MUSTANG MEMO
January 3-7, 2022
Principal's Message
Happy New Year! As we begin 2022, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons of 2021 and the hope that fills the possibilities in a new year. Just like the Magi, our faith and the light of the Holy Spirit will guide our path. Thank you for being a blessed part of this journey!
As our students return to the classroom today, we look forward to our continued work to form students of faith who pursue academic excellence and embrace opportunities to serve. Our virtue of the month is GRATITUDE. What a great way to start the second semester!
In gratitude,
Maureen Hoy
MOQ COVID Weekly Update
Here are today's COVID statistics:
We have 6 positive cases in the MOQ School community.
There is 8 students in quarantine due to close contact.
- There are currently 6 individuals identified as close contacts who are monitoring for symptoms and are able to remain in school due to masking.
The COVID Committee will be meeting this evening to review our current protocols. A special COVID communication will be shared with parents tomorrow.
STAR 360 Testing and Parent Support
During the month of January students in Kindergarten through 8th grade will take the STAR 360 Standardized Assessment in the areas of math and reading. STAR 360 is a computer adaptive tool that will provide important data utilized to assess student academic growth, evaluate our curriculum and inform instructional decisions. This standardized test is required by the Archdiocese of Omaha and replaces other standardized tests (MAP Growth and Terra Nova 3) used in the past.
Your student’s STAR 360 Fall scores were shared in October. An important data point for the Winter testing period is the Student Growth Percentile, or SGP. The SGP compares a student’s growth to that of his or her academic peers nationwide. SGPs add significantly to our understanding of how well a student is doing in school.
While knowing a student’s level of achievement tells you whether the student is performing below, above, or on grade level, an SGP indicates what kind of progress the student is making. For example, a student may be performing at a low level, yet experiencing high rates of growth. Conversely, a high-performing student could be stagnating.
The STAR 360 testing window is January 5-January 28.
Here is the MOQ testing schedule:
Students in Kindergarten and Gr. 1 will complete their testing in small groups throughout the testing window.
Thursday, Jan. 6: Jr. High Math 9:00 AM
Tuesday, Jan. 11: Gr. 6 Math 8:15 AM; Gr. 3 Math 9:45 AM
Wednesday, Jan. 12: Jr. High Reading 9:00 AM; Gr. 5 Math 10:15 AM
Thursday, Jan. 13: Gr. 6 Reading 8:15 AM; Gr. 5 Reading 10:15 AM; Gr. 3 Reading 12:00 PM
Tuesday, Jan. 18: Gr. 2 Reading 9:00 AMWednesday, Jan. 19: Gr. 2 Math 8:30 AM; Gr. 4 Math 9:05 AM
Thursday, Jan. 20: Gr. 4 Reading 12:05 PM
We are grateful for the support you can provide in preparing our students for the STAR 360 tests. A good night's sleep, healthy breakfast and encouragement to do their best are all ways parents can support their student during this testing window. Additionally, please avoid making any appointments for your students during the scheduled times.
Please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or Dr. Croy with any questions or concerns.
Counselor's Corner
SmartGen Society is Coming Back!! Parent presentation is Tuesday, January 18, at 7:00 PM in the Trinity Rooms.
I hope that you have taken the previous opportunities to hear the newest and latest technology information for children and parents, but GOOD NEWS, we have been able to book another session with Amie Konwinski. Amie is the “head honcho” and spirit behind what began as Smart Girls Society. She realized raising girls in today’s world of technology is not an easy feat, for boys or girls. With her background in the Navy and with law enforcement, she soon realized that parents were often unprepared for the challenges of the ever-changing world of technology. Hence, she began this organization to visit schools and help educate students, teachers and parents about the law, the apps and the do’s and don’ts for all of us if we want to stay safe and still utilize the many contributions technology gives us—from location apps to games.
At any rate, MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW—THE PARENT MEETING WILL BE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 18TH, AT 7:00 PM IN THE TRINITY ROOMS. Believe me, you WILL walk away with new knowledge! Be there, or miss out on some of the latest technology fears we all face for ourselves but most of all for our children.
If you want more information about SmartGen Society, visit their website at https://www.smartgensociety.org/.
If you have questions on this or other issues, please call me at school or email anytime. Thank you.
Dr. Croy
School Counselor
Congratulations, Mr. Vasek!
For his initiative to emphasize civic education in his Jr. High classrooms, Mr. Cory Vasek was awarded Outstanding Educator by the Daughters of the American Revolution in Nebraska. Mr. Vasek is now nominated as Educator of the Year for the national level. Congratulations, Mr. Vasek. Thank you for all you do for our students.
Catholic Schools Week
Kindergarten Roundup
Inclement Weather Plan
With the chilly winds of winter blowing, this is a good time to review and prepare for inclement weather.
As noted in the Family Handbook:
In the event of inclement weather, Mary Our Queen School will follow the directions of the Catholic School Office. The decision to cancel school is determined by the Superintendent. If the weather becomes bad after school is in session, our intentions are to complete the school day. However, it is the parents’ decision to take children home prior to the regular dismissal time. Parents may not take children other than their own unless the school office has written or oral permission for them to do so.
Additionally, Mary Our Queen School will observe the school closing policies of Westside Community Schools. If Westside Community Schools or Omaha Catholic Schools announce a remote learning day in lieu of a snow day, Mary Our Queen School will not have a remote learning day.
School closings will be shared with families via email and text. Additionally, the announcement will be shared on our social media sites, as well as local TV/radio stations.
Cafeteria Notes
Michelle Zaleski
Cafeteria Director
Mary Our Queen School
(402) 333-8231 x1412
Extended Care
Thank you to all who donated toys and items to Extended Care. The kids are loving the new toys!
Also, thank you so much for the generous gifts this Christmas. We were overwhelmed by your kindness.
The January Calendar is available to reserve dates.
TAX FORM INFO: If you need child care tax information, please request it through email. We will send you an electronic statement of Child Care costs for the 2021 school year.
Looking ahead:
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Mrs. Culjat and Miss Rosenthal
Extended Care Directors
Spring Soccer
MOQ Soccer Sign-up for Spring 2022 is now open. Would your son or daughter like to play in the Catholic Youth Soccer League (CYSL) for Mary Our Queen? To register, visit the MOQ Sports website at https://www.moqsports.com or click HERE.
Registration is open in December for K-8th grade. The sooner you register your son or daughter the easier it is for the committee to make teams!
Registration for Micro Soccer will open in mid-February. More information about Micro soccer will be in upcoming Mustang Memos!
MARQUEE 2022
What is MARQUEE? How do I purchase tickets? What can I do to help make MARQUEE a success? For answers to all your MARQUEE questions, click HERE!
The funds from this year's MARQUEE event will be focused particularly on updating our school’s 50-year-old heating and air conditioning, technology enhancements, and ongoing operational needs. Please consider donating. The QR code will take you to the MARQUEE underwriting website page.
We hope you can attend the event on February 26, 2022. Thank you in advance for your support of MARQUEE 2022!
MARQUEE General Co-Chairs
Tamarae & Matt Kock, Karen & Chris Lawler, Courtney & Jeff Wolf
Jami & Rob Woodling, Melanie & Chris Woods
Looking Ahead
Tues., Jan. 4: School Resumes
Tues., Jan. 4: Winter STAR Testing Begins
Fri., Jan. 7: Report Cards Sent Home
Sat., Jan. 8: Catholic High School Entrance Exams
Our School
Email: mhoy@moqschool.org
Website: moqschool.org
Location: 3405 South 119th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: (402) 333-8663