Family Messenger October 30, 2008

Saving God,
How many blessings you have given us!
May we put all our trust in you and never be afraid.
We ask this through our deliverer, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
It is almost that time again! Many of you may remember that in 2003-2004, Incarnation School was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Western Catholic Education Association (WASC/WCEA). Six years have almost gone by, and in 2009-2010, Incarnation will once again be visited by the WASC/WCEA Committee. The accreditation process helps verify the validity of the school’s program and certifies that the school is a trustworthy institution. The process also assists us in establishing priority areas for school improvement as a result of the continuous accreditation cycle.

To prepare for this very important visit, the Department of Catholic Schools is providing us with training so that we can complete an effective self-study. The process for school improvement involves taking an in-depth look at our student/community profile, our school wide learning expectations, our mission and philosophy, curriculum and instruction, and our resource management and development, to name a few. After analyzing our data, we will create a school improvement action plan including critical areas for growth. All of this data-gathering and analysis begins now!

In order for us to be successful, this process must be collaborative with input from the faculty and staff, students, and parents. Over the next several months, you will receive surveys via the home messenger. We ask that you help us by completing and returning those surveys as you receive them. Thank you for your cooperation as we look closely at our total school program.

Blessings,

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• October 29 – Bake Sale
• October 31 – Halloween Parade and Parties (12:45)
• November 4 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Good news for all you Chevron users. Now, your Scrip purchase will earn 2% instead of 1.5% for all Chevron cards including the on-hand $50 cards. November is a big month for Teacher/Staff birthdays. At the Scrip desk, I have a list of what Scrip they like to use. Stop by and purchase a Scrip card. You'll get them something you know they will use, you won't have to go to the mall, AND you'll earn profits towards your $200 goal. WIN-WIN for all!!!

See’s Candy Fundraiser
The See’s Candy fundraiser begins today, October 28 and ends Wednesday, November 19. This is an optional fundraiser that will help benefit our sports program.

Upcoming VIRTUS Training Sessions
• Monday, November 3 @ 8:30 a.m. - St. Bernadine of Sienna Church (Woodland Hills) call (818) 340-1440
• Sunday, November 16 @ 12:00 p.m. – Incarnation
Visit www.virtus.org for other locations in the San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro, and Our Lady of the Angels regions. Please be sure to turn in a copy of your Virtus certificate to the school office.

Inca Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
The Incarnation Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team made it to the CYO playoffs! They played in Manhattan Beach and lost a close game against American Martyrs School. Congratulations to the team on a great season!

Incarnation Early Childhood Center
While we are still waiting to hear from the state licensing department, work is under way for our new preschool! Facilities are being upgraded and equipment has been purchased. We are currently accepting donations of gently-used toys for the preschool. Please bring your donations to the school office. Thank you for your generosity.

Halloween
Please join us for our annual Halloween Parade which will be held on Friday, October 31 at 12:45 p.m. with parties to follow. The Student Council will set up the haunted house in the auditorium for those students who would like to walk through. Students may come to school dressed in costume (see costume guidelines enclosed). Any student who is inappropriately dressed (as determined by school personnel) will be sent to the office to call home. It is recommended that students bring their uniforms to school on that day in case they are required to change out of their costume.

Looking for a fun and safe alternative on Halloween Night? Want to avoid jostling crowds and dangerous streets? Bring the little ones to the School Auditorium for a night of Trick or Treating and Halloween Activities.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Incarnation School Auditorium
6:30 – 8:15 pm

Kids can Trick or Treat in the “Haunted Auditorium” decorated by the School Student Council and 8th Graders. There will be fun activities and yummy Halloween goodies. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume.

Academic Decathlon
Over 40 students in grades 5-8 demonstrated dedication and hard work by participating in weekly lunch logic sessions with Mrs. Rodriguez, Academic Decathlon Head Coach. Thank you to all who participated. The following students will represent Incarnation at the Junior High Academic Decathlon on March 14, 2009. Congratulations to the decathletes!

Bruno A
Jessica A
Michael A
Dani C
Jack F
Andrew F
Matthew G
Nicholas G
Nikko G
Richard H
Carra L
Max L
Celine M
Vivian N
Chris S
Julianna S
John T
Maura T
Irene U
Joseph V

Family Messenger October 22, 2008

Saving God,
Give us confidence in you
so that we can face any situation without fear.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.


A Message from the Principal
Have you ever given thought to this question: Is my child a “hurried” child? Do I allow my child the gift of time and freedom to actually “be a child”? Think back to your own childhood and the sense of wonder you felt at the sight of a bright star in the sky, your fascination with a furry caterpillar, or your view from the highest branch of a tree in your backyard. Simple pleasures and opportunities to “just be” are among the greatest joys of childhood. Now ask yourself: Do I allow my child these same opportunities?

