Panther Press
JANUARY 6, 2022
ICCS Mission Statement:
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
IMPORTANT ENROLLMENT INFORMATION FOR ALL ICCS PARENTS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a joy-filled Christmas, and we pray 2022 is off to a great start for you and your family. Welcoming a new year in so many ways brings a sense of revitalization intermingled with feelings of excitement about what remains in the academic year. No doubt we will continue to face challenges in the new year, but I feel fortunate to have such a supportive ICCS community – faculty, staff, students, and parents – regardless of what we might face because we are always stronger together.
As we are moving into the second half of the year, I want to share important details, dates, and deadlines that will help make the upcoming months flow smoothly as our team, as hard as it is to believe, is currently planning for next school year. I ask that you pay close attention to the important deadlines listed below pertaining to the re-enrollment process. The ICCS Finance Committee is always mindful in keeping the recommendation for annual tuition increases to a minimum while maintaining the ability to cover rising costs. The tuition increase along with a technology fee to more adequately support ICCS as a 1:1 school was developed and approved by the finance committee. The advisory council approved the tuition rates and added a technology fee at the December meeting. Below you will find important information, dates, and deadlines regarding ICCS re-enrollment and enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year.
Incoming Sibling Enrollment Notification for the 2022-2023 academic year ended on Friday, December 10. If you missed the deadline, and have a child (PK4-8th Grade) you would like to enroll at ICCS for the 2022-2023 school year, please contact Kay Morgan, Director of Development, immediately at kmorgan@iccsweb.com to add your incoming student(s) to the sibling enrollment list. This will ensure your child has a guaranteed spot at ICCS next school year.
Re-enrollment for current students and new siblings will take place Monday, January 10 through Friday, January 21. It is imperative that you re-enroll your children during this timeframe if you plan to send your student(s) to ICCS for the 2022-2023 school year. A re-enrollment link will be emailed to all current families on Monday, January 10. Please click on the provided link and follow the step-by-step instructions. The online re-enrollment process takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Annual registration fees will be drafted during this process. If your family needs to discuss alternate arrangements for registration fees, please contact Melissa Mathew, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper at mbmathew@iccsweb.com.
Families requesting subsidy from their church parish for the 2022-2023 academic year must have the subsidy approval section of the Parishioner Verification Form completed by their pastor and returned to ICCS by Friday, January 28. A form is linked below for quick reference and convenience. **Re-enrolling Cathedral parishioners do not need to submit this form, Cathedral subsidy is verified directly with the Cathedral office. Parents with questions regarding their Cathedral subsidy status should contact the Cathedral office directly. Parishioner Verification Form - Click HERE
2022-2023 Bishop Scholarship application and deadline information will be posted in the Panther Press once it is received from the Diocesan office.
The ICCS Finance Committee is always mindful in keeping the recommendation for annual tuition increases to a minimum while maintaining the ability to cover rising costs. As we look forward to the 2022-2023 school year, it is time to be aware of the following important information, dates, and deadlines:
2022-2023 Tuition Rates:
Cathedral Subsidized Tuition
1 Child: $6,276.00
2 Children: $11,571.00
3+ children: $16,643.00
Non-Subsidized Tuition
1 Child: $6,776.00
2 Children: $12,571.00
3+ children: $18,143.00
Registration Fee: $200 returning students and incoming siblings/$300 new students
Technology Fee: Kindergarten-2nd Grade: $75
3rd-8th Grade: $100
Current Family Re-Enrollment Dates: Monday, January 10, 2022 - Friday, January 21, 2022
Registration fees will be processed at the completion of each enrollment packet.
** We encourage families to contact our Bookkeeper, Melissa Mathew (mbmathew@iccsweb.com) to make alternate payment arrangements if needed.
We appreciate your continued support of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for allowing us to continue sharing in the academic journey of your most precious gift - your child!
Yours in Catholic education,
Blair Tadlock
COVID UPDATE
We want our students to remain healthy and to be able to participate in high-quality in-person learning at school and in our classrooms. As has been our model since we returned to school during this pandemic, we will keep virtual learning going in our Google Classroom spaces through Google Meet so that students remaining at home either due to a positive case of COVID 19, exposure to a positive case of COVID 19, or out of caution being taken for the onset of a symptom may continue learning with their teachers and peers.
Should any teacher happen to have a substitute in their classroom and also have virtual learners, please note that our substitutes will not open up Google Meets for virtual learning on those days as has been our policy.
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
Caroline Hankins and Matthew Devall have been named the 2021-2022 Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Students of the Year. The students were selected for the honor based on grade point average, school organization participation, community service, a special essay writing assignment, and an interview with a panel of judges.
Caroline Hankins, an 8th Grade honor roll student, currently serves as the ICCS Jr. Beta Club President and is a past member of the ICCS Girls Volleyball Team and ICCS Student Council. Caroline is a Duke Tip finalist and AR Superstar. She is a member of the Lake Area Ballet Theatre Junior Company and is an active parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Caroline is the daughter of Kari and Michael Hankins of Lake Charles.
Matthew Devall, a 5th Grade honor roll student, is a member of the ICCS 5th Grade Boys Basketball Team and Mighty Mu Math Team. Matthew is an AR Superstar and also serves as an Altar Server at school and church masses and religious ceremonies. He is an active member of the Boy Scouts, Spartan Swim Team and is a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Matthew is the son of Katie and Matthew Devall of Lake Charles.
WELCOME MISS FREY, MRS. GREEN AND MRS. SIMONEAUX
A warm ICCS welcome to our new 4th Grade Reading and Religion Teacher, Miss McClain Frey. Miss Frey graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in Elementary Education this December. She completed her two-semester residency of student teaching in ELA and Social Studies at M.J. Kaufman Elementary. During her time at McNeese, she served on the Ministry Leadership Team for the McNeese Cowboy Catholic Newman Club and has been active in teenage ministry with A.C.T.S. We are thrilled she is an ICCS Panther and part of our teaching team!
We also extend a special welcome to Mrs. Hillary Green. Mrs. Green will be serving as ICCS Librarian while Mrs. Heffer is on extended maternity leave. Mrs. Green, a certified teacher, has served as a long-term substitute in the past and is the mother of Abram (5th Grade) and Finley Green (6th Grade). We are especially grateful for her time spent with us as she is also currently serving as the President of the Junior League of Lake Charles, which is a tremendous leadership role for our community. Thank you Hillary for once again saying "yes" to ICCS and to being our long-term substitute librarian.
We are thankful for Mrs. Sara Simoneaux for stepping in last minute to take Mrs. Schwartzenburg's place while she is on extended leave until later this month. Mrs. Simoneaux is a former ICCS teacher and parent of alumni Grant and Ella Simoneaux. She has graciously agreed to carry on the teaching of 4th and 5th-grade math for the next three weeks. Mrs. Simoneaux brings with her not only a wealth of teaching experience but also an understanding of our school and our values.
These three ladies are the answer to many prayers. We are grateful for their time, service, knowledge, and commitment to ICCS.
NEW ICCS PANTHERS
8th Grade: Brayden Boudreaux, son of Erin and Doug Boudreaux
7th Grade: Julien Vallee, son of Alise Cappel Vallee and Manuel Vallee
6th Grade: Cooper Logan, son of Allison and Adrian Logan
2nd Grade: Emma Jane Logan, daughter of Allison and Adrian Logan
2nd Grade: Emma Morales, daughter of Laura and Paulo Morales
PK: Camden Logan, son of Allison and Adrian Logan
NEW ARRIVAL
Jesus, we ask and trust that you will surround Baby Joey and his family and medical team and provide the protection, peace, and patience needed for his healing and recovery. St. Philomena, St. Luke, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, please intercede and pray for all.
PRAYERS FOR THE SCHWARTZENBURG FAMILY
In an effort to show our love and support, we are collecting gift cards for the Schwartzenburg family. If you would like to donate any type of gift card (in any amount), please send the item to school with your child in an envelope marked "for the Schwartzenburg family."
CONGRATULATIONS MRS. PONCHO
The Benemerenti honor was established by Pope Pius VI (1775-1799) as recognition for military service to the Holy See. Later, the recipients were expanded to include members of the clergy and laity for exceptional service to the Catholic Church. It can be granted to persons as young as 35, and its reception is open to Catholics as well as members of other faith traditions.
