Dear SUA Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! To our new families, Jill and I are so glad that you are a part of our Saint Ursula Academy community. We hope you feel just as welcomed, supported, and valued here as your daughter does.

No matter how many school years we have experienced, the excitement of a new one never fades. The beginning of the year is full of optimism and the promise that comes with new beginnings and new opportunities. Each new year represents a milestone in our children’s development that we attempt to capture with the many “first day” photos. Whether it is your daughter’s first year of high school, her momentous last year of high school, or any year in between, we are here for you too. Thank you for allowing us to be partners with you in your daughter’s growth and development as she becomes the unique woman that God intended her to be. 

We are so excited — and ready — for the school year ahead! Throughout the summer, our hard-working Facilities and Technology teams have enhanced our campus with new windows in the East building and new phone, PA, and camera systems. We have hired several new faculty members to ensure that we maintain our 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio and provide individualized attention in our classrooms with our strong enrollment. Please join me in welcoming the following new faculty and staff members who will be sharing their expertise and experiences with our students:

• Sydney Asher, Content and Video Coordinator
• Grace Barnett, Math Teacher
• Molly Baumer, Testing Coordinator
• Lauren Boeing, School Nurse
• Zoe Borgman, Religion Teacher
• Hannah Carver, Vice President of Communications
• Michele Hively, Counselor - Academic Success
• Lisa Kessler, Executive Assistant to the President
• Lindsey Knoll, Advancement Coordinator
• Madeline Kroger, Math Teacher
• Agnes Kwuimy, French Teacher, part-time
• Joe Neidhard, Campus Minister
• Gary Rose, Building Substitute
• Callie Todhunter, Latin Teacher, part-time
• Jack VonHandorf, Math Teacher, part-time
• Darrell Williams, Religion Teacher

On Monday, you and your daughter should have received a back-to-school email focused on our schedule, Experience Excellence:  Learning for the Real World. Please review it, as it includes everything you need to prepare for the first days of school. 

We know how busy you are as parents and guardians navigating the many schedules and details of life with a high school student. To stay informed, please prioritize reading the Parent Bulletin each week, as it is the best source of information for all things SUA. The two-week calendar, linked in the opening email, includes our daily schedule as well as information about faith-building activities, club/organization meetings, large group counseling, programming, and more. Each week, I will also include a section in my letter highlighting the key information you need to best support your daughter in the days ahead.

We cannot wait to welcome your daughter on the first day of school — Wednesday, August 12. The faculty and staff will be gathered in the Front Circle starting at 7:45 a.m. to welcome her to the 2026-2027 school year. It is going to be a great one!

Go Bulldogs!

Kathy

This Week at SUA: Reminders and Tips to Help Your Bulldog in the Week Ahead

• Thursday, August 6: New Family Ice Cream Social, 5-6 p.m., Keller Student Center: We welcome our new students and parents/guardians to campus to get to know each other and enjoy some ice cream!  Please RSVP here.
  
• Monday, August 10:
  • Picture Day for Students in Grades 9, 10, and 11: Please refer to this handout for your daughter’s picture day information. Pictures can be ordered online using the link located in the Family Resource Section on our website.
  • Class of 2026 Senior Canoe Trip: Seniors were required to register in advance for this fun day of bonding. Any questions, contact Beth Clifford at 513-368-1760 or elizabeth.a.clifford@gmail.com.  
  • New Family Welcome (REQUIRED PARENT/GUARDIAN EVENT), 6-7 p.m., Keller Student Center: All parents/guardians of new students, both in the Class of 2030 and transfer students, should plan to attend. We will share important information to help you begin your time at Saint Ursula Academy, including information about experiential learning. We ask that at least one parent/guardian from each family attend. Students will receive similar information at their orientation and should not attend this event.

• Tuesday, August 11: Senior College Application Kick-Off and Essay Review, 12-3 p.m., Keller Student Center: This is a required event for all seniors. Review this info to learn what to bring!
  
• Wednesday, August 12: First Day of school! Students should wear full uniform. Here are the official uniform guidelines. The Front Circle Welcome will take place from 7:45-8:15 a.m. The Class of 2030 will meet in Keller at 8 a.m. to walk over to the Academy building together for the first time as a class.
  
• Friday, August 14: Dawg Day! The theme is “Dive Into SUA,” so we will be dressed for fun in the waves.
  
• Monday, August 17: All-School Mass, 10:45 a.m.: Parents/guardians are always welcome to attend. Please check in at the Main Office to receive a visitor’s badge. All students should wear their Mass cardigans.