Sacred Heart 6th grade students craft inspirational artwork for oncology patients at Massachusetts General Hospital

It all began last fall when Melissa Winiewicz, a nurse on the Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and mother of two students at Sacred Heart School, contacted 6th grade teacher Joanne Cronin.

“She asked if the sixth- grade students could make something at Christmas to help cheer patients on the floor where she works,” said Cronin. “I thought it would be nice to make something that would last past the holiday season.”

The heartfelt request became a labor of love for 53 sixth graders who designed a large wall hanging made of individual cards, each hand-crafted and containing inspirational quotes of comfort, encouragement and support.

“We have no intention of taking it down,” said Winiewicz in regard to the unique art project, which covers an entire wall in the hospital’s unit.

The reaction from patients and hospital staff alike has been “profound” said Winiewicz.

“The wall hanging is in an area where patients walk and they always stop and just take it in,” she said. “The pictures are meaningful and the messages so encouraging.”

“We are so proud of our students; projects such as this demonstrate to others what Sacred Heart is all about,” said Sister Myra Rodgers, CDP, President of Sacred Heart School.

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About Sacred Heart School

Sacred Heart School is a private, co-educational Catholic school system, providing educational opportunities for students from preschool through grade 12 in 35 communities throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Sacred Heart School strives to inspire minds, define character and encourage responsible leadership through a curriculum that prepares students to pursue knowledge throughout their lives.

Situated on 100 acres with a present enrollment of 725 students, the Sacred Heart campus encompasses an Early Education Center, Elementary School and High School. The school offers a strong liberal arts curriculum and cutting-edge technology programs in combination with extensive athletic, arts and extra-curricular activities to ensure students a well-rounded education.

Founded in 1947, the school has seen many changes since its inception, including the recent construction of a $2 million Science and Innovation Center, upgrades to the Observatory, the addition of a large organic garden, a new robotics program at the kindergarten level and a full complement of beautiful athletic fields and facilities.

The campus is in use throughout the year as the site of several vibrant summer programs, including SHIELD (Sacred Heart Interdisciplinary Education Leadership Development), the school’s proprietary summer enrichment program and Camp Morningstar, a long-standing recreational camp with sailing, swimming, sports, games and field trips.

Sacred Heart is proud of its near 100% college acceptance rate and pleased to offer its students opportunities to participate in internship programs with regional financial and technological firms.

Sacred Heart is led by President Sister Myra Rodgers, CDP, who holds Masters degrees in Theology and Music. Both High School Principal Michael Gill and Early Childhood Center and Elementary School Principal Kim Stoloski hold doctorates in Education.

Sacred Heart School welcomes students of all faiths and diverse backgrounds. The school prides itself in a commitment to developing the whole student, offering an independent school atmosphere and top-tier academics. The Sacred Heart campus is located at 251-399 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. For additional information about the school, please visit www.sacredheartkingston.com or call 781-585-7511.