After a spectacular Chemin de Fer, we are filled with deep appreciation for the incredible generosity of the Academy community. This week, Mr. Tim Horner, Head of School, reflects with gratitude as we enter the last month of school.

Last Saturday was a beautiful culmination of what makes our school so extraordinary. After months of preparation, and thanks to the dedication of incredible volunteers, we celebrated a truly remarkable Chemin de Fer, The Secret Garden.

Our community gave generously — of their time, talent, and treasure. These moments of coming together as an Academy family strengthen our shared belief in the mission of this school, in our students and faculty, and in the lasting impact of a Sacred Heart education

All aboard! Chemin de Fer is on the way to the Academy: final destination, The Secret Garden. The campus is buzzing with activity as volunteers prepare for an enchanting evening. Erin Manning, Events and Hospitality Manager, shares her gratitude and excitement for what’s in store for our community this weekend.

The 52nd Chemin de Fer is almost here, and we can’t wait to see The Secret Garden come to life! Starting my new position at the Academy a month before our largest fundraiser has been a busy and joyful experience. In many ways, the campus has not changed much — and that’s a good thing! The historic and sacred grounds that our beloved St. Philippine walked is still meaningful and inspiring to me. Numerous staff and faculty that were here a while back are still here or have returned again, like me. This makes me realize that there is a purpose for us here at the Academy.

One of the benefits of belonging to the wider Network of Sacred Heart Schools is a deep sense of community. The opportunity to connect with colleagues across the U.S. and in Canada is powerful and also offers opportunities for professional development. Fourth Class teacher Mrs. Alli Alarcon recently graduated from the Aspiring Leaders program and shares her experience.

I am deeply honored to have graduated from the Network of Sacred Heart Schools’ Aspiring Leaders Program. Over the past two years, this experience has invited me into meaningful reflection about what it truly means to lead — within our school community and beyond.

The Aspiring Leaders Program is a two-year formation experience designed to support and develop emerging leaders within Sacred Heart education. Participants meet monthly over Zoom in small mentor groups, allowing for consistent reflection, guidance, and meaningful conversation. Every other month, we gathered virtually as a full group to share insights and grow together as a larger community. In addition to these regular virtual meetings, we connected in person at three key gatherings held in New Orleans, Florissant, and Miami to deepen relationships and bring the experience to life in a more personal and collaborative way.

National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the many volunteers who so tirelessly give their time to the Academy in a multitude of ways. This week, Academy mom Nyeisha Patton (Dakenzie ’32 and Dakaylei ’33) reflects on her experience volunteering at the Academy and the joy and connection it brings as she build community within our school.

Volunteering is not something I do when I have extra time — it is a promise I made to God, and a calling that continues to shape who I am every single day. What began as a personal commitment to serve has grown into something much deeper, especially within the Sacred Heart community.

As a parent, I did not come into this school simply to drop my children off and pick them up, I came with a genuine desire to belong. I hoped to become part of a community, to build meaningful relationships with fellow parents, faculty, and staff, and to offer my time and support wherever it was needed. What I discovered was far more profound than I anticipated: a true sense of family, connection, and shared purpose that continues to grow each time I choose to serve.

Last week’s Congé, a tradition in Sacred Heart Schools, was led by Eighth Class students and is a prime example of  Goal 4 in action as students work toward forming connections with each other. Below, some Eighth Class students reflect on their takeaways from this favorite day — a surprise playday for all!

Elliot K. and Daniel Y. teamed up to make a fun “Cops and Robbers” day for Fourth Class. Together, they brainstormed activities, created a schedule and brought in items, including snacks (Fruit Rollups were a hit with their Fourth Class friends.)

“Congé helps build community as the older grades get mixed with the younger grades and you bond with them. It’s an overall fun day that everyone can just try out new things. ASH has taught me leadership skills to plan this event.

— Elliot

The Academy’s commitment to Goal 3 extends far beyond our school, reaching into the community and beyond. As students awaken to the needs of others, they grow in compassion and realize that through their actions and leadership they can, and do, make a difference. These indelible lessons are carried with them as graduates and throughout their lives.

Academy students often name Goal 3 and their service experience as an integral part of their education. As part of the Independent Schools Association of Central States (ISACS) self-study report, a group of students reflected on the ways the school encourages them to give back.

Once a month, Middle School students go out to different service sites. I go to a Christian senior living home. It makes me feel good to put a light in their day because some of them don’t have many visitors and when we visit it makes them happy.

— Class of 2028 student

The Academy’s commitment to Goal 3 extends far beyond our school, reaching into the community and beyond. As students awaken to the needs of others, they grow in compassion and realize that through their actions and leadership they can, and do, make a difference. These indelible lessons are carried with them as graduates and throughout their lives.

As we continue our focus on Goal 3 of Sacred Heart education, we highlight our Middle School program. Students in grades 5-8 contribute more than 20 hours of service each year in the community. Service Coordinator and Fifth/Sixth Class teacher Tammy Strother shares her passion for this integral part of our curriculum and a much-loved hallmark of a student’s Academy experience.

Goal 3: A social awareness which impels to action is definitely a goal close to my heart. Coordinating the Service Learning Program is a way to bring this goal alive in myself and our school community. This program gives our students, parents, and faculty an opportunity to reach out to those in our community who have different needs and abilities. It’s important for our students to see the dignity of all people and our responsibility to our community outside of these Academy walls. My heart is always overflowing after seeing the interactions between our students and the people they serve. Their compassion is incredible. At the start of the year, some students feel unsure about what they will experience or who they will be meeting. By the second or third visit, many will be totally engaged and running the activities. They build connections and bonds with people who have become their friends.

This Sunday Academy faculty, staff, administration, and the Board of Trustees will welcome the ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) Visiting Team as part of our accreditation process. For the past three years, the Academy has been preparing for this visit, led by Steering Committee chair Robynn Horner, along with Michael Taylor, Mary Reepmeyer, and Tim Horner. Below, Mrs. Horner shares the process that has brought us to this point.

Over the past three years, the faculty, administration, staff and Board of Trustees at the Academy have been working to become fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

You may be wondering, “What is ISACS and why is it an important distinction for our school?” ISACS is a nationally recognized accrediting organization that evaluates Independent Schools through a comprehensive and rigorous review process. There are 240 ISACS accredited schools in the 13 central-states region, and we are proud to join the ranks of these prestigious schools.

ISACS accreditation supports our goal to provide an exceptional education for our students. It helps ensure our programs are academically rigorous, our environment is safe and supportive, and our faculty, staff, and leadership are aligned with our mission. It also confirms that our school meets established standards of excellence in academic programming, faculty and staff qualifications, governance, financial stewardship, and institutional stability.