Heartbeat

November 2001

By Principal Bob Hamm

 

 

 

MR. HAMM GOES NATIONAL Van Thaxton Last November, Mr. Hamm spoke to the National Forum for Catholic Schools sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association. His topic covered the core knowledge curriculum in a Catholic school setting. About 200 Catholic school principals from throughout the United States were in attendance. This April will find Mr. Hamm traveling to Atlantic City, New Jersey to speak at the National Convention for the National Catholic Education Association. This conference is attended by Catholic school superintendents, principals and teachers from throughout the U.S. He has been invited to speak on the core knowledge curriculum, about which he is becoming known as a national expert. Thanks, Mr. Hamm for telling others about core knowledge and representing Sacred Heart Academy so well.

 

BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB Joan Irvine The Birthday Book Club is off to another terrific year! Plan on becoming a SHA Birthday Book Club member soon and join in on all the fun. Be sure to check with Ms. Zapata for a complete list of the library's "wish list." The following students have joined the Birthday Book Club: Jacob Schaniel, Kindergarten, Giraffes Can't Dance Joey Benoit, Grade 2, Gerald McBoing Boing Morgan Torpey, Grade 2, So You Want to be President? Michelle Ables, Grade 4, Thank You, Mr. Falker Alice Hatcher, Grade 4, Matilda Bone Thank you very much for these wonderful books for everyone to enjoy!

 

THE BIG EVENT

BIG EVENT 2002 Maria Wimer and Kori Pilney The Big Event Planning Committee met on Thursday night, October 4th at the home of Kori Pilney. Many jobs have been filled but many more still need to be filled. If you are interested in helping with the Big Event, in any way, please contact Maria Wimer or Kori Pilney

 

WINNING ARTISTS Bob Hamm The After School Art program recently held a contest for the best paper mache objects completed in the art class at the end of last school year. The results of the judging was: 1st place......Francesco Valenti 2nd place.....Nick Small 3rd place....Joey Benoit The winners all received gift certificates to the Art Store. Congratulations to these winners. The winning sculptures and other sculptures from the class are on display in the school library. Thank you to Mr. Paul White who does such an outstanding job in the After School Art program.

DIRECTORY NEWS Charlene Ables Thank You, Sponsors Thanks to this year's school directory sponsors&emdash;Nicks at the Beach / John and Linda Small, Ed and Marla Moore, and Mike and Rose McCartt; Champ Sportfishing / Janie and Mike Diamond; and Residential Repair & Construction / Bill and Queta Czerniewski. Their generous donations ensured that the PTG incurred no printing costs for this year's directory. Thanks also to our directory advertisers for their support&emdash;Balboa Vacations, Union Bank of California, Clean 4 Less, Norman L. DeWitt Architect, Ellison Insurance Agency, Affordable Roofing, Inc. Mission Hills Collision Center, Thee Bungalow, Peninsula Veterinary Clinic, Prudential Dunn Realtors, RTD Construction, Inc., Wendy A. Stratton, Court Reporting Service, and Masion Luranc Salon & Day Spa. Updates and Corrections Please make the following additions/corrections to your directories: Deane Gordon, grade 5 and Leone Gordon, grade 1 telephone number is 523-1020. Room Parent Director is Carla Pekin, 224-9393. Grade 2 Room Parent Pat Rice's phone number is 225-9189. Grade 4 Room Parent is Jane Diamond, 225-8939. SO THAT'S WHAT WE ARE DOING! Kathy Valenti's 2nd grade daughter arrived home from school recently with a visible bump on her head. When Kathy asked Gabrielle how it happened, she said, "I was playing and I bumped it on that thing at school." Hoping for a better description, Kathy asked, "What thing?" Gabrielle responded, "You know, that thing that all the moms stand in and pretend to make lunch!" EARNING VOLUNTEER HOURS Van Thaxton There are many ways you can earn your parent volunteer hours, as stated in last month's Heartbeat. In addition, we also need parent volunteers to help with hearing screening on November 14 for grades K through 3 and grades 5 and 7. Shifts are from 8 am to noon or maybe from 8 am to 10 am and 10 am through noon. Please call Carla Pekin if you are able to help. Don't forget the Parish Children's Liturgy still needs volunteers. If you can help, please call the Parish or Mary Anne Capistrano. Also, Pee Wee and fifth grade coaches are needed. Please help out where you can.   SHA WISH LIST Stacy Turner SHA has been fortunate enough over the years to have some very generous families who want to help out the school in any way they can. Many ask, "What do you need?" In response to their question, we have compiled the following partial wish list for SHA. This will be an ongoing list that will change from time to time as our needs change: o For the computer lab: Any Macintosh computer with G3 processor or any PC with Pentium 3 or above. o Individual or corporate sponsors for SHA athletic uniforms for such sports as soccer and volleyball. o Resources to repair and replace the wall around the play area. We already have $3,000 donated toward the total cost of $6,000. o Resources to complete the painting and refurbishing of the upstairs classrooms as were done in the downstairs classrooms. If you have any of the above items or wish to help please let me know. Thank you. Thanks for a Fun Red   WHITE, AND BLUE FAMILY NIGHT Susie Merrill and Linda Small As the Directors and Chairs of Ways and Means, we would like to thank all the families, children, and teachers who attended Saturday's red, white, and blue Family Fun Night. It was really a fun event thanks to everyone who helped bring it together. We would especially like to thank Tim and Patty DiMasi, Steve and Janice Teixeira, Stacy and John Turner, Kevin and Colleen Morse, John and Karen Ziebarth, John Turskey, Norm and Margarita Tryka, and Emma and Lauren Charbonneau. Without their help in decorating, bartending, and cleanup we would not have been able to produce such a meaningful and special night for our families.

