TASTE OF SUMMER

Friday, June 7th– 25 Cent Event in the Church Hall. Doors open at 5:30. Bidding begins at 7:00

Saturday, June 8th– SHS 5K. Registration begins and packets can be picked up starting at 7:15.   Start Times:   Running Runts 1k: 8:30 am.   5K will begin at 9:00.   Truckin’ Tots: after the 5k

Saturday, June 8th– 2nd Annual Food Fair and Raffle- Church Parking Lot. 5:00-8:00

Begin the summer with a lot of Sacred Heart excitement!. We begin with a ladies night out on Friday. This a great way to unwind and have some fun with your friends. See how lucky you are with a quarter and some lucky numbers. Over 75 prizes will be given away, but the that is not the only way to enjoy the night. Summer cocktails and dinner are available from the kitchen and our vendors are open for business to purchase products that are sure to satisfy.

The 5K is a tradition at SHS and the atmosphere is energetic and supportive. Whether you are a true racer or just want to get some exercise, this 5K is great! The route takes you on a scenic route through the southside of Hudson and finishes with a cheering crowd. A great way to start your Saturday.

5K Start time: 9:00 am
Running Runts 1k: 8:30 am
Truckin’ Tots: after the 5k

Packet Pick-Up begins at 7:15 am in the School Cafeteria (208 S. Market St. Hudson, MI)

5k Cost: $20.00
Running Runts 1k: $13.00
Truckin’ Tots Cost: $10.00

Registration Form 2019

The 2nd Annual Food Fair and Raffle! Mass will be at 4:00, following Mass come to the Church Parking Lot and sample food from our local amateur chefs. Each ticket is $2 and will give you a taste of something delicious. BBQ, cheesy side dishes, hot dogs, desserts and much, much more. We will have professional face painting, a balloon artist and bounce houses for the kids. Get some food and enjoy the beginning of summer with fun, music and good eats!

Contact me at aatkin@sacredhearthudson.org if you want to be food vendor or volunteer for the food fair. We supply all of the serving wear and set up your spot. Just bring enough food for 150 tastes and something to decorate your table. It is that simple!

If you need more raffle tickets, please contact Tammy at the parish office, 4448-3811 or thouser@sacredhearthudson.org.

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, principal

The Joy of the Easter Season

The Catholic church always marks Easter by the first Sunday after the first full moon of the Spring Equinox. That is why the date changes each year and falls somewhere between March 22 and April 25. At the Easter Vigil, we are given the opportunity to strengthen our commitment to our faith. We renew our sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. We continue our faith and God’s commitment to humanity. The sacraments of initiation are important to Sacred Heart School because our students are learning about them and receiving some of them while they are here. We want our children to belong.

We want them to be aware that they are a part of something much larger than themselves. From the beautiful church, to the formality of prayer, the Rosary, the statues, the Saints, the Stations of the Cross and the presence of clergy, we know we are living with the presence of Jesus. Now we are living in the season of Easter and we are filled with joy. The Easter message of the devastation of Good Friday and the Resurrection on Easter is not lost on our children. This perfect example of faith is what will guide our young people through the trials of growing up. We know, all too well, that it is hard. We know the rough days that lie ahead for our children. They will be left out. They will be lost and they will hurt. There is no way to protect them from the trials of living in the world.  We want them to live a full life and experience each day but that means they will have to handle the hard times too.  When the days are filled with uncertainty and life seems unfair, we can remind them to have faith; to never give up hope. Continue to let Christ be your light; your guide and we will never be disappointed.  We can conquer all things when we believe and live with the story of Easter in our heart.  As adults, we know they will need this gift as they struggle and develop in the world. Let’s celebrate the joy of Easter.  We are truly blessed with the gift of love. All things are possible through the love of Christ.

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

References:

The Catholic Faith Store. True meaning of Easter. Retrieved April 24, 2019

Happy Easter

Upcoming Events:

April 26- Founders Day

Join us for Mass at 9:00, followed by a pancake breakfast with alumni in the Church Hall, a slideshow of SHS through the years and a look at our history.

May 19th- Grandparents Day

Grandparents arrive to school at 9:00. Tour the school with the students and visit the Scholastic Book Fair. Mass at 10:00, followed by an all school production in the Church Hall. Lunch provided by the SHS staff.

May 26th- Family Appreciation Day

11:00- All-school production in the Church Hall followed by a luncheon for our families and student celebration!

June 7th- 25 Cent Event

A ladies night out in the Church Hall. Doors open at 5:30. Bidding begins at 7:00.

June 8th- SHS 5K

Registration and packet pick-up begin at 7:15. Race starts at 9:00.

June 8th- Taste of Summer – Food Fair and Raffle

5:00-8:00- Sacred Heart Parish Parking Lot. Sample food from community amateur chefs. Listen to music and let the children enjoy fun activities. Raffle winners pulled at 8:00. It is easy and fun to be a food vendor. Contact Anne Atkin at the school if you can help. 517-448-6405 or email aatkin@sacredhearthudson.org

Alleluia, He is Risen,

Anne Atkin, Principal

We would like to share some good news!

Last month, we applied for a grant from the Michigan State Police Competitive School Safety Grant Program.  This program provides funding to improve the safety and security of students and staff through the purchase of technology and equipment from a pre-approved list of projects and resources.  Two weeks ago, we were notified that our grant request for Sacred Heart School was approved to replace the entry doors, install an electronic access control system, and install an intercom system throughout the school.

The grants were provided through the state from a $25 million fund specifically to improve school safety.  In total, 366 applications received, requesting more than $46 million, for security enhancements.  Sacred Heart School was one of 230 applicants to be awarded a grant, and one of 5 schools in Lenawee County.  Grants were awarded based on need and the equitable distribution of funding throughout the state.  The 2019 awards included 135 public school districts, 66 nonpublic schools, 20 public charter schools and nine intermediate school districts or regional educational service agencies.

We are now in the processes of signing the grant contract documents and final planning of the project.  Construction will take place over the summer break in time for the upcoming school year. A special thank you to Deacon John for his work on the school safety analysis and crafting of the grant.  Stay tuned for more details.

May God continue to bless our school and parish!

Fr Todd/Anne

NOTE:  This project is supported by the fiscal year 2019 Competitive School Safety Grant Program, awarded by the state of Michigan and administered by the Michigan State Police (MSP). Points of view or opinions contained within this document do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the state of Michigan or the MSP.

What Does It Mean to Have Confidence?

When people think of confidence, it is often with the idea that we can fake it. “Fake it ‘till you make it.” This is not bad advice and it generally works, but where does that gumption and courage to tackle challenges come from? I would wager that many times it comes from prayer or faith or at least hope. But what exactly is confidence? Does it come from having the correct appearance? Are we confident if our clothes fit well or our hair is the right color? Can confidence be gained with success? The more success we have, the more confident we become? Are we only allowed to be confident on our good days? What about the days when everything is falling apart?

If we are not careful, it is easy to put our hope and trust into the wrong things.

A hopeless life is in despair. A life without faith is controlled by the human mind. True confidence comes from hope and trust in God. A life led without comparison to others. A life without the highs and lows that come from the constant need for adoration. A confident life is stability and serenity. So how do I get it?

We tell our students that they are made in God’s image and they are perfect just the way they are. They are meant to struggle and to grow; it is their destiny, just as God has planned it. Relax. Confidence must be worked at. It is a virtue. The graces are there; the opportunities are there. We must cultivate confidence if we are to grow in it. “Do not be afraid. Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14:1

As our students are growing, they know what it means to have faith and hope. We pray for them every day. Our students know that their worth does not come from an award or a struggle. It can only come from God. They know they are each special and unique and have a purpose that is divine. It is in this knowledge that they are able to build confidence. It is our mission that are students do not need to fake confidence or worry; they pray for what they need to live in God’s image. Our students are balanced: confident of mind, academics and Catholic faith. We know that for our students to leave Sacred Heart School and tackle challenges, they will need the virtue of confidence. We work to build it every day.

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

Pre-School, Dev. Kindergarten & Kindergarten Open House

Sacred Heart Preschool is a kindergarten readiness program that is based in virtue. As our children develop, it is necessary that they grow closer to God. As they learn the days of the week, the colors of the rainbow, the letters of the alphabet and the joy of books, they are also learning how to behave in a way that brings their soul closer to God.

Sacred Heart has a formula of academic readiness and child development that works.  It is a mixture of obedience, courtesy, self-control and prayerfulness mixed with learning and play. By the time our students are in Kindergarten, they are already on the path to being eager learners who meet academic challenges.

 100% of our kindergarteners test proficient in reading and math. This is significantly higher than state standards and is higher than other Kindergarten classes in the diocese of Lansing.

We are proud to offer a wonderful readiness program to our community. Come to our Open House and see what makes us special!

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

March is for Reading

We have kicked-off March is Reading Month and the students are ready to read 2,200 books in the month of March.

Last year, we had the same goal and we barely made it with only hours to spare. If the students reach their goal, we will take a trip to the Hudson Cinema for a movie and concessions.  The whole month of March revolves around reading and we will have mystery readers and buddy reading as we take a “Tour of the United States.” The teachers each picked a state and the students will be able to experience Colorado, Hawaii, Alaska, Massachusetts and Tennessee. The preschool teachers even built an igloo that the students can read in. At the end of the month, we will take an all school field trip to the Croswell in Adrian to see “The Perfect Dog.” March is always a lot of fun and it is interesting to hear the students talk about the great books they are reading.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in enrolling a child at Sacred Heart School, contact us at 517-448-6405 to schedule a tour. Let’s raise each child to their full potential.  Enrollment begins March 19th for all grades.

Open Houses: Everyone is welcome

March 21st – Beach Party 5:00-7:00

Preschool, Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten

March 28th – Magic of Science 5:00-7:00

Kindergarten – 6th grade

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

A Student’s Experience Should Be Nothing Short of Inspiring

A great school must be ready to serve the families who are enrolled by having a clear mission. High standards, that include the latest technology and data assessment for each student, is not enough. Personal relationships that create an environment where students can learn and grow has to be the priority. Children should be joyful and comfortable in school. The classrooms should be a place of calm, purposeful teaching with the goal of making student stronger. It is clear, teachers are the most important part of any school. Students with teachers who care deeply about them, will carry a love of learning into adulthood. At Sacred Heart, our teachers are what make us special. Our teachers are able to see the potential in each student and nurture them through discipline, special attention and clear academic strategies.

SHS has a rich tradition of educating students who are confident in their abilities and their role as children of God. Each student has the right to be seen as unique and special with a learning plan that fits their needs. Students have the right to be prepared for the world. It is not good enough to have strong academic standards. A great school has high expectations for behavior and virtue in tandem with a passion for exploring and embracing the possibilities each student has for an enlightened future. SHS is rooted in diligent classroom work and we are determined to inspire our students to continue to seek greatness long after they have left our hallways. This year alone, our 5th and 6th graders will see the Toledo Symphony and a Broadway play, serve at a major fundraising event, learn hands-on life skills, visit Notre Dame University and Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, face their fears at camp, and have many opportunities to perform and public speak; all while acting as role models for the younger students. It is in this tradition that we are able to promise and live up to our mission that our students are balanced: confident of mind, academics and faith.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in enrolling a child at Sacred Heart School, contact us at 517-448-6405 to schedule a tour. Let’s raise each child to their full potential.

Open Houses: Everyone is welcome

March 21st – Beach Party 5:00-7:00

Preschool, Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten

March 28th– Magic of Science 5:00-7:00

Kindergarten – 6th grade

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

JOIN THE 100 CLUB

The support of the 100 Club is a blessing. As you know, our parents make financial sacrifices to send their kids to a school that can put God into every part of the day. From the moment the doors open, the hallways and classrooms are filled with guidance from the Holy Spirit. It is evident from the joy on the student’s faces that they are guided to use their God given talents to meet challenges and live to their full potential.

Last year we were able to purchase all of the items on the teacher’s wish lists for their classrooms. We are so grateful for your generous support of the students and staff at Sacred Heart School.

This year the money received from the 100 Club will go toward the betterment of the gym. As you know, we have a large functional gym on the third floor of the school. The gym floor has been replaced in recent years and the students have a wonderful place for gym and indoor recess. With a fresh coat of paint and new tumbling pads, basketballs and jump ropes, we will have a fun, clean space for the students to run off extra energy.

To join the 100 Club, simply send your $100 donation to the Parish Office, marked 100 Club.  Your donation to the 100 Club can make all the difference to our students.

Thank you for your vision that Sacred Heart School will continue to inspire the next generation of faithful, lifelong learners.

May God Bless You,

Anne Atkin, principal

The Virtue of Hospitality and How It Open Our Hearts

When we think about hospitality, we think about opening our homes to friends and family. Maybe we host a book club or put a lot of effort into creating a home that is warm and welcoming. It is a lovely thing to be hospitable and to welcome people with kindness and affection. Last Friday, at the children’s Mass, Father Todd talked to the students about hospitality as a virtue. As a virtue hospitality means to open our hearts to others. It gives us the desire to be empathetic in the way listen and engage with the people we encounter throughout the day.

This works especially well when dealing with children. When we take a deep breath and understand that our children are far from perfect; that they are developing. Every mistake is the opportunity to learn valuable lessons. But it is really hard to learn when we are not fully understood. We all want someone to take the time to open their heart and listen with empathy.

Is there a hospitable way to resolve conflict? Can I take a minute to look at the situation from a different angle? What is going on with you? To ask and really listen with your heart. To not immediately interject your own words. Maybe, not put yourself into the conversation at all. If we are truly hospitable, we are open and attentive. We listen with the goal to understand fully where the other person’s mind is. To try to understand before we become hostile; the opposite of hospitality. Really listen and then pass on some good advice that will help children to make better decisions now that they know better.

By practicing hospitality as a virtue, we are gaining God’s grace. Everyone we meet is God’s child and has a soul that is divine. We know they have a unique way of looking at everything that is built from their experiences. Not everyone will think the way we do. I think sometimes people forget that. Hospitality gives each of us the chance to grow and learn in ways we would never think of on our own. With hearts and minds open, we can all earn our spot in Heaven.

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal