Family Messenger April 22, 2008

God,
Help us to understand the moral significance of the environmental degradation of our Earth, especially the consequences of global warming. Help us to want and to be part of the undoing of this ecological disaster. We ask your help for the sake of ourselves, for our responsibilities to future generations and for the sake of Earth herself.
Amen


Dear Parents,

You have heard again and again the importance of reading to children. Sharing a book is a special pleasure more personal than watching television. There is time to linger over a favorite part or to reread a phrase or sentence that is particularly meaningful. Children who have been introduced to books at an early age have significantly larger vocabularies than do nonreaders.

Much of the value in this reading activity is the opportunity you will have to help your young person develop thinking skills. A pause in the reading to discuss what might happen next or to talk about why a character acted in a certain way encourages the habit of “reading between the lines” and making inferences. As you read aloud, you can use a tone of voice to emphasize a dramatic or mysterious moment—or one that is happy or sad. You can help your child to sense the rich meanings of the words an author has chosen. Occasionally, ask your child to retell a favorite part of the story, and he/she will gain experience in organizing facts and selecting important details.

Use a variety of books to appeal to children’s special interests and also to broaden their horizons, but above all, make reading time fun. Let your own pleasure in books be contagious. You are not only building valuable educational skills in your youngster, but you are building precious memories of shared pleasure. Through books, you and your child can travel the work, have exciting adventures, and experience the joys and sorrows of you favorite book characters.

Have a wonderful week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal

Inca’s Got Talent
Students at Incarnation surely are a talented group! The Variety Show displayed a wide range of talent from dancing and singing to martial arts and comedy (read your food labels carefully!). Thank you to all students who shared their talents with us. Thank you to our parent volunteers, especially Mrs. Pat Camp and Mrs. Marcellina DeSousa for all of their hard work in making this show possible! More pictures are here .

First in Math Assembly
The Vice President of Suntex, the company that distributes First in Math, will be coming for an assembly for our students in grades 1-8. She will be recognizing our achievements and will be presenting awards to the classes and top students for their phenomenal performance in First in Math. Currently Incarnation School is ranked 12th in the nation and 3rd in the state.

Science Fair
Our science fair began yesterday. Thank you to all of our students who submitted projects for the fair. Thank you also to all of our judges, and a special thank you to Mrs. Jennifer Bunt who has worked so hard in planning and organizing the fair for the school. The auditorium will be open on Wednesday, April 23 between 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. for family and friends to view the projects.

Inca in the Glendale News Press
On Thursday, April 17 the first graders made the cover of the Glendale News Press! The article featured the first grade class and their class auction project, Sam the puppy. The students gave Sam a bath and shared about the bond they have with Sam. Today’s paper features an article on the Science Fair. Check out the article here .

Decathlon 2008 Update
The results are in…Inca’s ACADECA team placed 13th out of 103 elementary schools competing in the event held in March 2008. Congratulations to the team and their coaches!

Morning Gate
To keep our campus safe, it is important for gates to be closed as soon as morning carpool ends. Please park in our lot only if you have business in the office. If you think you will be on campus past 7:45 a.m. please park your car in the church lot or use street parking. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disaster Drill
Please be sure the information on your Emergency Card on file in the school office is current.
For the Emergency Preparedness Drill on May 16, students will only be released to people listed on the Emergency Card. If you need to update your information or add people authorized to pick up your child(ren), please call or stop by the school office.

Looking Ahead
Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day
April 21 – 22 – Science Fair (all grades)
Wednesday, April 23 – Science Fair exhibit open for parents 6:00 – 7:00
Monday, April 28 – Stranger Safety Presentations (all grades)
Tuesday, April 29 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.

Family Messenger April 15, 2008

God of all nations,
You give us prophets and teachers, who travel all over the world,
inspired by your Holy Spirit, teaching about your Son.
Guide and protect them.
Amen.



