STM Newsletter for November 28, 2012

Dear Parents:

One of the most important seasons in our church calendar, the Season of Advent, begins this Sunday. This season is a time for all of us to prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day. Christians prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus by remembering the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. In Advent, we’re reminded of how much we ourselves also need a Savior, and we look forward to our Savior’s second coming even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. God wanted so much for us to be with him that he became one of us. This is the greatest Christmas present – God’s presence on earth. In the liturgical calendar the season of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve and lasts through the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. Please help your children understand the symbolism of the Advent Wreath and the importance of the true meaning of Christmas. Each Monday in December we will begin our school day with an Advent Prayer Service in the gym. Parents and other family members are welcome to join us at 8:10am. Today we are sending home an advent calendar to help you and your family celebrate this special season in the liturgical year.

SANTA’S SECRET SHOP: The Parents’ Club presents their annual Santa’s Secret Shoppe starting tomorrow, Thursday, November 29th. Over the next two days, all the students will have an opportunity to purchase gifts for parents, friends and relatives. Each student is receiving an envelope today to help them plan their shopping and to keep their money safe.

DECEMBER 2nd: We look forward to seeing you all here this Sunday. We will begin the day with a 10:00am Family Mass where we will present all our Confirmation and First Communion Candidates. Monsignor Labib generously allows the school to receive the proceeds from the second collection when we have Family Masses. We are sending you a special collection envelope for your use at Sunday’s Mass. Following the Mass, the Parents’ Club will present a Pancake Breakfast in Carroll Hall. They will also offer activities for the children and pictures with Santa. Please use the flyer enclosed in your envelope today if you have not already made a reservation for the pancake breakfast. Cioppino 2013 tickets will also go on sale this Sunday at the Pancake Breakfast. They make great Christmas gifts for those "hard to buy for" family and friends.

STM SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD: All members of the St. Thomas More School Advisory Board will meet tonight in the school library at 7:00pm. All parents are invited to attend and learn about the good work that our new School Advisory Board is doing.

SCHOOL TOURS: We are holding another school tour tomorrow at 9:00am. We are very grateful to our 8th grade student ambassadors for doing such a stellar job by sharing information about our wonderful school with prospective families. Our final tour is scheduled for December 5th. Please call or email the office to reserve a space. A reminder that kindergarten applications are available in the office or can be downloaded from our website. Please share this information with your family and friends. Don’t forget that Utopia families and siblings or current students interested in kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year must complete an application form if you have not already done so.

FIELD TRIPS: Tomorrow, select 3rd through 8th graders will enjoy the ACT’s production of A Christmas Carol. The show ends at 3:10pm and students are expected to arrive back at STM no later than 4:00pm. Next Monday, the 2nd and 5th graders will travel to the Palace of Fine Arts for a performance of The Nutcracker by the Westlake School for the Performing Arts. Later next week on Thursday, December 6th, the 2nd graders will travel to Skyline College for the Elves and the Shoemaker.

CALENDERS: Today you will find the December calendar in your envelope. On the reverse side, is the lunch menu for both December and January. Keep these handy as December proves to be a busy month!

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Please remember to reserve the night of December 13th for the St. Thomas More School Christmas Program. All students will be involved in this production. Information regarding clothing suggestions will be sent home next week. We look forward to your attendance for this faith-filled and fun-filled program.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR VOLUNTEER: We're still looking to form a children's choir who will sing during our Sunday Family masses and weekly Friday masses. Please contact Jen Conley - jconley@stmsf.org, Charo Alonso - csalonso@yahoo.com (650-303-2593) or Mylee Bernardo - myleeb@gmail.com if you or anyone you know might be interested in leading our choir.

NIGHT AT THE RACES: We are happy to report that this event raised over $3400 for our technology program! Thank you to all who joined us for Night the Races on November 17th. This is always a great event.

SCHOOL UNIFORM PANTS: Beginning Monday, December 3rd through March 28th, 2012, girls will be able to wear uniform pants. Those who wish to purchase uniform pants, may do so through either of the uniform companies that we contract with, Dennis Uniform and Simply Uniforms. Please remember that navy blue knee-high socks need to be worn with the pants. Girls must wear their uniform skirts (not the pants) on field trips or on occasions specified by the school. Please remember that Simply Uniform and Dennis Uniform scrip can be purchased for all your uniform needs.