Through her work with the Gabriel Project, Mrs. Poncho accompanies expectant mothers through the journey of pregnancy. In addition to raising four children of her own, she and her husband, Derek, are actively involved in the local Domestic Church Movement, which seeks to strengthen family life through communal formation and prayer. Mrs. Poncho serves as the Progressions Class teacher at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. She and her family are parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Lake Charles.
Former ICCS parents, Jared Watson and Derek Conner were also recognized by Pope Francis (Order of Saint Gregory the Great) for their contributions in an outstanding way to the welfare of the Church and community.
Pope Francis conferred the Honors at the request of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles. The Honors will be formally presented to the individuals by Bishop Provost during a Solemn Vespers service at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 13, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
PART TIME TEACHING POSITION AVAILABLE
ICCS PRINCIPAL SEARCH UNDERWAY
Candidates must be Catholics in full communion with the Church. Candidates should be a leader who can empower staff, and lead with integrity and consistency. Salary and benefits are negotiable and are based upon qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Education Leadership or its equivalent
Minimum 5 years teaching experience
Evidence of prior school administration experience – Eligible for state certification
Catholic school administrative experience preferred
Excellent spiritual, educational, managerial, and communication skills
Qualified candidates are to submit a letter of interest, resume, academic credentials, and a letter of recommendation to dana.wimberly@lcdiocese.org or in writing to Kimberlee Gazzolo, Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools, 1112 Bilbo St. Lake Charles, LA 70605
Submission deadline is 01/14/2022. Interviews of selected candidates will be held soon.
The Diocese of Lake Charles is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees by reason of race, age, sex, handicap, or national origin.
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: INDUSTRIOUSNESS
All PK-8th Grade students are focusing on the virtue of Industriousness throughout the month of January. Industriousness means diligence, especially in work that leads to natural and supernatural maturity.
Industriousness looks like: Diligently completing your homework.
Industriousness sounds like: I need to stay focused and finish my homework.
Yesterday was the Feast Day of St. John Neumann. St. John Neumann is an example of someone who lived the Virtue of Industriousness. St. John Neumann was born in what is now the Czech Republic and sailed to America as a young man. He became a Redemptorist priest and eventually became the fourth bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop Neumann started one hundred Catholic schools in eight years and wrote catechisms and other pamphlets to teach the faith. His life’s work was to spread the faith. He worked diligently and is an example to us on how to live out the Virtue of Industriousness. St. John Neumann, pray for us.
REFER A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER
Prospective students and families are also invited to attend an ICCS Open House event on Thursday, February 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
LAST CALL FOR COMMUNITY COFFEE CASH FOR SCHOOLS LABELS
SAVE THE DATE
TAX STATEMENTS AVAILABLE VIA FACTS
PTO FUNDRAISER NEWS
ICCS PTO PANTHER RUN UPDATE
GUARANTEED RACE SHIRT DEADLINE QUICKLY APPROACHING
The 2022 ICCS PTO Panther Run 5K and 1-Mile Color Run is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, starting at 8:00 a.m. at ICCS. Click the link below for more information, or to register.
https://runsignup.com/iccspantherrun2022 REMINDER! To receive a guaranteed race shirt, you MUST REGISTER FOR THE 5K AND/OR 1-MILE COLOR RUN BY MONDAY, JANUARY 10.
EXTRA SHIRTS AVAILABLE
NEW THIS YEAR: additional Panther Run shirts can be purchased without officially registering for the race. Click the link below to order extra shirts (PLEASE NOTE this is for extra shirts ONLY): https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/LA/LakeCharles/ICCSPantherRun ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY MONDAY, JANUARY 10.
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
PTO Panther Run 5K and 1-Mile Color Run Chairperson, Kelly Henderson and her team are in need of RACE DAY VOLUNTEERS to help with set up, clean up, and other important tasks that will take place before, during, and after the PTO Panther Run 5K and 1-Mile Color Run. APPROXIMATELY 30 ICCS PARENT VOLUNTEERS will be needed on Saturday, January 29 to ensure the event runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely!
Please contact Kelly Henderson by email at kellybhenderson@gmail.com or by phone at (337) 368-3473 for more information or to sign up to volunteer.
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL NEWS
3RD AND 4TH GRADE ARTWORK
8TH GRADE CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST
CAROLS ON THE COURT
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
January and February are packed with school-affiliated events. Here is a quick list of what's ahead.
Thursday, January 6
Basketball Games:
6:30PM: ICCS 8 Boys v OLQH @ OLQH
6:30PM: ICCS 7 Boys v EDS @ EDS
Saturday, January 8
Basketball Games:
9AM: EDS v ICCS 5 Girls @ ICCS
9AM: ICCS 5 Boys v EDS @ EDS
10AM: SMCS v ICCS 6 Girls @ ICCS
11AM: SMCS v ICCS 6 Boys @ ICCS
Monday, January 10
Basketball Games:
5:30PM: ICCS 8 Girls v OLS @ EDS
6:30PM: ICCS 8 Boys v SMCS @ EDS
January 10-21
Re-enrollment for all current students
**PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND COMPLETE YOUR STUDENT'S RE-ENROLLMENT PACKET ON TIME TO SECURE ADMISSION FOR 2022-2023.
Thursday, January 13:
Basketball Games:
4:30PM: ICCS 8 Girls v FBCA @ ICCS
5:30PM: ICCS 7 Boys v OLQH @ ICCS
6:30PM: ICCS 8 Boys v HCA @ ICCS
Friday, January 14:
January Birthday Mass (more details to come)
Saturday, January 15
Basketball Games:
9AM: SMCS v ICCS 5 Girls @ ICCS
9AM: ICCS 6 Girls v OLQH @ OLQH
10AM: ICCS 5 Boys v HCA @ HCA
11AM: FBCA v ICCS 6 Boys @ ICCS
Monday, January 17
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)
Wednesday, January 19
ICCS Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, January 20
Class Picture Day
*Parents can place Class Photo pre-pay orders via LifeTouch
Basketball Games:
5:30PM: SWLA v ICCS 8 Girls @ ICCS
6:30PM: HCA v ICCS 8 Boys @ ICCS
Saturday, January 22
Basketball Games:
9AM: ICCS 6 Girls v ICCS 5 Girls @ HCA
9AM: ICCS 5 Boys v OLQH @ OLQH
10AM: ICCS 6 Boys v OLQH @ OLQH
Monday, January 24
Basketball Games:
4:30PM: LCA v ICCS 8 Girls @ ICCS
6:30PM: OLS v ICCS 7 Boys @ ICCS
Saturday, January 29
ICCS PTO Panther Run 5K & 1-Mile Color Run
5K will start promptly at 8:00 a.m.
1-Mile Color Run will begin around 8:30 a.m.
The races will start and end on the corner of Ryan Street and Park Avenue
Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to participate
Visit https://runsignup.com/iccspantherrun2022 to register.
Basketball Games:
10AM: ICCS 6 Boys v HCA @ HCA
11AM: ICCS 5 Boys v EDS @ EDS
11AM: FBCA v ICCS 5 Girls @ ICCS
1PM: OLQH v ICCS 6 Girls @ ICCS
Sunday, January 30-Saturday, February 5
Catholic Schools Week
Wednesday, February 2
ICCS Religious Education Department Fundraiser at Pizza Artista
Thursday, February 3
ICCS Open House event for Prospective Students and Families
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 4
12 Noon Dismissal For All Students (No Aftercare Services Available)
Monday, February 7
New Family Registration for Prospective Students
Wednesday, February 16
ICCS Advisory Board Meeting
February 25-March 1
Mardi Gras Holiday
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
SLC OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION
QUICK LINKS
FACTS FAMILY PORTAL
Parent Portal access to student grades and assignments.
www.factsmgt.comDON'T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST ICCS NEWS AND EVENTS!
Contact Information
Email: kmorgan@iccsweb.com
Website: www.iccschool.org
Location: 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA, USA
Phone: 337-433-3497
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iccschool