ICS Newsletter: Thursday April 7, 2016

Upcoming Events


April
7 - Kindergarten Easter Hat Parade
8 - Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall; Irish Incarnation Spirit Day
13 - School Mass with ICS Households, 8:30 a.m.
14 - Carnival, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. 
15 - 1/2 day of school; Carnival 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. 
16 - Carnival 2:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
17 - Carnival 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

18 - No School, Carnival Clean-up

19 - Grades 5 and 8 to Enterprise Village and Finance Park, respectively

20 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m.

21 - Family Supper with ICS Households

25 - ICS - Chick-fil-A Spirit Night

27 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m.

May

1 - First Communion

4 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m.

6 - 1/2 day of school
11 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m.
12 - ICS - Culver's Spirit Lunch; Easter Concert, 7:00 p.m. (ICS Band concert to precede the school concert)
13 - 3rd Annual Irish Cup Championship
18 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m.
25 - ICS Class of 2016 School Graduation Mass, 8:30 a.m.; 8th Grade Family Luncheon with Fr. Michael (to follow Mass and Awards); Confirmation, 7:00 p.m.
28 - ICS Class of 2016 Graduation, 10:00 a.m.
30 - NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day

June
4 - Last day of school; 1/2 day; Mass, 8:30 a.m. followed by end of the year awards and classroom celebrations; no aftercare available

August
10 - First day of school for the 2016 - 17 school year

For a comprehensive look at all of the many activities we have planned for this school year, please visit our ICS Calendar Page.


Prayers

We pray in thanksgiving for all of those who were fully initiated into the Church during this Easter, especially our very own Ms. Maniscalco. May God bless these new Catholics and may they continue to experience His abundant graces through reception of the Sacraments in the Church! 

We pray for the continued recovery of Flavio da Silva, Mickaella Marcal's (Gr. 2) father.

We pray for next week's Incarnation Carnival. May the weather be pleasant, the fun be safe and may all that happens honor and glorify our Heavenly Father!

Have a prayer request? Send it to icsmzele@icstampa.org    

  

Hope Will Rise

Today's Hope Will Rise quote comes from Christian music artist and professed Catholic, Matt Maher, and his song, Abide With Me. Christ conquered sin and death! He shows us that hope can rise again up from the grave, no matter what that grave is!

Christ is RISEN; Hope has RISEN!

Let it continue to rise!

3rd Quarter Honors
Congratulations to the following students who earned honors for their efforts throughout the 3rd Quarter! Honor roll certificates will be awarded after Mass on Wednesday April 13. GO IRISH!

ICS Academics

Ever wonder how you can best help your child(ren) study? Check out this blog post for some great strategies: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/good-study-habits-minute-by-minute-heather-lambert?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

One of the biggest takeaways is to be intentional about setting aside time for skills practice, homework and studying on a daily basis! This can even be in small chunks of time (take your child's age and have them focus for that many minutes at a time). Instead of 60 solid minutes, middle schoolers could break up their efforts at home in four-15 minute segments, squeezing in academic time before dinner, before practice, while brushing teeth and before going to sleep.

ICS Faith

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Need more inspiration than Jesus conquering sin and death? 

Check out this list of miracles performed in the Acts of the Apostles because of the gifts of the Holy Spirit - the same Holy Spirit you've received through Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation!

• Acts 5:15: Peter is so filled with the Holy Spirit that even his shadow has the power to heal, a fact that makes Groundhog Day even less impressive.
• Acts 8:39: after teaching about Christ and baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, the Holy Spirit snatched Philip immediately in a scene almost reminiscent of Star Trek.
• Acts 9:36-42: Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Almost as impressive is that Tabitha was also known named ‘Dorcas.’ I think it’s clear why she went by Tabitha.
• Acts 20:9-12: a young man named Eutychus falls asleep and to his death out a third story window in the middle of Mass. St. Paul later brings him back to life. Moral of the story? Don’t fall asleep during a homily.
• Acts 28:3-6: a poisonous viper sprung out of a campfire and latched onto St. Paul’s arm, only to be thrust off with Paul suffering no harm. The witnesses then thought Paul was a god. It’s a shame YouTube wasn’t around back then.

