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Family Focus June 3, 2022-Summer Edition

06/28/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

June 3, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

Congratulations to our Graduates! We send our Class of 2022 graduates off with prayers and blessings. They are now a part of the Bethlehem Academy legacy and we look forward to hearing from them in the future as they pursue their dreams.  

We will be busy this summer planning for the next school year. Our school office is open Monday through Thursday 9-1 p.m. Come in if you need to drop something off, order more Cardinal raffle tickets, or come in and talk with us. We're excited to expand our programs and courses and welcome new staff! Please see our first introduction, below, of our new BA Band Director.

BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)

MASS DRESS CODE: As part of our plan for improvement, we thank you for your specific feedback on the dress code and Mass dress. We will be moving forward with a simpler Mass dress code, BA polos and dress slacks or khakis. All scholars will be provided a BA shirt for our first year roll out. The student council will help select the shirt style.

HANDBOOK UPDATES: In addition, as part of our Strategic Plan our handbook is reviewed annually. Updates to the handbook will be completed over the summer and shared with students during Orientation and Back-to-School week. It will be available online in August as well.

BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! 
(click on the links for more information)

• BA Summer Sports & Robotics Camps
• DMCS Scholarship Night, June 10
• Heritage Days Parade, June 18, 6:15pm: Student volunteers needed! Get an early start on your service hours. Email Kris Sauer to sign up. 
• BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24: Earn service hours: parent & student volunteers needed! 
• BA's SMART Ride for Catholic Education, July 28-30: Ride a single day or camp & rider for up to 3 or support a rider
• Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: great sponsorship opportunities and/or register to golf 

Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)

• Summer Office Hours: stop by to pick up lost & found items, including glasses, a full set of retainers, jewelry, hoodies, and water bottles. 
• Summer Reading Assignments 
• 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
• School Supply List 2022-2023

Continue to pray over the summer for our new teachers, safety of scholars, and prayers for Ukraine and all of those suffering from violence and loss. Please continue to join us during the month of May in saying a Hail Mary or the Rosary as we celebrate Mary.

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

All BA UPDATES 

Welcome to our new band director! 

Hello BA! My name is Brad Lorence and I will be the band director at BA this fall. I am super excited. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in December of 2021 with my degree in Instrumental Music Education. I enjoy being outdoors, particularly playing golf, going on hikes, and watching various sporting events. I am also a big fan of road trips and beautiful, historic Catholic churches. Mbeannaí Dia thú!

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Family Focus May 20, 2022

06/01/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

May 20, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

It's our last week of school! As we look forward to all of our traditional events next week, we also thank you for taking time to complete our parent surveys. Your feedback on specific questions, your input on what is going well and areas for growth help us celebrate areas of achievements and plan for improvement through our Strategic Plan for the future. (Review our Plan)

BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)

MASS DRESS CODE: As part of our plan for improvement, we thank you for your specific feedback on the dress code and Mass dress. We will be moving forward with a simpler Mass dress code, BA polos and dress slacks or khakis. All scholars will be provided a BA-provided shirt for our first year roll out. The student council will help select the shirt style.

HANDBOOK UPDATES: In addition, as part of our Strategic Plan our handbook is reviewed annually. Updates to the handbook will be completed over the summer and shared with students during Orientation and Back-to-School week. It will be available online in August as well.

TUITION AGREEMENTS & FINANCIAL AID: This information is available in FACTS and financial awards have been given. If you have questions or need more support, please reach out to Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org. 

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGES & CONCERT ADDITIONS: Please note the special schedules and early releases next week.

• Wed, May 25:
  • 1 p.m. BA Mary Ceremony - at the close of the ceremony, scholars are released. (~2:30 p.m.)
  • 7:30 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass is at Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• Thurs, May 26: Students will be released at 1 p.m. *Please note, there are golf, track and softball games today as well.
• Fri, May 27: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  
  • 9:15 a.m. Middle School Band Concert
  • 9:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony
  • 11:15 a.m. Dismissal for scholars Grades 6-11
  • No lunch will be served
  • 11:15 a.m. Senior/Staff Brunch
  • 7 p.m.  High School Band Concert in gymnasium
  • 7:30 p.m. Commencement in gymnasium.
• 2022-23 BA School Calendar (Link)

CELEBRATING RETIRING STAFF: Please send cards to send off Sue Jandro, Cassie Kratt, Mary Herzog, Hugh McCusker and Tom Madden as they depart from our school family for retirement or other life adventures!

KUDOS: Congratulations to all of our spring sports teams and coop participants on a fantastic year! We look forward to final competitions next week! A special thank you to all of our coaches.

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

• May 20: Middle School Lock-In and DMCS Family Fun Night
• May 24: HS Finals, Red Periods 1-3; Senior Rehearsal
• May 25: Gr 9-11 Finals Period 3, Cardinals A-C (See schedule above)
• May 26: Gr 9-11 White Day Finals 1, 2; Early dismissal at 1 pm
• May 27: Last Day of School! (See schedule above)
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

We have had a good response to our open positions and look forward to announcing our new hires! Prayers for Ukraine and all staff and scholars as we prepare for our summer. Please continue to join us during the month of May in saying a Hail Mary or the Rosary as we celebrate Mary.

