Crusader Connection

September 17, 2025

Your student(s) diagnostic data went home on Monday. Please contact your homeroom teacher with questions or clarification. 

Our PTO Fall Fundraiser is wrapping up this week. Please help us meet our goal to support class parties, school expense grants, socials, teacher appreciation lunches, and school special occasions. 

I cannot wait to see our Preschool Mum Sale successes supporting both our campus facilities and bringing joy to the neighborhood with bright colored flowers. Thank you for helping us cultivate community! 

On Thursday, September 25, from 6-7pm, we want to get to know your family at our Beacon of Hope Community Fair. Babysitting will be provided in the gym, allowing you to enjoy light bites while gaining insight and building relationships with IHM members to make some of our largest events your own! Join us to build up our experiences and the school journey for our students! 

In the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Mrs. Pendergest

IHM SCHOOL COMMUNITY ARE PILGRIMS OF HOPE

You can be a Pilgrim of H

• Contributing baby items to the Baby shower in a Bag Project that benefits women experiencing a crisis pregnancy who come to Pregnancy Center Plus on Madison Avenue. Click here to sign up to donate items. Donations can be placed in the wooden bin in the school lobby until Sunday Sept. 28th. Check the church bulletin Social Action page for more details.
• Helping at the Comboni Taste of Mission Event. Volunteers are needed to man the Kids Area booths on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, September 27th. Click here to sign up to volunteer.

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! 

CHESS CLUB IS BACK!

We will be starting on Wednesday, September 17th.



The format of Chess Club will stay the same as last year. We will have two groups (both on Wednesdays) - Group 1 for play & basics, and Group 2 for strategy & tournament prep. 

Please read the information at the top of this form fully before deciding which group to sign up for! 

This form will close Sunday, September 14th at noon. If you have any questions regarding Chess Club or the form, please contact Caroline Walsh - walsh.caroline@ihomschool.org. 

We look forward to seeing everyone on September 17th! We have missed you and Chess Club!

SUPPORT FOR ANNUNCIATION PARISH AND SCHOOL OF MINNEAPOLIS

The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota has created a charitable fund — the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund — which will provide financial support to the Church of the Annunciation for the needs of the parish and school, as well as to support those affected by the tragedy. If you feel called to give, please click here. May the Lord continue to comfort and console the Annunciation Parish & School family and community

BEACON OF HOPE COMMUNITY FAIR IS SEPTEMBER 25TH

Come see how you can support Immaculate Heart of Mary School! Join us at the Beacon of Hope Community Fair on September 25th from 6-7 pm in the IHM Cafeteria (babysitting provided!). The Beacon of Hope Community Fair is a great opportunity to see all the organizations that help make Immaculate Heart of Mary School a flourishing environment for our community. There is an organization for everyone to help give back and keep IHM traditions strong. See where your gifts can make a difference — from the Winter Gala to the Booster Fish Fry, there is place for everyone!

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!

PARENT CHECKLIST AND FORMS TO COMPLETE

To ensure a smooth start to the school year, please submit the below documentation to the school office as soon as possible.

• Log into Option C to Complete:
• 25-26 SCHOOL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
• 25-26 STUDENT K-8 HANDBOOK AGREEMENT
• 25-26 SKILLS GROUP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
• 25-26 PHOTO PERMISSIONS
• 25-26 STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC & MEDICAL INFORMATION

eForms Guide for the Parent Portal.pdf

• Request for Medication by School Personnel
• OTC Medication Form
• Prescription Medication Form
• Updated Immunization Records
• 7th Grade: One dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) and one dose of Tdap vaccine must be administered on or after the 10th birthday
• All Kindergarten and New Families 1-8 MUST complete the following required Medical Forms
• StudentMedicalRecord
• A copy of the most current Immunization Record
• ORAL ASSESSMENT

SUMMER PRAYER CHALLENGE FROM FR. AARON

At the final school Mass last year, Fr. Aaron challenged all IHM students to try and pray every day over the summer, and if they did, he would have a reward for them. This is so important for all of us, as our relationship with God doesn’t just happen when we are at school or in church. We should always be trying to grow and deepen our friendship with Jesus Christ in our daily lives. 

If your child/children participated in this challenge, please respond this survey by Sept. 18th and Fr. Aaron will bring the reward to their homerooms.

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

IHM PRESCHOOL IS HIRING!

Immaculate Heart of Mary Preschool seeks a caring and patient Preschool teacher to support our early learners. If you are a nurturing and love helping little ones grow in a faith-based environment, we would love to have you join our team. You are expected to plan age-appropriate activities, and work well with classroom aides. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 12-3:30 p.m.

Contact: Laura Case, Preschool Director – case.l@ihomschool.org.

Catholic Candidate: Preferred

ROOFING PROJECT UPDATE

The roofing project is still wrapping up on both the main school building and the Kindergarten annex building.  Please be mindful of door access, materials, and work overhead.  Thank you for giving space for them to wrap up as quickly as possible. 

CAFE CORNER

Welcome Back Crusaders! The Cafe Crew has been hard at work getting it all ready to go for you. Please see the attached flier for some reminders about adding money to your account and reviewing the menu. You can add money to your MySchool Bucks Account. Pricing is below.

