
Weekly Newsletter
October 11, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
- STAR ASSESSMENT WINDOW ONE - OCT. 7 - OCT. 25
- MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 - NO SCHOOL
- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 - HURRICANE RELIEF DRESS DOWN DAY
- SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 - FOSHS COUNTRY LINE DANCE
- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - FITNESS FRIDAY
- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - FALL FEST/TRUNK OF TREAT
- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 - SCHOOL PICTURE DAY - WEAR DRESS UNIFORM
- THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 - HALLOWEEN / HALF DAY 12: 15 DISMISSAL
- FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 - ALL SAINTS DAY MASS - WEAR DRESS UNIFORM
- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 - PTA CASH BINGO
Dear SHS Parents and Guardians,
Thirteen dedicated 7th and 8th graders from Sacred Heart School recently attended the Mass for Catholic Schools at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold, New Jersey. The Bishop's message resonated deeply with our students, reminding them to consider "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do) when making choices.
During his homily, the Bishop challenged the students to reflect on the teachings of compassion, kindness, and love when facing decisions at school and at home. He encouraged them to follow Jesus' example in their words and actions. The Mass was a beautiful and moving experience for all who attended.
A note of Harmony: Our prayers for a new music teacher have been answered! We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Donnamarie Wojtko back to Sacred Heart School. Mrs. Wojtko will begin her role as music teacher next week and is eager to share the gift of music with our students.
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Joanna Barlow
Principal
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
On Tuesday, firefighters from the Mount Holly Volunteer Fire Department visited Sacred Heart School to educate our younger students about fire safety. Our students were captivated as they explored the fire truck, tried on firefighting gear, and learned valuable fire prevention tips. A highlight of the visit was seeing the flashing lights and hearing the sirens. Check out the pictures below.
HURRICANE RELIEF DRESS DOWN DAY 10/18
On Friday, October 18th, Sacred Heart School will participate in the Diocese of Trenton Hurricane Relief Dress Down Day to support Catholic Schools affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Typically, we collect $1 per participant for dress down days, however, we welcome donations of any amount if you feel inspired to give more. The funds raised will be sent directly to Catholic Schools impacted by the storms.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please join me in praying for all those affected by these devastating hurricanes.
HISPANIC HERITAGE POSTER WINNERS
Congratulations to our Hispanic Heritage Poster Winners. In 3rd place, Ben Sagrado with a poster of baseball player Roberto Clemente, 2nd place, Emma Sagrado with a poster of astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and in 1st place, Amara Figueroa with a poster of artist Frida Kahlo. Congratulations to our winners!
SHS VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
On November 7th, Sacred Heart School will host our first annual Veterans Day Celebration to honor those who have served in the U.S. Military.
On this special day, your child may invite a veteran to accompany them to our Veterans Day service and celebration. This veteran could be a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, cousin, or another adult. The veterans will be recognized, honored, and enjoy refreshments with their students. Due to limited space, please invite only one veteran per family. We look forward to honoring and celebrating with our veterans!
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY - 10/30/24
School picture day is October 30, 2024 Students should come to school in their Dress Uniform for Picture Day. You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT33RSTS. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.
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.
STAR ASSESSMENT WINDOW ONE OCT. 7 - OCT. 25
Each year, the elementary schools of the Diocese of Trenton administer the Renaissance Star Assessments in mathematics and reading during three assessment windows. The assessments, which last less than 40 minutes each, are given in the fall, in the winter, and in the spring. The assessments from Renaissance, like many other standardized assessments, measure academic proficiency. In addition to proficiency, however, these assessments also track the academic growth of a student during the course of one school year as well as over the period of a student’s career from grade two through grade eight.
Star assessment window 1 is October 7, 2024 through October 25, 2024. Specific assessment dates will be communicated by the classroom teachers. Results are sent home to parents after each testing window.
BAND REGISTRATION STILL OPEN
Students interested in joining the school band or orchestra may still enroll throughout the month of October. Students in grades 4-8 may choose flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, drum, bells, or violin. For more more information check out the music program website www.nemusicprograms.com or email Mrs. Jennifer Blair at jblair@nemusicprograms.com.
PTA FALL FEST & TRUNK OR TREAT
Get ready for some Halloween Fun! What is Trunk or Treat? It’s Halloween Trick or Treating from car to car in our parking lot. Trunks are open and decorated with fun themes. Prepackaged treats are handed out at each car. This year our PTA has expanded our Trunk or Treat into the auditorium to include a haunted house, pumpkin display/contest, and Halloween themed games. There will be food, music and fall fun. For more information and to register click below
PTA CASH BINGO
On Saturday, November 2nd, the PTA is hosting CASH BINGO in the SHS Auditorium. Doors open at 6pm, calling begins at 7pm. Attendees must be 21 or older to participate. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Come on out, try your luck, and support the SHS PTA! Registration form is available below:
PTA GERTRUDE HAWK CHOCOLATE FUNDRAISER
Gertrude Hawk fundraiser - Sales start today and 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!
COUNTRY LINE DANCING EVENT
Country Line Dancing - This popular event returns on Saturday, October 19th from 7 pm - 10 pm in the Sacred Heart Auditorium. No experience and no partners needed! Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at this link (other purchase options coming soon). *No one under 21 permitted.*
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
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.
PARENT SPEAKER SERIES
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)
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
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.
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.