Dear Parents,
We are just a week away from our last day of Preschool.  
The 4K Graduation Program is on WEDNESDAY, May 24, at 8:30 a.m. in the CHURCH.  The 4K students may wear “Sunday Best” clothes…please no shorts and no light up tennis shoes for the Graduation. All graduating 4K students must be at the Preschool building at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 24, so that we may rehearse with the children.   We welcome parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends to join us in the CHURCH at 8:30 a.m. for the program.  Since we will be in the Church, remember to be respectful in God’s house.  We will have time for a photo session, but remember it is a day for your 4K child to shine!  Please find a sitter for younger siblings if they will be disruptive during the program.  The 4K students will be dismissed to you immediately after the program and then all may join us outside on the church steps for cake and punch.  We will have After School Care until 6 pm for the registered preschoolers.  This is our last day of After School Care.  Early Birds will be opened on Thursday morning.
ALSO, on Wednesday, May 24, the 3K students will have a REGULAR, BUT FUN CLASS DAY… A TEDDY BEAR PICNIC is planned for the morning.   Please have your child bring their favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to school on Wednesday, May 24.  They will have a special breakfast treat!  This will be the last day of Preschool for our MWF 3K students.
Thursday, May 25 is our last Mass for this school year and our last day of school for all M-F preschoolers.  Your child must be in their school uniform.  We have an Early Dismissal day for all students.  The Preschool Carpool line will begin at 10:45 am, so please pick up your preschooler before you go to the Day School Carpool line…the Day School Carpool line will begin at 11 am.
We will have After School Care until Wednesday, May 24 - this is our last day for the After School Program.  Early Birds will be open on Thursday, May 25.
TUITION AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE PAYMENTS- Please remember that all tuition (PK - 8th grade) and After School Care accounts and Cafeteria debt must be paid in full with the May 1 payment. Final report cards will be held for any families whose account is past due.
 
The 4K students will have a Graduation rehearsal first thing on Monday morning, May 22.  We would like all our 4K students to be at school on Monday no later than 8:15 a.m. so that we may practice – thank you!
 
 
FACTS TUITION PAYMENT SYSTEM - A reminder that all families must set up an account with the FACTS Tuition Payment system for the 2017-2018 school year. A link to the application can be found on the school website under Quick Links. As you start the application process, please be sure that you are completing the form for the Payment and Billing Plan NOT the Grant and Aid application.  In order to pay your tuition out over 12 months, the payment plan must be set up by Thursday, May 18. Any plan set up after that date will be limited to an 11 month payment plan thereby increasing the monthly payment.
 
AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR - Registration is now open for After School Care for the 2017-2018 school year with kidventure.com. The oldest child in the family is bringing home a brochure with tuition prices and registration information. A flyer is attached to the Principal memo with the tuition schedule. A link to register may be found on the school website under Quick Link.
 
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS- Beginning May 30th the school office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The office will be closed completely the week of July 4th.
 
PARISH NEWS -The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at St. Thomas More will be formally installed at the 9 AM and 11 AM Masses on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Following each Mass, members of the PPC will conduct a “listening” session in Servant Hall.  All are welcome!  Please see the flyer attached to the Principal memo.
 
Saturday, June 3 End-of-the-School Year Rummage Sale - see flyer attached to the Principal  memo.
 
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY - A small way to show our appreciation for our military is to say “thank you for your service" when we see them. This past week our entire student body said "thank you for your service" by participating in a gift for troops drive. With the support of all our parents and families the kids packed 13 large boxes to ship to our troops overseas. This year the boxes will be shipped to Kuwait where Lt. Michael Felton, STM ’07, will distribute the items to the soldiers on his base. Thank you to all our STM families who helped make this drive successful.
 
PTO would like to recognize all the outstanding volunteers who have given of their time and talents during this school year. As a thank you, we are asking anyone who volunteered for a PTO event, to submit their name by Friday, May 19th. A drawing will be held that afternoon and gift cards will be awarded to 5 lucky volunteers. To register for this drawing please see the flyer attached to the Principal memo.
 
Meet your 2017 - 2018 PTO Board:
President:  Aimee Taylor
Vice President:  Fatima Maniar
President Elect:  Theresa Orsburn
Secretary:  Jenni LaBeth
Treasurer:  Corey Morgan
Event Coordinator:  Jennifer McCarty
Volunteer Coordinator:  Amber Farnham-Middleton
 
We have had an awesome school year with your children!  Thank you for sharing them with us.  How blessed we are to be able to teach and enjoy God’s children.  May you have a wonderful and safe summer, rejoicing in your children’s joy!



May 10, 2017 News...
Friday, May 12 is the ALL SCHOOL MASS - All students must be in dress uniform.
 
Tuesday, May 16, STM Spirit Night at Los Tios restaurant -- see flyer.
 
FACTS TUITION PAYMENT SYSTEM- A reminder that all families must set up an account with the FAC TS Tuition Payment system for the 2017-2018 school year. A link to the application can be found on the school website under Quick Links. As you start the application process, please be sure that you are completing the form for the Payment and Billing Plan NOT the Grant and Aid application.  In order to pay your tuition out over 12 months, the payment plan must be set up by May 18. Any plan set up after that date will be limited to an 11 month payment plan thereby increasing the monthly payment.
 
AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR - Registration is now open for After School Care for the 2017-2018 school year. The oldest child in the family is bringing home a brochure with tuition prices and registration information. A flyer is also attached to this memo with the tuition schedule. A link to register may be found on the school website under the Quick Link.
 
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS- Beginning May 30th the school office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The office will be closed completely the week of July 4th.
 
PTO NEWS- The PTO would like to recognize all the outstanding volunteers who have given of their time and talents during this school year. As a thank you, we are asking anyone who volunteered for a PTO event, to submit their name by Friday, May 19th. A drawing will be held that afternoon and gift cards will be awarded to 5 lucky volunteers. To register for this drawing please see the flyer attached to this memo.
 
TUITION AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE PAYMENTS- Please remember that all tuition (PK - 8th grade) and After School Care accounts must be paid in full with the May 1 payment. Final report cards will be held for any families whose account is past due.
 
PARISH NEWS -The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at St. Thomas More will be formally installed at the 9 AM and 11 AM Masses on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Following each Mass, members of the PPC will conduct a “listening” session in Servant Hall. Please see the attached flyer.
 
4K Graduation Ceremony is Wednesday, May 24 at 8:30 am in the Church.  We will not have Mass, but the program consists of songs, prayers and diplomas!  Please dress your child in “Sunday Best” clothing – no shorts…no uniforms.  The ceremony should last about an hour and a half.  You are welcome to take your child home after the Graduation program or they may stay with us for the normal school hours.  If you are registered for the After School Care program, your child is welcome to stay with us until 6 pm.
 
Thursday, May 25 Early Dismissal at 11:00 am. and last day of Preschool.  We will all attend the All School Mass, the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation.  After the Mass, the preschoolers will return to their classrooms.  Preschool will NOT stay in the church for the Day School award ceremony.
 
Saturday, June 3 End-of-the-School Year Rummage Sale - see flyer attached to this memo.
 
May 3, 2017 News...

New addition to the Preschool building…a framed puzzle of the Holy Family.  This beautiful art work was put together by the Vietnamese sisters at St. Catherine’s convent.  Mrs. Mack and several Preschool teachers were the top bidders at their annual gala this past Friday evening.  It is hanging in the front entrance on the brick wall – please make sure you take a look the next time you are at the school and in the carpool line!
$29,595.02  Wow!  This is the amount raised to date for the Wheelchairs for Children Mission.  197 wheelchairs will be delivered!!!  Thank you to the many students, faculty, staff, parents and parishioners who helped on Divine Mercy Wheelchair weekend.  There is still time to donate and there will be some other special events coming up.  Thank you!

Friday, May 5 is the All School Mass - Students must be in dress uniform…long navy pants for boys and the navy dress for the girls.  Please note that we will be crowning Blessed Virgin Mary and are asking all students to please bring flowers to Mass on Friday, May 5.  Our First Holy Communicants will also parade in with their special banners.
 
CALLING ALL GARDENERS - If you have a green thumb and enjoy the great outdoors, STM invites you to help with the creation of our very own butterfly garden! Extra hands and green thumbs would be appreciated. Contact Theresa Orsburn at Theresa.Orsburn@yahoo.com if you are interested in working on this project.
 
TUITION AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE PAYMENTS - Please remember that all Preschool tuition and After School Care accounts must be paid in full with the May 1 payment. Final report cards will be held for any families whose account is past due.
 
May 16, please save the date for the next SPIRIT NIGHT at Los Tios on Beechnut in Meyerland, from 4 pm to closing.  Los Tios will give 20% of all food sales by STM families on Tuesday, May 16 back to our school.
 
4K Graduation Ceremony is Wednesday, May 24 at 8:30 am in the Church.  We will not have Mass, but the program consists of songs, prayers and diplomas!  The ceremony should last about an hour and a half.  You are welcome to take your child home after the Graduation program or they may stay with us for the normal school hours.  If you are registered for the After School Care program, your child is welcome to stay with us until 6 pm.
 
Thursday, May 25 is our last day of Preschool – please note we are having an Early Dismissal at 11:00 am.  We will all attend the All School Mass, the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation.  After the Mass, the preschoolers will return to their classrooms.  Preschool will NOT stay in the church for the Day School award ceremony.
 
FACTS TUITION PAYMENT SYSTEM - A reminder that all families must set up an account with the FACTS Tuition Payment system for the 2017-2018 school year. A link to the application can be found on the school website under Quick Links. As you start the application process, please be sure that you are completing the form for the Payment and Billing Plan NOT the Grant and Aid application. In order to pay your tuition out over 12 months, the payment plan must be set up by May 18. Any plan set up after that date will be limited to an 11 month payment plan thereby increasing the monthly payment.
 


April 26, 2017...
Thank you to all the students, parents, staff members and Knights that helped out at the Divine Mercy Wheelchair Weekend.  It was successful because the whole community came together to raise money for Wheelchairs for Children.  From helping at Mass to rolling and serving tacos to providing information about the wheelchairs to parishioners, STM students and teachers were visible everywhere.  We’ll have the total donations collected very soon.  Keep watching!  May God bless you. 

Friday, April 28 All School Mass - Students must be in dress uniform…long navy pants for boys and the navy dress for the girls.
 
SCRIP ORDERS - Graduation gifts, Mother’s Day even Father’s Day - looking for that perfect gift? Order SCRIP gift cards and let them decide. An order form is attached to this week's Principal Memo - also a pink order form came home with today's memo. If you have any questions contact Kathy Prado in the school office at 713.729.3434.
 
CALLING ALL GARDENERS - If you have a green thumb and enjoy the great outdoors, STM invites you to help with the creation of our very own butterfly garden! Extra hands and green thumbs would be appreciated. Contact Theresa Orsburn at Theresa.Orsburn@yahoo.com if you are interested in working on this project.
 
HOME LANGUAGE SURVEY St. Thomas More School is applying to receive Title III funds which are distributed through HISD. One of the requirements is to have A Home Language Survey on file for every student in the school. These funds will be used for Professional Development for teachers and instructional materials that will benefit every student, regardless of whether or not English is the first language of the student. The survey was mailed to every family on April 5. If you have not already turned your survey in to the school office, please do so by the end of this week…thank you.
 
TUITION AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE PAYMENTS - Please remember that all Preschool tuition and After School Care accounts must be paid in full with the May 1 payment. Final report cards will be held for any families whose account is past due.
 
May 16, please save the date for the next SPIRIT NIGHT at Los Tios on Beechnut in Meyerland, from 4 pm to closing.  Los Tios will give 20% of all food sales by STM families on Tuesday, May 16 back to our school.
 
4K Graduation Ceremony is Wednesday, May 24 at 8:30 am in the Church.  We will not have Mass, but the program consists of songs, prayers and diplomas!  The ceremony should last about an hour and a half.  You are welcome to take your child home after the Graduation program or they may stay with us for the normal school hours.  If you are registered for the After School Care program, your child is welcome to stay with us until 6 pm.
 
Thursday, May 25 is our last day of Preschool – please note we are having an Early Dismissal at 11:00 am.  We will all attend the All School Mass, the Ascension of the Lord, a Holy Day of Obligation.  After the Mass, the preschoolers will return to their classrooms.  Preschool will NOT stay in the church for the Day School award ceremony.



Jesus has Risen… Alleluia!!!   We hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend – the children will continue to learn about the Easter season for the next 50 days until Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017. 

A BIG THANK YOU to Fr. Hai and Fr. Joseph, Deacon John and Deacon David for their amazing service to the St. Thomas More Parish Community - especially during Holy Week...we are blessed to have you.   ALSO, a BIG THANK YOU to our Knights of Columbus for hosting last Saturday’s Parish Easter Egg Hunt!!!

Friday, April 21 is the All School Mass and preschoolers must be in dress uniform.  It is also the Auction/Gala Earth Day event from 3:30 to 5:30 pm…if you already registered your preschooler, then you will receive a reminder attached to this memo with more details – thank you for your support.
 
CALLING ALL GARDENERS - If you have a green thumb and enjoy the great outdoors, STM invites you to help with the creation of our very own butterfly garden! Extra hands and green thumbs would be appreciated. Contact Theresa Orsburn at Theresa.Orsburn@yahoo.com if you are interested in working on this project.
 
AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION WEEKEND is this Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23.   Fr Hai has graciously given us the opportunity to tell the parish about the great effort the students and KC 3910 have made in raising money for wheelchairs for children. We are asking all the students to wear their uniforms to Mass this weekend. There will be a plaid bag collection for the project. The Knights will be cooking a Taco Breakfast with proceeds benefitting the project. We need many students, parents and staff to help make this a success. If you and your child can help at Mass and/or the breakfast please contact Mrs. Warner  by email at  kwarner@stmorenews.com or call 713-729-9062…we appreciate your help!
 
HOME LANGUAGE SURVEY was mailed to all the school families on April 5.  St. Thomas More School is applying to receive Title III funds which are distributed through HISD. One of the requirements is to have A Home Language Survey on file for every student in the school. These funds will be used for Professional Development for teachers and instructional materials that will benefit every student, regardless of whether or not English is the first language of the student.  If you have not already turned your survey in to the school office, please do so by April 21.


April 12, 2017 NEWS...

WE have begun the holiest week of the year…this Thursday begins the Triduum where we will remember the ministry of humility and service to one another that Jesus gave to his disciples by washing their feet.  May this Easter season renew us in the hope that we may live in Christ Jesus the Lord. 

We are in session for half day on Holy Thursday – NO MASS…the preschoolers will attend Stations of the Cross in our Prayer Garden and then have a special Lenten retreat the rest of the morning.  Preschool Carpool line will begin at 10:45 am – please pick up your preschooler first then go to the Day School Carpool Line – thank you.

PRESCHOOL EASTER HOLIDAYS - Good Friday through Easter Monday, April 14-17.  The Sunday Nursery will be closed on Easter Sunday.  School will resume on Easter Tuesday, April 18 for M-F classes and on Easter Wednesday, April 19 for MWF classes.

St. Thomas More Parish Easter Egg Hunt for children 9 years and under will be on Saturday, April 15 at 2 pm…rain or shine!!!  Please have your children bring a basket – the Knights of Columbus will be supplying the eggs with an ice cream treat after the hunt…don’t forget your cameras and please pray for good weather!  The Easter Egg hunt will be out on the soccer field next to the cafeteria/Prinster Hall.

The Auction/Gala Preschool Sign-Up Party “Earth Day” has a few openings.  The afternoon activities will include taking a nature walk, recycling and picking-up trash, planting flowers, playing games, reading stories and having a snack.  If you would like your child to come and learn how to take care of the earth, keep our school grounds clean and have fun with their teachers please sign up now…date is Friday, April 21 from 3:30-5:30…please let us know by Wednesday, April 19.  The fee is $25.00 per preschool child and all proceeds go to the “STM FEVER” 2017 Auction/Gala.

AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR PROJECT FUNDRAISER - April 22 / 23…please sign up to help with breakfast after the Masses and the second collection during Mass.  Contact Mrs. Warner at 713-729-9062 or kwarner@stmorenews.com if you have any questions.
 
CALLING ALL GARDENERS - If you have a green thumb and enjoy the great outdoors, STM invites you to help with the creation of our very own butterfly garden! Extra hands and green thumbs would be appreciated. Contact Theresa Orsburn at Theresa.Orsburn@yahoo.com 

Many Blessings for a Joyous Easter 2017


April 5, 2017 News...

Friday, April 7 - All School Mass at 8:15 am - All students must be in dress uniform.  Knights of Columbus Fish Fry 5-7 pm...see note below.
 
Cafeteria Menu Changes:  Chicken Fried Steak with Mash Potatoes and Gravy for Monday, April 10 and Pancake, Sausage, Tator Tots and Fruit on Tuesday, April 11.
 
Monday, April 10 from 5 to 8 pm is STM Spirit Night at the Meyerland Chick-fil-A.  Please come out and support STM…a percentage of the sales that evening will be donated to St. Thomas More – all you have to do is tell them you are here for the STM Spirit Night.  We are having a special “cow” visitor to school on Monday.
 
Wednesday, April 12 is the Preschool EASTER EGG HUNTS.  We need your help - PLEASE bring a bag of stickers or individually wrapped candy – nothing with peanuts or nuts to school by Monday, April 10.  Please make sure your donations will fit in a regular size plastic egg.  The school has the eggs – we just need the stuffings.  We do appreciate your help in making our hunts a success...thank you.

Thursday, April 13 - Holy Thursday Retreats and Early Dismissal at 11:00 a.m.     Yes, we will have Early Birds…but, NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE.
 
Friday, April 14 GOOD FRIDAY - NO school
 
At 2 pm on Saturday, April 15 is the Knights of Columbus Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 1 year to 9 years old on the big field next to Prinster Hall…please note that the hunt will start at 2 pm and not at noon as stated in the Church Bulletin …bring your baskets and your cameras for the 2 pm Egg Hunt – don’t be late! 
 
Monday, April 17 Easter holiday – NO school

Preschool 4K Graduation – please note the change in date for our 4K graduation program – it is on Wednesday, May 24 at 8:30 am in the church.  We will have a cake and punch reception immediately after the ceremony.  The original calendar sent out in August has the graduation date as May 23…it has been changed and noted on the STM website for Wednesday, May 24, 2017.  This is a regular school day for our preschoolers with Early Birds and ASC.  While the 4K has their graduation, the 3K will have a Teddy Bear Picnic!  The last day of school is on Thursday, May 25 with an Early Dismissal at 11 am.  The preschoolers will attend Mass for the Holy Day of Obligation, the Ascension of Jesus.  We will have Early Birds but no ASC on our last day of school.

KC Fish Fry Friday April 7, 2017 in Prinster Hall
Come join your STM friends for a wonderful dinner and help raise money for the American Wheelchair Project.   This is the last Fish Fry for Lent.    STM students will be selling drinks and collecting donations to raise funds for this project.  So far we have over $4000 for 30 wheelchairs.  This year’s wheelchairs will be going to children’s facilities.  The Fish Fry will begin at 5 pm and continue to 7 pm or whenever they sell out!  Students who would like to earn service hours, please contact Mrs. Warner kwarner@stmorenews.com.
 
HELP PLEASE…April 22 and 23 will be WHEELCHAIR WEEKEND at St. Thomas More.  Fr. Hai has graciously given us permission to have a second collection that weekend and sell breakfast on Sunday.  Again, the school students will be working with the Knights of Columbus.  Our STM Knights have several events they are committed to working that weekend.  We will need LOTS of students, faculty and parents to help out during the weekend at the Masses and at the Breakfast.  PLEASE check your calendars and contact Mrs. Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com or call 713-729-9062 to volunteer.  Students this is a great way to cover your service hours.  Let’s all join together and make this a great success.  Thank you.


Please note: The Internet Safety website was incorrectly listed in this week's parent memo. To view the video please go to netsmartz.org  (not .com)

International Day Fun is Friday, March 31 with an early dismissal at 11 am.  The Preschoolers will travel to 5 countries with their special passports in the homeroom classrooms and then have a “lay-over” snack of nachos and lemonade in their visit to 2 more countries.  We will not be attending Mass on Friday.                 The students may wear long blue jeans or shorts, appropriate shirts, and closed toe tennis shoes. Please, No tank tops or spaghetti strap shirts…No sandals or crocs.  The Preschool Carpool Line will begin at 11 am and the Day School Carpool Line will begin at 11:30 am…please pick up your Preschooler first at 11 am – thank you!

March 29, 2017 News...
Preschool’s International Day Fun is this Friday, March 31 with an early dismissal at        11 am.  The Preschoolers will travel to 5 countries: Ireland, Turks and Caicos, France, Italy, and Australia, with their special passports in the homeroom classrooms. The preschoolers will also have a “lay-over” with snack of nachos and lemonade in their visit to America and Mexico.  We will not be attending Stations of the Cross with the Day School students nor will the preschoolers participate in the Field Day Activities.  Field Day is for Kinders through 8 ^th grade students only.  The preschoolers will go to Stations of the Cross in the Prayer Garden on Thursday during Religion classes.  On Friday, the students may wear long blue jeans or shorts, appropriate shirts, and closed toe tennis shoes. Please, NO tank tops or spaghetti strap shirts and NO sandals or crocs.  The Preschool Carpool Line will begin at 11 am and the Day School Carpool Line will begin at 11:30 am… please pick up your Preschooler first at 11 am– thank you!
 
FAITH AND FAMILY LECTURE SERIES -  Many thanks to all who came out to STM on March 23rd to attend our program on Internet Safety for Parents. We were pleased to host Ms. Vieco-Garcia from the Children’s Assessment Center and enjoyed a session filled with lots of good and practical information. A reminder that we are using the Netsmartz Program from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to guide our training and discussions and that you may access this content and download the presentations at any time by visiting www.netsmartz.com    If you have any further questions or want to share feedback, please feel free to email mgleason@stmorenews.com
 
OUR EASTER EGG HUNTS are on Wednesday, April 12 and we need your help please!   PLEASE bring a bag of stickers or individually wrapped candy – nothing with peanuts or nuts to school by Monday, April 10.  Please make sure your donations will fit in a regular size plastic egg.  We do appreciate your help in making our hunts a success...thank you.

WEATHER INFO… when we are under heavy flooding or a tornadao watch - please note that we have a “shelter in-place” for the students….safe rooms with NO WINDOWS.  We also do NOT expect you to drive in this weather to pick-up your child for dismissal until the threat of danger is out of the area and you and your family will be safe in the car driving home.  Safety is a priority – we will take precautions at all times to keep your child safe.  The STM faculty and staff love and care about each and every one of their students and school families.  
 
Reminders: 
Wednesday, April 12, Preschool Easter Egg Hunt and Party
Thursday, April 13, Holy Thursday – Preschool retreat with Early Dismissal at 11 am. (we will not be attending the Passion Play in the Church). 
Friday, April 14, Good Friday - Easter holiday – NO SCHOOL
Saturday, April 15, Knights of Columbus Easter Egg Hunt – 2 pm back field (see flyer)
Monday, April 17, Easter holiday – NO SCHOOL

March 31, 2017 Preshool is having an International Day celebration - the children will travel to 7 countries!  We will be dismissing the preschoolers at 11 am for Early Dismissal.

March 22, 2017 News...
 
Welcome Back!  The preschoolers seem to be excited to be back after Spring Break and see all their friends.  However, they do seem tired and are trying to adjust to the time change.  Please make sure your child is getting to bed early (10 hours of sleep is recommended for preschoolers.)
 
KidVenture will be handling After School Care for the 2017-2018 school year. Join us for an information session at 5:00 p.m. in the school library on Thursday, March 23.
 
FAITH AND FAMILY LECTURE SERIES - A very special thank you to Mrs. Aimee Taylor for her presentation on Healthy Eating for the Family.  Mrs.Taylor had lots of great information to share with those present. Make your plans to join us this Thursday night for the Internet Safety for Parents and Communities presentation on Thursday, March 23 ^rd from 6:00-7:00 PM in Servant Hall.  Please RSVP: mgleason@stmorenews.com
 
WHEELCHAIR MISSION UPDATE- Thank you everyone who has contributed to the project so far. To date we have collected almost $4000 at the taco breakfast and selling drinks at Fish Fry. That means we have 26 wheelchairs to send to children in need. A big thank you the following students:  Alexander Kinsel, Benito Moreno-Garza, Aiden Potoczniak, Vince Graceffa, Trey Clifford, Jack Clifford, Hailey Falk and Julia, Ryan and Kate Gallagher who have sold sodas at the Fish Fry. Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23 – this is Wheelchair Weekend. We will be looking for help.  LOTS of students and parents will be needed to help out that weekend at Masses and the Sunday Breakfast. Our Knights are committed to 3 events that weekend and they will be spread thin. Please consider helping us out April 22 and 23 to bring Mobility to Children.
 
STM YEARBOOK - IT'S TIME TO ORDER - It’s that time of year....don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a remembrance of all the great events that happened during this school year. The yearbook contains class pictures, teacher pictures, sports pictures and other activities that took place during the 2016 - 2017 year. Have a keepsake of the year forever! Cost is $55.00. Complete this order form and return it to the school with payment attached. Orders will be filled on a first come first served basis.
 
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY:
 
Student’s name __________________________________TEACHER:_____________
 
Number of books ordered: _________________  Amount  paid:__________________
 
Please make check payable to St. Thomas More School…delivery in Early MAY!




March 8, 2017
 
“A very special thank you to all who supported this year's Auction Gala in any way! To our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests...we could not do this without you and, don't forget, the students of STM School are the beneficiaries of your hard work and generosity…thank you”… Ms. Thome.
 
Auction/ Gala SIGN UP PARTY - Even if you were not able to attend this year's gala, it is not too late to sign up for the Preschool Earth Day sign up party…see flyer.
 
Friday, March 10, is Mass Day…wear dress uniforms please.
 
