September 26, 2024

September 27, 2024

Gratitude is in the air, and this week, Mr. Horner shares some highlights from the first weeks of school. 

In a school with so many blessings, I want to express my gratitude for a few subjects that are currently top of mind for me. 

Students   |   Each student brings joy and purpose to our days. I am proud of them daily. Most recently the respectful attention and speaking skills of our Middle School students were on clear display at the Network Prayer Service hosted in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne last week. We’ve received many compliments from other Network Schools about how our students stepped up to the role of hosting this significant event. 


Introducing Philippine’s Playgroup at the Academy of the Sacred Heart!

September 23, 2024

The Academy is delighted to offer an open, free, and casual playgroup for children 3 years and younger with their caregivers! We invite you to campus to enjoy this relaxed setting for children to engage in play with peers as caregivers socialize, supervise, and join in play. We invite younger siblings, friends and families to come on the first and third Tuesday of every month 8:15-9:30 a.m.

The 2024 dates are: 10/1, 10/15, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/17

Early childhood educators feel playgroups are much more than just a chance to get out and about: “Playgroups and socialization during the early years are crucial for a child’s development. They help children build foundational social skills such as sharing, communication and cooperation,” shares Pre-Primary teacher Ms. Sam Weiss. “Through play, children also develop problem solving skills, emotional regulation and a sense of independence. Playgroups provide a safe environment where children can interact with peers all while boosting their cognitive, emotional and physical growth.”
Philippine’s Playgroup is hosted by the Admissions Office and there is no need to RSVP, but should you have questions please contact me at asanchezlittle@ash1818.org.


September 19, 2024

September 19, 2024

Long-time Academy teacher John Storjohann shares the evolution of instructional technology and how students are benefitting from new Promethean Boards in each classroom. 

In the mid-1990s, SmartBoards were introduced into the classrooms of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, offering the promise of new levels of student engagement through interactive technology.  And while the concept of a SmartBoard held great potential, the reality was that the technology behind the boards offered its own challenges. It was essentially simply a projection of the instructor’s computer screen, required almost daily recalibration to be used effectively as a whiteboard, and as the Academy upgraded to larger, higher-resolution monitors, even calibration became an exercise in frustration; what you “wrote” on the SmartBoard would appear several inches away because of the difference between screen resolution and the board’s resolution. SmartBoards were, in essence, grand ideas that were let down by a combination of rapidly evolving technology and the inherent limitations of the boards themselves.


Life Skills Classes at ASH!

September 18, 2024

Seventh and Eighth Class students have life skills classes that they suggest topics for at the beginning of the year and then faculty volunteer to lead one of the classes. This year they were able to choose between budgeting/money management, etiquette, communication skills/public speaking, and sports psychology. I am happy to lead the communication skills/public speaking class.

Having this opportunity gives students confidence in their ability to speak to their peers and adults/teachers. They have many opportunities in the classroom, but students recognize that this is a life skill they will need beyond this year. They know they will have high school interviews, job interviews, give speeches, meet someone new, or have conversations where they want to feel confident in their delivery and their words. I have enjoyed my time with the six students so far and I am so impressed with their willingness to try and take risks!


September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

Alexandra Sanchez Little ’06, Director of Admissions, has been spending time in classrooms and has been busy sharing our school with prospective families. She is also enjoying leading a Communication Skills Class for Seventh and Eighth Class students, which meets every other Thursday to practice public speaking skills with the intent to give student-led tours for prospective families. Mrs. Sanchez Little is enthusiastic for the year ahead and is grateful for your help in spreading the #AcademyLove.

I appreciate the “hello” or “welcome” as you pass my office, and I have enjoyed meeting you all! Our year is off to a great start. Let’s celebrate 42 new students at the Academy this year! We are so happy each of you, new and returning, are here. What a wonderful feeling to grow our community! I am grateful to our Mentor Families for ensuring our new families feel comfortable as they experience many “firsts” and to our AmbASHadors for supporting the Admissions Office and our community.


September 5, 2024

September 5, 2024

Ms. Kristen (Glenn ’83) Cleveland returned to her alma mater this year to teach our second Primary class. She is thrilled to be back home at the Academy!

The Academy is a special place, and I am honored to be returning. I am currently teaching in the room that was my fourth grade classroom. I never imagined back then that one day I would be sharing with students the education that I value so highly.

Even though I’m a new faculty member, the Academy has always been a part of my life. My sister, Jennifer Glenn Brown ‘85, nephews Josh ‘16 and Caleb Brown ‘21, and I are all graduates of ASH. My mom, Mary Glenn, was a teacher here for over 25 years and now works as the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne Assistant. Even my dad had a role as a past president of the PCC. While many things have changed since I was a student, there are many things that remain the same. 


August 29, 2024

August 29, 2024

Mrs. Mary Reepmeyer ’96 begins her tenure as principal this year. We are blessed to have her move into this role after 18 years teaching at the Academy, in addition to her time as a student. She is dedicated to Sacred Heart education and excited to launch this year at the Academy.

Welcome to the start of a new school year at the Academy! As we embark on this exciting journey together, I am filled with a sense of hope and optimism for the possibilities that lie ahead.

Every new school year brings a fresh start — a chance to set new goals, pursue our dreams, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Our school community is a place where learning, growth, and discovery happen every day, and I am confident that this year will be no exception as I have talked with the students about “Going for the Gold” and how “Teamwork makes the Dream Work.”


Philippine’s Birthday

August 29, 2024

Today we celebrate 255 years of the pioneering Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne! Born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, Rose Philippine Duchesne led a life of mission and courage. Here is how Philippine inspires us today to live out the Five Goals of a Sacred Heart Education by her lifelong example.


ASH Receives STEAM and Robotics Grant

August 23, 2024

On August 21 the Academy was thrilled to receive a $9,500 grant from Gateway To Innovation (G2I) as part of their community giveback program. Their annual one-day conference for technology professionals that returns conference proceeds to the community awarded nearly $270,000 to 28 St. Louis area organizations and we are grateful to be among the award recipients again this year.


Celebrating Over 50 Five-Star Niche Reviews

August 22, 2024

Over the summer, we were honored to receive our 50th five-star review on Niche. Fresh reviews help The Academy reach prospective parents and bolster our marketing efforts. You can read more about sharing your Academy experience here.

As a parent, I have a deep appreciation for the development of the whole child. The loving community fosters growth, academic excellence and strives to constantly improve and excel. We have found a school home that focuses on good manners, being prepared and showing empathy but also provides academic rigor and extensive programming. The teachers and staff at ASH go above and beyond to provide a loving, structured environment. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at the Academy of the Sacred Heart.