Long-time Academy teacher John Storjohann shares the evolution of instructional technology and how students are benefitting from new Promethean Boards in each classroom. 

In the mid-1990s, SmartBoards were introduced into the classrooms of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, offering the promise of new levels of student engagement through interactive technology.  And while the concept of a SmartBoard held great potential, the reality was that the technology behind the boards offered its own challenges. It was essentially simply a projection of the instructor’s computer screen, required almost daily recalibration to be used effectively as a whiteboard, and as the Academy upgraded to larger, higher-resolution monitors, even calibration became an exercise in frustration; what you “wrote” on the SmartBoard would appear several inches away because of the difference between screen resolution and the board’s resolution. SmartBoards were, in essence, grand ideas that were let down by a combination of rapidly evolving technology and the inherent limitations of the boards themselves.

Alexandra Sanchez Little ’06, Director of Admissions, has been spending time in classrooms and has been busy sharing our school with prospective families. She is also enjoying leading a Communication Skills Class for Seventh and Eighth Class students, which meets every other Thursday to practice public speaking skills with the intent to give student-led tours for prospective families. Mrs. Sanchez Little is enthusiastic for the year ahead and is grateful for your help in spreading the #AcademyLove.

I appreciate the “hello” or “welcome” as you pass my office, and I have enjoyed meeting you all! Our year is off to a great start. Let’s celebrate 42 new students at the Academy this year! We are so happy each of you, new and returning, are here. What a wonderful feeling to grow our community! I am grateful to our Mentor Families for ensuring our new families feel comfortable as they experience many “firsts” and to our AmbASHadors for supporting the Admissions Office and our community.

Ms. Kristen (Glenn ’83) Cleveland returned to her alma mater this year to teach our second Primary class. She is thrilled to be back home at the Academy!

The Academy is a special place, and I am honored to be returning. I am currently teaching in the room that was my fourth grade classroom. I never imagined back then that one day I would be sharing with students the education that I value so highly.

Even though I’m a new faculty member, the Academy has always been a part of my life. My sister, Jennifer Glenn Brown ‘85, nephews Josh ‘16 and Caleb Brown ‘21, and I are all graduates of ASH. My mom, Mary Glenn, was a teacher here for over 25 years and now works as the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne Assistant. Even my dad had a role as a past president of the PCC. While many things have changed since I was a student, there are many things that remain the same. 

Mrs. Mary Reepmeyer ’96 begins her tenure as principal this year. We are blessed to have her move into this role after 18 years teaching at the Academy, in addition to her time as a student. She is dedicated to Sacred Heart education and excited to launch this year at the Academy.

Welcome to the start of a new school year at the Academy! As we embark on this exciting journey together, I am filled with a sense of hope and optimism for the possibilities that lie ahead.

Every new school year brings a fresh start — a chance to set new goals, pursue our dreams, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Our school community is a place where learning, growth, and discovery happen every day, and I am confident that this year will be no exception as I have talked with the students about “Going for the Gold” and how “Teamwork makes the Dream Work.”

Over the summer, we were honored to receive our 50th five-star review on Niche. Fresh reviews help The Academy reach prospective parents and bolster our marketing efforts. You can read more about sharing your Academy experience here.

As a parent, I have a deep appreciation for the development of the whole child. The loving community fosters growth, academic excellence and strives to constantly improve and excel. We have found a school home that focuses on good manners, being prepared and showing empathy but also provides academic rigor and extensive programming. The teachers and staff at ASH go above and beyond to provide a loving, structured environment. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Welcome to the 2024–2025 Academic Year — A Message from Mr. Tim Horner, Head of School

Faculty and staff were blessed to begin this year in prayer and reflection with Sisters Margaret Munch and Mary Charlotte Chandler, RSCJ. To proceed from time with the RSCJ to the smiles of our students, greetings of friends, students hugging their teachers on the first day of school, I can think of no better way to begin any year.

Our school is fortunate to enroll more than 40 new students this year; scholars and students of faith and character supported by good families. I speak with them as they inquire, and believe that all families share of wanting to join a vibrant community. I reply that our community is exceptional, that the people are a key differentiator compared to other schools. However, I then immediately add that our academic preparation, our faith development, our faculty are also exceptional and well beyond the norm, just like our community. I am confident that each of these aspects of our school is extraordinary.

For our final From the Heart of the school year, Mrs. Renken reflects on the year behind us and the special moments of growth it held. As she concludes her time as Principal at her beloved school, please keep her in your prayers for a restful, fulfilling, and fantASHtic retirement!

As we greet the summer days that lie ahead, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the days we have spent at the Academy for the past ten months. It is safe to say, everyone is ready for summer – the change of pace, the freedom to sleep in and stay up late, barbeques, ballgames, and vacations near and far.

It has been a great year – #thebest year ever! Beginning in August and throughout the school year, students have eagerly come to school, some even running to class. Excitement and joy filled the hallways and classrooms because learning is fun and there has been something new to experience and learn every day. Perhaps that eagerness waned from time to time, but overall students and adults appreciated the days in this very special “home away from home.”

“Your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent lesson to the world.”

— St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

On Saturday, the Class of 2024 will be graduating in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne. This year, graduation falls on May 25, the feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in France in 1800. Her vision, wisdom and deep faith inspired her to send Philippine Duchesne to this country in 1818 to found the Academy, and it is especially fitting that we will celebrate graduates on her feast day.

Some students have spent 10 years at the Academy, and others have joined along they way. Not only have they grown spiritually, academically and personally, but they have grown together in a supportive community. Their experiences may have been different, but they share a deep gratitude for their Sacred Heart education.

Ms. Jennifer Quick, Director of Admissions, shares exciting updates from the Admissions Office. The spring has been buzzing with tours and shadow visits and we look forward to continuing the momentum in the summer!

As the ASH Admissions Director it’s such a pleasure journeying with students and their families from the inquiry phase throughout the enrollment process and then as they thrive during the year. We are pleased to announce that we currently have more new students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year than as of the first day of school in August of 2023. We couldn’t do this without the ASH community as we continue to receive strong inquiries, often through referrals. Not only are we ahead in enrollment, we continue to have opportunities to grow even more during the summer.

To help us grow during the months ahead, please spread the word about upcoming events like our Lunch ‘n Story next Tuesday, May 21 at 11:30 a.m. for prospective students under 5. On Saturday, June 1, the Academy is hosting the Kids’ Area at 636 Day, a fun family event in Frenchtown, so please stop by and say hello (and be sure to wear your ASH gear). Also, our Midsummer Pool Party on Saturday, July 13 at Wapelhorst Park is sure to be a splASH for our inquiring and new families. Please invite interested and new families and introduce them to all your ASH friends.

As we continue through the busyness of May, Mr. Horner eagerly anticipates celebrations and milestones and looks ahead to the 2024-2025 academic year. Below, he shares plans and exciting initiatives.

I often consider May the highlight of the year. Yes, it is certainly busy, but more so it offers culminations, celebrations, and joy-filled experiences, from Mission Day to Field Day, May Crowning to Prize Ceremonies. The Eighth Class Graduation Dinner, Maypole and Graduation are milestones.

May is also the time when early plans for the next year come into clearer focus. I am pleased to share the following developments.

This week Mr. Horner shares deep gratitude to the Academy community for a successful Chemin de Fer last Saturday. It was humbling to experience the support of Academy families — present and past — alums from across the years, faculty and staff, RSCJ, Board members, grandparents and friends of the Academy.

The 50th Chemin de Fer transported us to a magical night, from a train station unrecognizable as a gym, to an enjoyable meal with friends, to Chemin Central crowded with almost 400 guests, to honoring Mrs. Renken as Honorary Chair. The excitement began as the doors opened and continued throughout the night.

We will continue down the tracks of appreciation. Thank you to all who donated to the Fund-the-Need, or in this case fund enhancements to the academic program. The generosity of the community raised more than $400,000.