Family Messenger November 25, 2008

Generous and loving God,
Our hearts overflow with gratitude
as we celebrate your unending goodness to us.
May we always remember who has given us
everything we can see or touch or hold, including our lives!
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
Last Friday, Incarnation School had its 24th annual Jog-A-Thon. It was an afternoon full of energy and enthusiasm as well as a great community-building event. We were blessed with beautiful weather as the sixth grade class led us in the first lap. Kyle Bennett, sixth grade, won the logo design contest for the t-shirts, therefore his class won the privilege of kicking-off the event. Congratulations, Kyle!

I would like to thank Mrs. Ann Marie Guinane, Mr. Robert Mahan, and all of the parent volunteers who helped make our Jog-A-Thon a success. With the help of our students, parents, and sponsors, we are another step closer to keeping the school cool! Fundraising totals will be published soon.

On Friday morning, a few students from Incarnation accompanied eighth grade parent volunteers in delivering your donated food items to St. Columbkille. Our students and parents were greeted with smiling faces, and they were much appreciative of our support. Our own Coach Briceno was also there –St. Columbkille is his parish and he teaches P.E. there! Thank you for your generous donations and for your flexibility with the change in deadline for the collections.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I have much to give thanks for, but I am especially grateful for all of the children that you send to us each day. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I wish you a safe and blessed weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo


Important Dates
• 11/26 – Noon Dismissal; Parent-Teacher Conferences; No hot lunch served
• 11/27 – 11/28 – Thanksgiving Vacation
• 11/30 – First Sunday of Advent
• 12/4 – Awards Assembly 10:30 a.m.
• 12/5 – Pictures with Santa
• 12/6 – Barnes and Noble Book Fair @ the Americana


Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Only 16 more scrip shopping days before school lets out. Be sure to place your orders early.
If you are needing a large amount of one particular scrip, please know that we may not have it all in stock and that it will need to be ordered. During the Christmas season, we will order more frequently as needed.

The following retailers are also increasing their profits for you:
Lowe's 5% from 11-29-08 to 12-12-08, normally 4% (a great place to get your Christmas tree)
Borders 11% from 11-29-08 to 12-12-08, normally 9%
California Pizza Kitchen 5% from 11-29-08 to 12-26-08 normally 4%

On December 6th, Mrs. Hihn is having a "Fun" raiser at Barnes & Noble at the Americana. Scrip can be used for your purchases. From 11-22-08 to 12-19-08, Barnes & Noble is giving 10% profits on the scrip purchase. What an incredible opportunity to double dip. I know that I will be there with my kids, meeting friends for lunch, and purchasing books for our Christmas list. Join the fun!!


Library Labeling Party
You are invited to come to the library on Thursday morning, December 4, for a labeling party! The time is 7:45-10:30 a.m. Coffee and cake will be served. I have over 200 new books for the library that need labels, so we can put the books on the shelves for the kids. Bring a coffee cup. Stay for an hour or the whole time. Small children are welcome, as the library will be closed to students until 10:45. Please remember that you must be Virtus trained, and participation hours will be given. Hope to see you there!
--Mrs. Hihn

Coaches Needed – Participation Hours Opportunity
Receive 40 hours automatically…become a coach! We are looking for A and B level basketball coaches for our spring sports season. If you are interested in coaching (boys or girls), Virtus training, fingerprinting, and CYO certification is required. We need you right away in order to have Incarnation teams represented in the CYO! Contact Jimmy Mueckay, PTO Commissioner of Athletics, if you are interested in coaching. (moykai@charter.net)

Family Messenger November 12, 2008

God, our loving Father,
Your churches are where we gather
to stand in your presence and serve you.
Make us always worthy for this holy and awesome task.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we remember to give thanks for our abundant blessings. We also remember those in need and our call to help others. Our eighth graders will be sponsoring the annual collection of food for St. Columbkille parish. A flyer is enclosed in this week’s envelope outlining the items that each grade will collect. This is wonderful opportunity for our students to practice one of Incarnation’s schoolwide learning expectations: serving the community according to God’s call as evidenced by local and global outreach. It is important that our students, no matter what the age or grade level, take advantage of any chance to serve. Thank you for helping your child in this critical area of development.

As you know, all adults working in schools or parishes when minors are present are required to take a VIRTUS class. Incarnation is once again offering this training on Sunday, November 16 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you have not already attended a live training session, please plan on attending this Sunday. The class will be held in the Central Ave. property basement. Please call the school office at 818-241-2269 to register. Remember to submit a copy of your certificate to submit to the office as proof of attendance.

Have a wonderful week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates
• 11/13 – Great Southern California Shakeout 10:00 a.m.
• 11/16 – Virtus training – Incarnation 12:00 p.m.
• 11/17 – First grade field trip
• 11/19 – Third grade field trip; See’s candy sale ends
• 11/21 – Jog-A-Thon (12:00 p.m.); Report cards go home
• 11/24 – 11/26 – Noon Dismissal; Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 11/27 – 11/28 – Thanksgiving Vacation
• 11/30 – First Sunday of Advent


Upcoming VIRTUS Training Sessions
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.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held from November 24-26. Please call the school office to sign up with your child’s homeroom teacher. If you need to meet with any other teacher, please contact them directly via email to arrange for an appointment. At conference time, you will receive your child’s ITBS score report and will be able to discuss the first trimester report card. Conferences are limited to 15 minutes to enable the teachers to meet with each child’s parent(s). If, after the conference, you find that you need more time to discuss your child’s progress, please schedule another appointment with that teacher. Please make every effort to arrive on time. Teachers’ schedules are quite full; therefore they may not be able to accommodate late-comers. For parents who work, please note that the Federal Law requires employers must give you time off from work to handle school-related matters.

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Attention Gap and Bath and Body Works shoppers!!! From November 8 -December 5, Gap is increasing their contribution by 2%, bringing your profit earned total to 11%. Bath and Body Works is being even more generous and increasing their contribution by 5%, bringing your profit earned total to 18%. Run, don't walk, to take advantage of this limited time offer. Beginning November 15-December 12, Macys wants to get into the action and will increase their contribution by 2%, bringing your profits earned total to 12%. Not to be trumped, Sears (Special Order Scrip) wants to increase their contribution by 6% bringing your profits earned total to 10%. Sears Scrip also is accepted at OSH and The Great Indoors. For you internet shoppers, Zappos AND Overstock.com are now available for Special Order Scrip.
Both come in $25 increments with 8% profits.

Finally, there are only 10 more school days before Thanksgiving Break. Be sure to pick up Scrip for your Thanksgiving needs and Christmas Shopping over the Thanksgiving Break. Your wallet can't afford not to!

Thank You
Last week, the third grade class dressed up as saints and led the All School Mass in honor of All Saints Day. They looked fabulous and did a wonderful in job in presenting symbols related to their saints. Thank you, third graders! We also thank the sixth grade class for sponsoring last Sunday’s 9:00 Mass.

Visitor Sign-In
All school visitors must first stop in the school office. No matter how short the visit, everyone on school property must sign-in and indicate the location of the visit. It is important for us to know who is on school property at all times. This is for the safety of the children and for your safety in case of an emergency. All classroom visits must be confirmed with the teacher ahead of time. Thank you for your cooperation.

New Sound System
Incarnation School and Parish have installed a new sound system in the school’s auditorium. The sound can project clearly into the auditorium without feedback. It can also project into the kindergarten yard and the lunch area as needed.

Mrs. Regan-Smith Visits
Last week, Mrs. Regan-Smith, the former principal of Incarnation School came to visit. Mrs. Regan-Smith is now the principal at All Souls School in Alhambra. She brought along some of the All Souls staff to see how our library and Accelerated Reader program are run for implementation at their school.

Incarnation Varsity Football
The football team won both of their playoff games last weekend against Sacred Heart Los Angeles and against Beatitudes. The Eagles are now one of the top 16 teams in the CYO and will play again next Saturday. Congratulations and good luck!

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

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.

Family Messenger October 14, 2008

Lord of Life,
Each life is precious in your eyes.
May we treasure the lives of all people and work to
protect the powerless from harm.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal
Thank you to the parents who attended Coffee with the Principal last week. It was nice to see new and familiar faces. At our discussion session, I distributed an article entitled Bullying and Anger Management found in the October issue of Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine. In the article, Dr. Patricia McCormack talks about promoting autonomy in children and empowering them to handle bullying issues. I invite you to read the article enclosed and discuss it with your children. Talk about what bullying behaviors are and what they can do to stop bullying.

On Sunday evening, Incarnation School launched its pilot call using the School Reach system. The system called all home phone numbers on file. The system allows us to see if the call was answered by a live person, an answering machine, or if the call failed. Please be sure to keep your phone records current and notify the school office of any changes. Home telephone numbers will be used for general announcements and information. In the event of an emergency, home and cell numbers will be dialed.

Have a blessed week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates.
• October 16 – Picture Day grades K-8 – wear full dress uniform
• October 17 – Progress Reports go home
Junior high mock election
• October 19 – 7th Grade School Sponsored Mass 9:00 a.m.
• October 21 – All School Mass 8:30 a.m.
• October 23 – High School Night 6:00 p.m. (grades 7 and 8)
• October 24 – Halloween Dance (grades 6-8)


Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Did you know, many families are selling on hand and special order SCRIP to their friends, co-workers and other family members earning profits towards their $200.00? YOU could do the same and reach your goal much quicker! Gift cards are great holiday gifts.

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) 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.

Asbestos Inspection
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulation requires a three-year re-inspection of the condition of asbestos containing materials in all school buildings. The Asbestos Hazard Inspection, ordered under the authority of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was completed on October 6, 2008. Incarnation School students and employees are currently not exposed to any levels of free and harmful asbestos.

Halloween
As Halloween approaches and costume shopping begins, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Costumes should be in good taste and appropriate for a Catholic school.
• Costumes must be modestly fitting.
• Weapons/sharp objects are not permitted.
• Masks are not permitted; the student’s face should be visible at all times.
• No excessive blood or gore.
• Students must be able to sit comfortably in their desks and move about campus while wearing their costumes.
The costume parade will begin at 12:45 with parties immediately following the parade. Room parents will be responsible for planning simple Halloween parties. One cupcake/treat and drink per child is sufficient.

Swim Team News
The INCA Swim Team increased their total score by almost 30 points in St. Mel’s Swim Meet on Sunday! Congratulations to our swimmers who are improving their times at every meet! The following swimmers received medals: Ryan B, Gabriella C, Mateo D, Sophia F, Marc F, Sebastian M, Matteo M, Lia M, Lauren S. Congratulations to the Freestyle relay team of Lia M, Jessica A, Jennifer Q, and Marc F that came in 8th place overall and won 20 points for the Team! GO INCA!

Family Messenger October 7, 2008

Loving Father,
May your name be blessed by every voice,
may your love rule all hearts,
and may you become our most precious food and drink.
Please forgive us, and put a pure, good heart in us,
and teach us to forgive as you do.
We ask this through Jesus, who taught us to pray.
Amen.


A Message from the Principal
Our ITBS testing sessions have ended, and we now have just one more day for make-ups. We look forward to the results of the testing to plan instruction for the remainder of the year. Walking through the hallways last week, I saw closed doors and testing signs. It was not the usual feel of Inca classrooms. It is nice to walk through now and see the doors open with the students back in their regular routines and engaged in the learning process!

I would like to thank the fifth grade class, Ms. Ohanessian, and Fr. Tim for the wonderful prayer service for the blessing of the animals last week. Pictures posted here .

Coffee with the Principal begins tomorrow, Wednesday, October 8. Please join me for some light refreshments at 7:45 a.m. Coffee with the Principal is an opportunity to meet with parents in a small setting to discuss the progression of the school year. We will meet in the ASP room located in the Jr. High Building. Hope to see you there!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates.
• October 13 – No School/No ASP: Faculty/Staff Retreat Day
• October 16 – Picture Day grades K-8
• October 17 – Progress Reports go home
Junior high mock election


Sports News
The Incarnation Boys’ Varsity Football Team won their game yesterday 40-6 against Holy Trinity. Congratulations!

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
Did you hear the news....Home Goods is opening this Sunday in La Canada. It is affiliated with the Marshalls/TJ Maxx Company. Don't forget to purchase your "On Hand Scrip" before you go shopping. It's like you'll be saving an additional 7% (contribution towards your profits).

Our Scrip provider company sent me some coupons for $5 off a $20 purchase at Bath and Body Works. Already you earn 13% (contribution towards your profits) on the purchase of the $25 scrip card. With this coupon, you are saving an additional 25%!!! I'll include the coupon with your purchase of the scrip card. Quantities are limited, so place your order right away.

Finally, we were also sent some 20% off coupons for Gymboree. You earn 13% (contribution towards your profits) on your "Special Scrip Order" purchase of $25. Make sure to plan ahead as this is a "Special Scrip Order". Quantities of coupons are limited.

New Business Office
The Business Office has moved to what was formerly known as the Copy Room. Scrip sales will take place directly in front of the Business Office.

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)
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.

September Students of the Month
For the month of September, we emphasized the importance of responsibility.
Based on this trait, the following students have been selected as Students of the Month:
Kindergarten: Grace P and Andrew F
First Grade: Kristen A and Gian-Franco F
Second Grade: Matthew C and Sierra S
Third Grade: Maria D and Jake G
Fourth Grade: Michael B and Ashley C
Fifth Grade: Mark A and Brittany L
Sixth Grade: Matthew G and Sophia F
Seventh Grade: Nina Y
Eighth Grade: Mitch B and Marc F

Congratulations to these students! The focus for the month of October is cooperation.

Box Tops for Education
Keep bringing in your Box Tops! Turn your everyday grocery purchases into cash for Incarnation School! You can clip 10¢ Box Tops coupons from hundreds of products such as Cheerios®, Betty Crocker®, Juicy Juice®, Ziploc®, Kleenex®, Hefty® and more. This is great earning potential for the school without the extra expense for you!

Family Messenger September 30, 2008

Lord God,
when we are with our families, or when we do our daily tasks,
help us to keep following your Son and sharing his Light.
We ask this through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A Message from the Principal

Our Back to School Hop event was a great success! We were blessed with wonderful weather, and it was great to see everyone together to kick off the beginning of the school year. Thank you to all who attended the hop and book fair. I would like to thank Mrs. Rosy Alonso and Mrs. Georgette Mueckay for helping organize the hop and Mrs. Ruby Marcos for coordinating the Book Fair.

Yesterday, students in grades 1-8 began taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Testing will continue all week. Please take extra precautions to ensure that your child is present for these tests. Score reports should be available at parent-teacher conferences in November.

This Friday is our annual Blessing of the Animals. The blessing will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will take place in the auditorium. Parents should bring animals directly to the auditorium just before the blessing. To minimize distractions during instruction, live animals (regardless of size) will not be allowed in the classrooms. Any student who brings an animal to class in the morning will be sent to the office to call their parents to come pick up the animal. After the blessing, students with animals are asked to exit through the hallway by the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms and leave the campus through the side gate (see diagram enclosed). All other students will exit through the kindergarten yard and will proceed to carpool. Please make sure that you bring plastic bags to clean up after your pets!

Have a great week!

Ms. Olivia Carrillo

Important Dates:
• September 29 – October 3 – ITBS Testing and Book Fair
• October 3 – Blessing of the Animals 1:00 p.m.
• October 13 – No School/No ASP: Faculty/Staff Retreat Day
• October 16 – Picture Day grades K-8
• October 17 – Progress Reports go home

Classroom News
With the presidential election approaching, Mrs. Rodriguez, our junior high social studies teacher, is getting all students in grades 6-8 involved! Junior high students will be required to watch the presidential/VP debates, will conduct research on how a U.S. president gets elected, and will report their findings. Students will be asked to compare the candidates in the following aspects: foreign policy, economy, environment, and education. The mock election will take place on October 17.

Scrip Tip from Jennifer Bunt
GREAT ECONOMIC NEWS!! (I bet you didn't think you'd hear that these days.) You'll receive your $200 reimbursement as soon as you hit $200 in profits. No waiting until May. Please remember that eScrip is 60 days behind in reporting and Ralphs is 90 days behind in reporting. Congratulations to the families that are really using the program. I'm estimating that some of you will reach this goal by the end of 2008. Those of you who haven't been buying scrip, this should be further incentive. I know we can all use the $200 in our pockets.

Upcoming VIRTUS Training Sessions
• Saturday, October 4 @ 9:00 a.m. – Holy Family (Glendale)
• Saturday, October 25 @ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Incarnation
(Central Ave. property)
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.

Box Tops for Education
Turn your everyday grocery purchases into cash for Incarnation School! You can clip 10¢ Box Tops coupons from hundreds of products such as Cheerios®, Betty Crocker®, Juicy Juice®, Ziploc®, Kleenex®, Hefty® and more! Start clipping now and send them in to the school office. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for more ways to earn. Thank you to all who have already submitted box tops. Our collection is growing every day!

Spring Concert DVDs
Inca’s 2008 Spring Concert DVDs are available for $20 in the school office. Please make checks payable to Incarnation School.

Inca Swim Team News – From Swim Team Reps Laura M and Juliet M
Congratulations to the Incarnation Swim Team! On Sunday, they competed in the St. John Eudes Annual Swim Meet. All of the swimmers improved their times and are looking faster and faster at every meet. Thank you to all the parents who timed and helped our team be successful. Pictures of the swimmers can be found on the Inca website. The following swimmers won medals at yesterday’s meet: Adrian A, Christopher B, Michael B, Gabriela C, Marc F, Emmelene G, Valentin M, Olivia S, Lauren S.
The team’s next meet is on October 14. Any students interested should pick up the swim form in the office ASAP. Entry deadline is Tuesday, September 30.