Panther Press
MARCH 10, 2022
ICCS Mission Statement:
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Dear ICCS Families,
Tomorrow, we will close out the 3rd quarter and begin the last nine-week period of the school year. I like to think about the school year as a marathon where at the 4th quarter mark, which for marathon runners is somewhere around the 21 mile mark give or take, the last few weeks of the school year can be daunting, sometimes exhausting, and take tremendous willpower to get through and finish strong. Daylight savings time also seems to get our bodies and brains into summer mode as we tend to be outside longer with weather consistently improving throughout spring. In this last nine-week period, let us all remember that while the end is in sight, we have more in us to finish the year than we may realize. Just yesterday, a student and I had a beautiful discussion about how the end, whether it be the end of a school year, finishing a tough assignment, or graduating from a school that has been home for 10 years, is just as important if not more important than the start. So often toward the end of the journey is where true and virtuous character is revealed. Without a doubt, it is certainly where the greatest reward is earned and where accomplishment is felt. We are in this last push together. We are here for you, for your students, and we know our families will be right alongside our staff and faculty to the finish line.
Yours in Catholic education,
Blair Moses Tadlock
ICCS Principal
CURRICULUM CORNER
By: Mrs. Blair Moses Tadlock
As we approach the end of the school year, we have a few important reminders in regards to virtual learning. It will come as no surprise that our number of quarantined students has decreased over the past few weeks; therefore, the amount of students learning virtually has decreased. While ICCS will continue to have a virtual learning option, it is important to note that virtual learning will require administrative approval. Virtual learning is reserved for medical situations as well as special issues that may require virtual learning for some learners. Rather than sending emails to our teachers requesting for your student to have a virtual learning option, we ask for parents to please contact administration first. We will be taking virtual learners on a case by case basis so as to streamline our process for our teachers and better manage our virtual learners. Parents may reach out to me, Blair Tadlock, or Cassi Grinton for virtual learning approval. It is fine to leave a message with our administrative secretaries as well, and of course, we will get back with you on approval of your request for a virtual option. We appreciate your understanding and support.
3RD QUARTER ENDS TOMORROW
The 3rd Quarter of the school year ends tomorrow, Friday, March 11. Report cards will be dispersed to parents via email on Wednesday, March 16.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: FREE DRESS DAY TOMORROW
Spring Picture Day is finally HERE! All PK-8th Grade students will take Spring Pictures tomorrow, Friday, March 11. Parents are asked to make sure student clothing choices are appropriate and non-distracting.
- leggings will not be allowed unless worn with a uniform length dress or skirt
- all shirts, skirts, pants and other attire must be appropriate for the school environment
To order photos, log on to www.mylifetouch.com.
ICCS Picture day ID: EVT8FNFF
WEAR GREEN SOCKS ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
All PK-8th Grade students and faculty members are invited to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by wearing GREEN socks next Thursday, March 17.
7TH & 8TH GRADE DRAMA PERFORMANCES
Kudos to the 7th and 8th Grade drama production cast members and crew on exceptional performances last night! The productions were directed by Mrs. Virginia-Kate Jessen and Mrs. Frances Yoder. For the past 9-weeks, the students and directors have worked hard each day to get the plays stage ready.
Many thanks to the ICCS students, parents, "Grandpanthers," friends and faculty members who turned out last night for back-to-back performances of "What Happened After Once Upon A Time" by the 7th Graders and "And Then There Was One-A Spoof" presented by the 8th Graders. Over $370 was raised for the ICCS Drama Program through the sale of intermission snacks and treats.
ICCS CHEERLEADER TRYOUTS SET FOR APRIL
All incoming 7th and 8th Grade girls are invited to try out for ICCS Cheerleader next month. A mandatory try out cheer clinic will take place on the following dates and times here at ICCS:
Monday, April 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 5, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact ICCS Cheerleader Sponsor, Ada O'Quain at asoquain@iccsweb.com.
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: MAGNIFICENCE
This month, all PK-8th Grade students will be practicing the virtue of Magnificence. This virtue helps us to do great things for God. Magnificence sounds like, “I will use my talents to help other people!”
Dear Jesus,
There are many times where I have felt jealous of someone who can do something better than me. Help me today, Jesus, to rejoice in the gifts and talents that you have given to others, and instead of being jealous, to tell them, “God has really blessed you. You are really good at that.” May my heart grow large to praise You wherever I can.
Amen.
CANNED FRUIT DONATIONS ACCEPTED SOON
SAVE THE DATES! Let's come together as a school community to help others in need this Lenten season. PK-8th Grade ICCS students will be joining efforts with the Cathedral Parish to collect canned fruit donations for Catholic Charities during Holy Week. Students can bring canned fruit donations to school April 11 through April 13.
WELCOME NEW PANTHER CUB
We extend a very warm welcome to our newest ICCS Panther, Jack Romero. Baby Jack was born on February 28. He is the son of Meghan and Wes Romero and brother of Charlie Romero (2nd Grade) and Kate Romero (PK). Congratulations to the Romero Family on their new bundle of joy!
