Thank you for giving your children the gift of a Sacred Heart education. As students, the experience they will have on this campus will be transformative and enduring, growing both heart and mind.
This also applies to the family experience. For here in this special community, you will find abundant opportunity to make lifelong friends and treasured memories, to share your gifts and talents, to take part in our traditions and teach us about yours - and so much more. We hope that you, like your students, will take full advantage of all that Sacred Heart has to offer!
We are thrilled to have you join our Gator family and become part of this cherished and historic school. Welcome home to Sacred Heart.
— RICHARD A. DIOLI, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS
“For the sake of one child, I would have founded the Society.”
ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT, FOUNDRESS, SCHOOLS OF THE SACRED HEART
WHERE TO GO IF YOU NEED HELP.........................25
A Who’s Who of SHS · Decoding SHS Acronyms, Shorthand, & Other Definitions · Sacred Heart Traditions Explained · New Family Primer for All-Community Events & Activities · Campus Map · Navigating the SHS Family Portal - Key Reource Board Tiles & Important “Groups”
A GREATER FAMILY & NETWORK...........................27
International Network of Sacred Heart Schools · Opportunities for Student Exchange & Family Hosting · Visit the RSCJ at Oakwood · Maps of North American Sacred Heart Schools (25) and International Schools (150+ schools in 41 countries)
Average number of available opportunities for parents/guardians to participate in our community in some capacity each semester
Average number of Sacred Heart families in our community each school year 800+ 125+ 100%
Actual percentage of our community that benefits from SHS families’ active involvement
The SHS Family Guide is intended as a helpful resource for parents and guardians seeking ways to connect and get involved with our greater SHS school family and activities.
Please note, the electronic version of this guide (located in the password-protected SHS Family Portal) offers active links to documents, websites, and other related sources of information.
A Spiritual & Mission-Engaged Community
ALL ARE WELCOME, ALL BELONG
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton (SHS) is an independent, Catholic school as interpreted and lived by the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ). As such, we seek to be and support a truly welcoming and diverse school community. Our families, students, and employees - from preschool to high school - reflect many different faiths, cultures, heritages, and backgrounds, which we firmly believe provides a more dynamic, valuable, and engaging educational experience for our students - and for one another in shared community.
THE FAMILY-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
The partnership between home and school is critical to the success of our mission. It is our hope as educators that we can work together in a spirit of humility and care to provide the very best faith-based, values-rich education possible. Children at SHS will experience diverse faith, cultural, and developmental programs; comprehensive programming complements the classroom experience, and includes religious services, retreat programs, service obligations, and diversity workshops and presentations. We believe that these experiences are critical to the education of your child.
WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL TO “LIVE OUR VALUES”
St. Madeleine Sophie Barat believed that her schools should provide students with an atmosphere permeated with the Gospel spirit, a spirit of love and freedom that encourages students to learn from one another. Importantly, this atmosphere is predominantly created and sustained by the adults in our community - faculty, staff, and parents/guardians - who
UNDERSTANDING HOW WE LIVE OUR MISSION
• About Our SHS Mission (Video)
• Student Perspective on Goal I: Faith (Video)
• Parent & Educator Perspective on Goal II: Intellect (Video)
• Student & Educator Perspective on Goal III: Service (Video)
• Student & Parent Perspective on Goal IV: Community (Video)
• Educator Perspective on Goal V: Character (Video)
• Reflections on “Love. Confidence. Purpose.” (PDF)
• Reflections on “The Attitudes of the Heart of Christ” (PDF)
“Interior spirit is the cement which holds the other virtues together. It would be useless to attempt a building without this; the strongest stones would not keep their position.”
ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT, FOUNDRESS, SCHOOLS OF THE SACRED HEART
model the behaviors and attitudes that reflect the Heart of Christ: generosity, compassion, respect, courage, integrity, forgiveness, confidence, and love. One vital way to do this is by participating in the spiritual life of the school: modeling a commitment to personal and communal prayer, actively engaging in days of reflection, and attending school-sponsored cultural and spiritual programs. If we do our best to grow our own interior lives and animate the Gospel spirit each day, our students become ever more aware of God’s love for them, grow increasingly confident in their own value and purpose, and develop rich and thriving spiritual lives of their own.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “MISSION-ENGAGED”
Above all, SHS is committed to being an inclusive community in which each member—child and adult— knows s/he is an integral part of the school and feels a keen sense of belonging. It is vital, then, that adults in our community clearly model behaviors that value and support healthy relationships, the importance of both common and different experiences and perspectives, and respect for each individual. St. Madeleine Sophie’s vision of education was rooted in her relationship with God. In Jesus, she saw abundant generosity, full openness to others, and total commitment to peace and justice. This is who we hope to be for the young people who call Sacred Heart their home.
