L’Esprit sparkles at the Hilton Nearly 500 attendees enjoyed celebrating the 11th L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur on March 1. The annual “Spirit of Sacred Heart” gala, held at The Hilton Chicago, featured live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing to the The Don Cagen Orchestra, and the ever-popular Smilebooth. The busy Auction Solicitation Captains, Kory Kozlowski, Sarah Lien and Maura Starshak, coordinated auction items from getaways at a Montana dude ranch, to a Late Nite Catechism dinner, to sold out concert and sports tickets. The “Overnight at Wrigley Field for 30”
item set a record bid amount in the Live Auction. This year, the Schools honored the Howard Area Community Center as the 2014 Goal Award recipient. Their Executive Director, Bruce Rasey, accepted the award for his organization’s dedication to Goal IV of Sacred Heart education: the building of community. (see page 6) Co-chairs of L’Esprit (at right), Wendy Beard, Amy Andrews, Jane Goodrich and Beth Kost, put on a sparkling evening that raised more than $330,000 for the children of Sacred Heart Schools.
Heartbeat The
SPRING 2014
Academy of the Sacred Heart | Hardey Preparatory
Volume 31 No. 2
Justice Day celebrates neighbors, community In this year of building community, SHS took a day to reach out to its neighbors. Annually, in honor of Martin Luther King, students devote an entire school day to learning about issues of peace and justice. This year on Jan. 29 the Schools focused on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which Martin Luther King, Jr. recast into his I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech. Students considered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and “How can I get to know them better?” To this end, the grades did projects which included visits to the public library, Howard Area Community Center and Misericordia; visits with firemen and policemen; interviews of local neighbors; and even research on Edgewater landmarks. Many classes created peace cards for clients of this year’s Goal Award recipient, the Howard Area Community Center. 1
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Illustrious speakers enriched the day: Harry Osterman, the area Alderman, spoke at the Opening Assembly in the gym and then presented a workshop with Bob Remer, Edgewater Historical Society President, to the 6th Grade. They set up a large map of Edgewater and shared its long history and traditions of diversity, activism, and helping neighbors through block clubs, churches and schools. Their final advice was that service helps the givers as much as the community. “They were a great group of interested students,” said Remer. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune journalist and TV/radio personality, along with Chuck Osgood, former Chicago Tribune photographer, spoke with the 8th Grade. Their message fit the theme of the day perfectly: that life is endlessly fascinating and many of the people we tend to look right past have important stories to tell. 3
Kogan related a few of the stories from his Sidewalks series in the Tribune, including his favorite of the giant cat statue (below). He and Osgood gave ad- Katherine Midura, Ava Taylor and Anjali Katyal comvice on interviewing techniques, pile a booklet on the Edgewater Historical Society. as the students then went out velopment at Howard Area Commuinto the “hood” to conduct interviews nity Center and a Woodlands graduwith some of the Schools’ neighbors. ate, was interviewed by 8th graders. “The kids are remarkably well“They were amazing,” she said. They behaved, curious, interesting and quizzed Wenzel on her role at HACC smart,” noted Kogan. and the history of the agency. “I was He was especially impressed with so impressed by their confidence and the idea of a Justice Day, “It should be curiosity. I wasn’t that open and reat every school, an important element laxed at their age!” she noted. of learning not only about the city but She was presented beautiful, about life. It enriches these young lives hand-made rainbow-colored peace and mine too.” cards and toys to be given to the Cen Ernie Nolan, DePaul Universiter’s children. ty Theater Professor, met with Grade Finally, Officer Paul Wallace 4 to discuss Number the Stars, a play they and his partner Redd, the German attended about neighbors helping a Shepard, were a very popular duo as Jewish family during the Nazi terror. Meg Wenzel, Director of De- they did a safety demo in the Gym. 1. Alderman Osterman shares a message about the neighborhood with the assembled school body.
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2. Meg Wenzel talks with Zoe Gust about the difference the students make at the HACC. 3. Rick Kogan uses the Osgood cat photo to illustrate one of his neighborhood tales. 4. Ethan Garst presents collected toys to the HACC.
Sr. Mary McMahon leaves legacy of love and memories The Schools lost beloved administrator Sr. Mary McMahon, RSCJ, on January 14. Sr. McMahon was Principal of Hardey Preparatory for 12 years, from 1979 to 1991. Her life was celebrated in a Memorial Mass and reception at Sacred Heart Schools on February 8.
Sr. McMahon’s years on Sheridan Road touched many lives and created cherished memories. She always referred to her “Hardey boys,” a term that has continued through the years as part of a special SHS lexicon. As her students will attest, once a Hardey boy, always a Hardey boy. “She loved her boys, and they knew it. She brought out the best in them, and they brought the best in her,” said Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ. Many of “her boys” returned to honor her life at the memorial service in the SHS chapel. Dan Flaherty, Dean under Sr. McMahon, and later Head of the Middle School, spoke movingly of his years with her. “She was patient… she was kind… she was humble and old fash-
ioned in her manners… she rejoiced in the truth… she bore our burdens with us… she believed in us… she hoped the best for us, and she endured our trials. She was definitely and completely head over heels in love with her boys.” Now a principal at St. Pius X in Lombard, Flaherty says “I use everything I learned from her. I find myself saying Sr. McMahonisms like ‘that will not do,’and ‘I already know what happened. Why don’t you tell me in your own words?’ And if I have one-one thousandth the impact on my students that she had on her boys… I will have worked wonders.” He enjoys telling the story of his hiring by Sr. McMahon, who overlooked his “all-boy” past to say with a twinkle “you hire a thief to catch a
thief.” He remember s being awestruck watching her control first graders in the lunchroom. “She could quiet an entire cafeteria with a raised eyebrow. She could silence a gymnasium by pursing her lips. She could teach you a lesson by looking at you over her glasses.” But her greatest asset, according to Flaherty, was her confidence in each of her charges. “She knew we could do it. She knew we would do it. I guess she was a little like Yoda. There was Continued on p. 6
School News
SHS
snippets
Schools Rock brings down the house
Checkmate!
Grant Koh H2 (r) and Jack Grisko H2 compete with the SHS Chess Team ranked third out of 21 teams in the Novice K-2 division in the De La Salle Scholastic Chess Tournament on January 18.
