Mustang Messenger l October 4, 2018           
Message from the Principal

This week’s Mass reflection was about hearing God’s voice and being thankful at all times. I find that it is easy to be thankful when things are going well or when someone is kind to us, but it is much harder to have a grateful heart when things are not going well or we are treated unfairly in some way. God calls to us in many ways, and we may not always recognize the blessing amidst the challenge, but we are called to maintain a grateful heart at all times and that is when we will truly see His goodness!
Dates to Remember

October 2018

5 - Pep Rally, 2:15 pm, Gym
5 - Middle School Dance, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Cafeteria
10 - Liturgy, Gr. 2, 8:30 am, Church
12 - Mustang Stampede
17 - Liturgy, Gr. 7, 8:30 am, Church
18 - No School for Students, Professional Development Day for Teachers
19 - No School, CommunityFest
22 - No School, CommunityFest
23-26 - Red Ribbon Week
30 - All Saints Parade, Gr. K - 4, 1:45 pm
30 - Halloween Class Parties, Gr. K - 8, 2:15 - 3:00 pm
Notes of Interest
Text Alerts
We utilized our text alerts during the lockdown on Tuesday. If you did not receive text messages throughout the day, and you have already updated your demographic information on ParentsWeb, please contact our school office so we can assist you and ensure your information is updated in our system.
Thank You, 7th Grade Families!
Thank you to our awesome Seventh Grade parents for the treats they provided for us in the faculty lounge today. We truly felt spoiled by all of the goodies! 
In the News
Over $800 Raised for Cannonball Kids' Cancer Research
On Thursday, September 27th the students showed their support for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by wearing a yellow or blue shirt for a donation of $1.00. The students could also wear jeans for a donation of another $1.00. The NJHS sponsored this event and raised over $800.00 for Cannonball Kids’ Cancer Research. Thank you for your continued support!
CommunityFest 2018 Dri-Fit T-shirts On Sale Now
Don't miss the chance to get your shirts before they sell out!
 
Students are allowed to wear this shirt to school on CommunityFest Spirit Days (every Friday leading up to CommunityFest), for PE the week of CommunityFest AND in the opening parade as part of their costume.
 
All shirts are $12 each
*A2XL $13 and A3XL $16
 
Click on the link below to place your online order. Shirts will be delivered to the school within a couple days of the order and sent home through your student with the homeroom designated on the order.


CommunityFest News: Games Sign Up
Thank you to all of our families who have already signed up for a shift at CommunityFest! Your gift of time helps our parish provide this wonderful weekend not only to our parishioners but to the greater church community as well. If you have not yet signed up, please click here to see where help is still needed. As a reminder, all families are asked to commit a shift in the Kids’ Games area. The children love spending time in this area and it serves as a wonderful opportunity to put our faith into action.
CommunityFest 2018 Parade
“Showcasing Broadway's Most Memorable Plays” is this year’s parade theme! If your child would like to be in the parade here are a few details: 

  • Meet on the lawn in front of the school office at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 19th.
  • Parade starts at 6:00 pm. 
  • Pre-K and Kindergarten Students – “Cats”. Wear plain color clothes or something that has leopard spots or tiger type stripes. We will provide cat ears. Please draw whiskers on your child’s cheeks. 
  • 1st and 2nd Grade Students – “Oklahoma”. Wear jeans and cowboy boots (if you have them). We will provide cowboy hats. 
  • 3rd and 4th Grade Students – “South Pacific”. Wear White T-Shirts, blue jeans or white pants and white shoes. We will provide sailor hats. 
"Sweet Treats" Booth
Once again, the “Sweet Treats” booth needs your help! Could you bake or provide yummy baked goods for our “Sweet Treats” Booth? Your creative and delicious desserts are always a big hit, such as cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, buckeyes, and specialty treats.

When: Fri., Oct. 19th - donation drop off, (corner of 1st Grade Bldg. 8 am to Noon under tent) or SMM Cafeteria, “Sweet Treats” Booth                        

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind and delicious donation to our SMM “Sweet Treats” Booth!
Faith on Campus
17th Annual Blue Mass
Our eighth grade class had the privilege of attending and representing St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School at the 17th Annual Blue Mass held at St. James Cathedral. September 29th is the Feast Day of St. Michael, the patron saint of public safety personnel. It is a long standing tradition in our Diocese to hold a special Mass annually in honor of local law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, and public safety officials who serve and protect us daily.

The Mass was a beautiful celebration in thanksgiving for the good men and women who serve their community in uniform. On this special day and throughout the year, all are invited to pray for protection and safety for our first responders.

Highlights
Stampede On!
We are halfway through our fall fundraiser – the 2018 Mustang Stampede. We had great participation for the first week but we must keep up the good work to reach our goal of $50,000! TOMORROW, Friday, October 5th is our 2nd collection day. Send in your donation envelopes in the morning for Friday’s count and for eligibility in Monday’s prize distribution. Envelopes are returned with the prizes but don’t let that stop you from collecting over the weekend. As a reminder, the top two fundraisers in each class get to spin the wheel on Monday for fun prizes – this was a big hit with the students on Monday!

So, continue to reach out for donations – reaching our goal means we can supplement our technology budget and expand our technology updates throughout campus at a much faster rate! Don’t forget to follow up with those you’ve contacted already and let people know that using the PayPal link on https://www.smmschool.org/mustang-stampede/ makes giving easy. We thank you for your support and for all you do for St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School!

In the Classroom
Science News
6th grade led their 2nd grade science buddies in a habitat scavenger hunt. Their fun began in the science lab, learning about what animals need to survive in a habitat and how to make observations like a scientist. They had so much fun with their monthly trip to the science lab!
Home and School
Reminder: First Collection Next Week Oct. 8th - 12th
Please gather your box tops and send them in an envelope or small baggie, starting Monday, with your child’s name and homeroom, i.e. KB, 1S, 1M, etc. Please see the Weekly Attachments for news on a new feature with Box Tops, to help our school earn more points.  

Parent volunteers will count Box Tops Oct 15th – 17th. The winning family and classes will be announced later in October. 

Volunteer Opportunity
Fulfill your volunteer hours and support our school. All families are required to volunteer at least 5 hours in the lunchroom or recess. Volunteers should have cleared fingerprints and completed safe environment training. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Thomas. Please click below to volunteer during the month of October. We look forward to seeing you on campus! 

Sports Highlights
David Rivas, Middle School Athletic Director
Anja Doherty, Grade School Athletic Director
Daisy Nassis, Cheer Director


Please see the Sports Button for more information regarding:

  • Middle School Sports – Girls’ Basketball and Boys’ Soccer Results
  • Middle School Sports – Girls’ Basketball and Boys’ Soccer Schedules
  • Middle School Sports – Game Day Parent Volunteers Needed
  • Middle School Sports – COACHES NEEDED
  • Middle School Sports – Important Dates and Looking Ahead
Weekly Attachments
  • All Families: Box Tops Grocery Receipts Opportunity 
  • All Families: An Afternoon with the Orlando City Lions, 10/21/18, 3:00 pm
  • All Families: Faith & Family Night with the Orlando Magic, 3/8/19, 7:00 pm
  • Barter Barn, 2018 – 2019 
Parish Weekly News
C lick HERE for Parish Weekly News.
Mission Statement for St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School: St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School prepares students for life with a quality Christ-centered education in a safe and supportive environment. Families, faculty, and parish share in the development of the spiritual, academic, and social potential of each student as a unique child of God.