SACRED HEART ACADEMY
of Ocean Beach

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      Heartbeat

October 2000
The Pulse of Sacred Heart Academy


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FROM THE PRINCIPAL‚S DESK...

By Principal Bob Hamm

 

This school year is an important milestone in the life of Sacred Heart Academy. This year we celebrate our Golden Anniversary as a Catholic school and a parish school of Sacred Heart Parish of Ocean Beach. To look back at the first fifty years, we can see a parish faith community determined to provide a quality Catholic education for the children of the parish. These first fifty years were filled with faith, foresight, determination, and spirituality - all of these gifts of parishioners and priests alike make Sacred Heart Academy what it is today.

But we must also look to the future....to the next fifty years of our school. Do we still have the same zeal, the same determination, the same dedication, and the same faith that those before us exemplified to us? Each of us must take an introspective look to insure that we do have these same qualities if we are going to insure the continued success of our school. All of us are a team - a faith community - working together every step of the way to make it all work. We look to Jesus Christ the Teacher as our model, as our guide, as our source of strength. Through Him and with Him we can accomplish our goals.

I ask you to join the staff of Sacred Heart Academy as we recommit ourselves to our very special faith community: Sacred Heart Academy. Let us all see each other as partners, working together in faith and in action to make sure that our children are positive, faith-filled spiritual messages that we send to a time we will not see.

God bless each of you and the work that you continue to do for your families, your Church, and your school.

***

 


IN MEMORIAM

Bob Hamm

As school began we received word that Raghid Shamoon had died at the end of the summer. Raghid, or "Ray", as we all knew him was the owner of Giant Pizza King. He was in charge of providing all of our hot lunches for last school year. Ray will be greatly missed. A Mass card has been sent to his widow from all the staff and students of Sacred Heart Academy. Please remember Ray's family in your prayers.  

 

THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Linda Small

Welcome back to another great year at Sacred Heart Academy. I am very excited about what we will accomplish this year through our dedicated parent volunteers. This year's PTG officers and directors are as follows:

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President - Linda Small

Vice President - Stacy Turner

Secretary - Patty DiMasi

Treasurer - Susie Merrill

Immediate past president - Kathy Hailey

PTG DIRECTORS

Athletic Coordinator (boys)- David and Tracy Sheppard

Athletic Coordinator (girls)- Gary Lee

Bereavement - Sue Wise

Heartbeat - Van Thaxton and Charlene Ables

Hospitality - Tina Atchley

Hot Lunch - Teena King

Parliamentarian - Nicki Sharpe

Room Parent Coordinator - Pat Rice

Scrip Extra - Heide MacBeth

Ways and Means - Janice Teixeira

Many other parent volunteers have agreed to chair various PTG committees as well. Thank you to all of you who work so hard to make our school so great.

The first of our several family fun nights will be held on October 14, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. We will welcome Bishop Brom as he blesses our new building. This event is not a fundraiser and is one of several family fun nights we will have this year in response to many requests to get families together during the year. The cost of the event is only to cover the cost of our expenses. So bring the family and show Bishop Brom our commitment and dedication to our school.

If you have any questions regarding the dinner, please call Janice Teixeira at 225-8595.  


TREASURER'S REPORT

Suzy Merrill

In an effort to keep the parents informed of the school's operating income and expenses, Mr. Hamm and the PTG have published the projected budget for Sacred Heart Academy for the 2000-2001 school year. Please see the attached budget for your review.

BISHOP BROM'S VISIT

Janice Teixeira

You are invited to help Sacred Heart Academy celebrate it's 50th anniversary and to join Bishop Brom celebrate the 5:30 p.m. mass on Saturday, October 14, 2000. Following the mass will be a dinner and the dedication of the new school building at the Academy. The cost for the dinner is $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. This is not a fundraiser. The fee is simply to cover the cost of the expenses. Please look in your Tuesday folder for reservation forms. Also, please call me if you would like to help organize or work at this event and earn some service points (225-8595).

LIBRARY LINES

Mary Zapata

Library Teacher

SHA LIBRARY

Yes, we still have a school library. Our activities are a bit curtailed until the new addition opens, but I am getting work done that usually gets put on the back burner. Over $300 worth of books that came in this summer need to be processed. I was able to purchase these books through the Westfield Shopping Center program. Thanks to all of you who shopped at Horton Plaza. I am also planning curriculum needs with teachers and going in the classrooms for various book programs. Teachers can check books out to their classrooms.

