Sleep in Heavenly Peace Pillow Drive

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that no child sleeps on the floor. They build and deliver beds to children in need by partnering with community volunteers and donors to provide safe, comfortable beds for kids who don’t have one. The Cincinnati chapter, formed in 2024, has already helped more than 1,100 children in our area. For more information about SHP, please see their website linked here.  

We are partnering with Teresa Linser (IHHS junior and SHP board member) and the high school to host a pillow drive in support of SHP.

Pillow Drive Details:

Dates: Monday, March 23 – Monday, April 27

Goal: 150 brand new pillows

There will be a Competition between middle school houses & middle school vs. high school!

 Pillows will be collected in the Village Green before school by Braves Council members.

This is a simple way for our school community to make a meaningful impact on local children and families. Thank you for your support!

Engineering Summer camps at the University of Cincinnati in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

Please see the information below about Engineering Summer camps at the University of Cincinnati for rising 8^th-12^th graders in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

The camps offered during the summer provide an immersive, hands-on experience where students work collaboratively to design, build, and test innovative solutions to real-life engineering challenges.  

Key features of the program include: 

• Hands-on Engineering Projects: Students design and prototype solutions using industry-relevant tools and technology. 
• Team-Based Problem Solving: Campers collaborate in small groups, strengthening leadership and communication skills. 
• Mentorship from Professionals: Industry professional engineers, UC faculty, and current Bearcat students work with students to improve critical thinking skills and provide insight to new research. 
• College and Career Exposure: Participants gain insight into engineering pathways, academic preparation, and emerging career opportunities. 
• Final Showcase Event: Students present their projects to peers, families, and camp partners, building confidence and presentation skills. 

Camps range in experience level to accommodate a range of levels, making it ideal for both students who are just beginning to explore engineering and those who have a strong interest in Engineering. There is a fee associated with camps, but scholarships are available if accepted.

Applications can be found on our website and will remain open until

March 31, 2026.    

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep? 



School-aged children (6–12 years) need 9 to 12 hours of sleep, while

teens (13–17 years) require 8 to 10 hours. But with everything competing for their attention, many kids aren't getting nearly enough.

If your child isn't getting enough sleep, you might notice these signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty waking up in the morning

• Low energy and mood swings throughout the day

• Struggles with focus and concentration

• Increased irritability or crankiness

• Poor academic performance or lack of interest in schoolwork

Your support as a parent is key to helping your child develop a healthy sleep routine.

Tips to Help Your Child Sleep Better 

To get started, here are some tips to help your child or teen get the quality sleep they need:

1. Have a regular sleep schedule.

This means going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, even on weekends. It would be helpful to set alarms or reminders on devices to signal when it's time to start their bedtime routine and when to wake up in the morning.

2. Reduce screen time and other stimulating activities.

The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. Engaging activities can also increase alertness.

Instead, have your child do calming activities, such as reading a book, listening to soft music, or practicing gentle stretches to promote sleep.

3. Keep the bed for sleep only.

When kids do homework, watch TV, or play games in bed, their brain starts to associate the bed with being awake and active. Try to make their bed a sleep-only zone so that when they climb in at night, their body knows it's time to wind down.

4. Promote physical activity during the day.

Whether it's after school or during the day on weekends, let them spend time outside, participate in sports, or create family challenges (like a "household chores challenge," bike ride, or scavenger hunt).

5. Help them feel prepared for tomorrow.

Many kids struggle to fall asleep because their minds are busy thinking about the next day. Try having them make a quick list of what they need to do tomorrow. Research shows that writing a to-do list for the next day can actually help people fall asleep faster. They can also pick out their clothes and pack their backpack before bed so they feel organized and ready for the next day.

6. Try sleep-friendly foods and drinks.

What your child eats in the evening can affect how well they sleep. Foods like almonds, walnuts, kiwi, and turkey contain nutrients that may promote better sleep. A cup of chamomile tea (caffeine-free) can also be a calming part of their bedtime routine. On the flip side, avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime. 



Little by little, these strategies will make a difference. Better sleep means a brighter, more energized day for your child. 

MySchoolBucks- Fee Increase

The MySchoolBucks program fee will increase to $3.50 for all cafeteria credit/debit card payments beginning on August 1st. You are still able to pay via check in the front office to avoid this fee. Additionally, the maximum meal payment limit will increase to $150 per transaction.