December 2024
Immaculate Conception School Newsletter
Mrs. Schrimpf's News
Dear IC Angel Families,
As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, embracing hope, peace, joy, and love. This is a time to reflect on the many blessings God has given us and to share those blessings with others. Our students are celebrating Advent with classroom prayer opportunities and collecting items to support families in need at the Samaritan Center. The Toy Drive for Jackson’s Journey continues through December 13. Thank you for your generosity in helping us live out our Catholic mission to serve others. These activities help remind us all of the true meaning of the season. Advent resources were sent home prior to Thanksgiving break. Please consider creating a sacred space in your homes to celebrate Advent as a family.
Returning Stewardship Packets
Stewardship Commitment Renewal information is being emailed to all parish families. (This is the annual Time & Talent). This is a requirement for parish sponsorship of students in our Catholic school and Helias. If you haven’t yet, we kindly ask that you submit them by Friday, December 13th. Your commitment to stewardship is a vital part of our parish and school community.
“Visioning IC” Capital Campaign
As we reflect on the theme of giving this Advent, we encourage your participation in our capital
campaign. Whether you are contributing prayers, financial support, or spreading the word, every effort counts. Together, we are building a foundation for the future, ensuring that generations to come can enjoy the blessings of a Catholic education. If you have questions about the campaign, please reach out to the school office or visit www.visioningic.com. Please return your campaign pledge card as soon as possible. Members of our IC School Advisory Council will be reaching out to school families who haven’t returned their pledge cards.
Christmas Break
School will dismiss early on Friday, December 20, 2024 for Christmas break. Classes will resume on
Tuesday, January 7, 2025. We pray that your Christmas is filled with joy and the love of Christ.
As Pope Francis reminds us, "Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man." May the light of Christ guide and bless your family this season.
Blessings,
Heather Schrimpf, Principal
Food for Thought
A Message from Fr. Matt: May the LIGHT of Christ burn brightly in the heart of your family throughout this Christmas Season. May the crowning feast of Christmas at Epiphany fully reveal that light, which enlightens the world.
In the union of prayer,
Rev. Matthew Flatley, Pastor
mflatley@diojeffcity.org
Nurse's Notes and Reminders
Help Nurse Debbie get a jump on 2025-2026 school year! Many of our 7th graders have already received the immunizations that they need for admittance into 8th grade. As Nurse Debbie begins to communicate with 7th grade families about needed immunizations, having updated records for each student will help her tailor her communications. Feel free to send your student's most updated immunization records so that Nurse Debbie can determine what immunizations are needed for your student to be in attendance 2025-2026 school year.
Middle School Announcements
- 12/03 - BAND; IC Spirit Shirt Day; STUCO Shopping
- 12/04 - BAND; Life Runners; Uplift (6th)
- 12/05 - Children's Choir Rehearsal; Nativity at the Capitol
- 12/06 - BAND
- 12/09 - BAND; Youth Group
- 12/10 - DRESS DOWN DAY (HHF)
- 12/11 - BAND; Mathcounts
- 12/12 - Helias Counselor Visit (8th); Children's Choir Rehearsal
- 12/13 - BAND
- 12/16 - BAND
- 12/17 - IC Spirit Shirt Day; Casual for a Cause Dress Down Day ($2.00 Donation Required); Band Concert (MPAC) @ 7:00pm
- 12/18 - BAND; Art Club
- 12/19 - BAND
- 12/20 - END OF 2ND QUARTER
Servers Needed!
If your son / daughter is available to serve during Christmas and/or New Year's, please let Mrs. Emmel know as soon as possible. Available times are as follows:
- Christmas Eve - 5:00pm in the gym and 8:00pm in church
- Christmas Day - 8:00am and 10:00am in church
- New Year's Eve - 5:30pm in church
- New Year's Day - 9:00am in church
Thank you in advance for your help and continued support!
Home & School News
Dear IC Families,
Spring Fling will be here before we know it! It is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th and will again feature dueling pianos, an auction, and lots of fun! To make this a successful event, we need all hands on deck! We'd like all school families to please fill out THIS FORM to let us know how you will support the event this year. Attached here you will find a letter regarding the auction and also a letter to give businesses when asking for their support. Thank you in advance for anything and everything you can do to support IC Home and School!
**Please contact any of the Spring Fling Chairs if you have any questions. Contact info is included on the attached letters.**
Technology Tidbit
What is AI? AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is when computers or machines are programmed to "think" and "learn" like humans, so they can do things we normally need people to do. AI can recognize patterns, make decisions, and even solve problems based on the information it's given. Think of AI as a tool that gets better over time as it learns from its experiences or data.
AI is a powerful tool that helps make daily tasks easier, faster, and more personalized. But it's still a machine, following rules it’s been given. AI doesn’t actually “think” or “feel” like a person; it just mimics thinking through patterns it recognizes from data. For both parents and students, knowing a bit about how AI works and how it’s used helps us make smart choices when using technology.
Check out this link to learn more!
What Parents Need to Know about Kids and AI
Jessica Stevens
Counselor's Desk
Happy Holidays! I hope Thanksgiving left you full, thankful for all God’s blessings, and looking forward to Christmas. In the month of November students learned about feelings, coping skills, and being their true selves. In December, younger students will continue their focus on these as well as the importance of giving and showing kindness to others while older students will continue learning about diversity. We’ve got several fun activities planned to help your student practice these skills- especially with their classmates.
Tip for the Month:
With the holidays upon us, take time to celebrate traditions with your family. Don’t have any traditions, make some! Traditions can be simple and easy, but create memories your family will cherish for years to come. Here are a few ideas to create your own traditions:
- Family Christmas cookie baking day.
- Midnight mass with an ‘early’ breakfast to follow.
- Go look at Christmas lights and end with pizza.
- Adopt a family from the Samaritan Center and shop for presents together.
- Watch your favorite Christmas movie together as a family (electronics free).
**Reminder to check out our counseling virtual classrooms! There are lots of resources and fun activities for families!**
Administration Contact Information
Mrs. Schrimpf
Mrs. Boessen
Mrs. Wyrick/School Office
Mrs. Jennings/School Office
Mrs. Hilke/Nurse
ATTENDANCE