THE OFFICE OF MISSION, CULTURE, & STRATEGY
The strength of a Sacred Heart education lies in a deep regard for students’ whole selves— spiritual, intellectual, and emotional. The SHS Office of Mission, Culture, and Strategy supports the school’s dedication to providing a Catholic, Sacred Heart education that nurtures the spiritual heritage and legacy entrusted to us by the Religious of the Sacred Heart and our foundress, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION SPIRITUALITY COMMITTEE
Composed of members from both the P-8 and SHP Parents’ Associations, the SHS Spirituality Committee aims to support programs that nurture both personal and communal dimensions of faith, help the adult community grow in understanding of self and others, and build a strong school community overall through its contributions to the school’s many faith-driven activities. Among this committee’s efforts to directly serve the SHS community include liturgical participation, hospitality coordination, and planning/ production assistance for the annual Parent/Guardian spring retreat.
THE RSCJ AMONG US
The Religieuses du Sacré-Cœur de Jésus (RSCJ) are members of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the Roman Catholic religious congregation established by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat in 1800, who went on to found the Network of Sacred Heart Schools worldwide. There are 50+ RSCJ residing at Oakwood Retirement Center on campus—a living link to our Sacred Heart heritage. SHS parents/guardians can meet and build relationships with the Sisters through volunteering, attendance at Oakwood’s daily Mass, participating in the annual Busy Persons Retreat, and through a variety of events coordinated through the Parents’ Association Spirituality Committee throughout the school year.
ENGAGING IN THE SHS SPIRITUAL LIFE
A brief description of some of the ongoing spirituality activities and opportunities held on campus and open to parents/guardians of all faiths throughout the school year.
COME TO THE QUIET
DADS’ FIRST FRIDAYS
SHS FAMILY MASS SERIES
SACRED HEART FEAST DAYS
CHRISTMAS ADVENT REFLECTION
SHS RETREAT FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
A weekly prayer and meditation led by Kathleen Dolan, RSCJ. (Tuesdays)
Dads/guardians of all faith backgrounds discuss and reflect on a spiritual reading. (1st Friday of every month)
Held throughout the school year, these Masses celebrate the great prayer of the Catholic Tradition: the Eucharist. Members of all faiths are welcome/encouraged to attend - a wonderful way to experience/sample the Catholic faith tradition - “All Are Welcome, All Belong!” (Saturdays)
Honoring St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Rose Philippine, Mater Admirabilis and Virgin de Guadalupe, numerous feast days are celebrated throughout the year with a Mass, liturgy, or prayer service, often followed with a special goûter.
Reflect on the spirit of the season and true meaning of Christmas. (December)
Framed by the theme of the year, this morning-lunch retreat provides time to engage a central feature of our mission. Led by a skilled retreat leader, attendees are given time for reflection and small group sharing. (Spring)
MARY’S WAY OF THE CROSS
FAITH EXPLORATION & EDUCATION
Pray the Stations of the Cross as seen through the eyes of Mary, mother of Jesus, as she walks with Him on His journey to Calvary—a longstanding Lenten tradition. (March or April)
Examine faith tenets, history, trends, and meaning, as you learn and share in community, led by Sally Vance-Trembath, PhD. (Ongoing through the school year)
HONORING ALL FAITH TRADITIONS
From Diwali and Ramadan to Passover and Nowruz, each year numerous interfaith cultural events are celebrated and shared on campus, in assemblies, and in the classroom. If you would like to share your own faith traditions with the SHS community, please contact our OMCS staff for more information on how to get involved.
A Robust & Inclusive Community
SHS upholds a values-centered, inclusive, and diverse community, characterized by open communication, acceptance, and collaboration among all its members. Our Sacred Heart mission implores us to build community as a Christian value—meaning one that honors the inherent dignity of the human person, one in which relationships are characterized by inclusion and mutual respect, and one that commits to and practices peace and reconciliation as a matter of course.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESS (DEIA)
The SHS school family does, and should, reflect a wonderful variety of people: different races and ethnicities, cultures and faiths, experiences and backgrounds. Our DEIA efforts support programs and policies that increase demographic diversity and equitable opportunities for all students because we believe that each person in our community embodies a unique collection of gifts—talents, perspective, and history—that is essential for us to flourish and thrive as a whole. We seek to build and sustain a restorative culture that begins with a belief in the dignity, goodness, and connectedness of each person. We believe that each of us has the need to be in healthy relationships with others, that we also sometimes cause harm to others, and that we must respond in ways that restore dignity, safety, and connection.
As the RSCJ remind us, “the living of a mission as great as ours is never fully complete or fully realized… [and] is a sacred work fulfilled only through the enfolding of it by each generation.” We hope that this section of our family guide offers resources that reflect “the living of a mission” and inspires you to join others in our efforts toward a more inclusive, loving community.
SHS AFFINITY GROUPS & SPACES
FOR STUDENTS (Sample only)
• Pacific Islander Affinity Group (SHP) & Asian American/Pacific Islander Affinity Space (MS)
• Black Student Union (SHP)
• Jewish Student Union (SHP)
• Mi Gente (Latinx) Affinity Group (SHP) & Latinx Affinity Space (MS)
• Iris (SHP) & LGBTQ+ Affinity Group (MS)
• Mixed & Multi-racial Affinity Group (SHP) and Space (MS)
• SOL SIS Women of Color Affinity Group (SHP), Women’s Group (SHP), Men’s Group (SHP)
• Students of Color Affinity Space (MS)
FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
While SHS student affinity groups are more established, we’re also considering how we better support SHS families whose identities are underrepresented within our school community. For more information or to get involved, contact the Office of Mission, Culture, & Strategy at OMCS@shschools.org.
