Panther Press
May 5, 2022
ICCS Mission Statement:
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Dear ICCS Families,
Last week our faculty and staff had a night of reflection with Sister Camille Martinez. It was a beautiful evening together where we shared in both prayer and reflection on the past school year. Sister Camille used the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy to guide us in a reflection on love and kindness acted and modeled in true friendship. Two of the many statements that continue to touch my heart from the book are “success is to love” and “nothing beats kindness . . . it sits quietly beyond all things.” Such simple and yet powerfully true statements about love and kindness.
I have to say that in this most eventful week of appreciation on our campus, our ICCS faculty and staff have been overwhelmed by your love for our school and your kindness. They have felt loved, appreciated and supported by our ICCS community each day during this first week in May. I would like to say a special thank you to the families who took time out of their Sunday to make our sidewalks colorful with expressions of love and drawings of gratitude. It was a lovely way to start the week. As the days have gone on, the flowers, kind notes, school supplies, and small kindnesses on your part have put wind in all of our sails that no doubt will see us through to the end of the 2021-2022 school year. In Charley Mackesy’s book, he reminds his readers to “always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring into this world things that no one else can.”
With a grateful heart, thank you, our ICCS families, for making the ICCS faculty and staff feel loved and supported not just in this week but always.
Yours in Catholic education,
Blair Moses Tadlock
ICCS Principal
IMPORTANT REMINDER!
Tomorrow, Friday, May 6, is a full day of school. Parents and family members are invited to the following events:
- The May/June Birthday Mass, May Crowning and religious awards presentation will take place at 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral.
- The ICCS "Class of 2022" 8th Grade vs. Faculty Volleyball Game will start at 2:15 p.m. in the Gym.
THANK YOU STUDENTS AND PARENTS
The ICCS faculty and staff members would like to thank each and every student and parent for their thoughtfulness and generosity throughout the week. Your support and kindness are greatly appreciated. Thank you for making Teacher Appreciation Week a special time for us all.
MAY CROWNING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
Tomorrow, we will honor Mary by crowning her with flowers during our school Mass at the Cathedral. Each class has been assigned a special day to bring flowers to Mary throughout the month of May. Please review the schedule below to find out what day your child's class will be bringing flowers to Mary. The flowers can be hand-picked from your yard or store bought.
Friday, May 6: 8th Grade (8A & 8B) **8th Grade students are asked to bring their flowers to the ICCS School Mass on May 6.
Tuesday, May 10: Kindergarten (KA & KB)
Wednesday, May 11: 7th Grade (7A & 7B)
Thursday, May 12: 6th Grade (6A & 6B) and Pre-K (PKA & PKB)
Tuesday, May 17: 1st Grade (1A &1B) and 5th Grade (5A & 5B)
Wednesday, May 18: 3rd Grade (3A & 3B) and 4th Grade (4A & 4B)
Thursday, May 19: 2nd Grade (2A & 2B)
ICCS FIRST EUCHARIST THIS SATURDAY
Please keep our 2nd Grade students, teachers and parents in your prayers this weekend. The ICCS First Eucharist Mass will take place Saturday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral. We ask Jesus to bless these precious children as they complete this important spiritual milestone and prepare to receive the Body of Christ for the first time.
CLASS SUPPLY FEES AND TECHNOLOGY FEES
The 2022-2023 Class and Technology fees have been billed through FACTS Financial. The class fee will automatically draft on Wednesday, June 15, and the Technology fee will automatically draft on Thursday, July 15. Parents can log in to their FACTS Financial account and choose their 2022-2023 account and make a payment anytime prior to the draft dates. Any remaining balance on these accounts will be drafted on the set dates. Parents with questions regarding these charges can contact Melissa Mathew by email at mbmathew@iccsweb.com
ICCS VIRTUAL VARIETY SHOW COMING SOON
The show must go on! With Mrs. Jessen out on maternity leave, Mrs. Aimee Romano, Mrs. Milissa Thibodeaux and the ICCS Student Council members have agreed to plan and coordinate a virtual Variety Show this year. Mrs. Romano and Mrs. Thibodeaux are now accepting videos of ICCS PK-8th Grade students performing their special talents and unique skills. Videos are due by Monday, May 16. If your student is interested in participating, please email all Variety Show talent/skill videos to aromano@iccsweb.com or mthibodeaux@iccsweb.com. Individual and group performances will be accepted (ICCS students ONLY, please).
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SUPPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES NEXT YEAR
GREAT NEWS! More dynamic and hands-on Middle School Enrichment classes will be offered in 2022-2023. If you or someone you know are interested in dedicating time, energy, knowledge and expertise to lead and teach a 9-week Middle School Enrichment course on a particular subject, talent or topic next school year, please contact ICCS Counselor, Mrs. Cassi Grinton by email at cgrinton@iccsweb.com or by phone at (337) 433-3497.
ICCS CUB SCOUT LEADER NEEDED
Adult volunteers are needed to lead the ICCS Cub Scout Pack 7 for 2022-2023. The Cub Scout Pack is open to ICCS boys in 1st through 5th Grades. Pack meetings and activities are held throughout the school year. For more information, or to sign up to lead the ICCS Cub Scout Pack 7, please reach out to Principal, Blair Tadlock by email at btadlock@iccsweb.com.
LAST DAY TO ORDER YEARBOOKS IS QUICKLY APPROACHING
The deadline to order a 2021-2022 ICCS Yearbook or to purchase a Yearbook ad is next Friday, May 13. Yearbooks are $40 each and will be billed through the FACTS Financial system.
Parents and businesses may also purchase yearbook ads. Size options and cost details are also provided on the form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1imliGnDIl2l7OvvpNOsQITuf5xdsNDe3fBUyjTPGLzo/edit
2022-2023 FACTS FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
Attention ICCS Parents:
Your 2022-2023 school year FACTS Financial accounts have been finalized. Please check your email for a communication from FACTS containing your 2022-2023 account summary and details. These emails could potentially go to your spam folder, so be sure to check there if the email is not in your inbox. Please review this information thoroughly. Parents have the ability to update their information through the online account. Instructions for accessing the FACTS Financial website are listed below. Please email Melissa Mathew at mbmathew@iccsweb.com with questions regarding your payment plan, payment dates, etc. Parents are reminded that ICCS does not have access to usernames and passwords for FACTS Financial. Parents needing help should choose the “forgot password” option, or call 866-441-4637 for assistance.
FACTS Financial Website:
Choose Parent Login
Choose Payment Plan/Financial Aid
This will load the login screen for FACTS Financial
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION UPDATE
ICCS recently received a Box Tops for Education earnings check for $52.60 for scans and submissions from November 2, 2021 to March 1, 2022.
Don't have the app yet? Here is a link to learn more!
Once you download the Box Tops app, you’ll be able to scan your store receipts and earn cash for ICCS. The app automatically finds participating products on your receipts and instantly adds cash to our school's earnings online. Plus, you can invite friends and family members to participate and get weekly reminders to scan your receipts!
MARK YOU CALENDAR
May is a very busy month for our school community. Please add these important dates to your calendar and be on the lookout for specific details related to all end-of-the-year events, ceremonies and grade-specific activities. Parents and family members are invited to attend these ICCS-affiliated events.
May/June Birthday Mass & May Crowning: Friday, May 6, at 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral
"Class of 2022" 8th Grade vs. ICCS Faculty Volleyball Game: Friday, May 6, starting at 2:15 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
First Eucharist: Saturday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral
2022 ICCS Panther Procession (for ICCS High School and College Graduating Alumni): Wednesday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m.
Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation Night: Monday, May 16, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym. Please RSVP by May 12. https://forms.gle/SQFKZEmTXaUfeJhM6
ICCS 8th Grade Closing Ceremony: Thursday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral
ICCS Kindergarten Closing Ceremony: Tuesday, May 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
Used Uniform Sale: Wednesday, May 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon in ICCS Front Lobby
MAY VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: PERSEVERANCE
Perseverance means taking the steps necessary to achieve goals, in spite of difficulties. We often think of perseverance as a virtue that heroes need. For instance, emergency responders practice the virtue of perseverance by working hard to help others, even when it is difficult. However, we can practice perseverance in our own school, too. Completing writing assignments, math homework, and assigned reading can seem difficult, but perseverance helps us overcome all difficulties and complete these tasks.
