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Family Focus 9/6/24
09/09/2024
Kris Sauer
September 2024, 2024-25
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September 6, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
The school year is in full swing! We hope your sons and daughters are settling in and getting used to the routine of school. We are here to help, so please do reach out if there is any way we can support you.
The next few weeks will be busy with lots of great events and opportunities for our students to grow in our Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. See below for more information on our annual school-wide service day next Wednesday, September 11 - and please consider donating to the service day drive for St. Vincent de Paul, one of our service sites. We'll be collecting canned goods, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste - send contributions in with your students by next Wednesday. BA volleyball and football teams are raising money for cancer through their Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer events. Order shirts and hoodies by September 11 and plan to participate in the games on September 17 and September 20. Finally, homecoming is just around the corner! See below for themed dress days September 23-27 and homecoming activities on September 27, including the pep fest, coronation, and parade (new route this year). Go, Cardinals - Wrangle the Wildcats! See below for all the details.
In other highlights: We are looking for a host family for an accepted 8th grade girl from So Korea who will be arriving hopefully late September. Please consider opening your home to this student! Find more information below. The Vex IQ Robotics program begins with practices on September 16. This is great club open to all BA students. Click HERE for the registration form and more information.
The week ahead:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- September 11: All-school Student Service Day & St. Vincent de Paul donation drive (see below)
- September 13: 1st United Bank Jr Board of Directors applications due (juniors and seniors)-see info below
- September 16: Vex IQ Robotics Team first meeting. Click HERE to sign up.
- September 17: Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer pink dress down day fundraiser; Dig Pink events at home VB games. Order gear HERE by 9/11 at 11:59pm
- September 20: Tackle Cancer event @ home football game
- September 21: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church - see below for volunteer link, parents can earn up to 5 service hours!
- September 22-23: Senior class retreat
- September 23-27: Homecoming Week: Wrangle the Wildcats! See below for themed dress down days and more information.
- September 27: No Faribault busing! BA homecoming events; Middle School dismissed by 1:45pm; High School dismissed following the parade at 2:45pm.
May you have a restful and blessed weekend!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Service Day 2024 Donation Drive and Info: As is our tradition as a Dominican school focused on prayer, study, community and service - all grades will be departing for service sites in the Faribault community following a short prayer service on Wednesday, September 11, which is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Students will be provided a bag lunch (or may bring their own) and are asked to dress in Cardinal shirts and work-ready pants and shoes. More details to follow next week. We are also conducting a donation drive for St. Vincent de Paul, one of our service sites. Please, if you are able, send donations of canned goods and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste) in with your student by next Wednesday. Thank you for supporting these acts of service!
Homecoming Week 2024: BA will celebrate Homecoming Week September 23-27. Students are encouraged to follow the dress theme for each day - see the list below. Note that students not participating in the theme should follow the dress code. Friday, September 27th will begin with Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) followed by buddy activities with Divine Mercy Catholic School. All are invited to attend the noon pep fest and coronation in BA's Van Orsow Auditorium. The homecoming parade will follow. This year's parade will go from BA out to DMCS instead of through downtown Faribault. See below for themed dress down days:
- Monday, September 23rd: Color Day - Grades will wear the following colors: 6th: Red; 7th: Green; 8th: Yellow; 9th: Purple; 10th: Orange; 11th: Pink; 12th: Clear; Faculty/Staff: Blue
- Tuesday, September 24th: Adam Sandler Day (Students wear over-sized, baggy clothing)
- Wednesday, September 25th: Western Wear
- Thursday, September 26th: Hawaiian/Tropical Day
- Friday, September 27th: Cardinal spirit wear
Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer Gear Order, Dress Down Day & Events: Unfortunately, cancer touches the lives of so many in numerous ways. We would like to come together and do our part to help.
BA volleyball and BA football are again participating in the Randy Shaver Tackle Cancer & Dig Pink fundraiser. BA volleyball will raise funds at their home game on Tuesday, September 17th. BA football will raise funds at their home game on Friday, September 20th. T-shirts and Hoodies are available for purchase in white or light pink. Click HERE to order by 11:59 Wednesday, September 11. ORDER SOON! There will also be a $1 dress down day on Tuesday, September 17th. Please join us at the games for additional opportunities at each of the events to participate in raising funds for Cancer Research.*Proceeds from the events, t-shirt and hoodie sales, and the dress down day will all be donated to the Randy Shaver Cancer Fund.*
Host family Needed! Host family needed ASAP for accepted student arriving soon from South Korea! BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education! Monthly stipend, BA tuition credit, parent volunteer hour credit for the year; and annual home game family pass included for the host family. Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested.
