Saint Thomas More Catholic School (STM) marked a major milestone in its 75-year history with the blessing and dedication of its brand-new classroom building, extensive campus renovations, and its recognition as the first Catholic school in Georgia to go solar.

The joyous ceremony, led by Father Bob, pastor of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, brought together students, parents, faculty, staff, parish members, and community partners to celebrate the new space and the school’s renewed commitment to its celebration of Communion, academic excellence, and bond as one STM family.

The new building was designed with flexibility, collaboration, and joyful learning in mind and includes 12 bright, airy new classrooms for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Additional renovations throughout campus reflect the school’s commitment to providing a modern, mission-aligned space which supports the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.

With the desire to build a more sustainable future, the church and school partnered with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), and with support from Georgia Bright, completed a 100 solar panel installation on its roof.

“As Catholics, we are called to be caretakers of God’s Earth,” said Fr. Robert Hussey, pastor of St. Thomas More Church. “This solar installation is a faithful response to that call, and an act of stewardship that honors both the beauty of Creation and the needs of future generations.”

This initiative is STM’s bold response to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home. It positions the school as a model of environmental leadership within Catholic education, not just in Georgia but across the Southeast. 

“I echo Fr. Bob’s sentiments, as our solar-powered space reflects the heart of our school’s mission and highlights two of our Tiger Traits,” said Charlie Seamans, Interim Principal of Saint Thomas More Catholic School. “We Serve Others as Christ Would by caring for Creation with intention and love, and we Work Together for the Common Good by promoting the communal and responsible use of resources.”

With sustainable and energy-efficient green building practices, the school will be LEED-certified demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impact and conserving natural resources. 

To learn more about Saint Thomas More Catholic School’s commitment to environmental sustainability, visit GIPL’s article.

Hello STM families!

I hope you have all had a fun and relaxing summer. I wanted to share a few tips as we get ready to start our new school year in a few short weeks!

• Start introducing school routines two weeks before the beginning of the new academic year. Easing into earlier bed and waking times makes for a much smoother first few days. We all know that well-rested children are happier and ready to learn!
• To ease any back-to-school jitters, make sure to include your student in all the preparations for the new year. For example, let them be an active shopper for their school supply list. Having them take responsibility for crossing items off the list can give a child an appropriate sense of control in a new situation. This can lead to more confidence when facing the normal worries of entering a new classroom and meeting teachers/peers.  
• Another thing to remember is to take the time to listen to your child. Let them talk to you about the excitement or fears they have about returning to school. Allowing your students to express their feelings will help them work through whatever is causing the expected back-to-school worries.

I look forward to greeting you all on the first day of school!  

If a friend invited your family to dinner and told you Jesus would be there, wouldn’t you do whatever it took to attend, knowing the immeasurable blessing of being in His presence? Each time Mass is celebrated, Jesus is truly present. Do whatever it takes to attend every Sunday Mass so your family is blessed by:

• Nourishment for the Soul – Just as parents ensure their children eat well to grow strong and healthy, Jesus provides the spiritual food we need to
  strengthen our souls. The Eucharist is not just symbolic; it sustains and transforms us.
• Obedience to God – He explicitly calls us to keep the Sabbath holy. Bringing children to Mass teaches them to prioritize God’s law, reinforcing the
  importance of obedience in all aspects of life.
• Hearing God’s Word – In a world full of distractions, children must learn to listen to God above all else. At Mass, they hear Scripture proclaimed, forming a
  habit of recognizing and responding to His voice.
• Belonging to a family – Every Catholic, young and old, belongs to God’s family, the Church. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the
  midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Children bless others simply by being active members.
• Regular Mass attendance isn’t just a duty—it’s a gift that helps children become spiritually strong.