Mustang Memo

Dear Parents,

The season of Advent is here! This is such a joy-filled and beautiful time in our Catholic school community. Advent is a time of preparation as we ready ourselves to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is also a season of hopeful waiting, when we answer the call to prepare our hearts.

This week, we light the first candle of Advent: HOPE. It is with great hope that we journey together toward the celebration of Christmas. Thank you for walking with us on this path to Bethlehem. Your support and shared faith bring life and love to our school community.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Advent,

Maureen Hoy

December 2: Journalism Club 3:15 PM

December 3: Jr. Legion of Mary 3:30 PM

December 3: Robotics Practice 3:30 PM

December 3: Creative Writing Club 3:15 PM

December 4: Sacrament of Reconciliation, Gr. 6-8

December 4: Choir 3:15 PM

December 4: Robotics League Play 4:15 PM

December 4: Home and School Chipotle Dine Out

December 5: Sacrament of Reconciliation, Gr 3-5

December 5: Book Bowl 3:15 PM

December 5: Chess Club 3:15 PM

December 5: Catholic Math League Test 3:15 PM

December 6: Math Club 3:15 PM

December 9: Feast of Immaculate Conception Holy Day and all school mass

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 school’s 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!

As cold weather sets in, please ensure students come to school dressed appropriately. Outdoor recess will take place if the real-feel temperature is 14 degrees or higher, so dressing warmly is essential.

Recess Cold Weather Reminders:

• Coats, hats, and gloves

• Pants or leg coverings to wear during recess

Thank you for helping keep our students comfortable and ready for outdoor fun!

Inclement Weather Reminders:

Mary Our Queen School follows Westside Community Schools and Omaha Archdiocese Catholic Schools for weather-related closures. Families will be notified of closures or late starts via a FACTS text message.

• Closures: If school is canceled, notifications will be sent promptly. If weather worsens during the school day, we intend to complete the day unless safety dictates otherwise.
  

• Early Dismissals: Parents may pick up their own children early with office notification. Written or verbal permission is required to pick up other students.

• Two-Hour Late Start: If Westside calls a “Late Start”, MOQ School will begin at 10:00 AM. Morning only Preschool and PreK programs will be canceled.

Congratulations to our November DWP (Discipline with Purpose) rockstars! During November students worked at using the following self-discipline skills:

K-2: Asking Questions

3-5: Understanding the Reasons for Rules

6-8: Resolving Mutual Problems

These students were “caught” using this month’s DWP skills and were nominated by teachers for the award:

• Kindergarten: Sadie M., Bishop B., Louis K.

• Grade 1: Ophelia S., Max C., Elizabeth L., Cecilia D.

• Grade 2: Sloane F., Stella S., Grace C., Olivia W., Brynn M., Teresa B., Cason N.

• Grade 3: Maclyn S., Jack S., Kenzleigh M.

• Grade 4: Reagan B., Lucy R., Anna V., Claire L., Ella K.

• Grade 5: Rex C., Libby E., Edie P., Sam G., Ty B., Mya W.

• Grade 6-8: Kinley S., Segan S., Max K., Davis M., Benjamin K., CJ C., Faye M., Charlie E., Molly F., Elena B., Lucas S.

• One student is randomly drawn from the nominated names and selected for the DWP grand prize. Congratulations to Anna V. for using her DWP skills and winning this month’s grand prize.

DWP is a developmental approach to teaching self-discipline. The program is based on 15 self-discipline skills that provide adults and students with a common way to talk about growing and becoming self-directed.

During December, our students will be practicing the following DWP skills:

• K-2: Sharing

• 3-5: Completing a Task

• 6-8: Initiating Solutions

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 “Apply/Enroll”

• Then select Application from the drop-down menu.

• “Application (NEW Student)” 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.

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.

This Tuesday, December 3, help us Bridge the Gap at Mary Our Queen Catholic School!

Did you know the cost to educate a student at MOQ is $6,025, while tuition only covers $3,995? Together, we can close this $2,030 gap and ensure every student receives the exceptional, faith-filled education they deserve.

This year, we’re striving for 100% participation from our school families. Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference and shows the strength of our MOQ community. Donate today HERE.

Thank you for supporting our mission and for being an essential part of the MOQ family. Together, we can make a lasting impact! ❤️

Art Pop-Up Camps

To register for the Christmas Art Club on Dec 11 & 18th, pop-up, click HERE.

Math Club

• Dec. 5 - 2:30 - 3:15 pm: Pop-Up Present Sale to support MOQ Math Club and 8th grade DC trip. New/Unopened toys, games and puzzles will be available for sale in the Trinity Rooms.
  

• Dec. 5 - 3:15 - 4:30 pm: Catholic Math League Test for 3rd - 5th grade. Students will be dismissed from the Trinity Rooms. Older grades will test in class. Catholic Math League sign up for the Dec. 5th test, grades 3-5, has closed.

• Math Club practice on Friday, Dec. 6th and Dec. 13th, 3:15 - 4:15 PM. Interested students in Grade 6 math (5th Grade Advanced Class) and higher, please meet in Miss Targy's room.

