Dear Families,

As we wrap up our second successful week of school, I want to take a moment to express how proud I am of our entire school community. The energy and enthusiasm that fill our classrooms and hallways are truly inspiring, and it’s a joy to see our students settling into their routines with smiles and a spirit of learning.

A special thank you goes out to our dedicated teachers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth start to the year. From establishing classroom rules and teaching behavioral expectations across the campus to introducing Chromebooks, the new playground equipment, and cafeteria procedures, they have shown an incredible commitment to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our students. I am also grateful to our support staff, maintenance crew, and cafeteria team for the commitment to our students. Together, our hard work is setting a strong foundation for a year filled with growth, learning, and joy.

As you know, the elementary school begins the school day at 7:50 am with Morning Gathering. This is a time where every student in grades 1-8 and staff member come together to start the day to honor our country, celebrate one another, and most importantly bless one another with daily prayer, reflection, and a sense of unity. Morning Gathering allows our school to lift each other up in faith, set a positive tone for the day, and remind ourselves of the strength we find in community. Parents, you are always welcome to join us in this special time—your presence enriches our shared experience.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to all the wonderful things we will accomplish together this year!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Connie Fortunato

principal@icsclinton.org

As we begin the year, I wanted to take the time to point out why we host fund raiser events. In all honesty I would love to claim the sole purpose is to bring us together for fellowship and camaraderie. What a dynamic way to build community! However, there are additional reasons why fund raisers are important. It is not a secret that Catholic schools host fund raisers to offset the cost of running the school. One question we hear often: Why doesn’t the school just charge what it really costs? Well, ICS is committed to offering an affordable tuition base to as many people as possible. I recently read this quote; "If you can give to the school financially, in great amounts, then you should be doing it." However, we understand, especially with inflation, that high living expenses cause hardship. If you can’t give big donations, below are some ideas to think about recommended by a non ICS Catholic school parent. I especially like #2. ICS offers many different fund raisers to help meet the desires and interests of our diverse families. No one is expected to participate in every fund raiser.

1. For us, giving to the school is the same as tithing to the parish. We give from the fruits, not from what’s left. Right now, our funding priority is to our children’s school. Select those charities you want to support and stick to it.
2. Don’t feel guilted into giving to every school fund raiser. If the annual fund is your gig, give to it. And if the golf tournament isn’t, then don’t. Support what you love and brush away the guilt. Easier said than done for Catholics, right?!
3. Choose how to give of your time and talent. I’m a graphic designer, so the school receives the gift of my time and talent as I offer my services, pro-bono, for anything they choose. I love doing it. Maybe you’re a master planner, a great organizer, a stellar photographer or an IT whiz. Or, perhaps your company can gift something in-kind to the school. Find the connection and give freely of the gifts God has bestowed upon you.
4. See if your company participates in a matching gifts program. You might be able to double, even triple, your gift to the school. All kinds of awesome.

Ms. Waraksa spent time this week teaching each student about how to use the new playground. ICS tries not to make assumptions as part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions Supports (PBIS) approach. It is all about our children coming first and knowing how to stay safe, how to use materials/tools appropriately, or what we (the adults) expect behaviorally. Go ICS!

All 3-year old to grade 8 students will have their fall photo taken. This photo will be used in the 2024-2025 yearbook. Dress uniform is required. Additional information was included in Happenings on the Hill.

I encourage you to pre-order now:

Go to:

mylifetouch.com Use Picture Day ID: EVTC34S9G

• 🐑 September 12- Little Lambs Toddler Program Orientation
• 👟👟👟September 13- Trek for Tech Walk-a-Thon and Peer bonding day~ cafeteria service
• 🍎September 17- Back to School night for grades K to 5
• 🍎September 18-Back to School night for preschool programs and grades 6 to 8
  
• 😁September 20-Picture Day with Lifetouch for preschool to grade 8
• 🎤September 20- Middle school dance ( 7 pm to 9 pm) for grades 6 - 8
  

Immaculate Conception School exists as a gift to God’s children, to prepare them to live a life with Jesus the Good Shepherd as their teacher and friend. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of Mary, the school seeks to foster in each student spiritual growth, academic excellence and moral integrity.