IMPORTANT STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP PROCEDURE REMINDERS

For the safety of all students, please remember there are only two approved drop-off locations. Stopping on Smith Street or anywhere outside the designated zones puts students in danger.

Arrival Option 1 — Bottom of the Hill : Enter campus from Maple Street at the bottom of the hill. Follow the orange cones and arrows on the far right side of the parking lot to Walnut Street (between the school and the Cosgrove building). Students may exit at Door 6 on Walnut Street. Exiting: Please leave via Walnut Street to West Market Street, or via Bates Avenue near the football stadium. Do not circle back through Maple Street — students will be entering that lot for assigned parking.

Arrival Option 2 — Top of the Hill: Students may enter campus at Door 12 from Maple Street. Do not pull into the Bus Lane. Students must exit from the passenger side only.

Dropping off on Smith Street or outside the designated areas creates serious safety hazards for your child and others. These are the only approved options — no exceptions.

Officer Brown will be on-site this spring to remind families of proper procedures and to enforce safe drop-off and pick-up practices. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe! 

UPPER PARKING LOTS IS FOR STAFF & VISTORS ONLY

All of the Upper Parking Lots are reserved for Staff and Visitors only during school hours. Students are not permitted to park in any of the Upper Parking Lots during school hours. These lots include: 

• the large parking lot on the corner of Maple and Market

• the parking lot next to the Arena, between Maple and Walnut

• the parking lot in front of the Costigan

Students must park in their assigned spaces in the Student Parking Lot. If a student does not currently have a parking pass, one can be purchased through the Irish Outfitters Spirit Shop. Any student found parking in these areas will be subject to disciplinary action.

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE 101

JUNIOR PARENT MEETING - ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND

March 11th | 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Room 254

Join us for Planning for College 101, a College & Career Planning Presentation for STVM families in partnership with The University of Akron. This informative session will cover key topics including choosing the right college, understanding admissions policies, application timelines, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and important upcoming senior-year deadlines.

While we strongly encourage all junior parents to attend, all families are welcome. Whether your student is just beginning the college search process or preparing to apply, this session will provide valuable guidance and practical next steps. 

ATTENTION SENIORS!  

NEW MERIT SCHOLARSHIP COLLECTION FORM

We now have an online form for you to submit all of your MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS you have received from colleges and universities, scholarship granting organizations and other institutions.  Please complete this form for each scholarship offer you receive from each Granting Scholarship Organization, Institution or College/University; one entry is required per scholarship. You must upload a copy of your official scholarship award letter with each submission. 

All scholarship information must be submitted no later than May 1, 2026, as this information is critical to STVM, and will be captured and proudly displayed in the Graduation Program under your name. 

READY FOR SHOWCASE 2026

We’re celebrating 40 years of STVM’s signature auction and gala! Showcase 2026 promises a fun, high-energy evening in support of tuition assistance, campus enhancements, and the programs that make our school special. Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at House Three Thirty for great food, an open bar, live music, exciting auctions and raffles, and a night out with fellow STVM parents, alumni, and friends. Watch your mailbox for your invitation!

Get involved! 

• Tickets on sale here

• Volunteer on the Showcase planning committee; next meeting is Wednesday, March 11 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

• Donate an auction item or experience for the silent or live auction

• Purchase a 10K Raffle ticket for $100 - only 300 tickets will be sold. 

• Make a monetary donation to support the event

• Connect us with a business that would be a great sponsor or advertiser. Check out the sponsor packages here. 

Each of these plays an important role in making Showcase a success.

Questions about donations, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities? Contact Michelle Hlivko Schaeffer VM92, Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, at mschaeffer@stvm.com.

DRESS CODE & FOURTH QUARTER EXPECTATIONS

Administration shared this message in an email earlier: 

As we enter the Fourth Quarter, we want to take a moment to thank our families for your continued partnership in upholding the standards that make STVM such a special place. With that spirit in mind, we are writing to share that we will be raising dress code expectations school-wide beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and we need your help at home.

Dress code will be checked during Morning Meeting each day. Students who are not in compliance will be asked to stay after Morning Meeting, and parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing to school before their student joins the school day. We appreciate your patience and cooperation in advance should that call come your way.

Shorts Return for Q4

Starting Monday, March 16, 2026, students may wear shorts again. Please note that shorts must be khaki (tan) only, in a traditional chino or golf style, with the correct inseam length (9" minimum for men, 7" minimum for women), and a belt must be worn. No jogger styles, cargo pockets, elastic waistbands, or drawstrings are permitted.

Additional Areas we will be Focusing on this Quarter

• The STVM polo must be worn at all times (including under crew necks)

• Only approved quarter-zips and approved crew necks may be worn

• No jackets, hoodies, or non-approved team apparel during class hours

• No athletic outerwear may be worn Monday-Thursday

• Approved pants colors only (black, khaki, or grey), no leggings, jeans, or cargos.

• Pants must have only the pockets found on a standard dress pant: front side pockets and rear welt pockets. Any additional pockets on the thighs, legs, or exterior of the pants are not permitted.

• School-approved skorts at an appropriate length - no rolling

• No backless shoes (including Uggs and Crocs)

• Natural hair colors only, no nose piercings

• No hats or head coverings can be worn indoors

For a full review of our dress code policy, please visit: STVM Dress Code Policy

The Fourth Quarter is a wonderful opportunity for our students to finish strong — academically, personally, and as a community. We ask that families take a few minutes this weekend to review these expectations with your student and help set them up for a great Tuesday morning. Doing the right thing, adhering to our school and community expectations, and holding ourselves to a high standard are values that extend far beyond our hallways, and we are grateful to have families who share that belief.

Thank you for helping us raise the bar at STVM. 🍀

SERVICE HOURS ARE DUE SOON!

All students should be sure their service hours are submitted and verified in MobileServe by the deadline: Seniors’ hours are due by April 1st, and hours for Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors are due by May 1st. Please see the service hour requirements on the school website and the student handbook! Instructions for using MobileServe, along with service opportunities, can be found on the Service Hours page of Irish Weekly. If you have any questions or need help, please email Mrs. Cooper or stop by the Campus Ministry office. 

DANCE MARATHON

Less than a month until Dance Marathon 2026: Back to 2016! Support Akron Children’s Hospital while earning service hours by playing games, winning prizes, and, of course, dancing!  

Earn 5 service hours with full participation and a $15 registration fee, or earn up to 8 service hours with an additional donation of $25 or more. Snacks and T-shirts are included. Contact Ms. Kastelic with questions. 

Register here!

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO REGISTER!! 

Current Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors - you need to re-register for next year!  Please see this email.  It's critical that you re-register and complete all the necessary paperwork!  

If you have problems accessing MyIrish or other IT questions, please complete this FORM. Send all other registration questions to registration@stvm.com.

2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR

At St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, our mission and Marianist charism call us to be thoughtful stewards of both our Catholic identity and our academic program. With that in mind, we will be adjusting our spring break starting with the 2026-2027 School Calendar to consistently align with the end of the third quarter, placing it within the first two weeks of March.

We will continue to honor Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday as days off, ensuring our community can fully observe the holiest days of our faith.

This adjustment supports several important academic priorities:

• Stronger academic rhythm: Aligning spring break with the end of the third quarter creates a natural pause, improving instructional continuity and helping students and faculty return focused for the final quarter.

• More stable event planning: A consistent break supports smoother scheduling for Kairos, theater performances, and other major spring programs, reducing overlap and stress.

• Protected academic preparation: An early March break minimizes disruption to AP courses, Capstone timelines, and presentations, avoiding end-of-year calendar compression.

• Better support for student-athletes: A standardized break reduces missed class time during spring sports travel.

This decision reflects long-term planning that prioritizes student formation, academic excellence, and faith. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.

IMPORTANT SCHOOL SCHEDULE UPDATE

Due to the snow day that occurred this past Monday, we are required to add an additional instructional day to our school calendar. Because the snow day was called at the last minute, students did not have the necessary materials at home to participate in a virtual learning day. As a result, a full make-up day is needed.

Please take note of the following updated schedule:

Monday, May 18 – Regular School Day (make-up instructional day)

Tuesday, May 19 – Friday, May 22 – Final Exams

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact administration. 

It’s your time, seniors! ✨ Fill out this form to be featured on the @stvmclassof2026 Instagram page and the school’s social media channels. Let’s celebrate YOU and all you’ve accomplished!

Have questions? Reach out to Sophia Morabito, Marketing Coordinator, at smorabito@stvm.com.

We can’t wait to spotlight the Class of 2026! ☘️

IMPORTANT AP EXAM DATES

As we prepare for the upcoming AP Exams, please review the important dates below:

Thursday, March 12 – Deadline to submit any changes to AP Exam registrations or for 2nd Semester classes to register for the test.

Wednesday, April 1 – Remaining balance for all AP Exam fees is due to STVM.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

The STVM Alumni Association is proud to once again offer scholarships to current junior students who are part of our legacy family. These scholarships will be applied toward senior year tuition at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.  

Important Details:

• Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Requirements: Completed application and short essay

• Notification: Recipients will be announced in May

• Please note: Financial need is not a requirement

We are honored to recognize the families who continue the tradition of STVM across generations. Thank you for sharing your legacy and for carrying forward the pride and spirit of the Fighting Irish. Learn More

Please email scholarship application and essay by March 15, 2026 to alumni@stvm.com or drop off your application to the Alumni Office. Direct your completed application to the attention of Michelle Hlivko Schaeffer VM92.

Parents’ Club has opened the spring sales window for yard signs for all sports, clubs and activities!! Order now for spring sports and Class of 2026 signs for your grad parties! Signs are $20 each (includes stake). For SENIORS ONLY, for just $2 more, get it personalized! Orders are open NOW through March 16. You will be notified when your sign is ready to be picked up in the Bookstore. Venmo(@stvm-parentsclub@stvm-parentsclub), check (payable to STVM Parents’ Club), and cash accepted for payment. Click here to order. Please email Nicole Ricchiuti if you have questions.

ART SUPPLIES FEE ADDED TO TUITION MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS

Art fees ($30 per class) were been added to Tuition Management accounts last week. The fee replaces the practice of families purchasing their own art supplies at a higher cost. It is further beneficial for students to have consistent supplies at the start of class. Students have received information regarding this fee during their art classes and payments are currently due. Payments can be made through your Tuition Management account, cash or checks can be given to the front office or online credit cards on Hometown ticketing.

If you have any questions, please contact Barb DeGrand at bdegrand@stvm.com

ACT PREP COURSE AND TEST DATE

Registration for the ACT Prep Course is now closed. Students who completed the Google form prior to Tuesday morning (2/3) are confirmed in the course. They will receive an email confirmation from Mrs. Conway for each session they are registered for with arrival instructions as well as supply and payment reminders. Please email Mrs. Conway with any questions at jconway@stvm.com

As a reminder for registered students, the following are the session topics and dates: 

• March 7 | Science

All juniors (Class of 2027) will take the ACT at school on March 11, 2026. This test is required by the State of Ohio. There is no cost for this test, and scores can be used for college admissions next fall. Students will set up accounts prior to the testing date. If your student already has an ACT account, please make sure they have that information on hand on March 11 so that they can log in.

The next Marianist LIFE meeting and meal is Wednesday March 18, 2026. Click here for the SignUp or to volunteer.