JOIN THE
STM FAMILY
Enrolling Now for Fall ‘25 Kindergarten
Space also available in Pre-K through 4th grade.
St. Thomas More kindergarten offers an exceptional and comprehensive learning experience with small group literacy instruction rooted in the Science of Reading. We cultivate an essential foundation of love, faith and academic excellence, nurturing each child with care and encouragement.
EXPLORE STM: A FIRST LOOK
OUR MISSION
St. Thomas More School is a kindergarten through eighth grade parish school committed to strengthening Catholic identity and Gospel values, practicing Christian virtues, serving others, and promoting academic excellence with the idea that we do everything in love.
WHY SO MANY FAMILIES CHOOSE STM
DEDICATED TEACHERS
When you choose St. Thomas More Catholic School, your child will be nurtured and educated by our committed, passionate, and experienced teachers. 100% of our full-time teaching staff have Master’s Degrees and participate in continuing education opportunities. Our loyal teachers are lifelong learners themselves. They stay current with the best practices, educational research, and collaborative learning to enhance the education of our students. These teachers are also role models who share their wisdom, experience, and faith with STM students. They are devoted to their craft, with many proudly celebrating over 20 years of dedication and excellence at St. Thomas More Catholic School, a testament to their unwavering commitment and love for teaching.
SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
The Schoolwide Learning Expectations define the academic, social, emotional and spiritual characteristics that a student of St. Thomas More Catholic School will work to attain throughout their time here.
A Graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic School...
SERVES RESPONSIBLY
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exhibits awareness of global issues
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appreciates diversity of others
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demonstrates a collaborative spirit
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accepts responsibility for actions and responds appropriately to feedback
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participates actively in liturgies, prayers and Christian service
VIRTUES
Prayerfulness
Charity
Respect
Gratitude
Responsibility
Justice
Magnanimity
Humility
Moderation
Sincerity
Patriotism
Industriousness
A Graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic School...
TREATS OTHERS IN A CHRISTIAN MANNER
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respects self and others
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applies Christ's teachings
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answers the Church's call to social justice
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resolves conflicts peacefullly
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demonstrates familiarity with scripture and Catholic Social Teaching
VIRTUES
Meekness
Honesty
Orderliness
Affability
Self-control
Prudence
Modesty
Loyalty
Courtesy
Trustworthiness
Kindness
Magnificence
A Graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic School...
MAKES LEARNING A LIFE-LONG ENDEAVOR
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demonstrates a strong foundation in all subjects
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problem solves and transfers knowledge to new situations
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sets goals and monitors progress
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communicates effectively
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uses technology to research, create, and curate
VIRTUES
Docility
Generosity
Obedience
Perseverance
Foresight
Temperance
Fortitude
Patience
Hope
Prayerfulness
Respect
Industriousness
OUR COMMUNITY
WHY EXCELLENCE BEGINS WITH ACCREDITATION
The Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) is pleased to announce the action taken by its
Elementary Commission wherein St. Thomas More School is awarded a full term of accreditation
through June 30, 2025.
What is WCEA?
The Western Catholic Educational Association is a private educational accrediting agency established under the auspices of the Bishops of the Catholic (Arch) Dioceses of California.
The mission of the WCEA is to promote quality Catholic education for students in our member elementary and secondary schools through an accrediting process that assures the primacy of faith formation and educational excellence.
The major purpose of this agency is to coordinate the accreditation process by assisting schools in their self-study evaluative programs to establish general standards for excellence to grant WCEA Accreditation, and to cooperate formally with regional accrediting organizations as determined by the WCEA Board of Directors.
What is Accreditation?
Each member diocese has both an elementary school and high school commissioner. It is the responsibility of the respective commissioners to assist the school community in the preparation of a Self Study Document using an approved Protocol (Process for School Improvement for the elementary schools, and Focus On Learning for Catholic High Schools). These protocols are criteria-based and lead the school to examine specific aspects of school life and the extent to which the criteria are currently being met. The school community then prepares for a three-day visit by an accreditation team composed of educators who are trained evaluators from other schools with educational expertise.
A visiting team spends three days with the school community after review of the Self Study document. During the visit, the team visits classrooms, investigates the written evidence of responses to the WCEA criteria, holds interviews with the members of the school community, and prepares a written report on its findings during the three-day visit. The team also writes a recommendation of a term of accreditation based upon factors relative to the school community's success and growth needs.
A Recipe for Tradition:
The 53rd Annual
STM Spaghetti Dinner
It all began back in 1973, when STM parent and restaurant owner Frank Lemma shared his family’s spaghetti sauce recipe to help raise funds for school buses. Families cooked gallons of sauce at home, neighbors filled the gym for Sunday supper and the STM Spaghetti Dinner was born.
“A group of dads would combine all of the gallons of sauce in a big vat and cook it over a flame behind the kitchen. The air was filled with the smell of simmering tomatoes and spices,” said Virginia Calcagno, STM’s beloved bookkeeper who retired last year after many years of service, parenting and grandparenting at the school.
What started as one family’s idea has grown into a beloved 51-year tradition that continues to bring together STM families, alumni, and friends for an unforgettable night of food and fun.
Join us for this year’s celebration!
The 51st Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Sunday, November 2, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the STM gym. Tickets are $15 per person. Takeout is available for those who want to enjoy the meal at home. Upscale adult-only dining in the Parish Hall. Call 503-222-6105 to reserve your table in the Parish Hall.
After dinner comes the moment everyone waits for: the raffle. The crowd shifts toward the stage, where kids gather shoulder-to-shoulder, eagerly waiting for their name to be called.
Reserve your dinner tickets, raffle entries and table reservations today: Sign Up & Purchase Ticket.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and families who helped make this year’s Spaghetti Dinner a success with cash and food donations:
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Meatballs: Julia Ju
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Sauce: Kevin & Laurel Clausen
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Noodles: Mike Horton & Pam Hroza
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Salad: Jeff Grim
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Bread: Mari Ward Hester
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Dessert: Laurie Randall
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Rentals to Cook the Meal: Leslie Hamlett
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Ice: Bill & Jennifer Johnson
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Miscellaneous Supplies: Steve & Richelle Potestio
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Printing Materials: Dan & Katie Terrall
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General Donation: Jessica Getman
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General Donation: Joe & Cara Bailey
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General Donation: Goce & Jenny Serafimovski
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Additional Support: Alit, Alloro, Salt & Straw