In this issue (click to jump to a section):
Go to stmbr.org/tailgate to register by September 17! Tickets will not be sold after this date or at the event. On Saturday, October 1 from 2-4 p.m., STM is hosting its first annual Mother & Son Tailgate event for boys in grades K-8 and their mom, grandmother, godmother, aunt or other important female role model. We'll have hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, chips, bottled water, Capri Sun and an ice cream truck! Come enjoy an afternoon of tailgate and inflatable games and obstacle course!
We need volunteers to work shifts during the event as well as donations of items to borrow and nut-safe, individually-packaged sweets. Please click here to sign up to help to make this first event for our school a successful annual tradition!
Although these are messages we focus on all year long at STM, during Red Ribbon Week, we bring healthy living and being kind to all to the forefront of our minds.
Monday, September 26: STM is Drug and Bully-Free (STM navy spirit shirt with uniform bottoms)
Tuesday, September 27: Photoshop Drugs and Bullying Out of the Picture - We'll have big Red Ribbon Week frames for pics! (regular uniform)
Wednesday, September 28: Turn Your Back on Drugs and Bullying (Wear any STM shirt backward.)
Thursday, September 29: Mass Day (mass uniform)
Friday, September 30: Red Out on Friday (red accessory day)
Parents, you should have received a SignUpGenius link to reserve a time for your in-person conference with your child's teacher. If you have not received the link, please call the school office at 225-275-2820. There is no school for students in grades 1-4 on September 23.
What is Mission Day?
St. Thomas More’s annual Mission Day is one of the special long-standing traditions of our parish school. This one-day fall festival for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade generates funds for a Catholic mission in need of support. The money raised at Mission Day is donated to an organization chosen by the 8th grade students. Games and activities are set up throughout campus, and the students participate while enjoying a fun day with their friends. A great way to have your child more involved in the purpose of Mission Day is to encourage them to find ways to earn/raise money for Mission Day, such as doing special chores around the house or helping out a neighbor in need.
Mission Day Volunteer Opportunities and Amazon Wishlist
Please be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities coming soon. Remember, to volunteer on campus, you must complete Child Protection Certification. Click here to view the Child Protection requirements. If you'd like to help from home, we have an Amazon Wishlist with items that help make Mission Day a success. Click here to view and purchase items on the Mission Day Wishlist. There is an option to have it sent to Mary Katherine Jackson at the school, or send it to the office through your student. Please have any Wishlist purchases made by October 3 so we can begin preparations for Mission Day!
Thank you to our families for switching locations for 2nd through 8th grade pick up. Things are running smoothly. Our one request is that you do not enter the carpool line. Please wait until 3:15 p.m. to enter the parking area and head to the office. This will help carpool to end by 3:15 pm. Thank you!
When volunteering at or attending an STM event, please do not take photos of children other than your own to post to social media accounts. We have some children that cannot be photographed, and we have to manage this carefully. Thank you for working with us to ensure the safety of all.
Beginning October 17, parents and guardians once again may join their children for lunch. Due to space and Child Protection requirements, please adhere to the following guidelines:
A sheet was sent home this week with instructions and a unique password to view and order your child's school portraits online. If you have any questions, please contact Kleinpeter Photography at 225-928-7596.
Families will once again be asked to complete and submit meal applications to see if their children qualify for free or reduced priced meals. Approval is based on household’s income. Families that believe their income is under the limit should fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals before October 1, 2022.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY for free or reduced-price meals before October 1, 2022.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
Frequently asked questions about free and reduced-price meals
There will be no bus service on the following dates:
October 10 and 11
November 8
December 19 and 20
May 23, 24 and 25
Preschool boys may wear pants with elastic waistband; no belt is required. K-8 boys must wear a black, navy, or brown belt. Magnetic belts are permitted.
The Reconciliation Preparation Parent Meeting is Wednesday, September 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the STM Activity Center. Please note: Preparing for these sacraments requires 1st grade religious education either in a Catholic school or Parish School of Religion.
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS: State law requires that students entering 6th grade receive booster shots after turning 11. These vaccines include Tdap and Meningococcal. Please make an appointment with your health care provider after your child’s 11th birthday. Please send updated shot records to the nurse, and confirm that I have received them. Shot records can be faxed, emailed, or sent in an envelope to school. Our fax number is 225-275-0376; my email address is rochelle@stmbr.org. Shot records for entering 6th graders are due by AUGUST 1, 2023. If your child will not be 11-years-old before starting 6th grade, please email me and make an appointment for shots the week following his/her birthday.
Nurse subs: Are you an RN, PA, or NP? Do you have days off during the week that you would be willing to sub for Nurse Rochelle? In the event of an emergency, there are very few subs she can call. If you are interested in subbing occasionally, please email rochelle@stmbr.org and she can set up a time for you to come shadow her and answer any questions.
Do you own a business? STM is developing a section of our website to promote businesses owned by STM families. If you would like your business listed, please click here to send us your information. You must have a child enrolled at STM and own the business to be included on the website.
Field trips have begun and Mission Day is coming up! To volunteer at these and other STM events, you must be Child Protection Certified. Go to stmbr.org/volunteer22 for certification requirements.
For the STM Athletics full calendar of events, go to stmbr.org/school/athletics.
BOYS BASKETBALL
CROSS COUNTRY MEETS
FOOTBALL
GIRLS BASKETBALL
INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL
SWIMMING
We have a limited number of extra 2021-2022 yearbooks for sale for $50 each. Checks and cash are accepted at the STM School Office.
This evening of fun and faith for students in grades 6 through 8 gives students a prayerful and safe place to be with friends as well as provide an opportunity to hear different speakers and engage in adoration and reconciliation. Click here to register.
There will be no 5 p.m. Mass on October 30.
SEPTEMBER 18: STM Church Blood Drive - 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at STM Church.
SEPTEMBER 19-21 and OCTOBER 5: Vision and Hearing Screenings (Grades K-8)
SEPTEMBER 21: First Reconciliation Parent Meeting - 6:30 p.m. in the STM Activity Center
SEPTEMBER 23: Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 1-4). There is no school for students in grades 1-4 on September 23.
SEPTEMBER 26: Monday Night Football - 5:30 p.m. at STM Field
SEPTEMBER 26: Class of 2022 Yearbook Signing Party - 6:30 to 7 p.m. in the STM Library
SEPTEMBER 26-30: Red Ribbon Week
OCTOBER 1: Mother & Son Tailgate (Grades K-8) - 2-4 p.m. at STM Field
OCTOBER 8 and 9: Drive-thru vaccination clinic - Saturday, October 8, 3-7 p.m., and Sunday, October 9, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
OCTOBER 10 and 11: No EBR bus service
OCTOBER 20: Mission Day
OCTOBER 28: STM Church Trunk-or-Treat
OCTOBER 30: St. Thomas More Catholic Church Mass of Dedication - 2:30 p.m. with reception in the STM Gym to follow. There will be no 5 p.m. Mass on this day.