Panther Press
DECEMBER 9, 2021
ICCS Mission Statement:
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It truly has been a wonderful 2nd week of Advent at ICCS. Ms. Wilson’s students presented their Advent Blessing service where Father Bond discussed what our preparation for the coming Christmas season looks like at this time. Father Bond specifically discussed what Mary’s preparation looked like, which was not the typical overly busy preparation that we might think of when expecting a child, but more of an attentiveness particularly in her time spent with Elizabeth. Mary’s resolute attentiveness and ability to listen are part of her preparation for Christ and should be ours in this time of Advent as well. Our school also celebrated St. Nicholas Day on Monday, December 6th. To celebrate St. Nicholas’ generosity and kindness to children, students placed shoes in our hallways that were then filled with special treats on this saint’s feast day.
This week also began the much-anticipated basketball season where our 8th-grade girls and boys team were cheered on by our ICCS cheerleaders and both teams won their games. We have basketball games tonight at ICCS starting at 4:30 p.m. for 7th-grade boys, 5:30 p.m. for 8th-grade girls, and 6:30 p.m. for 8th-grade boys, and we will have 5th-grade games on Saturday at ICCS with girls playing at 9:00 a.m. and boys playing at 10:00 a.m. We hope you come out to support our Panthers. We are appreciative of all our volunteer coaches who stepped up to support our student-athletes this season. Thank you for your volunteerism and partnership in athletics.
No doubt the highlight of the week for all of us was our Feast of the Immaculate Conception school Mass at the Cathedral and the 5th-8th grade Marian Procession from the Cathedral to ICCS. Father Rommel started his homily with an informative lesson on the Ark of the Covenant in its contents and design and then beautifully explained to our students that Mary’s sinlessness in her creation was by God’s plan to create a pure mother for Jesus. Just as the Ark of the Covenant was a vessel God designed as dictated to Moses to contain the 10 Commandments, the staff of Aaron, and jar of manna, God also made Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant, a pure and sinless vessel from her conception. Father Rommel and Mrs. Viau planned a beautiful Mass and procession with attention to so many meaningful details. Father Rommel had great faith that the weather would clear up right in time for the procession and thankfully it did just that. With Father Bond as the master of ceremonies for the procession, our 8th-grade choir along with Mrs. Jessen leading us in the rosary and hymns, the altar girls dispersing flowers for the Our Lady Crucifer, the altar boys serving as acolytes and torchbearers, the Cathedral KC carrying the Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima statue, and the participation of our 5th-8th grade classes, Father Rommel beautifully executed the procession he envisioned as it was a representation and reflection of our strong ICCS community of faith. We appreciate all the effort taken to make both Mass and the procession so exceptional on this very special feast day and holy day of obligation.
As made evident this week, we have an abundance of blessings in which to find and witness joy. Thank you to those who participated in our events this week and made them all possible.
Yours in Catholic education,
Blair Tadlock
ICCS ADVENT BLESSING
As our PK-8th Grade students prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth, we invite parents to view our weekly virtual Advent Blessings. This week, Ms. Kimberly Wilson's 1st Grade students, along with Father Sam Bond, led the Advent Blessing through an on-demand video that was broadcast in every classroom Monday morning. To view the virtual Advent Blessing, please click the link below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12aykc9oAPSuadmtAt39sc48sqhAJCjd-/view?ts=61aa7679
T-SHIRT DAY NEXT FRIDAY
Just a reminder! Friday, December 17 is an early dismissal day. All students must be picked up by 12:30 p.m. After-care services will not be offered on Friday, December 17.
CURRICULUM CORNER
By: Blair Tadlock
This week, I had a conversation with a teacher that involved evidence of the learner thinking process and the value that visible thinking evidence holds for teachers in being able to both support and challenge students. In this particular case, the student’s thinking evidence, or rather I as I have referred to it in the past, proof of thinking, needed further development. When students display proof of their thinking whether it be to solve a problem, prove or validate an answer, or develop connections in learning through reading and writing, teachers grow in their understanding of student learning and by effect grow the learning threshold. Our students are providing across all grade levels and subject areas the proof of their thinking and our teachers are cultivating a rich culture of thinking, reasoning, and proving throughout the learning process. The course work in all content areas and classrooms is persistently challenging students to acknowledge their learning and see themselves in their learning with proof of thinking.
However, I think we go a step further in this at ICCS and in this particular case because the classroom culture was cultivated in such a way that the student not only analyzed his own thinking but maybe more importantly had enough confidence and self-discipline to push and rethink his original work. A couple of years ago I came across the work of Michael Gottfried and Jacob Kirksey which explored the impact Catholic schools have on student self-discipline. It was not surprising that they found Catholic schools to have a significant impact on self-discipline--less disruptive behaviors and increased exhibition of self-control--compared to private and public schools “regardless of their demographics” (Gottfried and Kirksey, 2018, p. 22). What I found and still find extraordinarily interesting is the link between Catholic school education and student acquisition of critical noncognitive skills that then in turn can have an impact on what the learning students are able to acquire. These “noncognitive skillsets typically include traits such as persistence, self-discipline, focus, confidence, teamwork, organization, seeking help, and staying on task,” and are found to be directly ”linked to a host of positive outcomes including higher academic achievement, [and] greater educational attainment” (Gottfried and Kirksey, 2018, p. 11).
In data collected from our ICCS teachers, it is clear that they value the cultivation of noncognitive skills such as 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 in their classrooms. 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” thereby impacting student growth in their learning (p. 24).
Gottfried, M. & Kirksey, J. (2018). Self-discipline and catholic education: Evidence from two national cohorts. Thomas B. Fordham Institute (May 2018).
SIBLING FORM DUE TOMORROW
If you plan to enroll a PK-8th Grade sibling at ICCS next school year, please click on the link below and complete the information NO LATER THAN TOMORROW, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10. The information will help confirm your child's spot and will also help our enrollment team to plan and prepare for New Family Registration in early February.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoOxZ65kR0-JWIWJ7qEoz-6_n1BcJeoH7Vf7vq3yjd5L_hw/viewform
For more information, please contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccsweb.com.
CLASS CHRISTMAS PARTY UPDATE
As our Christmas parties are approaching, we are still continuing to evaluate how we may be able to conduct the class gatherings with the potential for more parent involvement. In order to best evaluate, plan, and accommodate all factors that we must consider, please take this brief survey to gauge interest in attendance.
ICCS MORNING CARE SERVICES SURVEY
In an effort to explore if we can bring Morning Care services back for those who require it each day due to parent work schedules, we ask that our families who would be interested in having their students attend Morning Care from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. complete the survey linked below.
COMING SOON! CAROLS ON THE COURT
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us.
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD
ICCS PRINCIPAL SEARCH NOW 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: 01/14/2022
Interviews of selected candidates will be held in January 2022.
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.
ICCS T-SHIRT SALE ENDS NEXT WEEK
t-shirts to help raise funds for their end-of-the-year party and other class activities.
All t-shirts feature the 2021-2022 theme, "We love because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19. Shirts come in sizes youth small to adult 2Xlarge and are $20 each. The shirts can be billed through your FACTS account or paid for by check (made out to ICCS).
Students, parents, and "Grandpanthers" are invited to purchase a t-shirt. BUT HURRY! The order deadline is Friday, December 17. Shirts will be sent home with students in January. Please complete the google form below to place an order.
THE VIRTUE OF AFFABILITY
This month, all PK-8th Grade students are working on the virtue of Affability.
Affability means being easy to approach and helping those around you feel comfortable. It is a virtue that helps us reflect Christ to others. Many people in the Sacred Scriptures, such as Zacchaeus the tax collector, were converted simply by the way Jesus looked at them with love and compassion.
Do I look at people with love and respect?
Do I acknowledge their presence?
How do I feel when someone else smiles at me or says “Good morning?" How do I respond?
Affability is a way to practice allowing Jesus to shine through our actions and words.
Dear Jesus,
You always looked at other people with love. People knew that You cared about them and wanted the best for them. Help me to care for others and show them with a kind smile and greeting that they are loved by You. Jesus, make my heart like Yours!
Amen.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CATHEDRAL PARISHIONER?
As we near the end of 2021, all Immaculate Conception Cathedral families are reminded of what qualifies parishioners to receive subsidized tuition rates. The Cathedral parish has set the following criteria: to be officially registered with the Cathedral, to worship regularly by attending Mass and participating in parish functions and activities, and to offer financial support by contributing to the church regularly. Families should check with the Cathedral office if they are unsure of their status. For more information, call the Cathedral office at (337) 436-7251.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday, December 10
FINAL day to turn in Sibling Enrollment information for 2022-2023
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoOxZ65kR0-JWIWJ7qEoz-6_n1BcJeoH7Vf7vq3yjd5L_hw/viewform
Saturday, December 11
Basketball Games:
9AM: ICCS 5 Girls v FBCA @ ICCS
9AM: ICCS 6 Girls v EDS @ EDS
10AM: ICCS 5 Boys v ICCS 6 Boys @ ICCS
Monday, December 13
Basketball Games
5:30PM: OLQH v ICCS 7 Boys @ ICCS
6:30PM: STM v ICCS 8 Girls @ ICCS
7:30PM: SMCS v ICCS 8 Boys @ ICCS
Wednesday, December 15
ICCS Advisory Board Meeting
Friday, December 17
8th Grade Christmas Breakfast in the ICCS Gym
Class Christmas Parties from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
12 Noon Dismissal for all students (NO AFTERCARE)
End of the Second Quarter
Christmas Holiday Break
Monday, December 20-Friday, December 31
Monday, January 3
Teacher In-service (NO SCHOOL)
Tuesday, January 4
Classes Resume
PTO FUNDRAISER NEWS
FOUR MORE DAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS
REGISTER FOR THE PANTHER RUN
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 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
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
SPONSORS ARE STILL NEEDED: If you know of a local business or individual who is interested in supporting the PTO Panther Run, please access the attached sponsorship form for more details.