COLD WEATHER: During these cold and wintery days, please be sure to send your child to school with a warm coat or jacket. While we understand that it may be raining upon drop-off and pick-up, we strongly suggest your child does not bring an umbrella to school. Often the strong winds and heavy rain make the umbrellas difficult to use, especially for the younger children.

ONE WARM COAT: These cold days also reminded us to count our blessing and give thanks that we have enough to eat, warm coats, and cozy homes. Unfortunately, many others in our community are not so lucky. St. Thomas More is happy to participate in the One Warm Coat program. Please look through your closets and see if you can locate a warm coat or jacket that is in really good condition, clean and ready to be worn by someone less fortunate. ALL types of coats are needed and will be distributed to needy people by St. Anthony's and the Hamilton Family Shelter. You can also drop off your donations anytime between now and December 17th to the school office.

PEANUT BUTTER FRIDAY: As we move towards the holiday season, we want our students to continue to ‘THINK link Jesus’ by participating in our annual collection of peanut butter. Our collection this year, lead by the first graders, will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The St. Vincent de Paul Society has requested peanut butter, as it is a much-needed nutritious staple for them throughout the holiday season. If we reach our goal of 300 jars of peanut butter by December 7th, the student body will enjoy free dress on Wednesday, December 19th. Please send a jar (or two!), any kind, any size with your child by Friday, December 7th.

We’ll see you this weekend!

Sincerely,

Marie Fitzpatrick
Principal

Santa's Secret Shoppe

Nov. 29 and 30th will mark our annual Santa's Secret Shoppe where students can shop for special gifts during school hours.  A flyer and money envelope will be placed in next Wednesday's envelope so please check it before your student comes to school the next day.  

 

There are also a few more spots available for parents to volunteer at the Santa's Secret Shoppe (credited towards mandatory hours), so click on the SignUp Genius on the website and help out!

 

Don't forget to turn in those raffle tickets and choose which prize you'd like to win (boys bike / girls bike / stocking full of toys)!  Tickets are due in Nov. 28th.  Drawing will be on Dec. 2nd at the Holiday Faire after family mass.

STM Newsletter for November 14, 2012

Dear Parents:

Thank you for your presence and support at the Family Mass last Sunday. A special thank you to the third and fourth graders and their teachers Miss Bryan and Miss Conley for putting together such a beautiful and reverent service. It was nice to see so many of you there. Thank you for your generous support of the second collection of $655.55, which goes to support the school and its programs.

As Thanksgiving approaches we have much for which we are thankful. It is a time of year when we think of others less fortunate. Your generous response to the Thanksgiving food collection is a wonderful sign of your thoughtfulness and a great example for your children of giving to the local community. Please remember that our annual collection of canned goods and other non-perishable items for the San Francisco Food Bank provides Thanksgiving meals for those in need and continues through this Friday, November 16^th. As we continue to prepare for Thanksgiving, please consider joining us this coming Monday, November 19^th, for a Thanksgiving prayer service presented by first grade in the gym at 1:00pm.

Please remember that next Tuesday, November 20^th we begin our Thanksgiving break with minimum day dismissal, 12:15/12:30. Extended Care will be available. School will resume on Monday, November 26^th and being the 4^th Monday of the month will also be a minimum day. A hot dog lunch will be available for purchase by those attending extended care that day.

We won’t be here to do a Wednesday newsletter next week, however, we will send home the relevant flyers we receive for distribution on Tuesday.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY: This coming Friday, November 16^th is picture make-up day for students who were absent when pictures were taken in October as well as those who wished to have their picture retaken. Please make sure you return your original photo package by tomorrow’s deadline if a retake is requested. Composite class picture were not in your picture package, but they will be sent to you once retake pictures have been completed.

STUDENT ID CARDS: Student ID cards have arrived. They may be purchased, starting tomorrow. Please put $2 in an envelope, write your child’s name and grade and send to your child’s teacher. They are not available in the office.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Today select students will receive notice that they have been chosen to attend this year’s performance of ACT’s A Christmas Carol. We had an overwhelming response for tickets again this year (we only have 50 tickets and over 90 students wished to attend) and students were chosen based on whether they had previously attended the performance and the timely manner in which the permission slip and payment was received. Students who were not chosen to attend this year are having their payments returned today. Those families should check their Envelopes for those refunds.

