ICS Newsletter 12.18.14

Upcoming Events

12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22/14 - 1/2/15 - Christmas Break
1/5 - Classes resume
1/7 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
1/9 - Geography Bee, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
1/14 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
1/16 - End of Quarter 2 / Semester 1

Prayers
We pray for Andres Krubek, Paula Ruiz and Valeria and Sebastian Ramos as they mourn the loss of their great-grandmother from Puerto Rico, Mrs. Alicia Jimenez de Jimeno. May God surround their family with His loving arms to offer His peace, comfort and love. 

We continue to pray for the healing of Mr. Saul Torres, Sr., the grandfather of Sebastian, Sarah and Sophia Torres. Mr. Torres, Sr. has been critically ill for the past two months. May God's healing hand be with Mr. Torres, Sr. and may God provide strength and peace to the Torres family. 

We pray for the success of this evening's Advent Program. May Jesus's Holy Name be glorified through our singing, our gathering and through our celebration!

Similarly, we pray for a successful Skating Party and Winter Wonderland tomorrow. May students be safe and joyfully engage with each other in celebration of our AMAZING school!

We pray for those who will benefit from our Metropolitan Ministries drive as well as all of those who will go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Holiday season.  

We pray for peace in our world, in our homes and in our hearts. 

We pray for our ICS community as we anticipate our school's feast day - Christmas! Emmanuel, God is with us! May we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus into our world, our hearts and again at the end of time through the mystery of the INCARNATION!

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to Ms. Maniscalco for her AMAZING efforts to prepare our students and school for tonight's Advent Program: Lessons and Carols. We look forward to celebrating the gift of our faith this evening through the gift of music! Great work, Ms. Maniscalco!

ICS Athletics

ICS Boys' Basketball is hard at work preparing for the start of their season when we return from Christmas break. We wish them the best of luck and keep them in our prayers as they begin their season in 2015. 

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

The “home” represents the most precious human treasures, that of encounter, that of relations among people, different in age, culture and history, but who live together and together help one another to grow. For this reason, the “home” is a crucial place in life, where life grows and can be fulfilled, because it is a place in which every person learns to receive love and to give love. 

-Pope Francis I

GO: Love.

ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is tonight, Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:30 for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee). PreK through 2nd should wear their "Christmas best!". Students should report to their Homerooms by 6:30. 

The program will take place in St. Michael Hall at 7:00 p.m. Seats are first come, first served. There is no cost for attendance. 

The ICS Advent Program will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based prayer service set to music is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

The entire event should take less than 60 minutes. After their performances, students will report back to their Homerooms. For security reasons, parents / families should go to their student's homeroom to pick them up after the conclusion of the Advent Program. Students will not be released to parents from the stage. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org or contact the Main Office.  

Friday 12/19
Tomorrow we will host our Winter Wonderland (Grades PreK - 2) and Skating Party (Grades 3 - 8). Permission slips for either event are necessary in order for students to participate. 

The Winter Wonderland event for Grades PreK - 2 will be held at ICS from 8:30 - 11:30. Drop-off will BEGIN at 8:00 a.m. and pick-up will begin at 11:30 a.m. from the Pavilion. 

The Skating Party for Grades 3 - 8 takes place at Skate World (7512 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615) from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Drop-off and pick-up occur at and from Skate World. Drop-off BEGINS at 8:45 and pick-up will last until 11:15 a.m. 

This counts as a day of of school for our students; attendance will be taken. However, the absence will not count toward any penalty (specifically 8th grade Perfect Attendance Awards). 

There is no Aftercare available on Friday December 19. 

If you have any questions about either event, please contact the Main Office!

Many thanks to all who helped in our drive to support Metropolitan Ministries!

Merry Christmas!
On behalf of Fr. Michael Suszynski and our ICS Faculty and Staff, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the joy of the Incarnation fill your hearts and homes this Christmas season.

On a personal note, I regret to inform you that I will not be in attendance this evening for our Advent Program: Lessons and Carols, as I have to attend to family matters in Cleveland, OH. I apologize for my absence and I will miss being a part of this school-wide event. Students have worked hard. Ms. Maniscalco and the teachers have organized an outstanding program. Again, I am sorry that I will not be able to attend. The entire ICS community will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight and always. I greatly appreciate your understanding.

Merry Christmas! See you in 2015!

Be blessed. Be bold. Fight for JOY!

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

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

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

ICS Newsletter 12.11.14

Upcoming Events

12/11 - Reconciliation Grades 3 - 8 
12/12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12/16 - Family Supper order forms due; forms for Winter Wonderland / Skating Party due
12/17 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22 - 1/2 - Christmas Break

Prayers
We continue to pray for Mrs. Hall and her family as they mourn the loss of her Aunt Rose. May God continue to surround Mrs. Hall and her family with His loving arms during this difficult time.

We pray the recovery of Raymond Campis, the father of ICS graduates Denise and Ashley, as Mr. Campis will be underwent open-heart surgery on December 8. 

We continue to lift up in prayer Mrs. Irene Martinez, the administrative assistant at Incarnation Catholic Church, as both her father and brother are suffering from illnesses at this time. We pray for quick recovery for both of these men and we pray for Mrs. Martinez and her entire family. 

We pray for the healing of Mr. Saul Torres, Sr., the grandfather of Sebastian, Sarah and Sophia Torres. Mr. Torres, Sr. has been critically ill for the past two months. May God's healing hand be with Mr. Torres, Sr. and may God provide strength and peace to the Torres family. 

We pray for those who go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Holiday season.  

We pray for peace in our world, in our homes and in our hearts. 

We pray for our ICS community as we anticipate our school's feast day - Christmas! Emmanuel, God is with us! May we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus into our world, our hearts and again at the end of time through the mystery of the INCARNATION!

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to Mrs. Yvette Rosario for all of her hard work and dedication for last weekend's Santa's Breakfast! Thank you to the many families and students who both attended and worked the event. Almost $2000 was raised for the school while at the same time spreading Christmas cheer! GO IRISH!

ICS Athletics

The Varsity Girls' Basketball team concluded their regular season with a winning record! The Lady Irish won the final three games of their regular season schedule to end the year with more wins than losses! Great work, Irish! 

ICS Boys' Basketball is hard at work preparing for the start of their season when we return from Christmas break. We wish them the best of luck and keep them in our prayers as they begin their season. 

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

"I don’t think we’ve fully embraced the radical, transformative power of families who are learning to live in the both-and, who are striving to love everybody first. Can you imagine a world in which an entire generation of children, when asked “Who mattered the most in your family?” could sincerely answer, “We all did.” Can you imagine a generation of kids growing into a generation of adults who, when asked, “And who matters the most in the world?” could answer, “We all do.'"

-Dr. Kelly Flanagan,  Ph.D.

Love your kids. Love your spouse. Love. 

GO: Love.


ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is on Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:30  for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee). Students should report to their Homerooms by 6:30. 

The program will take place in St. Michael Hall at 7:00 p.m. Seats are first come, first served. There is not cost for attendance. 

The ICS Advent Program will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based musical program is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

The entire event should take less than 60 minutes. After their performances, students will report back to their Homerooms. For security reasons, parents / families should go to their student's homeroom to pick them up after the conclusion of the Advent Program. Students will not be released to parents from the stage. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org. 

First Friday Morning Assembly Awards

Congratulations to the following students recognized last week at our First Friday Morning Assembly:

-St. Sebastian Student - Athlete of the Month: Gentry Burks, Maureen Tanner

-Cross-Fit Leadership Award: Ximena Sanchez

-Incarnation Inspiration Awards: Lizzie Newcom, Kaela Sanchez, Maddie Maroney, Sebastian Torres, Shawna Balco, Shane Oliva, Jose Hernandez - Benitez, Vinnie Amato, Valentino Gomez, Jeremy Rosa, Elias Matos, Alex Gomez, Matthew Graterol

Congrats, Irish! Keep up the good work!

