The Phoenix Flyer: St. Thomas More School Newsletter
February 12-16, 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,
We are over half-way through a short week and it is already so full of activities and traditions that we love to celebrate together at STMS! On Monday, we celebrated the 100th day of school (where has the time gone). Some of the younger students (and a few teachers) enjoyed dressing up as their what they imagined (or possibly not imagined) a 100-year-old would look like.
On Tuesday, we celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early this year, in reverence of Ash Wednesday on 2/14.
Our Ash Wednesday Mass was well-attended. The 7th graders did a wonderful job presenting the Mass. They did an impressive job with the readings and the music and made us all proud!
Please be sure to read the special message below regarding Partners in the Gospel. I know continue to be many questions and I hope this will provide some reassurance.
In Christ,
Elizabeth Glaze
Dates to Remember
2/16-2/19 No School, President’s Day Holiday and Mid-Winter Break
2/23 Stations of the Cross (time TBD)
2/25 School Led Mass, 8:30 (Grade 4)
3/1 Primary Speech Presentations, K-2, 1pm
3/6-3/7 Speech Tournament, Grades 3-8
3/8 No School, Teacher In-service
Partners in the Gospel
Dear St. Thomas More Family,
Last weekend marked the formal announcement of the Parish Families through Partners in the Gospel, including the confirmation that we will be partnered with Holy Rosary. As Archbishop Etienne noted in his letter, “the road ahead will have its twists and turns, and may seem long and rugged at times, but the Lord will always be there as our companion and guide.” Change can be hard and can make us uncomfortable. There are still many unknowns with what our partnership with Holy Rosary will look like and this uncertainty for those of us in this parish and school that we know and love can be unsettling.
There are a few “knowns” at this point in time. First, what we know is that we have been assured that there WILL NOT be any changes to schools in the near future. There is no plan or talk of merging schools with Holy Rosary or changing our Pre-K – 8 program. Leadership teams at STM and Holy Rosary have made steps to discuss our partnership and have a plan to introduce the School Commissions of both schools in a joint meeting in March. What we also know is that both schools will need to remain open to serve the number of students we have currently enrolled, as well as future students as we grow our school populations. We also know of the Grace of God in times of change and are assured that we, as a community, can walk together through this process.
We need each and every one of our families to stay together as we weather the journey of the unknowns ahead. Our close ties in our community at STM, and the care we have for each other and our school, will see us through to a bright and promising future.
In Christ,
Father Stephen Okumu, Pastor
Elizabeth Glaze, Principal
Intent to Return
Thank you to all who have already completed the Intent to Return for the 2024-25 school year. It is vital to our planning process for next year that we know the status of our returning families. If you have not already done so, please complete the Intent to Return survey linked below. It is important to include student(s) names and grades.
Lunar New Year
Our 5th grade class learned what Lunar New Year means to Asian cultures that celebrate it. Ms. Gregorio went deeper into discussing more specifically how Chinese people celebrate it. For example, it is a 15-day celebration and each day is dedicated to something special. For example, on the eve of the New Year families gather and have a traditional feast eating chicken and fish. On New Years day, children find red envelopes from parents and grandparents with money and treats under their pillows. On the 5th day, everyone must eat dumplings for good luck. At the end of the presentation, Ms. Gregorio gave all of her students a red envelope with classroom money. In the spirit of paying it forward, students wrote kind notes to someone in their family and put it in the red envelope and will be giving it to them later.
Burning of the Palms and Burying the “Alleluia Rock”
One tradition that is unique to STMS is a special prayer service that takes place just before Ash Wednesday. Our 3rd and 7th graders gather in the grassy area outside the church to reflect and pray together. The 3rd graders bury the “Alleluia rock” – a rock that has been painted with the word “Alleluia.” This ceremony symbolizes how we omit the Alleluia acclamation before the reading of the Gospel at Mass during Lent.
