Heartbeat
April 1999

A Publication of Sacred Heart Academy
A Premier Core Knowledge Academy

FROM THE PRINCIPALâS DESK....

The following was passed on to me from a parent. It was part of a Bar Mitzvah celebration. I think it has much to say to us, so I share it with you.

WE CANNOT MERELY PRAY  We cannot merely pray to end war, For we know that the world was created so that we must find our own path to peace, Within ourselves and with our neighbors. We cannot merely pray to end starvation, For we have been given the resources with which to feed the entire world, if we would only use them wisely. We cannot merely pray to root out prejudice, For we have been given eyes with which to see the good in all people, if we would only use them rightly. We cannot merely pray to end despair, For we have been given great minds with which to search out cures and healings, if we could only use them constructively. Therefore; we pray for strength, determination,and will power, To do, instead of just praying, To become, instead of merely wishing. May these words that we pray inspire us to do deeds. May we bring about speedily and soon the day that our communities may be safe, That our world may know peace, And that our lives may be blessed.

By all the laws of known psychological development, Jesus Christ should have become the world's greatest impossibility thinker. He was a member of a despised minority, a citizen of an occupied country, a Jew, and the world hated the Jews.

With the racial prejudice He experienced as a child, He should have grown up to be oversensitive, touchy, and defensive. Taxes were oppressive. Freedom was limited. Survival was uncertain. Religion was in the minor key - restrictive, negative, and joyless.

He lived and died in poverty. He had no home of His own, no insurance or retirement plan, and no wife to comfort Him. But by the miracle of miracles, He grew up to be the World's Greatest Possibility Thinker!

He believed in and proved the ultimate possibilities, such as:

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who lives and believes in Me shall never die!"

And when He died, He rose again! And through His death, He lives to give life and meaning to each of us!

WE LIVE BECAUSE JESUS LIVES! Rev. Robert Schuller

You need:
1 C. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 C. sugar

Preheat oven to 300F. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (Read John 19: 1-3)

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.
(Read John 19: 28-30)

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. (Read John 10: 10-11)

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. (Read Luke 23:27)

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
(Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16)

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus (Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3)

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper cover cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
( Read Matt. 27:57-60)

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed (Read Matt. 27:65-66)

Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. (Read John 16:20-22)

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
(Read Matt. 28:1-9) He is risen

LIBRARY LINES
by Mary Zapata

Technology Update

Wonderful news! With the proceeds from the Peninsula Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner added to the Library Technology Fund, we were able to purchase a library program from Winnebago Software Co. Thank you to Linda Small for spearheading the fund raising efforts which enables us to reach our goal 2 years ahead of our plan. Now we are completing the process of bringing the paper catalog up to date so it may be sent to the company for retrospective conversion. This has been a detail intensive job.

A big thank you to Kathy Garrett and Gina Dowd for their help in this project. Also a thank you to my family who have helped me on many Saturdays since January to complete this project.

Aluminum Can Man

The Aluminum Can Man, Doug Tillinghast, again presented a check to the library, this time for $170. It will enable me to purchase some much needed new books. Doug is looking for someone to help him. Even a couple of hours per month would help. Please consider and give Doug a call (222-8596). The can drive has added hundreds of dollars to the library fund.

Children who donated the most cans during January - March were given a lollipop treat. Keep saving cans. We'll have an after Easter party for the class who donates the most by April 15th. Remember, only the children who have donated cans get to come to the class party. Put your name on your bag of cans.

A New Area Rug

A new area rug has been donated to the library by Mr. Vincent Anderson. He won a rug valued at $150 at the spaghetti dinner raffle and kindly donated it to cover the faded area of carpet. It also makes a great place for the children to sit at story time. Thank you to Coles Carpets on Morena Blvd. For donating the rug to the raffle.

California Young Readers Medal

Votes have been counted and sent to the committee. Any child who read all the books in one or more categories was eligible to vote for their choice to win the medal. This is the only book award in California voted on by children. The winners will be announced in May.

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A big "Thank You" to the following children who have donated books to our library. Happy Birthday!!
 

Kimberli Boone	Gr. K	"The Growing Tree"
Elizabeth King	Gr. K	"The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip"
Ryan Sousa	Gr. 3	"Bless All Creatures Here Below"
Ryan Luz	Gr. 7	"Microlite"

After two years of urging by Jesse Hailey and Ryan Luz, Mr. Hamm finally purchased a Suggestion Box. The box is on the telephone table in the foyer of the school. Many students have contributed suggestions, and we appreciate all of them.

