"Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Matthew 25:23 May 11, 2018 Dear Parents, Almost a decade ago a smiling gentleman came in for an interview. There weren’t any job openings here at Our Lady’s School, but it only took about two seconds to figure out that this guy was special. He and his wife Karen had just moved here from New York to be closer to their children who had moved to Texas. He already had put out dozens upon dozens of resumes; unfortunately, that was the time of the Texas teacher glut, so nobody was hiring. This guy Paul Cuttica did some substituting for a year and then went to Our Lady of Victory for a year. We stayed in touch, and Paul wanted to come back to ICCS. Come back he did, and NONE of us have ever been the same since!

“Resolve today to use your life as God intended—as a period of preparation, a training ground, for the coming Kingdom of God. Focus on the spiritual qualities of a life that can be successful in both this life and the glorious future God holds out for you!” ….Lessons from the Parables Who’s the guy who greets you every day with such things as National Make-Up-Your Bed Day or National Mother Goose Day! Who is that guy who inventories his ties every year and is now at 250-plus!!! Who is that guy who dresses up like an Indian chief at our Thanksgiving Feast and who is wearing one of his dozens of hats every time you turn around? Who IS that guy who walks through the school every day with a bucket of chocolate because he says that’s the best way to get along with all those women on the staff??? That guy is Paul Cuttica, and no one can deny that he’s one of a kind. After 46 years in the classroom changing lives, Paul is changing gears. He says that drive from Saginaw has just gotten a bit too long, and his grandkids are calling. Grandpa Cuttica is looking forward to popping into his grandchildren’s schools and doing some volunteer story time. He is also hoping to pop in here at Our Lady’s School as he can next year. To an outsider looking in, Paul Cuttica is one of those guys who never aspired to riches or fame, but he’ll tell you he’s the most blessed person on earth. He’s always lived his life with the goal of bringing joy to others, and he has accomplished that in such a great way. There are few people out there who wouldn’t immediately grin any time Paul’s name is mention.

“Life's about changing nothing ever stays the same, how can I help you to say goodbye.” …Patty Loveless Life does change. The journey continues; and so it will for Paul. He is that guy who has lived every single moment of every single day to the fullest. If you don’t mind, let’s not say good-bye just yet. Let’s just praise God that Paul Cuttica has come our way. And I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he doesn’t pop in next year just to slip a spider or a snake into Eileen Streib’s room just because she loves those creatures so! Thanks Paul! Hey guy! WE LOVE YOU! In Him, Elaine Schad, ICCS Principal

DEAN’S DISPATCH Paul Cuttica, Dean of Students May is perhaps the busiest time of the school year for students, teachers, and parents. We are finishing up units of study, testing, grading, reports, planning for summer, cleaning up classrooms etc. We are studying, perhaps a bit apprehensive about the next school year, planning summer activities etc. As all this is happening, we naturally reflect on the school year. Teachers reflect on the closing year in many ways. What worked well? What would I do differently next time? Did each child get my attention? Are the students ready for the next grade? What materials did I consume and need to replace? Did I see Jesus in the face of each student? Was I a good example to my students? Etc. Whether you have taught one year or thirty years, a good teacher always asks themselves these questions. Reflection assists us in growing professionally and spiritually. Parents question if they supported their children with their academics as much as they should? Did we limit electronics, or get lazy about monitoring their online time? Was I a good example to my children spiritually? Did I encourage them as I should have? Did I LISTEN to them and really hear what they were saying? Etc. It is natural for parents to question themselves. Reflection makes us better parents and grandparents. Children need to reflect as well, no matter what age. Did I always do my best, put forth the effort? Was I always honest and polite with peers as well as adults? Did I act as Jesus wanted me to in all my interactions? What were the highlights of the year? Do I feel ready for the next grade? Again, self-reflection helps children know themselves and to grow/mature. Perhaps we as adults need to encourage our children to reflect on the year. We need to take the time to guide them through this process. As I retire, I reflect on a lifetime, 46 years, of teaching. Have I always used the talents God blessed me with in my teaching? Did I always see the face of Jesus in every precious child? Did I always give it my all? Was I always as patient as I needed to be? These are but a few of the questions I ask myself and will be thinking about as I enter the next chapter of my life. I do know I have been a very fortunate man to have chosen a profession that enabled me to look forward to each day. My eight years here at ICCS have been an incredible journey of learning and growing professionally and spiritually. This school is a little bit of heaven in Denton, Texas. The staff, students, and parents truly form a family; a family of faith, caring, and growth. I cannot find words to express my gratitude to all for allowing me the privilege of being a part of Our Lady’s School. You will all be forever in my prayers. I hope to be involved somehow on the sidelines in order to keep a connection to this incredible family. God’s blessing to all! Paul Cuttica

