St. Thomas More School Newsletter
October 17-21, 2022
Principal’s Message
Building Community – One Body, Many Parts
1 Corinthians 12:12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
Dear Parents and Families,
Friday was our Christ in the Classroom retreat. We spent the day talking about teaching as a vocation, and in particular teaching in a Catholic school. We reflected and shared our own vocation journeys, as well as discussing how we can better discern God’s will in our lives. We also talked about how we can help students recognized God’s part in their lives and how they can become closer to God to better understand what their vocation is or will be.
The 8th graders did a great job at the 10:30 Mass on Sunday. Father was so pleased with the terrific turn out of students in their uniforms – I handed out quite a few “free dress” coupons on Monday.
Monday we had Pink Day to support breast cancer awareness. We raised over $100 to give to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The students looked very striking in their pink posing with the flamingos.
Thank you all for your continued support for our school. We are blessed to have such wonderful families.
Hòa bình (Peace in Vietnamese),
Elizabeth Glaze
STMS Family Survey
After the first 30 days of the school year, we reach out to families with a survey to determine how things are going for you and your child(ren). Please take a few minutes to provide some valuable feedback for us as we work to make this year the best possible for your child(ren) and you.
Newsletter Name
Congratulations to Katie Ramey, who submitted the winning title for the St. Thomas More School Newsletter, now officially known as the The Phoenix Flyer.
Free Dress Days Reminder
Please remember on Free Dress Days that students may wear more casual clothing as long as they are dressed within school dress code guidelines. Along those lines, please keep in mind that student dress should be modest – no bare mid-diffs or spaghetti straps, clothes must fit properly. No leggings (unless under a skirt) in grades 5 and up.
Patrol
Anyone looking for volunteer hours? We can always use your help in patrol!! You will receive 1 hour for every AM or PM day. Please contact me (Robert Trias) for which days you are available and either mornings (AM) or afternoons (PM) or both. You contact myself @ (206)353-2000 or TRIAS0175@yahoo.com , I will also be doing patrol every Monday (PM), so you can talk to me at school.
Thank you!!!
Extended Care Supervisor Needed
7:00-8:15. The pay range is $17-$20/ hour (depending on experience). Alternatively, St. Thomas More School parents can use volunteer hours if they wish. If you, or someone you know, is interested, please contact the school office at (425) 743-4242. The application is available on the Archdiocese Website/ Frontline (click the link).
Volunteers
Parents who wish to volunteer will need to be current on their Virtus Training, Protecting God’s Children and complete the School Volunteer Agreement attesting to their vaccination status. Parents wishing to volunteer inside the school building will need to be fully vaccinated.
Here are some upcoming training dates that are nearby (register on Virtus):
10/27 Holy Rosary Church, Edmonds, 7pm
11/05 St. Michael Church, Snohomish, 9am
11/05 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Bothell, 10am
Current Volunteers Needed
Computer Lab is looking for a parent volunteer to come in once or twice a week to wipe down the lab. Preferably after school. Takes about 30 minutes to wipe down keyboards, mice, back of chairs and tabletops. This would count as volunteer time!
Auction Update
EXCITING NEWS
SPONSOR A FLAMINGO
Our FLAMINGO FLOCK keeps growing, thank you to all those who have sponsored a Flamingo or two already!!! We will continue to PINK out the grass hill as orders come in. We are currently sitting at 70 Flamingos!!!
The Flamingos will be removed on Monday, October 24th.
To learn more about the fundraiser please see below:
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, St. Thomas More will be turning PINK for OCTOBER 10-24! This will be a festive and visible fundraiser where St. Thomas More will be donned in those beautiful pink plastic birds.
We would love to have your support and sponsorship of a Flamingo. With sponsorship of a flamingo your name, business name, or someone you know who fought or is fighting Cancer currently will be printed on a laminated card and hung around the flamingo’s neck.
Cost of sponsorship is a $10.00 donation with 20% of the proceeds going to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Please join us in turning the grass hill between the parking lot and the school PINK by sponsoring a Flamingo or two!
