Dear Parents and Guardians,

As November blankets us with its golden hues, it’s a time of reflection and gratitude. We are incredibly thankful for your partnership and for the trust you have in us to help shape and guide your children's educational journey. Your confidence fuels our passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a thriving learning environment. Let's embrace this season of gratitude together by not only expressing thanks but also by practicing it. Small acts of kindness, sincere appreciative words, and active engagement in our school community all serve as powerful demonstrations of the gratitude we hold. Wishing you a November filled with warmth, appreciation, and joy. 

Warm regards,

Mr. Morris Johnson

Principal of ICS

•  Friday November 3rd -  11:30am Dismissal and there will be After School! 

• Wednesday November 8th - Picture Day! Students may dress in regular clothes! First school meeting 6pm - 7pm! Zoom details sent to parents email! Thursday November 9th - End of 1st Quarter

• Friday November 10th- NO SCHOOL!

• Thursday November 16th - Parent Teacher Conference! 11:30am Dismissal! NO AFTER SCHOOL

•  Tuesday November 21st - Friendsgiving Potluck For All Grades!

•  Wednesday November 22nd - 11:30am Dismissal! NO AFTER SCHOOL! · 

• Thursday - Friday November 23-24 - Thanksgiving Break! NO SCHOOL!

Student Awards and Recognition

Honor Roll

We take immense pride in acknowledging and celebrating the hard work and academic excellence of our students. With the close of the first marking period, we are excited to celebrate students’ achievement. Honor roll is a distinction awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their studies maintaining exceptional grades and embodying a commitment to learning. Below you will find the criteria for the various levels associated with the honor roll.

Eagle’s Circle

At ICS we celebrate not just academic achievements, but also the qualities that define exceptional character and values. Each month we will be recognizing students who exemplify our root beliefs and core values in a ceremony called the Eagle’s Circle. These students will be those who consistently demonstrate these virtues, positively influencing their peers and contributing to our school’s vibrant, supportive community. The Eagle’s Circle highlight the invaluable qualities that shape not just excellent students but exceptional individuals. Stay tuned for our December newsletter to see who our first Eagles Circle winners are.

This month’s Eagle’s Circle focuses specifically on our root that we are made for each other, and our core value of service.  This month we emphasize the interconnectedness and mutual reliance among individuals. When we engage in service, we acknowledge and act upon the understanding that our strengths, abilities, and resources are not solely for our benefit but also to support and uplift others within our community. It's a recognition that our purpose extends beyond self-fulfillment to include the betterment and support of those around us. By serving, we acknowledge our interdependence, understanding that by contributing positively to others' lives, we, in turn, enhance our collective experience and nurture a more compassionate and supportive society.

As partners in this work, we encourage our families to support students with developing a service orientation. We have provided some helpful tips to support.

1. Lead by example:

   Children learn by observing. Demonstrate acts of kindness and service in your daily life. Engage in volunteering or help neighbors, and involve your children in these activities.  

2. Discuss and Reflect:

   Have open conversation about the impact of helping other. Reflect on experiences and discuss how even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.

3. Involve children in decision-making:

   Involve your children in choosing volunteer activities or charitable causes. When they have a say in what they’re doing, they’re more likely to be engaged and committed.

4. Encourage empathy:

   Help your child understand different perspectives by encouraging empathy. Discuss the feelings and needs of others, fostering an understanding of how their actions can positively impact someone else’s life.

5. Celebrate their efforts:

   Acknowledge and celebrate their acts of service. Whether it’s sharing a story about how they helped a friend or celebrating their participation in a community event, recognition reinforces the value of their actions.

Thanksgiving Service Opportunity

The Thanksgiving dinner at ICS has always been dependent on the generosity of dedicated community members and volunteers such as yourselves, our students and God’s blessings.

Traditionally the Immaculate Conception Community serves Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of community members on Thanksgiving Day in Newmann Hall, and also deliver hundreds of meals to those who are home bounds in our neighborhood. We have the opportunity to help them accomplish the project again this year.

Each class is asked to contribute the following:  

• Grade PreK, K and 1 - boxes of stove top stuffing  

• Grade 2 & 3 - cans of cranberry sauce

• Grade 4, 5 & 6 – bottles of cranberry and apple juices, apple ciders (no glass bottles) 

• Grades 7 & 8 – money to purchase turkeys

Parent Ambassadors

We are excited to find new and exciting ways for our parents to become more deeply involved in our school community. The Parent Ambassadors are a group of parents who work together to fundraise, organize special events and volunteer at ICS. The parent Ambassadors are polling to see who is interested in becoming a member. Your commitment can be as little as one event for the year or every event, it’s completely up to you. Please complete the form below and a representative will be in contact with you.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of the ICS community!

 https://forms.gle/8tVZHfPjcepn657q7

Feedback and Suggestions

We are always seeking to grow and learn. To that end, your feedback and suggestions are not only welcome, but are NEEDED! Please, if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please submit them by following the QR code below. Things that are pertinent to the larger community will be addressed at our next virtual family meeting. For things more specific to your student, I will reach out directly to schedule a time to speak or meet.

Community Highlights

Your children spend a significant amount of their time with us, and we know that these years are precious. Considering that, we want to capture as many of the special moments they participate in as possible. Monthly, there will be a photo dump using Amazon photos where you can view and download photos at your convenience

 Most of these photos have been taken by our wonderful 8^th grade photographers. Take a peek at some of the exciting things that have happened these last few weeks here at ICS!!

October Photo Dump

Helpful Links