
Weekly Newsletter
November 15, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - SCHOOL PLAY
- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 - SCHOOL PLAY
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - FITNESS FRIDAY
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - $1 DRESS DOWN DAY
- 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
Dear SHS Parents and Guardians,
Over the past few weeks the SHS Faculty made strides towards our building goal: To better understand Social Emotional Learning and identify where and how SEL should be integrated into schoolwide and classroom practices and structures. Recently, the faculty participated in an online workshop entitled, Introduction to Social Emotional Learning. This workshop introduced our teachers to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, otherwise known as (CASEL) and its critical work to help students cope with change, address new challenges, make meaning of their environments, and build strong connections. The workshop helped our teachers develop a deeper understanding of social-emotional learning needs and suggested strategies to support individual student growth.
Additionally, at our November 12th faculty meeting we unpacked the CASEL Core Competencies of self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making and identified practical classroom strategies to address these competencies. We will continue this important work throughout this school year through additional professional development, reading professional articles, and peer learning initiatives.
While we prioritize our students’ social and emotional well-being, we also want to ensure their physical comfort. As the crisp autumn air settles in, please make sure your child comes to school with a jacket or coat to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor recess.
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Joanna Barlow
Principal
END OF TRIMESTER 1
Today marks the close of Trimester 1. To allow teachers time to input trimester grades, parent access to Genesis is now closed and will reopen on November 27 at 3:00 P.M. Elementary report cards will be available on November 27.
FRIENDSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to the following students for being an example of Friendship throughout the month of October: Emma Walsh, Scarlett Murray, Haley Martin, Ava Ashby, Natalia Cruz, Bryon Cody, Giancarlo DiGiovanni, Natalie Demarest, Sabrina Fortin, Kori Mar Saysay, Keira Holmqvist, Gavin Stokes, Lugia Grandone, Logan Garinger, Isabella Gray, and Paul Seay.
STEM BOWL
Last Saturday, six talented Sacred Heart School students participated in the Notre Dame High School STEM Bowl. The team worked collaboratively to tackle challenging math problems, an engineering challenge, coding and technology design challenges, and a variety of science questions.
We are pleased to announce that the Sacred Heart team placed 4th overall. Congratulations to our dedicated students: Arielle Derissant, Asheema Precil, Cailin Journeigan, Ben Sagrado, Dean Carnivale, and Daniel Matlock. A special thank you to Mrs. Hopkins for her guidance and preparation. Her dedication to fostering STEM education has undoubtedly contributed to our students' success.
THANK YOU - TREATS FOR TROOPS
Thank you to everyone who generously donated their extra Halloween candy to our Treats for Troops drive. Together, we collected 50 pounds of candy, which will be shipped to our troops to bring a little sweetness to their days. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.
6TH GRADE SERVICE
This week, fourteen dedicated 6th grade students rolled up their sleeves to serve their community at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Students, along with their moderator Miss Cooblall, spent two hours organizing shelves, transferring food items, and preparing the pantry for the upcoming Thanksgiving Basket Drive. By volunteering their time, these students not only chipped away at their service requirement, but also made a positive impact on their community. Our students worked hard, had fun, and best of all felt good about helping those in need.
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 Monday, November 18th. Thank you in advance for helping to make someone’s Thanksgiving meal special.
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.
8TH GRADE CLASS FUNDRAISER
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, we still have until Nov 18th for online orders to be shipped to the school. Online orders from Nov 19th to Dec 9th 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
MENU CHANGE FOR 11/20/24
Menu change for Wednesday, November 20th - will be changed from : chicken and cheese quesadilla to pepperoni and cheese croissant melt .
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.
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.
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.