October 28th, 2021

October 28, 2021


Dear STM Families,
It’s wonderful to see so many parents joining with our teachers tonight (and scheduled for tomorrow) to discuss the progress and challenges in our classrooms.  It is through a true partnership of home, church, and school that our children will flourish.  We know that it can be challenging to keep all the partners working in harmony, but it is a challenge we must never abandon because the result of failure is a weakening of our faith community.
Though parents can now access grades and other resources online, so much more is gained through the time spent between teachers and parents.  The conversations shared during these conferences help to build stronger relationships between these people who spend large amounts of time with your child(ren) and you.
Thank you for sharing your most precious gifts from God with us and for partnering with us in their growth, development, and education. 
Peace & Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal


STM UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, Oct. 29
NO SCHOOL for students 
Parent/Teacher Conferences

Monday, Nov. 1
NO SCHOOL--All Saints’ Day 

Friday, Nov. 5
First Friday--STM Spirit Wear Day

Friday, Nov. 5
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 p.m. in church entryway before dismissal

Tuesday, Nov. 9
STM Dine-Out Night at Papa John’s

Friday, Nov. 12
STM Dine-Out Afternoon at Cookies & Creamery

Saturday, Nov. 13
BMA Mouse Races

Thursday, Nov. 18
2nd Grade--First Reconciliation:
Mrs. Spiller’s class at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Sarcone’s class at 6:45 p.m.
Mrs. Anwander’s class at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 20
NOTE: DATE CHANGE
Booster Club Pickleball Tournament at Blue Hills Country Club--see the attached flyer for more details!

Wednesday, Nov. 24-         Friday, Nov. 26
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!  NO SCHOOL!

Tuesday, Dec. 7
St. Nicholas Day Parties

Wednesday, Dec. 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception--NO SCHOOL

Friday, Dec. 17
Christmas Break Dismissal at 3:20 p.m.

Dec. 20-Jan. 4
Christmas Break--NO SCHOOL
  
TRUNK OR TREAT IS RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON!
OUR RAIN-OUT MAKE-UP DATE FOR TRUNK OR TREAT IS Sunday, October 31 3pm-4:15pm.  We will ask all those hosting trunks to be in the parking lot by 2:45pm.  We will have no movement from 3pm-4:15pm. 
Please plan to join STM Home and School for some spooky fun beginning at 3:00 p.m. Sunday in The Peak Parking lot!!  Admission to the event is one non-perishable item for Harvesters per candy grabber!  NEW THIS YEAR!  Plan on a treat with Kona Ice!!
We still need volunteers to host a trunk and to help at our event.  Please see the sign-up genius below.
As a reminder, students in grades 6 and higher can get service hours for volunteering.  However, we do still need some adult volunteers.
Hosting a trunk is easy!!  Arrive at the parking lot no later than 2:45 p.m. and show us your stuff!  Simply hand out candy or make your trunk super spooky and win a prize!! Donated candy will be provided to trunks throughout the event to keep the fun going.  
Sign up now:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094aabac2fabff2-stmtrunk
**THANK YOU to everyone who has donated candy as we’ve had a great response!  


CUB SCOUTS MAY WEAR UNIFORM SHIRTS ON MEETING DAYS:
STM Cub Scouts may wear their uniform shirts on meeting dates.  Below are the dates through the end of December for 2nd-5th graders.  We will share the dates for 1st graders as soon as the dates are chosen.
11/4 - 2nd grade
11/8 - 4th and 5th grade
11/15 - 5th grade
11/23 - 1st through 5th grades
12/2 - 2nd grade
12/6 - 4th grade
12/20 - 4th grade


PARENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL MASS:
Our students are back to serving at Mass and serving as lectors at our school liturgical celebrations.  Seats are limited in the pews, but if your child is serving or lectoring, please feel free to come to Mass and sit in the choir loft or the cry room.
Our students attend Mass each week at 2:10 p.m. on the following days:
Wednesdays:  Kindergarten, grades 2, 7, 8
Thursdays:  Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
Please let me know if you have any questions.


