Logan-Magnolia Community Schools

Logan-Magnolia Schools Implements Family Groups for all K-12 Students

In an intentional effort to foster deeper unity and rapport across all grade levels, Logan-Magnolia Schools is transforming how students connect across campus. While the district’s students have long shared a single physical location, their daily schedules traditionally kept them in separate worlds—elementary students on one end of the building and middle and high schoolers on the other.

To bridge these gaps, Logan-Magnolia Schools is launching Family Groups, a whole-district initiative designed to unite students across all grade levels into permanent, supportive peer networks ensuring every student feels supported from kindergarten through graduation. Each Family Group will bring together a small, intentional cross-section of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, paired with staff advisors. These multi-age groups will meet multiple times throughout the year and then remain together year after year–and as older students graduate, incoming kindergarteners will join the family, creating a lasting community structure within the school.

How Family Groups Support Student Growth and Learning
1. Building Authentic Connections Across All Ages
By bringing together children who might otherwise never interact, Family Groups break down traditional age barriers and social silos. Elementary students gain a wider circle of support beyond their immediate classmates, while older students broaden their social perspectives, fostering empathy and a true sense of a unified K-12 school community.

2. Developing Communication Skills and Confidence
Participating in structured discussions, team-building activities, and collaborative projects allows students to practice crucial interpersonal skills. Younger students learn to express their thoughts, ask questions, and share ideas in a supportive, low-stakes environment. Meanwhile, older students practice active listening, encouragement, and adapting their communication to connect with younger peers.

3. Unlocking Leadership Potential in Middle and High Schoolers
One of the most transformative elements of Family Groups is the opportunity it creates for older students. High school and middle school members are given real responsibility as mentors, guides, and role models. Many students who may not see themselves as traditional leaders—in athletics, academics, or formal clubs—discover their capability to inspire and guide others. "Family Groups give our middle and high school students a unique platform to step up as mentors and role models," said Blake Dickinson, Secondary Principal. "For many of these students, it’s the very first time they begin to see themselves as true leaders.” Being looked up to by younger students builds deep personal confidence and instills pride in setting a positive example.

4. Cultivating a Safer, Engaged Culture
When students know each other by name across all grade levels, the entire school environment shifts. Hallways, lunchrooms, and shared spaces become friendlier and more welcoming. Younger students feel safer knowing they have familiar older peers watching out for them, and older students take greater ownership of maintaining a positive, respectful school culture. "Any time you can create connections across age ranges, it gives younger kids an immediate anchor in our school," said Jill Kiger. "It provides a continuous source of positivity and belonging, giving them familiar faces they know and trust when they are at school."

Family Groups are shaping the next generation of Panther leaders, giving older students the confidence to lead and younger students the support to thrive.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

The Logan-Magnolia Student Council will be putting on a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, November 10 from 10-4 in the Panther Dome!

One donation can help save up to 3 lives!! And as a little thank you, donors will receive a $10 e-gift card!! Use the link below to get signed up and help us reach our goal of 30 BLOOD DONATIONS and 6 POWER RED DONATIONS!!

https://rcblood.org/3Ho0Di3

The Lo-Ma Clothing Closet is a free resource for our middle school and high school aged students who may want some fresh new items for their wardrobe. All items are donated and available for free for all students. This service is sponsored by the FCCLA students and led by Senior Reagan Johnsen (pictured here with Kodee Johnsen). Here are some current items available in Mrs. Niehus' room.

Sizes range from XS - 2X in both women and men's clothing as well as essential items like new bras, underwear and socks (new in packages only). They are also looking to add more things like jewelry, belts, accessories, etc.

Current needs: athletic shorts in all sizes XS-2X in men and women's sizes, men's tee shirts in sizes L-2XL, and men's pants or jeans in size 34-36. They also take donations to purchase essential items.

Please reach out to Ms. Niehus with questions or to provide requested donations.

Here are some 2nd grade student's learning and spending their W.I.N. time with Mrs. Nordby. W.I.N. Time stands for "What I Need" Time, a dedicated daily block (usually 30 to 60 minutes) used to provide personalized small-group academic support, targeted intervention, or enrichment for every student.

Student Dakotah M, in our Food Preservation class, is helping prep student-grown vegetables that came from the Lo-Ma greenhouse. Students are growing a variety of fall vegetables and are even serving samples during the lunch hour to students.

The homecoming apparel store is open now! Place orders by 9/14 @ 11:59pm.
https://lomaboosterclub2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/

The 2026-2027 school year is here! Take a few minutes to watch Mr. Hedger's back-to-school welcome video.

The following information is being shared to provide information on the proposed property tax rate for Logan-Magnolia School residents. You can preview the property tax document on our website. However, the more useful information is outlined in this public statement. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please attend the public meeting on March 25th at 6:00. The meeting will be held in the Logan-Magnolia School library. 

Due to the poor road conditions and windchill in the morning, Logan-Magnolia will have a two hour late start on Monday, March 16, 2026. Kid Care will open at 6:00 am. Panther Room opens at 10:00 am. AM Preschool Hours - 10:15-12:00 PM Preschool Hours - 1:00-3:15

Good morning Panthers!

The school phones are currently not receiving incoming calls. We are told this is an issue with the phone company and they are working on a solution. If you need to communicate with the school, please email one of the school offices.

Elementary Office - Sharon Chase - schase@lomaschools.org
Secondary Office - Kim Wohlers - kwohlers@lomaschools.org

Thank you,
Jacob Hedger
Superintendent

Update: Phone service has been restored.

Logan-Magnolia CSD phone systems are currently down due to a temporary service outage. Please email your building secretary to communicate attendance changes or other pertinent information.