7th graders then help Mr. Fairbank burn palms from the prior year’s Palm Sunday. This creates the ashes are used during the Ash Wednesday Mass. The service includes a reading from scripture and a song of reflection to help our students prepare for the Lenten season. We are grateful for this special tradition, which is just one of the unique ways that St. Thomas More practices its Catholic identity.
STEM Program
This year we have once again partnered with iCode to offer an extracurricular STEM program to STMS students. The program teaches coding skills using robotics to provide hand-on engaging lessons. Our primary students have been working with a programable mouse that they code to go through a maze that they set up. Intermediate students have been using cars that are programmed using a coding program on a laptop. Finally, our middle school students have been programming drones.
We run our STEM program in 4-week increments. If you are interested in signing up, please contact the school office.
Welcome to St. Thomas More
You may notice a few new faces at STMS. We are pleased to welcome Jacqueline Kier and Lisa Wininger to our staff.
Jacqueline Kier, joins STMS as the new Early Learning Lead Teacher. She has 27 years of teaching experience. In addition to experience in Catholic schools and familiarity with PreK standards for the Archdiocese of Seattle, Jacqueline holds an AA credential from WSU in the Montessori Early Learning philosophy and many years of experience teaching this method. In addition, she had leadership experience as a center director and a program manager. In Jacqueline’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her two grandchildren. She also enjoys creating Montessori materials and spending time with my family
Lisa Wininger joins us as our new Office Assistant. Lisa lives in Snohomish with her husband and four children, three girls and one boy ages 23, 21, 18, and 15. Over the past 10 years she has volunteered at their elementary, middle and high schools. Lisa has also served on the PTA board at the Elementary School. In her free time Lisa likes to watch movies and spend time with her family.
We also welcomed two new students at STMS this week – Liyu Ayalew in grade 3 and Mussie Ayalew in grade 6. Welcome Liyu and Mussie!
100th Day and Valentine’s Day
100th Day of School
On Monday, February 12 we celebrated the 100th day of school. Students in the primary grades dressed up as “100-year-olds” and enjoyed some activities across content areas related to the number 100.
In Kindergarten, students wrote 1-100 on a hundred chart. They then drew 10 different groups of 10 snacks we like to eat – 10 apples, 10 bananas, 10 cheerios, 10 gum drops , 10 pretzels, 10 chocolate chip cookies , 10 Doritos, 10 donuts, 10 tacos and 10 carrots. By the end of the day students’ hands were very tired from all the writing!
In 1st and 2nd grade students completed a writing assignment called “If I had $100.” In math, they added items together that equaled 100. In Language students were challenged to see who could write 100 words – once they received the hint to start looking around the room, they took off on a writing spree! Finally, in a science lesson, students made predictions of what 100 drops look like in a jar.
Valentine’s Day Celebration on February 13
On Tuesday, we celebrated Valentine’s Day with a Pink and Red Spirit Day, since Ash Wednesday fell on February 14 this year. The students celebrated with passing out Valentine’s Day cards, as well as enjoying some pink and red treats.
Yearbook Sales
Order Your Yearbook Today!
Yearbooks are on sale now! Pre-order yours today to ensure you get one. Each 68-page book of precious memories is only $35. Orders are due by Friday, April 12th.
Click here to download an order form.
Auction News
We have seats available! Buy your Gala Tickets and Register here: https://stmpsl.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2024GalaAuction/GalaRegistration/tabid/1408446/Default.aspx
For your convenience, you may purchase your gala tickets and table sponsorships online, however, to maximize our auction revenue, you may choose one of the options below to avoid costly fees:
- Use coupon code SPRING2024 & pay by cash or check.
- Pay via check to St. Thomas More School and turn in to the school office.
- Consider paying for the credit card surcharge by checking the box at checkout.
Amazing Live Items to look forward to! Here are hints below!
Auction Catalog Shout Outs
Auction Catalog Recognition Ads are a great way for parents, families, and friends to recognize and commemorate students, teachers, staff and volunteers. Please see the flyer linked below for more information. Deadline to sign up is February 23, 2024.