For the complete article on the power of the Holy Spirit, follow this link: http://lifeteen.com/blog/biblical-superpowers-miracles-in-acts-of-the-apostles/?utm_content=buffer346e8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer 

ICS Digital Media

Did you know that a little over two weeks ago that Pope Francis launched an Instagram account? In less than 12 hours he had over 1 million followers, the fastest growing account in the company's history! 

From an NPR report about the Pope's account:

The Vatican announced the pope's Instagram debut in advance, noting that the pontiff has more than 25 million followers on Twitter (across accounts tweeting in several languages)and suggesting that photographs on Instagram will "help recount the Papacy through images." 

The Pope's English-language Twitter account also marked the occasion. The pope tweeted: "I am beginning a new journey, on Instagram, to walk with you along the path of mercy and the tenderness of God."

It is pretty inspiring that despite the "selfie" culture of today, so many people have allowed Pope Francis and the Gospel message to penetrate their respective feeds! 

Click here to follow the Pope: https://www.instagram.com/franciscus/ 

Are you in? 

3rd Quarter Report Cards

3rd Quarter Report Cards are being sent home today, Thursday April 7, 2016. Please be sure to check with your child. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher(s).

3rd Quarter Honor Roll

We will post 3rd Quarter Honor Roll recipients in a special instant alert. We apologize for the delay in this. Honor Roll certificates will be disseminated after Mass next Wednesday April 13. 

Incarnation Carnival - April 14 - 17

The 52nd Annual Incarnation Carnival is next week! 

Visit this link or stop by the office to purchase advance ride and/or food tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/52nd-annual-incarnation-church-school-carnival-tickets-22978702919?aff=es2 

This year we are introducing an unlimited 1-day wristband option in addition to the unlimited 4-day wristband. Unlimited 1-day bands are $25 in advance, $35 during the event. The unlimited 4-day band is available for $75 in advance. Visit the link above for more details! 

All school families need to volunteer their time to help support this event (5 hours minimum). Time slots are filling up fast but there is still a lot that needs covered. 

-Thursday April 14 - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

-Friday April 15 - 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

-Saturday April 16 - 2:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

-Sunday April 17 - 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

See below for some for some other upcoming opportunities to get involved. 

Please visit this link for answers to the most frequently asked questions about the 52nd Annual Incarnation Carnival: http://incarnationcatholicschool.blogspot.com/p/52nd-annual-incarnation-carnival-faqs.html 

Have a question that isn't listed there? Contact Mr. Zelenka: zelenkam@icstampa.org  

Carnival Set-Up Continues!
Help us with the final push to get our food and game booths ready for Thursday April 14! 

*Email Rob Rogers at robert.rogers@progressivewaste.com if you are interested in volunteering or would like more details about getting involved in Carnival set-up.     

Saturday, April 9th                          Sunday, April 10th

9:00 am - 1:00 pm                                                9:00 am – 1:00 pm

We need at least 10-15 volunteers on both days to finalize booth set-up, additional appliances and all remaining tasks under the pavilion.

Carnival Donation Requests

We could still use more working refrigerators and/or ovens for use at the Carnival. If you have a working refrigerator and/or oven that you are willing and able to donate to the Carnival we would greatly appreciate your donation!  Email Rob Rogers at robert.rogers@progressivewaste.com if you are able to help with this request!

Carnival Commitment Hours
As per our 2015 - 16 ICS Student - Family Handbook (pg. 10): 

Parents are required to volunteer a minimum of 8 Commitment Hours at the Spring Carnival, and/or Gala Dinner Dance. A minimum of 4 hours must be earned at the Spring Carnival by work or donations. 

So, all ICS families are expected to volunteer for at least 4 hours at the Spring Carnival either through work (set-up / take-down included) or donations. If you have any questions about this policy and why we need your minimum effort of 4 hours in order to have a successful event, please contact Mr. Zelenka: zelenkam@icstampa.org 

We will post the volunteer list thus far in a special alert! Stay tuned. If you would still like to sign-up for a shift, please contact your Homeroom Parent. 


Incarnation Carnival Sweepstakes Drawing

Our Incarnation Carnival Sweepstakes Drawing is nearing its final week! Remember that the grand prize this year is $4,000!

All school families have received 15 tickets, priced at $10 each. Remember that any family who was not able to attend Auction is expected to buy / sell all 15 tickets. If a family was only able to purchase one Auction ticket, 8 raffle tickets must be bought / sold. If a family attended Auction with two tickets, we would ask for your support in this effort, but it is not required. 

Of course, all families are encouraged to sell / buy even more than 15 tickets! If you need more tickets, please contact the Front Office!

Congratulations to our winners thus far!

3/17 (Bonus drawing): Arevalo family

3/18 ($250!): Nora Hura (sold by Klein family)

3/21: Falcone family (Nadia, Gr. 6)

3/22: Brian Heubel (sold by Ms. Cummings)

3/23: Dave Murrio (sold by the Rogers family)
3/24: Valerie Lewin (Gabriel Avilez, Gr. 3)
3/25: ($250!) Marquinez family (Jason, Jeremy, Julianna, Grades K, 2, and 6)
4/4: Lisa Kelly (sold by the Hemsley family)
4/5: Gloria Lopez (sold by Farfan family)
4/6: Gary Moss (sold by Leal, Grade 6, family)
4/7: Blatt Family

Still to be pulled:
4/8 - $250
4/11 - $100
4/12 - $100
4/13 - $100
4/14 - $100 (Opening night of Carnival, pull at 8:00 p.m.)
4/15 - $500 (Friday night of Carnival, pull at 8:00 p.m.)
4/16 - $1,000 (Saturday night of Carnival, pull at 8:00 p.m.)
4/17 - $4,000 (last night of Carnival, pull at 8:00 p.m. before the end of the event)

Carnival Talent Show
The Carnival Talent Show is scheduled for Sunday April 17 between 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Please be sure to mark your calendars to be sure to support our talented students!

Please email Mrs. Carrier: carrierr@icstampa.org or Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org if you have any questions. 

Carnival Pick-up

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during "Rainy Day Pick-up" as a result of Carnival construction. Even though the weather won't necessarily require it, we will continue "Rainy Day Pick-up" from now through the week after Carnival (April 22). 

Thank you for your patience and flexibility.


Carnival Drop-off
Starting next Monday April 11, we will need to modify our morning drop-off procedures. Drop-off next week (April 11 - 15) will take place in the Hillsborough parking lot. We will have safety patrols and teachers on hand to help ensure your child's safety. Please just exercise patience and Christian humility during this change! Thank you! We should be able to resume normal drop-off on Tuesday April 19.  


ICS Dads Club

Any ICS dad interested in joining our ICS Dads Club should contact Craig Balco: CBalco@BBandT.com    

2015 - 16 ICS Yearbook

Be sure to capture the AMAZING memories of this school year by ordering your 2015 - 2016 ICS Yearbook today. The cost is $35; make checks payable to Incarnation Catholic School.

Please contact the Front Office with any questions: (813) 884-4502. 

ICS Band
Please note the following dates and times for the remaining ICS Band practices and performances! If you have any questions about our ICS Band Program, please contact our Band teacher, Mr. Reed Stricsek: reedstricsek@mail.usf.edu  

4/8/16
4/15/16
*4/20/16 (Wednesday)
4/22/16
*4/27/16 (Wednesday)
4/29/16
5/6/16
*5/11/16 (Wednesday)
5/12/16 - (Thursday) Concert At 7:00 p.m.
5/20/16
5/27/16 School Time Concert, TBA

Faith Formation Updates

First Communion Dates

Workshop

-April 9 

-9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in St. Michael Hall

-both child and parent should attend 

*First Communion is Sunday, May 1, 2016

Confirmation Dates

Rehearsal

-Tues. May 24  at 6:00 p.m.

*Confirmation is Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., Candidates and Sponsors must be here by 6:30 p.m.

Adult Catechesis
Doors of Mercy Parish Initiative
April 11, 18, 25 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in St. Michael Hall
May 2, 9, 16, 23 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in St. Michael Hall

For more information contact Carmen Cayon (813) 885-7861 or ccayon@icctampa.org    


Re-registration to ICS
We hope you will join us at Incarnation Catholic School as partners in Catholic education next year. Please re-register today!

Need inspiration to come back? Check out this blog post: http://icscatholicedu.blogspot.com/2016/04/commit-fully-be-creative-orient-details.html

At ICS we are committed to academic and spiritual excellence and focused on continuous improvement. Next year is slated to be one of our best yet; we hope you will join us.

Happy Easter! 

IN KEEPING WITH OUR TRADITION, WE AT INCARNATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL:

Inspire disciples of Christ,

Challenge each individual to be a life-long learner, and

Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.