Although a commitment to service is reinforced as early as kindergarten, Mr. Gargano sees a growing level of commitment to issues of justice in Middle School students.“ The core practices of our service learning program are leadership, problem solving, collaboration and communication. The program allows students to develop a rich perspective of the community we live in and connect service learning to real world and everyday experiences. In participating in these projects, students develop skills that help them pursue just solutions in Middle School and, hopefully, beyond.” Bettering the world is one of the purposes of a Sacred Heart education, a goal that current students and alumni are fulfilling across the globe.
All three division heads agree that personal fulfillment and success in and beyond Sacred Heart are supported by the presence of a strong and loving community. Students are encouraged to treat one another with kindness and respect; the community as a whole celebrates its diversity and varied talents. Eighth graders have already experienced many years of an education that prizes peacemaking efforts, and by the time a student leaves Sacred Heart, it is anticipated that he or she has developed valuable skills in resolving conflicts peacefully and can help to further good will.
Bettering the world is one of the purposes of a Sacred Heart education, a goal that current students and alumni are fulfilling across the globe.
Forming a well-rounded learner, who has an active mind and a compassionate heart, is what each educator at Sacred Heart aspires to do. When that student graduates from Sacred Heart, perfection is not expected. As the last Portrait goal states, the capacity to learn from one’ s mistakes and know that wise decision-making benefits the self and others, have been lovingly taught for years. Upon graduation, then, a Sacred Heart graduate carries inside a portrait of hope and goodness, one that can be counted upon to provide guidance well into the future.
Portrait of a Graduate
Using the five Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools as a foundation, a graduate of the Sacred Heart:
IS GUIDED BY FAITH A Sacred Heart graduate is a strong witness of God’ s presence in him / herself, in others and in the world. Rooted in prayer and embracing all faiths, she / he lives Christian values by modeling love, respect, compassion, forgiveness and generosity.
IS PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING Having completed a challenging and well-rounded course of study, a Sacred Heart graduate is an enthusiastic seeker of knowledge, committed to further learning. He / she has learned to think critically and creatively, work collaboratively and apply knowledge and skills from varied disciplines toward a thoughtful understanding of the world.
IS COMMITTED TO JUSTICE A graduate of the Sacred Heart continues to develop a personal commitment to social justice through service and solidarity. He / she is an active, informed and responsible citizen both locally and globally. He / she is a mindful steward of the earth’ s resources and is committed to making the world a better place.
BUILDS AND MAINTAINS COMMUNITY A Sacred Heart graduate embraces diversity in all its forms and respects individuals and communities from varied backgrounds and experiences. She / he embodies the guiding principles of nonviolence, conflict resolution and peacemaking.
IS DEDICATED TO PERSONAL GROWTH A graduate of Sacred Heart Schools consistently seeks to engage in opportunities that enrich mind, heart, body and soul. She / he continues to develop decision-making and leadership skills, and understands how choices and actions affect individuals and the wider community.
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