IRISH WEEKLY
March 20, 2026
March 20, 2026
Parents & Students - there are MANY time-sensitive items in the Irish Weekly - IN ALL SECTIONS! Please review all items and take note of due dates that are quickly approaching!
SEE YOU AT DANCE MARATHON!
Dance Marathon 2026: Back to 2016 is happening this Saturday, March 21! 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.
IRISH FAMILY CAR RAFFLE
On Wednesday, each student received a personalized link for the Irish Family Car Raffle, generously sponsored by the VanDevere Automotive Family. This is a fun way for our community to come together, support STVM programs, and potentially win a brand-new 2026 Kia K4 or the cash equivalent.
Important Dates
Raffle Launch: March 17
Raffle Ends: April 15
Drawing: April 18 at Showcase
Student Participation
Each student is asked to sell 20 tickets at $10 each. Please add a personal note and share your link via text or email with family and friends and on social media.
Ticket buyers can direct proceeds to specific programs, so students support the teams, clubs, and activities they care about most.
Student Incentives
20 tickets: Wear an STVM hoodie for the remainder of the raffle
40 tickets: $25 STVM Bookstore Gift Card
75 tickets: $50 Chipotle Gift Card
Top Seller Prizes
Overall Top Seller: $300 cash OR 25 seconds in the Cash Cube with $500
Top Seller in each other class: 15 seconds in the Cash Cube
Top Selling Class: Donut & Coffee Cart breakfast
This raffle helps supplement program funding and reduce additional fundraisers for student sports and activities, making a meaningful impact across STVM.
REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE
Please log in to MyIrish to see your student's third quarter report card. Honor roll lists are being compiled and will be released soon.
BLOOM SPRING FLOWERS SALE: MARCH 9-27
Parents’ Club kicked off our BLOOM Spring Flowers Fundraiser on March 9. We are selling beautiful 13-inch hanging baskets, 10-inch planters, and 8-inch SunPatiens, courtesy of JOCO Growers. These products are high quality and the most popular spring flowers available! The fundraising dollars earned from this sale directly benefit STVM. Delivery day is Saturday, May 2. Parents are responsible for pickup of all items ordered, and an email reminder will be sent approximately 3 days before delivery day. Every student has a unique shopping cart link that you should have received via email (email sender is no-reply@fundraiseit.org). If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Dannemiller at lisadannemiller@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!!
READY FOR SHOWCASE 2026
We’re celebrating 40 years of STVM’s signature auction and gala. Showcase 2026: Back to the 80s promises a fun, high energy evening in support of tuition assistance, campus enhancements, and the programs that make our school special.
Join us:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
House Three Thirty, 532 West Market Street in Akron
Great food, open bar, live music, exciting auctions and raffles, and a night out with fellow STVM parents, alumni, and friends
RSVPs are due April 3. Purchase your tickets today!
Attending Showcase is a meaningful way to support STVM. Your attendance helps fund important initiatives across the school, all while enjoying a fun night out with the Irish community!
Make plans to attend and support Showcase!
Donate, solicit, or give a monetary gift and be entered to win an incredible Current Parent Raffle valued at $1,650. One grand prize winner will receive a 2026-2027 school year package including:
$500 lunch credit with AVI
$500 gift card to the Irish Outfitters Spirit Shop
$500 credit with Proforma for uniform purchases
A season pass for two to the STVM athletic team of your choice
Parents receive one raffle entry for every $50 value donated, solicited from a business, or given as a monetary gift to Showcase. For example, donate or secure an item valued at $200 and you will receive four entries in the drawing.
Looking for an easy way to donate an item? Check out our Amazon Wishlist. You can purchase an item online and have it shipped directly to the school.
Submit your donation form online or download the form and drop it off at the school by Wednesday, April 1.
Don’t miss your chance to win this exciting package while supporting Showcase!
Purchase a $100 10K Raffle ticket (only 300 tickets will be sold to win $10,000)
Volunteer on the Showcase planning committee
Connect us with a business that would be a great sponsor or advertiser
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
ONE WEEK AWAY:
HADESTOWN - TEEN EDITION
The Leprechaun Theatre Guild is proud to announce our spring musical, Hadestown: Teen Edition. Fresh off last year's blockbuster production of Chicago: Teen Edition, we are thrilled to welcome you to see for yourself the energy, passion and camaraderie that STVM's Leprechaun Theatre Guild brings to every performance. Join us on:
March 26, 27 & 28 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now and our performances often sell out! Click here and scroll down to your desired date to purchase tickets.
IMPORTANT AP EXAM INFO
Wednesday, April 1 is the deadline to pay the remaining balance for each AP exam your student is taking. Payments should be made in the Spirit Shop via cash, check (payable to STVM) or credit card, following this link. Please note that credit card fees will apply. If you want to send in cash or check and need the total amount you owe for AP exams, please email bookstore@stvm.com
Click here to view the AP testing dates and late testing schedule. These are national testing dates set by the College Board—not STVM—and exams must be taken as scheduled. Scores are typically released in July.
If you have any questions, please contact bookstore@stvm.com.
RE-REGISTRATION PAST DUE
Instructional fees and registration for the 2026-27 school year were due this past Monday, March 15. Failure to complete registration may jeopardize the course selections you made in February and could result in losing your spot in requested classes.
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.
PLANNING FOR COLLEGE 101
JUNIOR PARENT MEETING
Click here for the presentation that was given on March 11th.
SERVICE HOURS ARE DUE SOON!
All students should be sure their service hours are submitted and verified in MobileServe by the following deadlines: 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.
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.
2026 SUMMER CAMPS
The 2026 summer camp schedule and flyer is available and registration is open!
Click here to see the flyer.
Click here to register.
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.
SPRING SPIRIT SIGN ORDERS
SENIOR PARENTS: DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO ORDER YOUR CLASS OF 2026 SIGN! DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 23.
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 23. 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) have been added to Tuition Management accounts and are overdue.
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
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 late February snow day, 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.
DRESS CODE & FOURTH QUARTER EXPECTATIONS
Administration shared this message in an email within the last few weeks:
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. 🍀
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!
TECHNOLOGY REMINDERS FOR PARENTS
As a reminder, St. Vincent–St. Mary High School does not permit the use of Meta (or other smart) glasses on campus. In addition, smart watches and personal electronic devices, including laptops and iPads, are not allowed for student use during the school day unless explicitly approved for instructional purposes.
We appreciate your partnership in helping students remain focused, engaged, and present in our learning community. Thank you for your continued support.
This Ohio Scholarship Tax-Credit Program lets you “Turn Taxes into Tuition” by directing your tax dollars to our St. Vincent-St. Mary High School students. The money will be used for tuition assistance for those students with the greatest need. This will help STVM meet its fundraising goals and keep tuition affordable. You don't have to have a student attending STVM to be eligible. All Ohio taxpayers can participate.
How does it work? Make a donation to Angel Scholarship Fund, for which you may receive a 100% Ohio income tax credit of up to $750 ($1,500 if married filing jointly) against your 2025 state tax liability. These funds will be used to provide tuition assistance for Catholic school students, and you can direct the funds specifically to STVM. In other words, the state of Ohio allows you to "spend" some of the state income taxes (that you must pay anyway) to provide tuition assistance for STVM students. The Angel Scholarship Fund is a win-win-win for taxpayer donors, scholarship recipients, and our Catholic schools.
Click here to watch this short video explaining how easy it is to contribute to the Angel Scholarship Fund.
Click here to learn more and to make your gift.
Click here to read the FAQs.
April 16: 7th Grade Visitation
April 23: Open House
A limited number of shadow dates are available this winter/spring. Interested families should check www.stvm.com/enrollment or email enrollment@stvm.com for more information.
Do you know a student who would be a great fit at STVM? Invite them to stay on top of the latest enrollment activities and events by joining our newsletter mailing lists!
Click here to join the mailing list for current 7th graders. Please note: registering for this list will automatically get students on the 8th grade list when they finish this school year.
Click here to join the mailing list for current 8th graders.
2025-26 Yearbooks
For this school year, yearbooks can be ordered anytime through the Yearbook Order Center by searching for St. Vincent-St. Mary or entering school code #3108.
ATTN: Senior Parents! You can celebrate your student and express your love with a dedication; click here to learn more.
THE LEPRECHAUN NETWORK
IS LIVE!
The STVM Broadcasting Team is actively publishing on the new student-run site, The Leprechaun Network. Thanks to the Educator Initiative Grant Program from the GAR Foundation, STVM students in the journalism classes can publish their stories while developing journalistic ethics and digital literacy skills. We welcome the entire STVM community to enjoy the voices of our students as they share their stories of STVM from their unique perspectives.
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS
Parents: If your student is (1) not going to be in school, (2) going to be late to school, or (3) leaving early from school, it is critical that you notify the school by calling the attendance line as soon as possible at 330-253-9116.
Students MUST SIGN OUT of the Attendance Office if they leave school early.
It is important that you call us first thing in the morning if you are planning to pick up your student during the day so that we can ensure they will be excused from class and ready to be picked up when you arrive. You may leave a message on the attendance line with this information. As a reminder, please refer to the Student/Parent Handbook for Absence Policy and required documentation.
March 26-29: Spring Musical
April 2-12: Spring Break
April 15: Parents' Club Meeting
April 17: Blood Drive
April 18: Showcase
April 19: Spring Choral Concert
April 24: Fine Arts Festival
April 25: Prom
ABSENCE REMINDERS
Please be mindful of the school policy regarding vacations and travel.
ABSENCES FOR OTHER REASONS
Absence for other reasons (vacations, family events, or participation in non-school sanctioned events) is discouraged by the school. However, in cases where the parent determines the necessity of this type of absence, the parent must notify the attendance secretary and the student must notify their classroom teachers a minimum of two weeks prior to the absence. A telephone call is required to the attendance secretary the first day of the absence at 330-253-9113 prior to 9 a.m. in order to verify that you are going forward with your travel plans.