Panther Press
Thursday, December 5, 2019
ICCS Mission Statement:
ADVENT WEEK 1, HOPE: Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER, by Christi Jarreau
We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves when giving presents. For our loved ones, we want to see that look of joyous surprise when they open the gift so that we know, before they say a word, that it was perfect. As we focus on preparing our hearts for Christmas, we ask ourselves, “If I were going to give Jesus a gift for his birthday, what does He really want? Is there anything the Lord would like from me this year?“
Lucky for us, we’ve been reflecting on that since the beginning of this school year. Our school theme, Micah 6:8, sums up what God really wants from you and me. It is a great verse to reflect upon during this Advent season: “You have been told what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: to do justice, to love goodness (mercy), and to walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8
The word “just” is often applied to God’s own character. Our God is just. He is fair and righteous, giving to each what they deserve. Justice means “treating people right because you know God.” We find examples of this in the Bible such as caring for the poor, remembering the widows and orphans, paying a fair wage, having honest scales, not cheating, etc. At Christmastime, justice certainly means serving God by serving others who are less fortunate.
Goodness and mercy speak to the way we treat others. It considers our obligation to care for and see God’s goodness in all people, even those who are not perfect and cannot or do not give in return. If God has blessed us, then we are called to be a blessing for others. Because God forgives us, we are called to forgive others. Just as we call on God to lift us up and overlook our faults, so must we for others. Goodness and mercy are needed at Christmastime not just to keep us off the naughty list, but to reflect God’s goodness and mercy just as He has been good and merciful to us this year.
The word “humbly” refers to an attitude that is the opposite of pride. Humility does not mean saying, “I am nothing, I am useless.” It is having a proper perspective, knowing that God is big and we are small. When we are humble, we recognize that our gifts come from God and we thank Him by doing our best with what He has provided us. Humility enables us to be the person God calls us to be without worrying about what others say we should be.
What does God ask of us not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year?Justice … Mercy … Humility. We know that if we practice these, God will be pleased when we welcome Him again. Our school day offers so many opportunities to call upon the virtues of justice, mercy, and humility. Whether we are correcting mistakes, overcoming small challenges, or accomplishing major goals, it is humbling and inspiring to see our teachers modeling these virtues and our students putting them in action. It is a privilege to be part of this wonderful community. Thank you for supporting ICCS as we work to strengthen spirits, minds, and bodies through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Have a blessed Advent season!
CURRICULUM CORNER, by Blair Tadlock
In last month’s curriculum corner, “proof of thinking” was discussed in regards to academic excellence within the rich culture of cognition and deep thinking that is present and cultivated in our school. This month I would like to share some insightful information from the research of Michael Gottfried and Jacob Kirksey on the significant impact Catholic schools have on student self-discipline. While it is not surprising that Catholic schools have a significant impact on self-discipline--less disruptive behaviors and increase exhibition of self-control--compared to private and public schools “regardless of their demographics,” what I found extraordinarily interesting was the link between Catholic school education and student acquisition of critical noncognitive skills (Gottfried and Kirksey, 2018, p. 22). Gottfried and Kirksey (2018) explain that
At the broadest level, noncognitive skills may be thought of as “sets of behaviors, skills, attitudes, and strategies that are crucial to academic performance” but that “may not be reflected in [students’] scores on cognitive tests.” For example, noncognitive skillsets typically include traits such as persistence, self-discipline, focus, confidence, teamwork, organization, seeking help, and staying on task. (p.11)
Essentially, these noncognitive skills are a variety of competencies that we, as Catholic school educators at ICCS, seek to foster in our students. Gottfried and Kirksy (2018) group these noncognitive skills into five core competencies. These include:
Self-awareness, or the ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior;
Self-management, or the ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations—effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself;
Social awareness, or the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures;
Relationship skills, or the ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups; and
Responsible decision making, or the ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. (p. 13)
These noncognitive skills are found to be directly ”linked to a host of positive outcomes including higher academic achievement, [and] greater educational attainment. . . Conversely, poor noncognitive development has been linked to emotional maladjustment and long-term health problems” (Gottfried and Kirksey, 2018, p. 11).
I think it is important to share that at the beginning of the year we collected data from our teachers on the skills they feel most strongly about fostering among their students. When I went back to this data after reading this research, I was able to clearly identify the noncognitive skills within their responses as they cited the following: work ethic, stamina to try and try again, communication skills with peers and teachers, responsibility for choices, independent problem-solvers (self-help), diverse cultural awareness, and living out kindness and discipleship. These are the things in Catholic education that set us apart and show, as Gottfried and Kirksey (2018) describe, a “Catholic School Effect” where the acquisition of noncognitive skills “cultivat[es] a sense of self-discipline and restraint” (p. 24).
Gottfried, M. & Kirksey, J. (2018). Self-discipline and catholic education: Evidence from two national cohorts. Thomas B. Fordham Institute (May, 2018).
MERCY MATTERS, BY ROSE VIAU
Monday, December 9, is the feast day of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary was sinless from the moment of her conception. Throughout Mary’s life, she pondered all things and did the will of God. Her "yes" to God to be the mother of the Savior of the world has gained for us eternity. Let us look to the example of Mary on how to live our life.
Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of our school and of the United States. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Pray for us.
