The Phoenix Flyer: St. Thomas More School Newsletter
January 29-February 2, 2024
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,
Happy Catholic Schools Week! This is such a wonderful week to celebrate all that makes Catholic education so rewarding and what makes STMS so special. On Monday, the Student Council officers and I went around the neighborhood to deliver primroses and cards to our wonderful STMS neighbors. Yesterday, we had our Music Genre spirit day. There was quite the gamut of music themes – from country western, pop, and the very specific Taylor Swift Eras Tour. It was a fun day. Today, our Parents Club helped to celebrate Staff Appreciation Day with a pasta bar. Thank your for the delicious lunch! Tomorrow we will Teacher-Student Swap Day – I can’t wait to see the results! On Friday we will celebrate Student Appreciation Day with Catholic Olympics (courtesy of our PE Teacher, Mr. G). Students will also receive a special treat.
In Christ,
Elizabeth Glaze
Dates to Remember
1/28-2/3 Catholic Schools Week
2/1 Parents Club Meeting, 8:30 Renggli
2/9 No School, Teacher In-service
2/12 100th Day of School
2/13 Valentine’s Day Spirit Day (wear pink or red top and uniform bottoms)
2/14 Ash Wednesday (Mass, 9am)
2/16-2/19 No School, President’s Day Holiday and Mid-Winter Break
2/25 School Led Mass, 8:30 (Grade 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.
School Commission Committee Members Needed
Do you need volunteer hours? Our School Commission is looking for volunteers to help our various subcommittees. Please review the committee descriptions below.
Development Committee
Volunteer Opportunity! We have an opportunity for YOU!!
Do you like photography/videography?
Do you like web content development?
Do you like print design for brochures and flyers?
Do you like being creative?
The School Commission, Development Committee is looking for volunteers to help update the STMS website, create marketing brochures and help tell our school’s story.
Our meetings are flexible, we will meet via Zoom and in-person based on availability!
Please reach out to Vickie Jarman @ vljarman@hotmail, if you are interested.
Grant Writing Committee
The purpose of the Grant Committee at STMPS is to collaborate with a team of parent volunteers to provide aid in supporting grant research, application and writing to help with school operations, expenses and building improvements for our school. This team will meet once or twice a month for quick meetings via zoom beginning in March 2024 to kick off this work effort. Please reach out to Maria Houser at Maykahlo34@yahoo.com for further information.
Safety Committee
The School Safety Committee at St. Thomas More Parish School plays a pivotal role in safeguarding its students and faculty. Comprising dedicated educators, administrators, and community members, the committee meticulously identifies safety priorities through assessments and open dialogues with stakeholders. They leverage their expertise with the grant writing committee to secure necessary funding for enhancing campus security measures, whether it’s installing modern surveillance systems, fortifying entry points, or conducting safety workshops for staff and students. By meticulously developing timelines and action plans, this proactive committee ensures swift and effective implementation of crucial changes, thereby fostering a secure environment conducive to learning and growth within the school premises. Please contact Nick Golla at nngolla@gmail or Eric Miller at ericmiller22@gmail.com for more information.
Mock Trial
Congratulation to our Saint Thomas More Mock Trial Team! Our team won 2nd Place in the YMCA Middle School Mock Trial competition this past weekend. All the long hours and hard work paid off! All six (6) of our student attorneys were nominated for best attorney, and they all did a fantastic job! The Judges were all so impressed with our 6th and 7th graders who beat four (4) other 8th grade teams. We are so proud of you! Go Phoenix!
Catholic Schools Week – Spirit Days
Catholic Schools Week is January 28-February 2. Here is a list of our Spirit Days (and regular dress days) for the week:
Thursday, February 2nd – Teacher/Student Swap Day
Students come dressed as your favorite teacher or what you think a teacher would wear. Teachers will come to school dressed like you!
Friday, February 3rd – Faith Family Color Day
Students would wear a shirt that is the color associated with their Faith Family. Please check with your classroom teacher for colors. Some have changed since last year.
Special Announcement
Congratulations to our own Isabel Gregorio, Grade 5 Teacher, who became engaged to Andy Touhey (her high school sweetheart)! We are so excited for her and Andy.
Book Fair
Thursday is the LAST DAY of Book Fair.
Families come shop 3:00-3:30 before it’s all gone.
Miss Watters does need help Friday at 8:30 to help clean up.
Sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F45AFAF229-47179474-2024#/
Thursday is also the last day to donate to Hugs for Ghana.
Hugs for Ghana
Thursday is the last day to donate to Hugs for Ghana!
Hugs for Ghana is a service project started in 2007 at Kamiak High School to bring smiles in the form of stuffed animals to children at a hospital in Ghana. Since then, they have expanded their mission to include medical supplies, school supplies, and more. STMS alumni reached out to us to help them in their work. They will be taking the books to Ghana this summer.
Please send in gently used children’s books for Hugs for Ghana. We’re also collecting monetary donations during Book Fair to buy new books as well.
For more info on Hugs for Ghana, go to: www.hugsfor.org.
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.
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
- Direct Email
- School Website
- News – KOMO or KING
- Text Message (for those who have signed up for FACTS Text Messages)
Local Area Events
Vaccine Clinic – Edmonds
Edmonds School District 15 – Lynnwood, WA and the WA State Department of Health are partnering to host a vaccine clinic! The clinic will take place Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Event will be held at 20420 68th Ave W Lynnwood, WA 98036.
- New 2023-2024 Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (Adults and Pediatrics)
- 2023-2024 flu vaccine (Adults and Pediatrics)
- Childhood Vaccines
To register please use the link below or the QR Code located on the event flyer below.
Edmonds Vaccine Clinic Event Flyer
Please feel free to share with your networks and spread the word!
For more information on DOH Care-a-Van or scheduling your own event, please visit
Care-a-Van Mobile Health Services | Washington State Department of Health
St. Brendan School Dance
St. Brendan School will be hosting a middle school (7th and 8th grade) dance on Thursday, February 8th from 6:30-9:00 PM are excited to invite the students from STMS. Note that Friday is a non-school day in the Archdiocese, hence the Thursday-night dance.
Dress Code: Casual
Cost: $10/ student
Students will need to bring their student ID and a signed permission form (see link below).
There will also be a concession stand, so students are welcome to bring extra spending money for that.
St. Brendan’s Dance Info and Permission Slip
Paul J. Kim presents “God’s Plan for Love”
On February 4th, at 6pm, Paul J. Kim presents “God’s Plan for Love” at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Please see the flyer below for more information.
Parent Club
The students are having a blast with Catholic Schools Week which kicked off last Friday with Celebrity Day and last Saturday’s Book Fair Family Night After Party! The kids had a fantastic time shopping for their favorite books and trinkets of all sorts and families enjoyed gathering together! The school celebrated the rest of this week with Book Fair and different dress up themes like their favorite Music Genre and today as their teachers! Yesterday we closed the evening listening to many of our young stellar readers share their fun Story Books!
On Wednesday, in celebration and appreciation for our Amazing Teachers and Staff, Parents Club honored them with a Teacher Appreciation Pasta Bar Luncheon! To all the Wonderful STM School and Parish staff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do for our kids and families every day! Thank you to all the Parents and Student volunteers for all their time and dedication!
With gratitude,
Parents Club
Next Parent Club Meeting is Thursday, February 1 at 8:30
Auction News
AUCTION UPDATE
Hot off the press! The latest edition of the Auction Newsletter, Volume 2, is now available, brimming with a lot of information! It’s so comprehensive that we’re providing a copy for your student to take home.
With just a little over a month left until our school’s largest fundraiser of the year, we have significant chances to boost gala ticket sales and auction items!
Your support during these crucial final weeks would be greatly appreciated in making this event a success. Read all about it on our Auction Newsletter – linked below and also available on the Auction Page of our website.
Auction Newsletter 2023-24 Vol 2
Patrol
Please see the link to the current Patrol schedule.
Scrip
Scrip is our only Fundraiser we have going on to reach your $700 contractual commitment. Don’t forget you need 2/3 of that ($467) raised by the end of the month (1/31). With that, wherever you shop, try to think if there’s a way to pay for it using Scrip. Utilize that search bar on the RaiseRight app, and or come see us at in person sales.
Friendly reminder that Kroger gift cards can’t be purchased on the app but only at in-person sales.
We may be selling on Sunday, 1/28 (off schedule) to help kick off Catholic School’s Week!
Lastly as always….WE NEED YOU!
Volunteers Needed!
We need your help! Please see our Winter Sign Up Genius to see where you can help- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AA5AB2AA1F5C70-46513153-winter
We also need people to learn how to sell Scrip to be on a sub list and we are looking for core sales people for next school year!
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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
CYO Volleyball
St Thomas More has opened volleyball registration for teams this year based on interest that has been expressed to teachers! Registrations have been coming in, but a reminder that registration is due by 1/19/2024. League games are from February 24th through April 14th. Certain divisions have playoffs depending on grade and season outcome which would go through April 28. Practice times will be determined based on interest and gym availability.
We are still looking for coaches!
Register at:
https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/seattlecyo/current-programs (select 4-8 Volleyball 2024 – Winter I 2024)
Please contact Andy Jimenez if you can help volunteer or coach (or if you have any questions).
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
School Commission Committees
Please see the information above under School Commission for volunteer opportunities on one of the School Commission subcommittees.
Auction Volunteers Needed
*Lots of Auction Volunteer Positions are still OPEN! Fulfill your 4-hour auction commitment and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA923A3FDC25-45401522-auction#/
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.