OB LIBRARY

Remember, we have the Ocean Beach Public Library just one and one-half blocks from the school. We look forward to working with their new children's librarian, Mrs. Vanassa Goodman. Their hours are Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

SUPPORT YOUR SHA LIBRARY

We recycle aluminum cans and 2 liter bottles all year long with all proceeds going to the library. It is easy to do. Just drop your crushed cans and bottles in the recycling can by the boys' bathroom. If you want them to count for a contest, attach a label with your child's name, grade and number of bottles and/or crushed cans. You do not have to hold cans at home, bring them in anytime.

BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB

This popular program continues. I am going in the classrooms to show and read books that were given at the end of last year. Thank you to all who participated.

USED BOOK SALE.

There must have been some cleaning of bookshelves this summer because parents have requested another sale. Please save your used books in good condition and we will have a sale in October. Please keep them at home until I notify you further.

VOLUNTEERS

When we open the library, I can use help between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., reshelving and processing books. Also, homework lab could use a parent helper from 3:00 -3:30 p.m.

HOMEWORK LAB

Homework lab will start up again when the new building is open. The lab is a quiet study time where children may get help with homework. To cut down on distractions, children must be in the library by 3:00 and stay until 3:30. If homework takes less time, students must read or work quietly. The usual after school schedules is as follows:

M - F 2:45 - 3:00 Book check in/check out

M - Th 3:00 - 3:30 Homework lab

M - Th 3:30 - 4:00 Open library

4:00 Library closed

***

BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB

Joan Irvine

Following are our Birthday Book Club members from last Spring:

Elisa Gonsalves, grade 1, Madeline in America

Jarred Davidson, grade 3, Inline Skating

Alice Hatcher, grade 3, McDuff Moves In

Marney O'Toole, grade 3, Bonny's Big Day

Morgan Turskey, grade 3, Planet Earth

Brynmor Hughes, grade 4, Latin American Christmas, The Secret of the Stones, Peter the Great

Celestina Kuncz, grade 4, Bimples, Fumdidlers, and Jelly Beans

Jamie Davidson, grade 7, A Treasury of Fairy Tales

Happy Birthday and Thank you for these wonderful contributions to our library!


S TAND UP FOR KIDS

Bob Hamm

For several years our school has adopted Stand Up For Kids as our school-wide service project. Stand Up For Kids is a national organization, which works to make a difference for young people who have been lost to the streets. Approximately 300 children are on the streets here in our city. Through our efforts, our students are able to make a big difference in the lives of those children on the street in our own community. Every Wednesday is Stand Up For Kids Collection day here at school. We ask students to bring in any of the following items each Wednesday during the school year, to be distributed to the street kids:

HYGIENE ITEMS

Shampoo, Bar of soap

Kleenex, Toothbrush

Chap Stick, Toothpaste

Sunscreen, Dental floss

Hand lotion, Comb/brush

Disposable razor

Food Packets

Juice (small carton w/straw)

Granola bar

Pudding/Fruit Cups (pop top)

Small box of raisins

Chocolate candy bars

Small beenie weenie or

Spaghetti (pop top)

In addition to bringing in items on Wednesdays, a special collection is taken every month at our All School Mass. Please remember to send money with your child for this special collection at our monthly All School Masses.

Our school is very proud of the differences it has made in the lives of these children. For our efforts Sacred Heart Academy has been the recipient of two national awards from Stand Up For Kids!

I thank you in advance for your support and active participation in this very worthwhile service project.



 
 

NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

Ferol Henkels

Do not bring any fast food (Jack In The Box, Macdonald's, etc.) to school for your child/children. It is not fair to the other children if your child is eating fast food for lunch and others are not. Hiding the fast food in grocery bags is not allowed either. Also do not pack candy or Lunchables with candy in your child's lunch. (See policy book page 13).

The federal taxpayer identification number for Sacred Heart Academy extended day care is 95-1644613. Please write it down.

Students continue to bring medications (prescriptions and over the counter) to school in their backpacks with the intent to self-medicate. ALL medications, including asthma inhalers and Tylenol must be checked in with the office. (Policy 371 Diocese of San Diego, Office for Schools.)