The Student Council, on a regular basis, will read all the suggestions and do their best to answer them. The Council has gone through the first batch of suggestions, and offers the following explanations:
 
 
 
 
 

SUGGESTIONS	EXPLANATION/SOLUTION
1. Better bathrooms	1. The restrooms are scheduled for a complete renovation this summer.
2. Build a gym	2. We do not own enough property to build a gym at this time. The parish has been trying to buy additional property for many years.
3. Science Lab	3. The new building, scheduled to be built this summer, will house a science lab for use by all students.
4. Bigger playground	4. We would need to purchase additional property.
5. Different food at lunch	5. Food provided is the best we can provide and still be affordable for families.
6. Lower tuition	6. Lower tuition would require less staff and fewer books and supplies.
7. Boys baseball team	7. The Parochial Athletic League does not offer baseball as most boys who play are in Little League.
8. Longer lunch time	8. Do you want to extend the school day and get out at 3:00 or 3:15?
9. Fix red phone	9. Phone is scheduled for repair. Was broken due to misuse by students.
10. More variety in uniforms.	10. For next year: green shirts for all grades and Khaki shorts and pants for middle school.
11. Drinking fountain at P.E.	11. Had one there for many years, but transients kept breaking it. Got tired of spending money to fix it only to have it broken the next day.
12. Candy/soda machines	12. The Diocese of San Diego does not allow these machines at elementary schools.
13. Girls football	13. The Parochial Athletic League does not offer girls football; however, they do allow girls to play on the boys teams if approved by the principal.
14. More pep rallies	14. We did not have pep rallies this year because we did not have any cheerleaders.

 

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

Eleven of our middle school students were inducted into membership of the National Junior Honor Society in a candlelight ceremony held at Sacred Heart Church.

Members were selected for meeting high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character.

Students inducted were: Taylor Collins, Julianne De Santi, Lisa Dowd, Bruna Duarte, Jesse Hailey, Katherine Henkels, Katie Hoban, Ryan Luz, Erin Moskitis, Megan O'Toole, and Erik Oberg.

The National Junior Honor Society ranks as one of the oldest and most prestigious national organizations for middle school students. Chapters exist in more than sixty percent of the nation=s middle schools. NJHS is sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, which also sponsors the National Honor Society.

MONSIGNOR RHATIGAN'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY The PTG has been asked to form a decorating committee for Monsignor's celebration. The anniversary party will be May 23, 1999. We will have approximately two meetings. We need your ideas, help with purchasing items, and help the day of the event to set up. if you would like to help in any way, contact Kelly Andrade at 224-1437. This should be fun and without any pressure!! Come and join the PTG. Thank you. Kelly Andrade

Thanks also to all of the Pee Wee coaches and to Midgey O'Toole for coordinating all the schedules, coaches, and uniforms. We had 8 soccer teams this season which takes a lot of people volunteering their time and energy to make all of our sports happen.

Basketball has already started. Games began around March 15. We have 5 teams. Look for game schedules in the glass case.

In my third year as Athletic Director, I have found 2 enthusiastic, energetic people to take over! Debbie Carini and Kelly Lane are the new Girls Athletic Directors. If you have any questions about how athletics are run, or have any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to call any of us. Laura Hoban.

GOT A PULSE? Congratulations! You can join a Sacred Heart Choir!! We have stringent requirements to be in one of the Parish choirs: are you breathing, and do you have a pulse? Of course a love of music is a plus, and we welcome people who like to have fun while enriching our parish life. One thing is NOT required: knowing how to read music. Interested? Give a call to David Beckett at the Rectory: 224-2746. We'll be waiting to hear from you.  DRESS CODE Just to remind you that colored nail polish is not acceptable at Sacred Heart Academy. Please refer to Dress Code, page 25, Parent/Student Handbook.      MEDICATION AT SCHOOL Just to remind you that no student should have any type of medication in his/her possession at school. If your child requires medication during school hours, you must complete the medication form in Mrs. Henkel's office and leave the medication in her office. Please refer to Medication Code, page 23, Parent/Student Handbook. Job Opportunity Janitor needed for sweeping classrooms after dismissal at the School of the Madeleine. The school is located in the Mission Bay/Bay Park area. For further information, please call:  Donna Wittouck at 276-6545 ext. 221, 223, 224

