Sacred Heart School in Uvalde begins school year

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Catholic News Agency

Sacred Heart School in Uvalde begins school year

Sacred Heart Catholic School in Uvalde began the new academic year on August 15 with more than 100 pre-K3 through sixth grade students, doubling their enrollment from last fall.

With the help of numerous generous donors, the Archdiocese of San Antonio and Sacred Heart Catholic School have been preparing all summer to welcome returning and new students to a more secure campus with a faith-based academic curriculum, and counseling support.

Having received over $1.5 million in contributions, the school has been able to provide needs-based tuition assistance to families, additional emotional support through a full-time campus counselor, and numerous security enhancements. Since the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in late May, Sacred Heart School has installed a new state-of-the-art security system, main entrance security verification system, 8-foot steel fencing around the perimeter of campus, and ballistic grade enhancements to all doors and windows.

Over the summer, the school provided numerous opportunities for students and families to receive counseling services, and to participate in fun activities like Wellness Wednesdays with water slides, food, and emotional support dogs to give children the opportunity to acclimate to the school campus and reduce the stress of returning to classes.

For their first day, students, families and staff celebrated Mass with Archbishop Gustavo GarcĆ­a-Siller, MSpS, followed by a reception and ribbon cutting ceremony in the newly renovated cafeteria and activity center. Children and families enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, finger foods, punch, taking pictures in a first day of school photo booth, and singing, including the school chant. They also received new backpacks and school supplies. Families waited in the cafeteria while the children went to their classrooms to meet teachers and classmates. The half-day schedule and involvement of families helped ensure this first day was a positive start to a year of hope and healing.

ā€œSince the beginning we have walked side-by-side with these families in Uvalde. It seems just a moment ago we were here with them through their grieving and funeral services,ā€ said Archbishop Gustavo. ā€œIn this same church we welcome the little ones, offering them love and hope for their futures. I cannot think of any more beautiful place to embrace them than into the Sacred Heart of Jesus.ā€

Sacred Heart School Uvalde is still enrolling new students. For more information go to www.shcsuvalde.org or call (830) 278-266. There are 35 Catholic schools currently enrolling students throughout the 19 counties of the archdiocese. To help provide tuition assistance to families needing support text ā€œHOPESAā€ to (210) 750-6712.