This month we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. This week gives us an opportunity to reflect on the value of Catholic education for our children. The theme for this year's celebration is "Catholic Schools - Lighting the Way to a New Century." You are lighting the way to a new century for your child with a Catholic school education. By focusing on the basics and demanding excellence, a Catholic education prepares your child for the future. A Catholic school education sheds light on more than just science or math. It helps instill respect for self and for others, and real spirituality that tomorrow's adults need to create a brighter future. Catholic schools are deeply rooted in the life of the church, the body of Jesus Christ, Who is the source of all life. Catholic schools are proud and productive partners in American education.

You, as members of the Sacred Heart Academy family, in a very special way are providing your child with the very best education possible because your child is being taught the Core Knowledge curriculum in a Christ-centered environment. You are a part of a school that is a hallmark for both academic and spiritual excellence...a school which has received national recognition for its curriculum and for student commitment of service to others. God has richly blessed our school. Let us continue to be grateful for all the good things God has done for us, and work to realize the visions of the future for Sacred Heart Academy.

There are 8,217 Catholic schools in the US. Total enrollment in Catholic schools in the US is 2,648,844. Almost 13.6% of Catholic elementary students are from other faith backgrounds. The average per pupil cost in Catholic elementary schools is $2,414.

Eighty-seven percent of Catholic schools receive a parish subsidy. Lay men and women represent 93% of teaching staffs of Catholic schools. Sixty-one percent of Catholic elementary schools offer extended care programs. Based on per pupil cost to educate a child in government-controlled schools, parents of Catholic elementary school students provided a gift to local, state, and federal governments of over $17billion - the cost these entities would have paid if all Catholic elementary school students had attended public schools. Forty-one percent of Catholic schools have a waiting list for admission.

Thirty-six new Catholic schools opened in 1998-99.

Every year, University of San Diego High School honors students from the Catholic elementary schools for their leadership. Anna Brun, one of our eighth graders, was honored at the Leadership Luncheon at USDHS which she attended with her eighth grade teacher, Miss Koch. Anna received the Adrienne Ward Award. Mrs. Ward was a teacher and administrator at USDHS from 1975 until her death in 1988. She was a gentle, kind, intelligent, and inspiring educator, who exemplified the true spirit of Catholic education and leadership. Congratulations to Anna for receiving this award and for being a very special person here at Sacred Heart Academy.
 

TEACHER FEATURE
By Van Thaxton
The first two teacher-features showcase the 1st grade dynamic duo ö Jacobs and Alsheikhhis
 

GEORGIA JACOBS 1st Grade Teacher Miss Jacobs is a native of San Diego and grew up in the Scripps Ranch area of the county where her parents still reside. Her mother is the Vice-Principal at Edison Elementary school and her father is the Chief Financial Officer for Festivities, Inc. She also has a younger brother who is 21 years old and who attends San Diego State University. Miss Jacobs attended the Good Shepherd elementary school and the Academy of Our Lady of Peace high school. After graduating high school, Miss Jacobs ventured up north where she attended St. Maryâs College and then back to San Diego where she graduated from the University of San Diego. Two and one-half years ago, after a full Catholic education, Miss Jacobs began teaching at Sacred Heart Academy and has been a valuable member of the staff ever since.  Miss Jacobs has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. In fact, she was specifically interested in working in private Catholic schools.  When asked why, she said, ãI enjoy the small, close community. I feel I am part of a very special family. I love the families, the staff and my wonderful boss.ä She adds, ãI knew I wanted to teach because I love children. I love the funny things they say and do. It is so rewarding to watch them learn and absorb information.ä Miss Jacobs is not married but has a long-term, steady boyfriend who, unfortunately, resides in San Francisco. Plans are, however, that he will move back to San Diego sometime this summer. When Miss Jacobs is not in the classroom, she loves going to the beach to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to work on her suntan (she is still young and trim enough get away with that). She also enjoys going out with her friends and reading. Do you suppose that she reads to her friends too? As for favorites, her favorite color is blue, her favorite animals are horses, and her favorite food is anything Italian. While she respectfully declined to offer a favorite movie, the editor can reveal that Miss Jacobsâ taste in movies can be a bit avant-garde (but not distasteful, of course). Miss Jacobs enjoys both soccer and football and, in fact, she has season tickets to the Chargers. We are very fortunate to have Miss Jacobs at Sacred Heart Academy.

NUHA ALSHEIKH 1st Grade Teacherâs Aide Once upon a time, but not so very long ago, Nuha Alsheikh was born in a far away place called Baghdad, Iraq. After graduating high school, Nuha attended Baghdad College where she majored in physics. Later, she attended National University where she received her masters of business administration.  Mrs. Alsheikh has been a Sacred Heart treasure for the past three years, not only because of the rich cultural and educational background she brings to the classroom, but also because four out of five dentists recommend Mrs. Alsheikh for children who need tooth-pulling. When asked what she loves most about teaching at Sacred Heart Academy, she answered, ãI love the teachers, the kids and their parents.ä Prior to teaching at SHA, Mrs. Alsheikh was employed as a manager of a family business and in banking at Union Bank. Mrs. Alsheikh and her husband Sam have two adorable children, Gabriel in second grade and Megan in Kindergarten. Mrs. Alsheikh especially enjoys working where she can be near her children every day. When she is not extracting bicuspids or ãhushingä first graders with an endearing authority, Mrs. Alsheikh enjoys going on walks, reading, being with friends and cooking. Those of us who have been so lucky to have sampled her baklava can attest to her culinary skills. Nuhaâs favorite color is mauve, her favorite foods are chicken and seafood, her favorite movie is Wuthering Heights and her favorite animals are birds. She also enjoys the sport of soccer. When asked what else we should know about her, Mrs. Alsheikh said, ãMy weakness is chocolate (which I know is not good for me) and I melt in the presence of a crying child.ä