2023-2024 Yearbooks: Extra copies are available for purchase ($79.46). Contact Mrs. Kallie Battles to get your copy!
Homework Club is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3-4pm in Mrs. Kohl's 2nd floor library classroom. No need to sign up, students are invited to join her when they need to. Plan Ahead: NO Homework Club September 16-19.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Divine Mercy Catholic Church is hosting their annual Spirit Fest event Saturday, September. BA parents who volunteer at this event can earn up to 5 BA parent service hours. Click HERE for the link to sign up. Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at: https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE.
Fall Sports Digital Tickets
Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform. Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance. Volleyball and football passes are available as well.
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Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.) |
High School Updates
Juniors and Seniors! 1st United Bank Junior Board of Director Applications for this year are now available. Click HERE for a copy. All applications must be in by September 13th.
Juniors: Sign up for the PSAT by 9/17! BA will be offering an opportunity for 11th graders to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) in October (21-25, date TBD). Associated costs will be covered by BA. The PSAT is a test designed to help high school sophomores and juniors prepare for the SAT. The PSAT can also gauge your aptitude for other national tests and inform which areas you'll need to focus your studying on. It also affords a student the opportunity to earn a scholarship and the prestigious title of National Merit Scholar if they perform well enough. If interested, please fill out the form at this link by Tuesday, September 17. Parents or students are also encouraged to reach out to our school counselor in person or Nathan_Bienias@bacards.org. Information on the scholarship program can be found HERE.
Senior parents: Zoom prayer event September 17 for your senior. Click HERE to register. DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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 Click HERE to sign up for confirmation. |
 Register HERE for Edge! |
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Click HERE to order. .png) |
COMMUNITY NEWS
Lawn Mowing Job: Mary Ann, a BA neighbor on Willow Street, is looking for a BA student or adult to mow her lawn. Mower available on site, $20/time. Contact her at 507-334-3000 if interested.
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 8/30/24
09/06/2024
Kris Sauer
August 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
August 30, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
What a great first week! We rolled out the red carpet Tuesday to welcome everyone back to campus to begin the week and ended this morning celebrating a wonderful Mass together. Thank you to Campus Ministry and our high school students for working together to set up and take down chairs so we could gather and prayer in a more reverent environment. It is so wonderful to have new and returning Cardinals back in the building! Tonight our BA Cardinal football team will open their season on the road at Winona Cotter. Go, Cardinals!
Staffing updates: We are excited to announce that Paul Brown, with years of experience in construction, will join our maintenance team next Tuesday. Regretfully, due to unforeseen circumstances, Lindsay Bjorkquist will not be working at BA as a middle school counselor this school year. We are collaborating with Phoenix School Consulting not only to fill the MS Counselor position, but to provide coverage until that happens. In the interim, students should work with School Counselor Nathan Bienias as needed. Finally, we are looking for a part-time kitchen staff assistant (Mondays & Tuesdays), as Sarah Babcock has decided to shift to substituting in the kitchen as needed. And, we are still looking for someone to help direct our spring play! Click HERE to find information on our website about these openings.
Parents, one last thing: your daughters are lovely and dressed so nicely, especially for our first Mass of the school year. Mrs. Sauer shared this with all the girls before Mass, and we ask you to remind them of this as well: do please wear skirts/dresses that are long enough to be mid-thigh and, if wearing shirts or dresses with scooped, rounded or squared necklines, that those necklines be modest, preferably near their collar bone. Thank you!
The week ahead:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- September 11: All-school Student Service Day, more details to come
- September 13: 1st United Bank Jr Board of Directors applications due (juniors and seniors)
- September 17: Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer pink dress down day fundraiser; Dig Pink events at home VB games
- September 20: Tackle Cancer event @ home football game
- September 21: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church - see below for volunteer link
- September 22-23: Senior class retreat
- September 23-27: Homecoming Week: Wrangle the Wildcats!
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL Monday, September 2 for Labor Day.
May you have a restful and blessed long weekend!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
2023-2024 Yearbooks are in and were distributed to students this past week. Extra copies are available for purchase ($79.46). Contact Mrs. Kallie Battles to get your copy!