PILGRIMS OF HOPE: TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The St. Gregory the Great Social Action Committee is educating and encouraging students to recycle plastic bottles and milk cartons during the school lunch periods. New recycling containers are in the school cafeteria. Volunteers are reminding students to empty the contents of the milk cartons and plastic bottles (water & Gatorade) into nearby buckets, to remove the straws, and then to recycle the containers. Encourage your child to be a good steward of the Earth and a Pilgrim of Hope as we care for our environment.  

JOIN OUR BOOSTERS

Interested in Athletics or Fine Arts? Please visit our respective parish-sponsored boosters groups for more details.

JON PETERSON SCHOLARSHIP

We are pleased to announce that IHM has partnered with Literacy Link, led by Michelle Orlando regarding Jon Peterson Scholarship applications and billing.  Please reach out to Michelle with questions and documents at jonpeterson@ihomschool.org. If your student receives special education funding through the John Peterson Scholarship, please see the Welcome Letter.

WE ARE HIRING LONG-TERM SUBSTITURE TEACHERS!

IHM is in need of a few long-term substitute teachers this school year in both Preschool and K-8. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Kelly Pendergest at pendergest.k@ihomschool.org.

WINTER GALA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Each year, the Winter Gala brings our community together to celebrate and support the heart of our school — our amazing teachers and staff. But this year, the Gala is at serious risk of being cancelled unless we find volunteers to step up as event chairs.  Contact Belinda at 513-328-3532  IHMgala@ihom.org  

THURSDAY PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

FISH FRY LEAD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help us keep the tradition alive! The IHM Boosters are seeking a dedicated individual (or a dynamic team of 2) to take charge of the IHM Fish Fry next year. This important role involves ordering supplies, setting up each week, and overseeing the cooking team. This is the first time in 30 years we’ve had this opening, and it’s a critical opportunity to support our IHM community. Many may not know that the Fish Fry is the Boosters' top fundraiser, directly supporting uniforms, equipment, facility maintenance, and more. Without it, we risk having to increase yearly dues and sports participation fees.

WE ARE HIRING IHM FACULTY!

We are looking to hire for our team in the following roles:

• Certified Educational Assistant(s), Part time email Principal 
• Counselor, Full time email Principal 
• Substitute Teachers, email Principal 

If you know someone who can bring their skills to support our students on campus this year, please encourage them to apply!   

IHM PTO NEWS

PTO CLASSROOM COORDINATORS & VOLUNTEERS

Don't miss out! Help support school events and students by signing up for one of our remaining PTO Classroom Coordinator or Volunteer positions. These coveted spots are still available for kindergarten, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades to plan class parties. Secure your spot here!

FALL ON THE FARM

IHM PTO invites you to a private event at Burger Farm! Enjoy private access to Burger Farm with IHM families! The IHM PTO has reserved the farm for an exclusive evening of fall fun on Sunday, September 28th, from 6–8 p.m. Bring your IHM friends and extended family for a special, crowd-free evening! Please see the flyer attached for more details. Registration is open on MTK until September 22nd, reserve your spot today! Tickets will not be sold at the door.

JOIN THE PTO

PTO REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Download the Membership Toolkit App to pay for PTO dues, access a directory of IHM families, and pay for events quickly and securely. Volunteer opportunities are now open for sign ups here! Help is needed for weekday, evening, & weekend events! 

OUR FALL FUNDRAISER IS UNDERWAY!

Thank You Crusader Community! Our Fall Fundraiser has been an absolute smash, and we are not done yet.

There is still time to get those final orders in by Friday September 19th. Homeroom teachers will be sharing the lists of students who earned an Out of Uniform Pass (1 Day or 1 Week). Keep an eye out for their communication.

Out of Uniform Days are:

• 1 Day: September 22nd
• 1 Week: September 22nd-26th

Don’t Forget to double check the handbook for out of uniform guidelines!

Any questions please contact IHMPTO@gmail.com.

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

GIRLS BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

Registration for Girls Basketball is now OPEN!

Go to ihomboosters.org and use the registration tab to register. Registration will close on Sunday, September 14th.  

Evaluation dates and time will be announced once registration closes.

Practices start October 13th and the season runs through January 18th.

RITE OF ENROLLMENT MASSES FOR CONFIRMANDI

These masses are an opportunity for those being confirmed this year to make their own public statement about their desire to be Confirmed. They sign a scroll before Mass and, when called upon, stand up to state their intention to be Confirmed in their Catholic faith.

Fr. Steve will be the celebrant as these Masses. Here are the dates and times where this Rite will take place:

St. John Fisher

- Sept. 21st @ 9:00am

- Sept. 21st @ 11:00am

TOUCHING THE DIVINE BIBLE STUDY

COMMUNITY NEWS

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
• Future Rockets Sports Nights:
• Volleyball: September 18th
• Morning at McNicholas: October 30 & November 14th

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 19th, & 26th, October 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, & 24th, November 5th & 25th, December 9th, and January 9th
• Cincy Premier Grade School Band Information Night: September 9. Click here for more information.

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.
• Volleyball Night: September 25th. Click here for more information.
• Educational Services Program Night: October 2nd. Click here for more information.
• Walkabout Wednesdays: September 17th, 22nd, and 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.

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