GREENERY SALE HUGE SUCCESS
SHARE YOUR GREENERY IDEAS & PHOTOS
Many families and businesses in the Lake Area are decking the halls this Holiday season using fresh and fragrant greenery purchased through the annual ICCS PTO Greenery Fundraiser.
How do you use ICCS greenery to decorate your living or work space? Share your creative ideas and show off your style by submitting photos of your festive greenery creations. It’s simple! Snap a pic of your favorite live greenery infused area or wreath and email it to kmorgan@iccschool.org. Photos will be featured on the ICCS Facebook page and in future issues of the Panther Press.
CHRISTMAS T-SHIRT DAY DECEMBER 20
Class Christmas parties will begin at 11:00 a.m.
There will be a 12 Noon dismissal with NO AFTERCARE on Friday, December 20.
REFER A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER
New Family Registration for the 2020-2021 academic year will take place on Monday, February 10. We are asking current ICCS families to help our Enrollment Team pinpoint prospective families living in the area. If you know of a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance who may be interested in sending their child to ICCS next school year, or in the future, please complete the New Family Referral form. A form is attached to the Panther Press email for convenience.
Many of our current families were attracted to our school because someone personally recommended ICCS to them. Please help us recruit future panthers to the ICCS community in 2020-2021. #startyourlegacyatICCS #futureICCSpanthers
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PARISHIONER?
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE DECEMBER 13
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Chorale will lead a Festival of Lessons, Carols and Art event on Thursday, December 19th at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. “The Festival of Lessons and Carols" is a service of Scripture and song that dates back to the late 19th century. In this service, the audience will listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a congregational carol or a song performed by the Chorale that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). This service is a wonderful opportunity to worship as a family and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth. Concluding the service, there will be a reception in the Ave Maria Hall which will feature an ICCS student art exhibit. Refreshments will be served.
This year's music and art exhibit are inspired by the theme: Christmas in France. Several of the carols are of French origin and the art exhibit will include a traditional French-style crèche. Please make plans to attend this free and festive event. All ICCS families and friends are invited to participate.
CLASSROOM NEWS:
PRONOUN PRESENTATION
8th Grade students in Mrs. Romano's English class created Google Slide presentations to review pronouns with the 6th Graders.
SHINE YOUR LIGHT BRIGHT
GOOGLE COMPUTER SCIENCE
3RD GRADE NATIVITY ART
TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL NEWS:
GO SAINTS!
The 2019 St. Louis Catholic High School football season came to an end Friday, November 29, at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette with a 52-21 loss in the state semifinals. We are very proud of all the ICCS alumni on the team. Congratulations to SLC Senior football players and cheerleaders (L-R): Joe Percle, Lucas Manual, Stratty McLaughlin, Jack Slade, Carson Mixon, John-Patrick Broussard, Grace Morgan, Presley Gilbert and Isabelle Martel.
QUICK LINKS
ONCOURSE CONNECT STUDENT/PARENT PORTAL
Keep up with homework, grades, attendance and get quick access to teacher websites via Oncourse Connect. Families having trouble logging in should email mbmathew@iccschool.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, December 6:
St. Nicholas Day
Saturday, December 7:
ICCS 6th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. EDS
9 a.m., EDS Gym
ICCS 5th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. OLS
11:00 a.m., Sulphur High School Gym
Sunday, December 8:
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Monday, December 9:
Feast of the Immaculate Conception & December Birthday Mass (7B)
8:30 a.m., Cathedral
5th-8th Grade Marian Procession
(from Cathedral to ICCS)
Begins immediately following Mass
Tuesday, December 10:
7B Service Project
8:45-10:45 a.m., Catholic Charities
Thursday, December 12:
ICCS 7th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. OLQH
4:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 7th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. OLQH
5:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. OLQH
6:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
Friday, December 13:
Middle School Diocesan Dance
7:00-9:00 p.m., ICCS Gym
Saturday, December 14:
ICCS 5th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. OLQH
9:00 a.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 6th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. OLQH
10:00 a.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 6th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. OLQH Blue
12:00p p.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 5th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. OLQH White Team
11:00 a.m., ICCS Gym
Monday, December 16:
Advent Blessing (KA/KB)
8:30 a.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 7th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. EDS
5:00 p.m., EDS
ICCS 8th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. EDS
6:00 p.m., EDS
ICCS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. EDS
7:00 p.m., EDS
Tuesday, December 17:
7th Grade Retreat
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Ave Maria Hall
Wednesday, December 18:
School Advisory Board Meeting
5:30 p.m., Cathedral Parish Building
Thursday, December 19:
Festival of Lessons & Carols and Student Art Show
Choral Concert & Scripture Readings: 6:00 p.m., Cathedral
Reception and Art Show: 7:00 p.m., Ave Maria Hall
All ICCS Families, Grandparents & Community Members are Invited to attend
ICCS 7th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. SMCS
4:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 7th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. SMCS
5:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 8th Grade Girls Basketball Vs. SMCS
6:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
ICCS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Vs. SMCS
7:30 p.m., ICCS Gym
Friday, December 20:
2nd Quarter Ends
Christmas/ICCS T-shirt Day
Christmas Music Progam
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., ICCS Gym
Christmas Parities
11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
12:00 p.m. Dismissal
NO AFTERCARE
Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3:
Christmas Holiday
Contact Information
Email: mbmathew@iccschool.org
Website: www.iccschool.org
Location: 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA, USA
Phone: 337-433-3497
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iccschool