Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart

Uniquely SHA

Leadership Studies

Through experiential learning, students at every grade level work to develop their leadership skills. Self-awareness, leadership style assessment, and organizational skills are some of the topics explored. The aim of Leadership Studies is to assist each student in understanding her own unique talents and gifts and in developing those talents and gifts to further opportunities as she prepares for college and eventually, the workplace. Freshwomen and sophomores are developing communication skills, problem solving skills, and organizational skills. Assuming responsibility for all aspects of the event’s success, Juniors put their newly honed learning skills into practice by planning a school-wide half day pre-Christmas celebration. Juniors and seniors are currently focusing on college and career choice preparation. Some seniors have had the opportunity to mentor younger SHA students, and several seniors have been working regularly with children enrolled at the Cantalician Center.

Summerspace

Summerspace: enrichment opportunities for girls. All camps run for one week (M-F) .

Internship Program

Seniors at SHA can elect to participate in the Career Internship Program. This semester long learning experience provides students with an opportunity to work with and observe professionals in a field of the student’s interest. This year's placements of 29 students include such opportunities as Spree Magazine, Righteous Babe Records, Summit Educational Resources, Thomas Keefe, Esq., Lancaster Opera House, Bing's Restaurant, Key Bank, SUNYAB Orthopedics, Ballet Arts of Buffalo, Erdman Anthony Engineering and Daemen Distance Learning. Students also participate in weekly class sessions featuring guest speakers and topics such as interviewing, resume writing, professional attire, business entertaining, etc.

Fine Arts Program

The Arts enjoy a strong tradition at Sacred Heart Academy. Participation in one or more of our visual or performance classes in music, art, or dance round out the SHA experience for our young women. Students can elect to take individual or small group music lessons during the school day. Numerous formal and informal opportunities for performance, such as Chamber Singers, Gospel Choir, Music Ministry (the Divine Divas), and studio music classes are available to students at all skill levels. SHA participates in BISSNET Art Festival and hosts our own week-long Arts for Peace event.

School Planning Team

The School Planning Team works in conjunction with the Middle States Accreditation process. The team meets five times a year and is comprised of representatives of all the SHA “stakeholders”: students, staff, administration, faculty, parents, alums, community at large members. They serve staggered terms of 2, 3 or 4 years. They mainly serve the Middle States on-going review process and the school by working closely with the Board of Directors. The School Planning Team members’ role is to continually surface school issues and bring them to the attention of the administration and the Board of Directors. It is chaired by Mrs. Margaret Wietig, faculty member.