The Phoenix Flyer: St. Thomas More School Newsletter
December 4-8, 2023
Principal’s Message
New Beginnings
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’
Dear Parents and Families,
The Advent season is in full swing at STMS! We are focusing on the beauty of this season and all that it represents in our Catholic faith. Our students are engaged in many Advent activities while they learn about the symbols of Advent and how they can grow their relationship with God and the precious gift He gave us in His Son.
Father Okumu spoke today to our students about waiting for our Lord during advent and about the importance of the Advent candles. Each candle (representing the four Sundays of Advent) help us to remember the virtues we should be practicing as Catholic Christians, not just during Advent, but throughout all the year. As we reflect on these visible symbols of hope, peace, joy and love, let us remember to all be models for our students while they learn to embrace these values as they grow in their faith.
May you and your loved ones feel God’s grade and glory this holy season of Advent.
In Christ,
Elizabeth Glaze
Dates to Remember
12/7 Parents Club Meeting – Renggli Room, 8:30am
12/8 Immaculate Conception Mass, 9:00am
12/12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 1:00pm
12/14 Pixie Gift Shop
12/14 Christmas Concert
12/15 Noon Dismissal, No Extended Care
12/16 Simbang Gabi Mass, STMP, 5:00pm
12/18-1/1 No School, Christmas Break
1/2 School Resumes
St. Thomas More Early Learning Center
We are proud to announce that the St. Thomas More Early Learning Center is now fully licensed with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families. Starting in January, we will offer a full-day option in our 4- and 5-year old PreK Program. Please contact the school office for more information.
Advent Resources
The Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) has curated a list of resources with ideas for celebrating Advent with your family.
Archdiocese of Seattle: Weekly Advent Reflections and Resources
Ignatian Spirituality: Ignatian Imaginative Prayer Exercise (for each week)
Dynamic Catholic: A Complete Guide to Advent and Best Advent Ever
St. Mary’s Press: Prayers, Activities, and Reflections
NCEA Advent Resources: Teachers and Families
Creighton University: Praying Advent
Hallow: A Complete Guide to the Season of Advent
Word on Fire: Advent Book Recommendations
Advent Gift
Speaking of Advent, Mrs. Atkins received a beautiful Advent Calendar from her 4th Graders (and parents). She said she was overwhelmed! Thank you!!
Dr. James Knight Event – Rescheduled
Please complete the RSVP Survey below to save your spot. Refreshments will be served.
For information on Dr. Knight and his organization, please visit leadwithhumility.org
Lynnwood Library Best Ever Book Contest
STMS 3rd graders participated in the Lynnwood Library’s “Best Book I Ever Read Poster Contest”. Third grade classes in the Lynnwood area schools were all invited to participate. Miss Watters chose 3 posters to go on from STMS. Congratulations to Giana M, Heran M, and Layla A! They get to go to a special party at the Lynnwood Library on Sunday and their posters will be on display there the entire month of December. Be sure to drop in the library to see their work!
Extended Care Access
Due to the construction project, for the next few weeks please access Extended care through the West door (on the Parish side).
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch is back!! Please see the link to the printable monthly Hot Lunch form, or stop by the school office for a hard copy.
Please note: The deadline for all hot lunch payments is Thursday. We are not able to accept payments sent in on Friday morning.
We need volunteers! Please use the Sign Up Genius link below to earn volunteer hours by helping us with our hot lunch.
STMS Spirit Wear
Don’t forget to order your STMS Spirit Wear. Use the link below.
Shout out to the new STMS Spirit Wear “early adopters”:
Angelica Mora Jimenez (first purchaser), Nicole Griego, Gretchen Neale, Carrie Verge and Gemma Ardiente.
Please note: Only clothing available in the Uniform Code Approved section are to be worn at school.
For questions on ordering, please contact Eric Miller, ericmiller22@gmail.com.