Please complete the order form and return to the school office/collection plate with cash or check to St. Thomas More School: Sponsor a Flamingo_2 (stms.org) Order forms can also be found in the school office.
PROCUREMENT WISH LIST
We have created an Amazon Wish List for anyone who needs help coming up with ideas of what to procure for our Spring Auctions. Please check out the Step Into Spring Gala wish list at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/16MZ1EB1D7KLS/guest-view
Please share this link with anyone who is interested in donating to our Auctions.
CLASSROOM AUCTION
HELP NEEDED
We are still looking to fill in the gaps for our Classroom Auction obligations. Please reach out to your room parent, or to me directly Jessica.e.nunn@gmail.com if you would like to assist as the procurement lead or art project for your grade.
Our class basket themes are filling up fast, so please send me your theme if you haven’t already.
| Grade | Procurement Lead | Basket | Art Project |
| K | Mariners | ||
| 1 | Adopt a kitty | Starry Night | |
| 2 | |||
| 3 | Kelly Schmid | Coffee & Cocktails | Lego – Seattle Skyline |
| 4 | |||
| 5 | Builder’s Paradise | ||
| 6 | Baking – w/ mixer | ||
| 7 | Escape Room | ||
| 8 | Seahawks |
Thank you for your help,
Jessica Lang | Auction Procurement Team | St. Thomas More School
Cell (425) 890-5891
Follow Along @stmsauction
Parents Club
Hello Families,
We hope that your school year is going great so far!
Thank you to all who attended the Fairbank Farm Pumpkin Patch Day! What a fun day! Ms. Glaze participated in farm fun by feeding piglets! Thank you to the Fairbanks family for hosting us!!
Filipino American History Month
In honor and celebration of Filipino American History Month, Annie Cheng, the author and founder of the Ube Books Series, is coming to STMS on Wednesday 10/26 to read some of her stories to students.
STMS have arranged two reading times for preschool and primary grades:
10:30-11:00: 1st and 2nd grade (Library)
11:00-11:30: PreK and Kindergarten (Kindergarten classroom)
Pop-Up Filipino Hot Lunch! (Dine for Dollars)
What a great way to celebrate together through food and community! Thank you to Jason Moore and his family, 88Cues is hosting our first Pop-Up Filipino Hot Lunch on Wednesday, October 26th!
Taking pre-orders, order forms will be sent with the students this Thursday. Order forms are due by Monday, Oct 24th. Please return the order forms and your payment with your child on Monday, October 24th so we can accommodate all orders. The Moore family will be donating 20% of the total proceeds back to St. Thomas More School! Thank you 88Cues!!
Poinsettia and Evergreen Wreath Fundraiser
Our Wreath Fundraiser is here! Time to get your wreaths and Christmas décor for your home!!
Poinsettia & Evergreen Wreath Fundraiser started Monday, October 17th and runs thru Oct 31st. Order forms were sent with students. 50% of your total sales will go towards your fundraising commitment. Items can be picked up on Tuesday, Nov 22nd, in the Breezeway. Pick-up time to be confirmed.
Cookie Dough:
We just completed our first Fundraiser with Cookie Dough! Thank you to all of those who participated! A huge shout out to Tara Meucci for leading our Cookie Dough Fundraiser! Orders will arrive mid-November just in time for Thanksgiving! More information on our total gross sales and winners to come!
We have more fun planned for the month! Here are upcoming event
October 29th: St. Thomas More Parish is hosting the 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat with gathering and food available in Dalton Hall for purchase (Pizza, popcorn, and beverages Dalton Hall 6pm-8pm for purchase.
Click on the link, if you would like to sign up to be part of the Halloween decorated cars for Trunk or Treat. Volunteers also needed to help set up Dalton Hall and distribute food and drinks.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BAFAC2CA0FA7-trunk
Calling those interested in participating and learning the Thriller Flash Mob Dance!!
STMP are calling for another THRILLER dance practice on Friday, the 21st at 4-5 PM in Dalton Hall in preparation for the Parish TRUNK or TREAT
on Saturday, the 29th. Please RSVP to Sharon (sharong@stmp.org) in the Parish Office on or before Thursday if you’re coming. Otherwise, if we do not have enough participants, we will cancel the practice. Thanks!
