Although this news is no longer current, it is kept available so that family, faculty and prospective families may see the kinds of events and related photos we've put on in the past.
In
the honor of the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the students of Sacred
Heart School in Rockaway celebrated a final school liturgy and then
proceeded outside the school building to gather around the wildlife
habitat garden. Father Jean Claude blessed the garden and led the
school community in a prayer service to celebrate the new
prayer/wildlife habitat garden created by the 6th grade class with the
help of Mr. Curtis Appleby. Dana Kluczyh, 6th grade, Carmen Ruiz in 5th
grade, and Mary Sudol of 7th grade read a variety of poetry after the
blessing. Pictures are HERE!
During
the fourth marking period, students in grades K, 3, and 6 of Sacred
Heart School in Rockaway organized and hosted a community service
project to benefit the children of St. Peter’s Village, a local
orphanage located in Denville. The school-wide collection yielded a
spectacular amount of items on their “summer wish list” for the boys of
St. Peter’s to have an enjoyable summer. Students enthusiastically pack
up all the items so that they can be delivered to St. Peter’s by Mrs.
Maida, the third grade teacher.
The Paterson Diocese has awarded Sacred Heart School this prestigious award for its outstanding 5th and 6th
Grade Literacy Program. This Program is a multi-disciplinary literature
unit that compliments the study of various class novels. The
panel of education from the diocese that observed the culminating
activity involving every student in the two grades was in awe.
Congratulations to 5th & 6th
Grade Teachers Mrs. Reilly and Mrs. Baio whose expertise, creativity,
and selfless dedication to Sacred Heart’s students make them
extraordinary educators. This is the 6th Best Practice Award that Sacred Heart School has received from the diocese.
The award was presented at the Convocation Meeting May 6th, 2009 held at Saint Mary’s School in Pompton Lakes.
"A
Star School in the Paterson Diocese is a school on the 'cutting edge.'
It promotes high student achievement and has an identifiable
specialization, which addresses the educational services and needs of
students. The faculty is engaged in professional development; there is
administrative and fiscal efficiency demonstrated in the educational
program. Outstanding performance is measured in terms of student
results and school accomplishments and there are collaborative efforts
with parents, parish and community."
For additional information or a sample copy, Contact: Rebecca D’Alauro, 973-810-3051
Mrs.
Lucy Rovegno's 2nd grade class recently read biographies of important
people. They then dressed up like the person they were studying and
gave a report on the book they read.
All had fun and pictures are here.
The older students presented an
in depth look at environmental concerns facing each ocean including
over fishing, oil spills, general pollution as well as the effects of
global warming, especially in areas of the Arctic Ocean. They each
offered possible solutions to these problems, as well as causes and
effects. Younger grades spoke about shorelines, starfish, sea
turtles, jellyfish, and other oceanic life. Each presentation included
a visual aid, whether a colorful sea creature carefully crafted by a
Kindergartener or a project board with many facts and figures. It was
obvious that each student spent a great deal of time and effort in
preparing for the presentation, which made for a very informative and
entertaining afternoon.
Mrs.
Rovegno's 2nd grade class recently went to the Sterling Hill Mining
Museum. This complex used to be an active zinc mine and is now open to
the public . It's packed with exhibits, tours, and fun. There are
restored machinery outdoors as well as the ability to go down into the
mine and see how the work was done. The class learned alot and had
alot of fun. Pictures Here!
Mrs.
Hendershot's Sixth Grade science class is seeking certification by the
National Wildlife Federation for creating a wildlife habitat in front
of Sacred Heart School. With the help of a parents' generousity and Mr.
Appleby's hard workers, the Sixth Grade planted perenials to attract
area butterflies, and birds. In addition, Mr. Appleby helped by
providing bird feeders, bird bath and benches for the school community
to enjoy the natural beauty of this habitat. Each student contributed
by bringing in plants that included butterfly bushes, blueberry bushes,
rose bushes and trumpet vines. Here you see the before and after
pictures as a result of everyone's hard work because of their
committment to this project and the wildlife in our area.
Pictures are Here.
