
Weekly Newsletter
November 8, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
- MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - LAST DAY TO DONATE CANDY FOR TREATS FOR TROOPS
- NOVEMBER 11 - 15 - BOOK FAIR
- WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - $1 PRETZEL DAY
- WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 1ST RECONCILIATION/COMMUNION PARENT MEETING
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - END OF 1ST TRIMESTER
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - SCHOOL PLAY
- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 - SCHOOL PLAY
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - FITNESS FRIDAY
- WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - 1/2 DAY 12:15 DISMISSAL, NO EDP
- THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 & 29 NO SCHOOL, THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Dear SHS Parents and Guardians,
On Thursday morning, Sacred Heart School honored our veterans with our inaugural Veterans Day Celebration. The event was filled with prayer, song, and heartfelt appreciation for the twenty-four veterans who joined us in person, as well as those remembered on our wall of honor. Highlights of the ceremony were the presentation of handmade wreaths and our 4th and 5th graders singing songs representing each branch of the armed services. Following the closing prayer, students and guests enjoyed refreshments and the opportunity to connect. Later that morning, our middle school students had the privilege of hearing from Lance Corporal Daniel Couillard, a Marine with the 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment. Lance Corporal Couillard shared his experiences serving in Afghanistan, captivating our students with stories of his time in the military. The students were even able to examine some of his gear and ask insightful questions. In the spirit of gratitude and remembrance, and on behalf of Sacred Heart School, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to all veterans for their service and sacrifice. We wish you a very happy and blessed Veterans Day.
We also want to thank you, our parents, for your active participation in your child's education. It was wonderful to see so many of you at parent-teacher conferences this week. Your partnership is invaluable in ensuring your child's success.
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Joanna Barlow
Principal
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
TREATS FOR TROOPS
In this, the Year of Charity, SHS will again be donating candy to Treats for Troops. Soldiers’ Angels, Treats for Troops, a Halloween Candy collection program where local businesses and organizations register to collect excess Halloween candy for our Troops. Once the Trick or Treating is over, we will be collecting excess Halloween candy. Our collection will run from November 1 - November 11. If your child would like to donate some of their candy, they can bring it to their homeroom for collection. On November 12, we will combine all of our candy and ship it off to the Troops.
TOUCHDOWN TURKEY DRIVE
To support the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Basket Initiative, Sacred Heart School will be collecting food items to fill the baskets. This year we are making a competition out of it. Please donate food items below that are assigned to your grade level. Each grade will receive a touchdown for every 7 food items donated to the food drive. The grade with the most touchdowns will win a movie and popcorn party. The last day to donate is Monday November 18.
Each grade is assigned an item:
Pre-K - canned cranberry sauce
Kindergarten - canned yams
1st grade - canned vegetables (corn, green beans, etc.)
2nd grade - canned gravy
3rd grade - boxed potatoes
4th grade - stuffing mix
5th grade - muffin mix
6th grade - brownie mix
7th grade - hot chocolate
8th grade - tea bags
Students are asked to bring their items to their homerooms beginning Monday, November 4th. The food drive will run through Friday, November 18th. Thank you in advance for helping to make someone’s Thanksgiving meal special.
FALL BOOK FAIR
Get ready to celebrate the love of reading with our upcoming Fairytale Scholastic Book Fair! We will have many fun reading activities planned for your child throughout this event, and we hope you can come share the fun by visiting the Book Fair with your student. Our Fairytale Book Fair begins Monday, November 11th, and runs through Friday morning, November 15th. Stop by during school hours or after school (Monday-Thursday) until 4:00pm to find a book for your favorite reader! Or join us for Family Night on Tuesday, November 12th, until 8:00pm, for some crafts, snacks, and storytime with a princess! Can't make it in person? Our online shopping is available from November 6th through November 19th at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/sacredheartschool15 - or by using the QR code. All proceeds benefit our school and classroom libraries.
As always, one of our goals is to ensure as many children as possible receive and have access to books. One of the ways we can do that is through the Share the Fair (formerly called All for Books) program. With your help, all of the money collected goes to purchasing more books for our students, library, and classrooms, and for children in our community. This Fall, all books purchased with your Share the Fair donations will go toward school libraries affected by the recent Hurricanes.
Ways to participate:
Donate $1 or loose change, and sign the castle drawing with your name or child’s name. There are donation jars in every classroom, and all signed slips will be displayed in the school library.
Try our pencil pull (.50) or lollipop pull (.50) at the fair for a chance to win a prize.
Round up your change when you make a purchase at the book fair.
The class with the most participation will win a dress-down day or a pajama day and a Fairytale movie and treats in the Library. If the school raises over $300 for Share the Fair, Mrs. Barlow will dress up as a princess for a day!
If you are interested in helping with the book fair Contact Paula Asch at library@sacred-heart-school.org to volunteer or click on the Sign up Genius: Sign Up Genius Book Fair
For more information regarding the book fair, read this book fair letter from Principal Barlow.
SHS PLAY 11/15 & 11/16
The Sacred Heart School Drama Club is presenting "George Washington Ate My Homework," a side-splitting comedy that will have you laughing from start to finish. Tickets are just $5 each! Purchase your tickets in advance using this link: George Washington Ate My Homework Ticket Form, or at the door the day of the show. Come out and support our talented students as they take you on a time-traveling adventure filled with wacky humor. If you've ever dreamed of having a time machine, this play is a must-see! Make sure to scan the QR code below to meet the cast!
JLA CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
Joey’s Little Angels is a local toy drive in memory of Joseph Thomas Angiolino who passed away at age 14 months from Hurler's Syndrome. Joey spent much of his short life in hospitals. As such, each year his family holds a toy drive specifically for children who spend Christmas in hospitals. They have collected over 46,000 toys which have been distributed to Duke University Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, RWJ New Brunswick, Capital Health, Boston Children's Hospital, Rutgers Cancer Institute, St. Christopher's Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and many more. To participate in this drive please drop off an unwrapped toy by November 22.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
As this is the Year of Charity, the SHS Service Committee decided to begin our holiday service drives sooner rather than later. With that said, SHS will again be participating in the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Gift Drive. Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes. Each shoebox is packed full of quality toys, craft activity, school supplies, personal care items and a personalized note from the class. The gift becomes a tangible expression of God's immense love for the child. For many, it is their first gift ever! We hope to fill at least one shoebox per homeroom.
The classes should fill a shoebox for:
Pre-K 3 - Boy 2-4 years old
Pre-K 4 - Girl 2-4 years old
Kindergarten - Boy 5-9 years old
1st grade - Girl 5-9 years old
2nd grade - Boy 5-9 years old
3rd grade - Girl 5-9 years old
4th grade - Boy 5-9 years old
5th grade - Girl 10-14 years old
6th grade - Boy 10-14 years old
7th grade - Girl 10-14 years old
8th grade - Boy 10-14 years old
The shoe boxes should be filled and ready to be shipped by November 18. Additionally, It costs $10 to ship each box so monetary donations are also welcomed.
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.
PTA CASH BINGO - A HUGE SUCCESS
Last Saturday's Cash Bingo was a huge success! The event was well-organized and sold out. A big thank you to our bingo chairpersons, Mrs. Montes and Mrs. Fortin, and our bingo callers, Mrs. McNamara and Mrs. Risko. We also appreciate all the parent volunteers who helped make this event a resounding success! Looking forward to the next time we can yell out, “I got Bingo!” Stay tuned.
PTA UPCOMING EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS
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:
Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser - Online Ordering Still Available
Gertrude Hawk fundraiser - Sales run until November 11th. Delivery will be the week of Dec 9th. Shop early - chocolates make the perfect gifts for the Holidays!
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
FRITZ'S STICKY BUN FUNDRAISER
New this year, just in time for Thanksgiving, FOSHS Fritz’s Sticky Bun fundraiser. Choose from 5 different flavors, Creamcheese, Raisin, Walnut or plain. Orders due by November 10 , 2024. Pick up November 26th from 6-8 PM in the SHS Auditorium. A paper order form can be found here: Sticky Bun Order Form
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 here or in the church vestibule. **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
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
***Applications will be available online November 1***
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.
***Applications will be available online November 1***
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.
PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
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.
SHS SPIRIT WEAR SHOP NOW OPEN
Exciting news! Sacred Heart School is thrilled to unveil the grand opening of our brand new spirit shop. From stylish T-shirts to cozy hoodies, trendy hats to handy hydration gear, we've got everything you need to showcase your Charger spirit in style! Don't miss out – place your order today and let your spirit shine!
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.