Dear STM Families,
​
Our first week back at school has been a good one!  Your children and their teachers have hit the ground running as we near the halfway mark in our school year.  Students in grades 1-8 are attending Mass during one of the four Mass times during the week, and prayers to culminate the Christmas season have been shared in all classes.  What a wonderful way to start the New Year!

As discussed in earlier correspondence, we continue our work to provide the safest and most viable learning environment as possible at STM.  Our COVID Task Force has been expanded to include six parents:  Courtney Fitzgerald, Layne Griffith, Ben Lizak, Matthew Pomianek, Natalie Rellihan, and Stephanie Rogge.  This advisory board met for the first time this afternoon to refresh and tweak the COVID-related procedures at STM.  Our work today was to delineate the areas to address.  Updates from our meetings will be shared in future Cyclone Chatter newsletters.

We will publish a COVID Impact  Dashboard each Thursday beginning next week.  We will include data of number of students in ‘Isolation’ and ‘Quarantine’, number of staff members in ‘Isolation’ and ‘Quarantine,’ and our overall absentee rate for the week from Wednesday to Wednesday.  This data will be shared as information to keep you updated and not as criteria to change our learning mode.  Please watch for that information in each Cyclone Chatter beginning January 14.

STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, Jan. 8                    Deadline to change learning mode for 3rd Quarter
Friday, Jan. 8                    First Friday STM Spirit Day
Jan. 11-14                         Winter Benchmark Testing in grades 3-8
Thursday, Jan. 14              Last day of 2nd Quarter (1st Semester)
Friday, Jan. 15.                  All STM Activity Fees are DUE
Friday, Jan. 15                   Diocesan Prof. Dev. Day for all teachers—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                 STM Dine-Out at Caleb’s
Tuesday, Jan. 19                First day of 3rd Quarter (second semester)
Jan. 30-Feb. 6                    Catholic Schools’ Week

STM SPIRIT DAY TOMORROW:
It’s the first Friday-school day of 2021—so tomorrow is a STM Spirit Wear day.  Students may wear an STM Spirit Shirt with school-appropriate khakis, jeans, STM Spirit Shorts, Spirit Wear Active Pants, or uniform bottoms (no cargo pants).

 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS NEXT FRIDAY, JAN. 15:
A diocesan Professional Development day was scheduled for us next Friday, Jan. 15.  (This date was not on our original calendar, as the date was scheduled for us by the diocese in late November.)   Teachers will be working through Virtue Based Restorative Discipline training with a national trainer on Zoom meetings at STM.

WINTER BENCHMARK TESTING NEXT WEEK:
All students in grades 3-8 will take Diocesan Winter Benchmark Assessments in Math, ELA, and Written Expression.  When our students took these tests in September, they scored above expectation in each grade level and subject area.  We will be able to gauge their growth since then through the results of these tests.  Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and eats breakfast (everyday, but especially) next week for this testing.

BIRTHDAY TREATS:
Students can still wear spirit wear on or near their birthdays, When it is your child’s birthday, please feel free to send individually pre-packaged items for classroom treats. So sorry that we can’t accept baked items that have been bagged by you. Also, please follow the nut-safer guidelines in choosing your treats. I’ve witnessed classroom birthday celebrations with individual Rice Krispie treats, Little Debbie cakes, etc. that were appropriate and so appreciated by the children! I know it seems strange, but so it goes in COVID times. Thanks for your compliance with these guidelines.

A Prayer for the New Year:
Thank you, Lord for giving us the brand new year ahead. 
Help us live the way we should each new day. 
Give us strength and courage to aid others in need more than we worry about ourselves. 
The year ahead is empty, help me fill it with good things. 
Each new day give me wisdom to recognize the  joy and happiness You bring.
Amen.

St. Thomas More, pray for us.
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal
​

Dear STM Families,
​
Was your Christmas holiday as happy and blessed as mine?  I certainly hope so!  Though I didn’t get to spend time with my extended family, I have been able to contemplate and recognize the many blessings our Lord continues to shower on all of us—even in these crazy COVID times.  My untimely exit from school in mid-November has definitely helped me to continue to consider all of the many things I am grateful for in my life.  My return to STM ‘IN PERSON’ on Monday, January 4 is very near the top of my list!!  
Thank you to all who prayed me back to robust health so quickly.  I share my recovery story with anyone who will listen—and I credit YOU for my healing heart and rebounding energy!  The STM staff and I are so ready to welcome your children back to school and hit the ground running in 2021.
As I said in my last newsletter before Christmas, there has been a lot of work going on in the background to rebuild our safe STM ‘bubble’ for in-school learning to continue as we all need.  Here are some of our continuing efforts to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff:

1. Twenty additional educational Zoom licenses were purchased utilizing CARES funding from the Grandview School District. More of our teachers will be able to livestream from their own classrooms if COVID-impacted students are absent.
2. A STM COVID dashboard is in the works to share a weekly count of actual student or staff cases, numbers in quarantine, and an overall percentage of attendance.
3. The STM COVID Task Force is expanding to include a number of parents who have insight and constructive ideas to add to the conversation as numbers of COVID cases, quarantined staff & students, or absences might rise. If you’re interested in joining this advisory group, please send your name and why you feel you would be helpful to this group to me in an email. 

Since we began our school year later than planned, our 2nd quarter (1st semester), will not end until January 15.  By that time, we hope to have our new COVID Task Force members on board, the dashboard ready to share, and our teachers set to livestream, as necessary.  All Connected Learners will remain at home through that date.  If parents would like to make a change to in-person learning (or a change to Connected Learning) for our 3rd quarter, please send me an email before Friday, Jan. 8.
In the meantime, we ask all parents to temperature screen and monitor students closely for any signs of potential illness daily.  If at any time during quarantine the student exhibits  symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, new or persistent cough, headache, loss of taste or smell, muscle or body ache, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please contact your health care provider and notify STM at Health@stmcyclones.org .
Please share any reports of such illness or exposure to Health@stmcyclones.org before Monday if your child will be absent.  It’s important for us to continue to maintain this data to inform your child’s teacher for sharing (just the data) with our community.
Temperature Check Sheets are to be returned MONTHLY during second semester.  A new version of the form is attached below.  Thank you for keeping track daily of your child’s health record.  We will ask for those to be turned in on Monday, Feb. 1.
Don’t forget to follow the guidelines to wear a mask, wash your hands often, avoid large crowds, and isolate from anyone who is known or suspected of COVID infection.  Your continued prayers are needed for the health and well-being of all of our staff and families at STM.  These will be the BEST ways to ensure that we will be able to stay on-site and in school.


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, Jan. 4                   First day of school in 2021
Monday, Jan. 4                   Mrs. Corkins’ class First Reconciliation Service at 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 8.                    Deadline to change learning mode for 3rd Quarter
Thursday, Jan. 14              Last day of 2nd Quarter (1st Semester)
Friday, Jan. 15.                   All STM Activity Fees are DUE
Friday, Jan. 15                    Diocesan Prof. Dev. Day for all teachers—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                  STM Dine-Out at Caleb’s
Tuesday, Jan. 19.                First day of 3rd Quarter (second semester)
Jan. 24-30                          Catholic Schools Week




TABLET RETURN INSTRUCTIONS:
If your child borrowed a STM computer tablet during Distance Learning, please have your child return it to his/her homeroom teacher on Monday, Jan. 4.  Our computer teacher, Mrs. Elliott, will pick those up from the teachers to put the tablets back in rotation to our classrooms. 
STM SPIRITWEAR:
STM Spiritwear orders were distributed last week.  If you did not receive yours, your child will bring it home on Monday, Jan. 4.  Thank you to our STM Spiritwear Chairpersons!!