PARENT VOLUNTEER HOURS: A reminder that sign-ups for Santa's Secret Shop are now available on Sign-up Genius. All are invited to help with this fundraiser both for hours and to help children sharpen their math skills by budgeting and shopping.

DECEMBER 2^nd: Please mark December 2^nd on your calendar as an exciting day here at STM. We will begin the day with the presentation of our First Communion and Confirmation candidates at our 10:00am Family Mass, followed by a Pancake Breakfast, children’s activities and a visit with Santa in Carroll Hall, all presented by the Parents’ Club.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Please save Thursday night, December 13^th, for our school's presentation of our Christmas Program. We will begin at 7:00pm in the Church and all students, preschool through 8^th grade will have a part in this program.

SCRIP: Start your Christmas shopping now! This week's order is the last one to be received before Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Order your scrip by 6am on Friday, November 16^th and receive it next Tuesday before Thanksgiving break. For your convenience, an order will be placed the day after Thanksgiving – remember the 6am deadline!

FROM THE ATHLETIC BOARD: Congratulations to the 4th Grade boys’ soccer team who made it to the championship game. They put up a great effort against NDV before being defeated by a score of 3-1. The 8^th grade girls volleyball team also made it into their division championship game. They put up a great fight against Cornerstone Academy and unfortunately lost 25-22 in the first set and 25-20 in the second. Thank you to all who have represented St. Thomas More School so very well in sports so far this year. We are very proud of all our student athletes.

8^TH GRADE RECOMMENDATIONS: This is the time of the year when 8^th graders are busily writing their high school essays and completing their applications. Because of changing demographics many families attend church in Parishes other than where their school is located. Please remember that students will need to have their clergy recommendations signed by the pastor in the parish where they attend Mass and other church services. This will ensure that recommendations are written by a pastor who knows your child and who is familiar with your family's involvement in your local church.

Congratulations to the 8th Graders whose predictions of the state-by-state electoral vote bettered those of many of the well-known political pundits. The 8th Grade correctly predicted 48 out of 51 "states" (includes Washington D.C.) missing just on Arizona, Colorado and Florida. You might see one of them on C-Span or MSNBC one day!  

More congratulations go out to first grader, Sierra Pecson. She was selected as a finalist for the 2013 Safe and Wise Water Ways poster contest! Her artwork will be displayed in January on the poster contest web site, www.dbw.ca.gov/postercontest and also at the California State Capitol during the 2013 boating season. For her award winning work, Sierra will receive a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Congratulations, Sierra!

As we come to the day when we recognize all for which we should be thankful, we are especially mindful of you. You continue to support so many of our efforts by your presence and participation. These efforts have continued for years. Thank you, thank you, thank you and enjoy a great holiday with family and friends!

Sincerely,

Marie Fitzpatrick

Principal           

STM Newsletter for November 7, 2012

Dear Parents:

Now that election season has come to an end, we remember and pray for all those who worked to keep the democratic process alive and well in our country. The following prayer by Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit reminds us of all for which we should be thankful.

God of all nations, Father of the human family, we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America.

We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world.

We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement.

Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Amen.

We hope your parent-teacher conferences are going well. The teachers always look forward to meeting with you and sharing the good news about your child’s progress. Once again, our school showed very healthy IOWA test results with the majority of students scoring at or above the 75^th percentile. Just a reminder that every day this week is a minimum day, with dismissal at 12:15pm for grades K-3 and 12:30pm for grades 4-8.

SCHOOL TOURS: We held our first school tour yesterday and were happy to have 16 families join us. Thank you to our 8^th grade student ambassadors, Kameron Powers, Sean Ramos, Crystal Tobar, Jerome Torres, and Sofia Torres who shared a wealth of information with those families. We have another three tours scheduled for November 14^th, November 29^th, and December 5^th. Please call or email the office to reserve a space. Applications are now available from the office or can be downloaded from our website. Please share this information with your family and friends. Students currently enrolled in grades K-7 need not reapply. You will be receiving re-registration information in the spring.

SANDWICHES-FOR-THE-NEEDY: This Friday, November 9^th, is our next collection of sandwiches-for-the-needy. All are welcome to participate and the kindergarten and eighth grade students are charged with taking the lead that day. Some of our upper grade students will again work with Alma Via residents this week to make sandwiches. Don’t have time to make a sandwich for our collection…we are accepting donations to help defray the expenses for when we make sandwiches here at school. We thank you in advance for what we hope will be another huge collection for those at the Martin de Porres House of Hospitality.

FOOD DRIVE: Don’t forget November’s ongoing non-perishable food collection for the San Francisco Food Bank and peanut butter and jelly collection for St. Francis Living Room. We have barrels here at school for your donations and will continue the collection through November 16th. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS: We would like to invite everyone to join us at the awards ceremony, this Friday, November 9^th immediately following the 8:30am Mass. Academic awards will be presented to students in grades 3 through 8 if he/she maintains outstanding grades in the following subjects: Religion, Mathematics, Reading/Literature, English, Science/Health, and History/Social Studies. In addition to the awards for academic excellence, one student per grade, 3 through 8, will be chosen for a citizenship award. In grades K-2, two students per grade will receive this award.

FAMILY MASS: This Sunday, November 11^th, at 10:00am, the third and fourth graders will prepare our next Family Mass. Please consider joining with the St. Thomas More School Community to gather together in worship. Please use the blue envelope you are receiving today for the second collection which benefits the school.

OLIVE THE STORYTELLER: On Monday, November 12^th, Olive the Storyteller will return for the K-3^rd grade students. Also on that day, Olive will begin her story telling project with the 8^th graders

CIOPPINO: A Cioppino planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13th. Anyone interested in helping with the event are invited to attend the meeting at 7:00 in Carroll Hall.

FROM THE PARENTS’ CLUB: The winners of the Halloween Carnival/Fall Festival Raffle were drawn this morning. You are receiving a flyer with the winners in today’s envelope. Prizes can be picked up tomorrow from the school office.

OFF TO THE RACES: Off to the Races is coming to STM on Saturday, November 17^th! Reservation flyers, Ad space, and Name a Horse/Jockey/Owner are in today’s envelope. This has always been an exciting evening with lots of fun activities, “adult” refreshments and lively entertainment. All this for only $15! Don’t forget that childcare is also available. Send in your reservations now!

UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS: Permission slips for the below mentioned field trip are in your envelopes today. Please pay attention to the due date to return the form and payment.

•   The 3^rd grade Students will visits the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers on Tuesday, November 27^th.
• Students from 2^nd grade will enjoy a performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker at Skyline College on December 6^th.

BUILDING INTO THE FUTURE ONE BRICK AT A TIME: Thank you to all who have purchased a brick or plaque. The 8 plaques offered have been a big hit and sold out very quickly. Because of high demand, we are adding 8 more plaques to our initial offering. These won’t last long either - get your order in early - this is your chance to leave a lasting remembrance of your family’s time at STM. An order form for bricks available for sale is enclosed in your envelope today. Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) accepted - just stop by the school office.

Sincerely,

Marie Fitzpatrick

Principal

STM Newsletter for October 31, 2012

Dear Parents,

Thank you to all who joined us for our annual Halloween costume parade today. When you think of Halloween, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, Halloween has become synonymous with candy, costumes, scary stuff, and pumpkins. But do you know the religious connection to the holiday? The word Halloween itself is a contraction of "Hallowed evening". Hallowed is an old English word for "holy" — as in "Hallowed be Thy Name", in the Lord's Prayer. All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1^st, is the day on which Catholics celebrate all the saints, known and unknown. The vigil or eve of this feast, October 31, is Halloween. The purpose of Halloween is to prepare us for All Saints Day by remembering and celebrating those saints. A reminder that tomorrow, All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation. Celebrating this special feast day by attending Mass is a wonderful way to honor the saints. Please consider joining us at 8:30am tomorrow, November 1^st for our student body mass honoring all saints.

