Letter from School Leadership
Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I cannot even tell you how excited I am to be your principal! Though I know many of you from the last eight years, I am sincerely looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone. This will be my ninth year as a faculty member at Sacred Heart, but my history in the community is much longer. I began as a student when I was in second grade and continued through to Notre Dame Preparatory for high school. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in special education and my Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from Hood College. I completed an additional certificate in educational leadership from Loyola University, and I currently hold an advanced professional certificate in special education with both administrator I and administrator II endorsements. I am married to my high school sweetheart, also an SHG alum, and we have two beautiful daughters. Our older daughter graduated from Sacred Heart in May and begins at Notre Dame Prep in the fall. Our younger daughter is entering seventh grade. We are active parishioners of Sacred Heart and value both the parish and school communities as our home.
My personal goals for Sacred Heart School are very much aligned with those reflected in our mission and vision. For me, it all revolves around loving, learning, and serving. All things should first be done with love. I want every single child, family, faculty/staff member, and visitor to know that they are loved – by me, by others, and by God. Jesus teaches us to love unconditionally, so it is critical to follow Him and give our love to everyone we encounter. Catholic schools are set apart by their commitment to outstanding academics. I want Sacred Heart to produce exceptional students who are the top of the competitive academic pools for high school and beyond. With our exceptional teachers and a renewed focus on curriculum, I’m confident our students are ready to shine. Catholic schools and families are tasked with forming the saints of tomorrow. Does this mean I’m expecting miracles? No, but wouldn’t that be amazing?! Put simply, saints are people who we are sure are in heaven. Teaching students that all service to others is service to God is the foundation of forming the children to be the saints of tomorrow. No act of service, especially when backed by unconditional love, is too small.
The partnership between families and the school is at its best when it’s built on mutual respect, shared goals, and high expectations. We’re all here for the same reason—to help our students grow into the best version of themselves. That means working together, assuming the best of each other, and understanding that when someone reaches out—whether it’s a teacher or a parent—it’s not criticism, it’s care and love. It’s a sign that we’re in this together. I also believe strongly in active parenting: reading school updates, checking PowerSchool, staying on top of Google Classroom, and helping with homework. Our teachers will do their part by communicating clearly and providing a strong academic experience, but it only works if it’s backed up at home. We all must model accountability if we expect it from our children. This kind of partnership between home and school truly makes a difference.
While I expect a lot from everyone in our community, I want to promise that you can expect a lot from me, too! You can expect that the principalship is not an 8 AM to 3 PM job for me. You have my wholehearted commitment to the school, the parish, and to the families served by both. You can expect that I have high curriculum standards and have a deep commitment to helping both students and teachers meet those standards. You can expect me to show up – in the classroom, for events, and for as much as I can for our students and your families. I’m here to serve this community. You can expect some goofiness and fun, and for me to be a good sport for the sake of the children. Most of all, though, you can expect my love. Love is having high expectations and consistent follow-through so we can find joy in our community.
I appreciate the trust you’ve put in me and the faith you’ve placed in Sacred Heart by choosing it as your school community.
Yours in Christ,
Lauren Noll
Principal