"Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus

promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples…… I can only reiterate the importance

and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life.” Pope Francis, address… United States Congress

Dear Parents,

It’s an understatement to say it’s been amusing watching the media and pundits trying to figure out this “Francis

Effect” phenomenon that recently was introduced in a big way here in the U. S. and which continues across the globe.

There is continued bewilderment in trying to put Pope Francis in his “box”; is he Republican; is he Democrat; where is he

on the “right” or “left” label scale. Well, so far, they’ve been stymied…and why? BECAUSE HE’S CATHOLIC!

One might be surprised that the above paragraph is a segway into the topic of finances, but alas, Pope Francis

once again has spoken. The bottom line is that we, as a people and as a nation, are way off base. Pope Francis reminds us

that we need to go back to those fundamentals that made our nation great—commitment, hard work, sacrifice, dedication

to family, helping others, restoring hope. Sounds a little like “Take up your cross and follow Me,” as the good Lord told

us.

While the recent (which is already dimming in the minds of many) national

financial crisis gave a reality check to some families who have downsized and circled

the wagons so they could realize a little more financial stability, the statistics are still

pretty stark. According to U. S. News and World Report, the average American

household carries a debt of $203,163. And how does this impact the family? Conflicts

over money are the top predictor of divorce, according to a 2014 Kansas State

University study.

So, what does this have to do with God’s plan for our lives? God has a plan

for every aspect for our lives, and that includes our finances. On his flight back to the

Vatican, Pope Francis noted that it takes eight years to prepare a priest for his vocation,

but very little is in place for the preparation of a lifetime of marriage and family.

People tend to become uncomfortable when talking about many topics that are crucial

to the nurturing of family, whether it’s human sexuality, parenting, or finances. We

train for many years to become teachers, business people, medical professionals, but

where is our training for something so critical as family finances? Are we as a family

really being good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, including the long-term vision for our finances? Are we

living for status, security, enjoyment, service? Is our vision and purpose REALLY Heaven?

There are a couple of faith-based programs that allow families to begin to address these questions over the long

term. Probably the most well known and most expansive is Financial Peace University, the brain-child of Dave Ramsey.

He’s just sold 5 million copies of his book “The Total Money Makeover”. At any given moment, you’ll be able to find

classes right near you: http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classfinder/?ectid=gaw.fpu-class2#center=33.214841,-97.133068

A specifically Catholic program is Veritas Ministries http://veritasfinancialministries.com/

The programs are similar. Much of the material is offered free, is online on places like YouTube, or is available

at local churches or community centers. Setting priorities in our lives, purchasing only what we can afford, sacrificing to

achieve goals, needs versus wants….critical components of these programs.

Where does a Catholic education fall within all of this? Making the decision to send your child to Our Lady’s

School is an important financial decision. To be able to receive a superior education based in the Catholic faith is truly

priceless. We value the importance you put on your child’s education, and we want to help you figure out how to fit

Catholic Education into your financial budget. While Dave or Phil can give us some solid information on putting all of

the financial pieces together, it is our prayer that we continue to partner together so that Catholic education can be

affordable, accessible, and available for present and future generations. We owe it to God’s children.

In Him, Elaine Schad, ICCS Principal (OVER)

The Dean’s Dispatch

Paul Cuttica, Dean of Students

Our A Case for Gratitude

A study posted in the Wall Street Journal stated that children who understand gratitude have better grades

and are less likely to get depressed. Author Barbara Lewis states that, “…by learning gratitude, they (children)

become sensitive to the feelings of others, developing empathy and other life skills.” Ancient roman, Marcus

Tullius Cicero wrote, “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.”

I think we all agree that teaching children gratitude will enrich their lives and enable them to be closer to God

and our Catholic Christian beliefs. How do we teach our children the concept of gratitude? How do we instill a

“grateful heart” in our precious gifts from God?

One of the common threads among the articles I read

includes starting to instill a sense of gratitude early in a

child’s development, toddler stage. The other most

important thread is modeling gratitude for our children.

Children model their parents so be sure to use “please”

and “thank you” when you talk to them. (“Thanks for that

hug…it made me feel great!”) Thank your spouse, friends,

and relatives for all they do for you in front of your children. You must insist that your children use the words

as well. We should be thanking God for our food at meals, as well as the farmer who grew our food and the

person who prepared it. Gratitude should be in your daily conversations with your children. (“Aren’t we lucky

to have a good cat like Fluffy?” “I’m so happy when you listen.” “Thank you for doing that.” etc.) We should

involve our children in our family life by having them help with everyday chores. This develops an appreciation

for the efforts of all family members. Encourage generosity by involving them in choosing toys and clothing to

donate to the less fortunate. Insist that your children write thank you notes, even if it’s scribbles from a

toddler.

We have to realize that it’s okay to say no! Children ask for toys, games, candy, treats etc. on a regular basis. It

is hard to show appreciation and be grateful when every whim is granted. Saying no often makes saying yes

that much sweeter.

We all have so many blessings in our lives. We have the power to turn gloom into happiness by simply

changing our attitudes. When we regularly stop and assess what is good in our lives and show gratitude for

these blessings, our glass becomes half full instead of half empty!

God bless you and thank you for sharing your children with us at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. We

are blessed to work with these wonderful children and their families. Blessings, Paul Cuttica (OVER)

Hola!! Cecy Miranda,

ICCS Director of Hispanic Services

Estimados Padres de Familia,

Me parece increíble que ya hayan pasado dos meses desde que el año escolar comenzó. Recuerden participar y disfrutar de cada una de las actividades que se realizan en la Escuela.

El sábado 31 de octubre, se realizará la fiesta de Holyween en el gimnasio de la Escuela, de 12:00pm a 4:00pm. Es una oportunidad para que los niños y padres se diviertan y convivan. Habrá

juegos, concurso de disfraces y muchos premios. También es una buena ocasión para obtener horas de trabajo voluntario. En este sobre viene más información.

Les recuerdo que para cumplir con nuestras horas

de voluntariado, necesitamos estar certificados

con el Taller de Ambiente Seguro. Este domingo

18 de octubre, habrá una sesión en español de

10:00am a 1:00pm aquí en ICC. Comuníquese a la oficina de la Escuela o de la Iglesia para saber

los requisitos para inscribirse, hay que registrarse tres días antes.

El martes 13 de octubre se tomarán las fotos individuales para el anuario escolar. No olviden que los

alumnos deben venir vestidos con el uniforme de Misa.

Los días 21 y 22 de octubre se llevarán a cabo las conferencias con los maestros, es un excelente

momento para saber cómo va todo con nuestros hijos e informase en que podemos ayudar en casa.

Afuera de cada salón hay hojas para anotarse para el día y hora conveniente para ustedes. Es una

magnífica oportunidad para aclarar todas las dudas, les aconsejo que escriban todas las preguntas

que tengan y así no olvidar ningún detalle.

También los invitamos a acompañarnos este jueves 29 de octubre, a la Misa en la que celebraremos

el día de todos los Santos, los pequeños de Primer Grado se vestirán como Santos, y durante la

Misa habrá una procesión. No olviden que cada jueves todos los padres son bienvenidos a reunirse

con nosotros en Misa.

Por favor, no olviden que siempre hay alguien en la oficina para aclarar cualquier duda.

Que Dios los bendiga,

Cecy Miranda. (OVER)

THANK YOU!! To Father Tim and Deacon Barry for blessing the animals. Thank you to all

of our clergy for their ministry to our school families.

ICCS Families!!

You Are Invited To The:

KNIGHTS OF

COLUMBUS

NEXT SUNDAY,

OCT. 18 8:30 TO 11:30 A.M. IN THE ICCS GYM!!!

DONATIONS TO BENEFIT

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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

(OVER)

****HELP US HELP OUR COMMUNITY FOOD BANKS**** As part of our school-wide

service, THE LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH is a time when the children are asked to

bring nonperishable food and toiletry items so we can help the community food banks

and soup kitchens, which are always in need. If you can, please send an item with

your child on Thursday, October 29.

Thanks for caring.***

SAVE THE DATE—OUR ANNUAL AUCTION IS

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, IN THE ICCS GYM!!

BE SURE TO KEEP UP WITH ANY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

_______________________________________

THANK YOU!!!!

We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the North Texas Giving Day!! More than $22,000 was raised for technology

enhancement and for financial assistance. Because of this wonderful success with 100 PERCENT going to benefit Our Lady’s School, we will not have any pie or cookie sales this fall!! We are trying to be more limited with our fundraisers. Look for the Catholic Life Raffle next

where again 100 PERCENT of what is raised will benefit Our Lady’s School!

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES are scheduled for October 21

& 22. Conferences are mandatory for grades K-8 and optional

for Pre-K. Please sign up outside your teacher’s classroom.

Please note that Report Cards will be held for unpaid balances.

BOX TOPS!!!! Please send in all of the Box Tops you've been collecting so far or drop them off

in the school atrium. Our contest has been a GREAT SUCCESS!!!

Keep those Box Tops coming year-around!!

(OVER)

**************VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM IS COMING!!*******

DO YOU HAVE ANY VETERANS MEMORABILIA OR KNOW

ANY VETERANS?

A special Mass will be celebrated at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, at ICC. A

breakfast reception for our Veterans and guests will follow Mass along with a special

presentation by the Knights of Columbus, ICCS 5th grade, the Cherub Choir & Orchestra.

Please join us as we salute our Nation's Veterans.

THE NORTH TEXAS INDEPENDENT LEAGUE (NTIL)

ACADEMIC MEET IS COMING!!!

We are excited to begin another wonderful year of academic events at

Immaculate Conception Catholic School!! These events provide great

enrichment opportunities for our students plus the opportunity for our families

to meet students and families from other schools. Our first meet will be the NTIL Academic meet on Friday, December 4, at Sacred Heart Elementary and

High School in Muenster.

More information will be forthcoming.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Private School Interscholastic Association

(PSIA) Spring Meet Date will be

Saturday, April 2, 2015, here at ICCS.

THANKSGIVING FEAST TUESDAY, NOV. 24

Our school community will enjoy a Turkey lunch during the regular lunch run

10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. so we can have some great family fellowship as we

head into the Thanksgiving holiday! Order forms will be sent home the first

week of November. Please note that Chicken Strips will be served on Monday, November 23, so we may celebrate our Thanksgiving Feast on

Tuesday, Nov. 25.

*******HANDBOOK REMINDERS*********

**Inclement Weather: Log on to our school website or view local TV channels **Be sure all textbooks are covered.

**Shorts and culottes may not be worn from November 1 through March 1.

Uniform sweaters are required for Mass November 1 through March 1, and for

school pictures.

(OVER)

*****************REMINDER******************

Report Cards will be held for unpaid balances** No parking in the fire lanes at any time**

***REMINDER ABOUT EMAIL***

A LOT OF CORRESPONDENCE GOES OUT OVER EMAIL THAT IS NOT

SENT IN HARD COPY. BE SURE THE OFFICE HAS YOUR EMAIL AND

THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING EMAILS FROM THE SCHOOL!

**REMINDER**

THE VOLUNTEER LOG FOR ONE-HALF OF REQUIRED VOLUNTEER HOURS IS DUE TO THE OFFICE BY DECEMBER 18 @ NOON.

Earn volunteer hours buying Gift Cards. For every $100 worth of gift cards

you buy, you earn 1 volunteer hour which is credited towards your total of 25 volunteer hours.

Credit is accumulated; you need not buy $100 each time. Statements of credit earned will be

available in the school office at the end of each semester for review, and reported to the

volunteer hour coordinator.

Gift cards help you budget your dollars for items you already buy, likegroceries, gas,

clothing, meals out, etc. Use it for Christmas, office purchases, birthdays, travel needs, etc.

****WAL-MART GIFT CARDS IN STOCK******

GIFT CARD ORDERS ARE DUE AT 9 A.M. TUESDAY FOR FRIDAY DELIVERY!

*special order items could take longer

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

--Oct. 13: Glamourcraft Individual Photos—Dress Uniform

--Oct. 14: 7th Grade to Ft. Worth to participate in annual Nolan Catholic Vikathon

--Oct. 16: Living Rosary 10 a.m. in front of the school.

--Oct. 16: End of First Quarter (OVER)

--Oct. 18: Knights of Columbus Breakfast to Benefit ICCS 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. gym

--Oct. 20: Lady Knights Volleyball host St. Mary’s at the ICCS gym

--Oct. 21: Fire Truck Presentation on Campus

--Oct. 21: Noon Dismissal…Extended Care until 6 p.m….. Mandatory Parent-

Teacher Conferences

--Oct. 22: Pep Rally 11:15 a.m. in the gym

--Oct. 22: Boxtops Contest Ends at Noon

--Oct. 22: Noon Dismissal…….Extended Care until 6 p.m…..… Mandatory Parent-

Teacher Conferences

--Oct. 22: Opening Round of the NTIL Volleyball Tournament in the ICCS Gym

--Oct. 23: NO SCHOOL….STAFF INSERVICE

--Oct. 24: Go Lady Knights—NTIL Volleyball Tournament in ICCS Gym All Day

--Oct. 29: All Saints Day! First Graders Dress as Saints at 8:15 a.m.

Mass…Dress Uniform…..

**Monthly Food Drive for the Poor**

--Oct. 31: Holyween Carnival noon to 4 p.m. in the gym!!!

--Nov. 4: Home and School Association Executive Board Meeting 8 a.m. Library

--Nov. 6: St. Jude Trike-a-thon!!

--Nov. 6: Brown Envelope Goes Home!

--Nov. 11: Veterans Day Recognition begins with 8:15 a.m. Mass…Dress Uniform

--Nov. 11: ICCS Advisory Council meeting 7 p.m. in the Library

--THE ICCS SPIRIT SHOP IS OPEN ON SCHOOL DAYS MONDAY THROUGH

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

(OVER)

COMING SOON!!!

CATHOLIC LIFE INSURANCE

SWEEPSTAKES!

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE TICKETS WILL GO TO BENEFIT

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL!

ICCS WILL RECEIVE 100 PERCENT OF THE RAFFLE SALES!!

GREAT PRIZES!!!

Drawing will be held January 30, 2016 at CLI Headquarters in San Antonio!!

https://www.cliu.com/CommunityInvolvement/HelpingCatholicSchools/Pages/default.aspx

ICCS FAMILIES!! Immaculate Conception

Catholic School Just

Received a Check for $569 Thanks to those

who linked their card to ICCS!!

Immaculate Conception Catholic School is able to help families receive a

Catholic education by partnering with sponsors like the Kroger

Community Rewards Program. Enroll now! Cards may linked on the

following secure website: www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com.

The ICCS account number is 80371.

PURCHASES WILL NOT COUNT UNTIL SUPPORTERS LINK THEIR KROGER

PLUS CARD!!!

If you are unable to link your Kroger Plus Card on-line, have trouble linking your card, or would

like to get a Kroger Plus Card, please visit the customer service desk at your local Kroger store.

Thank you for supporting Immaculate Conception Catholic School!

(OVER)