Good communication with parents is a cornerstone of our Sacred Heart education.  In the course of the year a series of events is scheduled specifically to share information and enhance communication between families and the school.  A new parent orientation is held the evening before classes begin, followed by several all school receptions in the following weeks.  In September, and again in January, a series of grade level Parent Coffees provide opportunities to review class activities and issues for the semester.  In mid-September, the Upper School Back to School Night provides a time for parents to walk through their daughter's schedule and meet with each of her teachers.  Two or three times each quarter, the Upper School Head emails a memo, Upper School Notes, recapping recent and upcoming happenings.

Teachers prepare formal grade reports with comments at the end of each quarter (October, December, March, and June).  They also provide interim progress reports for parents as needed, although interim progress reports are sent from each teacher for all freshmen in their first quarter, around mid-September. Progress reports and quarterly report cards are posted on NetClassroom, which parents may access at designated times through their DashConnect accounts.

In the Upper School we encourage the girls to approach their teachers and advisors when they have concerns, because we want them to practice using their initiative and learn to deal with different kinds of people, and we know they will build their confidence in the process.  However, in the case of a concern in a particular course, parents also are invited to contact their daughter's teacher directly.  It is suggested that email be used to establish contact and set a time for a more personalized phone conversation or visit.  Faculty members are expected to check email daily and respond to parents in a timely fashion.  Faculty email addresses can be found in the Directory in the Parent section of the Duchesne website.  The format is first name.last name at Duchesne.org, as in rae.flory@duchesne.org

For academic advising and support issues, please contact the Academic Dean; for social or disciplinary matters, or for events and activities in the Upper School, you may contact the Dean of Students.  For personal issues, you may go to either the School Counselor or the Head.  For any matter concerning faculty or other personnel, or for any issue you wish to discuss, please email or make an appointment to meet with the Upper School Head.