A selection of faculty, staff, parent and student thoughts about Sacred Heart School
Parents: “Why I Send My Child/Children to Sacred Heart School”
(From parents who were unsure whether their son was prepared for Pre K.) “Your principal, support staff and teachers have answered all of our concerns and prayers. We are very happy with the education provided here, which is based on values, respect, a love of learning and church teachers. Thank you for everything.” *Marilene and Bruce Rubin, parents
Before my daughters started school, I never thought I would be sending them to private school. I grew up in the public school system and loved all the experiences I had. For a variety of reasons, location being on of them, when it was time for my oldest to enter Kindergarten I chose Sacred Heart School. It only took a day to know that I made the right decision. Everyone from the teachers to the administration have been amazing. The classes are the perfect size. Small enough to encourage participation and foster confidence while large enough to provide my daughters with an appreciation and love for differences. As with all kids, my daughters have different personalities and different learning styles. At Sacred Heart the teachers find a way to teach to each individual and customize their educational journey, all while creating a sense of togetherness and community. The teachers are always available to meet with the parents and discuss ways to help their students reach their fullest potential. The administration goes above and beyond to make the students' experience not only educational, but enjoyable as well. I always feel welcomed when I am the school whether I am there for a special event, to see my daughters participate in morning assembly, or just to pop in the office and talk to staff about a wide range of topics. From music lessons, the Christmas Pageant and the school play, to STREAM, the Science Fair, and Catholic Schools Week, my daughters grow every single day they walk through the doors of Sacred Heart. While the girls love participating in all of the unique programs such as festivals and field days, I love knowing that they are in a safe and positive environment where teachers don't just teach, but they empower the students. By choosing Sacred Heart you don't just choose a school, you choose a family. *Jill Grebert, parent
“We love the way that the Pre K classrooms are set up and that music, art, Spanish and gym would be a part of our son’s education early on. …Our son loves school and we couldn’t be happier choosing Sacred Heart School.” *Laura and Richard
Students: “What Sacred Heart Means to Me”
I love Sacred Heart School and it loves me. I get to see a smile on everyone’s face. It is very Catholic and we get to learn about God.” *Samantha
“We care for the sick and poor. We bring food in for the pantry to help others. It is a safe place. We read all of the time.” *Seamus
“I made new friends. I learn about God, Jesus and Mary. I learned that respect, love and knowledge is important to me.” *Jayden
“I love this school so much. I wish I can stay here for the rest of my life.” *Rosanna
“My favorite thing about Sacred Heart is taking a nap.” *Rocco
“In Sacred Heart we are a family.” *Makayla
“I like playing with my friends on the playground.” *Nicholas
“We share our love.” *Addison
“We learn about God so we have faith in each other. When I leave SHS when I am older, I’m never going to forget when I first started.” *Marilyn
Faculty and Staff: “Why I Teach/Work at Sacred Heart School”
(These are a few words from our principal’s essay.) “At best, teaching is a vocation – a calling to serve people. It is a very important ministry that I feel blessed to be able to do. One of the things I love at Sacred Heart is the STUDENTS! They are the cutest, kindest, most caring children I know. That’s not to say they are perfect, but they know how to act and what to do when it counts. I have seen children help one another in difficult times, have asked me to pray for a loved one and have offered to have an event in order to raise funds for a family in need. I am able to see the face of Jesus in every one of them. Our students work to their potential and beyond while excelling in extra-curricular activities. The faculty and staff are the best in the Capital District, bar none. This fine group of dedicated men and women work countless hours planning lesson, tutoring, monitoring after-school activities and assuming various leadership roles. They do so without comment or complaint, because they know whatever they do is for the students. Our pastor, parents and parishioners alike are a constant support – to their children, families, teachers, the school and me. They generously give of their time, often at great sacrifice, so that children may continue to benefit from a Christ-centered education.” *Mrs. Susan Merrill
“Sacred Heart School is rich with both Tradition and Spirit. Constantly upholding Traditional Christian Values in the Spirit and Love of Community, Faith and Family. My experiences as a member of the SHS staff are many, both professionally and personally. We work as a team to bring the highest level of Catholic Education to our students.” *Janet M.
“I love teaching at Sacred Heart School because it gives me pleasure, happiness and a feeling of accomplishment that money can’t buy. I have watched children grow from 3 years old to Graduation Day from 6th grade with tears in my eyes, knowing that I was a part of their education, their morals, values and most important, a foundation for their future.” *Donna E.
“Why I teach at Sacred Heart School can be summed up in the word, family. That is the atmosphere that can be felt whenever anyone enters the school, can be felt walking in the hallways and permeates into every classroom….The families that send their children to us are caring, helpful, respectful and supportive. They work together with us to help make their children’s education a success in a school where we are all family, praying, working, and playing together.” * Rachel C.