STM Newsletter for August 11, 2017
Dear Parents, Greetings and welcome from St. Thomas More School! In just a short time, Wednesday, August 16, we will be back in school. Time does pass too quickly!
Here at school, we have been busy preparing for the new school year, ordering textbooks and supplies, cleaning the school building inside and out, and making some limited repairs. All this in an effort to maintain our level of academic excellence and to keep the facilities in good shape.
SCHOOL HOURS: Our first day of school, Wednesday, August 16, will begin at 8:10, with dismissal at 12:15/12:30pm. There is no after school care that day. Complete school uniforms are to be worn and all students will need their backpacks. The Parents' Club and the Grandparents' Brigade will host a "Welcome Back" reception in Carroll Hall from 8:00 am until dismissal. There will be limited parking in the schoolyard for those who arrive before 7:45 am. Please remember to not park on the street between 9-11am as there is street cleaning on this day and we'd hate for you to receive a ticket! This is such a pleasant way to meet other school parents while students are being oriented to the new school year. All families new to the school are required to attend an orientation beginning at 11:30am in the gym.
After Wednesday's early dismissal we will follow our regular school hours and dismissal times according to the schedule provided. Both morning and afternoon extended care programs will begin on Thursday, August 17.
Regular school hours and dismissal times: | | Monday-Thursday | Friday | Minimum Days | | Grades K-3 | 8:10-2:45 | 8:10-2:15 | 8:10-12:15 | | Grades 4-8 | 8:10-3:00 | 8:10-2:30 | 8:10-12:30 | UNIFORM SALES AT STM: The Parents' Club will sell used uniforms on first day of school and also at Back-to-School Night on August 22. Please follow closely the uniform regulations and pay special attention to the shoe requirements. Students wearing incorrect footwear will be required to replace them. If you are unsure of the suitability of a particular shoe, please check with the school office.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: The K-8 school supply lists are all online. Planners for grades 2-5 will be delivered directly to your child's classroom within the first week of school and will billed through FACTS ($10 each).
MORNING EXTENDED CARE BEGINS 8/17: The before school extended care program is NOT a drop-in program. The program is held in the 3rd grade classroom each morning from 7:00 to 7:45. Students may arrive for the program at any time during that period. The cost of this program is $350 per child, per year, payable in 4 installments. Billing will be through FACTS. Further information and an enrollment form will be sent home to you on the first day of school.
AFTER-SCHOOL EXTENDED CARE BEGINS 8/17: Advance sign up is not necessary for the after-school extended care program. It is a good idea for parents of lower grade students to notify their children's teachers, in writing, when they are planning to use the extended care program. The hourly charge is $5 per hour (per child) or fraction thereof. Extended care runs from dismissal each day until 6:00 p.m. Billing will be through FACTS. Further information and a pick-up authorization sheet will be sent home to you on the first day of school.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: We are partnering with Choicelunch again this year to provide nutritious, delicious meals for all our students. This program will begin on Thursday, August 17, and must be pre-ordered online by 9am the previous day. How to Register: Visit www.choicelunch.com to create a new account and register your child(ren) (name, grade & allergy info). Please feel free to contact Choicelunch customer service with any question at 1-855-465-8624. Additionally, beginning in September, an 8oz all-fruit Jamba Juice smoothie will be available for purchase as an optional add-on to lunch orders (which include snack, drink and fruit) on Wednesdays for $2.85. One flavor will be offered each day, with the flavor rotation including Strawberry Whirl, Mega Mango, Peach Perfection, and Five Fruit Frenzy. Yum!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
While you will receive a full calendar of September events in your first Wednesday Envelope, we ask you to please mark your calendar for some upcoming events. -
Tuesday, August 22, is our Back-to-School Night beginning at 6:30pm in the gym. This is a mandatory meeting for all families. At least one parent from each family is required to attend. As per the 2017-2018 Parent Participation Requirements, families without a representative in attendance will be assessed a $25 fee for a missed meeting. -
Monday, August 28, is a minimum day - 12:15pm/12:30pm dismissal.
The new school year always brings with it a mixed bag of emotions. Disappointment at the end of summer vacation and excitement and anxiety over what the new school year will bring. We look forward to partnering with you and your child as they begin or continue their journey here at St. Thomas More School!
If you have any questions or concerns between now and the start of school do email us at office@stmsf.org.
Sincerely,
Marie Fitzpatrick
Principal | 
