Dear Parents,
In today’s home messenger, you will find a letter from Dr. Kevin Baxter, Superintendent of Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This letter announces an addition of 20 days to the school year effective for most sites this coming 2011-2012 school year. This includes Incarnation, and my original newsletter stating that the change becomes effective 2012-2013 is incorrect. I apologize for the error and confusion, and have attached the revised newsletter.
This is a big change for all of us, and I realize that this change raises questions and concerns for many. You will receive a phone message later this evening inviting you to an informal discussion session regarding this change on Friday, January 28th from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. This is not mandatory, but I would like to be available to listen to your input and answer questions. There may be questions we do not have answers for just yet, but as planning continues, information will be sent out to families via email and messenger.
Thank you for your support as we work together to embrace this change!
Sincerely,
Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Incarnation School
Ph: 818-241-2269
Fax: 818-241-4734
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Family Messenger January 25, 2011
Loving God,
We pray for our Christian family—
for everyone who is praying to be changed
and for those who do not even know they need to change.
Help each of us to grow in your ways.
Amen.
A Message from the Principal
Thank you to all who attended the General PTO meeting last week. As you heard, with your support of the SCRIP program we were able to install SMART Boards and projectors in three of the classrooms. As I also mentioned, we will be phasing the boards into our other classrooms. We are working with our sales representative and have scheduled our next and final walk-through for this Thursday. We will obtain a quote for the installation of boards in the remaining classrooms and will install them beginning with the 8th grade and working our way down to kindergarten. We are on our way to having boards in all of our classrooms!
Additionally, the Consultative School Board is assisting us with plans to upgrade the computer lab. Jog-a-Thon funds are being used for the purchase of new computers, but any remaining SCRIP funds will be used to help reconfigure the lab so that all desks face one central teaching point while allowing for the mounting of a SMART Board. The current configuration does not allow for this. With the help of our board members, we are developing a comprehensive technology plan. This may be a longer-term project, but know that your fundraising efforts are being put to use in the area of technology.
Finally, at a principals’ meeting held last Thursday, the Department of Catholic Schools announced a change regarding the extension of the length of the 2011-2012 school year. Catholic elementary schools will be adding 20 days to the year, meaning we will essentially be on an 11-month calendar. Enclosed is a letter from Dr. Kevin Baxter, the Superintendent of Elementary Schools, announcing this exciting news. Since we are extending the regular academic year, we will not proceed with our plans to offer a summer program. Specifics regarding the school calendar and tuition will be available in the coming months, however expect an early-mid August start date and a late June end date. Tuition will be increased by a small percentage as it is each year, and an additional payment will be required to cover the 11th month of school
Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Important Dates
-January 30 – Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
-February 4 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day – Noon Dismissal
Open House
Please join us as we kick off the celebration of Catholic Schools Week with a Mass this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Following the Mass we invite you to visit the classrooms during our Open House from 10:00 – noon. If you know of any families who might be interested in a Catholic education at Incarnation, please invite them to come by for a tour and enrollment information. We hope to see you there!
Catholic Schools Week
The theme of this year’s Catholic Schools Week is Catholic Schools: A+ for America. This celebrates the fact that Catholic schools are an added value for the nation. Because of their traditionally high academic standards and high graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to American society.
The Student Council has planned the following activities for Catholic Schools Week:
-Monday, January 31 – Movie and Pajama Day (movie permission slip enclosed)
-Tuesday, February 1 – Twin Day
-Wednesday, February 2 – Crazy Day
-Thursday, February 3 – Faculty vs. Student Council Volleyball Game/Sports Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents and special friends are invited to join us for the culmination of our celebration of Catholic Schools Week. On Friday, February 4th, grandparents and/or special friends are invited to campus. The schedule is as follows:
-10:00 - Arrival time for grandparents
-10:00 – 10:30 – art show and classroom visits (grandparents accompanied by students)
-10:30 – 10:45 – return to classroom (grandparents will sign students out for the day from classroom)
-10:45 – 11:00 – assemble for Mass
-11:00 - Mass
-12:00 – dismissal for all
Students who are not able to have grandparents or special friends visit on this day will remain with their homeroom teachers.
2011-2012 Re-Registration
The re-registration period for the 2011-2012 school year will begin the first week of February and will run through the first week of March. Check your home messenger next week for important information. Preschool sibling registration forms are available now in the main office. Deadline is February 14.
