Sacred Heart School, founded in 1953, is a learning community dedicated to providing comprehensive and challenging Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 education. Our culture is to foster the children's individuality within our safe and nurturing atmosphere. Here at Sacred Heart, we value respect, individuality, self-awareness, self-esteem, and personal responsibility to foster an environment within a Christ-centered learning environment. Our students will develop the skills of independent life-long learning with our commitment to education and promote peace and citizenship through character education.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students of Sacred Heart School,

Beginning with the Sisters of Divine Compassion's founding the school in 1953, then continuing with the Sisters of Charity in 1979, dedicated lay teachers carry on that excellent Catholic education these nuns provided as Sacred Heart School’s strong foundation.  Countless graduates attribute their success in life due to the time they studied in our school. The halls, classrooms, gym, and school yard evoke wonderful memories of fun, sports, competition, and scholarship.  

Nelson Mandela once said “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  I believe every student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature socially, intellectually, and spiritually. It has been my goal as an educator to help students reach that full potential.  Sacred Heart School provides that environment which is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites the sharing of ideas.  

Here at Sacred Heart teachers are not the only source of information rather they provide access to information. Students develop knowledge, are given the opportunity to discover for themselves, and practice skills for everyday life. Giving students hands-on activities reinforces the lessons and creates opportunities for individual discovery and the construction of knowledge.  In reviewing teacher lesson plans, teachers craft them around student interests in order motivate and stimulate their passion to learn.   Here students generate ideas and set goals for themselves.
They take ownership of their learning and are motivated to work harder while mastering more skills.

My hope as principal is to help students develop a deep love and respect for themselves and others. Due to my Catholic education, I developed a strong Catholic faith. I love being involved in Catholic education because I am able to pass on the Catholic faith to others. I have been blessed to witness young people grow in their relationship with Jesus through prayer, learning church doctrine, discussing sacred scripture, reflecting on the history of the church, and attending mass with their classmates. Sacred Heart School aims to inspire its students to be Christ like and take an active role in the church and society.

As part of the research I did for my doctoral dissertation, I stumbled across an old book I read when I was preparing to be a teacher almost 30+ years ago! This was highlighted in the book:

“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated,
and a child is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become
what they are capable of becoming.” (Ginott)

This isn’t limited to what we do just in the classroom.   It applies too to what we do at home, as a family, and especially as parents.  So let’s commit ourselves to these ideals, partnering together, to help our children “become what they are capable of becoming.”

Dr. John Fruner, EdD
Principal

Nelson Mandela:  https://blog.usaid.gov/2013/04/education-the-most-powerful-weapon
Haim G. Ginott, (1972) Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers
New York: Macmillian
 

Dr. Fruner previously served as the Director of Youth and Adult Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Melville, Long Island. Prior to that, he was the principal of St. Joan of Arc School in Queens for 10 years.  In addition to his school and parish leadership positions, Dr. Fruner was as a Catholic school teacher for 10 years and worked in youth ministry, religious education, pastoral ministry, and music ministry.

Dr. Fruner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Boricua College, a Master of Clinical Social Work degree, a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education, and an additional Master's degree in Pastoral Studies from Fordham University. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Educational
Administration from the University of Scranton, a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Dominican University, and a Doctorate in Education from Newburgh Theological Seminary.

"When I think back on my education, I realize that my years spent at Sacred Heart School were some of the most fun and formative years of my life! Sacred Heart School provided me with a structured and traditional education that taught me how to be a successful student, one who was well-prepared for higher learning. Next, and never to be taken for granted, Catholic school education helped develop my faith and belief in God and His Church, making me a proud Catholic. The Catholic values that were taught to my classmates and me from a young age have developed and grown over time- the faith that we learn in the classroom and in school is to be lived well beyond our school walls! And last but certainly not least, my years at Sacred Heart School resulted in lifelong friendships.. Still to this day, my best friends and I reminisce on the fun and goofy memories that we have from K-8th grade!! I am so proud to be an alumnus of the Sacred Heart School Community!"
-Gabriel Frabasile, Alumn

"We love the Sacred Heart School. My daughter has attended since 2019 and is doing well. We are grateful for their strong curriculum and supportive faculty and staff. Communication with the teachers and the staff at large is very easy. I am happy with our family's decision to become a part of the Sacred Heart School family."
- G. Echozona

"Our twins just began pre-K 3 this year. Each day they tell us all about the fun they are having at school. We are pleased with the COVID-19 preventive measures in place. Their teacher Mrs. DePiro is kind and responsive. We are happy with our decision to join the SHS family."
- L. Atwell-Rice

"My siblings and I all attended Sacred Heart starting in the late 70's. There are 5 of us and all turned out relatively successful (software engineer, doctor, teacher, business owner, executive). I credit Sacred Heart with providing us with the stepping stones that encouraged and prepared us for our life journey after the 8th grade. I made the choice to continue the legacy and send my son to Sacred Heart as well. It remains an excellent school that fosters a close-knit community. The teachers and staff have been fantastic. You really start to understand the quality of education at Sacred Heart when you interact with parents and students from other schools. Alongside the educational element, the school does an outstanding job of teaching discipline, moral values, and social skills. It's heartening to see these shine through as my son grows and develops at Sacred Heart. I am not convinced that the excitement and joy he exudes each and every day towards learning would come out by attending any other school."
- J. Broccoli

"Mr. Rivera and the principal are very accommodating. The school is clean and bright. My daughter says all the teachers and students are extremely friendly and welcoming. The switch from public school to Sacred Heart has been the best decision I have made for my daughter's education!
- V. Cespedes

"My two kids joined SHS and,  although new at that time, they were immediately made to feel welcomed thanks to Mrs. Seitz & the principal.  Chrome Books, Smartboards and Google Classroom, Band, Piano, Coding & Enrichment classes were things we weren't used to. We were off to a great start.  My public school mom friends were envious. 

SHS feels similar to the Catholic schools I attended in my youth, small & intimate. The teachers have been instrumental in accommodating any needs/questions we may have. The curriculum is challenging, but not super confusing, as we have found in the past. We feel blessed to have found SHS. Most importantly, my kids love the school!"
- R. Escalera

Our school is more than a school, it's a family. Sacred Heart is a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. The teachers prioritize the well-being and growth of their students. It is a positive learning experience. My son graduated in 2022 and is thriving in Iona Prep because of the excellent preparation he received from his teachers. My daughter is now in 4th grade and loves her teachers and friends. She comes home happy and is also doing very well academically. I love all the specials that improve their academic achievement, the After School Enrichment Programs that allow them to dig deeper into their interests or learn something new, including the sports that teach teamwork and the importance of being active. The families are very united and care deeply about the school. It's a wonderful environment. 
- M. Calabro