The Phoenix Flyer: St. Thomas More School Newsletter
December 11-15, 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,
Advent truly is a special season! I love all the ways in which our STM community celebrate Advent. Today I had the pleasure of participating in the prayer service that the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders have been doing each week. They take turns preparing and leading the service – today it was the 3rd graders’ turn to remind us why this season is particularly meaningful to us as Catholic Christians.
In addition to our Advent activities and tradition, we also were able to celebrate two additional Masses with the greater STM community. On Friday, December 8 we celebrated the Immaculate Conception Mass and this week, on, Tuesday, December 12 we celebrated the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass. This Mass is an amazing celebration and is a perfect example of how rich our community is because of our diversity. Thank you for all the hard work that went into the preparation for this special celebration. We are grateful to the Abellera family who worked on a grant that goes toward activities showcasing our communities’ cultural diversity, such as the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, the Simbang Gabi Mass and the Intercultural Festival (which will be held in May).
In Christ,
Elizabeth Glaze
Merry Christmas!
Dates to Remember
12/14 Pixie Gift Shop; Spirit Day – dress in your Christmas Spirit wear (no pajamas)
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
1/11 Parent Club Meeting, 8:30 Renggli (Note: this is rescheduled from 1/4)
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
iCode
iCode is back! We are pleased to let you know that STMS will once again partner with iCode for our STEM program this year! The first session is 4 weeks long for an hour after school on Thursdays. Please see the registration form linked below for additional information and pricing. Deadline for registration is January 10. The iCode registration is open to all students grades K-8.
Dr. James Knight Event
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
On Sunday, December 10, STMS winners of the Lynnwood Library’s “Best Book I Ever Read Poster Contest” were celebrated. Congratulations to Giana M, Heran M, and Layla A! Our Art Teacher, Mrs. Casey also did an art project for the event. Their posters will be on display for 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.
Toy Drive
Christmas Toy Drive – Friday is the Last Day!
Please have your gift for the STMS Toy Drive here by Friday morning. Thank you for helping us to support Catholic Community Services.
Inclement Weather Protocol
As we head into the season of inclement weather, we wanted to remind you of the protocols at STMS. We generally follow Edmonds school district, but there are times when we may make a different decision. We will make every effort to get this information to you as quickly as possible. For information on school closures or delays, please consult the following:
- School General Voicemail – with our new phone system we are now able to update our voicemail greeting remotely
- School Website
- News – KOMO or KING
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 Phoenix 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
Parent Club
Thank you to our amazing Abigania family (Melanie is our Parent Club Treasurer) who gifted the STMS staff with lunch today from Ingallina’s! What an amazing treat!
Community Building Family Event – New Date!
STMS is hosting a Family Movie Night this coming Sunday, January 20th from 6-9pm 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
Auction News
We are getting questions on how to fulfill your $250 Auction Commitment. We hope the tips below help! See the flyer for more information. Take advantage of the holiday sales during our school break and don’t forget to procure from friends, family, and businesses! Merry Christmas to everyone!
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
LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AVAILABLE!
Even though Friday is a half day, Gemma Ardiente and Melanie Albigania have decided to sell on FRIDAY (12/15) MORNING AT DROP OFF! It will still not be available after school.
Pro Tip: Inventory is selling out as fast as a Tickle Me Elmo in the 90s on Black Friday! Bring your checkbook or cash and fill out a form on site, so that we can sell you what’s in stock.
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
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
Wishing you all Peace, Comfort, and Joy this Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2024!
-Gemma, Nick, Rachel, & Therese
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
A huge THANK YOU to Andy Jimenez, who is going to coordinate our CYO volleyball teams this year! More information coming soon. We still need a parent volunteer for track. Contact Laurel Pehanich or Joseph Gomula if you are interested.
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 | |
| 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.
STMS Spirit Wear
Don’t forget to order your STMS Spirit Wear. Use the link below.
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.
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
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.
