Parents
Bulletin Board
Quick Contacts
Upper School
Attendance Reporting:
If your daughter will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early from school, please notify the school at attendance-villa@vdoh.org.
Questions about:
- Your daughter’s performance in class, e.g progress, grades, homework, or behavior: Classroom Teacher
- Athletics: 7-8 Youth Sports Coordinator Steve Stoll at 314-810-3403 or sstoll@vdoh.org / 9-12 Athletic Director Tim Deines at 314-810-3430 or tdeines@vdoh.org
- Counseling and advisory programs: School Counselor JK3-12 Becky Pike at 314-810-3428 or bpike@vdoh.org
- Middle school academic curriculum, discipline, and any other student needs contact Dr. Melissa Allen, Middle School Dean and Global Education and Exchange Coordinator, at 314-810-3493 or mallen@vdoh.org.
- Clubs and organizations, upper school: Dean of Student Life Emily Kaplan at ekaplan@vdoh.org
- Service Learning Program: Director of Service Learning Theresa Wiss at twiss@vdoh.org
- Student disciplinary issues and other student-related needs: Dean of Student Excellence Mesho Morrow at mmorrow@vdoh.org
- Student schedules, transcripts, or textbook purchases: Assistant to the Principal Judy Bertucci at 314-810-3469 or jbertucci@vdoh.org
- Upper school policies, concerns, or comments: Principal Jeannie Steenberge at 314-810-3440 or jsteenberge@vdoh.org
Lower School
Attendance Reporting:
If your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early from school, please notify the school at attendance-oakhill@vdoh.org.
Questions about:
- Your child’s performance in class, e.g. progress, grades, procedures, homework, or behavior: Classroom Teacher
- Acorn Club (3-6 pm after-school program): 314-810-3549 or 314-810-8758 (mobile), or by email at jbergfeld@vdoh.org or acornclub@vdoh.org
- Athletics: Youth Sports Coordinator Steve Stoll at 314-810-3403 or sstoll@vdoh.org
- Counseling: School Counselor JK3-12 Becky Pike at 314-810-3428 or bpike@vdoh.org
- Anything school-related: Assistant to the Principal Jaime Bergfeld at 314-810-3434 or jbergfeld@vdoh.org
- Lower school policies, concerns, or comments: Principal Peter M. Schroeder at 314-810-3552 or pschroeder@vdoh.org
ENTIRE SCHOOL
Questions about:
- Admissions and student referrals: Director of Enrollment Management Therese Hagemeister at 314-810-3446 or thagemeister@vdoh.org
- Alumnae/i events and information: Director of Alumnae/i Relations Rachel Gehm at 314-810-3420 or rgehm@vdoh.org
- Development: donations/gifts: Director of Development, Debbie Schlattman at 314-810-3589 or dschlattman@vdoh.org
- Auction: Auction Office at 314-810-3550 or vdohauction@vdoh.org
- Billing/Tuition: Financial Services Coordinator Tracy Smith at 314-810-3531 or tsmith@vdoh.org
- Café Card charges: Executive Chef Lee Gustin at 314-810-3540 or foodservice@vdoh.org
- Center for Student Success/Academic Assistance: Student Success Specialist Christine Phillips at 314-810-3517 or cphillips@vdoh.org
- Facilities Rental/Special Events: Manager of Community Engagement Dominic Key at 314-810-3454 or dkey@vdoh.org
- Masses, liturgies, and retreats: Campus Minister Jen MacArthur at 314-810-3404 or jmacarthur@vdoh.org
- Publications/www.vdoh.org: Assistant Head for Strategic Advancement Alice Dickherber at 314-810-3529 or adickherber@vdoh.org
- Spirit Wear: La Boutique, Mesho Morrow at 314-810-3558 or mmorrow@vdoh.org
- Technology: Technology Department at 314-810-3439 or techdepartment@vdoh.org
- School-wide policies, concerns, or comments: Head of School Michael F. Baber at 314-810-3513 or mbaber@vdoh.org
Attendance
If your child will be absent or arriving late to school, please notify the School as indicated below.
- Villa Duchesne parents email attendance-villa@vdoh.org before 8:30 am.
- Oak Hill parents email attendance-oakhill@vdoh.org before 8 am.
All students arriving after the start of school must sign in before proceeding to class.
- Villa Duchesne students must sign in at the Dean of Students Office on the ground floor of the 1929 Main Building.
- Oak Hill students must be signed in at the Oak Hill Office in the Duchesne Building.
All students leaving during school hours must sign out before leaving campus at the offices noted above. Parents may either send a note with their child or email/call the attendance line with an explanation for the early dismissal.
Directory Search
STUDENT/PARENT DIRECTORY | Login Required
School Calendar
2021-2022 Student Planning Calendar [REV 20210304]
See online calendar for the most up-to-date listings.