Advent
As we prepare for Christ's coming this Christmas into the world (the Incarnation), into our hearts (prepare Him room) and anticipate His coming again at the end of time, please join ICS in the following Advent activities:

1. #WasteNotWantNot: The school community has been challenged to ensure that food is not being wasted during ICS lunch periods. As we live in such abundance, a "throw it away" culture easily arises - I don't like this, I don't want any more of that - instead of being thankful for the blessings lavishly bestowed upon us. Encourage your students to not waste any food this Advent and prayerfully consider engaging in this challenge yourself. Share your stories of not wasting with #WasteNotWantNot or via our ICS Family Challenge (above). 

2. Metropolitan Ministries Drive: ICS has started our annual Advent/Christmas service project. This year we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, canned food and new clothes for Metropolitan Ministries. Many of you have generously contributed to this worthwhile cause in the past. The people who will receive these much-needed gifts have SO LITTLE and they are very grateful! This year, there is an even bigger need than ever before. Please consider buying one extra gift next time you go shopping. You will be glad that you did! Thank you for your support and generosity. 

3. Pray: Advent is a great time to attend Mass with more fidelity (if you're not already a weekly attendee) or to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (especially if you haven't been in a while). Pray as a family - before meals, before bed, in the morning before leaving for school / work, or anytime. God will bless your efforts - have faith!

4. Stay tuned next week for a final Advent challenge that will be issued to students. Families, as always, are encouraged to participate as well! 


Next Friday 12/19
Please see the flyers in today's packet regarding next Friday's Winter Wonderland (Grades PreK - 2) and Skating Party (Grades 3 - 8). Permission slips for either event are necessary in order for students to participate. 

The Winter Wonderland event for Grades PreK - 2 will be held at ICS from 8:30 - 11:00. Drop-off will BEGIN at 8:15 a.m. and pick-up will last until 11:30 (starting at 11:00 a.m. from the Pavilion). 

The Skating Party for Grades 3 - 8 takes place at Skate World (7512 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615) from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Drop-off and pick-up occur at and from Skate World. Drop-off BEGINS at 8:45 and pick-up will last until 11:15 a.m. 

This counts as a day of of school for our students; attendance will be taken. However, the absence will not count toward any penalty (specifically 8th grade Perfect Attendance Awards). 

There is no Aftercare available on Friday December 19. 

If you have any questions about either event, please contact the Main Office!

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

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

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

ICS Newsletter 12.4.14

Upcoming Events

12/4 - Children's Grief Awareness Day
12/5 - First Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
12/6 - ICS Santa's Breakfast, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., $6.00 per ticket
12/8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics), School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/10 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/11 - Reconciliation Grades 3 - 8 
12/12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12/17 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22 - 1/2 - Christmas Break


Prayers
Congratulations to Mrs. Desiree Bennington and her husband as they welcomed their new son, Ryan Daniel, into the world last week! Praise God for the miracle of life! 

We pray for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Hall's (2nd grade teacher) Aunt Rose who passed away last week from stage 4 ovarian cancer. May God surround Mrs. Hall and her family with His loving arms during this difficult time.

We pray for Raymond Campis, the father of ICS graduates Denise and Ashley, as Mr. Campis will be undergoing open-heart surgery on December 8. We pray for strength and healing during the surgery and recovery. 

We lift up in prayer Mrs. Irene Martinez, the administrative assistant at Incarnation Catholic Church, as both her father and brother are suffering from illnesses at this time. We pray for quick recovery for both of these men and we pray for Mrs. Martinez and her entire family. 

We pray for all of our ICS students and children everywhere who have had to endure the loss of a loved one. May the Prince of Peace take away their grief and offer them comfort and love. 

We pray for the healing of Mr. Saul Torres, Sr., the grandfather of Sebastian, Sarah and Sophia Torres. Mr. Torres, Sr. has been critically ill for the past two months. May God's healing hand be with Mr. Torres, Sr. and may God provide strength and peace to the Torres family. 

We pray for those who go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Holiday season.  

We for an end to all forms of violence. 

