Back-to-School 2026-2027

Welcome to the Upper School for the 2026-2027 school year!

Dear Upper School Students and Families,

I hope this message finds you well after a summer full of joy and rejuvenation! I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year in the Upper School at Sacred Heart Greenwich and cannot wait to see everyone back on Campus in just a few weeks!

The 2026–2027 Upper School Student Council, in collaboration with the Middle and Lower School Student Councils and the Senior Leadership Team, has proudly declared this year’s theme– Above All, Love!

You can learn more about this year’s theme in a welcome letter to the student body from our Student Body President, Olivia Franco. This theme will serve as a guiding light for our community to “approach each day—and every conversation, challenge, and relationship—with love at the center. It calls us to lead with compassion, extend grace to others, and recognize that love is the foundation upon which our community is built.”

This call to place love at the center of all we do reflects the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, as well as the community we strive to nurture in the Upper School. At Sacred Heart Greenwich, we are committed to honoring our mission and traditions while supporting each student’s intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. By grounding our community in love, we seek to guide our students to build meaningful relationships, navigate challenges with grace, and use their gifts to make a lasting impact in the world.

As we enter the new school year, please view this page for additional important information. We encourage you to bookmark it and use the convenient Quick Links toolbar, which provides direct access to frequently used resources, including the Parent Portal where you can find important Upper School documents.

With that said, we have some exciting updates to share with you:

Teaching & Learning
The faculty and I have enjoyed preparing for our students' return and look forward to our hallways and classrooms being filled with their energy! As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, our Upper School faculty will build upon the professional development launched last year in two key areas that directly support student growth: the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence and the science of learning. We are grateful to continue our partnership with AI education expert Eric Hudson as we explore how AI can enhance teaching and learning while keeping human connection at the center of the educational experience. In addition to working with our faculty, Eric will also engage with our students and parent community, helping all of us develop a thoughtful, shared understanding of AI and its role in education. We will also continue our work with Glenn Whitman, Director of the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning and co-author of Neuroteach: Brain Science and the Future of Education, deepening our understanding of how students learn best and continuing to apply research-based practices that help every student thrive. These ongoing partnerships reflect our belief that exceptional teaching is rooted in continual learning, reflection, and a shared commitment to providing every student with the best possible educational experience.

Key Contacts & New Upper School Educators:

As a reminder, our Circle of Support document, both Academic and Social-Emotional, and the Upper School Key Contacts document, will help guide you to the best educators to reach out to should you have any questions. 

This year I would like to welcome the newest educators to the Upper School faculty community:

• Mr. Vincent Agazzi-Morrone, Upper School Filmmaking Teacher
• Ms. Elizabeth Connelly, Upper School English Teacher
• Mrs. Lindsay Gottfried, Co-Director of College Counseling (announcement here)
• Mr. Stephen Griffin, Coordinator of Financial Leadership & Partnerships
• Ms. Kay Lackey, Director of Financial Leadership K-12
• Mr. Connor Leaf, Upper School Math Teacher
• Dr. Lauren Miner, Upper School Director of Science Research & Science Teacher
• Ms. Trish Tate, Upper School Science Teacher & Department Chair
• Ms. Liceth Robbins, Upper School Spanish Teacher

Upper School Back-to-School Information

As we prepare for the new school year, please visit our dedicated Back-to-School webpage for additional important information you will need at the start of the year. You can find key information for Upper School by clicking the “Upper School” button on the page.

One key update I want to note for all families relates to attendance. For the 2026–2027 academic year, Sacred Heart Greenwich Middle School and Upper School will be using an Attendance Tracker for parents to report absences, tardies, and early dismissals for their daughters directly into the Parent Portal by 10:00 am. You can find directions for how to enter your daughter’s attendance here. This system will be available for Upper School and Middle School families and will replace the Student Absence Tracker used in past years. Lower School families will use a system called School Dismissal Manager to report absences and will receive separate information on that process. 

Regular attendance and active participation are essential to student learning, as missed class time impacts not only individual academic progress but also the collaborative learning experience of the classroom community. I encourage all families to carefully review the updated attendance section of the Parent-Student Handbook, which was shared on July 2. Please see the attendance section of the Upper School handbook, beginning on page 56, which outlines our attendance philosophy, reporting procedures, and intervention thresholds in greater detail. As a reminder, both parents and students are required to review and electronically sign the handbook in the Parent Portal before the start of the school year.

