Crisis Management Policies and Procedures

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy is committed to the safety and security of our students. We are constantly reviewing, practicing, and preparing for different scenarios. We are dedicated to finding resources and using best practices in regard to student safety. In the wake of Friday’s “Shelter-in-place” lockdown and the tragic events at the Covenant School in Tennessee, please take a moment to review our Family Handbook in regards to crisis and emergency information:

Safety of the students is the Academy’s number one concern and we maintain a high standard of safety.  This requires that the Academy complete periodic drills and exercises and that all members of the community are trained in our safety standards.  In order to maintain a safe environment, the Academy requires cooperation across the board including the administration, teachers, staff, and, of course, parents.  We must ensure safety is practiced in hallways, when passing during class, while on staircases, when using restrooms, during recess and physical education, during after school programs and extracurricular activities, when outside the school building, during arrival and departure, and in connection with parent parking.

                           Emergency Drills

Per New York State laws, academies are required to conduct twelve emergency drills over the course of the school year. Four of these drills must be lockdown drills. Students are expected to follow all directives provided to them by school teachers and staff. Failure to comply or act appropriately during emergency drills will result in disciplinary action.

                                                               Crisis/Emergency Information

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy has implemented a “crisis plan” in case of a lockdown emergency. All teachers and staff are aware of the procedure to follow to keep your children safe. Lockdown procedures will be practiced at least once per trimester. In the event of such an emergency, circumstances permitting, the building will be evacuated and students will be moved to one of three secure designated locations:

1. Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
2. PS144
3. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy

If you are not receiving texts or emails from the school, please contact Ms. Hinkson at [email protected].

Holy Week Liturgical Schedule at Our Lady of Mercy

Holy Thursday: 9:00am - Morning Prayer     7:30pm - Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday:      9:00am - Morning Prayer       3:00pm - Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion     

7:30pm - Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday:  9:00am - Morning Prayer     8:00pm - Easter Vigil Mass Easter

Sunday:  Masses at 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm   

EASTER EGG HUNT!

 Easter Sunday, after the 10:30am Mass, there will once again be an Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Please bring at least 2 surprise filled plastic eggs for each child who wishes to participate (extras are always appreciated for unexpected guests). Please deposit the eggs in the baskets that will be in the vestibule prior to the 10:30am Mass.  After Mass we ask that the children assembly on the Juno Street lawn, - 5 years and older on the side nearest St. Francis and those younger than 5 on the other side of the walkway, for the “Hunt”.

Easter Recess

As a reminder, Wednesday, April 5^th is a 12:30pm dismissal. There is no Extended Care on this day. Lunch will be served at 11:30am. Classes resume on Monday, April 17^th.  

Last Day of School

It’s hard to believe that we are already planning for the last few months of school. The last day of school is Thursday, June 22^nd. More information to follow on step-up dates for 3K, PreK, and Kindergarten once we return from Spring Break.

Re-registration 

Priority registration for current students and their relatives began on Tuesday, January 17^th.  Families must be current on this year’s tuition to register for next year. It is imperative that you return the form with the fee as soon as possible to ensure that your child has a seat for the 2023-2024 school year. All re-registration documents must be submitted as soon as possible. If you need an additional form, please contact Ms. Hinkson at [email protected].

Financial Aid

Financial aid applications for students in Grades K-8, who attend a Brooklyn or Queens School or Academy has begun. Once you have registered for next year, you can apply online for a Diocesan scholarship. Families who apply during the first round are the only ones eligible for the maximum scholarship. For more information, please visit: www.futuresineducation.org.

Scholarship Deadlines

Sincerely,