Q : What notable “ new ” things are your children experiencing ?
PKJ : When I walked into Sacred Heart for a prospective parent tour , I wondered if the school would feel different . I found that while Sacred Heart maintained many of the elements that I valued during my time as a student , it also felt very forwardthinking . I was impressed by the many additions the school has made over the years , including the STEAM lab , the stateof-the-art library and computer lab , a new playground , and the availability of technology resources in every classroom . It was clear that while Sacred Heart maintains the best of its history and tradition , the administration and staff continue to implement new best practices in education , giving students a robust 21st century education .
MDT : While the building and the hallways are the same , the inside of the classrooms look different because the environment is intentionally more collaborative . When I went to school , there were rows of desks with a teacher in the front of the room and no talking amongst peers once class had started . Now , there are circular tables ( well , pre-COVID ) and there ’ s a feeling that children can help their peers to learn . I think that working together , helping others when you are able , and learning to ask for help from peers when you need it is important for lifelong learning .
Q : Sacred Heart Schools has existed for 144 years in Chicago and over 200 years around the world . Some people may look at this longevity as “ old ” or “ outdated .” What do you think ?
PKJ : I believe that Sacred Heart combines the best of decades of experience , while still being at the forefront of new educational practices . As our world changes faster than ever , it is important to embrace change , while maintaining what has been successful in the past . Sacred Heart honors its past while looking into the future , using what they know from 144 years of educating children combined with new developments in education to help students flourish as children of the Sacred Heart .
MDT : I think longevity is wonderful as long as we have the humility to constantly change and adapt to the new world in which we live . Sacred Heart does this . The core values of St . Madeleine Sophie Barat are still the same after all these years , and a rigorous education should be accessible to everyone . The problems of tomorrow will be different , but if we are giving our children the tools — to think critically , to problem solve , to have empathy , to listen — we will hopefully prepare them for life .
Q : Anything else that either of you would like to share ?
PKJ : Sacred Heart was a place that I felt both challenged and cared about . The teachers , staff and administration knew all of the students and cared about us as individuals . When I became a parent , I knew that I wanted to give my children the same gift my parents gave me : an elementary education that gave me a solid academic foundation , a sense of faith and a desire to help others . Sacred Heart is a place that will always hold a special place in my heart .
Pascale Kidanu Johnson A ’ 94 ( left ) and Megan Driscoll Trolley A ’ 89 ( above and right ) as young students at SHS and today with their children .
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