As we usher in 2021, please join me in praising our Lord and Savior with thanksgiving and petitions for a healthy and prosperous year!  Here’s a prayer you might share as a family:


God, thank you for a new year.
May everyone in our family be willing to begin anew with a clean slate. We know that you are always ready to forgive us.
Help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one another.
As we begin a new year, remind us of our truest values and our deepest desires.
Help us to live in the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to do.
Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time.
Amen.
St. Thomas More, pray for us.


Happy New Year!
Peace and blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

Dear STM Families,

It was GREAT to see so many of you yesterday at our Drive-Through Christmas Celebration at STM!!  Based on the number of candy canes our Santa shared, we were able to see more than 300 of our students and families on such a beautiful December afternoon.  I know it did my healing heart a lot of good to see you and your children!!  I am truly looking forward to our return together at STM on Monday, January 4, 2021.

We appreciate your flexibility and support as we completed these last weeks of December in the distance learning mode.  Your input and ideas through email and phone conversations have been helpful in preparing some changes that will occur.  There has been a lot of work going on to help ensure that our return to in-person learning will begin on Jan. 4 and continue through May.  Here are some of our continuing efforts to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff:

1. Twenty additional educational Zoom licenses were purchased utilizing CARES funding from the Grandview School District. More of our teachers will be able to livestream from their own classrooms if COVID-impacted students are absent.
2. A STM COVID dashboard is in the works to share a weekly count of actual student or staff cases, numbers in quarantine, and an overall percentage of attendance.
3. The STM COVID Task Force is expanding to include a number of parents who have insight and constructive ideas to add to the conversation as numbers of COVID cases, quarantined staff & students, or absences might rise. If you’re interested in joining this advisory group, please send your name and why you feel you would be helpful to this group to me in an email. 

Since we began our school year later than planned, our 2nd quarter (1st semester), will not end until January 15.  By that time, we hope to have our new COVID Task Force members on board, the dashboard ready to share, and our teachers set to livestream, as necessary.
As a precursor, I have prepared a SHORT (two question) ANONYMOUS survey about your plans for the Christmas holiday.  I will share the results of this survey next Tuesday so you will have a good idea of our school community’s travel and plans to get together.  Here’s the link to the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9XN2SWR 
Here is a guide from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services for Holiday Celebrations:  https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/holiday-celebrations.php
Don’t forget to follow the guidelines to wear a mask, wash your hands often, avoid large crowds, and isolate from anyone who is known or suspected of COVID infection.  Your continued prayers are needed for the health and well-being of all of our staff and families at STM.  These will be the BEST ways to ensure that we will be able to stay on-site and in school.


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 21-Jan. 1                    Christmas Break--Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Friday, Dec. 25.                  Happy Birthday Jesus!  Merry Christmas!
Monday, Jan. 4                   First day of school in 2021
Monday, Jan. 4                   Mrs. Corkins’ class First Reconciliation Service at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 14.              Last day of 2nd Quarter (1st Semester)
Friday, Jan. 15.                   All STM Activity Fees are DUE
Friday, Jan. 15                    Diocesan Prof. Dev. Day for all teachers—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL 
Jan. 24-30                           Catholic Schools Week


LAST DAY TO BID ON THE CHRISTMAS PUPPY!!
Still haven’t found that perfect gift?  Our STM Auction has a French Bull Dog
(approximately 9 weeks old) up for bid and adoption.   Make your bid for him NOW
on www.stmauction.org
Bidding for him ends TODAY!  He is AKC Chocolate Brindle and loves to play and cuddle.
He is ready for his forever family. 

CHRISTMAS MASS AT STM:
Make your plans now to attend Christmas Mass at STM.  Reservations are required in order to
make sure we can accommodate safe social distancing and honor current seating restrictions. 
Sign-ups will remain open until capacity has been reached.  Walk-ins will have to be turned
away if capacity has been reached.  Please go to www.stmkc.com  to reserve your seats. 
In addition, the 4 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve will be live-streamed and the 6 p.m., 8 p.m.,
Midnight, 7:30 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. Masses will be recorded and available on the church website.

LEARNING MODE FOR 3rd QUARTER:
Please notify Mrs. Crosthwait by email at Crosthwait_linda@stmcyclones.org by Friday, Jan 7 if your
 child will change learning modes for the 3rd Quarter of our school year.  Third quarter will begin on
 Tuesday, January 19.  There is no need to notify me if you do not plan to change your child’s
current learning mode.

BASKETBALL SWEATSHIRT AVAILABLE:
Grey Gildan Hoodie for the basketball season.   The cost is $30.00 apiece.  Order form attached.    
All forms should be returned to Tim Waris with cash/ check made out to Saint Thomas More.      
You can also Venmo  @tim-waris. 
The deadline to order is 12/30/20.   You can bring the form to the parish office or leave in the secure
black mailbox by the parish office door.    The Basketball Hoodie has been approved for Spirit wear. 


WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION:
 All students involved in Parochial League Winter Sports should contact the coach of your
team or Tim Waris, STM Athletic Director, with any information about try-outs, practices, etc.


MRS. CORKINS’ 2ND GRADE CLASS FIRST RECONCILIATION:
The First Reconciliation Service for the students in Mrs. Corkins’ 2nd grade class has been rescheduled
 for Monday, January 4 at 6 p.m. in the church.  During this service:
· Fr. Justin will begin with an introduction,
· share a gospel passage,
· give final instructions to the 2nd graders,
· and then our three priests will hear the 2nd graders' (only the students') confessions.
· Fr. Justin will share a concluding prayer at the end of the service.


STM HOLIDAY SPIRITWEAR PICK-UP: 
​We don’t have a solid date/time for STM Spirit Wear delivery and pick-up.  Please continue to check your email for updates.  Thanks for your orders—and your patience! Here we are at the final week of Advent!  May your preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s birth at Christmas bring you all the joy and blessings of the season! 

Week Four Prayer - A Prayer for LoveHeavenly Father, The whole meaning of Christmas can be explained in one little four letter word…LOVE. You sent your gift of pure love to us that first Christmas. Love descended from heaven to be born of a virgin. Love lay in the scratchy hay of a manger in a meager barn in Bethlehem. All of your love, God, was robed in the delicate skin of a baby and wrapped in swaddling clothes. This final week of Advent, help us to reflect on the magnitude of love that was made manifest in Jesus.
Your word became flesh and you made your dwelling among us when Jesus was born. You set aside all of the glory and splendor of heaven and chose the most humble way to enter into your kingdom. Beneath the stars, surrounded by all of the hosts of heaven, Love came. Welcomed by an earthly mother and father, shepherds and wise men, Love came. 
The greatest gift of all came that first Christmas. It wasn’t wrapped in a beautiful package and set under a decorated tree. The greatest gift came wrapped in the flesh of baby Jesus and laid in the rough wood of a manger. Our perfect gift would later be rewrapped in the scars of our sin and nailed to the rugged wood of a cross on Calvary, all because of love.
Father, this final week of Advent, fill our hearts and minds with the significance of that truth. Thank you, Lord, for loving us enough to send Jesus. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen
​
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you!

