Click here to read a Back to School message from Mrs. Ashley McDaniel.
Click here to download and print.
NEW STM PARENTS! This is YOUR night! Join us for New Parent Orientation on Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. in the STM Gym. This evening is for new parents and guardians of STM students who are enrolled for 2024-25. Our administration and staff will be on hand to help you smoothly transition into the new school year. (Adults only, please.)
Get your STM spirit shirts now! The online store is the only place to buy spirit shirts. It's only open through July 22, so click here to order yours today!
Youth and adult cotton and performance tees available in short and long sleeve. Students are encouraged to wear the STM spirit shirt on Wonderful Wednesdays (the first Wednesday of each month), Mission Day, grade-level retreats, field trips, and other special days designated by the administration.
Attention 2nd grade families: Registration for Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation begins July 15!
Regular Registration: July 15-31 $40
Late Registration: August 1-15 $55
Click here to register.
This night is intended for parents/guardians only. The evening will begin with a short presentation in the STM Gym, and then you will proceed to your child’s homeroom classroom. Back to School night will take place over two evenings. Families will attend by grade level:
Wednesday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Grades 5-8
Monday, August 19 at 5:30 p.m. - Grades 1-4
Click here to view and download the 2024-2025 academic calendar. It includes full days of school, holidays and parent/teacher conference days.
Please click here to read the 2024-2025 STM Parent-Student Handbook. This handbook is designed to serve several important objectives: It serves as an official source of school policies and procedures. It provides parents of current students with information to assist and support the efforts and activities of their children. It provides parents of prospective students with information to guide them in the process of selecting a school for their children.
HANDBOOK CHANGES FOR 2024-2025: Please click here to view changes to the handbook policies for the upcoming school year.
Text alerts are one of our administration's main forms of communication with families. To ensure you are able to receive our parent text alerts, text “START” to 317065 from your mobile device. The text alerts from STM will begin with “Parent_Alert: STTM-LA.”
Click here and bookmark this site! We will post all of the latest back-to-school information here.
All students are invited to bring their backpacks to Masses at STM Church to start off the school year with a special blessing. Masses are Saturday, August 10 at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 11 at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Also, join us for fellowship hosted by the Women’s Ministry on Sunday, August 11, after the 8 and 10 a.m. Masses.
Your child's homeroom class list will be emailed August 3.
Children on a bus route should receive a postcard mailed to your home address with the bus number, bus driver’s name and pickup time. If you have questions regarding bus routes, please call EBR Transportation at 225-226-3660.
There are no changes for the 2024-2025 school year.
St. Thomas More Catholic School is a community of believers that form one body in Christ. The school uniform is a means of communicating our unity and oneness.
Please refer to the STM Parent-Student Handbook for complete dress code regulations.
Our three uniform vendors are Inka's, School Time, or Young Fashions. Each vendor sells the same uniform pieces, but Inka's is the only vendor that sells the official STM sweatshirt and sweatpants.
On Mass days, out of respect for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, girls must wear their jumpers, skirts, skorts, or long pants. Boys must wear long pants with the uniform shirt tucked in.
Sweatpants may be worn in place of the uniform bottoms from November through February. Inka's is the only uniform vendor that sells the official STM sweatshirts and sweatpants.
PE UNIFORMS: 5th - 8th Graders
Students in grades 5-8 wear the STM PE uniform. The PE uniform is a specific t-shirt and shorts that can be purchased at any of our three uniform vendors: Inka's, School Time, or Young Fashions. As our bodies change and grow, it was requested that a PE uniform be part of the class. Students change into these at the start of PE class, and it helps them to feel better for the rest of their day. Please contact the school office at 225-275-2820 if you have any questions.
SHOES
Tennis Shoes: Must be traditional low quarter (low cut) style with shoe laces. The shoe color must be navy blue, black, grey, white or any combination of those colors. The laces must be in the same color scheme (navy blue, black, grey, or white), solid, and traditionally tied. Characters, plaid, checkerboard patterns, lights, Velcro, zipper, skateboard style, slip-ons, and wheels are not allowed. PK students may wear Velcro shoes.
Leather Shoes: Solid navy blue, solid brown or solid black; no boots. (on P.E. days, tennis shoes should be worn.)
Socks: Socks must be visible, above the shoe and solid white with no logos. They cannot be below the shoe line.
