2023 STM Nativity Play
Many thanks to the STM Administration and Teachers for making sure this school-wide event continues throughout the renovation of the Cathedral.
Schedule of the Event:
- 4:30 pm Grades 1&2 sing (4:00 pm arrival in the gym)
- 5:00 pm Grades 3&4 sing (4:30 pm arrival; meet at Door 2)
- 5:30 pm Grades 5,6,7 sing (5:00 pm arrival; meet at Door 2)
- 7:00 pm Grade 8 Nativity Play with 4th-8th Grade Youth Choir (6:15 pm arrival in the gym)
Membership Toolkit Update
We're thrilled to announce that our PTO website is officially live, and the response has been incredible! Over half of our families have already registered, which has unlocked their access to volunteer opportunities, the student directory, event information, and details about upcoming PTO meetings. It's your one-stop shop for staying connected.
Visit our website and register for an account at https://stmpto.membershiptoolkit.com!
If you have questions, please contact Amy, our PTO Volunteer Coordinator at stm.pto.volunteers@gmail.com.
PTO Volunteer Opportunities and VIRTUS Training
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, let's gather at 6:30 pm for some time to discuss volunteer opportunities in the final weeks of 2023 AND what is on deck for 2024. Don't get anxious because we can easily huddle at again in January if you miss this go round (also - email me, I will make time to get you the answers you need).
Currently, we have needs for the following roles:
- *Recess Monitors - signups are on Membership Toolkit; and
- *Lunch helpers because little hands need help opening lunch boxes and yogurt squeeze tubes.
- Breakfast with Santa
*As a reminder, all volunteers must be VIRTUS trained to volunteer at school events during school hours, including field trips*
We keep talking about volunteering but let’s take a few steps back and talk about how to get to volunteer during school hours. Want to sling some slices of pizza or attend an amazing field trip as a chaperone? You will need VIRTUS Training and an account with the Diocesan Office of Child Protection.
There is an application, background check, and training you must complete but once you are done - volunteering is more accessible. Each parent/guardian must be VIRTUS compliant in order to volunteer within the school. Please reach out to the STM Office for further information.
Daily Lunch Logistics
The company that best fits our needs is My Hot Lunch Box. Unfortunately, their timeline to be up and running may not be until late January. I will do my best to move that up as much as possible, but they are taking on several new schools along with STM. Please continue to loop in on daily lunch logistics and until then, please arrange for your student's lunch.
Pizza Lunch is Coming!!!!
The STM PTO is excited to announce that our tradition of Pizza Lunch Fridays will return again in January 2024. We have once again partnered with Old Dominion Pizza, a locally owned business, to provide our students the option of ordering 1 or 2 slices of cheese pizza. Each student will receive a bag of pretzels, and fruit snacks with their pizza order.
There will be a total of 15 pizza lunch Fridays this year. These lunches are only available to students who have ordered and paid in advance through this form. Prices are $120 for a 1 slice order and $135 for a 2 slice order.
December Restaurant Fundraiser...Nothing Bundt Cakes! (December 6)
On December 6th STM will get 20% of proceeds from any orders online & in store that day!
Link to order: https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/all-products/?location=0299&fulfillment=12/6/2023
- Please specify "St. Thomas More School" in order notes.
If the school can raise $500, we will petition for a DDD or DDD adjacent event (crazy socks or accessories) with Mrs. LaBarge.
STM Auction - Save the Date
Save the date and mark your calendars for STM's biggest night of fun and fundraising! The 2024 Spring Auction will be held on Saturday, March 16 at the Knights of Columbus in Arlington.
Planning is underway and we are currently forming this year's committee of volunteers. If you are interested in joining the auction committee, please email stmschoolauction@gmail.com or contact one of the event co-chairs:
Elizabeth Doherty (elizabeth.santadonato@gmail.com);
Mimi Kifle (wegek@hotmail.com); or
Allison Nicholson (allisonbnicholson@gmail.com).
STM SAVE THE DATES
- November 28: Pizza Lunch Registration Opens (Tentative)
- December 5: PTO Meeting
- December 6: December Birthday Dress Down Day
- December 6: Volunteer Office Hours (see link above)
- December 6: Nothing Bundt Cake Fundraiser
- December 7: Catholic Charities DDD
- December 7: Nativity Play Rehearsal
- December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- December 8: Chick Fil A Lunch
- December 11: Nativity Play Rehearsa
- December 13: Taco Bamba DDD
- December 14: Nativity Play Rehearsal
- December 14: Parent University
- December 15: 8th Grade Field Trip
- December 15: Kindergarten Christmas Play
- December 15: Chick Fil A Lunch
- December 16: Breakfast with Santa (Registration Closed)
- December 18: Nativity Play Dress Rehearsal
- December 19: Nativity Play in Lee Hall - the STM Blast had detailed schedule listing by grade.
- December 20: Pre-K Christmas Sing Along
- December 20: Early Dismissal (no extended day)
- December 21: Christmas Break
- January 2: PTO Meeting (tentative)
- January 3: Classes Resume
STM Parish Events
- 12/9 - Advent Morning of Reflection after 9am mass;
- 12/9 - Parents Night Out (6 - 9pm) in STM Cafeteria
- 12/17 – Sacred Music for Advent and Christmas (4:30pm at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church) featuring Cathedral and Youth Choir from STM. Livestream will be available here.
- Please see here for a list of Mass Times and Confessions during Christmas at the Cathedral. For more information about upcoming events at the Parish, see here.
***Note: PTO Board Meetings (beginning in September)– anyone is welcome to attend AND you receive 1 hour of volunteer participation time for attendance. Plus you know all the details (usually the first Tuesday of every month). We will work on a mix of in person and hybrid meetings so that you all can participate.
Updated Drop Off and Pickup
If you need to change how your children are picked up, please use this dismissal form by 2:30 pm.
