The Rhodes Ahead
September 19 , 2025
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
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#/
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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