Immaculate Heart Academy September opening success: All students back in-person

Township of Washington, NJ: Immaculate Heart Academy successfully opened its doors to all students for in-person instruction in September 2021. The IHA administration; members of the Reopening Committee; and directors of studies, Mrs. Susan Malone and Mrs. Jeannine Woolley, made the necessary adjustments to the daily schedule to keep with the mission of the school while providing the IHA community the safest and healthiest environment possible.

Prior to students’ return in September, staff members finalized the details of the school day and developed a model that allows our community to follow safety regulations and ensures instructional time remains consistent. “One of our priorities was a safe restoration of homeroom, locker break, and lunch to the school day,” said Miss Kerry Carroll’04, IHA principal, “to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students and staff.” 

The key changes to the school day include: a 7:45 a.m. homeroom start and 2 p.m. dismissal, a 15-minute locker break held at 9:45 a.m., and four 30-minute lunch periods split up by grade. Each grade also has a daily 30-minute study period either before or after lunch. Additionally, an option to eat lunch outside, weather permitting, has been given to students. Masks must be worn inside the school building at all times except when eating and drinking.

In the first week of school, students enjoyed the re-opened cafeteria with food provided by our Cater to You chefs, the Class of 2022 celebrated together outside at a Senior Sunrise Breakfast, and Class of 2024 and 2025 parents gathered for a special Parent Welcome Reception. We are thrilled to introduce in-person events back into both daily and special events schedules.

Olivia Raia’22, IHA Student Council executive board president and Upper Saddle River resident, said she could not be more excited to be back in school this year. “Despite the masks and distancing, the sense of community and normalcy we all missed the last year and a half is back and powerfully evident,” she said. “Between locker break and lunch, sports and clubs, and the fact that the entire IHA community is able to be in the same building at once, I’m happy to say, the feeling of home is back at IHA!”

Miss Carroll said much of what makes IHA such a special and unique schooling experience comes from being together. “We remain committed to fostering a safe environment while ensuring that our students have a true high school experience complete with milestone social events, high academic standards, and lots of IHA traditions like locker break cookies and Big Sister/Little Sister Day,” she said. “Our Reopening Committee and directors of studies designed a creative and workable schedule for our faculty and students, and I believe it will be an exciting year for all the members of the IHA sisterhood.”

Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark presently celebrating its 61st year. A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 700 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from more than 100 towns in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson and Essex counties in New Jersey and Rockland and Orange counties in New York. Over the years, IHA has continually grown and evolved, fortifying its academics, activities and facilities to prepare students for further education, and for the enhancement of society through their personal, professional and spiritual gifts. Immaculate Heart Academy is located at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington, NJ.