SPORTS, SPORTS AND MORE SPORTS David and Tracy Sheppard Gridiron Action Football season has begun in the Parochial League and Sacred Heart Academy is well represented. The Varsity Football team is off to a fast 3 and 1 start. The Sharks have started the season with impressive wins over Madeleine, St. Columba, and Holy Trinity. Great job, boys! A special thanks to Scott McMahan, Bill Newpauer and Robert Ferguson for volunteering to coach this year. The Junior Varsity team battled two tough opponents closely before getting on their winning ways with an impressive 29-0 win over Holy Trinity. The J.V. team is coached by Manny Coito and Dave Sheppard. If you are interested in cheering on the SHARKS or seeing the latest game scores, go to the league website at www.parochialsports.com. Kindergarten/Fifth Grade Coaches Needed We are in need of kindergarten parents to coach the Pee Wee Soccer Team. Kindergarten plays in a coed recreational soccer league against other parochial schools, usually at All Hallows School in La Jolla. The games are played on Saturdays beginning in early January and running into the beginning of March. We are also in need of a fifth grade boy's basketball coach. The basketball season runs from mid-January until mid-March. This is a great way to be involved with your child, get to know families from your child's class as well as earn those needed service hours. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Tracy or David Sheppard at 222-4319, or DTSheppard@home.com.