ALL BA UPDATES

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS: Don't forget about the summer reading assignment for English class! Faculty will be discussing the required read in class early next week. Information will be posted on our website under the Academics tab by the summer break. 

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP  The BA Student Council will be cleaning up our adopted highway tomorrow, Saturday, May 21.  Our adopted highway is MN Highway 60 from mile marker 154 to mile marker 157, east of Faribault.  Students are to meet at BA at 8:45am.  This community service project is not limited to just student council members; any member of the student body is welcome to join and help!  Please dress appropriately for the weather and walking in highway ditches. Students should also bring work gloves.

SUMMER CAMPS: Join our championship volleyball and robotics teams at camps this summer! Lots of options for students grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs


Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Family Focus May 13, 2022

05/18/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

May 13, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

Minnesota weather - isn't it a joy! This Wednesday scholars and staff were drenched on their way to Mass. During our concert, as many of you know, we were interrupted twice by area weather warnings and sirens. What a day! Although we completed our choir concert, we will be adding our Middle School and High School Band Concert performances to two events already planned the last week of school - we hope you can join us! Thank you for your patience and understanding during the concert as we followed safety protocols.

TUITION AGREEMENTS & FINANCIAL AID: Please watch for these notifications in your email boxes. This will come from FACTS and could end up in your junk mail. You may also login and check the status. Please reach out if you have any questions to Kris Sauer at .

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGES & CONCERT ADDITIONS: Please note that the last week of school we have special schedules. 

• Wed, May 25:
  • 1 p.m. BA Mary Ceremony - at the close of the ceremony, scholars are released. (~2:30 p.m.)
  • 7:30 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass is at DMCC
• Thurs, May 26: Students will be released at 1 p.m. *Please note, there are golf, track and softball games, as well.
• Fri, May 27: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  
  • 9:15 a.m. Middle School Band Concert
  • 9:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony
  • 11:15 a.m. Dismissal for scholars Grades 6-11
  • No lunch will be served
  • 11:15 a.m. Senior/Staff Brunch
  • 7 p.m.  High School Band Concert in gymnasium
  • 7:30 p.m. Commencement in gymnasium.

STILL NEED PLANTS? The FFA Plant sale will continue Friday after school in the greenhouse and possibly Saturday morning at the Fairgrounds, if there are plants left. Stop by!

CELEBRATING RETIRING STAFF: Please send cards to send off Sue Jandro, Mary Herzog (It was Nurses' Day this week, too!), Hugh McCusker and Cassie Kratt as they depart from our school family for retirement or other life adventures!

KUDOS: Congratulations to our BA Manta Rays Vex IQ Robotics team at tying for 6th place in their division at World Championship this past week! Thank you to Mr. Robinson, their coach, chaperone Bob Crone, and all of the parents for their support. Kudos to Mrs. Kratt and Mr. Wendt for the spring concert, despite the interruptions! Thank you to Mrs. Jandro for coordinating the prom and all of her work with the committee. Thanks to our parents for Post Prom!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• May 17: WIN Day
• May 20: Middle School Lock-In and DMCS Family Fun Night
  • DMCS Family Fun Night - 3:30-7:30 - Student volunteers needed for Family Fun Night! Sign up HERE
• May 24: HS Finals, Red Periods 1-3; Senior Rehearsal
• May 25: Gr 9-11 Finals Period 3, Cardinals A-C (See schedule above)
• May 26: Gr 9-11 White Day Finals 1, 2; Early dismissal at 1 pm
• May 27: Last Day of School! (See schedule above)
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for Ukraine and all of our scholars who received the Sacrament of Confirmation! Please join us during the month of May in saying a Hail Mary or the Rosary as we celebrate Mary.

ALL BA UPDATES

Student Service Hours: Does your scholars still need service hours for the semester? DMCS is hosting a family fun night Friday, May 20 and student volunteers are needed! Sign up HERE

SUMMER CAMPS: Join our championship volleyball and robotics teams at camps this summer! Lots of options for students grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Talk to your Teen: Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

Class of 2022 Info:

Family Focus May 6, 2022

05/10/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

May 6, 2022

Dear BA Families:

It's May! Happy Mother's Day to all of the BA mothers. As we celebrate you, we are also honoring Mary. This week we began by joining DMCS for the Crowning of Mary at Mass. Along with Mass and prayers, BA will culminate our end of year events with the traditional Mary Ceremony the last week of school. Join us in praying the Rosary this month as we celebrate Mary.

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGES: Please note that the last week of school we have special schedules and two early release days. 

• Wed, May 25: 1 p.m. is the BA Mary Ceremony - at the close of the ceremony, scholars are released. (Most likely 2:30 p.m.) Baccalaureate Mass is at 7:30 p.m. at DMCC.
• Thurs, May 26: Students will be released at 1 p.m. *Please note, there are golf, track and softball games, as well.
• Fri, May 27:  The Awards Ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. Students grades 6-11 will be dismissed at 11:15 a.m. for the summer; No lunch will be served; Senior/Staff Brunch @ 11:15am; Commencement is at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.

