For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us ...

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Isaiah 9:6-7

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the

government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be

called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince

of Peace.”

November 30, 2018

Dear Parents,

I love country music…I love progressive Christian music…I love Celtic music…..Since we don’t purchase cable

out in the country where I live (AND I’m living to tell about it!! ), we actually watch very little television, BUT I’m pretty

excited that Garth Brooks will be on primetime this Sunday live from Notre Dame Stadium!

The reasons I love those three types of music specifically are that I can actually hear

the words of the song, and generally those genres of music are types that generally keep my

spirits lifted. Studies in music psychology seem to back up my personal actions. “As it turns

out, the emotions evoked by music don’t just feel good — they’re healthy for you, too.

A meta-analysis of 400 music studies found that listening to music has the ability to

reduce anxiety, fight depression and boost the immune system.”

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201601/music-s-power-

explained

When Advent rolls around, this season of preparation coincides with the types of

music that are meant to lift our spirits. People HOPE to put strife aside…they HOPE that things will be better.

“So here's my lifelong wish..My grown up Christmas list…Not for myself but for a world in need…

No more lives torn apart…That wars would never start…And time would heal all hearts…

And everyone would have a friend…And right would always win…And love would never end…

This is my grown up Christmas list…” Amy Grant

There are many studies that link our human nature to being either “me-

focused” or “other-focused” individuals. Preparing for the arrival of Baby Jesus

brings us to our knees for many reasons, but maybe the main reason is that babies,

in their extreme helplessness, force us to focus on those other than ourselves. God

certainly knew what He was doing when the Incarnation was defined through the

eyes of a baby. Studies indicate that this baby brings us to empathy, which is the

capacity to sense the distress of others and be moved by it, even so much as to act to

help or protect them. That may be a reason people FEEL the need to give during

the Christmas season. https://borgenproject.org/psychology-giving-towards-

poverty/

At the end of the day, we’re told many times that happiness isn’t wrapped up in the ostentatious gifts we give or

the amount of money that we spend. As the widow in scripture portrays so well, giving when we have nothing to give

leads to redemption itself:

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please…It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size..

Could you hurry, sir, daddy says there's not much time…You see she's been sick for quite a while..

And I know these shoes would make her smile…And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight.

The Christmas Shoes by Newsong

As we prepare for the greatest gift that the world has ever known, let’s get inspired by music and “Happiness

Boosts” that focus on others…let’s start by putting those phones down and truly being present to people.

https://www.happify.com/hd/5-easiest-ways-to-give-others-a-happiness-boost/...we’ll .. May we all find this time of

Advent a true time of reflection and preparation to become the new people that God wants us to be.

In Him, Elaine Schad, ICCS Principal

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IDEA As we prepare for the season of Advent, why not pick a special place in the house to set up the Nativity Scene?

This can be a family decision making the REAL meaning of Christmas the focus rather than the tree. Make a

special time just to set up the Nativity, making it special with hot cocoa and cookies to follow. Perhaps JUST do

that on an evening and save the rest of the decorating for another time, stressing the fact that it is special. YOU

create the traditions your children will remember and pass on to their children! God bless, (from Mr. Cuttica)

Gift What’s RIGHT Not What’s Popular Dean’s Dispatch - December 2018

I know I sometimes sound like a broken record, but when I feel strongly about

something I just won’t give up! As parents and grandparents we need to take a

firm stand and do what is right for our children and grandchildren. The media

pushes toys, games, and electronics that are NOT appropriate for developing

children. Over the many years I’ve been an educator, I have seen a noticeable

decline with children’s interpersonal relationships, communication, and problem

solving. The constant use of electronics has

created a generation without the skills

necessary to communicate in the workforce.

It saddens me to see families all on their devices at restaurants with no

interaction at all. It may be the ranting of an old man, but I am frightened for

the future of our children and grandchildren.

