Greetings, Rebel Families:
Happy First Day of Spring! As the start of the spring begins to bloom around us, we are reminded of the beauty of new beginnings and the promise of renewal. In this season of Lent, we are called to reflect, fast and pray, preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. We hope this spring brings us closer to Christ's light, guiding us with hope, love and faith as we journey together through this sacred time.
These last months have been very full for both our students and staff, with February's school auction and next week's Accreditation visit. Our students have been hard at work as they close out Q3 at the end of next week. In this month's Roundup, you'll find:
- March Saint: Saint Benedict of Nursia
- Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Hannah Edwards
- Science Spotlight: Laudato Si’ - Caring for Our Common Home
- Student Spotlight: Matthew Manley
- Rebel Parent Group & State of the Rebels
- Alumni Event
- Around Campus
- Upcoming Dates and Events
We pray your family has a wonderful start to this spring season!
March Saint
During the month of March our students have been learning about Saint Benedict of Nursia. Saint Benedict modeled the virtues of stewardship and self-control and chose not to follow what “he” wanted to do with his life, but rather to follow God and do what He was asking of him. May we all be inspired by his life and seek to grow in these virtues.
Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Hannah Edwards
This month's "Teacher Spotlight" is STM's new 4th grade teacher. Read on to learn more about Mrs. Edwards!
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself, how long you've been at STM and where you previously were teaching?
I was born and raised in Spokane, WA. I attended SFCC for two years and completed my bachelor’s degree in K-8 education with a minor in literacy at EWU. I recently got married and have a golden retriever puppy named Ruby. Right after I graduated, I was subbing in multiple districts until I landed a one year long-term sub position at a little school called Orchard Prairie. This is my first official year of teaching!
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching 4th grade?
I love their personalities and building relationships with all of them. I truly belly laugh every single day. It’s such a fun age to watch them grow academically while also watching them discover who they are. 4th grade is truly the best grade hahaha!! I feel so lucky to have landed this job.
Q: What is something your students might not know about you that would surprise them?
They know pretty much everything about me now, but what surprised them the most was that I originally was in school to become a police officer. I completed my ride along hours and they love to hear stories about all the things I did while going through that journey. Then the Lord had different plans and led me to this amazing career where I can share my faith with so many and still get to serve my community.
Q: What is your favorite book and/or author?
I am a big fan of anything mystery/thriller. Freida McFadden is my favorite author for that genre and I have loved every book I have read of hers.
Q: When not in the classroom, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to be outdoors and in the gym. Being with my family brings me the most joy! I have two brothers who I am very close to but they both live far away so I don’t get to see them often. When we do get to all be together, it’s my favorite thing. We are a big hunting/fishing family. I have shot several animals and used to compete in bass fishing tournaments with my dad. So, anything outdoors I love to partake in.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote, verse or mantra?
Q: When not in the classroom, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to be outdoors and in the gym. Being with my family brings me the most joy! I have two brothers who I am very close to but they both live far away so I don’t get to see them often. When we do get to all be together, it’s my favorite thing. We are a big hunting/fishing family. I have shot several animals and used to compete in bass fishing tournaments with my dad. So, anything outdoors I love to partake in.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote, verse or mantra?
My favorite quote is from Mother Teresa and she said “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” As a teacher, I strive to make sure all these kids feel loved and cared for and this quote is a great reminder.
Thank you, Mrs. Edwards!
Science Spotlight: Laudato Si’ - Caring for Our Common Home
Written by Valerie Barnes, C+STEM Director and Teacher
“Small yet strong in the love of God, like Saint Francis of Assisi, all of us, as Christians, are called to watch over and protect the fragile world in which we live, and all its peoples.” ~ Pope Francis
You have probably noticed the beautiful phrase Laudato Si in all of our C+STEM articles. The full phrase from Pope Francis’ encyclical on caring for our world is: “Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore” Praise be to you, my Lord.
As we take on a large variety of science concepts it is easy to make connections between our Catholic Identity and our C+STEM lessons. In this space it is so easy to find JOY in the wonders around us and embrace our fascination with God’s creation and how everything comes together. We can discuss caring for our world while using microscopes, robotics, dissecting frogs and learning about volcanoes. We can actively practice service and care through our greenhouse, garden, fish and bees as we plant, learn, harvest and share with those in need.
Students enjoy seeing connections between God and everything in our C+STEM lab no matter how science “geared” the lesson may be. These are a few examples from our recent units, each making it possible to model ways we care for the earth’s resources and using our science lab to learn more about our precious home.
- K - Robotics: building and programming a volcano alert
- 1st - Robotics: build and program an animal and its habitat
- 2nd - The Water Cycle and our Spokane area aquifer. Robotics: Luna the rover and the Solar System
- 3rd - Electricity with circuits and the law of conservation of energy. Robotics: Build and program a recycling truck/ learn about recycling in our area.
- 4th - Forms of Energy and conservation. Robotics: Wildlife Crossing (I-90 and Canada as examples of safe and natural passage)
Student Spotlight: Matthew Manley
Last week, STM 5th grader Matthew Manley had the incredibly opportunity to witness the SpaceX launch with his family at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Matthew, who has Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, received a wish from the Wishing Star Foundation. His wish was to watch his inspiration, NASA astronaut and Spokane native Ann McClain, lead the launch of the SpaceX mission.
Matthew is an inspiration to our students and families and we are thrilled he had the chance to witness something special to him!
Rebel Parent Group & State of the Rebels
Our Rebel Parent Group meeting will be moving to Tuesday, April 29th at 6:00pm. This group is led by STM parent Katie McNeil and teacher representative Sarah Arte.
At this meeting Principal McCollum will also be holding a brief "State of the Rebels" address to provide a fiscal overview of the school along with other updates for the upcoming school year. Attendance by at least one family member is required. Child care by the 7th grade Workforce will be provided. Please see upcoming NewsNotes for more details and to RSVP for babysitting.
Around Campus
Here are a few of the highlights from some of the many activities and events over the last weeks!
At the start of the month, our K-4th graders celebrated Dr. Seuss and Read Across America week.
Students participated in Ash Wednesday Mass to begin the prayerful Lenten season.
STM 7th graders have been busy collecting non-perishable items for the St. Vincent de Paul Society's Food Drive. Thanks to all who have contributed! The Food Drive runs through April 3.
Crazy Hat Day! This beloved STM tradition never disappointments and this year there was no shortage of incredible hats! Thanks to the 8th grade class for judging!
St. Patrick's Day and Lent art is on display in our school hallways thanks to Mrs. G and her students.
March is here which, of course, means Lent Madness is back for Mrs. Allbery's 6th grade class! Unfamiliar with Lent Madness? The format is straightforward: 32 Saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Students read and learn about each of the Saints.
Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite Saint. 16 Saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo!
Upcoming School and Community Events
- March 22 : Student-Lead Mass, 4:30pm
- March 25-27 : Accreditation Visit
- March 28 : End of Q3
- March 31 : Read 2 Ride Reading Logs Due
- April 2 : 8th Grade Play NEW DATE
- April 7-11 : Spring Break
- April 21 : NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
- April 24 : 12:30 Release
- May 1 : May Crowning Mass & Grandparents Reception
Instagram: @stmspokane
Facebook: St. Thomas More School Spokane
School Website: www.thomasmorespokane.org
Comments, feedback or suggestions? Email Kathryn Bradley at kbradley@thomasmorespokane.org
