Dear S.T.M. 4th grade parents and students,

 

     Learning to play an instrument in 4th grade (the beginning) is something of a new and wonderful addition to your child's regular school day.  I like to think of this as an opportunity to be on the ground floor or at least the starting point of a lifetime of learning to play and meet other young musicians, or to participate in a diocesan honor band performance, or even perform at a Kings Dominion or Hershey Park Music Festival. 

 

     I am sending this letter early because I would like families and students to not only get excited about this but to be able to discuss decisions and commitments to the instrument and our school program.  The beginning of the year goes very fast and major decisions are made all too quickly and sometimes without much thought.  My goal is to have our students as well prepared for the first day of classes as possible.

 

     I am proud of our band program at school and well aware that your student could one day be in the advanced band.  A successful first year is the key to ultimate success and I will do everything possible to make it a great experience.  The essential elements are desire and a little discipline.  All too often the newness of playing an instrument wears off quickly and the right instrument and parent support is essential.  We offer the following instruments to beginners in the 4th grade:  flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, and baritone. Additionally, the drum kit provides a small drum and a set of bells for a smaller selected number of percussionists.

 

     The Garwood Whaley Music Program works closely with the Diocese of Arlington Schools to provide instrumental programs in all of the schools.  Our school has had a long track record, over 35 years, of successful concerts, festivals, and individual achievements.  As a parent, there are two things you want to look for in a program, and they are:  teacher quality and a proven track record.  Also, be sure to think ahead to high school and your child's activities at this level.

    

     Music and Arts Stores, located all around the northern Virginia area, assist us with instrument rental programs for all instruments and are present at registration on Band Parents' Night. The band registration night is:  Thursday, September 7th at 7:00 P.M. in the gym at school.  Also, I will be introducing the instruments to students next week with some send home information.

 

    I hope to see each one of you at the band parents' night and /or next concert with a student in the beginner band.  Be sure to make this important and a priority for your child this year.

 

Sincerely,

Barry Ward

Band Director

TELEPHONE USE/MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS

The office telephone is not generally for student use; however, students may ask permission to use a school phone from the office personnel.   Students are discouraged from calling home for forgotten items. 

NEW FOR 2017-18 New:  Students are not permitted to bring cell phones, pagers, smart watches, etc. to school this year.

Electronic items that are used in violation of this policy will be confiscated by the Principal or her designee and will only be returned to a parent.

The St. Thomas More CYO tennis season is just around the corner.  If your child is in 3rd - 8th grade and is interested in playing tennis on the 

St. Thomas More tennis team this season, please contact Lee Plaza -  [email protected] .  Please use "Tennis" in the subject line and let me know the child's name, grade and skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).  We hope to start practices ASAP, so please don't delay in getting on my email list.  All parents from last year's team will automatically be sent the information for this upcoming season.   Practices will be one evening a week for an hour and a half and tennis matches are Sunday afternoons beginning on September 17 and through October 29 (with November 5 as a back-up date).  I'm also sad to say that Coach Carlos has moved out of the area, so depending on participation level, I may need one or two 3 rd  or 4 th  grade parents to step up to help with the younger kids.

Please let us know if your child has an interest in playing as soon as possible and whether you are able to help coach at practices and/or weekend matches.  We're looking forward to a great season!  

Thank you.

  "See to it That No one Misses the Grace of God" (Hebrews 12:15)

 

Do you have a desire to share Christ's love?  Do you feel called to connect with other women in our parish? Would you like to be a part of an authentic community of women who share Christ's love?

 

 

Walking with Purpose features at-home study, weekly small group discussions and a monthly Connect Coffee event for a talk on a relevant topic.  The program offers leaders an online training and mentoring program to help you shepherd other women and draw them closer to Christ.

 

If you are worried you do not have the skills to be a leader in this program, not a problem! Few things stretch and grow our faith like stepping out and asking God to work through us. If you would prefer just to participate, that's great too!