Dear Immaculate Conception School Family,

As we transition into the joyful season of Advent, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary support and care shown by our students, families, and staff during the Thanksgiving holiday. Not only did we come together to break bread as a school community, but we also united in service to support the larger community.

With the dedicated leadership of Mr. Marty, Sr. Francis, and Ms. Nedwell, in addition to our wonderful 8th grade Eagle Circle volunteers, we successfully organized and collected food for the annual Thanksgiving community dinner at Neuman Hall. This incredible effort exemplifies the spirit of gratitude, service, and generosity that defines our school family. It is this same spirit that now lays the foundation for an exciting and faith-filled Advent season.

The connection between the work we did together during Thanksgiving and the spirit of Christmas is deeply rooted in the example set by Christ our Savior. His sacrifice and care inspire us to give of ourselves and to serve others with love and humility. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us carry forward this spirit of service, reflecting His light in all that we do.

This Christmas season, our hope is that we continue to grow in faith, strengthen the bonds of our community, and share the joy of Christ’s love with all whom we encounter. May our hearts remain open to the blessings of this season, and may the spirit of giving bring peace and joy to you and your families.

With gratitude and blessings,
Morris Johnson
Principal

Root Belief Focus for December: "Jesus Calls Us Each By Name"

As we journey through December, our community at Immaculate Conception School is focusing on the root belief that “Jesus Calls Us Each By Name.” This belief reminds us that Christ has a unique plan for each of us, calling us to use our talents and skills for the uplift of our community. Every student has something special and unique to offer, and this month, we will help them recognize and share their gifts to make our school and world a better place.

What We’re Looking For

Teachers and staff will focus on identifying students who demonstrate the following core characteristics as we consider nominees for our next Eagle Circle, a group of exemplary student leaders:

• Generosity: Sharing time, talents, and kindness with others.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of actions, completing tasks diligently, and being reliable.

• Compassion: Showing empathy and care for peers and those in need.

• Teamwork: Working collaboratively and contributing positively to group efforts.

• Faithfulness: Living out Christian values by modeling love, honesty, and respect.

How Families Can Help

Families play a crucial role in supporting their children to embody these qualities. Here are a few ways to reinforce this root belief at home:

• Encourage Service: Talk about ways your child can help others, both at school and in the community.

• Celebrate Strengths: Help your child recognize their unique talents and discuss how they can use these to serve others.

• Model Kindness: Show your child how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

• Practice Gratitude: Encourage gratitude for the gifts they’ve been given and inspire them to share these gifts with others.

Together, we can help our students understand that being called by name means answering with their best selves, bringing their unique talents and spirit to the service of God and others. Thank you for partnering with us in this important work.

Important Reminders

Updated Physicals and Immunization Records

• This is a friendly reminder to submit your child’s updated physicals and immunization records to the main office as soon as possible. This information is required by the state and is an important part of ensuring the health and safety of all students in our school community.

  Please note that providing these documents is necessary for your child’s continued enrollment at Immaculate Conception School. If you have already submitted the updated records, thank you! If not, we kindly ask that you do so at your earliest convenience.

  If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the main office. Thank you for your attention to this important matter!

Winter is Upon Us!

• As the weather has become much cooler, we kindly remind you to ensure that your child comes to school wearing appropriate outerwear to keep them warm throughout the day. Jackets, hats, and gloves are strongly encouraged, especially for outdoor activities.

  Please note that students who are not dressed for the weather will not be allowed to go to recess, as we want to ensure everyone stays healthy and comfortable during this chilly season.

Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation in the Christian faith, spanning the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and to reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that His coming brings to the world. Each week of Advent has a specific focus, marked by the lighting of a candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing the growing light of Christ as Christmas approaches.

The Four Weeks of Advent

Week 1: Hope
The first week of Advent focuses on hope—the hope of Christ’s coming and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Prophets foretold the coming of a Savior, giving the world hope in times of darkness.
Reflection for Families: Encourage your child to think about what hope means to them. You might light a candle together, read scripture like Isaiah 9:2-7, and talk about how Jesus is the ultimate source of hope. Help them set a personal goal for spreading hope in small, meaningful ways, such as offering kind words to a friend.

Week 2: Peace
The second week centers on peace—the peace Christ brings into our hearts and into the world. The angelic proclamation of "peace on earth" at Christ’s birth reminds us of God’s desire for harmony among all people.
Reflection for Families: Create moments of calm together, whether through prayer, reading Matthew 5:9 ("Blessed are the peacemakers"), or simply reflecting on how your family can bring peace to your home, school, or community. Encourage students to resolve conflicts with kindness and understanding.

Week 3: Joy
The third week, often called "Gaudete Sunday," is about joy—the joy of Christ’s presence and the promise of salvation. This week is marked by the lighting of the pink candle, a symbol of rejoicing.
Reflection for Families: Share moments of gratitude and joy with your child. Reflect on blessings big and small, and read Luke 2:10-11, where the angels proclaim "good news of great joy." Encourage your student to bring joy to others through acts of kindness, whether through a smile, a thoughtful gesture, or a word of encouragement.

Week 4: Love
The final week of Advent focuses on love—the love God showed us through the gift of His Son and the love we are called to show one another.
Reflection for Families: Discuss how your family can embody Christ’s love in your daily actions. Read John 3:16 together, and invite your child to think of ways they can demonstrate love at home, in school, or in their community. You might also create or share a family tradition that reflects the spirit of giving and selflessness.

Helping Your Family Engage in Advent

Advent offers a beautiful opportunity for families to grow together in faith. Here are some ways you can guide your students in reflecting on the significance of each week:

• Create an Advent Wreath: Light the appropriate candle each week and pray together as a family.

• Share Scripture Readings: Read passages that reflect the theme of the week and discuss what they mean.

• Practice Acts of Service: Help your student identify simple ways to live out hope, peace, joy, and love in their daily lives.

• Set Time for Reflection: Create quiet moments for prayer and conversation about the season’s deeper meaning.

By journeying through Advent together, you help your child prepare their heart for the joy of Christ’s birth and grow in their understanding of what it means to live in His light.

ICS Christmas Show

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Christmas celebration will take the form of Lessons and Carols, a beautiful and meaningful event that will take place at the Immaculate Conception Church on Thursday, December 19th, at 5:30 PM.

Lessons and Carols is a cherished tradition in many Christian communities. It is a service of scripture readings ("lessons") and songs ("carols") that tell the story of salvation, from the fall of humanity to the birth of Christ. This event is especially fitting for our school, as it offers a joyful and reflective way to celebrate the Advent season while highlighting the tremendous talent of our students.

This year’s program will showcase the voices of our middle school students from grades 6-8, as well as feature professional vocalists to enhance the evening. Together, they will bring the story of Christmas to life through music and scripture, creating a truly unforgettable experience. This event reflects our commitment to honoring the Advent season and celebrating the artistic and spiritual gifts within our community.

We invite all families to join us for this special occasion. Tickets are $5 per person, and admission is free for all students. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate the talents of our students, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas.

For tickets, please use this link to reserve your seats.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this meaningful evening with you and your loved ones.

Ugly Sweater Twin Day

We’re excited to announce a festive opportunity for students to show their holiday spirit and support our school! On Friday, December 13th, we will host a school-wide Twin Day with a Christmas twist!

Here’s how it works:

• Students can purchase a Christmas sweater for $5, giving them the perfect outfit to match with a friend or sibling for Twin Day.

• Once purchased, students are welcome to wear their Christmas sweater as part of their Twin Day outfit to celebrate the season in style!

This is a fun way for students to express their creativity, build community, and spread holiday cheer while contributing to an important school fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support ongoing initiatives that directly benefit our students.

Sweaters will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, December 5th, and students are encouraged to plan their matching outfits with a buddy in advance. Let’s come together as a community and make this a fun, festive day for everyone!

Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see our school sparkling with holiday joy on Twin Day!

We are thrilled to invite our youngest community members to Santa’s Workshop, a festive event filled with holiday cheer and creativity! This special tradition is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and create beautiful ornaments to adorn their family Christmas trees.

During Santa’s Workshop, students will enjoy:
✨ Meeting and taking a photo with Santa Claus himself!
✨ Creating festive decorations to bring the magic of Christmas home.
✨ Sipping on delicious hot chocolate and munching on cookies.

Parents are warmly invited to join their little ones for this exciting event, making it a truly memorable experience for the whole family.

Save the Date!
📅 When: Friday, December 13th
🎄 Who: Pre-K3 through 4th Grade Students
🕒 Times: Specific times for each group will be shared soon.

*$3 Suggested Donation to Help Cover Event Costs*

We can’t wait to celebrate the season together and make lasting memories. Let’s kick off the holidays with joy, creativity, and a little Christmas magic! 🎅✨

🏀 ICS Varsity Basketball Team Update 🏀

Our ICS Varsity Basketball team is charging through the season with incredible energy, teamwork, and school spirit! The players have been working hard, and they’d love your support at their upcoming games. Whether at home or away, your cheers make all the difference!