First Sacraments’ Requirements
FIRST SACRAMENTS PREPARATION
In accordance with the Archdiocese of Seattle, children who are in second grade (at least 7 years of age) or older are eligible to participate in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Children registered in the St. Thomas More Parish Children’s Faith Formation Program must have completed a minimum of one full year of catechesis experience prior to receiving the First Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in their second year of religious education. While those students attending STM school or any Catholic schools, a one-year requirement is met by their religion class in school. Parents are primary teachers and so they are expected to be committed and involved in partnering with our program’s catechists and school teachers.
FIRST SACRAMENTS’ REQUIREMENTS
- Child must be baptized. A copy of the certificate must be submitted to the parish office IF not baptized at STMP.
- Attend the Children’s Faith Formation Program or STM Catholic School
- Attend the required Parent Meetings and Parent-Candidate Retreats scheduled by the Faith Formation Office (Schedule will be out soon)
- Children and Parents are expected to attend Sunday Mass regularly.
Please contact Sharon Guerrero in the Parish Office to inquire or for questions or email her at sharong@stmp.org.
2023-24 Children and Youth Faith Formation ONLINE Registration is now OPEN!
K-5th Grade click HERE
Year 1 Confirmation Class 6th Grade and Older click HERE
Year 2 Sacrament of Confirmation Prep Class click HERE
In ministry with our parish community,
Sharon Guerrero
Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation
Sacraments of Baptism |First Reconciliation |First Eucharist |RCIA | CFF
St. Thomas More Parish
6511 176th St. SW
Lynnwood, WA 425.743.2929 ext. 114
Local Area Events
STMP Simbang Gabi Mass
Simbang Gabi, translated as “Night Mass,” is a significant Filipino Catholic tradition. STMP will host the Simbang Gabi Mass on December 16, at 5pm. The STMS choir will be performing a prelude song and entrance song as a way to support the traditional Filipino choir at the mass. The Pheonix Choir is excited to perform and spread holiday cheer at this ethnic celebration of mass.
STMP Children’s Christmas Eve Mass live Nativity Pageant
Calling all children from ages 4 through 5th grade interested in participating in various roles, join the children’s choir, or play an instrument. Come and be part of the annual parish liturgical event on Sunday, Dec. 24th at the 5 PM children’s Mass.
Rehearsals will be on the following days:
Wed., Dec 20th at 10 AM – Noon
Fri., Dec 22nd at 10 AM – Noon
Sun., Dec 24th at 3 PM, Cast Call, Mass at 5 PM
To sign up for your child, please visit our website at www.stmp.org under the Faith Formation & Children’s Faith Formation tabs.
Older children interested in joining the choir or play an instrument, email Deb DeMiero at debrad@stmp.org. To volunteer, email Sharon at sharong@stmp.org or call the parish office at 425-743-2929.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and participation!
Bishop Blanchett Events
- Middle school STEM Day, a collaboration between our Robotics Team (the CyBears) and our Math Team, on December 2 – Students may sign up for one, two, or all three of the free events: Pinewood Derby, Math Trivia, and Compostable Egg Drop
- Winter clinics in cheerleading, boys basketball and baseball are offered December 16-19
- Our winter sports teams are in action! Please check out their schedules and come out and cheer on the Bears
AMHS Clean Out Your Closets Fundraiser
LAST DAYS of Archbishop Murphy High School Senior Fundraiser! Clean out your closets and donate. You may contact Margie Adrada-Jimenez for any donations.
AMHS Clean Out Your Closet Fundraiser
Toy Drive
Christmas Toy Drive – Coming Soon!
The STMS Christmas Toy Drive for Catholic Community Services will be December 4th-15th. If you’re out shopping deals during the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, consider picking up something early for the Toy Drive. Gifts for anyone from newborn to 18 are needed.
Parent Club
Family Fundraising Update
Your first family fundraising letter was emailed on Monday, November 13th. This letter shows your fundraising earned through October 31, 2023. This letter includes funds earned from Scrip, Cookie Dough and Direct Contributions. Families that have elected not to fundraise in their school contract, your first payment is due now. If your payment is not received by December 1st, you will be billed in FACTS plus a late fee. The next letter will be sent in early February and will include wreath sales.
If you did not receive your letter via email please contact Melanie Abigania (mabigania@yahoo.com).
Family Fundraising Coordinators
Melanie Abigania & Gemma Ardiente
Poinsettia and Evergreens Fundraiser
For all of you who purchased poinsettias and/or wreaths for our fundraiser, Stadium Flowers has provided some care instructions. See the flyer below.
Poinsettia and Evergreen Care Instructions
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, -Nick & Anna Golla (thehbgollas@gmail.com)
Community Building Family Event – Save the Date
STMS is hosting a Family Movie Night this coming Sunday, Dec 10th from 5-8pm in the Renggli Room.
Come in your cozy pajamas and bring a blanket to sit on. Kids are welcome to bring their favorite stuffy!
It’s free admission! There will be food for purchase: Pizza or a cup of chili for $2 and $1 for juice, hot cocoa, chips, cookies, and popcorn.
It’ll be a fun night for the whole family!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BAFAC2CA0FA7-46643587-volunteers
Pixie Gift Shop Needs Volunteers
Please use the Sign-Up Genius link below to sign up to help with the Pixie Gift Shop on 12/14.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449AAA72BA5F49-45954065-pixie#/
Auction News
Don’t forget to fill out your Donation Form Receipt and attach on your donation.
Fill out form here: https://form.jotform.com/stmsauction2022/st-thomas-more-donation-receipt-for
NEW! Gift Card Wish List Now Available: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA923A3FDC25-46673126-auction
Fulfill your procurement commitment by purchasing any of the listed gift cards. You also earn scrip dollars on top of your donation!
AUCTION VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA923A3FDC25-45401522-auction#/
You will earn hours toward your Auction commitment, Please complete the sign-up genius or contact the school office or Margot McLaughlin at margot.mclaughlin@stms.org.
Patrol
Please see the link to the current Patrol schedule.
Scrip
Volunteers Needed!
We need your help! Please see our Winter Sign Up Genius to see where YOU could help. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AA5AB2AA1F5C70-46513153-winter
Special Orders
Christmas is around the corner and so is our Christmas Vacation! We have 3 more days of in-person sales until the Christmas break. Special Orders are available! The Special-Order form can be found on the website – stms.org – click on the Fundraising tab, scroll to Scrip, scroll to the bottom to Scrip Documents, and it’s the 2nd Link. Please Fill that out and send it to us at stmpsscrip@gmail.com. Please drop off your payment to the office. The final date to submit any special orders along with payment will be on Monday, December 11th by drop off in the morning. Those orders placed on the morning of the 11th should arrive by the 13th, weather permitting. Orders can be picked up during regular sale days or delivered through the oldest student.
DAZZLE DAYS: November 25th – December 8th.
Lots of added bonuses! Check your Favorites tab and see what businesses have increased their percentage rebate! Some of our Favorites are: Starbucks at 6.5%, Dave and Buster’s at 16%, Regal Cinnemas at 11%, AMC Theatres at 13%. Great ideas for Teacher and Staff gifts!
There’s also a daily surprise flash bonuses from popular brands on RAISERIGHT!
INVENTORY UPDATE!
We are sold out of Anthony’s Home Port, and they will not be returning to the Scrip Program.
We have added 3 new businesses to our Scrip Order Form:
Sephora $25 each, 5% rebate
Taco Bell $10 each, 5% rebate
Jimmy John’s $25 each, 8% rebate
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is where and when you can buy Scrip:
✨️In the timed parking lot-Wednesdays 8am-9am and Fridays 2:45pm-3:15pm
✨️In the Breezeway-Sundays (every other; 11/26, 12/10,etc.) 9:30am-10:30am
✨️Anytime, via the Raise Right app.
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Contact Your Scrip Admin Team:
-Gemma Ardiente (ordering & inventory) gemma_ardiente@comcast.net
– Rachel Rogers (bookkeeping) rrodgers517@gmail.com
-Therese Sarr (volunteer selling coordinator) sarrtherese206@gmail.com
-Nick Golla (communications) nngolla@gmail.com
CYO
Come out and support our Basketball teams!