Dear Jesus,
I want to practice perseverance in the really difficult circumstances of my life, but I forget to practice it in the little things. Help me today to persevere in my chores, like cleaning up after myself at lunch, so that when You ask something of me that is more difficult, I can complete it. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM BISHOP GLEN JOHN PROVOST
Dear Mrs. Blair Tadlock, Staff, Students and Parents of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School:
Greetings in our Lord! I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your remembrance of my 15th anniversary as Bishop of Lake Charles. When I received word of the Holy Father's appointment, I had no idea what lay ahead. I give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and grace which I have felt over these many exciting and challenging years. I am also grateful for the kindness and cooperation which so many faithful have extended to me.
Please know of my prayers for you. May your faith be strengthened as we all place ourselves in the loving hands of our Lord. I remain with blessings for you and the staff and students of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School.
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Glen John Provost
Bishop of Lake Charles
2022 SUMMER CARE PROGRAM
ICCS offers a Summer Care Program for all PK-8th Grade students who are formally enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year. The program begins on Tuesday, May 31 and concludes on Friday, July 29. More information, and registration details can be found here: https://forms.gle/hWTqYHt7xi6JDE9C8
If you plan to register your student for the 2022 ICCS Summer Care program, please complete the form no later than Friday, May 13.
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL NEWS
2ND GRADE RETREAT HELD TODAY
Mrs. Morgan Verrett and Mrs. Cindy Stanic's 2nd Grade students participated in a special class retreat today in the Ave Maria Hall. The retreat was led by ICCS Director of Religious Education, Mrs. Rose Viau. The student's are preparing for their First Communion which is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
JUDGE CLAYTON DAVIS VISITS ICCS
Judge Clayton Davis visited Mrs. Anita Falcon's 4th and 5th Grade students this week. Judge Davis spoke to the classes about the United States Constitution, the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and his duties as a Judge. The visit and presentation was part of the local Lawyers and Judges in the Classroom Program.
PANTHER BEACH VOLLEYBALL
The first-ever Panther Beach Volleyball season has officially come to a close. Teams competed in the league championship games yesterday afternoon at the South Beach Volleyball Complex in Lake Charles. A big ICCS Panther thank you to Coach Heather Breaux for working hard to establish and coordinate this new and exciting sports program. We also applaud all of the ICCS students who got involved and participated in the Panther Beach Volleyball league. Students of all ages and skill levels have worked hard to learn the game and improve their beach volleyball skills. We are proud of their enthusiasm and dedication. Congratulations to the following teams that placed in the league championship games yesterday!
Level 3 Champions: Abby Serrano and Raley Foret
Level 3 Semi Finalists: JP Hodges and Chase Meiner
Level 2 Semi Finalist: Emma Leach and Frances Abel
DONUTS WITH DAD AND MUFFINS WITH MOM
Mrs. DuRousseau and Mrs. Fosyth's Pre-K students spent quality one-on-one time with their parents during the recent Donuts With Dads and Muffins With Moms events.
7TH GRADE TRAVELS TO BATON ROUGE
Our ICCS 7th Graders enjoyed their time in Baton Rouge last Friday, April 29. The students learned about the work of our state's representatives in the State House Chamber in the Capitol and much more.
DAY AT THE MUSEUM
Our ICCS 6th Grade students visited the Museum of Natural Science in Houston, Texas last week.
8TH GRADE TRAVELS TO ST. MARTINVILLE
The ICCS 8th Grade "Class of 2022" spent the day in St. Martinville. Louisiana on Friday, April 29.
ICCS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FEATURED IN KPLC TELEVISION COMMERCIAL
The Navarre Auto Group Team and the KPLC Productions crew were on campus Tuesday to film a television commercial promoting Teacher Appreciation Week. The 30 second spot is currently running on KPLC.
ICCS PTO NEWS
PTO PRESIDENT ELECT NEEDED
ICCS is in need of a PTO President-Elect for the 2022-2023 school year. This position then becomes the PTO President for the 2023-2024 school year, which also includes a seat on the ICCS Advisory Council for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are interested in volunteering for this position, please contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccsweb.com.
PTO POINT STATEMENTS WENT HOME THIS WEEK
If your family has a remaining PTO point balance for the 2021-2022 school year, statements went home with students earlier this week. Please check your child's backpack or folder for more information. PLEASE NOTE: PTO POINT STATEMENTS WENT HOME TO FAMILIES WITH REMAINING BALANCES ONLY.
All PTO point balances are due no later than Friday, May 20. Parents with questions regarding their PTO statement can contact Melissa Mathew by email at mbmathew@iccsweb.com
COACH BREAUX FOR THE DAY
2022 ICCS PTO AUCTION NEWS! ICCS 6th Grade student, Jenika Kinniard was "Coach Breaux For the Day" yesterday. Jenika enjoyed assisting Coach Breaux with leading exercises and activities during P.E. classes and much more! Coach Breaux rewarded Jenika for all her hard work by treating her to lunch in the Teacher's Lounge.
2ND GRADE COOKIE MAKING PARTY
2022 ICCS PTO AUCTION NEWS! Icing, sprinkles and SMILES, OH MY! Mrs. Cindy Stanic treated a group of 2nd Grade girls to a fun and delicious cookie decorating party after school yesterday. This teacher-led and sponsored activity was part of the 2022 PTO Auction Sign Up Party line up. A great time was had by all!
1ST GRADE ICE CREAM IN THE PARK PARTY
2022 ICCS PTO AUCTION NEWS! Mrs. Danielle Koenig and Ms. Kimberly Wilson hosted the 1st Grade "Ice Cream Sundaes In the Park" Auction Sign Up Party yesterday in Lock Park. Participants got to play in the park after school then cooled off with tasty "make-your-own" ice cream sundaes.
CATHEDRAL NEWS
CATHEDRAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Please save the dates! The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will be hosting Vacation Bible School, June 13-17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at ICCS. Registration details will be provided soon.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Adult and teen volunteers are needed to help make the Cathedral VBS session a success. Please prayerfully consider assisting with this week-long VBS session. For more information, or to sign up to help, please call the Cathedral office at (337) 436-7251.
PILGRIMAGE TO GERMANY, SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA
Join Father Rommel Tolentino for an 11-Day Pilgrimage to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria on June 12-22, 2022.
Visit medieval Heidelberg, cruise through the scenic Rhine River, enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Lucerne, travel to picturesque Innsbruck in the heart of the Austrian Alps, tour Mozart’s and the “Sound of Music” city of Salzburg, pray in the shrines of the Black Madonna in Einsiedeln and Altotting, see the fairytale like Neuschwanstein castle, visit the Bavarian capital Munich, and experience the once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play.
For more information, visit:
https://app.nativitypilgrimage.com/trip/?trip=52105
For questions, contact Fr. Tolentino at (337) 436-7251 or email rommel.tolentino@lcdiocese.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
2022 CUB SCOUT DAY CAMP
All girls and boys in 1st through 5th Grade, it is time to saddle up and sign up for the Cub Scout Day Camp, May 31-June 3. Not a scout yet? NO problem! The prorated membership fee is $50 and we want you to join in the summer fun, too. Every Scout that attends will be working on scout crafts, Native American lore, cowboy cooking tips, iron branding and western themed crafts long with games, archery, slingshots, skits, art projects and so much more! Fee is $120. All attendees will receive a camp patch, t-shirt and snacks. Log on to www.calcasieuBSA.org/cubdaycamp for more details.
Dates: May 31-June 3, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: St. Luke Simpson Church (1500 Country Club Road in Lake Charles)
LAKE AREA ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMPS
Lake Area Adventures, located at 5959 Common Street in Lake Charles, is offering a variety of summer camps from May 31-July 22, for children ages 6-10. For more information, call (337) 310-1681 or log on to https://lakeareaadventures.com/camps.
IMPORTANT FACTS INFORMATION AND QUICK LINKS
FACTS FAMILY PORTAL
Parent Portal access to student grades and assignments.
www.factsmgt.comDON'T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST ICCS NEWS AND EVENTS!
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