Dear Parents,
Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Washington, D.C. today and will be celebrating his 81st birthday tomorrow. In honor of his birthday, Incarnation School (along with many other Catholic organizations across the nation) is pledging service hours as a gift. This Friday will be a Free Dress Day with a $1 donation. Money collected from the Free Dress Day will be donated to the Holy Childhood Association in the Pope’s name. Last week Fr. Ken Deasy, a consultant for the Holy Childhood Association, stopped by to personally thank Incarnation School for the collections sent during Advent. I let Fr. Ken know that we would be having an additional collection for HCA, and he was very excited! The money collected from the Free Dress Day will be sent to HCA along with the money collected during Lent.

Last Saturday the second graders and religious education students participated in the First Communion Retreat with their families. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for First Communion in May.

Have a wonderful week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal

Coffee With the Principal Notes (4/9/08):

• Sweets: Parents again voiced their concerns about the amount of candy given out, particularly the goodie bags and soda, during birthday celebrations. We encourage simple birthday celebrations, so please limit the amount of sweets brought in for birthdays.

• PTO Board Vacated Spaces: This year we anticipate 5 available spaces for the 2008-2009 PTO Board. Parents commented that requiring potential members to speak at the General Meeting in May might be intimidating. Others liked listening to the parents speak so as to become familiarized with new faces. In reviewing the PTO by-laws, the members anticipated to leave this year still have the option of serving another 2-year term.

• Advisory/Consultative Board: By the year 2010, all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will be required to have a Consultative Board in place separate from the PTO Board. Members of the Consultative Board will be mostly people from the community, parishioners, and former school parents. One third of the Consultative Board can be current school parents.

• Business Sponsors for Auction: A question arose about soliciting business sponsors for the auction. A form letter was not included in the packet this year, but it is being taken into consideration for next year’s auction.


Study Island
Two weeks ago, a representative from Study Island came to give a demo to the teachers. All teachers preferred the Study Island program over First in Math and Accelerated Math. One concern about Study Island is that it is web-based and some prefer having paper tests. Study Island has the option to print, so those who prefer pencil-paper or who do not have Internet access can still take a paper test home. Study Island will be mandatory for our students. The program is currently available for grades 2-8, but they plan to have a program for K & 1 beginning in September or October of 2008. Study Island provides immediate feedback to students. Teachers have greater control of what the students are working on and can change target proficiency levels for acceleration or remediation to meet individual students’ needs. Students will not be “stuck” as many have experienced now with First in Math. Visit www.studyisland.com for more information and to test drive the program.

Proposed Faculty Meeting Change Update
Thank you for participating in the survey sent home last week. While many of you were open to the change or had no preference, the majority preferred to keep faculty meetings and early dismissal on Fridays. Therefore, the meeting day will not be changed for 2008-2009 unless it becomes a mandate from the Department of Catholic Schools. As of now changing days is strongly recommended but is not mandatory.

Looking Ahead
• Friday, April 18– Lunch at 11:00 a.m.
Variety Show at 11:45 – Parents welcome!
Progress Reports go home
• Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day
• April 21 – 22 – Science Fair (all grades)
• Wednesday, April 23 – Science Fair exhibit open for parents 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
4th Grade field trip
• Monday, April 28 – Stranger Safety Presentations (all grades)
• Tuesday, April 29 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.

Family Messenger, April 1, 2008

God our Father,
You generously gave us your Son, and he generously gave his life,
so that all might be of one heart and soul.
Draw us close to you and each other so that we may also be generous.
Amen.





Welcome back! I hope your Easter break was pleasant. Spring, the time of renewal, brings joy and an appreciation of our planet Earth. At the same time, we are reminded of our responsibility in caring for it. It is important that we, as parents and teachers, encourage and model those actions which preserve and protect the resources we must share. Recycling is an important activity in which every member of the family can participate.

Talk with your children about other ways we can show responsible stewardship, such as turning out lights to save electricity and making sure that faucets are turned off so that water is not wasted. Spring is a good time to plant trees. They improve the quality of our air, but also provide beauty and shade for us and future generations. Our earth and its resources are a gift to us from God.
We can show our gratitude as we cherish and care for this gift.

Blessings,

Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal

Decathlon 2008 Correction
Maura T’s name was inadvertently omitted from the decathlon news in the last Home Messenger. Maura was a dedicated alternate for Inca’s ACADECA team. Maura, we are proud of you!

Picture Date Change
Group pictures (karate, chess, sports, etc.) will be taken on Thursday, April 3 at 8 a.m. Students involved in extra-curricular activities may bring their clothes to change into for group pictures. Eighth grade cap and gown pictures will still be taken tomorrow, April 2 at 8 a.m.

Raffle Update
The following family has exceeded the $100 raffle ticket sales requirement. Our apologies for the delay in recognizin – Gr. Kinder.-winner of-Free Dress, CD and entry for 6 Disneyland tickets.

Catholic Loyalty
Catholic Loyalty is a loyalty program that gives rebates to members and the church on all purchases made at participating merchants. Catholic Loyalty is a unique way for members to give more to their parish. It works just like any other rewards card and can be used with any form of payment including cash, credit, debit, or check. All school families should have a card. Please come by the school office to get yours right away! For more information visit their website at
www.catholicloyalty.com

Thank You
Thank you to Mrs. Rodriguez, the 8th grade class, and the parent volunteers for the performance of the Living Stations of the Cross. It was a heartfelt performance that led us into Holy Week.

Scrip
You will find the Scrip order forms in your envelopes once again. We have noticed that Scrip sales have decreased, and we need your help. Please support the Scrip program. This is an easy way to help the school earn money. Scrip gift cards are easy to use—use them instead of cash while doing your usual shopping!

Coffee With the Principal Notes (3/12/08)
• First in Math will not continue for 2008-2009. We are looking at either going back to Accelerated Math or trying another program by Study Island. Study Island is standards-based and is online, but it offers a detailed report of the students’ scores. We are able to see if the student is proficient or below level in each tested area. The computer detects when a student is guessing, so students must think before answering the questions. A representative from Study Island will present a demo to the faculty this Friday. If you would like to see a demo of the program, please visit www.studyisland.com. Select California and click on the link to take a quick tour. Please send me your feedback. Please note that the program is for grades two through eight.
• Proposed Faculty Meeting Day Change - The purpose of our faculty meetings is to discuss best practices—how can we improve upon what we do to impact student learning? At these meetings, I ask teachers to frequently contribute to discussions, read and discuss articles, reflect on their work, etc. Friday afternoons are not the best days for a highly productive meeting. The Department of Catholic Schools strongly discourages Fridays as faculty meeting days for this reason. I proposed a change to meetings on Wednesdays which would be dismissal at 1:30 on those days.
o Parent feedback
• The change would not be convenient for everyone since the early dismissal on Fridays allows for an earlier start to the weekend; Will get resistance
• If the purpose is for benefit of the students, the change would be fine; earlier dismissal on a Wednesday gives more time for homework for students who participate in after school extra-curricular activities.
A final decision about the change will be made by the end of the month when the 2008-2009 calendar is submitted to the Department of Catholic Schools.
• Computer Homework - Some parents asked if it would be possible to get homework for computer class.

Ralphs Community Programs
Thank you to all families who shop at Ralphs and have designated Incarnation School as their charitable organization to receive donations. For the period of 12/1/07 through 2/29/08 we have earned $1,973.28.

Looking Ahead
Wednesday, April 2 – 5th grade field trip to Getty
8th grade cap and gown pictures – 8 a.m.
Thursday, April 3 – Group pictures – 8 a.m.
Sunday, April 6 – Book Fair open after 9:00 Mass (in hallway near library and kindergarten)
Monday, April 8 – Kindergarten field trip to Aladdin play
Tuesday, April 9 – Coffee with the Principal
Saturday, April 12 – First Communion Retreat – 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 13 – Grade 5 School Sponsored Mass
Friday, April 18 – Variety Show – 12:00 p.m. in school auditorium.
Progress Reports go home
April 21 – 23 – Science Fair (all grades).

Family Messenger, March 18, 2008

God our Father,
Let us never forget how much you love us! Whenever we feel pain or sadness,
let us remember that you sent your Son to live among us.
Help us to remember your unimaginable love.
Amen.

We are about to enter into the Triduum, the holiest days of the year. They begin on the evening of Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper when we recall that Jesus gave his body and blood and taught us to care for others when he washed the disciples’ feet. They continue on Good Friday with the celebration of the Lord’s Passion as we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. On the night of Holy Saturday, we celebrate the Resurrection with great joy.

As we approach the Triduum, I pray that you have a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter. May your vacation week be filled with peace and happiness.

Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal

Decathlon 2008
We watched. We waited. We cheered. Sunday’s event was full of excitement as friends and family supported all students competing against more than 100 schools in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. We are very proud of our fabulous decathletes! The team, Emma C, Cynthia C, Andrew F, Matthew F, Nicholas G, Nikko G, Lily H, Ricki L, Celine M, and Claire R brought home some medals and a trophy. They placed in the following areas:
• Team – 1st place in Deanery 6
• Nikko – 6th place in English
• Emma – 6th place in Fine Arts
• Andrew – 2nd place in Social Studies
• Lily – 3rd place in Literature
• Claire – 1st place in Religion
• Matthew – 6th place in Science
Congratulations to them and our alternates Michael A, Max L, and Irene U! Many, many thanks to our head coach, Mrs. Pat Camp, and all other coaches who dedicated so much time to work with our team over the past several months.

Raffle Update
The following families (oldest child’s name listed below) have exceeded the $100 raffle ticket sales requirement and have earned the following prizes:

Free Dress Free Dress, CD, and Disney ticket entry
Christina F Connor S
Emma C Mariam E
Katherine B Stephanie F
Fiona R Leo S
Free Dress and CD Jake G
Sebastien C Santiago T
Lauren S Nicholas C
Emily S CD, 2 Disney ticket entries
Thor H Ashley C
Free Dress, CD, 4 ticket entries 8 Disney ticket entries
Sean H Dani C

Thank you for getting us closer to our goal!!

Pope Benedict’s Birthday
In honor of the Pope’s birthday and in preparation for his visit to the U.S., people across the nation are pledging service hours. Our students will be called to pledge voluntary acts of service and complete them by May 31. Please see the enclosed flyer for more information.

Lost and Found Items
Please claim your items from lost and found. Unclaimed items will be sold at a used uniform sale.

Target Take Charge of Education
Target donates up to 1% of purchases made using a REDcard to eligible K-12 schools. Thank you to all families who have designated Incarnation School to receive donations from Target REDcard purchases. We received a check last week in the amount of $130.30.

Looking Ahead
3/17 – 3/19: Good Touch Bad Touch for grade 6
Thursday, March 20 - Stations of the Cross at 11:00 a.m. in Church
12:00 Dismissal; ASP until 6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 21 – Good Friday: No School/No ASP
3/24 – 3/28 – Easter Vacation!
Monday, March 31 – Cesar Chavez Day: No School

Tuesday, April 1 – CLASSES RESUME

Wednesday, April 2 – 5th grade field trip to Getty
8th grade cap and gown pictures
Group pictures
Sunday, April 6 – Book Fair open after 9:00 Mass (in hallway near library and kindergarten)
Monday, April 8 – Kindergarten field trip to Aladdin play
Tuesday, April 9 – Coffee with the Principal

Family Messenger March 11, 2008

Compassionate Lord,
We are in your strong and loving hands. Nothing that happens to us will ever separate us from your love and care. Even in times of darkness, let us remember your kindness.
Amen.

Our weekend weather was wonderful as it provided us a glimpse of the spring season soon to come! I hope all have adjusted to the change in time as we “spring forward.”

The month of March is off to a busy start as we begin the last trimester and the planning process for the next school year. For students, this is a great opportunity to revisit the goals they set for last trimester and set new ones for the remainder of this school year. It is important for them to celebrate and be proud of their accomplishments and improvements while finding a few key areas in which to improve upon.

