January 15, 2016
The Weekly
Nativity Newscast
UPCOMING DATES
January 16 Snowflake Ball, 5:30 – 8 p.m. January 18 No School M.L. King, Jr. Day January 20 The Leader In Me Presenta-
tion, 7 p.m., Parish Center January 21 All School Mass, 8:30 a.m. January 28 School Mass, 8:30 a.m. Spelling Bee, 1:30 p.m. AR Wear January 31-February 5 Catholic Schools Week February 2 Science Fair, grades 5 & 7 February 4 School Mass, 8:30 a.m. February 6 Reverse Raffle
February 10 – Ash Wednesday February 15 – No School/Snow Makeup Day President’s Day
February 18 Group Pictures for Yearbook
Nativity Catholic School 3310 S. Meadow Drive Indianapolis, IN 46239 Telephone: 317-357-1459 Fax: 317-357-9175 Email: [email protected]
As I am sure you have seen and heard on TV, radio, newspapers and
the internet, concern over the validity of the Spring 2015 ISTEP+ test
content and online administration has been widespread throughout
the community. Mrs. Gina Kuntz Fleming, Superintendent of Catholic
School in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, wrote a wonderful,
informative letter expressing concerns about the Spring 2015 ISTEP+
Test results from both a superintendent’s view as well as that of a
parent. We have attached this letter to this week’s Newscast for you
to read.
That being said, below you will find Nativity’s results. The Indiana
Department of Education has once again named Nativity as an “A”
school on the A-F Accountability Report Card. This “Report Card”
uses both achievement data and individual student growth data to
“grade” all accredited schools in the State of Indiana. In the
content area of English/Language Arts, Nativity earned 4.5 points (on
a 4 point scale) and a solid 4 point in the content area of Math. In
total, Nativity earned an 8.5 out of 8 points. I’d call that an A+!
With the new ISTEP+ test content that was administered in the Spring
of 2015, the Indiana Department of Education predicted a dramatic
drop in test scores – sometimes predicted as 30 – 40% fewer passing
students. Please envision the test as an archery target. The bulls
eye represents the state standards. High test scores represent how
well the Nativity students’ have learned the material the State of
Indiana has laid out before us. Over the past 8 years, Nativity
students have been hitting more and more bulls eyes and we
couldn’t have been prouder! On the Spring 2015 ISTEP+ test, the
Department of Education moved the “bulls eye” dramatically for all
of the students across the state moving from the Indiana State
Standards to (nearly) Common Core Standards to the Indiana
College and Career Readiness Standards. This shift added hours to
the test so the test was cut into two so not all schools were taking the
exact same test. Between the “moving target” and glitches in the
online administration, the validity of the test has been in question. continued
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Continued from page 1
That being said, we remain very proud of the performance of the Nativity third
through eighth graders on the Spring ISTEP+ test. Below, you will find a chart
showing our scores. We are not only pleased with our school “A” grade, but of
the students’ achievement on this test.
The first session of the 2016 Spring ISTEP+ test is just around the corner beginning
on February 29th. The State of Indiana has contracted with a new testing
company, Pearson. The Legislature continues to work with the Department of
Education and Pearson to improve the test.
We recognize that you as parents are the primary educator of your children.
Therefore, the faculty and I would like to thank you for your help and support in
making our school so successful.
Terri Bianchini, Principal
December Star Students
The following students were noticed demonstrating Christ-like behavior: Nicolas
Burleson, Alex Hoffmann, Addison McNeely, Makenzie Judkins, Mary Schoettle,
Cooper Willis, Leah Clark, Hailey Engel, Ellie Leffler, Caroline Schoettle, Victoria
Gomez, Lucy Smidebush, Ava Barlow, Isabella Cadwell, Danny Kappes, Abbie
Taylor Hoffmann, Matthew Horn, Vanessa Lopez, Avery Clark, Jackson Maples,
Garrett Phillips, Emily Render, Aubrey Silcox, Alice Smidebush, Noah Resler, Jake
Kappes, and Elijah Buening. Thanks for showing us Jesus is the Key to your life!
Snowflake Ball Photographs
Photographs will be taken by professional photographer (and Nativity mother)
Holly Dexter during tomorrow evening’s Snowflake Ball. For a fee of only $10,
couples/groups can have several different poses taken. In about a week,
edited photos will be posted on Holly’s website and she will email a password to
each family. These will be full resolution images which families can print, post
online, email, etc. If anyone prefers a couple of prints instead of downloading
images, Holly would be happy to do that for you. You may contact Holly at
[email protected] or www.dexterphotography.smugmug.com.
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Awards Day Presentations
Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for exceptional
effort and exemplary behavior!
Principal’s Hero Award
Aubrey Kirkhoff, Charlie Mockaitis, Olivia Mendoza, Elliott Leffler, Alyssa Casper,
Izzie Nill, Lenica Molina-Gomez, Audrey May, Cecilia Meek, Joey Hicks, Theresa
May, SaraGrace Toney, Gianni Agresta, Glenn Rooney, and Lauren Kill.
Jesus is the Key Award
Matthew Stevens, Grace Toth, Logan Arney, Charlie Wells, Colin Dexter, Trent
LaMarca, Lily Daming, Tommy LeBeau, Shane Gregg, Leah Miller, Logan
Neyenhaus, Abbie Taylor-Hoffmann, Callie Elrod, Elizabeth Hoagland, Melody
Miller, Michael Dexter, Molly Resler, Noah Pitcher, Avery Clark, Braxton
Neighbors, Ethan Dexter, Madeline Mader, Bryce LaMarca, Jaxson Sandlin,
Elijah Buening, Tyler Newett, and Sophia Prusa
RAZ Kids
Maurah Spicer, Dominic Verow, and Rocco Iaria.
IXL
Hailey Engel, Logan Estes, Jake Jasheway, Karol Molina-Gomez, Caroline
Schoettle, Abby Helfrich, Libby Hicks, Cliff LaMarca, Abby Meek, Matthew
Mendez, Anthony Shives, Lucy Smidebush, Elly Agresta, Elijah Clifton, Isabella
Cadwell, and Lenica Molina-Gomez,
Accelerated Reader Award
Gabby Nolting, Brayden Treadwell, Isabella Cadwell, and Logan Neyenhaus.
Titan Spirit Award
Nathan Estes, Ezekiel Judkins, Dez Stephenson, Drew Kill, Mary Renshaw, Gabby
Scheil, Mollie Fitzgerald, Mary Luebkeman, and Daniel Mueller.
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Red Honor Roll
Marty Babcock, Jadea Crockett, Jasmine Day, Callie Elrod, Katelyn Ferguson,
Macen Hendrix, Elizabeth Hoagland, Ezekiel Judkins, Noah Kurz, Audrey May,
Cecelia Meek, Gianna Miller, Melody Miller, Zoey Morris, Delanie Oskay, Ethan
Reed, Dez Stephenson, Ryleigh Arney, Grace Daming, Madeline Daming,
Michael Dexter, Samantha Durm, Keegan Hagerty, Joey Hicks, Anthony Ianni,
Sarah Jasheway, Drew Kill, Sydney Kirkhoff, Theresa May, Casey Newett,
Aryanna Olmsted, Maria Paynter, Max Rail, Mary Renshaw, Molly Resler, Maggie
Smith, Bastian Sobrino, Brady Waugh, Ella Mayer, Alex Roy, Lucy Schoettle, Vinny
Shives, Simeon Taylor, SaraGrace Toney, Ethan Williams, Avery Clark, Kendra
Clark, Thomas Farrar, Ella Guilfoy, Jackson Maples, Emily Render, Aubrey Silcox,
Alice Smidebush, Levi Wisler, Lauren Bobko, Olivia Bognar, Lainie Donaldson,
Mary Luebkeman, Anthony Paynter, Ethan Render, Joshua Renshaw, Glenn
Rooney, Kaitlyn Sullivan, Allison Vennall, Annie Buening, Ethan Dexter, Janna
Harter, Evan Meer, Daniel Mueller, Blake Vennall, Luke Vennall, and Sean White,
Luca Agresta, Jack Farrar, Andy Geibel, Aidan Leffler, Abbey Scheil, Charlie
Schoettle, Lili Wisler, Cara Wlodarczyk, Aidan Curtis, Catherine Guilfoy, Livia
Ianni, Sara Mescall, Ainsley Newett, Mady Pillow, Sophia Taylor, Carlie Young,
Cole Beckman, Keelin Harrington, Jazmyn Lawry, Samantha Leander, Ronnie
Phillips, Eliza Rail, Evan Anderson, Tommy Brownfield, Jillian Hagerty, Jake
Kappes, Christina Kurz, Logan Mercuri, Jacob Sitzman, Stella Agresta, Sydney
Geibel, Meredith Mader, Paige Moore, Tyler Newett, Alex Payne, Sarah Prusa,
Ben Rooks, Erin Rooney, Grace Whitaker, Kai Wisler, Maddie Aldrich, Alyssa
Ancelet, Trey Koch, Sam Meer, Sophia Prusa, and Sydney Silcox.
White Honor Roll
Rosalie Elrod, Gabe Horn, Ethan Hutt, Hunter Burge, Angelina Fisher, Ben Minton,
Caulin Fitzgerald, Aidan Newett, Erin Curtis, Conner Fitzgerald, Kiefer Lawry,
Emmerson Oskay, Spencer Burge, Dom Casper, Rory Beikes, Ryan Nohl, Adalyn
Barlow, Gabby Goodnight, and Lauren Kill.
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Middle School Academic Area Awards
Math Awards
Jack Farrar, Sophia Taylor, Eliza Rail, Christina Kurz, Grace Whitaker, and Sam
Meer.
Religion Awards
Abbey Scheil, Sara Mescall, Austin Stiffler, Evan Anderson, Stella Agresta, and
Sarah Prusa.
Literature/Vocabulary Awards
Cara Wlodarczyk, Carlie Young, Keelin Harrington, Evan Anderson, Sarah Prusa,
and Sydney Silcox.
Composition/Grammar Awards
Cara Wlodarczyk, Angelina Fisher, Ronnie Phillips, Jake Kappes, Sarah Prusa,
and Sydney Silcox.
Social Studies Awards
Patrick Sullivan, Livia Ianni, Jaxson Sandlin, Alec Brooking, Stella Agresta, Erin
Rooney, and Alyssa Ancelet.
Science Awards
Michigan Ornelas, Jillian lynch, Ellie Dahltorp, Skyler Phillips, Mason Bogie, Tyler
Newett, and Emma Spotts.
Date Change for PK 2-Day Conferences
As noted last week, the Pre-School Parent-Teacher Conferences have been
postponed a week -- from Tuesday, January 12th to Tuesday, January 19th.
There will be no Preschool classes on January 19th.
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Second Grade Resolutions
Nativity second graders have started 2016 with good intentions. Each student
made a booklet specifying their resolutions for the new year.
Their two goals for 2016 included: stop playing the IPod, read a chapter book
straight through, be a better sport, do a back tuck, be nicer, always do
homework right when I get home, save my money to buy a big toy, and eat all
of my dinner.
Some things they would like to stop doing: stop hitting, stop fighting, stop going
down on AR points, stop talking back to my parents.
Books they wanted to read: Critter Club, Hotel Transylvania, Junie B. Jones, and
My Weird School.
Among the six things they want to learn to do are: division, multiplication, read
music, more about earth, write in cursive, draw, braid hair, sign language, tell
time, be creative, make a book, origami, ballet, softball, and make a bracelet
out of string.
Box Tops for Education
We have a goal of collecting 10,000 box tops for the Spring collection. Please
keep clipping and sending in Box Tops for Education!
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Wedding Bells
Miss Emily Shipton, 3rd grade teacher, will marry Mr. Larry Gray on Saturday,
January 23rd. The wedding will be celebrated at Mother of Perpetual Help
Church in Maryville, Illinois.
1st Grade Resolutions
“My New Year’s school resolution is to help my friends.” Alyssa
“My New Year’s school resolution is to be a good citizen in the classroom.” Libby
“My New Year’s school resolution is to always share with others.” Brianna
“My New Year’s school resolution is to always remember my homework!”
Victoria
“My New Year’s school resolution is to be a good sport and listen to the
teacher’s directions.” Abby
“My New Year’s school resolution is to take my time on seat work!” Lucy
“My New Year’s school resolution is not to leave my folder in my backpack!”
James
More Students Earn Out of Uniform Days
Clarification from last week’s Newscast: Mr. Brian Boyle’s 7th grade class has
also reached the milestone of 75 days without a tardy! Excellent job! We are
proud of you 7A!
Students in Mrs. Teresa Minton’s, Mrs. Julie Kirkhoff’s and Mrs. Missy Mendoza’s
classes have reached 25 more days without a Tardy. Way to go! Thanks to all
the parents who send their children prepared, on time and ready to learn!
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Help Needed for Reverse Raffle & Auction
Come join the fun of the Roaring Twenties at Nativity’s annual Reverse Raffle
and Auction. It will be held Saturday, February 6th.
At this time, we need volunteers to assemble class baskets which will be sold at
the Silent Auction. Ideas for basket themes are up to you – it could be game
trivia, movie night, date night, card club, beach fun, etc. How about getting a
little group together to create a class basket? If you would like to be a part of
this annual Parish fund raising event please contact Joan Jacobs ASAP at 258-
0765 or [email protected]. Thanks a million!
Friendly Reminder
Just a friendly reminder that all students should be picked up at dismissal in the
carline. If you need to pick up your child(ren) early for an appointment, please
come to the office at least 15 minutes before dismissal. For their protection,
students will not be released from Door 1 until 15 minutes after the normal
dismissal time. Thank you for your cooperation.
There will be no classes on Monday, January 18th
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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Congratulations to Mrs. Hamm!
Mrs. Margie Hamm has received a $12,000 Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity
Fellowship Grant to travel through Chile, Trinidad, Tobago and Little Havana for
6 weeks this summer studying Latin rhythms and learning to play them on hand
drums and steelpans. She will also be exploring the cultures and dance of each
rhythm and locale. Mrs. Hamm co-wrote the grant with Mrs. Aragon, the music
teacher at Christ the King Catholic School.
Out of 535 grant applications, 100 were selected and awarded from the Lilly
Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship. Mrs. Hamm’s and Mrs. Aragon’s
applications were the only ones awarded to teachers within the Archdiocese of
Indianapolis.
Mrs. Hamm is looking forward to bringing these new experiences and
knowledge to our students in the 2016-17 school year. Mrs. Hamm and Mrs.
Aragon plan to work together to expand a drumming program that includes
Latin rhythms. They will share resources, team teach when possible and bring
the Nativity and Christ the King students together as they experience Latin
drumming.
Since the Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program began in
1987, more than 2,800 Indiana teachers, principals, guidance counselors and
media specialists have received fellowships. Lilly Endowment, Inc. is an
Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by
three members of the Lilly family -- J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Lilly, Jr. and Eli Lilly
-- through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and
company. The endowment supports the causes of community
development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment
to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Congratulations, Mrs. Hamm! We can’t wait to expand our drumming
repertoire!
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Confirmation Preparation Takes a New Approach
Many of you have heard that Nativity will now offer a two-year Confirmation
model for all students interested in this sacrament. Fr. Pat and I are excited to
provide more holistic formation for your student as he/she enters this period of
preparation. Students to be affected are all those entering into high school in
the fall of 2016. I would like to invite all interested, especially all 8th grade
families, to attend a Come and Ask night at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 8th in
the Parish Center. This time will provide an opportunity for me to present the
plan for Nativity’s Confirmation preparation, and it will be a time for you to get
your questions answered.
Yours in Christ,
Michelle Ross
Pastoral Associate/Director of Religious Education
During the month of January, the fifth grade classes will be collecting new
winter gloves and hats to donate to The Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House. The
Lord’s Pantry, which began in 1989, serves the needy of the Indianapolis
Community. Help us to provide warmth for the poor during these upcoming
winter months by bringing donations of gloves and hats to the fifth grade
classrooms. Thank you for your support!
Transform Your Summer from
Ordinary to Extraordinary!
Mark your calendar for the week of June 13 – 17 for Camp Invention. Once
again our REACH teacher, Mrs. Linda Minton, will lead the camp. The sessions
are held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nativity. Sign up by March 21st to save
$25. Returning campers can save $35 before March 21st. Please see the
attached flyer for more information about this creative and innovative camp.
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Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest
This Sunday is the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Shooting Contest. It is open
to all boys and girls ages 9 to 14. It will be held in Nativity’s gym on Sunday,
January 17th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact Andy
Minton at 317-525-1841. The registration form is attached.
Attention ALL 8TH grade students
Hope to see you this Sunday @ the 1st Nativity Social event for all 8th grade and
high school students!
WHAT: Duck Pin Bowling
Where: Action Duckpin Bowl in Fountain Square (1105 Prospect
Street) www.fountainsquareindy.com
When: THIS Sunday, January 17th
Time: 2:00 ~ 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 CASH
I have some lanes already reserved…..BUT….If you know you are going to make
it….please email me back and let me know… that way I know I have enough
lanes plus you will reserve your spot! Email Maureen Hutt @
Waves of Mercy Concert
You are invited to attend a Youth Rally for middle school students
ONLY on Saturday, February 6th, 2016, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. This awesome
event will be held at Roncalli High School. All Archdiocesan Middle School
students are invited. The day includes a keynote speaker, two breakout sessions
led by high school youth, dinner, Mass, an amazing concern by We Are Leo
and a t-shirt!
To register online go to http://wavesofmercy.eventbrite.com. Please see the
attachment for more information. Any questions, please email Maureen Hutt @
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Mental Health Awareness at RHS
Janice Gabe, nationally recognized adolescent and young adult therapist, will
present: “Teens’ Drug and Alcohol Use: Not as ‘Harmless’ as Some May Think”
on Tuesday, January 26 at 6 PM in the Roncalli High School Fine Arts Auditorium.
Roncalli Annual Ash Wednesday Fish Fry
Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 10th, for 5 p.m. Mass in the Roncalli High
School Chapel. Then head down to the cafeteria for a delicious dinner. The
menu includes fish or shrimp, several side dishes to choose from, dessert and a
beverage. Cheese Pizza will also be available. Meal price is $7 for those 12
years and older and $5 for children under 12. All proceeds go to support the
Senior Retreat Program. Food will be served from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m.
Please see the following attachments to today’s Newscast:
Mrs. Fleming’s ISTEP+ Letter Camp Invention Flyer Waves of Mercy Youth Rally
Walk-A-Thon Sponsors 2015-16:
Gold Sponsors: Peterman Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Inc., Harold & Jeanette Schoettle Foundation, Inc., Alpha Systems, Inc., Beck Service Center, and Roncalli High School
Silver Sponsors: Gotta Have It Courier, LLC, Dexter Photography, Total Restoration, Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, Mader Design, LLC, and Southport Discount Appliances
Bronze Sponsors: Hartman Janitorial Supply, Kridan Business Equipment, Best In Sight Eye Care, Nativity Cub Scout Pack #462, Nativity PFO, Mascari Cleaners, Nativity Boy Scout Pack #462, Daming Excavating, Knights of Columbus Fr. Louis Gootee Council #13105, and Thomas C. Wisler Jr. MD OB/GYN of Indiana
Nativity Catholic School Mission Statement Nativity Catholic School, a ministry of Nativity Catholic Church, inspires each student: · to grow in the love of Christ · to achieve his or her fullest potential academically, spiritually and physically and · to develop as a faith-filled steward by serving others according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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