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August 2021 Parent Newsletter
Welcome to the brand-new Magnuson Christian School blog!
MCS Stories: Family Highlight
“How We Found Magnuson:” Hayli’s Story
In June of 2019, Hayli M.’s family thought they had her school plans all figured out. She would begin her school career at the local public elementary school that fall, starting with kindergarten.
The Lord had other plans.
Hayli and her parents, Jason and Lori, were enjoying a warm summer evening watching the Hugo Good Neighbors Day parade, when the Magnuson group came by. They were handing out plastic cups featuring the Magnuson name and logo, and Lori got one.
Each year, MCS staff and volunteers hand out hundreds-- if not thousands-- of these trusty cups at the Hugo Good Neighbors Day parade and the White Bear Lake Manitou Days Parade as a way to spread the word about the school to local families. The cups are now quite famous among local parade-goers.
Lori remembers when she got the cup, it made her think “Hm, what’s this school?” Her husband was curious too, and they set up a tour. After they toured, Lori says, “Jason and I were walking to the parking lot, and I asked ‘what do you think?’ His response was, ‘I think we should enroll her. My response was ‘I think so too!’”
They haven’t looked back.
The couple liked that the school isn’t affiliated with a specific denomination, and that the curriculum is Christ-centered. Lori explains, “we wanted Hayli to have that outside of church too, and not just at home. And,” she adds, “it seemed like they had a personal relationship with all the students because the classes were smaller.”
When asked if the school has lived up to their hopes and dreams, Lori says, “it has absolutely! The teachers have time to focus on each child, and they have the resources to help them…everyone knows everyone.”
As for Hayli, the almost-second grader might just speak for the majority of students when she shares her favorite part of school: “Being outside and playing with friends!”
And what happened to that special plastic parade cup that changed the course of Hayli’s education? They still have it. It’s in their bathroom—Hayli uses it when she brushes her teeth.
Magnuson Q & A
I asked a handful of MCS students and staff a two-part question: “What was one of your favorite summer experiences, and what are you most excited to do once you’re back at Magnuson this September?”
Here are their answers!
Luke J., incoming 5th grader: “This summer, my favorite thing was spending time on Lake Superior with my family… and this year I’m excited to read lots of great books and head up to the Audubon for the fifth-grade class getaway.”
Bella C., incoming 3rd grader: “This summer…spending time with school and neighbor friends, and [this year] I’m looking forward to everything being back to normal.”
Elizabeth A., incoming 3rd grader: “I liked tubing on the lake with my friends this summer, and I am excited for reading and math at school.”
Ms. Coleman, MCS 2nd grade teacher: “My favorite summer moments were my trips back home to North Dakota. I got to spend quality time with some dear friends and relatives. I am looking forward to working on a team this year! It will be wonderful to collaborate and share my joy of teaching with our new second grade teacher Beth!”
John A., incoming 6th grader: “My favorite summer experience was baseball, and I am looking forward to Gym at Magnuson.”
Maggie C., incoming 5th grader: “My favorite part was trapeze camp, and I’m looking forward to seeing friends.”
Mrs. Johnson, MCS 5th grade teacher: “We had a wonderful Florida vacation with our three married children, their spouses, and three grandchildren! We loved the beach, pool, and a special wedding reception given for our newly married daughter and son-in-law! I am super excited to meet my 5th graders and to begin studying the Bible together.”
Ella S., incoming 2nd grader: “My favorite summer experience was swimming in my pool…I’m most excited to see my friends and all the teachers and learn new things.”
Welcome, New MCS Staff!
Before the 2021-22 school year is officially in swing, I want to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of the Magnuson staff! We hope you feel as excited to be here as we are to have you as part of this special community.
Monthly Verse
In each post, I’ll share a Bible verse. As we enter a new school year – with all the excitement and feelings that can bring – I want to share an especially encouraging verse:
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Finally, each month, I’ll share school and classroom updates, Magnuson stories, Q&A, and more. If you have family or student news you’d like to share with the MCS community, please send me an email at hello@magnusonschool.org with “MCS Blog” in the subject line!
Blessings to you and your families,
Julia Arnold
MCS Parent and Board Member