Panther Press
Thursday, January 9, 2020
ICCS Mission Statement:
2ND QUARTER REPORT CARDS
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER by Christi Jarreau
Welcome back and happy new year! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday. It is great to be back and have our hallways alive with joyful, smiling students!
As we begin the re-enrollment process for the 2020-2021 school year, we appreciate the trust you have placed in the Cathedral School by allowing ICCS to share in your child’s educational journey. We are aware that this is a decision that involves sacrifice and commitment and we will continue our efforts to fund dedicated faculty and staff, challenging curriculums, limited class sizes, and quality programs while keeping yearly tuition increases as low as possible.
The Finance Committee, with approval of the School Board, has established the tuition schedule for the 2020-2021 school year. Analyses of past expenses, as well as inflation rates, student enrollment and projected expense increases all contribute to establishing the tuition rates needed to maintain our fine school and all it offers our students. A 2% increase in tuition will allow us to cover expected cost increases and continue our efforts to increase teacher salaries, next year to 83% of the Calcasieu Parish School Board. We are pleased to be able to have kept the tuition increase on the lower end again this year.
Current family re-enrollment will take place January 21-31. An email will be sent to all parents with important information and instructions on how to re-enroll your student for the 2020-2021 school year.
CURRICULUM CORNER by Blair Tadlock
Welcome to 2020!
The sting of the holiday ending is always harsh for everyone. Reawakening the school routine that was dormant for two weeks can be painful; however, there is a palpable sense of renewal as we enter 2020. We look forward to the exciting events in the second semester with our 7th grade Science Fair tomorrow, the upcoming 8th grade Social Studies Fair, the excitement as we prepare to showcase our school during our planned Open Houses, the festivities of Catholic Schools Week to celebrate our beautiful Catholic school community, the drama production which is already being rehearsed, the PTO dinner auction, First Eucharist for our 2nd graders, and finally the graduation of the 2019-2020 8th grade class. There is so much happening in this new year and yet only 17 more weeks of our current school year to enjoy, celebrate, and live out fully every wonderful moment. We look forward to your active participation in all that the rest of the school year holds! We are grateful to be partners in Catholic education with you all.
MERCY MATTERS by Rose Viau
FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM UPDATE
As part of our Religion program, Family Life is taught to our students. This is part of the Diocesan religion curriculum and is based on St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which offers a very positive message of the gift of sexuality as a good and essential part of love and life.
ICCS uses the Ruah Woods program, Rooted: Theology of the Body. ROOTED provides timely, age-appropriate lessons authentic to St. John Paul II’s vision and understanding of the human person according to God’s beautiful plan. Students discover the fundamental truth of their innate dignity firmly ROOTED in God’s image, as male and female, called to love one another as God loves. An ultimate invitation to the purposeful universal call to holiness and genuine happiness.
5th grade as well as Middle School will also be attending a Theology of the Body presentation by Mr. David Dawson, Director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, on Wednesday, January 15.
Mr. Dawson will speak about the beautiful truths about why God makes us male and female in His image, and how human reproduction reveals our God who is love, created us in such a way that we do not make sense by ourselves but only in the total gift of ourselves to another.
WELCOME NEW TEACHERS
Mrs. Arendt is our new 2nd Grade Teacher. She comes to ICCS with 8 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Arendt is a graduate of McNeese State University with a degree in Elementary Education. We also welcome Mrs. Arendt's three children to ICCS, Madalynne (4th Grade), Michael (2nd Grade) and Matthew (Kindergarten).
Mrs. Schlang has 15 years of teaching experience. She holds a Master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Denver. She is also mother to A.J. Schlang (6th Grade).
ICCS SCIENCE FAIR SET FOR TOMORROW
Hats off to our 7th Grade students for putting a lot of time, effort and energy into their projects!
PROSPECTIVE SIBLING GOOGLE FORM
Re-enrollment for current families will begin on January 21. New Family Registration will take place on February 10 (for prospective families). In order to properly enroll all new students, we need information concerning PROSPECTIVE SIBLINGS seeking enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year now. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 10. Families with prospective siblings, please complete the form below. For more information, please call (337) 433-3497.
PROSPECTIVE SIBLING GOOGLE FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/HJcv1W8FP51g4pcz7
Parents are reminded that all accounts, including aftercare and cafeteria, must be current and in order to register for the upcoming school year.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
HELP IS NEEDED!
ICCS will be hosting two Enrollment Information Sessions for prospective families and students soon. Dates and times are listed below.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrollment Information Session
Wednesday, January 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at ICCS
Pre-K through 8th Grade Enrollment Information Session
Wednesday, January 29, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at ICCS
Parent volunteers are needed to assist with the Enrollment Information Sessions. Volunteer duties include greeting guests upon arrival and/or touring families around the ICCS campus. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Kay Morgan ASAP at (337) 433-3497 or by email at kmorgan@iccschool.org. PTO points will be awarded to all volunteers.
SAVE THE DATE!
UNIFORM REMINDER
As we enter into the second half of the school year, we are proud of the spiritual and academic growth of our students and we notice that many have grown physically as well! Please make an intentional effort to ensure your students are still following uniform policy.
Here are a few reminders:
- The uniform should not be faded or have holes
Skirt/jumper length should be no more than 3 inches from the floor when measured from kneeling position
Hair must be neat, combed, and natural color without enhancement
length for boys should be above the shirt collar, bangs above the eyebrows, and no hair overhanging the upper ear
Only the official black ICCS fleece, sweatshirts, and sweaters are allowed to be worn. In extreme weather, heavier outerwear is allowed outdoors
Socks: White, regular crew socks without logos
Jewelry guidelines:
o One pair of post earrings only for girls – none for boys
o One ring, one watch, no bracelets, no smartwatches
The ICCS uniform policy can be found here. Thank you for your assistance in helping your child meet dress code standards. These small responsibilities are building blocks to strengthening students’ self-discipline and self-awareness. Consequences for being out of uniform will be enforced according to grade level.
SCHOOL UNIFORM ORDERING PERIOD QUICKLY APPROACHING
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SOUTHERN DRIFTER:
Southern Drifter will start placing orders for ICCS uniforms for the 2020-2021 school year on Monday, January 13. Families and students can stop by Southern Drifter in the Prien Lake Mall and be fitted for uniforms or call in and place orders over the phone. The last day to order and receive a guaranteed uniform for the 2020-2021 school year is Saturday, February 8. Due to a price increase by our vendor, all orders made after February 8 will be subject to 35% increase and the lay-away option will not be available.
Order Dates: January 13th - Feb 8th
Store Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Store Location: Prien Lake Mall
(Across from Claire’s)
Store Contact: LeAnne Buff- #- 337-602-6668
Reminders:
- Any dollar amount can be placed to hold your order, the remaining balance will be due upon pick up in June. If you no longer need your order (any or all items), the money will be fully refunded back to the original form of payment.
- If the item no longer fits upon pick up in June, you will be able to exchange any and all items at no cost. Growth of your child is accounted for. This order guarantees your child’s uniforms no matter how much he/she has grown.
- If your child is in 8th grade and will attend SLC, he/she also needs to come in and order their SLC uniform.
- Any and all orders made after Feb. 8th will be subject to 35% increase and the layaway option is no longer available.
- This process is essential and guarantees your child has a uniform for the start of school.
- For more information concerning the order process, please contact LeAnne Buff at southerdrifteruniform@gmail.com or Cell #: 337-936-0104
COMMUNITY COFFEE LABELS NEEDED
INFLUENZA SEASON
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Catholic Schools Week Activities Announced
AUCTION NEWS:
2020 PTO DINNER AUCTION NEWS
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!
Planning and preparation are in full swing for the 2020 PTO Dinner Auction, set for Friday, March 20 in the ICCS Gym. More details will be shared in future issues of the Panther Press.
Volunteers and live and silent auction items are needed. Please contact the auction chairmen or subcommittee coordinators for more details, or to inquire about how you can help make the 2020 PTO Auction a success! Just a reminder, PTO points are awarded for your time and assistance.
2020 PTO Dinner Auction Chairpersons: Katie Devall & Kelly Serrano iccsptoauction@gmail.com
Live Auction Committee Chair: Megan Gregory megangregory1119@yahoo.com
Silent Auction Committee Chair: Lauren Middleton lauren.cisneros@gmail.com
Sponsorship Committee Chair: Shelly Devall scfdevall@yahoo.com
Perky Prize Raffle Committee Chairs: Ashley Kerns and Jennifer Authement ashley@mikehooks.com and jen.elizabeth.3@gmail.com
Sweet Shop Committee Chair: Colleen Phillips colleen.phillips1969@gmail.com
Decorations Committee Chairs: Elise Foret and Caroline Crawford
eclf2006@yahoo.com and carolinecrawford74@gmail.com
Sign Up Party Committee Chair: Abby Devall child1@aol.com
Program Committee Chair: Alison Gary alisongibbsgary@gmail.com
Merchandise Committee Chair: Meredith Ardoin meredithtrahan@gmail.comFood & Beverage Committee Chairman: Andrew Vanchiere andrewvanchiere@latterblum.com
CLASSROOM NEWS:
TEACHING GARDEN
5TH GRADE AMPLIFY SCIENCE IN ACTION
Mrs. Falcon's 5th Grade "Food Scientists" have worked hard to create salad dressings that do not contain any sediments and use oil and vinegar that stay mixed when an emulsifier is added.
Today, the classes enjoyed their delicious salad dressings, along with fresh kale harvested from the ICCS AHA Teaching Garden. The students really enjoyed tasting dressings and fresh vegetables. Several kiddos went back for second and third servings!
Mrs. Falcon's students want to share their salad dressing recipe with you, our awesome ICCS families. Try it out!
Salad Dressing Recipe Ingredients:
1/4 cup oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon citric acid
1/2 teaspoon lecithin
Enjoy!
CATHEDRAL NEWS:
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL NEWS:
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, January 9:
ICCS 7th Grade Girls Vs. HC
4:30 p.m., ICCS
ICCS 7th Grade Boys Vs LCA
5:30 p.m., ICCS
ICCS 8th Grade Girls Vs HC
6:30 p.m., ICCS
ICCS 8th Grade Boys Vs HC
7:30 p.m., ICCS
Friday, January 10:
2nd Quarter Report Cards
7th Grade Science Fair
ICCS Gym
Tuesday, January 14:
Sr. Mari Rose Visits ICCS
5th-8th Grade Theology of the Body Parent Meeting
6:00 p.m., ICCS Gym
Wednesday, January 15:
Fr. Rommel Tolentino's Birthday
Pre-K & Kindergarten Open House
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
5th Grade and Middle School Theology of the Body Presentations
Friday, January 17:
January Birthday Mass (5A)
8:30 a.m., Cathedral
Monday, January 20:
HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, January 23:
Used Uniform Sale
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lobby
Sunday, January 26:
Catholic School Weeks Begins
ICCS Family Mass & Gathering
10:00 a.m., ICCS Gym
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