including after school help with teachers every day from 2:30-3:00pm. We also have academic centers open on a daily basis for additional teacher support.

Students should check Google Classroom daily for assignments and study materials. For additional support, please reach out to your student’s school counselor, or support your student in reaching out to us themselves.

If you have any further questions, we invite you to contact us.

The Holiday Season is here, bringing a mix of emotions. We recognize that this time of year affects everyone differently and that each person copes with life's stressors in unique ways.

Let’s sprinkle some mindfulness magic into your student’s routine and remind them to carve out some “me time” this season. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone in our Counseling and Wellness Department at MSM.

If your child is in need of service hours, please encourage them to reach out to Mrs. Gertz for available opportunities. With two weeks off for Christmas break, this would be a great time to take advantage of getting hours completed without having to worry about timing restrictions.

A reminder that students need to complete 20 hours by May.

Federal Student Aid expanded access to the 2025-2026 FAFSA form to all students during the beta testing period at the end of November. The FAFSA has officially launched for all students and contributors. We encourage all of our seniors to complete this form.

Please contact the counseling office if you have any questions about FAFSA!

According to a new law in New York State, effective August 15, 2024, MSM must now obtain verification from parents or guardians of seniors that the student either:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if applicable, the Jose Peralta New York State Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act application;
OR

2. Complete this Waiver Form indicating that the parent or guardian (or student, as applicable), understands the nature of the FAFSA or, if applicable, the DREAM Act application and has chosen not to file such application.

MSM must also notify each high school senior enrolled, no less than two times during each school year, of all state-sponsored scholarships, financial aid, and assistance available to students attending college or post-secondary education.

Ms. Osborne will start to meet with seniors one on one to go over this information. If seniors or their families have any questions, please reach out!

With the official launch of the FAFSA form on December 1st, SUNY and New York State HESC are offering various completion workshops for seniors and their families. These events are online - please click the links below to sign up for one of these events!

State & local scholarships are sent to the counseling office throughout the school year. Students and families should regularly check the Google Sheet to see scholarships that are available. Be sure to read scholarship requirements and deadlines carefully. Don't forget, you must report all scholarships earned to your schools respective Financial Aid Office. Reach out to Ms. Osborne with any questions!

The Mercy University Business Honors Program is a challenging 4-year academic program hosted on the Dobbs Ferry campus. Business Honors students benefit from more intrusive advising from seasoned faculty with extensive corporate experience, many of whom possess more than 20 years of real-world business experience in their respective fields.

Select the link to learn more information!

Kelli Shepard - School Counselor, Grades 9 & 10 - kshepard@msmacademy.org
Julia Grant-Rooney - School Counselor, Grades 11 & 12 - jgrant@msmacademy.org
Jessica Gertz - School Social Worker - jbliss@msmacademy.org
Jordan Osborne - College & Career Associate - josborne@msmacademy.org

Mount St. Mary Academy, founded by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, is a Catholic, private, college preparatory school for young women. Within a nurturing and academically challenging and inclusive environment, the Academy strives to develop the whole person’s gifts and potential. Guided by our Catholic tradition, and rooted in Gospel values, we empower scholars to be leaders dedicated to lifelong learning, moral integrity, social justice, and service to and inclusion of others.

We Believe in You!

Website: msmacademy.org
Location: 3756 Delaware Ave, Kenmore NY 14217
Phone: (716) 877-1358
Facebook: facebook.com/msmacademy
Twitter: @msmacademy

Instagram: @mountcounseling

Sept. 2024

Oct. 2024

Nov. 2024