Community Corner
Mount St. Dominic Academy Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week
Faculty and staff were honored with special treats and heartfelt thanks for their dedication to Mount students and community.
Mount St. Dominic Academy celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with heartfelt gratitude and special surprises, honoring the dedicated faculty who make a lasting impact on students every day. The weeklong celebration, organized by the Parents' Association in partnership with Interim Head of School Lynn Burek, and Principal Dr. Karen D’Avino, featured thoughtful treats and gestures to recognize the hard work and passion of Mount educators.
“This week, we celebrate all of YOU—our faculty, staff, nurse, trainer, coaches, administrative assistants, custodians, and everyone who cares for our students and helps make Mount St. Dominic a vibrant, dynamic community of learning and faith. You are truly special, and your care for our students’ well-being and academic achievement does not go unnoticed,” said Mrs. Lynn Burek, Interim Head of School in a note to the staff. “When I arrived just about a year ago, my first impression was how warm this school is and how deeply the students and parents appreciate the teachers. In that moment, I knew I was in a very special place—and my respect and admiration for all of you has only grown.”
She added, “Teaching is one of the most noble professions, and I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your dedication and your love of this important work. I’m a teacher at heart and always will be—it takes someone very special to do what you do."
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Highlights included a festive bagel breakfast, a delicious circus-themed popcorn bar with treats, a beautiful luncheon, and a visit from an ice cream truck, bringing smiles and sweet moments to campus. A special “Teacher Appreciation” sign displayed in the back parking lot reminded everyone of the vital role teachers play in empowering young women and shaping future leaders.
“We know that teachers should be appreciated ALL year long! We are grateful for your dedication to our students, commitment to our school and students, and energy and fortitude as we get to the end of the year!” said Dr. Karen D’Avino, Principal. “We are truly blessed to work alongside you each and every day!”
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Faculty gathered for a group photo to commemorate the occasion and express their gratitude for the community’s support. The celebration served as a meaningful reminder of the Mount’s strong spirit of appreciation, unity, and respect for its educators.
In addition to Teacher Appreciation Week, the Mount community recently recognized Principal Dr. Karen D’Avino on Principal’s Day and honored Nurse Jen Froysland, BSN, RN, CSN, during National Nurses Week, and the Mount’s Administrative Staff during their special week, sharing their school community impact on social media as part of the school’s continued commitment to celebrating the individuals who care for and guide Mount students every day.
Founded in 1892, Mount St. Dominic Academy is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women. The Mount offers signature programs like L.E.O. Entrepreneurship, Health Sciences and Social Justice Concentrations, and the Directed Research Capstone in partnership with Harvard University, along with expanded STEM, Dual Enrollment with Seton Hall, and leadership program opportunities. MSDA has earned national and regional honors, including “Gold with Access” on the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll, as well as the 2023 College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Awards for exceptional female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA), and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). MSDA also earned Gold Medals in the 2023 and 2024 “Best of Essex” contests in the “Best Private High School” category. Additionally, the Mount achieved an A+ rating on Niche’s 2024 Best Schools list, a distinction awarded to only 2.5% of schools nationwide. One hundred percent of Mount graduates are accepted to four-year colleges, with the Class of 2024 earning over $13 million in scholarships.
Rolling Admissions for the Class of 2029 is open. Private Family tours and “Mountie for a Day” visits are available to current 8th graders and transfer students in Grades 9-11. Registration is underway for the S.H.E. (Strength, Hope, Empowerment) Girls Leadership Camp (June 24-26, 2025), and the S.H.E “Empowering Middle School Girls to Lead with Confidence Seminar” (May 19, 2025). Visit the Mount for more information.