EMERGENCIES??? I am asking that parents do not call Ferol at home to discuss and/or get questions answered concerning school business. Any question you have can be answered during school hours. There is no reason to interrupt her family life with school business. The same applies to any Sacred Heart Academy staff member. Please respect their time with their families away from school. Thank you for your respectful cooperation with us. Bob Hamm  FREE!!! Free to good home - rabbit hutch (NO rabbit). Call Rob Hailey 224-6883.  NEW PICNIC TABLES The PTG has three volunteers to purchase more lunch tables for our children. Unfortunately, the same families tend to send the donations. I was hoping other families would like to help out. The more donations, the less each family would have to pay. Please, if you are interested in purchasing more tables for the lunch area and the Kindergarten area, contact Kelly Andrade at 224-1437. The PTG appreciates ALL donations. Thank you!! Kelly Andrade    Yearbook Pictures Fat Tuesday is over but is was all captured in numerous "Kodak moments". If you havenât already, get that film developed and send in your best shots for the yearbook. While youâre at it, develop those rolls with the Christmas caroling pictures, the science fair projects, the volleyball/football/soccer/basketball teams, the spaghetti dinner, the field trips, and yes - for those real procrastinators - the Oktoberfest pictures! Send them in to the attention of Debby Cromer in care of April Cromer - 6th grade.

The nominating committee of the PTG is pleased to present the following candidates for nomination to the Sacred Heart Academy Parent Teacher Guild for the 1999-2000 school year.

President: Kathy Hailey
VP/President Elect: Linda Small
Secretary: Nancy Wilks
Treasurer: Susie Merrill

Please take a moment to read about each of the candidates and cast your vote on the enclosed ballot. Be sure to return your ballot to the school office, attention Nicki Sharpe, by April 14. We take pride in presenting such talented and hard-working individuals for your consideration, and thank each of these candidates for accepting nomination to positions on your board.

Kathy Hailey - President:

For eleven years Sacred Heart Academy has been an important part of the Hailey family. In 1997, Jackie, our oldest daughter, graduated from SHA and now attends Our Lady of Peace. This year I have a son, Jesse, in the 7th grade and a daughter, Paige, in 6th grade. Over the years, I have lead and participated in various school functions and events including the hot lunch program, Grandparents Day, Mini Olympics, several festival committees, and held the position of Ways and Means and Secretary on the PTG Board. These experiences have prepared me for the upcoming role of president for the school year 99/00.

I feel compelled to devote my time and energy to a deserving cause. There are few places in our society where an individual can see the impact of such a contribution. Sacred Heart Academy is one of these places. New families, new volunteers have new ideas and are important to the growth of SHA. I look forward to working with all of you to provide an educational and gratifying year for our children.

Linda Small - VP/President-Elect:

My son, Nicholas, is a second grader at Sacred Heart, and I have been actively involved in PTG events throughout the three years he has attended here. I served on the auction committee for two years and co-chaired the live auction last year. I currently serve as a Fundraising/Ways and Means Director on the PTG Board. I chaired this year's spaghetti dinner that raised over $5,000 for the Library's technology fund, and I established and co-administer the "Pennies from Heaven" program.

I have recently completed 15 years of service on the Board of the Ocean Beach Merchant=s Association where I held a variety of positions, including two terms each of president and vice president. My husband, John, and I have owned retail businesses in the Ocean Beach area for over 20 years.

I am enthusiastic about becoming even more involved in the school community and look forward to serving as Vice President/President Elect for the next two terms.

Nancy Wilks - Secretary:

Hi, my name is Nancy Wilks, my husband is John. We have two girls at Sacred Heart, Kelly, who will be in 7th grade next year and Anne who will be in third grade. This will be my 6th year serving the PTG Board. I have been asked to serve as Secretary during the 1999-2000 school year. I'm looking forward to serve under our incoming President, Kathy Hailey.

Susie Merrill - Treasurer:

I have been a parishioner of Sacred Heart for 19 years. My two children, Matthew in grade 3 and Samantha in grade 2, have attended SHA since Kindergarten. During my time as a Sacred Heart Academy parent, I have been strongly involved in the PTG. I chaired the Big Event in 1997 when we exceeded our fundraising goal. In 1998 I co-chaired the live auction that raised an unprecedented $17,500. I currently serve on the PTG Board as a Fundraising /Ways and Means Director. I have held positions on the Principal's Advisory Board for the past three years and am currently the Vice President of that Board.

My financial background includes 20 years of experience with Human Resources, Inventory and Financial control for the Lindbergh Field and San Diego Office of Alamo Car Rental. My husband of 15 years, James, is owner of Affordable Roofing, Inc., and I serve as vice president/treasurer of that business.

Sacred Heart has been an important aspect in the lives of my family, and I look forward to the privilege of serving as your treasurer during the next school year.