Internationally recognized author David Elkind, in The Hurried Child eloquently calls our attention to the dangers of exposing our children to overwhelming pressures. He demonstrates that in expecting or imposing “too much—too soon,” we force our children to grow up too fast. Over-scheduling, over-organizing, and over-exposing our children to media have all had unintended negative effects on children.

How can parents help ensure that their children do not become “hurried children”? Here are three simple tips: 1) Observe your child’s behavior. Is your child cranky, or does he/she appear overwhelmed? Is your child’s school work slipping? 2) Listen to your child. What does your child have to say about the “extra” activities he/she is engaged in? This does not mean that children should only do the things they want to do. As a parent, you want to listen for signs of satisfaction and joy or, conversely, frustration from your child. 3) Take a critical look at your child’s schedule and simplify if necessary. Maybe your child could choose just one extra activity instead of several.

We all want what is best for our children. Give your child the gift of “being a child.”

Blessings,

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• October 23 – High School Night 6:00 p.m. (grades 7 and 8)
• October 24 – Halloween Dance (grades 6-8)
• October 29 – Bake Sale
• October 31 – Halloween Parade and Parties (12:45)

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Have your kids already lost their school ties? Did you purchase that new fleece or sweater for the cooler mornings we're having? I have plenty of Dennis Uniform $20 Scrip certificates on hand earning you 5% in profits. Stop by the new official Scrip Desk just outside the school office or send in your order with your child. You'll have your Scrip that same day.

In an effort to save paper, order forms are no longer sent home in the Home Messenger unless the forms get updated. If you need a form, please come to the Scrip Desk or go to our web site at www.incaglendale.org/school.

Upcoming VIRTUS Training Sessions
• Saturday, October 25: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Incarnation (Central Ave. property). Please call 818-241-2269 to register.

Visit www.virtus.org for other locations in the San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro, and Our Lady of the Angels regions. Please be sure to turn in a copy of your Virtus certificate to the school office.

Fingerprinting
Parish and school volunteers who need to have fingerprinting must make an appointment at one of the Archdiocesan locations (list available in the school office). Appointments fill up quickly, so please make an appointment as soon as possible. We are no longer giving out Livescan forms. They will be available at the location where you are fingerprinted.

Please do not report to the Glendale Police Department or other location for Livescan printing. All printing must be done through the Archdiocese for appropriate billing. Remember, fingerprinting is only required for volunteers who will be working with children without a teacher or staff member’s presence.

Box Tops
As of October 15, we have collected $57.50 in Box Tops! Please keep clipping them and sending them in!

Inca Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
Our girls finished the fall volleyball season on a winning note (six wins, three losses) with a possibility of making it to the playoffs! They won their final game of the season against St. Bernard last Friday. Congratulations, Eagles! We are proud of you. Thank you to the varsity volleyball coach, Mr. Greg Dumansky, for taking the time to work with the team.

Family Messenger October 14, 2008

Lord of Life,
Each life is precious in your eyes.
May we treasure the lives of all people and work to
protect the powerless from harm.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
Thank you to the parents who attended Coffee with the Principal last week. It was nice to see new and familiar faces. At our discussion session, I distributed an article entitled Bullying and Anger Management found in the October issue of Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine. In the article, Dr. Patricia McCormack talks about promoting autonomy in children and empowering them to handle bullying issues. I invite you to read the article enclosed and discuss it with your children. Talk about what bullying behaviors are and what they can do to stop bullying.

On Sunday evening, Incarnation School launched its pilot call using the School Reach system. The system called all home phone numbers on file. The system allows us to see if the call was answered by a live person, an answering machine, or if the call failed. Please be sure to keep your phone records current and notify the school office of any changes. Home telephone numbers will be used for general announcements and information. In the event of an emergency, home and cell numbers will be dialed.

Have a blessed week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates.
• October 16 – Picture Day grades K-8 – wear full dress uniform
• October 17 – Progress Reports go home
Junior high mock election
• October 19 – 7th Grade School Sponsored Mass 9:00 a.m.
• October 21 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.
• October 23 – High School Night 6:00 p.m. (grades 7 and 8)
• October 24 – Halloween Dance (grades 6-8)


Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Did you know, many families are selling on hand and special order SCRIP to their friends, co-workers and other family members earning profits towards their $200.00? YOU could do the same and reach your goal much quicker! Gift cards are great holiday gifts.

Upcoming VIRTUS Training Sessions
Saturday, October 25 @ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Incarnation (Central Ave. property) Visit www.virtus.org for other locations in the San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro, and Our Lady of the Angels regions. Please be sure to turn in a copy of your Virtus certificate to the school office.

