September 16th, 2021

September 16, 2021


Dear STM Families,
 We are blessed at STM with such involved and dedicated families!  Our Home and School Association, Booster Club, Auction Committee, COVID Task Force, and School Advisory Board are key to helping our school thrive.  These groups appreciate your input and are often looking for your volunteerism to prepare for an activity, a fundraiser, a  project, or assistance to make improvements around our school.  Please let us know in the school office if you want to jump in (again) with the community of giving parents and family members. 
Our Booster Club is sponsoring the STM Football Raffle, and we need your help right now.  Currently, there are 1,500 tickets representing $30,000 of revenue for our school that HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED.  If you plan to sell your unused tickets, that is AWESOME.  If they are just sitting on your dining room table or in a pile in the kitchen, we need you to bring those to the school office.  We have a waiting list of people who want more tickets to sell--but we have NO TICKETS TO HAND OUT.  Please get those back to us ASAP!
The Our School Advisory Board met last night and there are several highlights to share with you:

1. You may have noticed that your child is bringing home a lot of copies of Math pages and worksheets.  The new Math textbook series has not been delivered yet to STM.  As with so many other goods and services in our world, there are many backordered materials and a hold-up in shipping, as well.  I will let you know when those books are delivered.  Our staff will probably have a celebration when they get here, too!
2. The new Religion series textbooks (grades K-8), the Gospel Weekly newsletters, new Grammar textbooks (grades 3-8), most of the new Social Studies textbooks (grades K-8) have been delivered and are being used in our classrooms.
3. Teachers and students are working together through these new resources in the classrooms.  Please be aware that this is a LOT of change for all involved and give grace to staff and children as we become accustomed to all of these wonderful opportunities for learning.
4. Discussion of wearing masks v. gaiters inside our school was carried over from last week’s COVID Task Force meeting.  Research was completed and a decision was made to allow DOUBLE-PLY GAITERS in place of masks at STM.
5. Security issues regarding the Gym Door during the school day and after hours were discussed.  A resolution was presented involving a new secure entry system for this area.  The board had positive feedback about this and shared concerns about other doorways and entrances around the school, as well.  After the Gym Door is updated with this new system, a decision will be made about extending this ‘fix’ for the other doorways, as well.

We truly appreciate the input and leadership from all of our Parent Groups.  Don’t hesitate to consider your own involvement with all of the great things happening at STM.  Two current opportunities are included in the information below.
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal


STM SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sept. 27-Oct. 5
Scholastic Book Fair

Thursday, Sept. 30
COVID Task Force Meeting

Saturday, Oct. 16
Fall Fling--An Outdoor Market

Saturday, Nov. 13 
Booster Club Pickleball Tournament at Blue Hills Country Club


KINDERGARTEN & NEW FAMILIES:
The STM community is SO GLAD that you have joined our school family!  We hope you’ve enjoyed your welcome sign!  Please don’t forget to return them to school so we can carry on the tradition.  They can be dropped in the front of school or near the playground area at pick-up.
CALLING ALL ROOM PARENTS FOR THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR!
What are Room Parents responsible for? 

• A room parent is a parent or guardian that is responsible for helping coordinate two class parties, St. Nicholas (December 6, 2021) and St. Valentine (February 14, 2022). Parties begin at 2 p.m.  You will be responsible for arranging activities, party favors and treats for the entire class. Please check with the teacher for any student allergies. Room parents will be reimbursed up to $30 per class, once receipts have been submitted to the Home & School Treasurer (theresa.seck@Garmin.com). 
• Room Parents will work together as a GRADE to collect and create a basket for the school auction. 
• Room Parents will act as a liaison between the teacher and class families for teacher support or supplies. 
• Classroom parties will be held in person this year, it is mandatory that all volunteers are Virtus trained (www.virtusonline.org) 
• 3rd Grade Volunteers will assist with Reconciliation and First Communion receptions. Three volunteers for each classroom, PK-8th.

 If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for your child’s class, please send your request along with the GRADE and TEACHERS NAME to jpizzichino@gmail.com .
DRESS CODE ISSUES:
We are having some issues with STM Dress Code adherence.  Please review the uniform requirements in the attached STM Student Handbook on p. 37. Here are a few of the most common infractions:

• Students need a belt when wearing pants with belt loops 
• Students need to have shirts tucked in neatly 
• Students are not allowed to wear clothing that is not part of the STM uniform. This includes sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets. Winter coats are the exception.
• Shirts:
  • Girls in grades K-3:  Cotton or knit tailored straight sleeved solid white or red shirt with collar OR turtleneck.  Must be tucked in neatly.
  • Girls in grades 4-8:  Cotton or knit tailored straight sleeved solid white, red, or navy shirt OR turtleneck.  Must be tucked in neatly.
  • Boys in grades K-8:  Tailored white or red shirt with collar. Can be knit or oxford. Shirts are to be tucked in while on school premises.  

WE ARE ALREADY RUNNING OUT OF MASKS AND PLASTICWARE!
Please make sure your child arrives at school with a mask or gaiter AND an extra for just-in-case incidents throughout the day.  We have TOO MANY students showing up without appropriate face coverings and are expecting one from the nurse or office on a daily basis.
Also, please send the appropriate fork or spoon with your child to eat his/her lunch.  Applesauce, pudding, noodles in a thermos, and jello are really difficult for them to eat without appropriate plasticware.  A napkin in the lunch box every day is a great idea, too. 


BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Our school will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair Monday, 9/27 - Friday, 10/1 in the STM school library. The return of the Book Fair will be a familiar and welcome celebration. Volunteers are crucial to the success of this event. If you’re available to help us with our upcoming Book Fair, please visit https://volunteer.scholastic.com/#/signup/A27kL1FCy to sign up today. The link includes available time slots for daytime and after school opportunities. 
Service hours are available for middle school students to help assist with fair set up on 9/24 immediately after school and tear down on 10/1 at 4:15pm. See sign up link for more details.  
Thank you for considering becoming a volunteer! Any questions? Contact Courtney Fahey at crfahey@me.com or 816-729-3056. It's not too late to shadow the Book Fair Chair position for Home & School. Please reach out today if interested in leading the next fair.     
8TH GRADE GATHERING PARTY INFORMATION:
Dear 8th Grade Parents-
Please join us on Saturday, September 18th starting at 6:30 at the home of Bill, Colleen & Joe Teasdale for the 8th grade Gathering Party. Students are invited to attend for a Hawaiian themed night of fun and community. See flyer for more details. Please RSVP by returning the attached form to school or by reaching out to one of the hosts. 
See you then,
Colleen & Bill Teasdale
Jami & Mike Pizzichino
Tricia & Todd McCullough
Angela & Chris Sweeny
Courtney & Andrew Fahey 
DON’T MISS OUT!  GATHERING PARTY INFO: 
Gathering parties are a way for our school to raise money or receive auction items for the annual STM Auction on Feb. 5.  This year's parties that are already booked are listed below.  Invites will be sent home in backpacks closer to your child’s grade level event. 
9/18- 8th
9/24- 3rd
10/2 - 2nd & 4th
10/9 - Preschool & Kindergarten
10/30 - 5th & 7th
STUDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STM GUATEMALAN PROJECT:
This Week at St. Thomas More we will be celebrating Guatemala Sunday.  We hope you will join us. 
Our school is partnering with the Guatemala Action Group of STM this week and I am excited to share with  you more information about this mission.
 During the height of the pandemic our friends in Guatemala started hanging white flags out of the homes in hope that someone would share food with them as they were desperate!  This year our school children will be creating white flags to symbolize the need.  These flags created by the children can be found in the narthex and at the foot of the altar next weekend.
 Covid-19 has seriously impacted our brothers and sisters in Guatemala due to the lack of vaccines, a poor public health care system, and expensive private health care.  Additionally, many people cannot find work and the price of essential supplies has increased.  Families hang white flags outside their mud huts to let others know they are completely out of food.
Additionally, the trips, lead by the Guatemala Action Group have been canceled for two years now which has severely impacted the income for the Sisters in the Convent, interpreters, masons, local bus drivers, and the orphanage for physically and mentally handicapped children. 
But St. Thomas More has brought hope to our Guatemalan sister community.  In the last year, we have financially supported them through:

• Stipends for the Sisters in the Convent - $45,945
• Over 1,000 food bag deliveries to families desperate for food - $6785
• Masons’ expenses to build over 100 stoves, pig pens and chicken coops - $2625
• Monthly supplies of food, medicine, and diapers for the orphanage for physically and mentally handicapped children - $1515
• Financial support of the Women’s Program classes in reading, writing, and job skills; additionally, nine sewing machines were donated for sewing classes - $14,750

 Take a moment to review the updated video found on the STM website: stmkc.com/growing-in-faith/faith-in-action/Guatemala.  Our brothers and sisters in Guatemala need our help now more than ever.  We hope you will join us at mass and see all the flags your children have made.
 Please consider a donation to support our efforts to meet some of their basic needs. Your check, Guatemala written in the memo line, may be brought to Mass this weekend or to the parish office.   You can also donate online at https://stmkc.com/growing-in-faith/faith-in-action/guatemala-2/


COVID-RELATED INFORMATION:
STM COVID DASHBOARD:          Week ending 9/2/21  Week ending 9/9/21  Week ending 9/9/21
Students in quarantine                                   16                                    8                                     2
Staff members in quarantine                           0                                    0                                     0
Students in isolation                                          8                                    7                                     0
Staff members in isolation                               0                                    0                                      1
Percentage of attendance                             97%                               92%                                 95%

Total # of Student COVID cases this school year:  15  
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 
EARN CASH FOR STM!
Please take a look at the attached flyer about all of the ways you can earn cash for STM with Box Tops for Education!  You can take a photo of your receipt to submit, scan your online grocery order info, or manually cut out the little Box Tops for Education coupons on your purchases.  Every little bit helps!  Please see the attached flyer for all of the details!




JOB OPENING AT STM:  
Position:  Substitute Teacher 
St. Thomas More Catholic School, an early childhood and K-8 Christ-centered learning community in the South Kansas City area, is accepting applications for substitute teachers.  
Responsibilities:
The substitute teacher will fulfill the mission of the Catholic Church by employing lesson plans provided by the classroom teacher to guide and evaluate the learning process of students within the framework of St. Thomas More’s School’s philosophy, organization and curriculum. 
Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree or at least 60 credit hours (preferred), or high school diploma with completion of DESE state approved 20-hour online training course.  All candidates will complete a background screening and register for and complete the Protecting God’s Children training program for adults.
 Please go to the ‘Job Openings’ link on the diocesan website to apply:  https://kcsjcatholic.org/start/job-openings/ 




The month of September is dedicated to Mother Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows.  Please consider sharing this prayer with you family in her honor:


O Lord Jesus Christ, God and Man, grant, we beseech Thee, 
that Thy dear Mother Mary, 
whose soul the sword pierced in the hour of Thy Passion, 
may intercede for us, now, and in the hour of our death, 
through Thine own merits, O Saviour of the world, 
Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, God, 
world without end. 
Amen.
Peace and Blessings,
Linda Crosthwait, STM Principal




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