Welcome Back to SHCS
Dear Sacred Heart Families and Friends,
I am so excited to begin another school year together! I hope you’ve been enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer. As we prepare to return, know that each of you is a gift to our school and a blessing to our mission. Together, we grow as one Body in Christ.
This Year’s Theme: “Thy Will Be Done” — Matthew 6:10
This year, we are called to reflect deeply on what it means to align ourselves with God’s will. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, this theme invites us to surrender our plans and trust in His wisdom, love, and providence.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His example teaches us that true peace and fulfillment come not from following our own paths, but from walking faithfully in God’s.
Let us begin this year with open hearts—ready to follow where He leads, to grow where He plants us, and to serve with joy.
Virtues in Practice: Year of Charity
Our Virtues in Practice program focuses on Charity this year. Charity is the greatest of the theological virtues, calling us to love God above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In our classrooms, in meetings, and in daily interactions, may we respond with the love and patience that reflect God’s grace at work in us.
Faculty Highlights: Meet Our Newest Team Members!
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing the members of our faculty and sharing a few internal updates in more detail. Today, we’re excited to welcome these new educators joining SHCS this school year!
Alma Bernhold: Little Eagles Instructional Assistant
Bella Enoch: Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Sara Guthe: Kindergarten Teacher
Erin Hussey: 1st Grade Teacher
Laura Sharbel: Interim 1st Grade Instructional Assistant for Mrs. Bender
(Mrs. Bender is covering Mrs. Hendrickson’s maternity leave until Fall Break.)
Molly McGann: 2nd Grade Teacher
Kristen Walsh: 2nd/3rd Instructional Assistant
Allie Augustyniak: 3rd Grade Teacher
Hannah Boulanger: 5th Grade Religion/Science Teacher
(Mrs. Tullock will be on maternity leave after Fall Break.)
Delaney Klee: 5th Grade ELA Teacher
Janet Topper: 6th/7th Grade Math Teacher
Chelsea Stenvig: 7th/8th Grade ELA Teacher
Sarah-Clementine Mire: 5th-8th Choir/ Orchestra/Drama Teacher; 6th-8th Intervention Instructional Assistant
Michelle Pokelwaldt: LE-4th Grade Music Teacher
Michael Turbyville: 7th/8th Grade Fly Fishing Electives Teacher
Daniela Woods: K-5th Spanish/ LE-8 Hispanic Liaison
I know they will be welcomed with the kindness and support that make SHCS such a special place to learn and serve!
Our first faculty highlight: Michelle Pokelwaldt
Mrs. Pokelwaldt earned her B.S. and M.S. (Summa Cum Laude) in Music Education from UTK, where she taught Music for Elementary Teachers as a graduate student. After graduating, she taught elementary general music for Knox County Schools for several years before her first child was born. While homeschooling her own children, she continued teaching part-time (including directing the liturgical choir and teaching music electives for middle schoolers at SHCS). At the cathedral, she also directed the adult SATB choir and cantored regularly. In addition, she has experience performing other genres of music, both live and in the studio, including several years as a lead singer in a cover band. Welcome, Mrs. Pokelwaldt!
Important Back-to-School Events
Please mark your calendars for the following events:
- Sunday, August 3
RenWeb Family Portal available to view your child’s homeroom teacher (Grades 1-8) – 1:00 PM
New Family Picnic – 3:30 PM
Back to School Bash (All Families) – 4:00–6:00 PM - Wednesday, August 6
Soar into Middle School (Grade 6, and new students 7-8) – 1:30–3:00 PM - Thursday, August 7
First Day of School for Grades 1–8 – 1:00 PM Early Dismissal – No Club Eagle
Little Eagles & Kindergarten Staggered Start – 7:55 AM–12:00 PM - Monday, August 11
First Full Day for Little Eagles
Popsicles on the Playground (Kindergarten) – 4:00–5:00 PM - Tuesday, August 12
First Full Day of Kindergarten
Updated Morning Drop-Off Procedures
Please note the following updates:
- 7:00–7:30 AM – Early Arrival (North Bridge Only)
All LE-8th-grade students enter via the north bridge and report to the Cathedral Hall. - 7:30–7:55 AM – Regular Arrival (Two Options)
North Bridge (Front Entrance) – Parents may turn left or right when exiting.
South Bridge (Columbarium Entrance) – Right-turn exit only for safety.
Students entering from either side will go through designated side entrances into the Cathedral Hall.
Students will be released to their homerooms at 7:45 AM.
After 7:55 AM, students must enter through designated doors and will receive a tardy slip.A full overview of both arrival and dismissal procedures will be available soon in our school documents and on the SHCS website. (Afternoon dismissal will remain the same as the 24-25 school year.)
With Gratitude
Thank you for your continued commitment to Catholic education and to the mission of Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Your partnership, support, and prayers help us form faithful scholars who grow in mind, heart, and spirit.
Let us begin this year with joy, trust, and a deep desire to follow God’s will for our school and our lives.
“Thy will be done.”
In Christ,
Mrs. Valerie Hanks
Principal
Sacred Heart Cathedral School