Cyclone Chatter 1-26-23

​Dear STM Families,
 
As the instructional leader of the school, I must balance the needs of our students and their  families with the needs of the community and the needs of the teachers.  I must also maintain the integrity of the Church I serve - not just St. Thomas More, but the Catholic Church. 
 
In addition, I must maintain my integrity as a human being and an educator. This can make me unpopular, especially when agendas get pushed in and out of view. I want you to know that no matter what, I function under the umbrella of “What Is Best for the Children–ALL of the Children.” 
 
Please know that your children, their path to heaven, and their safety on this earth are tantamount in my daily work.  I went into education because I love children and the joy they bring. I remain in education because I love children and want to preserve their joy and innocence as long as possible. 
 
I serve in Catholic schools because I love God, I love my Catholic faith.  I will do all that I can to lead children to loving Jesus Christ and one another because their souls depend on it. This is my moral responsibility as it is yours as the primary educators of children. I take this job very seriously. 
 
Thank you for trusting in me. Thank you for trusting in St. Thomas More School. We are here for your children and your family. 
 
As we celebrate Catholic Schools next week, thank you for acknowledging the difference a Catholic school can make in your life and the life of your child.
 
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal
 
STM IMPORTANT DATES
Friday, Jan. 27
STM Chiefs RED FRIDAY (Again!)--Let’s support our Home Team!! Details below!

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)

Monday, Jan. 30
Celebrating Inclusion/Student Day
Inclusive Education Scavenger Hunt 
Dress Down Day for Students - Sweats Day–students may wear any sweatpants and sweatshirts (no pajama bottoms, leggings or yoga pants AND no hoodies, please)
8th Grade Bake Sale - after lunches and afternoon recesses–$1 per item

Tuesday, Jan. 31
Celebrating Community/Family Day
Parents come in at lunches and share what they do within the community and how they incorporate their faith 
No Homework Night - Spend Time As A Family
Dress Down Day for Students–Local Organization T-shirt Day or STM Spirit tops with jeans, khakis, uniform bottoms or STM Spirit Wear bottoms (no jammie pants, please)

Wednesday, Feb. 1
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; $1 donation suggested
STUCO Sponsored Dress UP Day to raise money for our Unbound student.
Living Rosary - All school @ 2pm

Thursday, Feb. 2
Celebrating Teachers/Staff Day
Staff Dress Down Day
Students Dress like their Homeroom Teacher Day
8th Grade/Teacher Volleyball Game @ 2:15 p.m.

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

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

Tuesday, Feb. 7
Minsky’s Dine-Out Night

Saturday, Feb. 11
STM Father/Daughter Dance from 6-8 pm in Flanagan Hall.

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

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

Wednesday, Feb. 22
Ash Wednesday

Saturday, Feb. 25
STM Booster Club Bags Tournament 

Monday, March 27-Saturday, April 1
STM Booster Club Glory Days

 
KC CHIEFS RED FRIDAY/STM SPIRIT DAY TOMORROW:
As our KC Chiefs prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday in the NFL Conference Championship game, we want to SHOW OUR CHIEFS PRIDE AT STM!!!  Tomorrow is  RED FRIDAY at STM!!
Students may wear KC Chiefs jerseys, shirts, jackets, or sweatshirts (no hoodies, please!), STM Spirit Wear tops (no hoodies, please), or a uniform top.  Also, students can wear STM Spirit Wear bottoms, jeans, khaki pants, or uniform bottoms. 
GO CHIEFS!!! 
 
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 those who have graciously donated items to date. We are blessed!
 
8th GRADE MIXER - Fundraiser:
Friday, 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!
  
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
 
STM FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE COMING UP!:
STM Father/Daughter Valentine’s dance will take place February 11th from 6-8 in Flanagan Hall. Cost:  $25 a couple, $5 for each added girl. Cash, check to BMA foundation or Venmo Meg Burke @meg-burke-5.
Don’t miss out on this great way to make Daddy-Daughter memories!!
 
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ACTIVITIES:
SUNDAY, 1/29: Open House CSW Kick Off
STUCO  and student participation at Saturday and Sunday Masses.  
Open House from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with donuts in the cafeteria
MONDAY, 1/30: 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, 1/31: 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, 2/1: 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, 2/2: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, 2/3: NO SCHOOL
Student Learning Conferences; 7:30 a.m. - Noon
 
JOIN THE STM RESCUE PROJECT:
The Rescue Project...Coming to St. Thomas More February 9th!
God made a universe that has roughly two trillion galaxies, each with 100-400 billion stars...and He knows each star by name. The same God made you.  You matter to God! 
Do you ever wonder why you matter to God? The Rescue Project answers the why. Just released in August, The Rescue Project proposes The Story of the gospel presented in a way that you've never heard before, and 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 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/
 
 
A PRAYER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK:
Father, 
Thank you for all those men and women who have given their talents to educate our children.
Through the challenges they encounter each day, lead them to an ever deeper appreciation of the sacred duty to which you have called them. 
Thank you for all those who lead our Catholic schools. 
May they be people of integrity so that they can be witnesses as well as teachers. We pray that the schools they lead will become places 
where our young people can experience your love in their lives. 
Thank you for our Catholic schools. 
Help us to pray without ceasing, 
to work without wavering 
and to give without grudging 
in order to ensure the future of Catholic education for all of our children. 
We make this prayer 
through your Son, Jesus Christ, our teacher and our Lord, 
Amen.