BELTS
Preschool boys may wear pants with elastic waistband; no belt is required. Boys in Kindergarten through 8th grade should wear a black, navy, or brown belt. Magnetic belts are permitted.
BACKPACKS
Preschool and Kindergarten students use the blue STM tote bag provided by the school. Students in grades 1-8 use backpacks, which may have wheels and may have any colors, patterns, etc. consistent with school values.
With water fountains available to students throughout campus, water bottles are optional and must only contain water. Students may not bring tumbler-style cups with a straw opening to school. Students may bring water bottles with screw-on tops that provide a tight seal and are “no-spill.”
When your child will be absent or tardy, email both attendance@stmbr.org and your child's homeroom teacher. Please provide the following: student name, grade, teacher, and reason for absenteeism or tardiness. This email may come any time prior to 7:30 a.m. Students arriving at school after 7:40 a.m. must report to the office for a tardy slip. For safety reasons, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when arriving late. After receiving a tardy slip, the student then reports to the homeroom teacher. If a child is tardy on a Mass day, he or she will wait in the office until Mass is over.
CARPOOL SIGNS
Preschool and Kindergarten families: You will receive your child's carpool sign at Meet and Greet.
Returning families in grades 1-8: On the first day of carpool, please use your carpool signs from last year if you still have them. New carpool signs will be distributed on your child's first day of school.
New families or returning families in grades 1-8 without signs: On the first day of school, please write your child's name in large, bold letters on a sheet of paper and display in your windshield. New carpool signs will be distributed on your child's first day of school.
CARPOOL TIMES
Morning carpool: Begins at 7:20 a.m.
All students must be on campus promptly by 7:40 a.m. Morning assembly follows carpool every morning. Students not present at morning assembly are considered tardy.
Dismissal and afternoon carpool: 2:55 to 3:15 p.m.
Students who are not picked up in afternoon carpool by 3:15 p.m. will be sent to Extended Care as a drop-in. If a student is not previously registered for Extended Care and is sent by the office (due to the office closing), the parent must register the child at that time and pay a fee. Please contact Mrs. Gretchen Thibodeaux with any questions about Extended Care.
PRESCHOOL
For both morning and afternoon carpool, vehicles will line up on Sylvan Drive heading north (toward Sherbrook) and will turn into the carpool line through the gate between the Preschool building and Kindergarten building. To exit carpool, vehicles leave the drive by turning right onto Sherbrook.
GRADES K-3: GYM CARPOOL
For both morning and afternoon carpool, vehicles will line up on Parkwood Drive heading west (toward Sherwood Forest Blvd.) and will curve south onto Dartmoor Drive. At the intersection of Dartmoor and Sherbrook, vehicles will proceed straight across Sherbrook and will immediately turn left into the school parking lot. Vehicles will form a line in front of the library and school office. Students will be called by a member of our team and will be assisted into the vehicles. To exit carpool, vehicles leave the parking lot in front of the gym, turning right onto Sherbrook.
GRADES 4-8: CHURCH CARPOOL
Vehicles will approach the school on Goodwood Blvd. heading toward Sherwood Forest. Vehicles should form a line down Goodwood in the bike lane to allow non-carpool traffic to pass. Vehicles will proceed past the athletic field/playground and will turn right into the church parking lot. With the field to your right, drive toward the 5th and 6th grade building to drop off or pick up. To exit carpool, drive through the parking lot toward Goodwood Blvd. with the church on your right. While still in the parking lot, turn right and drive past the church before turning left to exit the parking lot onto Goodwood Blvd. going west.
For all information about STM's breakfast and lunch program, please click here to visit the Child Nutrition Program website. Here, you will find:
Allergies Form
If your child has a food allergy, please have your child's physician complete the diet prescription form and return to STM cafeteria manager Kimberly Bell or Nurse Rochelle as soon as possible. Please note that your child's previous allergy form expires on September 8, 2024. All allergy forms must be signed by a licensed physician and renewed each school year.If your child has a milk allergy, apple juice will be given to substitute milk.If your child has a dairy allergy, he or she will NOT receive milk, cheese, or pizza.
Parents/guardians who would like to be substitute teachers and/or sub for Nurse Rochelle, please click here for the application.
Order your child's prepackaged school supplies for the 2024-25 school year through School Tool Box. Be sure to order the correct grade level box for the 2024-25 year. Click here to order.
If you ordered your child's supply box by June 2, your child's supplies will be delivered to STM and given to him or her on the first day of school. If you ordered after June 2, supplies will be delivered to your home.If you prefer to purchase school supplies separately, please refer to the supply list for your child's grade level:
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you – we have once again made it to the VOTING ROUND of the prestigious Baton Rouge Parents Magazine Family Favorites contest! This achievement would not have been possible without your unwavering support of the STM community. We are truly honored and grateful for YOU!
Now, we need your help to claim the title of Reader's Choice in seven categories and secure the number one spot in Family Favorites. Your vote can make a significant difference in our journey towards this recognition.
Here's how! Go to stmbr.org/brff24 and click VOTE for STM School in the following categories:
After School Program
Preschool
Private Elementary School
Private Elementary School Principal - Ashley McDaniel
Private Middle School
Private Middle School Principal - Ashley McDaniel
Special Needs Program
Please note that voting is open until August 15, so we encourage you to vote daily to maximize our chances of winning. Thank you once again for your continued support and for voting for STM in Family Favorites!
For Extended Care fees and details, and to register, please go to stmbr.org/extendedcare24.
Students who are not picked up in afternoon carpool will be sent to Extended Care as a drop-in. If a student is not previously registered for Extended Care and is sent by the office (due to the office closing), the parent must register the child at that time and pay a fee. If your child is going home with another child in Extended Care, your child also must be registered. Please contact Mrs. Gretchen Thibodeaux with any questions about Extended Care.
Click here for the summer reading list for your child's grade level.
SUMMER READING TESTING FOR GRADES 3-6: Thursday, July 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the STM Library. Students in grades 3 through 6 are required to test on two summer reading books. For the second and final testing date for the summer, students may only test on one book. There is no sign up required for testing; please arrive at the STM Library at testing time. Students may wait until we return to school in August to take one or both summer reading tests. Please email Sara Wisdom at wisdoms@stmbr.org if you have any questions.
We have athletic programs for all students to enjoy. We believe that athletics teach students valuable lessons in sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and competition. Even better, STM has a proud tradition, making it even more fun to pull for your child’s team. Our teams include boys basketball, girls basketball, intramural basketball, cheerleading, cross country, football, girls volleyball, swimming, tennis, and track and field.
FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION LINKS:
Football - grades 3-8 (closes 8/1)
Girls basketball - grades 3-5 (closes 8/1)
Girls basketball - grades 6-8 (closes 8/1)
Cross country - grades 5-8 (closes 8/24)
Swimming - grades 5-8 (closes 8/24)
Tennis - grades 5-8 (closes 8/24)
All athletes in grades 3-8 must have a completed athletic packet. Click here to download the STM athletic packet. The STM athletic department will be offering an athletic physical day in the STM Gym. More information on the physical day and a sign up link will be emailed out later this month.
At STM, we’re blessed to have a full-time nurse, whom students are allowed to visit when they are not feeling well, to take doctor-prescribed medication, or if they hurt themselves on campus.
Updated Immunization Records Needed: Emails have been sent to parents of incoming Preschool - 8th grade students that have outdated or missing immunization records on file at school. Updated records are due now! If your child is up-to-date on vaccines, then we just need an updated official copy of the immunization record. It can be scanned and emailed to rochelle@stmbr.org, faxed to 225-275-0376, mailed or dropped off to the front office. Nurse Rochelle will be calling parents in late July to check on any outstanding records.
Medication Drop-Off: If your child takes medication at school, you can drop off the medication and the paperwork directly to Nurse Rochelle in her office on the first day of school. She is also happy to make appointments the week before school starts with any parents that would like to drop off early or that would like to meet to discuss any medical concerns before the start of school. New physician orders are required for each school year for medication. The required medication paperwork is available to download below, or you can contact Nurse Rochelle at rochelle@stmbr.org.
Has anything changed medically for your child since last school year? This is just a reminder to notify Nurse Rochelle if your child has had any changes in his/her medical history since last school year. Any new food allergies, diagnosis of a new chronic condition such as asthma, etc. are important for us to keep students safe while in our care. Thank you for partnering with us to keep your children healthy at school!