St. Thomas More, pray for us.
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

​Dear STM Families,
 
Thank you for your input and insights during the last week regarding our move to distance learning through December 17.  I have attempted to personally call as many of you as possible, but I’m running short on minutes.  If I have not called you, please know that each correspondence is very important to me in making future plans and decisions for our learning mode.  Many of you have shared meaningful and intuitive suggestions that we will consider in our planning, as well.

It’s hard to believe that we will begin our third week of Advent next week, so it is almost time to light the rose-colored candle.  This Sunday is known as Gaudete (Gow-DAY-tay) Sunday which means “rejoice.”  We rejoice that the birth of our Lord is near!  The liturgical colors at Mass include rose (not pink—just ask Fr. Justin!), as well.  

Please take a look at some of the activities that will culminate the final week of school before Christmas break (and beyond):


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 10-Dec. 17                 Distance Learning for all students
Friday, Dec. 11                   Final turn-in for Fun Raffle tickets
Monday, Dec. 14                Fun Raffle Drawing
Thursday, Dec.17               Last day of school before Christmas Break
Thursday, Dec. 17              Drive-by Christmas Celebration; 2:30 p.m. in STM parking lot
Dec. 21-Jan. 1                    Christmas Break--Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Monday, Jan. 4                   First day of school in 2021
Monday, Jan. 4                   Mrs. Corkins’ class First Reconciliation Service at 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 15                    Diocesan Prof. Dev. Day for all teachers—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL          


FINAL TURN-IN FOR FUN RAFFLE TICKETS IS TOMORROW!
All sold Fun Raffle ticket stubs must be returned by tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 11 (NOTE:  the dates on the ticket are now incorrect).  Please turn those in before noon tomorrow at the STM school office.  The drawing for a grand prize of $500 or STM Family Registration for the 2021-22 school year will take place on Monday, Dec. 14.  Also drawn that day will be the 2nd Prize for $300 Cash or Gift Card and 3rd Prize for $100 Cash or Gift Card.  
For every ticket sold, you will receive dollar for dollar a credit on any remaining 2020-21 STM School Activity Fee amount. 

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DRIVE-BY EVENT:
Our STM teachers and staff would love to be able to spread some cheer and physically see our students and parents to wish you all a ‘Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year!’ 
Please join us at 2:30 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 17 for a Drive-By Christmas Event in our front driveway.  The teachers will social-distance and stand on the sidewalk to greet, wave, and maybe even sing a carol or two with you!!
We would love for you to come if you can!  Our students are sorely missed by all of the teachers and staff!  We are SO looking forward to our return on Monday, Jan. 4!!

WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION:
 All students involved in Parochial League Winter Sports should contact the coach of your team or Tim Waris, STM Athletic Director, with any information about try-outs, practices, etc.

MRS. CORKINS’ 2ND GRADE CLASS FIRST RECONCILIATION:
The First Reconciliation Service for the students in Mrs. Corkins’ 2nd grade class has been rescheduled for Monday, January 4 at 6 p.m. in the church.  During this service:

• Fr. Justin will begin with an introduction,
• share a gospel passage,
• give final instructions to the 2nd graders,
• and then our three priests will hear the 2nd graders' (only the students') confessions.
• Fr. Justin will share a concluding prayer at the end of the service.

STM HOLIDAY SPIRITWEAR PICK-UP: 
We don’t have a solid date/time for STM Spirit Wear delivery and pick-up.  Please continue to check your email for updates.  Thanks for your orders—and your patience!

STM AUCTION—HERE’S A CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR FAMILY!
We have a family that is going to donate a French Bull Dog (Approximately 9 weeks old) to the auction. We are going to do a special online bidding for him on www.stmauction.org starting Friday through 12/18. He is AKC Chocolate Brindle and loves to play and cuddle. He is ready for his forever family. 
Take a look at his cute face on the attached flyer.  Here’s his little message to you:  
I am a puppy as you can see,
A pup that needs a family to love little me!!! 
I promise to play with you every day!!!
To shake and go fetch and even learn to stay!!
So, go tell your parents to bid on me cause I would love a place under your tree!

Following is a short Family Prayer Service for the 3rd Week of Advent that you might share at home:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Leader: Come Holy Spirit! In this third week of Advent, we ask You to fill our hearts with joy as we prepare for Jesus, who is coming soon!
All: Come, Lord Jesus.
Family member lights the first and second purple, as well as the rose candle.
Leader: Lord, as we journey closer to Christmas, center our joyful anticipation on Jesus’ coming. Of course You know that we are excited about gifts, decorations, gatherings, and treats.  Let all of these passing joys point us toward the unending joy that we find in knowing and loving Jesus.   
All:  Come, Lord Jesus.
Leader: Lord, as we joyfully look forward to Christmas, guard us against worry, stress, and unnecessary obligations.  Help us clear out whatever busyness distracts us from Jesus or steals our joy.   Give us clear eyes and hearts so that, without distractions, we might joyfully prepare for Jesus’ birth. 
All: Fill our hearts with hope, peace, and joy! Amen.

Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

​Dear STM Families, 

I appreciate your emails and messages regarding our shift to Distance Learning through Thursday, Dec. 17.  I have made an effort to reach out to each of you who responded, and I look forward to answering any other questions or concerns you might have.  Our teachers are working hard to build creative and rigorous lesson plans through these nine days until Christmas Break. 
Many of you have asked for details regarding Specials classes and the formats/schedules for each.  I am accumulating that information by grade level and will share it with you as soon as possible. 
Our first day back after Christmas Break will be Monday, Jan. 4 when our in-person learners will need to bring all of their supplies back to the classroom to begin 2021 (Woo-hoo!) as a Brand New Year!! 
Below are some of the highlights of our coming days:


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 7-Dec. 18                    Distance Learning for all students
Tuesday, Dec. 8.                Holy Day of Obligation for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; Special STM School Mass will be broadcast at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 11                   Final turn-in for Fun Raffle tickets
Monday, Dec. 14                Fun Raffle Drawing
Thursday, Dec.17               Last day of school before Christmas Break
Dec. 21-Jan. 1                   Christmas Break
Monday, Jan. 4                   First day of school in 2021
Friday, Jan. 15                    Diocesan Prof. Dev. Day for all teachers—NO SCHOOL
Monday, Jan. 18                 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL                   


FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION:
This Tuesday, Dec. 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Fr. Justin and our priests have agreed to celebrate a special Mass for our STM students.  The Mass will be recorded and teacher will share the celebration with all students at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.  Please plan to tune in (if possible) with your child(ren).

STM AUCTION—HERE’S A CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FOR YOUR FAMILY!
We have a family that is going to donate a French Bull Dog (Approximately 9 weeks old) to the auction. We are going to do a special online bidding for him on www.stmauction.org starting Friday through 12/18. He is AKC Chocolate Brindle and loves to play and cuddle. He is ready for his forever family. 
Take a look at his cute face on the attached flyer.  Here’s his little message to you:  
I am a puppy as you can see,
A pup that needs a family to love little me!!! 
I promise to play with you every day!!!
To shake and go fetch and even learn to stay!!
So, go tell your parents to bid on me cause I would love a place under your tree!
 
PASS THE ‘VIRTUAL’ TEACHER CHRISTMAS GIFT FUND BUCKET:
There’s no doubt about it, everyone at STM is working hard to keep our students on track during this crazy COVID time. It’s that time of the year where we kindly ask each family to help spread the love and joy to the teachers and staff with their Annual Gift. Every dollar raised goes directly to them! Donating is easy and takes no time by simply texting “STM” to “243725”. If each family gives $25-$30, we’ll be able to provide the same amount as last year. Text to give today and follow instructions or if you prefer to send cash or check, mark envelope ‘Teacher Gift Fund’ and submit to the office. Any questions, feel free to email Courtney Fahey at: crfahey@me.com

FUN RAFFLE TICKETS:
‘Fun Raffle’ tickets were sent home in backpacks three weeks ago and more are available in the school office.  Each ticket costs $10, and you were sent a pack of five tickets. 
For every ticket sold, you will receive dollar for dollar a credit on any remaining 2020-21 STM School Activity Fee amount.  We have extended the sale for an extra week due to the Virtual Learning Week that was announced by the diocese today.  All sold ticket stubs must be returned by Friday, Dec. 11 (NOTE:  the dates on the ticket are now incorrect).  The drawing for a grand prize of $500 or STM Family Registration for the 2021-22 school year will take place on Monday, Dec. 14.  Also drawn that day will be the 2nd Prize for $300 Cash or Gift Card and 3rd Prize for $100 Cash or Gift Card.  

WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION:
 All students involved in Parochial League Winter Sports should contact the coach of your team or Tim Waris, STM Athletic Director, with any information about try-outs, practices, etc.

SMILE! SMILE! SMILE!:
 Just in time for holiday shopping!
As you begin your holiday shopping, please consider getting yourself, family members and friends set up to use the STM AmazonSmile program so that all your purchases donate a small amount back to our school!
Since August 2020 we have just over $643.00 for STM!   

1. Visit https://smile.amazon.com/from a computer- underneath the search box where it says "Supporting" is where it allows you to search “St. Thomas More Church”. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products back to us! (Initial setup needs to be done on a computer.)
2. Shop as usual from your phone and watch the donations add up! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: ABOUT SHOPPING ON THE AMAZON APP- Purchases through the regular Amazon site will NOT generate donations.  If you search through your phone browser internet and add to your home screen, it adds a quick link button to your phone that looks like an app button, this allows you to go directly to the AmazonSmile site. Please see the flyer for directions on what this looks like.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Jill Schweiss at 816-942-5581 or schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org


Here is a simple prayer to share as we end this first week of Advent:
Jesus, you are light
even in the darkest places.
Help us to trust in you when we are lost or lonely.
Shine hope into our hearts we pray.
Amen.

St. Thomas More, pray for us.
​
Peace & Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

Dear STM Families, 
As the holiday of Thanksgiving is upon us, I’d like to share my own gratitude for everyone in the St. Thomas More community.  As an outsider looking in, I knew last summer that this was an awesome church and school family.  I honestly had no idea how all-encompassing and connectedly caring each member is towards each other and our God.  Thank you for all you do to share His word and His works with each other and our entire staff. 
May your family relish in the blessings of our Lord this holiday in the most enjoyable and safest ways possible! 
​Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 25-27                   Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30-Dec. 4              Distance Learning for all students
Dec. 2 & 3                      Kendra Scott Gives Back to STM Nights (see below)
Week of Dec. 7             St. Nicholas Day celebrations
Friday, Dec. 11.            Final turn-in for Fun Raffle tickets
Monday, Dec. 14           Fun Raffle Drawing
Thursday, Dec.17         Last day of school before Christmas Break
Dec. 21-Jan. 1              Christmas Break

REMINDER:  THANKSGIVING BREAK NOV. 25-27 AND CONNECTED LEARNING FOR ALL NOV. 30-DEC. 4:
Today is the last day of the week for classes at STM (in-person and Connected Learners) in observance of our Thanksgiving Holiday, Wednesday, Nov. 25-Friday, Nov. 27. 
In order to proactively respond to the serious increase in the COVID infection rate over the past few weeks and the possibility of greater infection transmittal over the upcoming holiday, the Bishop determined that all Kansas City-St. Joseph elementary and high schools will move to virtual learning for the week after Thanksgiving (November 30 – December 4).  During that week, each school will monitor their school’s infection status and determine if they need to continue virtual learning even longer or resume in-person learning. 
You should have already heard from your child(ren)’s teachers regarding the details of plans for next week’s learning.  To set up your child(ren) for success in the Connected Learning mode, I have attached a list of ‘Connected Learner Expectations’ to enhance focus and learning aptitude. 
Thank you for your flexibility and positivity in these most unusual times in our world and specifically in education at STM.


STM AUCTION 2021—GET A JUMP ON YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!:
The St. Thomas More Auction Committee has been hard at work collecting items for our virtual auction on Feb. 6, 2021.
You can get a jump start on your Christmas shopping and kick-start our auction!  Place your bids on these items at www.stmauction.org from today at 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on 11/30/20.
Winning items will be arranged for pick-up after 11/30/20.  Please see the flyer below for details.

SPIRIT WEAR MAKES GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS!
Get ready for the cold weather and the holidays! This is the last order for this school year!
The spirit wear committee has a few new things to share and a few requests from the Fall order. We’ve included the size charts for your reference when ordering! Please turn in your form no later than November 30th. In order for us to get to you before the Christmas break, we will not be taking any late orders. If you are unable to turn in your order to school due to virtual learning, please email the form by November 30th to stmspirit@gmail.com.  
Please let us know if you are helping shop for Santa and we will make sure these are picked up separately. Thank you!
Spirit Wear Elves
 
PASS THE ‘VIRTUAL’ TEACHER CHRISTMAS GIFT FUND BUCKET:
There’s no doubt about it, everyone at STM is working hard to keep our students on track during this crazy COVID time. It’s that time of the year where we kindly ask each family to help spread the love and joy to the teachers and staff with their Annual Gift. Every dollar raised goes directly to them! Donating is easy and takes no time by simply texting “STM” to “243725”. If each family gives $25-$30, we’ll be able to provide the same amount as last year. Text to give today and follow instructions or if you prefer to send cash or check, mark envelope ‘Teacher Gift Fund’ and submit to the office. Any questions, feel free to email Courtney Fahey at: crfahey@me.com

STM/KENDRA SCOTT GIVES BACK NIGHT:
Save the date for our STM/Kendra Scott Gives Back Night. Shop for Good online or in stores on December 2nd and 3rd with 20% of sales benefiting the St. Thomas More school Teacher Christmas Gift Fund. Please use web code GIVEBACK-0CN0 or shop in store at Kendra Scott Town Center Crossing for 20% of your purchase to support St. Thomas More school.  Please be advised Kendra Scott at Town Center Crossing is limited capacity. 

FUN RAFFLE TICKETS:
‘Fun Raffle’ tickets were sent home in backpacks two weeks ago.  Each ticket costs $10, and you were sent a pack of five tickets. 
For every ticket sold, you will receive dollar for dollar a credit on any remaining 2020-21 STM School Activity Fee amount.  We have extended the sale for an extra week due to the Virtual Learning Week that was announced by the diocese today.  All sold ticket stubs must be returned by Friday, Dec. 11 (NOTE:  the dates on the ticket are now incorrect).  The drawing for a grand prize of $500 or STM Family Registration for the 2021-22 school year will take place on Monday, Dec. 14.  Also drawn that day will be the 2nd Prize for $300 Cash or Gift Card and 3rd Prize for $100 Cash or Gift Card.
  
WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION:
 All students involved in Parochial League Winter Sports should contact the coach of your team or Tim Waris, STM Athletic Director, with any information about try-outs, practices, etc.

SMILE! SMILE! SMILE!:
 Just in time for holiday shopping!
As you begin your holiday shopping, please consider getting yourself, family members and friends set up to use the STM AmazonSmile program so that all your purchases donate a small amount back to our school!
Since August 2020 we have just over $643.00 for STM!   

1. Visit https://smile.amazon.com/from a computer- underneath the search box where it says "Supporting" is where it allows you to search “St. Thomas More Church”. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products back to us! (Initial setup needs to be done on a computer.)
2. Shop as usual from your phone and watch the donations add up! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: ABOUT SHOPPING ON THE AMAZON APP- Purchases through the regular Amazon site will NOT generate donations.  If you search through your phone browser internet and add to your home screen, it adds a quick link button to your phone that looks like an app button, this allows you to go directly to the AmazonSmile site. Please see the flyer for directions on what this looks like.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Jill schweiss at 816-942-5581 or schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org

CHRISTMAS SHARING DRIVE FOR ST. LOUIS PARISH SOCIAL SERVICES:
This year, we are trying to collect gifts for 84 children whose families are served by St. Louis Parish Social Services. Please help make Christmas brighter for a child/children from our urban core. To participate, go to stmkc.com/cs (be sure to use lower case letters in this email) and click on the children you want to purchase gifts for. Bring the unwrapped gifts to the narthex between now and Sunday, December 6. Be sure to put the information about the child on the gift you purchase so we know what child the gift is for – for example Family #1, Female age 6. For more information or if you have difficulty signing up online, contact David Butel at the parish office, 816-942-2492, x. 210 or dbutel@stmkc.com.

Following is a prayer you might use with your family on this unusual, but no less blessed, Thanksgiving Day:  
Countless Blessings
Lord, on this special day of thankfulness,
we thank you not only for the delicious food,
lovingly prepared and presented,
but also for special gifts
you’ve given to this family --
loved ones we cherish dearly,
a comfortable place to live,
the beauty that surrounds us,
material pleasures,
health, spiritual wealth,
and so much more.
How can we show our gratitude for
the countless blessings You’ve provided?
We thank you for giving us clear direction,
through Your holy word
on how to show our appreciation,
by obeying Your commands
and by loving and serving our neighbors.
Thank you, Lord.


I am thankful for all of you!
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

Dear STM Families,
The roller coaster ride of 2020 continued this week in our STM School community.  While more than 85 students returned to our classrooms from quarantine, we have had a number of staff members and students sent home with positive cases or direct contact with a positive case.  We currently have 182 students and 20 staff members at home with COVID-related exposures. 
Thank you for understanding that we are legally required to keep COVID-related information private, even during a global pandemic.  We appreciate your respect for the privacy of those who are infected or impacted by coronavirus. 
STM teachers and staff are stretching themselves to cover as many bases as possible in distance and in-person learning environments.  We appreciate your flexibility and grace through these trying times.  Every action taken is with consideration for your child’s safety and optimum learning environment.  As always, though, if you are uncomfortable with sending your child to school, it is your choice to keep him/her at home. 
Teachers and staff are preparing plans for all students’ virtual/distance learning through the week after Thanksgiving Break,  Nov. 30-Dec. 4, as Bishop Johnston has requested for our diocesan schools.  You will receive specific instructions for your child (or each of your children) from his/her teacher(s).  We know that many of you have more than one child at home, so we are trying to be cognizant of issues with enough technology or time to work with all family members at the same time.  Our goal is to maintain the appropriate level of learning while respecting each individual family situation. 
We will send information regarding virtual learning details previous to Thanksgiving Break so you can prepare appropriately in your home for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4. 
I would like to personally thank all of you for your many emails and messages of prayers and support for me this past week.  Through all of your blessings, I came home yesterday from the hospital for treatment of a heart attack last Friday morning.  My goal is to rebuild my strength so I can get back to all of you at STM as soon as possible.  I know how blessed I am to be a part of the STM community!
 St. Thomas More, pray for us. 
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 19                         2nd Grade First Reconciliation Services
Nov. 25-27                   Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30-Dec. 4             Distance Learning for all students
Dec. 2 & 3                    Kendra Scott Gives Back to STM Nights (see below)
Week of Dec. 7            St. Nicholas Day celebrations
Friday, Dec. 11.            Final turn-in for Fun Raffle tickets
Monday, Dec. 14          Fun Raffle Drawing
Friday, Dec.18              Last day of school before Christmas Break
Dec. 21-Jan. 1              Christmas Break

PASS THE ‘VIRTUAL’ TEACHER CHRISTMAS GIFT FUND BUCKET:
There’s no doubt about it, everyone at STM is working hard to keep our students on track during this crazy COVID time. It’s that time of the year where we kindly ask each family to help spread the love and joy to the teachers and staff with their Annual Gift. Every dollar raised goes directly to them! Donating is easy and takes no time by simply texting “STM” to “243725”. If each family gives $25-$30, we’ll be able to provide the same amount as last year. Text to give today and follow instructions or if you prefer to send cash or check, mark envelope ‘Teacher Gift Fund’ and submit to the office. Any questions, feel free to email Courtney Fahey at: crfahey@me.com

STM/KENDRA SCOTT GIVES BACK NIGHT:
Save the date for our STM/Kendra Scott Gives Back Night. Shop for Good online or in stores on December 2nd and 3rd with 20% of sales benefiting the St. Thomas More school Teacher Christmas Gift Fund. Please use web code GIVEBACK-0CN0 or shop in store at Kendra Scott Town Center Crossing for 20% of your purchase to support St. Thomas More school.  Please be advised Kendra Scott at Town Center Crossing is limited capacity. 


FUN RAFFLE TICKETS:
‘Fun Raffle’ tickets were sent home in backpacks last week.  Each ticket costs $10, and you were sent a pack of five tickets. For every ticket sold, you will receive dollar for dollar a credit on any remaining 2020-21 STM School Activity Fee amount.  We have extended the sale for an extra week due to the Virtual Learning Week that was announced by the diocese today.  All sold ticket stubs must be returned by Friday, Dec. 11 (NOTE:  the dates on the ticket are now incorrect).  The drawing for a grand prize of $500 or STM Family Registration for the 2021-22 school year will take place on Monday, Dec. 14.  Also drawn that day will be the 2nd Prize for $300 Cash or Gift Card and 3rd Prize for $100 Cash or Gift Card.

WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION:
All students involved in Parochial League Winter Sports should contact the coach of your team or Tim Waris, STM Athletic Director, with any information about try-outs, practices, etc.


NOTE TO 8TH GRADE PARENTS FROM THE GRADUATION COMMITTEE:
Just a reminder that the first half of the Graduation Fee, $50.00 was due in October. Please turn in to the school office, attention Tiffany Garcia, if you haven’t done so yet. The second half will be due in February. Thanks! 


SMILE! SMILE! SMILE!:
 Just in time for holiday shopping!
As you begin your holiday shopping, please consider getting yourself, family members and friends set up to use the STM AmazonSmile program so that all your purchases donate a small amount back to our school!
Since August 2020 we have just over $643.00 for STM!   

1. Visit https://smile.amazon.com/from a computer- underneath the search box where it says "Supporting" is where it allows you to search “St. Thomas More Church”. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products back to us! (Initial setup needs to be done on a computer.)
2. Shop as usual from your phone and watch the donations add up!

IMPORTANT NOTE: ABOUT SHOPPING ON THE AMAZON APP- Purchases through the regular Amazon site will NOT generate donations.  If you search through your phone browser internet and add to your home screen, it adds a quick link button to your phone that looks like an app button, this allows you to go directly to the AmazonSmile site. Please see the flyer for directions on what this looks like.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Jill schweiss at 816-942-5581 or schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AUCTION COMMITTEE:
 The Auction Committee needs YOUR Help! The Annual School Auction takes places in February of every year and is a fun event to attend. This years’ event might be virtual, but it is more important than ever to raise funds for the school. Proceeds from the Annual School Auction help subsidize needs for the school-such as field trips, classroom supplies, Catholic Schools Week and the list goes on! Several positions will be open next year and volunteers are needed to shadow various committees so that the auction can continue for years to come. You do NOT need to be a school parent to join. Please consider contributing your talent to the school. If interested-email Stephanie Rogge at stm-auction@stmcyclones.org 
   
CHRISTMAS SHARING DRIVE FOR ST. LOUIS PARISH SOCIAL SERVICES:
This year, we are trying to collect gifts for 84 children whose families are served by St. Louis Parish Social Services. Please help make Christmas brighter for a child/children from our urban core. To participate, go to stmkc.com/cs (be sure to use lower case letters in this email) and click on the children you want to purchase gifts for. Bring the unwrapped gifts to the narthex between now and Sunday, December 6. Be sure to put the information about the child on the gift you purchase so we know what child the gift is for – for example Family #1, Female age 6. For more information or if you have difficulty signing up online, contact David Butel at the parish office, 816-942-2492, x. 210 or dbutel@stmkc.com.

 WEBSITE TESTIMONIALS:
We are currently building our new STM school webpage and would love to include your family's testimonials. We are looking for families at all grade levels to share a couple sentences about why you love STM or what the school means to your family.  If you would be interested in participating, please email Jill Schweiss at schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org for more information. We look forward to rolling out the new and improved website very soon! 
​
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for all that is good in our lives:
O, Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service, that thy gifts to us may be used for others.
Amen.

STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Today-Dec. 11             Fun Raffle Ticket Sales
Friday, Nov. 13            STM Spirit Day—students may wear STM Spirit Shirt with jeans, khakis, STM Spirit shorts and STM Spirit sports pants
Saturday, Nov. 14        Service to More Day (see information below)
Nov. 25-27                   Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 30-Dec. 4             Distance Learning for all students
Monday, Dec. 7           St. Nicholas Day celebrations
Monday, Dec. 14          Fun Raffle Drawing
Thursday, Dec. 17        Last day of school before Christmas Break
Dec. 18-Jan. 1              Christmas Break


FUN RAFFLE TICKETS SENT HOME TODAY:
‘Fun Raffle’ tickets were sent home in backpacks today.  Please check your youngest or only child’s backpack for these.  Each ticket costs $10, and you were sent a pack of five tickets. 
For every ticket sold, you will receive dollar for dollar a credit on any remaining 2020-21 STM School Activity Fee amount.  We have extended the sale for an extra week due to the Virtual Learning Week that was announced by the diocese today.  All sold ticket stubs must be returned by Friday, Dec. 11 (NOTE:  the dates on the ticket are now incorrect).  The drawing for a grand prize of $500 or STM Family Registration for the 2021-22 school year will take place on Monday, Dec. 14.  Also drawn that day will be the 2nd Prize for $300 Cash or Gift Card and 3rd Prize for $100 Cash or Gift Card.


7TH GRADE GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL TEAM WINS CHRISTIAN SPIRIT AWARD:
Congratulations to our STM 7th Grade Girls’ Volleyball A-Team who were announced as the winners of the Bob Hannan Christian Spirit Award.  The Christian Spirit Award has a long and proud tradition in Parochial League Volleyball.  It is strongly believed that this award and the ideals it represents are what make our league not only special for volleyball, but for life.
The team members are:  Nora Duty, Maura Fahey, Emily Geisel, Anna Pizzichino, Sophia Viles, Marlo Wilson, and Ellie Sweeny.
There will be an awards ceremony for the girls in the STM gym on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.


RESULTS OF FALL DIOCESAN BENCHMARK ASSESSMENTS:
Results from the Fall KCSJ Diocesan Benchmark exams show that STM students scored in the 'Advanced Range' in all tested areas:  Math, Reading, and Written Expression.  STM teachers evaluated these results during Professional Development sessions on Friday. Nov. 6.  Plans were developed to continue this high achievement during the next testing periods in January and May.


NOTE TO 8TH GRADE PARENTS FROM THE GRADUATION COMMITTEE:
Just a reminder that the first half of the Graduation Fee, $50.00 was due in October. Please turn in to the school office, attention Tiffany Garcia, if you haven’t done so yet. The second half will be due in February. Thanks!


SMILE! SMILE! SMILE!:
Just in time for holiday shopping!
As you begin your holiday shopping, please consider getting yourself, family members and friends set up to use the STM AmazonSmile program so that all your purchases donate a small amount back to our school!
Since August 2020 we have just over $643.00 for STM!   

1. Visit https://smile.amazon.com/from a computer- underneath the search box where it says "Supporting" is where it allows you to search “St. Thomas More Church”. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products back to us! (Initial setup needs to be done on a computer.)
2. Shop as usual from your phone and watch the donations add up!