Auction Catalog Shout Out Flyer
Volunteers Needed: NEW POSITIONS ADDED!
New volunteer positions added for the day of auction! We also still have a few open volunteer opportunities that needs your attention to prep for the event!
View Volunteer Opportunities Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEA923A3FDC25-45401522-auction
Hotel Room Block Available Now to Book!
Banish stress and stay with ease at the Embassy Suites to make your night a grand slam! The hotel is rolling out the red carpet for us with a group rate of just $131/night (plus taxes)
PLUS! Breakfast is included and will be waiting for you! What better way to start your day, right?
Book Here: ST. Thomas More Parish School Auction (hilton.com)
We’re on the lookout for some super cool items to auction off!
See our Auction Newsletter for a list of items needed: Auction Newsletter 2023-24 Vol 2
Service Hours Opportunity with STMP
Are your students looking for service hour projects? The parish is looking for young people (7th and 8th graders) who can help with proclaiming the Word of God (lectors) and ushering at the Mass specifically for the Youth Masses. The Youth Mass is offered every second Saturday of the month or 4th Sunday at 10:30 am from September-May. If interested please contact, Violeta at violetaj@stmp.org.
Parent Club
Family Fun Night – Save the Date!
Our next Family Fun Night will be a roller skating event on March 11th from 6-8pm. The cost is $12 per student. Check back for more information coming soon.
March Parent Club Meeting
Please note: The next Parent Club meeting is March 14 (rescheduled from March 7 due to the Speech Tournaments.
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.
Box Top$ for Education
Parents help us raise fund for STMS when you shop. It’s as easy as registering on the BoxTop$ For Education app the scanning your receipts! Please call Mrs. Heather Anderson in the school office if you have any questions (425) 743-4242.
Local Area Events
Check back in this space for local area events.
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.
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 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
We had a very successful CYO basketball season. A huge thank you again to our coaches: Andrew Benares, Tony Pehanich, Andre Lang, Alfredo Barajas, and Joe Gomula!
Girls 3rd grade basketball
If you have a 3rd grade girl who would like to play basketball, sign ups begin in March. Talk to your classmates now to form a team and find a coach!
It’s almost time for Spring CYO Track and Field
A huge thank you to Dorrin Wanjiru for volunteering to organize our CYO track team this year! We are still looking for coaches for our track team! Please reach out if you are interested or want more information. Sign-ups for track will be in March; practices will begin the week of April 8th. Hope to see you and your student/s there!
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.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
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.
For information on how to create your profile and register for a class, please contact Heather Anderson at heather.anderson@stms.org or (425) 743-4242 for instructions. Training and background checks are good for 3 years. If you need to renew your status, you can do so online at Virtusonline.org.
Archdiocese of Seattle – Safe Environment
Volunteer hours
The St. Thomas More Parish School Volunteer hours are due May 31, 2024! Per our school contract, families are to contribute 40 of volunteer time of which at least 4 hours are to be contributed directly to the Auction. If you have not completed your volunteer hours you will be billed on June1, 2024, $30 for any hours not served.
There is still time to do your volunteer hours! Volunteer opportunities yet to come: Gala and Family Auctions, Scrip, helping around the school, parent club meetings, school commission meetings, and more—watch for sign-up ideas in the newsletter!
Directions to log hours:
- Log into Family Portal (District Code: St-Wa)
- Click on Family on the left-hand menu
- Find Service Hours on the right side and click “+ Add”
- Fill out the hours and click “save”
- Hours will show up on the family page under Service Hours. You can add more throughout the year.
If you would like me to send more detailed instructions for logging in your volunteer hours, please contact Heather Anderson at heather.anderson@stms.org or (425) 743-4242
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#/
School Commission Committees
Please see the information above under School Commission for volunteer opportunities on one of the School Commission subcommittees.
TV Installs
We need a few muscles to help us install a TV 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.
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.