We pray for our Christian family—
for everyone who is praying to be changed
and for those who do not even know they need to change.
Help each of us to grow in your ways.
Amen.
A Message from the Principal
Thank you to all who attended the General PTO meeting last week. As you heard, with your support of the SCRIP program we were able to install SMART Boards and projectors in three of the classrooms. As I also mentioned, we will be phasing the boards into our other classrooms. We are working with our sales representative and have scheduled our next and final walk-through for this Thursday. We will obtain a quote for the installation of boards in the remaining classrooms and will install them beginning with the 8th grade and working our way down to kindergarten. We are on our way to having boards in all of our classrooms!
Additionally, the Consultative School Board is assisting us with plans to upgrade the computer lab. Jog-a-Thon funds are being used for the purchase of new computers, but any remaining SCRIP funds will be used to help reconfigure the lab so that all desks face one central teaching point while allowing for the mounting of a SMART Board. The current configuration does not allow for this. With the help of our board members, we are developing a comprehensive technology plan. This may be a longer-term project, but know that your fundraising efforts are being put to use in the area of technology.
Finally, at a principals’ meeting held last Thursday, the Department of Catholic Schools announced a change regarding the extension of the length of the 2011-2012 school year. Catholic elementary schools will be adding 20 days to the year, meaning we will essentially be on an 11-month calendar. Enclosed is a letter from Dr. Kevin Baxter, the Superintendent of Elementary Schools, announcing this exciting news. Since we are extending the regular academic year, we will not proceed with our plans to offer a summer program. Specifics regarding the school calendar and tuition will be available in the coming months, however expect an early-mid August start date and a late June end date. Tuition will be increased by a small percentage as it is each year, and an additional payment will be required to cover the 11th month of school
Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Important Dates
-January 30 – Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
-February 4 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day – Noon Dismissal
Open House
Please join us as we kick off the celebration of Catholic Schools Week with a Mass this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Following the Mass we invite you to visit the classrooms during our Open House from 10:00 – noon. If you know of any families who might be interested in a Catholic education at Incarnation, please invite them to come by for a tour and enrollment information. We hope to see you there!
Catholic Schools Week
The theme of this year’s Catholic Schools Week is Catholic Schools: A+ for America. This celebrates the fact that Catholic schools are an added value for the nation. Because of their traditionally high academic standards and high graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to American society.
The Student Council has planned the following activities for Catholic Schools Week:
-Monday, January 31 – Movie and Pajama Day (movie permission slip enclosed)
-Tuesday, February 1 – Twin Day
-Wednesday, February 2 – Crazy Day
-Thursday, February 3 – Faculty vs. Student Council Volleyball Game/Sports Day
Grandparents Day
Grandparents and special friends are invited to join us for the culmination of our celebration of Catholic Schools Week. On Friday, February 4th, grandparents and/or special friends are invited to campus. The schedule is as follows:
-10:00 - Arrival time for grandparents
-10:00 – 10:30 – art show and classroom visits (grandparents accompanied by students)
-10:30 – 10:45 – return to classroom (grandparents will sign students out for the day from classroom)
-10:45 – 11:00 – assemble for Mass
-11:00 - Mass
-12:00 – dismissal for all
Students who are not able to have grandparents or special friends visit on this day will remain with their homeroom teachers.
2011-2012 Re-Registration
The re-registration period for the 2011-2012 school year will begin the first week of February and will run through the first week of March. Check your home messenger next week for important information. Preschool sibling registration forms are available now in the main office. Deadline is February 14.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Family Messenger January 18, 2011
Faithful God,
How patiently you guide and care for us.
Give us faith in your word, and hope in your steadfast love,
so that we will never lose heart.
Keep us mindful of your many blessings,
and help us to be a blessing to others.
Amen.
A Message from the Principal
We hear and read so much these days about teaching children to be lifelong learners, and this has come to be part of our Schoolwide Learning Expectations. In addition to learning the basics, children today must develop problem-solving and critical-thinking and adapt to a constantly changing world. How can you support your child in becoming a learner for life? Here are four important points to remember in this regard.
