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.