Fall 2019: Heartbeat and Annual Report 2019 Fall Heartbeat and Annual Report | Page 6

Appointment News Learning Off Campus
Brian Williams, Head of Inclusion and Community Life Who doesn’t love a road trip? At Sacred Heart, however, when
the Middle School takes to the road or air, it’s so that the
learning can continue. “Our annual overnight excursions allow
our faculty and students to teach and learn outside the tradi-
tional classroom,” says Dan Gargano, Middle School Division
Head. Students have fun to be sure, but Mr. Gargano feels
that, “Traveling to Washington, D.C., and Space Camp allows
students to apply knowledge learned and to be in the environ-
ment about which they have studied.” These trips, including
the Ropes Course in 6th grade, all encourage personal growth
and wise decision-making, which is a focus of Goal V.
How do children become fully themselves in a school
community? Brian Williams, Sacred Heart’s new Head of
Inclusion and Community Life, says that when whole com-
munities commit to explore and seek equity and inclusion, it
can make a world of difference in young people’s lives. It helps
them develop self-esteem, practice empathy, strive for peace,
and celebrate difference.
Mr. Williams was hired in April 2019 for a newly designed role
that supports initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion, and
provides leadership for the Student Life Department. “I was
warmly welcomed by the Sacred Heart community. I’ve already
begun to develop relationships with staff, faculty, parents and
even some alums last spring, and I really look forward to getting
to know more students this year.”
There have been opportunities for both students and adults
to explore topics of equity and inclusion at Sacred Heart. He
feels, however, there is potential to expand those opportunities,
whether by diversifying “affinity groups” in which students
can talk about what is impacting their lives, to book clubs and
other programs for adult members of Sacred Heart. “I want
to contribute to making sure that all of our families feel like
Brian Williams (2nd from left) leads the SHS "Race Against Hate" team
in which 40 students, parents, faculty and staff participated.
they’re part of a loving community,” says Mr. Williams, “and
to meeting the needs of students so that each one can succeed
in our community.”
Mr. Williams has already organized new activities for Sacred
Heart. Last spring, the entire school took the “Stand Against
Racism” pledge. He also led the Sacred Heart team of families,
faculty and staff in the 5K/10K “Race Against Hate” in the
nearby suburb of Evanston. “Our diversity—which includes
more than the color of our skin—is a cause for celebration.
That means we have much to explore and to celebrate!”
Elizabeth Coleman, Primary School Division Head
When Elizabeth Coleman, EdD,
entered the University of Notre Dame
for college, she didn’t know what her
career path would be. But it was in
coaching sports and other volunteer
work with children that she felt most
alive. Post-college, she entered a
graduate school program in education
that had her teaching 2nd grade
after only three weeks of preparation.
“The moment I stepped into the class-
room, I loved those kids,” she says. Today, the entire Sacred
Heart community is the recipient of her love and expertise.
Dr. Coleman came to Sacred Heart in 2015 as an instructional
coach for faculty development, and in July 2019, became the
new Primary School Division Head. While coaching, she assisted
faculty in developing curriculum, refining their instructional
skills, and creating learning environments that support the
social-emotional well-being of students. Her experience as a
teacher, professor and instructional coach have rooted her leader-
ship in communication and collaboration. “Setting goals and
developing trust are both needed to help people grow,” she says.
Sacred Heart’s new preschool exists within the Primary School
division, and so Dr. Coleman has been working with Preschool
Director Holly DePalma to shape an experience that will
nurture the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit. “As the
parent of a 2-year-old myself, I am excited to help build great
moments of learning for our youngest students.”
What first drew Dr. Coleman to Sacred Heart? “When I read
the Goals and Criteria, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.
For me, education is about developing our academic side and
about developing our values. Letting children know that they
are seen and loved, and giving them principles to live by,
helps them grow into their maximum potential. That is my
definition of a great education.”
For me, the best part of Space
Camp was taking a turn on the
G-Force and MoonShot rides
because I got to experience how
I would feel in space and how
the body senses and responds to
changes in gravitational force.

–Anders Dugenske H8
In 8th grade, students fly to Washington, D.C., to visit the
Capitol, the National Mall, and other historic sites, including
Arlington National Cemetery. Students in 7th grade board
buses headed to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, where
they learn about what is involved in training and sending a
crew into outer space. In 6th grade, students travel to an out-
door facility specially designed to nurture personal development
and facilitate team building. “These trips allow our young men
and women to explore new environments and cultures, and
to shape positive—and often empathetic—perspectives on
personal issues. These experiences can ignite ideas and solutions
that students might not come up within the classroom or on
campus,” says Mr. Gargano.
The chance to travel away from home with their classmates is
a journey that students treasure and alums often remember
long after graduation. Perhaps Nikki Sodini A’19 said it best:
“Our 8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C., was unforget-
table. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts. The best part was standing on
the balcony of the center and watching the sunset with my
friends. It was one of the most profound memories of this year
and I will never forget it. I am truly thankful that Sacred Heart
helped me make so many memories, and I am excited for next
year’s 8th graders to be able to experience D.C.!”
Visiting the Capitol (below and bottom)
allows students to learn about history and
how it's made.
(above) At the Ropes
Course, girls and boys engage
in several individual and
team-building exercises.
(above and above left) Space
Camp provides students with
a variety of experiences to
illustrate how astronauts train
for a mission.
I think my favorite thing about
D.C. was spending time with
my classmates…I also loved all
of the sites and learning about
why they were there and what they
meant to the whole country.

–Eva Pinto A’19
FALL 2019
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