We appreciate these "PAW-SOME" sponsors who have committed to supporting the 2022 PTO Panther Run fundraiser.
Christina Burleigh State Farm (Presenting Sponsor)
Davies Family Medicine (Color Run Sponsor)
Center For Orthopaedics (Color Run Sponsor)
The Brown Bobbin
Doug & Claire Shearman
The Pathology Laboratory
The PAR Group
BEARD Construction Company
Hankins Development
Performance Contractors, Inc.
Caroline & Mark Crawford
Polaris Engineering, Inc.
B1 Bank
CHRISTUS St. Patrick Ochsner Health System Spiritual Care
Crying Eagle Brewing Company
The Katoch Family
SHOW OFF YOUR ICCS GREENERY
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS BETA CLUB MEMBERS
Ava Borel and Halle Poncho won 3rd Place in the Living Literature contest.
The ICCS Engineering Team placed 2nd at the District V Beta Convention. Team members included: Max Mixon, Max Nixon, Douglass Mayberry, Sophia Lanthier and Gabi Barrios
FEAST DAY OF ST. NICHOLAS
SPANISH DRAWING CONTEST
Seňora Darcy Garcia recently held an Advent drawing competition. The only rubric was to ensure the title of the drawing was written in Spanish and the meaning of each Advent candle was also written in Spanish. Everyone did an "Excelente Trabajo" (great job). Congratulations to the winners! Maisy Elliott, Lesly Shearman, Annie Frick, Elizabeth Middleton, Charlie Romero, Emerson Stout, Veda DuRousseau, Louis Harrell, Eleanor Crawford, Lilah DeVillier, Sofia Perez, Jackson Boudreaux, Louise Cestia, Cohen Grinton, Emma Harrell, Alice Foret, Olive Crawford, Anna East, Madeline Hennigan, Elizabeth Austin, and Natalie Obluda.
Here are photos of several of the students with their winning artwork.
2ND GRADE SCIENTISTS
THANK YOU SMCS
ICCS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN HOLIDAY MARKET
CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION NEWS
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
After a recent study on Pope Francis' encyclical :Laudato Si, On the Care of Our Common Home, a group of Cathedral parishioners wanted to include ICCS in what they have learned. The information below was submitted to the Panther Press by long-time Cathedral parishioner and ICCS supporter, Mrs. Ann Romero on behalf of the group.
TIS' THE SEASON TO REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE
Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, produces more waste in December than in any other month. Some of the tips below suggest ways that ICCS families can "think green" during this
wonderful Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
1. To avoid the waste of wrapping paper, be creative! Wrap a gift in a gift--a scarf, bandana, dishtowel, or cloth shopping bag. Use colorful flyers and comic pages from the Sunday newspaper for wrapping--both are recyclable.
2. LED Christmas lights last longer and save energy and money.
3. Recycle packaging material like cardboard and plastic foam peanuts and bubble wrap.
Cardboard can go straight to the recycling center and the plastic packaging is welcome at retailers who reuse them.
4. Think about gifts that won't eventually wind up in a landfill: an online magazine subscription, an e-book, a movie pass, tickets to a play or sporting event.
5. THINK OUTSIDE THE LITERAL BOX! Make IOU slips with promises to do some chores, cook
a meal, treat someone to lunch, or set up some "date nights."
6. Have a safe holiday season, and remember never to burn wrapping paper or Christmas trees in the fireplace.
HOLY HOUR OF PEPARATION
SIGN UP FOR THE CATHEDRAL FLOCK NOTES
ST. LOUIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
SLCHS OPEN HOUSE SET FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2022
QUICK LINKS
FACTS FAMILY PORTAL
Parent Portal access to student grades and assignments.
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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