December 2020

Saint Theresa Catholic School

Alumni & Friends Newsletter
2020: What a Year!
It’s been quite a year at St. Theresa Catholic School (STCS)! At the onset of the pandemic last March, we pivoted to distance learning – without missing a single day of school. Many STCS spring traditions – Field Day, Graduation, Last Day of School – looked different, but we were thrilled to celebrate them together, whether it was online or in-person. The smiles of students, parents, and faculty were much-needed, and priceless!

Over the summer Principal Mrs. O’Malley formed and led a Task Force for Re-opening STCS that included parents with wide-ranging expertise, including health care, business, and law. They created a plan for re-opening, and 'mountains were moved’ in anticipation of our students’ return: classrooms were measured, desks distanced with floor markers, the cafeteria and gym were converted to classrooms, the building was sanitized and HVAC upgraded, the nurse’s office was reconfigured, and PPE was purchased – along with LOTS of hand sanitizer! Our faculty worked tirelessly, preparing for teaching both in-person and distance learners in this new environment.

The concerted efforts of the Task Force, our amazing faculty and staff, facilities team, and the newly-formed parent Core Volunteer group allowed us to re-open to in-person learning on August 31, 2020. Welcoming our students back to school (masked & socially-distanced) was a moment of pure JOY for all! We redefined ‘resilience’ here at STCS, and are so proud of and grateful for this incredible faith-filled community!
March 2020
August 2020
A STCS Tradition: Beautiful Christmas Pageants
Many of you remember the Annual Christmas Pageant held in the original church/gym, and then in our "new" church -- but always with a large audience of family members. This year, our pageant was a bit different due to the pandemic: Student Council (and some of their siblings) performed the Nativity play in the church – masked and with only the 8th grade in attendance. Their beautiful performance was livestreamed on the school’s Facebook page, allowing families and the student body to view.
Christmas 1995
Christmas 1996
Christmas 2020
2020 Thunder Appeal Be a Thunder Funder!
Alumni families and friends, we humbly ask you to support the 2020 Thunder Appeal for St. Theresa Catholic School. Your gift will directly impact our students by assisting with school re-opening expenses, providing our dedicated faculty with the tools needed to teach effectively, and allowing us to continue our mission of Educating Tomorrow’s Catholic Leaders.

Please know that every donation – no matter the size -- counts, and we are truly grateful for your support! You can make a gift to the 2020 Thunder Appeal here or by mailing a check to the school office. Thank you!
A STCS "First"!
We have a STCS “First”! Actually, two ‘Firsts’: for the first time in STCS’s 26-year history, we have an alumna serving on the PTO Board AND co-chairing the Annual Auction! A big shout-out to Shannon Prince Glaws (STCS 2000) who is serving as PTO Secretary and Auction Co-chair this year. We are so proud to now have several STCS Alumni as current parents; these ‘legacy’ families are such a vibrant part of our community – and their numbers are growing!
Alumni Spotlight
Chris Clark (STCS '07 ) graduated with an accounting degree from the University of South Carolina and earned his CPA. After 2 years in public accounting, Chris realized his passion for real estate and began redeveloping homes in the DC area. In 2017, he founded Summit Realty Investment Group, one of DC’s premier real estate solutions companies. Chris has been helping improve local communities, and leans on his faith as the foundation for his business activities. Check out some of the before and after pictures of his properties – they are awesome -- on Instagram @chrisflippingdc and his company @summitrealtyinvestmentgroup.
Prepping for the Auction
The Annual Auction has always been THE event of the year -- and many good memories have been made planning, decorating, and attending these wonderful evenings! Please join us on Saturday, May 22, 2021 for this year's auction, Jackpot! Gather old friends and let's celebrate our school community! Can you Sponsor the event? Or donate an item? For details please visit the auction webpage, here.
First STCS auction in our
Church/gym (above) - do you
recognize these STCS dads?!
2021 logo (right)
In Loving Memory
It is with both deep sadness and joyful remembrance that we share the news that our former colleague and teacher, Mrs. Helen Kruml, passed away on November 7, 2020. She was a beloved member of our community, teaching at STCS from 2006-2018, and substituting until this year. She exuded great love and energy, and we miss her dearly. Read Mrs. Kruml's obituary here.
Did you know?

You are in our prayers! Our students dedicate the prayer of Saint Theresa to all of our families,
past graduates, and friends of St. Theresa Catholic School. If you have a special prayer request, please email freschir@stsashburn.com and we'll add it to our parish book of intentions.

We have a full-time School Counselor, working with our students in grades K-8!
You can read her latest newsletter, here.
St. Theresa Catholic School Mission Statement
Guided by the teachings of Christ, Saint Theresa Catholic School is dedicated to 
Educating Tomorrow’s Catholic Leaders. We partner with families in the spiritual, intellectual,
social, and physical development of every child.
Stay Connected!
We love to hear from our alumni & alumni families!
Email your updates to freschir@stsashburnand follow us on social media!

St. Theresa Catholic School | 21370 St. Theresa Ln., Ashburn VA 20147 | 703.729.3577 | www.stsashburn.com