Yesterday the teachers were in-serviced by Scott Purdy who gave a presentation on writing differentiated instruction in whole-group settings. It was an excellent presentation and gave teachers practical tools that can be implemented in gradual steps to make writing easier to understand for students while meeting their varied needs. We still have remaining Title IIA funds to be used toward staff development and will be inviting Mr. Purdy back in August.

May your week be blessed!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal

Did You Know?
St. Patrick’s Day is generally celebrated but is moved when it falls during holy week. This last happened in 1940 when St. Patrick’s Day was observed on April 3 to avoid coinciding with Palm Sunday. This year St. Patrick’s Day will be on March 15, however students may still come to school wearing green on Monday, March 17 as indicated on the school calendar.

Good Luck Decathletes!
This Saturday our Academic Decathlon team will compete against more than 200 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Team members will compete in individual subjects, a logic quiz, and a super quiz.
A pep rally will be held on Friday.

Re-Registration and New Sibling Testing
Please submit your re-registration forms and the $200 non-refundable fee to the office by this Friday, March 14. This will help us know how many openings we have for new students in each class. Registration forms received after March 14 will be considered along with new student applications.

Thank You
Thank you to Ms. Leni Algiers for organizing the spaghetti dinner last Saturday. Thank you also to the parents and students who helped set-up, sell tickets, serve, and clean-up. We had a great turn out and it would not have been possible without the help of all involved!

Science Fair
The deadline to apply for participation in the Science Fair is Monday, March 17.

Looking Ahead
• 3/12 – 3/14 – Grade 5 - Good Touch/Bad Touch presentation
• Wednesday, 3/12
o Coffee with the Principal 7:45 a.m.
o 1st Grade Bake Sale
o Whole Community Catechesis (all ages welcome) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, 3/13 – 2nd Trimester Awards Assembly: 9:55 a.m. (Grade 1 only)
• Friday, 3/14
o 2nd Trimester Awards Assembly (Grs. K, 2-8) & Decathlon Pep Rally: 10:30 a.m.
o 1st Grade Field Trip
• Saturday, 3/15 – Academic Decathlon – L.A. Sports Arena

**Lenten Soup Suppers every Wednesday during Lent at 6 p.m. in the auditorium

Good Luck INCA Decathletes!!!

Family Messenger March 4, 2008

Father,
At our Baptism you filled the water with the grace of your Son. Through that holy water and the Holy Spirit, we were washed clean from sin; our old sinful self was buried with Christ so that we could rise with him to a new life. May this new life fill us with joy and make us living water for all the world.
Amen.





Last Friday the teachers attended the annual Religious Education Congress in Anaheim. The Religious Education Congress offers in-service education and spiritual formation to those in catechetical and related ministries. Each teacher registered to attend three workshops of their choice covering a vast range of topics from spirituality, music, and personal development to biblical studies and catechesis.

Next Monday teachers will participate in another workshop focused on differentiated instruction and writing across the curriculum. This is possible because of Title IIA funding made available to us from the Glendale Unified School District. Please note that this is a full-day workshop and there will be No school/No ASP on Monday, March 10.

High schools will be mailing out acceptance letters to the eighth graders this week. Please keep them in your prayers as they await their replies.

Have a great week and God bless.

Ms. Olivia Carrillo
Principal


Boys’ A Basketball News
The Boys’ A Basketball team has played a great season and made it to the playoffs last weekend! Congratulations Team Eagles! We are proud of you!

Art Contest Winners
The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) hosted an art competition to showcase the outstanding artwork created by K-12 students through the LACOE Annual Student Art Exhibit. Congratulations to the following students:

• Nicholas A (Grade 3)
• Michael C (Grade 4)
• Cynthia C (Grade 8)

These students’ artwork will be permanently displayed in the LACOE buildings for visitors and employees to enjoy. Congratulations!

Thank You To…
• Mrs. Pat Camp and all the parents who are working hard in preparing our ACADECA team for the competition on March 15.
• Mrs. Angie Gonzalez and all volunteers who helped make the school-sponsored Lenten Soup Supper a success!
• Mrs. Georgette Mueckay and the Auction Committee for their tireless efforts in preparation for the Auction Dinner on May 3.

