Category : July 2022
Family Focus 7-29-22
July 29, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome August - where did summer go?! BA volunteers gathered at the Rice County Fair in the Cardinal Cafe, serving up great food with a lots of smiles this month. This ongoing tradition connects alumni, staff and students with fair attendees. We are thankful for all of the fair stand volunteers, with a special thank you to the Simones family for coordinating this massive fundraising event. We sent our SMART Riders off this week embraced by a soft, cool breeze. Next Friday, August 5th, we gather for the BA Golf Classic. The sacrifice and dedication of all of our volunteers at each of these events makes a profound statement of how much they care for the mission of BA and the future of our scholars. THANK YOU!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL: With the approach of August many of you are beginning your school shopping and planning for events. The Back-to-School Packet will be mailed out next week and links to our upcoming events and our school supply lists can be found below. Athletes can expect registration information for sports within the week, with fall high school sports beginning Aug 15, middle school Aug 22. We anticipate sending schedules to students by August 5. Students should contact Ms. Roessler with questions. Summer is quickly fading - reach out with questions and take advantage of a few more summer weekends!
BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! Click on the links for more information.
- Summer Band & Music Lessons - Join our band director, Brad Lorence, for summer music lessons (Gr 6-12) and summer band (Gr 8-12). Click HERE for more information or email Mr. Lorence at: brad_lorence@bacards.org.
- Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: It's not too late to register!
- Fall Sports Begin: Aug 15 for high school, Aug 22 for middle school. Please visit bacardinals.com for more information and forms!
- Back-to-School Picnic: August 24 (5-6:30 p.m.), BA Back 40
- New Family Orientation: August 24, 6:45-7:3pm, BA gymnasium
- Student Only Orientation: August 29 (9-11:30 a.m., no busing or lunch) *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12)** - You're invited to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get your laptop and receive technology training. Pizza provided.
Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)
- Summer Office Hours: Mon-Thursday, 9am-1pm
- Summer Reading Assignments
- 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR: (Link)
- School Supply List 2022-2023 *Please note our Mass dress code update to ensure you have Mass attire for the fall.
Mass Dress Code Update: BA Spirit Wear Day!
- Tops: Black polos with or without BA logo; Red polos with or without BA logo and/or band shirts; White button-down shirt with collar or white polo.
- Bottoms: Boys or Girls: Tan or black pants (dockers; khakis; black jeans); Girls may choose to wear black, tan, or plaid skirts in black and red, to the knee.
- Jackets or Sweaters: Students may wear a jacket, sweater, or a BA crew neck sweatshirt, or quarter zip BA athletic jacket over their polo or button-down shirt in colder weather. No hooded sweatshirts on Mass days.
Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Welcome to our New Staff!
Ag/Shop: Please welcome Maxwell Johnson, BA's new Ag/Shop teacher. Hello Cardinals! My name is Maxwell Johnson (Mr. Johnson) and I am a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota in Agricultural Education. I grew up in Nerstrand where I raised and showed meat goats at the local, state, and national levels. I enjoy the outdoors and hands-on experiences and hope to incorporate that into my classroom. Outside of school, you can find me cheering the local sports team, working with boer goats, or volunteering with local 4-H clubs.
Middle School New Staff: Stephen Uphus - MS Counselor
High School New Teachers: Social Studies -Christian Bjornson; Student Support/Teaching Assistant; Math Department - Dave Gilmore & Josh Maus; Music Department - Choir Director, Emily Cicha & Band Director, Brad Lorence.
International Student Host Family Needed: KoAm, an educational exchange program that brings students to BA from South Korea, is looking at possibly needing a host family for a high school girl this school year. This is a great cultural opportunity and chance for these students to experience life in America! Monthly stipend and tuition credit offered. Contact Kris Sauer by email or at 507-334-3948 if interested.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Faith Formation registration is open for Middle School EDGE (Gr 5-7), Confirmation (Gr 8+), and High School Leadership Team (confirmed students)-assist with middle school & confirmation programs. Click HERE for more information and to register!
Family Focus 07-15-22
July 15, 2022
Dear BA Families:
It's Rice County Fair Time! Join me at the fair by helping out in our Cardinal Cafe. We need everyone to volunteer to ensure that we have all times covered at BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24. (Click to sign up.)
Welcome new BA Staff! We are finalizing all open staff/teaching positions and invite you to connect with our new teachers and staff in welcoming them to the BA family. Please see two more new staff introductions below.
Summer Band / Music Lessons - Join our new band director, Brad Lorence, for summer music lessons (gr 6-12) and summer band (gr 8-12) beginning the week of July 25. Click HERE for more information or email Mr. Lorence at: brad_lorence@bacards.org.
BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our leadership through the BA Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)
BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us!
(click on the links for more information)
- 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 & ride OR support one of our riders!
- 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: Mon-Thursday, 9am-1pm
- Summer Reading Assignments
- 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
- School Supply List 2022-2023 *Please note our Mass dress code update to ensure you have Mass attire for the fall.
KUDOS: Thanks to our maintenance team and student workers for their hard work this summer in cleaning and preparing for our fall return! The school shines! Special thanks to all basketball camp organizers for a great experience for younger scholars.
Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Welcome to our new staff!