Congratulations to all who helped with or worked on last weekend’s Halloween Carnival! What a great effort and great success. A special thank you to the 2012 carnival co-chairs: John Ali, Ivon Van Mechelen, Michaela Munda, Roxy Corrales-Olivier, Gladys Duarte and Anarose Schelstrate. More information will come from the Parents’ Club, but a big thank you to all for a job well done! Check out your envelope today

Tomorrow we begin our annual collection of canned goods and other non-perishable items for the SF Food Bank to provide Thanksgiving meals for those in need. In addition to the Food Bank, this year we are also collecting peanut butter and jelly jars for St. Francis Living Room, an organization that helps to feed seniors in San Francisco. We have barrels and boxes here at school for your donations. We will continue the collections through Friday, November 19^th. Let us continue to ‘THINK like Jesus’ and help to feed the hungry in our community this holiday season.

Tomorrow evening, in Carroll Hall at 7:00pm, the Parents’ Club will have their first-Thursday-of-the-month meeting. Come with your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. See you there!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES/REPORT CARDS: Just a reminder that Monday through Friday next week are all minimum days with 12:15/12:30 dismissal. We will have parent-teacher conferences during that time. Yes, there is extended care each of those days. Students not signed in to extended care will not be allowed to remain in the yard during your conference.

2013-2014 APPLICATION FORMS: Those who requested an application form for the next school year are receiving those in their envelopes today. Application forms for the 2013-2014 Kindergarten class will be available in the office and online tomorrow, November 1^st.

UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS: Permission slips for the below mentioned field trip are in your envelopes today. Please pay attention to the due date to return the form and payment.

·       The Kindergarten Students will enjoy a presentation of Rapunzel at Fort Mason on Wednesday, November 7^th.

·       Students from 6^th and 8^th grades will attend Archbishop Riordan’s

production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Tuesday, November 13^th.

·       Also on November 13^th, the 7^th graders will enjoy various exhibits at the San Jose Tech Museum.

·       On Monday, December 3^rd, the 2^nd and 5^th graders will visit the Palace of Fine Arts for a production of The Nutcracker.

·       All 3^rd through 8^th grade students are receiving a permission slip for the November 29^th performance of A Christmas Carol. This is an optional field trip. Please see the permission slip for more details.

NOVEMBER CALENDAR: In your Envelope today you are receiving the Hot Lunch Menu and Calendar of Events for the month of November. With all the minimum days for conferences, etc., it will be a helpful reminder throughout the month. Please take note that Tuesday November 20^th will be a minimum day and yes, extended care will be available that evening until 6pm.

FROM THE ADVISORY BOARD: Thank you to those who have already submitted a new logo for STM. The deadline for submitting your design is Friday, November 16^th. Please keep in mind that the new logo/crest, which will be featured on our letterheads, envelopes, business cards and promotional materials should reflect that we are a Catholic school. The ideal logo/crest size could be circular or crest shaped and include the school colors, royal blue and white.

2012 PRESIDENTAL ELECTION SPECIAL: As part of a social studies project designed by Mrs. Spiegel and Mr. Kavanagh, the 8th Grade students studied the Electoral College in order to make a prediction on next Tuesday's election. Each student reported on the political history and current polling data in their two assigned states (and Washington D.C.). The predictions are all in and the 8th Grade predicts that President Obama will win reelection by a count of 305-233 in the Electoral College. Congrats to our 8th Graders for their hard work! 

FROM JOHN KAVANAGH, PM EXTENDED CARE DIRECTOR: The first payment due date has passed and there were some irregularities I would like to address in the hopes of avoiding them in the future. In particular, please wait until you receive a bill before you make a payment and please pay the amount due.  Although I appreciate the zealousness to meet one's financial obligations, there is no need for payments before you receive a bill. The bills always will be sent home in the first or second Wednesday envelope of each month. Early payments make it more likely for bookkeeping errors to occur. In addition, we received a dozen or so payments that did not match the amounts due and this also causes bookkeeping headaches. If you are ever not sure of the exact amount owed because you cannot locate the invoice, then please feel free to e-mail me at JKav@stmsf.org. Lastly, please be aware that full payment must be made by the due date each month to avoid a $25 late charge. Thanks for your cooperation!

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS: We would like to invite everyone to join us at the awards ceremony, next Friday, November 9^th immediately following the 8:30am Mass. Academic awards will be presented to students in grades 3 through 8 if he/she maintains outstanding grades in the following subjects: Religion, Mathematics, Reading/Literature, English, Science/Health, and History/Social Studies. The following criteria will be used to determine eligibility.

First Honors 1. Students must earn a 3.75 GPA or above 2. Behavioral Expectation and Learning Skills of 2 or above

Second Honors 1. Students must earn a 3.50 GPA or above 2. Behavioral Expectation and Learning Skills of 2 or above

In addition to the awards for academic excellence, one student per grade, 3 through 8, will be chosen for a citizenship award. In grades K-2, two students per grade will receive this award. Below are the criteria on which this award will be based.

Citizenship

1. Exemplify exceptional Catholic values

2. Demonstrates overall good citizenship

3. Behavioral Expectation and Learning Skills of 2 or above

YARD DUTY: Thank you to the many who have already volunteer for yard duty this year. The teachers definitely appreciate your help. Just a couple of reminders – please arrive on time when volunteering for yard duty, we do not allow food or beverages in the school yard during yard duty (this includes coffee/tea drinks), and please refrain from using your cell phone while on duty.

Happy Halloween! Happy All Saints Day!

Marie Fitzpatrick

STM Newsletter for October 24, 2012

Dear Parents,

Giving is an important lesson for people of all ages. Some of you may know the story of the boy with the loaves of bread and fishes. A large crowd has gathered. They are hungry. They need to be fed. The leader tells his men to find some food for this mob of hungry people. One man comes back to report, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish” (John 6:9). This is the situation on the banks of the Sea of Galilee nearly 2,000 years ago. What did Jesus do? Did he say the boy was too young to give? No! “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them” (John 6:11). With the contribution from one young boy, Jesus was able to feed more than five thousand people! How proud that boy must have felt! Today some people may think children do not need to learn stewardship. Jesus clearly proved he can make miracles happen even with a small contribution from a young child. Stewardship could be the greatest lesson we teach to our young people. Below are some reasons from Today’s Catholic Teacher on why Stewardship is so important.

• Stewardship helps build self-esteem. Today children are exposed to constant advertising telling them they are not good enough unless they wear the right clothes and carry the latest accessories. Since there will always be something newer and more tempting for us to want, these messages can lead to a lifetime of poor self-image and lasting discontent. In the Catholic classroom, children hear a different message. They learn that God has already blessed them with all the wonderful and unique gifts they will need to do the special work God has put them on Earth to do. They do not need what the world is selling.

• Stewardship brings joy and contentment. A life of giving is a rewarding life. When children learn to share the gifts God has entrusted to them, they will naturally find joy, fulfillment, and contentment.

• Stewardship connects children more deeply with God. An important part of good stewardship is turning to God for guidance in using and sharing our gifts. Children learn to place their trust in God when they are taught to ask God what he wants them to do, instead of them always telling God what they want.

• Children have the ability and the natural longing to give. Due to allowances and gifts, most children in our society today have quite a bit of disposable income. Even children without financial resources have the ability to share their talents or give the gift of prayer. Children feel grown-up, important, and needed when they give. Social scientists believe most children learn their attitudes about giving between the ages of 6 and 10. If young children learn to find joy in giving, they will become lifelong givers.

Beginning Thursday, November 1^st, we will conduct our annual collection of canned goods and other non-perishable items for the San Francisco Food Bank. Your donations will be used to provide Thanksgiving meals for those in need. We will have barrels here at school for your donations and will continue the collection through November 16^th. This is another great way for all or us to show great stewardship.

LET'S GO GIANTS...LET'S GO! Last Thursday we raised $147 for the "Say Hey for the Kids" Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club at Hunters Point from our Giants free dress. Today, the Student Council held a bake sale that raised an additional $419 for this great cause. Thank you to all who participated. Let's go Giants! Let's go...and win the World Series!!!

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: It’s almost here…the Halloween Carnival! Are you ready for a Saturday filled with fun?  This Saturday is our Parents' Club sponsored Halloween Carnival from 10:00am to 8:00pm. The Haunted House will be sure to scare and delight those daring enough to go in; all the games will be challenging - have you ever won at the Ring Toss or Backwards Basketball; win a cake or a plateful of cupcakes from the Cake Walk; Minute to Win It - need we say more; the little ones will enjoy the Kids' Korner made especially for them; and there will be plenty of food and drinks for everyone!  AND in honor of our SF GIANTS, Carroll Hall will become a GIANTS ORANGE AND BLACK ZONE starting at 4:00pm. Come and join us cheer our favorite team! Check out the raffle flyer in your envelope today for your chance to win an iPad.

