Under Mr . Wilburn ’ s leadership , the entire Sacred Heart community has sought to embrace and model the mission as revealed in the Goals . From the Head of Schools ’ interview of faculty and staff to his remarks to prospective parents , from the development of the Primary to Middle School curricula to the traditions that students participate in and enjoy , the Goals of Sacred Heart education inform who Sacred Heart is and what the school does . For Mr . Wilburn , his resolve is formed by the conviction that children need love and values in order to thrive , and he has encouraged this commitment to mission with caring and respect .
Sacred Heart is a Catholic school “ that warmly welcomes children of all faiths .” One of Sacred Heart ’ s many strengths is — no matter your faith tradition — you have a home here , you have a place here , you matter here . Mr . Wilburn has kept that aspect of the mission alive and vital . That reality is stated in the Goals and upon walking into the building , the feeling is palpable . The statue of the Sacred Heart that welcomes you to Sheridan Road , with its outstretched arms , says to all : “ You are known and loved .” At both Sacred Heart campuses — SK-8 and the preschool — that remains true thanks , in part , to Mr . Wilburn ’ s leadership and commitment to mission .
Sacred Heart is the exceptional school and close community it is today because of Nat ’ s leadership . It was Nat ’ s vision and tireless efforts that led to the record-setting success of the Masterpiece campaign and created the opportunity to be the first private K-12 school in the country to adopt a coaching-based development program for our teachers . As a result , the Sacred Heart system of teaching and learning have been enhanced for our children and our community has been enriched by the depth of our teachers . Nat did this all while also still being the “ heart ” of Sacred Heart , bringing love , compassion and care to everything he does . Our family is eternally grateful to Nat and we wish him the very best on his next exciting chapter .
– Liz Connelly , A ’ 08 , H ’ 10 , H ’ 13 , A ’ 18 , who served as Board Chair and a Co-Chair of the Masterpiece Campaign .
Academics
The remarkable education given by Sacred Heart educators includes rigorous academics . In the spirit of St . Madeleine Sophie , Sacred Heart provides each student with a challenging , robust educational program grounded in faith , which provides a vehicle for developing critical thinking , responsible citizenship , ethical decision-making , creativity and a lifelong love of learning . The successful completion of the Masterpiece Campaign , led by Mr . Wilburn , allowed for significant improvements to the academic program . The school was able to hire a Director of Curriculum and Instruction , two full-time instructional coaches , and additional teaching assistants for Primary and Lower School . These personnel have helped to provide for differentiated instruction in all classrooms and a vertically and horizontally aligned curriculum based in common standards and writing across the curriculum . Success of these efforts is assessed through the Measure of Academic Progress ( MAP ) assessment by the Northwest Evaluation Association ( NWEA ), allowing for real-time data to inform instruction .
Bishop Kane , Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago , and Steering Committee members gather at the Mass of the Holy Spirit and conclusion of the Masterpiece Campaign .
In addition to the significant academic improvements provided to students , all faculty and staff are provided an annual professional development allowance to continue to improve their skills in their area of responsibility . continued on page 18 …
2016
• Public phase of Masterpiece Campaign launches .
• Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning established .
• Sacred Heart Schools celebrates 140 years in Chicago .
• Turf field opens .
2017
• Masterpiece Campaign concludes , surpassing its $ 9.7 million goal .
• Revised Portrait of a Sacred Heart Graduate Statement completed .
2018
Revised Equity & Inclusion Statement approved .
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