Have you ever heard the phrase, “There is something special about this school”? 

I heard this phrase many times from my wife, Carie Covilli ’91, prior to our kids going to the Academy but until I experienced that feeling for myself with my own children, it’s hard to explain. My wife converted me — a Borromeo Bobcat ’92 — a kid from across the street who played on the black asphalt parking lot, into a firm believer that there is something special about the Academy. Between the respectful children greeting you in the hall, the kind warm souls that are hugging their teachers as they leave class for the day, or the smile on the teachers’ faces when they see your child accomplish something they have been working so hard to do, there is something about the Academy that is sometimes hard to put into words because it is a feeling, and not an adjective.

This school teaches students how to be thoughtful, independent, and respectful, and it shows when you pass them and listen to some of their conversations in the hallways. During any event at school you see the Lower School kids getting along with the Middle School kids, and young alumni always return to give their favorite teachers those warm hugs they have become accustomed to. There is a unique bond between children at the Academy of the Sacred Heart and we want them to experience it for many more years to come!

This week, Fourth Class teacher Mary Dougherty Reepmeyer ’96 shares her reflections of Lent as well as heart-felt responses from some of her students.

Every Lent challenges us to become closer to God, which means to trust Him, repent, and change. Change can be a difficult thing especially in these busy times. We get stuck in autopilot and move along each day through our usual habits.  However, each year while educating my students about Lent, I continually tell them it is my favorite liturgical season of the church year. This is because it gives me an opportunity to slow down, create a plan for change, and feel closer to Jesus. I take this opportunity to set goals which help me increase my prayer life and practice making small sacrifices. I encourage them to do the same on their own Lenten journeys.

In religion class, my Fourth Class students have been rereading the Bible readings from each Sunday, watching short videos on Lent, journaling, and establishing Lenten promises. I had them reflect and write about what Lent means to them and was in awe of how much they have understood and discovered about this season over the past week. I hope these reflections inspire you during this sacred time of recommitment to recognize our presence in this world as disciples of Jesus.   

As we enter the Lenten season, Mary Furay, Seventh and Eighth Class theology and history teacher, shares her reflections and those of her students.

Lent is the time of the year when the flowers start to bloom, and everything starts to grow along with your soul. During Lent you become closer to Jesus as you pray more, fast just like He did, and give just like He would. 

— Gabby J.

February is a short, cold month filled with the sweetness of Valentine’s Day, the promise of potential snow days, the fun of Superbowl football, and the revelry of Mardi Gras.  

It is also Academy exam season. For the past several weeks, Middle School students have been defending arguments for history essays, solving mathematical word problems, conjugating verbs in Spanish, and discussing literary elements. Even more impressive than that, as the students journeyed through this challenging moment in their year, they stayed organized and kept up with projects, quizzes, writing assignments, club activities, sports, and more. 

To say we are proud of them would not go far enough. I am inspired by them. The Middle School students, like Rosie the Riveter encouraging those of a different generation, have made it clear: Whatever hard things life throws at us, we can do it! 

Academy teachers “Love Teaching a Latte!” This week, we share some LOVE from our Academy faculty!

• I love helping students find the confidence within themselves. — Mr. Lampen
• I enjoy helping students discover their creative abilities. — Mrs. Hagen
• I love seeing my students get excited about their learning especially when creative projects are involved. — Mrs. Grojean
• I love encouraging students to be life-long readers. — Mrs. Reepmeyer

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!