When you need to make payments to Sacred Heart Academy for various purposes/activities (including but not limited to: tuition, daycare, fieldtrips, hot lunches, sports fees, and church donations), a separate check must be made for each expense. Do not combine two or more payments in one check.

Please complete one hot lunch order per child. Be sure to keep your calendar so that you remember when you ordered hot lunch for your child(ren).

The office does not keep petty cash and we are not in a position to make change for students. If a student plans to buy a drink from the juice machine, please send exact change or a $1.00 bill. The machine will not accept pennies.

Tuesday folders are a means of getting timely information to you from us. If you have more than one child at SHA, some communications are sent with the oldest child and not with all children. Please make sure you read the information in each of your students' folders.

Each month, attached to the Heartbeat is a school calendar. Please post this calendar in a visible spot. The calendar represents the most current information on free dress days, holidays, half-days, school masses, etc. check the calendar each day for information you may need. The calendar is also posted on our web site at www.s-h-a.org.

If you are a contributing parishioner, you must remember to meet your annual goal of $350 contribution to Sacred Heart Church. This goal must be met by May 31, 2001 or you will be charged at the higher non-parishioner rate and your child's report cared will not be released until the contribution is met or the higher rate is paid.


 

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM OFF TO A "HOT" START!

Teena King

We have had a great start to the new hot lunch program this year. The students have raved about the quality and variety of the food. This program is not possible without the support of parents, students, faculty and staff. Thank you to all parents who have participated so far. Special thanks goes to Maryjane Coito for volunteering her daily assistance in organizing and serving hot lunch. Speaking of volunteers, we need a parent to help proof lunch orders. This is an easy way to get your volunteer points in the comfort of your home! Thanks again and remember to keep those orders coming.



 
THE BIG EVENT

Van Thaxton and Kelly Andrade

The Academy's largest event of the year will be held on March 23, 2001 at the Seaside Room in Marina Village. The theme for the event is Stars: Past, Present and Future. We will be celebrating the school's 50th anniversary and completion of our beautiful new school building. The dinner will be a delicious San Diego Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and pine nuts. The attire for the occasion will be anything star related including dressing up as your favorite star couple or simply glistening with stars in your eyes. Just plan to be there and shine!

If you are looking for ways to get involved now to help make this event the biggest and best ever, here are a few ideas:

Volunteer to help on the Big Event committee. We meet monthly.

Help teachers with classroom projects for the auction.

Donate goods or services or get others to donate items to be auctioned.

Buy or help sell pre-sale raffle tickets (see further announcements).

Purchase your tickets early to attend the event.

Consider buying a table for the event and invite your friends and family.

Plan to attend the Big Event and receive the Star Treatment!

See you in the movies!

 

EARNING FOR LEARNING PROGRAM

Janice Teixeira

When you shop at Horton Plaza Shopping Center and turn in your receipts to the school, you may earn points for our school. At the end of the year, those points will earn books and equipment for our school. This program is so easy and does not cost you anything above your regular shopping at the mall. Look in your Tuesday folder for additional information.

SPORTS TEAM MANAGERS NEEDED

 

David and Tracy Sheppard

Sacred Heart Academy has been very lucky to have many wonderful volunteers coaching the various athletic teams over the years. These coaches work very hard to make sure that our children have a positive team-sports experience. Some, but not all of the teams have also been lucky enough to have a team manager. The team manager helps to make the coaches' jobs much easier by making phone calls if needed, communicating information to the Heartbeat Editor and taking pictures of the team throughout the season. If you would like to be part of that WINNING team, please contact the coach of your son or daughter's team and volunteer to help them out.

***

SPORTS FACILITY USE AND SPORTSMANSHIP GUIDELINES

David and Tracy Sheppard

The Parochial Athletic League has established the following guidelines. It is imperative that all SHA students, parents and friends follow these guidelines. As stated in the guidelines, any violation of the rules may cause a team to FORFIET a game.

PAROCHIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE

Please treat each of the facilities we use as if it were your own. Remember, in most cases, the gymnasiums and playing fields we use do not belong to us. We are fortunate to have the facilities we use and this should not be taken for granted. If we abuse them, we could lose them. Therefore, please keep the following rules in mind:

1. We are limited to the immediate area of the playing field or gym that we are using. Please do not let your students or other children "explore" the rest of the campus. CHILDREN MUST BE UNDER AUDULT SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES.