Daylight savings time is on Sunday, March 12 – remember you will be springing forward - so set your clocks up one hour and then enjoy your Spring Break…Monday, March 13 - 17 – Have Fun and Be Safe!
 
We still have a few families who have not turned in their readmission packets. We are accepting new students and sending out the acceptance letters on Friday. Any current student whose readmission packet has not been turned in is at risk of losing their spot for next school year.
 
Faith and Family Lecture Series – tonight, Wednesday, March 8 from 6:30-7:30 pm in Servant Hall (adjacent to STM church).  Please join us for a presentation by STM parent, Aimee Taylor, on information on healthy eating for your family.
 
Thursday, March 23 - KidVenture information meeting on 2017-2018 After School Care at 5:00 p.m. in the Library.
 
Knight of Columbus FISH FRY FRIDAYS – each Friday during Lent except on Good Friday…starting at 5 pm until the fish runs out…come early it is YUMMY!!!
 
STM Parish Lenten Faith on Fire Mission:  “Awaken Our Hearts”.  Fr. Hai has scheduled 5 days for you to grow in prayer and faith during Lent.  Saturday, March 11 from 9 am – Noon is the Ministry Appreciation workshop and luncheon – the aim is to foster spiritual renewal and growth for those who serve in our Parish.  Every person involved in ministry at any level should plan on attending this event.
 
STM Parish Family Concert from 7-8:30 pm on Sunday, March 12 in the Church
STM Parish Mission from 7-8:30 pm Monday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 15

 

It’s “STM FEVER” Auction/Gala
Preschool Sign-Up Party

Spend a special afternoon with the Preschool teachers!  You will learn how to take care of the earth and keep our school grounds clean and healthy.  We will serve an “Earth Day” snack and drink.  Some of the afternoon activities will include taking a nature walk, recycling and picking-up trash, planting flowers, playing games and reading stories. 
Date:       Friday - April 21, 2017
Time:       3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Place:       STM Preschool building
Cost:        $25.00 per Preschool Child
                        Checks made payable to St. Thomas More

Generously hosted by the 3K and 4K teachers:
Ms. Howard, Mrs. Normann-Petersen, Mrs. El-Ahl, Mrs. Mack, Mrs. Warner,     Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Jongkind, Mrs. Moreno and Ms. Coltharp





March 1, 2017
 
This Friday, March 3, is GO Texan Day.  WE WILL NOT HAVE MASS on Friday.  Your child may wear appropriate western type clothes but please, NO hats, boots, chaps, ropes, stick horses or play guns. Blue jeans may be worn but NO shorts. For the girls, jean pants are preferred; skirts are acceptable but must reach the knee.  The Preschoolers will sit around a pretend campfire in the classroom and enjoy a cowboy snack of beans and biscuits.  The Trail Riders are unable to visit STM this year, but we will have some Rodeo activities in the classes. 
 
Saturday, March 4 is the STM FEVER Auction/Gala – it is not too late for you to put on your dancing shoes and join in on the fun - please purchase your tickets by NOON on Thursday, March 2.  Any questions you may contact Kathy Prado at 713-729-3434 or kprado@stmorenews.com
 
Please note that on March 10 we have a full day of school it is not an Early Dismissal day…that day has been moved to Friday, March 31- all students will be dismissed at 11 a.m. March 31, 2017.
 
Daylight savings time is on Sunday, March 12 – remember you will be springing forward - so set your clocks up one hour.
 
Spring Break…Monday, March 13 - 17 we will have NO SCHOOL.
 
We have a few families who have not turned in their readmission packets. We are accepting new students beginning Thursday of this week. Any current student whose readmission packet has not been turned in is at risk of losing their spot for next year.   KIDVENTURE information night is on Thursday, March 23 from 5 -6 pm in the Library for those interested in the After School Program for the 2017-2018 school year.  
 
FAITH AND FAMILY LECTURE SERIES - Mark your calendar to join us on March 8 for a presentation by STM parent, Aimee Taylor, on healthy eating for your family, free from chemicals and additives. Flyers were sent home last week or you may see the flyer attached to the Principal memo.
 
PTO SPIRIT ITEMS- Have you seen the newest STM spirit items available for sale through the PTO? Flyers were sent home last week with your preschooler or you may find it on the Principal’s memo!  See how you can share your STM TIGERS’ spirit!!!
 
Knight of Columbus FISH FRY FRIDAYS – each Friday during Lent except on Good Friday…starting at 5 pm until the fish runs out…come early it is YUMMY!!!
 
STM Parish Lenten Faith on Fire Mission:  “Awaken Our Hearts”.  Fr. Hai has scheduled 5 days for you to grow in prayer and faith during Lent.  Saturday, March 11 from 9 am – Noon is the Ministry Appreciation workshop and luncheon – the aim is to foster spiritual renewal and growth for those who serve in our Parish.  Every person involved in ministry at any level should plan on attending this event.
 
STM Parish Family Concert from 7-8:30 pm on Sunday, March 12 in the Church

STM Parish Mission from 7-8:30 pm Monday, March 13 – Wednesday, March15 in the Church



Lent is a special season that begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days, ending just before Easter Sunday.  We remember Jesus and why He loves us by doing good deeds, helping others, praying to God, going to daily Mass, reading from the Bible, fasting etc. May we all try to be holier and more like Jesus this Lenten season. 

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2017…
"The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift."
“Lent is a favourable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ. At the basis of everything is the word of God, which during this season we are invited to hear and ponder more deeply.” -- Pope Francis.  You may read more of Pope Francis’ Lenten Message at this website:  www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/index.cfm   You will also find the guidelines for Lenten fasting and abstinence on this website. 

Receive a short email or a quick text message each day during Lent that teaches you something and challenges you in your faith journey by signing up with Lenten Flocknotes:
http://flocknote.com/lent

A Lenten packet will come home with every preschooler today which includes a calendar, a coloring page on walking the Lenten pathway – please color one step each day, purple crosses for your participation in random acts of kindness and sharing with others, the words and motions to our Lenten song, the Legend of the Pretzel and a bag of pretzels.  Lent reminds us that this is a time for special prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  In Religion classes we have discussed sharing our toys, food and clothing with others, give up watching TV or playing computer games, recycling at home and school, treat nature with respect, smile and pray for all people in need around the world.  The preschoolers may continue to do random acts of kindness so they may earn canned or boxed goods for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and you may also write these good deeds on the purple crosses.  Please send these non-perishable food items to school anytime during Lent. 

Knight of Columbus FISH FRY FRIDAYS – each Friday during Lent except on Good Friday…starting at  5 pm until the fish runs out…come early it is YUMMY!!!



FEBRUARY 22, 2017 News...

Friday, February 24 is the All School Mass…all students must be in dress uniform.
 
Thank you to all the families who attended Mass at the Co-cathedral and walked with the STM family at the Steps for Students last Saturday and/or who donated to this fundraising event – what a beautiful day…it warmed up quickly!  We appreciate all your support.
 
Registration/re-admission packets for the 2017-2018 school year went home last week.  Please turn them back in to the school office by Friday, February 24^th.  Thank you.
 
Tuesday, February 28 is Fat Tuesday and the Preschoolers will be participating in Mardi Gras activities.  Please note that the cafeteria is serving Pancakes for the hot lunch on Tuesday…however, our preschoolers may order a hot dog instead of the pancakes.  Grilled cheese sandwiches will be unavailable on Tuesday because the griddle will be flipping pancakes!
 
March 1 is Ash Wednesday and the All School Mass…students must be in dress uniform.  We will not be attending Mass on Friday, March 3.
 
Friday, March 3, is Go Texan Day. Students may wear appropriate western type clothes but NO hats, boots, chaps, ropes, stick horses or play guns. Blue jeans may be worn but NO shorts. For the girls, jean pants are preferred; skirts are acceptable but must reach the knee.
 
Saturday, March 4 STM FEVER Auction Gala - Don't get left out - purchase your tickets NOW!

The Preschool teachers will be hosting a special afternoon in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 21 from 3:30-5:30 pm.  Please see the flyer if you would like your child to participate.  Proceeds will benefit this year’s STM FEVER Gala/Auction.
 
Skeeters Reading Bookmark is due on Friday, March 11…please read, read, read!
 
Please welcome Fr. Joseph Methanath, OSH to our STM Parish community as Parachial Vicar. Fr. Joseph was ordained in 1991 and is originally from Karala, India but has spent the last 10 years in South Africa. Fr. Joseph will be saying Monday and Tuesday morning Masses and Thursday and Friday evening Masses.  He already stopped in to visit with the preschoolers!
 
FAITH AND FAMILY LECTURE SERIES - March 8 will be a presentation by STM parent, Aimee Taylor, on healthy eating for your family, free from chemicals and additives. For additional information, see the flyer attached to the Principal's memo.
 
PTO SPIRIT ITEMS - Have you seen the newest STM spirit items available for sale through the PTO? Check out the flyer attached to the Principal's memo to see how you can show your Tiger Pride.


February 15, 2017 news...
 
Friday, February 17 is the All School Mass.  NOTE:  Preschoolers who have this year’s STEPS for STUDENTS t-shirt may wear it to school on Friday with long blue jeans (yes even for Mass day)…if your preschooler does not have the STEPS t-shirt  - they must come to school in dress uniform. PLEASE, remember this is an early dismissal day for all our preschoolers.  We will begin the carpool line for all the preschoolers at 11:15 am...then if you have a Day School student - you may go over and pick-up your Day School student who is being dismissed at 11:30 am on Friday.  Please pick up your preschooler first.  Parent/Teacher conferences will begin at 12:30 pm by appointment only.    
 
Saturday, February 18 Steps for Students – this is a family event with the Archdiocesan Schools.  You may attend the walk downtown and then walk with your school family – STM will have a table set-up as their meeting place by 7 am…look for the STM school pop–up tent which will be located in the Village of Schools…all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Mass at the Co-Cathedral, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkway, 77002 is at 6:30 am.  The 5K Run/Walk will start at 8 am.  The Post Race Party begins at 9 am.  You may still register for $25 until February 17.  Free Parking is limited, but you may park in the PAY garages or the lots…most cost $7…there will be some street closures…hope to see you there!!!
 
Monday, February 20 President's Day holiday – No School…Teacher In-service
 
Tuesday, February 21 Parish/School Praise and Worship Service in the church at 6:15 pm.
 
Registration/re-admission packets for the 2017-2018 school year went home this week with the Oldest and Only student - please let me know if you did not receive your white packet.  They are due back in the school office Friday, February 24 ^th.  Also, Kidventure’s Summer brochure came home this week…their registration opened on February 9th.
 
 
2017-2018 CALENDAR - due to some additional faculty/staff inservice days required by the Catholic Schools Office, we have had to make changes to the 2017-2018 calendar that was distributed two weeks ago. The corrected calendar is available on the school website. Please note the most important changes are to the last day of school and the Christmas holidays.
 
 
IT'S ALMOST GALA TIME AND WE NEED YOUR HELP…
 
 
We all have different business that we visit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis (children's sports lessons, play places, restaurants, theaters, gyms, florists, retail stores, etc) . We are asking for any ideas of places that might be willing to donate items for the auction. If you have a relationship with the owner/manager and feel comfortable asking them, we can follow up with the detailed donation information. Or, if you want to send the names of businesses, and if you have it, a manager/owner or contact person, we can take care of the rest. We are hoping to pick the collective brain of the school community to come up with the BEST Silent Auction yet!
And don't forget to think of family members, co-workers, friends, neighbors who might have contacts for donation items!
 
Here are the categories that we currently have (but feel free to think outside the box!) Religious Items, Men's Table, Entertainment, Home & Garden, Kids & Family, Treasures & Pleasures, Jewelry, and Almost Live Items.
 
 
Check out this Gala Live Auction Item...
 
"24 Karat Magic" Package - We have four tickets to the SOLD OUT Bruno Mars concert here in Houston on October 24th at the Toyota Center! Come "just the way you are" to hear Bruno's many hits and have a great time at the Toyota Center! Tickets are lower level and this package includes a $100 Uber gift card to get you and three friends to and from the show!
 
Donated by Midtown Tickets and Meg and Jeff Ehling
 

Babysitting will be offered for those attending the Gala/Auction on March 4 – please see flyer online under the Principal’s memo – we sent home a hard copy flyer last week…no drop-ins so please return the form if you need babysitting ASAP.


February 8, 2017...
 
FROM THE CLINIC - FOOD ALLERGY MEETING – The Parents Advisory Committee on Food Allergies will meet tonight, Wednesday, February 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Day School Library. The Advisory Committee is open to all parents who have experience and/or interest in dealing with food allergies in school age children. This week we will be working on setting goals for the food allergy management for the upcoming academic year, as well as, planning an educational event for STM families. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Mary Gleason at mgleason@stmorenews.com
 
Friday, February 10 is the All School Mass.  The students must be in dress uniform...we will begin the Preschool Carpool at 7:40 am. 
 
VALENTINE’S DAY is next Tuesday…all our MWF 3K students are welcome to attend Preschool on Tuesday for a regular school day.  The 3K and 4K students will have a small party celebrating St. Valentine’s Day in the classroom.  The children may bring Valentine cards to their classmates.  Please have your child only sign the card and do not address them to their friends…this will make distribution much simpler!!!  Please do not send candy or food – you may bring small items such as stickers and pencils if you wish. We are a Food Safe Campus. 
 
Friday, February 17 - Weather make-up day for closure due to flooding on January 18.  The Preschool will have Early dismissal at 11:15 a.m. Parent/Teacher Conferences by appointment only are from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m.  The scheduled conference times will be sent on Friday.  If you would like to request a conference with your teacher, please send a note to school ASAP and we will confirm the appointment time. 
 
Saturday, February 18 Steps for Students – this is a family event with the Archdiocesan Schools.  You may attend the walk downtown and then walk with your school family – STM will have a table set-up as their meeting place by 7 am…children must be accompanied by an adult.  Mass at the Co-Cathedral, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkway, 77002 is at 6:30 am.  The 5K Run/Walk will start at 8 am.  The Post Race Party begins at 9 am.  You may still register for $25 until February 17.  Free Parking is limited, but you may park in the PAY garages or the lots…most cost $7…there will be some street closures…hope to see you there!!!
 
Monday, February 20 President's Day holiday – No School…Teacher In-service
 
We will send home registration/re-admission packets for the 2017-2018 school year soon.
 
Babysitting will be offered for those attending the Gala/Auction on March 4 – please see flyer on the Principal's Memo.



February 1, Wednesday, Open House from 6 to 7 pm...tonight!

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our Accreditation Team – they loved our school and enjoyed visiting with the teachers and students.  They were impressed with all the great work in the classrooms by our wonderful students! Thank you for your help in making STM shine .  Please come tonight to our Open House from 6 to 7 pm (note new time) and see all the special work your child has been working so hard on this year. Bring your child with you to their classroom from 6-7 pm.
 
Friday, February 3 All School Mass and St. Blaise Day (known as Saint of the Healer and ailments in the throat).  Students must be in dress uniform...we will begin the Preschool Carpool at 7:40 am. 
Fr. Hai will bless the students’ throats after Mass. 
 
WHEELCHAIRS FOR CHILDREN SUPER BOWL DESSERTS - It is not too late to help with this event. We will be selling desserts after Masses this Saturday and Sunday. When people pick up their Super Bowl Take Out Dinners prepared by the Knights, they will have the opportunity to purchase a dessert. Proceeds will benefit the wheelchair project. We would greatly appreciate it if you can provide a cake, cookies or pie. For your convenience, you can drop them at the Preschool building on Friday or at Servant Hall before the 5 pm Mass on Saturday. We also need students after the 5 pm Mass (Saturday), the 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses (Sunday) to help sell the baked goods. Any questions??? Call Kathy Warner at 713-729-9062 or email at kwarner@stmorenews.com  Thank you for your support.
 
STM BOOK FAIR will be opened during our evening Open House on Wednesday, February 1 ^st.  The Library/Book Fair will close at 7:30 pm.  Please come to see your child’s classroom first – the Open House ends at 7 pm. The PTO will have a table set-up during Open House in the Preschool building offering their newest products for sale – look for red or black STM spirit baseball hats and choice of small and large STM insulated cups!  Thank you Mrs. Orsburn for all your help!
 
STEPS FOR STUDENTS - Don’t wait until the last minute! REGISTER TODAY!    Go to www.steps4students.org  and click the REGISTER NOW button at the top of the page. The registration deadline for having STM pick up your packet is Feb. 1, by 11pm.  Also, the registration fee increases from $15 to $25 at 11:01 pm on Feb. 1.  Every STM student who is registered by 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night will be entered in a drawing to win a RCA Android Tablet!  Don't miss your chance to win!
 
Friday, February 17 - Weather make-up day for closure due to flooding on January 18.  The Preschool will have Early dismissal at 11:15 a.m. Parent/Teacher Conferences by appointment only are from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m.  The scheduled conference times will be sent home next week.  If you would like to request a conference with your teacher, please send a note to school and we will confirm the appointment time. 
 
Saturday, February 18 Steps for Students – this is a family event with the Archdiocesan Schools.  You may attend the walk downtown and then walk with your school family – STM will have a table set-up as their meeting place…children must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Monday, February 20 President's Day holiday – No School…Teacher In-service



January 25, 2017
 
ACCREDITATION SITE VISIT began Monday and ends Thursday, January 26, 2017.  The students are working very hard at their lessons and keeping smiles on their faces while visiting with our Accreditation Team.  The Team was very impressed with our SAFE carpool line and how smooth we all worked together on it.  We appreciate our families getting the students to school on time. Thank you for your help in making STM shine especially bright while our visitors are here.
 
Friday, January 27 All School Mass - Students must be in dress uniform...we will begin the Preschool Carpool at 7:40 am.
 
AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION FUNDRAISER- K of C Chapter 3910 will be taking orders after all the Masses on January 28 and 29th for their annual Cajun Super Bowl take-out dinners. The dinners will be ready for pick-up on February 4 and 5 after Mass.  As part of our effort to raise money for the American Wheelchair Mission Project, we would like to offer desserts for sale when people come to pick up their order. If you can bake a cake, cookies or a pie for us to sell that weekend we would greatly appreciate it. You can deliver it to the Preschool on Friday , February 3 or before the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, February 4 to Servant Hall. We would also like some students to help with selling the baked goods after the Masses that weekend. If you can help in anyway, please contact Kathy Warner at the Preschool (713-729-9062) or 713-591-7982 or email kwarner@stmorenews.com Remember all proceeds from the desserts will go to Wheelchairs for Children.
 
Catholic Schools Week begins this Sunday, January 29.  We will open the STM BOOK FAIR on January 29 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Students attending the Book Fair on Sunday in the STM Library must be accompanied by an adult. The Book Fair will also be opened during our evening Open House on Wednesday, February 1st.  Please see the Book Fair Volunteer flyer for help needed during the Book Fair under the Principal's Memo.
 
PTO will have a table set-up during Open House in the Preschool building offering their newest products for sale – look for red or black STM spirit baseball hats and choice of small and large STM insulated cups!  Thank you Mrs. Orsburn for all your help!
 
PTO Used Uniform Sale this Sunday, January 29 in Servant Hall from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  We have noticed that our preschoolers grew over the Christmas holidays.  This would be a great opportunity for you to pick up some gently used uniforms – especially the boys uniform pants for your child.
 
Sunday, January 29, 2017 - BEGINNING OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - Students are encouraged to wear their dress uniform to Mass this weekend.  The Book Fair opens in the Day School Library from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Students must be accompanied by an adult.  Please see the special volunteer flyer with the Principal's weekly memo.
 
Monday, January 30 – Celebrating in our Community with the love of reading -
Preschool through 5 ^th grade will have a special guest visitor, the Skeeters’ Mascot – Swatson, is coming to St. Thomas More Parish School for an assembly promoting their reading program.  This program is meant is to promote extracurricular reading while teaching the students valuable life lessons.  Swatson will give each student a book to take home and read. The title of this special book is, Swatson’s Guide to Being a Champion.  Swatson will talk about how to prepare for something big, like a game or a test! The book can not only act as one of the four books the student needs to read to complete the Skeeters Reading Program, but is also educational and fun.  In the back of each book is a bookmark students will use to log the required 4 books for the Skeeters Reading Challenge.  Each student who completes the required reading of 4 books and gets a parent/guardian or a teacher signature before March 10, 2017 will receive 2 free tickets to a Sugar Land Skeeters game…thank you Mrs. Normann-Petersen for hosting this program.
 
Tuesday, January 31 Celebrating our students - You need a good night sleep to do your best in school and get a great education that will get you into a good college ... so students in PK3 - 3rd grade may wear their PJ'S to school.  Please wear tennis shoes with your pajamas.  Day School students in 4th - 8th grade may wear jeans with college gear. 
 
Wednesday, February 1 Celebrating our Nation - Students who bring $1 to be donated to one of Fr. Hai's favorite charities may wear blue jeans with any red, white or blue shirt.
 
EVENING OPEN HOUSE for CURRENT FAMILIES – Wednesday, February 1 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.  Please bring your student to the Open House – they are eager to share their work with you!  Afterwards, you may walk over to the Library for the Book Fair.



January 19, 2017 NEWS:
Inclement Weather – The Archdiocese has contracted with a company called Immediate Response Information System (IRIS) to deliver emergency information to the area Catholic schools. STM will also use this program to publicize information to our parents. Depending on the importance of the information, you will be contacted by home phone, e-mail or cell phone.  If you did NOT receive a notice Wednesday, January 18, regarding the school closure due to flooding, please let me know ASAP so we may update our records.  Thank you.
 
Friday, January 20 All School Mass - Students must be in dress uniform...we will begin the Preschool Carpool at 7:40 am.
 
ACCREDITATION SITE VISIT begins Monday, January 23 through Thursday, January 26, 2017.  We will have a 7 member accreditation team on our campus. They will be observing classes, drop-off and dismissal procedures, the Early Birds and After School Program, and extracurricular activities. We are asking all our parents to limit doctors/dentist appointments during these days and to do their best to get everyone to school on time. Let's be "Tardy free" for those mornings!  Thank you, in advance, for your help in making STM shine especially bright while our visitors are here.
 
CAMPUS CLEAN-UP DAY - A very heartfelt thanks to all who came out to our Campus Clean-Up Day on January 14th. Over 150 parents, students, and alumni came out to help us make our campus shine both in and out. The whole morning was a great example of the generosity and community that is such an inherent part of St. Thomas More School …thank you!
 
Catholic Schools Week begins on Sunday, January 29.  We will open the STM BOOK FAIR on January 29 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Students attending the Book Fair on Sunday in the STM Library must be accompanied by an adult.  NOTE: the Book Fair will be opened during our evening Open House on Wednesday, February 1st.  Also, during Open House in the Preschool building, the PTO will have a table offering their newest products for sale – look for red or black baseball hats and insulated cups!
 
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DRIVE- Thank you to all who contributed to our large item recycling drive. Your efforts helped us keep 5 large skids of electronics out of landfills.  Special BIG thanks to Mrs. Jocelyn Vincent for organizing this event - thank you, thank you!
 
May God Bless All Our Children and Keep Them Safe.


Friday, January13:
 
Mass day – the preschoolers will begin carpool line at 7:40 am.  Parents, please makes sure your child has eaten a good breakfast before coming to school each day and please take your child to the bathroom before coming to school on Mass days.  If you are ordering lunch from the cafeteria, please let us know as your child is getting out of the car (lunch orders are turned in before we head to Mass).
 
Electronics Recycling Drive ends at 9:00 a.m…thank you Mrs. Vincent for organizing this event and all your hard work.
 
Report Cards distributed – please check your child’s backpacks and return the envelope signed.
 
Saturday, January 14 Campus Clean Up Day - Make your plans to join us this Saturday morning, January 14, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon as we get our campus ready for our accreditation site visit. We need help with gardening, trash pickup on the grounds, and general housecleaning chores in the classrooms. All of the teachers will be here and they will be looking for help cleaning and decorating their classrooms. Please bring your own supplies (buckets, sponges, dust cloths, vacuum cleaners, gardening tools etc.). Make sure that they are clearly labeled with your name…thank you!
 
Monday, January 16 Martin Luther King Holiday - NO SCHOOL
 
Tuesday, January 17 Spirit Day - Students may wear STM Spirit Shirts with uniform bottoms
 
SUPER KIDS - SUPER SHARING DRIVE- Check out the flyer attached to this memo so see how you can partner with the NFL and the Houston Texans to help local children in need.  All donations must be dropped off by Wednesday, January 18. You can earn a special Jeans' Day on Thursday, January 19 for contributing to the Super Kids- Super Sharing drive.
 
PTO USED UNIFORM SALE - Sunday, January 29 in Servant Hall. For additional information,
see the flyer attached to this memo.
 
Steps for Students – Saturday, February 18…more info soon!!!
 
AUCTION GALA 2017 will be upon us soon and the Live and Silent Auction Committees need your help! We are looking for donated items to make this year's gala fundraiser a success. Please consider donating vacation homes, Texans/Rockets/Dynamo tickets or items, restaurant gift cards, religious items, etc. We appreciate any and all donations. Underwriting is another way to support the Gala.  Please contact Kathy Prado in the school office with donations or questions. Thank you in advance!
 
BOX TOPS - A very special thank you to all who continue to cut those Box Tops for Education and send them to the office.  Our most recent rewards check was for $673.00. Thank you to Mrs. Mack for all your work in preparing the Box Tops for submission.
 
DISMISSAL - Please wait for us to wave you into the circle driveway.  We do try to dismiss all walkers before we start the carpool line…thank you.