“By coming to a school of the Sacred Heart, you have become part of a family. Accept with gratitude all those in your school community. From them and with them, you can learn what love is. Through giving and receiving you will foster the caring atmosphere that permeates your Sacred Heart home.”
LIFE
AT THE SACRED HEART (NETWORK OF SACRED HEART
SCHOOLS, 1985)
AVAILABLE FAMILY SERVICES
Intrinsic to our mission and commitment to our families, SHS provides a few services to assist families in meaningful participation in our community. Currently we offer the following:
Interpretation/Translation Services. Available for school communications, meetings, and other needs, SHS offers interpretation (oral) in a variety of languages, and regularly provides written translation in Spanish for important school communications. To request interpretation/translation services, contact OMCS@shschools.org
Financial Assistance. Annually, there are funds available to families needing assistance to participate in school community functions and events. Please see contact information for funding assistance included on all school-sponsored event/ program invitations.
GROWING OUR SHS CULTURE OF BELONGING
Throughout the year, there are numerous ways families can take part in, learn about, or just immerse in the rich diversity of our school community. We invite you to consider attending these events whenever possible, and deeply appreciate your participation to lead, organize, and/or sponsor additional opportunities to share your family’s heritage, traditions, identities, and culture. Noted below and on the opposite page are just a few ways you can take part.
Become a Continent Ambassador (Preschool) - Volunteer to share your heritage and/or experience living in another country during our preschool continent studies unit. (Open to currently enrolled preschool families only).
Help Us Honor Our Diverse Stories (K-8, SHP, and P-12) - Ongoing opportunity for students and families to share identity-based traditions, dance, music, language, and other forms of meaningful expression with the school community during an assembly, espacio, or coordinated event or activity. Family origins and traditions have included different nationalities and cultures, personal stories of international and domestic migration, a variety of holy days and different faith observances, and much, much more.
To learn more about our P-8 programs and opportunities, please contact Brisa Diaz, P-8 director of mission and culture. To explore opportunities at the SHP or P-12 level, please contact OMCS for more information or to get involved (OMCS@shschools.org).
Mission & Meaning Podcast- Hosted by SHS’ Director of Mission & Ministry Kate MotroniFish, this monthly series shares perspective from members of our SHS community as they actively live, educate, and guide students in our mission of love. Our collection of episodes (Seasons 1 & 2) are currently available on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and other podcast streaming platforms. Season 3 will launch in fall 2024, and run through the spring of 2025.
CELEBRATING CULTURES & IDENTITIES
A sampling* of past campus activities and events organized to educate and honor the wonderful diversity that comprises our SHS family. Get involved at OMCS@shschools.org
LATINX HERITAGE MONTH
DIWALI (Festival of Light)
LUNAR NEW YEAR
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Occurs September-October. Past celebrations have included interdisciplinary lessons/projects and a student-organized community-wide cultural event with traditional foods and music. Concludes with Dia des los Muertos activities, such as sugar skull painting and the construction of an offrenda with student artworks and papel picado.
Occurs in October or November. Past celebrations have included a chalk mandala artwork projects, traditional dress, music, and dance presentations, and family-provided Indian delicacies.
Occurs in January or February. Past celebrations have included an exhibition of traditional dress and Chinese arts, classroom lessons, student sharing, sampling of Chinese foods and tokens of good fortune.
Occurs February-March. Regularly includes classroom lessons and cross-disciplinary projects introducing key Black figures and contributions through history as well as current times. Past celebrations have included assemblies, reflections, guest speakers, and author visits.
NOWRUZ (Persian New Year)
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
Occurs in March. Past celebrations have included classroom lessons/discussion, a student/parent organized program around the holiday’s history and significance, sharing of customary dress, artworks, and music, and a sampling of traditional Persian foods.
Occurs March-April. Past celebrations have included assemblies, reflections, guest speakers, author visits, and the annual SHP Women’s Talent Show. Programming augments the ongoing SHP Women’s Group presentations and discussions.
Occurs May-June. Past celebrations have included assemblies, student reflections, and a student-organized community-wide cultural event with traditional foods, dress, dance, and music.
*SHS strives to be responsive to the identities and experiences of all in our community; therefore this is not a comprehensive list but a sampling of past activities. For more information or to get involved, please contact OMCS
An Active & Participatory Community
Central to the SHS commitment to Goal IV - the building of community as a Christian value - is the role our families actively play in the life of the school. In our SHS community, we are very blessed to have strong parent/guardian engagement across all divisions and grade levels, and we have found that this consistent participation results in an even better and more vibrant educational environment for our students and experience for all our families--the majority of whom remain with SHS for the duration of their children’s schooling.
So, whether you have one hour or several to spend in our community, whether you prefer a leadership role or a “one-and-done” volunteer position, or if your only interest at the start is to engage socially or limited to your child’s classroom or grade, please know there are multiple ways to consider getting involved and contributing your own unique gifts to our school family.