As part of environmental education, Mrs. Hendershot’s fifth grade Science class at Sacred Heart School took a community walk on March 26th to the Rockaway River
to clean-up. During this science class activity, students realized that
human garbage affects our river systems and the surrounding natural
habitats. Together, they put the garbage they found where it
belongs…..the trash or recycling! Amazingly enough, there is a trash
receptacle right next to the river! Students were disturbed by an
unwillingness of people to take care of their own garbage in spite of
what all the media’s messages about preserving our resources and taking
care of the planet.
Pictures are HERE!
Sacred
Heart School of Rockaway is hostings its 'Fifth Annual Golf Classic.'
The goal of this event is to ensure that our children are receiving the
most out of their academic experience at SHS. Click HERE for the full overview and a registration form.
Grade
8 mentors Grade 5 in Science as Grade 5 studies Earth Science and
learns about fossils. Grade 8 helped conduct a lab with Mrs. Hendershot
and made fossils using a "science recipe". Due to the leadership skills
of Grade 8 and the cooperation of Grade 5, the recipe was a success!
Pictures are here!
The Feast of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Students Help St. Peter's Village orphanage
Sacred Heart School Rockaway Awarded The 2009 Best Practice Award from the Paterson Diocese
Grade 2 does Live book reports
Sacred Heart Students Delve Into the Ocean
Students
at Sacred Heart School in Rockaway spent weeks preparing for their
presentation exploring many aspects of the oceans throughout the
world. Each grade focused on different aspects from oceanic life, to
environmental concerns as well as topography and famous oceanic
historians. The program incorporated songs, and poetry, as well as
included members of each grade, demonstrating a creative alternative to
the traditional science fair.
Grade 2 goes to the Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Grade 6 creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat
Grade 5 Learns about Recycling and Supporting The Local Habitat
Not Just another Book Report for Sacred Heart's Grade 3 Class
SHS 5th Annual Golf Glassic
Market Day Food Website now ready to take orders!

Market Day Fundraiser
MarketDay
website sale up now! Click Here to shop for amazing prepared foods.
All of your purchases go toward making Sacred Heart School a better
place. Check it now by clicking HERE.
Grade 8 mentors Grade 5 in Science.
In the little village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Its charm, humor, warmth, honesty and universal themes cut across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, touching audiences throughout the world.
A epic piece of theatre, Fiddler... Junior covers the full range of human emotions, presenting young performers with a unique acting challenge - especially the mature young man starring as Tevye, among the most memorable and rewarding roles in musical theatre.
Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler... Junior is also an ideal vehicle for multi-cultural studies. Whatever the circumstances, Fiddler... Junior is a thrilling undertaking that is well worth the effort.
UPDATE 3/28/09. We're almost ready! See pictures here!
Sacred Heart needs an after school care worker (Aftercare.) Monday through Friday from 2:10pm until 5:00pm. If interested, please call Sr. Marie at 973-627-7689. This is a paid position.
WASHINGTON, DC–This summer, high-achieving elementary school students will take part in the
National Young Scholars Program (NYSP). Held at the the St. Thomas More Cathedral School in
Arlington, VA, NYSP inspires outstanding 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students to explore, invent, learn and think creatively.
Four SHS students attended the program this summer: Paul Bello, Jaden Buckner, Matthew Chinsky
and Kevin Peer.
“The National Young Scholars Program provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on
interactive learning, while challenging them in an intellectually stimulating environment outside of the
regular classroom,” said Dr. Donna Snyder, a former classroom teacher, elementary school principal and
university professor, who designed the Program’s curriculum.
NYSP gives students the chance to unleash their full learning potential as they further their interest
in specific areas of study such as environmental science, architecture, weather, world exploration, forensic
science and medicine. Throughout the Program, young scholars engage in challenging coursework, gain a
greater sense of independence and experience a renaissance of learning. The Program culminates with
student-created projects tying in leadership skills learned with the discoveries made in their specific area of
study.
Activities such as investigating a balanced environment, exploring customs from around the world,
embarking on a fascinating journey into the human body and solving a “whodunit” through work in a model
forensics lab are just a few highlights of the innovative curriculum. Simulation activities and role-play
encourage scholars to develop their leadership skills, while introducing them to the concepts of teambuilding,
problem-solving, public speaking and goal-setting.