Upcoming Games

Away Games:

• December 16: vs. St. Philip Neri @ 6:00 PM

• January 17: vs. St. Benedict @ 7:00 PM

• January 22: vs. St. Francis de Chantal (Blue) @ 8:00 PM

• January 31: vs. Villa Maria Academy @ 8:00 PM

• February 8: vs. St. Theresa @ 12:15 PM

Home Games:

• December 18: vs. St. Benedict @ 5:00 PM

• January 2: vs. St. Philip Neri @ 5:30 PM

• January 11: vs. Villa Maria Academy @ 5:30 PM

• January 23: vs. St. Theresa @ 6:00 PM

• January 25: vs. St. Francis de Chantal (Blue) @ 5:30 PM

Let’s pack the stands and show our ICS pride! Together, students and staff can make each game a memorable experience for our players. Go Eagles! 🦅🎉

8th Grade High School Application Process

Eighth-grade families should remain organized and proactive as they navigate the high school application process. At this stage in the school year, it’s essential to ensure that all components are on track and to stay mindful of upcoming deadlines and requirements. Below are key things to focus on:

• Confirm Application Completion: Double-check that all application forms, essays, and supporting documents (recommendations, transcripts, portfolios) have been submitted for each school.

• Monitor Deadlines: Ensure you are aware of remaining deadlines for applications, entrance exams, financial aid, and scholarship submissions.

• Auditions and Interviews: Finalize preparations for scheduled auditions or interviews by reviewing requirements and practicing responses.

• Track School Responses: Begin monitoring for updates from schools regarding next steps, including invitations for interviews or follow-up tasks.

• Stay Engaged with Schools: Attend open houses, school tours, or shadow days to gather final insights about potential choices.

• Maintain Academic Performance: Remind students that strong grades remain critical and will be part of their final application profile.

• Utilize Resources: Leverage school staff, such as high school placement advisors or teachers, for guidance and support throughout the process.

By staying focused and keeping these priorities in mind, families can confidently navigate the high school application process and set their students up for success.

Reminder: Progress Reports Coming December 18th

Progress reports for the second quarter will be generated and shared with families on December 18th. This is an important checkpoint in your child’s academic journey, offering a clear picture of their performance midway through the quarter. To help your student succeed, here are some steps you can take leading up to this time:

Supporting Your Student

• Establish Routines: Ensure your child has a consistent homework and study schedule. Encourage daily review of notes and preparation for upcoming assignments or tests.

• Check Progress: Regularly review completed homework, test grades, and any feedback from teachers to stay informed about their progress.

• Encourage Communication: Teach your child to self-advocate by asking questions in class or requesting extra help if they’re struggling.

• Limit Distractions: Create a quiet, distraction-free workspace at home to help them focus during study times.

Conversations with Your Child

• Focus on Goals: Discuss their academic goals for the second quarter and identify areas where they feel confident or need extra support.

• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge their hard work and achievements to keep them motivated.

• Address Challenges: Talk openly about any difficulties they’re facing, offering reassurance and problem-solving strategies.

Collaborating with Teachers

• Schedule Check-ins: Reach out to teachers if you have concerns about your child’s progress to understand their perspective and any classroom challenges.

• Ask for Resources: Request recommendations for supplemental resources or strategies to help your child succeed in specific subjects.

• Stay Engaged: Attend any parent-teacher meetings or follow-ups to stay aligned on how best to support your child.

Early Notice: Promotion-in-Doubt Letters

As we approach the midpoint of the school year, we want to remind families that students with an average below 70% in any core content class (such as Math, ELA, Science, or Social Studies) by the end of the second quarter will receive a promotion-in-doubt letter.

We understand this may cause concern, but please know that this letter is not a final decision regarding retention or summer school. Instead, it is an early notification to ensure families are fully informed and have ample time to collaborate with us on meaningful ways to support students.

Our goal is to work in partnership with you to help your child succeed. By notifying families at this stage:

• We Identify Challenges Early: Highlighting areas of concern in the second quarter allows for targeted interventions and accommodations to help students improve.

• We Collaborate on Solutions: Together, we can identify strategies such as tutoring, additional practice, study routines, or classroom accommodations tailored to your child's needs.

• We Provide Ample Time: With this early notice, there is time to make adjustments that can positively impact your child’s academic progress before the end of the school year.

If your child receives a promotion-in-doubt letter, we will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress, explore their specific challenges, and work together to find solutions.

With consistent effort, open communication, and collaboration, we can ensure all students either remain on track or make meaningful progress before progress reports are finalized. Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s success!

Special Education/ Student Support Services

We understand the frustrations many of you have experienced regarding the delayed implementation of your child’s related services. Please know that we share in your concern and have made every effort to address these disruptions as quickly and effectively as possible. Despite our best efforts, the resolution of this issue ultimately rests with the Committee on Special Education (CSE), which oversees the coordination and assignment of services.

Recently, we were informed that P4 documents, which authorize related services for eligible students, are expected to be shared with families before we leave for Christmas break. These documents are critical for moving the process forward, as they allow providers to be identified and assigned to your child.

Once you receive your child’s P4, we encourage you to review, complete, and return it to the CSE as soon as possible to avoid further delays. These forms are shared directly with families, so we advise keeping an eye out for this important correspondence.

We remain committed to advocating for your child’s needs and supporting you throughout this process. If you have any questions or need assistance with your P4 form, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work toward a resolution that ensures your child receives the support they deserve.