Principal's Corner

Hello Parents,

As parents, we know that technology is an important part of our children’s world—but understanding how screens are affecting our children’s developing minds and bodies can be challenging. That is why I strongly encourage you to attend our upcoming Parent Education presentation, “The Hidden Connection Between Screens, Balance, Bodies and Behaviors,” on Tuesday, September 1, at either 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM.

This presentation is also an important part of the Strategic Plan we shared with parents at Back to School Night. One of our priorities is to equip our families with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the challenges our children face in today’s world. Providing parents with meaningful education and practical information about technology and its impact on children is one way we are putting that plan into action.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Hunt, is an educator and ministry leader with more than 15 years of experience in secondary and higher education. She will explore what it means to be fully human in the digital age through a Catholic lens while helping families better understand how technology can affect children’s sensory systems, emotional wellness, executive function, behavior, and health.

This is information that can benefit every parent, regardless of your child’s age or how much technology your family currently uses. The more we understand the connection between screens and our children’s development, the better equipped we are to make thoughtful decisions, establish healthy boundaries, recognize potential concerns, and help our children develop habits that support their overall well-being.

And, as an added incentive, any parent who attends the presentation will earn a jeans and favorite team shirt on Friday, September 4th for their kiddos! We hope this gives you one more reason to make plans to attend.

Our goal is not simply to limit technology, but to help our children learn to use it in a way that allows them to grow into healthy, balanced, whole people. I hope you will make this presentation a priority. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mrs. Patterson 

28 August 2026

Hello Parents,

The first full week of school is coming to a close, and it has been a great week of helping students (and teachers!) get back into the swing of things. I appreciate all that you have done as parents to help make these transitions as smooth as possible!

As we begin our second week of school, we are asking parents to begin saying goodbye to their children outside rather than walking them into the building or classroom. Helping foster independence is an important life skill, and we want to encourage our students to feel confident coming into school on their own. We will have multiple teachers and support staff at the doors to help walk any students to their classrooms who may still be reluctant to go in by themselves.

I also want to thank you for your flexibility and cooperation as we have implemented our new parking lot procedures. I had a parent ask me this week, “Why the change in after-school pickup?” Honestly, our teachers approached me and asked if they could take over pickup and implement some new procedures. They have witnessed too many situations where students have nearly been hit by cars or where cars are trying to move while students are still running around the parking lot.

Please know that every decision we have made regarding arrival and dismissal has been made with the safety of all our students in mind. When nearly 500 students are trying to get into cars and off campus, it takes all of us working together to make that transition as safe and smooth as possible.

A few tips and reminders that have been brought to our attention this week will help things run even more smoothly:

• Please remain in or right next to your vehicle. Once your child reaches your car, please have everyone get into the vehicle. This helps us ensure that students are safely in their cars and that parents are not distracted by visiting with other parents. Every day this week, we have had at least one car attempt to leave one of the locked zones before we have given the all-clear. Please wait until staff members have opened the zone before pulling out.
• Please place your name tag on the right-hand side of your vehicle. Clipping it to your visor is a great way to make sure it is visible. You can simply pull the visor down when you arrive on campus so our staff can easily see your name.
• When using Zone 2, please fill both lanes. The lane furthest from the building actually moves MUCH faster when it comes to getting into a parking spot, picking up your child, and getting on your way. Please use both lanes so we can keep the line moving efficiently.

Thank you again for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation as we work through these new procedures. We know that changes can take some time to get used to, but we truly appreciate everyone doing their part to help keep our students safe!

Have a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to another great week at Magdalen!

Mrs. Patterson 

28 August 2026

Hello Parents!

Each year starting on Epiphany and going through the Feast Day of St. Katharine Drexel (March 3rd), all students in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita learn about St. Katharine Drexel and the life that she lived as part of the Walk in Sisters Shoes campaign.

St. Katharine Drexel was the 2nd American born saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church following St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was born into wealth, but through the example of her parents she became a brilliant educator and advocate of those less fortunate through spiritual and corporal works of mercy. During a private audience with Pope Leo XIII, he suggested to her that she become a missionary. From the age of 33 until her death, she dedicated her life and fortune. At the time of her death, she had established 50 missions in 16 states for Native Americans. 

The St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School fund provides financial support to those parishes that struggle financially to carry out the mission of Catholic education in a parish school. During the Walk in Sisters Shoes campaign, our Magdalen community has the opportunity to donate funds that go directly to support the Catholic schools in our Diocese. Our students participate in a monthly jeans day where for $.50 they can wear jeans and a spirit wear shirt. The money collected during the months of January, February, and March go to support this fund as well as the money we collect during Catholic Schools Week.

As a stewardship diocese, it takes all of us to sacrifice in order for our Catholic schools to thrive and be successful. If you feel called to donate to the St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School fund I would encourage you to do so during the Walk in Sisters Shoes Campaign. Here is a link to more information: https://give.catholicdioceseofwichita.org/drexel

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

24 January 2025

Hello Parents, 

In two weeks we will be BIG celebrations here at Magdalen Catholic School! In order for focus on all that is happening, my principal’s corner this week will be dedicated to these events so next week’s corner will be more in depth on other events happening!

On the horizon, we have Gala Week, Catholic Schools Week, and our 2nd graders receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation! All of these are tied directly in some form or another to our mission here at the school. 

Most importantly, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where our students receive God’s forgiving grace.  Will you pray for our 2nd Grade students ahead of their sacrament on February 2nd? 

“Oh my God, without You I can do nothing. You have told me, “Ask and you shall receive.” In full confidence in Your promise, therefore, I beg You to accept the confession I am about to make and grant me true contrition for my many offenses. Saviour of the world who gave Yourself to the death of the cross to save sinners, look with mercy on me, a sinner. Regard not my wickedness in such a manner to forget Your pardon. For my offenses I deserve condemnation, but presuming upon the ransom of Your blood, I ask forgiveness. Heal my wounds, Lord Jesus. Send the light of Your truth into my soul so that I may worthily confess my shortcomings. Give me a contrite heart and true sorrow for my offenses. Although I am unworthy of Your love, because of it I come to You for forgiveness. Have mercy on me, O Lord, have mercy! Amen.”

Catholic Schools Week (Jan 26 – Feb 1) celebrates our mission, including the various ways we prepare children for Sacraments as well as the daily faith formations that are present through our classrooms and Church. We are so proud of our mission to accompany families, grow disciples and inspire life long learning.  We are helping each child to have a personal relationship with God. Intentionally, we infuse faith into multiple subjects, pray with one another daily, attend Mass, have opportunities for Adoration and Confession, to name only a handful of ways we further mission together. Will you pray for our Catholic school ahead of Catholic Schools Week and for our partnership together to further our mission and form our children? 

“O God, we ask You to help our schools do their work in Your name. Bound by charity to one another may we be penetrated by an apostolic spirit, which reaches out to all the faculty, staff, and administrators in our schools, joined in this ministry of Catholic education. We ask You to help them give witness to Christ, the unique teacher, by their lives as well as by their teachings. May all the students and families of our schools follow Your example and be generous, pure, respectful, and sincere and find You the prophet of truth and love, the companion and friend of all, present and active in their lives. Amen.”

How does Gala Week (Jan 30th-Feb 2nd) tie into these celebrations! One, first and foremost, Gala Week is a celebration of community! A time to come together and support one another. Whether through Gala Week with the online auction and various activities or a short time away during our evening of social with one another. Gala Week and our MCS Masquerade, however, serves another important role of extraordinary fundraising for specific projects to support our school and mission. From facility and academic improvements, the money raised during our online auction and evening of Masquerade, will assist us to have cutting edge facilities, improved security, upgraded technology and curriculum for years to come. Will you please pray for our community to celebrate and support one another? 

