Mustang Messenger l September 13, 2018           
Message from the Principal

CommunityFest sign up is underway! Each year, our school helps with this exciting event by committing to run the kids’ games area. One of the annual volunteer requirements is for each family to give at least 2 hours of time to the kids’ games area. Please click here to sign up for your scheduled time. Volunteer hours in other areas may also be designated to the school and we will receive credit for those as well. We look forward to this special weekend giving us the opportunity to embrace the central Florida community while having fun with our school and parish friends. Thank you in advance for your commitment! 

A special thank you is extended to our eighth grade parents for all of the treats sent in last Thursday for the faculty and staff. We felt spoiled by the beautifully decorated faculty lounge and delicious goodies we were able to enjoy throughout the day! 

Dates to Remember

September 2018

15/16 - Sign up Sunday for CommunityFest
19 - Liturgy, 3L, 8:30 am, PLC
19 - Progress Reports Posted for the First Trimester 
20 - NJHS Information Night, 7:00 pm, Cafeteria
24 - Mustang Stampede Kick-Off
25 - 6th Gr. Parent & Student Meeting, 7:00pm, Cafeteria
26 - Liturgy, Gr. 5, 8:30 am, Church
27 - Lunch Center Plate Change - Brunch for Lunch
28 - Pep Rally, 2:30 pm, Gym

October 2018

2 - Picture Re-Takes
3 - Liturgy Gr. 6, 8:30 am, Church
5 - Middle School Dance, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Cafeteria
Notes of Interest
RenWeb App
If you have students at more than one Diocesan school, we have reached out to RenWeb on your behalf so that you will not have to remedy paying for the app more than one time. Here are directions from RenWeb for not being charged $4.99 for the second subscription. Please click here for more information.
Emergency Contact Information
Please remember to update your emergency contact information with individuals (other than the parents) who are authorized to pick up your child in the event that you are unavailable. Go to your ParentsWeb account, under Web Forms, in order to make the update. 
Faith on Campus
Parish Mission with Fr. Leo
As part of the Church's Parish Mission, Fr. Leo Patalinghug came to the Parish Life Center on September 8th. Fr. Leo offered parishioners a cooking demonstration and a delicious dinner as part of his ministry on how to nourish both body and soul, and its effects on strengthening family relationships. The "Cooking Priest" delighted families. Among the attendees were faculty members and students of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School.
Highlights
The Mustang Stampede Is Coming!
The Mustang Stampede, our annual fall fundraiser, is fast approaching! Preparations are being made and we need your help. The fundraiser will kick off on September 24th and the concluding event will take place on Friday, October 12th. Prior to kickoff we will need help with assembling the packets to go home with the students; during the three-week time period, we will need help with money counting and prize distribution; on Stampede day, we need nurses and other general volunteers to man the stations. Help us make this year’s Mustang Stampede a great success – all to benefit our students and enhance their education with new technology!


If you or your company would like to sponsor this year’s Mustang Stampede in exchange for advertising on our website, a banner outside the school office, and a thank you in the parish bulletin, then please use the Sponsor Form or email cdades@smmschool.org for more information!

In the Classroom
Fourth Grade
This week in 4th grade, students read an expository story titled Letters Home from Yosemite, where the character writes letters expressing her thoughts about a vacation she is on. We connected our unit on writing friendly letters with the historical events of September 11th by recognizing first responders in our community. Students wrote letters to local police and firefighters thanking these brave men and women for their service and dedication to helping others. We honor all the men and women who keep us safe.
Music News
This year 4th grade is learning how to play the ukulele. These past few weeks ,they have learned the C and F major chords and are now learning to strum down and up strokes. They have already played a few songs. Working in partners, they check each other's playing position and help each other checking for correct finger placement and technique. The ukuleles will also be used as part of ensemble playing with other instruments this year.  
Home and School
Sub-Committee Meeting
Please mark your calendar for our first Sub-Committees Meeting, next Tuesday, Sept. 18th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm in the cafeteria. We are excited to have you share your time and talents with us…bring a friend! 
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 September. 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 – COACHES NEEDED
  • Middle School Sports – Important Dates and Looking Ahead
Weekly Attachments

  • 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.