2. At Uni High, the stage area in the gym is off limits. We are not allowed to play with the gymnastics equipment or any football equipment on the field.

3. No food or drink is allowed in any gym.

4. Please leave all facilities as neat as you found them.

5. No pets are allowed and no skateboarding is allowed.

Realize that not every playing field will have a trashcan. If you are planning on bringing snacks or drinks, please bring a trash bag.

NOTE: violation of any of the above rules may cause your team to forfeit the game. This is a severe penalty, however, past abuses have twice almost cost us the use of a facility. If this happens again, we may no longer have a program. The league thanks you in advance for your cooperation.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Please remember that you are setting an example in behavior that the students and other children are likely to follow. You are encouraged to cheer enthusiastically in support of your team. However, keep in mind that it is considered poor sportsmanship to try and discourage the opposition from doing its best. Therefore, it is requested that adhere to the following:

1. Do not make noise in an attempt to hinder an opposing player from serving a volleyball, kicking a penalty kick in soccer, or shooting a free throw in basketball.

2. Do not direct negative or derogatory comments toward opposing players, their coach, or the game officials. Keep your comments positive.

3. Keep the field or court clear during timeouts (except for cheerleaders). This will allow games to restart promptly.

Remember, everyone wants to win, but only one team will win. However, each game should be a positive experience for both teams regardless of the final score.

STAFF AND FACULTY CHANGES

Van Thaxton

This year, a few of our returning faculty and staff have moved. We have also added a few new folks. Here is the general run down: Mrs. Henkels will move into Mr. Hamm's old office, in a new business management position. Mr. Hamm will relocate to the new building, once it is completed. Mrs. Luz has taken the position of receptionist and is cheerfully manning the front office. Mrs. Valenti, who taught 5th grade last year, is now upstairs in the middle school. Mrs. Covey, who was the aide in 4th and 5th grade last year, has also moved upstairs with Mrs. Valenti.

***

MEET THE NEW STAFF

Our school has gained three terrific new teachers in Kindergarten, 5th and 7th grades and one new teacher's aide in grades 4 and 5.

First up is a fun loving, athletic, Mid Westerner named Teri Scudieri, most affectionately known as Ms. Teri. Our new kindergarten teacher, who hails from the great state of Michigan, attended Central Michigan University. Before arriving at Sacred Heart Academy, Ms. Teri taught kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grades in Catholic schools in Michigan, Illinois and San Diego. She also was a substitute teacher for grades K through 9. Before embarking on a career in teaching, Ms. Teri was a secretary and was also employed as a workout instructor at a Chicago health club.

When asked about her family, Ms. Teri simply said, "If you watch Everybody Loves Raymond (the television show), you know my family." I think that says it all right there. Ms. Teri has been married to husband Tom for almost 20 years. She has two grown stepchildren, Terry age 29 and Colleen age 26, two step grandchildren, Samantha and Ryan, and one step grandchild on the way.

When she is not teaching she enjoys rollerblading, weight training, reading and attending live theater. Ms. Teri is very easy to please. She enjoys reading anything by Mary Higgins Clark, she loves all comedic movies because she loves to laugh and she enjoys all foods, hot and spicy. She is also very pleased to have been transplanted here in San Diego from the Mid West. "I love the scenic view of the water as I drive to work."

When asked about her greatest accomplishment so far, she replied, "To have been teaching for over 25 years and still love it!"


Next we have a travel buff with a soft heart for children and animals. Heather Brinker, our new 5th grade teacher comes to us from Jacksonville Florida where she recently taught 1st and 2nd grade in an inner city school. Growing up in an Airforce family, Mrs. Brinker and her brother have lived in such interesting places as Japan and Germany. Following high school, she attended college at the University of North Florida where she received her degree.

Mrs. Brinker has been married for a year and a half to Lieutenant Alex Brinker, a helicopter pilot instructor in the United States Navy. Lt. and Mrs. Brinker do not have any children but they do have a dog named Bandit, a parrot named Jesse and a rat named Jasmine.

When she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Brinker enjoys knitting, crocheting, reading and hiking. She also enjoys traveling and says that her favorite travel location is the next place she plans to visit. The ideal day for Mrs. Brinker is spending any carefree day with her whole family.

So far, Mrs. Brinker considers her greatest accomplishment as having been a successful inner city schoolteacher. No doubt, this must be a tremendously rewarding challenge.