DOWNLOAD MEDICAL FORMS:
STM Medication Policy
State Medication Order Form
Consent for Medication Administration
INC Form: required for any diagnosis
Cafeteria form: Diet prescription for meals at school
CAPS (Compass Abuse Prevention Services)
St. Thomas More must provide a safe environment for children and youth. We hold ALL adults who work with minors to a code of conduct that is Christ-centered and professional. The CAPS program implemented by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge requires us to evaluate the background of all paid personnel and volunteers whose duties include ongoing, unsupervised contact with minors.
Anyone who wants to volunteer at St. Thomas More must be in compliance with this policy. ALL requirements must be met in order to volunteer:
Throughout the school year, Home and School asks parents to help on campus for various events. Volunteering your time is a great way to support our STM community, meet other parents, and get a glimpse into your child’s life at school. We know work schedules can be tough to schedule around, so we offer opportunities that you can work into your schedule. The excitement on your child’s face when they see their mom or dad at school will make you so glad you did!
Click here for information about STM Home and School events and committees. To let us know you are interested in volunteering, please click here to fill out the interest form for 2024-2025..
Please note that to take advantage of these volunteer opportunities you must be Child Protection Certified. Go to stmbr.org/volunteer for more information.
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD
Lindsey Guillot, President
Natalie Smith, Vice President
Kayla Pollet, Class Parent Coordinator
Allyson Gaspard, Board Member
Sara Wisdom, Faculty Board Member
Michelle Fontenot, Treasurer
In 2023-2024, STM raised $19,871.87 through various opportunities including: Pass-It-On Uniform Sale, Community Coffee Cash for Schools labels, Grandparents Day donations, School Tool Box supply sales, Box Tops for Education, Mother & Son Tailgate, and Dad & Daughter Dance.
With these funds, we were able to support Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week, Principal's List Pizza Parties, Beginning-of-the-Year professional development lunch, Wonderful Wednesdays, Grandparents Day, Home and School Association annual dues, teacher classroom startup gifts, and faculty TGIF the first week of school.
COMMUNITY COFFEE CASH FOR SCHOOLS: Collect and save proofs of purchase from Community Coffee products and submit them to your child's homeroom teacher. Through this program, STM earns money to support the education of our children. We will count the labels over the Christmas break and track the amount collected by each homeroom.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION: Use the Box Tops app to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add cash to STM's earnings online. From playground equipment to technology to library books, STM can use this money to help our teachers and students get the supplies they need. See how at btfe.com.
You're invited to the 2024 STM Parish Auction on Saturday, August 24, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the STM Gym. Tickets are $75 per person - cocktail attire. This must-not-miss event will feature a live and silent auction (bidding online), delicious food by Drakes Catering, beautiful decor by August Events, live music, picture booth, bourbon bar, wine pull, first-pick raffle, and heads or tails game. Visit stmbr.org/auction for more information and to purchase tickets.
We wouldn’t be able to make the auction a success and continue to build upon St. Thomas More’s legacy without your support. The proceeds raised at this year’s auction will allow us to contribute funds to support our church, school, and early learning center. We are grateful for each of you and look forward to seeing you at the auction!
Now through AUGUST 15: BR Parents Magazine Family Favorites! Go to stmbr.org/brff24 to vote for STM for Afterschool Program, Preschool, Private Elementary School, Private Elementary School Principal, Private Middle School, Private Middle School Principal, Special Needs Program. Vote once a day through August 15!
JULY 18: New Parent Orientation - 5 to 6 p.m. in the STM Gym (Adults only)
JULY 24: Summer Reading Testing for grades 3-6 - 4 to 6 p.m. in STM Library
AUGUST 1: Registration closes for football and girls basketball (grades 3-8)
AUGUST 7
• Preschool and Kindergarten Meet-and-Greet
• First day for grades 1-8
AUGUST 8
• First day of Preschool for students whose last names begin with A-L
• First day for Kindergarten
AUGUST 9 - First day of Preschool for students whose last names begin with M-Z
AUGUST 10-11: Blessing of the Backpacks - After all Masses at STM Church
AUGUST 12: Full day for all students PK3-8
AUGUST 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Holy Day of Obligation and all-school Mass
AUGUST 14: Back to School Night for grades 5-8 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the STM Gym (Adults only)
AUGUST 19: Back to School Night for grades 1-4 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the STM Gym (Adults only)
AUGUST 24
• STM Parish Auction (Adults only)
• Registration closes for cross country, swimming, and tennis (grades 5-8)
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