Back to School Dates to Remember:

Thursday, September 3, 2026: Orientation
All 9th grade students and families AND new 10th and 11th grade students and families are invited to our Upper School Orientation from 9:00-11 am.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026: First Day of School
We look forward to welcoming our entire community back to campus for the first day of school. The day begins with Morning Meeting in the de Csepel Theatre at 8:25 am and dismissal is at 3:25 pm.

Thursday, October 1, 2026: Upper School Back-to-School Night
Save the date for Upper School Back-to-School Night from 6:00 - 8:00 pm!

I look forward to welcoming you to another wonderful year in the Upper School at Sacred Heart Greenwich. In late August, you will also receive communication from your Academic Dean with additional information about accessing your schedule. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

Meghan McMahon
Mrs. Meghan McMahon 
Head of Upper School
mcmahonm@cshct.org

Please Click Here for Important Upper School Back-to-School Information 

Welcome to the Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year!

Dear Middle School Families,

I hope you and your family have had a wonderful summer. I imagine your daughters have been finding that important summer balance — completing their summer work while also enjoying well-earned rest, time with family and friends, fun, and time outdoors. This summer has also offered me time to reflect, renew, and look ahead, and I am already feeling the energy, excitement, and sense of possibility that a new school year brings.

I’m excited to share that the 2026–2027 Student Councils and Senior Leadership Team have chosen a school-wide theme for the year: Above All, Love. This theme feels especially meaningful for our Middle School students, as they learn more about themselves and one another and who live out love in ways both big and small: choosing kindness, listening with empathy, including others, showing patience, repairing harm, and seeking to understand differences rather than judge them. This theme is a beautiful reminder that growth happens when we are open-hearted, curious, and willing to learn from one another. 

Additionally, in the Middle School, one of our important goals is to keep encouraging our girls to see themselves as learners. Real learning, and the meaningful growth that comes with it, happens when students are willing to take risks, make mistakes, receive feedback, and try again. And there is no better place to practice this than in Middle School. These years offer our girls the opportunity to stretch, stumble, reflect, and grow in a community that believes deeply in who they are and who they are becoming. As a faculty, we will continue to focus on building mistake-friendly classrooms—helping our girls learn through feedback, break free from the pull of perfectionism, and shift their attention from getting everything “right” to engaging in the deeper work of real growth. We look forward to your partnership in supporting this work.

As you look ahead to the start of the school year, please view this page for additional important information. We have also included a Key Contacts list to help guide you to  the best person to reach out to should you ever need support.   

I want to share a few important updates with families regarding our Middle School start time and attendance expectations.

• Middle School Start Time: Flex Time will continue to be offered beginning at 8:00 am. This time provides students with the opportunity to receive extra academic support, access to quiet study, enjoy active play in the Athletic Center, or, when needed, get a little extra sleep. This year, our daily Morning Meeting will begin at 8:25 am., aligning the Middle School schedule with the Upper School. 
• Reporting Attendance: For the 2026–2027 academic year, Middle School and Upper School families will use an Attendance Tracker in the Parent Portal to report absences, tardies, and early dismissals. This new system replaces the Student Absence Tracker used in previous years. Instructions for entering your daughter’s attendance information can be found here.  Lower School families will use a separate system, School Dismissal Manager, and will receive additional information about that process before the start of the school year.
• Change of Departure: The Change of Departure option will no longer be a part of the attendance system. All students should know their dismissal plan before arriving at school, and calls home to make transportation arrangements will not be permitted except in the case of an emergency.  If a last-minute change is necessary, parents should email both the Middle School office and their daughter’s advisor to ensure the message is communicated promptly. 
• Attendance Policy: Regular attendance and full participation in the school day are essential to both student learning and the strength of our Middle School community. Missed class time, late arrivals, and early dismissals can impact a student’s academic progress, disrupt established routines, and limit opportunities to fully engage in the collaborative learning experiences that are central to a Sacred Heart education. Equally important are our community times for Chapel, Advisory, Club, and Gathering — which are integral parts of the school day. These shared moments provide opportunities to live out the Goals and Criteria in thoughtful and intentional ways. We understand that illnesses, appointments, and family circumstances arise; however, we ask families to make every effort to minimize avoidable absences, tardies, and early dismissals whenever possible. Please carefully review the updated attendance section of the Parent-Student Handbook, which was shared on July 2. Pages 40–42 outline our attendance philosophy, reporting procedures, and the circumstances under which school intervention may be necessary.  

Faculty Role Updates: I would also like to highlight a few faculty role updates and congratulate our outstanding educators on these new positions:

New Faculty:

• Ms. Annie Ambrogio - Middle School Physical Education teacher
• Dr. Cathie Bischoff - 8th-grade Science Teacher
• Ms. Shari Bloomer - Middle School Learning Specialist (part-time)
• Ms. Siree Fraser - 7th-grade Science Teacher
• Mr. Stephen Griffin - Coordinator of Financial Leadership & Partnerships
• Ms. Kay Lackey - Director of Financial Leadership K-12
• Ms. Melissa Varian - 7th-grade Math Teacher

Faculty Updates:

• Ms. Laura Engelhardt, our Middle School Learning Specialist, will continue in this role and also take on the role of 7th-grade Academic Dean.

​​​As a reminder, both parents and students are required to review and electronicallly sign the handbook in the Parent Portal before the start of the school year.

Your daughters will hear from their advisors in late August, which is sure to get them excited about the year ahead. Enjoy the rest of your summer! We look forward to welcoming you and your daughters back to an amazing year!

Best,

Mary Frederick
Mrs. Mary Frederick  
“Coach Fred”
Head of Middle School
frederickm@cshct.org

Please Click Here for Important Middle School Back-to-School Information

Welcome to the Lower School for the 2026-2027 school year!

Dear Barat Center and Lower School Families,

I hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer filled with rest, sunshine, and special moments with family and friends. As we look ahead to a new school year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement to be part of this extraordinary Sacred Heart Greenwich community. Over the past two years, I've come to know the incredible spirit, joy, and sense of purpose that define our Lower School, and I cannot wait to begin another year of learning, growth, and partnership with you and your children.

I am thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a heartfelt welcome to those joining us for the first time. We are delighted to officially return every grade level to two sections, including two sections in the Barat Center—our Cubs and Tigers. This milestone reflects the vibrant growth of our Lower School and creates even more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and joyful learning.

Here on King Street, preparations for September are already well underway, and there is a wonderful sense of anticipation for the year ahead. Our all-school theme, Above All, Love, beautifully reflects both who we are as a community and who we continually strive to become. Throughout the year, this theme will serve as our guide, reminding us that the strongest communities are built on kindness, compassion, and genuine care for one another. It invites each of us to choose love each day—in our words, in our actions, and in the countless ways we encourage, support, and uplift one another.

With that said, we have some important information to share:

Lower School Back-to-School Information:

• If you have not already done so, we encourage your daughter to take advantage of the many resources and activities available through the Lower School Summer Site. On the first day of school, Grades 2–4 Lead Teachers will collect completed math packets, book projects, and any additional summer work students would like to share. 
• As previously shared, our Lower School will be transitioning to School Dismissal Manager (SDM). SDM is an organized and efficient system that allows families to manage absences, late arrivals, dismissal plans, and more from a desktop computer, smartphone browser, or the SDM app. Our goal is to streamline these daily processes, provide a more convenient experience for families, and further enhance the safety of our attendance and dismissal procedures. **You have received/will receive an email in August from School Dismissal Manager (SDM) containing important information about how to set up your personalized account for the new school year. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Mariana Begonja (begonjam@cshct.org), who has spearheaded this exciting transition.
• We hope you enjoy the exciting launch of our newly redesigned website! We encourage you to bookmark it and use the convenient Quick Links toolbar, which provides direct access to frequently used resources, including the Parent Portal where you can find important Lower School documents.
• Finally, our Barat Center and Lower School homeroom teachers are in the midst of writing individual postcards to your children welcoming them back to school. These postcards will be mailed to your home address on Monday, August 24. We hope you will enjoy that special moment when your child’s postcard arrives!

In addition, your child’s class list will also be available in the Parent Portal starting Wednesday, August 26. Providing your child’s class list online will help ensure clear, timely communication for all families and provide convenient access to this important information for those who may be traveling or away from home.

Lower School Professional Development:

• Building on the success of our Reading Task Force, twelve Lower School faculty members came together this past year to form a Writing Task Force. Together, they studied our current writing program, researched best practices, and identified ways to strengthen writing instruction across all grade levels. As part of this work, all Kindergarten through Grade 4 homeroom teachers engaged in professional development in June with The Writing Revolution and will continue their training in August with a coach from the myView writing curriculum, which perfectly complements the reading comprehension component of the literacy program we launched last year. This learning will continue throughout the school year with ongoing training and coaching.
• In addition, Lower School educators—including both homeroom and specials teachers—will continue ongoing professional development with a Responsive Classroom coach this year. This research-based approach strengthens students' social-emotional growth, builds positive classroom communities, and promotes active engagement in learning. By learning together across grade levels and subject areas, our faculty is creating greater consistency in classroom routines, expectations, and language, helping every child feel known, supported, and ready to learn. 
• Finally, we are excited to continue developing and expanding our Lower School Associate Teacher Mentoring Program, increasing the number of participants from four to six. The program is designed to support Associate Teachers at every stage of their professional journey—whether they are applying to graduate programs, beginning or completing a master's degree, or ready to take their next steps toward becoming lead teachers. Through regular mentorship, classroom observations, and professional learning, Associate Teachers serve as invaluable partners in our classrooms. Their presence allows for more individualized support, especially through small-group instruction, while enhancing collaboration with lead teachers to meet the diverse needs of our students. 

Lower School Faculty and Staff:

• At the Barat Center, Ms. Lindsay Wund will continue as a Lead Teacher in the Cubs, and we are excited to share that Mrs. Elyse Gallagher will join her in that role. Ms. Cynthia Mansfield and Ms. Elizabeth Villar will continue as Lead Teachers in our Tigers. Ms. Diane Flieger will remain as the Cubs Assistant Teacher, and we are excited to welcome Ms. Vanessa Mina as the Tigers Associate Teacher. She joins us after spending many years teaching at the Early Childhood Center at Community Synagogue of Rye.
• In Kindergarten, Ms. Liesl Henning will now use her married name, Mrs. Thrush, in the new KT room. We are also thrilled to welcome Mrs. Ashley Bertoldo as a Lead Teacher in Room KB. Mrs. Bertoldo joins us from our sister school at 91st Street, where she spent the last 16 years teaching Kindergarten. Also joining the Kindergarten team is Mrs. Cassidy McDonald, the new Kindergarten Associate Teacher who has spent several years teaching at Saint Mary School in Ridgefield.
• In Grade 1, Mrs. Robin Gironda remains in room 1G, and Mrs. Bridgit Cahill remains in room 1C, along with Grade 1 Associate Teacher Mrs. Kierstin Crane.
• As Grade 2 becomes two sections, Mrs. Megan Wallace remains in room 2W, and Mrs. Joanne Daly returns to her roots as a second-grade teacher in room 2D. Mrs. Rosanna Furano remains as the Grade 2 Associate Teacher.
• In Grade 3, Ms. Ella Girling remains in room 3G, and we are delighted to welcome Mrs. Eliza Berberich, who joins us from The Children’s Academy in Manhattan, where she taught both Kindergarten and Grade 3. Ms. Gabriella Kessler also remains as the Grade 3 Associate Teacher. 
• In Grade 4, Ms. Maggie Goodwin remains in room 4G, as will Ms. Katie Baum in room 4B. We welcome Ms. Hannah Macleod as the new Grade 4 Associate Teacher after finishing her undergraduate degree from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and starting her graduate degree in Elementary Inclusive Education at Columbia’s Teachers College.
• For our specials classes this year, we are incredibly fortunate to welcome Mrs. Tess Finnigan-Allen as the new Lower School Science Teacher & STEM Coordinator. An experienced science educator with a passion for teaching biology, ecology, and environmental science, Mrs. Finnigan-Allen is skilled in developing engaging, hands-on curriculum that integrates sustainability, natural science, and scientific inquiry. She is a dedicated collaborator with expertise in fostering student-led initiatives, outdoor learning, and science-based projects. She brings 15 years of independent school experience, including eight years at Ethical Culture Fieldston School and seven years at Rippowam Cisqua School.
• We are excited to welcome Mrs. Sarah Madden to teach Mustard Seeds to our Barat Center Cubs and Tigers students. Mrs. Madden joins us from First Presbyterian Nursery School in Greenwich, where she created and has taught their Nature Program for the past four years. Mrs. Madden will work with Mrs. Finnigan-Allen, who will lead the continued development of our Mustard Seeds program in Kindergarten–Grade 4. Mrs. Finnigan-Allen’s background in outdoor learning provides an exciting opportunity to further strengthen the connection between our Mustard Seeds program and Science as we continue to grow our STEM curriculum in Kindergarten through Grade 4. Mrs. Finnigan-Allen brings extensive experience in environmental and outdoor education, having served as an environmental educator with organizations including Mass Audubon and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, as well as a farm teacher leading nature-based learning experiences for young children. Her expertise will help lead the continued development of our Mustard Seeds program, creating meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural world as it exists on our incredible campus.
• In Kindergarten, Mrs. Jeannine Tocco will also continue to support our Kindergarten teachers as a consultant, partnering with the new Kindergarten team to ensure our signature Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom program continues to thrive. Her guidance and experience will help preserve the intentionality of this special program to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences for our Kindergarten students.
• Finally, Mr. Stephen Griffin, Coordinator of Financial Leadership & Partnerships, and Ms. Kay Lackey, Director of Financial Leadership K–12, join us in these newly created roles to help expand and strengthen our financial leadership program across the school. Mrs. Ellen Baudinet, our Lower School Math Specialist, and I look forward to partnering with them to develop a vertically aligned K–12 program that builds students’ financial literacy and leadership skills from our earliest grades onward.

Tiger Time & Hoff-Barthelson Music Program:

• We are thrilled to build on the tremendous success of our Tiger Time program from last year! Thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Pei’s thoughtful research and planning, we expanded our afterschool offerings, welcomed new partners, and provided students with even more opportunities to explore their interests beyond the school day.

This year, families can look forward to the return of favorite offerings, along with exciting new options from our community partners. Based on parent feedback, we will continue with longer seasonal sessions, offering 8–12 weeks of programming each season when schedules allow. Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions will provide students with meaningful opportunities to learn, to create, and to connect. Registration is now live. Click here for more information and registration details.

• Sacred Heart Greenwich will continue to host the Hoff-Barthelson Music Program, offering students and their siblings from area schools access to exceptional after-school music instruction on our campus. This renowned program nurtures creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. To secure a place for your child, please email Ms. Eva Carrasquero at carrasqueroe@cshct.org to schedule your lesson time. Once done, you will be asked to pay a deposit to reserve your lesson time. You will find the pricing schedule here.

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, September 3: Orientation 
All Barat Center and Kindergarten students and parents, as well as new students in Grades 1-4 and their parents, are invited to Orientation from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

Students and Parents in the Barat Center: That afternoon, please go directly to the Barat Center at your designated time listed below. You will spend approximately 30 minutes meeting your teachers and exploring your classroom. Afterward, we will invite everyone to the Barat Center playground, where students can play with their new classmates. Students may wear their own clothes for this event. 

• 1:00-1:30 pm: Students in Cubs and Tigers with last names A - H
• 1:45-2:15 pm: Students in Cubs and Tigers with last names I - Z

We understand that some families may have children whose orientation schedules overlap. We encourage every family to determine what works best for them in balancing attendance at both events. If this applies to your family and attending the alternate Barat Center Orientation session would better meet your needs, please contact Mrs. Kristin Rodgers (rodgersk@cshct.org). We are happy to work with you to support the plan that is best for your family. Also, if you are unable to attend, please let Mrs. Kristin Rodgers (rodgersk@cshct.org) know as soon as possible.

Students and Parents in Kindergarten - Grade 4, please enter through the Salisbury Hall entrance. We will begin our afternoon gathered together before parents and students head to their classrooms to meet their teachers and learn more about the exciting first days of school. Afterward, parents are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation while students spend a little extra time getting to know their teachers, classmates, and new learning environment. Students will then be reunited with their parents before heading home. Students may wear their own clothes for this event. 

Tuesday, September 8: First Day of School 8:00 am
We look forward to welcoming all Barat and Lower School students at 8:00 am for the first day of school! **To note: Barat Center students have a half day for the first week, and dismissal is 12:00 pm. Students in Kindergarten - Grade 4 have a full day. Kindergarten dismisses at 3:00 pm, and Grades 1-4 dismiss at 3:10 pm.

Wednesday, September 16: Back-to-School Night
Save the date for Lower School Back-to-School Night from 6:00-7:30 pm!

As I imagine our halls once again filled with the laughter, curiosity, and energy of our students, I'm reminded why this community is so special. I look forward to another year of strong partnership. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

With gratitude,

Please Click Here for Important Lower School Back-to-School Information