“Good and gracious God, we recognize all life is a gift and a blessing. We thank you for your most generous love. Encourage us to be persons of honesty and integrity, worthy of proclaiming the Gospel, in this sacred ministry of fundraising. Help us to always reverence the sacred space where our donors and our missions meet. Give us openness to listen to the needs of our donors. Give us joyful spirits, and an eagerness to engage others. Give us hopeful imagination and creative vision, recognizing generosity in even the smallest gift. Give us strong, steadfast hearts in times of discouragement. Give us trusting hearts, knowing that the fruits of labors will be realized long after we are gone. Give us faithful hearts, deeply committed to Your realm. Let us feel Your Presence so that we know we are never truly alone. Remind us always that what we do for the least of our sisters and brothers, we do for you. We ask this in Jesus’ name and in unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

17 January 2025

Hello Parents,

This week we are starting our 5^th Friendzy Unit.  If you remember, Friendzy is our faith based character education program we adopted last year.  Each month there is a “catch phrase” and key Bible verses used to anchor our students positively in the classroom, hallways, lunchroom and home as well!  It amazes me when I’m walking in the halls or in a classroom and I hear a student use their catch phrase in conversation. 

This month our catch phrase is I Am Brave.  This unit is so important in teaching students to be BRAVE, stand firm in what is RIGHT, and make WISE DECISIONS.  Along with our key verses:  

• "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
• "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

I would encourage you to continue the conversation at home.  Here are the main points of the unit:

1. Bravery is a choice. When we are afraid, when we fear, we have a choice. People either let the fear of failure stop them from pushing through OR they choose to be brave. Bravery doesn’t mean that you aren’t still a bit scared; it just means you choose to keep going. Even small acts of bravery develop our character and strengthen us to be who God calls us to be.
2. Bravery has a domino effect. Standing firm in what is right is vitally important and requires us to be brave. When we choose to be brave it strengthens us and those around us.
3. Don’t make decisions out of fear. By focusing on our fear, we give it power to keep us from standing firm. Fear of failure can keep us from doing the right thing.
4. Courage helps us overcome big and small challenges. Being brave isn’t always easy. Failure is a fear for all of us. But the ability to pick ourselves up and try again shows true courage and develops the habit of never giving up.

When kids learn friendship, they learn it for life!

Blessings,

Mrs. Patterson

10 January 2025

Happy 3rd Sunday of Advent! 

Anyone else in disbelief that 1st semester ends next Friday with a Noon dismissal? What a fast...very, very fast...first half of the year. Together, as the Magdalen family, we've prayed, worshipped, celebrated, problem solved, collaborated, united, and learned together! I'd say that's pretty impressive for a semester together. I hope everyone experiences a blessed remainder of Advent, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy your family time and break from the routine of school. 2nd semester begins on Tuesday, January 7th. 

IMPORTANT: If you have not already completed your stewardship packet, please fill out it out. It’s all online! This is mandatory paperwork to be considered for sponsorship by the Parish at either Magdalen Catholic School or Kapaun Mt. Carmel. Families will not receive their Pre-Registration paperwork until completed. Thank you! 

During the holidays and school break, there will be many opportunities to pray together as a family at mealtimes~ breakfast, lunch and dinner! Looking for some ways to expand on your mealtime prayers? Consider the following suggestions: Start with Silence: Try 15 - 30 seconds of quiet time before saying your prayer together Bless Your Family: Beside blessing the food, you can also ask for God's blessing on your family and your conversation. Pray after the meal: You can either pray before everyone is excused or, if you want to keep it simple, encourage your children to say a quiet prayer and do the sign of the cross. Offer a menu of prayers: Use Table Triangles as aids to learning new mealtime prayers Let the kids lead: Mealtime prayer is an excellent time to teach children how to lead prayer! 

God Bless your family during this holiday season! 

