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: plamott@nativityindy.org

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

info@dexterphotography.com 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 babyjoan14@yahoo.com. 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 @

mhutt@nativityindy.org

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 @

mhutt@nativityindy.org

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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.