Email being clipped? Click here to view it in a browser.
All-School eNews | February 7, 2020
FEATURED STORY:
"No One is Doing What We Do" - Highlights from the State of the School Address
By Damian Hermann, Head of School
Thank you to everyone who attended the State of the School address on Tuesday evening. I'm also grateful to and proud of our student speakers Sofia DeSanto '20, Walter Knysz IV (Grade 7) and Hannah Kakos '20 (pictured above), who truly showcased the #ASHDifference.
This year, we gathered in the Chapel to celebrate our Sacred Heart roots and the deep sense of community that we share. In case you were't able to attend, I've included a few quotes from my remarks below, and you can click here to read additional highlights.
- My decision-making model, which I ask all of our ASH team to use, is described by two questions: "Are we doing what is best for our students and are we on mission?". If we are doing something that is taking away from our ability to deliver on those questions, or we can do something that can help us better or more quickly deliver on those questions, then we need to be willing to change.
- Now I'm getting more comfortable with the idea that in an organization as complicated and as big as this, I can't make everyone happy all the time. BUT I hope you understand that our intent is always good and that we are faithful to our decision-making model. We want to make things better for the students and we want to always remain on mission.
- I worked with and learned from some of the smartest and most accomplished educators in the country – and I will tell you that we have an abundance of educational talent in our faculty team. It is this extraordinary talent that is going to move us forward.
- This is why community and neighborhood confidence is so important. This is why branding and marketing are so important. This is why student experiences and outcomes are so important. This is why our mission is so important. It is your confidence and belief that makes the biggest impact on our enrollment growth. Your willingness to share your passion for Academy of the Sacred Heart, the unique aspects of the Sacred Heart approach, and how it personally affects your child, is key.
- People ask me, "Damian – Is there a market for Sacred Heart in this area? Don't you know how competitive your local school market is?" I could go on and on answering this question, BUT I hope by now you have heard me loud and clear. No one is doing what we do. We are unique and everyone will want to be at Sacred Heart in the next few years. I know that. We are the best AND we can and must get better.
- In 1851, when Academy of the Sacred Heart began as a Catholic, Independent School, we were, without a doubt, the first progressive school in Michigan. Progressive is not always a fully understood term. Let me make clear what it means to us. It means that we believe that education is more than academic excellence. For us, it is an education that develops a connection to God's mystery, a commitment to social justice, a connection in and through community, and a belief that independence and accountability are critical to forming the human person.
- I am not short of passion for what we are doing. We as a school are not short of passion for what we are doing. We are Academy of the Sacred Heart and we are SPECIAL.
Most importantly, I encourage you to watch for enrollment information and contracts, which will be emailed next week. Your prompt response allows us to plan confidently for the 2020-2021 academic year.
It is a been a big week for us here at Sacred Heart, and I know many of us are already getting prepared for tonight's event - A Grand Affair Benefit Gala. Staying in? Don't forget, you have the option to bid on silent auction items from the comfort of your own home! Many of our community members have already started bidding here. I'm truly grateful for your generous support, and hope you'll bid early and often, whether you're with us at the Townsend or only in spirit.
Surprise Congé Brings Catholic Schools Week to a Close
The grand finale to Catholic Schools Week was a surprise congé on Friday, January 31. Students gathered in the Field House for an amazing magic show by special guest "Baffling Bill". Watch this short video to experience some of the excitement yourself!
In many Sacred Heart schools, congé is an "unscheduled" in-school holiday where students channel all their energy into celebration and fun - a long-standing tradition dedicated to building community! Thank you to the Education to Mission Team for arranging this "magical" surprise.
PAASH NEWS
Meeting Change
The PAASH meeting originally scheduled for February 25 has been changed to Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 a.m. This month we will have a different meeting format, and the learning community leaders will not be in attendance. We will be discussing ways to improve your PAASH experience. There will also be an opportunity for you to get more involved with future volunteer opportunities. Come join us!
Sacred Heart Hospitality
As we prepare to welcome the Young Americans from March 4-8, we are asking for your generous assistance in two areas:
- Consider opening your home to two or more cast members. We are in need of seven more families to host Young Americans. Click here for more information.
- Snacks & Meals - The Young Americans expend a lot of energy teaching their classes and rehearsing; therefore, they eat A LOT! Donations of snacks and drinks are needed for the days they will be here working with our students. Click here to sign up to donate or volunteer to help with meals.
Middle and Upper School parents, watch for additional information to be sent home via e-mail next week.
NURSE'S NOTES
From the Oakland County Health Department
With the emergence of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, the Oakland County Health Division wanted to share information on the current situation, how to stay healthy and reminders on how to prevent the spread of illnesses.
There has been a limited number of 2019-nCoV cases confirmed in the United States from travelers returning to the U.S. from abroad. The 2019-nCoV has not been detected in Oakland County.
This is an evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Please visit oakgov.com/health for the most up to date information.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The simple everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent the spread of coronaviruses.
What is 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019.
What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV?
People diagnosed with 2019-nCoV have reported mild to severe respiratory illness 2 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
How is 2019-nCoV spread?
Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses and respiratory illnesses are spread mainly via respiratory droplets of an infected person, through
- the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, and/or eyes.
Has anyone in the United States become infected?
There has been a limited number of 2019-nCoV cases confirmed in the United States, mainly from travelers returning to the U.S. from abroad.
Am I at risk for 2019-nCoV infection?
Currently in the United States, there is a low risk of 2019-nCoV infection to the general public. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment may change.
The risk to individuals is dependent on exposure. At this time, some people will have an increased risk of infection, for example healthcare workers caring for 2019-nCoV patients and other close contacts. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV is considered low.
Can I still travel to countries where 2019-nCoV cases have occurred?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended avoiding all nonessential travel to China.
The situation is evolving, and these notices may be updated as more information becomes available. Check CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ travelers/index.html for the most current travel alerts.
What if I recently traveled to China and got sick?
If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should get medical care. Call your health care provider's office before you go and tell them about your travel and symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don't go out, and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine or treatments?
There is not a vaccine or specific treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV. People with 2019-nCoV can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
How can I help protect myself?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The simple everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent the spread of coronaviruses. These include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with people who are sick.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
|
ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART