Sacred Hearts School Alumni Newsletter

Fall 2013

Greetings from your Elementary School Alma Mater!

There’s so much to share with you since I last wrote to you! First and foremost, SHS is celebrating its

75th

Diamond Anniversary! Yes, you are part of a rich history that spans seventy-five years of Catholic

education to literally thousands of students! We are celebrating throughout the year with our

culminating event scheduled for SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014. We will be offering tours of the school

beginning at 2:30PM that day followed by the celebration of Mass at 4:00PM and Dinner at DiBurro’s at

approximately 5:30PM. Please SAVE THE DATE! You will be receiving more information in the

coming months.

In this edition of the Alumni Newsletter, I’d like to re-cap the highlights of the past year for you . . . The

2012-2013 school year found the school community immersed in a Self-Study, a required component of

the re-accreditation process. This past June we were most pleased to announce that Sacred Hearts

School was granted continued accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

(NEASC). The Commission wrote: “It is with great pleasure that the Commission on Independent

Schools, voted to grant Sacred Hearts School continued accreditation. The Visiting Committee Report

identified many areas for commendation. The Commission commends the visionary leadership of the

administrative team and the outstanding commitment of the faculty and staff for providing a strong

academic, moral, and spiritual program for the students. In addition, the Commission congratulates the

school on its seamless integration of technology into daily instruction.”

Curriculum innovations included: the implementation of the Discovery Education (web-based) Science

Program in Grades 5-8 and the continued adoption of the Reading Street Program (now in Grade 4).

The introduction of a six-day schedule provided for a full complement of our Integrated Arts in all grades

as well as common planning for our teachers. Technology continued to propel and enhance both

teaching and learning. Our computer lab was outfitted with twenty-six flat screen computers and eleven

out of fifteen classrooms had interactive whiteboards.

Enrollment increased to 388 students in Grades K-8. The last single Grade 8 class graduated with nearly

13K in merit scholarship and 100% acceptance to the area’s Catholic high schools (for the 9th

consecutive year!) as well as 90% acceptance to the Classical Academy at Haverhill High School.

Our Catholic identity was nourished in so many ways: daily prayer, monthly First Friday Mass, the

Scriptural Rosary, the Thanksgiving Prayer Service, the Advent/Christmas Prayer Service, the Christmas

Pageant, Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, the Lenten Breakfast Club, the 8th Grade Retreat, Food

Drives for our Parish Food Pantry, Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and service

projects throughout the year.

Our efforts in Advancement yielded approximately $50K. Contributions to the Annual Fund have been

earmarked to support some major technology and science enhancements for the 2013-2014 school year.

As the saying goes . . . “It was a very good year!” We remain true to our mission, proud of our

accomplishments and pray that God will continue to bless this wonderful school community.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions (978 372-5451 or

kblain@sacredheartsbradford.org) or would like to be part of planning our 75th Anniversary celebration.

I would love to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kathleen Blain, Principal

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A note from Fr. John Delaney, Pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish

Dear Friends,

Another school year has begun! As always, whenever I visit the school, it is a beehive of learning

and activity. This year we have the largest enrollment in many years - 475 students in Nursery to Grade

8 as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary. Just think of all the young people educated in these seventy- five

years. What a blessing for our community!

Whenever I meet a Sacred Hearts School alum, he/she shares with me wonderful memories and

stories of their experiences at Sacred Hearts School. Whether it was in the 1940’s, 1960’s, 1980’s or

more recently, Sacred Hearts School has a special place in many people’s memory. Friendships were

made. Catholic values and faith were taught and lived. Family life was strong. Education was superior.

The same can be said in our current setting too.

We are blessed with the strong leadership of Mrs. Kathy Blain, our principal and our talented

faculty. Our Catholic faith is taught, celebrated and lived. The classroom curriculum is comprehensive

and challenging. I am pleased that we are embracing the most current technology available in our

classrooms – smartboards, tablets and computers with up to date software. Our sporting programs and

activities are diverse and appealing to all our students. Our new after school enrichment program is a

popular initiative as well.

Thank you for your support of Sacred Hearts School. Drop by for a visit any time. Please pray

for our students, our teachers and staff as we all work together to make Sacred Hearts School a vibrant,

thriving, faith filled place to learn, to grow and to celebrate all God’s blessings.

Blessings and Peace,

Fr. John Delaney

Pastor

Mission Statement for the

Advancement Office

The mission of Sacred Hearts School Advancement

Office is to engage alumni, parents, grandparents,

businesses, and friends to foster relationships as

leaders, ambassadors and investors of Sacred Hearts

School to meet current and long-term financial

support.

Through educating alumni, parents, grandparents,

faculty, staff, students, friends and businesses,

providing information, and fostering relationships,

the Advancement Office seeks to listen to and

communicate with the school's constituents and the

greater community for the purpose of encouraging

them to invest time, expertise, and financial resources

for the advancement of Sacred Hearts School.

Why is the Annual Fund important to SHS?

