We have some exciting updates to our Bell Schedule, designed with student success, staff support, and school mission at the heart of every decision. We will continue using the Green | Gold block schedule, which supports deeper learning through extended class periods.

Over the past year, we have listened carefully to feedback and closely observed the rhythms of our school day. In response, we have created six consistent schedule formats that all school programming will follow. This added structure will reduce interruptions to academic time, while still allowing us the flexibility needed for assemblies, special events, and spiritual development opportunities, including mass and prayer services, which are central to our Marianist identity.

1. Late Start Mondays - Classes Begin at 9:00 AM
Every Monday, classes will begin at 9:00 AM, allowing students time for rest, preparation, or scheduling of doctor's appointments, etc.. Research shows that later start times contribute to improved focus, mental health, and academic performance for high school students.

• Doors will still open at the usual time for families needing early drop-off.

• Faculty and staff will use this time for professional collaboration, professional development, planning, and student support.

2. Daily Innovation Block (with Lunch) – Built-in Study Hall for All
Each school day will now include a 35-minute Innovation Block, paired with a 35-minute

 lunch. This daily block will begin the year as a dedicated study hall for all students.

• Students will have consistent time during the day to complete work, seek help, or decompress.

• This structure reduces after-school academic stress and increases student accountability.

• As the year progresses, this Innovation Block may also be used for enrichment, tutoring, club meetings, or small-group mentoring sessions.

3. Eight Instructional Blocks – More Course Opportunities
All students will be scheduled into eight instructional blocks. This model allows greater flexibility in course selection and makes it easier for students to participate in electives like band, choir, art, theater, and STEM electives without sacrificing core academic requirements.

• Study Hall will no longer take up a full block in the regular schedule.

• Students with additional academic needs—such as those on IEPs, academic probation, or enrolled in College Credit Plus (CCP) courses—will still receive individualized support, which may include a scheduled Study Hall block in addition to the Innovation Block.

Why These Changes Matter

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), and the National Education Association highlights several key benefits of similar school models:

• Increased academic success and focus when students have consistent time for academic preparation and self-directed learning.

• Better time management and reduced stress through scheduled daily support periods.

• Greater engagement and school connectedness through access to arts, extracurriculars, and personalized learning pathways.

• Improved teacher collaboration that results in more effective instruction and earlier academic intervention.

We are confident that these updates will enhance both the student and staff experience at STVM. As always, our decisions are made with our mission in mind: to educate the whole person, spiritually, academically, and personally, in the Marianist tradition.

CLICK HERE to see the six main bell schedules.

Any scheduling questions should be sent to: scheduling@stvm.com.  

Please note:  schedule change requests are not being accepted until after schedules are released in August. At that time, we will provide dates for the official schedule change window. If you have already tried to submit a schedule change request, you will need to resubmit during the schedule change window. The only emails sent to the scheduling@stvm.com mailbox now should be questions, not change requests. 

2025–2026 STVM Uniform Policy 

The updated Uniform Policy for the 2025–2026 school year is now available. It includes new Nike polos and crewnecks via the BSN website, Spirit Dress Down Fridays, and revised uniform guidelines. Review the Uniform Policy here.

We’re excited to share that the BSN Uniform Store is officially open and ready for orders! All items will be shipped to the school and will be available for pickup in the STVM Bookstore. 

Shop the Store: Visit the BSN Uniform Store

Personalized Items: Some items, like sweatshirts, allow for personalization. Families can choose to add a sport or activity by typing it in during the order process. The list below includes all current approved personalization options. BSN will print only the names that match one of these selections.

Unisex Crews: There are two crewneck options available—one Nike Fleece and one BSN version. While both are labeled “men’s” in the store, they are unisex as there are no separate men's and women's size options. 

Current Approved Personalization Options

Athletics:

 Football

 Baseball

 Volleyball

 Soccer

 Tennis

 Basketball

 Lacrosse

 Softball

 Cheerleading

 Athletic Trainer

 Bowling

 Golf

 Track

 Cross Country

 Wrestling

 Marching Band

Clubs & Activities:

 Model UN

 TARC Rocket Team

 Irish Athletes for Christ

 Irish Dance

 Majorette

 Chorus

 Marianist LIFE

 Student Council

 Theatre

 Green Street Elite

 Broadcasting

 NASA Rocket Team

If no sport, club, ensemble name, etc., is selected, the crewneck sweatshirt will come with "Fighting Irish" under the STVM logo. 

We’re proud to offer new ways for our students and families to show their Irish pride—thank you for your continued support!

As the fourth of July passes, we begin to look ahead to the 2025-2026 School Year with excitement!  Please see the schedule below for the first week of school!  

Week One Schedule

• Monday, August 18, 2025 -  Freshmen Orientation Day | 8:00 am-3:00 pm 

• Tuesday, August 19, 2025 -  Freshmen Orientation & Mandatory Transfer Student Orientation, 8:00 am-3:00 pm 

• Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - All Student Mandatory Orientation & Picture Day| 8:00 am- 12:00 pm (Regular Uniform Dress)

• Thursday, August 21, 2025 - First Full Day of Classes (Green) 

• Friday, August 22, 2025 - Second Full Day of Classes (Gold) 

Dan joins STVM after a successful tenure at St. Edward High School, where he served in various leadership roles, including Alumni Relations Manager, Major Gift Officer, and most recently, Director of Admissions. Under his direction, the school achieved historic enrollment growth, including its largest freshman class in over 40 years.

A graduate of St. Ed's and John Carroll University, Dan is widely respected for his ability to build strong, authentic relationships and for his creative approach to alumni engagement and advancement strategy.

“Throughout the interview process, it became abundantly clear that St. Vincent–St. Mary is far more than just a school. It’s a community, a family, and a legacy with deep roots throughout Northeast Ohio,” Dan shared. “While I’m new to STVM, every alum, parent, faculty, and staff member I meet has shown me just how powerful and proud this community truly is. From its storied history to the inspiring momentum of today, I’m honored to join the Fighting Irish family. As Vice President of Advancement, I look forward to meeting many of you, learning your stories, and working together to build on the incredible foundation already in place.”

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Michelle Hlivko Schaeffer VM92, who has served as Interim Director of Advancement since June 2024. Her steady leadership and dedication over the past year have been instrumental to the department’s success. Michelle will continue to play a crucial role in our advancement strategy and will oversee our alumni engagement operations.  

President Dave Vitatoe shared, “Dan is a true servant leader with great character and integrity. He is the type of professional that you can place in almost any situation; he’ll figure it out, improve it, and bring others along with him. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Irish family and confident in the positive culture he will help foster.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dan Wallenhorst to STVM!

Families of Rising 10th Graders: Apply for Testing Accommodations on College Board & ACT

If your student has an IEP or 504 Plan and receives testing accommodations at school, please note that these accommodations do not automatically apply to standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, AP exams, or the ACT.

In order for your students to receive appropriate accommodations on these important assessments, separate applications must be submitted for:

• College Board exams (including the PSAT, which all STVM 10th graders will take in October 2026, the SAT, and AP exams).

• ACT exams (all STVM students will take the ACT in 11th grade; this is administered by a different company and requires its own process).

To allow STVM to apply for these accommodations on your student’s behalf, please complete, sign, and return BOTH of the following consent forms:

1. Consent form for College Board (PSAT, SAT, and AP tests)

2. Consent form for ACT

Submitting these forms early helps ensure that all applications are processed in time for testing. Forms can be sent to: administration@stvm.com

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact administration@stvm.com

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Joyce Conway to the Math Department at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School this year, where she will inspire students through her passion for statistics. She brings with her over 25 years of mathematics teaching experience from her distinguished career at Tallmadge City Schools.

Throughout her career, Joyce has been instrumental in educational innovation, playing a key role in the development and implementation of block scheduling and the Innovation Block. These initiatives expanded student access to coursework while strengthening academic support systems.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Joyce is deeply committed to serving the community. She volunteers as a tutor at Shelter Care, where she supports underserved children in the foster care system.

Joyce holds a Master of Arts in Secondary Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Education, with a concentration in Mathematics Education (grades 8–12) and a minor in Special Education (K–12), both from Kent State University.

Her outstanding contributions to education have been recognized through numerous awards, including:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Summit County ESC

• Walmart Teacher of the Year

• Walter B. Horn Special Education Award

• Tallmadge Teacher of the Year - 2 time winner

We are thrilled to have such a dedicated, experienced, and compassionate educator joining our community. Welcome, Mrs. Conway!

We are thrilled to share the continued growth and success of our students in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Over the past five years, our commitment to academic rigor, student support, and college readiness has been reflected in remarkable trends:

• More Students Rising to the Challenge: Since 2021, the number of students participating in AP courses has nearly doubled, from 85 to 167 in 2025.
  
  

• Record-High Exam Participation: In 2025, our students took 371 AP exams—the highest in school history!
  
  

• Strong Performance on National Standards: 78.4% of our AP students in 2025 scored a 3 or higher, up from 75.27% in 2024.
  
  

• Consistent Achievement: For the second consecutive year, over 130 students earned a passing score on at least one AP exam, demonstrating resilience and academic excellence across disciplines.

This data not only reflects the hard work of our students but also speaks volumes about the dedication of our faculty and the strength of our academic programs. As a STEM-designated school, we remain committed to cultivating the habits of mind and academic skills that prepare our students for success in college and beyond.

Thank you to our entire Irish family—students, teachers, and parents—for making this success possible. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence, one AP student at a time!

Stay tuned for the AP Scholar report.  You can view your child’s AP scores by logging into scores.collegeboard.org

The Class of 2029 is invited to join our student ambassadors on STVM's John Cistone Field at Green Street Stadium for a summer movie night! Meet your new classmates and enjoy a movie and sweet treat under the stars. Bring a water bottle and a blanket to sit on. Movie TBD.

Parents Club invites parents/guardians of our incoming freshmen to meet up at Missing Falls Brewery (540 S Main St) on Wednesday, July 16 from 8-10 p.m. while the freshmen are enjoying movie night. Drop off your student at STVM and head downtown to socialize with your fellow parents of the Class of 2029!  No RSVPs necessary. We’re looking forward to seeing you! (Cash bar, limited food available for purchase.) 

Student Ambassadors Summer Events

The 2025-26 Student Ambassadors met for a leadership workshop and training this past week and will be responsible for attending several events over the summer. Please mark your calendars for the mandatory events listed below. Students should regularly check their school email for details on events and stay tuned to the Ambassadors GroupMe app for reminders. Please contact Ms. McCarthy or Mrs. Jurevicius with any questions.

• July 16, 2025: Freshman Summer Social 8 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.
  
  

• August 17, 2025: Freshman Mass, 8 a.m.
  
  

• August 18, 2025: Freshman First Day of School and Orientation, 8 a.m.– 12 p.m.

It's time to reconnect with your small group and classmates. 

• Thursday, July 24th

• 6:30 Mass | 7:00 Reunion

• St. Francis de Sales (Akron) | 4900 Manchester Road

• RSVP to jgoshe@stvm.com

2025-26 Parking Permits

Parking permits for the 2025-26 School yearare on sale. 

• Cost: $70 | first come, first-served

• STVM Summer Office hours are Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Please complete this required parking permit application form, and bring it with you. 

CLASS OF 2026 ONLY

SENIOR PARKING SPOT PAINTING/PERMITS

Make your first SENIOR MEMORY and paint your parking spot for the 2025-26 school year! The STVM Parents' Club is once again coordinating this fun activity. Spots are on sale now for $100, which includes the cost of your parking permit (You still need to submit a Parking Permit Application form to the Bookstore, but your $100 payment to Parents’ Club covers the permit fee).

All senior students and parents/guardians should have received an email with signup information. To summarize:

TO RESERVE A SPOT, seniors must: 

1) complete the Google Form Contract

2) pay the $100 fee

BEFORE ANY PAINTING, seniors must also: 

1) submit the 2025-2026 Parking Permit Application Form to the Bookstore

2) obtain approval for their design

Signups for Painting & Volunteers

SENIORS: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E48ADAD22A0FA7-57311663-painting

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E48ADAD22A0FA7-57312559-parent

• Parents’ Club will provide the paint only. Students must provide own brushes, rollers, paint tray(s), tape, towels/wipes, paint tray(s), containers to mix paint, trash bags, etc. No trash should be left behind.

• Allotted parking spots are reserved for seniors on a first come, first served basis. The Bookstore has reserved spots #1-60 for senior painted spots. These are the only spots available for painting.

Questions?  Reach out to ParentsClub@stvm.com

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to make sure you’re aware of the transportation options available to STVM families. From STVM-operated routes to public school district transportation and Metro RTA, there are a variety of ways to get to and from campus. For details and the 2025-26 STVM Transportation Contract, click here.

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS

The 2025-26 Summer Reading Assignments can be found on the Website here.  

The 2025-2026 Summer Math Assignments can be found on the Website here.

2025-26 Student Schedules

Student schedules for the 2025-26 school year will be available in August. There will be a window prior to the start of the school year to request a schedule change. Any scheduling questions should be sent to: scheduling@stvm.com.

• July 16: Freshman Summer Social: 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

• August 20 - All Student Mandatory Orientation and Picture Day| 8:00 am- 12:00 pm (Regular Uniform Dress)

• August 21 - First Full Day of Classes (Green) 

• August 22 - Second Full Day of Classes (Gold)

• July 16: Freshman Summer Social: 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

• August 18 -  Freshmen Orientation Day | 8:00 am-3:00 pm 

• August 19 -  Freshmen Orientation & Mandatory Transfer Student Orientation, 8:00 am-3:00 pm 

• October 8, 2025: Open House, 6-8 p.m.

• November 4, 2025: Open House, 6-8 p.m.

• April 23, 2026: Open House,  6-8 p.m.