1. Skills: Children must gain skills necessary to think through problems and solve them creatively.
2. Connections: Try, in as many ways possible, to connect learning to everyday life. Children often ask, “Why do I need to learn that?” As often as you can, try to help your child understand how a particular learning applies to life. Explain that you use math every day when you cook a meal. Or maybe you can show your child how you solve a problem of setting priorities by using logic. There are countless examples of everyday applications of learning if we simply look for them.
3. Habit: Develop a habit of learning with your child. In addition to the formal learning throughout the school day and homework time, seek out community resources that serve both to enrich and entertain children. Take advantage of teachable moments throughout the day, in ordinary places. Encourage your child to be curious. Asking questions, although it may involve a little more time, is an excellent way to draw out what a child is thinking.
4. Fun: Encourage a positive attitude toward learning, both formal and informal. We often underestimate the great power of informal learning; just think about how much children learn from their friends!
Developing skills, connections, habits, and a positive attitude toward lifelong learning is important not only for children—it benefits all of us. Happy learning!
Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Important Dates
• January 18 – General PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.
• January 21 – 3rd Grade Field Trip
• January 22 – Reconciliation Retreat
• January 30 – Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
• February 4 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day – Noon Dismissal
Grandparents Day
Grandparents and special friends are invited to join us for the culmination of our celebration of Catholic Schools Week. On Friday, February 4th, grandparents and/or special friends are invited to campus. The schedule is as follows:
• 10:00 - Arrival time for grandparents
• 10:00 – 10:30 – art show and classroom visits (grandparents accompanied by students)
• 10:30 – 10:45 – return to classroom (grandparents will sign students out for the day from classroom)
• 10:45 – 11:00 – assemble for Mass
• 11:00 - Mass
• 12:00 – dismissal for all
Students who are not able to have grandparents or special friends visit on this day will remain with their homeroom teachers.
Scrip Tip
Good news!! We've received a check for $948.32 from Ralphs for all the families who continue to have their Rewards cards registered and shop there. The bad news is we generally get around $1600. What this means is that many of you have not re-registered your Rewards cards. Remember this must be done every year after September 1st. If you’re not sure, I have a report that you can check to see if you're contributing. You can also look on the bottom of your receipt, and it will tell you if you're making contributions to Incarnation School. If you're not contributing, but have in the past, get on line to the Ralphs Rewards site and follow the steps to indicate you want to contribute to Incarnation School.
General PTO Meeting
Tonight is our 2nd mandatory PTO meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the school auditorium.
We hope to see you there!
2011-2012 Re-Registration
The re-registration period for the 2011-2012 school year will begin the first week of February and will run through the first week of March. Check your home messenger in the next few weeks for important information.
Dennis Uniform Sale
Dennis Uniforms is offering 10% savings on all purchases (phone, mail, Internet, and in-store) during the month of January. Offer excludes marked down items.
From the Business Office
Enclosed with today’s Home Messenger are the January 2011 statements. Please take a moment to review any outstanding balances you may have. Also, please note the December 2010 ASP invoices for regular ASP families has been revised to ½ the monthly rate. The credit will be applied to the January 2011 ASP invoices. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Fenton.
Volunteer Opportunity in the Library
Thanks to the generosity of the PTO Board, the library has new operating software to check out books and catalog new books. While waiting for this software to be installed, the new books the library purchased at the Scholastic Book Fair, the Barnes and Noble Book Fair, and donated books have been stacking up. In an effort to get the new books to the students quickly, Mrs. Hihn is asking for volunteers to come to the library on Friday, January 22, 2011 during school hours. Jobs include: labels on new books, school stamp on new books, shelving new books, and looking up AR quiz numbers. Please RSVP to nhihn@incaschool.org if you can come on Friday for an hour or two. Looking forward to seeing you in the library!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Family Messenger January 11, 2011
Almighty God,
Come into our lives and make a difference.
Heal us of anger, impatience, and selfishness.
Fill us with your love and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
A Message from the Principal
The Department of Catholic Schools works with the elementary schools to ensure that they are continuously working towards growth in all areas. This year, Incarnation is reflecting on two areas of Catholic Identity. In today’s messenger you will find a survey soliciting your input in the area of evangelization. Please take a few moments to complete the survey. Your input will be used as we gather information to set goals for Incarnation in this area. We appreciate your responses by Friday, January 14th.
Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Important Dates
- January 14 – Progress Reports
- January 17 – No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 18 – General PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.
- January 21 – 3rd Grade Field Trip
- January 30 – Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
- February 4 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day – Noon Dismissal (details to follow)
New Tax Law – Did You Know?
In December, President Obama signed into law the tax-cut measure that preserves the Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. The accounts allow families to earn tax-exempt interest on up to $2000 in annual savings for specified expenses, including tuition, associated with elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education in a public or private school.
Participation Hours Update
Please see note enclosed regarding your participation hours update through January 14, 2011.
Please submit all hours completed through the 14th by January 21, 2011.
Library Notes from Mrs. Hihn
The Barnes and Noble Book fair was a BIG success! The library received a Barnes and Noble gift card for $735.54, our portion of the profit on sales that day. Thank you to all who came to the Americana and contributed to all of the new books we can now buy for the library.
The library now has new operating software with a hosted website, purchased with a portion of Jog-a-Thon funds as approved by the PTO Board. Soon the library catalog will be available on most of the school site computers. In the coming weeks, new books will be available to check out as soon as they are cataloged on the new system.
Thank you for encouraging your child to make reading part of his/her daily activities.
Visit Fr. Paul on Sunday, January 16
Join Incarnation Parish members for a visit to Fr. Paul at his new parish on Sunday, January 16. Bus departs at 9:15 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. Visitors will attend the 11:00 Mass at St. Julie. The cost is $23 per person which includes transportation and a group lunch. Contact Joe Chavez (jchavez@ups.com - 212-705-1938) or Frances Chavez (francesmchavez@sbcglobal.net - 818-515-7898) to reserve your space by Thursday, January 13th. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Maximum bus capacity is 56 people.
2011-2012 Re-Registration
The re-registration period for the 2011-2012 school year will begin the first week of February and will run through the first week of March. Check your home messenger in the next few weeks for important information.
Dennis Uniform Sale
Dennis Uniforms is offering 10% savings on all purchases (phone, mail, Internet, and in-store) during the month of January. Offer excludes marked down items.
Requests for School Tax ID Number – Childcare Credit
As you begin to make preparations to complete your 2010 taxes, please note that the school is not authorized to release the tax ID number. In the IRS childcare credit publication, p. 8, the IRS tells the taxpayer to write in “tax-exempt” when it is a church or school program. Please share this information with your accountants, if applicable. If you would like to request a copy of the statement in the publication, please call the Business Office.
General PTO Meeting
Next Tuesday, January 18th is our 2nd mandatory PTO meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Join us for a presentation on Fall 2010 ITBS scores, fundraising updates, opportunities for participation hours, and more. Parents will receive a free dress pass for your child(ren) for attending the meeting. Preschool families are encouraged to attend.
Box Tops for Education
Thank you for your support in turning in your Box Tops. As of November 1, 2010 we have earned $216.60 with this program! It’s an easy way to raise money. All you need to do is cut out the Box Top from hundreds of items, including groceries and school supplies. A complete list is attached.
Drop off your Box Tops in the school office.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Family Messenger January 4, 2011
A Message from the Principal
Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope all of you enjoyed the holidays in the company of family and friends. As we begin a brand new year, it is a good time to examine your child’s progress so far this school year. By now your child is settled into the school routine and you can, with your child, set goals for the remainder of this school year. How can you help your child make the most of the remaining half of the school year? Here is a simple process that can make a positive difference in the quality of your child’s learning experiences:
• Begin by sitting down with your child and talking honestly about what is going well and what areas could use a little extra effort.
• It may be that your child needs a little extra assistance in one subject or another. Your child may be able to identify what kind of help he or she needs, or you may want to ask the teacher for suggestions.
• Remember, the most effective help your child can receive is when the parents and school work as a team. Do not hesitate to ask your child’s teacher(s) for a mid-year conference. This can be particularly helpful if a child is experiencing overall difficulty in school.
• Set some specific goals with your child. An older child can write one or two goals for the trimester and at least one goal for the week. It might be helpful to post the goals.
• Make your child’s learning goals part of a regular conversation. Remind your child of the importance to stick with the goals and make some progress each day.
• Acknowledge effort and celebrate successes in simple ways to encourage your child to continue to work toward his or her goals.
Remember, your child still has a good part of the school year remaining. There is still plenty of time to put in the effort and set goals to make this a fantastic learning time!
Wishing you all the best for a peaceful and blessed new year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Important Dates
• January 6 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.
• January 9 – 5th Grade School Sponsored Mass 9:00 a.m.
• January 11 – 7th Grade Field Trip
• January 14 – Progress Reports
• January 17 – No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• January 18 – General PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.
• January 30 – Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
ASP Staff
This week we welcome Mrs. Maggie Millan-Padron to our ASP Staff.
She will be working with the ASP students in grades K-3.
Feast of the Epiphany
On Thursday, January 6 we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with an all-school Mass at 8:30 a.m. Parties will begin at 2:15 p.m. Room parents are asked to keep class parties simple (1 drink and treat per child). Please see enclosed flyer regarding free dress for $1.00 on Thursday.
Annual Respect for Life Mass
On Saturday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. the annual Respect Life Mass will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Auxiliary Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and faithful will proclaim respect for life in a joyful and moving liturgy. Before the close of Mass, there is a special ceremony during which members of the assembly bring forward candles – one candle for each unborn child lost that day in the County of Los Angeles. For parents, this annual celebration is also an important teaching moment – a chance to share with your children our commitment to life. Children will participate as liturgical dancers and candle bearers in the Ceremony of Light. A discounted parking rate of $5 per car will be in effect for the event.
From the Business Office
The December 2010 After School Program, AM Care and Homework Club invoices are included in today’s Home Messenger. The January 2011 Preschool invoices are also attached. Please contact Mrs. Fenton if you have any questions. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope all of you enjoyed the holidays in the company of family and friends. As we begin a brand new year, it is a good time to examine your child’s progress so far this school year. By now your child is settled into the school routine and you can, with your child, set goals for the remainder of this school year. How can you help your child make the most of the remaining half of the school year? Here is a simple process that can make a positive difference in the quality of your child’s learning experiences:
• Begin by sitting down with your child and talking honestly about what is going well and what areas could use a little extra effort.
• It may be that your child needs a little extra assistance in one subject or another. Your child may be able to identify what kind of help he or she needs, or you may want to ask the teacher for suggestions.
• Remember, the most effective help your child can receive is when the parents and school work as a team. Do not hesitate to ask your child’s teacher(s) for a mid-year conference. This can be particularly helpful if a child is experiencing overall difficulty in school.
• Set some specific goals with your child. An older child can write one or two goals for the trimester and at least one goal for the week. It might be helpful to post the goals.
• Make your child’s learning goals part of a regular conversation. Remind your child of the importance to stick with the goals and make some progress each day.
• Acknowledge effort and celebrate successes in simple ways to encourage your child to continue to work toward his or her goals.
Remember, your child still has a good part of the school year remaining. There is still plenty of time to put in the effort and set goals to make this a fantastic learning time!
Wishing you all the best for a peaceful and blessed new year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Important Dates
• January 6 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.
• January 9 – 5th Grade School Sponsored Mass 9:00 a.m.
• January 11 – 7th Grade Field Trip
• January 14 – Progress Reports
• January 17 – No School – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• January 18 – General PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.
• January 30 – Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House
ASP Staff
This week we welcome Mrs. Maggie Millan-Padron to our ASP Staff.
She will be working with the ASP students in grades K-3.
Feast of the Epiphany
On Thursday, January 6 we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with an all-school Mass at 8:30 a.m. Parties will begin at 2:15 p.m. Room parents are asked to keep class parties simple (1 drink and treat per child). Please see enclosed flyer regarding free dress for $1.00 on Thursday.
Annual Respect for Life Mass
On Saturday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. the annual Respect Life Mass will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Auxiliary Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and faithful will proclaim respect for life in a joyful and moving liturgy. Before the close of Mass, there is a special ceremony during which members of the assembly bring forward candles – one candle for each unborn child lost that day in the County of Los Angeles. For parents, this annual celebration is also an important teaching moment – a chance to share with your children our commitment to life. Children will participate as liturgical dancers and candle bearers in the Ceremony of Light. A discounted parking rate of $5 per car will be in effect for the event.
From the Business Office
The December 2010 After School Program, AM Care and Homework Club invoices are included in today’s Home Messenger. The January 2011 Preschool invoices are also attached. Please contact Mrs. Fenton if you have any questions. Happy New Year!
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