4-27-23 Cyclone Chatter

Dear STM Families,
 Congratulations to our 2nd Graders who received their First Holy Communion at a special Mass last Sunday.  They were also able to receive Communion at an all-school Mass yesterday for the first time.
 
Fr. Justin complimented them on their achievement and shared that THEY are setting the example for all of the rest of us when we go to Communion.  There was a definite glow about these 2nd grade angels all week!
 
Special thanks to Fr. Justin, Fr. Kleine, and 2nd grade teachers Mrs. Anwander, Ms. Sarcone, and Mrs. Spiller for all of their efforts to prepare the students. A huge shout-out to all of the 2nd grade parents who made Jesus day such a success, as well.
 
St. Thomas More, pray for us.
 
Peace & Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal
 
 
STM IMPORTANT DATES
 
Friday, April 28
- STM Spirit Wear Day for grades K-7: Students may wear STM Spirit Wear tops and/or bottoms with jeans, khakis, or uniform bottoms (no hoodies please).
- 8th Grade Graduation Retreat in More Hall during the school day; 8th graders wear their tie-dyed t-shirts and bring a shirt or article from the high school they will attend in the fall
- STM Home & School Family BINGO Night - 6:30 p.m. in Flanagan Hall
 
Monday, May 1 - Friday, May 5 - STM TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK–see details below
 
Friday, May 5 - Cinco de Mayo party, 7pm at Southside Bar and Grill
$20 donation at the door or Venmo Meg Burke @Meg-Burke-5
 
Tuesday, May 9 - Dos De Oros; 4 p.m. - close; Mention STM when you order; Dine In or Carry Out; 15% of Proceeds Donated
 
Thursday, May 11 - 8th Grade Graduation at 5:30 p.m. in the church
 
Monday, May 15 - Fun Day for grades PK-7;  Rain-out day–May 17
 
Friday, May 19 - Last Day of School for students (dismissal following 10:30 Mass)
 
STM Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week:
Mon., May 1 - Fri., May 5
Home and School invites you to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week! Let’s show the staff members of St. Thomas More how much we appreciate all they do to make our school such a wonderful place.
 
Monday, May 1: “We DONUT know what we’d do with out you!” Grab and go breakfast spread provided by H&S.
Tuesday, May 2: We’ve got you COVERED. Sign-up to help cover recess duty and give the teachers a break! Sign-up to cover them by grade: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4AAEA729A5FC1-recess
Wednesday, May 3: Thanks for helping me “GROW”! Families are invited to send flowers or notes of gratitude to their teacher and staff members. Don’t forget your classroom “buddy” staff member. Pick from your garden, draw a picture of flowers, write a note of gratitude of how they helped you grow, or gift them something with flowers on it... be creative!
Thursday, May 4: SONIC Drink Day! The 8th Graders will host treating the faculty to their favorite drink! Teachers will take home a Papa Murphy’s take and Bake for dinner!
Friday, May 5: NACHO Average Teachers and Staff: Fiesta lunch will be provided! Drop all items o no later then 10am at school.  Please sign-up to help contribute:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054bacab292-staff2?useFullSite=true#/
 
 
2023-2024 STM Registration - REGISTER NOW
Late Registration - $100 late fee applies to anyone who completes the online process and financial obligations after March 22, 2023.
 
PREK CLASS ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED.  PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAIT LIST.
TWO OTHER GRADE LEVELS ARE ALMOST CLOSED.  PLEASE GET WITH THE CHURCH OFFICE ABOUT FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE A SEAT FOR YOUR STUDENT FOR NEXT YEAR.
 
Please know that you need to complete the online portion of registration BEFORE you visit the parish office to complete the financial portion and finalize registration.
 
Sycamore Online Registration Link: https://sycamore.school/family/admissions/register?school_id=2161
You will also need the following information to get started with online registration:
Video tutorial for Online Registration with Sycamore: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/c0nbYqVyDih
Your Parent Sycamore Login & Password (if you do not remember your password, you can go to https://app.sycamoreschool.com/index.php and click "Reset Password."  If you do not have your login information, please contact the school office at 816.942.5581)
STM School ID: 2161
Most recent address, telephone, etc. for your family, emergency contacts, etc.
Access to your child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate, and most current immunization record, if they have not already been submitted to the school.
 
22-23 STM YEARBOOK:
Online ordering from the company is now closed.  We will have a few extra copies available for purchase at STM–first come, first served.  Call the STM Office if you need to order a yearbook.
 
DRAMA PROGRAM OFFERED AFTER SCHOOL:
Mr. Dan O’Connell, 5th-6th grade Social Studies teacher, is sponsoring an after school drama program.  The weekly classes will run for FOUR days--Monday-Thursday. The cost for the four days is $25.00.  If your child comes for one to three days, the cost is $10.00 per day.
 
Week 4:  3rd grade only:  April 24-27.  Minimum enrollment: 4.  We will play theater games, use our voices creatively and create puppets to tell a story!
 
