September 2026 Newsletter
October 16th, 2024

September 2026 Newsletter
A Note From the Principal's Desk
Hello IHM Families,
Fall will be here before we know it—and at IHM, Karnawal ushers in this wonderful season!
This fundraiser makes a real difference for our students, helping provide books, resources, support, and a safe, welcoming place to learn, grow, and make friends. A heartfelt thank you to our parents, parish volunteers, Karnawal Committee, and Pastor. We couldn’t do this without you!
With 150 students enrolled, we are truly blessed and off to a wonderful start! And Karnawal gives us a wonderful opportunity to welcome our new families into the IHM community and celebrate together. We can’t wait for an amazing school year!
God bless, and we’ll see you at Karnawal!
Brenda Hiegel
IHM Principal
September School Events
EARLY OUT
9/4
DISMISSAL @ 1:30 PM
FREE DRESS
NO SCHOOL
9/18
9/25
KARNAWAL
9/18-9/19
5 PM-10 PM
September 4: Early Out. Dismissal at 1:30pm. Free Dress.
September 4: Praise and Worship. 1pm.
September 7: No School. Labor Day.
September 10: Grandparents Day Mass and Reception. 8:15am.
September 10: Interim Reports go home.
September 17: No Cafeteria. Pack a sack lunch.
September 18: No School.
September 18-19: Polish Karnawal 5pm-10pm.
September 25: No School. Teacher's Professional Development.
September 30: Fall PEP Rally 2:30pm.
For all athletic events, please visit the school website.
Grandparent's Day
Praise and Worship
Guidelines for Ordering Lunch
- Procedure: Contact the school office.
Deadline: To order school lunch. Order must be placed by 9:00am.
After 9:00 am: Student musty bring lunch to school.
Volunteer Opportunities
Staff Spotlight: Mr. Cody Zimmerman
Meet Mr. Cody Zimmerman
Position: 5th Grade Homeroom
My classroom is a place where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking come together. Through interactive lessons, collaborative projects, engaging discussions, and hands-on learning experiences, students are encouraged to explore the world around them and make meaningful connections to what they are learning. Whether we are analyzing historical events, diving into great literature, or developing essential communication skills, students are challenged to think deeply, ask questions, and grow as learners. My goal is to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued, motivated, and excited to come to class each day.
I have over 9 years of teaching experience working with middle school students in both public and Catholic school settings. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Level Education from the University of Central Arkansas. My teaching career began in public schools in the Little Rock area, where I spent five years developing engaging and effective instructional practices. For the past four years, I have taught in Catholic schools in the Dallas area, where I have continued to foster academic excellence while supporting students' intellectual, social, and personal growth. My experience teaching diverse learners and building strong classroom communities has helped me create a learning environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed.
I’ve lived most of my life in Conway, Arkansas where I graduated from Conway High School and then attended the University of Central Arkansas. After college, I lived in Little Rock for 5 years where I taught at Pinnacle View Middle School. My wife and I moved to Dallas, Texas in 2021 where I taught at Holy Trinity Catholic School while my wife worked on her residency program as an OB-GYN. We moved back to where we call home in Conway in 2025. For fun, I enjoy soccer, board games with friends, and reading.
What makes Immaculate Heart of Mary a special place to work is its strong commitment to faith, academic excellence, and community. From the moment you walk through the doors, it is clear that students are known, valued, and supported by dedicated teachers, staff, and families. I appreciate the opportunity to help students grow spiritually, academically, and personally in an environment rooted in Catholic values. The partnership between the school, parish, and families creates a welcoming atmosphere where students can thrive and develop into compassionate, faith-filled leaders.
School Uniforms
School uniforms can be ordered all year round 24/7.
Karnawal T-Shirts
If you preordered your Karnawal T-shirts they will be ready for pick up at Orientation in your classroom. You may still order, just fill out the Form below.
Financial Aid
LEARNS FUNDING 26-27:
- NON-Succeed- $7,208.00 total; $1,802 quarterly
- Former Succeed- $8,011.00total; $2,002.75 quarterly
- 26-27 Funding dates:
- Q1 8/20
- Q2 10/29
- Q3 2/4
- Q4 4/8
LEARNS Updates to the rules:
- If a student is expelled from a private school for more than 10 days due to a violation of the school’s discipline policy, the student loses their EFA eligibility for the year.
- New application window: February 1 - June 1
- Costs related to team sports that are tryout- or ability-based are not eligible; sports equipment and related travel costs are not eligible
LEARNS Family Onboarding:
- ClassWallet Reopens August 3rd- This is also when new families will onboard
- Rollover funds will be available to returning students on this day
- REMINDER: families will have to accept the affidavit to see funds in their balance tile
- New families will not have funds available until August 20
- Family CW webinars on July 29, August 19, and September 1