We pray for peace. 

We pray for our students and their families.

We pray for our teachers. 

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to Mr. Woodward for coordinating our annual ICS-Chick-fil-A Spirit Night and Christmas Carols and for organizing the administration of Priory Points for students' participation. Thanks as well to all of the families, teachers and teachers who attended this event!


ICS Athletics

Congratulations to the ICS Girls' Basketball team, winners of their last two contests! Great job, Irish! Keep it up!

ICS Boys' Basketball is just getting started. We wish them the best of luck as they begin their season. 

Finally, we congratulate the middle school boys who participated in the Volleyball clinics sponsored prior to Thanksgiving Break. Many thanks to Coach Garofolo for his efforts in initiating this athletic opportunity for our students!

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

Thank you, parents and families and teachers, for all that you do to help our students aim high! Focus on the family and give our children roots and wings!

See below for another challenge that your family could accept to grow closer together and closer to God.

GO: Love.

ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is on Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:15 for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee).  

Unfortunately, due to some renovations to the Church, the Advent Program will most likely take place in St. Michael Hall. We apologize for this inconvenience. An announcement will be made as soon as an exact location is solidified. Regardless of location, though, the ICS Advent Program will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based musical program is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org. 


Aftercare
Due to Mrs. Bennington's maternity leave, please forward payments for aftercare to the Main Office. If you have any questions, please contact the ICS Office: 813.884.4502.

Also, as you make room for Christ during this Advent season, make room for the gifts of love made in the spirit of Christmas by considering making donations of used sporting goods (balls, equipment), board games and books to the ICS Aftercare Program. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact the Main Office. 


ICS Santa's Breakfast
Our annual ICS Santa's Breakfast is Saturday December 6 in St. Michael Hall. Please purchase your tickets in advance: $6.00 per person which includes breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon / sausage, juice)  and a visit to Santa! We look forward to seeing you there! Students in attendance will earn Priory Points towards this year's Irish Cup Championship! 

8:30 - 11:30 a.m. in St. Michael Hall!

Volunteers and donations are needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mrs. Rosario at: cmcivette@earthlink.net. Donations needed are as follows: eggs, milk, orange/apple juice, coffee, plain vanilla cupcakes with no frosting, individual butter, individual creamers, individual syrups, danish pastry, mini muffins, doughnuts, plates, cups, and plastic silverware. 

First Friday Morning Assembly

Please consider joining us for First Friday Morning Assembly on Friday at 8:30 a.m. in St. Michael Hall. We will pray a decade of the Rosary, disseminate Red Ticket, Incarnation Inspiration, Student-Athlete of the Month and Crossfit Leadership awards among a few other surprise activities! 

We hope to see you there!


Advent
As we prepare for Christ's coming this Christmas into the world (the Incarnation), into our hearts (prepare Him room) and anticipate His coming again at the end of time, please join ICS in the following Advent activities:

1. #WasteNotWantNot: The school community has been challenged to ensure that food is not being wasted during ICS lunch periods. As we live in such abundance, a "throw it away" culture easily arises - I don't like this, I don't want any more of that - instead of being thankful for the blessings lavishly bestowed upon us. Encourage your students to not waste any food this Advent and prayerfully consider engaging in this challenge yourself. Share your stories of not wasting with #WasteNotWantNot or via our ICS Family Challenge (above). 

2. Metropolitan Ministries Drive: ICS is starting our annual Advent/Christmas service project. This year we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, canned food and new clothes for Metropolitan Ministries. Many of you have generously contributed to this worthwhile cause in the past. The people who will receive these much-needed gifts have SO LITTLE and they are very grateful! This year, there is an even bigger need than ever before. Please consider buying one extra gift next time you go shopping. You will be glad that you did! Thank you for your support and generosity. Please see the flyer in today's Thursday packet for more details. 

3. Pray: Advent is a great time to attend Mass with more fidelity (if you're not already a weekly attendee) or to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (especially if you haven't been in a while). Pray as a family - before meals, before bed, in the morning before leaving for school / work, or anytime. God will bless your efforts - have faith!

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

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

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

ICS Newsletter 11.20.14

Upcoming Events

11/21 - Jump Rope for Heart Kick-off, a.m. activity schedule
11/24 - 11/28 - Thanksgiving Break
12/1 - ICS Chick-fil-A Spirit Night and Christmas Concert (see details below)
12/3 - Household Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/5 - First Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
12/6 - ICS Santa's Breakfast, see flyer in today's packet
12/8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics), School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/10 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/17 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22 - 1/2 - Christmas Break


Prayers
We pray for Mrs. Desiree Bennington as she awaits the birth of her second son. Good luck and God bless you, Mrs. Bennington! 

We pray for seminarians in formation to become priests. May God continue to lead and inspire them as they discern their vocation. We also pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

We pray for those who go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.  

We pray in thanksgiving for the many gifts and blessings bestowed on us, especially for the gift of Incarnation Catholic School. We pray in thanksgiving for all of the holy men and women who have worked at, ministered to, attended and supported ICS over the course of its 50 year history!

We pray for an end to abortion and euthanasia and pray for greater respect for all life from conception to its natural end. 

We pray for an end to violence and abuse, especially domestic abuse of women and children.  

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to all of our ICS families. We know that you have many educational choices for your child(ren) and that attending ICS involves a financial sacrifice. We greatly appreciate your support! We are blessed to have such AMAZING families! Thank you for sending us that which is most sacred in your lives - your child(ren). 

We think they are pretty big deals, too. 


Friday Morning Assembly: RECAP
Congratulations to the following students, honored last week at our Friday Morning Assembly:

St. Sebastian Student-Athlete of the Month Awards: Tyler Field and Isabella Edbrooke

Cross-Fit Leadership Award: Maddie Maroney

Red Ticket Winners: Bob Bears, Alejandro Osorio and Gentry Burks

Incarnation Inspiration: 
Ashton Tran
Jordan Rubio
Santiago Betancur
Tyler Field
Gentry Burks
Adam Reciniello
Carter Campbell
Carson Phillipp
Maureen Tanner
Gladys Alvarado
Rachel Allegra
Valentina Leal
Kara Artz
Ashlyn Straughn
Kaela Sanchez
Maddie Maroney
Lizzie Newcom
Sam Persach


ICS Athletics

Good luck to the Girls' Basketball teams, in action this afternoon at ICS at 4:00 p.m. (JV to follow) against St. Stephen. Go IRISH!

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

As you take time to gather with family and friends next week to offer thanks for our many blessings, consider accepting the ICS Family Challenge by extending this important family time to the weeks throughout Advent. Commit to one meal, once a week, as one family. God will bless this time abundantly. 

-St. John Paul II

GO: Eat. Pray. Play. Thank. 

Cold Weather Gear
Please consult the 10/9/14 ICS Newsletter for details about Cold Weather Gear for your ICS student(s). Only ICS issued outerwear is permissible inside of classrooms. Outside (during recess or passing in between classes) students may wear non-ICS sweatshirts and jackets. 

ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is on Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:15 for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee).  

The program will take place in the Church and the event will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based musical program is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org. 


Aftercare Payments
As was mentioned above, Mrs. Bennington, ICS After School Care Coordinator, is expecting her second son soon. As such, she will be taking maternity leave for the next few months. During this time, please forward payments for aftercare to the Main Office. If you have any questions, please contact the ICS Office: 813.884.4502.


ICS Chick-fil-A Spirit Night and Christmas Concert
As many of you probably know, the Chick-fil-A on W. Waters Ave. was under construction during the first few months of this school year. We have not yet had a Chick-fil-A Spirit Night due to this renovation.

Our first ICS Chick-fil-A Spirit Night of the 14-15 school year is slated for Monday December 1! This is our first day of school back from Thanksgiving Break, so be sure to mark your calendars and make plans now to be sure to attend. Furthermore, ICS students will be invited to participate in singing Christmas Carols as a part of the restaurant's festivities. Any ICS student is welcome and invited to participate in this caroling opportunity. 

Students that participate will earn Priory Points for their Priory toward this year's Irish Cup Championship! Also, ICS receives 20% of all purchases that evening (all you need to do is tell your server that you want your order to go toward ICS!). 

Spirit Night runs from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. The caroling will start at 6:30! We hope you will be able to attend!


ICS Santa's Breakfast
Our annual ICS Santa's Breakfast is Saturday December 6 in St. Michael Hall. Please see the flyer in today's packet for order forms and be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, bacon / sausage, juice and a visit to Santa! We look forward to seeing you there! Students in attendance will earn Priory Points towards this year's Irish Cup Championship! 

Volunteers and donations are needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mrs. Rosario at: cmcivette@earthlink.net. Donations needed are as follows: eggs, milk, orange/apple juice, coffee, plain vanilla cupcakes with no frosting, individual butter, individual creamers, individual syrups, danish pastry, mini muffins, doughnuts, plates, cups, and plastic silverware. 



Irish Cup Championship Update
The updated rankings on the Irish Cup Championship scoreboard were released last Friday.

1st Place: H Priory - 114 points
2nd Place: O and M Priories (tie) - 108 points
4th Place: E Priory - 102 points

With so many opportunities to earn Priory Points in the upcoming month (Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, Santa's Breakfast, more TBA), the race for the 2nd Irish Cup Championship is sure to heat up! GO IRISH!

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

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

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

ICS Newsletter 11.13.14

Upcoming Events

11/13 - Moms and Tots; Family Supper; Prospective Family Open House, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., ICS Media Center
11/14 - Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
11/19 - Household Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
11/21 - Jump Rope for Heart Kick-off, a.m. activity schedule
11/24 - 11/28 - Thanksgiving Break
12/3 - Household Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/5 - First Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
12/6 - Santa's Breakfast, see flyer in today's packet
12/8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics), School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/10 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/17 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22 - 1/2 - Christmas Break


Prayers
Please join us in praying for the Estrada and Schillo families as they mourn the loss of Mrs. Estrada and Mrs. Schillo's fathers-in-law, respectively. May God wrap these families in His loving arms and give them comfort, strength and peace during this difficult time. 

We continue to pray for Joanne Stephanie Rivera, sister of Abigail Santiago (Gr. 8).

We continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. 

We pray for the courage to use our voices for those suffering, oppressed and unable to speak. 

We pray for cures for incurable diseases. May God inspire the minds of physicians and scientists as they work to creating medicine to help those with illnesses like AIDS and cancer. 

We pray in thanksgiving for the many gifts and blessings bestowed on us. We also pray in thanksgiving for a successful Auction this past Saturday!

We pray for an end to abortion and euthanasia and pray for greater respect for all life from conception to its natural end.  

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you. The 2014 Auction was an immense success. From the over 200 people in attendance to the many people who participated in the 70's theme to the finances raised in support of ICS, the evening was by many accounts the best Auction ever! Many thanks to the Auction Committee, especially Auction co-chairs, Carla Oliva and Kim Field. 

Thank you as well to the following:

Event Sponsor: Oliva Tobacco Company

Invitations and Programs: MLI Printing, Inc; Saavedra Family

Program Sponsors: Oliva Tobacco, Mavilo, Bast Floors and Staircases, Karina Rueda Realtor, Blount & Curry; Christina M Martin, DDS; Miracle Alf, Inc; Natra Life; Charles W. Moore, DMD; Cacciatore Bros.; Prosecco; Bishop McLaughlin Catholic HS; Century Buick

Food: Westchase Pizza & Co., De La Guardia Family

Cake: Neyda Ramirez; Roche Ramirez Family

Sodas and Liquor: ICS Dads; Jennifer and Steve Anastasia; Whisky Willies; Zonin Wine; Stephanie Cruz

Auctioneer: Mr. Jeff Thomas; Thomas Family

Tablecloths and Chair Covers: Victoria Persach; Persach Family

In-kind Donations: Oliva, Moore, and Field Families

Class and basket projects: Karina Rueda, Jennifer Anastasia and Homeroom Moms

Lightning: Mario Mora, Chaviel - Mora family; Arturo Sanchez, Sanchez Family.

Donations: Oliva Family; Moore Family; Field Family; Hernandez Family; Sargeant Family.

Check-out Volunteers: Mr John Caballero, Mrs. Michele Moody, Mrs. Cristina Caspio, Mr. Tom Kurina, Mrs. Jackie Campbell

Committee Members:
Jen and Steve Anastasia
Dave Arnold
John Caballero
Stephanie Cruz
Nicole and Ivan De La Guardia
Kim and Peter Field
Rene and Irma Hernandez
Valerie Lewin
Jackie Little
Janine Martin-Romero
Dr. Charles and Mystie Moore
Chris and Lori Newcom
Carla and Michael Oliva
Maria Teresa Owens
Victoria Persach
Karina and Carlos Rueda
Andrea and Martin Saavedra
Carme and Steve Sargeant
Briane Thomas and Eddie Lawrence
Jeff Thomas

Thank you once again to all - the attendees, volunteers, donors and organizers - for an outstanding event! We are already looking forward to next year!


St. Francis of Assisi Pet Food Drive
Many thanks to Ms. Cummings and all those who donated to the St. Francis of Assisi Pet Food Drive. Special thanks to Mrs. Owens for her assistance in securing donations. ICS brought in close to 500 lbs. of food! Thank you!


Friday Morning Assembly
We will honor students in grades 5 - 8 who received honors (Highest Honors, Honors and Merit) tomorrow at our Friday Morning Assembly at 8:30 in St. Michael Hall.

We will also recognize our strong Hispanic Heritage with a parade of nations, award St. Sebastian Student-Athlete of the Month awards, celebrate Incarnation Inspiration award winners among other assembly activities! We hope to see you there. All are welcome. 


ICS Athletics

Congratulations to the Irish Track and Girls' Basketball teams for their efforts thus far in the winter season.

-Girls' Basketball: 
*11/17 at ICS vs. Corpus Christi, 4:00 p.m.
*11/18 at ICS vs. St. Joseph, 4:00 p.m.
*11/19 at Chris the King, 4:00 p.m.
*11/20 at ICS vs. St. Stephen, 4:00 p.m.

-Boys' Track / Cross Country: 
*11/13 at Christ the King, Field events meet, 4:00 p.m. Field events meet (Throws and Long Jump), 4:00 p.m.
*11/18 at Mary Help of Christians, Cross Country meet, 4:00 p.m.

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge
The Celebration of the Eucharist is a meal of thanksgiving. Let us imitate this model by participating in the Mass as a family but also breaking bread with our families, too. 

GO: Thank. 

ICS Open House for Prospective Families
This evening, ICS will host an Open House for Prospective Families from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Please help spread news of this event to friends, co-workers and any who may be interested in learning more about our AMAZING school. For more details, contact the Front Office: 813.884.4502.

ICS Early Childhood Education News

*VPK at ICS

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is at ICS! Please contact the Main Office or Miss Noto for details: notor@icstampa.org. We have already welcomed a new student to ICS because of this program! Please help spread the word! 

*Moms and Tots

Today (11/13) is our next Moms and Tots Group hosted by ICS. This event is open to moms and toddlers ages 2 - 3. The group begins at 9:00 a.m. There is no charge for this ministry! Contact Ms. Rachel Noto for more information or to sign-up: notor@icstampa.org and please help us spread the good news of this initiative.

*3 year old Program
As an extension of the work accomplished and mentioned above (VPK and Moms and Tots), ICS will  begin an Early Childhood Program for children 3 years of age for the 2015 - 16 school year! 


Cold Weather Gear
Please consult the 10/9/14 ICS Newsletter for details about Cold Weather Gear for your ICS student(s). Mornings have been cool - be prepared before the cold is unbearable. 

ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is on Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:15 for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee).  

More details will be coming soon. Stay tuned!

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org. 

GO: Sing!

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

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

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