Week 5:  4th grade only  May 1-4. Minimum enrollment: 4.  We will read the play Charlotte’s Web, do pantomime activities as well as other creative drama experiences!
 
Week 6:  1st and 2nd grade only:  May 8-11 Music, movement, listening to stories, telling stories, exploring all aspects of drama, what fun!
Questions?  Thank you!  Email:  oconnell_dan@stmcyclones.org
 
RESOURCES FROM ‘SCREEN SANITY’:
Please take a look at (or a listen to) the resources shared with us from Screen Sanity.  Several months ago, we had an evening presentation for parents about ways to keep your child physically and emotionally safe while using devices on the internet.  Here are some recommendations they have made for you in continuing to safeguard your children:
 
Tech Tips: This blog post YouTube Kids: What You Need to Know and this podcast episode about body image and social media.
 
 
SUMMER CYCLONES INFORMATION–MORE DETAILS!!!:
Our Summer Camp Directors this summer will be:  Mrs. Alison Wynn and Ms. Jo Rogers!!!
They have come up with some exciting learning opportunities and adventures for our summer campers this year, including:
 
 
 
- Inflatables Day!
- Guest facilitators–The Marble Guy (learn to play, make a marble, take home a bag of marbles); - The Rocket Lady (build your own rocket AND shoot it off!); The Roller Coaster lady
- Nature walks to prepare individual sections of YOUR OWN “Nature Book”
- Red Bridge Library experiences
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE HIGHLIGHTS TO COME!!!
 
For students entering grades Pre-K to 7 Weekdays, Tuesday, May 30—Tuesday, August 8, 2023 8:00am—5:30pm
 
The Summer Cyclones Camp is an amazing experience that will offer kids preschool aged to 7th grade the opportunity to forge a community unlike any other centered around an engaging experience of fun and enrichment. The enthusiastic staff at Summer Cyclones cannot wait to make this the best summer ever for the kids as they stay sharp on their academic skills and participate in a healthy dose of fun-filled activities on site.
More info & registration:  stmkc.com/summercyclones
 
STM School Supply Kits
St. Thomas More parents...I am so excited that this year we've partnered with 1st Day School Supplies, order your kit now! They are going to save us up to 30% over shopping at big box stores like Target, Walmart and Amazon. Better yet, they are the undisputed leader in custom kitting school supplies. Providing us with only brand names you trust and respect like Ticonderoga, Crayola, Elmer's and Clorox. So, what are you waiting for? Buy early and save! Shop Now.
 
Cinco de Mayo @ Southside to Support STM for All 
Friday, May 5th @ 7 p.m.
Support Meg Burke and her efforts in to raise money for STM for All.  #itsforthekids
Live entertainment with The Jackwagons.  $20 donation at the door buys 2 drinks and great music!
 
MOScholars Event @ STM
Saturday, May 20th & Sunday, May 21st
Did You Know That Your Children May Be Eligible for the MOScholars Scholarship?
In 2021, the Missouri General Assembly established the MOScholars program, a program that provides scholarships of up to $6,375 per student for children to attend Catholic and other private schools.  Already, 8 students at St. Thomas More have been awarded this scholarship, and our hope is that many more will apply as it grows.
 
Please come join us the weekend of May 20-21 immediately following the 4:00, 9:00, and 11:00 masses to learn more about this program.  Jeremy Lillig, the Executive Director of Stewardship & Development for the Diocese, will be on hand to discuss:
 
Student eligibility for the MOScholars scholarship
The process involved in applying for the MOScholars scholarship
How you can support this program at no cost to you when you file your Missouri tax return
This new scholarship is only available to students who are entering kindergarten or the first grade, students who have been enrolled in a public school the previous school year, and students with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
 
As a result, if you have young children who will be enrolling at STM in the coming years, this information will be particularly applicable to you.
 
Refreshments will be provided, so RSVPs are preferred (but not required) simply for purposes of having enough on hand.  RSVP by calling Mary at the Parish Office 816.942.2942 or emailing information@stmkc.com.
 
For more information, or if you have any questions, contact Chris Gaughan at Chris@MidwestEstatePlan.com.
 

May, the month devoted to our Blessed Mother, begins Monday.  We will pray the Hail Mary with students at the end of each school day in May.  Please consider sharing this prayer with your family during May, as well:
 
Beloved Mother,
I come to you with prayers for healing of mind, body and spirit. I ask you to hear my special concern and to place my needs before your Son who you nurtured and cared for with all your heart. Help me to release all fears and doubts that cause me anxiety and bring me peace and comfort through your blessed intercession.
 
Let me be receptive of God’s will and help me to learn compassion through my suffering. Teach me to love others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Give me the strength and understanding to forgive and to receive others’ forgiveness. Blessed Mother, help me to grow closer to your Son in everything I do. Renew my spirit and restore my soul through your intercession.
 
I seek your guidance and protection, remembering these words: “Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me”.
All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.