HALLOWEEN PARADE: We will celebrate Halloween next Wednesday, October 31^st. Just a reminder that when purchasing costumes for wearing to school on Halloween, please consider the following: age appropriate, bathroom accessible, make up must be applied at home, shoes must be comfortable for walking, and no weapons of any kind. The Halloween costume parade will be after lunch recess, about 1:15. The students will parade around the homestead for thirty to forty-five minutes. You should have plenty of time to capture your child’s Kodak moment. After the parade, students will return to class to party until they drop. Parents are not permitted in classrooms unless specifically arranged in advance with the classroom teacher. At dismissal we will be thrilled to return your child to you complete with a sugar high!

PARENT CONFERENCES: This Friday, October 26^th marks the end of the first quarter of the school year. Report cards will be sent home next Friday, November 2^nd. Academic test scores (second through eighth graders) will all be available to you at your parent-teacher conference. We are sending home scheduled appointments today. If you do not receive an appointment, please check with the office to ensure your accounts are up to date.

2013-2014 APPLICATION FORMS FOR NEW STUDENTS: K-8 application forms for the 2013-2014 school year will be available in the front office and online beginning November 1^st, 2012. Siblings of current students as well as Utopia preschool students can use the flyer in today’s envelope to request an application. Students currently attending Utopia Preschool and/or with siblings currently attending St. Thomas More School will be given preference.

PIZZA AND HOT DOG SALES: Order forms are being sent home today for November, December and January sales. This is your ONLY opportunity to order. You must order for all sales if you wish to participate in these special lunches. Pay attention to the due date, Friday, November 2^nd, and return the form and payment in a sealed envelope.

FUNDRAISING CATALOG: Families who did not pick up catalog items yesterday are receiving them today. Please check your order thoroughly and notify us immediately if you are missing anything. Call the office and check with Melody if you have questions. She has a complete list of those items. Congratulations to STM’s top fundraiser, the Beasley-Bell Family (Marquez, Kindergarten) who raised over $1100. Marquez will be receiving a special gift in his envelope today.

OFF TO THE RACES: Off to the Races is coming to STM on Saturday, November 17^th! Reservation flyers, Ad space, and Name a Horse/Jockey/Owner are in today’s envelope. This has always been an exciting evening with lots of fun activities, “adult” refreshments and lively entertainment. All this for only $15! Don’t forget that childcare is also available. Send in your reservations now!

SCHOOL PHOTOS: As you know, we were not happy with the quality of the school photos that were taken in September of this year and have decided to do an entire student retake on Friday, October 26^th. All students in Preschool through eighth grade will be photographed that day. All families will have the opportunity to purchase their child’s photo using the flyer you are receiving today. Families who purchased photos in September are receiving a check refund from the company in today’s envelope.

Sincerely,

Marie Fitzpatrick

Principal

STM Newsletter for October 17, 2012

Dear Parents,

A BIG thank you to the sixth grade students, their families and their teacher, Julianne Beach for preparing and participating in the Family Mass last Sunday. It was wonderful to see so many children be installed as altar servers. Thank you to the following students who have decided to take on this special role in the church. From fourth grade: Jackie Schneider, Clark Kelly, Lorenzo Mutuc, Zach White, Francise Panlaqui, Kevin Caranceja, Anthony Sheridan, Micah Gastrock, Aysaiah Radoc-Manrique and Matthew Candler. Fifth grade altar servers are: Brian Qare, Christopher Law, Rainer Dela Cruz, Arabella Sunga. Serving from sixth grade: Skyler Dela Cruz, Reuben Sablad, Kenny Jung and Jesse Manalo. From seventh grade: Carlos Colom, Natasha Alvarado, Melina Diaz, Nathan Candler and Krystelle Chloe Sunga, and our eighth grade servers are: Julietta Lehmann and Julius Aguinaldo. Thank you also to Monsignor Labib and St. Thomas More Church for having a second collection in support of the school. Thanks for your donations which raised over $300.

STUDENT HOLIDAY: This Friday, October 19^th, is a holiday for all students, Preschool through 8^th grade. The faculty will engage in an all day in-service on that day to continue WASC accreditation preparation.

MINIMUM DAY: Next Monday, October 22^nd is the fourth-Monday-of-the-month minimum day dismissal. Don’t forget we dismiss at 12:15 (K-3) and 12:30 (4-8) that day. Yes, we will have extended care beginning immediately at the end of the shortened school day. Extended Care will offer a hot dog lunch for those staying for $3.00.

FIELD TRIPS: Yesterday, our fourth graders visited the San Mateo County Museum and were introduced to the art of shell jewelry making. The first and eighth grade students enjoyed their trip to the Pumpkin Patch, also yesterday. We’re sure the kindergarten students will also come home with smiling faces and big orange pumpkins after their upcoming trip, tomorrow! The seventh grade students are also going on a field trip tomorrow to the SF Food Bank. Second graders are receiving a permission slip today for their upcoming trip to Elkus Ranch on November 2^nd. Pay close attention to the due date to return that form and payment!

OFF TO THE RACES: Off to the Races is coming to STM on Saturday, November 17^th! Save the Date flyers are in your envelopes today. Look for Reservation flyers, Ad space, and Name a Horse/Jockey/Owner in next week’s envelope. This has always been an exciting evening with lots of fun activities, “adult” refreshments and lively entertainment. All this for only $15! Don’t forget that childcare is also available. Save the date!

HALLOWEEN: Today, students are receiving information from their teacher about next week's Halloween celebration. Please read the information provided carefully and pay attention to the specific information regarding costumes and make-up. When purchasing costumes for wearing to school on Wednesday, October 31^st, please consider the following:

• Age appropriate
• Bathroom accessible
• Make up must be applied at home
• Shoes must be comfortable for walking
• No weapons of any kind

Please consider joining us for our annual Halloween parade, which begins at 1:15 in the schoolyard on Wednesday, October 31^st.

SCHOOL PHOTOS: Unfortunately, we were not happy with the quality of the school photos that were taken in September of this year. We have been working with Lifetouch who produces the photos and have decided to do an entire student body photo retake using an enhanced program called ‘Expressions First’ which the company believes will offer more consistent lighting and background. This retake day will be on Friday, October 26^th. All students in Preschool through eighth grade will be photographed that day. Families who purchased photos in September will be receiving a check refund from the company. This will be in your Wednesday Envelope next week. All families will have the opportunity to re-purchase their child’s photo using the flyer in next week’s envelope.

SHOPAROO: How are you doing?! We have almost $180 in our school account thanks to those who simply signed up for Shoparoo and snap their receipts. There is no limit to how much money we can raise with Shoparoo, so be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to join in – every receipt counts!

SCHOOL TOURS/APPLICATION FORMS: We ask your help in encouraging prospective parents to consider St. Thomas More School for their child for the 2012-2013 school year. You, our current families, are our best advertising! Please invite friends and relatives interested in St. Thomas More School to come to one of our school tours for prospective parents. Please call the school office at (415) 337-0100 to reserve a place on one of the tours listed below:

9:00-10:15am Tuesday, November 6
9:00-10:15am Wednesday, November 14
9:00-10:15am Thursday, November 29
9:00-10:15am Wednesday, December 5

K-8 application forms for the 2013-2014 school year will be available in the front office and online beginning November 1^st, 2012. Siblings of current students as well as preschool students can use the flyer in next week’s envelope to request an application. Students currently attending Utopia Preschool and/or with siblings currently attending St. Thomas More School will be given preference in the kindergarten class of 2013-2014.

LET'S GO GIANTS...LET'S GO! Tomorrow, Thursday, October 18^th, students will have the opportunity to wear free 'orange and black' dress in honor of the SF Giants. As we continue to 'THINK like Jesus’, on this special free dress day, we ask that each student considers donating $1 (or more) which will be donated to the "Say Hey for the Kids" Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club at Hunters Point. Let's go Giants! Let's go...into the World Series!!!

Don't forget - The Parent-Teacher Conference forms are due back by tomorrow!!

Sincerely,

Marie Fitzpatrick
Principal