A MESSAGE FROM OUR STM BOOSTER CLUB:
Cyclones Partners and Parents-  
First of all, we wanted to personally thank everyone for their efforts in selling NFL tickets this year. We have sold over 3,800 tickets, which represents a $12,000 increase in fundraising efforts for the school. In January we will draw one ticket and pay the seller of the ticket $250. Remember tickets can continue to be sold throughout the NFL season and if we get to 4,200 we will draw another $250 winner. 
Second, we wanted to provide an update on uniforms for Volleyball and Basketball. Last year the school purchased new uniforms for Basketball for 7-8th grades and this year we purchased new Volleyball uniforms for 6-8 grade. This represents a $17,000 investment and we want to be able to replace uniforms on a more regular schedule moving forward but to do this we need your help. Additionally, we had a $10,000 investment for football uniforms and gear this year as well. Here is the official ask of all parents:

• Have a uniform that is not from this season that was not returned? That’s ok and we want them back so we can inventory what is currently in stock and determine what needs to be updated/purchased.
• For the new uniforms that were just purchased. This was a major investment for the school so please take care of them and only wear them for games or to school on game day when allowed by the school administration. Last year we had several new basketball uniforms have to be replaced because of stains or tears. If something happens to a uniform during a game please let your coach know.
• All uniforms should be cleaned before turning them into coaches at the end of the season

In the future coaches will be provided a sheet with jersey numbers provided to them at uniform checkout. Exchanges for sizes will be handled through the coach and the Booster Club before the season. Uniforms must be turned in to the coach at the end of the season and checked in using the checkout sheet. All uniforms must be returned within 2 weeks from the end of the season. If a uniform is not returned to the coach or is lost a $100 fee will be charged for the uniform replacement to the player assigned the uniform. We do not want to charge anyone for the uniform so please make sure to arrange a time to return the uniform to avoid this fee. Our goal is to continue to replace uniforms for all grade levels and activities and reducing the replacement cost will help with this goal.
Thank you and let’s go Cyclones!
Booster Club President – Ray Clarke
     
DON’T MISS OUT!  5th-6th-7th GRADES GATHERING PARTY INFO: 
Boos & Brews Gathering Party for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade parents:  this Saturday, Oct. 30, from 7-11 p.m.; 12202 Washington Court, Kansas City, MO 64145
Friendly Reminders - Space is limited in cul-de-sac so please park in suggested area, or carpool, uber, or golf cart over!! This event is mostly outside so bundle up and get creative with those costumes. Remember you have to dress up or pay up:) 
Check out the flyer below for all of the details!


COVID-RELATED INFORMATION:

STM COVID DASHBOARD:  Week ending 10/14/21     Week ending 10/21/21      Week ending 10/28/21

Students in quarantine                           0                                                 2                                         1
Staff members in quarantine                0                                                  0                                         0
Students in isolation                               0                                                  0                                         1
Staff members in isolation                     0                                                 0                                          0
Percentage of attendance                    97%                                           97%                                    96
Total # of Student COVID cases this school year:  16  
Total # of Staff cases this school year:  1   
If your child has tested positive for COVID, and STM was not notified, please email Health@stmcyclones.org with the date of the positive test.    
We appreciate you partnering with us on school days to verify that every child is fever-free and not experiencing:   

• New cough   
• Difficult breathing   
• Loss of taste/smell   
• Fever (equal to or greater than 100 degrees) or chills   
• Sore throat   
• Congestion/runny nose   
• Headache   
• Muscle or body aches   
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea   

If your child has any of these symptoms, they should not attend school. Notify the STM Health Room of any symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 by calling 816-942-5581 or email health@stmcyclones.org 
COVID Task Force Meeting Notes:


BRICKS 4 KIDS--SESSION 2 SIGN-UPS:
Bricks 4 Kidz® enrichment classes are designed to be educational and FUN! We teach children principles of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) utilizing motorized LEGO® models. Every lesson is unique and designed to engage a child's mind. Class size is limited. Students will receive a mini-fig with enrollment. For Grades 1-5. NEW Models Every Session! 
St. Thomas More LEGO® Club Wednesdays after school from 3:25 - 4:25pm 
Dates: Nov.10,17 Dec.1,8,15 
Enroll Now www.bricks4kidz.com/kcnorth  Tuition: $68.00 5 week Session
See flyer attached.


PAROCHIAL LEAGUE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW:
Parochial League Basketball registration is now open  through TOMORROW  for boys and girls IN GRADES 4-8.  Please register at www.PLKC.org.  
The cost is $120.00 for grades 5th-8th grade. 
The cost is $70.00 for 4th grade. 
Here is the schedule for the 4th grade-8th grade girls and boys basketball tryouts for the upcoming 2022 Parochial league season.  Basketball practices can start on 11/8 once all of the teams are decided.     If you have any questions please call Tim Waris at 816-942-2492 or email at Tim@stmkc.com.           
10/31   
4th grade boys   11:00am-12:00pm
5th grade boys   12:00pm-1:00pm
4th grade girls 1:00pm-2:00pm
5th grade girls   2:00pm-3:00pm 
11/7 
6th grade boys  11:00am-12:30pm
7th grade boys  12:30pm-2:00pm
8th grade boys  2:00pm-3:30pm
6th grade girls  3:30pm-5:00pm
7th grade girls  5:00pm-6:30pm
8th grade girls   6:30pm-8:00pm


STM NIGHT--AVILA UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL:
Avila Men’s Basketball program is hosting a Saint Thomas More Day on Saturday, 11/27 vs Oklahoma Wesleyan University.  Game time is 5 p.m. at the Mabee Fieldhouse on the Avila campus.
All parents and STM kids that wear an STM item (sweatshirt, T-shirt or basketball uniform, spirit wear) will be allowed into the game for free. The first 25 STM kids in the door get a free bag of popcorn. 


Halloween has become one of the most popular ‘holidays’ in the United States.  Our students have been decorating pumpkins and excitedly sharing their plans for costumes and trick-or-treating through the neighborhoods.  It’s also important for them to understand where the whole concept of “Halloween” originated.
"Hallow" — or holy person — refers to the saints celebrated on All Saints' Day, which is November 1. ... So basically, Halloween is just an old-fashioned way of saying "the night before All Saints' Day" — also called Hallowmas or All Hallows' Day.
Here is a family prayer service you can share in your home to celebrate the religious aspect of this modern-day holiday:
ALL HALLOWS’ EVE-ALL SAINTS HOLY DAY-ALL SOULS DAY PRAYER SERVICE:
READER 1: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) 
READER 2: Saints are our heroes. They may be named on the Church calendar, or they may be our relatives, friends, and acquaintances who have died and moved on beyond this earth with less notoriety. In history, All Hallows’ Eve is the night before All Saints Day. Between the evening of Halloween (which means holy evening), with the costumes, frightening pranks, and parties, is a thin moment in time that connects this scary past with November 1, All Saints’ Day. 
READER 1: On All Saints Day, we honor those who have made it to their heavenly reward. They may have given their life and died for their faith as martyrs. Some may have led a life of prayer and sacrifice. Some may have viewed apparitions or visions and endured torture. In all cases, their love for God was the most important thing in their lives. 
READER 2: Trick-or-treating, begging for food, began in Ireland with soul cakes and a promise to pray for dead family members of the house. Those at the door would sing “a soul cake, a soul cake, have mercy on all Christian souls for a soul cake.” Jack-O-Lanterns came from an old Irish legend about a stingy person named Jack who was too cheap to go to Heaven and too clever to go to the devil. Jack was destined to roam the earth with a lighted pumpkin for a lantern. 
READER 1:  Let us pray: Loving God, the lives of the saints show us how ordinary men and women can live their lives in love for you and for others. Help us to follow their example. 
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. 
ALL: Amen.