Family Messenger, March 10, 2009

Lord God,
May we never exalt ourselves,
but humbly serve you and others.
We ask this through Jesus Christ
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
Before coming to Incarnation, I worked at St. Stephen Martyr School in Monterey Park. At St. Stephen School, I taught kindergarten for several years and had the opportunity to meet Jaylon (Jay) Fong; Jay was in my kindergarten class of 2006. Jay was a bright young boy. He was always quiet in the classroom, taking his kindergarten studies quite seriously! On the playground, it was a joy to see him smile and laugh as he played with his classmates. Jay is now in third grade and is quite athletic, enjoying baseball and basketball.

On December 3, 2008, Jay was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I went to visit Jay at the City of Hope over Christmas vacation and he was in great spirits, bravely fighting his battle. The Fong family is selling wristbands for Jay with proceeds going to benefit the City of Hope and to offset Jay’s medical expenses. Enclosed in this week’s messenger is a wristband order form. If you would like to support Jay’s journey to recovery, please complete the order form and turn it in to the school office. For more information about Jaylon, please visit www.jaylonfong.blogspot.com. Above all, Jaylon needs prayers! Please remember him and pray for Jay’s continued strength and recovery.

On behalf of the Fong family, thank you for your prayers and support.

Ms. Olivia Carrillo


Important Dates
• 3/12 – ACADECA Pep Rally (1:45 p.m.***note time change***) and free dress with $1 donation
• 3/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available
• 3/20 – Report Cards
• 3/23 – 3/25 – Science Fair
• 3/28 – VIRTUS Training at Incarnation 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
In the home messenger, you will find your Scrip Profit Statement. It goes through March 9th. Hooray!! Many of you have surpassed the $200 profit goal and will be receiving a refund check from the business office shortly. Anything over $200, will be offered at the end of the year for a 50/50 split. MOST IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER....I'm a volunteer who will make mistakes (I know...it's hard for me to believe sometimes). If you see an error or have any questions, please see me ASAP. I'm here to help.

Another important point, if you notice you've not had any earnings from Ralphs or Escrip, perhaps its because you're not signed up. I can help with that. It will be an easy fix and soon you'll be bragging to all your fellow Inca Parents how you've earned $200 and then some.

All those participating are doing an excellent job. We're really making quite a bit of money for the school. I know if every family participates, we can make even more.

Lenten Soup Suppers
Every Wednesday during Lent, various parish groups sponsor a Soup Supper. Soup Suppers are held in the auditorium at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome! The school will sponsor a Soup Supper on Wednesday, April 1.

SLE Superstar of the Week
Congratulations to last week’s winners of the SLE Superstar drawing!
Fiona R, grade 2
Jake G, grade 3
Sophia Ferrer, grade 6

Thank You
Thank you to Mrs. Leni Algiers and all of her assistants for organizing the spaghetti dinner last Saturday. Thank you also to all parents and students who attended the event.

Academic Decathlon

This Saturday, the Academic Decathlon Team will represent Incarnation in the Junior High Academic Decathlon at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. We thank Mrs. Rodriguez, the assistant coaches, and the decathletes for their dedication and fine effort in preparing for this event. Good luck! Our team includes:Bruno A, Jessica A, Michael A, Daniel B, Dani C, Jack F (Math - Algebra), Andrew F (Social Studies – Civil War, Super Quiz Captain), Matthew G, Nick G (Science – Skeletal System), Nikko G (English – Grammar and Writing), Richard H, Carra L (Religion – Second Vatican Council), Max L (Super Quiz and Logic Co-Captain), Vivian N (Fine Arts – American Art and Artists and Nat King Cole), Chris S, Julianna S, John T (Current Events – U.S. and World News), Maura T (Literature – Elijah of Buxton), Joey V (Logic Captain), and Irene U.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Every Sunday at the 9:00 a.m. Mass there is a Children’s Liturgy of the Word. This is geared to students in grades K-5, but students of any age are invited. Parents may accompany their children.

Box Tops for Education
We are still collecting Box Tops! Please send in your clippings to help earn money for our school!

Family Messenger, February 24, 2009

Merciful and loving Father,
Just as the warmth from a candle rises up to heaven,
Receive and bless our Lenten prayers.
In our Lenten fast, may our hearts be open and ready
to be filled with your love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


A Message from the Principal
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a season of turning to God in simplicity and sincerity as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter. Life so easily carries us away that we get distracted from our relationship with Jesus. Lent is the time we try with all our hearts to turn back to God through repentance. We also come closer to God by spending more time praying, by fasting, and by giving alms. Many of us make sacrifices during Lent to make our hearts, souls, and minds full with love for God and for our neighbors. All of our work during Lent leads us to Easter, when we will join in celebrating the Resurrection. Students will participate in an all school mass tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. led by the eighth grade class.

Please pray for the second grade class and the Incarnation Religious Education students who will be receiving the sacrament of reconciliation this evening.

God Bless,

Ms. Olivia Carrillo


Important Dates:
• 2/24 – First Reconciliation 7:00 p.m.
• 2/25 – Ash Wednesday All School Mass 11:00 a.m.
• 2/27 – NO SCHOOL: Teacher In-Service
• 3/7 – Spaghetti Dinner – 6:30 p.m.
• 3/4 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available
Deadline for Re-Registration
• 3/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available

Registration Reminder
The re-registration period for 2009-2010 ends on March 4th. Don’t forget to turn in your forms!

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Did you know? If each of our 200 school families purchased scrip to buy gas at approximately $150 per month, we would earn $600 in profit a month or $7,200 per year. All courtesy of Arco/Chevron/Shell. It's that simple.

Electrical Upgrade Update
The design for the update of our electrical infrastructure is approximately 75 – 85% complete. We expect it to be finalized within the next two weeks. Once the design is complete, we will be getting more accurate cost estimates.

Family Messenger, February 17, 2009

Generous and Loving God,
With you, we will always have enough of what we need.
May we always remember that you are the source of everything.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is once again offering financial assistance to families who meet specific income criteria. A child from households with total income at or below the following levels is financially eligible for a CEF Tuition Award:

Household Size Annually
1 $16, 037
2 $21,671
3 $27,338
4 $33,007
5 $39644
6 $44,302
7 $49,982
8 $55,631

For each additional family member: $5,682

Details regarding the CEF income criteria and the application can be obtained through the Business Office. The deadline for CEF applications is Friday, March 13. There will be no exceptions!

Incarnation School also offers tuition assistance to families in need. We do not have specific income criteria. Forms may also be obtained through the Business Office and will be accepted on an ongoing basis. All applications for financial assistance are confidential and are only reviewed by the principal and the Business Office.

Please remember that while I am on jury duty, Mrs. Diana Girskis is the acting principal. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact her by calling the school office or emailing her at incafirst@gmail.com.

Have a blessed week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo



Important Dates
• 2/18 – Coffee with the Principal – 7:45 a.m.
• 2/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available
• 2/21 – VIRTUS Training @ Incarnation 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
• 2/25 – Ash Wednesday All School Mass 11:00 a.m.
• 2/27 – NO SCHOOL: Teacher In-Service
• 3/7 – Spaghetti Dinner – 6:30 p.m.
• 3/4 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available
• 3/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available


Eighth Grade Graduation Pictures
Graduation pictures have been rescheduled for Thursday, March 26.

Registration Reminder
The re-registration period for 2009-2010 ends on March 4th. Don’t forget to turn in your forms!


Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Make sure you keep purchasing. Your family report of profits will be coming out the beginning of March. If you've hit $200 in profit, and have paid in your initial $200, you will be refunded the $200. Those that have already hit $200 in profit, keep purchasing. Your profits will continued to be credited with 50% offered back to you at the end of the year.

Family Messenger, February 10, 2009

Loving Father,
In the Eucharist, you give us the food of eternal life.
When we eat the Body of Christ and drink his blood,
make us worthy to receive the gift of eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
We are pleased to be offering Virtus training at Incarnation once again on Saturday, February 21. We are offering two sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Each sessions lasts approximately three hours. Please remember that Virtus training is mandatory for all volunteers working in the presence of minors.

Last Wednesday we dismissed at noon to work on our WASC assignments for our 2009-2010 visit. We will have another WASC day on Wednesday, February 18.

Please remember that while I am on jury duty, Mrs. Diana Girskis is the acting principal. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact her by calling the school office or emailing her at incafirst@gmail.com. I continue to check my email every evening during the week.

Have a blessed week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• 2/12 – Kindergarten Field Trip
• 2/13 – Valentine’s Day Parties – 1:00; Wear red to school (follow handbook guidelines)
• 2/16 – Presidents Day – No School
• 2/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED; ASP available
• 2/21 – Virtus Training @ Incarnation 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Revised Tuition and Fee Schedule
The Tuition and Fees Schedule you received last week had incorrect information with regard to the SCRIP program. Enclosed in this week’s envelope you will find the revised schedule for 2009-2010 with the correct information about the profits earned by purchasing SCRIP.

Eighth Grade Graduation Pictures Postponed
Graduation pictures, originally scheduled to take place on February 11, will be postponed to a later date.

Registration Reminder
The re-registration period for 2009-2010 ends on March 4th. Don’t forget to turn in your forms!

Academic Decathlon Quiz Bowl
Last Saturday, 14 decathletes competed at the Cathedral Quiz Bowl. Our team placed in the following areas:
3rd Place - Super Quiz
2nd Place - Current Events (John T)
3rd Place - Literature (Maura T)
3rd Place - Religion (Carra L)
3rd Place - Fine Arts (Vivian N)
3rd Place - Math (Jack )
Congratulations to all of our decathletes, and a special thanks to Mrs. Rodriguez, head coach, for her work in preparing our students for the Academic Decathlon on March 14!

Auction Event Tickets
Enclosed in this week’s envelope are the Auction Event Ticket invoices which are now due. This is a mandatory donation which pays admission for 2 people. Please contact Mrs. Fenton if you have any questions.

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Did I mention that we have great Valentine's Day Options? Show the love and stop by the scrip table or send in your order with your child. If you're thinking of getting something for your teachers, we have many $10 options; Borders, Blockbuster, Burger King, CPK, Carl's Jr., Claires, El Pollo Loco, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Subway. Don't forget your kids. A trip to the movies (AMC) or Chuck E. Cheese would be a blast. We also have many options for that special someone in your life; Macy's, Bath and Body Works, Gap/Banana Republic, Best Buy...just to name a few.

Family Messenger, February 3, 2009

God of heaven and earth,
You breathed your holy breath
into us so that we might have life.
Send your Spirit to breathe on us again
so that we may live more fully
as your own sons and daughters.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal

It was a joy to see the large crowd coming to spend the morning with our students last Friday. Each class prepared a special performance for their grandparents and special friends. The Mass was beautifully prepared, and I hope that all of our visitors enjoyed their day. Pictures of the event are posted on our website.

In this week’s envelope, you will find the re-registration packet for current students and new siblings. The re-registration period is from February 4 through March 1. Please be sure to submit your forms to guarantee a space in your child’s class. All balances must be current in order to be able to officially register for the 2009-2010 school year. Since we are receiving many applications for new students, we would like to be able to notify our new applicants of their status in early March. Any re-registration forms received after March 1 will be considered along with the new student applications, and a space in the class cannot be guaranteed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school office.

Thank you and have a blessed week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• 2/4 – WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED
• 2/7 – ACADECA Cathedral Quiz Bowl
• 2/8 – 4th Grade School Sponsored Mass
• 2/11 – 8th Grade Graduation Pictures 8:00 a.m.
• 2/12 – Kindergarten Field Trip
• 2/13 – Valentine’s Day Parties – 1:00 -Wear red to school (follow handbook guidelines)
• 2/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED


Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Good news, Best Buy has increased the percentage to 3% and Whole Foods is back in stock.
Valentines Day is just around the corner. When thinking of what to do with your Valentine, don't forget to purchase scrip. AMC movie tickets can be used at the 3 theaters in Burbank with dinner afterwards at California Pizza Kitchen, Islands, or PF Changs (all with scrip of course). If you are registered with eScrip, Chadaka Thai is my favorite thai in the area and they contribute to eScrip (Yum...I hope my Valentine is reading this--wink, wink).

Academic Decathlon Quiz Bowl
This Saturday, 14 decathletes will compete at the Cathedral Quiz Bowl. The CQB is an academic competition that is smaller than the Academic Decathlon. It is an excellent way to gauge how well we have prepared so far for the Academic Decathlon on March 14, 2009. The following will compete in the Cathedral Quiz Bowl.
Logic: Michael A, Dani C, Jack F, Matthew G, Carra L, Max L, Vivian N, Chris S, John T, Maura T, and Irene U .
Super Quiz: Jessica A, Michael A, Jack F, Matthew G, Richard H, Carra L, Max L, Vivian N, John T, Maura T, Irene U.
Individual Subjects:
Current Events - John T
Literature - Maura T
Grammar - Julianna S
Math – Michael A
Science - Richard H
Fine Arts - Vivian N
Religion - Carra L

Bruno A, Daniel B, Joey V, Andrew W, Nicholas G, and Nikko G are taking the Loyola High School Entrance Exam on that day and will not be able to participate in the Quiz Bowl. However, we wish them and all of the decathletes the best of luck!

Family Messenger January 28, 2009

A Message from the Principal
This week Catholic Schools across the nation are celebrating Catholic Schools Week. Catholic Schools Week is an annual national celebration of the important role of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. The theme this year is Catholic Schools Celebrating Service. We began this special celebration with our Mass and Open House on Sunday. Thank you to all families who attended. It was a great turnout! The student council has planned several activities for the students this week, and we hope that you can join us this Friday for Grandparents/Special Friends Day.

The school finance committee has finalized the tuition and fees schedule for 2009-2010. We have raised the tuition minimally for next year to plan responsibly and meet the Archdiocese’s requirement of tuition covering all salaries and benefits.

To be considered a parishioner for 2009-2010, you must have contributed at minimum of $500 to the church from January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008. School families who made donations will receive two statements. One statement shows detail donations and is for your income tax records, and the other is a summary that can be submitted to us for re-registration. Please remember that we offer financial assistance, and we will notify you as soon as applications become available.

As a reminder, I have been selected as a juror on a case that is expected to run through the first weeks of February. Mrs. Diana Girskis is the acting principal while I am away. If you have any urgent matters, please call the school office to reach her or email her at incafirst@gmail.com. Mrs. Girskis and I remain in constant communication.


Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• 1/28 – Crazy Day – Come dressed with crazy hair, shoes, socks, etc.
• 1/29 – Pajama day – Pajamas must be modest and appropriate. For safety, shoes must be worn
• 1/30 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day
o Student Show – 10:00 a.m.
o Mass – 11:00 a.m.
o Noon Dismissal; No lunch served
o HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS. LOMASTO
• 2/4 – WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED
• 2/7 – ACADECA Cathedral Quiz Bowl
• 2/18 - WASC DAY - NOON DISMISSAL; NO LUNCH SERVED




Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Friday, is Grandparents/Special Friends Day. Often, the Grandparent/Special Friend will take the kids out to lunch. Don't forget to purchase Scrip for Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Subway, El Pollo Loco, CPK, Islands, Marie Calendars, etc., beforehand.

Valentine's Day is coming soon. We have many options to help you honor your Valentine. For Moms and/or Dads See's, Macy's, Barnes & Noble, TJ Maxx, Bath & Body Works, Ross, J.Crew, and Starbucks, are all great options. For your kids, ITunes, Claires, Borders, AMC Theatres, Blockbuster, Jamba Juice, Chuck E. Cheese’s, would all bring big hugs and kisses of thanks.

As an extra limited time bonus for Special Order Scrip, J Jill (normally 8%) and Talbots (normally 11%) are offering an additional 5% profit through Friday, Feb. 13th.

Back to School Hop Participation Hours
If you volunteered at the Back to School Hop in September and have not received credit for your hours worked, please submit a yellow participation hours slip as soon as possible. Once we receive your slip, we can apply the proper credit.

Spanish Club
We are still accepting students in our after school Spanish Club. Fees will be prorated for late registrants. Please see the flyer enclosed.

Family Messenger January 6, 2009

Father of Light,
May we worship your Son as the Magi did
when they arrived in Bethlehem, and may we return
to our lives with that love and delight in our hearts.
Help us to give your Son all our best gifts and to bring
Your gifts of holiness and peace back to those we love.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
As we turn the calendar to 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 on the refrigerator.
• 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. Baking cookies with your child or inviting a friend over are ways of encouraging 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 re-double efforts and set goals to make this a fantastic learning time!


All of us at Incarnation School would like to wish Father Paul very special birthday wishes. We pray that these next few months will be nourishing for him, and we look forward to his return in the summer. While Fr. Paul is away, Fr. Tom Schweitzer will be Administrator Pro Tem.

Blessings,

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• 1/11 – Grade 5 School Sponsored Mass
• 1/13 – General PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.
• 1/14 – Coffee with the Principal 7:45 a.m. in ASP room
• 1/19 – No School: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• 1/23 – Progress Reports go home
• 1/25 – Catholic Schools Week Mass 9:00 a.m.; Open House 10:00 a.m. – noon
• 1/30 – Grandparents/Special Friends Day; noon dismissal; no lunch served

St. Columbkille Gift Collection
Thank you to all families who generously donated a gift for the students at St. Columbkille. We were able to collect enough gifts for all of the students! We also thank the parents who volunteered to take the gifts to the school. Thank you for your help.

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Congratulations to all of you who used the Scrip Program this Christmas season. The final figures are being compiled, but I can tell you that it was the most successful ever. Hooray for us!!!
We have a few changes that you will see reflected on the updated order forms that are in your home messenger envelopes this week. On Hand, we will now be carrying AMC Theatre Ticket $9.50 (16%), Blockbuster $10 (7%), Borders $10 (9%), Chuck E Cheese $10 (8%), ITunes $15 (4%), and JCrew $25 (13%).
We will no longer keep KMart, Honey Baked Ham, and PF Chang's On Hand, but you can easily get them by Special Order.
On the Special Order Form, Marriott Hotels have decreased their contributions to 8%. KB Toys and Travelocity are no longer available.

See’s Candy Profit
Our total profit from the See’s Candy Fundraiser to benefit our P.E./Athletic Program was $2153.87!
Thank you to all who supported the fundraiser, and special thanks to Lisa Dumansky and Margie Cua-Leon for their help in organizing the sales and delivering the candy.