We can start by not gifting the popular electronic games for Christmas, but

by purchasing wholesome items that develop the mind, strategies, and

communication. There are so many wonderful board games that are available

such as Life, Scrabble, Battleship, Chess,

Clue, etc. Look for toys that encourage

creativity such as erector sets, models to

assemble, puzzles, building sets, etc. Try to

find toys for little ones that make them use

their imagination, cars and trucks that THEY

make the sounds for; not that do it for them.

Gifts that encourage imaginative play such as dress up outfits, farm sets, zoo

animals, and doctor kits are appropriate. Of course books that encourage good

reading habits are always a good choice. Think of looking at the classics at the

bookstore! How about a gift of tickets to a museum, live performance, the

orchestra or ballet? Why not a “coupon” for a fishing trip with grandpa, or making a meal with grandma? Be

creative and be original!

It’s a hectic and busy time of year with so much outside pressure from the media. Please remember to get what

is RIGHT and not what is just popular! We love our children and grandchildren and want them to develop into

adults that communicate, have integrity, values, and a deep faith in God. Keep that in mind while shopping this

Christmas season!

God bless you all and have a blessed Christmas!

Paul Cuttica, Dean of Students

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Hola!!

Cecy Miranda, former ICCS Director of Hispanic Services (From her new home in Georgia)

Queridos Padres de Familia,

El Adviento es el comienzo del Año Litúrgico, este año empieza el domingo 2 de diciembre y termina el 24 de diciembre, y que mejor que vivirlo todos juntos en familia. El termino Adviento significa venida, llegada; y está lleno de antiguas y bonitas tradiciones que nos recuerdan lo que ocurrió en tiempos pasados y, nosotros los padres de familia, podemos compartir con nuestros hijos y prepararnos todos para celebrar la Navidad. Algunos consejos de actividades que podemos hacer juntos en casa,

Primero, hay que explicarles a los niños el verdadero sentido del Adviento, y enseñarles a preparar

nuestro corazón para que el niñito Jesús habite en él. Se acerca la Navidad, Jesús esta por nacer,

preparemos su llegada.

Podemos colocar una Corona de Adviento, la cual simboliza la espera del Nacimiento de Jesús, que

dura las cuatro semanas del Adviento, acomódala en un lugar especial de tu casa. Sería increíble si

pudieran elaborarla juntos y así aprovechar para platicarles acerca de lo que significa.

Hagamos obras de misericordia. En este tiempo de preparación para la Navidad, enseñemos a los más

pequeños a rezar por los demás, ayudar en casa, compartir con quien más lo necesita, hacer un

sacrificio, y dar gracias a Dios por todas las bendiciones que hemos recibido.

También podemos crecer espiritualmente. Que tal añadir un tiempo de oración en familia al día, leer la

Biblia cada mañana, o en la noche antes de dormir. O tal vez rezar el Rosario juntos.

El Árbol de Navidad, disfruten de un tiempo unidos mientras lo decoran. Antes se adornaba con velas

que significan la Luz de Cristo y manzanas que representaban los pecados, ahora con luces, y esferas

que representan las oraciones que hacemos durante el Adviento. Según su color serán oraciones de

arrepentimiento (azules), de agradecimiento (plateadas), de alabanza (doradas) y de petición (rojas).

También se acostumbra poner una estrella en la punta del árbol que simboliza la fe que guía nuestras

vidas.

Poner el nacimiento todos juntos, en el que podamos imaginar y ver la representación de Belén, no

olvides a la Virgen María y a San José, los pastores, el pesebre, los Reyes Magos, algunos animales, y

sin olvidar dejar la cuna vacía para acostar al niñito Dios el 24 de diciembre en la noche que nos ayude

a reflexionar en el verdadero significado de la Navidad.

¡Les deseo una Feliz Navidad y que Dios los bendiga hoy y siempre! Cecy Miranda

(OVER)

ICCS Theme of the Year: "Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of

your energy, vitality, or joy," Pope Francis

__________________________________________________________

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER: Angelic Sweetness

Mary: Radiating joy and peace to everyone she encountered _____________________________________________

MISSION STATEMENT

Immaculate Conception Catholic School exists to provide a

Christ-centered academic environment designed to promote

the total development of the child by serving the mission of

the Roman Catholic Church through the educational

process. This is accomplished by joining in community as a

ministry of Immaculate Conception and St. Mark parishes

to educate in the formation of faith and family; to provide a

quality academic foundation; to unite in a nurturing and

loving Catholic community through worship, through

academic formation, through the promotion of peace and

justice, through adaptation to change and diversity, through

service, and through recognition of the value and dignity of

each individual.

VISION

The vision of Immaculate Conception Catholic School is to

teach as Jesus taught. ICCS strives for the development of

the whole child through participation in the sacramental life

of the Catholic Church. ICCS will provide superior

academic preparation through a challenging curriculum, while promoting the ongoing formation and

spiritual growth of the next generation of Catholic leaders to live the Gospel and to meet their full

potential in preparation for a life of service in society.

SEE THE INSERT IN THIS BROWN ENVELOPE REGARDING THE ICCS CHRISTMAS

PROGRAM! THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM IS ON THE EVENING OF WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH.

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THANK YOU!! We are very grateful to the many people who

have touched the lives of our students, staff, and families during this

school year. Thanks to everyone who contributed to our monthly food

drives for the poor, and for all of the volunteer activities that makes a

difference here at Our Lady’s School. We are extremely grateful to our

Home and School Association for their unfailing support. We thank them for organizing our

annual Thanksgiving Feast and for the many programs they sponsor throughout the year. We

are so very blessed to have such a wonderful support of Catholic faith formation and academic

excellence for the children who are our future. God bless you all!!

--COME JOIN US EACH THURSDAY AT 8:15 A.M. FOR OUR SCHOOL MASS!!!

****HELP US HELP OUR COMMUNITY FOOD BANKS**** As part of our schoolwide

service, every month is a time when the children are asked help those in need. THIS

MONTH’S COLLECTION IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS TO

OUR DAIY BREAD SOUP KITCHEN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12. Thanks for caring.***

NOTE MASS CHANGE ON WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 12

IN HONOR OF THE FEAST OF OUR

LADY OF GUADALUPE,

THE SCHOOL MASS WILL BE

AT 8:15 A.M.

ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

STUDENTS SHOULD WEAR

DRESS UNIFORM

If you are not getting the weekly

family e-mails but would like to do

so, please contact the school office

or e-mail [email protected].

Check us out on facebook!

www.facebook.com

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PURCHASE GIFT CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS

THROUGH THE ICCS GIFT CARD PROGRAM! LOOK FOR

THE GIFT CARD TABLE IN THE ATRIUM AT DISMISSAL

OR VISIT THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

SEE THE ORDER FORM IN THIS BROWN ENVELOPE.

The Last day for special order gift cards or large quantity orders is Monday, Dec. 10.

REMINDER ABOUT VOLUNTEER HOURS: ICCS families are

reminded that at least 17.5 hours of the mandatory service requirement is

due by NOON on December 20. If you are paying the $350 fee in lieu

of service hours, payment is due by NOON on December 20. Please turn in your

volunteer form before the Christmas holidays. Please contact the office if you need

a volunteer form or you can download it from our school website. Note: All

volunteers must be Safe Environment certified. Please contact the school office if

you have not taken the Safe Environment Class.

Need Safe Environment? Take it Online!! Please contact Terry Scaggs to Sign up at 940-565-1770,

ext. 219 or send an email to

[email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE: INCLUDED IN THIS MONTH’S BROWN ENVELOPE

ARE 2ND

SEMESTER LUNCH ORDER FORMS AND MONTHLY JANUARY

ORDER FORMS. DUE TO THE HOLIDAY, ORDER FORMS ARE DUE BY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7. LATE ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR TURNING YOUR ORDERS IN ON TIME!!

We are piloting a new program for our Tuesday lunch option!!! Chick-fil-A will now be providing our Tuesday chicken lunches. The cost will be $6.00 per meal and will include your choice of a Chick-fil-A Sandwich or 8 Chick-fil-A Nuggets (breaded nuggets only), a bag of plain potato chips, and a small bag of mini chocolate chip cookies. This will be offered on a monthly purchase only.

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***IF YOU PICK UP IN CAR LINE, PLEASE USE THE

NAMETAGS THAT WERE ISSUED AT THE

BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. IT

REALLY HELPS OUR CARLINE GO FASTER.

CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU NEED

A REPLACEMENT OR HAVE A QUESTION.***

**DON’T FORGET THE SPIRIT SHOP

FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS**

THE ICCS SPIRIT SHOP IS OPEN ON

SCHOOL DAYS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

FROM 7:45 TO 8:15 A.M.

**************INCLEMENT WEATHER*******************

In the event of inclement weather, an all-school e-mail will be sent as soon as

information is available. As per our handbook, ICCS generally follows the

Denton universities and Denton ISD. However, ICCS prefers a delayed opening

when it is safe. Please log on to the school website:

www.catholicschooldenton.org for the latest school closings as well as the

major television stations. If you are not receiving our weekly family e-mail,

please give an e-mail or updated e-mail to the office.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE TEXT ALERTS REGARDING CLOSURES VIA

NIXLE. REFER TO THE INSERT IN THIS BROWN ENVELOPE!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Private School

Interscholastic Association (PSIA) Spring Meet Date will be

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019, here at ICCS.

(There will be NO SCHOOL that day. Our students will be

competing in events. We will need MANY volunteers that

day to help with the meet, concession stand, hall

monitoring, etc. More information to come soon!)

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SAVE THE DATE—OUR ANNUAL AUCTION IS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019,

IN THE ICCS GYM!!

NEW THIS YEAR: PLEASE TURN IN YOUR $150 CASH

COMMITMENT OR SUBMIT THE INFORMATION

REGARDING YOUR BUSINESS DONATION ASAP! PURCHASE

DINNER RESERVATIONS AND SEATING ASAP.

SEE THE INSERTS IN THIS BROWN ENVELOPE!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: EMAILS: If you are still not receiving the school’s weekly email, be sure to call the office and give us an updated email.

Office 940-381-1155 x 0 -or- [email protected]

ABSENCES: Please call or email the school office by 9:00 a.m. if your child is going to be absent or arriving late to

school.940-381-1155 x 0 –or- [email protected]

CALENDAR: Be sure to check the online calendar for all of the latest events on our school website:

www.catholicschooldenton.org

SECURITY: Please assist us in keeping our campus safe by signing in and out at the school office. Do not allow people

into the building in any of the entry areas. Everyone should enter the school through the front door. If you observe

anything suspicious, please report to the school office immediately. Thanks so much!

VOLUNTEER BADGES: Per diocesan policy, visitors and volunteers to the school must sign in and wear their badge at

all times. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN OUT AND RETURN YOUR BADGE!! Thank you!

SUPERVISION: Remember, per our handbook, children must be supervised at all times while on our campus. A parent

MUST be present when the child is not under the direct supervision of the school. This includes sporting events, extra-

curricular activities, and when the children are on the playground. This is a safety issue. Please help us keep the children

safe!

CARTRIDGES: Please continue to send those printer cartridges!! Our school earned more than $300 in the first quarter

through this program which we will be spending on office, school, and technology supplies. This is really great! If you

work in an office that does not recycle, please ask them for their old cartridges. It really does make a difference! Contact

the school office if you have a question.

--BASKETBALL SEASON HAS STARTED!! Our Lady Knights and Knights have started basketball season

in full force!! Log on to our website: www.catholicschooldenton.org for the latest basketball news.

(OVER)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! (log on to our school website for the latest calendar updates!)

--Dec. 1: ICCS VARSITY INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT IN THE GYM

--Dec. 2: First Sunday of Advent

--Dec. 3: Basketball at home Red River and Sivells Bend

--Dec. 3-7: SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR!!!

--Dec. 4: T-Shirt Tuesday for those who paid

--Dec. 6: Basketball Texoma Christian at home

--Dec. 6: Feast of St. Nicholas

--Dec. 8: FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION…SCHOOL PATRONESS!!

--Dec. 10: Basketball Sacred Heart Away

--Dec. 13: Mass at 8:15 p.m. MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE FOR THE POOR!!

--Dec. 13: Basketball Denton Calvary at Home

--Dec. 14: Pre-K Christmas Program in the gym

--Dec. 14-19: Upper School Mid-Term Exams

--Dec. 19: Christmas Program in the Church…see insert in this brown envelope

--Dec. 20: Christmas Parties… Closing Assembly at 10:30 a.m…Advent Lighting

--Dec. 20: NOON DISMISSAL….NO EXTENDED CARE….CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS BEGIN

--Dec. 20-Jan. 2: Christmas Holidays…NO SCHOOL!!!

--Dec. 25: Birth of the Baby Jesus!!!

--Jan. 1: Feast of Mary, the Mother of God…Holy Day of Obligation

--Jan. 3: Classes resume at 8 a.m.

--Jan. 5: ICCS JV INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT IN THE GYM

--Jan. 7: Knights basketball away at Texoma Christian

--Jan. 9: ICCS Advisory Council meeting 7 p.m. in the library.

--Jan. 11: Report Cards go home.

--Jan. 11: Brown Envelope goes home.

--Jan. 14: Knights basketball at home versus St. Mary’s

--Jan. 15: Auction T-Shirt Tuesday Bonus Day for those who purchased.

--Jan. 17: Knights JV basketball away at Walnut Bend

--Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Holiday…NO SCHOOL

--Jan. 24,26: NTIL Basketball Tournament

--Jan. 28: Catholic Schools Week begins

--Jan. 28: In-house registration for the 2019-2020 school year begins

BLESSED CHRISTMAS

FROM THE STAFF

OF ICCS!

(OVER)

SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP

Immaculate Conception Catholic School

Fundraising and Development Opportunities

Help ICCS raise funds throughout the year.

Your friends and family can help, too! Every little bit helps!

- Box Tops for Education

- Campbell's Soup labels

- Gift Card Program – Face value gift cards are available for more than 40 retail, restaurant, grocery, entertainment and gas establishments with a percentage going back to our school. You may purchase at any time from the school office. Earn 1 volunteer hour for every $100 purchased. Purchases are cumulative.

- Recycle your papers, catalogs, newspapers (drop in recycle bin in the north end of the parking lot).

- Ink and toner cartridges, cell phones and digital cameras (drop off at school office).

- Coupons/rewards card deals from Office Max, Office Depot and Staples (drop off at school office).

- Spirit Shop sales: open Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

- Point Bank BuzzPoints – Have a Point Bank checking account and Buzz Points card? Give your Buzz Points as a donation to ICC School.

- Knights of Columbus spaghetti suppers and breakfasts that are designated for the school: look for dates and announcements during the school year.

- Home & School Association and Athletic Booster Club fundraisers: support HSA events through the year.

- Join the ICCS Dad’s Club, Moms of the Round Table Club, or Mamas Latinas Club.

- Donations to any of the school's endowment funds that go to help with tuition assistance for qualifying families. Donations accepted year-round for the “Angels Among Us” fund.

--Log on to Faith Direct on the Immaculate Conception Parish Website for giving opportunities.

- Advertising opportunities are available in the gymnasium. See the school office for information.

-AUCTION, AUCTION, AUCTION! Sign up to volunteer for the school auction in the spring. There are many ways to help including decorations, data entry, reservations, check-in and check-out, etc. The auction is our largest fundraiser. Auction proceeds assist with financial assistance, operations, Fund-A-Projects, etc. Don’t forget to donate your $150 auction fee or solicit $150 in business donations.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE!