Crusader Connection

October 1, 2025

Reviewing current guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health on communicable diseases and head lice are great ways to stay proactive in preventing spread as responsible adults. Good practice is that your child should be fever-free for a full 24 hours, without medication, prior to returning to campus. Thank you for supporting the health of all, including our staff.



Parent Conferences begin tomorrow, Thursday, October 2, with registration closing this evening, and will continue on Thursday, October 16. Go to OptionC to schedule your appointment with one teacher. Don’t forget to bring your Grade 4-8 student, as they will lead the conversation!

Our first field trips of the year have already occurred, and many more are planned in October! Please be sure to use the ‘comment’ section in WeShare to denote the child’s initials and grade, for example: (KP(K) apple farm, KD (8) damascus) to assist with recording your payment efficiently.

Our Crusaders are showing how they are Christ-like, Accountable, Respectful, and Engaged in so many different ways! Second Grade earned 50 Crusader Coupons for their behavior, attention in class, and completion of homework! Mrs. Pendergest spun the Wheel of WOW Friday, September 26 at lunchtime. She spun a "Crazy Hat Day!" The second graders may wear a crazy hat on Thursday, October 2nd. Wonderful job, second graders! Eighth grade earned a lunch walking field trip to Raisin’ Canes yesterday, Tuesday, September 30th, after demonstrating leadership aligned with the school's CARE expectations for the first 6 weeks of school. Mrs. Pendergest was able to say “Thank You” for their acts of service, being reverent in Mass, helping other teachers and grade levels during fire drills, and demonstrating to the younger grades how to properly act during safety drills, between their lunch and recess on Friday. Be sure you acknowledge a young IHM leader when they CARE. Affirmations build up a positive culture! St. Thérèse of Lisieux, or “The Little Flower,” reminds us on her Feast Day today, to do small things with great love. May we encourage one another to CARE and look to HOPE. 

St. Therese of Lisieux, Pray for Us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us!  

Mrs. Pendergest

PRESS CONFERENCE ON CAMPUS 9/30

Yesterday, a Press Conference was held on IHM campus regarding an announcement from the Archdiocese and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. Archbishop Casey announced along with representatives from Girl Scouts of Western Ohio a new agreement for a renewed partnership. This comes after an announcement last fall which required parish troops to convert to another scouting organization, find another meeting location or disband. 

As of this announcement, Girl Scout troops are welcome on Catholic campuses with the support and approval of the parish pastor and after entering into the Archdiocese and GSWO Facility Use Agreement with parishes. Upon meeting these requirements, Girl Scout troops can continue as a ministry or extracurricular activity on Catholic parish and school campuses.

K-8TH GRADE PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher Conferences for K-8th Grade will be held on Thursday, October 2nd and Thursday, October 16th from 3:30 - 7:30 PM. Please go into Option C to sign up for a time slot with your teacher. Remember to only sign up for one conference per child (do not sign up for multiple teachers). If you need help with how to schedule a conference time in Option C, please contact your child's teacher.

EGGTOBER FUNDRAISER

The Eggtober Fundraiser, run by our Student Ambassadors, will take place October 6–10 during lunch. Students may purchase 1 egg for $0.75 or 2 for $1.

Each egg contains candy and possibly a blue or gold coin! Blue coins earn a spirit wear day with uniform bottoms (limit 4 per student) to be used on October 13-16, while a gold coin allows for one full out-of-uniform day (limit 1 per student) to be used on October 17.

Our top priority for the funds is to provide a new stable for the Nativity Play. This is a fun way for students to show school spirit and support our school community—thank you for helping make it a success! 

PICTURE RETAKE DAY IS OCTOBER 23RD

Did you miss Picture Day, blink mid-smile, or discover that one stubborn hair stole the show?

Don’t worry, Picture Retake Day is coming up on Thursday October 23rd.

Students being photographed that day may come out of uniform, but please remember to follow all handbook guidelines.



Order: Mylifetouch.com

Picture Day ID: EVT8BD372

PILGRIMS OF HOPE T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

Over the past two weeks, students participated in our school-wide Pilgrims of Hope T-Shirt Design Contest during their Digital Citizenship classes. As part of this contest, students learned about the art of screen printing and explored this year’s religious school theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.”

After discussing the symbolism behind the "Pilgrims of Hope" logo, students were challenged to recreate the logo in their own unique and meaningful way. Their designs reflected personal interpretations of hope, faith, and our shared spiritual journey.

Once all submissions were in, voting began! Students from kindergarten through eighth grade were given the opportunity to cast their votes for the design they felt best represented the "Pilgrims of Hope" theme.

We are excited to announce the overall contest winner: Beckham (4th Grade). In recognition of a design that truly exemplified our Crusader Statement of Beliefs: CARE, Beckham will receive a Cheryl’s Cookie and a First-Place Certificate.

Our runner-up was: Evie (5th Grade). Evie will receive a Runner-Up Certificate and a Crusader Coupon for her outstanding design and effort.

We’d also like to recognize our grade-level winners:

• Kindergarten – Reggie 
• 1st Grade – Avery 
• 2nd Grade – Eli O.
• 3rd Grade – Veronica 
• 4th Grade – Beckham 
• 5th Grade – Evie 
• 6th Grade – Max R.
• 7th Grade – Ellie Z.
• 8th Grade – Gage 

Our grade-level winners will receive a certificate and a Crusader Coupon as well for their hard work!



Congratulations to all participants for their creativity and enthusiasm. We are proud of how our students expressed their Crusaders Care Statement of Beliefs through art! This shirt will serve as a great example to our community how our students are Christ-like, Accountable, Respectful, and Engaged!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST 8TH GRADE EUCHARISTIC MINISTER

Congratulations to our newest Eighth Grade Eucharistic Minister who was commissioned at our last school Mass. Thank you for dedicating yourself to bringing Jesus to our community in the Eucharist!   

TIME TO SHINE AT THE 2026 WINTER GALA

We’re excited to share that Katie Herms, Ashley Kramer, and Lisa Geglein will be leading this year’s Winter Gala – Denim & Diamonds on January 31, 2026!



Check out the attached flyer to see how you can get involved today—through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering. It’s your time to shine!

2025-2026 CLASS SHIRT SIGN UP

Please complete this form to select your student's 25/26 Class Shirt size (K-8).

This shirt is used for our field trips, field day, Rosary Rally and more. Please fill out one form per student in grades Kindergaten-8^th.

Any questions please reach out to Penni Yannessa.

UPCOMING HEARING-VISION SCREENINGS

Immaculate Heart of Mary School will be performing hearing and/or vision screening to all kindergarten, first, third, fifth and seventh grade students this fall as required by state law. For the full note from our Nurse's Office, click here.

DROP OFF REMINDERS

K-8 parents should not be stopping in the preschool circle drive to drop students off in the morning. The preschool circle drive is reserved for preschool families dropping off to before care. 

CAFETERIA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are always in need of helpful hands to keep an eye on our students in grades K-8 during lunch. Please consider sharing a small part of your day to assist. All volunteers must be SafeParish trained. If you are interested, please sign up!

IHM PLAYERS NEWS

This year’s fall production of James and the Giant Peach Jr. will be performed by our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade IHM Players this November at the Anderson Center Theater! We would love for you to see these students’ hard work and dedication to the arts. Performance schedule and ticket information will be posted at a later date. We hope to see you at the stage!

For all things IHM Players, please visit our IHM Players Facebook and Instagram pages @ihmplayers. For all inquiries, please email, ihmplayers@gmail.com

CAFE UPDATE

This week, Thursday will be Pizza day NOT hot dogs due to no school Friday.

Wednesday October 29 will NOT be chicken nuggets and french fries. We will be having Chicken sandwiches and chips instead! 

THURSDAY PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

PRESCHOOL CORNER

PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISER

Immaculate Heart of Mary Preschool has been an important part of the IHM community for the last 14 years. We have grown over the years and welcome many new families each year. Spreading the Gospel to our Littlest Crusaders and providing them with a Christ-centered start to learning is the mission of our loving staff. In addition to supporting the students’ spiritual and academic needs, we support their motor development, creativity, and communication skills. Our preschool playground is one of the best places to make this happen! We are seeking donations for much needed playground improvements. Any donations are greatly appreciated! 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

The Preschool Mum Buddies Fundraiser was a huge success, raising over $7,000! The money will be going towards playground improvements. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to Vivie T. Who was our Top Seller, earning her class a Cookie party with Mrs. Puening! 

Thank you to all the volunteers who came out, stayed late after football practice, and provided service to mulch both playgrounds earlier this month. A special THANK YOU to Evan Sturm for giving so much time and bringing the equipment needed to work on both playgrounds. It was wonderful seeing students Mason, Ben, Chloe and Allie giving their time to serve our mission. 

IHM PTO NEWS

STAFF APPRECIATION DINNER

Please join us in showing our support for our wonderful teachers at our Staff Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, October 16th! Families in the 2nd and 5th grades are asked to lead the effort by donating soups, salads, and sandwiches. Sign up to donate here.

Please drop off food items, in Heritage East by 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th.  See the Flyer for more details.

SAVE THE DATE- LADIES NIGHT OUT!

Mark your calendars! Our Ladies Night Out is set for November 1st. Details coming soon!

PTO CLASSROOM COORDINATORS & VOLUNTEERS

We need Classroom Coordinators and Volunteers! Please sign up to help plan and coordinate your student’s class holiday parties. Spots still remain open for the kindergarten, 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Secure your spot here.

OUR FALL FUNDRAISER WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

A huge thank you to the entire IHM community! Because of your hard work, we raised over $30,000 for our school. We are adding up the final numbers and will share the official grand total shortly. We will be distributing prizes for overall fundraising goals in the near future. The IHM PTO couldn't have done it without you!

PTO REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Don’t forget to register with the PTO for your ’25-’26 school year! Download the Membership Toolkit App to pay for PTO dues, have access a directory of IHM families, and pay for events quickly and securely. *First Time Registration must be completed on a desktop computer. * Attached is a user tutorial guide for MTK.

IHM BOOSTERS NEWS

IHM BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING IS OCTOBER 10TH!

IHM Boosters presents the 25th annual golf outing! Join us Friday, October 10th at 9 am for a Shotgun start at Ivy Hill Country Club.



Click here to register and for sponsorship opportunities.

For questions reach out to golfouting.ihm.crusader@gmail.com

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP KICK OFF!

WALKING WITH A PURPOSE BIBLE STUDY

Why is the parish parking lot so crowded on Friday mornings? Over sixty ladies have been gathering every Friday morning from 9:30-11 at the Parish Welcome Center to participate in the Walking with Purpose Bible Study. And this Friday, October 3rd, we are inviting friends to attend our monthly Connect Coffee Event. We would love for you to come join us for breakfast, coffee, and soul filling discussion following a video we will watch featuring Lisa Brinkemeyer. For questions, please contact Sheri May at sherimay76@gmail.com or Christy Hiltz at christyhiltz@gmail.com

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COAT COLLECTION

NEW ALTAR SERVER EVENT

TOUCHING THE DIVINE BIBLE STUDY

COMMUNITY NEWS

St. Xavier High School

Grade school boys are invited to learn about St. Xavier and how they form men into leaders and Men for Others!

• Shadow Days: Click here to schedule.
• Jr. High Band Night: October 3rd. Register here.
• Entrepreneurship Bootcamp: October 24th & 25th. Click here to register.
• Xperience Night: October 22nd. Click here to register and for more information.
• Open House: November 16th 1-5 p.m. Register here.

McNicholas High School

Explore McNicholas High School this fall and learn more about how you can Find Your Brilliance as a Rocket! View our Admissions Calendar, list of events, and steps to apply. Browse our Digital Brochure for an overview of our academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings.

• Shadow Days: Click here for Shadow Days available.
• Apply: Applications are open from September 1 through November 17.
• Information Nights: October 1st and 14th
• Open House: October 26th & 27th
• Morning at McNicholas: October 30 & November 14th

Archbishop Moeller High School

Forming our Students into Remarkable Men.

• Shadow Days: Schedule here.
• Information Sessions: October 1st & 14th. Register here.
• Open House: November 2nd. Click here for more information.

Elder High School

Grade school boys are invited to visit Elder High School and see how they offer a place for students to express their individuality and make their high school experience unique!

• Shadow Days: September 26th, October 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, & 24th, November 5th & 25th, December 9th, and January 9th
• Grade School Brand Night: October 10th. Click here to register.

St. Ursula

St. Ursula invites grade school girls to visit and experience all the reasons why they were awarded "Best of Cincinnati" in the school category by the Cincinnati Award Program.

• Shadow Days: Through November 14th. Spend a day at SUA and shadow a current student through a regular school day. Meet students and teachers, attend classes, and experience the welcoming atmosphere and authentic sisterhood in person. Click here to register.
• Educational Services Program Night: October 2nd. Click here for more information.
• Walkabout Wednesdays: October 1st, 15th, and 22nd. One-hour tours to see the community in action. Click here for more information.
• Open House: November 9th. Register here.
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If you have news to share with our community, please send it to communications@ihomschool.org. Information is due on Friday; the week before you would like the news to be included in our newsletter.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL

7800 Beechmont Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45255

513-388-4086

ihomschool.org