For the complete schedule check the teamsideline website. https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/schedules
4th grade boys team | 5th grade boys team | Middle school boys team | |
3-Dec | 3:30 at St Alphonses | 1pm at Holy Rosary | 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary |
9-Dec | 9am at Holy Rosary | 10:15 at Holy Rosary | |
10-Dec | 3:30 at St Johns | ||
16-Dec | 9 am at Holy Family (Kirkland) | 9am at Lakeside | |
17-Dec | 3:30 at Holy Rosary |
Also, CYO needs a parent volunteer!
Laurel Pehanich stepped in for soccer and basketball, but only as an interim. Mr. G will continue helping, but we need a parent volunteer as well. Responsibilities this year include handling team registrations and on-line sign-ups for track and volleyball. Please let us know if you are interested or can suggest someone who might be!
Contact Laurel Pehanich or Mr. G if you have any questions (or want to help volunteer)!
STMS Referral Program
Would you like to get a month’s tuition for free? When you refer a family and they enroll their child(ren) at STMS grade K-8, once that family completes their first year with us, both the new family and the referring family will receive the equivalent of one month’s tuition (single-child tuition).
Who could you refer to STMS?
Please contact the school office with any questions, (425) 743-4242.
Coffee & Donuts
Do you need volunteer hours that can be done outside of the regular work week? Come Set up, Serve, and Clean up on Sundays for Coffee and Donuts after both the 8:30am and 10:30am Masses. It’s easy and fun and a great time for fellowship and fun with our community.
Bring kids with you. Have them dress up in Full Dress and help greet and serve. They can earn a Free Dress Pass!
Click the link below. Please print and fill out and return to the office.
Volunteers
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Scrip
Pixie Gift Shop
Please use the Sign-Up Genius link below to sign up to help with the Pixie Gift Shop on 12/14.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449AAA72BA5F49-45954065-pixie#/
TV Installs
We need a few muscles to help us move a tv from the library and install in our Early Learning Classroom and another tv installed in our Extended Care classroom. You may need a few of your own tools to remove the brackets and reinstall on the preschool wall. If you are interested, please call the school office at (425) 743-4242.
Requirements for Parent Volunteers
Parents who wish to volunteer will need to be current on their Virtus Training, Protecting God’s Children and complete the Volunteer Handbook acknowledgement form.
Online sessions are also available in English and Spanish. Visit Virtusonline.org and click on the Current Registration tab. Trainings are good for 3 years. If you need to renew your status, you can do so online at Virtusonline.org.
For information on how to create your profile and register for a class, please click on the link below and look for the Registration Guide under Adult Employee Information and Resources, or contact Heather Anderson at heather.anderson@stms.org or (425) 743-4242.
Archdiocese of Seattle – Safe Environment
We want to help all of our families meet their volunteer hours and become more engaged with our amazing STMS community. Please complete the survey below so we can better understand your talents and interests in volunteering.
Volunteer Talents, Interests and Needs
COVID, Flu and RSV
As we head into the cold and flu season, I would like to send out a general reminder about health and safety guidelines. We have a host of illnesses circulating, including strep throat, continuing COVID cases, and at least one reported case of RSV.
Recommendations of the Snohomish Health District as we navigate the cold and flu season include ensuring that if students have active symptoms from any respiratory infections and/or have a fever, they should not come to school. Students who have had a fever must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication before returning to school. In addition, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends teaching children to cover their coughs and sneezes using their elbow or a tissue, and to always wash their hands afterwards.
Also, as we have had a recent case of RSV, I am including a resource provided by the Snohomish Health Department on signs of RSV, in addition to general guidelines and benefits of vaccinations for flu, COVID and RSV.
*If you have any questions regarding STMS guidelines, please contact the school office at (425) 743-4242. Please note that although STMS guidelines are based on the Washington State Department of Health and the Snohomish County Health District, we reserve the right to add extra precautions.