Professional Development
Calendar & Category Legend:
- Admissions
- All School
- Alumnae/i
-
Villa Duchesne Block-First Sem
- N1 (7-12)
- M5 (7-12)
- N2 (7-12)
- M6 (7-12)
-
Villa Duchesne Block-Second Sem
- N1 (7-12)
- M5 (7-12)
- N2 (7-12)
- M6 (7-12)
Calendar Feeds
- All School:
http://www.vdoh.org/calendar/calendar_2584.ics - Admissions:
http://www.vdoh.org/calendar/calendar_2581.ics - Alumnae/i:
http://www.vdoh.org/calendar/calendar_2582.ics
School News
Go Saints!
Villa Games
Oak Hill Games
Go Saints!





Calendar & Category Legend:
- Reservations Calendar (Rooms & Facilities)
- Test Calendar -Villa Duchesne
- Admissions
- All School
- All-School Exceptions
- Alumnae/i
- Arts
- Master
- Upper School Block
- Upper School Exceptions
- VDOH Exceptions
- Villa Duchesne Block-First Sem
- Villa Duchesne Block-Second Sem
- Villa Duchesne Exceptions
Reference Center
- Acorn Club | After-School Care
- Athletics
- Center for Student Success | Academic Assistance
- Educational Technologies | How-To Videos
- Food Service | Weekly Menus
- Fundraisers & Philanthropy
- Global & Domestic Exchange Programs 7-12
- Health Care | Magnus Health
- School Hours | Arrival & Dismissal
- School Supplies
- Security
- Spirituality Opportunities for Parents
- Student Computers & Technology 7-12
- Student-Parent Handbook
- Tuition Plans, Family Individualized Tuition, and Scholarships
- Summer Programs
- Summer Reading
- Textbooks 7-12
- Uniforms
Acorn Club | After-School Care
Athletics
Athletics 1-6
Oak Hill Athletics offers students the chance to compete on soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track teams as members of the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) and lacrosse teams as part of the St. Louis Youth Lacrosse Association (SLYLA). CYC registration is at https://vdhss.siplay.com/site/.
- Fall Sports: Soccer, Boys/Girls 1-6; Volleyball, Girls 5-6
- Winter Sports: Basketball, Boys/Girls 3-6
- Spring Sports: Lacrosse, Boys/Girls 3-6; Track, Boys/Girls 1-6
Contact Steve Stoll, Youth Sports Coordinator, at sstoll@vdoh.org for additional information and check our Youth Sports page for up-to-date information!
Athletics 7-8
Middle school students compete on teams as members of the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) for most sports and registration is at https://vdhss.siplay.com/site/.
- Fall Sports: Field Hockey*, Soccer, Tennis*, Volleyball
- Winter Sports: Basketball
- Spring Sports: Golf, Lacrosse, Track
*Non-CYC, independent sports.
Contact Steve Stoll, Youth Sports Coordinator, at sstoll@vdoh.org with any questions and visit our Youth Sports page for up-to-date information!
Athletics 9-12
Visit our Team Tryouts page for information about seasonal tryouts.
Team schedules are available on our Athletics page or see a list of upcoming games in the Go Saints panel below.
Center for Student Success | Academic Assistance
As a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, the Center for Student Success supports the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education of its students. Particularly, "Goal II: a deep respect for intellectual values" is the hallmark of the Center for Student Success. The Center offers support services for students with mild learning disabilities or for students who learn differently. Students experience academic success, self-advocacy, love of learning, and confidence when given the academic reinforcement. Our specialists work closely with teachers to develop new methods of learning within the dynamic expectations of a college-preparatory curriculum, while emphasizing skill building, use of assistive technology, and alternative approaches of learning. The Center recognizes and honors a student’s unique gifts, talents, learning challenges, and style. In the words of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, we are here for the “sake of one child.”
Tutorial Services JK3-6
Several academic assistance options are included as part of tuition. Tutoring and speech services are also available on a fee-for-service model for students with learning differences or who require additional support.
- Reading Instruction: Oak Hill’s Learning Specialist is available during school hours by referral from your child’s teacher or the Student Success Specialist. There is no fee for this service.
- The Center for Student Success: Consultation, group sessions, and study skills techniques are available in the Center for Student Success by referral from your child’s teacher in collaboration with the CARE team. Members of the CARE team include the principal, counselor, learning specialists, and classroom teachers. There is no fee for this small group or individualized instruction.
- Private Tutoring: Learning/reading specialists and speech therapists are available during campus hours for an additional charge. Tutoring takes place on campus either before, during, or after school and is arranged in conjunction with the Center for Student Success, parents/student, and teachers. Appointments during school hours are coordinated to minimize classroom disruption. Payment and billing is coordinated with the specialist providing the services.
Cancellation Policy: Parents must notify the specialist of a cancellation at least six hours prior to the session to avoid the session charge. Attempts will be made to reschedule.
Contact: Christine Phillips, Student Success Specialist | cphillips@vdoh.org | 314.810.3517
Tutorial Services 7-12
Villa Duchesne offers several options for academic assistance. Teachers are available for consultation after school and during extended period and break. Tutoring is available on a fee-for-service model for students with learning differences or who require additional support.
- The Center for Student Success: Consultation, group sessions, and study skills techniques are available in the Center for Student Success by appointment. Teachers, students, or parents may request the service. There is no fee for this small group or individualized instruction.