“NYSP taps into the natural curiosity that students at this young age already have,” said Dr. Snyder.
“This program will help them continue down a path toward a lifelong love of learning.”
NYSP is sponsored by the National Center for Early Academic Excellence (NCEAE), an
independent educational organization dedicated to identifying, inspiring and honoring the nation’s most
promising elementary school students. NCEAE is comprised of highly successful practitioners in the field
of elementary education who boast over 20 years of experience.
Papal Visit
Our own Monsignor John Hart attended the Papal Mass and was found on Fox News.
Click here to see Video footage!
Golf Outing a Success!
SHS 2008 Annual Golf Outing at Picattiny Arsenal was a success. For the most part, Monsignor Hart's prayers for a dry day in the threat of rain held up. Although somewhat windy and cold, all had fun on this incredible hidden gem of a course. The following dinner and raffle was fun for all..
Field Day was a lot of Fun!
Despite the couldy skies and drizzly weather, everyone had a lot of fun for Field Day 2008
SHS First Communicants and their families gathered together one evening to assemble their First Communion Banners. The banners were then hung in the church for First Communion.
First Communicants attend Retreat
SHS First Communicants experienced the Biblical Foundation of Holy Communion during a fun-filled retreat designed to complement their in school First Communion instruction. They sensed what the Last Supper was like as they participated in a Passover Seder. The children reviewed the meaning of the sacrament and celebrated God's love with songs, games and much more!
On Tuesday, December 4th, Bill Evans, the Senior Meteoroligist for WABC-TV's Eyewitness News in the Morning and Eyewitness at Noon came to Sacred Heart School to address the entire student body for an informative and educational discussion on meteorology, weather processes and forecasting.
Bill Evans had finished his noon meteorological duties in Manhattan to then come to Rockaway to talk to the students upon the request of Linda Maida’s third-grade class. He spoke to the students about past Hurricanes and the 2007 Hurricane season thus far.
The students were extremely wide-eyed when Bill spoke about his travels on specially equipped Hurricane aircrafts that play an integral role in hurricane forecasting. Data collected during hurricanes by these high-flying meteorological stations and from a variety of other sources are fed into numerical computer models to help forecasters predict how intense a hurricane will be, and when and where it will make landfall. These computer models fulfill two important purposes: to help forecasters make accurate predictions during a hurricane; and to help hurricane researchers achieve a better understanding of storm processes, thereby improving their forecast models.
After Bill spoke to the students, he stayed and signed autographs and also did some book-signing for parents and teachers of Bill’s new book “Category 7” that was released this past summer.
Click Here to enjoy some photos from this informative and exciting assembly !
This Year's School Play is Godspell Jr.!
This best loved musical by three-time Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz is now in a Junior version! Godspell Junior is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. With the hit song "Day by Day."
The performance dates and times are Thursday, April 10 at 7:30 pm; Friday April 11 at 7:30 pm; and Saturday April 12 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Click HERE for more info and an Order Form
Tickets can be purchased by calling Janet Doyle at 973-627-4954 or email her at doylesden@optonline.net. Mark your calendar for this event !
A class pet can be an invaluable experience for school children. The pet can teach responsibility, build a connection to the classroom, serve as a motivator, and be something for the children to love.
The sixth grade class, under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Baio, recently purchased a Budgie parakeet as a class pet.
Many criteria were taken into consideration when the sixth grade class chose this pet. The students researched the idea, discussed it, and collected money to purchase the bird, cage and all of the necessary supplies. Permission slips were sent out to the parents for parental approval for the children to handle the bird and care for it daily.
Our newest class member, Sky, chirps happily whenever the children enter the classroom. Perhaps most important of all, Sky is teaching the sixth grade students about caring and responsibility. More Pictures Here!
The second and eighth grade classes hosted a special Veterans Day Remembrance to Celebrate Veterans Day 2007. The entire student body along with parents and grandparents attended this event to honor our country’s past, present and future veterans.
Special guest was Sgt. Jason Dowty, of the United States Marine Corp. Sgt. Dowty is with the Golf Company 2nd Battalion 25th Marines stationed at Picatinny Arsenal.