THE BIG 4: WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH SHS
There are four key ways we encourage all families to consider when we talk about the importance of engaging in, and with, our community:
1. Be Informed - Most importantly, we ask that you commit to being informed about academic events, requirements, and dates, reading all leadership and safety communications, and staying attuned to other important news and timely information regularly provided by the school.
2. Participate & Attend - Each semester, there are numerous school-sponsored events, educational and spiritual programs, competitive sports games, fine arts productions, and division/grade-level parent socials taking place - in addition to Parents’ Association meetings, informal meet-and-greets and coffees, and online or in-person check-ins with the principals, school counselors, and other school leaders.
“There is a deep-down unity, but there is no forced uniformity. The spirit is one, but its manifestations are many... No one is ‘made to order’ of this or that shape, but each gives what [he or] she can for the common good.”
REV. MOTHER JANET ERSKINE STUART, 6TH SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE SOCIETY OF THE SACRED HEART
of SHS families are invited to take part in school, class, or parent/guardian activities during the year
100% 40+
Weekly Family eNewsletters with timely information, dates, and upcoming opportunities will be emailed to you while school is in session
100+
Events, socials, coffees, hikes, outings, and other fun activities organized by the school, school divisions, Parents’ Associations, and Class Reps take place throughout the school year
3. Volunteer or Lead - Lend your gifts and talents to benefit our community, connect your interests with others, and build relationships while having fun. Among the many volunteer roles/commitments are “one-offs,” helping out at an event or classroom activity, or on a much greater scale, serving in a leadership or committee role. You decide your comfort and commitment level - we are thrilled to have you join in any capacity!
4. Support - Each school year, there are a number of donation drives as well as select fundraisers; some are student-led, some school-driven. Parent support in these efforts at any level or capacity - financial or otherwise - is always deeply appreciated!
On the following pages, we offer a little more insight about some of these opportunities, in order for you to think about how you and your family might take part.
BE INFORMED
Best Ways to Be - and Stay - “In the Know”
READ the Family Weekly e-Newsletter - Emailed Tuesdays throughout the school year; contains timely info, upcoming dates/deadlines, and other key items and opportunities. SHP and P-8 newsletters are archived on each division’s Resource Tile.
FREQUENTLY CHECK the Online School Calendar - Most on-campus events are listed on the Family Portal calendar. Click on your date or event of interest, and information will “pop-up” on-screen with details about the event, registration links, and contact information. You can also set a RSS feed to link the school calendar and download events to your own Google, Outlook, or other personal desktop or device calendar.
PERSONALIZE Your Notifications - In your Profile Settings within the online Family Portal, you can choose to receive or subscribe to various school announcements, reminders, news items, and other news streams via text or email.
ATTEND Key Chats & Meetings - Plan to join the “Principal’s Lunch & Learn” (Virtual, SHP), “Coffee with Francesca” (P-8), “Coffee with the Counselor” (various), and of course, the Parents’ Associations’ General Meetings. Each of these are a great way to glean new information, get details on upcoming activities, and have some of your questions answered in real-time.
EXPLORE Your Parents’ Association “Group” Online - All SHS parent/guardians are members of the Parents’ Association and have access to the PA Groups online (P-8 or SHP). An excellent resource, group pages include timely information about volunteer opportunities, PA meeting notes, class pages (SHP), and important dates/events.
CONTRIBUTE & CONNECT WITH US
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
See what’s happening on campus, take a peek into your child’s classroom, and find out more about our amazing community by joining any (or all) of our social media channels. Be sure to “Like” us and comment on our posts!
ON OUR PRIMARY CHANNELS
• SHS on Facebook
• SHS on Instagram
• SHS on X (Twitter)
• SHP Athletics on X (Twitter)
• SHS on Vimeo
VIA ADDITIONAL CHANNELS
• SHP PA on Instagram
• P8 PA on Instagram
ON VIDIGAMI
Available to all SHS parents/guardians, SHS maintains a private, password-protected photo sharing site on Vidigami, for you to upload, save, and share your pictures taken throughout the school year. Add in your own “snaps” and help us preserve all the great moments of our school year! Email shs-photos@shschools.org for instructions.
CHECK OUT the Resource Tiles
in the SHS Family
Portal
When you log into the SHS website, your default “landing page” is our Resource Board There, you will see a variety of “tiles” with headings like “All-School Resources” and “Athletics” or “Arts.” Spend some time and browse through these tiles for quick info like attendance reporting links, school transportation instructions, archived newsletters, and health and safety updates.
BOOKMARK/FAVORITE Informative Webpages,
Sites, & Documents - Create a shortcut to items you may need to reference often. While most all are found within our Family Portal on Resource Tiles, there may be a few in particular that you will want to bookmark, such as the Student-Parent Handbook (SHP version, Preschool version, LMS (K-8) version); the 2024-25 Academic Year Calendar; the Magnus Health site (for student health forms); and the MySchoolBucks site (for cafeteria accounts and ordering).
WATCH FOR Important School Alerts
& CommunicationsOn occasion, the school will need to give you timely instructions or alert you to changes in campus routines or procedures, such as an unanticipated closure, power outage disruption, after-school program location change, or other safety advisories. Please always be on the lookout for these types of notices, which will most likely be sent via email and text message.
TUNE
IN &
SUBSCRIBE
TO Our “Mission & Meaning” Podcast Series - Hosted by the OMCS and produced monthly, this downloadable series explores important school themes and/or areas of community focus through the lens of SHS faculty, administrators, students, and other community members.
PARTICIPATE & ATTEND
Join Us, Join In, Enjoy!
From educational presentations to social events, fundraisers to Masses, theater productions to longstanding sports rivalry games, we truly believe we offer a little something for everyone in our community. And, with more than 200 activities, programs, and events happening throughout a typical school year, SHS parents and guardians do have a stunning array of options to think about when it comes to attending “school functions.”
As many of our long-time families will tell you, the fastest way to genuinely feel part of our community is to participate in as many opportunities as you are able. Building onto our Gator Greeter program, at each grade level your Room Parents or Class Parent Reps can be tremendously helpful in finding ways to socially connect you with others throughout your years on campus.
WE’RE NEW HERE, SO WHAT SHOULD WE PLAN TO ATTEND?
For new families, navigating the very packed SHS calendar can be especially daunting, and the most frequent question we hear is “What are the really ‘key’ things we should go to?”
Of course, much depends on your own interests and general availability; however, there are a few suggestions we can make for new families looking to sample the SHS community experience before fully diving in (see opposite page). Keep in mind, the sample “itinerary” we provide here is in no way a comprehensive list, and does NOT include ongoing fine arts and theatrical productions, sports games, robotics competitions, family service activities, Parents’ Associations’ meetings, spirituality/prayer groups, and/or parent-teacher conferences, among others.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: A NEW FAMILY “ITINERARY”
A sampling of our most popular all-community events to consider attending, by-month*
AUGUST
Mass to Welcome New Families & Bless the School Year
Parents’ Associations’ Welcome Coffees (P-8, SHP)
GATORFEST! - Music on the Lawn
SEPTEMBER
Back to School Nights & Info Sessions
Coastal Cleanup/SHS Family Service Day
All-School Mass of the Holy Spirit
OCTOBER
Annual James B. Everitt Chili Cook-off
Annual Fund “Gratitude Day”
Preschool - GR 5 Trunk-R-Treat
NOVEMBER
VALPO BOWL “Under the Lights”- SHP Football Game v. Menlo School
All-School Holiday Meals & Turkey Drive
SHP Fall Musical “Fiddler on the Roof”
SHP & P-8 Parents’ Associations General Meetings
DECEMBER
Holiday Boutique & Advent Reflection
Holiday Treat Performances, Concerts, & Tree Lighting
Christmas Family Mass & Nativity Play
JANUARY
8th Grade v. Faculty Basketball Game
Preschool - GR 8 Grandparents & Special Friends Day
SHP Boosters Annual Cioppino & Pasta Dinner
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
Preschool - GR 8 Parent Education Session
SHP Winter Play
Lenten Season Family Mass
SHS Annual Auction
Preschool - GR 8 Family Dance
Annual Fund & Auction Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
Campbell Cup: 8th Grade Girls Flag Football v. Menlo
All-School St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Feast Day Mass
Annual SHP Cardboard Canoe Races
* Please note, this is not intended as a comprehensive list, and does not include our many ongoing fine arts performances, sports competitions, spirituality programs, service activities, cultural celebrations, or parent education opportunities
VOLUNTEER OR LEAD
Your Talents + Time = Our Greatest Treasure
THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS (THE “PA”)
One of the most dynamic, productive, and energetic parent groups on the Peninsula, the SHS Parents’ Association is a driving force behind the vibrancy and success of our school community. Given the size and scope of our school, SHS has two strong organizations that comprises its Parents’ Association: the Preschool - Grade 8 PA and the Sacred Heart Preparatory PA. Each has a similar governance structure, and works both independently to serve the needs of its respective division, and interdependently to ensure cohesive support across all levels, programs, and grades, P-12. While both offer similar volunteer opportunities in some areas, such as faculty/staff appreciation, athletics, and arts boosters, each also has some opportunities unique to its division. In the P-8, there are more opportunities to volunteer in the classroom, but you can volunteer for the whole division, too. At the high school, many volunteer opportunities are at the grade level, but there are also opportunities to volunteer for the entire Prep division. (Opposite page: A sampling of various volunteer roles available each year.)
As a returning or new family, you are automatically a member of the Parents’ Association group affiliated with your student, or students, division(s). To learn more about your PA, please explore your division’s “Group” pages within the SHS Family Portal online. Just visit the SHS website, logon to our Portal, and locate your PA Group from the Groups dropdown menu. There, you will find notes, dates, signups, and other topics of interest.
OTHER CHANCES TO LEAD, SERVE, OR GET INVOLVED
Outside PA-coordinated opportunities, parents can also volunteer to help with the annual all-school auction, assist Advancement with the annual fund campaign, support their students’ extracurricular activities (the arts, athletics, clubs, etc.) and more!