January 4, 2017
Welcome Back and thank you, thank you to our wonderful families for your generosity at Christmas. We are so blessed to have your joyous children in our school!!!  There is a special tradition of bringing Christ into your home for the new year that we would like to share with our STM families.  Take a piece of chalk and write CMB plus 2017 over your front door – the numerals of the new year along with the initials of the legendary Magi:  Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar…CMB in Latin also stands for “Christ, Bless this Home”.  We bless our homes knowing that God reveals Himself in the daily experiences of our lives.  Some families also bless each room sprinkling them with holy water. The blessing speaks of journeys ended and journeys begun at the doorway, and prays that all journeys be as satisfying as was the Magi’s.  It prays that the house beyond the door have the quality of love and peace that the magi marveled at when they at last arrived in Bethlehem.  The CMB+2017 is a good way to share our faith with others when they ask you “What is that over your door?” explain to them that you have Christ in your home -  Be PROUD to be Catholic!  Friday,  January 6 is the Epiphany, or the 12th day of Christmas which is when the Magi visited Jesus. The Galveston-Houston Archdiocese is celebrating the Epiphany this Sunday, January 8.   

Friday, January 6 is Mass day – the preschoolers will begin carpool line at 7:40 am.  Parents, please makes sure your child has eaten a good breakfast before coming to school each day and please take your child to the bathroom before coming to school on Mass days.  AND, please pack a sweater in your child’s backpack daily – the weather in Houston changes very quickly… and all students need to wear a jacket to school on cold days – Winter is coming to Houston – forecast has it in the high 30’s over the next several days – we do take the children outside unless it is raining!
 
Friday, January 6 is also the K of C Fish Fry – starting at 5 pm until the fish runs out!!!
 
Monday, January 9 – STM ELECTRONICS DRIVE begins at 9 am…thank you Mrs. Vincent! Help us save the environment! Don't forget that you can bring your old ink cartridges, toner cartridges, and cell phones to the office anytime during the school year. See the flyer attached to this memo for acceptable items.
 
January 10 Spirit Day - Students may wear STM Spirit Shirts with uniform bottoms. 
 
January 10 - School and Parish Praise and Worship Service at 6:15 pm in the church.
 
January 14 - Campus Clean Up Day - for additional information see flyer attached to the Principal's weekly memo.
 
January 16 Martin Luther King Holiday - NO school
 
SAVE THE DATE - PTO USED UNIFORM SALE - The PTO will hold a used uniform sale on Sunday, January 29 in Servant Hall…more info soon!
 
Please remember to check your teacher’s website online with important classroom information!  You can also find the Preschool memo and the Principal’s weekly memo online.


St.Thomas More is once again hosting an electronics drive for the community. Below are the items available for safe recycling. The black rolling bins will be delivered Monday, January 9th at 9am and they will be removed Friday, January 13th at 9am from outside of the old gym off of Wigton Drive. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and drop off their items!!! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Jocelyn Vincent
jocelynvincent12@gmail.com

Recyclable Items

 

• Personal Computers
• Laptops / Notebooks
• Computer Monitors
• Servers / Server Racks
• Keyboards
• Mice
• Cords & Cables
• Hubs, Routers, & Switches
• Hard Drives
• Tape Drives
• Memory Chips / RAM
• Circuit Boards
• Projectors
• Modems
• Printers

• Copiers
• Fax Machines
• Plotters
• UPS Batteries
• Power Supplies
• PDA's
• Cable TV Boxes
• Storage Devices
• Telephones & Systems
• Cell Phones
• Toner Cartridges
• DVD/CD/VCR Players
• Radios
• Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals

December 14, 2016
 
The Preschoolers will attend Friday’s All School 8:15 am Mass…they may wear Sunday BEST – no jeans!  Immediately after Mass, the preschoolers will process over to Servant Hall (next to the church) to sing Christmas Carols. We welcome you to join us for our annual Christmas Caroling!  Please wait to take photos after all have entered Servant Hall.  Some of our children are very timid and do NOT like cameras in their faces.  Thank you for your cooperation. The students will leave after the caroling and go back to the Preschool building for their classroom Christmas party until dismissal at 10:45 am with our carpool line.
 
Friday, December 16 will be the Preschoolers last day of school for 2016…it is an EARLY dismissal at 11:00 am for both Preschool and Day School.  If you have a Day School sibling, please come to the Preschool building first – we will start our carpool at 10:45 am and then you may get in line for the back carpool line for Day School students – thank you! On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, classes will resume for the  M-F students and Wednesday, January 4, 2017 will be the first day back for our MWF preschoolers.
 
Please note that when the weather is cool outside we need all our preschoolers to pack a sweater in the backpack – the teachers do take the students outside in cool weather. Houston’s weather is very fickle so it is a good idea to have a sweater in the backpack at all times!!! 

The Preschool and After School Staff
 wish everyone a
Blessed and Joyous Christmas. 
May you have a happy and healthy
New Year 2017!!!

December 6, 2016 – Happy St. Nicholas’ Day
 
Today, St. Nicholas visited the school – please ask your child who Saint Nicholas is and how he is remembered all over the world.
 
Wednesday, December 7 "Photos With Santa" - you may still order the photos, but we need monies and the form by 8 am on Wednesday morning please! Students must be in dress uniform. 
 
Thursday, December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and we will attend 8:15 am Mass…carpool will begin at 7:40 am.  Students must be in dress uniform.
 
Friday, December 9 is the Teacher sponsored Parents Night Out – Kids Night In…all paperwork must be turned in ASAP.  Please note that the children may not be dropped off any earlier than 6 pm…we have an After School Program that ends at 6 pm and those students need to be picked up before we may accept our Kids Night In!
 
Scholastic Reading Club - Pajama Drive - please send any size new pajama by Friday, December 9 ^th 
 
Friday, December 16 is our last day of Preschool for the year – we have an early dismissal, 11 am.  The Preschoolers will attend the 8:15 am Mass.  Immediately after Mass we will walk over to Servant Hall and the preschoolers will sing around the big Christmas tree.  All parents and friends are invited to the Preschool Christmas Caroling and the All School Mass…then the preschoolers will come back to the classroom for a small class party before dismissal at 11 am.
                 JESUS IS COMING!  “SLOW DOWN…Be watchful!  Be alert!

November 30, 2016
 
Our Thanksgiving Prayer Service and Feast was absolutely beautiful.  Thank you for joining us on our special day of Praise and for making this a wonderful tradition with our preschoolers.  We are blessed to be a special part of this wonderful St. Thomas More Community.  We are also blessed with so many amazing grandparents and families who attended the Preschool’s first Grandparents Day at STM.  If you have not seen the photos, please note they are on the HOME page of our STM website…click on Grandparents Day  -  then go to the photo link and put in the password from August...please call me if you need help!
 
Advent began this past Sunday, November 27 and the children are busy preparing for Jesus’ birthday and many Christmas surprises.  Adventus means arrival.  Please remember that Advent looks back to the first coming of Christ, our Savior, in Bethlehem; and it looks to the future when Christ will come again.  Some great Advent websites for you to start your own family traditions during this liturgical season:  www.usccb.org     www.catholiceducation.org    www.catholicicing.com  and  www.catholicmom.com
 
Today, November 30 is STM Spirit Night at Napoli Restaurant - for additional information see the flyer sent home Monday or on the Principal’s memo online.
 
Friday, December 2 is the PTO sponsored Parents Night Out – all paperwork must be turned in ASAP.  Friday is also Mass day for the Preschoolers – please drop off your child by 7:40 am.  Friday is also the K of C Fish Fry in Prinster Hall from 5 pm until the fish run out!!!
 
Saturday, December 3 is breakfast with Santa and the Knights of Columbus from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in Servant Hall.  Please bring your own camera!  This is a free event for all our STM Parishioners.
 
Wednesday, December 7 "Photos With Santa" - order form was sent home on Monday or you may find it online with the Principal’s memo. Students must be in dress uniform.
 
Thursday, December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and we will attend 8:15 am Mass…carpool will begin at 7:40 am.  Students must be in dress uniform.
 
Friday, December 9 from 6-8:30 pm is Parents Night Out – Kids Night In with STM teachers…should be a fun evening!!!  Please see the flyer.
 
We sent home a Scholastic Reading Club - Pajama Drive flyer before Thanksgiving. We have received several pajamas – thank you!  Remember, any size NEW pajamas will be accepted - from newborn to adult – please send by Friday, December 9 ^th.  After the collection in December, the preschoolers will have a pajama party to thank them for their donations…we will announce the day soon when we are wearing pajamas to school J
 
Friday, December 16 is our last day of Preschool for the year – we have an early dismissal, 11 am.  We will return on Tuesday in the New Year, January 3, 2017. 

THANKSGIVING PRAISE AND WORSHIP/FEAST INVITATION:

Please join us on Thursday, November 17, in the Church at 8:30 a.m. for our PRESCHOOL Thanksgiving Prayer Service with the children.  Then, one parent may join us in Servant Hall for our FEAST immediately after the Prayer Service.  NO CARPOOL LINE on Thursday, November 17.  Please, bring your child at 8:15 am directly to the church for our Prayer Service which will begin promptly at 8:30 am.  After the Feast gathering you may take your preschooler home or wait for the regular dismissal.
 
Remember, we are attending 8:15 am Mass for the Grandparents Day event on Friday, November 18, with the preschoolers…this is an early dismissal day for all students at 11:15 am.
 
Please let us know if you will be in attendance so we may plan accordingly:
 
 
__________YES, I will attend Thursday’s (Nov 17) Thanksgiving Praise and Worship/Feast
 
 
__________YES, I will attend Friday’s (Nov 18) Grandparents Day…11:15 am dismissal
 
 
Preschooler’s Name__________________

Thanksgiving Holidays…November 19-27, 2016
Class will resume on Monday, November 28, 2016    


November 9, 2016

Thank You to all who came out and ate the K of C fish dinner on Friday evening to help support the American Wheelchair Mobility Project  – the next Fish Fry is scheduled for Friday, December 2.  Then on December 3rd, K of C is having Breakfast with Santa in Servant Hall from 8:30 am - 10 am...bring your camera!!!
 
Friday, November 11 is our All School Mass - All students must be in dress uniform.
 
Tuesday, November 15 is Spirit Day – wear your Red Spirit or Blue Oktoberfest shirt!
 
BIG THANK YOU to all our families for donating food to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Thomas More Church.  We were able to put together 81 Thanksgiving baskets and had several more dozen bags that were almost complete for distribution next week.  We also thank the Wal-Mart at Hillcroft and Braeswood for all their help!
 
Thursday, November 17, the Preschool classes, all MWF students and the M-F students, will be hosting a Thanksgiving Prayer Service in the church and our Thanksgiving Feast in Servant Hall.  We are limited in space, so we will only be able to accommodate one parent at the actual feast.  HOWEVER, everyone is welcome to join us in the Church at 8:30 a.m. for our Preschool Thanksgiving Prayer Service and Song Festival.  We will begin the morning with NO carpool.  Please take your preschooler to the church at 8:15 am on Thursday, November 17 and join us for our special service…not a Mass celebration.  We plan to begin our program promptly at 8:30 on Thursday morning.  Then, immediately after the service we will walk over to Servant Hall for our Feast.  Please provide your own babysitting for siblings.  November 17 will be a regular Preschool day with the Prayer Service in the morning.  Preschool will be dismissed at our regular hours.  However, you are free to take your preschooler home after the feast.


This year the preschoolers will be participating in the Grandparents' Day celebration at STM.  This special day is Friday, November 18 from 7:45 to 11:15 am.  School is in session a half day only on Friday.  All students will be dismissed at 11:15 am.  Friday will be a special Preschool day with the students arriving for our 7:40 am carpool line and then attending Mass.  After Mass is celebrated, the preschoolers will be first to come up on the altar to sing to the grandparents in the congregation.   Immediately after the preschoolers sing, we will take our preschoolers back to the Preschool classrooms.  The grandparents (if they have no other siblings in the church) are welcome to exit the church and go to Servant Hall and have refreshments). Then the grandparents may walk over to the Preschool building to pick-up their Preschool grandchild and have a photo taken with them in the Preschool building. If you have siblings in the Day School, please stay in the church to hear the older siblings sing and then follow the above schedule with picking up the preschool grandchild and then going to the Day School for the older grandchild.  After you have gathered all the grandchildren, you may have your photo taken in the Day School Library. The preschooler will be dismissed to the grandparent when they arrive to the Preschool building.  Please take a few minutes to read the flyers attached to the Principal’s  memo online to see how to RSVP and how you can help make this day special for the grandparents.  You may also go to the Sign-Up Genius to help on Friday at:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b084ca8a82ba02-grandparents
 
 
LOAVES AND FISHES CHRISTMAS PROJECT - This year the Preschool and After School Care students hope to spread Christmas cheer to the nearly 500 clients of Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen managed by Deacon David Johnson. The students are collecting used Christmas cards, cutting off the backs and attaching a label wishing the clients a blessed Christmas. We’re asking that if you have any cards, please send them with your child to school.  Thank you for helping us share Christmas with someone who might not otherwise receive a Christmas wish.
 
Pajama Drive is back!!! We are partnering with Scholastic Reading Club.  For every new pair of pajamas you donate, Scholastic Reading Club will pair it with a brand-new book!  Any size NEW pajamas will be accepted - from newborn to adult – please send to the Preschool by Friday, December 9 ^th.   The pajamas and books will be given to a child living in a homeless shelter for a reassuring bedtime.  Last year we donated our pajamas to Spaulding for Children whose mission is to provide children in need of a loving home with the joy of having one!  After the collection in December, the preschoolers will have a pajama party to thank them for their donations…we will announce the day soon when we are wearing pajamas to school .

We will celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day with our annual "Pictures with Santa" which is scheduled for December 7th. Please watch for an order form in next week's memo. This is a great way to register early for this year's Steps For Students, as well as have a great picture to share at Christmastime!
 
SCRIP PROGRAM - With the holidays approaching, the SCRIP program is a great way to earn money for STM. SCRIP gift cards are the same gift cards that you can purchase from the retailer. You pay face value but a percentage of the cost of the card comes back to STM. Christmas presents, Christmas shopping, groceries, gas.....all of these things can raise money for STM at no cost to you. Check out the SCRIP order form attached to this memo.  Scrip orders are due this Friday, November 11 at 9 am and pick-up your cards will be next Wednesday, November 16, 2016.
 
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS…NOVEMBER 19 - 27…CLASSES RESUME ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016.



November 2, 2016

Thank you parents, families and friends for joining us at the Halloween Costume Parade and song festival…what an enthusiastic crowd!!!  Our little ones looked amazing in their costumes! Thank you Mrs. Moreno for her expertise carving of our Pumpkin and the special pumpkin prayer. We had so much fun - can’t wait until next year.

On Tuesday, at the All Saints Day Mass, we honored our Pastor, Fr. Hai for serving our Parish School community and he blessed our Saints medals for all the students.  Fr. Hai graciously donated a portion of the collection from the Mass to the school with a promise to help beautify our Prayer Garden – thank you, thank you Fr. Hai.   Then, we had a visit from the 5th graders who shared with our little ones their favorite Saint and handed out a treat bag with a Holy Card, bracelet, pencils and a Bible bookmark to each preschooler!  May we all strive to be more saintly each day so that we reach Heaven together.
 
Once again this November we will be decorating the halls of STM with our annual Veterans’ Wall Memorial. Please begin to gather the names and/or photos of your loved ones who are serving or have served in the armed forces. PLEASE BE SURE TO NOTE IF YOUR HONOREE IS CURRENTLY SERVING!  Photos are welcome, and will be returned to you if they are clearly marked, but please send in the person’s name even if a picture is not available…due this Friday, November 4.
 
AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION FUNDRAISER and KC FISH FRY -This coming Friday, November 4, will be the November Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at St. Thomas More.  STM students will be selling drinks to raise money for the American Wheelchair Project. So far this year $1410 has been raised at Fish Frys and the Sunday Taco Breakfast. Come out and enjoy good food, good company and help purchase wheelchairs. This year’s chairs will be going to childrens' centers around the world. A big thank you to the following students who helped sell drinks, clear tables and assist people to their tables at last month's Fish Fry:  Alex Kinsel, Benito Moreno-Garza, Madison Seymour, Edward Seymour, Grace Quarterman, Kate, Ryan and Julia Gallagher and Mary Cate Orsburn. If you’d like to help and earn service hours email Mrs. Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com
 
The STM Student Council is conducting a food drive to help the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Thomas More Church.  Donations must be received by November 8.  Any donation will earn a Jeans’ Pass for Wednesday, November 9.  We ask the preschoolers to do a good deed at home to earn the canned good for the food pantry…thank you for your help! (note - the Wal-Mart at Hillcroft and Braeswood has prepared and bagged the entire list of items for $14)
 
 
Thursday, November 17, the Preschool classes will be hosting a Thanksgiving Prayer Service in the church and our Thanksgiving Feast in Servant Hall.  We are limited in space, so we will only be able to accommodate one parent at the actual feast.  HOWEVER, everyone is welcome to join us in the Church at 8:30 a.m. for our Preschool Thanksgiving Prayer Service and Song Festival.  We will begin the morning with NO carpool.  Please take your preschooler to the church at 8:15 am and join us for our special service…not a Mass celebration.  We plan to begin our program promptly at 8:30 on Thursday morning.  Then, immediately after the service we will walk over to Servant Hall for our Feast.  Please provide your own babysitting for younger siblings.  November 17 will be a regular Preschool day with the Prayer Service in the morning.  Preschool will be dismissed at our regular hours.  However, you are free to take your preschooler home after the feast.

This year the preschoolers will be participating in the Grandparents' Day celebration at STM.  This special day is Friday, November 18 from 7:45 to 11:15 am.  School is in session a half day.  All students will be dismissed at 11:15 am.  If you would like to help with the preparations please visit this link and sign up - just copy and paste into your browser!!! 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b084ca8a82ba02-grandparents

Friday, November 18, will be a special Preschool day with the students arriving early for our 7:40 am carpool line and then attending Mass.  After Mass is celebrated, the preschoolers will be first to come up on the altar to sing to the grandparents in the congregation…immediately after the preschoolers sing, we will take our preschoolers back to the Preschool classrooms.  The grandparents (if they have no other siblings in the church) are welcome to exit the church and go to Servant Hall and have refreshments). Then the grandparents may walk over to the Preschool building to pick-up their grandchild and take them to the Library for a photo.  The preschooler will be dismissed to the grandparent when they arrive to the Preschool building.
 
LOAVES AND FISHES CHRISTMAS PROJECT - This year the Preschool and After School Care students hope to spread Christmas cheer to the nearly 500 clients of Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen managed by Deacon David Johnson. The students are collecting used Christmas cards, cutting off the backs and attaching a label wishing the clients a blessed Christmas. We’re asking that if you have any cards, please send them with your child to school or place in the box marked Loaves and Fishes in the teachers’ workroom. Thank you for helping us share Christmas with someone who might not otherwise receive a Christmas wish.
 
Saturday, November 5 Daylight Savings Time ends - Turn your clocks back before you go to bed…you fall backwards!!!



October 26, 2016

Thank You to all who came out and had dinner on Monday evening and supported the STM Spirit Night at Tapester's Grill. We will let you know how much was raised soon.
 
This week our oldest/only students will bring home an All Souls Remembrance card that you may send back with prayer intentions.  Please look for this in your child’s backpack.  They are also coming home with the Archdiocesan Title I Economic Eligibility Form – please return this paperwork by Wednesday, November 2 ^nd. 
 
Friday, October 28 is our All School Mass - All students must be in dress uniform.

Tuesday, November 1 is All Saints Day and the preschoolers will attend Mass.
 
HALLOWEEN   Monday, October 31, the Preschoolers will parade in their class-made costumes in the Old Gym at 8:30 am.  You are welcome to join us for this fun event – the children will also sing some Halloween songs!!! Please do NOT send your child to school in a Halloween costume…they will wear the ones made at school.  Afterwards the children will return to their homerooms and have the class party!  This is a regular school day and dismissal will be at 11:15 for half day and 3 pm for full day or the After School Program which ends at 6 pm promptly!
 
Saturday, November 5 Daylight Savings Time ends - Turn your clocks back before you go to bed…you fall backwards!  Remember this is a great time to change smoke detector batteries.
 
STUDENT COUNCIL “THANKSGIVING BASKET” FOOD DRIVE - Once again, the STM Student Council is conducting a food drive to help the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Thomas More Church. Please read the flyer for the list of donated foods…note that the neighborhood Wal-Mart at Hillcroft and Braeswood has prepared and bagged the list of items for $14.  All donations must be received by November 8 to the Preschool. Any donation will earn a Jeans’ Pass for Wednesday, November 9.
 
STM VETERANS’ WALL OF HONOR is back! Early November we will be decorating the halls of STM with our annual Veterans’ Wall Memorial. Please begin to gather the names and/or photos of your loved ones who are serving or have served in the armed forces. If you submitted names and/or pictures last year you do not need to resubmit. If you have a new person you would like us to honor, please complete the flyer and send to your child’s homeroom teacher or by e-mail to smcdonald@stmorenews.com. PLEASE BE SURE TO NOTE IF YOUR HONOREE IS CURRENTLY SERVING! Photos are welcome, and will be returned to you if they are clearly marked, but please send in the person’s name even if a picture is not available.
 
May God Bless All Our Children and Keep Them Safe.


October 19, 2016

Thank you, thank you to all who contributed to the success of this year's Oktoberfest!  We could not do this without all of our weekend volunteers, booth sponsors, raffle ticket sellers, and those who donated to the rummage sale, plant booth, delicious treats to the sweet shop, cake walk and candy booth. Most of all we thank everyone who came out to enjoy the fellowship of this day. Watch this memo in upcoming weeks for a final amount raised!
 
Rafffle ticket winners:
1st place -- $5000 Visa gift card - Mr. Jesus Guajardo Ticket sold by Gabriel Matos
2nd place - $1500 Visa gift card - Ms. Cathey May Ticket sold by the Black Family
3rd place - $1000 Visa gift card - Mr. Robert Berry Ticket sold by the Marquines Family
4th place - $500 Target gift card - Mr. Mauricio Matos Ticket sold by Gabriel Matos
5th place - $300 Target gift card - Mr. Romeo Real Ticket sold by Norma Tamayo
 
Thursday, October 20 Annual Astronomy Night -- see flyer with this memo.
 
Friday, October 21 is the Preschool Teacher/Parent Conferences…NO REGULAR CLASSES or BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE on this day. The teachers are looking forward to sharing your child’s work with you.  There is NO SCHOOL…only Parent/Teacher Conferences…see you on Friday.  Remember, Mrs. Warner will be out of town from October 20 through October 24 and will schedule her 4K Conferences on October 26, 27, and 28 before and after school…if you have not already scheduled a time with Mrs. Warner she will assign you a conference time and the day when she returns next week.
 
Monday, October 24 STM Spirit Night at Tapester's Grill - see the hot pink flyer attached to this memo to see how you can support this easy fundraiser for STM.
 
Tuesday, October 25 – Spirit Day!  Wear this year’s blue Oktoberfest shirt or the Red Tiger Spirit shirt!

HALLOWEEN  Monday, October 31, the Preschoolers will parade in their class-made costumes in the Old Gym at 8:30 am.  You are welcome to join us for this fun event – the children will also sing some Halloween songs!!! Please do NOT send your child to school in a Halloween costume…they will wear the ones made at school.
 
October 12, 2016

Thank you, thank you to all who brought cereal boxes for the Food Pantry – awesome job!!! Also, thank you for all the boxed movie candy for Oktoberfest’s Candy Booth – it will be located in the old gym with Bingo…stop by and purchase back your candy on Sunday!

Thursday, October 13 is Pajama Day with tennis shoes!  Please no night gowns or slippers – you must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves – thank you!

Friday, October 14 is the All School Mass – Preschool students may wear long blue jeans with this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt. If you do not have this year's Oktoberfest shirt you must wear the STM dress uniform.  AND, as our final celebration for Homecoming week, ALL STUDENTS may wear crazy socks and tennis shoes. We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!
 
Help needed –have you signed up to work a shift at Oktoberfest???  We need YOU!!!  The Stuffed Animal Booth (Theresa Mack), the Raffle Ticket Booth (Terri Moreno) and the Sweet Shoppe (Nina Coltharp) are looking for volunteers on OKTOBERFEST Sunday, Oct 16 – please go to the online sign up if you are interested:    http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49aea72ca3fb6-oktoberfest2
We are also looking for baked sweets for the Sweet Shoppe – you may bring those to school on Friday, October 14 when you drop off your preschooler…we appreciate all your help!
 
Preschool Teacher/Parent Conferences are on Friday, October 21.  We sent home the conference schedule but are still waiting for some responses - if you are unable to attend and need to reschedule, please let us know! The teachers are looking forward to sharing your child’s work with you.  There is NO SCHOOL…only Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Please note:  Mrs. Warner will be out of town from October 20 through October 24 and will schedule her 4K Conferences on October 26, 27, and 28 before and after school…please let Mrs. Warner know if you would like a 10 minute spot between 7 am and 7:30 am or after 3 pm…we will schedule them every 15 minutes.  You may email Mrs. Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com and then we will confirm the scheduled time back to you.  Thank you to the families who already scheduled their conference!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 OKTOBERFEST 2016 - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Make your plans to join us for this day of fun filled activities, good food and great fellowship as you support STM School! Monday, October 17 Possible Oktoberfest holiday - will be confirmed as soon as we make our goal in raffle ticket sales.


October 5, 2016

Friday, October 7 is the All School Mass – Preschool students must be in STM dress uniform.  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!

KC Fish Fry, October 7 in Prinster/Cafeteria 5pm-8pm (or when they sell out).

Monday, October 10 – NO SCHOOL…teacher in-service.

Wednesday, October 12 - Individual picture retake day.
 
Do you have raffle tickets to sell and don't know what to do? There are parishioners that want that winning ticket. All you have to do is show up after the Masses Oct. 8 and 9. Bring your tickets, a pen, something to put your tickets and money in and wear this year’s Oktoberfest t shirt or your uniform. We need students at all Masses (5:00 pm Sat., and then 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am Sunday and 1:00, 5:00 and 7:30 pm Sunday). An adult must be with the students . Please contact Mrs.Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com for which Mass you will be coming to sell tickets.
 
Homecoming Week Activities – please see the flyer under the Principal's Weekly Memo.
 
Help needed –have you signed up to work a shift at Oktoberfest???  We need YOU!!!  The Stuffed Animal Booth (Theresa Mack), the Raffle Ticket Booth (Terri Moreno) and the Sweet Shoppe (Nina Coltharp) are looking for volunteers on OKTOBERFEST Sunday, Oct 16 – please go to the online sign up if you are interested:    http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49aea72ca3fb6-oktoberfest2
We are also looking for baked sweets for the Sweet Shoppe – you may bring those to school on Friday, October 14 when you drop off your preschooler…we appreciate all your help!
 
Preschool Teacher/Parent Conferences are on Friday, October 21.  Last week we sent home the conference schedule.  Please return the bottom half of your scheduled conference acknowledgement by Friday, October 7.  The teachers are looking forward to sharing your child’s work with you.  There is NO SCHOOL…only Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 21.  The teachers do want to meet with you.  However, if you are unable to meet on Friday, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange another conference day and time…thank you.
Please note:  Mrs. Warner will be out of town from October 20 through October 24 and will schedule her 4K Conferences on October 26, 27, and 28 before and after school…please let Mrs. Warner know if you would like a 10 minute spot between 7 am and 7:30 am or after 3 pm…we will schedule them every 15 minutes.  You may email Mrs. Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com and then we will confirm the scheduled time back to you.  Thank you to the families who already scheduled their conference!

Mark your calendar for the Preschool Halloween Parade and Song Festival on Monday, October 31 at 8:30 am in the Old Gym...parents are welcome to join us!  The children will make their costume at school in their classrooms.
 
September 28, 2016

Thank you, thank you to everyone who came out and ate the taco breakfast this past Sunday...to date $1213.00 has been raised for the AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION MOBILITY PROJECT from the fish fry and taco breakfast. That means that 8 wheelchairs will be delivered to children in need. The next event will be the KC Fish Fry, October 7 in Prinster/Cafeteria 5pm-8pm (or when they sell out).

Friday, September 30 is the All School Mass – Preschool students must be in STM dress uniform.  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!

Do you have raffle tickets to sell and don't know what to do? There are parishioners that want that winning ticket. All you have to do is show up after the Masses Oct. 1, 2, 8 and 9. Bring your tickets, a pen, something to put your tickets and money in and wear this year’s Oktoberfest t shirt or your uniform. We need students at all Masses (5:00 pm Sat., and then 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am Sunday and 1:00, 5:00 and 7:30 pm Sunday). An adult must be with the students . Please contact Mrs.Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com to let us know which Mass you will be coming to sell tickets.
 
Help needed –have you signed up to work a shift at Oktoberfest???  We need YOU!!!  The Stuffed Animal Booth (Theresa Mack), the Raffle Ticket Booth (Terri Moreno) and the Sweet Shoppe (Nina Coltharp) are looking for volunteers on OKTOBERFEST Sunday, Oct 16 – please go to the online sign up if you are interested:     http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49aea72ca3fb6-oktoberfest2
 
Tuesday, October 4 SPIRIT DAY - Students may wear any red STM spirit shirt or this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt with the uniform bottoms.

ONGOING RECYCLING PROGRAM…Help us save the environment!  Don't forget that you can bring your old ink cartridges and toner cartridges to the Preschool anytime during the school year.  The Houston ZOO is accepting old cell phones at the gorilla exhibit!
 
Preschool Teacher/Parent Conferences are on Friday, October 21.  Your child's schedule came home today - please sign and return the bottom half of your scheduled conference acknowledgement by Friday, October 7.  The teachers are looking forward to sharing your child’s work with you.  There is NO SCHOOL…only Parent/Teacher Conferences on Friday, October 21.  The teachers do want to meet with you.  However, if you are unable to meet on Friday, or need a different time, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange another conference day and time…thank you.

Please note:  Mrs. Warner will be out of town from October 20 through October 24 and will schedule her 4K Conferences on October 26, 27, and 28 before and after school…please let Mrs. Warner know if you would like a 10 minute spot between 7 am and 7:30 am or if you prefer after 3 pm…we will schedule them every 15 minutes.  You may email        Mrs. Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com and then we will confirm the scheduled time back to you, thank you!


September 21, 2016

Today is the last day of summer and the heat is still in Houston…we are praying that our Fall season will bring a cool front soon with lower temperatures!  The Fall season also brings many fun Houston festivals – please plan on joining us for the BEST school festival on Sunday, October 16 from 10 am to 6 pm - St. Thomas More’s Oktoberfest!  You may check the Principal’s memo online for announcements and other events associated with Oktoberfest and the many ways that you can support this important fundraiser.

Do you have raffle tickets to sell and don't know what to do? There are parishioners that want that winning ticket. All you have to do is show up after the Masses Oct. 1, 2, 8 and 9. Bring your tickets, a pen, something to put your tickets and money in and wear this year’s Oktoberfest t shirt or your uniform. We need students at all Masses (5:00 pm Sat., and then 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am Sunday and 1:00, 5:00 and 7:30 pm Sunday). An adult must be with the students. Please contact Mrs.Warner at kwarner@stmorenews.com to let us know which Mass you will be coming to sell tickets.
 
Friday, September 23 is the All School Mass – Preschool students must be in STM dress uniform.  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!

AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION MOBILITY PROJECT - STM School and the STM Knights of Columbus are partnering to raise money for the American Wheelchair Mission Mobility Project. This year’s wheelchairs will be going to facilities that aid children. On Sunday, September 25, 2016 the Knights will host a Taco Breakfast after the 7:30 and 9 am Masses. Come and join us in Servant Hall – right next to the church for some great food and fellowship and to raise money for a wonderful cause.

Tuesday, September 27 SPIRIT DAY - Students may wear any red STM spirit shirt or this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt with the uniform bottoms.

Carpool line in the morning and the afternoon – please wait for us to WAVE you into our circle driveway – we need teachers up front to help with our traffic flow.  In the afternoons we also have an After School Teacher who needs to load her car up daily for transporting snacks to the cafeteria…thank you for your cooperation.   



September 14, 2016

Wednesday, September 14 at 7:30 pm in the church – there will be a Memorial Mass for   Mr. Benito Moreno Garza, Mrs. Socorro Moreno-Garza’s husband.  He died on August 20, 2016.  Mr. Moreno Garza will always have a special place in our hearts here at St. Thomas More.  Please keep the family in your prayers.

Friday, September 16 is the All School Mass – Preschool students must be in STM dress uniform.  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!

Tuesday, September 20 SPIRIT DAY - Students may wear any red STM spirit shirt or this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt with the uniform bottoms.

September 20 at 6:15 pm is also the School and Parish / Praise and Worship Service in the church after 5:30 pm Mass…meditation and confessions too.

AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION MOBILITY PROJECT - STM School and the STM Knights of Columbus are partnering to raise money for the American Wheelchair Mission Mobility Project. This year’s wheelchairs will be going to facilities that aid children. On Sunday, September 25, 2016 the Knights will host a breakfast after both the 7:30 & 9:00 AM Masses - come and join us in Servant Hall for some great food and to raise money for a wonderful cause.
 
Wednesday, Sept. 28 FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT LECTURE SERIES -- "How to Dial Down the Drama: Help for Moms of Teens and Tweens"
 
A NOTE FROM THE CLINIC - The Clinic is transitioning all our students health records to a computerized database this year. Once it is completed this will make health information more accessible and secure. While inputting the health data we have come across some gaps and are asking your assistance in updating our records. If your child is missing vaccine records they will be bringing home a letter today, Wednesday, September 14^th. This letter will describe the specific information that is needed to complete your child's health file. Our goal is to complete this project by September 30th, in accordance with requirements prescribed by the State of Texas Department of Health. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact the school nurse, Mary Gleason, 713-729-3434.


September 7, 2016

The IRIS phone alert system was sent to all our STM families on Tuesday evening, September 6th. This system is used for general phone announcements, as well as, weather alerts/school closings etc. The message went to home phone, mom cell and dad cell. If you did not receive them last night, please email Pat Flippen at pflippen@stmorenews.com with the phone number you would like us to use.

OKTOBERFEST 2016 RAFFLE TICKETS WERE SENT HOME THIS WEEK WITH THE OLDEST CHILD IN THE FAMILY. Be sure to check the calendar included in your brown envelope packet for prize deadlines.  We appreciate your help in selling raffle tickets for this important school fundraiser!  Mark your calendar to join us at this wonderful event on Sunday, October 16 from 10 am to 6 pm…Oktoberfest 2016 (please note the new times).

Friday, September 9 is the All School Mass – Preschool students must be in STM dress uniform.  GIRLS:  the STM navy jumper with shorts underneath the jumper; BOYS: the STM green polo with long navy pants – please NO BELTS – the boys are having difficulty undressing when they need to use the restroom!  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!

Friday, September 9 from 5 pm – 8 pm…K OF C FISH FRY – plan on attending this great social with yummy food in Prinster Hall/Cafeteria!!!

Tuesday, September 13 SPIRIT DAY - Students may wear any red STM spirit shirt or this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt with the uniform bottoms.

AMERICAN WHEELCHAIR MISSION MOBILITY PROJECT - STM School and the STM Knights of Columbus are partnering to raise money for the American Wheelchair Mission Mobility Project. This year’s wheelchairs will be going to facilities that aid children. On Friday September 9, 2016 the Knights will host the first Fish Fry of the school year. Come and join us in Prinster Hall/Cafeteria for some great food and to raise money for a wonderful cause. Students will also be selling sodas/sweets and collecting donations for the wheelchairs.

The 2016-2017 Student Directory is available on the webpage under the Parent Information Tab. Please use the password that was provided to you to access the directory.

Our school email system has been down since last Friday – please call us at 713-729-9062 if we are not answering our emails in a timely matter!  We do care!



August 31, 2016
 
Friday, September 2, is the All School Mass - Students must be in STM dress uniform…. GIRLS:  the STM navy jumper with shorts underneath the jumper;  BOYS: the STM green polo with long navy pants – please NO BELTS – the boys are having difficulty undressing when they need to use the restroom!  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school…thank you!
 
Sunday, September 4, Pope Francis will declare Blessed Teresa of Kolkata a saint at the Vatican… the conclusion of the Year of Mercy jubilee for those engaged in works of mercy.    http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2016/mother-teresa-to-be-canonized-sept-4-pope-sets-other-sainthood-dates.cfm
 
Monday, September 5, Labor Day– NO SCHOOL…ENJOY and BE SAFE!
 
Tuesday, September 6, is SPIRIT DAY - Students may wear any approved STM red Spirit shirt or this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt with uniform bottoms.  The Red Spirit shirt is $10 for the preschoolers.  The blue Oktoberfest shirt is also $10 for the preschoolers.  If you would like to purchase one of these shirts, please send the money in an envelope indicating size and which shirt you would like to purchase…we will send the shirt home in your child’s backpack.  The smallest size offered is a Youth XS 2-4, then Youth S 6-8, M 10-12 or L 14-16.  Sometimes we will have a special RED OUT DAY showing support for the Sports teams at STM…and the students may wear their red spirit shirt – we will try and get you the information ahead of time.  This afternoon is our first football game on the big field at 5 pm – please make your plans to come out and watch the game and wear RED! All students must be accompanied by an adult.
 
OKTOBERFEST 2016 Mark your calendars for this year's Oktoberfest to be held on Sunday, October 16th.  Can you help this year's Oktoberfest be the most profitable ever? Check out the booth sponsorship form attached to the memo.
 
11:15 am and 3 pm DISMISSALS - Any preschooler not picked up by the time the carpool line is over will be charged a late fee of $10 for the first five minutes late and then $1 a minute additional for each minute late after the 5 minutes.  We appreciate you being prompt for both drop-off and pick-up!


August 24, 2016
 
We ask that you please keep Mrs. Moreno-Garza and her family in your prayers.                 Mr. Benito Moreno-Garza, Sr. died suddenly on Saturday, August 20, of a heart attack. Our hearts go out to his son Benito, 8 ^th grade student at St. Thomas More and his wife Mrs. Moreno-Garza as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband and father.  Mr. Moreno-Garza was truly a " family of families” and lived his life as Jesus did – sharing his love and devotion to God with others and helping those in need with an open heart and home.  Mrs. Moreno-Garza will be out of the classroom for a few days.  We know Mr. Benito Moreno-Garza will be greatly missed not only by his family, but also by our STM staff, family and friends.
 
Friday, August 26 is the All School Mass - Students must be in dress uniform.  We will begin our carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  Please make sure your child has eaten breakfast and gone to the bathroom before arriving to school.
 
Tuesday, August 30 is SPIRIT DAY - Students may wear any approved STM Spirit shirt or this year's blue Oktoberfest shirt with uniform bottoms.  The Red Spirit shirt is $10 for the preschoolers.  The blue Oktoberfest shirt is also $10 for the preschoolers.  If you would like to purchase one of these shirts, please send the money in an envelope indicating size and which shirt you would like to purchase…we will send the shirt home in your child’s backpack. The smallest size offered is a Youth XS 2-4, then Youth S 6-8, M 10-12 or L 14-16.
 
OKTOBERFEST 2016 Mark your calendars for this year's Oktoberfest to be held on Sunday, October 16th.  More info soon!
 
STM YARD SIGNS have arrived. Be one of the first STM families to proudly display your STM Spirit!!!  Place one of the new STM Yard Signs in front of your home.  They are available in the STM School Office for $5.00.
 
Please check your child’s backpack daily and empty out all the important papers and school work!  Other classroom news may be found on the teacher’s webpage online at www.stthomasmore-schol.org under the tab: Parent Information – then STAFF – please click on your teacher’s name highlighted in red to see the teacher page!  You may also read our memos online under Weekly Memos!
 
September 5, Labor Day Monday – NO SCHOOL…ENJOY and BE SAFE!


August 17, 2016
Week 2 and we have a happy building…the children are coming into the classrooms with BIG smiles on their faces and eager to learn!!!  Thank you for being prompt at drop off and pick-ups! 

Just a few reminders about Carpool Safety:  First, we really would like everyone to use our carpool line in the morning…the exception are the neighbor children who walk to school and use our crosswalk.  Please never walk in between the cars or in front of cars that are using our carpool line…sometimes parents are still waving goodbye to their child and cars are moving…you and your child may not be seen by the driver.  If you must walk your child up – please use the crosswalk and walk over by the Old Gym/Rehkopf Building.  Then, one of the Preschool teachers will meet you to help walk your child to the front of our building.  As always, the safety of our students comes first.  Please do NOT let your child get out and walk between our cars.  We will open the car door for your child and unbuckle them so they may arrive safely to school.  If you need to give us a message, it is best to have it written down or call us after 8:30 in the morning…it is hard to remember messages that are given verbally to us while we are working the carpool line…however, we will write down lunch orders in the carpool line!  Also, we will not begin the pick-up Carpool Line at 11:15 am and 3:00 pm until all our walk-ups have been dismissed.  Please wait for us to wave you into the driveway and have your orange carpool cards clearly displayed on your front windshield or hanging from your rearview mirror.  Some cars have a dash that leans back toward the driver and therefore the orange cards cannot be seen by the teachers…thank you for your patience and understanding.

Thursday, August 18 is our Parent's Back-to-School Night… please join us from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. We will meet first in Servant Hall (the hall is right next to the Church). The evening will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a welcome from our Pastor and Principal…then at 6:20 the Preschool parents will report to their child's homeroom in the Preschool building. This is a great way to meet your child's teachers and to see what will be going on in their classes during this school year.  NOTE:  4K teacher, Mrs. Mack will be unavailable on Thursday evening.  Parents of Mrs. Mack’s students are welcome to join us and visit the classroom - and if you have any questions, we have 4K Mrs. El-Ahl and 4K Mrs. Warner that will be able to assist you.  Mrs. Prado will also have the new blue Oktoberfest t-shirts ($10 each) available for purchase – the blue Oktoberfest shirts or the red spirit shirt may be worn on our Spirit Tuesdays with the uniform bottoms!

Friday, August 19 Registration deadline for STM Parish Soccer.  You do not have to be a member of STM school to participate in this program. This program is open to boys and girls from 4 years old - 10 years old. Registration green flyer attached to the Principal memo.

Wednesday, August 24^th is picture day!  This year we will take Individual and Homeroom Group pictures on the same day. Two separate order forms were sent home with your child today.  Both packets must be completed if you are ordering a homeroom group and an individual picture. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE IN DRESS UNIFORM FOR PICTURES.  All Checks are payable to: Inter-State Studio, Inc. You may also place your order online. 
 
DRINK POUCH RECYCLING - Reid and Halley Abdulahah, a 4K student and first grader would like your help!  Halley started a drink pouch recycling brigade at STM last year and will continue her efforts this year to collect, recycle, and raise money for STM. We are collecting in the Preschool building and the Day School is collecting in the cafeteria.  For additional information see the flyer attached to the Principal memo. Pouches mean money for STM so we invite you to help us in our efforts to help both STM and the environment!

RECYCLING OF TONER/INK CARTRIDGES - Once again this year we will be collecting used toner/ink cartridges in the school office. This will be recycled through The Funding Factory. Last spring we raised $106 from this simple recycling effort. Thank you to Mrs. Jocelyn Vincent (3K student Savannah and Kindergartener Dakotah) for organizing this fundraiser.

VIRTUS TRAINING - National Protecting God’s Children Child Abuse Prevention Program, is required of any volunteer who will spend time supervising the children of St. Thomas More School. This includes, but is not limited to, room parents, recess duty workers, clinic volunteers, and chaperones. You may register for the program at www.virtus.org. Classes are offered at various times and locations throughout the archdiocese. Please note: IMPORTANT VIRTUS NEWS ....A one and a half hour refresher course called Keeping the Promise Alive is now required of anyone who took VIRTUS prior to December 31, 2010. To register for Keeping the Promise Alive go to www.virtus.org - be very careful when registering that you are not registering for Protecting God’s Children.
 
FORMS - If you have not already done so, please sign and return the following forms to the school office by Friday, August 19: Formative Discipline and Policy Handbook Release Form, Technology Agreement, Photographic Release, Clinic Emergency Card and Student Health History Form.  These forms were sent out again to our preschoolers on Tuesday, August 16 to the families that we show are missing forms.  We do need to have a Preschool copy in our building – even if you have a Day School student, all Preschool forms need to be returned to the Preschool Office.  Parents, please note that the Print Media form that you returned had several choices…granting your child’s photo to be taken and also published either in the yearbook or on the school website, no photos for public view, nothing on the internet, and no financial remuneration.  We are sending home forms that had everything checked off or not filled out - thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

EDLINE - Every student and parent has an Edline account. Activation codes were sent home with new students/parents. Be sure to activate your account so that you can receive valuable information including grades and class calendars. If you activated an account last year, you do not have to set up a new account.  Edline should be available by next Monday, August 22.  Please note that our preschoolers do NOT have daily grades and we only use this program for our Preschool Report Cards – first report card will be distributed in October.


August 12, 2016
 
Welcome to a beautiful and blessed Preschool year where learning is fun!
Your child has been busy, busy, busy exploring the classrooms, learning new routines, discovering school work, and meeting new friends.  We feel blessed to share this important first year of school with your child.  The students will come to school, not only to learn, but to have FUN in the classroom with daily adventures.  We have lots of smiling faces in the building – especially after Mass when all the students (and teachers) had a special popsicle treat!!!  Please feel free to call me any time to check on your child.
 
Mass day went well today – Fr. Hai was so excited to see our little ones back in school.  We will attend Mass on Monday, August 15, Holy Day – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  We begin the carpool line at 7:40 am on Mass days.  We will not have Mass on Friday, August 19.
 
EVENING OPEN HOUSE – August 18, Thursday from 6 – 7:30 pm.  Parents please go to Servant Hall at 6 pm for a short welcome from our Pastor, Fr. Hai and our Principal,           Ms. Thome.  Then the parents will go to their student’s homeroom.  We ask, if possible to please find a sitter for your children.  Thank you. 
 
Please label everything you send to school – not every child recognizes their own clothing items, lunch containers, backpacks etc.  We do need extra clothing in all student backpacks...we understand accidents happen.  REMEMBER, the only prerequisite for our Preschool Program is that your child must be potty trained and be happy to be in school! 
 
Lunches need to be healthy items – no candy or soft drinks please.  Hotdogs, grapes, apples, and any large pieces of food need to be cut in bite size pieces please.   We are unable to microwave student lunches.  Thank you for your help.  If your child needs to order a lunch from the cafeteria – please tell us each morning and don’t forget to set-up your debit cafeteria account.
 
Carpool Safety:  Please be patient with drop-off and dismissal procedures as we begin this new school year.  As always, the safety of our students comes first.  You must place your CARPOOL SIGN in the car or have it in your hand if you are walking.  We will not release your child without the sign – even if you are picking up for a doctor’s appointment in the middle of the school day.  Please send us a note if you need one for grandparents or other family members who may be picking up your child.  We want every child to be safe in our school.  The signs will help all our teachers to recognize you as a parent with a child in our program.  Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Forms:   Please turn in all paperwork and forms – especially the Photo Permission.  We need to have your permission for photos to be allowed on our website and on our teacher pages…thank you for your cooperation in this matter.  If you need to add any additional emergency contact names and phone numbers, please send a list to school with your child and we will add them to your card.
 
Late Fees:  all students who are not picked up by 11:30 am for the half day program or 3:15 pm Monday through Friday for the full day program will be charged a Late Fee of $10 for the first five minutes late.  Additional minutes are $1 per minute.  We are using some of the classrooms in the Preschool building for the After School Program.  If you are in the After School Program your child must be picked up by 6 pm. Late Fees begin at 6:01 pm. Thank you for your assistance in a speedy pick-up!!!
 
Tuition Online Payments:  If you would prefer to pay your tuition online…please go to our website:  www.stthomasmore-school.org   then under the Parent Info Tab – go to Online Payments and when you enter your credit card information please remember to enter your child’s name under the COMPANY NAME space. 
 
Virtus Training:  Virtus, the National Protecting God’s Children Child Abuse Prevention Program, is required of any volunteer who will spend time supervising the children of St. Thomas More Preschool and Day School.  You may register for the program at www.virtus.org.  Classes are offered at various times and locations throughout the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese.  Please note: IMPORTANT VIRTUS NEWS ....A one and a half hour refresher course called Keeping the Promise Alive is now required of anyone who took VIRTUS prior to December 31, 2009. To register for Keeping the Promise Alive go to www.virtus.org - be very careful when registering that you are not registering for Protecting God’s Children.
 
We are sending home the Edline account information to all new families. 
 
May God Bless All Our Children and Keep Them Safe.


August 5, 2016

Dear Parents,

The STM Preschool is very excited to welcome all our preschoolers at our Meet and Greet on Monday, August 8.  Please come at your scheduled time to the Preschool building and we will help direct you to your child's homeroom.  Your child needs to attend the conference to meet his/her teachers!!!  If you have registered for the full day program, please bring your sleeping bag (labeled with your child's name) to the meeting. 

How blessed we are to share this important year with your child!  Enjoy your weekend - we look forward to seeing you on Monday.  Remember, first day of school for all our 5 day students is on Tuesday, August 9 and for our MWF students on Wednesday, August 10.

May God Bless All Our Children and Keep Them Safe,  Nina R. Coltharp




June 28, 2016
 
Dear Parents,
 
Please note the following letter was mailed the last week of June:

The Teacher’s Meet and Greet appointments for Oldest/Only Preschoolers were included in this mail-out.  Day School siblings' appointments were mailed on July 6.  Meet and Greet is on Monday, August 8.  The Preschool Calendar, the uniform requirements, and a missing forms letter if applicable and Homework info was also included in the mail-out. 
 
Preschool Hours:  7:45 am to 11:15 am if your child is enrolled in the Half Day program…or 7:45 am to 3:00 pm if your child is enrolled in the Full Day program.  We will begin our Morning Carpool Line at 7:45 am each school day.  All students must be in school by 8 am.  On Fridays, the preschoolers will attend the All School Mass.  Please drop off the older siblings first in the Day School Carpool Line and then drive over to the Preschool for the 7:45 Carpool Line.   The Academic day will begin at 8 am each school day. PLEASE NOTE:  FRIDAY AFTERNOON DISMISSAL FOR THE FULL DAY PROGRAM IS NOW 3 PM.
 
HOMEWORK:  all entering preschoolers have a summer reading list – please see the enclosed list for your child.  All current students received the reading list in a red folder during the last week of school.  The homework is also available on the school website www.stthomasmore-school.org - on the Home Page please click on the Summer Tool Box.  Please bring the Book Report to your child’s teacher at the MEET and GREET on August 8, 2016. 
 
All Preschool tuition is payable over 10 (ten) months, beginning August 2016 and the Early Birds/After School Day tuition will be payable over 9 (nine) months, beginning September 2016.  Your RED payment envelopes will be used for Preschool Tuition and the GREEN payment envelopes will be used for After School.  These envelopes may be sent through the mail or dropped off in the school office.  The tuition payment is due on the first of the month and a late fee of $20.00 is charged if the payment is not received by the 10 ^th of the month.  OR, you may charge your tuition each month with online payments.  First go to our website at www.stthomasmore-school.org then click on the Parent Info tab and then the Online Payments tab.  Please put the Student Name inside the “Company Field” – especially if the person making the payment has a different last name from the student’s name.  There is no additional charge for this option.  If you have any questions concerning tuition, please call me at 713-729-9062. 
 
At the Meet and Greet you will have a quick meeting with the classroom teachers and turn in your child’s book report.  We will also give parents “homework” - important papers to fill out and bring back for the first day of school, Tuesday, August 9 for our M-F students and Wednesday, August 10 for our MWF students.  The Morning Carpool line will begin on Wednesday, August 10.
 
PLEASE RETUN all missing forms and monies by July 15, 2016.  YOU MAY MAIL THE FORMS AND MONEY (payable to St. Thomas More): ST. THOMAS MORE PRESCHOOL, ATTENTION: NINA COLTHARP, at 5927 WIGTON, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77096.  Thank you.
 
May God Bless All Our Children and Keep Them Safe.