Mrs. Patterson

13 December 2024

Hello Parents, 

There is a certain energy in the air that comes with the start of December and Advent as everyone gears up for Christmas and a nice, long break! We love hearing the stories of moving Elves/roaming Shepherds each morning (you all are creative!), Santa wish lists, and excitement over seeing relatives for the holidays. The next two weeks may be long for everyone involved, but we are super close to Christmas and break, and we are still keeping our hearts on Advent as best as possible. Here are some more ideas for how to keep our focus on Advent: 

I challenge you to find JOY throughout our days.  So even when we are getting anxious for a break and Christmas Day, we can look around throughout each day and intentionally identify ways we see JOY and help our hearts grow a little more as we await the Birth of Christ! Make a list and share at the dinner table with one another how each person found JOY in his/her day! We continue to encourage our families to engage in our Advent Challenge in a variety of ways available to you.  Listen to something on the Hallow App such as Mary’s Little Lamb or ‘Twas the Night; read a chapter of Luke out of the Bible each night; attend the Parish penance service on Sunday, December 15th at 2PM

A prayer for Advent: 

Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past. You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel. You have challenged us in the words of the prophets. You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like. Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now. You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us. You come to us through men and women who need our help. You come to us as we worship you with your people. Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end. You will be with us at the hour of death. You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail. You will still be God when our history has run its course. We welcome you, the God who comes. Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

06 December 2024

Hello Parents, 

We will not be having a Mustang Weekly next week due to our Thanksgiving Break the following week so I am putting lots of information in this principal’s corner that might seem premature in writing.  Our next Mustang Weekly will be on Friday, November 29th.  

Every other year, all the teachers of the Diocese participate in the Regan Institute during the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  Teachers get the opportunity to attend up to 4 breakout sessions on a variety of topics related to Catholicism, as well as Mass with Bishop Kemme and Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt, Adoration, Confession, and Jon Leonetti (keynote speaker).  Magdalen will be hosting this event for the second time.  Will you please pray for our Diocesan teachers as they attend these two days?  For an openness to learning more about our beautiful and rich faith, to enjoy one another’s company and for a desire to share this energy back with the students in mission.

Advent is almost upon us! It is so easy to lose this beautiful liturgical season amid Christmas preparations and busyness, but we extend a challenge to our families to celebrate Advent! We will be intentionally engaging in Advent here at school even though the world seems to miss this important preparation piece for the Christmas season. Fr. Jirak will once again be introducing an Advent Challenge for families to participate in throughout the Advent Season, what a wonderful way to spend the Advent season together as a family.  Look for the challenge sheets to come home next week with your students.  Today, we share an Advent activity to enhance your focus as a family. Enjoy! 

http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/for-families.html 

The same day we start Advent, is the same day our Parish Mission begins!  This year Casting Nets will be leading our Mission.  On December 1st, 2nd and 3rd there will be a different talk each night.  I would encourage all families to make this a priority to attend.  There will be babysitting being offered so be on the lookout for information to sign your kids up.  

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

15 November 2024

Hello Magdalen Families,

It’s hard to believe that I am writing about registration for the 2025-2026 school year in November.   Our application for Early Childhood enrollment goes live on our website on December 2ND .  This is your chance to apply for your child to be in preschool, prek, or Kindergarten.  In order to be eligible for preschool, your child must be 3 and fully potty trained by August 31, 2025.  To be eligible for pre-k, your child must be 4 by August 31, 2025.  Kindergartners must be 5 by August 31, 2025.

With the support of the Pastoral team and School Council, last year we made the decision, when looking at preschool and preK applications, to follow the same guidelines as we do for our new students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.  This means that based on our order of admittance policy, we will first look at children with siblings in K-8 already attending Magdalen with a history of active stewardship and Mass attendance.  Next, we will prioritize Magdalen children who do not have siblings in K-8 already attending Magdalen, with a history of active Stewardship and Mass attendance.  Third priority will be Catholics from another parish with no school, with siblings in K-8 already attending Magdalen with a history of active stewardship and Mass attendance.  Finally, we will admit Catholics from another parish with no school, with no children in K-8 already attending Magdalen with a history of active stewardship and Mass attendance.

This year, we offered 2 preschool class options.  One class met on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30-10:45 and the other class met on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time.  We are able to take 13 students in each of these classes.  Our preK options this past year were a class of all day preK who came to class Monday through Friday from 7:30-3:20 and followed the same schedule as our Kindergarten through 8th grade students.  We are able to have 20 students in this class.  Our 2nd option for preK was half days which met Monday through Friday from 12:10-3:15 and had 20 students in the class.  We anticipate offering the same classes next year as we are offering this year.

As we begin to notify families in late January of acceptance into our early childhood classes, we will invariably have some students who will not make it into one of our classes due to the class being full.  While we would love to take everyone that applies, we just don’t have the space to take more than our current limits.  Please do not get discouraged!  While our preK program can only take a max of 40 students, our Kindergarten can take up to 56 students.  If you don’t make it into our preK program, please apply again for Kindergarten.  We do not want to lose our Magdalen families!

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

08 November 2024

Hello Parents,

Today, we celebrate All Saints Day. We encourage families to attend Mass together at Magdalen, as well as enjoy family time together. We have several Mass options at Magdalen for you to attend! By the time you get this our noon Mass will be starting and we will have a 7PM Mass tonight!  How amazing would it be for every one of our school children to attend with their family at our parish? 

Wanting to learn more about this Holy Day? There is great information here at this link for you to read and discuss as a family: 

https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/what-is-the-significance-of-all-saints-day/

Feeling very creative and maybe want to do an activity together on the day off of school? Check out this blog! https://www.elizabethclareblog.com/16-ways-to-celebrate-all-saints-day/ 

Have some time on November 4th and would love to visit our 5th grade Saint Museum? We'd love to see you! Our Saint Museum will be that morning from 9-11 in the Parish Hall. The 5th graders have worked very hard to present a fabulous event for all who can attend! It is a come and go museum, so feel free to swing by even if you have a little bit of time. 

St Mary Magdalen, Pray for Us! 

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Patterson

01 November 2024

Hello Magdalen Parents,

It’s about this time of year where we need to send out a few reminders in regards to the safety of our students, staff and parents on campus, especially in the parking lots.  One of the most important reminders that I can send along is to practice patience and kindness during pickup and drop off.  It takes many volunteers and staff members to move 400 plus kids in a timely fashion (it usually takes us under 20 minutes to accomplish this task!).  Each person helping to get students to the building, or to their cars are doing it with one thing in mind: safety of all, especially the children.  Please follow the directions of these staff and volunteers who are trying to accomplish this task.  They are working hard for all of our students and having individuals get upset or frustrated with them doesn’t help.

Speed is a big factor that needs to be addressed.  Just in the past 24 hours, I have heard from multiple individuals and their concerns at how fast drivers are driving on campus.  This includes both the school side of campus as well as the parish side.  We have many parishioners (and priests!) who are walking in the parking lots between the church and school, their cars, and the rectory.  Please slow down!  Taking a few extra seconds to go slower is well worth the safety of individuals who are on foot on campus.  While this may seem like it’s only happening at pick up, I’ve actually heard about the morning being just as crazy!

We ask that you stay off your cell phone while driving on campus.  The distraction of your phone is just not worth the risk of the accidents it may cause.  By being distracted by your phone, you can’t pay attention to the directions of the individuals.  You also can’t see if an individual darts out in front of your car.  

In the morning, when you are dropping off, whether you are in the lane closest to the building or the one on the east side of the drop off lane, please stay in your lane.  The lane closest to the building stays along the curb, past the Parish Hall and Church and exits onto 21st.  The lane on the east side, stays on the east side and exits onto 127th St.  There is no switching of lanes.  If you know you need to exit to a certain street, then please be sure to enter the campus in the direction that will get you to your exit.

A couple of reminders from the zones during pick up.  Zone 4 (south of the Parish Hall) and Zone 3 locks down at 3:15 and stays locked down until 3:30. If you arrive after 3:15, then you will need to proceed to Zone 2.  Parking in the parking lot between the Church and Rectory is not allowed.  Once again, it is for the safety of our campus.  Please pull into Zone 2.  The Zone 2 staff members will be sure to get your kids over to this zone from Zone 3 or 4.    

Thank you to everyone for taking these reminders into consideration and please share them with any individuals who may be responsible for dropping or picking up of your students.  We love our students so much and want to see nothing but the best for them in all aspects of their school day!

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

25 October 2024

Hello Parents,

The pumpkins are here!  The pumpkins are here!  The excitement from the students as they see the pumpkins for the 1st time is one to witness.  They talk about their favorites and which character is what.  They strategize with their friends on how much they think each pumpkin will weigh.  It is definitely a sight to behold.  I’ve included pictures of this year's pumpkin family!

For those of you new to our school, each October we have an event called The Great Pumpkin.  A group of students with help from some of our very talented teachers paint the pumpkins to look like characters from our theme.  Each year the students try to guess and figure out each of the pumpkin characters and the theme for the year.  

The students are trying to figure out the weight of all of the pumpkins added together.  Accessories such as hats, hands, eyes, etc don’t count in the total weight.  Each student gets a free guess and then they may purchase more guesses from their teacher for a suggested donation of $.25 or 5 guesses for $1.00.   The student or students who guess the correct weight win a cash prize!

 All of the guesses are entered into our drawing for prizes!  Thanks to your generous contributions, we have a variety of prizes to give away at our Great Pumpkin Assembly on October 31st at 1:30PM in the Parish Hall.  If you are available, please join us!  All of the money we raise during The Great Pumpkin goes to fund our Catholic Schools Week and other PTO activities.

Gallery

18 October 2024

Hello Parents,

I pray you are enjoying your extra long weekend with your child(ren).  These weekends are always a great time to relax and rejuvenate the mind and body.  Perhaps your family was able to get away and spend some quality time together.

We had a busy week on campus for being such a short week!  It was so great to see you on Thursday at conferences.  The partnership we have is so important to the success of each of our students.  Sometimes there are tough conversations that have to take place but I know that all of us are having those conversations out of love for each child.

Our Middle School students attended a presentation at Kapaun on Tuesday called, “Think Before You Post.”  Chet Kuplen, founder of “Think Before You Post” and Sports in Kansas had a message of how your digital footprint will follow you wherever you go.  He was able to get his point across through the stories he told.  One of the stories he told was the story of Josh Allen and how he battled through adversity in junior college and at the University of Wyoming.  He was projected to be the number one draft pick in the 2018 draft.  Prior to being drafted, it was discovered that when he was 13 years old, he posted racial comments on his social media account.  The decision he made in junior high cost him 13 million dollars on draft day because he ended up being picked 7th overall instead of 1st.  

I hope our students were able to take away from this presentation that what they are doing now in the digital world WILL affect their future.  I encourage parents to have a follow up conversation at home with your child.  It’s never too early to talk about the pros and cons of using technology whether it be a laptop, ipad, or cellphone.

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

11 October 2024

Hello Parents,

Earlier this week, while having dinner with some friends, the subject of end of the year giving came up.  We were discussing the many wonderful organizations out there that could be potential recipients of an end of the year financial gift including Support for Catholic Schools.  

Support for Catholic Schools was created because of a law passed in 2014 that established a Low-Income Student Scholarship program.  This program creates $10 Million dollars in tax credits available to individuals who donate money to one of the qualifying institutions.  Support for Catholic Schools is the scholarship granting organization that the Catholic Diocese created to be eligible for the credit.  All 38 schools in the Catholic Diocese have benefitted from this tax credit program, including Magdalen!

How does the credit work?  For every dollar donated to Support for Catholic Schools, you get a 75% tax credit.  This information didn’t make much sense to me until it was explained that it was like a coupon.  If you give $1000 to SCS, then you will get a coupon for $750 to use when paying your taxes.  This is a great way to make a charitable contribution while receiving the benefit for yourself by reducing your tax bill to the state!  

If you are interested in learning more about this program, I highly recommend you check out their website, https://supportforcatholicschools.org/tax-credit-program/.  Their website will not only give you more information on donating, but it will also allow you to see how many tax credits are still available for the calendar year.

Have a blessed weekend!
Mrs. Patterson

04 October 2024

Hello families,

Our first Mustang Matters took place on Wednesday, and it was a rousing success!  To see and hear the joy of the students as they get to spend time with their buddies is truly heartwarming.  The 5th graders got the experience of being a big buddy for the first time while the Kindergarteners got the delight of being with one of the “big” kids.  Buddy families spent time playing getting to know you games and some time outside having recess with one another.  Watch social media for cute pictures of all the students interacting.  We get together in our Mustang Matters families 6 times a year with our next one being in just a few short weeks on October 23rd!  

As parents, we are always looking for ways to help our students be successful with their academics.  New this year, we have purchased a school license for an online program called IXL.  This K-8th program for Math and 3rd-8th program for ELA, allows students to work on specific standards related to these subjects.  The program is leveled and adaptive, so students are working at their own personalized grade level.  Each student has their own login and can utilize this program on and off campus.

Speaking of programs, everyone’s favorite program this year…AR!  We are gearing up for our AR store the week of October 7th.  While students aren’t able to see the points they earned this summer while taking AR tests, please be assured that their teacher can look up their accurate points for them.  Thus, allowing them to spend any or all of the points earned.  We anticipate this being an ongoing problem throughout the year as we have been unsuccessful in getting it resolved after Mr. Allen spending MANY hours with tech support and our Diocesan IT individual.  Technology is great, when it works!  

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the weather!

Mrs. Patterson

27 September 2024

In lieu of my regular Principal's Corner, please see the following important message attached from Chris Bloomer on updated policies and procedures for Kapaun football games. Have a great week! 

KMC Football Security Changes

20 September 2024

Hello Parents, 

It seems a little crazy that October is right around the corner. Even more so that we are starting the conversation about Parent Teacher Conferences! We can't wait to welcome our parents to conferences on October 10th. Please watch for the Sign-Up Genius to come out for scheduling purposes in next week's Mustang Weekly. Conferences are required, and we feel this is an important time for conversations and check-ins after the first quarter of the school year. In a day when so much communication is electronic, facetime and the ability to converse in person feels important and critical to our partnership. Each conference is Preschool through 5th grade lasts 15 minutes and will be held in the individual classrooms.  Middle School conferences will be held in the cafeteria.  Middle School parents will sign up for a 40 minute slot.  During this time, you will get the opportunity to visit with any of the Middle School teachers you wish to speak with.  All of the specialist teachers (Music, Art, PE, Technology, Library, and Tier) will be available in their individual rooms for you to stop in and have a conversation with them about your student.

If for some reason, you can't physically attend the conference, as opposed to asking for an alternative date, we would be open to a Google Meet or phone conference. We ask that you please coordinate this with your child’s teacher.  Thanks in advance for being respectful of the allotted day and teachers' time.

As we begin to prepare for conferences, I ask you to pray for your child(ren)'s teachers? Lord, I pray (teacher’s name) will seek you for wisdom. Help ______ to rely on you for instruction and direction every day. When ________ needs help, he/she will be willing to ask and receive support. Guide ______ to see challenges as opportunities for growth and to see creative ways to bless his/her students and community. I pray ________ will be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. Set _______’s feet on the path that honors you. Open ______’s heart to continue to lead by example, creating an atmosphere where all are welcomed.

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

13 September 2024

Hello Mustangs!

We were so blessed to be able to celebrate Grandparents’ Day on both Thursday and Friday of this week.  Seeing our kids interact with their grandparents is such a precious sight.  Their laughter and conversation is something that left a smile on all of our faces.  Thank you to all of our parents for your help and support in making this such a successful event.  Based on the number of RSVP’s we had this year, I’d say it’s our biggest Grandparents Day year since I’ve been at Magdalen.

While the kids and grandparents were at Mass, I was able to highlight our theme this year, “The Year of the Parent.”  I love that we are working together to support one another in creating a strong foundation for our students to grow in their Catholic Faith.  As I mentioned to the grandparents, we would be remiss to not include the grandparents in thanking THEM for building a strong foundation in their children and thus putting Catholic education as a priority in their lives.  I would like to thank you for your commitment because without you then we wouldn’t be able to celebrate this special day.

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

06 September 2024

Hello Magdalen Parents and Grandparents,

I would like to send along a few reminders regarding drop off and pick up on our campus.  With the start of the school year well under way, there are several things that have been noticed or reported to our staff.  Mr. Allen and I have been out at both drop off and pick up this week.  Anytime you are on campus, please be sure to have your parking tag hanging in your rearview mirror.  Starting next week, staff will be stopping cars to remind those without a tag.  

In the mornings, if you are dropping off in zone 2 (the free moving lane), please pull all the way up to the end of the drop off lane.  This lane ends in front of the curved sidewalk and kids are more than welcome to get out there and walk to the front of the school. If you choose to use zone 3 and park to drop off your child, then please be sure to stay to the right-hand side when entering or exiting this parking lot.  If you need to help your child get out of the car, their seat belt or get their belongings then you need to use zone 3 as well.

Beginning next week, we are asking all parents to leave their kids at the doors during drop off.  I know it can be a comfort to you to walk them all the way to their classrooms but one of our goals is for them to become independent with this task.  We have tons of staff members stationed throughout the hallways that will make sure your child makes it to their classroom.  Thank you for your help with this task.

During pick up, just a reminder that zone 3 AND zone 4 are BOTH locked down starting at 3:15 and ending at 3:30.  This is for the safety of our children.  Please do not argue with our staff members when they are trying to remind you about the parking lot being locked down.  They are helping everyone to learn the rules of our zones.  Also, if you should arrive after we lock down the parking lot, then you will need to proceed to zone 2 to pick up your children.  Once in zone 2, a staff member will be able to help get the children to you from zone 4.  ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS NEED TO BE IN THEIR CAR BY 3:27. This ensures that everyone is safely in their vehicles prior to cars moving.

When you are using zone 2, whether it’s because you are late or this is your normal pick-up spot, please use BOTH sides of the pick-up lanes to park.  Many times, we have lots of open spots on the east side pick up lane.  Please stay in your vehicle and let the kids come to your car.  Kids get in on the sidewalk or grass side. (Never near the middle lane.)  Kids keep all their belongings with them when they get in the car. Do not open the trunk or hatch for kids to put backpacks in.  

*MIDDLE LANE HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY and needs to stay moving. When there is a break in the traffic flow, the outside lanes can merge to the middle lane. (The car nearest the crosswalk will go first, and then cars behind them will follow.)

Thank you for your help and cooperation as we work together.  When we have almost 500 kids dismissing at the same time, our number 1 priority is safety.  Please keep this in mind as you are driving on campus by being patient with the process and not being distracted with your cell phones.  We also appreciate you sharing this information with any other individual who will be dropping off or picking up.  

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

30 August 2024

Hello Parents and Grandparents!

Every year before the office closes down for the summer, Mr. Allen and I spend a considerable amount of time going through the handbook and making any necessary changes and adjustments for the next school year.  I thought it would be important to highlight the parts of the handbook we tend to refer to the most and get the most questions about.  I would highly encourage you to take the time to familiarize yourself with our handbook if you haven’t gotten a chance to do it.  The handbook can always be found on the main page of the school website as well as the student agenda book.

Dress code, everyone’s favorite topic!  Girls in K-5 are not allowed to wear make-up of any kind.  Middle school girls may wear foundation and powder only.  All girls may have only clear nail polish.  No fake nails or French manicures.  No self-tanner.  They may only wear post earrings and no more than 2 earrings per ear.  Only 1 religious bracelet may be worn.  No necklaces except those with religious medals or crosses.  No Kendra Scott necklaces.  

Boys in 1st-8th grades must wear a solid color belt in navy, black or dark brown.  Their hair may NOT touch the collar of the shirt, eyebrows or top of the ears.  This weekend would be a great time to get some fresh haircuts for some of the boys.  No extreme or distracting hairstyles or colors.  No perms, spiked hair, shaved heads or faux hawks.    

Both boys and girls are allowed to wear watches as long as they cannot be connected to the internet.  It may only be used to tell time and/or count steps.  Shoes must be black, brown, gray, white, red, blue (navy, royal or light blue) in color.  They may only have 2 of these colors on a shoe.  No patterns.  

Thank you for the partnership we have with you.  Our students look so sharp when they arrive in dress code.  I look forward to having a wonderful year at Magdalen Catholic School!

God Bless,

Mrs. Patterson

23 August 2024