PA Standing Volunteer Opportunities
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS SHARED COMMITTEES (P-12)
For more information on how to get involved, contact your division’s Parents’ Association: P-8PA@shschools.org or SHPPA@shschools.org
• Admissions Committee
• Common Ground/Parent Education
• Gator Greeters
• Inclusion/DEIA Committee
• Spirituality Committee
PRESCHOOL - GRADE 8 PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
For more information on how to get involved, contact P-8PA@shschools.org
• Executive Committee & Committee Leads
• Boosters, LMS (GR 4-8) Athletics
• Cafeteria/Dining Liaison
• Communications
• P-8 Faculty/Staff Appreciation Committee
• Fine Arts Committee
• Gator Gear Committee
• Historian/Media
• Library Committee
• Parent Activities Committee (Socials)
• Room Parents (P-8)
• Service Learning Committee
• SHP Parents’ Association Liaisons
• Student Activities Committee (P-8)
• Uniform Exchange Committee
• Weekly Family Newsletter Secretary
SACRED HEART PREP PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
For more information on how to get involved, contact SHPPA@shschools.org
• Executive Committee & Committee Leads
• Boosters, SHP Athletics
• Boosters, SHP Fine Arts
• Class Parent Reps
• SHP Faculty/Staff Appreciation Committee
• Holiday Boutique Committee
• Hospitality Committee, SHP PA Meetings
• Network Exchange Liaisons
• PA Portal “Group” Content
• P-8 Parents’ Association Liaisons
• Parent Activities Committee (Socials)
• Service Learning & Retreats Liaisons
• PA Social Media Committee
• Student Activities Committee (SHP)
• Weekly Family Newsletter Secretary
PRIMARY ALL-SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
SHS Annual Fund - Taking place in fall, the Annual Fund campaign is the cornerstone of giving at Sacred Heart, raising funds to cover the gap between tuition and the full cost of educating each student. Close to 150 parent/guardian volunteers work with the Annual Fund team throughout fall to reach our goal, which historically engenders nearly 100% participation from families, employees, and trustees. Volunteer commitment typically extends SeptemberOctober.
SHS Auction - Held each spring, the SHS Auction is our major fundraising event, typically drawing more than 650 attendees and taking close to 200 volunteers each year to plan, prepare, and put on. Auction chairs (3-4 SHS parent/guardian volunteers) organize the event and work closely with the Advancement team and the Parents’ Associations to operate and staff the event. Both leadership and “one and done” volunteer roles are needed. *Auction volunteer sign ups are typically announced in early November.
STUDENT ACTIVITY-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are often needed and expected to work at extracurricular activities in which their students are involved. Opportunities include both leadership roles (Team Parent, Front-ofHouse Manager, etc.) and also “one-and-done” roles (involving only a few hours of work prior to, or the day of, an event).
Gator Sports Team Volunteer (Grades 4-12) - Helping with a range of needs, such as staffing the snack shack or provide snacks for the team, running the clock at a game, serving as team parent, organizing Senior Night and other social team and parent gatherings.
Fine Arts Production Volunteer (Grades 4-8, 9-12) - Assisting with production/performance needs, such as helping with costumes, painting sets and making props, coordinating programs/posters, and working front-of-house for performances.
Student Clubs, Classroom, or Field Trip Volunteer (Grades P-12): Chaperoning, transporting students to an-off campus competition or site, serving as a guest speaker, helping with activities.
HOW & WHEN TO SIGN UP
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
A signup form will be sent by the PAs in early fall and spring. Interested in serving on a committee but missed the signup deadline? Just reach out to the committee chair(s) directly to follow up!
GRADE-LEVEL OPPS
Sign-up at the P-8 PA Volunteer Fair, and watch for ongoing needs shared via the Room Parent (P-8) or Class Parent Rep (SHP) newsletterrs.
ALL-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Calls for volunteers are sent in early fall (Annual Fund) and late fall (Auction).
ACTIVITY-SPECIFIC
Attend the initial Parent/ Guardian meeting, and watch for emails from the program/ team/activity for needs and how to signup.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Please look for upcoming and available opportunities/ instructions published in the weekly SHS Family eNewsletter.
“The way to do much in a short time is to love much. People will do great things if they are stirred with enthusiasm and love.”
REV. MOTHER JANET ERSKINE STUART, 6TH SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE SOCIETY OF THE SACRED HEART
FAMILY VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS
One of the most important ways to manifest our mission and live our values as a community is by volunteering for service activities. Throughout grade-levels, preschool - high school, learning about the needs of others and then actively helping is an integral part of a Sacred Heart education. Both inside and outside of the curriculum, students will have many age-appropriate service opportunities in which they can take part, or in some cases, lead efforts. In addition, SHS provides multiple ways throughout the school year for families to serve together. Below are just a few of our ongoing opportunities.
Coastal Beach Cleanup Day (September) - Coordinated international effort to preserve and beautify beachfront lands. Meals on Wheels (Ongoing) - Deliver meals, make cards and/ or gift bags for homebound seniors in the community.
Ravenswood Education Foundation Classroom Partners (Select Dates) - Spend time with teachers and students at nearby Belle Haven Elementary or Costaño School.
Sandwiches/Soup on Sundays (SOS) (Every 3rd Sunday)Prepare and serve lunch for community members that need a meal.
Sunday Breakfast @ First Steps Shelter (Ongoing) - Prepare and share a meal with families in San Mateo LifeMoves Shelter who are homeless or in interim/transitional housing.
Veterans Outreach - (Ongoing) Make cards, treats, and care packages for hospitalized military veterans.
FUNDRAISING & DRIVES
Support Our Gator Nation
A vital aspect of our engagement with families comes from ongoing participation in activities that raise financial support for our students and the school, as well as serve others in the larger community. At SHS, this typically occurs at the institutional level through our yearly fundraising efforts, and through longer-term impact giving to the SHS endowment or capital campaigns. Embracing our mission as a community as well, there will often also be schooldriven drives or collections that benefit various local agencies or charities, or respond to natural disasters or emergencies across the country and the world.
PARTICIPATION IS ALWAYS OUR GOAL - 100%!
Consistent across efforts, our primary goal is always to achieve 100% participation, rather than any financial threshold. In this way, every member of our community - families, employees, leadership, etc. - have an active investment in the success of all our students.
SHS Annual Fund. Held in fall, the Annual Fund is the primary and most critical fundraising priority at SHS to meet immediate and emerging financial needs. In truth, the cost to educate a Sacred Heart student exceeds the cost of tuition. Each year, SHS is only able to bridge this critical financial “gap” through our Annual Fund campaign, which also provides support to all aspects of a Sacred Heart education. Every gift counts! Contact advancement@shschools.org
SHS Auction. Held in spring, the Auction is a cornerstone community event that raises critical support for programs and students through a silent, super-silent, and live auction event, as well as a “Fund-A-Need” effort for financial aid. For more than 40 years, we have gathered together for this pinnacle event, which is so much more than a fundraiser; it’s an event that encourages community spirit, connection, and pride! Contact advancement@shschools.org
ENDOWMENT (LONGER-TERM IMPACT)
Endowment is a school’s investment in its longevity and future generations. At SHS, having a thriving endowment ensures we will always have the necessary resources and reserves to fulfill our mission and retain, sustain, and expand all aspects of this distinctive Sacred Heart experience. A few examples of SHS’ working endowment funds that provide important financial support now, but are designed for perpetuity, include our many named student scholarships, academic program funds, the Barat College Access Fund, institutional priorities funds, and many others.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS (IMMEDIATE & LONG-TERM NEEDS)
At times, SHS may initiate a major gift drive or large-scale campaign in order to raise significant funds for new capital projects, program support, and other identified institutional priorities and needs that have both long-term and wide-scale impact on the campus and student experience.
BOOSTER CLUBS
Our highly active parent/guardian booster clubs for both Gator sports and our fine arts programs provide tremendous support to SHS by enhancing the quality of the programs available, raising supplemental funds to support related activities and travel opportunities, and assisting the respective SHS departments (athletics, arts) with large events. Currently, there are three Booster Clubs operating: the SHP Fine Arts Boosters (GR 9-12), the LMS Athletics Boosters (GR 4-8), and the SHP Athletics Boosters (GR 9-12).
ALL-SCHOOL, DIVISION, & GRADE-LEVEL DRIVES
Each year, families may be asked to consider supporting the needs of our local community with various drives for food, clothing, etc. Among our more regular coordinated efforts are item donation requests toward the provision of holiday meals, Lenten giving, coldweather gear, personal hygiene kits, gently used bicycles, and other drives. Requests are usually posted via the weekly family newsletter, as well as in the grade-level or room parent communications.
STUDENT-DRIVEN CAMPAIGNS: RESPONDING WITH COMPASSION
On occasion, a student-driven campaign will be mounted to respond to an emerging or ongoing identified need in the greater community. Recent efforts have included drives to provide relief for victims of the war in Ukraine, a walkathon and swimathon to raise funds for the Diabetes Youth Foundation, and a community event to secure support for Sacred Heart Network schools that had been severely impacted by natural disasters.
SHOP TO SUPPORT SHS
There are three additional ways families may choose to lend support for SHS programs and activities; a portion of each qualifying sale is donated back to the school.
Shop for SHS on Amazon - Use this special SHS link to access the shopping platform. Buy Gator Gear - Find themed items at the Gator Pit (SHP) or SHS Gator Gear Store (P-8). Mention “Sacred Heart” - Kepler’s Books donates a purchase percentage if you mention your child attends SHS.
Where to Go if You Need Help
Each year serving more than 800 families, close to 1,200 students, about 350 employees, and 50+ retired RSCJ, Sacred Heart is unquestionably a large and complex organization, situated on a campus about the size of a small college. For new folks, it can sometimes be a challenge to navigate all the new information, traditions, acronyms, places, and shorthand our community tends to use. It is our hope that this Family Guide booklet, along with the list of links and resources noted on these two pages, will help you orient and acclimate as quickly and easily as possible. So, welcome to GATOR NATION and to our SACRED HEART FAMILY - we are thrilled to have you join us!
A WHO’S WHO OF SHS *
- School Leadership - SHP or P-8
- Parents’ Associations Leadership Rosters - SHP or P-8
- Room Parent/Class Parent Rep Rosters - SHP or P-8
- SHS Annual Community Events & Activities: A Primer for New Families
- Map of the Sacred Heart Campus
* Please see electronic version of this SHS Family Guide for active links.
INFORMATION CENTRAL: OUR SHS FAMILY PORTAL
SHS WEBSITE & TECH HELP
- Navigating the SHS Website & Portal
- Using Schoology
- Student Progress, Grades, Assignments on Blackbaud
- Viewing/Contributing to Vidigami
Photo Sharing Site
ALL-SCHOOL RESOURCES, A-Z
- Student Attendance Reporting
Instructions & Contact Info
- Transportation Forms, Instructions
- Academic Year Calendar (PDF)
- Tuition Payment & Billing
- SHS Brand Logos & Style Guide
(Downloadable Graphics)
DIVISIONAL RESOURCES (SHP, P-8)
- Attendance Reporting Instructions & Contact Info
- Parent-Student Handbooks
- Technology Use Policies & Handbook
- Cafeteria Info & Links
- Uniform & Textbook Ordering Links
- Student Retreats, Service, Activities
- Other Forms & Instructions
Key Resource Board Tiles - What’s On....? Key
“Groups” - What’s In....?
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION GROUPS
- Leadership Rosters & Contact Info
- Class Pages (SHP)
- PA Committee Activities & Opps
- Boosters Info (Arts, Sports)
- Forms, Signups, Resources
- Uniform & Gator Gear Exchange Info
SHS HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Topical Links, Information, Resources
- Personal Counselor Contacts
- Developmental Guides/Tips
- Tips: Talking with Teens & Children
ATHLETICS
- Commitment Forms, Requirements, Policies (SHP, GR 4-8)
- LMS (GR 4-8) Athletics Handbook
- LMS (GR 4-8) Seasonal Practice Info
- Concussion Education & Resources
(SHP Required Course)
ARTS
- LMS (GR 4-8) Drama Handbook
- LMS Theatrical Production Audition
Information & Forms
- SHP Fine Arts Boosters Information
- P erforming A rts Calendar
CAMPUS SAFETY & SECURITY
- Emergency Instructions, Plans, & Resources
- Emergency/Crisis/Tip Reporting
Hotlines & Contact Info
- Visitor Campus Access & Safety Measures
SHS MISSION, CULTURE, STRATEGY
- Reflections & Newsletters
- Guides to Cultural Events & Activities
- DEIA Committee Updates & Reports
- Newsletter Archive
SHP EXCHANGE PROGRAM
- Program Details, Locations, Deadlines
- SHS Family Hosting Opportunities
- Program Cost & Financial Aid
- Exchange Student Blogs & Photos
- Resources for Matched Students
- Resources for Traveling Students
A Greater Family—The Global Network of Sacred Heart Schools
The Schools of Sacred Heart are found in more than 40 countries worldwide, with 25 schools found in the U.S-Canada Province. This membership reflects an enduring continuity in both educational mission and heritage, and ensures the vision of foundress St. Madeleine Sophie Barat continues.
As part of this strong Network, the SHS community annually has access to opportunities that enable exchange and support between various Sacred Heart schools in this country and across the globe.
EXPERIENCE ANOTHER CULTURE, MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS
Host a Network Exchange Student - Offered to students during their sophomore and junior years, the Exchange Program connects SHP students with students and families of Sacred Heart schools around the globe in a reciprocal exchange. SHP students visit a foreign country for 3-4 weeks in the summer, living with a host family and attending classes with their exchange partner. Additionally, they have ample opportunity to tour and explore the surrounding region and culture, based on the host family’s availability. The SHS student then hosts that same student for approximately 3-4 weeks in their home and on campus. Interested to learn more or get engaged? Check out the SHP Exchange Group in the online Family Portal, or contact Krista Hinton, our global exchange program coordinator, at khinton@shschools.org.
Exploring Entrepreneurship - Open to enrolled SHP sophomore women, this enterprising summer intensive pairs a select cohort of students from SHS and Sacred Heart 91st Street for a two-week residency (one week New York City, one week Silicon Valley). Designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit through experiential learning and engagement with young leaders in industry, students will take part in field visits, expert panels, workshops, design sprints, and networking dinners/activities. Parents/guardians with local contacts in Silicon Valley industries who can facilitate partnerships, program connections, or site visits, please contact Dan Brady, SHS program contact, at dbrady@shschools.org.
Visit Our RSCJ at Oakwood - Many of our current, resident Sisters have served in a number of international Sacred Heart schools across the years, and have so many stories to share! Learn more from these amazing women about the life of the Society, the array of mission work they have performed or pioneered, and the students and schools they have served.
RHODE ISLAND Saint Philomena School of the Sacred Heart Portsmouth
