8 12

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 35 Orange Street

New Britain, CT 06053 —————

(860) 229-7663 sacredheartschoolnb.org

Easter Blessings

from our school family

to your family.

May the joy and peace

of the Risen Lord

be yours this

holy season

and

throughout the year.

Address Label

35 Orange Street - New Britain, Connecticut - 06053 - 860 229-7663 Email shschoolnb@yahoo.com - Website www.sacredheartschoolnb.org

Volume 12, Issue 1 Spring, 2020

HEARTBEATHEARTBEAT...... the pulse of the pulse of Sacred Heart SchoolSacred Heart School

Inside

A

18961896 -- 124 YEARS OF CARING AND SHARING 124 YEARS OF CARING AND SHARING -- 20202020

With a grateful heart, from Sacred Heart, we thank everyone for all their

support, efforts and prayers that helped reverse the recommendation of the

Archbishop to close Sacred Heart School this June. The concern and cooperation

of so many helped us form a three phase plan to keep our doors open until we

could celebrate 125 years of Catholic education at SHS.

Phase I was Monsignor Dan’s immediate transparent communication to

parents, parishioners and the community of the situation. Phase II included a

“grassroots” effort to register current families for the coming year with mass

marketing to new families, encouraging them to enroll. Approximately 90% of

our current students will be returning with new families touring the school and

showing interest in their child(ren) attending this fall.

Now we turn to Phase III and YOU for your financial support and assistance.

The high amount of parish subsidy was one of the major factors affecting the

decision of the Archbishop. For a moment, reflect on the role Catholic education

and/or Sacred Heart School has had on the foundation on which you built your

own faith, life, successes and valued friendships and memories. What a wonder-

ful and beneficial way to show your thanks and appreciation and “give back” a

little something in gratitude for all you have received. No amount is too small

and every donation makes you part of the solution to keep Sacred Heart School

and Catholic education in New Britain for one more year.

Thank you for CARING and thank you for SHARING! You and your own

family’s intentions will be remembered in the prayers of our school family.

God’s blessings……..

Inside

A From the Pastor 2 With Grateful Hearts 8

From the Principal 2 Mark Your Calendar 9

What You Do Unto Others 3 International Connections 9

SHS Subsidy Fund 3 Internet Safety 9

Mark Your Calendar 4 Presidents’ Day 10

Please Help Sr. Janice 4 Now Hear This 10

Become Part of Our SHS 5 Seeing Double…. 11

SHS Celebrates CSW 6 / 7 President of Poland 11

Be Creative 8 Ummm…. Good! 11

So Much to Discover 8 Facebook 11

2

From the Pastor

Class of 1963

From the Principal

Class of 1989

I couldn’t wait to write this article and tell you about how special this year was for SHS. After all, it’s not every year that a Catholic elementary school receives an honorary flag directly from the hands of the President of Poland! That is how our school year started; however, by mid-year, the SHS story changed quite significantly. These past few months, with the looming threat of school closure hovering above us, have been some of the most important months in SHS history. Many emotions were felt, ranging from despair, denial, and ultimately, survival-mode. Immediately, a positive force took over, one that focused on the celebration of a school so rich in its legacy – a school like no other! The reality of self-sustainability was evident, however, once it was made clear that defeat was not an option for this year, what followed was a testament of how people truly feel about Catholic education at the place that the media penned as: a small school with a BIG heart. The drive now turned to one of recogni-tion – to honor Sacred Heart School’s legacy of faith family, and academic excellence. An overwhelming response was received from parents, students, school board members, parishioners, and even strangers from around the USA. All were in favor of helping the school survive for one more year – to celebrate its 125th Anniversary. Many were willing to help out in any way possible – offering suggestions, kind words, and even sending in donations at will. It was such a fragile time with emotions running rampant. You cannot imagine how much these warm sentiments and heart-felt gestures were appreciated. This is what makes me so proud of being a part of the Sacred Heart School family. Its

boundaries extend further than the school building, further than the outskirts of the parish, even beyond city and state borders. Sacred Heart

School is a family that sticks together through thick and through thin. Obviously, these past

few months have been a true testament of what it means to be a part of the SHS family. Aren’t

YOU grateful to be a part of the legacy? A student today,

but an SHS Eagle forever!