Mrs. Brinker's favorite books are the Bible and Little Women. Her favorite movies are Toy Story and Father of the Bride. And would you believe that her favorite food is Brussels sprouts? Well that is not exactly true. Her favorite food is actually asparagus.

 


Then, we have an adventuresome dynamo named Nicole Nemer. Our new 7th grade teacher is originally from Rochester Hills Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. One of her greatest accomplishments, she said, was to follow her dream to move to Southern California.

The youngest of five daughters, Mrs. Nemer is happy to report that her wonderful parents have been married for 40 years. Every year she and her sisters go away for a sister's weekend. This year, the big event will be held right here in San Diego.

Mrs. Nemer attended Eastern Michigan University where she received a degree with honors in Education in 1996. Before reaching SHA, Mrs. Nemer taught grades 7 and 8 at the St. Helena's Catholic School in Wilmington, Delaware. Prior to her career as a schoolteacher, she worked as a summer camp counselor. When she is not teaching, though, she enjoys playing tennis, dancing, traveling and dining out. But the ideal day for Mrs. Nemer would be sunny and 80 degrees with her swimming with the dolphins.

Her favorite book is Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers and her favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. As far as food, anything Middle Eastern sounds good to her. Her favorite travel location is Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Nicole Nemer is married to Marc Nemer, a corporate attorney at Latham & Watkins in San Diego. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School. They have celebrated four years of marriage together. While the Nemers do not have children, they are currently raising a one-year old Doberman named Shar.

***


Finally, we have our new teacher's aide in grades 4 and 5....

Karen Mullin is a native Californian, born and raised in Riverside where she also attended Riverside City College. Before coming to SHA, Mrs. Mullin was a classroom assistant in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 4th grades at Castle View Elementary. She has also taught Sunday school and was a dental assistant for 25 years. (Watch out Mrs. Alsheikh!) She adds, "I love children and I feel it a great privilege and blessing to work with them at SHA. Children have a good sense of humor and are so honest." (Parents watch out this time).

When she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Mullin likes to shop. She also likes to shop. And then to top it off, she likes to shop some more. She also loves to travel and says that her next trip is planned for Paris France.

Mrs. Mullin's family includes 18 nieces and nephews! Wow! Her mother was a principal's assistant at Castle View Elementary in Riverside California. For as long as she can remember, Mrs. Mullin says that her mother has been involved with children and teaching.

Mrs. Mullin is married to Patrick Siefner, an Ocean Beach artist and local business owner and muralist. They were married six years ago at our very own Sacred Heart Parish in Ocean Beach. Mr. Siefner is one of nine children, five girls and four boys! Mrs. Mullin does not have any children or pets but she does have a handsome collection of Beenie Babies and angels.

When asked what her greatest accomplishment has been so far, she said, "Becoming a Catholic. I knew I would be a Catholic when I was 12 years old."

Mrs. Mullin's favorite books are Little Women and any autobiography. Her favorite movie is, what else, Little Women (she has seen it 6 times). She will join you for Italian any day of the week and her favorite travel location, so far is Tahiti. She also loves the color lavender.

When asked about her ideal day, she said, "Going to mass and then shopping with my husband. We have been to over 30 shopping malls in California alone."

Welcome to our new teachers and our new aide.

MEET YOUR PTG OFFICER/DIRECTOR

Van Thaxton

Many, many parents work quietly and tirelessly around the clock to help our school provide the best academic experience possible for our children. Often times, these folks are not recognized for their labors. In an effort to do so and to encourage others to get involved, the Heartbeat will profile each of the PTG officers and directors during the year. Of course, there are many, many other parent volunteers who are not officers or directors and who deserve such recognition as well. The Heartbeat welcomes articles of congratulations or praise from any student, parent or teacher regarding. Please submit your articles to the editor by the second-to-last Friday of each month. If you need help formulating your article, the Editor is more than happy to help.

First up this year we have our esteemed and fearless leader and PTG President, Linda Marie Small. Mrs. Small, a Massachusetts native, is the mother of Nick Small, a fourth grader at Sacred Heart Academy and wife of John Small, a Virginia Beach native and local restaurateur. Mr. and Mrs. Small were introduced to each other here in Ocean Beach by mutual acquaintances and have been married for 18 years. The Smalls also have "small" menagerie of pets. They have a sixteen-year old cat named Oreo and a one-year-old bird named Crackers. This past July, they adopted from the Humane Society, a year and a half old dog named Missy and her daughter, a 7 month old pup named Sweetpea.

The Small's have been an active SHA family for five years and are no strangers to the inner workings of the school. Linda volunteers at the Parish Senior Lunch and has served as room parent every year prior to this year. She has been PTG Vice President and has chaired the annual Spaghetti Dinner. She works tirelessly around the school and of course, this year she is the PTG President. She was also involved in the Ocean Beach Main Street Association for over 15 years. John has also been a major supporter of all SHA events throughout the years. What she likes most about SHA is that her son will get a great education, be able to be with his friends throughout the 8th grade and will be a part of the Sacred Heart family.

Before their many years of volunteerism at SHA, Linda and John owned several retail stores. They worked together with Linda running the office, managing the employees and ordering goods for the stores. What did John do? Currently, the Smalls own several local restaurants including the Sunshine Company, which they have owned for over 27 years. With their partners, they also own Nick's At The Beach and Tony's.

When she is not on our campus, Linda likes to take Karate classes and do crafts. This past July, Linda acquired her black belt in Karate, which she considers to be one of her two greatest accomplishments. Her greatest, of course, is the birth of her darling son, Nick.

Linda's favorite book is the Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood. Her favorite movie is Pretty Woman. Her favorite travel locations are London England and Barbados Cayman Islands. As far as food goes, she likes it all except raw tomatoes and onions.

When asked about her ideal day, here is what she had to say, "My ideal day is to wake up alive! First I would have a Starbucks coffee then go for a manicure, pedicure and facial, followed by lunch with friends. Later I would go see a romantic comedy movie and then go to dinner with my family." Finally, she would grab a good book on a comfortable couch for a couple of hours and snuggle and read with Nick, then off to bed. Now that is an ideal day if ever there was one!

 

CONGRATULATIONS ADAM BUSSELL

Leah Bussell

On September 12th, SHA eighth grader Adam Bussell was awarded his Eagle Scout rank. As a longtime member of first Pack 151 and then Troop 151, Adam is one of the youngest Eagle Scouts in San Diego County. Adam's Eagle Scout service project was to rebuild stairs at the Peninsula YMCA. He spent over one hundred hours in planning and performing the project. Adam also earned forty-eight merit badges prior to attaining the Eagle rank and has been the Senior Patrol Leader for the entire troop. Adam is now one of the approximate 2% of all scouts who attain the rank of Eagle. Adam is a good example of the dedication and service Sacred Heart students take into their communities and extra-curricular activities. Adam will be attending Saint Augustine High School next year.

***


THANK YOU

Sister Ann Matchem

Thank you Kathy Garrett, Van Thaxton, Linda Small and Carmie Armstrong for the All-American luncheon for the Senior Citizens on June 2. It was soooooo good and every one appreciated your hard work.

Thanks to the 7th grade class of Sacred Heart Academy, we had beautiful patriotic centerpieces. Several of the seniors got to take home petunias to plant. Thank you. We also celebrated Helen Frichtel's and Jenny Glassel's 91 birthdays. They both enjoyed the dinner so very much. It's good to celebrate with friends.

Next year we start our luncheons on the first Friday in October. Then, we will have one luncheon in November and one in December. Since the renovation of the church will begin around January 1 and the hall will be used for mass, we will not have access to the hall. We hope that you will be back with us to help with the lunches and centerpieces once the senior lunches resume. Thanks again and let blessings come your way.


CHOIR

Patty DiMasi

Parents can now earn Volunteer Points by singing in any of the Sacred Heart Church choirs. Rehearsals are every Thursday evening in the Church. The Contemporary Choir meets at 6:00 p.m. and the Traditional Choir meets at 7:30 p.m. You don't have to know how to read music and there is no audition. Some current Choir members have never sung in a choir before but that hasn't deterred them from participating.

Call Director David Beckett, 224-2746, for further information.

VOLUNTEER POINTS

Stacy Turner

For the school year 2000-2001, service point commitments are as follows:

Family: 40 points

Single parent: 20 points

Please remember that paying the fundraising assessment does not eliminate the need to meet your mandatory volunteer points.

SHA INTERN FROM GERMANY

Britta Ludwig

Hello to all students and parents of SHA. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Britta Ludwig and I am doing an internship at your wonderful school. My hometown is Hamburg, Germany and I study at the University of Hamburg. Hamburg is located in the North part of Germany, about an hour drive away from the beach. It has almost no mountains but numerous parks. My city is also famous for its old buildings, the harbor and the zoo. Furthermore, people appreciate the cultural diversity.

I have to go back in October to continue my studies. It will e my last semester. Back home, to become a teacher, you have to study for an average time of seven years. Furthermore, we have to take three majors and one of those must be education. My other majors are English and Physical Education.

I am very happy to have the opportunity to be at your school, since our school systems differ a lot. It is very interesting to experience different ways of teaching. And, besides, your city is beautiful.

If you have any questions about my city, studying or me, I am more than happy to answer them.

All the best,

Britta

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Stacy Turner

Parents and students who are looking for volunteer opportunities need look no further. Following are some of the many ways you can contribute to your school and church for points, service hours or personal satisfaction:

AT SCHOOL:

Chair a committee or serve on the board

Work as a classroom parent helper

Assist in the library, science lab, art lab or computer lab

Assist with the Big Event

Assist with OB Recreation Center Halloween Carnival

Serve hot lunch

Make baked goods

Purchase items for classroom parties

Drive on field trips

Coach or manage boys or girls sports teams

Take home projects for teachers

Supervise the playground at lunchtime

Assist with daycare

Assist with 1st Friday Senior Lunch preparation

Saturday work crews

AT CHURCH:

Sing in one of the choirs

Lecture at weekday or Sunday mass

Usher or serve at mass

Donut service at lunch


INSPIRATION

Jay Davis

Jay Davis, father of Kindergartner Alexandra, wishes to share the following lyrics with the parents and students of SHA. The following are the words of a song called The Quest, from the Broadway show, Man of LaMancha.

To dream the impossible dream,

to fight the unbeatable foe,

to bear with unbearable sorrow,

to run where the brave dare not go...

To right the unrightable wrong,

to love pure and chase from afar,

to try when your arms are too weary,

to reach the unreachable star!!!

This is my quest,

to follow that star,

no matter how hopeless,

no matter how far;

to fight for the right without question or pause,

to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause!!!

And I know,

if I'll only be true to this glorious quest,

that my heart will lie peaceful and calm,

when I'm laid to my rest,

And the world will be better for this;

that one man,

scorned and covered with scars,

still strove with his last ounce of courage,

To reach the unreachable stars.


THE NEXT HEARTBEAT

The next Heartbeat will go out Tuesday October 31, 2000. Please submit your articles to the editor in the proper format (regular upper and lower case) to vthaxton@aol.com by noon on Friday October 20, 2000. If you do not have e-mail, please save your articles on a diskette and leave it in the Heartbeat file in Mrs. Luz's office. Your diskette will be returned to you.



October 2000 Calendar


Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8am Mass, 5th Grade

Hearing screening, Grades K-3

8am Mass, 4th Grade,

Progress Reports

8am Mass, 6th Grade,

Stand Up for Kids collection day,

Blessing of the Animals, 3:30pm playground

8am Mass, 7th Grade

8am Mass, 8th Grade, Noon Dismissal

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Sacred Relations Workshop - 1-5 PM

8am Mass, 5th grade

PTG Board Meeting -8:30

8am Mass, 4th Grade

8am Mass, 6th grade

Stand Up for Kids collection day

8am Mass, 7th grade

8am Mass, 5th grade

Golden Anniverary Celebration, Mass,5:30pm

Bishop Brom Dinner and dedication of new building 6:30pm

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

8am Mass, 5th Grade

8am Mass, 4th Grade

8am Mass, 6th grade,

8th graders visit USDHS

Stand Up for Kids collection day

8am Mass, 7th grade

8am Mass, 8th grade

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

8am Mass, 5th grade

All School Mass - 8am

8am Mass, 6th grade,

Stand Up for Kids collection day

8am Mass, 7th grade

8am Mass, 8th grade, "Families" 2:00pm

29

30

31

8am Mass, 5th Grade

 

 

 

8am. Mass, 4th Grade

 

 

 

 

 

Heartbeat is published monthly by 
Sacred Heart Academy

Principal

Bob Hamm 

PTG President

Linda Small 

Heartbeat Editor

Van Thaxton 

Heartbeat Publisher

Charlene Ables 

Web Master

Rich Grosch