• The Math Club will complete Saturday, Dec. 7th at the Duchesne Math Field Day.

Journalism Club: Click HERE to read the Mustang Monthly.

• Our next pizza lunch is scheduled for this Wednesday, Dec. 4th. Students wanting to purchase an extra slice of pizza, must bring their money to school on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd. Students in grades K - 3 can only purchase 1 extra slice of pizza. Students in grades 4 – 8 can purchase up to 2 extra slices of pizza. The price of a slice of pizza is $2.00. Pizza money should be brought to school in an envelope or sandwich bag. The student’s first name, last name and grade must be written on the envelope/sandwich bag. If you have several students getting extra pizza, feel free to send the money with one student, as long as the name, grade and number of pizza slices is provided for each student. Money should be turned into the homeroom teacher.

• 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.

• It’s 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:

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.

BREAK CARE DATES: REGISTRATION CUT OFF DATE:

Monday, December 23rd, 2024 – Monday, December 9th, 2024

Friday, December 27th, 2024 – Friday, December 14th, 2024

Monday, December 30th, 2024 – Monday, December 16th, 2024

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 – Thursday, December 19th, 2024

Friday, January 3rd, 2025 – Friday, December 20th, 2024

Monday, January 6th, 2025 – Monday, December 23rd, 2024

Calendars

January Calendar

February Calendar

March Calendar

April Calendar

May Calendar

Ashley Rosenthal

Extended Care Director

arosenthal@moqschool.org

This holiday season, let's come together to show our appreciation for the amazing teachers and staff at Mary Our Queen who make every day merry and bright for our children! 🌟

The MOQ Teachers Christmas Fund is our way of spreading holiday cheer and saying a heartfelt “thank you” for their hard work and dedication.

Look for the Christmas Fund envelope coming home this week. Simply return it with your contribution to the school office or send it with your child. 🎅

Thank you for helping make the season extra special for those who give so much to our kids all year long! 🎄❤️

Do you or someone you know love giving gift cards for Christmas, birthdays, or just because? Does your business gift cards to employees or customers? Are you planning a big purchase? Let Mary Our Queen's Raise Right Program make it easy and meaningful!

Here’s how it works:
✅ Gift cards are available in increments from $5 to $1,000, with over 1,000 stores to choose from!
✅ A percentage of every purchase is donated to MOQ School, directly supporting our students.
✅ For example, if you purchase 4 - $25 gift cards to Bath and Body Works, MOQ School receives $12!

🛍️ Christmas Order Forms were sent home last week. Share it with family and friends to help them enjoy one-stop gift card shopping while supporting our school. To view the forms and list of retailers, see the form below.

💌 Order anytime! Contact Lisa Leighton at lml13@live.com or 402-880-6476 for more details.

🎄 Start your holiday shopping and support MOQ School at the same time! For a list of participating stores and brands, see below. Forms are due back by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH.

#RaiseRight #GiftCardsWithPurpose #SupportMOQ #OneStopShopping

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.

Do you have any 1st and 2nd grade basketball jerseys hanging around? Let’s give them a second chance to hit the court this season! 🏆

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! 🏀✨

Advent has begun! Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ! 🙏✨👉 Join the Advent Prayer Challenge! 🙏✨ There are two easy options for prayer and community for busy people:

1. Prayer App: Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer platform in the world, is partnering with MOQ and SJV to journey through the Advent season through shared prayer within our local community. Our parish has received a unique promo code, granting all parishioners access to the full version of the Hallow app for 120 days for just $1. This can be redeemed at hallow.com/parish. This includes the Advent Pray25 Challenge, themed “For God so loved the world.” Over four weeks, we will dive deeper into the heart of Christ, unified as a community as we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus this Christmas.
2. Paperback devotional book: For those who prefer a low-tech option, we are also offering the journal from Ascension Press by Fr. Mark Toups, entitled, “Rejoice! An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture.” This offers family resources, daily reflections on the Sunday Mass readings, and brief video talks that you can view on your own or with a group. Books can be purchased for $5 at the parish office.

Celebrate the birth of our Lord with a beautiful musical offering at the 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass at SJV. This year, we’re excited to unite the talented singers from SJV and MOQ in a special Combined Christmas Choir—and YOU can be a part of it!

🌟 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.

🎶 Rehearsal Schedule:
📍 Monday, December 9th - Rehearsal 1: MOQ Church, 7:00 PM
📍 Monday, December 16th - Rehearsal 2: MOQ Church, 7:00 PM
📍 Monday, December 23rd - Rehearsal 3: SJV Church, 7:00 PM
📍 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.

🎤 Why join?
This is a wonderful opportunity to share your voice, deepen your faith, and celebrate the season in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply love to praise through song, we welcome you!

📧 Ready to sing? Contact Renee at rspicka@moqchurch.org for more details.

Let’s make a joyful noise together and spread the spirit of Christmas! 🎵💒

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.

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

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.