Links
Principals' Page  http://www.ihomschool.org/JustNotes/
Printable Version of this Newsletter
CNotify Tip Sheet
 Emergency Delay, Closing, etc.
ShopSmart Order Form
Child Protection Information
Fingerprint List 1/08

THE SPRING BOOK FAIR IS HERE!!!

 THE 2 FOR 1 SALE IS ON !!!

 BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE-MIX OR MATCH ANY ITEM

          WHERE: Heritage West
WHEN: May 5th – May 9th
TIMES: Monday-Friday   7:45a.m. –4:O0p.m

Special evening hours Wednesday – 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
before May Crowning

 Spanish books are available for our twinning community in Batahola.

Wish Lists will go home when students visit the Fair during their regular library times.  REMEMBER PARENTS, THIS IS JUST FOR YOUR BENEFIT. You are not committed to buy everything or anything on your child's list (you would probably need a small loan to cover the cost!!)

This is a great time to stock up on summer reading materials, traveling-in-the-car stuff, birthday or Mother's Day gifts, thank you gifts, or just "I love you" gifts.

 SO SWIM ON DOWN TO BROWSE, OR BUY!!

  IMPORTANT There will be a special drawing on Wednesday, May 7^th. Anyone visiting the Fair between 4:00 – 6:00 pm (one entry per family) may enter a drawing to win $25.00 in free books from the Fair. The winner will be announced at 6:00p.m. You do not have to be present to win – you will be notified by phone, and may come in anytime until Friday afternoon at 2:30 to receive your gift. Hope to see you there!

                                       Friday, May 9^th
Any child purchasing anything from pencils to books on Friday, May 9^th, will be entered into a special drawing to win some prizes. There will be eight names chosen, one from each grade level, and the winners will be announced on Monday morning, May 12^th. The winning students will come to the Library anytime during that day to collect their prizes. Good luck!

Thank you all for supporting the Book Fair. Our library benefits greatly from your kindness. Hope to see you all there!

What’s Happening?

Week of May 5
Book Fair in Heritage West!   2 for 1 Sale!
IHM Art Show
 

Weds, May 7
7:45am-6:30pm Book Fair is Open!
5:30pm Grade 8 Group Photo
7pm May Crowning
 

Fri, May 9
No School for Grade 2
7:30 Confirmation
 

Thurs, May 15
6:30-8:30 Schoolbelles Measuring Night, Heritage E
 

Fri, May 16
Last Day to Return Library Books
 

Tues, May 20
6:30 Market Day & Used Uniform Sale
 

Thurs/Fri/Sat, May 22/23/24
7PM at Anderson Center, School Musical Oklahoma!
 

Fri, May 23
No School Grade 5
 

Monday, May 26
No School, Memorial Day

Teacher Appreciation Arrives
in a Big Way at IHM

Immaculate Heart of Mary’s PTO went over the edge this year for Teacher Appreciation.  They completed a total makeover of their faculty lounge.  Teacher, Carol Hirschauer said, “It doesn’t even look like the same place.”  PTO members Traci VanDorselaer and Moira Scott were the main architects of the project.  They measured and schemed to make it happen.  The drab lounge now has a new wood floor, soft lighting, comfy couches, three new microwaves, and a new refrigerator with water and ice dispensers.  The room now provides a space for teachers to catch their breath, correct papers, make a phone call, or just rejuvenate during the day.  The project was funded by the PTO under the leadership of Jeanne Feldkamp and Lisa Arnold. 

The big reveal took place on Wednesday, May 30^th.  Students Jacob and Caitlin Scott along with Michael VanDorselaer were charged with moving a big school bus aside to reveal the makeover.  The faculty and staff of Immaculate Heart of Mary will enjoy the space for many years to come.
(Click to enlarge photo)

  No Bully Zone 
By Matt F, 3G

YEARBOOKS ARE BEING SENT HOME TOMORROW!    

Books will be sent home with your youngest student.  

Please have a discussion with your child about not writing in the
book if it is to be shared with older siblings.  

Didn’t order a book?  Limited extra books were ordered. 
First come, first served.  Send a check for $27.00 payable to IHM School
to the school office for each book.

The Talent Show’s Coming!  The Talent Show’s Coming!

That’s right, the 2008 IHM Talent Show IS coming!  Mark your calendars for 7:00pm on the evening of Thursday May 29th.  Please fill out the registration below to let me know if your child is interested in participating.  Registrations will be due Tuesday May 20^th and can be returned to David Wiesenhahn in 8B.  Any pre-recorded music needed will also be due on Tuesday May 20^th.   If you do not have your music in by this date you will not be able to perform.   If at all possible, please record the song to be performed (and only that song) on a CD by itself.  Any and all acts are subject to approval for appropriate content.  An important reminder: NO LIP SYNCING!  We adopted this rule several years ago, and the kids that have participated in the talent shows since then have done incredibly well!   If you or your child is concerned about performing onstage singing on his/her own PLEASE contact me.  I believe we can find ways to make kids feel more comfortable with performing in a more real sense, and I think the benefits to their self-esteem and confidence will be much greater.

Thanks for your interest!  Any questions, please contact me!

Jerry Wiesenhahn                      474-5126                       wiezj@yahoo.com

PARENTS OF 4^th and 8^TH GRADERS

Do you have an e-mail address on CNotify?
If not you are missing important information. 
Check with another parent to see what you’ve missed in the past couple of weeks.

First Communion at IHM

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Once Upon a Time

Cinderella Kids

Double click on photo to enlarge

Recycling Update

The school children have been doing great with the lunch recycling of plastic and aluminum.  In one week, we collect more than 1500 items.  That amounts to a modest estimate of one and a half tons of materials that we are saving from entering the landfill in a year.  We have been trying to find funding to install a concrete pad and enclosure which would enable IHM to have its own recycling dumpster.  Many parents have been helping haul the recycling bags over to the Township dumpsters three times a week while we work to have our own on site dumpster.  If we had our own dumpster we could add cardboard boxes and large cafeteria cans to our recycling.  We could also recycle at Parish and athletic events.   

We have approached PTO for funding in the past and, while they support the idea of recycling, they were not sure there was enough parental support to sustain the project.  We are on the PTO meeting agenda Monday, May 12^th (7:30pm in Holy Family) and would appreciate your support at the meeting. 

Thank you for helping and please attend the meeting on the 12^th if you are able.   You can also contact us at the addresses below.  We need to show PTO that recycling is wanted by the parents, teachers, staff and the IHM students.  We are determined to find a way to fund recycling at the school.  It’s good for everyone! 

Thank you,

Joy Harbert  - jch1003@fuse.net

and

Monica Friedl - monicafriedl@cinci.rr.com 

    Recycling Nugget 

Have you noticed the soda pop bottle-shaped containers at school? 

They are in place in order for us to recycle at school events and at events in the cafeteria, like the Fish Fry. 
There is one located in the 8^th grade hallway, too.  Brother Ed requested it be moved there. 
The eighth graders are using it for their water bottles that they have throughout the day. 
(Thank you, Brother Ed!)

 
Book Fair is This Week!

Don’t forget that this is the 2 for 1 Sale. Everything is on sale-buy one book at regular price and get the second book of equal or lesser value free! That applies to everything in the Fair, and you can mix and match.

Monday – Friday, May 5^th – May 9th      7:45 a.m.  – 4:00 p.m.
Special extended hours: Wednesday, May 7^th, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary
 Proudly Presents
 2008 Spring Musical

  Oklahoma!
 (from the G2K collection)
performed by 5^th - 8^thgraders 
 

May 22^nd , 23^rd , 24^th
  All shows are at the Anderson Centre Theatre on Five Mile Road.  Shows begin at 7:00 PM   All seats are $5.00.  Doors open one half hour before the performance.  No reserved seating, but tickets may be purchased in advance on Monday and Wednesday the weeks of each show during school lunch periods or the night of the show. 
Make checks payable to IHM.
Our school children are blessed to have the opportunity to take part in musical theatre productions.  
Enjoy family fun evenings while supporting musical theatre at IHM!

WHEN DO STUDENTS
EAT LUNCH?
(Go to the Cafeteria webpage for our Wellness Policy)

Wellness Corner
brought to you by the Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Wellness Committee!
This committee is made up of teachers, school
administrators, staff, and parents
 

Build Strong Growing Bones

Drinking Milk is a well-known way to strengthen your child’s growing bones, but there are other foods that can contribute to the health of their bones. 

Yogurt, cheese and pudding are all calcium-rich, bone-building foods.  So are calcium-fortified juice, soy beverages and tofu, as well as dark green vegetables like broccoli and kale. 

Do you need a a tutor for your student this summer?  We have a list of IHM teachers who are willing to tutor in various grade levels and subjects. 

Call 388-3020 or e-mail DebbiH@ihomschool.org for a copy of the list.

School Prayer Team 

Please pray for Mrs. Karen Easley and her 5^th graders this week.

AVAILABLE IN OUR SCHOOL OFFICE . . . . . . . Flyers! 

(Call 388-4086 or stop by for a copy.  Items mentioned are not endorsed by our school – we are merely making the information available to you.  Flyers will be kept in our School Office for a MAXIMUM of one week.).  
 

New Camp at McNick!!!   McNick High School is pleased to be offering a new camp in 2008 called Laffalot Summer Camp.  This camp is for grades 1-6 and will be held the  week of July 7-11 from 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.  Cost is $100 per camper.  With fun being our main emphasis, this camp is also designed to develop teamwork, encourage friendly competition, good sportsmanship, and a sense of fair play as well as build whole body coordination.  Activities include pillo pollo, flag tag, floor hockey, scavenger hunts, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, crazy ball, kickball, and much, much more!   SIGN UP TODAY!  Stop by the school office for a registration form or call Heather Williams at 503-4192.    Read what IHM students are saying about previously attended Laffalot camps:
"My favorite thing about camp was my counselor. She always made the games fun and exciting. And I really liked that we got to play against girls only!" ~Molly (3rd grade)
"I liked playing the different games each day. But my favorite games were Soccer, Dr. Dodgeball and Base Chase!" ~Bobby (2nd grade)

St. Xavier Speed Development Camps

Summer Art Classes by Thomas Zink

Summer Enrichment Better Babysitters

IHM PTO Surprises Teachers with Extreme Makeover!
Click on photos to enlarge

On Wednesday morning if you were anywhere near the cafeteria, you would have seen quite a sight..... all IHM teachers gathered in front of a massive student-made yellow school bus  that moved after an ear piercing call of "BUS DRIVER, MOVE THAT BUS!!!" 

A super secret project has been underway for the past month. Many parents were in on the surprise, but the PTO could not publicly announce the project until after the BIG REVEAL. We are proud to announce that on Wednesday, April 30th the entire teaching staff was called to the cafeteria for an "important meeting" with the principals. What they did not know was that over the long weekend, parent volunteers and work crews had successfully remodeled the former Teachers' Lounge, Work Room and Restroom (see the pictures on the Newsletter website). You may have seen coverage of our version of "IHM School Extreme Makeover" on Channel 9 news or Monday’s Enquirer.  

We just wanted the entire school community to know that the PTO funded this project as a tribute to our teaching staff and to coincide with Teacher Appreciation Week. We have the best teachers in Cincinnati and they deserve to have a space to call their own. From the looks on their faces, we really surprised them!  

A huge thank you to Brad Puckett and Jenny Dowers in maintenance for working late hours and putting up with all our changes, Dee Dineen for saving the bus!! , the folks at Woeste Remodeling, all the parent Volunteers who showed up to cover the classroom on Wednesday, the patient ladies in Formation and Debbi Hill for logistics support. Mary and Nancy were tremendous in helping us problem-solve various construction issues and were real sports to keep our secret! A big thank you also to Jeanne Feldkamp, Lisa Arnold and the PTO Board for approving this worthwhile project!! Please stop in to see the Extreme Makeover, you won't believe the difference!! 

Thanks again to everyone who made the project a success, 

Traci Van Dorselaer and Moira Scott
Operation "Extreme Makeover" Chairpersons

News from the PTO Co-Presidents

PTO Thanks Staff Prior to Teacher Appreciation Week

A few months ago, the co-chairs of this year's annual teacher appreciation luncheon came to the board members and presented an idea to replace the luncheon this year with a capital improvement project that would go on giving for years to come. 

The board was impressed with their idea and agreed to fund the project, "Extreme Makeover--IHM Edition".  Traci Van Dorselaer and Moira Scott presented a very detailed plan to create a true staff lounge in the old "copy room" area.  The space was converted to provide a private area for staff (both school and formation) to have a moment to catch their breath during a hectic day, to meet together as a team of teachers, to review/update student files, to make phone calls and return e-mails, eat their lunch or even grab a quick breakfast.  Anything that would allow them to have a peaceful moment within the busy day of teaching and caring for our children. 

As with most projects, the idea grew.  By re purposing and relocating many of the big items, including cabinets, the scope of the project was also extended to create a unified and efficient work space for the staff and all of the prep parents who volunteer.  It was a great use of what we already had--an episode from HGTV for the project too!

Everyone was very excited to also see the little bitty bathroom got "freshened up" with a new coat of paint!

It really took a team to make it happen all over the four day weekend and to allow it to truly be a big surprise when everyone returned to class last Wednesday.  Thanks to the entire team:  The IHM Maintenance Crew was amazing!  Traci and Moira and their children spent most of their entire break at the school working and cleaning.  The parents who came in to cover classes for the big reveal.  And, Tom Woeste, Woeste Remodeling, and his family who worked hard to get all of the details just right!  However, without the design team of Traci and Moira, the idea would never have become a reality.  Many thanks to them for a job well done!

Please do stop in and see the results whenever you are at the school this week---it truly is amazing!  It really makes you want to volunteer to help to use that work space too.  :)

PTO Volunteer Appreciation Event
We would like to extend an invitation to all parents who volunteered this year--in any way--with the PTO.  We would like you to all gather and celebrate another great year of serving together.  Because of the overwhelming number of volunteers, we are sure we have missed someone so please forgive us if that someone is you!  We want to thank you and hope you will keep May 16th open to attend the "party"!

RSVP to Jeanne Feldkamp or Lisa Arnold.  Thank You All so much for all you have done!!

 

FINAL SCHOOL YEAR PTO MEETING                               Monday Evening, May 12  Time:  7:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in the following items, please plan to attend and share your thoughts and opinions (or just listen if you'd like):
Board Positions / Involvement including Financial Voting, Future Decisions, Input
Recycling School Wide
Social Events for next School Year

Again, we encourage anyone who is interested in the future direction of PTO to attend this meeting.   And, even if you'd just like to hear a little more about what is being planned, please join us.  We look forward to seeing a great turn out of enthusiastic parents and teachers.  Stay for as much as your schedule will allow.  Thanks again for your continued support!!


PTO CHAIRPERSON EVALUATIONS
Thank you if you are one of the many who served as a PTO Chairperson this school year.  In today's envelope you will find an "Evaluation Form".  If you would be so kind to take a few minutes to complete this sheet and return it to Jeanne Feldkamp, c/o Michael, 3W we would appreciate it.  Also, if you would update and return your "binder" by May 16 we would also appreciate that.  Even if you plan to return as a chair next year, we would like to collect all of the binders so that they can be updated and expanded.  Thanks!


CALLING ALL FUNDRAISERS
Are you the one?  The one who loves to get everyone involved and engaged as soon as we return to school?  Do you love that we only do one "sales" fund raiser a year??  And, love that we don't have to deliver anything??  Do you get excited when we reach and exceed a goal??  Would you like to help decide what to do with the extra money often raised through the Magazine Drive?  Do you want to serve and help out where you are needed?  If you have answered yes to any of these questions, please consider volunteering to serve as the 2008 Magazine Drive Chairman.  There is a knowledgeable set of volunteers ready to go and we just need someone to lead us forward.....Please contact Lisa Arnold, Jeanne Feldkamp, Marilyn Kump or Kim Simmons if you would like to discuss the position.

Used Uniform Sale is coming!

(Tuesday, May 20th)

Are your child’s uniforms not going to fit after the summer or are they already too tight?  Please keep the PTO Used Uniform Sale in mind.  We will sell those uniforms for you.  For all items that you wish to sell, just pin an envelope to each piece of clothing.  On each envelope write the price that you would like for the item, your youngest child’s name and homeroom.  All money collected will be sent home through the Wednesday envelope.  What could be easier? 

Of course you could choose to just donate those items to the PTO.   

More details and drop off dates and times to follow soon. 

Any questions call Julie Deiters 474-0825

AttEntion all MOMS

Click here for form

Please “release your inner self” and join us for a ladies night out!
Celebrate an end to the 2007-08 school year
“In Style” before summer hits. 

               2008

Friday, May 16th, 2008 @ 7:00 P.M.
St. Joseph Hall (Cafeteria)
$25 per Person

 A multitude of foods presented “Station-Style”…
A dinner equivalent, but by choice, and you can have dessert first!
Food Selections include selections from:
 El Coyote, The Foreign Exchange, and Starbucks, on the Levy 

Showcasing The SPAtacular Event 2008:
A Fashion Show, presented by Stein Mart, encouraging the “ins” for the season. 

Raffles Abound!
Avalon Salon and Spa, Grand Prize Raffle valued @ $1935.00
Neighborhood Baskets, designed by members of IHM & Spa baskets. 

Spa Professionals on Site:
Identity Salon, Moonstone Salon and Spa, The Woodhouse Day Spa, & Avalon Salon and Spa

 20% off any one item at Stein Mart

Attend the Stein Mart “after show” event and receive 20% off any one item.

Name: _________________________________________________
Reservations____________ x $25.00_________________________

(Make check payable to IHM PTO:
please list names reservations on reverse, if other than yourself)

 Please return above reservation form to IHM school office by 5/9/08:

And will be delivered to Megan Molony, c/o 3W.

Questions? Contact Denise Higgins, 752-0588

Cash Bar for beer, wine, and some spirits.

Raffle tickets are available evening of event:  must be present to win.

This month when you order $75 in Market Day products, receive a FREE Beach Bag.

The Market Day Beach Bag is:
* Stylish and spacious, 13"D X 14"H
* Heavyweight material with reinforced bottom
* Large front pocket
* Perfect for summer picnics or a day at the beach 

Check some of this month's featured products:  Babyback Ribs, Organic Crust Cheese Pizza, Premium Yellowfin Tuna Steaks, and Root Beer Float Cups!

Please return your order sheet to school by Monday, May 12 or order anytime online at www.marketday.com by noon, Thursday, May 15. 

Pick-up is on Tuesday, May 20 from 6:30-7:30 at Heritage Hall.  Any questions, call Mary Beth Danker at 528-1124

Click here for Dream Dinners Fundraising Flyer

click here for easy to print form

The IHM PTO and Children’s Hospital are sponsoring an interactive safety program at school on Monday, May 19, from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The Safety Fair is designed to educate children on safety issues and promote awareness through hands-on activities geared towards the needs and skills of early elementary students.  We are in need of volunteers to assist the 1^st and 2^nd grade students in learning about bike/helmet safety, pedestrian safety, home/gun safety, car safety and burn prevention.  Babysitting is available and no prior experience is needed to participate.  Just plan to come and have fun! 

Click at the top of this page for the Shop$mart Order Form

CHILDRENS' SHOES FOR SUCCESS

Please donate new or gently used childrens' shoes or backpacks for our twinning parish and school in Batahola.  Children in Batahola may not attend school without a pair of shoes.  Help these children by donating!  Donations accepted May 1-June 5.  Drop off box is in our school cafeteria (no flip flops, please).  Can you help volunteer with the shoe drive at school and during the IHM festival? Your student can volunteer with you.  Contact Liz Rupp (943-7440) or Maria Goble (407-5978).

Graceful Women    Spring Tea

Come join the fellowship of women of all ages on Thursday morning May 15^th  from 9:45 – 11:00 in Heritage Hall West.

You will be enlightened by the beautiful music, speaker and company of the women at your table.  The Spring Tea will focus on “Celebrating What is Right with our World”    Speaker will be Leisa Anslinger

BOOSTER GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP
Click here for registration form

Nothing but Net

Grades 3-8, June 16-19, $30 includes camp t-shirt and prizes.   Deadline to register May 23.

April 2
April 9
April 16
April 23
April 30
 

Ms. Hill