IMPORTANT NOTE: ABOUT SHOPPING ON THE AMAZON APP- Purchases through the regular Amazon site will NOT generate donations.  If you search through your phone browser internet and add to your home screen, it adds a quick link button to your phone that looks like an app button, this allows you to go directly to the AmazonSmile site. Please see the flyer for directions on what this looks like.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Jill schweiss at 816-942-5581 or schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AUCTION COMMITTEE:
 The Auction Committee needs YOUR Help! The Annual School Auction takes places in February of every year and is a fun event to attend. This years’ event might be virtual, but it is more important than ever to raise funds for the school. Proceeds from the Annual School Auction help subsidize needs for the school-such as field trips, classroom supplies, Catholic Schools Week and the list goes on! Several positions will be open next year and volunteers are needed to shadow various committees so that the auction can continue for years to come. You do NOT need to be a school parent to join. Please consider contributing your talent to the school. If interested-email Stephanie Rogge at stm-auction@stmcyclones.org 
  
SERVICE TO MORE DAY 2020 ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14:
 Join us for the 12th annual Service to More Day.  You can either help with outside yard work or make a craft for Villa Ventura Senior Living. Yardwork will begin at 9am and we will end with a noon cookout lunch in the parking lot at Waterford South.  We will social distance during this project. To volunteer, contact Marla Byrne at 816-309-4251 or mjbyrne0926@swbell.net or Phil Paschang at 816-809-6053 or ppaschang1@gmail.com .


CHRISTMAS SHARING DRIVE FOR ST. LOUIS PARISH SOCIAL SERVICES:
This year, we are trying to collect gifts for 84 children whose families are served by St. Louis Parish Social Services. Please help make Christmas brighter for a child/children from our urban core. To participate, go to stmkc.com/cs (be sure to use lower case letters in this email) and click on the children you want to purchase gifts for. Bring the unwrapped gifts to the narthex between now and Sunday, December 6. Be sure to put the information about the child on the gift you purchase so we know what child the gift is for – for example Family #1, Female age 6. For more information or if you have difficulty signing up online, contact David Butel at the parish office, 816-942-2492, x. 210 or dbutel@stmkc.com.
  
WEBSITE TESTIMONIALS:
We are currently building our new STM school webpage and would love to include your family's testimonials. We are looking for families at all grade levels to share a couple sentences about why you love STM or what the school means to your family.  If you would be interested in participating, please email Jill Schweiss at schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org for more information. We look forward to rolling out the new and improved website very soon! 


We celebrated Veteran’s Day this week at STM.  The students participated in various learning activities to honor those who fight and have fought for our freedoms in the United States of America.  We shared this prayer at the end our day, and I thought you might like to pray it as well or share it with the whole family:
​
 Dear Lord,
Today we honor our veterans, worthy men and women who gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect their country.
We pray that you will bless them for their unselfish service in the continual struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety, and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced, for the sacrifices they made for their many different contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them, we honor them, we are proud of them. We pray that you will watch over these special people and bless them with peace and happiness.
In Your name we pray,
Amen.

St. Thomas More, pray for us.
Peace & Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

Dear STM Families,

Thank you for your support today as we shared information of STM students’ exposure to a positive case of COVID-19.  Please know that we will continue to follow CDC, Kansas City Health Department, and Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocesan guidelines.  Input we received from Fr. Justin, Tim Waris, Superintendent Dr. Dan Peters, and other diocesan officials were considered as our decisions were determined today.  The safety and health of our school community is of the utmost importance.
Please take note of the attached guidelines from Children’s Mercy Hospital regarding what to do in case of COVID exposure or symptoms.

The most important things you can continue to do to keep your child safe from COVID:

• Make sure your child is wearing a mask.
• Make sure your child is maintaining social distancing.
• Make sure your child is staying out of large crowds—especially indoors.
• Make sure your child is washing their hands.
• Keep your child home if they are sick.
• Call your primary care provider and notify STM if you or your child has symptoms of COVID-19 or if your family has been exposed to a positive case 

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION REGARDING A COVID HEALTH SITUATION: 
We have an email address for communication regarding COVID and health concerns.  Please send or forward emails to:  health@stmcyclones.org
This will reach administrators of our school & parish COVID task force only.

NOTE TO PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE:
If you order Hot Lunch Box lunches for your child, please be sure to cancel those lunches during your child’s quarantine period. 

STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, Nov. 6                  NO SCHOOL: Teacher Professional Development
                                          DINE OUT at Caleb’s 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.  (Mention STM & we get 25%)
Tuesday, Nov. 10           DINE OUT at Papa John’s (see attached flyer)    
Thursday, Nov. 12.        Yearbook Picture re-take day  POSTPONED until the first week of December
Friday, Nov. 13          STM Spirit Day—students may wear STM Spirit Shirt with jeans, khakis, STM Spirit shorts and STM Spirit sports pants
Saturday, Nov. 14         Service to More Day (see information below)
Nov. 25-27                    Thanksgiving Break
  
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AUCTION COMMITTEE:
 The Auction Committee needs YOUR Help! The Annual School Auction takes places in February of every year and is a fun event to attend. This years’ event might be virtual, but it is more important than ever to raise funds for the school. Proceeds from the Annual School Auction help subsidize needs for the school-such as field trips, classroom supplies, Catholic Schools Week and the list goes on! Several positions will be open next year and volunteers are needed to shadow various committees so that the auction can continue for years to come. You do NOT need to be a school parent to join. Please consider contributing your talent to the school. If interested-email Stephanie Rogge at stm-auction@stmcyclones.org

PAROCHIAL LEAGUE BASKETBALL INFORMATION:
Please note:  4th Grade try-outs will go on as planned for tonight and Sunday.  All other grade levels are postponed due to COVID quarantines.
Parochial league basketball registration for boys and girls is now open.   The cost to play is $110.00 for grades 5th-8th grade and 4th grade is $65.00.   
Guidelines for this year’s basketball league are attached below.  Please read through the COVID regulations and stipulations before you sign up. 
Please register at www.plkc.org .      If you have any questions please call Tim Waris at 816-942-2492 or email at Tim@stmkc.com.

Boys’ Basketball Tryouts:  Please bring your own water bottle and basketball to the tryout. 
Thursday, Nov. 5
6th Grade - 6-7pm POSTPONED
7th Grade - 7-8pm POSTPONED
8th Grade - 8-9pm POSTPONED

Sunday, Nov. 8
4th Grade - 11:00-12:00
5th Grade - 12:15-1:15. POSTPONED
6th Grade - 1:30-2:30. POSTPONED
7th Grade - 2:45-3:45. POSTPONED
8th Grade - 4:00-5:00  POSTPONED
  
SERVICE TO MORE DAY 2020 ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14:
​Join us for the 12th annual Service to More Day.  You can either help with outside yard work or make a craft for Villa Ventura Senior Living. Yardwork will begin at 9am and we will end with a noon cookout lunch in the parking lot at Waterford South.  We will social distance during this project. To volunteer, contact Marla Byrne at 816-309-4251 or mjbyrne0926@swbell.net or Phil Paschang at 816-809-6053 or ppaschang1@gmail.com by Wednesday, November  11.
CHRISTMAS SHARING DRIVE FOR ST. LOUIS PARISH SOCIAL SERVICES:
This year, we are trying to collect gifts for 84 children whose families are served by St. Louis Parish Social Services. Please help make Christmas brighter for a child/children from our urban core. To participate, go to stmkc.com/cs (be sure to use lower case letters in this email) and click on the children you want to purchase gifts for. Bring the unwrapped gifts to the narthex between now and Sunday, December 6. Be sure to put the information about the child on the gift you purchase so we know what child the gift is for – for example Family #1, Female age 6. For more information or if you have difficulty signing up online, contact David Butel at the parish office, 816-942-2492, x. 210 or dbutel@stmkc.com.
  
WEBSITE TESTIMONIALS:
We are currently building our new STM school webpage and would love to include your family's testimonials. We are looking for families at all grade levels to share a couple sentences about why you love STM or what the school means to your family.  If you would be interested in participating, please email Jill Schweiss at schweiss_jill@stmcyclones.org for more information. We look forward to rolling out the new and improved website very soon! 
NO SCHOOL TOMORROW:
Our students do not have school tomorrow.
Teachers will be engaged in Professional Learning activities tomorrow as we delve into the data from our Fall Diocesan Benchmark Assessments.  This information will be used to determine our strengths and challenges at each grade level in Math, Reading, and Written Expression.  Time will be spent to determine improved practices to support student learning in each of these areas at all grade levels.
November is definitely a wonderful time to continue an attitude of gratitude for all of the joys and challenges in our lives.  Here is a prayer that might be helpful to share with your family as we work through the tough times and approach the Thanksgiving holiday:
Dear God, 
Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us.
Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes.
Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace.
Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us.
Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life.
Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given.
Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy.
We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! 
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
​
St. Thomas More, Pray for us.
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal

STM School Upcoming Events:
Friday, Oct. 23             Last day of our 1st Quarter
Monday, Oct. 26          First day of our 2nd Quarter (Connected Learners may return to In-Person Learning; In-person learners may switch to Connected Learning)
Wednesday, Oct. 28    Parent/Teacher Conferences (virtual)  from 4-7 p.m. after school
Thursday, Oct. 29        Parent/Teacher Conferences (virtual) from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
                                     NO SCHOOL
Friday, Oct. 30             NO SCHOOL
Sunday, Nov. 1            All Saints’ Day
Monday, Nov. 2           All Souls’ Day
Friday, Nov. 6               NO SCHOOL: Teacher Professional Development
                                     DINE OUT at Caleb’s 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.  (Mention STM & we get 25%)
Tuesday, Nov. 10         DINE OUT at Papa John’s       
Thursday, Nov. 12.      Yearbook Picture re-take day


PAROCHIAL LEAGUE BASKETBALL INFORMATION:
​Parochial league basketball registration for boys and girls is now open.   The cost to play is $110.00 for grades 5th-8th grade and 4th grade is $65.00.   The deadline is 10/30 to register.  
Guidelines for this year’s basketball league are attached below.  Please read through the COVID regulations and stipulations before you sign up. 
Please register at www.plkc.org .      If you have any questions please call Tim Waris at 816-942-2492 or email at Tim@stmkc.com.


CONFERENCES ARE NEXT WEEK—SIGN UP NOW!
We have scheduled virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. (after a full day of school for the students) and on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (no school for the students that day or on Friday, Oct. 30).  These conversations are invaluable to your child’s learning and our joint understanding of learning successes and challenges. 
We have created the Sign-Up Genius for your reserved Zoom meeting conference times.  Below is the link you can use to sign up for a time with your child(ren)'s teacher(s). 
Each teacher will send you a Zoom meeting link for your scheduled time that you need to access as close to the EXACT time of your appointment as possible.
(NOTE: If you sign up on your phone, please remember to scroll to the appropriate teacher before you choose your appointment time.) 
https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/23677DA05A0C3EFC35-fall2020
We look forward to 'seeing' you at conferences next week!


FUND-A-NEED 2019-20 REPORT:
The 2019-2020 Fund-A-Need campaign once again highlighted the amazing generosity of the STM community, and the fierce dedication that exists to ensure our children excel across the educational spectrum. In another record-breaking year, an astonishing $67,930 was raised in support of furthering technology and the arts at our school.
Even in the face of a pandemic, St. Thomas More has utilized money from Fund-A-Need to further enrich the educational experience of our children. Attached in the FAN report are just a few of the improvements implemented from the 2019-2020 campaign.  Please take a look at the wonderful improvements you have financed through your generous donations.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION NOW DIGITAL!
Did you know that St. Thomas More School has received over $17,000 just from Box Top collections since its inception?  This helps the school buy needed supplies and fund different efforts through Home & School to benefit the school.  Please ask your family, friends and neighbors to collect for you too!
New this year:  BoxTops has gone digital.  You can download the BoxTops app on your phone, locate St. Thomas More School using zip code 64131 and scan in receipts or e-mail receipts to receipts@boxtops4education.com (must use the same e-mail that you sign-up with on the app to send the receipts to receive credit to our school).
If you have any remaining physical BoxTops please turn them into your child’s teacher or school office as those are still being accepted!  Our first bi-annual submission is October 30th so please get them turned in ASAP! 
Please contact Adrienne Frazier with any questions.  Adrienne.Frazier@aig.com
COKE GIVES PROGRAM:
St. Thomas More School is participating in the Coca-Cola Gives Program.  We are looking to collect any Coke product bottle tops with codes (no can tops please) and codes from the inside of Coke product cases, which are found inside the perforated section of the case.  Please turn these in to your child’s teacher or the school office. 
You can also help us by entering codes at:  https://us.coca-cola.com/give/schools and locating St. Thomas More School by searching zip 64131. 
The money received from Coke Gives helps the school buy needed supplies and fund different efforts through Home & School to benefit the school.  Please ask your family, friends and neighbors to collect for you too!  We appreciate your support!
Please contact Adrienne Frazier with any questions.  Adrienne.Frazier@aig.com
PREPPED AND READY:  PARENTING INTO THE TEEN YEARS:
Special thanks to the Pembroke School Counseling Department for sharing a wonderful parent education presentation with our school families this fall!  Dr. Shayla Sullivant  from Children’s Mercy Hospital, will be presenting to parents on October 26th, 2020 at 6:30 pm.   Dr. Sullivant came to St. Thomas More in 2019 and shared with parents invaluable information on safety and parenting.  This year, St. Thomas families will be able to watch her presentation again or for the first time!  Because she will be sharing her presentation virtually, she can accommodate a large number of attendees.  **Parents ONLY please**
October 26, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Presentation
Presentation Link
Presenter:
Shayla Sullivant, M.D., DFAACAP
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Children's Mercy Hospital
Presentation Topics:
Self Care
Eating Disorder Prevention
Screen Time
Substance Use (including vaping)
Suicide Prevention
Home Safety (Including storage of firearms, medications, etc.)

RSVP by clicking on this link
Prepped and Ready RSVP
Dear STM Families,
We had a one last sip of summer weather today, and it seems that we are heading into much more fall-like conditions for the foreseeable future.  As we continue to acclimate to all of the changes in our world, God sends us seasonable reminders of his glory and might.  Please consider sharing this prayer with your family as the days get shorter and the beauty of the changing seasons continues!
Autumn Prayer
God of all seasons, we thank you for Autumn.
We thank you for the touch of coolness in the air that gives us a new burst of energy,
for the coloring of trees that shows the creativity of the Divine Artist,
for the falling leaves that reveal the strength of the branches,
for the hues of fields that bring peace to our souls,
for the smiles on pumpkins that bring joy to children,
for the fall harvest which that brings us gratitude for the bounty of our land,
for this change of seasons that reveals the circle of life.
God of all seasons, as you transform the earth, transform us by your Spirit.
Amen
Rev. Doug Leonhardt, S.J
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal