Disciple Dispatch

May 22, 2026

From the Principal's Desk


Hello IHM Families!


As we enter into Memorial Day weekend as well as Pentecost, it sure feels like we are finishing things up. We are finishing up the Easter season in the church and finishing up the year in school. Classrooms have been celebrating and completing projects and reviews. The construction on the new preschool is moving along quickly! In the mornings there is usually a lot of activity to see. It's been really fun and I have learned so much along the way. I continue to be so grateful to the community for the support of the Capital Campaign- making it all possible. As we look forward to the new year, it will be so exciting to put into practice the other part of the campaign- supporting our teacher compensation. This was the original need the Finance Council wanted to address with this campaign. Seeing it come to fruition is such a gift.


I hope you all have a great long weekend!


Blessings,

Mrs. Holly Lake

Celebrating Our Beloved Alumni!

A big congratulations to our IHM alumni who graduated high school this week. We are so proud of all you have accomplished and the many successes you have achieved along the way. Your hard work, leadership, faith, and dedication continue to make the IHM family proud. As you begin this exciting new chapter, we can’t wait to see where God leads you next. Always remember — Disciples First, Then Diplomas!


A very special congratulations to IHM alumnus Andy Jeakle on being named Catholic Central’s Valedictorian! What an incredible accomplishment. We are so proud of you!

Update on Hot Lunch Program!


As a reminder - breakfast and lunch ARE NOT FREE for the remainder of this school year, but by implementing breakfast now, we are hoping to be in compliance by the beginning of the school year to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students next school year. As a reminder - all lunch accounts need to be paid off ASAP!


Any questions regarding the program or your account, please contact

Eileen O'Brien directly.

---

Eileen O'Brien

Food Service Director

o. 616.233.5863

eileenobrien@grcatholiccentral.org

Saying Goodbye to our Preschoolers!


This week was the last week of school for our preschooler's, Young 5's and Enrichment. They celebrated by making/flying kites, playing in the outdoor classroom, had field day, and enjoyed a popsicle treat on the last day of school. Have a great summer and we'll see you next year!

Fun Happenings Around School

5th Grade Farm Week


The 5th grade had their 3rd and final week out at the farm! Lots of time outside the classroom - farm chores, kitchen duty and bird studies were done. The week ended with a hot dog lunch and kids were joined by their parents for lunch and a tour of the farm!


4th Grade Wax Museum


Our 4th graders did an AMAZING job with their Living Wax Museum presentations. Everyone worked so hard and had some very interesting information to share! We are very proud!

6th Grade Overnight at Camp Henry


Our 6th graders spent two days out at Camp Henry doing outdoor activities like building fires, riding giant swings, grooming horses, team-building activities, s'mores roasting, midnight dodgeball and more. What a great opportunity to bond as a grade!

1st & 5th Grade Kickball Game & Picnic


Our 5th and 1st grade classes had a ball today playing a kickball game with their prayer partners. After the game, they enjoyed a picnic lunch of walking tacos, watermelon and sweet treats! This is always a highlight every year!

Welcome to the IHM Family!


The Crittenden family brought home a new bundle of joy this week! Welcome to the world Anna Rae! If you would like to help the family adjust to being a family of five, a meal train has been set up for them. We are so excited to meet our newest Disciple in Training.


Meal Train for Crittenden Family


GRACEAC Spring Sports Champions

We would like to recognize our regular season and tournament champions. We are so proud of our IHM student athletes on a great season of GRACEAC/Catholic United East sports!

7/8 Girls Softball

CUE captured the regular season championship with a 9–3 record and completed the sweep by defeating CUW in the championship game. Congrats to our IHM player, Jovie C!

7/8 Girls Soccer

The grils had a great season and took 2nd in the championship game! Congrats to IHMers Caroline H. and Alaina H.

5/6 Grade Girls Soccer

CUE won both the regular season and tournament titles while also completing an undefeated season with one tie. They defeated GRC Black in the championship game. Congrats to IHM player Soriya T!

Donate Your Used Uniforms This Spring


Don't wait until the fall! Please consider dropping off the uniforms your student(s) have outgrown at the end of this school year. Our organizer extraordinaires plan to set up the Used Uniform Closet over the summer so it's available to our families at the beginning of August.


Save time and money shopping from a huge selection of school uniforms FREE!

Does your Student Need Bus Transportation Next Year?


If you are interested in having your child ride the bus to/from school next year, you will need to fill out the Google form by June 1st. Once you fill out the form, be on the lookout for an email coming from the Office of Catholic Schools to confirm your transportation needs and anticipated bus route. If you decide as the school year gets closer that you no longer need transportation, YOU MUST OPT OUT and let them know or you will get charged. Here is the link to the Transportation Google Form.


Click Here for more information on Diocesan Transportation.

We are Hiring Part-Time Tech Support!


We are looking for a part-time Technology Support Specialist (approx. 10-20 hours/week) to support our students, teachers, and staff with technology systems, Chromebooks, Google Workspace, Infinite Campus, classroom tech, and more.



✔ Flexible schedule

✔ Some remote work opportunities

✔ Positive, faith-filled school community


If you or someone you know is interested in joining a warm, faith-filled school community and making a difference in the lives of young learners, please contact Holly Lake at principal@ihmschoolgr.org

Registration for GRACEAC Fall

athletics programs is now open!


This season we are offering:


Cross-Country (Co-ed) - Grades 5-8

Flag Football (Boys)-Grades 3-4

Tackle Football (Boys)-Grades 5-8

Sideline Cheer (Girls) - Grades 3-8

Soccer (Boys)-Grades 5-8

Volleyball (Girls)-Grades 5-8


Please register  your student by June 15 to join a team. Registrations after this date are subject to a late fee. If you have any questions about GRACEAC sports, please contact your Coach Taylor.

LapTime Coordinator Needed!


We are looking for an additional parent or grandparent volunteer to help with LapTime coordination for the 2026-2027 school year. The need would be 1-2x per month Oct - April from 9:50-11:10 am. Tasks would include email communications, door opener/greeter, and clean up. If you would like some additional info or have any questions please reach out to Amanda Solt at amandarsolt@gmail.com Thank you!

Field Day is Coming!


The outdoor fun and games, as well as hot dog lunch, are planned for Monday, June 1st from 11:30 - 3:00 pm.


It can't be done without your help! Whether you are able to offer your time in the morning or afternoon, please consider signing up to volunteer!

CC Summer Sports Camps

From football to cheerleading, Catholic Central’s sports summer camps offer something for every athlete. Programs run from June through August, focusing on fundamental skill development, friendship, and character building. CC is committed to keeping camps accessible with affordable fees.

 

Details:

  • Grades: K–9
  • Time: Various
  • Cost: Varies
  • Deposit: $10 non-refundable fee

Middle School Summer

Strength + Conditioning


What

Adam Nelson (MS, CSCS, SCCC, USAW-1), CC’s Strength & Conditioning Coach, will lead middle school sessions designed to build strength, improve movement, and develop confidence in a safe, structured environment.

 

Who

Rising 6th–8th grade student-athletes


When (Training Times)

Football: 7:00–9:30 AM (Mon–Thurs)

Non-Football Athletes: 9:30–11:00 AM (Mon, Tue, Thurs)

Middle School: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM (Mon, Tue, Thurs)


Dates

June 8–11 (Week 1)

June 15–18

June 22–25

OFF June 28–July 4 (MHSAA Dead Week)

July 6–9

July 13–16

July 20–23

July 27–30 (Final week for Non-Football & Middle School)

OFF August 3–6 (Non-Football & Middle School OFF)

August 10 — Fall Sports Begin


Other Information

Location: The CAT

Arrival / Drop-off: Enter through the CAT Student Entrance (just before the main stadium gate). Arrive early and be ready to train.


Group Meeting Locations: Football meets on the CAT gym floor before each session; Non-Football & Middle School meet on the indoor track outside the weight room entrance.


What to Bring: Water, clean athletic clothes and shoes, and any necessary medical items (e.g., inhalers).


Middle School Registration: Sign-up required in advance.

Q: If a friend or relative was driving towards a cliff and you had the ability to put on the brake, you would, right?

Q: If a friend or relative's soul was in danger of spending eternity off the same cliff, and you had the ability to invite them towards eternal life, you would, right?  


The new ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (OCIA) requires those adults and children over the age of reason (7+) who wish to be baptised (and be received in the Catholic Faith at the Easter Vigil 2027) to be registered on or before the Feast of Pentecost (Sunday May 24,2026)


Those already baptised but wishing to be formed and Confirmed in the Catholic Faith may join/register after that deadline but preferably before classes begin in September. 


We are happy to extend the invitation after you have. Give us a call: Pastoral Associate Colleen Lowe 616-241-4477 ext 1101.

West Catholic Summer Camps

Sign up HERE

As summer begins, office hours will shift. Please see below for abbreviated hours:


  • June 4: Thursday, Last day of School, 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • June 5: Friday, Closed
  • June 8–10: Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
  • June 15-26: Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
  • Office Closed: June 29–July 6
  • July 13-August 7, Monday-Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
  • August 10-14, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • August 17-21, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • August 24th, first day of school, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM (1/2 day for students)


*Please note that the Parish office will close at noon on Fridays from June 5 - September 4.

Looking Ahead...


  • 5/25 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
  • 5/26-28 - 8th Grade exams (half day for 8th grade only)
  • 5/27 - Prayer Partner T-Shirt Day
  • 5/28 - 8th Grade Dad's BBQ and last day for 8th grade
  • 5/28 - Kindergarten Field Trip to John Ball Zoo
  • 5/29 - 6th and 7th grade exams - 1/2 day for those grades
  • 5.29 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Grand Rapids Township Park
  • 6/1 - 8th Grade Trip to Cedar Point
  • 6/1 - Field Day for grades K-5
  • 6/1-6 - 6th and 7th Grade Exams - half day for those grades
  • 6/2 - 8th Grade Graduation Mass 6:30
  • 6/3 - 7th Grade to Michigan's Adventure
  • 6/4 - Last Day of School! Dismissal at 11:00 am
  • 8/24 - First Day of School! Dismissal at 11:00 am


Happy Summer Vacation!!

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Guided by Mother Mary, our patroness, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School learns, leads, and serves as disciples of Christ.