Click HERE for Pictures
SHS upper grade English teacher, Mrs. Baio, recently did a unit on narrative poetry and the elements of a short story with the eighth grade class. She began with "Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to model the format of a narrative poem. Then the eighth grade class read the story "The Little Fisherman" in the September 21 edition of Read written by Steven Frank.
The class then analyzed the narrative form and found all the key elements of a story- exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and the resolution. The class was divided into groups and each group was assigned a particular portion of the story. Each group was then responsible for creating one stanza of the narrative poem based upon the original story. When all the stanzas had been written individually, Mrs. Baio assembled them all and typed up the poem.
The narrative poem was sent to Read magazine. The editors of the magazine wrote back to Mrs. Baio complimenting her on this assignment and lesson. In addition, the editors praised the students for their writing talent. The editors informed Mrs. Baio that they had posted the entire poem on the Read web-site blog ( readandwriting.com) as well as sending a copy of the poem to the author, Steven Frank. We are all hoping that the author will contact us about the poem. We will keep you posted on this!
Click here for a copy of the class narrative poem entitled "Reeling in the Magic" based upon the story written by Steven Frank.
Each summer, the entering sixth graders must choose and read
at least two books. In addition to writing and typing out a complete book report, the students were assigned a project to complete with the report. This summer’s project was to design a T-shirt to reflect the books that were read over the summer.
These beautiful book projects, along with the reports, are now being proudly hung from the Grade 6 Classroom ceiling for all to see and admire.
Good Job to all the Grade 6 Students! Click here to view some samples of the student’s reports and projects.
The second grades students at Sacred Heart School in Rockaway will be spending the school year with a special emphasis on the study of Oceanography and Marine Life.
The second grade teacher, Lucy Rovegno, brought the class on a trip to Jenkinson’s Aquarium located on the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach. Here the class got to learn about and see first hand marine animals from all over the globe. The trip closed with a walk on the beach ! Click Here for pictures
Morris Catholic High School in Denville, NJ is pleased to announce that Brett Cibischino of Boonton is the co-recipient of the 2007 Christopher Harris Thomas Scholarship at Morris Catholic High School. Brett is an eighth grade student at Sacred Heart School of Rockaway, and he is the son of Dr. & Mrs. Rolando Cibischino.
There were many outstanding candidates, and it is a credit to Brett and Sacred Heart School that he is one of this year’s winners of a partial tuition scholarship for his freshman and sophomore years at Morris Catholic.
The Race for Education is our annual jog-a-thon, which involves students walking and/or jogging around a designated area for one hour.
Details and pictures HERE.
Tolerance Tought at Sacred Heart The faculty at Sacred Heart School in Rockaway, NJ prepares its students to live, learn, and work in communities that will become even more diverse. Teaching tolerance is important not just because it is part of our American heritage, but because the person who learns to be open to differences will have more opportunities in education, business, and many other aspects of life. Click HERE for the full story and photos
Neighbor News publishes article on the new SHS web site.

Fine achievements by hard working and talented Sacred Heart School students.
Enjoy some pictures from the week.
Mrs. Hendershot's Grade Seven Science class studied physical and chemical changes. In order to fully appreciate and understand this key science concept in chemistry, students made Christmas cookies. The materials used included chemical compounds such as salt, baking soda and sugar. The chemical reaction needed to activate this chemical change involved cooling and heating compounds with other ingredients to make a new substance....Christmas sugar cookies. The benefit of observing this chemical change was taste! Students enjoyed this part of the scientific method the most.The greatest benefit to this lab experience besides reinforcing the concept of chemical changes and the scientific method is: celebrating the birth of Jesus and Science was able to hold hands.
On November 6, 2008, SHS held a school-wide literature assembly. This assembly concluded the month long Read-A-Thon for the students during the month of October. This literature assembly was organized by the school English and Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Joyce Baio. All grades participated for all students and parents. Pictures Here!
The second grade students will spend the school year with a special emphasis on the study of oceanography and marine life. Second grade teacher, Lucy Rovegno, brought the class on a trip to Jenkinson’s Aquarium on the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach. Here the class learned about and saw marine animals from all over the world. The trip closed with a walk on the beach. Click here to view photos.