Thursday, October 30, 2008

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