Back-to-School 2025-2026 - Sacred Heart Greenwich

Welcome Back from PresidenT, Michael F. Baber

Dear Sacred Heart Greenwich families,

Welcome to a new school year! Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning after a restful summer, I’m delighted to welcome you to what promises to be another vibrant and enriching year at Sacred Heart Greenwich.

Last year’s 175th anniversary celebrations were a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and the enduring mission that unites us. As we turn the page and begin a new chapter, we carry that same spirit of purpose and possibility into the year ahead.

Our community theme this year—Lead with Heart, Act with Purpose—was chosen by our Upper School Student Council and Student Body President, Mia Ritossa, and it’s already resonating across all divisions. This call to action reflects our shared commitment to courageously stepping forward, embracing challenges, and growing in character and confidence.

Over the summer, our leadership team has been hard at work refining programs, strengthening offerings, and setting the stage for a year of exceptional academic and personal growth for every student.

One of my favorite moments each year is standing at the front of campus on the first day of school, watching students stream in—arms full of books, laughter in the air, and smiles that light up the hill. It’s a joyful reminder of why we do this work and how lucky we are to be part of such a vibrant, mission-driven community. I can’t wait to welcome everyone back.

We’re thrilled to welcome both increased enrollment and a dynamic mix of new colleagues and familiar faces stepping into new roles. Together, they bring fresh energy, deep experience, and a shared commitment to our mission. You’ll learn more about these exciting additions and transitions in each Division Head’s back-to-school letter.

We also continue to make meaningful strides in Year Two of our strategic plan, Pursuing Excellence, which focuses on six pathways that guide our growth. I encourage you to visit our dedicated webpage and read my recent update to see how we’re bringing this vision to life.

Our annual Horizons magazine—hot off the press!—celebrates a year marked by “Courage and Confidence,” highlighting inspiring stories of students and educators living the Goals and Criteria with passion, both here at home and around the globe. If you haven’t received your print copy yet, you can view the digital edition here.

We look forward to reconnecting and celebrating with you at upcoming events, including:

First Day of School: Wednesday, September 3
- Barat Center: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for all students the first week.
  (Full-day students will start their schedule from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8.)
- Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Grades 1 - 4: 8:00 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
- Middle School: 8:30 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
- Upper School: 8:25 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Mass of the Holy Spirit & Commissioning of the Class of 2026 Eucharistic Ministers: Friday, September 25, 10:00 a.m.
Back-to-School Nights:
- Lower School: Wednesday, September 10, 5:30 p.m.
- Middle School: Thursday, September 18, 6:00 p.m.
- Upper School: Thursday, September 25, 6:00 p.m.
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend: Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18

Thank you for the trust you place in us. We are honored to walk alongside you in the education and formation of your children—and to share in their joy, curiosity, and growth throughout the year.

Wishing you a joyful and inspiring start to the school year.

With Courage & Confidence,

Mr. Michael F. Baber
President

BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION BY DIVISION

Click on Your Division to Read More.

Lower School

Welcome to the Lower School for the 2025-2026 school year!

Dear Barat Center and Lower School families,

I hope your summer days have been both refreshing and filled with the joys the warm weather brings! As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on how grateful I am to be a part of this extraordinary Sacred Heart Greenwich community. Over the past year, I’ve come to know the spirit, energy, and deep sense of purpose that defines our Lower School—and I’m excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and partnership with you and your children. I look forward both to welcoming back our returning students and extending a warm welcome to those who are new to our community.

Here on King Street, our preparations for September are already in full swing. As I look out from my office and imagine our halls once again filled with the voices and laughter of our students, I’m reminded of why this work matters so deeply. This year’s all-school theme–Lead with Heart, Act with Purpose–captures the essence of who we are and what we hope to inspire in our students. At Sacred Heart Greenwich, it is our calling to help each student uncover their unique gifts and nurture the courage and confidence to share those gifts with the world.

I look forward to another meaningful year with you, as together we nurture children who not only grow in knowledge, but also to lead lives filled with kindness, compassion, and care for one another.

With that said, we have some exciting news to celebrate:

Professional Development:

Throughout this past year, eight Lower School faculty members collaborated as part of a dedicated Reading Task Force, engaging in ongoing research and discussion about our current reading program and ways to ensure our literacy instruction remains both purposeful and effective. In support of this work, all homeroom teachers in Kindergarten - Grade 4 participated in targeted literacy training in June and will continue this training in August and throughout the course of this coming school year. We look forward to sharing more details about our task force and this ongoing professional development with you at Back-to-School Night on Wednesday September 10, 2025.
In addition to our focus on best practices in teaching reading, Lower School educators—across both homeroom and specials classes—will have the opportunity at the end of the summer to participate in Responsive Classroom training with a dedicated trainer on our campus. Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching that emphasizes social-emotional learning, positive community building, and student engagement. By offering this training across grade levels and subject areas, we aim to foster greater consistency in language, expectations, and classroom routines—ultimately creating a more connected and supportive learning environment for all students. This training will also continue regularly through the course of this coming school year, as continued conversation and training is a hallmark of successful professional development.
Finally, this year, we are excited to roll out our inaugural Lower School Associate Teacher Mentoring Program. This new initiative is designed to provide structured, intentional support to our Associate Teachers as they continue to grow as educators. Through regular mentorship, goal setting, and professional development, the program will offer Associate Teachers opportunities to deepen their instructional practice, build confidence in the classroom, and develop as future lead teachers. The long-term benefits are stronger, more cohesive teaching teams in each grade level—ones that offer more opportunities for differentiated instruction throughout the course of the school day.

Faculty and Staff:

At the beginning of July, we were thrilled to welcome Mrs. Elizabeth Pei as our new Assistant Head of Lower School. Elizabeth brings a rich blend of classroom experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to students and families. She joins us from Greenwich Academy, where she served as a Senior Admission Associate and Database Analyst. Prior to that, she spent 15 years teaching at schools known for their excellence and heart—including the Brearley School (Grades 1 and 3), Trinity School (Grade 2), and Moorestown Friends School (Grade 3). In addition to her classroom work, Elizabeth has taken on meaningful leadership roles as a Lower School Diversity Coordinator and as a member of committees focused on sustainability, innovation, and professional development. She holds a B.A. in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University, an M.A. in Elementary/Childhood Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, and recently completed a NYS Special Education Certification from Manhattanville University. Elizabeth’s deep understanding of childhood education is already making a wonderful impression, and we are so excited to have her as part of our Sacred Heart community.
Next week, we are pleased to welcome Mrs. Mariana Begonja as our new Lower School Administrative Assistant. Mariana brings valuable experience in school administration and joins us from Ox Ridge Elementary School in Darien. In addition to her administrative role, she will also serve as our Lower School Community Service Coordinator, supporting the continued growth of our service learning program. As we welcome Mariana, I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Lisa Lyons-Young for her dedication and support of the Lower School. We are deeply appreciative of the care she brought to the role. Lisa will continue to be a valued presence at the Front Desk in Salisbury Hall.
Last year, the Barat Center grew from one multi-age classroom to two classrooms. This year, those classrooms will be distinctly named the Cubs, which will remain a multi-age classroom for our students set to graduate in 2040 and 2041, and the Tigers for our students who will be preparing for Kindergarten throughout the course of this year, with a graduation year of 2039. Ms. Frederica McGannon and Ms. Lindsay Wund will teach the Cubs, and Ms. Cynthia Mansfield and Ms. Elizabeth Villar will teach the Tigers. Ms. Flieger will remain as a Barat Center Assistant Teacher, and we are in the process of hiring a second assistant teacher, as Mr. Lowery will return to focusing on Rhythm and Strings in the Lower School along with his Upper School responsibilities.
Kindergarten has grown from one section to two sections. Mrs. Jeannine Tocco will remain in Kindergarten in room KT, and we welcome new faculty members Ms. Liesl Hennig as a Lead Teacher in room KH who joins us from Brunswick, as well as Mrs. Elyse Gallagher as the new Kindergarten Associate Teacher.
Grade 1 has also grown from one section to two sections. Mrs. Robin Gironda will remain in Grade 1 in room 1G, and Mrs. Bridgit Cahill will move back to room 1C. We also welcome new Grade 1 Associate Teacher Mrs. Kierstin Crane.
Grade 2 will be in one section this year with Mrs. Megan Wallace in room 2W, and Mrs. Rosanna Furano will move from a shared Associate Teacher to a designated Grade 2 Associate Teacher.
Grade 3 has grown to two sections, as well, and Mrs. Joanne Daly will remain in room 3D. We welcome Ms. Ella Girling in room 3G as our new Grade 3 Lead Teacher who joins us from New Canaan Country School, as well as new Grade 3 Associate Teacher Ms. Gabriella Kessler.
Grade 4 will remain in two sections with Ms. Maggie Goodwin in room 4G, and we welcome Ms. Katie Baum in room 4B who joins us from King. Mrs. Nancy Parra will remain as a Grade 4 Assistant Teacher.
For our specials classes this year, we welcome Mrs. Hailey Clark as the new Lower School Library & Technology Teacher. She joins us from Loyola School in Manhattan and, most recently, the Greenwich Library.
In June, Mrs. Michelle Antenucci decided to step back from full-time work, and we are in the process of hiring a new Lower School Theology Teacher.

Lower School Back-to-School Information:

Kindly take some time to review the important information outlined on this webpage by clicking on the green box at the bottom of this letter.
Also take a look at our updated Circle of Support, both Academic and Social-Emotional, and the Lower School Key Contacts 25-26 for guidance on who to call when you need support.
If you have not done so already, please encourage your daughter to take advantage of the many opportunities available in the Lower School Summer Site. We hope they enjoy it!
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. All placement decisions are made with the best interests of each child in mind, taking into account factors such as academic growth, social development, and overall classroom dynamics. During the final weeks of this past school year, I met with each homeroom teacher of the previous grade to discuss this year’s class placements. Following that, we held a broader meeting for each grade level that included the Lower School Learning Specialist, Math Specialist, and Psychologist to ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful approach. We also take into consideration the learning profiles of new students as provided by the Admissions Office. If your child has not received a postcard by Tuesday, August 26, please email Mrs. Elizabeth Pei at peie@cshct.org, and we will ensure you receive any necessary information.

Tiger Time & Hoff Barthelson Music Program:

We have been in the process of looking carefully at the Tiger Time offerings. This Fall, we will have some fan favorite offerings return, as well as varied offerings from new vendors. We have also decided to extend the sessions offerings from 6 sessions per season to anywhere from 8-12 sessions per season pending the day/season’s availability. The Fall session will run through Thanksgiving, the Winter session will run from after Thanksgiving until Spring Break, and the Spring session will run after Spring Break through the end of the school year. We will share more information and an opportunity to sign up in the coming weeks.
Beginning in the Fall, Sacred Heart Greenwich will host the Hoff Barthelson Music Program, a renowned initiative that has cultivated musical excellence for generations of young learners. The program will offer Sacred Heart Greenwich students and their siblings from area schools access to exceptional music instruction, fostering creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. This program will take place on the Sacred Heart Greenwich campus after school. To secure a place for your child, please complete the Google Form, and if you have questions, please reach out to Eva Carrasquero at carrasqueroe@cshct.org.

Important Upcoming Dates
Orientation: Tuesday, September 2 at 9:00 a.m.
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 9:00 - 10:30 am. Please enter through the Gillespie Science Wing entrance. Students may wear their own clothes.

First Day of School: Wednesday, September 3 at 8:00 a.m.
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 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.

Parents’ Association Welcome Coffee: Friday, September 5 at 8:30 a.m.
All parents are invited to join the Parents’ Association in Hayes Hall for coffee and muffins, as well as casual and informative conversation. You will have the chance to meet Parents’ Association Board Members, Class Parents, and Event Chairs and learn about all of the upcoming events for the year and how to get involved.

Back-to-School Night: Wednesday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Please save the date for the Lower School Back-to-School Night for parents. More details will follow.

I look forward to another year of strong partnership and joyful learning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

With gratitude,

Mrs. Caitlin O’Neill
Head of Lower School
oneillc@cshct.org

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

GENERAL LOWER SCHOOL INFORMATION:

Middle School

Welcome to the Middle School for the 2025-2026 school year!

Dear Middle School families,

I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer. It’s hard to believe a new school year is just weeks away, and I’m energized by the sense of possibility this time of year always brings. I imagine your daughters have been striking a balance, tackling their summer work while also enjoying well-earned rest, fun, and time outdoors. This summer offered me a chance to reflect and renew. As I look back on the meaningful progress we've made over the past two years, I remain deeply inspired by our extraordinary faculty, staff, and students. Together, they shape a Middle School community that is vibrant, supportive, and full of purpose.

I’m excited to share that the 2025–2026 Upper School Student Council, along with our Middle and Lower School Student Councils and Senior Leadership Team, has chosen a school-wide theme I know our girls will love — Lead with Heart, Act with Purpose. This theme is perfect for our Middle School, as we encourage our 8th graders to reflect deeply on who they are as leaders and who they will become as they all stand as the leaders of the Middle School. For our 5th through 7th graders it can help them answer the question, “How can we act with purpose?” and how embracing a growth mindset can help them as they grow. As members of Sacred Heart Greenwich, we guide our girls to honor our Goals and Criteria, and I believe this theme will serve as our North Star for the year ahead. It connects beautifully to our Sacred Heart Mission and reminds us of who we are called to be — as students, as leaders, and as a community.

As you look ahead to the start of the school year, please be sure to review all the important information on this webpage, which includes additional important information you will need. We also want to remind you of our Circle of Support, both Academic and Social-Emotional, and the Key Contacts list that will help guide you on the best person to reach out to should you ever need support.

As shared earlier today in President Michael Baber’s letter, I would like to highlight a few faculty role updates and extend my congratulations to our outstanding educators taking on these new positions:

Mrs. Marian Campana will now serve as Director of Campus Ministry, Theology Department Chair, and Upper School Theology Teacher. While she will no longer be teaching 8th Grade Middle School Theology, she will continue to contribute to the Middle School community in many meaningful ways.
Mr. Michael Maida has been appointed Director of Service Learning (K–12) and Upper School Service Coordinator. He will collaborate closely with our Middle School Administrative Team and Middle School Community Service Coordinator, Laura Pochintesta, as we continue to strengthen and expand our service learning program.
Ms. Sophia Gelard will transition to a Middle School Science Teacher, taking on the 5th and 7th-grade science classes.

I would also like to welcome Ms. Abby Balafas, who joins as the new Assistant Head of Middle School for Student Life. For the past two years, Abby has been the Associate Director of Admissions at Greenwich Country Day School in Greenwich, CT. During her time there, she cultivated relationships with REACH Prep and Waterside while continuing the admissions process of interviewing, touring, and evaluating applicants. Prior to her time at GCDS, Abby worked at the Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City for fifteen years as the Director of Student Life. During her time there, Abby developed a formal student leadership structure and program; supported student leaders in envisioning, planning, and executing division-wide programming; and envisioned and coordinated programming for weekly division-wide assemblies, including outside speakers, student-led presentations, and time-sensitive needs of the division. We are so excited to have her join our middle school team.

Finally, I would like to welcome the newest educators to the Middle School faculty:

Ms. Alexandra Baker - 6th and 7th grade History teacher
Ms. Abby Balafas - Assistant Head of Middle School for Student Life; 6th and 7th grade Wellness teacher
Mr. Nick DePaola - Middle School PE teacher
Ms. Rosalie Frison - 7th and 8th grade Theology teacher
Ms. Emily Gesualdi - 6th grade English teacher; 6th and 8th grade Math teacher, maternity leave; Middle School Learning Specialist
Dr. Shan Yu - Chinese teacher maternity leave

As a faculty, we are focused this year on encouraging our girls to take bold steps, try new things, and confidently express their unique voices, fulfilling the objective of a Sacred Heart Education “to develop people of integrity whose actions align with their values and beliefs”.

Your daughters will be hearing from their advisors in late August, which will surely get them excited for the year ahead. Enjoy the remainder of your summer, and we look forward to welcoming you and your daughters to an amazing year!

Best,

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

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

ADDITIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION:

Upper School

Welcome to the Upper School for the 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 2025–2026 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– Lead with Heart, Act with Purpose! You can learn more about this year’s theme in a welcome letter to the student body from our Student Body President, Mia Ritossa. This theme will serve as a guiding light for our community to “lead with kindness, empathy and courage” and “work together to ensure a culture where compassion thrives, every voice matters, and our actions lift each other.”

This emphasis on leadership and purposeful action is a powerful reflection of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, as well as the environment we continually strive to nurture in the Upper School. In the Sacred Heart Greenwich Upper School, we are committed to providing an experience that honors our mission and traditions while supporting each student’s growth– intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Our aim is not only to prepare our students for academic success, but also to equip them with the confidence, compassion, and resilience to step boldly into college and beyond and to transform the world with their Courage and Confidence.

The faculty and I have enjoyed preparing for the return of our students and look forward to having our hallways and classrooms filled with their energy! As we prepare for the new school year, please be sure to review all the important information on this webpage which includes additional important information you will need for the start of the year. We also want to remind you of our Circle of Support, both Academic and Social-Emotional, and the Key Contacts document that will help guide you on the best educators to reach out should you have any questions.

As shared earlier today in President Michael Baber’s letter, I would like to draw your attention to some new roles in the Upper School and congratulate our incredible educators on their new positions, including:

Mrs. Marian Campana has been hired to serve as the Director of Campus Ministry, Theology Department Chair, and Upper School Theology teacher.
Mr. Michael Maida has been hired to serve as the Director of Service Learning K-12 and the Upper School Service Coordinator. He will also continue to teach one section of Math in the Upper School.

This year, I would also like to welcome Mrs. Christina Saraceno, who has been hired as a member of the Upper School Leadership Team to serve as the Upper School Dean of Instruction & Professional Development. In partnership with the Head of Upper School and the Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning, she serves as an instructional leader and support for faculty. The role involves cultivating teacher growth through classroom observations, feedback, co-planning, and professional development. As the Dean of Instruction & Professional Development, Mrs. Saraceno embraces innovative pedagogical practices and the Goals and Criteria as the foundation for teaching and interactions within the community.

Finally, I would like to welcome the newest educators to the Upper School faculty community:

Mr. Jason Bink, Upper School Science
Ms. Niamh O’Sullivan, Upper School Spanish
Ms. Agnès Tounkara, Upper School French
Ms. Theresa Ufomaduh, Upper School Science

I hope you are looking forward to the start of a wonderful 2025-2026 school year in the Upper School at Sacred Heart Greenwich! In late August, you will also receive communication from your Academic Dean with more information about accessing your schedule. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Best,

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

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

ADDITIONAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION

2025-2026 Back-to-School Form Checklist

If you have not already done so, please be sure to complete all forms on the Parent Portal by Friday, August 1st.

Health Office forms
Forms and permission slips by division
Emergency Contact updates

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