
Weekly Newsletter
November 22, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
- WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - 1/2 DAY 12:15 DISMISSAL, NO EDP
- THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 & 29 NO SCHOOL, THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 - FALL PICTURE RETAKES
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 - FIRST FRIDAY MASS - DRESS UNIFORM
- SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 - PTA HOLIDAY BAZAAR
- MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 - IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - 8:30 MASS DRESS UNIFORM
- MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 PTA ST. NICK SHOPPE
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 - 1/2 DAY NO EDP
- SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 - PTA BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
- MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 - SHS CHRISTMAS SHOW
- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 - MYSTERY TEACHER
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Dear SHS Parents and Guardians,
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and togetherness; a time to express appreciation for family, friends, food, health, and all of our blessings. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God for His many blessings, and let us remember to share our blessings with those less fortunate by reaching out with love, kindness, and compassion.
In the spirit of gratitude, I want to express my sincere thanks to the Sacred Heart School Community. Your unwavering support and dedication make this school a very special place. I am truly blessed to work alongside such wonderful staff, students, and families, and I am grateful for the steadfast support from Father John and our Parish. As I gather with my loved ones, I will be thinking of you all and praying for a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving for each of you.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With sincerest gratitude,
Mrs. Joanna Barlow
Principal
(The next edition of the Weekly Newsletter will be sent Friday, December 6, 2024.)
SERVICE UPDATE - THANK YOU!
TURKEY TOUCHDOWN DRIVE
Thank you to everyone who generously donated to our Turkey Touchdown St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food drive. Together, we collected over 640 food items, which helped St. Vincent de Paul fill nearly 140 baskets for families in need. Your kindness and generosity will make a significant difference this Thanksgiving.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Our Operation Christmas Child was a success! SHS shipped 13 shoe boxes. That is 5 more than we expected! The shoebox gifts bring hope to children who are affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. The shoe boxes will be delivered by volunteers who spread love and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
JOEY’S LITTLE ANGELS
This year's toy drive was a success! Thank you to everyone who donated. I will be delivering approximately 50 toys to the JLA toy drive event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Your donations will be going to Children’s hospitals across the country and will help bring joy to sick children this Christmas Season.
IT"S A WRAP!
Last weekend, the SHS stage was transformed into a futuristic laboratory equipped with our very own time machine! Fifteen talented student actors brought “George Washington Ate My Homework” to life through their outstanding performances. The interactive set and special guest appearance from Robot Botello truly took us back to the future. From the acting and direction to stunning sets, lighting, and sound design, the entire production showcased the dedication and creativity of our drama program.
A big round of applause goes to:
Mr. Burke, Director: Thank you for guiding our student actors and bringing the story to life.
Mrs. Burke, Assistant Director: Your support and expertise were invaluable.
Mr. Mays: Thank you for your technical mastery and for catching every moment in time with your camera.
Young Mr. Burke and Ms. K: Thank you for your behind the scenes support of our program.
Mrs. Fortin: Your organization, hard work and assistance with Meet the Cast and play promotion was spot on.
Mrs. Stokes: Thank you for your printing services and for bringing color to our playbill.
7TH Grade: Thank you for making sure no one went hungry during intermission.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the parents and the SHS community for traveling through time with us! Your enthusiastic presence made the production even more special.
JOIN THE SHS CHOIR
Calling All Singers! Sacred Heart School students in grades 4-8 are invited to join our choir. Rehearsals will be held each Wednesday after school from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM. For more information and to obtain a registration/permission slip, please click here. Paper copies are also available in the main office. Please return completed permission slips and club registration fee to Mrs. Sheaffer.
8TH GRADE CLASS FUNDRAISERS
This year's 8th grade class is actively working on raising funds for their 8th grade graduation and activities. One of their first fundraisers is a Christmas Raffle of an 10" Apple IPad and a pair of Beats Headphones. This raffle will be drawn on December 19th, just in time for Christmas. The 8th grade class is asking each SHS family to help support their efforts by purchasing one or more tickets. Each ticket is $10 each. You may request tickets by clicking this link: 8th Grade Raffle Tickets Request Form. Tickets and payment should be returned to Mr. Burke, the 8th grade class advisor.
PTA UPCOMING EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS
Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser - Online Ordering Still Available
Chocolates make the perfect gifts for the Holidays and lucky for us Online orders are able to be placed through Dec 9th and will ship directly to the buyer and there will be a shipping charge.
ST. NICK’S SHOPPE
The PTA St. Nick’s Shoppe will run December 9-12. During their designated shopping day and time, students will be permitted to purchase Christmas gifts for their friends and loved ones. Starting prices are as low as $1.50. The shopping schedule will be communicated home by your child’s classroom teacher. Volunteers are needed for this event. If you would like to volunteer click on the volunteer link below:
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Come get into the holiday spirit and attend Breakfast with Santa. Families can register and pay online by clicking this link:
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Join us in earning money for Sacred Heart School by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios!) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth $.10 each and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies or experiences the kids love! Use the link below to download the Box Tops app: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=MU6O53C4
Thank you for supporting SHS!
FOSHS FUNDRAISERS
ICICLES TO HEAVEN
Icicles to Heaven are a beautiful way to remember our loved ones during the Christmas season. When you purchase an icicle ornament in memory of a loved one, a tag with his or her name will be attached to the ornament. The ornament will then be hung on a special Christmas tree in the Church near the Tabernacle in the Eucharistic Chapel. The names will also be included in a special book of remembrance placed close to the tree. Icicles will be hung on the tree by Christmas weekend, and those honored will be remembered at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on January 12th. Icicles will be available for pickup at the school and in the auditorium after Masses at the conclusion of the Christmas season so that you may keep this special memento for years to come. Order forms can be found in the church vestibule or by clicking the link below.. **All orders must be placed by December 15th**
MEMORIAL BRICK FUNDRAISER
The Friends of Sacred Heart memorial bricks offer a wonderful way to remember our loved ones, while also benefitting our school. To order online, please click here. All orders must be placed by November 29th.
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN GIFTS FROM THE HEART
Consider contributing to the SHS Annual Campaign, Gifts from the Heart. This carefully planned campaign offers donors the opportunity to directly support our beloved school. One of our key projects is the transformation of our school library into a state-of-the-art learning hub. This innovative space will feature:
Flexible seating arrangements to accommodate various learning styles.
Advanced technology to foster digital literacy and prepare students for the future.
Collaborative learning pods to encourage teamwork and independent study.
This reimagined library will not only be a center for academic growth but also a space for students to connect, reflect, and develop spiritually.
In addition to supporting specific projects, donors can choose to contribute to our unrestricted fund. This fund allows us to allocate resources where they are most needed, ensuring that we can address immediate priorities and unexpected challenges throughout the year.
If you or someone you know would like to make a gift, please click on the link below:
Gifts from the Heart - Sacred Heart School - Mount Holly, NJ (sacred-heart-school.org)
COMMUNITY PARTNERS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Do you have a family business or work for a local business? If so, this year, Sacred Heart School is looking to partner with local businesses through our Community
Outreach and Sponsorship Packages, we have a variety of ways you and your business can be
part of the SHS community through:
● Diverse print and virtual ad space coverage
● Social media and mobile exposure
● Packages that fit any budget
All proceeds directly benefit the school children by providing the necessary funds to enhance school programs further, improve technology-driven initiatives, and continue to offer a dynamic and robust curriculum that fosters creative thinkers and problem solvers. More details can be found on our website at Community Partners - Sacred Heart School - Mount Holly, NJ (sacred-heart-school.org)
If you have any questions, please contact Yvette Fortin, Marketing Coordinator at Yfortin@sacred-heart-school.org.
2024/2025 YEARBOOK SUPER SALE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30
GENERAL INFORMATION
SHS SPIRIT WEAR SAVINGS IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
Deck the halls and your favorite Sacred Heart Charger with Spirit wear this Christmas season!! Orders placed through November 30th save 5% with promo code SAVE5 Visit the SHS store today! Sacred Heart School
MySchoolBucks
MySchoolBucks is a convenient online service that allows you to securely pay for your student’s meals online using your credit/debit card or electronic check.
- Set Up Automatic Recurring Payments
- Track & Review Meal History
- Create Low Balance Alerts
- Make Payments with the Mobile App
- And More…
Sign up now! Registering for your FREE account is easy, go to https://www.MySchoolBucks.com. Create a secure account and never worry again about sending cash or checks with your student(s) to school again!
https://www.MySchoolBucks.com | (855) 832-5226
Have a smartphone? Get the MySchoolBucks Mobile App:
iOS (iPhone) - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myschoolbucks/id661878685?mt=8
Android -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hss.msb&feature=search_result
DIOCESAN TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR
***NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2025/2026***
General Information - For Families with Children Attending Catholic Schools in The Diocese of Trenton. Tuition assistance is awarded each year to families with children in our Catholic schools in grades K-8. Awards are made based on financial need.
How is the determination made? Information contained in the application along with the supporting materials is used to determine financial need. The formula utilized has been especially designed for families with children attending Catholic school. This calculation is based on a moderate standard of living for the geographic area of the applicant, further ensuring a realistic result. This formula determines the ability of a family to pay for private education. FACTS includes a comprehensive review and verification process ensuring the accuracy of the data.
Award Amount - Families who apply can receive up to one-half of the school’s in-parish tuition
Rate. Click here to learn how to apply.
GENESIS PARENT ACCESS
The Diocesan Genesis Manager has sent, via email, credentials to all users PreK3-8th grade. Everyone is required to change their password upon first login. Existing users can change their password back to one they have been using before. Once you are in, you will be prompted to acknowledge and sign the:
Sacred Heart School 2024-25 Photo Release Form
Sacred Heart School 2024-25 Student/Parent Handbook & Acceptable Use Policy
Accounts are disabled (for security reasons) after 5 unsuccessful login attempts. Once an account is disabled, it cannot be accessed until it is re-enabled. If a parent account is disabled, please call the school office and we will do our best to re-enable you quickly.
If you do not think you received credentials, please check your SPAM before posting a Parent Access Support Request to the main office.
CAR LINE INFORMATION
Let's begin by making sure everyone arrives to school safely.
CAR LINE TIPS ON ARRIVAL
Drop-off begins at 7:30am. Please form 2 lanes. The right lane is for grades K-8, the left lane is for our Pre-K students. Families with students in both PreK and K-8 should stay in the right lane.
When arriving you will be greeted by Father John and myself. Please wait your turn in the car lanes. Once in the drop off area, have your child exit the car. K-8 students will be dropped off in front of the main gym doors. Pre-K will circle around and be dropped off in front of the church. Pre-K Parents please make sure to pull up to the Student Drop Off Ends Here sign so other cars can move in behind you. Our staff on duty will assist in making sure your children arrive safely to their classrooms.
Once you have dropped off your child/children please do not cut out of lane instead wait until the car in front of you moves to exit the campus. When exiting please be mindful that cars may turn in front of you to drop off at preschool or to exit the campus.
CAR LINE TIPS FOR PICK-UP
Form 2 lanes. In the interest of safety for your child/children and others:
Children will not be permitted to enter a car until the car is in front of the auditorium. Please remain in your car, have your family name placard visible, and pull all the way up to the "Drop off ends here" sign even if your child is standing in another place. If one of the car lanes is moving, children must wait until the cars stop moving before going to their car. If you must exit your car to buckle seat belts, we ask that you use the lane closest to the auditorium. Please pick up your child as quickly as possible, being mindful of the extremely long line behind you. We are discouraged from blocking Clifton Avenue.
SHARPEN THOSE SKILLS
Using state technology funding, SHS has purchased a license to Starfall. The Starfall Education Foundation is a publicly supported nonprofit organization who creates language arts and mathematical experiences whereby children can successfully learn through online exploration. On the Starfall website and in Starfall classrooms, children have fun while learning in an environment of collaboration, wonderment, and play. The program teaches language arts and mathematics through positive reinforcement to ensure children become confident, intrinsically motivated, and successful.
Our Starfall subscription gives our students access to ALL Starfall games in school and at home. Follow the steps below to use Starfall at home: Log in to starfall.com or download the app
for free. Starfall provides educational games with no commercial interruption. You can sign in using the log in codes listed below:
*This program is intended for PK-5th grade. However, Middle school students needing to sharpen their skills practice can feel free to utilize if they choose.
WANT TO LEND A HELPING HAND?
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to a fun event and work towards your 6-hour service requirement. See the volunteer opportunities below. Questions regarding volunteer opportunities can be emailed to schooloffice@sacred-heart-school.org.
GOOGLE AND YELP REVIEWS
If you are happy with our school, please consider giving us a 5 star review on google and yelp. If you are not happy, please let us know at schooloffice@sacred-heart-school.org
FOLLOW US
Make sure to follow us and like all the great things happening at Sacred Heart School!
Instagram: sacredheartschool_mtholly
Facebook: sacredheartschoolmt.holly
AM Care and EDP
Morning Care (6:30am-7:30am) and Extended Day Program (EDP) is available. If you are interested in either of these programs, please be sure to visit the website to get all the information you need. This is also where you can register your child for the programs.