Performers (left to right)Sloane Daley A6; Arianna Nebolsky de Ochoa and Georgia Elsener A2; Corry Thorpe and Liam McClimans H6; The Cruisers: Kate Ginn, Lucy Lien, Will Huxhold, Emersyn Huxhold and Lily Harmon.
A comedy routine, violinists, dances and tributes to famous pop, rock and classical musicians made up the 25 amazing acts of Schools Rock talent show on Sunday, February 2.
This is the 11th annual production of the popular showcase for student talent, orchestrated by teachers Jill Renn, Matt Manley and Head of Student Life Sally Sharp.
Legos help clarify computer coding A Valentine’s ‘Love Match’
For more than 20 years, Academy 8 and Hardey 8 have been competing against each other on Valentine’s Day. This year, the Academy won in volleyball and Hardey prevailed in basketball.
Cat in the Hat Kindergartners started Dr. Seuss week by making “Cat in the Hat” hats. Ignatius Doherty proudly shows off his creation.
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he next Steve Jobs? One never knows! Math teachers Michele Kruse and Sarah Pikcilingis are introducing their 6th grade Academy and Hardey students to the basics of computer programming. The students were first exposed to computer programming in their technology classes in December during the nationwide “Hour of Code” initiative, designed to introduce programming to students across the country. Now, the students are using a novice-friendly computer programming language called Scratch, which is a simplified language developed at MIT. “Scratch is very kid-friendly,” noted Ms. Kruse, who was a computer programmer and program manager in Silicon Valley before coming to SHS. She explained that the programming directives are color-coded and are designed as Lego-like blocks that click together to form a program. “The beauty of the language is that it provides immediate feedback to the students, as compared to the programming classes their parents may have taken in college.” Kruse added. The students can change one Lego-like block and immediately try their program again to see the effect of the change. After an initial study of a few basic building blocks, the students are now exploring the variety and depth of Scratch by creating their own mini-projects. Their lines of code can accomplish such tasks as creating a video game, 1
Chicagoland...yes!
Ethan Garst (l) and Nico Hussey-Gonzalez get in the spirit during Grade 1’s annual Chicago Pride Day Parade Feb.7, celebrating the Windy City. Each student made a Chicago flag, dressed in Chicago gear and called out facts about the city while parading through the SHS halls.
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Heartbeat The
Volume 31, No. 2; Spring 2014 The Heartbeat is published three times a year. Sacred Heart Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60660-1730 773-262-4446 Head of Schools:
Nat Wilburn
Editor:
Diane Fallon
Editorial Board: Jennifer Bozyk Meghan Donahue Kathleen Edwards Judy Corrin Lindsey Lopez Blaise Malisch Carolyn Napleton Sally Sharp Sophie Streeter Sam Sinkhorn ©2014 SHS
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an animation, a mu s i c a n d dance video, or a holiday greeting card. “Students are learning to take risks and use their creativity,” said Ms. Annika Swanson creates a line of code, while Kruse. “They Ms. Kruse assists Kate Beck with “Scratch.” have discovered the puzzle-like nature of programming and the need for perseverance, while approaching problems in a logical fashion.” Nancy Jones, Technology Coordinator, agrees that one of the beauties of coding is that it makes students slow down and think critically. “They have to plan and envision every little thing they want to have occur in their program when coding,” she explained. “Those types of thinking skills will serve them well in terms of not just school work, but life in general.” All Sacred Heart students are encouraged to explore free websites on coding, including Scratch, Hour of Code (code.org), Daisy the Dinosaur, Bee-Bot, Kodable, CargoBot, Hopscotch, and Tynker.
CLASS CAPERS 1 T ime Travel to 1963 K.K. Cleland, parent (l), and Jean Brunder, librarian, transported the 5th grade back in time to the 60s, in conjunction with their reading The Watsons Go To Birmingham set in 1963. Gas was then $0.30 a gallon; a new car, $3,000; women wore hats and gloves when out and you had to get up to change the TV channel! “When you understand the era you have some context for the culture and mood of the book’s time,” said Kristin Lesser, A5 teacher. The presentation covered politics, fashion, current events, movies, literature and pop culture, with music, posters and a slideshow.
2 Brush and floss...
As part of Children’s Dental Health Month, Kindergarten through Grade 2 learned about the importance of proper dental
hygiene from Dr. Brent Agran. They saw how practicing proper dental hygiene now can make a difference later in life.
3 Roman Ruins Reborn
Luke Grisko (from l), William Hiteshew and Max Tiemann recreated ancient Rome, based on the book City. They used wood, clay, popsicle sticks, pebbles, hot glue and markers. “The highlights of our city are the Forum, Amphitheater and Market Place,” noted Tiemann.
4 C oncert Extraoridnaire! The Middle
School concert was a feast for the senses, with student performances on guitar and drums, in addition to lively renditions of billboard favorites by pop bands Coldplay, Green Day and Fun. It was orchestrated by Justin Nixon, MS music teacher.
FACULTY PROFILES
In this issue we profile our 6th grade math teachers.
Michele Kruse
Years at Sacred Heart – 3rd year Area of responsibility – 6th grade math What innovations do you see in teaching math to the 6th grade level? Not surprisingly, I see computer programming entering into the math curriculum until it is a separate subject.(see article page 2) Do you use different teaching techniques for boys and girls? My humor and real world examples are somewhat different for girls and boys. Any previous Sacred Heart connection? – No, except that I used to drive by our Atherton school many times (a friend lives down the street), all the while never dreaming I would one day teach at Sacred Heart! I grew up in – Moline, Illinois. Personal hero or heroine – is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor and theologian who was one of the very few German clergy who spoke out against the Nazis (and lost his life as a result). Currently I’m – getting familiar with Chicago, having just moved here a couple of years ago. If I could do it all over – I would have chosen a smaller college for my undergraduate education. My family says – I’m a devoted aunt. Now I’m reading – Flyover Lives by Diane Johnson, a memoir by a celebrated author who grew up in my hometown. I’d like to have dinner with – Sedge Thomson, the host of a radio program called “West Coast Live.” Schooling – M.S. Stanford University, B.S. University of Illinois In school I was known as – studious and as a competitive swimmer. Favorite “junk” food is – a dark chocolate with hazelnuts candy bar or, hey, any dark chocolate! I spend my “free” time – skiing (cross-country and downhill), being in nature, learning new things, reading, travel and being with my nieces. Your proudest moment – graduating with my masters degree. Favorite school memory – is when my 3rd grade teacher pulled me aside after school to ask my opinion about certain things she was doing in the classroom. I remember feeling like a grown-up because my thoughts and ideas were important to her.
Sarah Pikcilingis
Years at Sacred Heart – I taught at SHS for four years, then was away for two and this is my first year back. Area of responsibility – 6th grade math What are the unique challenges of teaching math at the 6th grade level? A major part of my job is to act as a guide to the students to help them to be successful during a big transition year. They go from having a home base in 5th grade to having to change classes and teachers each period. Another big challenge is that middle school is often the time when students can lose interest in mathematics. I hope my own enthusiasm for the subject reminds students that math can be creative and exciting! I grew up in – the Boston area. Personal hero or heroine – Two of my teachers: 5th grade – Mr. McInerney and 8th grade – Mr. Hubley. Currently I’m – very excited that my son, Orion, is expanding his vocabulary and his cache of dance moves! If I could do it all over – I’d continue to study dance beyond college, and I would spend more time visiting other countries. My family says I – live too far away. They are all still in the Boston area. Now I’m reading – The Water Castle, a book for Middle School students, written by my cousin, Megan Frazer Blakemore! I’d like to have dinner with – My Grandfather Pikcilingis and my Nana. I would love to share with both of them how much they have influenced my life. I would also like to introduce them to Orion. Schooling – Master in Mathematics for Teaching, Boston University; Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology, Connecticut College In school I was known as – Pickles! Favorite “junk” food is – Andy Capp Hot Fries and cupcakes. I spend my “free” time – Knitting and swimming (though not at the same time!) Your proudest moment – Taking the chance to change my life and career to become a teacher, and getting my Masters at the same time. Favorite school memory – All of my favorite memories are of times with my friends. One of them was in 5th grade when we made up this ridiculous play based on Greek Mythology. We performed it for our class on the 5th grade camping trip.
Network Profile (SHS teacher visits this school...pg 4)
KIDS’ CORNER The popular Buddy Program pairs kindergartners with 7th graders for two years of togetherness.
Buddy bonding a win-win by Jacqueline Topping A8
Throughout my experience of having a buddy, I have been given the chance to practice my leadership and friendship skills. The time I have spent with my buddy, Lucy Sidrys, has been very fun. I love having her as a buddy because she is very funny and is really sweet. Lucy and I, throughout our two years of being buddies, have become very close and enjoy each other’s company. Recently, we had the chance to go to the Art Institute together. There we learned about the crèche and got an oral tour of information on the exhibit. Lucy and I enjoyed our bonding time, and we even got to create our own figures with wire and fabric. ‘having a buddy I think that having budhas helped my dies is a great way to build confidence in engaging with leadership and younger children. When I first friendship skills met Lucy I was the one who increase.’ was very shy, and I did not know how to interact with younger children very well. Now, Lucy and I are able to interact and engage in conversation without any hesitations. I believe that the experience of having a buddy is a great way to promote Goal IV: to educate to the building of community as a Christian value. I love having a buddy and will miss the opportunity in high school to interact with younger children. The chance I have been given to have a buddy has helped my leadership and friendship skills increase. I am grateful for receiving this opportunity. Lucy Sidrys, when asked her opinion of having a buddy, responded: “I like having an 8th grade buddy because you get to go places with them. We go to mass together. My buddy makes me feel safe and protected. I love having a buddy!”
Sydney’s Kincoppal-Rose Bay a Network gem
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he Sacred Heart Netcompleted in 1888, with work school Kincoppthe Chapel, a masteral-Rose Bay is situated piece by architect John in a prominent position Horbury Hunt, finished overlooking Sydney Harin 1900. (see article page 4) bour in New South Wales, B u i l d i n g s we re Australia. Established in gradually added to meet 1882, the school’s historic the needs of school. The campus of sandstone buildsecondary school was a ings on 6.8 hectares domifull boarding school until View of the school from Sydney Habour nates this headland. the 1960’s, when day The school enrolls approximately 950 students, students were admitted. ranging from Pre-K to Year 12. It boards 150 girls The primary day school was located in the main from around the world. Its campus boasts its own school building until 1951 when an adjoining Italian swimming pool, tennis courts and tracks. villa was purchased. This building was demolished “Our international links and being part of the and replaced with the present junior school in 1966. network of Sacred Heart Schools bring vibrancy to The philosophy that is characteristic of Sacred Heart our school,” said Principal Hilary Johnston-Croke. education, the vision and spirituality of Saint Mad“We place a high value on diversity, cultural sensitiv- eleine Sophie Barat, is expressed in the five goals. ity and the richness of experience that comes from “Come as you are and you will be cared for with great exploring world cultures.” love” notes Johnston-Croke on the school’s website, In 1882, five religious from the Society of the quoting from Life at the Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart travelled from England on the SS Orient As in the popular Harry Potter novels, there to establish a school in Sydney. are four primary houses at Kincoppal Rose Bay, the Their first Convent of the Sacred Heart school names originating from aboriginal words. Each year, in Rose Bay was established in a stunning private athletic carnivals are held, with each house vying for residence. In 1909, Kincoppal was founded in nearby the spirit cup. Elizabeth Bay. The schools merged in 1971, and to- Sports at Kincoppal-Rose Bay include tennis, day embody the Kincoppal-Rose Bay’s motto of Cor netball, hockey, swimming, gymnastics and many othUnum - One Heart. ers. Students compete at an elite level in New South The first permanent 5-story school building was Wales competitions.
Ferrill Kelley A1 “speed skates” down the hall during Congé.
Congé a spirited Olympics! Congé, a surprise fun day filled with games and activities, was announced to a delighted student body on Friday, February 21, with the lighting of the Olympic torch by Alistair Scully. St. Madeleine Sophie believed that students should both learn and have time for fun; hence, Congé is a tradition found in Sacred Heart schools throughout the world. This year’s timely Olympic theme saw students creating banners for the different countries, meeting special guest mascot Tommy Hawk and then competing in hockey, luge, speed skating and a snowball toss, among other creative versions of Olympic contests. The day ended with the medal ceremonies and a final ice cream treat. shschicago.org
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GOAL Building Community Each year, the Schools focus on one of the five Goals of Sacred Heart education. This year, the focus is Goal 4, “The building of community as a Christian value.” Numerous activities occur on and off campus to that end. Here are a few.
SHS honors the H Community Cente
Teacher visits Sydney Sacred Heart school Trip partially funded by enrichment grant Dale Ziegler, Primary School French teacher, spent three weeks during winter break in Australia and New Zealand, using partial funding from an enrichment grant. One of the highlights of his trip was a visit to the Sacred Heart School in Sydney. (see profile page 3) “It is evident how deeply connected this Sacred Heart school is to the 5 goals,” said Mr. Ziegler. He was given a three-hour tour of the Kincoppal-Rose Bay school by the Admissions Director, and he was bowled over. “It’s a beautiful school overlooking the Sydn ey H a rbor with a magnificent view!” As students were on their summer break (seasons are
Christian Unity Service
reversed), he wasn’t able to see them in action. However, he learned some of their rich history and demographics. In addition to the Pre-K-12 day students, they have international students who board. They are coed until High School, which is all girls. The girls do community service work in Asian countries such as Cambodia. During his tour of the chapel, he sat in the wooden stall used by St. Madeleine Sophie in Paris. It was sent as a gift to Rose Bay in 1904 when the Parisian school was closed by the French government. (at left) “It was a wonderful experience. I felt very welcomed at the school, and could be right at home!” Part of the focus of the Blazek Scholarship is personal enrichment and Mr. Ziegler found that in abundance. He was able to reconnect with a friend who he had done French tours with in Tahiti in 1985. His friend, wife and family toured the Rotorua section of New
Dale Ziegler stands at the front gate of Sydney’s Sacred Heart school.
Zealand with him, an area of natural hot springs, geysers and bubbling mud pools. “It was fascinating to see the earth like this,” he observed. He also went whitewater rafting, jumped off a 360-foot cliff, sky dived and snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef. But what was most memorable about the trip was the people. “I loved meeting interesting people from around the globe … sharing stories and learning from one another,” he concluded.
Post-its foster connections
Christian Churches throughout the world pray for unity between all Christians each year during the last week of January. At Sacred Heart, the whole school community gathered on Jan. 29, as been the custom for more than a decade, with ministers from a number of traditions – Episcopalian, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, Presbyterian and Catholic. This year the Schools placed a special emphasis on what binds Christians together in this year of Goal IV. Joining the Schools in celebrating the Prayer Service for Christian Unity are (from left in photo): Dr. Timone Davis, Xavier University Louisiana and a national speaker on religious studies; Rev. Bill Hutchison, Irving Park Lutheran Church; Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer and Rev. Matt Helms, both from St. John’s Episcopal Church. During this annual Prayer Service for Christian Unity, students wrote the name of someone they would like to be in community with, or connect to, on a Post-it. Every student then pasted the his or her Post-it on a carved wooden heart, now on display in the school front hall.
SHS ex
The Schools sending 4 SH
The 8th grade exchange program welcomed stud e n t s f ro m the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, Stuart Hall for Boys in San Francisco, Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Bryn Mawr, PA, and Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, NJ. These schools reciprocated by hosting Sheridan Road students on their
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GOAL Patrick Beale-Delvecchio (l) and Henry Bilicic with James Gorman.
Audrey Ruhana (r) with Amanda Westphal
Goal 4, Criteria 4: The school has programs that teach the principles of nonviolence, conflict resolution and peacemaking.
Buddies reflect on peacemaking
During Chapel on Feb. 5, SHS “buddies” gathered to pray for peace. Their prayer included the sharing of two books they had read, The Peace Book and Can You Say Peace? A reflection based on Peace Begins with You was also incorporated. The students reflected on the fact that “Living with others means you can’t always have what you need or want when, where or exactly how you would like it.” They discussed how to resolve conflicts with one another. The Buddy program at SHS provides many opportunities for older and younger students to participate in activities together.
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Sacred Heart has always been a strong and generous partner. With these words, Bruce Rasey summed up the 30-year relationship SHS has enjoyed with its neighbor, the Howard Area Community Center (HACC). Amid the glittering backdrop of the Chicago Hilton ballroom, Rasey, the Executive Director of the HACC, accepted the 11th annual SHS Goal Award on March 1. The social service agency “I hope you heard exemplifies Goal the stories of how 4 of Sacred Heart the faces of our education: the buildchildren break ing of community as a into smiles when Christian value. your students Rasey comcome to read to pared the likemined missions of them.” the two institutions. Bruce Rasey, HACC “The Sacred Heart founder wanted to inspire students to rebuild, renew, and transform society wherever they lived,” he said. This is also what the HACC is about. “We have different approaches but with the same hoped for results – to help change lives of children
POTPOURRI Sneakers, loafers, boots...
Alexandra Kerr and Catherine Hart helped organize donated shoes for the annual SHS Shoe Drive in January. It is sponsored by the 3rd grade students with the help of their teachers and parents. Each year around 1,000 pairs of shoes are collected! The students make announcements, post signs, and then collect, sort and bag the shoes to send to various local shelters such as Care for Real and Share Your Soles.
GOAL 4
CRITERIA (From the revised Goals and Criteria, 2005)
The school implements an ongoing plan for educating both adults and students in the heritage and mission of Sacred Heart education. The school promotes a safe and welcoming environment in which each person is valued, cared for and respected. Adult members of the school model and teach skills needed to build community and practice clear, direct and open communication. The school has programs that teach the principles of nonviolence, conflict resolution and peacemaking. The school makes a deliberate effort to recruit students and employ faculty and staff of diverse races, ethnicities and backgrounds. The financial aid program effectively supports socioeconomic diversity. The school participates actively in the national and international networks of Sacred Heart schools.
Howard Area er at L’Esprit and families for the better.” The Howard Area Center builds community in many ways: a client-selected food pantry, a jobs program, dental and health services, early childhood and adult education opportunities, literacy classes and even an urban garden. Over the years, Sacred Heart’s presence at the Howard Area has grown. Groups of middle schoolers assist weekly in their Family and Childhood Development Centers, while the annual Holiday Sharing Program has expanded exponentially. “Your generosity provided gifts this Christmas to 1,300 of our children!” he said. Rasey remarked on the effect of the SHS students’ participation at the Family Center. “I hope you have heard the stories of how the faces of our children break into smiles when your students come to read to them and to interact.” Ramsey further pointed out, “We in the human service and educational fields do not do what we do for recognition….. but I must say it is nice. To be honored by Sacred Heart is especially heartwarming.” The Schools and Howard Area are
Institute Day with Josephinum Academy
Nat Wilburn (l) congratulates Bruce Rasey while presenting HACC the 2014 Goal Award.
currently working on ways to augment their partnership to help both organizations better meet their missions. Meg Wenzel, Development Director for HACC and coincidentally, a Sacred Heart alumna, sees this as a win-win. “When I see Sacred Heart and HACC come together something remarkable happens. In each instance I have personally witnessed – such as Sacred Heart students acting as “teacher’s aides” in our Family Center – the coordinated efforts result in lifechanging activities and programming that have the power to unite all children.” We congratulate the HACC on 45 years of building community in Rogers Park!
xchange program expands
s welcomed 5 exchange students while HS students coast-to-coast campuses. Visits lasted one to two weeks, with students living with host families. “There is a strong sense of community here at Sheridan Road much like at Princeton,” said visiting student Conor Knott.” Nobody is another face in the hall. Everybody treats people like their own brothers.” His classmate, Nicholas McLean, agrees, “Both use the Five Goals on an everyday level.” Shay Adams from the Rosary also notes the shared Goals and adds, “The
atmosphere and feel in the schools are the same. The feeling of safely and security is noticeable everywhere. I’ve also noticed that there is a sense of fun throughout the school!”
SHS staff Carolyn Napleton (r) and Nicole Van Pelt work with faculty from the Jospehinum.
Your place or mine? Or both! In this year of community, the faculty and staff of Sacred Heart Schools and Josephinum Academy spent a day together in fellowship and fun. Instead of a typical institute day on Feb. 18, busses transported more than 80 faculty and staff from Sheridan Road to “The Jo,” the Sacred Heart Network school in Wicker Park. Josephinum is an all-girls high school that became a full member of the SHS network in 2011. The combined faculties met in the Jo gym to hear Constance Solari, a teacher at the Sacred Heart school
in Atherton, CA, speak on her book, Sophie’s Fire. Solari actually lived in St. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s childhood home while researching the book, published last year to rave reviews. Then, in team-building activity, all assembled took bits of earth and created the outline of a huge heart on the gym floor. The second half of the day was spent at Sheridan Road, as busses ferried everyone across town. There, a uniquely “Sacred Heart” scavenger hunt built camaraderie and a little competitiveness in the commingled teams.
Janet Stuart inspires artwork Charles Shearon (c) attended Princeton Academy, N.J., while Bradleigh Smith (far left) is pictured with her host at Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Bryn Mawr, PA.
Fire Department visit a hit
In this centenary year of Janet Erskine Stuart, each Sacred Heart School created artwork for the newly formed Stuart Center in Washington, D.C. The SHS artwork is made up of 97 pieces created by the 5th and 7th grade girls using color markers under the direction of art teachers Katie Roeck and Catherine Kestler. It now hangs in our nation’s capitol.
A perfect winter for blankets! Lily Fencl (from
Clementine McElveen enjoys getting up close and personal with an authentic fire fighter hat during the Chicago Fire Department visit on Justice Day Jan. 24. The student enjoyed touring the real fire truck which pulled up behind the school.
l), Henry Rhodes, Lily Good and Mia Sodini prepare one of the many blankets created for the Howard Area Community Center by the Academy and Hardey 5th grades.
Inspired cookie decorating!
A check for Refugee One
Kindergartners Chase Wayland and Josie Dugensk decorate cookies to bring to Inspiration Café, a local food pantry. Kindergarten families gathered on a Saturday as a combination service project and community builder. The event was so popular that Primary School families came to decorate Easter cookies for Care For Real on April 5.
8th graders Teddy O’Neil, Andrew Finocchiaro and Chauncey Seeger present RefugeeOne with funds they collected from December’s bagel sale. Students also interviewed staff members of RefugeeOne, which creates opportunity for refugees fleeing war, terror and persecution to build new lives. shschicago.org
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Alumni News GIVING
Alumni Spotlight:
UPDATES
Andrew Brennan H’02 aids MS science
There’s still time be ‘part of the Heart’
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he clock is ticking! Donations to this year’s Annual Fund are due by June 1. To date, nearly 70% of current parents, 100% of Trustees and 15% more alumni than last year are all making a difference on Sheridan Road. Annual Fund gifts touch every corner of campus and advance every component of the SHS mission. The Annual Fund helps to provide: of teaching time 70 minutes per day service 5,745 community hours
535 new books for the library bulbs to illumi2,025 light nate the campus the student body with 20% ofneed-based financial aid There’s still time to make your gift or fulfill your pledge this school year! Visit www.shschicago.org/giving or contact Lindsey Lopez, Development Director, at 773-681-8410. The Preliminary Annual Report list will be available in early May.
COMING..
“An Aesthetic Look at the Life of Madeleine Sophie Barat, Rousseau and Jacques-Louis David”
May 16, 2014
Driehaus Center
Cocktail Reception 6:30 pm Lecture 7:15 pm
Reunion Weekend October 17-18, 2014
Honoring classes of: 1939, 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004. For more information: shschicago.org/alumniweekend
Brennan assists Max Wilkey, Hayden Morgan and Zach Sessions with a lab test.
