New Students for the 2023-2024 School Year
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Welcome to Ursuline Academy of Dallas!
We are excited to welcome you to our community! This New Family Webpage will be a resource for your family as you transition to Ursuline. You will find information about enrollment, upcoming events, course registration, uniforms, athletics, and more! This page will be available to your family from March to August.
- Important Information
- For Incoming 10th & 11th Graders
- Calendar
- Ursuline News & Announcements
- New Bear Bulletin Archive
Important Information
- Enrollment, Tuition, and Financial Information
- Important Dates and Information
- New Family Events - Register now for the April New Family Course Selection Meeting
- Placement Exams for Incoming Freshmen - Various dates throughout April
- Summer Programs
- Athletics, Performing Arts, & Extracurricular Activities
- Academic Accommodations
- Uniforms
- Summer Reading (Required by English Department)
- Parent Volunteer Information Form
Enrollment, Tuition, and Financial Information
Enrollment Contracts Due Friday, March 24, 2023, by 12:00 p.m.
Important Dates and Information
Magnus
Instructions on how to access Magnus.
All students must register through Magnus by May 1, 2023.
2023-2024 Key Calendar Dates
Key dates for the 2023-2024 school year are available. Please note, all dates are subject to change. Revised and updated as of 2/16/23.
Laptop Orders
Laptop cost and rollout information coming in late April/early May.
ID Badges for Students
All incoming freshman and transfer students will need to take an ID badge photo. Dates and times TBD. Please wear a white blouse and a blazer, if you have one.
Contact Director of Security Auggie Trevino for questions.
Advisory Matching Survey
Deadline: June 16, 2023
Please have your student complete the following survey to be matched and placed in her Advisory! Survey link coming soon.
Dining at Ursuline
Parents must set up an account for students to purchase food in the Ursuline cafeteria on My Kid's Spending AFTER August 1, 2023. Learn more about Dining Services at Ursuline.
Bear Necessities School Bookstore
Bear Necessities is open for parents to come shop!
- School Year Hours: Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Friday's from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Summer Hours: Weekdays June 2-23, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Tax Free Weekend: August 11-13, 2023. Families can pay with a credit card if ordering on the online store or make charges to student accounts by emailing Rachel Brewer. Item pick up will be during orientation or by appointment.
- Friday, August 11, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 12, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, August 13, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- 2023-2024 Booklist: The booklist will be available mid-July. Booklists change from year to year and parents are advised to wait until the new list comes out to ensure correct purchase of books is made.
- Bear Necessities Book Store Webpage
- Shop Bear Online
- Join the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Trade Page on Facebook - it's a convenient way to find used uniforms and books!
St. Ursula's Closet Sponsored by The Mothers Club
A green initiative to help reduce, reuse, and recycle gently loved Ursuline uniform clothing items.
St. Ursula's Closet is located directly above the front office in the Rotunda at the top of the stairs and will be open to all current and new Ursuline students and families. All items are free of charge and donations are welcome.
Upcoming Dates & Times for New Families
- April 4, 2023 | Time TBD
Please stop by and shop when we are open! More dates and times will be announced in the bi-weekly new family email, The New Bear Bulletin. Dates and times will also be located here, on the New Family webpage, and under the "Ursuline News & Announcements" tab.
Make a Donation
We accept donations of blazers, skirts, white sweaters, and white and navy blouses year-round at the school's front office, temporarily located in lower Haggar, in a bin labeled for donations. All donations must be in excellent condition.
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email the St. Ursula's Closet Team.
New Family Events - Register now for the April New Family Course Selection Meeting
Class of 2027: New Family Course Selection
Learn about Ursuline's course selection process, our graduation requirements and meet your daughter's assigned student counselor. Please select a time that works best with your schedule:
- Coffee | Monday, April 3, 2023 - 8:00 a.m. on the Ursuline Campus, KIVA
- Evening | Tuesday, April 4, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. on the Ursuline Campus, KIVA
Mothers Club Scoop Session
The Mothers Club invites new Ursuline moms to join them for an informative Scoop Session! They'll share UA 101 information with you, from a mom’s perspective.
Date and time TBD.
New Dads Breakfast
President Gretchen Kane invites you to Ursuline's New Dads Breakfast. You'll have the opportunity to meet other dads and find out about Ursuline activities and events.
Date and time TBD.