Fundraisers:
Wreath and Poinsettia:
Start date: Monday October 17th-31st!
- Runs from October 17-31st
- 50% of sales goes toward fundraising
- Wreath/ Poinsettia pick up on Tuesday November 22nd.
Sneaker Fundraiser
- Clean your closet for a cause!
- 20 pairs =$15.00 toward fundraising
- Ask friends and family for donations
- See details in the Sneaker Fundraiser Flyer.
Kind regards,
Francesca and Suzi
Parent Club Chairs
88 Cues Dine for Dollars Pop Up
88Cues Pop Up: What a great way to celebrate together through food and community! Thank you to Jason Moore and his family, 88Cues is hosting our first Pop-Up Filipino Hot Lunch on Wednesday, October 26th! Order forms are due by Monday, Oct 24th. Please return the order forms and your payment with your child by Monday, October 24th so we can accommodate all orders. The Moore family will be donating 20% of the total proceeds back to St. Thomas More School.
Please print the order form and return it with exact amounts for the orders by Monday October 24 (unfortunately, we cannot give change). 20% of the sales will be donated to STMS.
Other Local Area Events
AMHS Trunk or Treat: Ready for an afternoon of spooky fun? Come to the Archbishop Murphy High School Trunk or Treat, hosted by MacKenzie Hewitt and STMS alum Sean Mullins! The event will take place on Sunday, October 30, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the AMHS parking lot (12911 39th Ave SE, Everett, WA 98208). Admission is free! Wear your costume and bring a bucket for collecting candy. See you there!
CYO
Saint Thomas More CYO Basketball registration is open for girls and boys in grades 4th – 8th.
Register at: https://www.teamsideline.com/seattlecyo
Registration will close on October 28th.
League Games: 11/19, 11/20, 12/3, 12/4, 12/10, 12/11, 12/17, 12/18, 1/7, 1/8, 1/14, 1/15, 1/21, 1/22, 1/28, 1/29
Coaches:
4th Grade Boys – Andre Lang and Alfredo Barajas
5th Grade Boys – Darren Walker
8th Grade Boys – Jerome Angeles
5th Grade Girls – Andre Taylor (St. Pius)
STMS will not have teams for 4th-grade girls, 6th-grade girls and boys, and 7th-grade girls and boys. If your children are still interested in playing, please contact me at kjpena77@gmail.com. I will be able to find a spot for them on another parish team.
Stewardship Campaign
St. Thomas More Parish needs help with mailings for the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing. All hours can be used toward your volunteer hours (3-4 hours for each mailing). If you would like to help, please contact Catherin Bellande in the parish office at (425) 743-2929, ext. 100 or cathyb@stmp.org.
Costume Drive
STMS Alumni Makena Schick is partnering up with Lynwood Police Department and needs your help! We are hoping to get Halloween costumes to give to kids in need to spread some joy holiday season. We need your help to gather costumes as part of our costume drive. Costumes must be new or gently used (washed). All donations are due by October 20th. Please contact Makena Schick at mschick@am-hs.org if you have any questions.
COVID -19 Guidelines
St. Thomas More School is following the guidelines published by the Washington State Department of Health and the Snohomish Health District. During the month of September, STMS had 7 reported cases of COVID-19 positive test results. Please continue to monitor your children for symptoms of COVID-19 and keep them home if they are ill. If your child tests positive, the quarantine period is 5-10 days. If after 5 days, your child is symptom free he/she may return to school (wearing a mask) as long as you provide proof of a negative test result. Siblings of a child who test positive, or if a child is exposed to someone else in the home who tests positive, may return to school as long as there are no COVID-19 symptoms with proof of a negative and remain masked.
We will continue to follow advice and recommendations of the Snohomish Health District as we navigate the cold and flu season. If students are persistently exhibiting signs of a cold, they may be asked to wear a mask. If they exhibit symptoms that could be COVID related, we ask that you continue to test students at home. Alternatively, we can test students at school.
Dates to Remember
10/13: Blue Thursday
10/14: No School – Teacher Professional Development
10/17: Pink Day in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bring $1 donation to wear pink.
10/20: Conferences, Noon dismissal
10/21: Conferences- No School
10/24: Noon Dismissal – Teacher Professional Development
10/28: Blue Friday
10/29 – Speech Tournament
10/29 – Trunk or Treat at St. Thomas More Parking Lot 6:15pm-7:15pm
School Mass Schedule
The All-School Masses (through October):
| Monday, Oct 31 | Pumpkin Fest | 1:00pm | Music |
| Tuesday, November 1* | All Saints Mass | 9:00am | 2nd Grade |
| Thursday, November 10 | Veteran’s Day Assembly | 9:00am | Grades 4, 5, and 6 |
Also, this year each grade level will lead the 3rd Sunday Mass (or Saturday vigil Mass), which coincides with Coffee & Donuts (with the exceptions of December, April, and June). Please see the table below for Mass times and participating grade level . All participants and attendees in school uniform will get a free dress pass. Please note we have made revisions to the scheduled Masses.
| Nov 20, 8:30 | 4th Grade |
| Dec | Christmas Vacation |
| Jan 14, 5pm | 7th and 2nd Grades |
| Feb 19, 10:30 | 6th Grade and Kindergarten |
| Mar 19, 8:30 | 3rd Grade |
| Apr | Spring Break |
| May 21, 10:30 | 5th and 1st Grades |
WSCC Newsletter
Below is the link to the Fall Quarter 2022 Newsletter for Catholic Schools published by the Washington State Catholic Conference.
Scouts BSA
Calling all girls grade 4 and up interested in starting or joining Scouts BSA. Please come learn about scouting and have a some Halloween fun with a great group of girls. Please contact Carrie Verge with any questions or if interested.
Check It Out – Library Corner
Check It Out
October is Filipino American History Month.
A great book to learn about their history, culture, and traditions is All about the Philippines: Stories, Songs, Crafts, and Games for Kids by Gidget Roceles Jimenez (2015). Journey with three cousins as they learn about the Philippines. Each of the cousins come from different parts and look very different. One is of Chinese descent, one is Spanish descent, and one is Arab descent, but they are all Filipino and celebrate their differences and what makes them family.
Miss Watters recently purchased this for our STM library and it will be available for check-out soon. Other books about the Philippines and Filipino culture in our library can be found at:
https://stmlynnwood.follettdestiny.com/cataloging/servlet/presentbooklistform.do?listID=23776844
SEL Curriculum
Last year, our Fund a Need auction item was for SEL curriculum, which included updated Second Step materials, as well as another series called Responsive Classroom. Joana Ransford, in her report for the Schools Commission, captured feedback from some of the teachers on how they are incorporating some of the tools and strategies in their classrooms:
Mrs. Martin, 4th: We are using the SEL curriculum to set goals in the classroom and to discuss emotional goals that we have individually as well as those that we share. We enjoy our open forum talks and are excited to move through the curriculum this year.
Ms. Watters, Library: All of the classes in library have explored the reset station and know it is there for them when they need it in library. With 3rd grade, we do mindful breathing at the start of class. They are coming in from recess and are still emotional about things that happened or just have a hard time calming down afterwards. We take a few seconds to close our eyes and take a few deep breaths to help us calm down, be focused and ready for library.
Mrs. Pehanich, Interventionist: As the Title One teacher and Interventionist, I am able to work with students who would benefit from small group time and small group learning. This can be for academic reasons as well as social emotional needs. SEL funding has provided the staff with training in responsive classrooms and has provided us with materials to work with all students, especially those with those higher social emotional needs. As part of this, all classrooms have reset stations, including mine. I have also seen the benefit of having our counselor, Denise Mullins, here an additional 2 hours/week.
