Dear ICS Family,

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the profound beauty of gratitude and the deep connections that bind us as one school family. This is a time of year when we gather in thanksgiving for our blessings, from the warmth of our loved ones to the gift of our faith community. Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a season that invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks in all things—an essential element of our Catholic worldview that calls us to see the face of God in those around us.

Yet, we also know that this season can be difficult for those who are facing challenges, loneliness, or loss. It’s especially in these moments that we remember our mission of service. This November, we are focusing on our core value of service, which is central to our journey as people of faith. Service to the broader community, to one another, and to God is at the heart of what it means to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, offering kindness and compassion to everyone we encounter.

As a school, we are dedicated to embodying this spirit of service together. Whether through community outreach, supporting each other in our school family, or growing deeper in our commitment to God, each act of service brings us closer to one another and to Christ. Let us keep our hearts open, ready to lend a hand, and offer our prayers for all those who may need a little extra love this season.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving season. May we each be filled with a spirit of gratitude and a readiness to serve.

In peace and service,
Morris Johnson
Principal

What’s Happening in November

Core Value and Root Belief Focus for November

This month, as we focus on the core value of service, we are reminded of our root belief that “Jesus calls us by name.” This belief speaks to a profound truth: each of us is uniquely called by Jesus to be His hands, His eyes, and His ears in service to the world. When Jesus calls us by name, He calls us into a life of compassion, courage, and kindness—a life where we take the initiative to do what is right simply because it is right.

Our service is not just a series of actions but a response to Jesus’s personal invitation to each of us. He knows our strengths, our talents, and our abilities, and He calls us to use them to make a positive impact. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger gestures of support, each moment of service is a way of saying “yes” to Jesus’s call to love others as He loves us.

Here’s how students can live out this call through service:

• Respond to Needs Before Being Asked

  • Look for ways to help others on their own—whether that’s noticing a classmate who needs a friend, helping at home without being reminded, or offering a kind word to someone feeling down. Jesus calls us to see and respond, just as He did, with open hearts and willing hands.

• Choose What is Right Over What is Easy

  • Whether standing up for a friend, including someone new, or simply showing respect to all, Jesus calls each of us to make choices that reflect His love and justice. When we do what is right, even if it’s difficult, we are living out our core value of service and following Jesus’s example.

• Serve in Everyday Moments

  • Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of service are in the smallest gestures: a smile, a helping hand, a prayer. Encourage your child to think about ways they can be of service in ordinary situations, understanding that Jesus is present in each act of kindness and compassion.

As we go through this month focused on service, let’s remember that Jesus calls us by name—not just to believe, but to act. Thank you for helping your child answer that call by nurturing a spirit of service, initiative, and love in their daily lives.

To bring this spirit of service into conversations at home, try these conversation starters:

• “Who did you help today, and how did it make you feel?”
  Encourage your child to reflect on the impact of their actions on others and themselves.

• “What’s one way you can show kindness or be of service to someone at school tomorrow?”
  Help them think ahead about small actions they can take to support others at school.

• “When we pray, who can we lift up in our prayers this week?”
  Involve your child in praying for specific people or causes, connecting service to their relationship with God.

Spirituality and Service at ICS in November

All Saints Day
We began November with an All Saints Day Liturgy, led by Mr. Bergoderi and the students of 6-301. Together as a class, they explored the meaning of the Beatitudes and composed their own Prayers of the Faithful, which they shared at Mass on November 1. They also conducted research on the Saints and presented their favorite Saints, honoring those who inspire us to live lives of faith, courage, and compassion.

Thanksgiving Food Drive Project
Each year, the Thanksgiving Dinner at Immaculate Conception depends on the generosity of our dedicated community members, volunteers, students, and the abundant blessings of God. Our Immaculate Conception community has a cherished tradition of providing Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of people in need on Thanksgiving Day right here in Newmann Hall, and delivering meals to the homebound in our neighborhood. This year, we have the opportunity to support this effort once again.

Each grade is asked to contribute the following items:

• Grades PreK, K, and 1 - Boxes of stuffing mix

• Grades 2 and 3 - Cans of cranberry sauce

• Grades 4, 5, and 6 - Bottles of cranberry juice, apple juice, or apple cider (no glass bottles, please)

• Grades 7 and 8 - Monetary donations to purchase turkeys

Students who contribute 8 items for the food drive will receive a dress down day pass.

Please send all items to your child’s teacher between November 5 and November 25. Our 7th-grade students in class 7-305 will lead this project, collecting and delivering the items to the Church. Thank you in advance for your generous contributions.

Our Thanksgiving School Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, November 27, at 8:45 AM.

HOPE Walk Experience
As part of our commitment to Catholic education, we encourage our students to join in serving the poor and vulnerable in our community. This November, our students have embraced the HOPE Walk, an initiative to serve meals to the homeless every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Our 8th graders are joining Mr. Marty Rogers each Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM to serve meals and offer support to those in need. This project has expanded their experience in compassion and love, showing them firsthand the impact of service and the value of reaching out to those around us.

Thank you for helping us foster a spirit of service and generosity this month at ICS.

ICS Friends-Giving

Join us as we come together to celebrate gratitude, friendship, and the joy of community at our ICS Friendsgiving! This special gathering is open to all ICS students, and we can’t wait to share in this time of thanks with you.

Event Details

How You Can Contribute

We invite each family to bring a dish or make a monetary contribution to support our Friendsgiving feast! Here’s how you can participate:

Dish Contributions

• To ensure the safety and inclusiveness of our celebration, we ask that dishes avoid peanut oil, nut-based ingredients, soy, and pork. You may sign up to bring a main dish, side dish, dessert, or beverage. Please label your dish with any ingredients that may be of concern.

Monetary Contributions

• If you prefer, you can make a financial donation instead of bringing a dish. This allows us to purchase additional items for the meal. All donations should be delivered to the main office no later than November 19 to ensure timely preparation.

Time Contributions

• Help us make Friendsgiving a success! We are seeking volunteers to assist with setup, serving, and cleanup. Sign up on the form to join our team and make this event extra special for our school family.

Sign Up Today!

• To sign up to bring a dish or volunteer, please fill out the Friendsgiving Contribution Form by following this link.

Let’s come together in gratitude and create a beautiful Friendsgiving celebration for the entire ICS community. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Report Card Conferences

Report card conferences are a valuable opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with their child’s teachers, review academic progress, and discuss ways to support learning at home. These conversations are designed to be brief, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, to accommodate all families wishing to meet with teachers. Families who would like a more in-depth discussion can schedule a separate time to speak with the teacher.

Conference Dates and Scheduling
Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 14th, from 2:30-5:30 PM, and Friday, November 15th, from 2:30-4:00 PM. Families should be receiving communication from their child’s teachers to schedule a conference time. Please respond promptly to secure a slot that works for you.

Please note that report cards will be withheld for families who are more than 30 days delinquent with their tuition dues. We kindly ask families in this situation to contact the main office to discuss tuition arrangements.

Tips for Discussing Report Cards with Your Child
Engaging your child in a positive, supportive conversation about their report card can help them feel encouraged and motivated. Here are a few tips:

• Celebrate Efforts and Achievements: Recognize your child’s hard work and progress, no matter how small. Let them know you’re proud of their efforts.

• Set Goals Together: Instead of focusing solely on grades, discuss goals for improvement. Ask your child where they feel they can grow and offer your support.

• Keep the Conversation Positive: Approach any challenges with understanding. Reinforce that learning is a journey, and growth takes time.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning and growth. We look forward to connecting with you at report card conferences!

Title 1 Support

We are thrilled to share with you that Taina Gonzalez has returned to Immaculate Conception School as our primary Title I teacher, and that Ms. Pacheco is continuing to serve as the Title I teacher for first grade. Title I is a federal program that provides schools with extra resources targeting student support. Through this funding, Ms. Gonzalez and Ms Pacheco are providing additional support to students by way of tutoring and small group instruction. We are currently looking for another teacher to partner with Ms. Gonzalez and Ms. Pacheco so that we can further expand these services. 

As the quarter comes to an end, we will be reviewing grades and teacher comments and asking for recommendations from them about who they think would most benefit from these offerings. We are, of course, listening to you as well, and if you are interested in having your children participate, please contact Georgann Nedwell, Director of School Programs, by email, [email protected], or phone, 718-585-4843.

High School Application Process

As we finish the first quarter, 8th-grade students applying to independent, parochial, or specialized high schools should focus on completing essential steps in the application process. Staying organized now will help ensure they are well-prepared for deadlines and requirements. Here are the most critical actions to focus on this fall:

• Finalize Your School List and Check Deadlines: Research schools of interest, confirm application deadlines, and create a calendar to stay on track.

• Register for Required Entrance Exams:

  • SHSAT for NYC specialized high schools

  • TACHS for Catholic high schools (registration is now closed)

  • ISEE or SSAT for some private schools (check specific school requirements)

• Focus on Academic Performance: First quarter grades are important in applications, so aim to perform well in all subjects.

• Gather Recommendations: Reach out to teachers for recommendation letters early, typically from English and Math teachers.

• Prepare Application Materials:

  • Start drafting any personal statements or essays, highlighting your unique qualities and goals.

  • Work with the school to gather transcripts and any other required records.

• Practice Interview Skills (if required): For schools that require interviews, prepare by practicing common questions and scheduling interview dates in advance.

• Stay Involved in Extracurriculars: Demonstrate well-rounded involvement through clubs, sports, or community service, and document key achievements.

• Attend Open Houses and Information Sessions: Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about each school and ask specific questions.

• Stay Connected with Your Guidance Counselor: Regularly check in for support, guidance, and updates throughout the application process.

Good luck to all our students as they work toward the next exciting chapter of their educational journey!

News and Updates

New(ish) Faces

We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Josephine Arroyo as our new Pre-K teacher, and Mr. Alejandro Santiago as our new Pre-K teaching assistant! Both Ms. Arroyo and Mr. Santiago are familiar faces in our ICS community, bringing years of experience working with young learners. Their warmth, skill, and dedication to early education make them fantastic additions to our Pre-K family. While Ms. Carta and Ms. Ana’s class will be composed of Pre-K 3 and 4 students, Ms. Arroyo and Mr. Santiago’s class will be composed exclusively with Pre-K 4 students.

We look forward to all of the wonderful things Ms. Arroyo and Mr. Santiago will be able to accomplish with the youngest of our learners.

Basketball Clinics

We are excited to announce that our basketball clinics will begin the week of November 12th! Basketball clinics are a fantastic opportunity for aspiring players to develop their athletic skills in a supportive, fun, and structured environment. These clinics focus on building the foundations of basketball, including dribbling, shooting, passing, and game strategy, while giving students a chance to grow in confidence and skill.

Beyond the physical skills, basketball clinics help students develop intangible qualities that benefit them both on and off the court. Participants learn the importance of teamwork, resilience, discipline, and self-motivation—skills that are invaluable in all areas of life. Research consistently shows that athletic participation has a positive impact on students' academic outcomes, with student-athletes often demonstrating greater focus, time-management skills, and a stronger commitment to their goals.

Clinic Details

• Start Date: Week of November 12th

• Participation Fee: $50 (due by Tuesday, November 12th)

• Required Attire: Sneakers, shorts, and a tee-shirt

We look forward to seeing students grow as players and as individuals through our basketball clinics. Thank you for your support, and please contact us with any questions regarding the program!

Basketball Team

We are thrilled to announce our school’s formal entrance into the Bronx CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) basketball league! CYO is a Catholic sports program designed to promote healthy competition, teamwork, and character development for young athletes. As part of the Bronx CYO, our students will compete in the Varsity B group for our region, playing against other local schools and programs.

This opportunity enriches our students’ experience by allowing them to develop their athletic skills in a team setting, while also teaching valuable life lessons about discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience. It’s the perfect next step in the growth of our athletic offerings, giving our students a structured, competitive environment to represent our school and develop their talents.

We’ll be sharing details soon regarding team tryouts and the season schedule. We look forward to an exciting season ahead and to seeing our students grow both on and off the court. Thank you for your continued support of our athletics program!