New Family Welcome
Sunday, August 20, 2023 | Time TBD
August will be here before you know it! Save the date for our New Family Picnic. All parents, siblings, grandparents, and family friends are welcome to join us.
Registration coming soon.
Placement Exams for Incoming Freshmen - Various dates throughout April
If you wish your daughter to be in an honors class for World Language, English, or Science, please ensure she takes the appropriate placement exam on the designated in the tabs below.
All placement exams are in person. It is a great opportunity for your daughter to meet her future teachers and classmates. Missing a placement exam will result in on-level placement.
For World Languages, missing the placement exam will result in your daughter being placed in Language Level I.
If you’re unable to test on the designated dates, contact our team to reschedule:
- For English: Corby Baxter (cbaxter@ursulinedallas.org)
- For Science: Kirsten Lindsay-Hudak (klindsay-hudak@ursulinedallas.org)
- For World Language: Roxana Casco (rcasco@ursulinedallas.org)
World Language
Selecting a World Language Course
Ursuline offers four languages: Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Students are required to take three consecutive years OR through level three of the same language beginning in the freshman year; freshmen entering at level three will also need to take level four. All level one regular language courses are basic introductory courses for non-heritage and non-native speakers. Incoming freshmen may select any of the four world languages as their first choice. We advise selecting a second language choice in the event it is not possible to place in the first choice.
- If Spanish is selected as the student’s first choice, a Spanish assessment is REQUIRED. An exemption to this assessment is only for those students who selected Spanish as their first choice and have never studied Spanish.
- If Arabic, French, or Mandarin Chinese is selected as the student’s first choice, an assessment is required only if the student wishes to enroll in a language course higher than level one OR if the student is proficient in her selected language and would like to be placed in a course higher than the basic level one introductory course.
View the World Language Progression Chart (Page 10)
World Language Assessments
The Language Assessments determine the appropriate course level for incoming freshmen and transfer students. It will be offered at four different times. There are four time options to take the assessment:
- Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 13, 2023 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Please register by Wednesday, April 5, 2023:
Course Placement Results
World Language Assessment/Course Placement results will be emailed Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Questions?
Please contact World Language Department Chair Roxana Casco.
Requesting Extended Time for Assessment
Contact Kristina Caldwell to request the accommodation of extended time (50 percent) if your daughter has a recently (within three years) diagnosed learning difference and supporting documentation.
Spanish Summer Workshops
Summer Workshops prepare new students for success in the coming school year by strengthening skills, filling curriculum gaps, and building confidence. Refresher Workshops in Spanish are offered over the summer. Visit the Summer Programs Webpage. All students are invited to register.
English
Selecting an English Course
Ursuline Academy of Dallas requires four years of English and offers on-level and honors selections for each grade-level. Incoming freshmen interested in applying for English I Honors should sign up for an in-person assessment (see info below), which will be used, along with the student’s verbal ISEE scores, by a committee of English teachers to evaluate the student’s readiness for English I Honors.
Students will have the opportunity to apply for Honors or AP classes in the following three years should this be of interest to them. The criteria the department uses for freshman English placement is not used in the subsequent applications for sophomore-senior year AP and Honors English.
View the English Progression Chart (Page 2)
English Assessment for Placement
The English I Honors Assessment will be offered at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. There are two dates to choose from:
- Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 10:15-11:15 a.m.
- Sunday, April 16, 2023 | 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Please register by Tuesday, April 11, 2023:
Course Placement Results
English Placement results will be emailed Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Questions?
Please contact English Department Chair Corby Baxter.
Requesting Extended Time for Assessment
Contact Kristina Caldwell to request the accommodation of extended time (50 percent) if your daughter has a recently (within three years) diagnosed learning difference and supporting documentation.
English Summer Workshops
Summer Workshops prepare new students for success in the coming school year by strengthening skills, filling curriculum gaps, and building confidence. Workshops on writing and research skills are offered over the summer. Visit the Summer Programs Webpage. All students are invited to register.
Math
Selecting a Math Course
Freshmen may select either Algebra I or Geometry, dependent upon the completion level of their 8th grade math coursework.
