news & updates | Christmas 2021

Pope Francis has said,

“Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.”

I pray that this season your family

is filled with the joy and hope

that comes in the sharing of time

with our loved ones.

I look forward to seeing everyone again in the new year.

New Years Eve Skate Party at Hunt Armory

Join us for some family fun and ice skating on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a Neighborhood Skate Party. There is no cost to skate and rental skates will be available at no charge. See flyer for more details.

All attendees must register each family member in advance. Space is limited!

Vaccine Clinic — January 7th

UPMC will host a follow-up vaccine clinic on Friday, January 7th from 3–5pm in the Sacred Heart Church Auditorium. If you received your first shot at the clinic on December 17th you are automatically registered for January 7th. If you need a booster or would like your first vaccine, please register at the link below:

Booster information can be found here.

Vaccines available are:

Pediatric Pfizer for ages 5–11

Pfizer for ages 12+

Johnson & Johnson for ages 18+

Important Links

Notes from the office

Parent Teacher Conferences:

Second Quarter 2021–2022

Thursday, January 27th

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

and Friday, January 28th

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Conferences for the second quarter are not mandatory, but may be requested by parents or the teacher.

If you would like to schedule a conference, please click on the link below and complete the form no later than Monday, January 10th. If you request a conference, your conference times will be emailed to you.

Request a Conference

Please remember that viewing your child’s progress regularly on “Option C” will help you to monitor assignments and grades prior to receiving the report card. Please contact the office if you’re not sure how to access grades on Option C.

Preparing for the

2022–2023 School Year

During January, we will begin to plan for the 2022–2023 school year. In order to purchase books, plan for classes, accept new families, arrange transportation, etc. we need to know if your child/children will be returning to Sacred Heart. To facilitate planning, please complete the form below for each student presently enrolled in Preschool through grade seven.

2022–2023 Enrollment Survey

Snow Delays and Cancellations

If Sacred Heart Elementary School has a delay or cancellation due to weather conditions, you will be notified via email, text, and by phone (Option C). You can also check KDKA, WTAE, and WPXI.

Flexible Instruction Days

Some “cancelled” days will be used as “flexible instruction” days instead. If this occurs, you will receive and Option C with more information. Teachers will post assignments on Class Dojo (K–2) and Google Classroom (3–8) for students to complete at their own pace throughout the day. Teachers will be available via email and will inform students when assignments are due.

If school is canceled, parents will be notified if the cancellation is a Flexible Instruction Day via Option C.

Confirmation Meeting

for Candidates and Families

Thursday, January 6, 2022

6:30 p.m.

via Zoom (link to be sent via email)

All Grade 8 students and families preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to attend this important meeting.

A zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting along with the following items, due to homeroom teachers no later than Monday, January 31

1. Information Form

2. Sponsor Certificate

3. Reflection on the name of the saint chosen for Confirmation

4. A letter to our Pastor, Fr. Joseph Mele, requesting the sacrament

For any questions or concerns please email [email protected]

First Reconciliation and First Communion

Information and Dates

A February parent Zoom call will be scheduled in mid-January when third quarter begins.

First Reconciliation dates (both at St Raphael Church, 1:00 p.m.)

Room 110 (Adams)

March 5, 2022

Room 108 (Acklin)

March 12, 2022

Students can attend either session, but suggested to attend on the above dates with their respective classroom.

First Communion Retreat & Rehearsal

Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.

Sacred Heart Church

First Communion Mass

Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. (report to SHES at 11:00 a.m.)

For any questions or concerns please email [email protected]

The Mystery of the Eucharist

Our parish chaplain, Fr. Steve Palsa, is hosting a series titled, The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church. All are welcome to take part in this weekly Zoom for six consecutive Thursdays from 7:00-8:00pm beginning on January 20th. Please contact Fr. Palsa with any questions — [email protected].