Hola!! Gracias por todo Mr.Cuttica! Mr. Cuttica ha decidido que es momento de retirarse, y yo no quiero decirle ADIOS, prefiero despedirlo con un GRACIAS. Gracias por tanto, por el tiempo compartido, por el chocolate de la 1:00pm, por tus BUENOS DIAS acompañados de una sonrisa, por las bromas, por tu ayuda, por tu amistad, por tu comprensión, por tus palabras, por ser paciente, por las risas, por las canciones que alegran tanto a niños como adultos, por compartir tu felicidad, por los ratones, arañas y serpientes escondidos en mi escritorio, por los Biscottis, por todo eso y más, GRACIAS! ¡Que Dios te bendiga siempre mi querido Pablito! Cuando se acerca el fin del año escolar, todos pensamos en vacaciones, en despertarnos tarde, en no hacer tareas, planeamos descansar de la rutina diaria de la escuela y divertirnos. Pero no olvides que tus niños necesitan mantener sus mentes activas. Habla con cada uno de los maestros de tus pequeños y pregúntales que necesitan tus hijos reforzar durante el verano. Pregúntales en que les puedes ayudar para comenzar el próximo año escolar más que listos. Cuando sepas en que necesitan trabajar, programa actividades durante el día que te ayuden a repasar todo lo que te recomendaron los profesores. Estas son algunas de mis sugerencias:

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Visita la Biblioteca Pública, siempre hay actividades de verano que animan a los niños a leer. Lean un libro juntos, pueden tomar turnos para leer, comentar el libro contestando preguntas como: ¿te gusto? ¿cuál fue tu parte favorita? ¿tú que hubieras hecho diferente? Escriban cartas a familiares y amigos. Visiten un Museo.

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Escriban un diario en familia, si los más pequeños no saben escribir pídeles que te dicten o que lo

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dibujen. ¿Qué tal visitar diferentes países sin salir de tu ciudad? Pueden pedir algún libro en la Biblioteca de algún país que les llame la atención, cocinar comida de ese país o buscar un Restaurante con esa

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comida. Y por supuesto no olvides aprovechar las actividades académicas y deportivas que nuestra Escuela nos ofrece.

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Les deseo unas lindas vacaciones de verano y que Dios los bendiga hoy y siempre. Cecy Miranda (Former ICCS Director of Hispanic Services from her home in Georgia)

Mary’s Virtue for May:

SURPASSING PURITY!! Having a heart immaculately clean and unstained by sin.

ICCS Theme of the Year: "Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality, or joy," Pope Francis

--WE NEED REAMS OF PAPER!! If you wish to donate color or white reams of copier paper, please bring it to the school office. We are in need of paper for the rest of the month and for our summer needs. Your donations help keep costs down. Again, thank you for helping our children!! ICCS ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS YEAR-ROUND FOR STAFF POSITIONS: Have you ever considered joining our faculty at Immaculate Conception Catholic School? We are looking for faith-filled individuals who are highly-qualified elementary teachers able to integrate our Catholic faith throughout the daily instruction in all curricular elements as is our tradition of academic excellence. If you feel this is the position for you, please e-mail a resume to [email protected] or call the school office at 940-381-1155 and schedule an interview. Light The Way Through Catholic Education!!

***THINK ABOUT JOINING OUR SUBSTITUTE STAFF TEAM FOR 2019-2020! CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR DETAILS.***

JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY AT 8:15 A.M. FOR HOLY MASS!! IT’S A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY! IMPORTANT NOTES: MASS AND FOOD DRIVE WILL BE ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL WHICH IS FRIDAY, MAY 24. 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.

IMPORTANT DATES: May 13-15: Eighth Grade Exams May 16: Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony May 20-22: Sixth and Seventh Grade Exams May 23: Noon Dismissal…Field Day…NO EXTENDED DAY May 24: Last Day of School….Mass at 8:15 a.m…..Awards Assembly…Noon Dismissal…NO EXTENDED DAY

MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION: REPORT CARDS:--Students in grades K-5 will receive their report cards on Friday, May 24. --Upper School students in grades 6-8 may pick up their report cards beginning Thursday, May 30, during regular office hours. ALL TUITION, FEES, FINES, EXTENDED CHARGES, LUNCHABLE CHARGES, ETC., MUST BE PAID IN ORDER FOR THE FINAL REPORT CARD TO BE RELEASED. THIS INCLUDES ALL LIBRARY BOOKS, TEXTBOOKS, ETC., WHICH MUST BE RETURNED. PLEASE CHECK WITH MRS. WHITE IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE REGARDING ANY CHARGES. PLEASE CHECK WITH MRS. BEVILACQUA IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A LIBRARY BOOK. IF THERE ARE ANY EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES REGARDING ANY OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH MRS. SCHAD. *****************************************************************

Extended Day billing cut off is May 17th. Be prepared to pay with check or exact cash on May 20, 21 & 22. No Extended Day on May 23 & May 24

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS Week of May 27-May 31 The school office will be closed on Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day. The office will be open from 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday of this week. Summer Hours Begin the week of June 3 and will run through July 31: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summer Office Closings School Office will be closed the week of July 1-July 5 **Regular office hours will resume Thursday, August 1, from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily. Call the school office at 940-381-1155 for information or to leave a message. ******************************

KEEP COLLECTING BOXTOPS DURING THE SUMMER!! BRING IN CARTRIDGES DURING THE SUMMER!!! 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] to make sure you have an updated email.

Check us out on facebook! www.facebook.com **IF YOU HAVE STAPLES COUPONS, WE CAN USE THEM** **IF YOU WISH TO DONATE KEURIG CAFFEINE COFFEE, WE CAN USE THEM** **IF YOU WISH TO DONATE “AA” BATTERIES, WE CAN USE THEM** **RECYCLE NEWSPAPERS AND CARDBOARD IN OUR RECYCLE BIN IN THE PARKING LOT.

OUR LADY’S SCHOOL RECEIVES QUARTERLY CHECKS FROM KROGER THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE LINKED THEIR KROGER CARD TO ICCS!! IF YOU STILL NEED TO DO SO, PLEASE DO SO TODAY BY GOING TO:

www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com ICCS Code: 80371 LAST QUARTER EARNINGS: $470.79

Please watch for important emails over the summer regarding dates and information for the 2019-2020 academic year. Please update the school office if your email changes at [email protected] or call 940-381-1155. If you have not had Safe Environment Training or your training has expired, summer time is a great time to take Keeping Children Safe or renew your training! Please contact St. Mark, Immaculate Conception or your parish for available dates.

****ALL SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING***

KEEP PURCHASING THOSE GIFT CARDS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER AT FACE VALUE WHILE HELPING OUR ICCS !!! NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE OFFICE!!

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR 2019-2020 IS THURSDAY, TH

AUGUST 15 (NOON DISMISSAL) FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION!! HAVE A BLESSED AND SAFE SUMMER VACATION!!!