Despite Strong Efforts, Sacred Heart School Shutters

Although a valiant effort was made to save the school, Wednesday was the last day of last days for Sacred Heart School.

The school, along with five others, was chosen by the Diocese of Rockville Centre to close because of declining enrollment.

"For some time we have been witnessing changes that have affected Catholic schools in our Diocese," said Bishop William Murphy. "Changing demographics and difficult national and local economic conditions have added to the pressure on our schools."

Sacred Heart parents went to work organizing candlelight vigils, meetings with the Diocese, boycotting donating to the church and even sending a parent to Rome to attempt to speak to The Vatican about keeping the school open. However, none of the attempts yielded results and the school remained on the closure list.

In an open letter to the school community, Sacred Heart principal, Kerry Kahn, said goodbye with reflections of happier times and reminders the of strong bonds made at the school.

The letter, which is also posted on the school's website, is as follows:

Dear Parents,

While it saddens me to think that this is the last letter I will be writing you as principal, I have to say that the last four years has been a journey I will always treasure. Being principal to your children has helped me to become a better administrator and Sacred Heart School will forever be a part of me.

We should all take great pride in how much we have accomplished as a school community. I do hope and pray that as we close this chapter in our lives, we are open to the countless possibilities that lie in front of each of us.

Some of us will be going to new places with many familiar faces while others will be entering new schools on your own. But, we are truly never alone.

Having our faith in God is our foundation as a catholic community and knowing that Jesus will be with us always and will help us through this transition is a tremendous comfort.

We will certainly miss our friends and the routine we have all grown so comfortable with, but since this change is inevitable, it is only fitting that we move forward taking with us the best of what we hold dear and keep these wonderful memories alive.

The last four years has been a tremendous blessing to me and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

Kerry B. Kahn, Principal