Asbestos Inspection
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulation requires a three-year re-inspection of the condition of asbestos containing materials in all school buildings. The Asbestos Hazard Inspection, ordered under the authority of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was completed on October 6, 2008. Incarnation School students and employees are currently not exposed to any levels of free and harmful asbestos.

Halloween
As Halloween approaches and costume shopping begins, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Costumes should be in good taste and appropriate for a Catholic school.
• Costumes must be modestly fitting.
• Weapons/sharp objects are not permitted.
• Masks are not permitted; the student’s face should be visible at all times.
• No excessive blood or gore.
• Students must be able to sit comfortably in their desks and move about campus while wearing their costumes.
The costume parade will begin at 12:45 with parties immediately following the parade. Room parents will be responsible for planning simple Halloween parties. One cupcake/treat and drink per child is sufficient.

Swim Team News
The INCA Swim Team increased their total score by almost 30 points in St. Mel’s Swim Meet on Sunday! Congratulations to our swimmers who are improving their times at every meet! The following swimmers received medals: Ryan B, Gabriella C, Mateo D, Sophia F, Marc F, Sebastian M, Matteo M, Lia M, Lauren S. Congratulations to the Freestyle relay team of Lia M, Jessica A, Jennifer Q, and Marc F that came in 8th place overall and won 20 points for the Team! GO INCA!

Family Messenger October 7, 2008

Loving Father,
May your name be blessed by every voice,
may your love rule all hearts,
and may you become our most precious food and drink.
Please forgive us, and put a pure, good heart in us,
and teach us to forgive as you do.
We ask this through Jesus, who taught us to pray.
Amen.


A Message from the Principal
Our ITBS testing sessions have ended, and we now have just one more day for make-ups. We look forward to the results of the testing to plan instruction for the remainder of the year. Walking through the hallways last week, I saw closed doors and testing signs. It was not the usual feel of Inca classrooms. It is nice to walk through now and see the doors open with the students back in their regular routines and engaged in the learning process!

I would like to thank the fifth grade class, Ms. Ohanessian, and Fr. Tim for the wonderful prayer service for the blessing of the animals last week. Pictures posted here .

Coffee with the Principal begins tomorrow, Wednesday, October 8. Please join me for some light refreshments at 7:45 a.m. Coffee with the Principal is an opportunity to meet with parents in a small setting to discuss the progression of the school year. We will meet in the ASP room located in the Jr. High Building. Hope to see you there!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates.
• October 13 – No School/No ASP: Faculty/Staff Retreat Day
• October 16 – Picture Day grades K-8
• October 17 – Progress Reports go home
Junior high mock election


Sports News
The Incarnation Boys’ Varsity Football Team won their game yesterday 40-6 against Holy Trinity. Congratulations!

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Did you hear the news....Home Goods is opening this Sunday in La Canada. It is affiliated with the Marshalls/TJ Maxx Company. Don't forget to purchase your "On Hand Scrip" before you go shopping. It's like you'll be saving an additional 7% (contribution towards your profits).

Our Scrip provider company sent me some coupons for $5 off a $20 purchase at Bath and Body Works. Already you earn 13% (contribution towards your profits) on the purchase of the $25 scrip card. With this coupon, you are saving an additional 25%!!! I'll include the coupon with your purchase of the scrip card. Quantities are limited, so place your order right away.

Finally, we were also sent some 20% off coupons for Gymboree. You earn 13% (contribution towards your profits) on your "Special Scrip Order" purchase of $25. Make sure to plan ahead as this is a "Special Scrip Order". Quantities of coupons are limited.

New Business Office
The Business Office has moved to what was formerly known as the Copy Room. Scrip sales will take place directly in front of the Business Office.

Upcoming VIRTUS Training Sessions
• Saturday, October 25 @ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Incarnation (Central Ave. property)
Visit www.virtus.org for other locations in the San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro, and Our Lady of the Angels regions. Please be sure to turn in a copy of your Virtus certificate to the school office.

September Students of the Month
For the month of September, we emphasized the importance of responsibility.
Based on this trait, the following students have been selected as Students of the Month:
Kindergarten: Grace P and Andrew F
First Grade: Kristen A and Gian-Franco F
Second Grade: Matthew C and Sierra S
Third Grade: Maria D and Jake G
Fourth Grade: Michael B and Ashley C
Fifth Grade: Mark A and Brittany L
Sixth Grade: Matthew G and Sophia F
Seventh Grade: Nina Y
Eighth Grade: Mitch B and Marc F

Congratulations to these students! The focus for the month of October is cooperation.

Box Tops for Education
Keep bringing in your Box Tops! Turn your everyday grocery purchases into cash for Incarnation School! You can clip 10¢ Box Tops coupons from hundreds of products such as Cheerios®, Betty Crocker®, Juicy Juice®, Ziploc®, Kleenex®, Hefty® and more. This is great earning potential for the school without the extra expense for you!