A Message from Mr. Horner

This week, it is my pleasure and privilege to share some wonderful news and accomplishments of our students. We begin with our Eighth Class who received their high school acceptances over the weekend. I am exceedingly proud of our Academy students. Their hard work, solid academic foundation, strong character and faith formation have paved the way for their future success. The Class of 2023 will matriculate to eight high schools in the area, where I am confident they will stand out as leaders and life-long learners.

I often hear that one of the hallmarks of an Academy student is confidence and poise when speaking with adults. Our students have multiple opportunities to practice and grow in this area. Recently, student-led tours have returned and our Ambassadors are the most eloquent orators in explaining our school and their experience. As I observe and overhear them speak, I am struck by their insight and know that prospective parents must be impressed with their maturity. 

Last Friday, two students from First Class, Hannah and Myles , and two from Second Class, Aaliyah  and Clark, spoke at the February Board of Trustees meeting. A Trustee shared, “They were well-spoken, poised, and displayed every behavior that is taken for granted as standard at the Academy.” Their insight into academics, favorite units of study such as whales and art, their beloved teachers, and favorite spaces on campus near the statues of Mater and St. Madeleine Sophie was the highlight of the meeting. Their sincere conversation was a gift to all!

This week, Kerry James, father of Jessica ’23, reflects on his time at the Academy and the investment they have made in her education.

MAGICAL MATRICULATION | I’m not going to mess with dates as I don’t remember right now, all I know is time has passed with a swift irreverence I did not appreciate although everyone told me that it would. Our daughter, Jessica, is getting ready to graduate from 8th grade … let’s take a second to give it the respect it deserves. She started AND finished what her mom, Beth, and I determined to be “hopefully” the best elementary education money could buy. When I tell people about this school and they say, “but it’s expensive,” my cliché response is “you get what you pay for.”

This week Michael Clever ’15 shares his reflections about his Academy education. Earlier this month, Mikey (back row, center) returned to his alma mater with some college friends for a tour and to share memories of his time at the Academy. He is a senior at the University of Missouri — Columbia studying Business. He hopes to continue his education at the University of Notre Dame where he is applying to the Alliance for Catholic Education Program (ACE). If accepted, he will complete a semester of graduate school over the summer and then will be placed at a Catholic school in the U.S. for a full school year.  

Hello ASH friends and family! My name is Mikey Clever and I am currently a senior in my final semester of college. The Academy of the Sacred Heart helped me so much in high school and now in college. Academically, Sacred Heart showed me the importance of persevering – I would like to think it is because St. Rose Philippine Duchesne is the patron saint of perseverance! I noticed in high school and especially now that this virtue was and is the key to my success. I strive for excellence and I attribute that to the teachers and curriculum at ASH. I also developed great discipline for myself. This discipline keeps me on track with doing what I need to do and avoiding what I should not do.

This week, Bob Fasl, Business Manager, shares his reflections since recently joining the Academy community. 

When asked what one aspect stands out to me after my first two months at the Academy, my answer is easy… the warmth of everyone! After my first day, I went home and told my wife, Rosemary, (Class of ’72 and daughter of Lucy Artman who ran the ASH cafeteria from 1961-1997) that Primary students had filed past me and each one greeted me (a complete stranger) with a very hardy “GOOD MORNING!” I was touched by their kindness and attention. I knew right there and then I had made the best decision — accepting Mr. Horner’s offer of employment! As nearly two months have passed, I sincerely appreciate the students who greet me along with their teachers. Overall, the warmth of everyone at ASH has certainly melted away an icy veneer acquired from more than three decades in the corporate world!

This week, Alexa Masters ’07, World Language teacher shares her perspective on the Academy experience.

Who comes to mind when you think of a “global steward”? Perhaps Jane Goodall or David Attenborough? Some believe that these changemakers are global stewards simply from their worldly successes. Personally, I don’t believe that is the case. Their successes came from their shared traits of foresight, grit, and consistency while working toward their respective visions. But the true mark of a global steward is one commonly employed skill… Perspective.

Yes, employing perspective is a skill. Being a global steward requires not just the acknowledgement, but the utilization of a perspective beyond our own privilege and experience. It may seem simple enough in writing, but true changemakers are aware. They pay attention to the details, they listen to the unheard voices, they recognize the patterns, the cause and effect, and they consider the experiences of others first.

Once you are truly aware you can act with purpose. A global changemaker acts with the purpose to better their immediate community and beyond. They see the injustices and work with purpose toward a more sustainable life for all.

“What sets the Academy apart from other elementary schools?” As the Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, I find that is one of the most often asked questions by prospective parents. That question is by far one of the easiest questions to answer!

Yes, we have an amazing, talented, faith-filled faculty who collaborate and support each other. Yes, we have small class sizes which allow our faculty to understand and reach each student’s potential. Yes, we have an outstanding curriculum which emphasizes the arts, music, technology, and languages. Yes, we live the Sacred Heart GOALS AND CRITERIA every day. Yes, students celebrate their successes and are not afraid to learn from their failures. And yes, the Academy “educates and inspires the heart and mind of each child to become a courageous and confident leader who knows and loves God, and who reveals that love by serving others.”

However, there is something else that truly separates the Academy from other elementary schools – and that is relationship building. Not only for our students but for our parents and the extended Academy community.

The Christmas season calls us to slow daily life to reflect on life’s joy and to appreciate life’s blessings. As we approach Christmas break, I wish to extend my appreciation to three key groups. 

First, on behalf of the entire community, thank you to the faculty who nurture, challenge, support, and care for each Academy Saint. Individually and as a whole, our faculty are exceptional. Our gratitude cannot be adequately expressed for their selfless dedication and loving spirit. They are the epitome of Educators of the Sacred Heart.

Second, each day, in just about every place I go on campus, our volunteers curate remarkable events and experiences for our community. Our traditions and character are demonstrated in all they do and create. On behalf of the entire Academy community, thank you volunteers! 

This week, Bridget and Mike Maroney share their thoughts as long-time Academy parents and the importance of the gift of Sacred Heart education to their family.

When we toured the Academy of the Sacred Heart we were so impressed with everything we saw and heard. We quickly submitted our application and scheduled our interview with Sister Glavin, then Head of School. It was during that meeting that we realized we were entering a partnership with the Academy. A partnership based on shared values and beliefs. There is such comfort as a parent knowing that our values are shared by the educators walking these halls. They have become family. They have helped us celebrate some of our happiest moments and stood by us during our darkest. The Academy is so much more than a school.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Advent. Within the busyness and bustle of the holiday season as we move through this first week of Advent, my mind and heart are reminded to slow down, to pay attention, and to seek peace. This desire to retreat, to be present, and to pray was born and nurtured for me as a student at the Academy.

It was – and is – a magical time with sparkling trees and decorations, preparations for Silver Tea and the sounds of merriment, but one of my most indelible memories is gathering for morning assembly as a Middle School student in the library (now the Computer Lab). During these times, crowded together with friends, our principal, Mrs. Hopper, would light the candle on the Advent wreath and share some of the 100 Neediest Cases from the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The experiences of extreme poverty and need, of the most basic requests – a bed, groceries, a new coat – were so different than most of our lives that it truly opened our eyes and our hearts.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the feast of St. Philippine Duchesne and share some thoughts from Alara McLeane, Seventh Class.

Being a student at the Academy of the Sacred Heart is an honor and a privilege. The ASH atmosphere is such a fun-loving, enthusiastic environment to be in. I came here in Primary when I was five years old. On my first day of school, an eighth-grader walked me in. I saw many friendly, smiling faces when I entered the classroom.

Now, seven years later, I get to experience more independence. I have a keycard to enter buildings as I choose, I am able to transfer to classes without supervision, and the Seventh and Eighth grade classes have assignments in our various clubs that we must make sure we get completed by a certain deadline for our team.

This week, Mrs. Liz Foor, Academy music teacher, shares her experience of being a military family and of joining our Academy community.

Dear Academy Community,

I am truly honored to write the entry in this week’s Thursday Mail. This week is very special to my family as we are a military family and Veterans Day is Friday November 11. I know there are other military families in our school and community, so from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you for your service, not just for the member of the military but also for the family.