HS Social Studies -Christian Bjornson
Hello Cardinals! My name is Christian Bjornson, and I’m the new high school social studies teacher at B.A. I recently completed my M.Ed. in social studies education from the University of Minnesota and am excited to begin my first full year of teaching this fall. Prior to going back to school for teaching, I earned a M.A. from Norwich University and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota—both in history—and worked as a historical interpreter and researcher for the Minnesota Historical Society. Though I’m a recent transplant to Faribault (originally from Minneapolis), I have deep family roots in the area: my great-great grandfather settled here after immigrating from Germany, and my grandmother grew up on Division Street. When I’m not teaching, some of my favorite hobbies include reading, playing music, visiting museums, or enjoying the outdoors. I’m also an avid disc golfer and always looking for course recommendations!
High School Student Support/Teaching Assistant
Hi, my name is Katy Ashley and I am looking forward to working at BA this year in my student support position! I graduated from Winona State University in 2020 with a degree in History and a minor in Art History. For the past two years I have been working in the Metro area for a medical firm as a lab assistant. I love being outdoors, playing sports, and am a voracious reader. As a DMCS and BA alumni, I hope to help the next generation of graduates obtain an excellent education!
Math Department
Hi, I’m Dave Gilmore, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy! I live in Nerstrand and have 2 daughters that attend high school in Northfield. I currently work at South Central College in Faribault and have been teaching math there for almost 15 years. I have my M. Ed. degree from U of M, Twin Cities and my B.A. in Math Education from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Besides math, I also enjoy playing guitar and teach guitar lessons in Northfield with the Northfield Community Ed Program. I’m excited to begin teaching at BA and I am really looking forward to joining the team and meeting all of you!
I’m Josh Maus, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy this year. I’ll be teaching Advanced Algebra, Consumer Mathematics, and AP Statistics. I currently work as an analyst for a sports data firm in Bloomington, Minnesota, and I’ve previously worked in finance and education. I’m originally from Northfield, where I attended St. Dominic School, Northfield High School, and St. Olaf College. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics with a Statistics minor. In my free time, I enjoy playing baseball and fishing. I’m excited to join the BA family!
Choir Director
Hi, my name is Emily Cicha, and I’m so excited to meet everyone! I’ve lived in Mandan, North Dakota, my whole life. I love to sing and play music and was active in the arts. I graduated from University of Mary this last spring. Singing has always been my favorite thing, but I’ve also played oboe and English horn in college and for my local symphony. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to share music and our faith together!
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!
Vikings Football Game Aug 20: Discounted tickets are available for the Vikings vs the San Francisco Forty Niners on August 20. Purchase tickets using this link and promo code (CARDINALS) and the Vikings will make a donation to the BA football program.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Family Focus July 1 2022-Summer
July 1, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Happy 4th of July! I hope you are having a blessed summer! At Bethlehem Academy, our summer is in full swing, from summer events and programs, to cleaning and building projects, BA is abuzz with activity. Please be sure to sign up and get involved - we really need everyone to volunteer, especially at BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24. (Click to sign up.)
Welcome new BA Staff! Please see below a few more introductions from our new BA teachers and staff. Our staff looks forward to connecting with you at our back-to-school events. Band practice and sign up for summer programs will be out after the 4th for all band students - watch for the update!
BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our leadership through the BA Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)
Scrip Credits: If you participated in the ShopWithScrip program, your annual credit has been applied to your account in FACTS. Go to www.factsmgt.com login on the FACTS Family Portal (FCS-MN is the District Code) and choose 2022-2023 on Financial Home to see your credit. For more information on how to earn SCRIP tuition credits, click HERE.
BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us!
(click on the links for more information)
- BA Summer Sports & Robotics Camps-boys basketball & robotics!
- 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 & ride OR support one of our riders!
- 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: THE FRONT OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED JULY 5-8 FOR CLEANING. Staff will be monitoring emails.
- Summer Reading Assignments
- 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
- School Supply List 2022-2023
Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Welcome to our new staff!
Math Department
Hi, I’m Dave Gilmore, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy! I live in Nerstrand and have 2 daughters that attend high school in Northfield. I currently work at South Central College in Faribault and have been teaching math there for almost 15 years. I have my M. Ed. degree from U of M, Twin Cities and my B.A. in Math Education from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Besides math, I also enjoy playing guitar and teach guitar lessons in Northfield with the Northfield Community Ed Program. I’m excited to begin teaching at BA and I am really looking forward to joining the team and meeting all of you!
I’m Josh Maus, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy this year. I’ll be teaching Advanced Algebra, Consumer Mathematics, and AP Statistics. I currently work as an analyst for a sports data firm in Bloomington, Minnesota, and I’ve previously worked in finance and education. I’m originally from Northfield, where I attended St. Dominic School, Northfield High School, and St. Olaf College. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics with a Statistics minor. In my free time, I enjoy playing baseball and fishing. I’m excited to join the BA family!
Choir Director
Hi, my name is Emily Cicha, and I’m so excited to meet everyone! I’ve lived in Mandan, North Dakota, my whole life. I love to sing and play music and was active in the arts. I graduated from University of Mary this last spring. Singing has always been my favorite thing, but I’ve also played oboe and English horn in college and for my local symphony. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to share music and our faith together!
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!
Vikings Football Game Aug 20: Discounted tickets are available for the Vikings vs the San Francisco Forty Niners on August 20. Purchase tickets using this link and promo code (CARDINALS) and the Vikings will make a donation to the BA football program.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL