Accents

The Immaculate Heart Academy school newspaper, Accents, is a student-run monthly publication. With a regular staff of more than 70 writers, editors, photographers, and layout designers, Accents is growing into one of IHA’s larger clubs. Accents is packed with interesting and relevant articles in the areas of news, sports, arts & entertainment, health, and technology. Also included in the paper is an opinion section in which students express their views on a broad array of topics. Accents is open to all students via an application process. Submissions from students, faculty, staff, and parents are also welcome. For more information or to send submissions, contact moderator, Ms. Moser.

• Click here to view the end-of-year Accents Newspaper for the 2025-26 academic year.

Halcyon

Working on the IHA yearbook, Halcyon, is an extracurricular activity that involves a lot of dedication. Students prepare the annual yearbook for publication in the spring. Many aspects of design and layout are acquired in the process. Editors work on design and layout, while staff members photograph the community and write captions. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Woolley.

Math League

Math League is open to all students who want to gain insight on how to be problem solvers by working with their peers. It is dedicated to encouraging students to use their math ability and mathematical concepts they have acquired to compete on state and national levels. Members compete in the New Jersey Math League competitions, which are administered once a month, as well as the American Mathematical Competition, which is administered in February. In addition to the competition dates, meetings will be held once a month to prepare. Those students who are enrolled in the STEM program are strongly encouraged to join. Membership in Math League is a pre-requisite to be invited to membership in the Mathematics National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Taveras.

Mock Trial Club

The purpose of the Mock Trial Club is to present the students with the opportunity to study and participate in the legal system by the actual preparation and presentation of a mock trial. It enhances the students’ critical thinking and analytical skills in the areas of writing, reading, public speaking, and listening. It further gives students the opportunity to work on leadership skills as they work together as a team. Competition consists of cases presented at the Bergen County Court House in Hackensack. For more information, contact moderators, Mrs. Zonkowski and Ms. Donoghue.

Model United Nations (UN) Club

The Model United Nations (UN) Club allows students the opportunity to get involved with issues that affect the world in which they live. Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. As mock delegates from UN member states, IHA students gain insight into the dynamics of international relations and have the opportunity to debate issues that confront world leaders. This is accomplished by simulating actual debates of the United Nations itself. Students who have an interest in international affairs research foreign policies in preparation for participation in one of two conferences at Harvard and Georgetown University. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. DeMartini.

National Speech and Debate Association

Students interested in debating and/or public speaking will learn important tools to conduct research, think critically, represent their own viewpoint, and respond to opposing viewpoints. The club will assist students in preparing for debates on selected topics and current events. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs.  Vaughn.

ORB 

ORB is Immaculate Heart Academy’s literary magazine. It is a collection of student writing and artwork that is published annually. Students who are interested in writing, art, photography, and layout are encouraged to join through an application process that takes place each spring. Staff members work on producing and selecting entries for publication. All members of the student body are invited to submit their writing for publication consideration during the school year. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Sandt.

• Click here to view the 2026 edition of Orb magazine.

Robotics Club

The Robotics Club is centered around building teamwork skills along with learning about the science behind brainstorming, trial and error, and competition. The focus of the club is to design a robot that will solve the challenge given each school year. The challenge is usually based on real world problems. No prior knowledge is needed. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Perry.

Applied Engineering Club

The Applied Engineering Club provides students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with projects that utilize the engineering design process from defining the “big issue” through the implementation of a project. Students choose a project from many facets of engineering and meet to collaborate with classmates who might be interested in an engineering career. The club is open to all students. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Caudilla.

Campus Shop Club

IHA students will assist in the development and design of new IHA apparel for the Campus Shop. Students will gain skills within the world of merchandising, such as creation and design, sales and inventory, scheduling product releases, and marketing and advertising. Open to all students, no prior experience needed. For more information contact moderators, Mrs. Frasure ’07 and Mrs. Caufield.

Club Être

Être means, “to be.” Who do you want “to be?” This club is a forum where girls are inspired by successful women. Club Être offers mentorship opportunities from influential women in various industries. The goal is to empower girls by encouraging bravery, philanthropy, financial literacy, and young entrepreneurship. Members of this club participate in a variety of discussions, events, workshops, and trips to strengthen and broaden their interest on who exactly they want “to be.” For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Pellegrino.

DECA

DECA is a co-curricular activity exclusive for students enrolled in a business class. Qualified members will be able to participate in competitive events in which they can utilize their problem solving and presentation skills in a business setting. For more information, contact moderators, Mrs. Baskin and Mrs. Woolley.

Eagles on Air Club

Eagles on Air is a club that offers an opportunity for IHA students to be creative and to either learn or elevate their interviewing and editing skills through podcasting. This engaging experience allows students to create episodes of digital audio for listeners inside and outside of IHA. It seeks to promote the values of IHA, including Christian service, sisterhood, academic excellence, and leadership, while also connecting the community through personal and relatable stories. This club is open to students who are excited to use their unique voices and perspectives to connect with audiences. For more information, contact moderators, Ms. Shaheen or Mr. Lee.

Future Doctors of America Club

The Future Doctors of America Club is for young women who are interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. The club hopes to motivate and encourage students who wish to pursue these professions and to provide exposure to different medical fields. Club activities include viewing medical shows, listening to guest speakers, going over case studies, and suture workshops. For more information, contact moderator, Dr. Kenney.

Future EnginHERS Club

The Future EnginHERS Club is centered around helping young women explore the diverse fields of engineering, as well as empowering women in STEM. The goal of this club is to foster the engineering passions of young women and create a place for them to explore this calling. It encourages young women to not back down from the STEM field because of their gender. Meetings are held once a month, and each meeting explores a different field of engineering with fun activities. This club is open to anyone who wants to explore new things. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Dolan ’95.

Get Reel! Club

In the Get Reel! Club, students experience hands-on work through the creation of a movie project to be viewed by all members at the end of the year. The club enables students to take a closer look at women in film and to learn about appropriate location, camera angles, lighting, and sound to film a movie. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Shaheen.

heartTV

Students produce a morning news show, heartTV, for the entire school during homeroom. Positions available include anchors, prayer readers, camera crew, control room staff, audio technicians, and auto-script and video editors. To submit news and announcements to heartTV, email hearttv@ihanj.com. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Shaheen.

Sports Broadcast Journalism Club

The Sports Journalism Club is open to all students who have a passion for covering sports. From our home IHA teams to professional athletes — if it is sports, we are on it. Practice play-by-play commentary, athlete interviews, and broadcasting live games. It is all the fun of sports broadcasting right from your own school. If you want to feel what it is like to be a sports journalist this is the club for you! For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Lee.

Tech Corps

Tech Corps is a support/service club that allows students to explore the field of technical theatre. The club not only provides the needed technical support for IHA musicals, but also for liturgies, concerts, awards ceremonies, senior talent show, and other programs that occur throughout the year. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Villalongo.

Vet-Med Club

The Vet-Med Club is for students who love animals and want to make a positive impact. Members will have opportunities to support local animals shelters, participate in service projects, and learn more about animal care. The club welcomes anyone who is passionate about helping animals or interested in exploring careers working with them. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. McGuirk. 

Birthday Appreciation Club

The Birthday Appreciation Club celebrates the birthdays of IHA students, faculty, and staff, making cards and other celebratory gifts so everyone can feel appreciated on their special day. Join this club if you love to make your fellow sisters and IHA community members smile on their birthdays. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. McGuirk.

CARE (Christian Actions Reaching Everyone)

CARE (Christian Actions Reaching Everyone) is a network of service groups that strives to target and address a wide variety of needs in the surrounding communities. By coordinating diverse service opportunities within a range of groups under one organization, CARE functions as the “umbrella” under which Immaculate Heart Academy service efforts come alive. CARE seeks to both provide accessible service opportunities for students and consequently inspire them to live their faith through actions of justice, peace, and humility. Meetings are held once a month, where students have the opportunity to sign up for various service projects. CARE also sponsors several large events such as dances for people with special needs, a Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly, and fundraisers to help support various service efforts. Once a student joins CARE they can join several groups of interest. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Ash ’19.

Champions for Christ Club

The Champions for Christ Club helps IHA student-athletes incorporate Catholic Church teachings into their sports and activities. Through prayer, service projects, and lessons, each member will not only learn to become a better teammate, but will also develop a closer relationship with God in their everyday life. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Ash ’19.

Christian Service Board

The parent/student Christian Service Board helps assemble the network of service opportunities. The board also helps students connect with an organization for placement of their service project. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Ash ’19.

Eucharistic Ministry

Students administer the Eucharist to the school community at Liturgies throughout the school year. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Ash ’19.

Go Green Club

The Go Green Club is dedicated to recycling and educating others on how to save the environment. Students create an improved sense of awareness of the impact humans have on the world around them. They monitor the life conditions of endangered species and wildlife, looking for ways to improve the conditions toward the goal of preservation. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Tereshko.

Made With Love Club

Students in the Made With Love Club will have an opportunity to make and send cards to members of our community for various occasions. All are welcome and no artistic talent is needed. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Donoghue ’76. 

Military Awareness Club

The Military Awareness Club aims to educate, support, and honor the sacrifices of military personnel, veterans, and their families within our school community. We strive to foster awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those who serve. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Zonkowski.

Red Cross Club

The Red Cross Club works directly with the Red Cross to prepare students for emergency situations and assist people who may need disaster relief. With one blood drive and a hosted preparedness activity per year, this club allows students to help people in the future. During meetings, students will help plan for these annual events, and some meetings will include a free Red Cross certification, such as CPR.

Rosary Club

The Rosary Club is dedicated to supporting the IHA sisterhood through prayer. The club also reaches out to the IHA community by creating rosaries for donations to hospital chapels. Join us in inspiring our sisters to grow closer to Mary and God! For more information, contact moderator, Dr. Booth.

Stop the Bleed Club

The Stop the Bleed Club empowers members of the IHA community to act as immediate responders during traumatic events, natural disasters, and accidents. By teaching these essential life-saving techniques, the IHA community will gain essential skills and the confidence needed to save lives across their various activities. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Skinner.

Traffic Safety Squad (TSS)

Students in the Traffic Safety Squad help promote safe teen driving through various school-wide events. The club participates in the Hackensack Medical Center Teen Driving Safety Challenge and the Brain Injury Alliance of N.J. Champion Schools Program. For more information, email moderator, Mr. Downey. 

We Heart Our Teachers Club

The purpose of the We Heart Our Teachers Club is to honor our IHA faculty and staff, and express our gratitude for all that they do for our students. For more information, contact moderators, Ms. Frasure ’07 and Mrs. Tweed ’93.

Eagles Nest

Eagles Nest is a group of spirited, energetic, and dedicated women who actively cheer on their classmates in all sports, whether on the field, court, track, ice, lanes, or even slopes. The club is designed to encourage and support IHA and its amazing athletes by providing the school spirit that they deserve. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Ferro.

Ski and Snowboard Club

Students who love to ski or snowboard have an opportunity to go on four trips in January and February with the Ski and Snowboard Club. Skiing/snowboarding is done at a local mountain and after school hours. All are welcome. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. McGinnis. 

Bake-In Club

In the Bake-In Club, each student bakes a different type of dessert at home and brings them in to share with the club at a monthly meeting. Students can share recipes and learn other bakers’ secrets. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Giglio.

Bedazzling Club

The Bedazzling Club is a fun and creative club where students can take a break and relax from their workload. Students will get the opportunity to decorate items with colorful gems and other decorations while getting to spend some extra time with friends. Whether you are an artist or have never tried any kind of art before, everyone is welcome! The goal of the club is to help students have fun in a positive way! For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Pellegrino.

Mic’d Up History

Mic’d Up History seeks to make history accessible to teenage girls through podcasts. The goal of this club is to promote public speaking, historical analysis, collaboration, and interviewing skills. Through discussing unique historical topics, students can share opinions and ideas. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Schultz. 

Mythology Club

The purpose of the Mythology Club is to give people a chance to learn about diverse stories and old beliefs from the past. Meeting once a week, each meeting will provide a different club member the opportunity to present a story from a mythology of their choosing. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their favorite story from a mythology they have studied for a while, or they can listen to other students present stories they have just learned about. For more information, contact moderator Ms. Whelan ’13.

Puzzle Club

The Puzzle Club provides students with a fun way to entertain and challenge their brains at the same time. It also encourages students to utilize teamwork to complete puzzles. The club offers a community puzzle in the IC open for all students and staff. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Woolley.

Read Between the Lines Club

The Read Between the Lines is a book club that meets monthly to dive into 2-3 captivating reads each year. Gatherings are a space for sharing thoughts, opinions, and insights on each book, making for lively and engaging discussions. Once we wrap up a book, we celebrate by watching its movie adaptation, comparing how the story unfolds on screen. Our goal is to foster a welcoming, fun environment where members can feel comfortable exploring their ideas while enjoying both literary and cinematic storytelling. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Baskin.

Asian Culture Club

The Asian Culture Club aims to foster a vibrant, inclusive community where every student can explore and celebrate the rich diversity of Asian cultures. This club strives to raise awareness of traditions and customs across Asia. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Lee.

Black Culture Club

The Black Culture Club is led by students who strive to enhance and represent the IHA school community in a positive manner. The students contribute to the IHA community by celebrating both diversity and unity of all students, which creates opportunities for growth, inclusion, and leadership representation. For more information, contact moderator, Dr. Kenney.

Filipino Club

In the Filipino Club, members (regardless of background) have the opportunity to learn about the rich Filipino culture and connect with fellow Filipinos in the community. Through music, art, and food, members of the Filipino Club enjoy themselves while learning about culture. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Caudilla.

French Club

The French Club affords its members the opportunity to experience the rich and diverse cultures of the francophone world. Its purpose is to promote cultural awareness through exposure to art, music, holiday celebrations, and leisure and sport activities. Members of the club gain insight into daily life within francophone communities by celebrating holidays and traditions, such as Mardi Gras, by exploring French cuisine in school and in local restaurants, and by watching films that promote immersion in the language and customs of francophone societies. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Ingoglia.

Global Society Club

The Global Society Club aims to spread cultural and historical knowledge about different countries to club members and students throughout IHA. Each month, the club hosts mini-lessons (with games, food, and music) to learn more about a chosen country and the people who live there, diversifying students’ perspectives of the world. The Global Society Club also works with TEEEM, a local non-profit organization, that teaches students about global issues and humanitarianism through empathy and entrepreneurship. With this organization, the club sponsors TEEEM’s Ugandan site, Nyaka Primary School, and volunteers by reading stories and organizing donation drives. Join this club if you want to expand your global understanding and empathy. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Sullivan.

Hispanic Club

The IHA Hispanic Club is an organization of students of all ethnicities and backgrounds who come together to embrace Hispanic culture. The club is dedicated to the exploration of Hispanic cultures, traditions, and languages, and the celebration of Hispanic holidays. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Sollitto ’13. 

Irish Club

The Irish Club honors and celebrates Irish history, culture, and traditions. For more information, contact moderators, Mrs. Layng and Mrs. Woolley.

Italian Club

The purpose of the Italian Club is to create a sense of community for students who are passionate about Italy as well as to engage our members with unique and fun opportunities to experience Italian culture, traditions, language, and the history of Italy. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Daly-Valls.

Polish Club

The Polish Club is a welcoming club where students can celebrate and learn about Polish culture, traditions, food, music, language, and history. Students will have the opportunity to connect with others, participate in fun cultural activities, and share their Polish heritage with the IHA community. For more information, contact moderator, Miss Pellegrino.

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy

The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a program dedicated to growing leadership skills in high school students across the country.  It involves multiple Leader Labs to teach students about the major components of being an effective leader, like communication, innovation, and leadership. The program is also focused on teaching students how to create a lasting impact on their community. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Tweed.

Eagle Ambassadors

Eagle Ambassadors are the face and voice of the IHA community. They serve the school community by promoting Immaculate Heart Academy to grammar school students and assisting with open houses, placement testing, school visits, Blue Eagle for the Day visits, and other major school events. For more information, contact moderators, Mrs. Rhein ’09 and Mrs. Sheehan.

GirlUp Club

The GirlUp Club is a leadership and career-building club dedicated to service and community outreach. We strive to keep IHA women informed about global gender injustice and gender-based violence while promoting college and career preparation as well as self-love, service, and sisterhood. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Dwyer.

Peer Mentoring

Students in the upper grades assist the incoming freshmen with their transition to IHA through peer mentoring. Activities include Freshman Orientation, Registration Day, Rookie Camp, and Freshman Social, as well as scheduled homeroom meetings throughout the year. For more information, contact moderators, Ms. Donoghue ’76 and Mrs. O’Sullivan. 

Student Council (STUCO)

Student Council (STUCO) is a student-run organization that serves the entire school community. Members are made up of cabinet members, class officers, and adjunct (general) members. Students are elected by peers to coordinate functions such as school assemblies, pep rallies, fundraisers, and other events throughout the year. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Layng.

ACT (Arts, Culture, and Theater) Club

The Arts, Culture, and Theater Club is open to all students who are interested in arts and culture. The club meets once per quarter to study a particular play or arts exhibit as a group. Activities include once-per-quarter field trips to New York City to view plays, musicals, or museum exhibits connected to the club discussion. For more information, contact moderators, Miss Carroll ’04, Mrs. Layng, and Mr. McGinnis.

Art Club

The Art Club is open to all freshman and sophomore students who love art and want to share their love of art with others! In addition to working on several different art projects in the art room, students also have the opportunity to perform Christian Service by visiting a local senior residence several times during the school year to work on seasonal craft/art projects with the residents. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Giglio.

Intro to Broadway

Intro to Broadway is a club that introduces the basics of performing. Whether onstage or behind the scenes, students are given a taste of what the theatrical world is like. With weekly meetings, students learn the skills it takes to put on a quality show and get to perform for their fellow classmates during the Senior Talent Show. Students will bond with their fellow classmates and grow — not only in singing and choreography — but in sisterhood, dedication, and motivation. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Lee.

On The Fly Improv Troupe

On The Fly is IHA’s own student-founded Improv Troupe. Members meet regularly to develop skills with improvisational training. Students will gain professional-level techniques for comedy, team building, and everything relating to improv. Students perform several times throughout the year. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Lee.

Orchestra

Orchestra is the main student instrumental ensemble and is open to all students who have achieved proficiency in any band or orchestral instrument. The Orchestra performs concerts, festivals, and graduation, as well as other venues throughout the year. Small ensembles such as Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet, and “Dueling Pianos” are community service ensembles in which Orchestra members can also participate. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Martorano.

Performing Arts

Drama
On-stage productions of a dramatic play or comedy performed for three nights one weekend in the fall. Students from neighboring boys’ schools are invited to participate. The production is open to the general public.

Musical
Students perform on stage in a spring musical. Students from neighboring boys’ schools are invited to participate. The production is open to the general public.

For more information, visit our Performing Arts web page or contact moderator, Mrs. Montalbano ’01.

Photography Club

The IHA Photography Club is open to students who have a true love of photography and would like to further develop their photography skills and techniques through various specialized activities. Activities vary but include photographing various IHA events for the IHA website, yearbook, and newsletter; photo entry into various local and national photography competitions; and basic Photoshop instruction. Photo tours and guest speakers are also explored. Photography Club enrollment is limited to 40 students. A working digital camera is required for all members. All members are expected to attend monthly meetings and commit to actively participate in all aspects of the club including photographing school events. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Hamlett.

Praise Choir

Students in the Praise Choir select and prepare music for school liturgies and prayer services. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Valle.

Voices

Voices, IHA’s chorus, performs at the Christmas concert, Spring Arts Festival, and other venues throughout the year. It is a great opportunity to make music with other singers in the school! For more information, contact moderator, Mr. Valle.

Banana Split Club

The Banana Split Club is a safe place for students with divorced/separated/single parents. We want to raise awareness of the mental setbacks caused by these issues. Through the power of the IHA sisterhood, our club helps girls feel supported and cared for as they work on their mental health. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Maka ’02.

Morgan’s Message

Morgan’s Message is an organization that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. For more information, contact moderator, Mr. McDonald. 

One Love Foundation

The One Love Foundation is a national group with the goal of ending relationship abuse. This group serves to empower young women with tools and resources to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and bring life-saving prevention education to their communities. For more information, contact moderator, Mrs. Maka ’02.

Play it Forward Club

The Play it Forward Club is dedicated to empowering girls and women to overcome gender inequalities in sports through leadership, awareness, community outreach, and a forum for developing confidence and character. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Rhein ’09.

Self-Defense Club

The purpose of the Self-Defense Club is to educate students on the importance of self-defense and teach them basic ways to defend themselves. The club is dedicated to helping students develop confidence and skill in both self-defense techniques and in themselves. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Pellegrino.

Spread Awareness Club

The Spread Awareness Club aims to create a safe space to research and educate oneself and others on topics that affect teens’ lives today. Its mission is to educate the school community on ongoing issues in our everyday lives. The club aims to have students create presentations on topics they are passionate about and share them with the group during meetings throughout the year. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Sollitto ’13.

Wellness Ambassadors Club

The goal of the Wellness Ambassadors Club is to raise awareness of mental health at Immaculate Heart Academy, which is a Stigma-Free community. Members will participate in the dog therapy program each month at the school and Wellness Wednesday events throughout the year sponsored by the Guidance Department. For more information, contact moderator, Ms. Donoghue ’76.