Panther Press
May 12, 2022
ICCS Mission Statement:
2022 ICCS SUMMER CARE REGISTRATON FORM DUE TOMORROW
ICCS offers a Summer Care Program for all PK-8th Grade students who are formally enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year. The program begins on Tuesday, May 31 and concludes on Friday, July 29. More information, and registration details can be found here: https://forms.gle/hWTqYHt7xi6JDE9C8
If you plan to register your student for the 2022 ICCS Summer Care program, please complete the form no later than TOMORROW, Friday, May 13. For more information, please contact Wendi Fournerat at wfournerat@iccsweb.com or by phone at (337) 433-3497.
PLEASE VOTE FOR A NEW ICCS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER
All parents with students enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year are asked to complete one ICCS Advisory Council election ballot. Casey Byrd, Kelly Hurt, and Lanetta Lavergne-Lassien were nominated, and their brief biographies are included below along with the link to the ballot.
Casey Byrd is an alumnus of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and St. Louis Catholic High School. Casey is also a graduate of McNeese State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He is a general contractor at Russell J. Stutes Construction in Lake Charles. Casey and his wife, Emily have five children (four of the children attend ICCS). Casey and his family are parishioners of Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish.
Kelly Hurt is married to Lance Hurt and is the mother of three boys: Harrison, Briggs, and Reid. All three of her boys currently attend ICCS and she has been part of the ICCS community for 9 years. She is a 2002 graduate of Louisiana State University with a major in Secondary Mathematics Education and a minor in Mathematics. Immediately following graduation, Kelly taught for 7 years within the Catholic school system at Jesuit, St. Paul’s, & Redemptorist. In 2007, Kelly moved home and has been involved in their family business, Hunt Brother’s Pizza, Henderson, and Henderson Self-Storage. She is a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Cathedral, was an active member of Lake Charles Junior League, a previous ICCS school board representative, served on the ICCS silent auction committee, a graduate of the Southwest Leadership program, and a volunteer for Southwest Louisiana Youth Foundation, and she has served on the American Heart Gala Committee.
Lanetta Lavergne-Lassien is a lifelong parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She is a 1993 graduate of St. Louis Catholic high school. She attended McNeese State University and obtained a B.A. in Art and History. With that degree, she went into the field of Education. An educator for over 15 years, she's worked with various groups and foundations in the Lake Charles area in summer and after-school programs. She is also one of the founders of the Urban Art Foundation of Southwest Louisiana, where she serves on the board. Ms. Lassien is the owner of LayJoe where she customized wellness products for her clients. In her spare time, she likes to cook and watch movies with her two girls.
Please click the link below to access the voting ballot. REMINDER: THE BALLOT WILL CLOSE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, MAY 13.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhTYG_GzniUUkDlq_ZyzcBmOnXXiaqsDJRtaC39unYfXR5pg/viewform
PTO POINT STATEMENTS WENT HOME LAST WEEK
If your family has a remaining PTO point balance for the 2021-2022 school year, statements went home with students last week. Please check your child's backpack or folder for more information. PLEASE NOTE: PTO POINT STATEMENTS WENT HOME TO FAMILIES WITH REMAINING BALANCES ONLY.
All PTO point balances are due no later than Friday, May 20. Parents with questions regarding their PTO statement can contact Melissa Mathew by email at mbmathew@iccsweb.com
ICCS FIRST COMMUNION CELEBRATED AT THE CATHEDRAL
Congratulations to the ICCS 2nd Grade students who made their First Communion last Saturday, May 7, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Special thanks to Mrs. Morgan Verrett, Mrs. Cindy Stanic, Mrs. Rose Viau, Father Rommel Tolentino, Father Sam Bond and everyone who played a role in preparing these young Catholics for this important Sacrament.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP!
Just a reminder, today is the last day to register for the incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation session scheduled for Monday, May 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym. Please click the button below to RSVP.
TOMORROW IS THE FINAL DAY TO ORDER A YEARBOOK
Last call! Tomorrow, Friday, May 13, is the last day to order a 2021-2022 ICCS Yearbook. Yearbooks are $40 each and will be billed through the FACTS Financial system. Parents and businesses may also purchase yearbook ads. Ad size options and cost details are also provided on the form. Click the link below for more information, or to place an order before the deadline.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1imliGnDIl2l7OvvpNOsQITuf5xdsNDe3fBUyjTPGLzo/edit
ICCS VARIETY SHOW VIDEOS DUE MONDAY
The show must go on! With Mrs. Jessen out on maternity leave, Mrs. Aimee Romano, Mrs. Milissa Thibodeaux and the ICCS Student Council members have agreed to plan and coordinate a virtual Variety Show this year. Mrs. Romano and Mrs. Thibodeaux are now accepting videos of ICCS PK-8th Grade students performing their special talents and unique skills. Videos are due by Monday, May 16. If your student is interested in participating, please email all Variety Show talent/skill videos to aromano@iccsweb.com or mthibodeaux@iccsweb.com. Individual and group performances will be accepted (ICCS students ONLY, please).