CELEBRATING RETIRING STAFF: Please send cards to send off Sue Jandro, Mary Herzog, Hugh McCusker and Cassie Kratt as they depart from our school family for retirement and other life adventures!

KUDOS: Thank you to all of the BA Board, Home & School and our parents for sending in treats, cards and flowers to honor our teachers this week! Congratulations to our FFA officers and members and special thanks to Casi Jensen in coordinting "Baby Animal Day."

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• May 7: Prom - See details in the HS section below
• May 10: Spring Parent Survey deadline
• May 11: Spring Choir & Band Concert
• May 12: WIN Day
• May 17: WIN Day
• May 20: Middle School Lock-In
• May 25: Mary Ceremony, 1pm & Baccalaureate, 7:30pm
• May 26: Early dismissal at 1 pm
• May 27:
  • Awards Day, 9:30 am
  • 11:15 AM EARLY DISMISSAL/LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, Grades 6-11 (no lunch served)
  • Senior/Faculty Brunch @ 11:15am
  • Commencement, 7:30pm
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers to support Ukraine and all of our BA mothers!

ALL BA UPDATES
SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps this summer for students ranging from grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses! The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

TALK TO YOUR TEEN: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PROM Saturday, May 7: Rustic Romance – PROM 2022 Information. SADD will be sharing special safety demonstrations with high school scholars this coming week. On Saturday, May 7, here is the schedule:

2:00 Pictures at Derham Farm (Barns at Crocker Creek)
4:15 arrive at BA
4:45 line up by the vending machines
5:00 Grand March
5:30 Senior/Junior couples load bus
6:00 Arrive at the Owatonna Country Club 
6:30 dinner  -- buffet style
7:30 – 11:00 Dance
11:00 load bus to return to BA
11:30 Arrive at BA

During pictures at Derham Farm and at the Grand March, Brent Zabel will be taking photos of each couple, groups of couples, and class photos; a link will be shared with parents.

Post Prom May 7-8:  BA students and their guests are invited to attend Post Prom May 7-8, 2022. Permission slips must be signed and turned in to the BA Front Office by Friday, April 29. Click HERE for the permission slip plus event information.

1. Students are still in "school" mode, so they're mentally warmed-up for testing.
2. They've got plenty of time to submit applications for scholarships and schools if they meet their performance goals.
3. If they decide to retest, they know the areas they need to work on.
4. June is one of only three chances per year to purchase their Test Information Release (TIR) to help them prep. A TIR is an official copy of their questions, the answer key, and the answers they submitted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

Summer Youth Formation Programs! Summer Stretch and Totus Tuus registration is open! There is a program for everyone, grades 1-12! Teen leaders also needed. Find more information and register online HERE. 

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of May 9

Family Focus April 29, 2022

05/06/2022

Ed Friesen

2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

April 29, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Theater is back at BA! I hope that you are able to come out for one of the performances this weekend, April 29-May 1. BA Scholars are performing the play Clue at the Paradise Center for the Arts and the creative results are astounding. We are so blessed to partner with the Paradise and Patrick Braucher for this production. See you there!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK-May 2-6: Join us in celebrating our dedicated teachers next week. You're invited to send in treats, share an email or drop off a card. Our teachers go above and beyond to educate and support our scholars as they live out the mission of BA. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR TEACHERS!

TESTING COMPLETE: For the last two weeks BA scholars have participated in various tests. Our Middle School scholars take the NWEA MAP test, a national assessment in reading, language usage, math and science. Our 9th and 10th grade scholars took the Pre-ACT test. These results will be available to all families in the upcoming weeks. We are proud of our scholar's hard work throughout these exams. 

SPRING STAFF CHANGES: Each spring staff share with administration their plans for the upcoming school year. It is with heavy heart that we announce that three staff will be leaving the BA family for various reasons and we will miss them: Sue Jandro, HS Math; Cassie Kratt - MS & HS Choir Director and Edward Wendt, Band Director. We also have two retirements to celebrate: Mary Herzog, our school nurse, and Hugh McCusker, one of our maintenance assistants. Please pray for these transitions and ask God to direct the right staff to BA!

KUDOS: To our Theater Director and scholars involved in this year's Spring Production of Clue!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Ctr for Arts
• May 1: Family Rosary Procession from State Capitol to Cathedral of Saint Paul with the Diocese (Link)
• May 2: Daily Senior open campus begins
• May 2-May 6: Dress up days for Prom Week (Details below.)
• May 4: 8:30am Joint BA-DMCS Mass
• May 5: Student of the Month, 7:30am
• May 7: Prom - See details in the HS section below
• May 10: Spring Parent Survey deadline
• May 11: Spring Choir & Band Concert
• May 12: WIN Day
• May 17: WIN Day
• May 20: Middle School Lock-In
• May 25: Mary Ceremony, 1pm & Baccalaureate, 7:30pm
• May 27: Awards Day, 9am
• May 27: 11:15 AM EARLY DISMISSAL/LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (no lunch served; Senior/Faculty Brunch @ 11:15am)
• May 27: Commencement, 7:30pm
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers to support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps this summer for students ranging from grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses! The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

TALK TO YOUR TEEN: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PROM Saturday, May 7: Rustic Romance – PROM 2022 Information. SADD will be sharing special safety demonstrations with high school scholars this coming week. On Saturday, May 7, here is the schedule:

2:00 Pictures at Derham Farm (Barns at Crocker Creek)
4:15 arrive at BA
4:45 line up by the vending machines
5:00 Grand March
5:30 Senior/Junior couples load bus
6:00 Arrive at the Owatonna Country Club 
6:30 dinner  -- buffet style
7:30 – 11:00 Dance
11:00 load bus to return to BA
11:30 Arrive at BA

During pictures at Derham Farm and at the Grand March, Brent Zabel will be taking photos of each couple, groups of couples, and class photos; a link will be shared with parents.

Post Prom May 7-8:  BA students and their guests are invited to attend Post Prom May 7-8, 2022. Permission slips must be signed and turned in to the BA Front Office by Friday, April 29. Click HERE for the permission slip plus event information.

Attention 9^th & 10^th Grade Parents: Pre-ACT scores are back!  We are excited to share with you the results of the Pre-ACT tests that were taken April 5 and April 7.  It is a lot of great information! Pick up their scores at an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 4, at 6:30pm in the BA gym.  We will spend about 30 minutes reviewing scores, what it means now and what it means for the future.  

1. Students are still in "school" mode, so they're mentally warmed-up for testing.
2. They've got plenty of time to submit applications for scholarships and schools if they meet their performance goals.
3. If they decide to retest, they know the areas they need to work on.
4. June is one of only three chances per year to purchase their Test Information Release (TIR) to help them prep. A TIR is an official copy of their questions, the answer key, and the answers they submitted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

Summer Youth Formation Programs! Summer Stretch and Totus Tuus registration is open! There is a program for everyone, grades 1-12! Teen leaders also needed. Find more information and register online HERE. 

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of May 2

Family Focus April 22, 2022

04/27/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

April 22, 2022

Dear BA Families:

CARDINAL STRONG! The the warm weather was welcomed at spring sporting events this season. Our teams showed strong results in both our coop sports and BA softball - way to go, Cardinals! Scholars also heard from Darrell Thompson, previous Green Bay Packer and President of Bolder Options. He shared insight into persevering through struggles through his personal story.

Merit-based HOBAN Scholarships for BA 9-12 Scholars: Looking for another scholarship opportunity to support your tuition costs at BA? Please encourage your scholar to take time to apply for the merit-based Hoban scholarship. Scholars entering grades 9-12 next fall are eligible and must write a short essay due by April 29 to be considered. (Apply Here)

Spring Parent Survey: As we plan for next year, we would value your feedback to make our school and community stronger! Please take our short parent survey found HERE by May 10. 

SAVE THE DATE: April 29-May 1! BA Scholars are performing the play "Clue" at the Paradise Center for the Arts. Come support our theater students!

SPRING STAFF CHANGES: Each spring staff share with administration their plans for the upcoming school year. This year we have three staff moving on for various reasons and we will miss them - Sue Jandro, HS Math; Cassie Kratt - MS & HS Choir Director and Edward Wendt, Band Director. Please pray for their transitions and please ask for God to direct the right staff to BA!

KUDOS: To SADD for hosting our guest speaker this week and helping us pray for Ukraine each day during announcements.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• April 25-26: FFA scholars at STATE!
• April 26: WIN day
• April 28: Parent Close Up Trip Meeting, see info below
• April 25, 27-29: MS MAP Testing
• April 29: HS Hoban Scholarship application due, click HERE
• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Ctr for Arts
• May 2: Daily Senior open campus begins
• May 5: Student of the Month, 7:30am
• May 7: Prom 
• May 10: Spring Parent Survey deadline
• May 11: Spring Choir & Band Concert
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers to support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES
Close Up Trip Parent Meeting: Parents of rising grade 9-12 students interested in attending the Close Up trip to New York City and Washington, DC during spring break 2023 are invited to attend an informational meeting at BA Thursday, April 28, at 7pm in G9. BA advisor Dave Wollin and a Close Up program representative will be on hand to answer questions about this incredible program. 

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses! The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. 

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps, including robotics and athletics, and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration now! (Summer Programs)

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

TALK TO YOUR TEEN: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. The Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition's April message for parents is on Steve's Law. Under Steve’s Law, also known as the Minnesota Good Samaritan Law, any person who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose cannot be prosecuted for possession of drugs or paraphernalia. Both the person seeking help and the overdose victim are protected from prosecution if they cooperate with law enforcement. For more information, visit ricecountycmhc.org/naloxone/.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
Post Prom May 7-8:  BA students and their guests are invited to attend Post Prom May 7-8, 2022. Permission slips must be signed and turned in to the BA Front Office by Friday, April 29. Click HERE for the permission slip plus event information.

1. Students are still in "school" mode, so they're mentally warmed-up for testing.
2. They've got plenty of time to submit applications for scholarships and schools if they meet their performance goals.
3. If they decide to retest, they know the areas they need to work on.
4. June is one of only three chances per year to purchase their Test Information Release (TIR) to help them prep. A TIR is an official copy of their questions, the answer key, and the answers they submitted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

Summer Youth Formation Programs! Summer Stretch and Totus Tuus registration is open! There is a program for everyone, grades 1-12! Teen leaders also needed. Find more information and register online HERE. 

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of April 25

Family Focus April 14, 2022

04/20/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

April 14, 2022

Dear BA Families:

BLESSED EASTER! As you celebrate the Triduum, may you feel the blessing of God upon you. Just a reminder, there is no school on Friday or Monday. This week the Holy Spirit helped guide our Peer Ministry as they led the 6-7th grade retreat. What a blessing to have our young leaders helping our middle school scholars grow in faith and fellowship. 

THANK YOU! We are so thankful to everyone for their participation in BABS. Thanks to your efforts and donations, we raised over $61,950 towards our Fund-A-Need and will receive a match of $50,000 enabling us to support Teacher Wish Lists. In addition, our Live and Silent Auctions brought in over $36,000. With all of the sponsors and games, we anticipate grossing over $40,000 helping us reach our budget needs for BABS.

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES: Thank you for registering early, we have nearly 90% of our scholars registered. If you haven't registered, please do so by Friday, April 15. Remember it's a two step process: 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE BA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

HOBAN Scholarships for BA 9-12 Scholars: Looking for another scholarship opportunity to support your tuition costs at BA? Please take time to apply for the Hoban scholarship. Scholars must write a short essay due by April 29. (Apply Here)

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps, including robotics and athletics, and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration now! (Summer Programs)


SAVE THE DATE - April 29-May 1! BA Scholars are performing the play "Clue" at the Paradise Center for the Arts. Come support our theater students!

KUDOS: To our Peer Ministry Team and Ms. Shimota for their work with our middle school this week. Special thanks to our Student Council and Home & School for hosting Grandparents Day today!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• April 15: TADS aid and FACTS Re-enrollment Deadline!
• April 15: NO SCHOOL / Good Friday
• April 18: NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
• April 18: Post Prom Dining Night Out @ Crooked Pint, FLYER
• April 19: Guest Speaker Darryl Thompson, 1pm (WIN schedule)
• April 21: WIN day
• April 22: Dress down day for Ukraine hosted by SADD
• April 26: WIN day
• April 29: HS Hoban Scholarship application due, click HERE
• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Ctr for Arts
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for a beautiful Easter! To support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES

Crooked Pint DNO April 18: Post-prom is hosting a dining night out at Crooked Pint Monday, April 18 and 15% of all dining/drink purchases from 5-9pm will go to Post Prom! Click HERE for the flyer to show your server for the discount. 

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses! The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

TALK TO YOUR TEEN: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. The Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition's April message for parents is on Steve's Law. Under Steve’s Law, also known as the Minnesota Good Samaritan Law, any person who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose cannot be prosecuted for possession of drugs or paraphernalia. Both the person seeking help and the overdose victim are protected from prosecution if they cooperate with law enforcement. For more information, visit ricecountycmhc.org/naloxone/.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!
JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

Summer Youth Formation Programs! Summer Stretch and Totus Tuus registration is open! There is a program for everyone, grades 1-12! Teen leaders also needed. Find more information and register online HERE. 

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of April 18

Family Focus April 8, 2022

04/12/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

April 8, 2022

Dear BA Families:

It's BABS Weekend! I hope to see many of you at BABS tomorrow as we celebrate BA pride, enjoy time together and raise critical dollars for our scholars. It's not too late to sign up, hope to see you there! 

BABS 2022: You can still reserve your ticket (online event tickets sales close Sat 4/9 @ 12noon; tickets available at the door), volunteer, or bid on Silent Auction items online if you cannot attend: 

• Register Here: Tickets
• Volunteer Here: Sign Up Genius
• Raffle Tickets Here: RAFFLE
• Auction Items Here: AUCTION

BA REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR CONTINUES: Thank you for registering early, we have nearly 90% of our scholars registered. If you haven't registered, please do so by next Friday, April 15. Remember it's a two step process: 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE BA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

GRANDPARENTS' DAY - April 14: Please be sure to share this date with grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life. We will have a short program and treats beginning at 1 p.m. Click here for the invitation, information on the baking competition, and grandparent questionnaire. 

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps being offered this year and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration, now! (Summer Programs)

KUDOS: To our BABS committee for the incredible efforts to put everything together for a fantastic BABS event! Special congratulations to our FFA scholars - our Landscaping team qualified for State! Thanks to Mrs. Jensen for leading her FFA team.

RECOGNITION: It's that time of year to recognize a business and area schools at the Faribault Daily News! Click here to vote: VOTE FOR THE BEST

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• April 9: BABS 2022!! Click here for more information 
• April 12 & 13: Easter flower pick up, 3-6pm, BA Front Lobby
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 13: Joint BA & DMCS Mass at 8:30 a.m. (No 10:30 a.m. Mass today)
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• April 15: TADS aid and FACTS Re-enrollment Deadline!
• April 15: NO SCHOOL / Good Friday
• April 18: NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
• April 18: Post Prom Dining Night Out @ Crooked Pint
• April 19: Guest Speaker Darryl Thompson, 1pm (WIN schedule)
• April 21: WIN day
• April 26: WIN day
• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Center for the Arts
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for the healing and relationships. Special prayers asked for the families of Ukraine. To support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES


Easter flower pick up! Easter flowers ordered for the BAAA fundraiser will be available for pick up Tuesday April 12 and Wednesday April 13, 3-6pm in the BA front lobby. Forgot to order? Extra flowers are available for purchase during pick up times!

April 15: TADS, FACTS Deadlines & Tuition Tax Documents: Friday, April 15 is the deadline to apply for BA tuition assistance for the 2022-2023 school year. Find the application here. We ask that enrollment in FACTS be completed by April 15 so we may adequately plan for next year. Find the FACTS login HERE  (Parent login/FACTS Family Portal). Taxes: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

Crooked Pint DNO April 18: Post-prom is hosting a dining night out at Crooked Pint Monday, April 18 and 15% of all dining/drink purchases from 5-9pm will go to Post Prom! Click HERE for the flyer to show your server for the discount. 

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses!
The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. Thank you!

2022 Summer Camps

From the Nurse’s Office
A reminder to all students entering 7^th grade this fall: Please make sure that you have had your tetanus booster and 1^st meningitis shot before the start of school in the fall. Many students have already received the required shot. Reminder letters will be going out. For all students entering grade 12 in fall: A second meningitis shot is required before the start of school this fall. Reminder letters will be sent out.

SPRING SPORTS
As we head into spring break, spring sports are getting underway at Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School. Available sports include girls fastpitch softball, baseball, track & field, golf and boys tennis. 

Girls Fastpitch Softball is offered by Bethlehem Academy to girls in grades 6-12. The high school team began practice this week and middle school will begin practice on Monday, March 28. Please visit our athletics website https://sports.bacards.org, for registration link, activity fee payment link, schedules, forms, parent-player-coach handbook and other items. The activity fee is $140 per participant and may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Register for Girls Fastpitch Softball HERE. Completing the online registration form is required. Pay the Softball Activity Fee HERE. 

Baseball, Track & Field, Golf and Boys Tennis are offered through cooperative sports agreements with Faribault Public Schools. Please visit www.faribaultfalcons.com for schedules, registration, forms and other information. The activity fee for high school students is $170 and the activity fee for middle school students is $85. Payment of activity fees for these sports is done through the district’s Infinite Campus web portal. Contact Shawn Behrens in the high school activities office to create your Infinite Campus account. Ms. Behrens may be reached at 507-333-6210 or sbehrens@faribault.k12.mn.us. Click here for Faribault Falcon sports registration. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Enrollment/Financial Aid/Tuition Agreement Deadlines:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!















 

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

SUMMER STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (water park, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of April 11

Family Focus, April 1, 2022

04/06/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

April 1, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Welcome April!  I hope that Spring Break blessed you with relaxation of body and renewal of spirit. The parish and BA scholars that traveled to Belize experienced a beautiful act of service during their Spring Break and we are proud of all of them. They shared their stories with the Legion this past week.

BA is excited to celebrate the beginning of the 4th quarter this week and continue in our Lenten activities. Today we gathered for our last "Stations of the Cross" closing with a special candle ceremony. Next Friday reconciliation will be offered to all scholars. We invite you to join us and take our Lenten "Kindness Challenge!" (Kindness)

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps being offered this year and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration, now! (Summer Programs)

GRANDPARENTS' DAY - April 14: Please be sure to share this date with grandparents/adults in your scholar's life. We will have a short program and treats beginning at 1 p.m.


BABS 2022: Have you reserved your ticket for April 9? It's just one week away! You won't want to miss the fun:

• Register Here: Tickets
• Volunteer Here: Sign Up Genius
• Raffle Tickets Here: RAFFLE

Class Basket: Donate toward your scholar's class basket! Each grade this year has picked a theme that you can donate toward: 6-Movie; 7-Camping; 8-Sports; 9-Gardening; 10- Bonfire or Beach; 11-Movie; 12-BBQ/Grill. ALL BASKET DONATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 4.

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES: Thank you for registering early, we have 85% of our families completed and anticipate close to 15 new scholars! Remember it's a two step process: 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

KUDOS: To our choir and solo and ensemble participants who all received Superior ratings, check this out on Facebook! Special thanks to Mrs. Kratt for working with each scholar on their performance. Congratulations to Delaney Luckow '28 and Holden Boyd '26 competing in their State Archery tournament in Duluth and receiving their highest scores for the season!