Dear friends of Sacred Heart School: My words in today’s article are about events that took place in February regarding our beloved SHS. I was called to attend a meet- ing with the Archbishop, concerning the future of Sacred Heart School. The meeting was a discussion about the viability of the school and the amount of money it takes to keep the school open. The small student body, about 60 students, needs a subsidy from the Parish in the area of $428 thousand dollars. The tuition collected comes nowhere near what is needed to keep the school going. It was recommended to me that we close the school this June, 2020 because the subsidy will be even larger next year. I do not challenge the above facts, but I asked the Archbishop to grant us one more year, because in 2021, Sacred Heart School will be celebrating its 125th Anniver-sary and that it did not make any sense to close after 124 years. Another important reason was that we have 8 students in our 7th grade this year who have attended the school since Pre-K, almost all their lives, and they would be the last graduating class next year. There is no 6th grade class behind them this year. It would be a shame to deny this year’s 7th graders graduation from Sacred Heart School next year in the 125th anniversary year. I shared this information with the faculty, the parents, the School Board, the Parent Ambassadors, the students and the parishioners at all the Masses. We collected over two thousand signatures on a petition asking to let us open for one more year so we can celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Sacred Heart School. The local press and TV stations publicized our plight and after much publicity, I received a call from the Archbishop granting us one more year so we can celebrate the 125th Anniversary. He emphasized and we agreed that June 30, 2021 Sacred Heart School will close. This is a very difficult decision but we are going to continue for one more year with sharing our faith with the young people that are entrusted to our care. What can you do to help us in this last year of Sacred Heart School’s existence? Any and all donations will be accepted, and will be most gratefully appreciated. Please feel free to contact the school at 860-229-7663 or EMAIL shschoolnb@yahoo.com. During the last year of our beloved school, 2020-2021, we will continue to emphasize the wonderful education we all received and the wonderful memories we have shared. We can be proud of Sacred Heart School and we will ask God to continue to watch over all of us who are a part of the beautiful history of Sacred Heart School.

11

Seeing Double… or Triple… or More…?????

Don’t panic if you’re seeing double or more!!! That happened

to all the Sacred Heart School family members as the

students and teachers enjoyed TWIN Day. This was

just one of many activities planned as the school

celebrated National Catholic Schools during

the month of January.

President

of Poland

Greets SHS

Principal

Katherine Muller,

our school principal, was among dignitaries and

honored guest at the reception for Polish President,

Andrzej Duda held at Walnut Hill Park back in

September. Mrs. Muller was presented a letter of

recognition, the Polish flag and words of appreciation

from the President himself, for her leadership

role in Catholic education. Mrs. Muller also

presented the President cards and notes from

the Sacred Heart School Family.

Ummm… Good! And what’s the secret ingredient?

A lot of TLC! Our 7th and 8th grade

students, under the direction of retired

teacher, Pat Eisner, put their cooking

skills to task as they made chicken soup

for a local food kitchen. Rumor has it

that the lines are long when people

know the delicious treat is from Sacred

Heart School.

10

Presidents’ Day

Our Middle School students wanted to impress

upon the younger students the fact that Presidents’ Day

xwas much more than just a day off from school. To

xxaccomplish this task, they undertook a special project

under the guidance of Ms. Kulinski, their Social

Studies teacher. "Presidents' Day" came

alive as the students took on the role of a

U.S. president. The younger students and

teachers were invited to the program

and challenged to guess who each student

represented as they mingled and listened to

an autobiography given by each “president”.

The activity was not only educational but a whole

lot of fun!

“Hear

Ye…

Hear

Ye…”

Now Hear This! X

Many people did hear as SHS students

broadcast from WJMJ radio station. Schools from around the Archdiocese

were invited to have their students participate in an essay contest, “Why My

School is Special to Me”. Two students from each school were chosen to

record their essay which were broadcast on radio station WJMJ during

Catholic Schools Week (1/26 – 2/1).

Hannah Mills and Emily Waluk represented SHS with their winning

essays which so beautifully and sincerely expressed their love for Sacred Heart.

“Sacred Heart is a place where I learn important life-long lessons; make long-lasting

friendships and meet teachers who love and treat me like their own. Most of all, it is a place

where I find my home away from home”, stated Hannah, president of the Student Council.

Emily expressed still another aspect of SHS. “Have you ever gone to a school so special

you can talk to anyone about anything including religion? Sacred Heart makes me feel safe and I

wake up each morning knowing I can go to this safe place to learn with friends that care about me.

SHS is definitely not the biggest school out there but we surely have the biggest hearts.”

That’s WHY SHS is special to Hannah and Emily and just a few of the many other reasons,

thousands of students feel blessed to have attended our school.

All donations should be sent directly to:

SACRED HEART SCHOOL / DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

or through

PAYPAL (school website: sacredheartschoolnb.org - ABOUT SHS)

Please complete the form below and return it with your donation. Your data will be valuable in updating our records and providing you with further information on our upcoming 125th Anniversary Celebration in the Spring of 2021 as well as current updates on the school. Remember: (1) Your donation is tax deductible. (2) Refer to the following link to see if your place of business may also match your donation. Xx https://www.1800runaway.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate-match-directory.pdf

SACRED HEART SCHOOL SUBSIDY FUND Please Print:

Name ____________________________________________ Phone ______________________ Address _________________________________________ City___________________________ State __________ Zip ____________ Email__________________________________________ Please accept my Donation of: $_________________ ___ I am a Graduate of SHS Class of _____ Maiden Name _________________________

3

What You Do Unto Others… Operation Christmas Child is the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, OCC uses

gift-filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the

world. It is a positive and fun way to share the Good News and love of Jesus Christ.

Students at Sacred Heart School took advantage of this special project to show their own

love, concern and generosity and donated a variety of items to include in each Christmas gift box.

The middle school students worked diligently to separate the

many items into appropriate gifts (older boys or girls, younger girls

and boys) and then paired up with the younger students to fill each

plastic box. Along with each gift box, the students made a Christmas

card and wrote a special message to the recipient, wishing them the

love of the Christ child and a merry and blessed Christmas. The old

saying, “It is better to give than receive” was truly

evident on the faces of our own students as

they worked together to bring joy and love

into the hearts of those who would receive

this special Christmas cheer! Special

thanks to Mrs. Smith for coordinating this

wonderful gift of Christmas spirit and love!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mark Your Calendar…. 5

f x

It’s not too early to save the date for the 125th

Anniversary Gala of Sacred Heart School.

Plans are underway for next year’s (2021) celebration

and we want you to be apart of it.

Tentatively, Saturday, May 29th, a Mass of

Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 4:00PM in Sacred Heart

Church followed by a dinner in the school hall.

During the month of May, each Sunday has been set aside

(from 1:00 - 3:00PM) for “Drop-In” visits to tour the anniversary exhibits, meet with former

classmates and just have the time and opportunity to share fond memories with friends.

More information and details will follow as the time gets closer. We have been richly blessed with

the gift of Catholic education here at Sacred Heart School and it is important we unite as a family to

thank God for it and His providential care during these 125 years.

PHOTOS OF SPECIAL EVENTS, CONTEST WINNERS, CLUBS,

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, etc.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

FACULTY PICTURES

PLEASE Help Sister Janice Find…

In anticipation of

SHS’s 125th Anniversary Celebration,

Sister Janice and the Faculty are looking

for pictures to be used in the various displays and Memory Book.

Please set aside an upcoming week-end to “search through your treasures” and share with us some

photos, articles, publications, handbooks, etc…that were part of SHS’s wonderful history and story.

All materials will be scanned and returned to you. The DEADLINE for sending in any of these

items is JUNE 30, 2020.

Materials may be brought in or sent to Sacred Heart School - 35 Orange Street

New Britain, CT 06053 Attention: Development Office

or

Emailed to: shsalumnb@yahoo.com

1) Be sure to include your NAME and RETURN ADDRESS so all items can be returned to you.

2) Each photo must indicate the who, what, where and WHEN of its content.

3) Please be sure photos are sharp and clear as they will be scanned and sized.

4) All efforts will be made to use the materials we receive.

5) Any materials received AFTER the DEADLINE may not be considered.

4 9

PASS IT ON Don’t forget to

share the “Good News” of Catholic education here at Sacred Heart

School. Visit our website~ www.sacredheart

schoolnb.org

Calling the Graduates of

1970 & 1995

Mark Your Calendar

Please accept our invitation to

Class Night for the Class of 2020 on Friday Night, June 5, 2020 and to

the Graduation Mass on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 4:00PM at Sacred Heart Church.

More information will follow.

Internet Safety

xxxxxxxLong gone are the days when simple safety tips from parents, such as “Don’t talk

to strangers” or “Look both ways before crossing” are enough to protect our children.

SHS believes in being proactive and sought a grant to sponsor an Internet Safety

workshop for Parents & Parishioners. A second program was held the next day for

our middle school students. Scott Discoll from Internet Safety Concepts presented the

workshops covering a wealth of information that every family should be aware of.

International Connections

Articles describing the students’ charitable involvement in local, state and national organiza-

tions have been mentioned in the past. However, did you know their concern and generosity goes

beyond our national borders?

A visit by African Bishop, Michael Miabese Bibi was the perfect occasion to present the

Bishop with a check for over $200. to assist in his “Raise the Roof” program in Cameroon . Fund

raising efforts were in progress to put a new roof on his church and the students were eager to help

this worthy cause in some monetary way.

Another visit by Franciscan Friar Boguslaw Dabrowski gave the students a chance to hear

and see slides of what school life is like in Uganda, Africa. The students could relate to their peers

across the ocean in some similar ways and learn of some completely different aspects of their

education Through fun/fund raising efforts (a “Dress Down Day”), our SHS children raised over

$500. to sponsor the schooling of two students for a whole year in Uganda.

8

Thinking “Outside the Box” is just another example of the

holistic approach in the education of each child at Sacred Heart.

That is just what Mrs. Kerr and her 3rd and 4th grade classes did

as they celebrated the 100th Day of School back in February.

As part of their “creative” assignments, the students performed

various tasks throughout their lessons that day. Math consisted of

rolling the dice 100 times and then

graphing the outcome. Spelling challenged them to make

as many words as possible using the letters in the words

“One Hundred”. English tested their knowledge of

nouns, verbs, science words that begin with “s”,

listing at least 10 of each. The Social Studies

and Reading assignment was to write a story

contrasting school days 100 years ago and now.

And last, but far from least, Religion was “Spending

Quiet Time with Jesus” for 100 seconds.

One hundred days of school could be a drudgery

but not when you have the creative minds and enthusiastic

spirits of our dedicated faculty and staff at Sacred Heart

School! THANKS to ALL of them!

X

So Much to Discover!

Science

can be

a lot of

fun

especially

when it’s

taught at

the Children’s

Science Center in Hartford. Grades 1-8 were treated

by SHS and enjoyed the day with their friends and

classmates exploring all the various activities and

subjects.

With

Grateful

Hearts at SHS Gratitude is an

important part of

everyday experiences at SHS. But Thanks-

giving is a special time of appreciation and

celebration to take time and give thanks

together as a school family. Students and

teachers gathered in church for a Prayer

Service on Wednesday before heading

home for their holiday break.

Students in Pre K and gr. K

had a re-enactment of the

pilgrims and Indians sharing a

meal. Butter, made by grade K

and soup, made by Pre K never

tasted better. Of course, some rye

bread and apple sauce completed the

“Thanksgiving Feast”.

Become Part of Our SHS “Wall of Pride”

As part of the 125th Anniversary display, we would like to highlight

our graduates. Please consider sharing “your story” which will be

displayed on our “Wall of Pride”

in the school hall.

Please send (to Sacred Heart School c/o Development Office) or

Email to (shsalumnb@yahoo.com) the following information:

Please Print

_______Year of Graduation Name ________________________________________________

Maiden Name ___________________________ Email address _____________________________

Any of the following information: Please limit to 100 / 150 words

_____Place of current residence _____ Marital status _____Number of Children (their age, current status)

_____Educational Background _____Current Occupation ____ Past Experiences

_____ Any other facts that might be of interest to other readers _____ A Wallet Size Current Photo

*_____ One or two fond

memories of your time

in Sacred Heart School

* (very helpful to include)

5

Barbara (Cackowski) Papacs - “1967”

.

SAMPLE

SHS

Mascot

Sacred Heart School Celebrates

CSW Liturgy

Open House

Mayor’s Visit

6

“Grab & Go”

Breakfast

the Gift of Catholic Education

Student / Parent Luncheon

Student / Teacher Basketball Shoot

Faculty Faith Formation Conference at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury xxxwith Father James Sullivan

8

Thinking “Outside the Box” is just another example of the

holistic approach in the education of each child at Sacred Heart.

That is just what Mrs. Kerr and her 3rd and 4th grade classes did

as they celebrated the 100th Day of School back in February.

As part of their “creative” assignments, the students performed

various tasks throughout their lessons that day. Math consisted of

rolling the dice 100 times and then

graphing the outcome. Spelling challenged them to make

as many words as possible using the letters in the words

“One Hundred”. English tested their knowledge of

nouns, verbs, science words that begin with “s”,

listing at least 10 of each. The Social Studies

and Reading assignment was to write a story

contrasting school days 100 years ago and now.

And last, but far from least, Religion was “Spending

Quiet Time with Jesus” for 100 seconds.

One hundred days of school could be a drudgery

but not when you have the creative minds and enthusiastic

spirits of our dedicated faculty and staff at Sacred Heart

School! THANKS to ALL of them!

X

So Much to Discover!

Science

can be

a lot of

fun

especially

when it’s

taught at

the Children’s

Science Center in Hartford. Grades 1-8 were treated

by SHS and enjoyed the day with their friends and

classmates exploring all the various activities and

subjects.

With

Grateful

Hearts at SHS Gratitude is an

important part of

everyday experiences at SHS. But Thanks-

giving is a special time of appreciation and

celebration to take time and give thanks

together as a school family. Students and

teachers gathered in church for a Prayer

Service on Wednesday before heading

home for their holiday break.

Students in Pre K and gr. K

had a re-enactment of the

pilgrims and Indians sharing a

meal. Butter, made by grade K

and soup, made by Pre K never

tasted better. Of course, some rye

bread and apple sauce completed the

“Thanksgiving Feast”.

Become Part of Our SHS “Wall of Pride”

As part of the 125th Anniversary display, we would like to highlight

our graduates. Please consider sharing “your story” which will be

displayed on our “Wall of Pride”

in the school hall.

Please send (to Sacred Heart School c/o Development Office) or

Email to (shsalumnb@yahoo.com) the following information:

Please Print

_______Year of Graduation Name ________________________________________________

Maiden Name ___________________________ Email address _____________________________

Any of the following information: Please limit to 100 / 150 words

_____Place of current residence _____ Marital status _____Number of Children (their age, current status)

_____Educational Background _____Current Occupation ____ Past Experiences

_____ Any other facts that might be of interest to other readers _____ A Wallet Size Current Photo

*_____ One or two fond

memories of your time

in Sacred Heart School

* (very helpful to include)

5

Barbara (Cackowski) Papacs - “1967”

.

SAMPLE

SHS

Mascot

Mark Your Calendar…. 5

f x

It’s not too early to save the date for the 125th

Anniversary Gala of Sacred Heart School.

Plans are underway for next year’s (2021) celebration

and we want you to be apart of it.

Tentatively, Saturday, May 29th, a Mass of

Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 4:00PM in Sacred Heart

Church followed by a dinner in the school hall.

During the month of May, each Sunday has been set aside

(from 1:00 - 3:00PM) for “Drop-In” visits to tour the anniversary exhibits, meet with former

classmates and just have the time and opportunity to share fond memories with friends.

More information and details will follow as the time gets closer. We have been richly blessed with

the gift of Catholic education here at Sacred Heart School and it is important we unite as a family to

thank God for it and His providential care during these 125 years.

PHOTOS OF SPECIAL EVENTS, CONTEST WINNERS, CLUBS,

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, etc.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

FACULTY PICTURES

PLEASE Help Sister Janice Find…

In anticipation of

SHS’s 125th Anniversary Celebration,

Sister Janice and the Faculty are looking

for pictures to be used in the various displays and Memory Book.

Please set aside an upcoming week-end to “search through your treasures” and share with us some

photos, articles, publications, handbooks, etc…that were part of SHS’s wonderful history and story.

All materials will be scanned and returned to you. The DEADLINE for sending in any of these

items is JUNE 30, 2020.

Materials may be brought in or sent to Sacred Heart School - 35 Orange Street

New Britain, CT 06053 Attention: Development Office

or

Emailed to: shsalumnb@yahoo.com

1) Be sure to include your NAME and RETURN ADDRESS so all items can be returned to you.

2) Each photo must indicate the who, what, where and WHEN of its content.

3) Please be sure photos are sharp and clear as they will be scanned and sized.

4) All efforts will be made to use the materials we receive.

5) Any materials received AFTER the DEADLINE may not be considered.

4 9

PASS IT ON Don’t forget to

share the “Good News” of Catholic education here at Sacred Heart

School. Visit our website~ www.sacredheart

schoolnb.org

Calling the Graduates of

1970 & 1995

Mark Your Calendar

Please accept our invitation to

Class Night for the Class of 2020 on Friday Night, June 5, 2020 and to

the Graduation Mass on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 4:00PM at Sacred Heart Church.

More information will follow.

Internet Safety

xxxxxxxLong gone are the days when simple safety tips from parents, such as “Don’t talk

to strangers” or “Look both ways before crossing” are enough to protect our children.

SHS believes in being proactive and sought a grant to sponsor an Internet Safety

workshop for Parents & Parishioners. A second program was held the next day for

our middle school students. Scott Discoll from Internet Safety Concepts presented the

workshops covering a wealth of information that every family should be aware of.

International Connections

Articles describing the students’ charitable involvement in local, state and national organiza-

tions have been mentioned in the past. However, did you know their concern and generosity goes

beyond our national borders?

A visit by African Bishop, Michael Miabese Bibi was the perfect occasion to present the

Bishop with a check for over $200. to assist in his “Raise the Roof” program in Cameroon . Fund

raising efforts were in progress to put a new roof on his church and the students were eager to help

this worthy cause in some monetary way.

Another visit by Franciscan Friar Boguslaw Dabrowski gave the students a chance to hear

and see slides of what school life is like in Uganda, Africa. The students could relate to their peers

across the ocean in some similar ways and learn of some completely different aspects of their

education Through fun/fund raising efforts (a “Dress Down Day”), our SHS children raised over

$500. to sponsor the schooling of two students for a whole year in Uganda.

10

Presidents’ Day

Our Middle School students wanted to impress

upon the younger students the fact that Presidents’ Day

xwas much more than just a day off from school. To

xxaccomplish this task, they undertook a special project

under the guidance of Ms. Kulinski, their Social

Studies teacher. "Presidents' Day" came

alive as the students took on the role of a

U.S. president. The younger students and

teachers were invited to the program

and challenged to guess who each student

represented as they mingled and listened to

an autobiography given by each “president”.

The activity was not only educational but a whole

lot of fun!

“Hear

Ye…

Hear

Ye…”

Now Hear This! X

Many people did hear as SHS students

broadcast from WJMJ radio station. Schools from around the Archdiocese

were invited to have their students participate in an essay contest, “Why My

School is Special to Me”. Two students from each school were chosen to

record their essay which were broadcast on radio station WJMJ during

Catholic Schools Week (1/26 – 2/1).

Hannah Mills and Emily Waluk represented SHS with their winning

essays which so beautifully and sincerely expressed their love for Sacred Heart.

“Sacred Heart is a place where I learn important life-long lessons; make long-lasting

friendships and meet teachers who love and treat me like their own. Most of all, it is a place

where I find my home away from home”, stated Hannah, president of the Student Council.

Emily expressed still another aspect of SHS. “Have you ever gone to a school so special

you can talk to anyone about anything including religion? Sacred Heart makes me feel safe and I

wake up each morning knowing I can go to this safe place to learn with friends that care about me.

SHS is definitely not the biggest school out there but we surely have the biggest hearts.”

That’s WHY SHS is special to Hannah and Emily and just a few of the many other reasons,

thousands of students feel blessed to have attended our school.

All donations should be sent directly to:

SACRED HEART SCHOOL / DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

or through

PAYPAL (school website: sacredheartschoolnb.org - ABOUT SHS)

Please complete the form below and return it with your donation. Your data will be valuable in updating our records and providing you with further information on our upcoming 125th Anniversary Celebration in the Spring of 2021 as well as current updates on the school. Remember: (1) Your donation is tax deductible. (2) Refer to the following link to see if your place of business may also match your donation. Xx https://www.1800runaway.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate-match-directory.pdf

SACRED HEART SCHOOL SUBSIDY FUND Please Print:

Name ____________________________________________ Phone ______________________ Address _________________________________________ City___________________________ State __________ Zip ____________ Email__________________________________________ Please accept my Donation of: $_________________ ___ I am a Graduate of SHS Class of _____ Maiden Name _________________________

3

What You Do Unto Others… Operation Christmas Child is the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, OCC uses

gift-filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the

world. It is a positive and fun way to share the Good News and love of Jesus Christ.

Students at Sacred Heart School took advantage of this special project to show their own

love, concern and generosity and donated a variety of items to include in each Christmas gift box.

The middle school students worked diligently to separate the

many items into appropriate gifts (older boys or girls, younger girls

and boys) and then paired up with the younger students to fill each

plastic box. Along with each gift box, the students made a Christmas

card and wrote a special message to the recipient, wishing them the

love of the Christ child and a merry and blessed Christmas. The old

saying, “It is better to give than receive” was truly

evident on the faces of our own students as

they worked together to bring joy and love

into the hearts of those who would receive

this special Christmas cheer! Special

thanks to Mrs. Smith for coordinating this

wonderful gift of Christmas spirit and love!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2

From the Pastor

Class of 1963

From the Principal

Class of 1989

I couldn’t wait to write this article and tell you about how special this year was for SHS. After all, it’s not every year that a Catholic elementary school receives an honorary flag directly from the hands of the President of Poland! That is how our school year started; however, by mid-year, the SHS story changed quite significantly. These past few months, with the looming threat of school closure hovering above us, have been some of the most important months in SHS history. Many emotions were felt, ranging from despair, denial, and ultimately, survival-mode. Immediately, a positive force took over, one that focused on the celebration of a school so rich in its legacy – a school like no other! The reality of self-sustainability was evident, however, once it was made clear that defeat was not an option for this year, what followed was a testament of how people truly feel about Catholic education at the place that the media penned as: a small school with a BIG heart. The drive now turned to one of recogni-tion – to honor Sacred Heart School’s legacy of faith family, and academic excellence. An overwhelming response was received from parents, students, school board members, parishioners, and even strangers from around the USA. All were in favor of helping the school survive for one more year – to celebrate its 125th Anniversary. Many were willing to help out in any way possible – offering suggestions, kind words, and even sending in donations at will. It was such a fragile time with emotions running rampant. You cannot imagine how much these warm sentiments and heart-felt gestures were appreciated. This is what makes me so proud of being a part of the Sacred Heart School family. Its

boundaries extend further than the school building, further than the outskirts of the parish, even beyond city and state borders. Sacred Heart

School is a family that sticks together through thick and through thin. Obviously, these past

few months have been a true testament of what it means to be a part of the SHS family. Aren’t

YOU grateful to be a part of the legacy? A student today,

but an SHS Eagle forever!

Dear friends of Sacred Heart School: My words in today’s article are about events that took place in February regarding our beloved SHS. I was called to attend a meet- ing with the Archbishop, concerning the future of Sacred Heart School. The meeting was a discussion about the viability of the school and the amount of money it takes to keep the school open. The small student body, about 60 students, needs a subsidy from the Parish in the area of $428 thousand dollars. The tuition collected comes nowhere near what is needed to keep the school going. It was recommended to me that we close the school this June, 2020 because the subsidy will be even larger next year. I do not challenge the above facts, but I asked the Archbishop to grant us one more year, because in 2021, Sacred Heart School will be celebrating its 125th Anniver-sary and that it did not make any sense to close after 124 years. Another important reason was that we have 8 students in our 7th grade this year who have attended the school since Pre-K, almost all their lives, and they would be the last graduating class next year. There is no 6th grade class behind them this year. It would be a shame to deny this year’s 7th graders graduation from Sacred Heart School next year in the 125th anniversary year. I shared this information with the faculty, the parents, the School Board, the Parent Ambassadors, the students and the parishioners at all the Masses. We collected over two thousand signatures on a petition asking to let us open for one more year so we can celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Sacred Heart School. The local press and TV stations publicized our plight and after much publicity, I received a call from the Archbishop granting us one more year so we can celebrate the 125th Anniversary. He emphasized and we agreed that June 30, 2021 Sacred Heart School will close. This is a very difficult decision but we are going to continue for one more year with sharing our faith with the young people that are entrusted to our care. What can you do to help us in this last year of Sacred Heart School’s existence? Any and all donations will be accepted, and will be most gratefully appreciated. Please feel free to contact the school at 860-229-7663 or EMAIL shschoolnb@yahoo.com. During the last year of our beloved school, 2020-2021, we will continue to emphasize the wonderful education we all received and the wonderful memories we have shared. We can be proud of Sacred Heart School and we will ask God to continue to watch over all of us who are a part of the beautiful history of Sacred Heart School.

11

Seeing Double… or Triple… or More…?????

Don’t panic if you’re seeing double or more!!! That happened

to all the Sacred Heart School family members as the

students and teachers enjoyed TWIN Day. This was

just one of many activities planned as the school

celebrated National Catholic Schools during

the month of January.

President

of Poland

Greets SHS

Principal

Katherine Muller,

our school principal, was among dignitaries and

honored guest at the reception for Polish President,

Andrzej Duda held at Walnut Hill Park back in

September. Mrs. Muller was presented a letter of

recognition, the Polish flag and words of appreciation

from the President himself, for her leadership

role in Catholic education. Mrs. Muller also

presented the President cards and notes from

the Sacred Heart School Family.

Ummm… Good! And what’s the secret ingredient?

A lot of TLC! Our 7th and 8th grade

students, under the direction of retired

teacher, Pat Eisner, put their cooking

skills to task as they made chicken soup

for a local food kitchen. Rumor has it

that the lines are long when people

know the delicious treat is from Sacred

Heart School.

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL 35 Orange Street

New Britain, CT 06053 —————

(860) 229-7663 sacredheartschoolnb.org

Easter Blessings

from our school family

to your family.

May the joy and peace

of the Risen Lord

be yours this

holy season

and

throughout the year.

Address Label

35 Orange Street - New Britain, Connecticut - 06053 - 860 229-7663 Email shschoolnb@yahoo.com - Website www.sacredheartschoolnb.org

Volume 12, Issue 1 Spring, 2020

HEARTBEATHEARTBEAT...... the pulse of the pulse of Sacred Heart SchoolSacred Heart School

Inside

A

18961896 -- 124 YEARS OF CARING AND SHARING 124 YEARS OF CARING AND SHARING -- 20202020

With a grateful heart, from Sacred Heart, we thank everyone for all their

support, efforts and prayers that helped reverse the recommendation of the

Archbishop to close Sacred Heart School this June. The concern and cooperation

of so many helped us form a three phase plan to keep our doors open until we

could celebrate 125 years of Catholic education at SHS.

Phase I was Monsignor Dan’s immediate transparent communication to

parents, parishioners and the community of the situation. Phase II included a

“grassroots” effort to register current families for the coming year with mass

marketing to new families, encouraging them to enroll. Approximately 90% of

our current students will be returning with new families touring the school and

showing interest in their child(ren) attending this fall.

Now we turn to Phase III and YOU for your financial support and assistance.

The high amount of parish subsidy was one of the major factors affecting the

decision of the Archbishop. For a moment, reflect on the role Catholic education

and/or Sacred Heart School has had on the foundation on which you built your

own faith, life, successes and valued friendships and memories. What a wonder-

ful and beneficial way to show your thanks and appreciation and “give back” a

little something in gratitude for all you have received. No amount is too small

and every donation makes you part of the solution to keep Sacred Heart School

and Catholic education in New Britain for one more year.

Thank you for CARING and thank you for SHARING! You and your own

family’s intentions will be remembered in the prayers of our school family.

God’s blessings……..

Inside

A From the Pastor 2 With Grateful Hearts 8

From the Principal 2 Mark Your Calendar 9

What You Do Unto Others 3 International Connections 9

SHS Subsidy Fund 3 Internet Safety 9

Mark Your Calendar 4 Presidents’ Day 10

Please Help Sr. Janice 4 Now Hear This 10

Become Part of Our SHS 5 Seeing Double…. 11

SHS Celebrates CSW 6 / 7 President of Poland 11

Be Creative 8 Ummm…. Good! 11

So Much to Discover 8 Facebook 11