ROSALIE BATTAGLIA Teacherâs Aide ö Kindergarten Mrs. Battaglia is a native of San Diego. She attended Garfield Elementary School, La Mesa Junior High School, and Roosevelt Junior High School before graduating from Point Loma High School. After high school, but before getting married, Mrs. Battaglia attended Mesa Junior College and worked for Pacific Bell in the Dial Office. Mrs. Battaglia has been married to Filippo for 26 years. Filippo Battaglia was born in Sicily and came to the United States when he was fifteen. His first occupation was as a commercial fisherman and now he is employed as a tile and marble setter. Together they have four children. Their eldest child, Frank (25 years old) is married to Jennifer and they have created the Battagliaâs first grandchild, Frankie, Jr. The Battagliaâs other children are Francesca, age 24, Rosa, age 22 and Giuliana, age 19. Mrs. Battaglia stayed home to raise her children and started working part time at Sacred Heart Academy when her youngest entered kindergarten. Mrs. Battaglia has been teaching kindergarten at Sacred Heart Academy for fifteen years. According to my calculations, thatâs roughly 400 or more kindergarten students. When asked why she chose teaching as a career, she said that she always wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. She said, ãI believe each child is special and has a special gift to give the world.ä She also added, ãI continue to enjoy teaching after all these years because young childrenâs minds are like sponges, they are so eager to learn.ä What she likes most about SHA is the knowledgeable, caring and supportive staff. ãI like the strong leadership we have at SHA. Our continuous effort to strive for excellence in education is very rewarding. I especially like working in a Catholic School because religion and Catholic beliefs are stressed.ä Mrs. Battagliaâs favorite color is red, her favorite food is pasta and her favorite movie is Legends of the Fall.  She also enjoys football and World Cup Soccer. When she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Battaglia enjoys dancing, world travel, picnics at the beach with family and just spending time with her growing family. Her immediate goals are to further her education and continue teaching at SHA. She also adds that she intends to try to be the best grandmother, mother, wife, sister, friend and employee she can be with the little time God has given her to be on the earth.

Maryjane Coito 2nd grade teacherâs aide Mrs. Coito is a native of San Diego. She grew up in an area of town called Birdland, which rests between Linda Vista and Serra Mesa. She graduated from Kearny High School where she was active in volleyball, soccer and choir. In addition, she was the senior class vice president and was on the newspaper staff.  Mrs. Coito has been a teacherâs aide at Sacred Heart Academy for the past two years. She said that she loved spending time at the school where her children attended and when the job came up, she jumped at it. Prior to her work at SHA, Mrs. Coito worked as an Executive Secretary and also in a mortgage company. For eight years, she worked at the Vons Distribution center. When they closed and wanted her to transfer to L.A., she decided to stay home and help with her niece and nephew. At the time, she was also pregnant with her youngest child, Laurel. Mrs. Coito has two perspectives on Sacred Heart Academy; one as an employee and one as a parent. As a parent she said, ãThe education my children receive here is outstanding. Personally, our family has been through a lot and so many people have been there to support us all.ä Mrs. Coito has worn many hats as a parent volunteer at SHA. She was a coach for the 7th grade volleyball team and for the 5th/6th-grade girlsâ soccer team. She helped coach softball as well. She has been PTG treasurer, festival chairwoman and hot lunch coordinator. Mrs. Coito is married to Manny, a Sacred Heart Academy alumnus (he had Mrs. Zapata as a teacher). The met as seniors while working at Burger King and the rest is history. They have three children: Britni, grade 7, Anthony, grade 4 and Laurel, age 3 ½. They are also very active in the lives of their niece and nephew, Chelcie (5th grade) and Justin (8th grade). Maryjane and Manny also are raising their mutt dog, ãTogo Joe.ä When she is away from school, Mrs. Coito enjoys spending time with her family and a variety of sports. She has played co-ed softball, however, she is on injured reserves at this time. Her short-term goal is to survive the teenage and toddler years (at the same time) without too much damage. Mrs. Coitoâs favorite color is teal blue, her favorite food is of the Mexican sort, and her favorite movie is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She claims to enjoy all sports, except golf and likewise, loves all animals (without exceptions noted). When asked what else we should know about her, she replied, ãI love my family.ä By the looks of her involvement, that goes without saying.

Next time you're talking with God, please ask Him for some special attention for these members of our Sacred Heart Academy family:
Brendon Andrade - Fourth grader, son of Kelly and Steve and brother of Leslie in fourth grade and Allyson in second grade. Brendon has leukemia.
Marilyn Stroud - Mother of Erik in third grade and Brett in fifth grade. Marilyn has cancer.
Thelma Hamm - Mother of Bob Hamm, principal. Thelma has cancer.