Re-Registration and New Sibling Testing
Please submit your re-registration forms and the $200 non-refundable fee to the office by Friday, March 14. This will help us know how many openings we have for new students in each class. Registration forms received after March 14 will be considered along with new student applications. Testing for siblings is also taking place now. Please contact Mrs. Rodela for available times.

Hot Lunch Changes
Thank you for taking the time to complete the hot lunch survey sent home a few weeks ago. We received 112 replies. Based on your input, M&F Kitchenette will make the following changes effective immediately:
• Portions and pricing will remain the same
• Less chips or baked chips instead of regular chips.
• Reduced carbs- i.e. smaller or no bread with spaghetti/wheat bread for sandwiches
• Add steamed vegetables and/or salad to the same tray instead of the kids having to go and pick it up separately

Raffle Update
The families listed below have sold more than $100 in raffle tickets for the auction and have won the following prizes:
• Asmar Family sold $200---free dress and CD
• Chavez Family sold $250---free dress, CD, and chance to win 6 Disneyland tickets
• Conde Family sold $150---free dress
• Malabanan Family sold $150---free dress

Science Fair
The deadline to apply for participation in the Science Fair is Monday, March 17.

Looking Ahead
• Tuesday, 3/4 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.
• Friday, 3/7 – Report Cards go home
• Saturday, 3/8 – Spaghetti Dinner 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 3/9 – Grade 4 School Sponsored Mass
• Monday, 3/10 – NO SCHOOL/NO ASP: Teacher In-Service
• 3/12 – 3/14 – Grade 5 Good Touch/Bad Touch presentation
• Wednesday, 3/12
o Coffee with the Principal 7:45 a.m.
o Whole Community Catechesis (all ages welcome) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, 3/13 – 2nd Trimester Awards Assembly: 9:55 a.m. (Grade 1 only)
• Friday, 3/14
o 2nd Trimester Awards Assembly (Grs. K, 2-8) & Decathlon Pep Rally: 10:30 a.m.
o 1st Grade Field Trip
• Saturday, 3/15 – Academic Decathlon – L.A. Sports Arena

**Lenten Soup Suppers every Wednesday during Lent at 6 p.m. in the auditorium

Family Messenger February 12, 2008

God our Father,
You have sent your Son to feed us with your word
and with the Bread of Life!
Let this love open our
hands and our hearts to praise you and to serve our neighbor.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Valentine’s Day
• Students will sell candy grams until Thursday
• Students may wear red, pink, and white on Thursday, 2/14 (follow free dress guidelines)
• Parties at 2:15

Good Touch Bad Touch Dates
The following classes have set their schedules for Good-Touch Bad-Touch presentations.
• Grades K & 1: May 27, 28, 29
• Grade 2: TBA
• Grades 3 & 4: February 19, 20, 21
• Grade 5: March 12, 13, 14
• Grade 6: March 17, 18, 19
• Grades 7 & 8: TBA
If you have decided that your child not participate in the program, he/she may study in the library during the presentations. Due to the sensitivity of the content and so that the children feel free to express themselves openly, parents will not be permitted into the classroom sessions.

Re-Registration
Please look for your re-registration packet in next week’s Home Messenger.

Science Fair
The deadline to submit your science entry form is March 17. Extra forms are available in the school office.

Scrip
Don’t forget to place your SCRIP orders! Order forms are available in the school office and on our website. Shopping for your Valentine? Remember that we offer SCRIP to See’s Candies and a number of great restaurants!


Looking Ahead
• Wednesday, 2/13 -
o Coffee with the Principal
o Health Screening
• Thursday, 2/14 – Valentine’s Day Parties @ 2:15
• Monday, 2/18 – No School: Presidents’ Day
• Wednesday, 2/20 – Assembly: “H20, Where do you go?” (Grades K-6)
• Tuesday, 2/26 – 2nd Grade First Reconciliation 6:30 p.m.
• 2/25 – 2/28 – Trimester Tests
• Thursday, 2/28 – CEF Tuition Assistance application deadline.
• Friday, 2/29 – No School: Religious Education Congress In-Service Day