Dear Sacred Heart School Families,

WELCOME BACK to all our returning families, and a very warm welcome to all who are new to Sacred Heart. It is already August, and it’s time to gear up for a new school year. It is my great pleasure and honor to begin serving Sacred Heart as Principal. I’m blessed to be joining such a spirited community and I feel at home already. I am very impressed with the school facility itself and want to recognize your vision and financial dedication to building such a great school. Father Gary, the SAC, the faculty and staff have been very welcoming and supportive, and I am looking forward to meeting all of you over the next few months. In all Catholic schools, parents play an important role as the primary educators of their children. I believe that it is important that we at Sacred Heart work closely with you to ensure all students in our school receive the best education possible.

You may be aware that our 7th grade teacher, Ms. Jessica Schelegle, won the 2009 Comcast Teacher Of The Year Award in early July. We are all very proud of this accomplishment, and extend our thanks to Comcast, and all of you who were instrumental in getting the word out about our outstanding teaching staff. A formal presentation of the award will take place at the school, and I will let you know exactly when that will be held.

• Spanish Grades 3-8 : We’re really happy to expand our strong Spanish Language program. Our excellent Spanish teacher, Señora Sanjines, will continue to teach four classes per week to the 6-8th graders, and teach two classes per week to the 5th graders. Mrs. Mendoza, our 4th grade teacher, will handle Spanish twice a week for the 3rd and 4th graders. Ms. Mendoza is fluent in Spanish, and will offer a first-rate introductory program to her Spanish students.
• Thursday Morning Liturgy : All students and teachers will be attending 8 A.M. Morning Mass every Thursday during the school year. This liturgy will not impact the overall instructional minutes as it is considered the day’s Religion class requirement. Our aim is to deepen our students’ sense of our Catholic heritage and mission. On Thursdays only, all students must be on campus by 7:50 A.M. Teachers will take roll and escort their classes into the church. Parents are always welcome to join us.
• Morning Yard Supervision : The yard will be supervised from 7:40 A.M. on all school days except Thursdays. On Thursdays, the yard will be supervised from 7:30 AM. I hope this offers slightly more flexibility in your family’s morning routine.
• Morning Warning Bell : On M, T, W, F-- A warning bell will sound at 7:57 A.M. at which all students on the yard must line up by class for the morning assembly. Promptly at the 8 A.M. bell, the daily morning assembly will begin. The goal is to have school begin in an organized and timely manner.

Please note that our Extended Care Program is available beginning the first day of school.

Once again thank you for your commitment to Sacred Heart School, and I hope you are having a restful and enjoyable summer.

Peace, Tom Pulchny