- Reading Plus Program: Students who want to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, or fluency may be directed to a computerized reading program for use at home or at school during a student’s free class period. There is no fee for this service.
- Private Tutoring: Experienced, subject-specific tutors and learning specialists are available during campus hours for an additional charge. Tutoring takes place on campus either before, during, or after school and is arranged in conjunction with the Center for Student Success, student/parent, and teachers. Payment and billing is coordinated with the specialist providing the services.
Cancellation Policy: Parents or students must notify the specialist of a cancellation at least six hours prior to the session to avoid the session charge. Attempts will be made to reschedule.
Student Expectations: Students are asked to bring their materials to each session.
Contact: Christine Phillips, Student Success Specialist | cphillips@vdoh.org | 314.810.3517
Educational Technologies | How-To Videos
Lower School | Class Dojo
Upper School | Google Classroom
Parents and Google Classroom
The upper school uses Google Classroom as its learning management system. This is where your daughter will find assignments, materials, and announcements posted by her teachers. Students will also be able to turn in work, receive feedback from their teachers, and collaborate with their peers digitally. Many teachers and students have been using Google Classroom for the past few years with great success and have provided very positive feedback.
As a parent, you have the option to receive email summaries to help you follow your daughter's progress in her classes. You will still use this Portal to access grades and attendance information.
New families: You will receive an email invitation from Google Classroom to opt in to receive the emailed summaries. If you accept, you will receive emails listing by course your daughter’s assignments, any missing assignments, and class announcements. You have the option to receive daily or weekly summaries that will include information from all of her classes.
Returning families: The Google Classroom Summary settings you selected last year will carry over to this year. If you opted not to receive summaries last year and would now like to receive them, please contact Dean of Academics Stacy Henning at shenning@vdoh.org. She will send you an invite to Google Classroom. If you opted to receive summaries last year and would now like to unsubscribe, click unsubscribe at the bottom of any email summary you receive.
Families of 7th and 9th graders: We have been impacted by the computer chip shortage and our shipment of laptops for students has been temporarily delayed. Teachers will make all assignments and course materials available for students in non-digital formats until we can ensure all students have equal access to Google Classroom.
Google offers an information page that provides more details and a view of what email summaries entail.
We have created a helpful guide with more information and troubleshooting if you are experiencing any issues receiving the parent summaries.
If you have any questions about Google Classroom, please contact Stacy Henning, Dean of Academics, at 314-810-3569 or Aaron Kaiser, Technology Supervisor, at 314-810-3439.
Food Service | Weekly Menus
Food Service JK3 and JK4
Students who would like to purchase lunch at school must have a café card account. Please email Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org to set up an account and let him know if you are a new family. Food Service Consultants offers a daily lunch plan or the option to load a café card with money to purchase lunch a la carte at a cost of $5 per lunch. Cost of the daily plan for JK3 and JK 4 is:
- JK3 or JK4 - 3 days per week: $300 per student for the year
- JK3 or JK4 - 5 days per week: $500 per student for the year
For the first two weeks of school, Food Service Consultants will track your child's meal purchases even if they haven't yet received payment from you. Purchase of a daily lunch plan can be made by check only. The last day to pay for the daily lunch plan is September 10, 2021. To pay by check, please make check payable to Food Service Consultants. Please include your child's full name and grade level and mail the check to:
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School
c/o Food Service Consultants
801 S. Spoede Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
You may purchase a café card via check using the process above or online using www.MySchoolBucks.com. To purchase online, the first step is to request your child's café card student ID number. Email foodservice@vdoh.org to request the student ID number. Then, take the following steps:
- Visit www.myschoolbucks.com to set up your child's account. Click "Sign Up Free." Note, if you already have an existing MySchoolBucks account from another school or child, you will have to log into that account, add a new district (Food Service Consultants) if needed, and add a new child.
- Select "Missouri."
- In the District dropdown menu, select "Food Service Consultants."
- Complete the registration process and select "Create Account."
- Add a student.
- You will need your student's first and last name and their café card account student ID number. Searching by birthdate will not work because birthdates for our students are not in this system. Enter your child's student ID number with the prefix "111." So, if your child's ID is 20002, you would enter "11120002."
- Finish creating the account, and you will be able to add money to your child's balance. The maximum you can add is $275.
- If you have any trouble with MySchoolBucks, email Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org.
If you are not using MySchoolBucks, you can check your café card account balance by contacting Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org.
There will be no cash transactions allowed in 2021-2022.
Food Service K-6
Students who would like to purchase lunch at school must have a café card account. Please email Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org to set up an account and let him know if you are a new family. Food Service Consultants offers a daily lunch plan or the option to load a café card with money to purchase lunch a la carte at a cost of $5 per lunch. Cost of the daily plan for K-grade 6 is:
- K-grade 6 | 5 days per week: $800
For the first two weeks of school, Food Service Consultants will track your child's meal purchases even if they haven't yet received payment from you. Purchase of a daily lunch plan can be made by check only. The last day to pay for the daily lunch plan is September 10, 2021. To pay by check, please make check payable to Food Service Consultants. Please include your child's full name and grade level and mail the check to:
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School
c/o Food Service Consultants
801 S. Spoede Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
You may purchase a café card via check using the process above or online using www.MySchoolBucks.com. To purchase online, the first step is to request your child's café card student ID number. Email foodservice@vdoh.org to request the student ID number. Then, take the following steps:
- Visit www.myschoolbucks.com to set up your child's account. Click "Sign Up Free." Note, if you already have an existing MySchoolBucks account from another school or child, you will have to log into that account, add a new district (Food Service Consultants) if needed, and add a new child.
- Select "Missouri."
- In the District dropdown menu, select "Food Service Consultants."
- Complete the registration process and select "Create Account."
- Add a student.
- You will need your student's first and last name and their café card account student ID number. Searching by birthdate will not work because birthdates for our students are not in this system. Enter your child's student ID number with the prefix "111." So, if your child's ID is 20002, you would enter "11120002."
- Finish creating the account, and you will be able to add money to your child's balance. The maximum you can add is $275.
- If you have any trouble with MySchoolBucks, email Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org.
If you are not using MySchoolBucks, you can check your café card account balance by contacting Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org.
There will be no cash transactions allowed in 2021-2022.
Food Service 7-12
Lunch is included with tuition for upper school students.
We also offer an upper school breakfast program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15-7:45 am. Students interested in purchasing breakfast will need a MySchoolBucks account. There will be no cash or card transactions. If you would like to create and add money to a MySchoolBucks account, please follow the instructions below. Note that if you have multiple daughters at Villa, you will need to set up a MySchoolBucks account for each of them.
- Locate the Lunch ID number for your student/s in MyBackPack. Lunch IDs are located on the Student Schedule page which can be found under the bold Academic Info heading. Your school login is required to reach this page.
- Visit www.myschoolbucks.com
- Click "Sign Up Free." Note, if you already have an existing MySchoolBucks account from another school or child, you will have to log into that account, add a new district (Food Service Consultants) if needed, and add a new child.
- Select "Missouri."
- In the District dropdown menu, select "Food Service Consultants."
- Complete the registration process and select "Create Account."
- Add a student.
- You will need your student's first and last name and their Lunch ID number. Searching by birthdate will not work because birthdates for our students are not in this system. Enter your child's eight-digit Lunch ID number.
- Finish creating the account, and you will be able to add money to your child's balance. The maximum you can add is $275.
- If you have any trouble with MySchoolBucks, email Lee Gustin at foodservice@vdoh.org.
Weekly Menus
Fundraisers & Philanthropy
Ways to make a difference:
- Your support of Annual Giving impacts our students directly and is one of the most important fundraising programs at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School.
- Look for more information about our Bonne Chance Auction, the BEST event of the year! View our previous auctions.
Global & Domestic Exchange Programs 7-12
There are twenty-two schools throughout the United States that belong to the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and more than 150 Sacred Heart schools around the world. Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in two-week domestic exchanges with other member schools in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States; while our high school students may spend either a quarter or semester at one of our domestic or international sister schools. Students from Sacred Heart schools around the world also attend Villa Duchesne and live with host families. Contact Dr. Melissa Allen for more information!
Health Care | Magnus Health
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School partners with Magnus Health to enable parents to electronically complete, sign, and return their children’s health forms. Magnus Health is a web-based health records management system that securely integrates with our school database. You will not only use this system to update your student’s medical history but to also download all other medical forms that need to be completed by your physician, such as physical forms and action plans.
Forms for the 2022-2023 school year will be available in April 2022. Parents have until Friday, May 15, 2022, to enter or update each child’s medical information in Magnus. This includes emergency contacts, insurance information, physician information, health history, permission to give over-the-counter medications, allergy information, and permission to treat. Please note that your student’s enrollment at Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School must be complete before you can access Magnus.
In addition, some families are required to submit the following:
- A current school physical completed within the last calendar year for all students new to VDOH as well as all students entering junior kindergarten 3, kindergarten, grade 4, or grade 7. Students in grades 9-12 should have a MSHSAA or VDOH physical. For students participating in sports, all other physicals will be approved or rejected based on the MSHSAA requirements. Upper school physicals are valid for two years from the date of the exam unless the physician states that it is only valid for one year. Students not in compliance cannot try out for any sport. Physicals may be completed by your physician, an urgent care center, or a walk-in clinic, like those at Walgreens.
- A current list of immunizations for all students new to VDOH including all immunizations required by the State of Missouri. An updated list of immunizations for students entering kindergarten with two MMR and two Varicella, students entering grade 8 with Tdap and MCV, and students entering grade 12 with a second dose of MCV unless the first dose was administered after the age of 16. A signed medical or religious state exemption form is required for all exempt immunizations and must be renewed yearly.
- A current Action Plan signed by your physician and a Parent Request for Treatment for any student with an allergy requiring an EpiPen, asthma requiring an inhaler or nebulizer, diabetes, a seizure disorder, or chronic anxiety disorder.
- A Parent Request to Administer Medication at School form for all medications (including EpiPens and inhalers) not included in the over-the-counter medication permissions. Note: All medications are kept in the Nurse’s Office. Students may not carry medications while on campus unless it is an EpiPen or inhaler and your physician has given specific approval for the student to have it on her/his person.
- A physician's signed order is required for any over-the-counter medication to be dispensed above the recommended dosage as well as for all prescriptions to be given at school.
If your child has any special health care needs, please call the Nurse’s Office to discuss her/his needs and how we can best help her/him meet them.
HOW DO I COMPLETE THE ONLINE FORMS?
The 2022-2023 health care forms will be available April 2022 on Magnus Health. Log in at https://secure.magnushealthportal.com/ss/339115/login using your vdoh.org website username and password.
Student Health Tracker in Magnus: After logging in to Magnus, check “complete now” next to the name of the student whose records you want to access. The Student Health Tracker for that student will open and will clearly indicate all requirements as well as which are complete and which are still outstanding. From this page, you will be able to download any forms that need to be completed or signed.
The site will include directions on how paper forms may be uploaded to the Student Health Tracker. You will receive email notifications about incomplete enrollment until you complete all required items.
WHAT IF I NEED HELP WITH THE FORMS?
You can contact Magnus Health by phone, email, or live chat. Contact information is available upon login to Magnus at https://secure.magnushealthportal.com/ss/339115/login.
You may also call the Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School Health Center or email Sandy Conway at sconway@vdoh.org during the school year. We are happy to help you.
Sandy Conway, RN | sconway@vdoh.org | 314.810.3499
School Hours | Arrival & Dismissal
School Hours
Grades JK3-6: School begins promptly at 7:55 am for JK3-6. Junior kindergarten dismisses at noon except for those enrolled in the optional Full Day program. Kindergarten through sixth grade dismiss at 3:10 pm.
Grades 7-12: The warning bell rings at 7:55 am and all grades 7-12 begin promptly at 8:00 am. School dismisses at 3:00 pm. On-campus faculty hours for full-time teachers begin at 7:30 am and typically conclude at 3:30 pm.
Snow Schedule/Early Dismissal: In the event of a “snow schedule,” the campus will open to all students with before-care supervision for JK3 through sixth grade 30 minutes prior to the published start of classes. In the event of an early dismissal from school, such as due to inclement weather, for the safety of our students and staff, please plan to pick up your child(ren) within 30 minutes of the early dismissal. Acorn Club is not available on these early dismissal days.
Arrivals/Drop Offs
Grades JK3-6: The Oak Hill campus is open to JK3-grade 6 students beginning at 7 am each school day. There is no supervision provided for students before 7 am and students are not to be on campus. Oak Hill students should be dropped off at the Duchesne Building until 7:30 am. After 7:30 am students in grades 3-6 may be dropped off at the lower campus for morning recess. No students should be dropped off at the West Door or in front of the pods.
Students are escorted to their classrooms at 7:45 am. For safety reasons, students may not enter any classroom before these times unless requested to do so by a teacher. The school day begins promptly at 7:55 am. Students who are not in their classrooms by these times must report to the Oak Hill Office.
Grades 7-12: Supervision is provided for Villa Duchesne students beginning at 7:00 am. All Villa Duchesne students enter through the West Door. Students should not enter a classroom prior to the start of school unless requested to do so by a teacher. Students arriving after the first period of the day begins must sign in with the Dean of Student Excellence.
Dismissal
Grades JK3-6: Students are dismissed by their carpools beginning at 3:10 pm from either the Duchesne Building or the Activities Building on the Lower Campus. Oak Hill students who carpool with Villa Duchesne students must be picked up at either the Duchesne Building or the Activities Building. Acorn Club is available until 6 pm on all full school days.
Grades 7-12: All students dismiss from the East Door or Science Wing Door at 3:00 pm. Parents will be directed to line up beginning at the East Door. Supervision is provided until 6 pm.
Campus Traffic Patterns for Dropoff and Pickup (printable PDF)
School Supplies
Security
Talking to Your Child about Active Intruder Situations by Tier One Tactical Solutions, LLC
What can I do as a parent in the event of this type of situation?
- Know that in a crisis, telephone lines may become overwhelmed. Access to the School may be restricted. The School will initiate communication as quickly as possible, providing instructions reuniting you with your child through our secure process.
- To ensure you receive timely updates, please UPDATE PROFILE in MyBackPack with your current address, telephone numbers and emergency contacts.
- Frequently ask your child about the drills and training that they have practiced in School.
What else can I do?
You can also emphasize with your child the importance of:
- Listening to all information that comes across the emergency system.
- Following the instructions of the teacher or any adult in charge.
- Taking all drills seriously so that they are prepared and know what to do in the event of an actual emergency.
- Making sure that they report to an adult when the outside doors are propped open or left open for others.
- Telling an adult when they know someone has plans to bring a weapon to School, whether they believe them or not.
- Telling if someone has brought a weapon to School whether they have seen it or not.
Also, you can:
- Have frequent discussions with your child regarding their feelings about active intruder situations.
- Create safety plans for your child for your home, when they go outside to play or if they get lost. Practicing personal safety is an important task for all of us.
What is Options-Based Active Intruder Training?
The School has adopted options-based active intruder protocols based on the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These agencies recommend that all Schools teach students and staff options that may be available to them in an intruder situation. The foundation of our options-based active intruder program is the 4E concept. The 4E’s represent Educate, Evade, Escape and Engage.
- The EDUCATE option is where students learn and practice the terminology and skills taught in the 4E program. They also learn to keep their School safe by observing and reporting when they see or hear something wrong.
- Students learn about the EVADE option by locking doors, turning off the lights, covering the window, and using items in the room to barricade the door.
- The ESCAPE option instructs students and staff to leave the building, when they believe it is safe to do so, by the quickest possible path.
- The ENGAGE option is not part of the elementary-grade training, but is taught at the middle and high school level. Students are instructed that when their lives are in imminent danger and no other option is viable, they can distract by throwing anything available and fight back to maximize their chances of survival. Engaging is only used as an option of last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say to my child if they have concerns about an intruder coming into their School?
While the subject of active intruders can be unsettling for students and staff, our ultimate goal is survival. If your child is concerned that something like this might happen at their School, remind them that it is necessary to be prepared and practice active intruder drills just as they do fire drills, tornado drills and earthquake drills. Principals, teachers and staff will help students learn how to think and react in an emergency situation.
Why did the School change to an options-based active intruder model instead of the “traditional” lockdown?
In the past, locking down a facility was the only response utilized regarding an active intruder. However, research has shown that allowing staff and students to employ options when dealing with active intruders increases the chances of surviving a critical incident.
What if my child or I have specific questions or concerns about active intruder information?
If you or your child have any questions or concerns about the topic, feel free to contact your child’s teacher, counselor or principal. Make sure your child knows that they should tell an adult right away if another person talks about hurting others, themselves or obtaining any type of weapon, even if they think the person is joking. Students should also report any potential safety issues to an adult such as a fire, a tripping hazard or an unidentified person(s) in any school building.
What type of emergency drills do students practice?
All students practice several drills annually. They consist of fire drills, active intruder drills and tornado drills. Parents will be notified of any active intruder drills ahead of time.
Why should my child participate in active intruder drills?
Drills are a way for students and staff to practice and be prepared to act in a crisis. Active intruder drills are clearly identified as “Only a Drill”, and we have members of our staff who are trained to assist students. All students should be trained so that they are not only able to use these skills taught at the School, but also in any dangerous situation they may encounter outside of School, as well.
I have heard my child talk about the “Rally Point.” What is it?
Most schools practice escaping to an off-site location called a Rally Point. The Rally Point is a term used to describe a predetermined location that staff and students ESCAPE to when there is an emergency situation inside the School that requires them to go to a safe location off-site from the campus. The students are shown where the Rally Point is, and how to get there.
In the event of a crisis that requires the temporary evacuation of the building, the School has designated a ReUnification Point or R.U.P. Should a crisis event occur, the School will be inaccessible except to first responders (police, firefighters, EMS, etc.) To reunite you with your child as quickly as possible, a Reunification Point is established off site and away from the commotion to aid in reuniting students with their families.
Spirituality Opportunities for Parents
Parent Association Mission Committee
This committee seeks to integrate parents with the school community in living out the Goals of Sacred Heart education. All parents are welcome and encouraged to join together to pray for each other and our school. Questions? Contact the Mission Committee at vdohmission@vdoh.org
Rosary | Contact: Molly Kraeger and Ellen Weis
A beautiful expression of Goal I, all are welcome at 8 am each Wednesday beginning August 25 at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto in the Front Bowl to offer the Rosary to Mary, Our Queen and Mother, for her motherly protection of our students and for all the faculty and staff who play such a critical role in nurturing and teaching them.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with parents across all grade levels at VDOH. In the event of inclement weather, the Rosary will be held in the Chapel. If you have any questions about this or other opportunities to get involved with the Mission Committee, please contact Molly Pollnow Kraeger ’92 or Ellen Reis Weis ’97 at vdohmission@vdoh.org.
First Friday Eucharistic Adoration | Contact: Kelly Adamitis
An integral part of the Sacred Heart life, First Friday Eucharistic Adoration is a tradition that exemplifies Goals I & IV. Therefore, it is fitting that this event engages the entire Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School community: students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
Typically on these days, the Eucharist will be exposed for adoration following the 8:15 am Oak Hill Mass and Benediction until 3 pm in our Chapel. All are welcome anytime during the day to visit and pray. Students, teachers, and staff make visits throughout the day; however, parent volunteers are still needed to ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended. Adorers are scheduled for hour shifts from 9 am to 3 pm. All First Friday Masses are listed on the Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill calendar.
Parents' Evening and Morning of Reflection
Inspired by Goals I, IV, V, all parents are invited to an evening or morning of prayer and contemplation. Our first Evening of Reflection will be held Wednesday, September 15, beginning at 6 pm at the Gueck Family Pavilion. All are invited to come learn more about St. Madeleine Sophie Barat's Life through the lens of the Rosary, presented by Sra. Botera and Mrs. Oliviera.
Bible Study
This year's Bible study will be A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Dr. Edward Sri. The study will be offered on Tuesday mornings during the fall semester and in the evening during the spring semester. The fall study will be held from 8-9:30 am October 5 through November 9. To register or for more information, email mission@vdoh.org.
All-School Masses
The entire Sacred Heart community is encouraged to attend all-school Masses celebrated on special occasions throughout the year. Mass dates and times are posted on our online calendar and announced in the weekly newsletter.
Children of Mary Sodality
The Children of Mary is an organization of women dedicated to growing in their interior life of prayer through Mary, Mother of Jesus. Monthly meetings take place on Saturday mornings, October through May, and include Rosary, Mass, and a speaker. Other events include a pilgrimage to St. Charles in honor of St. Philippine Duchesne and a Spring Morning of Recollection. All women who would like to grow in their faith of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are welcome. For information about becoming an aspirant, contact Sally Stephens, rscj, at sstephens@vdoh.org. More information is available at http://childrenofmarystl.wix.com/children-of-Mary.
Sacred Heart Spirituality Speakers Series
The Sacred Heart Spirituality Speakers Series is sponsored by the Mums of Alums for the benefit of the entire Sacred Heart family. The series begins on Friday, November 5. Dates and speaker information will be published in our online calendar and in the Saints Weekly newsletter. All are invited to attend. For information, please contact Cathie Ott at cathieott365@att.net.
Mass Cards
We offer two variations of our Mass Card; one to extend sympathy, the other for special intentions. Each set contains an acknowledgment card to be sent to the individual or family whom you want remembered, a request card to be returned to our Campus Ministry Office, and two envelopes. Both variations of our card feature the marble statue of Our Lady that resides in the Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill Chapel and this quote by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, "Let us love the will of God above all things; let us cling to it no matter what happens, in life, in death, in sickness, in health. This is the source of all peace and happiness." Those individuals for whom we receive requests will be remembered in the Masses celebrated by our students and faculty. Order cards online.
Student Computers & Technology 7-12
Villa Duchesne’s 1:1 computer program is a powerful tool that supports student learning, and we want to ensure every student’s computer is ready for the 2021-22 school year.
Returning Classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026
Following their exams, all returning students need to deliver their current school computers to the Tech Department for summer maintenance. This will allow the Tech Department to make necessary updates and fix any hardware and software issues. Each returning student is required to complete the following:
- Review the Policy for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Technology in the Student-Parent Handbook.
- Back up all personal documents and images to an external hard drive or cloud.
- Deliver her computer for summer maintenance to the Tech Department no later than Wednesday, June 2, 2021.
Students will be notified via their school email address when their computers are ready for pick up. Updated computers may be picked up from the Tech Department between 8 am and 3 pm Monday through Thursday.
New Students
- Review the Policy for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Technology in the Student-Parent Handbook.
- The Technology Department will contact new families before the start of school with instructions on when and where to pick up their student computers.
- Once they have their new computers, students should login and begin familiarizing themselves with the installed programs. Students should bring their computers to Student Orientation; this is an opportunity to address any questions or concerns.
Please contact the Technology Department at techdepartment@vdoh.org if you have any questions.
Student-Parent Handbook
Tuition Plans, Family Individualized Tuition, and Scholarships
Tuition Plans | Blackbaud Tuition Management
The School offers five tuition payment options all paid through Blackbaud Tuition Management:
- Annual Plan (August)
- Semester Plan (July, January)
- T
- 8-month Plan (July-February)
- 10-month Plan (July-April)
Each family must register with Blackbaud Tuition Management (formerly Smart Tuition) and pay the associated annual fee. The fee for 2022-2023 is $50. Our Blackbaud Tuition Management school code is 12537. Please see the Student-Parent Handbook for the full Tuition and Fee Payment Policies. Contact the Business Office at 314.810.3531 if you have questions regarding payment plans or Smart Tuition.
Family Individualized Tuition and Scholarships
If your family situation has changed and you are concerned about affording tuition, please reach out to us! We want to help and there are programs in place to support our families. Learn more about Family Individualized Tuition and the Scholarships we offer. We value your commitment to Sacred Heart education!
Summer Programs
View our Passport to Summer page to learn more and register for summer programs.
Summer Reading
Grades JK-6
For summer 2022, we are requiring summer reading and math practice at some levels.
- Students entering grades 3-6 will have both required math practice and reading work.
⇒ Incoming Third Grade Required Summer Work
⇒ Incoming Fourth Grade Required Summer Work
⇒ Incoming Fifth Grade Required Summer Work
⇒ Incoming Sixth Grade Required Summer Work - Students entering grade 2 will have required math work and suggested reading.
⇒ Incoming Second Grade Math Review Packet
⇒ Incoming Second Grade Suggested Reading - Students entering JK3-grade 1 will not have required work, but we hope that you check out the suggested reading lists for your grade level.
⇒ Incoming JK3-K Suggested Reading
⇒ Incoming First Grade Suggested Reading
Summer work packets are sent home with students prior to the end of the school year. This packet contains all of the information you need for summer work.
We ask for your partnership and support in ensuring that your child completes this work before school begins in August. We suggest spreading this work out over the course of the summer rather than waiting to complete all of it in August.
Grades 7-8
Grades 9-12
2022 Summer Reading
English:
- Grade 9: ENG101 Foundations of Literature and Composition and Reading Guide for Waiting for Odysseus.
- Grade 9: ENG102 Honors Foundations of Literature and Composition and Reading Guide for Children of Blood and Bone.
- Grade 10: ENG201 Themes in World Literature
- Grade 10: ENG202 Honors Themes in World Literature
- Grade 11: ENG301 American Literature and Composition
- Grade 11: ENG302 AP English Language and Composition
- Grade 12: ENG401 Thematic Studies in Literature
- Grade 12: ENG402 AP English Literature and Composition
Social Studies:
- Grade 9: SOC101 World Civilization I. Select any one of the books listed in the maroon section on page two of the English Grade 9 Summer Reading above.
- Grade 10: SOC201 World Civilization II. Select any one of the books listed in the maroon section on page two of the English Grade 10 Summer Reading above.
- Grade 11: SOC301 US History or SOC302 AP US History. No Summer Reading
- Grade 12: No Summer Reading
Textbooks 7-12
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School partners with MBS Direct as a source for school textbooks in grades 7-12. Textbooks may be both bought and sold through MBS. The web address for Villa Duchesne's online bookstore at MBS Direct is https://bnck-12.com/vdoh.
BUYING TEXTBOOKS | Summer 2022
To make textbook ordering easier, students will now be able to shop by schedule. A student can simply enter her student ID and the books associated with that schedule will populate. Finalized course schedules for the 2022-23 school year will be available no later than July 18, 2022, in My BackPack (log in required). Our online bookstore at MBS Direct is available beginning July 18, 2022. For an overview of the MBS process, check out this Course Materials Buying Guide.
If needed, the list of textbooks required for each class, complete with ISBN numbers, will be posted below prior to July 18.
2022-2023 Text Book List with ISBN Numbers [Coming in July.]
Families may purchase textbooks from MBS Direct beginning Monday, July 18, with FREE SHIPPING* on orders placed by Sunday, July 24, or from another vendor of their choosing.
*Free shipping is offered on MBS orders of $99 or more during the time frame noted above.
SELLING TEXTBOOKS
At the end of each school year, MBS Direct is happy to buy back textbooks that are both still current and meet their quality assurance standards. Creating a buyback quote is simple, and shipping is free.
When visiting our Villa Duchesne online bookstore at MBS Direct, always log in using the same email address used to purchase books to review eligibility for Guaranteed Buyback and Customer Loyalty. To review the process and determine if your used textbooks are acceptable for buyback, check out MBS Direct's Textbook Buyback brochure. MBS Direct recommends starting your buyback quote no earlier than the last week of school to ensure all eligible books are listed. Textbooks must be mailed to MBS within 30 days of creating a quote.
Families can also choose to donate any used textbooks to the School. A cart for donations will be at the West Door during finals week.
Uniforms
Students are required to be in complete uniform from the first day of school until the final day of the school year unless the School designates an out-of-uniform day. Uniform items must be purchased from Just Me Apparel, our exclusive uniform provider, unless noted otherwise. Uniform shoes may be purchased at any retailer.
Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill's 2022 Uniform Fitting Days are scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, from 10 am to 7 pm and Wednesday, May 11, from 10 am to 4 pm at Just Me Apparel, 232 Old Sulphur Springs Road in Manchester. To provide our parents with better service, Just Me Apparel has created an online appointment sign-up tool. Registration is not mandatory but simply gives you priority at your scheduled time. Orders may be placed in person, online, or by phone. However, Just Me Apparel suggests visiting their store for your first order to ensure proper fitting.
These fitting days are set up as a courtesy for our families, however, uniforms may be ordered anytime May through July. To learn more about Just Me Apparel's hours of operation, please contact them at 636-391-3551 or cs@justmeapparel.com.
Uniform Apparel JK3-12
Uniform items must be purchased from Just Me Apparel, our exclusive uniform provider, unless noted otherwise. All uniform items may be ordered in the store, online, or by phone.
Just Me Apparel
www.justmeapparel.com
232 Old Sulphur Spring Road
Manchester, MO 63021
636.391.3551
- Boys Uniform Price List
- Girls JK3-JK4 Uniform Price List
- Girls K-3 Uniform Price List
- Girls 4-6 Uniform Price List
- Girls 7-12 Uniform Price List
- Student-Parent Handbook for all your uniform information (pdf)
- Just Me Apparel to order uniforms online
Uniform Shoes JK3-6
Athletic shoes are worn year round by students in grades JK3-6 and may be purchased at any retailer. Oak Hill students may wear any all gray or all white athletic shoe. Velcro shoes are allowed for younger students still mastering shoe-tying. Suggested, but not mandated, brands/styles include:
- K-Swiss classic (all white) or infinity sneaker (all gray)
- Adidas originals (either all white or all gray)
- Adidas cloud form running shoe (gray)
- New Balance Evergreen sneaker (gray)
- Asics running shoe (gray)
Uniform Shoes 7-12
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