2022 PANTHER PROCESSION HELD YESTERDAY
It is one of our favorite events of the year! The annual ICCS Panther Procession took place yesterday at 2:00 p.m. Former ICCS students who are now graduating from high school took a special stroll down the hallways of their former elementary and middle school as current students, present and past faculty members and their adoring parents watched with pride and joy.
We welcomed back the following graduating alumni for the 2022 ICCS Panther Procession: Dillon Anderson, Ryan Baron, Will Brown, Mary Rose Buttross, Grant Couste, Eli Crawford, Harper Darbonne, Ella Diedrich, Sophia Ellender, Sarah Filo, Cobe Fournerat, Joshua France, Savanna Goss, Sophia Griffith, Jalen Guidry, Kynna Guidry, Callen Hale, Ella Hebert, Bain Jones, Sarah Jones, Mia Kudla, Thomas Lavergne, Jules LeJeune, Caroline Martel, Allie McCall, Brenna Moncrief, Luke Monlezun, Zachary Phillips, Cole Pierson, Katie Ray, Sofia Reggie, Juliet Riviere, Ella Simon, Ella Simoneaux, Nick Spicer, Payton Stewart, Camden Watkins and Thomas Watson.
May God bless these ICCS alumni and their families as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. To view more photos and videos from the 2022 Panther Procession visit the ICCS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/iccschool.
FLOWERS FOR MARY
We honor our heavenly Mother Mary throughout the month of May. Next week, the following classes are scheduled to bring flowers for Mary. The flowers can be hand-picked or store bought. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us.
Tuesday, May 17: 1st Grade and 5th Grade
Wednesday, May 18: 3rd Grade and 4th Grade
Thursday, May 19: 2nd Grade
CLASS SUPPLY AND TECHNOLOGY FEE DETAILS PROVIDED
The 2022-2023 Class and Technology fees have been billed through FACTS Financial. The class fee will automatically draft on Wednesday, June 15, and the Technology fee will automatically draft on Thursday, July 15. Parents can log in to their FACTS Financial account and choose their 2022-2023 account and make a payment anytime prior to the draft dates. Any remaining balance on these accounts will be drafted on the set dates. Parents with questions regarding these charges can contact Melissa Mathew by email at mbmathew@iccsweb.com
2022-2023 FACTS FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
Attention ICCS Parents:
Your 2022-2023 school year FACTS Financial accounts have been finalized. Please check your email for a communication from FACTS containing your 2022-2023 account summary and details. These emails could potentially go to your spam folder, so be sure to check there if the email is not in your inbox. Please review this information thoroughly. Parents have the ability to update their information through the online account. Instructions for accessing the FACTS Financial website are listed below. Please email Melissa Mathew at mbmathew@iccsweb.com with questions regarding your payment plan, payment dates, etc. Parents are reminded that ICCS does not have access to usernames and passwords for FACTS Financial. Parents needing help should choose the “forgot password” option, or call 866-441-4637 for assistance.
FACTS Financial Website:
Choose Parent Login
Choose Payment Plan/Financial Aid
This will load the login screen for FACTS Financial
COMMUNITY COFFEE PROGRAM UPDATE
ICCS received a check for $303.30 from the Community Coffee Cash For Schools program this week. We sincerely appreciate our school community's help clipping and submitting Community Coffee UPC labels throughout the school year.
Please continue to clip Community Coffee Cash for Schools UPC labels throughout the summer months. We look forward to participating in the program again in 2022-2023
USED UNIFORM SALE COMING SOON
A variety of gently used boys and girls school uniform pieces and approved ICCS outerwear will be available for purchase at the upcoming Used Uniform Sale on May 25. All proceeds benefit the ICCS Student Council.
Mrs. Aimee Romano and the Student Council members would like to extend a special thank you to ICCS parent volunteer, Kathryn Blessington for recently dedicating her time to help sort and organize donated uniforms for the fundraiser.
MARK YOU CALENDAR
Additional dates and events have been added to the list below. Please add the information to your calendar and be on the lookout for specific details related to all end-of-the-year events, ceremonies and grade-specific activities. Parents and family members are invited to attend these ICCS-affiliated events.
Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation Night: Monday, May 16, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym. Please RSVP by May 12. https://forms.gle/SQFKZEmTXaUfeJhM6
ICCS 8th Grade Closing Ceremony: Thursday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral
PK & Kindergarten End-of-the-Year Picnics: Tuesday, May 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
ICCS Kindergarten Closing Ceremony: Tuesday, May 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
1st-7th Grade End-of-the-Year Class Picnics: Wednesday, May 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon (PLEASE NOTE: MAY 25 IS A NOON DISMISSAL DAY)
Used Uniform Sale: Wednesday, May 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon in ICCS Front Lobby
Closing Mass and Awards Program for All Students: Thursday, May 26, starting at 8:00 a.m. in the ICCS Gym. Dismissal will immediately follow the Mass and awards program. Report card packets will be distributed to all students.
Pictured below: Ms. House and Mrs. Stine's students preparing for their upcoming Kindergarten Closing Ceremony performance.
MAY VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: PERSEVERANCE
We are continuing to practice the virtue of perseverance throughout the month of May. Perseverance means taking the steps necessary to achieve goals, in spite of difficulties. One way we can practice perseverance is by practicing our extra activities regularly. To acquire skills at a sport, playing a musical instrument, or some other hobby, we need to practice, even when it’s difficult. Perseverance helps us to strengthen our will and face our difficulties in life.
Dear Jesus, it is hard for me to make myself continue practicing when I am bored or tired. Sometimes I get discouraged because I try the same thing many times and still can’t get it right. Help me to practice the virtue of perseverance today, so that I can strengthen my will and complete all the tasks I undertake. Amen.
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL NEWS
5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO BATON ROUGE
Our 5th Grade students have spent the day in Baton Rouge visiting the Louisiana State Capitol and historic Magnolia Mound Plantation. Here are a few photos of the students enjoying their information-packed field trip. The teachers, students and field trip chaperones would like to thank Representative Les Farnum of Sulphur; Representatives Phillip Tarver and Jeremy Stine of Lake Charles and Senator Mark Abraham of Lake Charles for being extremely generous with their time and for sharing their knowledge and expertise during the ICCS Louisiana State Capitol tour this morning in Baton Rouge.
MIDDLE SCHOOL THEOLOGY THURSDAY TALK
It's Theology Thursday! Father Rommel Tolentino stopped by ICCS this morning to visit with our Middle School students in the Annex. Father Rommel shared details about his vocation as a priest and the duties and responsibilities that come along with it. He also spent time answering the student's questions. Thanks, Father Rommel!
8TH GRADE VS. FACULTY VOLLEYBALL GAME
The gym was filled with excitement and energy on Friday, May 6, as the ICCS 8th Grade "Class of 2022" took on the faculty and staff in a friendly (but very competitive) game of volleyball. This annual ICCS tradition is something the students and faculty members look forward to every year. After a long and hard fought battle we are pleased to announce the ICCS Faculty and Staff Team WON the game!
Check out this video of some of the volleyball game highlights. https://www.facebook.com/iccschool/videos/396414558831511
MAY/JUNE BIRTHDAY MASS CELEBRATED AT CATHEDRAL
PK-8th Grade students attended the May/June Birthday Mass at the Cathedral last Friday, May 6. The Mass was celebrated and led by Father Sam Bond and members of the ICCS 8th Grade "Class of 2022." Additional photographs from the Mass are posted on the ICCS Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/iccschool.
We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to all ICCS students, parents, "Grandpanthers," alumni and faculty members celebrating a birthday in the months of May and June.
2021-2022 RELIGIOUS AWARDS ANNOUNCED
The following students were recognized for their service and religious-related contributions this school year last week following the May/June Birthday Mass. Congratulations to these 2021-2022 ICCS Religious Award recipients:
Altar Servers: Issac Broussard, Charles Devall, Jonathan Foret, Quinn Middleton, Oakley Zimmerman, Liam Joseph Hollier, Briggs Hurt, Paul LaBove, Joshua Phillips, Ramsey Vincent, Abby Goss, Owen Brittain, Alice Foret, Jackson Landry, Lilly Devall, Johnny Hodges, Matthew Devall, Raley Foret, Layla Buttross, Tyson Stanz, Elise Foret, Alex LaBove, Meg Austin, Josie Obulda, Luke LaBove, Trip Tadlock, Harrison Hurt, Rowan LeJeune, Elizabeth Austin, Alex McCall, Carter Brinkman, Joseph Devall, Nicholas Devall, Konner Boudreaux and Holden Bertrand
Our Father Signers: Elizabeth Austin, Ava Borel and Caroline Hankins. Click the video link below to view the PK-8th Grade students singing and signing the Our Father Prayer during the May/June Birthday Mass at the Cathedral last week. https://www.facebook.com/iccschool/videos/392463149457547
Cantors and Musicians: Kaleb Katoch, Cate Filo, Elizabeth Austin, Halle Poncho, Anna Robertson, Camille Zeringue and Ruth McCain
Bible Quiz Bowl Participants: Madelyn Elliott, Halle Poncho, Camille Zeringue, Rylee Keating, Harrison Hurt, Grayson Hobgood, Carter Brinkman and Hudson Abel
SPANISH I CLASS ACTIVITY
After reviewing content for their final test, students in Señora Darcy Garcia's Spanish I Class took a break and had a little fun last Friday afternoon. The students played a game of Paz y guerra.
ICCS PTO NEWS
PTO PRESIDENT ELECT STILL NEEDED
ICCS is in need of a PTO President-Elect for the 2022-2023 school year. This position then becomes the PTO President for the 2023-2024 school year, which also includes a seat on the ICCS Advisory Council for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are interested in volunteering for this position, please contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccsweb.com.
3RD GRADE COOKIE DECORATING PARTY
ICCS PTO AUCTION NEWS! A group of aspiring young bakers spent last Saturday morning learning how to decorate cookies from local business owner, Ally Holtzman with Southern Sweets by Ally Jade. This 2022 ICCS PTO Auction Sign Up Party was donated by 3rd Grade Teacher, Mrs. Brittany Higginbotham. The girls worked on their cookie icing and embellishment skills and techniques. At the end of the session the girls had an opportunity to sample their work.
KINDERGARTEN ICE CREAM PARTY
The Kindergarten boys got to enjoy an afternoon of playtime in Lock Park followed by delicious ice cream on the playground with the Kindergarten Team. This ICCS PTO Auction Sign Up Party was donated by Ms. Sarah House, Mrs. Brittani Stine, Mrs. Nancy Bellon and Mrs. Weezy Huber.
CATHEDRAL NEWS
CATHEDRAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Please save the dates! The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will be hosting Vacation Bible School, June 13-17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at ICCS. Registration details will be provided soon.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Adult and teen volunteers are needed to help make the Cathedral VBS session a success. Please prayerfully consider assisting with this week-long VBS session. For more information, or to sign up to help, please call the Cathedral office at (337) 436-7251.
COMMUNITY NEWS
MSU BASKETBALL CAMP
McNeese State University is offering two Basketball Camps this summer for boys and girls in Kindergarten-9th Grade. For more information, or to register, contact the camp coordinators at mcneesebball@gmail.com.
LCRC SUMMER TENNIS CAMP
The Lake Charles Racquet Club will be offering Summer Tennis Camps for children ages 4 - 11. Lunch and snacks are included in the camp price. Camp drop-off begins at 8:00 a.m. with pickup at 2:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Session 1: June 6 – 10
Session 2: June 13 – 17
Session 3: June 20 – 24
Session 4: June 27 – July 1
Session 5: July 11 – 15
Session 6: July 18 – 22
Session 7: July 25 - 29
For more information, or to register your child for a session, please contact Meyer Schwartzberg at the Lake Charles Racquet Club at mschwartzberg@lcracquetclub.com.
NICHE SUMMER CAMPS
Niche Creative Studio, located at 4706 Common Street in Lake Charles, will be hosting a variety of 4-day and 1-day camps in June and July. Each camp includes age appropriate sewing, painting and crafting projects based on the camp theme. To view a complete list of activities, or to register your child, visit www.nichecreativestudio.com or call (337) 477-3810.
2022 CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP
All girls and boys in 1st through 5th Grade, it is time to saddle up and sign up for the Cub Scout Day Camp, May 31-June 3. Not a scout yet? NO problem! The prorated membership fee is $50 and we want you to join in the summer fun, too. Every Scout that attends will be working on scout crafts, Native American lore, cowboy cooking tips, iron branding and western themed crafts long with games, archery, slingshots, skits, art projects and so much more! Fee is $120. All attendees will receive a camp patch, t-shirt and snacks. Log on to www.calcasieuBSA.org/cubdaycamp for more details.
Dates: May 31-June 3, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: St. Luke Simpson Church (1500 Country Club Road in Lake Charles)
LAKE AREA ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMPS
Lake Area Adventures, located at 5959 Common Street in Lake Charles, is offering a variety of summer camps from May 31-July 22, for children ages 6-10. For more information, call (337) 310-1681 or log on to https://lakeareaadventures.com/camps.
IMPORTANT FACTS INFORMATION AND 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