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ndrew Brennan H’02 has come a long way from his starring role in the SHS’s Music Man in 2002. He now stars as a teaching assistant in Mrs. Lexi Pond’s Middle School science classes. How did he come to be on the other side of the desk, so to speak? After college, Andrew joined a volunteer teaching program that sent him to Christ the King Catholic School in Detroit, MI, for three years. “I had zero teaching experience, so I had to find people who knew what they were doing, and who would be willing to help me figure out how to get started,” Andrew said. As a result of his connection to SHS, Mrs. Pond became Andrew’s mentor. He would regularly consult her regarding ideas or problems when home on breaks, or even call her if the need arose. At Christ the King, Andrew taught
High School Profile
Emma Fencl A’10 studies in Bosnia/Herzegovina
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n late August, Emma Fencl A’10 set out on a 10-month adventure from her home in Chicago to live with a host family in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the Youth Exchange and Service Abroad (YES Abroad) program. YES Abroad offers high school students and recent graduates full scholarships to study for one academic year in countries with significant Muslim populations. While spending a year 5,000 miles from home might prove difficult for some, Emma is no novice traveler. Her travel log includes places such as Costa Rica, Prague, Canada, Mexico and various states in the U.S. Emma credits her Sacred Heart teachers for making her feel comfortable and supporting her, which she believes “is vital to developing qualities that push a student to seek out opportunities like [YES Abroad].” When asked where her passion for traveling stems from, Emma believes
Sr. Mary McMahon, continued from page 1
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no try, there was only do.” It was often the little things he remembers most, Mary McMahon wiping tables at lunch, grabbing a broom to clean up a spill, zipping coats or tying shoes. “While she was the boss, she was also the first one to start picking up or buttoning up or straightening up little tiny men in blazers and ties.” He adds that while she held many ministries as an RSCJ, for us here on Sheridan Road, “she will always be the Head of Hardey Preparatory School, and we will always be Sr. McMahon’s boys.” Mary McMahon came to Hardey Prep after four years as Superior at Woodlands Academy and then as a member of the Chicago Provincial Team. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, she was one of four girls, the oldest of whom is also
55 of their 200 students, coached bas- he was a student. Coming from the ketball and organized various cleaning challenges he experienced in Detroit, and maintenance projects. Andrew also Andrew definitely sees the benefits drew on lessons learned at Sacred Heart in SHS being a larger school. He exto organize students to paint murals plained, “Where I would do fundraising around the school. or scrounging around in Detroit for Andrew is now enrolled in the money for projects, Sacred Heart has University of Chicago’s Urban Teacher the resources to provide for projects Education Master’s Program. Andrew and materials, as well as having people wanted to learn from a master teacher, to coordinate those kinds of efforts.” so he contacted his mentor, Mrs. Pond. Next year, Andrew’s Teacher Edu “I thought it was a very good fit cation Program requires he be formally because she is an exassigned to a teaching mentor cellent science teacher, in Chicago Public Schools, ‘my volunteerism is and I wanted to help but he hopes to maintain a out at Sacred Heart connection to SHS through part of my thank you as well. Sacred Heart volunteering for Science for what the school is a big part of why I Olympiad and other prohas given to me’ am who I am today, grams. so I try and give back “The Sacred Heart Goals when I can. In this case and Criteria is a philosophy it happened to be mutually beneficial.” that has been ingrained in me since my Mrs. Pond agrees. “Andrew is a time at SHS. So my volunteerism is part natural teacher. He moves easily into of my thank you for what the school has the role of facilitator allowing the stu- given to me,” he said. dents to discover. He is fun to watch.” Mrs. Pond is happy to be the Andrew fondly remembers his catalyst. “I couldn’t ask for a better days at SHS and is happy to be back. experience than to have Andrew assist, While he finds the changes in com- watch him teach and see him relate to munity and campus size to be great in our students. It is truly a privilege.” some aspects, he misses how it felt while
it’s more than just having the travel bug. “For me, it’s a blend of curiosity, independence and a desire to remove myself from my comfort zone, to push the envelope,” Emma said. Emma is taking typical high school classes, but when she is not studying, Emma has the opportunity to see the “incredible” sights of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She described her favorite experience as hiking up the surrounding hills of Sarajevo, the capital: “We followed a cobblestone road, passing the stray dogs that crowd every street corner and fill every park. We passed streets of traditional Bosnian houses, smoke puffing out of their chimneys and wafting dinner smells through our noses. As we finally made our descent, the Call to Prayer came on, and we could hear the wavering voices of several different muezzins from the closest surrounding mosques. It was one of those experiences that made you appreciate everything.”
an RSCJ. She served the Society in myriad capacities since taking her vows in 1947. She taught in Omaha, Chicago, and California; she was surveillante of novices in New York; she was a Principal in Menlo, CA, and became Director of the retirement center there. She passed her final years as a member of that retirement community. Sr. Curry shared one of Sr. McMahon’s own reflections, written towards the end of her life, on her varied and full career, and its top priority: All of these experiences have fostered in me a desire to build a school community in which there is balance between educational objectives that further individual growth and fulfillment, and the objectives which further skills, knowledge and discipline.” Sr. McMahon’s obituary calls her “quiet, pragmatic and very kind. She exuded joy wherever she went. Her heart was full of gratitude for the opportunities she had throughout her career.” Sheridan Road is grateful to have shared in her life. For full text of Dan Flaherty and Sr. Curry’s remarks at the memorial service, see the Schools’ website at shschicago.org/alumni.
W h i l e s t u dy i n g abroad, E m m a s a i d she has learned two important lessons: look at things from multiple perspectives and to roll with the punches. “Some days are extremely difficult, and you’ll find that normal things you did at home might be completely ludicrous in your host country,” Emma said. “My host family still thinks I’m nuts for snacking on apples with peanut butter.” Before returning to Chicago, Emma has plans of making trips to both Croatia and Sweden. But, what’s the first thing Emma wants when she returns home? “Chipotle,” she said. To read more about Emma’s
travel adventures, visit her blog, “The Journey of a Chicagoan…” at http:// emmafenclbih.wordpress.com.
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Summer Camp! June 16-July 25 at www.shschicago.org 773-262-4446
1940s John P. Glunz H’49 owns Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2013. As a family owned and operated business, they proudly represent over 190 breweries from around the world. 1960s Shelia Hammond, RSCJ ASH’61 was privileged to spend January-February 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia, doing ministry formation with RSCJ novices there. 1980s Billy Zane H’80, star of international blockbuster Titanic and critically acclaimed for his portrayal of Billy Flynn in Broadway’s Chicago, has been cast as Captain von Trapp in the upcoming Lyric Opera of Chicago’s new production of The Sound of Music, April 25-May 18, 2014. 1990s Jen Hall De Kock A’90 and her husband Peter welcomed their new son Peter James into their family on March 18, 2014. He weighed in at 9lbs 4 oz. Congratulations! John Paul Bitting H’92 is a real estate agent for @Properties and partner at Peruvian restaurant, Tanta Chicago. Pam Mueller A’94 is on Jeopardy! This is Pam’s second time on Jeopardy. She won in September of 2000 and was invited back to compete in Decades Week. After her time at Sacred Heart, Pam went to Regina Dominican, Loyola University Chicago, then to Harvard Law, and earned her PhD at Princeton.
C ondolences
Gretchen Roeck A’97 and her husband John joyously welcomed their son Elliott Samuel Selickman on March 12 weighing 7lbs 5 oz. Congratulations!
Neive Sparr Hanak A’97 married her husband, Mike, in Dec., 2013 in the chapel at SHS. Among the bridesmaids at her side were sister, Allie Sparr A’01, and friends Malena Boyle A’96, Anna Boyle Wells A’97 and Liza Ruscitti A’97. L i z a Ruscitti A’97 was m a r ried in January, 2 0 1 4 to husband, Al Nondorf, at Sacred Heart School, The Rosary, in New Orleans. Among those in her bridal party were sister, Claire Ruscitti A’01, brothers, Titus Ruscitti H’96 and Martin Ruscitti H’99, and friends, Malena Boyle A’96, Anna Boyle Wells A’97 and Neive Sparr Hanak A’97. Kristen Ban A’99 received her MD from Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine in June and has started her general surgery residency, also at Loyola. Teddy Milos H’99 is receiving his MBA from MIT after spending six years on Wall Street as an investment banker.
2000s Chris Doolin H’00 is an Associate in the I nv e s t m e n t Banking Division at Credit Suisse. Chris and his Fiancée, Lauren, will be married in 2014. Hailey Wierengo A’00 is listed as a “Top Junior Agent” to know at the Sundance Film Festival this year. One of her movies was picked up at Sundance. It is called Hellion and stars Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame. Alexandra Milos A’02 is featured in Michigan Avenue Magazine for Metropolitan Limousine. Alexandra’s father, Ted Milos, founded the chauffeur service in 1972 and Alexandra joined last January an account executive. “She’s helped energize the business,” Ted says of Alexandra. Caroline Crane A’04 graduated from Southern Methodist University and is a 4th grade teacher in Dallas. Valentine Umans A’06 is a senior at George Washington University and will participate in Teach for America in the Twin Cities next year. Claudia Carlucci A’07 is currently a junior at U of I. She is President and Founder of The University Illinois Chapter Timmy Global Health. She traveled to Santo Domingo, Ecuador, with a medical brigade from the organization to treat the local and indigenous people with a variety of medical conditions. Noah Repel H’09 graduated from Notre Dame College Prep with Full Honors as a member of the National Honors Society and as an Illinois State Scholar receiving the AP Award with Distinction and Honors. Noah is now attending Northwestern University.
2010s Victoria Lord A’10 will attend Emory University in the fall where she will play Volleyball. Mick Shanahan H’10, along with his St. Ignatius wrestling teammates, competed for the school’s first regional title in early February. Currently, Mick is ranked 10th in Class 2A. He credits his parents for his success: “My parents built me up to be a good man.” Evan Morsch H’10 was named a Commended Student and Duncan Martinson H’10 was named a Semifinalist in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. Both are seniors at St. Ignatius College Prep. Congratulations! Libby Jardeleza A’11 placed 2nd in 100 back and 5th in 100 fly at the High School State swim meet in November. Her medley relay was 4th with Loyola Academy placing 4th overall! Christine Lee A’12 made the Saint Ignatius varsity volleyball team this past year. She is so thankful for all the training and coaching that she received at Sacred Heart and from all the coaches and Mr. Schwartz. Savita Gupta A’13 says her time at Ignatius has been incredibly fast-paced, challenging, and so much fun! She has been participating in Cross Country, JV basketball and track. She hopes to come back to help out in this year’s musical, Peter Pan. She misses the loving community at SHS and sends her love.
Calling all Alumni Notes! Have you recently married, had a child, moved or started a new career? Let us know! Contact Carolyn Hall Napleton A’00 at 773.681.8494 or carolyn.napleton@shschicago.org
Please pray for:
=James S. Beard, great-grandfather of Grace A5, William H3 and Charles Beard H2 =Joe Bredemann, husband of Sally Noonan Bredemann =James H. Galligan, father-in-law of Liz Galligan, SHS faculty member =Hon. Michael Howlett, Jr., father of Beth ASH’89, Melissa A’90, Catherine Howlett A’98 =Phillip Jorgensen, grandfather of Kristen Lesser, SHS faculty =James T. Kisgen, grandfather of Olivia A’13 and Christian Coletta A7 =Bunny May, grandmother of Margaret Cherry, Kindergarten =Charlotte Beven McCourt, ASH’42 =Mary McMahon, RSCJ =Phillip A. Piazza, uncle of Andres H’13 and Mario Cook H7 =Josephine Przybylo, great-grandmother of Margaret Glunz, Kindergarten =Mabel Raterman, grandmother of Elizabeth A’10 and Matthew Raterman H’12 =Robert Reilly, great-grandfather of Reilly Henderson A1 =Elizabeth Smith, grandmother of Henry Rhodes H5 =Vincent W. Smith, grandfather of Henry Rhodes H5 =Charlotte Sobczyk, mother-in-law of Kathleen Sobczyk, SHS faculty member =Richard R. Swillinger, father of Jennifer Swillinger, SHS staff member =Ethel Westley, mother of the late John H’65, Richard H’68, Robert H’70, Clare Westley A’78 and Ruth Hagen A’79 =John Westley, H’65, brother to Richard H’68, Robert H’70, Clare Westley A’78, and Ruth Hagen A’79 =Richard Westley, father of the late John H’65, Richard H’68, Robert H’70, Clare Westley A’78 and Ruth Hagen A’79 =John Wozniak, great-grandfather of Isabelle A’11, Nina A7 and Clothilde Boyle Kindergarten =Marie G. Vonder Heide, mother of Susan Vonder Heide, SHS staff member
J. Carlos Panizo receives heroism award Officer Carlos Panizo, Hardey Class of 1983, was given the Award of Valor by the City of Park Ridge on February 3 for an act of heroism. How did it unfold? Panizo responded to the distress call of a suicidal man attempting to end his life on the train tracks. He tried to talk to the man to no avail. The man claimed to have a gun. When the man saw an express train coming, he laid down on the tracks. That is when Panizo decided to jump onto the tracks to drag the man to safety. “At that point I thought, ‘He doesn’t have a gun – or if he does, it’s going to take him a bit to get to it; I think I’ve got plenty of time to get him off the tracks.’” Panizo grabbed him by his shoulders and dragged him away, with the train missing them by seconds. The man was taken to Lutheran General Hospital for evaluation. Officer Carlos Panizo is the proud father of Sydney and Molly, ages 7 and 5, pictured with him (top) and his bother Patrick Panizo H’93 at the ceremony at the Park Ridge City Hall. Patrick Panizo is also a police officer for the Village of Skokie, with two children, Sean Patrick, 2 years and McKenzie Ann, 2 months. Officers Carlos and Patrick Panizos’ mother believes that the excellent education and strong moral leadership they received at Hardey Prep served as a good foundation for her sons. “They have both indeed grown into wonderful caring men who are making a difference in their communities,” she said.
Parents of Alumni party on! Sacred Heart welcomed more than 50 past parents to the Driehaus Center for the Parents’ of Alumni Party on December 4, 2013. Members of the Parents Auxiliary from 1990-1995 were honored for their time and service to the Schools (photo at right). Some had spent many years away from the schools and some had children who graduated just recently. “We are always happy to see parents have them back on campus. Hope to see you at the next party!” said Carolyn Napleton, Alumni Relations Associate.
Curriculum initiatives blossom in writing, social studies With the rallying cry from the new Strategic Plan in mind, the Schools have made some impressive steps toward enhancing the curriculum, especially in the Nat Wilburn areas of writing and social studies. Innovation in our curriculum was a top priority that emerged in the “Chats with Nat” last fall. This year, we have begun on-going initiatives toward that goal of our Strategic Plan. We have engaged a prominent Curriculum Specialist, Gabrielle Nidus, whose publications are used in school districts and universities across the country. With master’s degrees in Education from Columbia University and in Education, Communication and Technology from New York University, she is superbly placed to spearhead our efforts to assess
FROM THE
HEAD OF SCHOOLS
where we are now and where we want to go. As part of this analysis, like last year, we welcomed an External Review Team, focused on Social Studies, to the Schools for several days in March. Three educators visited classrooms, examined student work and met with teachers and students. Their observations have already been invaluable in moving forward with our curriculum mapping and revisions. The talented team consisted of Martin Kelly, a 36-year teacher and department chair at St. Ignatius College Prep; Christina Culver, a teacher at Frances Xavier Warde with her masters in Curriculum and Instruction; Peter Cashman, a history and economics instructor at Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest, who has worked in the U.S. Senate and House as an aide to three members of Congress. What did the team find? They found much to be proud of: active integration of technology, high levels of engagement, dedicated teachers, global awareness and a desire to collaborate – to name a just
few of their compliments. From these findings and their specific suggestions per grade level, we are crafting curriculum maps and focusing on Historical Thinking (HT), an interesting tool that reprograms the way students look at things. We are also developing common assessment tools to gauge our progress. Of course an integral part of every subject area at SHS is writing. Our spotlight on writing this year utilizes ATLAS ‘Teaching Curriculum Mapis a team ping, a tool used to help educators see the effort at curriculum between SHS.’ and across g rade levels. Teaching is a team effort at SHS, and this charting process gives the team the ability to easily see and share reports, such as scope and sequence, assessments and outcomes. But, in the end, it is all about the student learning. We have instituted regular meetings to analyze student writing, set individual and collective goals and
streamline feedback. For instance, we had all grades write an expository essay – recommending a book for their teacher to use next year. A 5th grader waxed eloquent on using Percy Jackson’s Lighting Thief; a 2nd grader recommended the American Girl doll book Addy, on slavery; another made a case for Who Was Jackie Robinson? In addition to being fascinating reading, these essays helped to evaluate and set targets for writing at each grade level. Mrs. Nidus compares this type of assessment to a GPS. “Using formative assessments, like student essays, is like traveling with a GPS unit,” she says. “It constantly allows you to readjust, makes you aware of wrong turns and alerts you to other challenges.” We are meeting these challenges head on. In that vein, we have also brought in teaching coaches, who work with faculty members regularly. We are working away at the second pillar of our strategic plan – Academics – as we invest further in excellence in teaching and learning.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Speakers laud SHS at Justice Day p1 L’Esprit sparkles at new venue p1 Students learn computer coding p2 www.shschicago.org
School Rock p2
Alum earns heroism award p7
Poetry Pals facilitator leads a performance of Muslim, Jewish and SHS students at the Community Evening March 12.
Students enjoyed working in mixed faith groups.
Poetry Pals program culminates in Interfaith Community Evening
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s the Schools focus this year on Goal IV of Sacred Heart education - the building of community - what better example of its efforts than the Poetry Pals program! For the second year, 4th graders from SHS, a Muslim and a Jewish school, work together to create poetry and build bridges between their cultures The three-month program culminated March 12 on Sheridan Road when the Schools hosted families from the Muslim Community Center Full Time School in Morton Grove and
Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook. More than 200 people filled the gym as they listened to the students perform their poems. The Poetry Pals program involved visits to each of the participating schools, where lively activities in poetry, rhythm, music and art served to build relationships among participating schools, parents and communities. The 4th grade teachers found the program exceedingly enriching. “Students from each school develop a respect for other faiths and cultures,
while learning that kids from different faith backgrounds are actually quite similar to themselves,” said Mrs. LoraJan Hatfield. That message home strongly to Ms. Chelsea Elward at the Community Evening. “I once thought that the Muslim women who wore Burqas were oppressed. I am beyond grateful to learn I was wrong. They wear the head scarf or the full body Burqa because it makes them humble, modest and shows they are trying to be as close to God as possible. It is a sign of respect.”
It was just as illuminating an evening for the guests. “It was fascinating to hear what the Muslim families asked me and my other Christian group members,” Elward said. “They wondered if all Christians were Catholic and what the differences between Christians were.” Poetry Pals is a non-profit program that celebrates diversity by encouraging students to express themselves through poetry and art, while serving as an environment to form interfaith bonds.