The Annual Fund involves unrestricted giving from

Alumni, Parents, Grandparents, Businesses, and

Friends. The Annual Fund is essential to the

financial well-being of Sacred Hearts School. It

helps maintain academic excellence, to compensate

quality faculty & staff, to maintain and upkeep

physical plant and grounds and of course, bridge the

gap between tuition and the actual cost to educate

each SHS student.

All gifts to the program, unlike tuition, are tax-

deductible. It is encouraged that all our constituents

participate in and support the advancement program

by offering your "time, talent, and/or treasure".

Alumni Reunion, January 2013

Thank you to our Alumni and Past Parents

who demonstrated their generosity and

commitment to the 2012/2013 Annual

Fund.

Anthony & Malcolm Insurance Agency (Fred

Malcolm)

Mr. Joseph Barbone

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Basiliere

Ms. Diane Carter-Novembre

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Comei

Mr. & Mrs. G. Stevens Davis

Ms. Joann Duffy

Mr. James Dwyer

Mr. & Mrs. John Francis

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Fullerton

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Insero

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Nogast

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Noone

Mrs. Chrissie Pettis

Mrs. Peggy Pistone

Mrs. Holly Roche

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Trainor

The Advancement Office sponsored its first Alumni

Welcome Back reception on January 31, 2013. All

who attended had a great time! Nearly every decade

was represented.

In attendance were:

Class of 1947 Mrs. Dorothy William Buckley

Mrs. Margaret Channell

Mrs. Sheila Boland Facellia

Mrs. Marcia McKay Morse

Class of 1959 Mr. Jim Dwyer

Mrs. JoAnn Collins Paoloino

Mrs. Peggy Kelleher Pistone

Class of 1973

Mrs. Carol Ritchie Lagasse

Class of 1976

Mrs. Joanne Ritchie Blynn

Class of 1986 Mr. Timothy Jordan

Class of 1994

Mrs. Kathleen Swider- Ryzewski

Class of 1998 Miss Elizabeth Swider

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � TOP 10 REASONS WHY WE LIKE MIDDLE SCHOOLTOP 10 REASONS WHY WE LIKE MIDDLE SCHOOLTOP 10 REASONS WHY WE LIKE MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Nice Teachers

• Oldest in the school

• Science Program

• The students have lockers

• Switching classes

• Learning a different language

• Attending “Stand-up to Bullying”

• Kindergarten buddies

• Being a role model

• Seeing friends everyday

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Principal for the Day I had a lot of fun being principal for the day while I was in 3rd grade! It was a great experience. I got to make announcements and do every-day principal tasks. Third grade got to get a pizza party and cupcakes. We also got to watch a movie as a special treat. I had an awesome time. I hope I can be principal again.

Mrs. Blain & Bryna Spratt currently in 4th grade.

_____________________________________

Welcome to our new Teachers

Mrs. Susan Downer graduated Merrimack College

with a BA in Elementary Education and Sociology.

She received her Master’s in Curriculum and

Instruction from Lesley University. She is a certified

teacher for Grades 1-6. Sue has taught Grades 3, 4,

and 5 in the Methuen Public Schools as well as

Biology at the high school level at Central Catholic

High School. Sue has a wealth of experience

working with young people not only as a teacher but

as a basketball coach. Sue will be our Grade 5

Teacher.

Mrs. Sue Downer & her 5th grade class

Miss Lauren Levy graduated St. Michael’s College

in Vermont with a BA in Psychology. This past May

she graduated Merrimack College with her Master’s

in Elementary Education with License in Moderate

Disabilities. Some of us know Lauren from when she

worked at the Early Childhood Center in the After

School Program during the 2011-2012 school year.

She did her student teaching at High Plain

Elementary School in Andover and comes to us with

high praise from the Principal and Staff with whom

she worked. Lauren is our new Grade 3 Teacher.

Miss Lauren Levy & her 3rd grade class

Ms. Maureen Cocchiaro graduated Rivier College

with a M.Ed in School Administration and cum laude

from Assumption College with a BA in Psychology.

She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to

SHS. Her background makes her a perfect fit for

both the .5 teacher in Grade 7 & 8 as well as the .5

resource teacher for Grades 5-8. She began her

teaching career at St. Anne’s in Lawrence, served as

an administrator of three schools in the Archdiocese

and most recently served as a long term sub at the

Lawrence Learning Center where she worked with

diverse learners at the high school level.

Class of 2013

Hannah Elizabeth Alvino* Presentation of Mary Academy Camryn Meredythe Bevilacqua Haverhill High School Michaela Ashley Bouchard** Central Catholic High School Taylor Michael Canto Central Catholic High School Declan Allan Davis** Haverhill High School Kailee Elizabeth Deabay** Central Catholic High School Jacob Albert Donovan Haverhill High School Robert Francis Ferreira Central Catholic High School Collin Patrick Flynn Whittier Regional Vocational High School Seana Marie Gardella* Presentation of Mary

Peter Andrew Gebski Central Catholic High School Savane Nicholas Kisich St. John’s Preparatory High School

Bronagh Anna Leonard LaGrassa North Andover High School Benjamin Russell Mailloux Lowell Catholic High School Kayla Jean McCarthy** Central Catholic High School Benjamin Robert Pistone Whittier Regional Vocational High School Joshua Paul Smith Haverhill High School Faith Paige Stewart* Presentation of Mary Jack Patrick Tynan Haverhill High School Angela Christine Lydia Walukevich** Presentation of Mary Julia Susan Zuber** Haverhill High School

** High Honors: Final Average of 90 or better in all Core Subjects. *Honors: Final Average of 85 or better in all Core Subjects.

Guest Speakers from the 2013 SHS Sports Banquet and their

“Words of Wisdom” “Throughout the years that I spent at Sacred Hearts I gained multiple friendships. When I was at Sacred Hearts I participated

in cross-country, track, volleyball, and basketball. These athletics that I participated in taught me about self-discipline, hard work,

and having pride in my school. But, the one thing that I am most grateful for that athletics here at Sacred Hearts taught me is to

have fun with the people that you are surrounded by when you are doing different activities like sports. If you’re not having fun

and enjoying what you are doing then what’s the point in doing it?

The message that I want the students and athletes to hear is to have fun with the friends that you meet by doing different sports

and activities. These are the people you build lifetime friendships with. I want you to know that no dream is unattainable. With

hard work, effort, and having a passion for something you can achieve anything that you want. Even if you think you’re not the

most talented or the best player on a team there is always a way to get better. So don’t give up on something that you want to

happen.”

Katie attended Central Catholic High School and is now a senior at Boston College studying Elementary Education and still

loving the game of basketball.

Katie Zenevich, Class of 2006

2006 Middle School Champions

__________________________________________________________________________________________ “It was about 8 years ago when I was sitting in your seats thinking, "What do I want to do in high school and in sports"? This

is when I turned to the people around me like my Mom and Dad and coaches. These are the people who can help you the

most. When I was at SHS I played hockey, golf, basketball and volleyball. I loved nothing more than playing basketball and

shooting three point shots.

The friends you make on these teams are the people you will have the rest of your life. Sometimes you win and sometimes

you lose, but you should always enjoy your sport. Don't be afraid of being different too! If you want to try a new sport, try it

(even though your friends may not like it)! When I started golf, not many of my friends played or thought it was cool. Both of

my grandfathers really got me into it. They told me to stick with it because I had a talent for golf.

It is great that all of you support one another. I come back and watch basketball games and I see other kids cheering and

supporting their friends. Nothing is better than school spirit! So, remember, work hard at school and sports, and everything will

pay off. Go Hawks!”

Nick attended St. John’s Prep and is now a senior at St. Anselm’s College. Nick recently participated in the Mass Open and

Mass Amateur Golf Tournament.

Nick Macario, Class of 2006

Featured Alumni I transferred to SHS from public school in the 4th grade. I vividly remember my first day in Sophie Donovan's classroom. I

remember SHS as a close knit community where values and discipline were instilled which allowed for an exceptional education

by some exceptional teachers and faculty.

The curriculum was very regimented and the teachers had high expectations from us as students. The academics provided me

the tools to be challenged and to develop very structured study habits. My education at SHS prepared me for the advanced

placement classes at HHS and eventually lead me to excel onto medical school.

Today, I practice Podiatric Medicine &Surgery in Haverhill, opening my practice 13 years ago. I strongly feel that my early

days at SHS molded me into the student I needed to be in order to attain my goal of becoming a Physician. I am grateful for my

education at SHS and for all the lasting friendships I made along the way.

Dr. Kristyn Pistone, Class of 1985

SAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATE

SACRED HEARTS SCHOOL EVENTSSACRED HEARTS SCHOOL EVENTSSACRED HEARTS SCHOOL EVENTSSACRED HEARTS SCHOOL EVENTS

MardMardMardMardi Gras Celebrationi Gras Celebrationi Gras Celebrationi Gras Celebration

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Black Swan Country Club

2222ndndndnd Annual 5K Run/1 Mile WalkAnnual 5K Run/1 Mile WalkAnnual 5K Run/1 Mile WalkAnnual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

Saturday, April 12, 2014

SHS

75757575thththth Diamond Diamond Diamond Diamond Anniversary Celebration of SHSAnniversary Celebration of SHSAnniversary Celebration of SHSAnniversary Celebration of SHS

Saturday, May 10, 2014

DiBurro’s Function Hall

If there are any parents who are alumni and would like to help

out with this event please contact

Mrs. Blain at kblain@sacredheartsbradford.org

22222222ndndndnd Annual Principal’s Golf TournamentAnnual Principal’s Golf TournamentAnnual Principal’s Golf TournamentAnnual Principal’s Golf Tournament

Friday, May 30, 2014

Bradford Country Club

How can you reconnect with fellow alumni and to Sacred Hearts School?

We strongly encourage you to update your information on the alumni registration form so that

we can keep you informed of the great things happening at SHS.

www.sacredheartsbradford.org

Visit us on Facebook: Sacred Hearts School Alumni Group

Bradford, MA

Email: If you would like to submit a story for the

Winter newsletter, please email Agnes Hayes at ahayes@sacredheartsbradford.org