TERRIFIC KIDS Van Thaxton This month's terrific kids section provides us with a look at Two Terrific Twins, Three Tremendous Young Ladies and Five Fabulous Fourth Graders. Two Terrific Twins Brett and Kyle R, twin fifth grade boys and eldest children of proud parents Laurie and Hank R are Proud to be Americans! This past month, the boys helped their parents plan a fundraiser party on Saturday September 29, 2001 to benefit the American Red Cross and the Twin Towers Fund. Brett and Kyle helped make posters, clean up the house and yard and did it all with little complaint, according to their mother. "They both donated all their charity money from their allowance too" said Laurie. Laurie and Hank are proud of their boys and the entire family is thrilled to report that they were able to collect a total of $2,800 with Qualcomm matching the amount, all to help the many victims of the September 11th tragedy. Three Tremendous Young Ladies Patty DiMasi Sacred Heart Academy is truly blessed to have many wonderful young people who handle themselves with poise and confidence, who are high achievers, and who are looked up to by many younger students. I would like to recognize and personally thank 8th graders Monique T, Erin C. and Lauren M. for all they do for Sacred Heart Academy and the Parish. These three young ladies possess all of the above traits plus they willingly offer a helping hand at many school and church functions. They help with decorations, provide cleanup assistance at "Family Fun Nights," school dances and other functions in the Parish Hall. They assist in serving meals to our senior population when the PTG prepares monthly hot lunches. And they recently made and sold American flag pins outside of church following Mass. They are very giving of their time and talents, and their parents should be very proud of them. We sure are! Five Fabulous Fourth Graders What started out as a typical neighborhood lemonade stand quickly turned into a fundraiser for the New York firefighters through the efforts of SHA fourth graders Michelle A, Farah B, Molly D, Jocelyn F, and Marney O. According to Jocelyn, "We began by selling lemonade and chips for 50 cents at Plumosa Park." Continues Michelle, "One lady asked us if we were doing this to raise money for New York. We all looked at each other and decided that New York needed the money more than we did." So, the girls quickly adjusted their approach. "We decided to go door to door to raise more money," says Marney. The girls soon discovered that people's hearts and wallets open up for a worthy cause. "One lady first told us that, 'All these cute kids are always trying to sucker up my money,'" states Molly, "until we explained that the money was for New York. Then she became much friendlier and donated money without even wanting any lemonade." After that, relays Farah, "A lot of people just gave us money and didn't want any lemonade. Michelle's grandma gave us candy and money for New York. And another lady gave us five dollars!" These fourth graders met a lot of interesting people and felt really good about their efforts. They gave the $38 they raised to the second grade to include with the Heart book going out to Mayor Giuliani. If you have or know of a terrific kid or if this has inspired you to do something terrific, please let us know. We would like to put it in our next Heartbeat and tell everyone about your terrific kid. 8TH GRADE PROFILES Van Thaxton John H First up this month is Point Loma native and six year veteran of SHA, John H. John H is the eldest of Matthew and Cathy H's three children, which also include Sarah in the 6th grade and Michael in the 5th grade. Next year John will attend either University of San Diego High School, Point Loma High School or Francis Parker High School. While he may not be sure about next year, he is firm on his long-range goals. "I want to go to Stanford and become a lawyer." What he will miss most about SHA will be his friends. John is an active community volunteer and philanthropist. His favorite volunteer work has been working at the Youth Group fundraising at the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church. He also has organized several donations to the Stand Up for Kids program in lieu of receiving birthday gifts. In July of 2000, after several years of rigorous and sustained training, John Hervey earned his black belt in Karate, a tremendous accomplishment at any age. In addition, John is a National Honor Society member. Still, John is a regular guy. He likes to play on his computer, hang out with friends and play soccer and tennis. His favorite subjects are history and science and his favorite sport is soccer. John likes Mexican food and Pepsi. His favorite movies are Rush Hour 2 and Naked Gun. Also on his list of favorites is song "Alive" by P.O.D., book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and T.V. show The Simpsons. When asked whom he most admired, this is what he had to say, "I most admire my grandparents, Jim and Jean H, because they were kind and unselfish and cared about other people." Jamie D Jamie Lee D is the middle child of Jeff and Julie D. Jamie, a 9-year veteran of SHA, has a big sister Brooke, also a graduate of SHA now attending SDSU and a brother Jarred 9 and in the 4th grade. As a second generation Point Loman, Jamie may feel drawn Point Loma High School, as is the family tradition. On the other hand, she may just as easily find herself at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace next year along with many of her friends. Only time (and her parents) will tell. When asked what she will miss most about SHA, this is what Jamie had to say, "First of all, I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I will miss the "family" of SHA and being with all of my friends 24/7. But I will not miss the 9 LONG years of uniforms!" Still, here's what she wants to leave with next year's graduating class, "Have fun. Don't hold grudges because before you know it, your time at SHA is all over." After high school, Jamie would like to attend the University of Hawaii and try out for the volleyball team, then go on to become a stylist, a makeup artist or a designer of some sort. For fun, Jamie likes to go to the movies, play volleyball (her team won its first game recently), bowl and hang out with her friends. She also enjoys surfing with her dad and shopping with her mom. Her favorite subjects are history and P.E. and her favorite sports are volleyball and girls' softball. She likes pasta and Mexican food and drinks milk with every meal. Her favorite movie is Pearl Harbor and her favorite book is Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul. Jamie does not have a favorite song, not because she doesn't like music. To the contrary. She loves ALL music and cannot choose a favorite. Jamie's favorite volunteer activity has been working for the homeless and feeding them. "It has taught me to appreciate everything that I have." When asked whom Jamie admires most, she had this to say, "At SHA, I most admire my friends because we all have fun no matter what the situation. Outside of SHA, I most admire my parents because they are always there for us and they take the time to coach and help at school. They are very caring people and that is why I admire them so." Brandon E. Our next 8th grader is also a 9-year veteran of Sacred Heart Academy. After completing his studies at SHA, Brandon E. will likely go on to either Saint Augustine High School or Point Loma High School and perhaps to San Diego State University after that. One day he hopes to own his own construction company, following in his parents' admirable footsteps. Brandon is the oldest of Chris and Holli E's four children. After Brandon, there is Collins in the fourth grade, Brooke in preschool, and baby brother Corey. Brandon has enjoyed his time at SHA and says that what he will miss most will be the small size of the school. On the other hand, he will not miss the school's lack of a baseball field. Brandon would like to leave next year's 8th graders with one piece of advice "Always try your hardest." Brandon's favorite subject is science and his favorite meal is "a big bowl of spaghetti and a Jones Soda." As far as other favorites, there is a definite theme: His favorite sport is deep sea fishing, his favorite movies are Endless Summer 1 and 2, his favorite book is Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway and among his favorite leisure activities is surfing. In addition, he likes to ride his bike, skateboard and walk his dog. When asked whom Brandon most admired, this is what he had to say, "My parents. Because they work hard and are the best." Erin C. Our next 8th grader has been a visible force at SHA since Kindergarten as well. Erin C., the only child of Mary Anne C., plans to attend the Academy of Our Lady of Peace next year and either attend Yale or Trinity College in Ireland after that. Her interests clearly lie in the arts as exhibited by her many activities and preferences. "Someday, I want to be an actress on Broadway or even a Shakespearean actress." And she goes on, "I think I most admire William Shakespeare because he was a wonderful playwright and had a great knowledge of human nature." For fun, Erin likes to read, sing, take ballet, watch T.V. and movies and participate in various plays, musicals and ballets. Her favorite subjects are literature and history and her favorite books are Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Erin also enjoys fencing, chocolate milkshakes and Jack in the Box curly fries. Yum! Her favorite movies are A Knight's Tale and Pearl Harbor. As far as music, her favorite song (right now) is "Fatlip" by Sum 41 and her favorite television show (right now) is "The West Wing." Erin has been involved in countless volunteer activities during her time at SHA but what she enjoyed most was being a teacher's aid in a 2nd and 4th grade summer school program at Bayview Terrace Elementary School. In the years Erin has been at SHA, she has made many friends. What she will miss most about our little school are the teachers and her friends. What she will not miss is the uniform! Erin wants to leave us with some sage advice for next year's 8th graders, "Work hard but don't stress about school work. Also, don't leave things until the last minute."

Focus on 5th Grade

Mrs. Brinker's 5th grade class has already had a busy start to the year. They have "voyaged" on the Star of India, written spooky Halloween poems and contemplated on the simple pleasures of life. Here is just a peek at what some of the 5th graders have been up to.

Following are some excerpts from student essays about their voyage on the Star of India:

My Voyage on the Euterpe

Brett Robinson: I am at the docks of England. My Captain is very strict. The First Mate is very commanding. Fellow sailors are very kind. The journey I know will be hard. I have to unfurl the sails today so I have to go to 115 feet above the deck. It is very difficult to unfurl sails. I am in the line holder's crew.

Chris Penney: As soon as we boarded the Euterpe, we had to sign a contract that stated everyone had to move 140,000 pounds of cargo. The only problem was that nobody decided to read it! Later, we went to work. Our work included raising the sails and moving stuff like cargo. We were completely in charge of the ship's rigging. After a hard day's work, we had dinner. Our dinner consisted of "rat stew" and "goat's milk." I loved the rat stew. Then it was time for bed.

Buddy Machado: My voyage on the Euterpe was fun because we got to do all sorts of things like set the sail, pump the bilge water, etc. the most fun thing was when we were on the night watch. We had to wake up at 1:30 to 3:00 am. We had to watch for odd kinds of things. It was exciting to be on the Euterpe.

Kyle Robinson: My voyage was very exciting especially when I was in the galley crew! It was extraordinarily fun! I could still tell it was a rough life to be a sailor for life. It was also freaky sleeping in the bilge. Ewww! My favorite part of being aboard the Euterpe was waking up my fellow sailors! We got spoons and metal pans and made a huge sound! Well, that was my voyage there, lad!

J. T. Teixeira: The first mate scared me because she had a whip. The second mate was funny. The way he loosened himself was he would drop his shoulders and bend his knees at the same time. The third mate didn't really do anything. He would usually just do stuff as the second mate did. One of my favorite things on the boat was when the second mate thought there was a fire on the ship. That cracked me up.

Brynmor Hughes: October 2, 1778 is my voyage on the Euterpe. It seemed like an okay ship at first, but when I started my chores, it was a nightmare. I found out I was in the Boatswain's crew. The galley crew was treated with the utmost respect and had excellent food while we were treated like dirt and ate gruel.

Thoughts on Life

The following are excerpts from some of the students, who thoughtfully answered the question, "What would you consider to be a really good day?"

Deano Gordon: I wake up on a beautiful Sunday morning feeling like Jesus is right in my heart, telling me time to go to church …

Savannah Hite: Our whole class is doing what they're supposed to do … Then I would say goodnight to God and say thank you for my life …

Nicholas Trejo: You are on a hot sunny beach swimming in the warm water; or when you have nothing to do all day and you can to Sea World for as long as you want; or if you can be the teacher and all of your students would be quiet and peaceful; or when you can be rich and have a great life …

Samantha Merrill: I go to the beach all day and go swimming, playing in the sand, running, jumping and walking on the beach. I like to go with friends or family. It is always really nice if the water is warm and there is not much seaweed …

Bryn Pilney: I make a new friend or just go to church. I like to make a new friend because we can learn new things from each other. We can also play games with each other. I like to go to church because I can confess to God my sins and know he will forgive me. That is just the greatest feeling for me …

Brittany Kamfonik: America shapes up and people pitch in and don't litter. When people don't help, it makes me mad. I want people to help so people like me can be happy. God made us. He made the world too. He does not want it to be dirty …

Erik Stroud: I come home and my puppy is waiting for me and she comes up to me and jumps into my arms. I get my homework done early and I play with my puppy …

Brett Davey: I go to school and we have a long playtime. Then, when we go in the classroom, we review all our homework. Right after that we would eat lunch and I would have a bagel. Right after playtime, we would get right to our homework. Then before school was out, I would be done with my homework.

Ryan Atchley: I come home on a Tuesday and show my mom and dad my progress report and they say they're proud of me because I did good work and for a reward, I get money …

Celestina Kunz: My teacher, Mrs. Brinker called me at home. At first I was afraid that I did something bad. But then she said I was doing really well in school …

Nick Small: I wake up and have Krispy Kreme donuts. Then I go with my cousin to the skate park. Then we go back to my house and play Nintendo. When it is 8:00 p.m., we'll watch a movie and then watch another movie. Then we'll go to bed and he'll sleep over. After, we'll have hot chocolate and then go to bed.

Giselle Brun: I would have all soccer games the whole day and I do really well and shoot lots and lots of goals. Then I would get cheers from my team. After, I would get high-fives from people. Then after that, I would go home and have a victory dinner …

Marissa Morley: Our class is good and none of us get our name on the board. A really good day is when we impress the teacher and don't get her mad. A really good day is when we all get good grades or try to get good grades …

Thomas Henkels wrote: Spending the day with my Dad. It would be a Monday night, watching the football game on T.V. After that, we would go to a Padre game maybe with a friend but most likely with my dad. He is one of the coolest people in my life and he will be for the rest of my life. That would be a good day for me.