Cyclone Chatter 2-23-23

Dear STM Families,
Thank you to all of the families who have already registered online (for the first time!) for the 2023-24 school year.  We have been answering questions and correcting glitches to make this a smooth process for you.
Most of the comments we have received are positive, and we appreciate your constructive feedback, as well.  Parents have shared that it has taken less than 10 minutes to complete the online registration process for the whole family.
Here is the information again to access the registration information:
Sycamore Online Registration Link: https://sycamore.school/family/admissions/register?school_id=2161
To help you prepare for the online process, we have created a tutorial to get you started.  Please watch the video prior to starting the process, in order to address questions you may have as you begin.  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
· Sycamore Online Registration Link: https://sycamore.school/family/admissions/register?school_id=2161
· 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. 
Registration through the Sycamore app is not supported; you will need to use a tablet or laptop.  We will assist you in the process, if needed. Just call the STM office at 816-942-5581 with your questions or concerns - or if you need to come to school and use a device.
The financial obligations will be handled at the Parish Office during three separate evenings:  Wednesday and Thursday, March 1 & 2, and Thursday, March 23.
STM parishioner families must submit your tithing pledge for 2023 before registration can be completed. Here is the link to complete your Stewardship Pledge: 
Annual Stewardship Commitment > Saint Thomas More Parish Kansas City (stmkc.com)
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal
 
STM IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, Feb. 13-Wednesday, March 1 - ‘Spring’ Iowa Flex Assessments in grades K-8 in Reading & Math

Saturday, Feb. 25 - STM Booster Club ‘Bags Tournament at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 2 - 8th Grade Graduation re-takes and Spring pictures; order online at
St Thomas More Classroom Memory Mates 2023

Wednesday, March 1 and Thursday, March 2 - Finance Night at Parish Office for school registration from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1 - Papa Johns STM Dine-Out night; mention STM when you order your pizza

Friday, March 10 – FIRST DAY OF SPRING BREAK FOR STUDENTS
NO SCHOOL – Diocesan Teacher Professional Learning; all diocesan teachers will be at STM for Mass with Bishop Johnston and learning sessions throughout the day

Monday, March 13-Monday, March 20
SPRING BREAK FOR STUDENTS; teachers return on 3/20 for a Staff Retreat

Tuesday, March 21 - Students return from Spring Break for first day of 4th quarter of school

Wednesday, March 22 - Freddy’s STM Dine-Out night; mention STM when you order your dinner
5:00PM - 9:00PM • 13628 Washington Ave, KC, MO

Thursday, March 23 - FINAL Finance Night at Parish Office for school registration from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

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

Wednesday, April 5  - Papa Johns STM Dine-Out night; Mention STM when you order your pizza

 
SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITY FOR 6th-8th GRADERS:
The Rescue Project
The Rescue Project is an experience for STM parishioners of the gospel surrounded by food, conversation and prayer. Meal & learning sessions are taking place in More Hall on Thursdays through March 30.  Here is the Sign-Up Genius link for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to assist with bussing tables during STM's Thursday evening Rescue Project in More Hall.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4FAFA92BABFAC70-therescue
Students would transport food from outside the kitchen to the 20 tables of participants, and then bring plates/bowls/silverware back from the tables after the meal.  Note: The students will not be able to partake in the meal (since it is pre-ordered for the 200 attendees).  Questions?  Email Fr. Justin at frjhoye@stmkc.com
 
 
St. Thomas More Parish Mission
March 18-21, 2023
Make plans now to attend our upcoming parish mission. Fr. Tom Donaldson, CSSR,  will speak at all of the Masses the weekend of March 18/19. There will be evening presentations on March 19, 20, 21 from 6:30-7:45pm. The theme is "Return! Renew! Rejoice!" Reception following each night's presentation. He will also preach at the 8:15 Mass on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
 
We plan to provide childcare and as well as rides to the parish mission. If you need childcare, contact Mary Begnaud at the parish office, 816-942-2492 or mary@stmkc.com. If you need a ride to the evening sessions, contact Jean Donaldson at ljf1953@aol.com or 816-213-6015. Please RSVP for these services by Wednesday, March 15. For more information, contact David Butel at the parish office, 816-942-2492, x210 or dbutel@stmkc.com.
 
 
STM BOOSTER CLUB BAGS TOURNAMENT IS THIS SATURDAY!
Don't miss out on this year's Bags Tournament!
We are raising money for the new HVAC system in the gym with this fun tournament.
Come play or just be a spectator. Free Pizza & Beer. Fun starts at 6pm!
https://givebutter.com/stmbags2023
 
SUMMER CYCLONES INFORMATION:
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.
Check out the attached flyer.
More info & registration:  
stmkc.com/summercyclones
Tim Waris tim@stmkc.com
 
A FAMILY PRAYER FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT:
All-School Mass on Ash Wednesday was an awesome experience for all.  All students, preschool through 8th grade, received ashes either during Mass or in classrooms later in the day.  On Ash Wednesday, we display the twin symbols — dust and the sign of the cross — like badges of honor. The imposition of ashes — of dust — is a reminder of our death. It is a symbol of sorrow for our sins. The symbol of dust that comes from the Book of Genesis: "You are dust and to dust you will return."
Please consider sharing this prayer with your family this week:
 
O Lord,
Draw us closer to your heart, 
so that we might know you better and understand you more completely.
 We pray that we would not only give things up for Lent 
but also give you glory through Lent, Lord. 
May our actions reflect our hearts, 
and may we worship you through all that we say and do throughout the coming weeks.
Amen.