1. How Much Study Time?
The average study time is about one-two hours per night. Each student differs
in the amount of time they study, and study time is dependent on the types of
classes you are taking. Advanced Placement (AP) classes will usually require
more study time. Remember, Mercy High School prepares its students for college,
and the proper amount of study time will help this process.
2. Transportation:
Mercy High's student body is made up of students from many cities, the farthest
being about 50 miles. Some of the areas Mercy students travel from include Red
Bluff, Chico, Gerber, Redding, Los Molinos, Cottonwood, Corning, Orland,
Paradise, as well as others. Mercy provides daily bus transportation to and
from Mercy for those living outside of the Red Bluff area. An extra curricular
bus is also available for those students living south of Red Bluff For sports
and other events that take place outside of the regular school day. Also, in a
number of situations, parents arrange car pools.
3. Is getting accepted to Mercy too difficult?
Getting accepted to Mercy is an honor, but it is not as difficult as people
seem to think. If you have solid grades, are working to ability, and get strong
letters of recommendation, you are a prime candidate for a seat in next year's
student body.
4. How will I make friends? - I don't know anyone!
Many of the students coming in to the freshman class feel they will not know
anyone, and that may be true for the first day. Remember, there are new
students coming from many areas to Mercy and there will be others who will want
to make new friends too. Mercy has many clubs, organizations and sports teams
to ensure you will have many opportunities to develop friendships. The Freshman
Success Day sponsored by Mercy before school actually starts helps everyone to
get acquainted as well.
5. How many students attend Mercy?
There are over 110 students enrolled at Mercy this school year. This year's
Freshman Class has approximately 22 students, and we expect each incoming class
to get gradually larger. Even though our enrollment continues to grow each
year, we still are able to maintain all the qualities of a small school,
including small class sizes. It doesn't take long for the teachers to know the
students. This is a great benefit to comradery between students, parents and
teachers.
6. Do Universities and Colleges recognize Mercy?
Due to the outstanding abilities of our school principal and counselor, Cheryl
Ramirez, and the quality education students receive, Mercy is recognized by
many prestigious colleges. Mercy has a longstanding reputation and history with
these institutions, and they know that Mercy students earn their diplomas. It
is not uncommon for our students to be accepted to multiple colleges and
universities. To see some of the many colleges our students have attended, Click Here.
7. Are uniforms required?
Uniforms are not required, although a somewhat strict dress code is always in
effect. Besides the once-a-month dress up day, students are to dress and groom
themselves in a manner that is modest, neat and clean, and appropriate to a
Catholic school academic environment. Sloppy and exaggerated attire often
reflects a poor attitude about oneself, and a possible lack of seriousness
towards one's education. A complete description of the dress code is available
in the Parent-Student Handbook.
8. How often do you have Mass?
Mass is held once a month here on campus, or at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
Red Bluff. All students are required to attend and dress up in formal attire.
It is a spiritually uplifting event for all. Various student groups or classes,
as well as staff members, take turns in preparing and participating in the
Mass.
9. How many hours do parents volunteer?
The Parent Participation Policy of Mercy High School states that service is at
the heart of the faith community. It further states that each family in the
Mercy community is required to give a minimum of 50 hours of service to the
school in the course of the year. We believe there is a direct correlation
between a family's involvement in and the success of a student's education. The
Parent Guild is very active in our school and helps families in getting the
required hours. The names of the officers will appear in various newsletters.
10. What are the fundraisers at Mercy?
We are committed to three major fundraisers at this time. The fall fundraiser
is an Auction, where many parents, students, and guests gather for a night of
food and fun. Auction items may vary from vacations to local dining gift certificates,
and there are items available for everyone. It will be held in Red Bluff in the
MHS Gymnasium November 18th. In the spring, an event called Jazz on the River
is conducted. This event, which includes a glamorous evening of dining and
entertainment on the banks of the Sacramento River, was started a few years
ago, and has been a complete success. Tickets always go fast, and this year's Jazz
On The River is expected to be even better! An ongoing fundraiser that takes
little of everyone's time is the escrip program. The monthly newsletter lists
all of the businesses that participate in the script program, and the
percentage given to Mercy in return for patronage. Many minor fundraisers are
conducted throughout the year as well. The proceeds of the fundraisers go
towards the operation of the school, and help to keep tuition as affordable as
possible.
11. Is it difficult to make athletic teams?
Almost everyone can make at least one of the teams. A number of our teams, at
this time, do not cut players trying out. It has been the tradition at Mercy
that if you have the desire and motivation to be a participant, you will find a
place on one of our teams. Sports at Mercy are considered to be an integral
part of development of whole person, and Mercy wholeheartedly endorses a
student's participation. An estimated 75% of the student body participates on
at least one of the many sport teams, which consistently due well in league
competition. Our sports teams are often known to win league and section
championships, and are always one of the best schools in sports around.
12. Can't afford mercy?
The Diocese of Sacramento and Mercy High School offer assistance to those who
qualify and are accepted to Mercy. Please do not deprive your son or daughter
of the opportunity for an education at Mercy high School. Financial Aid is
available to families in need. For those students who are accepted to Mercy and
are interested in applying for financial assistance, please ask for a form from
the school office. The deadline for filing your application for assistance is
the 30th day of April. In many ways, you can still afford to send your son or
daughter to Mercy.
Mercy High School
233 Riverside Way
Red Bluff, California 96080
Phone:(530) 527-8313 Fax:(530) 527-3058
Email:mercy@mercy-high.org