Panther Press
NOVEMBER 11, 2021
ICCS Mission Statement:
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
By: Blair Tadlock
As Catholics, often what we visibly “do” such as making the sign of the cross or reverent genuflection are indicators of our belief in Catholicism, but have you ever thought about how Catholics are often easily identifiable by what they wear? From the diverse liturgical specific clergy vestments to small personal adornments of scapulars or cruciforms to Catholic school uniforms, we are identifiable by the symbolic and physical display of how we often dress ourselves. While these visible symbols of our Catholic identity are linked to our theological values, it is important to understand that Catholic school uniforms hold with them the high standard of education values that all Catholic schools strive to attain. Catholic schools have a long tradition and belief in the value of uniforms and dress codes as our Catholic Church does.
Just as our clergy wear vestments that reflect our Catholic beliefs rooted in dignity and reverence for God, our ICCS uniforms reflect the inner dignity for ourselves and for our faith including the way in which they are worn. The uniformity of student dress cultivates a sense of modesty which offers an opportunity for equality among diverse student populations and limits unnecessary distractions in the Catholic learning environment. By way of uniformity in dress, we are electing to encourage, value, and focus on distinctions of character, virtue, and personality in all our students.
At ICCS, we strive for excellence in all endeavors and the uniform and dress code are part of this excellence. In the past two weeks, I have noticed many students out of uniform in various ways--non-uniform outerwear, hair length, and color, skirt length, nail polish and make-up, excessive jewelry, etc. Uniform reminders went out in last week’s Panther Press. This week students have been given verbal reminders on campus and teachers have made notations on conduct cards (4th-8th grade) to amend uniform issues. These gentle reminders and layering of reminders were done in order to give our students and you, their parents, grace as we are entering into cooler weather and a new season.
If you need to look through our used uniform items, please reach out to Mrs. Ada O’Quain at asoquain@iccsweb.com to schedule an appointment after school next week. We are more than happy for our parents and students to look through the uniforms and select uniforms that will best fit their ICCS students. On Monday, Nov. 29th, if the requested adjustments to remain in good standing with our uniform/dress code has not been met, conduct points will be removed daily as our handbook states. We also strongly encourage parents to label all clothing. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and support in this. Below are some general guidelines pulled from the handbook for quick reference.
Shoes - Tennis shoes must be predominately white, black, or gray with matching white, black, or gray shoelaces. When looking at the front of the shoe, the predominant color should be white, black, or gray, predominantly solid, not patterned. Pre-K – 8th-grade students are required to wear only tennis shoes as specified. No “light-up” shoes, boots, or high tops are allowed.
Socks - White regular crew socks without logos. (6” above the ankle).
Sweatshirts/Cardigans/Jackets - Uniform ICCS sweatshirts, cardigan sweaters, and jackets are the only outerwear allowed to be worn indoors. Outerwear may not be worn around the waist. In extremely cold weather, any jacket or coat is allowed outside the building. Hoodies are not allowed
Watches - Smartwatches or watches with wifi and/or Bluetooth capabilities are not allowed. Watches with a beeping device/timer/alarm should be disconnected during the school day. Watches that beep or cause disruption will be taken away and may be claimed on the last day of the school year.
GIRL SPECIFICS
Blouses must be tucked in at all times. Jumper/Skirt or Shorts in regulation plaid should be slightly above the knee, not to exceed 3” from the floor on all sides when measured from a kneeling position. Black modesty shorts must always be worn under a jumper or skirt.
Tights - White or black opaque tights (footed or ankle-length footless) with socks may be worn under jumper/skirt/shorts in cold weather.
Hair - Must be neat, clean, combed, and the student’s natural hair color without color enhancement, extensions, or hair designs that distract from the learning environment. Hair accessories should not distract from the learning environment.
Accessories - Small chains (18” or shorter) with an appropriate religious medal (smaller than 1½”); One pair of small post earrings only (one in each earlobe). No hoop or dangle earrings; One ring; One watch. No bracelets, including ponytail bands; Make-up, which includes nail polish, is not allowed.
BOY SPECIFICS
Shirts - Regulation red long or short sleeve shirts with ICCS monogram purchased from Southern Drifter must be tucked in at all times.
Pants/Shorts - Khaki slacks or shorts from Southern Drifter. Must be sized appropriately and worn at the waist. The pant length should reach the shoe top. Shorts must be at or slightly above the knee, not to exceed 3” from the floor from a kneeling position. NO CARPENTER OR CARGO PANTS.
Belts - Black, brown, or khaki with a plain buckle must be worn at all times. (No adornment on the belt)
Hair - Must be neat, clean, combed, and the student’s natural hair color without color enhancement, extensions, or hair design that distract from the learning environment. Length will be above the top of the shirt collar, bangs will be above the eyebrows, and sideburns will be above the earlobes with no hair overhanging the upper ear.
Accessories - Boys are never allowed to wear earrings. Small chain (18” or shorter) with an appropriate religious medal (Smaller than 1½”). One ring, one watch, no bracelets.
CURRICULUM CORNER
By: Blair Tadlock
Last Friday, which was a half-day for our students, was a working full day for all of our faculty and staff as we worked on our Cognia accreditation. As an accredited school, ICCS strives to meet improvement goals while consistently working toward deeper commitments to learner outcomes. Our teachers diligently and thoughtfully worked in their Cognia teams to supply evidence for the specific standards of excellence that we have improved in as well as evidence of how we have consistently improved over time. Thanks to their exceptional hard work, we are ready to move to the next phase in the accreditation process. I have a great appreciation for this outstanding team of educators and support staff and their dedication to our school!
GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS
Dear Jesus,
Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect our country. We pray that you will bless them for their bravery and unselfish service to help preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country's heritage. Amen.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us and the special Veterans in our lives.
THE VIRTUE OF PATRIOTISM
On this Veteran's Day, we reflect on the virtue of Patriotism. This very important virtue can be put into action by:
- Praying for our active military and veterans and their loved ones, especially those in our own families and in our ICCS community
- Proudly and properly displaying an American flag at our home, business, or school
- Standing proudly for the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem
- Honoring veterans by attending local Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies
- Reaching out to family members and neighbors who have served or are currently serving with a card or expression of gratitude
Let us practice the virtue of patriotism by putting our appreciation for veterans into action daily.
THEOLOGY THURSDAY: SALUTING OUR VETERANS
PROGRESS REPORTS GO OUT TOMORROW
ICCS EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS EVENTS
The Diocese of Lake Charles will be hosting the first Eucharistic Congress in its 41-year history November 12-21 to bring about spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
In recognition of this special time, ICCS will host a Eucharistic Congress Mass and Eucharistic procession, on Wednesday, November 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m., on the ICCS playground. All PK-8th Grades students will attend the Mass and 2nd-5th Grade students will participate in the procession, which will take place on the ICCS campus.
PARENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MASS
ICCS parents are invited to attend the outdoor Mass but MUST RSVP no later than Monday, November 16, in order to reserve a seat. To RSVP, please click the link here and complete the form.
All 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade students will also participate in a special Eucharistic Congress adoration session on Tuesday, November 17, at the Cathedral.
For more information about the Diocese of Lake Charles Eucharistic Congress and supporting events, click here. http://www.lcdiocese.org/3-news/3262-eucharistic-congress-kicks-off-nov-12-with-candlelight-procession
PHOTO RETAKE DAY SET FOR TUESDAY
ICCS JOB OPENING
NEW AND GENTLY USED COAT DONATIONS STILL NEEDED
ICCS PANTHER S-P-I-R-I-T
Go Panthers! The ICCS Cheerleaders will be hosting a Pep Rally on Friday, November 19, at 2:20 p.m. on the ICCS playground. PK through 5th Grade students are invited to attend this special event. Because this will be an outdoor Pep Rally, parents are welcome to attend as well. In order to best prepare for this event, parents will need to RSVP if they are planning to participate.
Please use the link here to RSVP for our PK-5th Grade Pep Rally.
PLEASE CHECK LOST AND FOUND
Just a reminder, please make sure your child's name is labeled on all items, especially ICCS outerwear and uniforms. All unlabeled ICCS jackets, cardigans, sweatshirts, and uniform pieces will be donated to the used uniform sale at the end of the year.
"GRANDPANTHER" FORMS DUE SOON
All PK-8th Grade students will be making heartfelt cards for their grandparents or special friends in early December. The cards will be sent home with students the week of December 13-17 so they can share the special gifts with their "Grandpanthers" over the Christmas break.
Please complete the Grandparent Information form that was sent home with every student last week and return it to school NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30. If you have multiple students at ICCS, please complete one form for each child. For more information, please contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccsweb.com.
PLEASE DONATE TO ICCS ON GIVING TUESDAY
ICCS is preparing to participate in the annual #iGiveCatholic Giving Tuesday online donation program. Early giving will take place starting on Monday, November 15, and leading up to the BIG day, Giving Tuesday, November 30. Online donations of $20 or more will be accepted. This convenient and safe online giving platform can be accessed day or night from anywhere in the world starting on Monday.
All funds raised through the #iGiveCatholic platform will be used to expand Catholic-faith-based programs here at ICCS. Please consider giving to ICCS on Giving Tuesday!
SIBLING ENROLLMENT UPDATE
If you plan to enroll a PK-8th Grade sibling at ICCS next school year, please click on the link below and complete the information NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10. The information will help confirm your child's spot and will also help our enrollment team to plan and prepare for New Family Registration in early February.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuoOxZ65kR0-JWIWJ7qEoz-6_n1BcJeoH7Vf7vq3yjd5L_hw/viewform
For more information, please contact Kay Morgan at kmorgan@iccsweb.com.
VOTING CLOSES SUNDAY
ICCS ONLINE SPIRIT STORE AVAILABLE
PTO FUNDRAISER NEWS
IMPORTANT PTO GREENERY SALE UPDATE
HELP IS STILL NEEDED
All local delivery orders will arrive at ICCS around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27. We need strong men and women to help unload the semi-truck and help sort and accurately organize hundreds of orders. If you are available and interested in earning PTO points, please reach out to Doris Mhire and Jessica Steech at iccsgreenery@gmail.com.
LOCAL ORDER PICK UP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
ICCS parents will receive a printout next week of customers who ordered local delivery items under their student's name for PTO credit. All ICCS families are required to pick up the customer's orders and deliver them in a timely fashion to ensure the quality and freshness of the live greenery items. Local delivery pick up times are scheduled for:
Saturday, November 27, from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
Sunday, November 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the ICCS Gym
All local orders MUST BE PICKED UP FROM THE ICCS GYM NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, at 2:00 p.m.
PANTHER RUN SPONSORS NEEDED
SPONSORS ARE STILL NEEDED: If you know of a local business or individual who is interested in supporting the Panther Run, please access the attached sponsorship form for more details.
In order to guarantee business logos and personal names are printed on the official race t-shirts, all sponsors MUST be confirmed by January 14. Contact the 2022 ICCS PTO Panther Run Chairman, Kelly Henderson at kellybhenderson@gmail.com if you have any questions.
COMING SOON! THE 2021 PERKY PRIZE DRAWING
2021 AUCTION NEWS
2022 PTO DINNER AUCTION UPDATES
The annual ICCS PTO Dinner Auction is scheduled for Friday, March 25, 2022, in the ICCS Gym.
2022 Auction Chairpersons, Katie Devall and Kelly Serrano are happy to welcome assistant co-chairs, Leila Arredondo and Kami Cholley to the team!
Megan McAtee has graciously agreed to head up the Auction Sponsorship Committee. If you are interested in serving on this committee or sponsoring the 2022 Auction, please contact Megan directly at mplmcatee@gmail.com or by phone at (337) 274-4223.
CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL NEWS
8TH GRADE SLAM POETRY COMPETITION
Mrs. Aimee Romano's 8th Grade students participated in the annual ICCS Slam Poetry competition on Monday. The students performed their original work for the 6th Grade students. The students wrote poems to express their own personal experiences throughout Middle School and what they wished they had learned sooner, then shared them with younger classmates.
Congratulations to the 2021 ICCS Slam Poetry Competition winners:
1st Place: "Trust Yourself" by Madelyn Elliott, Caroline Hankins, and Rylee Keating
2nd Place: "What They Make of Me" by Halle Poncho, Ava Borel, Rowan LeJeune, and Camille Zeringue
3rd Place: "Homework: Just Do It" by Noah Katoch, Trip Tadlock, AJ Schlang, and Kyle Wilfer
LIGHT UP THE ROOM
Our 1st Grade students are studying how to make surfaces lighter and darker. This week, the students took turns using flashlights to make spaces around their classroom lighter and brighter this week.
2ND GRADE SCIENCE PROJECT UPDATE
PROGRESSIONS FIELD TRIP
ICCS ROSARY CLUB REMINDER
On Wednesday, November 17, all 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Rosary Club members are invited to meet in the Gym at 7:30 a.m. to pray the Rosary.
For more information, please reach out to Mrs. Rose Viau, Director of Religious Education and ICCS Rosary Club sponsor, at rviau@iccsweb.com.
KINDERGARTEN VISITS CM FARMS
ICCS BETA CLUB OFFICERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to the 2021-2022 ICCS Beta Club officers.
President: Caroline Hankins
Vice President: Madelyn Elliot
Secretary: Sophia Lanthier
Treasurer: Kaleb Katoch
Chaplain: Carter Brinkman
ICCS ALUMNI NEWS
BARON SIGNS WITH ULL RAGIN' CAJUNS
GUIDRY EARNS ALL-ACADEMIC HONOR
The LHSAA recently recognized 92 Louisiana football players as All-Academic Composite Boys Football Team Members. Congratulations to ICCS alumnus and current St. Louis Catholic High School Senior, Jalen Guidry for making the roster! To be considered for the honor, athletes must maintain an un-weighted, six-semester GPA of 4.0. Way to go, Jalen!
SAINTS SWIM TEAM MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR STATE
CATHEDRAL PARISH NEWS
CATHEDRAL MEN'S ACTS RETREAT REGISTRATION NOW UNDERWAY
Several ICCS dads are serving on the retreat team, including:
Retreat Director: Clint LaBove
Retreat Co-Directors: Jared Whitehead and Ryan McAtee
Team Members: Stephen Broussard, Chris Jones, Kyle Hodges, and John Ieyoub
Father Rommel Tolentino is serving as the retreat Spiritual Director.
The goal of the Cathedral Men's ACTS Retreat is to strengthen faith, renew spirituality, and build strong lasting friendships through Christ.
CATHEDRAL PARISH PICNIC THIS SUNDAY
QUICK LINKS
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Contact Information
Email: kmorgan@iccsweb.com
Website: www.iccschool.org
Location: 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA, USA
Phone: 337-433-3497
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iccschool