P.A.S.S. Program

Dear Sacred Heart Families,

 

The 2020-2021 school year brings to Sacred Heart School countless new rituals and routines.  While so much is different, so much remains the same.  I am incredibly grateful that our teachers continue to find ways to teach in the environment in which we are living right now; this year they are teaching in person as well as teaching to children who are remote.  Their dedication and flexibility in providing high quality learning experiences using a variety of learning platforms is incredible. 

 

Because our teachers truly believe in our core values of LOVE, SERVE, ENGAGE, PERSEVERE, and DISCOVER, they make the financial sacrifice to be part of a community that has the same values. Every year P.A.S.S. (Parent Assisted Salary Supplement) has been a way for us to narrow the wage gap between our high quality, highly educated teachers and their public school counterparts.  And now more than ever, we want to thank our teachers for everything that they are doing inside and outside of the Sacred Heart School building to teach in a safe and engaging way.  Our Sacred Heart teachers are an extraordinarily dedicated and talented group; this P.A.S.S. donation is the perfect way to show our appreciation for what they do for our children every day.

 

Due to COVID, some of the ways the teachers have been affected this year are:

  • The Archdiocese is not matching contributions to employee 403b retirement plans as is the case in a typical school year;

  • The Archdiocese did not allow cost of living raises that teachers and staff members normally receive;

  • Our teachers and staff members gave up large portions of their summers to safely prepare for the return of students to our school building;

  • Our teachers have less planning time throughout the school day and need to arrive earlier this year because of various COVID precautions; and

  • Our staff members have lost income due to lack of coaching and enrichment opportunities.

 

Additionally, the Grand Food Center Receipt Reimbursement Program has been cancelled for 2020, a program which typically contributes at least $7,000 annually to P.A.S.S.

 

Now more than ever, we ask that you consider donating at the highest level you are able in order to help drive the success of this much needed program.  100% of your tax-deductible contribution will go directly to the faculty and staff.  The teachers and staff will be paid out equally based on their role as a teacher or staff member and their full or part time status.

 

The suggested donation amount is $500 per child in preschool and junior kindergarten, and $1,000 per child in kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition, some parents have utilized their employer’s matching gift program.  If you are unsure of your company’s matching gift program, please contact your HR department.   

 

We ask that you help celebrate our SUPERHERO staff with this first of two yearly P.A.S.S. distributions by making a donation today.  Please visit Give Central to make your contribution by Thursday, December 10th. If you need help with the Give Central website, please contact Cindy Atsaves at cindyatsaves@divinemercynorthshore.org.  If you prefer to send a check, please mail it directly to our parish offices at this address:

Divine Mercy Parish

℅ Cindy Atsaves

1077 Tower Rd. 

Winnetka, IL 60093

 

Thank you in advance for your support!

 

Sincerely,

Bridget Murdock - School Board Member and P.A.S.S. Coordinator

 

P.S. Did you know...the average salary for a full time teacher at Sacred Heart is approximately $38,000 while the average salary for a Winnetka Public School teacher is over $88,000?  Our amazing teachers need YOUR support!