RECOGNITION: It's that time of year to recognize a business, and area schools at the Faribault Daily News! Click here to vote: VOTE FOR THE BEST

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays and Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

• April 4: Deadline to apply to be a Summer Student Worker (see info below)
• April 4: 2023 Close-Up Trip (DC & NYC) mtg, Gr 9-11, 7:45am
• April 5: BA Blood Drive in the BA gym; Gr 9 Pre-ACT test
• April 7: Gr 10 Pre-ACT test
• April 8: Reconciliation
• April 9: BABS 2022!! Click here for more information 
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• April 15: TADS aid and FACTS Re-enrollment Deadline!
• April 15: NO SCHOOL / Good Friday
• April 18: NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for the healing and relationships. Special prayers asked for the families of Ukraine.

ALL BA UPDATES

HS Summer Workers: Deadline April 4: High school students (entering grades 9-12 in 2022-2023) interested in working at BA and DMCS this summer on our maintenance team have until Monday, April 4 to apply. Student workers help clean and prepare the schools for the upcoming school year. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.42; all wages earned will be credited directly to the scholar’s BA tuition agreement in August. Workers who are selected will be under the direction of Mr. Steve Zabel, but will work a week in both schools. Students whose families receive financial aid will have first priority; others are encouraged to apply. If interested, please call the BA office @ 507-334-3948 or email Barb Johnson with te names of your scholar(s). 

April 15: TADS, FACTS & Tuition Tax Documents: Friday, April 15 is the deadline to apply for BA tuition assistance for the 2022-2023 school year. Find the application here. We ask that enrollment in FACTS be completed by April 15 so we may adequately plan for next year. Find the FACTS login HERE  (Parent login/FACTS Family Portal). Taxes: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses!
The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. Thank you!

From the Nurse’s Office
A reminder to all students entering 7^th grade this fall: Please make sure that you have had your tetanus booster and 1^st meningitis shot before the start of school in the fall. Many students have already received the required shot. Reminder letters will be going out. For all students entering grade 12 in fall: A second meningitis shot is required before the start of school this fall. Reminder letters will be sent out.

2022 Summer Camps

SPRING SPORTS
As we head into spring break, spring sports are getting underway at Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School. Available sports include girls fastpitch softball, baseball, track & field, golf and boys tennis. 

Girls Fastpitch Softball is offered by Bethlehem Academy to girls in grades 6-12. The high school team began practice this week and middle school will begin practice on Monday, March 28. Please visit our athletics website https://sports.bacards.org, for registration link, activity fee payment link, schedules, forms, parent-player-coach handbook and other items. The activity fee is $140 per participant and may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Register for Girls Fastpitch Softball HERE. Completing the online registration form is required. Pay the Softball Activity Fee HERE. 

Baseball, Track & Field, Golf and Boys Tennis are offered through cooperative sports agreements with Faribault Public Schools. Please visit www.faribaultfalcons.com for schedules, registration, forms and other information. The activity fee for high school students is $170 and the activity fee for middle school students is $85. Payment of activity fees for these sports is done through the district’s Infinite Campus web portal. Contact Shawn Behrens in the high school activities office to create your Infinite Campus account. Ms. Behrens may be reached at 507-333-6210 or sbehrens@faribault.k12.mn.us. Click here for Faribault Falcon sports registration. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.

Middle school track & field begins practice on April 4. 

Middle school baseball begins practice on April 4. 

Golf begins practice on Monday, March 28. Golf is open to students in grades 7-12.

Boys Tennis begins practice on Monday, March 28. Boys Tennis is open to boys in grades 7-12. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Enrollment/Financial Aid/Tuition Agreement Deadlines:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PreACT Test – For students in grades 9 (April 5) and 10 (April 7): The ACT is the most common college entrance exam in Minnesota and the United States. It is commonly taken by students in spring of their Junior year and/or fall of their Senior year. The PreACT is designed to prepare students for taking the ACT. It is a standards-based assessment which monitors progress toward college and career readiness. Students are automatically registered for these tests, which are paid for by the school. Grade 9 students will take this test Tuesday, April 5; Grade 10 on Thursday April 7. To learn more about the PreACT exam, click HERE.

ST CATHERINE UNIVERSITY FASHION CAMP: Dates: July 11-15 (1-5 p.m.) Open to all 10-12th grade scholars.Cost: $300 (A reduced cost of $50 is available for families who qualify for free/reduced price lunch). For more information and to sign up, click HERE. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

















BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Click HERE for the full job description. 

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

SUMMER STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (waterpark, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of April 4

Family Focus 3-18-22

03/29/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

March 18, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Happy Spring Break! I'll be praying for all of your safety as many families plan to travel this break. Please pray for our Parish/School Belize travel group as they head out to serve Christ. Follow them online: (https://www.facebook.com/divinemercybelize2022)
Remember to join us for our Lenten activities: Mass at Immaculate Conception Church each Wednesday at 10:30am and Friday mornings Stations of the Cross at 10:35am and on Monday, March 28, our NHS members are hosting the parish soup supper with DMCS. Also, take our Lenten "Kindness Challenge!" (Kindness)

BABS have you reserved your ticket for April 9? Donate, attend, and/or volunteer! Each grade level this year has picked a theme that you can donate toward: 6-Movie; 7-Camping; 8-Sports; 9-Gardening; 10- Bonfire or Beach; 11-Movie; 12-BBQ/Grill. ALL BASKET DONATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 1. Send in donations toward these themes marked for the grade level. Check out the volunteer needs on our "Sign Up Genius" and connect with us to reserve your tickets to BABS, you won't want to miss our celebration! (Ticket Link)

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES: Enrollment is a two step process. 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

UPDATES ON FUNDRAISERS: 
BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available and donations and Baskets Needed! Order raffle tickets HERE. See ideas for donations on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.

Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $283,200. We are so thankful for this support! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Donate Online

Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are over $7 million!

COVID Updates: This week BA had no positive COVID cases and no one in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. 

KUDOS: To our scholars and our staff for the completion of the 3rd quarter of the year! The next two months will go by quickly!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly for Mass on Wednesdays and Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

• March 21: Golf, baseball season opener
• March 21-25: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
• March 28: NHS students serve at the DMCC Lenten Soup Supper
• March 29: HS Choir solo and ensemble contest
• March 29: Post-Prom parent meeting, 6:00pm, BA Cafeteria 
• March 31: Gr 10-11 PSEO Info Meeting, 6:30pm-see below
• April 1: BABS Baskets and donations due!
• April 4: Summer Student Worker deadline
• April 5: BA Blood Drive in the BA gym; Gr 9 Pre-ACT test
• April 8: Reconciliation
• April 9: BABS; click here for more information 
• April 10: Gr 10 Pre-ACT test
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• April 15: Re-enrollment Deadline!
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for the safety of our scholars, staff, and families over spring break. Special prayers asked for the families of Ukraine.

ALL BA UPDATES

Help the Gardner Family: Former BA Band Director, Scot Gardner, is looking for volunteers to help his family meet the needs of their son, Christopher. See their letter with more information HEREand help if you can. 

Looking for a way to help the Caron Family? Classmate Matthew Friesen has set up a GoFundMe account to help Andrew Caron and his family as he recovers from his recent auto accident. Donate to the family HERE.

Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTSHERE. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Enrollment/Financial Aid/Tuition Agreement Deadlines:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PSEO Information Meeting March 31: Is your scholar interested in taking PSEO next year? PSEO (Post Secondary Education Options) is the name for the opportunity for high school students to take college classes through a college for both high school and college credit. There are many important items to consider when looking at PSEO. To make sure you and your scholar are aware of them all, there will be an informational meeting on Thursday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. in the BA Library. 10th and 11th grade tudents who are interested in PSEO are strongly encouraged to attend.

PreACT – For students in grades 9 and 10: The ACT is the most common college entrance exam in Minnesota and the United States. It is commonly taken by students in spring of their Junior year and/or fall of their Senior year. The PreACT is designed to prepare students for taking the ACT. It is a standards-based assessment which monitors progress toward college and career readiness. Students are automatically registered for these tests, which are paid for by the school. Grade 9 students will take this test Tuesday, April 5; Grade 10 on Thursday April 7. To learn more about the PreACT exam, click HERE.

BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Deadline to apply: March 18, 2022. Click HERE for the full job description. 

SPRING SPORTS

As we head into spring break, spring sports are getting underway at Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School. Available sports include girls fastpitch softball, baseball, track & field, golf and boys tennis. 

Girls Fastpitch Softball is offered by Bethlehem Academy to girls in grades 6-12. The high school team began practice this week and middle school will begin practice on Monday, March 28. Please visit our athletics website, https://sports.bacards.org, for registration link, activity fee payment link, schedules, forms, parent-player-coach handbook and other items. The activity fee is $140 per participant and may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Register for Girls Fastpitch Softball HERE. Completing the online registration form is required. Pay the Softball Activity Fee HERE. 

Baseball, Track & Field, Golf and Boys Tennis are offered through cooperative sports agreements with Faribault Public Schools. Please visit www.faribaultfalcons.com for schedules, registration, forms and other information. The activity fee for high school students is $170 and the activity fee for middle school students is $85. Payment of activity fees for these sports is done through the district’s Infinite Campus web portal. Contact Shawn Behrens in the high school activities office to create your Infinite Campus account. Ms. Behrens may be reached at 507-333-6210 or sbehrens@faribault.k12.mn.us. Click here for Faribault Falcon sports registration. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.

High School Track & Field began practice this past week. Middle school track & field begins practice on April 4. Track & field is open to students in grades 6-12. (I am not sure if 6^th grade can participate in middle school track.)

High school Baseball began arm conditioning this past week. Practice begins on Monday. Middle school begins practice on April 4. Baseball is open to students in grades 6-12. 

Golf begins practice on Monday, March 28. Golf is open to students in grades 7-12.

Boys Tennis begins practice on Monday, March 28. Boys Tennis is open to boys in grades 7-12. 

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

CODING CAMP: During the exciting 3-week summer camp, students build really impressive AI products that people can use! AI Camp is founded by Stanford Ph.Ds, and have taught thousands of students about AI! No coding experience is needed. About 70% of our applicants are awarded with a scholarship. To apply, click here: https://www.ai-camp.org/summer-camp-scholarship. This amazing opportunity is first-come, first serve. The deadline is 3/15."

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

SUMMER STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (waterpark, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar