This week, Katherine Gaylord ’21 reflects on the importance of the Academy community. As a young child, she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and has undergone three extensive surgeries. A year ago, Kat had the opportunity to Make a Wish, and she chose to give back — Goal 3 of Sacred Heart education in action. Her dream was to partner with ENewton Design to raise money and awareness for Pediatric Brain Tumor Research. By helping to raise funds for research, she is making a difference in the lives of children for years to come. Katherine is now studying pre-dentistry at University of Missouri – St. Louis.

In October of 2024, I went to Atlanta to spend the day at Enewton to design my bracelet. I chose colors that reflected different bits and pieces of me: three pinks (my favorite color); navy for my surgeon, Dr. Leonard; light purple for my brother, George (Class of ’19); yellow and gold for my friend Jill (who lost her battle with cancer); teal to represent the money we’re raising for pediatric brain tumor research; orange (as a Tennessee fan!); red for my family; and white for community.

My community started with ASH, and we are all still great friends! I’ve known a lot of my classmates since I was sixth months old (at the Goddard School) and we realized how much our friendship meant. The Academy community has had a big impact on that. My parents are great friends with other families, and they are all friends for a reason. The Academy community is so tight and want to help each other out any way they can.

This week, Mr. Bob Lampen shares the process of the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG) and the purpose of the Action Plan Steering Committee. Mr. Lampen teaches Seventh and Eighth Class math and also helps out during Little Acorn and Pre-Primary recess, where he’s a favorite with our littlest learners.

Before I speak about the Action Plan Steering Committee, allow me to put on my teacher hat and give a brief summary of why this committee exists.

The Network of Sacred Heart Schools is an association of the 25 Sacred Heart Catholic independent schools in the United States and Canada, united in one mission expressed in the Goals and Criteria. The Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG) oversees a reflective process whereby each school community holds itself accountable for living these Goals and Criteria. The process is referred to as “SHCOG.” So, this acronym is both a commission and a process.

As we approach the Feast of Mater Admirabilis on Monday, Amaya Firestone, Marketing and Communications Assistant, considers what Mater can teach us in today’s fast-paced, ever changing world.

Reflecting on the virtues of Mater Admirabilis is a daily joy for me here at the Academy, and writing this week in anticipation of her feast day fills me with gratitude for this special Sacred Heart tradition. On October 20, the global Sacred Heart family journeys back in time to 1844, when young postulant Pauline Perdrau set brush to wall and brought to life a visage of Mary not often contemplated — an adolescent, full of grace and interior silence, but waiting for her mission. Her surroundings are fresh, open, and airy. Her hands are busy with spindle and distaff and a book. She wears a rosy pink gown.

This unique Mary has been claimed as the patron saint of Sacred Heart students. I find her graces to be immensely accessible and applicable in the modern digital age, and I am grateful she is taking special care of our students, which include my three boys, Lucas, Warren, and Peter.

Country Fair is just days away and we are immensely grateful to the chairs, Jackie and Chad Swagman, co-chairs, Jon and Catherine Malycke, and the dedicated committee chairs and volunteers for bringing this favorite fall tradition to life. Below, they share their excitement and why serving our school in this way is so important.

We’re thrilled that Country Fair is just around the corner! This cherished school tradition brings together families, friends, and neighbors for a weekend filled with laughter, delicious food, and a wonderful sense of community.

More than just a day of fun, the Country Fair is a meaningful way for us to come together in support of our school and our students. Every smile, every ticket, and every helping hand helps make a difference.

We are honored to chair this special event and invite you to join us for a memorable weekend celebrating the spirit of the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come be part of the tradition—we can’t wait to see you there!

In September, members of the Academy community gathered for the St. Philippine Gratitude Reception. A highlight of the evening was Daniel Y. ’26, who reflected on his ten years at the Academy with gratitude and love.

I’m really honored to be here tonight and say a few words about what makes me who I am today. I know I’m only 13, almost 14, but even already, I’ve learned that it takes a lot of people and a lot of love to help someone grow into the person they’re meant to be.

First, I want to talk about my faith. My faith is the foundation of everything I do. It gives me strength when I feel weak, and it reminds me that I’m never alone even when life feels a little overwhelming. I believe that God has a purpose for all of us and being at this school has helped me understand that better. From morning prayers to learning about values like kindness, forgiveness, and service, my faith has become more than just something I believe in, it’s become part of who I am.

This week, the Network of Sacred Heart Schools hosted an International Educators Symposium, “Seeking Truth & Understanding Humanity,” in New Orleans. Faculty members, Megan (McGraugh ’78) Horner and Tammy Strother, along with Lisa Tebbe ’80, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Tim Horner, Head of School, were honored to attend this gathering of nearly 250 teachers, academic administrators, support staff, and mission partners to learn, collaborate, and celebrate the transformative work happening in our Sacred Heart schools. Mrs. Horner and Mrs. Strother reflect on this energizing experience.

What a gift it was to attend the Sacred Heart Educators Symposium! It is hard to put into words the feelings we experienced. Old relationships were rekindled, and new friendships formed with colleagues across the country. We often refer to the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, but having the opportunity to spend days working, learning, and collaborating with exceptional educators who are dedicated to this shared mission was such a blessing. It was truly a dynamic expression of our Sacred Heart spirit.

We have much to celebrate! This week Mrs. Alexandra Sanchez Little ’06, Admissions Director, reflects on a successful year. From new students to new events for current and prospective families, excitement and joy are in the air!

I was so giddy for day one of school, as we welcomed 45 new students! I am elated for each new family to experience the Academy and meet all of you, our community. New families have shared that they feel welcome and that their children feel at home here, which is a testament to YOU! Thank you to our mentor families for taking time to ensure our new families understand the day-to-day along with our cherished traditions.

On this solemn day, as we mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, we are united in prayer, remembering those tragically lost, their families and loved ones. Please take a moment to pause for espacio — some time for silence — and join us in praying for peace, healing, understanding, and love in our blessed and broken world.

Following each Mass, Mr. Horner engages students with aspirational remarks that connect to a theme throughout the year, and a call to action as Children of the Sacred Heart. This week, we share his timely reflection from Mass of the Holy Spirit.

At our last Mass, I challenged everyone to live with a certain approach, or with a certain consideration. I want to remind us today of this because I think it is important. So, who can recall what my challenge to each of you was at the last Mass?

This week, we celebrate our recent A+ rating from Niche. Niche is a premium school search platform that drives traffic to our website, and retaining our A+ grade means more visitors!

Data strongly supports that word of mouth (38%) and internet searches (17%) are the top ways that prospective parents learn about us. Parent, faculty/staff, alumni and parent of alumni reviews are integral to helping share the Academy love.

In the months ahead, we will be reaching out to Academy families to share your experience!

Mrs. Mary (Dougherty ’96) Reepmeyer, now in her second year as principal, is anticipating a joy-filled, growth-filled year with Academy students.

Welcome back to a new school year! The excitement and joy that fills our classrooms and hallways is truly inspiring. After just two weeks together laughter, learning, and new friendships are shaping this year into something special.

We are especially proud of our Eighth Class leaders, who have stepped into their roles with maturity and grace, setting a wonderful example for our younger students. At the same time, we celebrate all our new students who have so beautifully adjusted to their new school, new friends, and new routines. Their courage and openness validate and remind us of the strength of our community.

Past Academy parents Angie and Jerry Stauder, along with their son, Matthew ’14 visited some beloved St. Charles Religious of the Sacred Heart last week. When their older children Kayla ’03 and Zach ’05 were students, Angie and Jerry became involved in the community. Together, they chaired Chemin de Fer’s “Celebrate the Century” in 1999 and served in countless volunteer capacities. In addition, Angie helped develop and teach Kaleidoscope, our Global Studies class, and Jerry served as Board Chair. They are now proud grandparents of Sophia ’36, Dominic ’33 and Julia ’31 Stauder.

Recently, we had the special privilege of visiting the Oakwood Retirement Community of RSCJ in Atherton, CA – including former Head of School Sr. Margaret Caire, Sr. Maria Luisa Cotto, whose gift of gardening kept the school grounds looking beautiful, and former Middle School English teacher Sr. Margaret Munch! It was so great to see Sr. Munch all settled in her new place since her move there in June. Though years and miles now separate them from the halls they once walked daily, we assured them that the spirit of their presence remains deeply woven into the fabric of our school.

Sitting with them, listening to their stories, and sharing memories was like opening a treasured book—one written with faith, service, and love. Their eyes lit up as they spoke of students, families, faculty and staff, and the small but meaningful moments of everyday school life at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It was clear that their hearts have never left our St. Charles community.