January 12, 2023

Dear STM Families,
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of January is for educators.
“Educators are witnesses who not only impart their mental knowledge but also their convictions, their commitment to life,” the Holy Father said on Jan. 10. 
“I would like to propose that educators add new content to their teaching: fraternity,” the Holy Father said.
“Education is an act of love that illuminates the path for us to recover a sense of fraternity, so we will not ignore those who are most vulnerable.”
“They [educators] know how to handle the three languages well: that of the head, that of the heart, and that of the hands, all in harmony. And hence the joy in communicating.”
“And they will be heeded much more attentively and will become community builders. Why? Because they’re sowing this testimony,” Pope Francis continued.
The Holy Father concluded the video message with a prayer: “Let us pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than confrontation and helping especially the youngest and most vulnerable above all.”
Our STM staff is incredibly grateful and blessed to have parents like you who join us as the primary educators of our greatest gifts–your children.  Please join us as we pray for each other throughout 2023 in fraternity.
 
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal
 
STM IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, Jan. 13: BMA Foundation Mouse Races, 7 p.m. in More Hall

Monday, Jan. 16: NO SCHOOL–Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Friday, Jan 20: KC Chiefs RED FRIDAY Dress Down Day

Friday, Jan. 27: 8th Grade Mixer Fundraiser at STM

Sunday, Jan. 29: STM Open House from 10:30 a.m.-1 p..m.

Sunday, Jan. 29-Friday, Feb. 3: Catholic Schools Week (see details below)

Friday, Feb. 3: Student Learning Conferences:  7:30 a.m.-noon

Saturday, Feb. 4: ‘Be More’--STM Auction Event (see details below)

Friday, Feb. 17: NO SCHOOL–Teacher Professional Development Day

Monday, Feb. 20: NO SCHOOL–President’s Day

Wednesday, Feb. 22: Ash Wednesday

ATTENTION PARENTS OF 5TH-8TH GRADE STUDENTS:
Teachers at each grade level (5th-8th) will begin sending out a weekly synopsis in ONE EMAIL to your Inbox by each Sunday afternoon.  This email will delineate the upcoming week’s essential learning topics, plans for major assignments or projects, and planned test dates.  These dates may be pushed back if necessary, but will never be sooner than shared in these emails. Watch for your first email this Sunday, January 15.
 
STM K of C Council No. 14270 YOUTH FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP
All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2023 Knights of Columbus (K of C) Free Throw Championship.  The local competition will be held during the STM School P.E. classes (third to eighth grades) the week of January 23rd.   
The K of C Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions.  International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions.  All boys and girls 9 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions.  Age eligibility is determined by the age of the contestants as of January 1st.  Last year more than 120,000 sharpshooters participated in over 3,600 local competitions.
Participants are required to furnish written parental consent (signed entry form).  For entry forms or additional information contact Craig Borgmeyer at 816-863-2332 or cborgmeyer@kc.rr.com.  
The K of C is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization with 17,000 local councils. Founded in 1882 to assist working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, today the approximately two million members of the Knights put their faith into action through a broad range of charitable causes locally, nationally and internationally with financial contributions and hands-on service.
  
A MESSAGE FROM TIM WARIS, PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER:
The fundraising fee was due on 12/31/2022. To run the Credit Card on file, please reach out to Mr. Waris at Tim@stmkc.com or call him at 816-942-2492. 
 
BRICKS 4 KIDZ–NEW SESSION BEGINS FEBRUARY 1:
Bricks 4 Kids enrichment classes are designed to be educational and FUN!  Principles of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are utilized through building motorized LEGO models.  Every lesson is unique and designed to engage a child’s mind.  Each 6-week session features a new theme and models.  
This club is for grades K-5.  Class size is limited.  Students will receive a LEGO minifig with enrollment.
Cost:  $82 for six-week session.
*NO ENROLLMENT TAKEN AT SCHOOL.  ENROLL ONLINE AT:  www.bricks4kidz.com/kcnorth
 
FRIENDS of FIRE - MO SCHOLARS PROGRAM Informational ZOOM - Wednesday, Jan. 18th @ 7:00 p.m.
What is the MO Scholars Program? The law provides state tax credits for contributions to approved, non-profit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). These EAOs use the contributions to award scholarships to Missouri students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and students living in low-income households. Your student could be eligible for up to $6,375 in scholarships!
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84824774274?pwd=NTBIVjhLbkN4K2lkb3Y1Qk5GUW9Qdz09

Featured Speakers:
Jeremy Lillig, CSJA, Executive Director, Stewardship & Development – Bright Futures Fund
Nicolette Gibson, Associate Superintendent, Diocese Kansas City – St. Joseph.
The Bright Futures Fund is pleased to announce our selection as a certified Educational Assistance Organization for the new MOSCHOLARS K-12 Scholarship program in Missouri.  Donors will be able to receive special tax credits for their donations and families will be able to apply for scholarships to attend our Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. *
(The scholarship application process has concluded for 2022-2023 school year – full application for 2023-2024 is coming in Feb 2023)
Resources:
https://treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars/
https://www.brightfuturesfund.org/moscholars.html
 
STM AUCTION:  Saturday, February 4th:
St. Thomas More 'Be More' Auction and Dance is this February 4, 2023.  Tickets are on sale now through our auction website www.stmauction.org.  Join your STM community and help raise funds for our school and parish.  Seats are limited, so purchase your tickets today!
ITEM DONATIONS: It’s not too late to consider contributing to our fundraising efforts. We would love to include your items in this year's auction! We can't do it without you! Please visit stmauction.org and click on 'Donate Auction Items' to fill out the form -or- email Courtney Fahey/Andrea Moore:
stm-auction@stmcyclones.org. Not sure what to donate then shop our Amazon with list. The items you buy will be sent directly to the Auction Committee to be included in the Auction. Don’t forget to shop under Amazon Smile to double your giveback impact! To shop visit stmauction.org and click on ‘Amazon Wish List’.  
Thank you to all who have graciously donated items to date. We are blessed!
 
 
8th GRADE MIXER - Fundraiser: Wednesday, Jan. 27th @ 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: STM - Flanagan Hall
Admission: Tickets will be limited, so click the link below to purchase tickets today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-grade-mixer-at-st-thomas-more-tickets-512153965297
ONLY 8TH GRADERS WILL BE ALLOWED!
 
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ACTIVITIES:
SUNDAY: Open House CSW Kick Off
· STUCO  and student participation at Saturday and Sunday Masses.  
· Open House from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

MONDAY: Celebrating Inclusion/Student Day
· Inclusive Education Scavenger Hunt 
· Dress Down Day for Students - Sweats Day
· 8th Grade Bake Sale - after lunches and afternoon recesses

TUESDAY: Celebrating Community/Family Day
· Parents come in at lunches and share what they do within the community and how they incorporate their faith (SignUp Genius).
· No Homework Night - Spend Time As A Family
· Local Organization T-shirt Day or STM Spirit Day
 
WEDNESDAY: Celebrating Vocations/Service Day (MASS DAY)
· Petitions at Mass highlighting our Appreciation for Fr. Justin, Fr. Kleine, Sister Colette, etc.
· Cards, Posters, Paper Chains for Priests & Sr. Colette (delivered to Sr. Colette & Parish Office by EOD)
·  PreK-1st: Sr. Colette
·  2nd-4th: Fr. Justin
·  5th-8th: Fr. Kleine
· Promote our Unbound student to the student body: presentation before Mass by Linda/Meredith
· STUCO Sponsored Dress UP Day to raise money for our Unbound student.
· Living Rosary - All school @ 2pm

THURSDAY:Celebrating Teachers/Staff Day
·  Teachers do their own “Faithbook” Profile with pieces of their own faith story that can be shared with the community; each teacher will get a template to fill out.
 · Staff Dress Down Day
· Students Dress like their Homeroom Teacher
· 8th Grade/Teacher Volleyball Game @ 2:15 p.m.

FRIDAY: NO SCHOOL
· Student Learning Conferences; 7:30 a.m. - Noon
 
JOIN THE STM RESCUE PROJECT:
Dear parents of STM School,
The stories that we believe shape the way that we live our lives. What is the story that gives you meaning, purpose and guides your life?  The Rescue Project is a compelling 8 week experience that offers a way of making sense of our lives in this world that is vastly different from the story that our modern culture tells us. The Rescue Project, just released in August, proposes The Story of the gospel presented in a way that you've never heard before. It appeals to everyone...whether in or outside of the Church...from teens to adults of all ages!  
Watch the trailer https://rescueproject.us/trailer/
Each FREE session includes a meal, presentation on video by Fr. John Riccardo, and conversation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church-More Hall
Starting February 9th, Thursday evenings: 6:30-8:30 p.m.  
February 9,16,23 and March 2,9,16, and 30  
*Saturday Retreat: March 25th, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
To Register: https://stmkc.com/faith_formation/adult-faith-formation/the-rescue-project/

​Following is a prayer you can share with your family:
Dear God,
Thank you for being the author of the greatest story ever written!  
Help me to know that I am part of Your story. 
You created me and know me by name, and love me as if I were the only person in the story.
That is amazing, God!  
Help me to love you as much as You love me. 
Amen