Immaculate Conception School

"We contributed to the Capital Campaign because we want to provide the best opportunity for academic success for our children and future families. We chose ICSJ school because we want our children to continue to grow their love of learning.  Our children enjoy their teachers and friends and have fun while in school. We became members of the parish and felt immediately welcomed by the community.  ICSJ teachers and administration have a strong background in early childhood education and provide the tools that children need to grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually. We hope that the new facility will provide an environment that will help our children continue to expand their love of learning, their general knowledge, their ability to get along with others, and their interest in reaching out to the world. 
CLARISSE AND BRIAN CHALLGREN
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"For my family, actions speak much louder than words in describing Immaculate Conception/St. Joseph School:
     A visionary and a deeply inspirational and  determined priest, Father Pat Lee, and a dedicated, tireless educator, Principal Katie Sullivan, who saw the need and dream of a renewed and innovative parish school.
     A Parish of people old and young, with and without children, who believed, hoped and were motivated to make a financial investment in the future of the community, including one of my dear neighbors, with grown children, who introduced me to the just-opened school.
     A group of parents who are steadfast in their desire to raise their children with a religious foundation, who are eager to roll up their sleeves and work hard for this school, and who support each other as a family.  Parents who have organized fund raisers to help other parents with daunting medical bills.  Parents who send meals and babysit for families with ill parents or children.  Parents who teach their children the obligations and joys of being a part of a true community.
     A group of teachers who are loving, energetic, encouraging, demanding, and dedicated to their students and who welcome students out of their cars every morning by name, including a parent who believed so much in this school that she became a teacher here.  
     Two principals who believe so much in this school, they send their children here.  
     Most importantly and telling, the children who bound out of their cars every morning with the enthusiasm and exuberance of those who truly love their environment.  Children who learn not only academics but also a deep sense of social responsibility borne out of their foundation in love and faith.
     Actions which show that this is a school where the administration, staff, parents, financial supporters and students believe in the future of a loving community and work hard together to make it happen."
JENNIFER M. SENDER
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"When we were considering a school for our children, a great curriculum was the requirement. We really believe in Catholic education and values-based teaching so we quickly narrowed our choices. We started looking around and found that most if not all the local Catholic schools had waiting lists and chances were not great for us, as we were St. Michael's parishioners with no associated school. We luckily found IC and felt immediately that God intended us to find this school. We immediately had a good feeling about the school and its future and felt right at home in the school and the parish. After a couple of years, we became IC parishioners as well. Building something not only for our children, but for the next generations to come is something we feel called to do. Seeing all the children who attend our school currently, and the new families coming into our community every year, as our children grow, we are reminded of all the many children who will call ICS 'my school' and are proud to be part of that legacy."
DOROTHY + JIM RADKE
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"It’s About…
A preschool teacher that loved the Rolling Stones
My son wearing a basketball jersey that says “Immaculate Conception School” across the front
Watching a boy from the original group of 19 students win the all-school spelling bee two years in a row
Having our children walk to the public library because we’ve outgrown this building

It’s About…
Promises that were made and kept
Being part of a community
Being a role model
Paying it forward
Most of all, it’s about leaving behind a legacy for my kids and many others to follow"
CATHY + CARTER SMITH