A Robust & Inclusive Community

SHS upholds a values-centered, inclusive, and diverse community, characterized by open communication, acceptance, and collaboration among all its members. Our Sacred Heart mission implores us to build community as a Christian value—meaning one that honors the inherent dignity of the human person, one in which relationships are characterized by inclusion and mutual respect, and one that commits to and practices peace and reconciliation as a matter of course.

The SHS school family does, and should, reflect a wonderful variety of people: different races and ethnicities, cultures and faiths, experiences and backgrounds. Our DEIA efforts support programs and policies that increase demographic diversity and equitable opportunities for all students because we believe that each person in our community embodies a unique collection of gifts—talents, perspective, and history—that is essential for us to flourish and thrive as a whole. We seek to build and sustain a restorative culture that begins with a belief in the dignity, goodness, and connectedness of each person. We believe that each of us has the need to be in healthy relationships with others, that we also sometimes cause harm to others, and that we must respond in ways that restore dignity, safety, and connection.

As the RSCJ remind us, “the living of a mission as great as ours is never fully complete or fully realized… [and] is a sacred work fulfilled only through the enfolding of it by each generation.” We hope that this section of our family guide offers resources that reflect “the living of a mission” and inspires you to join others in our efforts toward a more inclusive, loving community.

FOR STUDENTS (Sample only)

• Pacific Islander Affinity Group (SHP) & Asian American/Pacific Islander Affinity Space (MS)

• Black Student Union (SHP)

• Jewish Student Union (SHP)

• Mi Gente (Latinx) Affinity Group (SHP) & Latinx Affinity Space (MS)

• Iris (SHP) & LGBTQ+ Affinity Group (MS)

• Mixed & Multi-racial Affinity Group (SHP) and Space (MS)

• SOL SIS Women of Color Affinity Group (SHP), Women’s Group (SHP), Men’s Group (SHP)

• Students of Color Affinity Space (MS)

While SHS student affinity groups are more established, we’re also considering how we better support SHS families whose identities are underrepresented within our school community. For more information or to get involved, contact the Office of Mission, Culture, & Strategy at OMCS@shschools.org.

Intrinsic to our mission and commitment to our families, SHS provides a few services to assist families in meaningful participation in our community. Currently we offer the following:

Interpretation/Translation Services. Available for school communications, meetings, and other needs, SHS offers interpretation (oral) in a variety of languages, and regularly provides written translation in Spanish for important school communications. To request interpretation/translation services, contact OMCS@shschools.org.

Financial Assistance. Annually, there are funds available to families needing assistance to participate in school community functions and events. Please see contact information for funding assistance included on all school-sponsored event/ program invitations.

Throughout the year, there are numerous ways families can take part in, learn about, or just immerse in the rich diversity of our school community. We invite you to consider attending these events whenever possible, and deeply appreciate your participation to lead, organize, and/or sponsor additional opportunities to share your family’s heritage, traditions, identities, and culture. Noted below and on the opposite page are just a few ways you can take part.

Become a Continent Ambassador (Preschool) - Volunteer to share your heritage and/or experience living in another country during our preschool continent studies unit. (Open to currently enrolled preschool families only).

Help Us Honor Our Diverse Stories (K-8, SHP, and P-12) - Ongoing opportunity for students and families to share identity-based traditions, dance, music, language, and other forms of meaningful expression with the school community during an assembly, espacio, or coordinated event or activity. Family origins and traditions shared during 2022-23 included different nationalities and cultures, personal stories of international and domestic migration, a variety of holy days and different faith observances, and much, much more.

To learn more about our P-8 programs and opportunities, please contact Brisa Diaz, P-8 director of mission and culture. To explore opportunities at the SHP or P-12 level, please contact OMCS for more information or to get involved (OMCS@shschools.org).

Mission & Meaning Podcast- Hosted by SHS’ DEIA Director Ben Su, this monthly series shares perspective from members of our SHS community as they actively live, educate, and guide students in our mission of love. Season 1 episodes, which explore the theme of “restorative practices” within our community, are currently available on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and other podcast streaming platforms. Season 2 is slated to launch in fall 2023, and will address what it means to “belong” in our community.