Enroll in Algebra I
- For students who have completed Pre-Algebra or 8th grade math
- For students who have completed an introductory level Algebra I course
- For students who would like to build a stronger Algebra I foundation
Enroll in Geometry
For students who have completed a full high school level Algebra I course that included the following concepts:
- Simplifying and evaluating radical & rational expressions and inequalities
- Simplifying exponents, including negative and fractional exponents
- Linear equations in slope-intercept, point-slope, and standard forms
- Algebraic and graphical determination of linear slope and intercepts
- Function notation, for example f(x) = 5x+1 and f(3)
- Solving systems of linear equations using substitution and elimination
- Solving word problems with linear equations and quadratic equations
- Factoring, expanding, and simplifying polynomials
- Solving quadratic equations using factoring, quadratic formula, completing the square, and graphical methods
- Analyzing the graph of a quadratic function in terms of vertex, solutions, domain, range, min/max.
- Transformations of basic equations: Linear, Absolute Value, and Quadratic
- Test for functions, identify Domain and Range of functions
An optional Geometry honors extension is available for students who have a genuine curiosity in mathematics and a desire to delve deeper into mathematical analysis.
- Submittal of work does not guarantee an Honors designation.
- Students earn honors credit at the end of each semester when all required independent honors extension work is completed at a mastery level.
Algebra II and Above
- These higher course placements are possible for students who have completed both Algebra I and Geometry.
- Students will be asked to demonstrate mastery via a summative assessment.
- Contact Math Department Chair Tammy Yung at tyung@ursulinedallas.org to schedule an interview.
Questions?
If you have questions about which math class is the right fit for your daughter, please contact your 8th grade math teacher and/or the Ursuline Math Department Chair Tammy Yung.
For students wanting to continue summer math work, the following programs are recommended:
Offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. Visit Khan Academy online.
Science
Selecting a Science Course (General Physics, Physics I or Physics I Honors)
Ursuline Academy of Dallas requires three years of science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. There are also a variety of elective and AP classes available in the Junior and Senior years. Freshmen begin their science career with one of the three introductory physics courses, all of which focus on understanding the fundamental relationships that govern motion, forces, energy, and electromagnetism. Students may elect to take an assessment for possible placement in Physics I Honors, which requires a solid understanding of Algebra I and nimble problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
View the Science Progression Chart (Page 6)
Science Assessment for Placement
The Science Honors Assessment will be offered at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. There are two dates to choose from:
- Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- Sunday, April 16, 2023 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Please register by Tuesday, April 11, 2023:
Course Placement Results
Science Assessment/Course Placement results will be emailed Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Questions?
Please contact Science Department Chair Kirsten Lindsay-Hudak.
Requesting Extended Time for Assessment
Contact Kristina Caldwell to request the accommodation of extended time (50 percent) if your daughter has a recently (within three years) diagnosed learning difference and supporting documentation.
Science Summer Workshops
Summer Workshops prepare new students for success in the coming school year by strengthening skills, filling curriculum gaps, and building confidence. A variety of workshops on topics in Math and Physics are offered over the summer. Visit the Summer Programs Webpage. All students are invited to register.
Course Progression
Summer Programs
Summer School Course Requests will take place April 12-17, 2023.
Ursuline’s summer programs foster academic and personal growth through diverse academic and enrichment opportunities. New students can meet friends and teachers, gain confidence, and build skills while having fun this summer!
- Summer Workshops are short, non-credit courses and service opportunities created by Ursuline faculty exclusively for Ursuline students. New students can get acclimated on campus, and all students prepare for a successful school year. Presented by Ursuline faculty.
- Summer Camps offer fun, enriching opportunities consistent with the values of Ursuline Academy. Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity, spark innovation, encourage collaboration, and embrace the spirit of Ursuline’s motto, Serviam (I will serve). You will love becoming a part of the Ursuline Camp community!
- Summer School offers credit courses at an accelerated pace. Students may take one Summer School course, but this is not required to have a free period in the Freshman year schedule. Space is limited, and requests are selected at random, not first come first served.
Details on all Summer Programs, including detailed program descriptions, schedules, and registration links, can be found on the UA+ Webpage:
Learn more about UA+ Summer Programs
- Camps & Workshops registration is open and ongoing.
- Summer School course requests for new students are open from 8:00 a.m. on April 12, until April 17, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in parents’ MyBackpack accounts.
Questions? Please contact summerschool@ursulinedallas.org.
Athletics, Performing Arts, & Extracurricular Activities
- General Athletic Updates
- Band & Color Guard
- Choir & Orchestra
- Jesuit Rangerettes
- Jesuit & Cistercian Cheer
- Sports Tryouts
General Athletic Updates
We're so excited that you are interested in Ursuline Athletics!
When registering for classes, your daughter will select the sports she is interested in. Our head coaches will then send out an email to all students who register for a sport no later than May 31, 2023 with detailed information regarding summer camps, RankOne, tryouts, and contact information for that specific sport.
If you have immediate questions, email athletics@ursulinedallas.org.
Please note all athletes must complete athletic paperwork through RankOne in order to participate in tryouts and play sports. RankOne will be available for athletes to fill out beginning June 1, 2023. More information to come in the coaches’ emails.
Band & Color Guard
Band is a performance class open to wind and percussion instrumentalists.
The Color Guard is the official auxiliary of the Jesuit Ursuline Ranger Band and performs throughout the football season.
Questions? Please contact Jane Chambers.
Choir & Orchestra
We invite you to explore the music opportunities at Ursuline Academy that are available for students beginning your Freshman year of high school.
Learn more about Freshman Choir, Jazz Choir, & Orchestra.
Questions? Please contact Jane Chambers.
Jesuit Rangerettes
Rangerettes Tryout Practices
April 11-12, 2023 | 4:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Jesuit
Rangerettes Tryouts
April 13, 2023 | 4:15 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Jesuit
Visit the Jesuit Rangerettes Webpage
Questions?
Please contact Linda Coffin.
Jesuit & Cistercian Cheer
Jesuit Cheer
Jesuit Cheer Clinic
March 27-29, 2023 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Jesuit Gym at 12345 Inwood Rd.
Varsity Tryouts
March 30, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Jesuit
JV Tryouts
March 31, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Jesuit
Jesuit Cheer Website for Full Details
www.JesuitCheer.com
Questions?
Please email Laura Sayers.
Cistercian Cheer
Parent/Athlete Meeting
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 | 6:00 p.m.
Location: Cistercian (East Gym)
Cheer Tryout Clinics
April 11-13, 2023 | 4:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Location: Cistercian (East Gym)
Cistercian Cheer Tryouts
Friday, April 14, 2023 | 4:30 p.m.
Location: Cistercian (East Gym)
Register Online & View Cistercian Cheer Website
Questions?
Please contact Joyce Limber.
Sports Tryouts
Academic Accommodations
Supporting Student Learning Styles
Each year, Ursuline Academy of Dallas welcomes a new student body with a variety of learning styles. In an effort to provide for each student, including those with learning differences, Ursuline offers limited accommodations to support academic success. If your daughter has a documented learning difference, the following accommodations will be available to her while at Ursuline Academy:
- 50% extended time on tests, quizzes, in class essays, and final exams
- Preferential seating to accommodate individual learning needs
How to Receive Accommodations at Ursuline
- The student must have current testing (within the past three years) from a licensed professional counselor or educational diagnostician (Doctor’s notes do not satisfy this criteria)
- The evaluation must include both a cognitive and achievement test
- Email documentation to Kristina Caldwell, as soon as possible but no later than August 15, 2023.
Questions?
Please contact Kristina Caldwell.
Uniforms
Full uniform requirements are in the Parent-Student Handbook.
DM Uniform
Mills Uniform Company
St. Ursula's Closet Sponsored by The Mothers Club
A green initiative to help reduce, reuse, and recycle gently loved Ursuline uniform clothing items.
St. Ursula's Closet is located directly above the front office in the Rotunda at the top of the stairs and will be open to all current and new Ursuline students and families. All items are free of charge and donations are welcome.
Upcoming Dates & Times for New Families
- April 4, 2023 | Time TBD
Please stop by and shop when we are open! More dates and times will be announced in the bi-weekly new family email, The New Bear Bulletin. Dates and times will also be located here, on the New Family webpage, and under the "Ursuline News & Announcements" tab.
Make a Donation
We accept donations of blazers, skirts, white sweaters, and white and navy blouses year-round at the school's front office, temporarily located in lower Haggar, in a bin labeled for donations. All donations must be in excellent condition.
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email the St. Ursula's Closet Team.
Summer Reading (Required by English Department)
Parent Volunteer Information Form
Request Information
Volunteer Opportunity Descriptions
Alumnae Events
Explore the wide array of ways for Alumnae to get involved. Opportunities range from planning or working events to assisting with an Alumnae event in towns around the world. Have fun with your Ursuline sisters in the spirit of Serviam.
Dads Club
Promotes father/daughter interaction through community service, social events, and Ursuline community support. It's a unique and fulfilling way to share in our daughters' Ursuline experience, while joining in fellowship with other fathers of current and past Ursuline students. Learn more.
Mardi Gras Gala and Auction
This annual celebration supports financial need-based scholarships and celebrates community. There are several events and volunteer opportunities leading up to the big gala including Ladies Bingo Night and the Holiday Bazaar. Mardi Gras is a place for every kind of volunteer.
Mothers Club
Assists with many of the school's social and cultural activities including Mentor Moms, making mums, hospitality at senior graduation, and welcome receptions for Ursuline traditions. Every mother of an Ursuline student is a member of the Mothers Club. Learn more.
Parent Board Events
Supports the current parent community including monthly faculty hospitality, Grandparent event, New Family Picnic, and New Parent Meet & Greet.
School Opportunities
Helps create a volunteer support system within the school and at events. These volunteer areas include the bookstore, library, mail team, and athletic events.
Ursuline Advocates
The Ursuline Advocates, a volunteer leadership program, allows any alumna or parent of an alumna who wishes to be involved to choose from a variety of roles. Become an Alumnae Advocate. Become a Parent of Alumnae Advocate.
Ursuline Fund Campaign
Current parents, parents of alumnae, alumnae, and friends work together to support the annual fund.
For Incoming 10th & 11th Graders
In the coming weeks each family will be contacted by Dean of Academics Elizabeth Smith to discuss coursework, curriculum, and scheduling. Each family will also receive a transfer mentor to assist in their transition to Ursuline!
New Family Welcome
Sunday, August 20, 2023 | Time TBD
August will be here before you know it! Save the date for our New Family Picnic. All parents, siblings, grandparents, and family friends are welcome to join us.
Registration coming soon.
Transfer Student Orientation
Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
More details coming soon!
Questions?
Calendar
Please stop by and shop when we are open! More dates and times will be announced in the bi-weekly new family email, The New Bear Bulletin. Dates and times will also be located here, on the New Family webpage, and under the "Ursuline News & Announcements" tab.
Register Online & View Cistercian Cheer Website
Ursuline News & Announcements
"On Tuesday, while discussing plans and imagining possibilities for next year with some of our amazing Mothers Club leaders, one mom asked what Ursuline does for student well-being. My thinking defaulted to guest speakers on anxiety and teen mental health, advisory activities, Life Skills classes, research on exercise/athletics and well-being, giving students people on campus to support them, and Campus Ministry programming."
"All of us have seen the recent headlines talking about the current state of adolescent girls, primarily spurred by a recent report from the CDC. These reports heighten a focus on well-being for those of us who care deeply about our students. Unquestionably, parents of teen girls are seeking reassurance."
Learn more about volunteering with the Ursuline Mothers Club.
Ursuline hosted its 5th Hackathon during Engineering Week with the theme, "Green Hack - Technological Innovation for a Sustainable Future."
Sophomore Annabelle Tobin received the Serviam Award at a special ceremony for the Sophomore Class.
"Two words have been resonating for me this school year: abundance and scarcity.
Whenever I can assess my reaction to a situation or an experience, I always understand my response better when I determine if I am in a place of scarcity or abundance. This can mean scarcity or abundance of time, resources, rest, emotional readiness... the list goes on."
New Bear Bulletin Archive
We are here to help!
Office of Admissions
Connie Lovejoy
Tuition & Financial Assistance
clovejoy@ursulinedallas.org
UA+ Summer Camps, Workshops, & School
Summer Programming
Email summerschool@ursulinedallas.org or visit the UA+ Webpage for a list of all program offerings.
Elizabeth Smith
Dean of Academics
For help with scheduling and course selection.
esmith@ursulinedallas.org
Estela Ayala
Director of Community & Inclusion/Assistant Director of Admissions
Si necesita ayuda en español durante el proceso de inscripciones, no dude en contactar a Estela Ayala.
mayala@ursulinedallas.org
Ursuline Athletics
Sports Teams & Tryouts
athletics@ursulinedallas.org
Tanya Hamilton
Student Counseling Department Chair & Transfer Student Coordinator
For information about transfer students, student counseling, and student well-being.
thamilton@ursulinedallas.org
Kristina Caldwell
Learning Specialist
For information about academic accommodations.
kcaldwell@ursulinedallas.org