EXPLORE STM: A FIRST LOOK
OUR MISSION
St. Thomas More School is a pre-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.
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A Graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic School...
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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 peacefully
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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 20, 2031.
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.
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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.
STM’s Beloved Holiday Greenery Sale Carries on a 20-Year Tradition
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St. Thomas More Catholic School’s annual Holiday Greenery Sale has brought festive cheer to homes across Portland and beyond for more than 20 years while raising funds to support its students.
The beloved holiday tradition is underway, offering a beautiful selection of designer holiday greenery sourced locally from Teufel and Pacific Garland, which is owned by Jung Houck, whose children attended STM.
The sale features her handcrafted magnolia wreaths and garlands and Teufel’s fresh wreaths and centerpieces. Proceeds support STM’s Bulldog Fund, which provides tuition assistance, student enrichment opportunities and campus improvements.
Jung and Pacific Garland have kept greenery prices at last year's rates despite rising costs, allowing each purchase to contribute an additional amount to the school.
“It's a generous gesture that reflects the lasting connections between STM and the families who have helped shape its community,” said Marla Rempel.
2026 Holiday Greenery Sale details
The 2026 sale is officially underway, and students have received order forms and envelopes with details on how to participate. Orders can also be placed online.
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Order Deadline: November 6
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Pickup Date: December 2
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Local Delivery: Available within five miles of STM for $10
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Nationwide Shipping: Select greenery can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., making it easy to send holiday cheer to family and friends
Early days of STM’s Greenery Sale
The STM Greenery Sale began in the early 2000s as a winter garden sale featuring poinsettias, rosemary plants and wreaths. After a couple-year hiatus, STM moms Sarah Kirsch and Amanda Niles revived the fundraiser nearly a decade ago as a greenery-focused effort, helping turn it into one of the school's most cherished holiday traditions.
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Sarah, now a former STM parent whose children Emma '24 and Mia '26, remembers rebuilding the sale in its early years. She and Amanda connected with Teufel Farms, whose locally designed greenery quickly became a holiday favorite for families, parishioners and neighbors alike.
In those early years, volunteers braved the cold and rain, caravanning to Teufel Farms to pick up orders before sorting and distributing everything in the Dosch lot.
“We had some wild years distributing from that lot,” Sarah recalls. “It was cold, wet, and frigid — but it was also such a joyful, communal experience.”
When the event later moved to the school's upper lot, pickup day became easier. Partnerships with local artists and STM families like the Houcks further strengthen the sale's connections to the STM community and beyond.
A Tradition That Keeps Giving
What began as a small winter garden sale has grown into a holiday tradition sustained by generations of STM families. Year after year, parents, parishioners, alumni families and volunteers come together to make the sale possible.
“It’s not just about selling wreaths. It’s about connection to our school, our neighborhoods, and each other,” Sarah reflected.
Place your order by November 6! Whether you're decorating your own home or sending a gift across the country, every purchase supports STM and helps keep this cherished Bulldog tradition growing.