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The Rhodes Ahead

September 19 , 2025

The RhodesAheadSeptember 19 , 2025
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From Mrs. Rhodes

Dear Sacred Heart Families,



One of the joys of walking our halls is hearing students and teachers talk about the virtues. Often, I’m reminded to grow in these same virtues myself. Sometimes, I even discover that the way we’re teaching a virtue redefines it for me in a deeper way.


Next week, we’ll focus on obedience—a virtue every parent appreciates in children! But it’s also a virtue for us as adults. In my own reflection, I’ve realized obedience is more than just following rules. Our Virtue in Education program defines obedience as “assenting to rightful authority without hesitation or resistance.” That word assenting is key—it means saying “yes” with our thoughts, words, and actions, not just checking boxes.


Good teaching always begins with clear expectations. When we join a community, we agree to follow its guidelines. I am grateful that our parish has set clear expectations for parish life (you can learn more here: Parish Registration Vide).


Likewise, our school outlines expectations through the covenants in the handbook, which you can now find on the parent portal after you log in. These covenants apply to students, parents, teachers, and even administration—because we all share responsibility for living our mission.


When something isn’t clear, please know our doors are always open. Trust grows when we ask questions, listen well (even to hard feedback), and work together.


As families of Sacred Heart, we are blessed to belong to a vibrant parish and school community. With that blessing comes the responsibility to embrace our policies, guidelines, and leadership. Living this spirit of obedience and cooperation helps us maintain unity, create a safe and faith-filled environment, and joyfully witness to our Catholic identity.


Blessings,

Kathy

Principal Search Update

We are partnering closely with the Archdiocesan Schools Office as we continue the search for our 2026–2027 School Principal. As we shared a few weeks ago, the position has been posted and applications are coming in. The Superintendent of Schools conducts the initial screening and provides Fr. Zarse with candidate information. From there, Fr. Zarse and our leadership team will prayerfully discern which candidates move forward to the next stage of interviews.


A few families have asked when the posting will close. At this time, we will continue to review and interview candidates, and the posting will remain open until the final candidate emerges.

Conference Sign Up Links

PRESCHOOL

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4FABA62DAAF49-58681560-preschool#/

K-5

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4FABA62DAAF49-58630360-k5fall#/

MIDDLE SCHOOL

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4FABA62DAAF49-58633082-middle#/


Just a reminder, these mandatory meetings are for a snapshot of where all students are. Teachers prepare for a 7-10 minute conversation with each parent, allowing about 5 minutes for questions (bringing a list of questions can help). Please help us stay on schedule and enable everyone to meet during the time they sign up to attend. Middle school parents, please only sign up with your child's homeroom teachers, as there are not 140 slots for every teacher to meet with each student. We are always available to schedule meetings if needed.

In Person Smart Families Parent Education

Here is the link to register for one of the sessions advertised in the flier below.


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4FABA62DAAF49-58340629-smart#/

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New Policy Reminders

Birthday Treats

These cannot be homemade and all purchased treats (even donuts from the bakery) must have ingredients available to check for allergies.

Lunch Visitors
To ensure the safety of all students, parents/guardians must notify the school by email in advance if anyone other than a parent/guardian will be eating lunch with their child. This includes grandparents, relatives, family friends, or other designated visitors. Without prior written notice from a parent/guardian, visitors will not be permitted to join students for lunch.

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Middle School Smoothies Are Back

Orders for smoothies to be delivered on Tuesday, Oct. 7 are due Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 8:00 pm. October's flavor is Angel Food (strawberry and banana). Here is your October link: https://web4u.forms-db.com/view.php?id=2787065

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Local Uniform Shop Now Available

We are excited to partner with Kansas Ink and Thread in Bonner Springs for uniform shirts and sweatshirts. They have a developed an online store that can deliver to the school Shojshop.com.

In our online shop, you will notice that you can also arrange to bring items into their shop to get our logo added. Their business hours vary (https://kansasink.com/) so please reach out to them for this special service.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 24 Parent SMART Family Presentation (option 2) 6:30 MPC

Sept. 25 Parent Teacher Conferences

Sept. 26 No School

Oct. 1 Skate Party

Lumen Accreditation

As we continue the journey of switching to Lumen accreditation, here is a comparison of three common accrediting agencies.

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presidential service tracking form.pdf
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Sign up here

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548A5AF2EA3FFC16-57915282-glowing

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Parish Opportunities

As a reminder, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and School is a smoke-free campus. While on Sacred Heart property, including in cars, smoking is prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation!


Capital Campaign FAQ


Are you interested in learning more about the Capital Campaign and the future of Sacred Heart? For the next four weeks we will be sharing some answers and information regarding the campaign!


Click here to learn more.

Catholic Charities Food Drive: On September 20-21 before/after all Masses in the courtyard at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Charities will be having a food drive. You can donate financially here. Sign up to help load the truck here.


Coffee & Donuts: Starting Sunday, September 21st, we’re excited to bring back Coffee & Donuts after each Sunday Mass! We are looking for volunteers each Sunday to help serve. Sign up today and help us make this a welcoming time for our parish community! Sign-up here.



The Marriage Course: Sacred Heart of Jesus is once again offering The Marriage Course! Join us for a special series of 7 sessions, starting October 6, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2. The course is $20/couple and is designed for couples looking to build a deeper connection. Register here.


Marriage Mentors: Interested in being a marriage prep mentor? EverMore in Love is offering flexible hybrid training with independent work, individual coaching, and weekly zoom meetings. When registering, use promo code ARCHKCK. Register here.

Uniforms - New Logo

School Belles, see picture below, is ready to provide uniforms for us. As far as old uniforms, there will be no expiration dates for students to wear the current logo. I know that uniforms are expensive and don't intend for you to have to buy all new uniforms.

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SHOJ Rosary Ministry

St. Benedict Rosary Prayer Group will meet on the little playground at 3:06 each Wednesday to pray The Rosary (or at least part of it) for SHOJ school. All are welcome, even littles can come play while you pray. Please join us.

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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

Kathy Rhodes
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