Mr. Rehberger, 7th: 7th grade has now begun its journey through the new Second Step curriculum. Although we have only completed a couple of lessons at this point, it has already led to good discussions and carryover to life outside of this dedicated lesson time. (We have devoted time to this program every Friday morning.) As a teacher, I appreciate the layout and ease of the newly purchased curriculum. Each lesson is guided with a slide show on our screen and has a student handout for the activities and reflection questions. The topics so far have been age appropriate and have enough flexibility to allow me to adapt to our class and current needs. FYI, our topics so far have included some brain science about learning new things and an introduction to having a “growth mindset.”
Coffee & Donuts
Please see the links below to sign up. We need more people to sign up for the 8:30 Mass.
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is a consultative body to the Pastor which serves the people of God through visionary leadership and direction.
The purpose of the Pastoral Council is:
- To create, inspire, and demonstrate leadership and enthusiasm for all matters relating to the spiritual and temporal affairs of St. Thomas More Parish
- To provide recommendations for Parish priorities, directions, and policies through pastoral planning.
- To Promote communication, visibility, and understanding among the Parish Commissions, Committees, Community, Archdiocese, and universal Church.
- Informing community, Council members are challenged to ongoing renewal through prayer, study, listening, and dialogue.
- In developing priorities and directions for the Parish, the Council is to become the means to achieving full participation by the Parish in its mission by giving its voice in guiding and directing Parish life.
- In fostering communication, the Council encourages and initiates dialogue among parish leadership and organizations and brings the concerns to the larger Church.
We invite you to become a part of our Pastoral Council. Our regular schedule is 4th Thursday September- June. However, the September meeting will be on 9/29 jointly with Finance Council.
For more information, please contact Nick Golla, (818) 903-9140 nngolla@gmail.com
Important Reminders
Dismissal
Please do not arrive for dismissal before 2:45. We are creating a line on the street, which impacts our neighbors. We appreciate your cooperation with this. Parents of K- Grade 3 students (who do not have an older sibling) should park in timed parking.
Monday Morning Prayer Service
On Mondays we go directly into Dalton Hall for a prayer service, with announcements following. Parents are welcome to join us – we ask that you gather at the back of the hall.
Scrip
SCRIP NEWS!
SCHOOL EARNINGS: From May to September we have already made $5944.28 in Rebates from Scrip! In-Person Sales: $1897.87 & Raise Right App: $3546.41.
Shopping with Scrip is Fundraising while you shop!
*NEW LOCAL VENDOR ALERT* Crafty B’s Artisan Boutique located in Edmonds and in Everett Mall. Shop local and find unique handmade gifts! Rebate 20%! https://www.thecraftybs.com/
BONUS FEST: Earn extra rebate Bonuses EVERY weekend in October, with purchases on the Raise Right App! Email us for the enrollment code. stmpsscrip@gmail.com
SUNDAY SALE: We’ll be selling Scrip Gift Cards in person THIS Sunday 9:30-10:30a in the breezeway.
YOU ARE INVITED to join our Scrip team for drop-in volunteer hours when you’re available OR weekly commitments! Sign Up below if interested to arrange training. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4DA4AC2FA5F85-scrip1
*Currently looking for at least 1-2 people with weekly or drop in availability on Sundays between Masses, Wednesdays AM/PM, Fridays AM, and Saturday Evenings.
SCRIP TIPS: *RELOADABLE CARDS*
1. Buy a reloadable gift card from one of our in-person sales, ie Safeway or Starbucks! They are designated by an asterisk (*) on the form.
2. Open Raise Right App > Wallet> “Add card” (top R corner) > enter the info from your new physical gift card.
3. When ready to reload, find card in “E-Wallet” and select to Reload.
4. During these Bonus Fests get extra Bonuses Rebates when you reload to your card and can still use the physical card!
*Load physical Starbucks cards to your Starbucks app! Reload to that gift card from the Raise Right App, earn bonuses, and it will update automatically in your Starbucks app!
Come find me if you have any questions!! Let us help you, help Scrip work for you!
-Your Scrip Team
Website
We are continuing to revise and improve the website. You can now access the calendar under the Parents tab for to see upcoming events. There is also updated Auction information. We will continue to keep you informed of updates and improvements throughout the year.
