From games and inflatables to tasty food and beverages, a talent show, Farmer’s Market, petting zoo, balloon artist and magician and more, the day was wonderful in every way! At the close of the day, the Country Fair Squares winner was drawn — Congratulations to Theresa Peterson who received a check for $8,550!
This week, Mrs. Mary Reepmeyer, principal, shares some exciting learning going on in Lower School classrooms, thanks to creative, innovative learning lessons that inspire a lifelong love of learning.
What happens when your child is engaged and excited about learning throughout each day?
Keeping students engaged is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts their learning, motivation, and overall success. They are more likely to understand and retain information as well as apply it.
Engagement fuels motivation. When students feel connected to the content and see its relevance, they are more likely to stay motivated to complete tasks, meet challenges, and push through difficulties. It encourages students to ask questions, explore ideas, and think critically.
All are welcome! Mark your calendars and plan to join us to connect with Academy friends.
Friday, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. | Feast of Mater Admirabilis, Mass in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne
Friday, Nov. 8 | 1972 Alumni Luncheon (For all 12th, 11th, 10th, 9th and 8th graders who attended the Academy in 1972) Tour at 10:45 a.m. followed by luncheon at noon.
Saturday, Nov. 16 | Alumni and Parents of Alumni Gathering in Kansas City, more details to follow.
Monday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. | Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Rauch Memorial
Thursday, Dec. 19, 5-6 p.m. | Alumni Pal meeting with 8th Class, White Center
Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m. | Alumni Christmas Basket Gathering, White Center
Friday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. | Christmas Basket Mass, Rauch Memorial
Camp Lakewood has long been a favorite annual tradition for the oldest Academy students and provides an opportunity to grow in confidence and leadership skills. Last week, Seventh and Eighth Class students spent a few days away building a special sense of community through team-building activities, archery, challenge courses, ziplining and, of course, time around a campfire. Special thanks to Academy faculty for creating a truly memorable experience. Below students reflect about this time together.
We had a fantASHtic time at our first Philippine’s Playgroup on Tuesday. We welcomed 10 little ones and they enjoyed new toys and made friends. Plus, Ninja, the turtle was a hit!
Gratitude is in the air, and this week, Mr. Horner shares some highlights from the first weeks of school.
In a school with so many blessings, I want to express my gratitude for a few subjects that are currently top of mind for me.
Students | Each student brings joy and purpose to our days. I am proud of them daily. Most recently the respectful attention and speaking skills of our Middle School students were on clear display at the Network Prayer Service hosted in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne last week. We’ve received many compliments from other Network Schools about how our students stepped up to the role of hosting this significant event.
The Academy is delighted to offer an open, free, and casual playgroup for children 3 years and younger with their caregivers! We invite you to campus to enjoy this relaxed setting for children to engage in play with peers as caregivers socialize, supervise, and join in play. We invite younger siblings, friends and families to come on the first and third Tuesday of every month 8:15-9:30 a.m.
The 2024 dates are: 10/1, 10/15, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/17
Early childhood educators feel playgroups are much more than just a chance to get out and about: “Playgroups and socialization during the early years are crucial for a child’s development. They help children build foundational social skills such as sharing, communication and cooperation,” shares Pre-Primary teacher Ms. Sam Weiss. “Through play, children also develop problem solving skills, emotional regulation and a sense of independence. Playgroups provide a safe environment where children can interact with peers all while boosting their cognitive, emotional and physical growth.”
Philippine’s Playgroup is hosted by the Admissions Office and there is no need to RSVP, but should you have questions please contact me at asanchezlittle@ash1818.org.
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.
As the first Sacred Heart school in this country, it was an honor and a privilege to host the 50th Anniversary Prayer Service for the Network of Sacred Heart Schools live-streamed from the Shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne on Sept. 18.
Seventh and Eighth Class students have life skills classes that they suggest topics for at the beginning of the year and then faculty volunteer to lead one of the classes. This year they were able to choose between budgeting/money management, etiquette, communication skills/public speaking, and sports psychology. I am happy to lead the communication skills/public speaking class.
Having this opportunity gives students confidence in their ability to speak to their peers and adults/teachers. They have many opportunities in the classroom, but students recognize that this is a life skill they will need beyond this year. They know they will have high school interviews, job interviews, give speeches, meet someone new, or have conversations where they want to feel confident in their delivery and their words. I have enjoyed my time with the six students so far and I am so impressed with their willingness to try and take risks!
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.
