Panther Press
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020
ICCS Mission Statement:
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
As the impact of the Cornavirus (COVID-19) continues, it is understandable that members of our community may have questions or concerns. We want you to know that the health and well-being of our students, staff, and ICCS community is our highest priority. As we do in all health-related cases, the schools of the Diocese of Lake Charles are working closely together and receiving additional guidance from Calcasieu and Jeff Davis health departments, the Louisiana Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tips for Health and Hygiene:
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Cover your coughs or sneezes with a sleeve or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Between hand washes, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Steps we are taking:
Our teachers are being diligent to ensure students are following these protocols while in our care. Students are being educated on health and hygiene protocol and reminders are posted throughout our school. Our custodians remain diligent in overall cleaning with the use of disinfectants, ensuring all commonly touched surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. In addition to the work of the custodians, we are providing additional disinfectant spray and wipes to classroom teachers.
Looking ahead:
As this situation evolves over the coming weeks and months, we will be prepared to modify our practices and procedures accordingly. We will communicate relevant information and changes that impact our school directly. Other links to more general information you may find useful are:
In addition to the tips for health we have shared, it is important for us to focus on self-care during this time. Be sure that you take time to get plenty of rest and provide your body with healthy nutrition. Again, the health and well-being of our students, staff, and the ICCS community is our highest priority. Stay healthy!
Yours in Catholic Education,
Christi Jarreau, Principal
Immaculate Conception Cathedral School
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
The most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions.
Ensure the solution has at least 70% alcohol.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus visit www.cdc.gov.
SAFETY DRILL
In order to maintain a safe environment for our students, we practice several types of drills throughout the school year. This morning, our students practiced our second intruder drill also known as lockdown. The purpose of this drill is to ensure that our students know how to respond in the event that an intruder enters our school.
Intruder drills may seem a little scary. Before each drill is practiced, teachers discuss the procedures with their classes and say things like, “Just as we practice fire drills where we leave the building, we also need to practice ways to stay safe inside the building.” Teachers discuss the procedure step-by-step, answer any questions, and reassure students that they are not in any real danger. Students are also instructed about what to do in the event that they are not in their classroom at the time of an incident. Through our practice, it has been apparent that providing this information to our students has been empowering and provided them a safe way to express their concerns.
We are pleased with the outcome of today’s drill and are confident in our ability to effectively implement safety procedures within our school. If you feel that it is appropriate, discussing the drills with your children at home may also help to alleviate any anxiety surrounding them.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to discuss this with your children, feel free to contact me at cgrinton@iccschool.org or administration at (337) 433-3497.
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCES
SPRING PICTURE DAY TOMORROW
Girls may wear dresses or blouses that are sleeveless, with a wide shoulder strap of at least 3 inches. Girls wearing dresses or blouses with thin straps are required to be covered by a jacket or sweater which must be worn for the duration of the day.
Skirts/Shorts: All regulation skirts and shorts should be slightly above the knee, not to exceed 3” from the floor on all sides when measured from a kneeling position.
Hair: Must be neat, clean, combed and the student’s natural hair color without color enhancement, extensions, or hair designs that distract from the learning environment. Bangs must not impair the student’s vision. Hair accessories should not distract from the learning environment.
Accessories: Small chains (18” or shorter) with an appropriate religious medal (smaller than 1½”); One pair of small post earrings only (one in each earlobe). No hoop or dangle earrings; One ring; One watch. No bracelets, including ponytail bands; Make-up, which includes nail polish, is not allowed.
PICTURE ORDER INFORMATION:
Step 1: Picture day information sheets with background options were sent home this week. Parents must return the background options with your choice circled prior to picture day, Friday, March 13. If no background option is chosen, option 3 will be used.
Step 2: Ordering Pictures
Option 1: you may choose to Pre-Order your child's pictures now at www.lifetouch.com using Picture ID: EVT7SH3JM
Option 2: you may choose to wait for a Proof Portrait to be sent home following picture day before placing an order. A different Picture ID will be printed on the proofs with order instructions.
JUNIE B. JONES TONIGHT AT 6:00 P.M.
WEAR GREEN FOR PATRICK ON MARCH 17
AUCTION T-SHIRT DAY
Many thanks to the parents, Grandpanthers, students, faculty members and community sponsors who have helped prepare for and support the auction and this 8th Grade fundraiser.
EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 25
ICCS 8TH GRADE CLASS 2020 SERVICE PROJECT
Please read the following information about the ICCS 8th Grade Class 2020 Service Project
(with support from the ICCS BETA Club).
This year, our 8th Grade Class chose to live out our call to be “PRO-LIFE” by supporting our diocesan and local community pro-life agencies: Gabriel’s Project; DOLC and New Life Counseling.
The students will pray a “Rosary for Life” together as a class once a month from now until May. We will also pray for the intercession of all life, womb to tomb as well as complete a unit on what it means to live Pro-Life.
Parents and ICCS community members can assist our 8th Graders with their service project by donating one or more of the items below. The 8th Grade students are asking everyone to join them in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of our youngest brothers and sisters, as well as their families.
Suggested items (donations being accepted):
Diapers (all sizes) - Wipes - Lotions & Oils - Baby Bath
Baby Shampoo - Infant Tylenol - Gas Drops - Teething Drops
Baby Thermometer - Gowns/Sleepers - Blankets - Baby socks
Shoes - Onesies - bibs - burp cloths
Bottles - pacifiers - Baby Formula - Baby Food
The ICCS Beta Club will assist the 8th Grade in this effort by helping to collect the donations.
There will be boxes outside Ms. Thibodeaux’s Classroom on the 3rd Floor for the items to be placed in. Donations will be accepted from now until Thursday, March 26.
Please help the 8th Grade class in their efforts to support the Pro-life ministries of our community.
Ms. Thibodeaux & the 8th Graders of 2020
Mr. Higgins & the 8th Grade Beta Club Members
VISION & HEARING SCREENING
Volunteers are needed to help with registration and managing the flow of classes, please contact Cassi Grinton if you are interested in helping at cgrinton@iccschool.org.
ATTENTION 8TH GRADE PARENTS
ICCS SPORTS NEWS
2020 TRACK SCHEDULE
7TH & 8TH GRADE: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m. @ LCB
5TH & 6TH GRADE: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m. @ LCB
MEET SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, March 17: 7th & 8th Grade Meet @ Iowa High School
Monday, March 30: Tentative Date, details TBA
Saturday, April 4: Tentative Date for 5th-8th Grade CCAL Meet @ SLCHS
Special thanks to Coaches: Alex Kjellsten, Julie Standing & Jessica Bergen.
PTO DINNER AUCTION NEWS:
PTO DINNER AUCTION NEWSLETTER
TICKETS AND TABLES STILL AVAILABLE
LAST CHANCE FOR WINE IN THE LINE NEXT WEDNESDAY
TEXT2BID INFORMATION
**Reminder, please do not forget to bring your cell phone to the 2020 PTO Dinner Auction. The big event starts at 6 p.m. For more information, call (337) 433-3497.
PRE-PARTY & TUITION GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
SWEET SHOP DONATIONS NEEDED
CLASSROOM NEWS:
PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY
This fun leadership experience will be included in the live auction line up on Friday, March 20. If your kiddo wants to assist Mrs. Jarreau for a day, please raise your bidder card high!
ICCS YOUNG ENGINEERS SOCIETY NEWS
WAFFLE WEDNESDAY
MORE "ART GOES GREEN" CREATIONS
BASKETBALL TEAMS HONORED
2ND GRADE ENJOYS SCIENCE UNIT
MRS. JESSEN FOR THE DAY
This silent auction item will be up for grabs at the PTO Dinner Auction on Friday, March 20. Parents can bid for the item via the Text2Bid app.
CATHEDRAL NEWS:
PRAYER AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS
Pope Francis offered the following prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary on Wednesday (March 11, 2020), entrusting the city of Rome, all of Italy, and “the entire world to the protection of the Mother of God, as a sign of salvation and hope” during the ongoing coronavirus emergency. Let us join our Holy Father in prayer, penance, and fasting during this time of trial.
O Mary, you shine continuously along our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the Cross were near to the pain of Jesus, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us, He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and took up our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
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.
DON'T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST ICCS NEWS AND EVENTS!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday, March 12:
Middle School Performance of June B. Jones, Jr
6:00 p.m., ICCS Gym (evening performance)
Friday, March 13:
3rd Quarter Ends
Spring Pictures
(Free Dress Day)
Middle School Penance
Monday, March 16:
NO SCHOOL
Parent Conference Day
Sign up today!
Tuesday, March 17:
St. Patrick's Day
Wear GREEN for Patrick Rider
(Appropriate green t-shirt with uniform bottoms or jeans)
Wednesday, March 18:
School Board Meeting
5:30 p.m., Parish Building
Thursday, March 19:
3rd Quarter Report Cards
Friday, March 20:
5th Grade Retreat
PTO Dinner Auction
6:00 p.m., ICCS Gym
Wednesday, March 25:
Feast of the Annunciation Mass & Procession
Mass begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral
2nd-8th grade Eucharistic Procession begins immediately following Mass
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