familygram DECEMBER 2020 Immaculate Conception Grade School Elmhurst, Illinois www.icgradeschoolelmhurst.org 630.530.3490

Dear Parents,

As we celebrate the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the joy of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. As I contemplate my Advent journey this year, I once again reflect on the story of the Nativity. This story has such a special place in my heart. I believe it is the perfect example of how life can be challenging, uncertain, difficult, and even lonely, but also filled with love, devotion, and figures who become our heroes.

I have always found it interesting that God didn’t make Joseph and Mary’s path easy when He could have done so. At this time in my life I understand more about how we as people are formed by the difficulties we face in life. Often those are the times that help to define and develop the beliefs and values we hold so dear. The challenges we face often spur us to grow as people, to take risks, and even to accept more responsibility for others. Mary and Joseph faced great adversity and fear in the journey to and from Bethlehem but they trusted in God’s faithfulness and they trusted in each other.

Today, as we continue to navigate during this time of COVID-19, we face constant changes to how we live and work. At times we may feel angry, exhausted, and alone. Something said by our Joliet Diocesan Catholic Schools Superintendent, Dr. Michael Boyle, really struck me a few months ago at our first principal’s meeting. He said, “We are going to all have to get comfortable with change. This year we will have to look at things and make decisions on a day by day basis.” That concept is difficult to hear when we spend the entire year planning. We have now seen firsthand how plans must be set aside or modified when we are facing the challenge of a pandemic and people’s health is at risk. Nevertheless, if we take the time to look at and listen to the world around us, we will find God’s faithfulness and goodness prevailing. We only need to look at the loving faces of our family and friends. Let us remain devoted to each other and reach out to each other with comfort. Most importantly, let us reach out to our loving Father in prayer and ask him to guide us through this struggle. If we do this, like Mary and Joseph, we will be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and will not only persevere but flourish this Advent season. Above all, Advent is a season of hope. We know that the God gave His greatest gift, His precious Son, to us at Christmas so that He could grant us the gift of eternal life.

I thank you for your continued support and encouragement and ask God to bless your families during this holy season. As the Feast of the Immaculate Conception approaches on December 8th, I ask for Mary, the Immaculate Conception, to guide and protect our ICGS family. Please join us via livestream (“IC Elmhurst” on YouTube) at 8:15 am next Tuesday (12/8) for our feast day Mass in the Church. Also, please mark your calendars for Wednesday evening, December 16th. We hope that all of our ICGS families will set aside time that night to gather in their respective homes for a special virtual presentation of the Nativity. Our 8th graders have been working on this and more information will be forthcoming.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Cathy Linley, Principal A Friendly Hello from the ICGS Office:

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we thank our families who have cooperated with our request to quarantine if you had traveled or gathered in a larger group, over the holiday.

We are hopeful and pray daily that with a new promise of a vaccination, we may be able to return to a sense of normalcy within a few months.

We will truly miss our Christmas Pageant this year; however the children will be working on a special virtual presentation, to bring joy and smiles to us all.

Once again, I ask that you please remember to contact the school regarding your child’s absence. Once myself or Nurse Miller has spoken to you and Mrs. Miller has a solid plan in place which will include a return date, you will no longer need to call us daily. We will notify those that need to be aware of your student’s absence. I cannot stress to you how cooperative and helpful all of our ICGS parents have been regarding illness and possible exposures. This has definitely been appreciated and with your efforts has allowed us to continue our in-person learning.

Please remember if you are dropping ANYTHING off in the bin inside the front door, make sure the item(s) has a name and Room Number on it. The bin is checked in a timely manner; however without a name this will delay the student receiving the item. I personally thank you for all your cooperation and kindness during these trying times for us all.

Dates to Remember: Our December calendar includes our morning ICGS Mass on Tuesday December 8, 2020, as this is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. There will be no Mass next Friday December 11, 2020.

Thursday December 10, 2020, we will have our shining Star/December Birthday Dress down Day.

Watch for exciting Holiday Dress Down Day information from our Amazing Student Council…

Early Dismissal on Friday December 18, 2020. We will dismiss at 11:30 for Christmas Break, and are scheduled to resume in –person learning on Tuesday January 5. 2021.

What a year this has been, but we have had a successful school year thus far, due to the support of our Administration, Staff, Parents, and most importantly our true Heroes….Our Amazing Students!

I wish the very Happiest of Holidays to you all, and though they will be different this year…..I hope everyone purchases matching family pajamas, and you spend much of your holiday break lounging in them, enjoying your family, and wishing for a healthy and Prosperous 2021!

We are Stronger, Together…. We are IC!!!

I personally thank you for all your cooperation and kindness during these trying times for us all. Hugs to you all… Mrs. Sheila Wachholder

We Wish you all a Blessed Christmas Season, and Happiness in the New Year! The ICGS Office Staff….. Mrs. Linley, Mrs. Meyer & Mrs .Wachholder IC Grade school Classroom News

PRE-K 3 MRS. MAGGIE SCHAP ASSISTANTS: MRS. JENNIFER LEAHY & MS. HAYLEY EBELING

Pre-Kindergarten 3 The preschoolers had a lot of fun learning about farm animals and celebrating Thanksgiving. Some of our favorite activities were using sponges to paint muddy pigs, decorating sheep with cotton balls, and making cow puppets using paper bags. We also had fun exploring the Fall themed sensory bins. We celebrated All Saints Day by having a class discussion on how the saints were followers of Jesus and how we could be great helpers and followers of Jesus at home and in the classroom. We then made a "Saints in Training" display.

When ICGS switched to remote learning, the preschoolers quickly adapted into learning at home. During this time, we have been talking a lot about how to be a good friend at school, how they can help at home, and what they are thankful for. They made a “Thankful for Jesus” cross, decorated pumpkins, and practiced their cutting and gluing skills. They had a lot of fun sharing many photos and videos with each other while remote learning! This month, we are going to learn about forest animals while celebrating Advent and Christmas.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Tuesday, December 8th Please join us via livestream on the “IC Elmhurst” YouTube channel at 8:15 am. IC Grade school Classroom News

PRE-K 4 MRS. BEVERLY CRONIN & MRS. MARY CLARE LIDGUS ASSISTANTS: MRS. KATHY HALICK & MRS. KATHY WARTNER

The preschoolers started the month by praying the St. Gertrude prayer and based on the promise made to St. Gertrude we helped 17,000 souls to get to heaven!

We enjoyed some beautiful November days where we were able to have class and snack outside. We learned a lot of facts about turkeys and even made a few to decorate our room.

We learned all about the first Thanksgiving and why we still celebrate today. We talked about all of our blessings and what it means to be grateful. We made our own gratitude pumpkin with all the things we are thankful for written around the outside.

In trying to be good disciples we collected non perishable food items during the month. It made our hearts happy to be able to walk it over to the IC Food Pantry knowing we were helping others in need.

In the middle of the month we transitioned over to remote learning but we kept right on going. IC Grade school Classroom News

KINDERGARTEN…. FIRST GRADE… MRS.CLAIRE BENZ AND MRS. JENNIFER CAPER MRS. SHANNON FOLEY-GAJDA , MS. MARY KATE LYONS, AIDE: MRS. LORA HECHT MS. LAUREN WARTNER MRS. MELISSA DRONEN AND MRS. COLLEEN MAIETTA, ASSISTANTS What We Are Learning in Kindergarten: It is hard to believe that we are almost half way through the year! December is such an exciting time Super Kids: We introduced Tic, Tac, Toc this week st and will discuss the of the year for the 1 Graders. We are learning all /t/ sound. So far we have met Cass, Oswald, Alf, about Advent and preparing ourselves for Christmas. Golly, Doc, and Lily through our Superkids Our classes participated in a service project this curriculum. month. We made ornaments to decorate a Christmas tree in Wilder Park. Math: We are moving along in Chapter 3 with numbers 1-10 and ordinal numbers. We are continuing through the Superkids reading Religion: This week we focus in on Advent. program. We have started learning about long vowel Emmanuel means, “God with us.” sounds. Student should be able to hear the difference between a short and long vowel sounds. We are learning new spelling patterns for long vowel sounds Science: This month we focused on the as well. Keep practicing these patterns as we learn hibernation and migration of animals during the them! Students should be applying the spelling rules winter. that we learn to their writing.

Social Studies: Our friend, "Globe Trot Scott" is Creative writing is a big part of first grade! It is showing us how different countries celebrate important for us to challenge ourselves in our Christmas. We have been to France, Italy, Mexico writing to foster a growth in confidence. We should and Germany. try to use interesting words and details as well as a combination of simple and more complex sentences. Additionally we are adopting a family this Handwriting and sentence structure is continuously Christmas. We will be gathering items so they can emphasized in the classroom. Students should be celebrate this Christmas knowing that God loves and beginning to get their own ideas down independently provides for them through the love and compassion and spelling memory words correctly every time! of their surrounding community. In Math, we started our chapter on Geometry! It is nice to take a little break and work on something a little different. This chapter involves many fun manipulatives and lots of new vocabulary! We will be working on open and closed figures, plane shapes, counting sides and corner, solid figures, attributes slides, flips, turns, and symmetry! It will be a month filled with manipulatives and hand-on activities.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable and restful Christmas and New Year!! IC Grade school Classroom News

SECOND GRADE… MS. LIANA PAVESE, MS. ERIN KENNEDY, MRS. ROSE RIO We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are busy getting back into our routines now that we have returned to in person learning.

We are almost finished with our third unit in Superkids. We will continue to learn about synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, compound words, and adverbs. Please review the spelling words each night.

Miss Kennedy’s Math class is almost done learning about multiplication. We will begin learning how to divide. Please continue to practice multiplication 1st graders in Ms. Wartner’s Class facts every night.

Ms. Pavese’s math class has started working on place value to 1,000. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts nightly. We are wrapping up Social Studies Unit 2 and will switch back to Science after break.

Mrs. Rio’s math class finished the chapter about geometry. We will begin learning about money in the next chapter.

We hope everyone has a great Christmas! Enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing everyone in January.

Have a great month!

Ms. Lyons’ 1st Graders

Mrs. Foley-Gajda’s 1st Graders Who doesn’t love a Dress Down Day!?! 1st Grade Decorates their “Happy Birthday, Jesus” Christmas Tree in Wilder Park

IC Grade school Classroom News

THIRD GRADE… MS. KATY VOKAC , MRS. JANET CAVANAUGH, MRS. KATIE POLKOW

As the holiday season approaches and we are busy with our parties and Christmas shopping, we will be taking time to take a reflective look at what Advent is in Religion class. We will remember that this is a time of waiting and praying, as we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus on Christmas.

We are working on the multiplication and division chapters in Math. The children have an assignment to work on the ALEKS program at home for 30 minutes a week, they should continue this over the Christmas vacation. The children should also Mrs. Maietta spends lunchtime with continue to practice their math facts. Flashcards are a fun way to get those facts in over the long Mrs. Rio’s 2nd graders and the students Christmas break! try to name all 50 states! They did it by the time the bell rang!! We hope the holiday season is a blessed and joyful one for your family! Merry Christmas!

Mrs. Cavanaugh’s class has some fun with noodles! Christmas Break

12/18 Early Dismissal at 11:30am

1/5 Return to School

Drawing an Advent wreath in Mrs. Polkow’s Religion class... IC Grade school Classroom News

FOURTH GRADE… FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE… MRS.ERIN PETRY , MRS.ELIZABETH WITT, MS. GINA SCARDINA 5TH: MRS. THERESE PEDOTE AND MRS. DEBORAH LOPEZ, MRS. REBECCA MCDONALD

Wow! What a busy month we’ve had! We’re glad to 6TH: MRS. LAURA BEDORE, MRS. LAUREN HEATH, MRS. JANE MEDOW be back after a nice Thanksgiving break and have a lot planned for our fourth graders! Mrs. Pedote 6th reading: During November the sixth graders read This month, we will be focusing on research skills Counting by 7's. This is a heartwarming novel filled and informational writing. Students will be with tons of figurative language and family themes. researching Christmas customs in various countries Our next novel is dystopian literature and is entitled and will report their findings in a short essay. While The Giver. In this classic novel, we will pursue the we’re bummed we didn’t make it to the Museum of study of theme and symbolism. Please continue to Science and Industry this year, we’ll be using their express the importance of reading daily and interactive site to help with our Christmas Around ALWAYS having a personal reading book. the World research project. 6th ELA: During November, we have been conducting research on the Titanic. Students have Please continue to encourage your children to check chosen a passenger to become and in a journal their Google Classroom and e-mail for daily updates format, they will share their experience aboard the ill on 4th grade happenings. Also, don’t forget to -fated ship. The presentation of the final journal will practice those Math facts every night! be to read aloud one entry to the class practicing our speaking and literacy skills. Students can earn extra credit by dressing up in period clothing. Thank you so much for your continued support at home! Mrs. Lopez 5th Grade Reading and ELA We extend our wishes for a joyful Christmas and a happy and HEALTHY New Year to all of our Room 13 Reading – students and their families! In Reading, we have been reading All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook. We have been discussing how the choices characters make in stories do not We are excited about what the New Year has in store always define them as people. Some good people in for the 4th grade! the book made some bad decisions, but they are still “good” people.

Room 15 and 17 Reading In Hatchet, we are following the adventures of Brian as he finds himself in a dangerous predicament. We examine how he handles his situation, how he changes as a result, and what we think we may have done in his place.

ELA In ELA, we are finishing our expository writing pieces on an inventor or creator of their choice. We have spent lots of time researching what influenced our inventor, what challenges they faced and how they changed our world. Our finished pieces will give an accurate look into the lives of prominent people across time. IC Grade school Classroom News Mrs. McDonald Mrs. Bedore th 5th Grade Science 6 Grade Science: We continue to learn about the processes that create igneous, sedimentary and Currently we are learning all about the human immune metamorphic rocks. Students will also learn how to system. (a very timely unit to be sure). We are learning learn the story of earth by examining fossils. We about the function of T-cells, B-cells and antibodies, how will discuss the beauty and wonder of the Lord’s a virus functions, and how vaccines work. We are also landform creations. learning about how allergies are created. The kids are very engaged and are able to relate everything we are th learning to the current pandemic and their own life 6 grade Social Studies: We are continuing our experiences which is very cool. It is challenging content, studies of the ancient civilizations of Africa but your children are diving into it with gusto. Students including Mesopotamia, Babylon and Persia. We are also reading case studies and current events. After will compare the role of faith and beliefs of the this unit we will transition into our new textbook which ancient world to our beliefs and practices as is all about mixtures and solutions. disciples of Christ.

5th Grade Social Studies

In 5th grade we are wrapping up our module about Citizenship and government which has tied beautifully into the recent election. We have been discussing the benefits of a representative government and the duties and responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States. We have been discussing diplomacy and foreign policy and how this is carried out by the Secretary of State and the Ambassadors as directed by the President. We are discussing the role of the UN and the Geneva conventions, as well as Limited and Unlimited governments and how the Constitution restrains government power.

In both classes, the students are enjoying discussing current events and relating their knowledge to the content and building upon it. Between the two classes, I am sure you have had some interesting dinner conversations!

“Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel.” IC Grade school Classroom News

Mrs. Heath Mrs. Medow 5th graders in Rm 13 just finished their unit on whole number multiplication and decimal 5th Grade Religion multiplication. Students are now moving onto As always we start class with prayer. Up to division. They will learn patterns for division and Thanksgiving we said a Thanksgiving Prayer. Then dividing multiple digits in the quotient or divisor. the students wrote their own and found pictures to illustrate them. They did a fantastic job! 5th graders in Rm 15 are in the middle of their We continue our study of the sacraments and have fraction operation unit. Students are using round been showing how the use of sacramentals, which techniques to solve fraction problems. They are also we studied earlier this year, can deepen our learning how to convert in the customary system and understanding of the sacraments we receive. use precision. Alongside this we are experiencing the season of Advent and learning about the themes of staying 5th graders in Rm 17 are finishing up their unit on alert and ready for the Lord!. Besides praying a fractions and decimals. They are learning different different advent prayer for each week, we are ways to find GCF and LCM, prime factorization, learning about and praying the ancient O and converting between decimals and fractions. Next Antiphons. they will work on fractions operations.

6th graders in Rm 16 are working on equations. 6th Grade Religion They are translating sentences and word problems It’s great to be back in school but we appreciate all into equations. They are also working on solving one those who are being cautious and joining us step equations. remotely! The elearning went very smoothly. The 6th graders were there for their Google Meets and 6th graders in Rm 18 are working on solving one many made good use of the “Office Hours” that and two step equations involving integers. They are each of our 5/6 team had after regular classes were also working on inequalities: how to graph and write over. and solve one step inequalities. The 6th graders have been studying The Exodus 6th graders in Rm 19 just finished working on exponent rules, finding GCF of two numbers and God’s call to Moses to go and free the Hebrews including variables, and scientific notation. They are from slavery under Egypt’s rule. This year we made slideshows of the story so that we could work online. Many were awesome!

6th Grade’s Mass on the Feast of St. Mother Below: Cabrini Thanksgiving Prayer written by 5th grader, Michael Durdil IC Grade school Classroom News

JUNIOR HIGH… Ms.Pacana MS. JILL VANDERHYE, MS. MARGARET PACANA, MRS. JENNIFER VICENTENO, MRS. KATIE BARRETT, 7th Grade English: MS. CHRISTIE NOVAK In English, the seventh graders will be continuing the expository writing unit. Mini lessons on research, citation, and incorporation of direct quotations in Ms.VanderHye one's own writing will continue throughout this unit. th They will also be working on grammar in class to Reading 8 help the mechanics of all of their writing, as well as In this next month, the eighth graders will begin learning Greek and Latin root words to help improve studying the Depression era to accompany the novel vocabulary acquisition. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Students will work on discussions of marginalization and the 7th Grade Religion: effects the era has on each portrayed character. In Religion, seventh grade will be working on a Christmas project after learning about the season of Reading 7th Advent. This will be a collaborative, creative video The seventh graders are amidst their first Thematic project that the entire grade will complete together. Study, a study spent discovering themes of three 8th Grade Religion: novels throughout the year in a group setting. In Religion, eighth grade will be working on a Groups will focus on building an educated group Christmas project centered on the Nativity story, discussion of abstract thought, journals, two chosen using details from both the Gospel of Luke and the elements, a formal paper and a collaborative project. Gospel of Matthew to piece together the entire birth With this first study, groups will be creating playlists narrative. This will be a collaborative, creative video of songs that correspond with their novel and design project that the entire grade will complete together. album covers. This study will be looked upon again at the end of the year when it comes time to choose a theme that was present in all three novels in all three quarters. Our students made wonderful cards of encouragement for local healthcare English 8th workers at the request of IC Christian Each inventor is on their way towards getting a Ministry. patent by VanderVentions Inc.! Sketches, plans, persuasive techniques, slogans, jingles and logos are all in the midst of becoming real! Each inventor is creating a prototype that will benefit society as well as a realistic recorded commercial to sell the product and even a graphically designed advertisement. We have studied the capturing qualities of advertisements, the art of creating a unique logo and even the beauty of “tricking the eye” in commercials. We look forward to seeing all the products when we return from Christmas break. IC Grade school Classroom News Mrs. Barrett 7th Grade Science 7th Grade The seventh graders finished their first chapter, which was an introduction to cells. They also learned about photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Now they are taking a break from the textbook to learn about COVID-19. The students have been enthusiastic about learning more of the facts about this disease that is causing the changes and disruptions in our lives. Some of the topics include bacteria vs. viruses, the origins of COVID- 19, symptoms, prevention, and medicines/ vaccinations.

8th Grade Science

8th grade science students have finished their chapter about elements and the periodic table. This included learning about supernovas and nuclear fusion. Now they are taking a break from the textbook to learn about COVID-19. The students have been enthusiastic about learning more of the facts about this disease that is causing the changes and disruptions in our lives. Some of the topics include bacteria vs. viruses, the origins of COVID-19, symptoms, prevention, and medicines/vaccinations.

7th Grade Spanish 8th Grade

These students finished reviewing conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense. Dialogue projects have been put on hold due to our stint with e- learning. Instead, we’ve started a unit learning vocabulary for parts of the body. Students will also learn to use the verb “doler” (to hurt/ache) and complete a fun project before the end of the unit.

8th Grade Spanish

These students finished reviewing conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense. Dialogue projects have been put on hold due to our stint with e- learning. We have moved onto the two verbs that mean “to be” – ser and estar. This topic can be a little tricky, and there are a lot of memory tricks to help like DOCTOR, PLACE, and “for how you feel and where you are, that is when you use estar.” IC Grade school Classroom News

triangle and to determine whether triangles are right triangles. Students will find the distance between two points and the midpoint of a segment using the Distance and Midpoint Formulas. Additionally, they will use proportions to solve real-world problems that can be modeled with similar triangles.

7-4 Seventh Grade On-Level: Students in this class will use exponents and square roots to explore the Pythagorean Theorem. They will also graph points and linear equations on the coordinate plane. In addition, students will learn to translate, reflect, and rotate figures.

7-5 Social Studies: Our class will begin exploring The Turmoil in the English Colonies in Module 4. Students will learn that despite a flourishing colonial population, the colonists were far from content. We will learn what actions led to animosity that eventually led to the American Revolution.

7-6 Social Studies: Our class will begin exploring Mrs. Vicenteno The Turmoil in the English Colonies in Module 4. Students will learn that despite a flourishing colonial 8-1 Eighth Grade On-Level: Students will learn the population, the colonists were far from content. We characteristics of ratio and proportion as well as will learn what actions led to animosity that methods for solving proportions. The same structure eventually led to the American Revolution. and procedures are applied to a number of different applications. These include using proportions to Ms. Novak find dimensions for similar figures, solving percent 7th Algebra 1 problems, and finding the probability of both simple In this unit we have looked at what slope is and how and compound events. to calculate it. We are now graphing lines using slope- intercept form and standard form. With 8-2 Eighth Grade Enriched: Our class will be graphing from standard form we have looked at x & working with rates of change and defining slope of a y intercepts as well as vertical & horizontal lines. line as a ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal Before we end the unit we will look at parallel & change. We will then extend our knowledge to perpendicular lines. Our next chapter will look at graphing a linear equation and writing the equation how to write the equations of a line. of a line in three different forms. These forms require the use of slope, intercepts, or points on the 8th SS line. Additionally, we will look at characteristics of We are almost finished looking at the Second vertical and parallel lines. These topics will lead us into finding trends of lines and lines of best fit. Industrial Revolution. We have looked at some of the larger innovations at the turn of the century as well as looked at how monopolies started to grow. 7-3 Seventh Grade Enriched: Students will begin We also have looked at factory life, and the rise of with finding square roots and classifying real unions. We are ending this unit with a researched numbers. We will use the Pythagorean Theorem and biography of either an inventor or captain of its converse to find missing sides of a right industry from the turn of the century. IC Grade school Classroom News ART • KINDERGARTEN: “Catching MRS. MARY TOUROUNJIAN Snowflakes” (beginning soon)

We begin December back in the classroom. I’m sure • Grade 1: “How To Draw Santa Claus” it has been challenging to adapt between both

“in person” and “remote learning”. My students are • Grade 2: “Toucans” (finishing up) ,“How To producing beautiful work. Draw A Christmas Elf”(coming soon)

There are a few reminders as we move in and out of • Grade 3: “Snowflake Color Wheels” (finishing these learning environments up) “How To draw the Grinch” (coming : soon) • It is important that students keep their projects (where possible) in an accordion or folder that • Grade 4: “Kaleidoscopes” (finishing up) goes home and comes back to school each day. I am trying to adapt my projects to the home • Grade 5: “Christmas Wreath Color environment, requiring what I hope will be as Wheel” (finishing up) few new supplies as possible.

• Grade 6: “Line/Shading Techniques” (almost • Students are required to work against all due finished) dates whether in or out of the classroom. When a project is assigned, students may have 2- • Grade 7: “Initial Scratch Art” (almost complete) 3 weeks to complete and are expected to be working along those timelines and should expect • Grade 8: “Stipple Burger” (practicing value in class check-in when I visit each classroom. through the“stippling” technique)

• Grades 4-8: Appropriate grading will be applied I will do my best to continue my weekly “Art for late or missed work Summary”. I hope this both informative and beneficial. Thank you parents for working to support the efforts of our current learning environment. I do understand I hope to have student work in my next issue. how challenging it is! Merry Christmas everyone!

______

Our ICGS 2020-2021 Annual Appeal will kick off next week! Please keep an eye out for a letter from Father Tom, Mrs. Linley, & our School Board outlining our targets for the appeal!

CLICK BELOW: A Video Reflection on My ICGS Education By Lauren Schleiter (ICGS Class of 2017) IC Grade school Classroom News

ALUMNI NEWS… degree in Journalism. Here is a link to one of her MRS.KATHLEEN HILLSMAN, ICGS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR articles: MRS. LISA GAUGHAN, ASSISTANT https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/ GRADE SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWS… heres-why-herd-immunity-would-not-work-to-treat Do you have alumni news to share? Please contact the -the-coronavirus-in-illinois/2365512/ ICGS Development Office at Catherine (Cat) Klostermann (Class of 2012) [email protected] works at the Oak Brook Athletico while pursuing graduate studies in Physical Therapy. Cat played Jack Libert (Class of 2009) recently got engaged softball for Dominican University. While at to Jennifer Wojtowicz, his classmate at the Dominican, in 2017 she was named, University of Notre Dame. We wish Jack and Jen NACC's Freshman of the Year and a First Team many blessings as they prepare for marriage! All-NACC honoree.

Jimmy Kenneally (Class of 2013) is a senior at Kelly Kremske (Class of 2009) is a Licensed the U.S. Naval Academy and has taken on the Social Worker, practicing in the Naperville area. responsibility of running Sexual Harassment Prevention training for younger midshipmen. Jackson Geiger (Class of 2018) was a member of York High School’s Boys’ Cross Country team Rebecca (“Becca”) Wood (Class of 2012) is (running under the name, “KROY”) that placed 3rd working as a Digital News Producer for NBC in the Division 3 race of the Shazam Racing Final Chicago after graduating from the University of held on Sunday, November 8th! We look forward Illinois (Urbana/Champaign) last spring with a to seeing what Jackson’s running career holds as he is just a junior!

The Prospective Parent Information Night Zoom, held on Nov. 19th, was a big success!

If you know someone who is interested in ICGS, new student registration will open online on SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST. Prospective parents should call Mrs. Wachholder (630-530-3490) to complete a Prospective Student Form. This will ensure that they are emailed a link for registration in January.

A recorded copy of the meeting can be emailed to prospective parents by contacting Mrs. Hillsman at [email protected].

Special thanks to our ICGS School Board Members (Marcie Wolbeck, Alina Cahill, Carrie Pikulik, Alexis Bolt, Shauna Brueggen, Andy Denekas, Mark Fratella, Sean Farnan, and Archie Leynes) for their work and follow up on this event! Mrs. Wolbeck provided tremendous marketing support and she and Mr. Leynes and Mr. Denekas provided much needed technical support. Additionally, we appreciated the donation of (2) $100 raffle gift cards by Carrie Pikulik of The Schiller Team!!

A HUGE ICGS SHOUTOUT TO OUR PRESENTERS: Tom Dewbray, Christina Witt, Carl Knable (Class of 2017), Francesca Cozzi (Class of 2007), Mrs. Cathy Linley, Ms. Christina Novak, Ms. Jill VanderHye

Immaculate Conception Grade School Mrs. Cathy Linley, Principal Family Advent Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Buy or make Set up the Make Christmas In your Christmas Set a timer or Have a family Make a “manger” 29 an Advent 30 Nativity scene 1 cookies together 2 cards write a note 3 other reminder 4 story night and 5 from a box and wreath. Have the together. Picture and decorate them about the blessings to help you gather for reread your favorite “straw” from pieces of youngest child light yourself in the scene with symbols of the your family received family prayer every Christmas storybooks paper. Put “straws” in the first violet candle and think about how Christmas season. this year as a witness morning and every over cookies and milk. the manger when you this week. Read Luke you would act if you to God’s love. evening this month. each perform good 21:25-28, 34-36. were there. Continue after Advent. deeds and make it comfortable for Jesus.

Have the oldest Perform at least The feast of Today, let nothing Read about the Put up your To honor 6 child light two 7 one generous act 8 the Immaculate 9 discourage you 10 legend behind 11 Christmas tree, 12 Our Lady of violet candles in the of love in honor of St. Conception celebrates in honor of St. Juan the poinsettia, then add the lights, Guadalupe, place a Advent wreath and Nicholas. Try to do Mary’s birth without Diego who placed his make a bouquet from but wait to place rose in a vase in your read Luke 3:1-6. it without letting the Original Sin. In her trust in Jesus and His felt or construction ornaments. Decorate home and encourage other person know! honor, attend or Mother. paper and pipe a little each day until each person to pray a stream Mass and pray cleaners. it is beautiful for “Hail Mary” whenever a family Rosary. Christmas. you pass it.

Guadete Pick a Christmas Draw names and Read about Learn about Put a lamp or Take a drive or 13 Sunday-Joy! 14 card you’ve 15 write a love note 16 the angel’s 17 how different 18 electric candle in 19 walk around Light two violet received this week to a family member. remarkable visit to countries celebrate a window to welcome your home to look candles and the rose and pray for the Put it in their stocking Mary in Luke 1:26-38. Christmas. Pick a the Christ child. Light at the Christmas one for joy. Read person who sent it at on Christmas Eve. Talk about ways we tradition you like and it each night until decorations or Luke 3:10-18 and sing, dinner together. can also say, “yes,” to add it to your usual Christmas Day. displays. “O Come, O Come God. festivities. Emmanual” together.

Light all four Decorate a Cut out Send Christmas Write a letter Rejoice! Read the 20 candles in 21 “Jesus Candle” 22 star-shaped 23 cards to your 24 to Jesus, 25 story of Jesus’ the wreath tonight. with symbols of ornaments and pastor, priests, and thanking him for all birth in Luke 21-20. Reread today’s Gospel Jesus - a star, a lamb, decorate with glitter religious or ordained the gifts you received Think of how joyful it Reading, Luke 139-45. a manger, a baby, a on one side and your ministers who are throughout the year. will be to meet Jesus cross, for example. favorite Bible verse on important to your when he comes Light it during the other. Hang them family. again. Christmas dinner. on the tree.

© Copyright 2020 by InFaith Publishing Group (800)366-3114 www.infaithpublishing.com Helping our children grow in their Catholic faith. December 2020 Immaculate Conception Grade School Mrs. Cathy Linley, Principal Celebrate an unusual Christmas with joyful traditions

This will be an unusual Christmas World,” “King of Kings,” etc. Hang The Magi’s Gifts holiday for many families. At an them on the tree. Children can get so caught up in unsettling time, it is important to Mark a milestone. Give each child a receiving gifts for Christmas that renew or create family Christmas new ornament marking an event in his they miss the signi cance of the traditions to give children a sense of or her spiritual life from the holiday. To keep the focus on stability. Consider year. Celebrate the receipt Christ, consider limiting the these ideas to keep of a Sacrament, learning a number of gifts to three in honor the joy in your family new prayer, or acquiring of the gifts of the Magi. Consider celebration this year: a virtue. giving children one gift that is their Give Jesus the rst Celebrate cultures. heart’s desire, a piece of clothing gift. At Thanksgiving, Learn how to say that is not just sensible, and one wrap a gift box for "Merry Christmas" gift that will help them grow (a Jesus. Cut a slot in the in different book or sports accessory, for top. During Advent languages. Serve example). have every member of up new foods at the family write down dinner, such as Family meals how they showed love potato latkes or Families can each day and drop these pasteles. help children offerings in the box. Light out of the become better Unwrap this gift rst on darkness. Some cultures socialized and Christmas morning and read the notes around the world place candles and more secure in out loud. paper lanterns in their windows to as few as 60 Make “Adorements.” Craft symbolize Christ bringing light out of minutes a ornaments that illustrate names for the darkness. Place a candle or lantern week. Experts agree that gathering Jesus, “Bread of Life,” “Light of the in your window on Christmas Eve. as a family even for just one meal a week can build a stronger family.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, Who do Catholics believe whatever is honorable, whatever is was born on Christmas? just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if This month we celebrate In his gospel, St. John explained there is any excellence, the birth of Jesus, the only that the birth of Jesus ful lled a if there is anything begotten Son of God, the promise God made. “And the worthy of praise, think Second Person of the Word became esh and dwelt about these things” Holy Trinity. We are able among us, full of grace and (Philippians 4:8). to share in God’s divine truth; we have beheld his glory, life through Jesus’s life, glory as of the only Son from death and Resurrection. the Father” (John 1:14).

© Copyright 2020 Success Publishing & Media, LLC December 2020 Page 2 Lessons from the Magi

On the January 6 feast of the Epiphany, we when facing big decisions. celebrate the visit of the magi, or wise men, to Travel in faith. Once the magi started their the newborn Savior. There are two lessons journey, they asked for help when they got families can learn from this visit: stumped and believed it would come. Look for a sign. Through study and “Behold, magi from the east arrived in investigation, the magi gured out that Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of something big was going to happen and the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have waited for a sign to tell them which come to do him homage’” (Matthew 2:1-2). direction to take. God often gives us Teach your child to follow his “star” and rely signs to point us to the right path. Help on God for help. The key is to be like the magi youngsters weigh options and pray for direction and have faith that something marvelous will happen.

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23, God chooses each of us in a special way.

We often think of Jesus’ birth as an for several years. There were no idyllic scene. The reality was quite friendly faces to greet the family Our family Christmas last year was different. Mary and Joseph were once they arrived and they had to awkward. For no real reason, my forced to travel in the last make their own way in an youngest brother drifted from the stages of her pregnancy unfamiliar land. Church, saying he doesn’t feel from Nazareth to What can a parent do? “connected” to God. Bethlehem. On foot or Catholics have a special Now that he coaches donkey, it was a dirty and charge to protect those his daughter’s soccer exhausting journey. Once who are vulnerable: team on Sundays, there, they had no option children, elderly, the poor Mass is out of the for decent housing and and those eeing violence question. So had to stay with animals. Young Mary in their home countries. Christmas for his gave birth in crude conditions with no Like Mary’s and Joseph’s, God family is no longer about Christ. friend or family to help. has a special place for each of us in When our family met at my parents’ After a short time, they ed to Egypt his plan of salvation. Prayerfully house for Christmas dinner, David’s with their newborn to escape threats ask God what he wants you to do kids were grumpy. In contrast to the from the government, and stayed there for him and his kingdom. rest of the happy cousins, David’s three had long faces and moped. “Santa didn’t come through for them,” build a chapel for her, and had David apologized. He said each child him carry roses to the bishop as a only got a few items off long sign. When the roses fell from his Christmas lists and were disappointed. tilma (cape) before the bishop, it In my opinion, without Christ as the Dec. 6 – St. Nicholas (350). St. retained the Blessed Mother’s image. focus, Christmas will always Nicholas had a generous heart and Dec. 12th - Our Lady of disappoint. gave away most of his fortune. He is Guadalupe (1531). The Blessed This year, I have invited David and credited with saving three girls from Mother appeared as a young Native his family to Christmas Eve being sold into slavery to pay their American maiden to St. Juan Diego, socially-distanced caroling at our father’s debt. His anonymous acts of also Native parish followed by the Vigil Mass. That generosity helped him become the American. By will give his family’s Christmas the patron of children. choosing to appear best start. Dec. 9 – St. Juan Diego (1548). A in that image, she simple, humble Native American who was identifying with To help parents raise faithful Catholic children became a faithful Christian, St. Juan the poor and Success Publishing & Media, LLC Diego was visited by the Blessed Virgin down-trodden of Publishers of Growing in Faith™ and Partners in Faith™ (540)662-7844 (540)662-7847 fax at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico. She asked the land to give http://www.partnersinfaith.com him to have the bishop of Mexico them hope. (Unless noted Bible quotes and references are from the Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible.) © Copyright 2020 Success Publishing & Media, LLC Home&School ® Working Together for School Success CONNECTION December 2020 Immaculate Conception Grade School Mrs. Cathy Linley, Principal

Active listening Listening challenge! Wordplay boosts vocabulary Ask your youngster to listen while you A rich vocabulary gives your describe a recent meal in detail: “For child the words she needs to breakfast, I had a fried egg, toast with express her thoughts and peach jam, a Gala apple, and black cof- understand her schoolwork. fee.” Then ask questions like “How Try these playful activities to was my egg cooked?” and “What kind help her learn new words. of apple did I eat?” Now he can give Clever combinations you a listening challenge. A portmanteau is a new word formed by blending Keep germs away two existing words (jeans + When your child touches her face, leggings = jeggings, breakfast + she can transfer germs from her hands lunch = brunch). You and your to her eyes, nose, and mouth. Help her youngster can make up portman- touch it less often by keeping her hair teaus for each other to guess. She trimmed and out of her eyes and hav- might say, “What do you call a rainbow ing tissues available. If she wears face on a snowy day?” (A snowbow!) And you your lists aloud. Did anyone learn a new masks or glasses, make sure they fit could ask, “What do you call a docu- word from someone else’s list? properly so she’s not constantly adjust- mentary that’s comical?” (A doccom.) ing them. Synonym suns Words within words Have your child draw a big sun on a Practice being polite Pick a word (say, monitor) for each sheet of paper and write a common word Role-play to help your child remember family member to write on her paper. (say, good) in the center. Take turns add- his manners. Take turns naming situa- Set a timer for 5 minutes, and list words ing a ray to the sun and writing a syn- tions where politeness is called for you can make using letters in the word. onym (excellent, great). On your turns, (introducing people, receiving a gift). A fun twist: You may use any letter mul- try to choose words your youngster may The other person acts out how to han- tiple times within the same word, so not know, such as stupendous. When you dle it politely. Your youngster might mirror is allowed even though monitor can’t think of more synonyms, start pat his dog on the head, look you in has only one R. When time’s up, read another sun with a new word.♥ the eye, and say: “Dad, I’d like you to meet Domino.” Brighten someone’s day Worth quoting “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it, Sometimes the smallest gesture can make but the view is much better at the another person happy, especially in a diffi- top.” Henry Ward Beecher cult situation like the pandemic. Here are ways your youngster can add a little sun- shine to others’ lives: ● Let your child mail thank-you notes to Q: Why does the your family’s doctors and their staffs. He Statue of Liberty could also leave thank-yous for delivery- stand in New York truck drivers, mail carriers, and trash and recycling workers. Harbor? ● Suggest that your youngster host an online talent show. Relatives might sing A: Because it can’t or play musical instruments, dance, or do magic or card tricks for each other. sit down. ● Run errands for elderly neighbors. Your child could call to get their grocery list, then help you order the items or shop and deliver them.♥

© 2020 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated Home & School CONNECTION® December 2020 • Page 2

How to handle cyberbullying React appropriately. Does your youngster know what to do Many kids are spending more time if he’s cyberbullied? Talk frankly using technology to do schoolwork about tactics that help (telling an and to socialize this year. That means adult) and don’t help (responding more potential for cyberbullying. to the person doing the bully- Share these strategies to help your ing). Together, learn how to take youngster avoid it. screenshots of texts or chats in Be informed. Explain to your child case he needs proof of a cyber- that cyberbullying includes texting, bullying incident. chatting, or posting unkind or threaten- Provide guidance. Set clear ing messages. It’s also cyberbullying to guidelines for your child’s online spread rumors, intimidate people, or share behavior. For example, he shouldn’t private information that would embarrass someone. send a message or photo to another child that he wouldn’t want you or his teacher to see. It may be a good idea to point out that other kids and their parents can take screen- Signs of affection shots, too.♥ Even when life gets hectic, remember to show your child on a daily basis that you love her. Simple words and actions like these will go a long way in making Geography: Maps and more her feel loved and secure. Your youngster’s day is Leave notes filled with opportunities to explore geography. Secretly leave a loving message in your Here are three ideas. youngster’s “home office” or backpack. 1. Food. Ask your child to read stickers on (“Have a great school day! Love, Dad.”) fruits and vegetables you buy to find out where the food was grown. Together, look up the weather in those states or countries. She’ll see what produce is grown in warmer or cooler temperatures. 2. Mail. Let your youngster check postmarks, find the locations on a map, and calculate how many miles the mail traveled to reach you. Eat together 3. Time zones. Plan a phone call with a relative who lives in a different time Plan special school-day breakfasts zone, and help your child look up the time there. Then, she could see what time with your child. You’ll connect before a it is in other places around the world.♥ busy day. Also, consider joining her for lunch on days when you’re both home. Share photos Doing well on tests Look at old family photos with your youngster, or show her “on this day” pic- Q: My son struggled on his last first and ask his teacher about anything tures on social media or photo-sharing two tests. How can I help him do he doesn’t understand. You might recom- sites. Say what you loved about her better on future ones? mend that he look over all the questions and start by tackling easier ones. That then (“You were so little and cuddly”) A: Test success begins with knowing will give him some momentum and and what you love about her now (“I the material. Have your child get in the boost his confidence. still love hugs from you—plus I love habit of studying a little each evening Finally, encourage your child to be the our interesting conversations”).♥ rather than cramming the “boss” of his thoughts. If OUR PURPOSE night before a test. Offer to he thinks, “I can’t do To provide busy parents with practical ideas help by quizzing him, or this,” he can take a that promote school success, parent involvement, suggest that he make and more effective parenting. few deep breaths up —and take—his Resources for Educators, and instead think, a division of CCH Incorporated own quizzes. 128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630 “I studied hard On the morning of 800-394-5052 • [email protected] and I will do my www.rfeonline.com a test, remind your son best.”♥ ISSN 1540-5621 to read the test directions © 2020 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated Food and Fitness for a Healthy Child December 2020 Immaculate Conception Grade School Mrs. Cathy Linley, Principal

Clean cuts Here’s a way to teach your Alternatives to fast food child about food safety After a long day of school and when she helps out in the kitchen. work, you may be tempted to Explain that bacteria from raw meat hit the drive-thru for your can live on cutting boards, so you use family’s dinner. How can you a separate board just for fruits and resist the tug of fast food vegetables. Show her which board is and keep things healthier? which, and let her use a butter knife Use these strategies to stock to cut a peeled up on quick and easy din- avocado or ner options. canned peach half on the one Deli “fi xins” for produce. Ask your child to create a “deli menu” for make- Active all day your-own-sandwich nights. Experts recommend at least 60 min- He could invent sandwich com- utes of physical activity a day for chil- binations, then draw pictures and write dren and adults. No need to think of descriptions of them. (“The Sweet Pick- box of whole-grain cereal, and let each it as formal exercise! Turn on upbeat ler: Toasted whole-wheat bread, lean person add nonfat milk and their favor- music and dance with your young- turkey, lettuce, extra pickles, honey ite fruit. ster. Put out active toys, and hula mustard.”) At dinnertime, everyone can Slow-cooker day hoop or jump rope together. Or tape make a sandwich from his menu—or It’s nice to sit down to a hot meal a family hopscotch grid on the floor, design their own. and challenge him to a game. that’s already cooked, so consider keep- Breakfast for dinner ing slow-cooker staples on hand. Exam- Children ages 4–8 need Many breakfast foods can be pre- ples: chicken breasts, low-sodium broth, 25 mg of vitamin C daily pared in a jiffy, making them ideal for canned beans and tomatoes, frozen veg- and kids ages 9–13 need busy evenings. For microwave scram- etables. Then, let your youngster help 45 mg. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to find bled eggs, whisk 2 eggs in a microwave- you find recipes. In the morning, add kid-friendly sources of this essential safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes, stirring ingredients to the slow cooker together. nutrient. In fact, just one orange once halfway through. Or just open a If your family works and learns at contains 70 mg. More ways for your home, you’ll enjoy the aroma all day! child to get vitamin C: Let her snack Active story time on raw red bell pepper spears. Toss strawberries into a spinach salad at Everyone knows reading is good for the mind. With lunch. Serve oven-roasted broccoli this fun activity, it’s good for the body, too. for dinner. Read a book to your youngster that has lots of action words, such as dance, hop, run, and jump. Just for fun Then, read it again slowly, and have her act out the story as you go. For instance, read Hop on Pop Q: What do (Dr. Seuss). She could jump up when you read, “Up, you take pup,” or crouch down small when you say, “Mouse on before a house.” meal? Suggest that your child use props, too. For instance, A: A seat. read Jack and the Beanstalk. She can climb on a chair when Jack climbs the beanstalk, and then jump down and run away when Jack does.

© 2020 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Nutrition Nuggets December 2020 • Page 2

questions to guess it. (“Does it Explore the food groups grow on a tree?” “Is it green?” “Do Fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy monkeys eat it?”) Now name a … a balanced diet includes all five food food group and have her choose a groups! These ideas will help your food for you to guess. Let your child learn about them. child jot down the foods used in the game and pick one from each Twenty questions. Ask your group to add to your grocery list. youngster to pick a food group (say, fruit). Secretly think of a food Small plates. Many cultures eat from that group (banana), and let meals made up of small plates to her pose up to 20 yes-or-no share—known as tapas in Spain, mezze in the Middle East, and anti- pasto in Italy. With your youngster, choose a food from each group, and make a small-plates meal together. Maybe she’ll suggest shrimp skewers (pro- tein), sliced carrots (vegetable), couscous (grain), a diced Outdoor winter fun pear (fruit), and cheese cubes (dairy). As she enjoys the meal, she’ll learn to eat from each group. Playing outside in winter brings its own sense of joy. Try these games that will help your youngster stay active regardless of the weather. Food allergies at holiday time ● Snowball contest. Set a timer for 5 Q: My daughter has a peanut allergy. How can I help minutes, and race to create the largest her stay safe during the holidays—and beyond? snowball. Then, combine your snow- balls into one giant ball. A: Allergies and holidays can be tricky! If you ● Penguin waddle. Have each family will have meals with relatives or friends this member place a small ball on his feet season, be sure to tell them about your child’s (like a father penguin carries an egg). peanut allergy. Race across the yard. If you drop your Explain that if you visit for a meal, or if they “egg,” return to the starting point. The bring food or send food gifts to your home, they first player to reach the other side wins. should make sure not to use peanuts or peanut products. They’ll also need to read food labels carefully and thoroughly clean surfaces that may have been in contact with peanuts. And point out that almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used in place of peanut butter in recipes. Finally, before visiting with anyone, remind your daughter about her allergy. Let her know you’ll help her choose safe foods and ask about any she’s unsure of—habits that will need to become automatic for her as she gets older.

Creative cracker toppings ● Ice globes. Blow up balloons, and For a quick snack or Garden veggie before tying them, let your child fill a festive party platter, encourage your Start with a layer of hummus. Over it, 3 child to think beyond the usual cheese arrange a slice of cucumber and radish. them –4 of the way with water and add a and crackers. Let him help you put to- few drops of food coloring. Freeze 3–4 Seafood snack gether these fresh, healthy combos on hours. Use scissors to cut off the bal- Put chunks of canned salmon on a whole-wheat crackers. loons, and he’ll have beautiful ice globes cracker, and sprinkle with pepper and to roll and kick around. Cheesy fruit thinly sliced chives. OUR PURPOSE Top crackers with part-skim Cold pizza To provide busy parents with practical ways to promote ricotta cheese. Add a kiwi slice healthy nutrition and physical activity for their children. Cover a cracker with and a drizzle of honey. Resources for Educators, marinara sauce. Add a division of CCH Incorporated 128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630 Pesto shredded low-fat 800-394-5052 • [email protected] Spoon pesto sauce mozzarella cheese www.rfeonline.com onto a cracker. Top and diced green Nutrition Nuggets™ is reviewed by a registered dietitian. Consult a physician before beginning any major change in diet or exercise. with diced tomato. pepper. ISSN 1935-4630 © 2020 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated

Our annual Giving Tree will look much different this year due to our ongoing health crisis. There is no easy or safe way to retrieve tags off our trees, collect the gifts, sort them or distribute them to our families.

The Giving Tree chairpersons have determined that gift cards will be collected this year in lieu of physical gifts, thereby allowing each family to purchase their own gifts. We usually purchase two gifts for each adult and three gifts for each child under the age of 18. Thus far, we have over 150 families on our giving list.

We will be collecting gift cards for Kohl’s, Walmart and Target, along with Visa gift cards, in increments of $25, $50 or $100. The generosity exhibited from our parish family in past years has been astounding. We are hopeful that Christmas, 2020, will prove to be as generous, especially since the need is great and resources for many people we serve are meager.

Gift cards may be dropped off at the Rectory or in the collection basket from now until December 13. Distribution to our families will occur on December 14. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to help those less fortunate.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION WELCOMES OUR NEW CANDIDATES!

God has been at work, doing what God does: calling people into a deeper relationship. On Sunday, November 8, we celebrated God’s action among us with a ritual called the “Rite of Continuing Conversion.” Our three candidates publicly declared their intent to continue their journey towards becoming full members of the Catholic Church. Later that day, they were welcomed by Bishop Hicks at the Cathedral, along with their peers throughout the diocese who are in the RCIA process.

Adults who are seeking to enter the Catholic Church or complete their Sacraments of Initiation, have been meeting since October and learning the basics of our faith. This Rite marks the beginning of a period of more intense spiritual preparation for the candidates (those already baptized) for the completion of their Christian initiation, which will occur during the Easter season, 2021.

Let us offer our prayers and support to our new candidates, Matthew Kline, Alyssa Padilla and Dustin Thelen.

They are now entrusted to this faith community who is charged with the responsibility of nurturing their journeys of faith. They will learn what it means, through us, to live as Roman Catholics. Let us witness with our lives the joy that is our Roman Catholic faith. Please hold them close in prayer as they journey to the Easter Season and the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Immaculate Conception Daybreak Transitional Housing for the Homeless 2020 Annual Appeal

For nearly 30 years, Immaculate Conception Daybreak of Elmhurst has rented apartments to house homeless families. This is a self-supporting ministry, funded solely through personal donations.

IC Daybreak commits to pay rent and utilities every month for the FIVE units it provides to those in need. Mentors meet with these families on a weekly basis to teach budgeting and life skills. Families transition out of these apartments within a two-year period. Since inception, IC Daybreak has helped 85 families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

We have added several new families to our program in 2020. It is a privilege to work with those who want to change their lives. Our families all have unique stories, but share in the same struggle to have a place to call “home” and learn the skills necessary to become and remain self- sufficient. We currently have 15 mentors working with our families, along with a parish attorney who offers his expertise on a pro-bono basis.

CAN YOU: ❖ FUND A FAMILY FOR A YEAR ($12,000)? ❖ FUND A FAMILY FOR A MONTH ($995)? ❖ FUND A FAMILY FOR A WEEK ($250) ❖ HELP IN ANY AMOUNT?

IC Daybreak Transitional Housing is helping to solve the problem of homelessness one family at a time. Please prayerfully consider responding to the needs of the homeless within our community. 100% of your donation is used for rent and utilities. We need your financial support to continue this important outreach to homeless families. We are enormously grateful to those individuals and families who continue to support us year-after-year.

Do you have questions about our program? Contact Dan Doherty at 630-501-0160 or Pam Stefik at 630-530-3497.

Please remit donations to IC Daybreak of Elmhurst, P. O. Box 2033, Elmhurst, IL 60126

She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

We are seeking volunteers to connect with our elderly parishioners on a weekly basis through a simple phone call. Many people live alone and currently have little contact with others. Mental health professionals confirm that anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness may result from isolation.

With Covid numbers increasing and an advisory to “stay at home,” many individuals may not see family or friends over the upcoming holidays.

Will you help us connect with those who may need us “heart to heart?” We will provide short and simple training for anyone who feels called to this ministry. We envision a short weekly phone call to let others know that our parish family is thinking of them. It is also a great way to uncover any unmet needs they may have.

Please contact Pam Stefik at 630-530-3497 for further Information.

Out of concern for the safety and well-being of children, every diocesan, parish, school or religious education employee or volunteer who is involved with minors on a regular, recurring basis and those who may have an opportunity to be alone with children during parish, school or religious education sponsored events, are required to attend a Virtus Protecting God’s Children workshop.

The Office of Child and Youth Protection in the Diocese of Joliet has approved Virtus Protecting God’s Children online training due to current health concerns. This is a temporary precaution which remains in effect until further notice. As the social isolation recommendations are updated, the Diocese will reevaluate this option. All live sessions are cancelled until we determine it is safe to gather.

To access the online training schedule, please go to www.icelmhurst.org and click on the Protecting God’s Children sign-up in the left column. This will redirect you to the online training. Everyone must sign up for a Virtus account, as background checks are now completed online.

Please contact Pam Stefik at 630-530-3497 with any questions you may have.

Reporting Sexual Abuse Anyone with reason to believe that a child has been abused or is being abused should report their suspicions to civil authorities. Contact: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services: 1-800-25ABUSE (1-800-252-2873) and local police. The Diocese of Joliet Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to help victims/survivors of child sexual abuse by a cleric, employee or volunteer of the Catholic Church. The Victim Assistance Coordinator will report to Bishop Conlon and coordinate efforts of pastoral support and outreach to assist in the healing process. The Victim Assistance Coordinator can also assist in making a report to civil authorities. Contact the Diocese of Joliet Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1-815-263-6467.

The experience of grief is different for everyone. There are, however, common emotions that we all experience. Beginning on Monday, January 18 and continuing for six weeks, we will offer a bereavement

support group for anyone mourning the loss of a loved one. Your loss

can be old or new. Due to Covid restrictions, these sessions may be offered in person or via Zoom. Sessions begin at 6:30PM and end at 8:00PM. If you would like some help to understand and process your grief, please plan to attend. Please contact Pam at 630-530-3497 to RSVP or to request additional information.

THANKSGIVING OUTREACH 2020/ MANY THANKS TO ALL

Thanks to the generosity of the IC Parish Family, we provided grocery gift cards to over 110 families this past week. Many thanks to the Elmhurst Elks who provided 30 gift cards to Immaculate Conception food pantry clients. Special thanks to our Thanksgiving Chairs, Jill Riecker and Alina Cahill. Thank you to Abigail Cahill for her artistic talents in making our signs. Our clients are enormously grateful for the ongoing support of our parish family. It is ONLY through your donations that we are able to reach out to these families each year. We pray that God, who is never outdone in generosity, will bless you abundantly.

Dear IC Parish – Every year we are amazed at the number and quality of coats and cold weather items from your coat drive which are donated to the Elmhurst Clothing Center. The folks coming through our doors were so happy and thankful. From the tiniest infants to the elderly seniors, you have blessed so many with the gift of warmth. Thank you again and again for your generous donations. Grace and peace to you. Beth / Elmhurst Clothing Center Director

KITCHEN ANGELS NEEDED!

Immaculate Conception has a wonderful ministry that provides home cooked meals to those who have recently been hospitalized, had a baby, experienced a death in the family or otherwise need meals on a temporary basis. We also provide meals to our parish priests several times per week. When a request is made, an e-mail is sent to all who have volunteered to help. You do NOT need to help with every single request. You prepare meals when you are able. The more committed volunteers we have, the better able we can meet the needs of those who truly need meals. Please contact Jayme McConnell at [email protected] if you are able to help us!

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS HOMEBOUND? PLEASE LET US KNOW!

If you know someone who is HOMEBOUND, either temporarily or permanently and unable to attend Mass, please let us know. We will contact them to see if they would like to receive Communion on a weekly basis. Mutually agreeable times and dates are determined between the individual and the Minister of Care. Please call Pam at 530-3497 with names and contact information.

HOSPITALIZED? Please remember to notify the Rectory if you or a member of your family is hospitalized and wants to receive Communion or a pastoral visit from one of our Ministers of Care or priests. We visit Elmhurst Hospital several times a week and convenient times can be arranged.

Are you in need of an annulment? Do you have questions about the process, timeline or requirements? Please contact Pam Stefik at 530-3497 for information.

Due to a lack of storage space, IC is unable to accept furniture for use in our Transitional Housing program. Our clients are sent to Sharing Connections, located in Downers Grove, to choose furnishings for their new apartments. Listed below is a partial list of items that Sharing Connections will accept as donations. To view a more complete list, please access www.sharingconnections.org

RULE OF THUMB: IF THE DONATED ITEM IS NOT READY TO GO DIRECTLY TO ONE OF OUR FAMILIES, THEN IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. HELP US SERVE FAMILIES WITH DIGNITY, AS WE DO NOT BELIEVE "SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING".

To schedule a pick-up, please call 630-971-0565 x 300.

iccatholicprep.org

Call: 630-530-3460