The Showtime performing arts troupe put on a colorful show at the end of their three-week summer camp. Going Bananas was written, staged, choreographed and performed by camp participants in Classes 2–8. What a fun experience and production!  Thanks to Laurie Strickland, director.

This week we welcome campers to Just Imagine!, a creative play camp with daily themes for children entering Pre-Primary and Primary.

There are three other summer camps offered in July:

• Chess Camp  (July 11–15)
• Silly for Seuss! (July 11–15)
• Bricks 4 Kidz (Space Adventures) (July 18–22)

Sacred Heart educators from around the country will convene in St. Charles June 20–25 for two Network of Sacred Heart Schools conferences. The first half of the week will be a chance for Administrative teams and Heads of School from the 24 Network schools in the U.S. and Canada to come together in the spirit of Sacred Heart education. The second conference, Roots That Give Us Wings, describes Sacred Heart history, education, values, and traditions for educators desiring to make a difference through Sacred Heart education. Initially for new Sacred Heart employees, Roots has grown into a historical and reflective journey for those in Sacred Heart education, including Boards of Trustees, staff and faculty.

God’s blessings on the Class of 2016—our newest alumni—as they conclude their years at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. We’re confident that they are well prepared to lead lives of meaning, leadership and service!

In the fall these 45 young men and women will be attending Barat Academy, CBC, Cor Jesu, DeSmet, Duchesne, Francis Howell North, Incarnate Word, Nerinx Hall, St. Dominic, St. Joseph’s Academy, SLU High, Villa Duchesne, Visitation and Westminster Academy.

Graduation and Alumni Induction ceremonies took place on Saturday, May 21.

Congratulations to our Seventh Class students who qualified for the Duke TIP talent search this year by having achieved a qualifying score at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level test. Seventeen students were invited to take the ACT or SAT college entrance test alongside current high school students. The results are in—four students achieved Grand (national) recognition and seven received State recognition. They have been invited to take part in recognition ceremonies at Duke University (Grand recognition) and  Drury University (State recognition). We are very proud of all participating students and applaud their hard work and determination. Well done!

Read more about Duke TIP

A recent Book Night for First and Second Class students and their parents was a big hit! All participants had read the Newberry Award winner The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. The evening was filled with excitement as a “gorilla” met the children as they arrived and posed for a photo. The event began with a video clip of the real gorilla that inspired the story, followed by small group discussions with Second and Third Class teachers leading the questions. Mrs. McGrane then read an excerpt from the book that led into the children and the parents putting together a giant floor puzzle. The guests enjoyed banana splits in honor of Ivan. Lastly, the children painted a water color to take home because Ivan loved to paint!

Donations from the evening are going to sponsor a gorilla at the St. Louis Zoo. Thanks to Mrs. Metcalf, Mrs. Brakensiek, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Grojean, Mr. Laracuente, Mrs. McGrane, Ms. Tyree, and all participants for a fun evening filled with laughter and friendship! 

Author/illustrator Dan Killeen is coming to the Academy of the Sacred Heart on Wednesday, May 18. He will be reading his latest book, Derrick and the Dinosaurs, and talking about the process of writing/drawing. Read more about each of his books and pre-order signed copies via this order form (10% of all proceeds will be donated back to ASH). To get a sneak peek of his work and free coloring pages, please visit HappyFunBooks.com.