From Mrs. Rhodes
I am so excited for the Master Plan reveal next week. I have been praying that as we move forward we can be editifed by the mission – seeing growth in holiness through excitement in the community. I was with my parents over spring break and couldn’t help but reflect, now that they are over 80 but still living in the same farm house, how much their community means to them. There are many memories of people just showing up and doing what needs to be done. My husband and I joke about finding our “ice cream friends” – the couple that my parents go out for a drive, ice cream, wine and games of cards every Sunday ever since they reached out to get them out of the house when Dad was going through his cancer treatment (over 20 years ago).
As we start the fourth quarter, it seems we build up to some really busy times before finishing the school year. Just a reminder that our last day of school has been moved up to Tuesday, May 20 so that the entire staff can participate in a training on the science of reading.
This is one of many things that we are planning for the next year. I have appreciated the help of the school leadership team in creatively finding ways to help us grow and change the culture of the school to meet the goals set so that the school community can be on mission with the parish!
As I continue to read and study the Anxious Generation, the data is crazy as to how smart phones have changed our children’s childhood. Couple this with other protective things that we do as parents to keep our kids safe, and we have the perfect storm of why so many social and mental health issues are in our schools. It is not hopeless, as there are many chapters on what government, schools and parents can do to reverse the trend.
The great news is that many of these changes fit well with our mission of preparing minds for the future and souls for eternity. The biggest advantage that we have in our Catholic School is the community that works well together. I am looking for a parent to champion a Smart-Family (https://www.smart-families.org/) program (as part of CPS) to use technology wisely in our families. This will support what the school is going to do as we make changes to policies regarding phones and other smart devices brought to school.
Another program that I am excited about is the Let Them Grow (https://letgrow.org/) program they mentioned in the book. It is a homework assignment for kids to do something on their own that they have not done before. Of course, many of these things can be easier with community support – something like going to park without adult supervision or spending time getting ice cream with friends. There are many options such as making a meal or doing laundry – I was shocked when the book gave an example of middle elementary students deciding to cut their own meat because until then knives were too dangerous. Let me know if you are interested in being part of making this happen.
Strength in Surrender,
Kathy Rhodes
Middle School Smoothie Orders Due Tuesday
Use the link to order Strawberry Xtreme flavored smoothies for April 2. Thanks for helping us sponsor Unbound students. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, March 25th at 9:00 pm.
Parish Opportunities
Wine & Wisdom: Join us for "Wine and Wisdom: Tax Reducing Strategies" with local financial advisor Bill Eckert on Wednesday, March 26th at 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus – Shawnee. Bill will share valuable insights on reducing taxes, protecting your IRA, and optimizing your financial future, all while enjoying a local wine tasting. Register here!
SHOJ March Madness: All men 17+ are invited to join us this Wednesday, March 26th at 8 PM in the church—find out more and be part of something special!
Mother Daughter Tea Party: Join us on Sunday, March 30th, from 1-3 PM. Tickets are $30 for Mother/Daughter, $10 for each additional daughter, and $15 for grandmothers and aunts. Fancy dress and big hats are encouraged for this special afternoon of tea, treats, and memories! Register here!
Revitalizing the Family: JPII's Vision for Society: Archbishop Naumann invites you to join him at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM for a special event with George Weigel, renowned Catholic theologian and author of the biography Witness to Hope on Pope St. John Paul II. Weigel will present a keynote on "JP2's Vision for the Family." Archbishop Naumann will also be receiving an award at this event!
40 Days for Life: Sacred Heart will participate in the 2025 Spring 40-Day Campaign with two mornings of sidewalk prayer. We are scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, and Thursday, April 10th, from 7:00 AM to Noon each day. Please join us in praying for the sanctity of life.
Quo Vadis: We’re thrilled to announce that one of the biggest wins of last year, Quo Vadis, is making its return on May 4th at the Embassy Suites! Last year’s event was unforgettable, and we can’t wait to do it all over again. Get ready for another inspiring, high-energy experience—mark your calendars and join us for an event you won’t want to miss. Register here by April 23rd.
Magnify Women's Retreat: Sacred Heart is hosting the Magnify Women’s Retreat on Saturday, March 29. This inspiring day will include morning prayer, adoration, confession, and Mass, as well as a panel discussion featuring women and priests from the Archdiocese. Experience fellowship and spiritual renewal with other women as we grow in faith together. We hope to see you there! Register here!
Vacation Bible School: VBS will be held June 9-13—registration is open!
TENTATIVE 25-26 School Calendar
Please know this Calendar may change.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL CALENDAR 2025-2026
Revised 1/10/25
AUGUST
6 Teachers Return
10 SUNDAY Supply Drop off 9:00-11, New Family Meeting 11-12
13 *First day of school *11:30 dismissal
21 Back to School Night
SEPTEMBER
1 NO SCHOOL-Labor day (SOF)
? Lemon Out Free Dress Day
? CPS Parent Meeting
? Donuts with Dads
? Changing Bodies 5th grade Talks 6:30
25 NO SCHOOL- P/T Conference
26 NO SCHOOL
OCTOBER
? School Picture Day
? Muffins with Moms
20/21 NO SCHOOL-End of 1st Quarter
? Trunk of Treat
31 HALF DAY Halloween Parties
NOVEMBER
1 CEF Gaudemaus
21 *11:30 Dismissal-Near and Dear Day
SOF PM
24-28 NO SCHOOL-Thanksgiving
24 Teacher PD
DECEMBER
? Christmas Program
18 Last Day Before Break
19 NO SCHOOL- Teacher PD
Beginning of Christmas Break
JANUARY
5 NO SCHOOL-Teachers Return
6 *Classes Resume-K-8
19 NO SCHOOL-MLK Holiday
25 Catholic Schools Week Begins
30 *11:30 Dismissal Cardinal Carnival
FEBRUARY
? Class Photos
? Fat Tuesday/Early Valentine Parties
12 NO SCHOOL-Parent Teacher Conference
13 No School – PD Day
16 NO SCHOOL-President’s Day
18 Ash Wednesday
MARCH
? Serve Day/Talent Show
16-23 NO SCHOOL-Spring Break
23 No School Teacher PD
24 *Classes Resume 1-8
25 Classes resume for K
APRIL
2 Holy Thursday Full day of School
3 No School Good Friday
6 NO SCHOOL-Easter Monday
19 Quo Vadis Dinner
20 No School SOF
MAY
1 NO SCHOOL SOF
6 May Crowning
11 Graduation Dinner
12 Graduation Mass
18 Field Day
19 *Last day of School-*11:30 Dismissal
20 Teacher PD
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic school
Email: kathy.rhodes@shoj.org
Website: school.SHOJ.com
Location: 21801 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 9134225520
Facebook: facebook.com/SacredHeartCatholicSchool