Students Speak Out Against Gun Violence

In March, Mercy students joined thousands across the country in speaking out against gun violence.

In response to student requests for a walkout, and as part of our mission as a Mercy school committed to the Sisters of Mercy's Critical Concern of Nonviolence, students, faculty, and family participated in a learn-in and walk-out. To educate themselves, raise awareness, and encourage action, students and faculty developed a program that incorporated all perspectives on topics such as the 2nd Amendment, rights of hunters, gun control, police safety, causes of violence, and more. The March began in the Mansion courtyard, proceeded past Marian Oaks for encouragement from the Sisters, and on to El Camino Real where participants observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Parkland shooting. Hundreds of cars honked their support as they passed.

Participation in the march was optional, and some students and faculty stayed to write letters to elected officials to voice their opinions. The activities and advocacy of March 14th were important supplements to classroom instruction, and honor the Sisters of Mercy’s continued legacy of social and political activism.

Last year, the office of Student Life worked hard to coordinate a Speaker Series for our parents and community members.

We consider parents and guardians our partners in education, and wanted to fulfill requests for resources and best practices. We hosted an education series, with a workshop in the winter, and panel discussion in the spring. The program was a successful pilot that we hope to build on!

OVERCOMING OVERWHELM: Supporting the Future of Our Youth

Mercy teamed up with Fusion Academy to host a panel discussion with mental health and community education professionals about the pressures students face, and how we can help counteract the effects. Attendees learned about the latest research and techniques to address overwhelm, ‘interrupt’ patterns of behavior, and build resilience in the face of academic and social pressures. Parents also received valuable advice on how to model healthy skill sets for youth. Panelists: psychotherapists and authors Lee Daniel Kravetz, LMFT, and Carol Langlois, PhD, and community engagement director Mary Hofstedt, Ed.M. Not pictured, Moderator Charlene Margot, M.A., a parent and community education advocate.