Mustang Memo
December 9, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
Advent invites us to pause and reflect, even during one of the busiest times of the year. As we light the second candle on our wreath, we are reminded to embrace the gift of peace. Today's reading assures us that God has already done everything needed to bring us closer to Him. Our task is simply to slow down, find stillness, and recognize His presence in our lives. This week, letβs focus on finding peace in the knowledge that we are deeply loved and cared for, even amidst lifeβs busyness.
Peace,
Maureen
Feast of St. Nicholas
Annual Petersen/Rieck Staff Christmas Breakfast!
Fr. Steve Visits Classrooms
Therapy Dog, Bella, visits Kindergarten
Upcoming Events
December 9: Journalism Club 3:15 PM
December 10: Jr. Legion of Mary 3:30 PM
December 10: Robotics Practice 3:30 PM
December 10: Creative Writing Club 3:15 PM
December 11: Choir 3:15 PM
December 11: Christmas Art Pop Up Camp 3:15 PM
December 12: Book Bowl 3:15 PM
December 12: Early Childhood Christmas Program 10:00 AM
December 13: Gr. K-5 Cantata 8:30 AM
December 13: Gr. K-5 Cantata 2:00 PM
December 13: Math Club 3:15 PM
First Reconciliation for 2nd Grade
On Tuesday, our second graders will receive their First Reconciliation. Please keep them in your prayers. The students are well prepared and excited to receive this beautiful sacrament. Thank you to Fr. Steve, Mr. Jake Cortright, Mrs. Skiles, Miss Olson and Miss Mangers for their work to prepare our students.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
On Tuesday, students in grades 3-8 received the sacrament of Reconciliation. What a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to Jesus during Advent. ββThank you to Fr. Steve, Fr. Rob Scheiblhofer, Fr. Dan Kampschneider, Fr. Damien Wee, Fr. Norm Hunke, Fr. Jaehwa Lee, and Fr. Elliott Schwer for providing this special sacrament for our students.
K - 5 Christmas Cantata
Reminder: Christmas Cantata Performances at 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM on December 13ππ
Cantata performances will be held at 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM on Friday, December 13th. (Earlier this year, we communicated the change to daytime-only performances. Please note the time changes for the morning performance - 8:30 AM.) The Gym Doors will open 20 minutes before each performance. Older siblings will have the opportunity to see the production on Thursday and will not be dismissed from class to attend Friday's performances.
We anticipate the program lasting approximately 45 minutes. One performance will be live streamed and the link will be shared with MOQ families.
On Dec. 13, students in grades K-5 will come to school dressed in attire that would be appropriate for Christmas Mass. The schoolβs non-uniform guidelines must be followed, and in addition, jeans and t-shirts with words should not be worn. Girls wearing dresses or skirts must have leggings or tights underneath.
Our students are hard at work rehearsing their songs and they look forward to sharing the beautiful gift of Christmas music with you on December 13th!
Advent Classroom Activities
Our shared journey to Bethlehem continues this weekβ¦
The second candle is lit. This candle symbolizes PEACE. The 2nd candle recalls that after all of the division, destruction and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be PEACE on Earth.
Our βNames of Jesusβ Tree in the lobby is a wonderful reminder of the many ways Jesus invites us and supports us. Each morning our students read and reflect on a name. This week's names are: The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The Bread of Life, Savior, The Good News, The Great High Priest, and The Word.
On Monday, the Mystery Guest, Joseph, will be visiting classrooms to share a part of the Nativity story. Thank you to our 6th, 7th and 8th graders for their work to bring Advent to life for our younger students.
The upper-grade Houses will be wrapping all of the gifts for our Human Needs Christmas Family. We were able to purchase food, clothing and toys for a family of nine. It will be a special Christmas for all of us!
2025-2026 MOQ School Application and Enrollment
Application and enrollment for Mary Our Queen School is an online process through FACTS Management Company. Applications for NEW student admissions for the 2025-2026 school year are now being accepted.
Current families who have a NEW student to enroll will log in to their FACTS Family Portal to complete the admissions application. From the left-side menu:
Select βApply/Enrollβ
Then select Application from the drop-down menu.
βApplication (NEW Student)β will appear on the right-side.
Click the blue link to open and complete an Application.
After applications are reviewed, parents will receive an email from MOQ School to complete the Enrollment process. Emails will be sent in December. Students will not be enrolled in Mary Our Queen School, including Preschool and Pre-K, until the enrollment packet has been submitted.
Re-enrollment for returning students will open in December. Current families will be notified when re-enrollment is open.
Kindergarten 2025-2026: Enrollment and Roundup
Formal registration for Kindergarten will begin in January. However, we are anticipating a waiting list and want to ensure that our current families have a spot. If you have a child eligible to attend Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year, click HERE to complete the short survey and reserve a spot for Roundup.
Kindergarten Roundup is February 21, 2025.
Make a Difference in 2024: There is still time to Bridge the Gap
As You Plan Your Year-End Giving, Help Us Bridge the Gap at Mary Our Queen Catholic School
As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to include Mary Our Queen Catholic School in your charitable giving plans. Did you know the cost to educate a student at MOQ is $6,025, while tuition only covers $3,995? This leaves a gap of $2,030 per student that we need your help to bridge.
This year, weβre striving for 100% participation from our school families. Every giftβno matter the sizeβmakes an impact and shows the strength of our MOQ community. Your support helps ensure that every child continues to receive the exceptional, faith-filled education they deserve.
Donate today HERE or click on the photo to help us Bridge the Gap and make a lasting difference for our students.
Thank you for your generosity and for being an essential part of the MOQ family. Together, we can achieve our goal and ensure a bright future for every child!
Extra-Curriculars
Robotics:
Congratulations to all Mary Our Queen Robotics Teams on their amazing performance at the Millard North High School Tournament yesterday!
Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork shined on and off the field! Here's a recap of the results:
985B (Middle School)
- Excellence Award
- Teamwork Champion Award
- Robot Skills Champion (1st in Skills!)
Congratulations to Ben F., Isaac W., Nate B. and Sam F.
985N (Elementary School)
- Excellence Award
- 3rd in Skills
Congratulations to Jane P., Maeve W., Lyla F., Cat P. and Grace S.
985M (Elementary School)
- Design Award
Congratulations to Franco J., Caleb F., Wiley S., John O. and James S.
Journalism Club:
Click HERE to read the Mustang Monthly.
Cafeteria News
The days are getting colder and the chances of snow are going up. When school is cancelled, the lunch menu can be impacted. Any changes to the menu will be emailed to you as soon as I receive this information from Westside.
THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered in the cafeteria. The time you donate to the lunch program is truly appreciated. There are still a few spots available in December. Thank you in advance. The SignUp Genius link is HERE.
Itβs time to get ready for the second half of the school year. HERE is the Cafeteria Volunteer SignUp Genius link for January 2024 to May 2024:
Extended Care News
Christmas Break Care
Please see the Break Care dates below. Spots are filling up quickly, so please send in your December Calendar as soon as possible.
I will be sending out confirmation emails by 3pm today with Break Care dates.
We are completely full on Monday, December 30th. Please email extendedcare@moqschool.org to be put on the waitlist.
BREAK CARE DATES: REGISTRATION CUT OFF DATE:
Monday, December 23rd, 2024 β Monday, December 9th, 2024
Friday, December 27th, 2024 β Friday, December 14th, 2024
Monday, December 30th, 2024 β Monday, December 16th, 2024
Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 β Thursday, December 19th, 2024
Friday, January 3rd, 2025 β Friday, December 20th, 2024
Monday, January 6th, 2025 β Monday, December 23rd, 2024
Calendars
Thank you!!
Ashley Rosenthal
Extended Care Director
MOQ Home & School Updates
Important Updates and Upcoming Dates
Dear MOQ Families,
As we prepare for the Christmas season, here are some important dates to keep in mind:
- Christmas Collection Deadline: Please submit all contributions for the Christmas collection by Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
- Raise Right Pickup: Orders will be available for pickup on Friday, December 13, 2024.
- Next Home & School Meeting: We invite you to join us on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM for our final meeting of the year.
Thank you for your continued generosity and involvement. Your support helps make MOQ a strong and vibrant community.
Warm regards,
MOQ Home & School
MOQ Parent Volunteer Program
We are blessed to have so many members of our community willing to lend a helping hand! So far this year, 60 families have reported a total of 765 hours of service. Have you recorded your (and your family's) service hours on your FACTS family dashboard? Each family is encouraged to donate 15 hours of volunteer time at MOQ School. For more details, click HERE to read the MOQ Family Volunteer Program Handbook. Thank you!
Wonderful Wednesdays: Help brighten up our teachers' week with this special program. Sign up HERE.
Used Uniform: Help us keep the used uniform room tidy to allow families to find items easily AND to allow staff/teachers to use the room throughout the school day. Sign up HERE.
K-8 CAFETERIA: Click HERE to sign up, and THANKS for volunteering! Please enter the cafeteria through door #9.
PRESCHOOL/PRE-K CAFETERIA: Click HERE to volunteer for the Preschool/Pre-K lunch.
CGS PRESCHOOL ATRIUM: To volunteer in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, please contact Mrs. Hannah Casey at hcasey@moqchurch.org.
Art Room: Contact Mrs. Robinson at jrobinson@moqschool.org for information and schedule.
All volunteers need to be Safe Environment certified.
MOQ Parish News βͺ
Keep Christ in Christmas
The Knights of Columbus are again sponsoring their Keep Christ in Christmas contest. The winners in each category will receive cash prizes. Entries are due to Mrs. Petersen by December 15.
Entry rules:
Poster must reflect the theme of Keep Christ in Christmas. Each poster should be the original work (including concept, layout, slogan and any visual images) of a single person. Poster should be approximately 11x17 inches. However, the Supreme Council will not disqualify based on poster size. If pastels, chalk or charcoal are used, the poster must be laminated or covered with clear plastic. Each poster must be submitted with a Knights of Columbus Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest entry form - make sure your council number is included (11700). The name and grade of the entrant should be printed on the reverse side of the poster in case the poster and entry form get separated. All entries become property of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council office. Posters cannot be returned in most cases. The entry form can be found here.
π Pass It On! Help Outfit Our Future MVPs! π
Do you have any 1st and 2nd grade basketball jerseys hanging around? Letβs give them a second chance to hit the court this season! π
Drop your gently used jerseys into the big bins located in the narthex outside the Trinity Rooms. The bins will be ready to score donations for the next week!
Thank you for being a team player and helping our young athletes shine! Go Mustangs! πβ¨
Christmas Choir for "Midnight Mass"
Celebrate the birth of our Lord with a beautiful musical offering at the 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass at SJV. This year, weβre excited to unite the talented singers from SJV and MOQ in a special Combined Christmas Choirβand YOU can be a part of it!
π Who can join?
Open to adults and high school students who love to sing and want to share the joy of the season through music.
πΆ Rehearsal Schedule:
π Monday, December 9th - Rehearsal 1: MOQ Church, 7:00 PM
π Monday, December 16th - Rehearsal 2: MOQ Church, 7:00 PM
π Monday, December 23rd - Rehearsal 3: SJV Church, 7:00 PM
π Tuesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve! Arrive at SJV Church by 9:00 PM. Prelude begins at 9:30 PM, and Mass starts at 10:00 PM.
π€ Why join?
This is a wonderful opportunity to share your voice, deepen your faith, and celebrate the season in a meaningful way. Whether youβre a seasoned singer or simply love to praise through song, we welcome you!
π§ Ready to sing? Contact Renee at rspicka@moqchurch.org for more details.
Letβs make a joyful noise together and spread the spirit of Christmas! π΅π
Puzzle Competition
The 8th Grade DC Trip committee is hosting their annual puzzle competition fundraiser on Sunday, Jan. 12, 1:00-4:00 PM. There will be snacks and prizes. There is a limit of 16 teams so get your team registered now. To sign up for the competition, email sallyfullenkamp@yahoo.com. The registration fee is $100.00 per team.
In preparation for the event, we are collecting gently used puzzles. There will be a donation box in the Narthex. Thank you, in advance, for supporting this fundraiser.
High School Happenings
Fall Activities at Duchesne
Duchesne Academy invites middle school girls to our upcoming events:
Future Cardinal Fan Night: Christmas Concert - December 9th 6:30-8:00 PM. Tis the season for beautiful music! Enjoy festive performances by our choirs, string ensemble, and more.
Deck the Halls - December 14th, 6:00-8:00 PM Celebrate the season with gingerbread houses, merry music, and treats! This event is open to 7th and 8thgrade girls.
Register for these events at duchesneacademy.org/admissions. For questions, contact Maggie Vazquez at mvazquez@duchesneacademy.org
Fall Activities at Marian
Discover Marian | Parent Coffee
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Discover the opportunities for your daughter at Marian! Parents of junior high students are invited to join us for an information session with our president and principal.
Find out how Marian aligns with what youβre looking for in a high school partner:
- All-Girls Advantage at the Optimum Size
- Rigorous College Prep Curriculum
- Leadership Development & Extracurricular Opportunities
- Class A Athletics
- Top of the Line Facilities
- Supportive Community
Sign up here to discover Marian.
Holiday Event
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 2-3 p.m.
Girls in grades 6-8 are invited to sport their most festive holiday attire or ugly Christmas sweater, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and learn test-taking tips in advance of the Jan. 11th practice and placement exams. Register here.
8th-Grade Scholarship & Placement Exam
Fall Activities at Mercy
Sign up for Mercy's 6th & 7th Grade Practice ACT Exam AND the 8th Grade Scholarship & Placement Exam!
Registration is now open for Mercy High School's upcoming exams on January 11, 2025, from 8:00am to 12:00pm.
- 6th & 7th Grade Practice ACT Exam: A great way for students to get a feel for the ACT format!
- 8th Grade Scholarship & Placement Exam: A chance for 8th graders to be considered for scholarships and placement at Mercy High School.
To sign up, please visit:
Mercy Admissions - Recruitment Events
For more information or questions, please feel free to contact our Director of Admissions, Ms. Sammi Marousek at marouseks@mercyhigh.org or call 402-553-9424.