BISHOP'S SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
ICCS PTO FUNDRAISER NEWS
RESERVE YOUR AUCTION SEATS NOW
The 2022 ICCS PTO Auction is two weeks away! Individual tickets and reserved tables for 8 guests are still available. Click the link below for more details. ICCS parents, "Grandpathers," alumni, Cathedral parishioners and school supporters are invited to attend.
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for silent and live auction item browsing and bidding. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. by our "PAWSOME" Class of 2022 8th Grade students. Local auctioneer, Hal McMillin will kick off the live auction at 7:30 p.m.
GOLDEN TICKETS ARE GOING QUICK
There are less than 30 Golden Tickets left! Click the link below to purchase your chance to win free tuition for one year (Kindergarten-8th Grade for 2022-2023). Tickets are $100 each. Only 100 tickets will be sold. This special drawing will take place during the PTO Auction on March 25.
Several convenient payment options are available. Buyers can bill the Golden ticket (s) to their auction bidder number, or pay with a check or cash prior to March 24. Please click the link below for more details or to secure your Golden Ticket before they sell out soon! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9n5KpeG4RXpNW9pKDRj9oRxemLhZzz3xxFownxprcfFguWA/viewform?usp=sf_link
NEXT THURSDAY IS LAST CHANCE TO DONATE WINE
ICCS Auction Committee members collected 33 "Wine in the Line" donations today. Many thanks to the Mhire, Mallett, Spencer, Andrea Crawford, Amelia Crawford, Richert, Mayberry, Keating, Crookshank, Ashley Foret, Heather Breaux, Buttross, Jones, Brumby, Cestia, Hodges, Ackel and Wright families for donating bottles of red and white wine for the ICCS Wine Cellar live auction package.
Next Thursday, March 17, is the last opportunity to conveniently donate "Wine in the Line" items in the carpool drop off and pick up lines. The goal is to collect over 150 bottles of wine for the always popular "ICCS Wine Cellar" live auction item. ICCS families earn 30 PTO points per wine donation (must be a $20 or more value per bottle).
SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION ITEM DONATION DEADLINE IS TOMORROW
We appreciate our school community's overwhelming support! Tomorrow, Friday, March 11, is the last day to donate a silent or live Auction item. If you have an item to donation, please submit an online auction item form (link provided below) by midnight tomorrow night.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegP60q-wmNfTl-6jh-DSNKr25C7_dOJ8BzwKlq94B6hs_0Pw/viewform
ICCS families earn valuable PTO points for all donations and submissions. For more information, contact Live Auction Committee Chairperson, Megan Gregory, at megangregory1119@yahoo.com or Silent Auction Committee Chairperson, Lauren Middleton, at lauren.cisneros@gmail.com.
PEACE * LOVE * SPONSORS
The 2022 PTO Dinner Auction Sponsor list continues to grow. A BIG Panther THANK YOU to the following businesses and supporters for officially signing on as Auction sponsors this week. We appreciate your commitment and generosity!
Center For Orthopaedics
Jacque Bourgeois Electric
Muddy Water Dredge LLC
The Brown Bobbin LLC
Hurricane Off Road
Bayou Services
Reliable Document Storage & Shredding
Red River Bank
CourtLin Designs LLC
If you or your company are interested in supporting our biggest PTO fundraiser of the year, please contact Auction Chairpersons, Katie Devall and Kelly Serrano at iccsptoauction@gmail.com. A link to the 2022 PTO Auction sponsorship form is provided below.
Tie Dye Shirt Day March 25
Mark your calendar! To help celebrate the PTO Auction day, all PK-8th Grade students and faculty members may wear a "groovy" tie-dyed shirt, or any ICCS spirit t-shirt, with jeans or uniform bottoms on Friday, March 25.
Want to get creative and make your own tie dye shirt? Check out this easy-to-follow instructional video link below and help your child make his or her own tie dyed shirt at home using minimal resources. Turn it into a FUN family or friend activity!
OVER 130 AUCTION ITEMS TO BE FEATURED
An array of silent and live auction items will be available at the PTO Auction. There is something for everyone! Here is a sneak peek of several silent auction items that will be up for bid via the Text2bid app starting on Thursday, March 24. All items will be on display in the ICCS Gym starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 25.
- 100 Pandas Chinese Silk Tapestry: a gorgeous hand crafted silk tapestry purchased on Silk Road in Beijing, China and beautifully framed by local framing company, Betsy's Frames By Design.
- Lunch With the Mayor: one lucky kiddo and a friend will enjoy a delicious lunch with Lake Charles Mayor, Nic Hunter.
- "Sheriff For the Day" experience with Sheriff Tony Mancuso: lunch, a Sheriff's Department photo ID, and tour of the Sheriff's Department facility, including the crime lab and jail, will be provided. Your little Sheriff will also ride in a marked patrol car and test out the siren. Finish out the day by taking a keepsake photo with Sheriff Mancuso.
- Firefighter for a Day donated by the Lake Charles Fire Department
- Bass Fishing Trip for Two: fishing trip for two at Dry Creek Ranch's 30 acre stocked lake. Boat is included. Each person is allowed to take up to 10 bass.
- Lake City Cruisers "Glow in the Dark" Downtown Bike Tour: this package includes use of ten (10) glow-in-the-dark adult bicycles and a guided tour of downtown Lake Charles. All participants must be 13 years of age or older. Must be redeemed by March 25, 2023. Mutually agreed upon date.
- Horse Riding Lessons: five (5) horse riding lessons provided by Magnolia Equine, LLC located on Haymark Road in Lake Charles
- Custom metal BBQ pit donated Dubois Sheet Metal
- An adult Sonicare Toothbrush, a youth Sonicare Toothbrush, and a Zoom Whitening Treatment donated by Lake Area Dentistry
- Private birthday party at The Cheerleading Academy: Invite up to thirty (30) friends to celebrate your little cheerleader's big day!
- Tiffany & Co. Red Wine Glasses: set of four handmade, mouth-blown 20 ounce crystal wine glasses
- Stihl Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Blower donated by Henderson of Lake Charles
- 4 basketball training sessions with Coach Ronald Dorsey
- One month Family membership to Project Fit: includes unlimited classes, two 3-D Body Scans and a Project Fit t-shirt
- 4 bottles of champagne with a Swig Life mug from The Wine Store
- Dinner and dessert for four (4) from Gabilondo's Cuban Cuisine
AND MUCH MORE! Additional live and silent auction item "sneak peeks" coming soon.
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL NEWS
OUTDOOR CENTER TIME WAS A BREEZE
Ms. Kimberly Wilson's 1st Grade class was treated to "Center Time" outdoors on Monday as a special reward for good behavior. The students enjoyed the fresh air and change of scenery, along with a variety of educational games and activities.
The 3rd Floor Was BUZZZZING With Excitement Last Week
Mrs. Elisabeth Baron’s 7th Grade Literature students have been studying the bumblebee motif in the novel, Chains. The students had some fun last Friday while working on a text evidence scavenger hunt during class!
Science ROCKS!
Our 4th Grade students take nothing for "granite" when it comes to science. The students enjoyed exploring and investigating different types of rocks from the rock cycle. The activity was part of a Geology unit they recently covered in class.
GAMES FOR GROWTH ACTIVITY
Our 7th Graders enjoyed a "Games for Growth" activity on Tuesday in Mrs. Aimee Romano's English class. Students were rewarded with game time for their tremendous effort and improvement in essay writing. Each student recently created either an in-depth informative essay based on the life and art of Frida Kahlo or an argumentative piece on public art and Diego Rivera. The students definitely displayed the virtues of responsibility, industriousness, and perseverance. Great job, everyone!
6th Grade Science Experiment
After Mrs. Brittany Ebersole’s 6th Grade Science students discovered that ice is not cold enough to freeze water they were assigned different substances to add to ice to see how it would affect its temperature. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) caused the biggest change in temperature. The students are using this information and experience to design a “homemade freezer” this week with the goal of freezing 10 mL of water in 20 minutes.
COMPOUND WORDS ARE FASHIONABLE
Popcorn. Doghouse. Sunshine. Our 1st Graders are working on compound words this week...and making a fashion statement in the process!
Interdisciplinary Learning at ICCS
This week, ICCS Middle School Math Teacher and manager/owner of Kat Daddy's restaurant in Lake Charles, Ms. Lyndsey LeBlanc, took time to speak to students in Mr. Michael Higgins' 6th Grade World History class about the impact inflation and rising gas prices have on small businesses in our city, state and nation. The presentation took place during a class discussion about the Ukranian conflict.
ICCS ALUMNI NEWS
HUSEIN RECEIVES WHITE COAT
Congratulations to ICCS alumna and LSU Health Shreveport Medical School student, Amanda Husein for receiving her official white coat during the White Coat Ceremony held in New Orleans over the weekend. The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that often takes place during the initial days of medical school orientation. It serves to welcome students to healthcare practice and elevate the value of humanism as the core of healthcare. It provides a powerful emphasis on compassion in combination with scientific excellence. Amanda is the daughter of Mizna and Asad Husein, and sister of Rami Husein in 7th Grade.
CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION NEWS
Fried Fish Dinner Sale TOMORROW
Support the Cathedral Council 1207 Knights of Columbus by purchasing delicious fried fish dinners on Fridays throughout Lent.
St. Bernadette Oratory Now Available for Adoration
Bishop Provost blessed the St. Bernadette Oratory (formally the Day Chapel) following the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral on Sunday, March 6. The space is now open for adoration Monday-Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to midnight. All ICCS students, parents, "Grandpanthers," faculty members and alumni are invited to stop by the St. Bernadette Oratory after school, or anytime, to spend some quiet time with our Lord.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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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