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Community
Families choose Sacred Heart Schools not only for the rigorous academics and values-centered education , but for the vibrant school community . Parents also indicate they seek a partnership in raising their kids with the same qualities of kindness , respect , service and a global worldview that they value at home . Importantly , they are choosing a Catholic , independent school situated in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city .
Mardi Gras-themed kick-off to the Masterpiece Campaign includes former Board Chairs Jeff Jozwiak and Sue Bettman .
The school has improved significantly in reflecting the rich diversity of the city and the Edgewater community under Mr . Wilburn ’ s leadership . The student body has grown not only in number and ages served , but in its racial , ethnic , socioeconomic and religious diversity . The school ’ s Equity and Inclusion Statement was adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2018 , a testament to the commitment to ensure that “ each member of our community can flourish spiritually , intellectually and personally , secure in the knowledge that they are loved as a child of God and will be treated with respect and dignity .” With Mr . Wilburn ’ s hiring of the Director of Inclusion and Engagement , and later , the expanded role of Head of Inclusion and Community Life , awareness and opportunities for development of faculty , staff and students have significantly grown .
musical , from opportunities to perform in Kids Rock to various athletic teams , students are sure to find their fit in and outside of the classroom , adding to the sense of community . Fourth graders and older are eligible for the athletics program , which proudly boasts 700 athletes across 12 sports and 52 teams employing 116 coaches !
It ’ s not often that a school is blessed with an exceptional leader who is also an exceptional person . Nat has not only led our school through day-to-day and year-to-year challenges , he has led us in faith and formation . His daily interactions with students , faculty , staff and parents are grounded in the mission of St . Madeleine Sophie and he provides the example for all to follow .
– Jeff Jozwiak , H ’ 18 , H ’ 20 , A6 , former Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Masterpiece Campaign .
Mr . Wilburn has developed strong ties with our neighbors from other faith traditions , as his priorities and the Goals urge us to do . The school ’ s annual Interfaith Prayer Service is held in concert with religious representatives from neighboring Muslim Ismaili Center and the Jewish Emanuel Congregation . Members of the Edgewater Community Religious Association ( ECRA ) assist with our Prayer for Christian Unity . The religion curriculum addresses aspects of religious diversity . Our 4th grade students have participated in Poetry Pals for more than a decade , which is an experience with Muslim and Jewish students . The 7th grade religion curriculum focuses on the comparative study of world religions .
During Mr . Wilburn ’ s tenure , International Night was also instituted , a great evening of food and entertainment in our Campbell Gymnasium . International Night is held each fall as a community celebration and a kick-off to the academic year . This cherished event celebrates the richness of ethnic and cultural diversity in our community . Pre-pandemic , families prepared food from their culture to share with the community and they often wore their culture ’ s traditional garments .
Fulfilling one ’ s spirit outside of the classroom is something that the Head of Schools needs to make sure is taking place . Sacred Heart augments students ’ classroom education with robust co-curriculars . From Debate Club to the Middle School
Leadership gathers at the dedication of the Sacred Heart Preschool at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church , just a short distance from the SK-8 campus .
2019
• Updated Strategic Plan .
• New Sacred Heart Preschool opens .
• Mr . Wilburn announces he will be stepping down as Head of Schools in June 2021 .
• Board of Trustees commences Head of Schools search .
2020
• Campus closed due to pandemic in March 2020 .
• Board of Trustees appoints Meg Steele to be incoming Head of Schools .
• Sacred Heart reopens for academic year 2020-21 in August 2020 ; Middle School goes to hybrid schedule .