Dear Parents,    

  Our Mass on Wednesday went off without a "hitch"!  Cap, Lani, Jade (Mathilde filled in for Jade), Ella, Lehkpeawon, Sophia, Christopher and Michaela did a marvelous job with what they had to do.  We certainly appreciated the help of 5th. graders Emma Rock (cross bearer) and Zach Benz and Hannah Hass (altar servers), too.  The other Mass that we plan is April 18th.
   A great big "THANK-YOU!" goes to the moms who planned and took charge of the Valentine's Day  party - Mrs.' Deavan, McMahon, and Nelson handled things here at school and Mrs.' Kramer and Mathwig provided treats.  I hope I haven't forgotten anybody!  The parties this year have been "just right" with nice memories for the kids.  I appreciate all of the time, effort and expense 
that went into making them happen.
   We had the popcorn party today and although it was kind of quick,(we were in the Tech Lab ,   longer than usual graphing data from classroom surveys), we still had a good time.  The 'Word of the Week' was balderdash.  We had a rather interesting discussion about it during the party.  
   The kids did their drawings of the water cycle for the science test.  I chose eight that had correct spelling and the cycle clearly explained in their drawing: Lehkpeawon, Elliot, Jack, Leo, Sophia, Ella, Cap and Mallory.  Nice job kids! 
   Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday (2-22).  ALL children will receive ashes at the regular school Mass that day.  The IHMCS theme for Lent this year is "The Waters of Easter".  It is intended to connect Baptism and Easter with Lent.  We want each IHM student to attend Easter Mass consciously expecting to renew their Baptismal promises.  The schedule of Lenten activities is as follows:
.    * Room Mardi Gras (Tues. 2-21) - A small snack may be brought from home
    * Ash Wednesday Mass
    * All school Lenten prayer services (Mondays: 2-27, 3-5, 12, 19) - These four consecutive services will 
      take place in the gym on Monday mornings at 9:40.
    * Class Prayer: "My Daily 3 For Jesus And Me" (beginning 2-28).
              first 2 weeks - individual prayer
              second 2 weeks - prayer for a selected family member
              last week - continued prayer AND DOING something special each day for that person
    * Cross in the foyer surrounded by individual student crosses with intentions written on the     
       back.
    * Motivational posters: "Making A Difference".  Students will focus on the positive difference they
      can make during Lent.  This project involves an action photo showing the student(s) doing 
      something to achieve their goal and then creating a poster with an explanation of what they're                          
      doing.
    * Traditional Stations of the Cross and Benediction (3-7)
    * Reconciliation for grades 2-8 (3-21 - no school Mass)
    * Service Project for ICA Food Shelf - (one week only 3-19 to 3-23)  
    * Living Stations of the Cross (3-29) - Presented by the 8th. grade students on the Thursday that
      we get out for Spring Vacation.

Sincerely,
Ms. O'Connor

          Immaculate Heart Of Mary Catholic School Mission Statement   
 Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School is dedicated to providing a program of academic excellence and spiritual formation for students in preschool through eighth grade.  Parents, students, educators and the   Catholic community are all partners in providing a faith-filled learning environment that maximizes the individual gifts of our students, fosters a relationship with God, and models the Gospel in respect and service of others.