Homework Club starts next week and is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3-4pm in Mrs. Kohl's 2nd floor library classroom. No need to sign up, students are invited to join her when they need to.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Divine Mercy Catholic Church is hosting their annual Spirit Fest event Saturday, September. BA parents who volunteer at this event can earn up to 5 BA parent service hours. Click HERE for the link to sign up. Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at: https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for a Grade 7 and Grade 10 parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School web page: Click HERE for all your back to school resources!
Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform. Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance. Volleyball and football passes are available as well.
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Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.) |
High School Updates
Juniors and Seniors! 1st United Bank Junior Board of Director Applications for this year are now available. Click HERE for a copy. All applications must be in by September 13th.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
DMCS Job Opening!.png) |
Click HERE to register. .png) |
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Click HERE to sign up for confirmation. |
Register HERE for Edge! |
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Lawn Mowing Job: Mary Ann, a BA neighbor on Willow Street, is looking for a BA student or adult to mow her lawn. Mower available on site, $20/time. Contact her at 507-334-3000 if interested.
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus Aug 23, 2024
08/29/2024
Kris Sauer
August 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
August 23, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
WELCOME BACK to BA's 160th year of providing an outstanding Catholic education based on our Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. Go, Cardinals!!
We are excited to welcome all our students back to campus on Monday. Orientation starts at 9am in the gym - homeroom lists will be posted in Alumni Hall outside the gym. Note that no lunch will be served, our orientation ends at 11:30 a.m. High school students new to BA (if you were at BA for middle school, there is no need to attend) should plan to stay until 1pm for an additional orientation. Our official first full day of school is Tuesday, August 27. Faribault busing will be operating. First bell rings at 8:00 a.m., students must be in homeroom/1st hour classes when the tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m. School dismisses at 2:55 p.m.
Thank you to all our new and returning parents who joined us this past Wednesday for our Parent Open House. It was great to meet all of you! This was a required meeting for all new middle school families. Please reach out to Brent Zabel if you were not able to attend. New middle school parents please note: there is no mandatory parent technology meeting on August 26. We apologize for any miscommunication on this.
We need a host family for a Korean 8th grade girl! See below for more information. If you haven't already returned the lunch and health forms included in your back to school mailing, please send them in with your son or daughter on Monday. You can also find these same forms on our website's back to school page (click here).
The week ahead:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 24: DMCS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony following 4pm Mass with Archbishop Hebda, DMCS open house to follow until 8pm.
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- All grade 6-12 students - arrive by 9 a.m. and meet in the gym. Homeroom lists posted.
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay for lunch and to receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
- September 2: No School, Labor Day Holiday
- September 7: Football home opener and parent night
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested to: lmoon@bacards.org
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Blessings on your week ahead!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Host Family Needed! We need a host family for a new 8th grade girl from Korea. Word just received today! Please consider opening your home to this student. Monthly stipend and exchange program support provided; BA offers a tuition and parent volunteer hour credit as well as an annual home game athletic pass. Contact Kris if interested.
Volleyball & Football Home Game Volunteers Needed: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at: https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for a Grade 7 and Grade 10 parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School web page: Click HERE for all your back to school resources!
Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform. Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance. Volleyball and football passes are available as well.
Fall Sports Registration
The fall sports season starts Monday! To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
Returning Students Grades 9-12 Laptops: Returning students in grades 9-12 may sign up to check out their laptops in advance of Tuesday's first day of classes. Note: some laptops are still at Apple's repair depot and may not be available for advance pickup.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0948A9AD2F4-50897773-laptop
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Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.) |
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 8/17/24
08/23/2024
Kris Sauer
August 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
August 17, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We are excited for the start of the school year! We welcome teachers to campus for workshops Monday - see below for new staff announcements. Our Parent Open House night is Wednesday, August 21 from 5:30-7pm. We are excited to welcome all our parents for this informational open house. Students are welcome to join you, but please note that they have their own orientation Monday, August 26 from 9-11:30am. FYI that a light meal will be provided (we know many of you will be coming straight from work); at least one parent of our new 6th graders and our new 7th and 8th graders must attend this event - please email Mr. Brent Zabel (bzabel@bacards.org) if a conflict prevents you from joining us.
Our back to school mailing was sent to families Monday - be sure to return the lunch and health forms included. You can also find these same resources on our website's back to school page (click here). High school students were sent their schedules yesterday - reach out to Mr. Friesen or Mr. Bienias with questions. Tuition contracts must be completed by August 23rd or laptops and school schedules will be held.
Staffing Update: We are very excited to announce the hiring of Mary Clare Stroh Melero, BA Class of 2012, as our new choir teacher! See introduction below. Click here for more information on all our new staff members: Nathan Bienias and Lindsay Bjorkquist, school counselors; Tom Nardi, Middle School Theology Teacher; and Grant Yackley, Assistant AD/Assistant Dean/Technology Integrationist.
Mary Clare Stroh Melero ‘12, Choir: As an alum who cherished her time in band and choir, I could not be more excited to come back to Bethlehem Academy to work in the music department as a choir teacher! After graduating from BA in 2012, I spent several years as a missionary sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with young people across the United States. After my time as a missionary, I pursued opportunities to grow into a professional musician. Only by the grace of God I found success. Through His gifts of worship leading and songwriting I have been able to learn so much. In 2018 I married my husband, Ryan Melero, and convinced him to move from California to the promised land: Faribault, MN! Over the last 6 years we have had 4 children (Ryan Jr. 5, Mateo 5, Mary Christina 4, Natalia Joy 3) and started a local business - Melero & Sons Autoglass. I have continued writing and worship leading. Somewhere along the way I started giving both private music lessons and group lessons to the point where in 2022 I was able to open a studio space here in downtown Faribault where I give lessons and record music with individuals. I am THRILLED to bring my passion of bringing the gospel to young people and teaching music together. I look forward to spending time and sharing my joy for Jesus and music with your students at our beloved Catholic school!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 19: Fall middle school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 21: Parent open house, 5:30-7:00pm - meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms, tour BA - plan to join us! Students welcome but not required as they have their own orientation August 26.
- August 24: DMCS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony following 4pm Mass with Archbishop Hebda, DMCS open house to follow until 8pm.
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- All grade 6-12 students - arrive by 9 a.m. and meet in the gym
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
- September 2: No School, Labor Day Holiday
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested to: lmoon@bacards.org
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Blessings on your week ahead!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Summer Read: Every grade has a summer reading assignment. Click HERE to find the reading guides.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School web page: Click HERE for all your back to school resources!
The fall sports season starts Monday! To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
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Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.) |
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Ruth's House 20th Anniversary-Student Volunteers Needed: Sign up by August 17 to volunteer at the Aug 23rd 20th anniversary event. Ruth's House is looking for student volunteers to help with parking, the welcome booth, our donor appreciation event, kid games and activities, and clean-up. There are various shifts lasting two hours or under and are always scheduled with another individual. Click HERE to sign up. |
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 8/9/24
08/15/2024
Kris Sauer
August 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
August 9, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
The start of the school year is just around the corner! High school fall sports start Monday (see below for more information) and work on the building is very close to completion. Our back to school mailing will go out Monday. Please watch for it as there are lunch and health forms that need to be returned to school. You can also find these same resources on our website's back to school page (click here).
Teacher workshop week begins August 19 and our Parent Open House night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21 from 5:30-7pm. Please note that this open house event is for parents - we want you to have a chance to hear from and ask questions of the leadership as well as meet and hear from our teachers as we partner with you for the new school year. Students have their own orientation Monday, August 26 from 9-11:30am. FYI that a light meal will be provided (we know many of you will be coming straight from work); at least one parent of our new 6th graders and our new 7th and 8th graders must attend this event - please email Mr. Brent Zabel (bzabel@bacards.org) if a conflict prevents you from joining us.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 12: Fall high school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 19: Fall middle school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 21: Parent open house, 5:30-7:30pm - meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms, tour BA - plan to join us! Students welcome but not required as they have their own orientation August 26.
- August 24: DMCS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony following 4pm Mass with Archbishop Hebda, DMCS open house to follow until 8pm.
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- All grade 6-12 students - arrive by 9 a.m. and meet in the gym
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: lmoon@bacards.org
- Custodian
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Blessings on your week ahead!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
HS Summer Band: High school summer band camp has started, with a final round of practices on August 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
Summer Read: Every grade has an summer reading assignment. Click HERE to find the reading guides.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School page: Click HERE
Fall Sports Registration
The fall sports season starts Monday! To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Pregnancy Options Run Baby Run! Event August 10: Support the mission of Faribault's Pregnancy Options and participate in their 10th annual Run Baby Run fundraiser with 10k, 5k and 1 mile options. Click HERE for info and the link to register.
Ruth's House 20th Anniversary-Student Volunteers Needed: Sign up by August 17 to volunteer at the Aug 23rd 20th anniversary event. Ruth's House is looking for student volunteers to help with parking, the welcome booth, our donor appreciation event, kid games and activities, and clean-up. There are various shifts lasting two hours or under and are always scheduled with another individual. Click HERE to sign up.
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 8/3/24
08/08/2024
Kris Sauer
August 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
August 3, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We were blessed with beautiful weather and a great turnout for yesterday's Cardinal Golf Classic at the Legacy! Thank you to everyone who participated and to our student athlete volunteers.
The start of 2024-2025 is right around the corner! We are looking forward to partnering with you in the formation of your sons and daughters in prayer, study, community and service. Our back to school packets will be mailed this week. Resources for the start of the year can be found on our website's back to school page (click here). Fall sports begin August 12 for high school students and August 19 for middle school students. Click HERE for fall sports information. Finally, a few families still need to set up their tuition agreeement in EduTrak (new system this year). Click here to get started; reach out to Lisa with questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 7: BA Red Cross Blood Drive @ DMCC. Sign up to donate HERE
- August 12: Fall high school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 19: Fall middle school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 21: Parent open house, 5:30-7:30pm - meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms, tour BA - plan to join us!
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: lmoon@bacards.org
- Part-time BA Van Driver
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Prayers for a blessed last few weeks of summer!
Blessings,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Summer Band has Started! High school summer band camp has started, with more practices on August 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00. Plan to meet in the band room. We will be going over our band handbook, working on pep band music, polishing our parade marching for Homecoming, and meeting new members of the band. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School page: Click HERE
Red Cross Blood Drive - Wednesday, August 7
The Bethlehem Academy Student Council and Divine Mercy Catholic Church are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 7 from 9am to 3pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Students aged 16 and older are eligible to donate. Consider donating to help save lives!
Sign up for a time at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Bethlehem%20Academy
Learn more about donating blood here
Fall Sports Registration
The fall sports season is just around the corner. To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Pregnancy Options Run Baby Run! Event August 10: Support the mission of Faribault's Pregnancy Options and participate in their 10th annual Run Baby Run fundraiser with 10k, 5k and 1 mile options. Click HERE for info and the link to register.
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 7/26/24
08/01/2024
Kris Sauer
July 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
July 26, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We are beginning to gear up for the start of 2024-2025! Our maintenance team is hard at work cleaning the building and our concessions upgrade project is underway. Thank you to our parent volunteers who have been helping us with this project! We will be installing the concessions stand storage door and finishing painting on Monday, with carpet scheduled to be installed the end of next week. Find concessions project pictures and other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Yesterday we emailed to you our updated 2024-2025 dress code policy. Click here for a copy of that policy plus all other back-to-school information - and don't forget to remind your son or daughter to be working on their summer read for English class! Finally, if you haven't already, please set up your tuition agreeement in EduTrak (new system this year). Click here to get started; reach out to Lisa with questions.
Our final event of the summer - the Cardinal Golf Classic - takes place next Friday, August 2nd at the Legacy. This is a great day of fun and fellowship with fellow BA parents, alumni and supporters. Click HERE for more information and to register to play. Finally, please support our 8 SMART riders with a donation through July 31. Doing so goes directly to BA student scholarships. Click HERE to show your support for their ride.
Finally, we are still looking for a few staff members to add to our team, including a driver for our BA van, choir teacher, theater director, math teacher, and substitute teachers & kitchen assistants. Find job descriptions HERE and help spread the word.
Thank you for your partnership!
Blessings,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Summer Band Starts July 30! High school summer band camp is on July 30th and August 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00. Plan to meet in the band room. We will be going over our band handbook, working on pep band music, polishing our parade marching for Homecoming, and meeting new members of the band. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School page: Click HERE
Red Cross Blood Drive - Wednesday, August 7
The Bethlehem Academy Student Council and Divine Mercy Catholic Church are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 7 from 9am to 3pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Students aged 16 and older are eligible to donate. Consider donating to help save lives!
Sign up for a time at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Bethlehem%20Academy
Learn more about donating blood here
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Shattuck/Faribault Community Soccer Camp 2024 July 29-August 2: The 2024 Summer Camp, hosted by Shattuck-St. Mary's is coming up soon! Registration now available! Hone your skills, continue playing, prepare for the fall, all with the Community Soccer Camp. Camp is hosted by the Shattuck / St. Mary's Soccer Center of Excellence! Click HERE for registration info. Pregnancy Options Run Baby Run! Event August 10: Support the mission of Faribault's Pregnancy Options and participate in their 10th annual Run Baby Run fundraiser with 10k, 5k and 1 mile options. Click HERE for info and the link to register.
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 7/19/24
07/26/2024
Kris Sauer
July 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
July 22, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We are humbled by the confidence extended by the Board of Directors in naming us interim Co-Head of School and look forward to partnering with all of you to continue our mission of providing a Dominican Catholic education following the pillars of prayer, study, community, and service to guide your sons and daughters toward personal, spiritual, and academic excellence. (Click HERE for the leadership announcement email from Board Chair Beth Dienst sent the morning of 7/122/24 for more information.)
As we plan for 160th year of academic excellence, we are excited to welcome the following members to the Bethlehem Academy team:
Grant Yackly, Assistant AD/Assistant Dean/Technology Integrationist: I am delighted to be joining the BA community. Most recently, I served as a Health and Physical Education Teacher at the Academy of Holy Angels. Additionally, I coached boys' high school hockey for two seasons and held various summer educational positions for New Prague Area Schools. I obtained my bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University - Mankato and am set to complete my master's degree next summer at the University of St. Thomas. I am dedicated to fostering a Christ-like environment in all my past and future endeavors, both personally and professionally. I am very excited about beginning at BA!
Tom Nardi, Middle School Theology Teacher: I am thrilled to join the BA community as the Middle School Theology Teacher! I'm from Prior Lake and attended the University of St. Thomas where I studied Theology and Catholic Studies. I spent the last year working and teaching at Brilla College Prep Middle School in The Bronx, NYC with the Seton Teaching Fellows program, and I’m excited to be back home! I’m an avid MN sports fan and watch all of the Vikings and Twins games, I also like to keep score/stats for the Twins as well. I’m excited to meet everyone and teach the students of Bethlehem Academy!
Nathan Bienias, School Counselor: I am excited to join you as your new school counselor for grades 9-12. I'm here to support you in achieving your academic goals and addressing your social and emotional needs. Originally from New Brighton, MN, I enjoy all things nerdy, including Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. My favorite band this year is Sleep Token. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My girlfriend and I bond over our love of cats, and she inspired me to get two kitties of my own - pictures available upon request. I look forward to getting to know each of you and helping you find success in your high school journey!In addition, we congratulation Brent Zabel on his promotion to Dean of Students while we welcome the
addition of Lindsay Bjorkquist, who - we learned late last week - will step in Katie Smith's position as middle school counseling support (see intro graphic at left). Stephen, as previously announced, will be on hand through the end of July before transitioning to a new counseling position at Lakeville South. Finally, we are excited to add Joe Zappa as our new nighttime custodian.As we partner with you for the upcoming year, find a list of summer volunteer hours below - including a VERY flexible opportunity to earn hours by helping us prep and paint the concessions area for a much-needed refresh! If you haven't already, a reminder to please complete your tuition contract as soon as possible. Click HERE to log in. Find the purple tuition icon and follow the prompts to set up your contract. Thank you to those who have already taken care of this! Please note any unpaid 2023-24 tuition will be added to your 2024-2025 tuition contract if not paid by August 23rd. Contact Lisa to make arrangements for payment or if there are any questions.
Don't forget to sign up to join us for the Cardinal Golf Classic August 2nd at the Legacy. This is a great day of fun and fellowship with fellow BA parents, alumni and supporters. Click HERE for more information, including affordable sponsorship options to raise the profile of your company with our 100+ golfers. Support our 8 SMART riders with a donation through July 31. Click HERE.
THANK YOU to the Simones and Casper family for their excellent work organizing and running the BA Cardinal Cafe fair stand. Their efforts, as well as the efforts of all of our student and parent volunteers, meant we had another successful week at the Rice County Fair!
Finally, blessings and prayers to our colleagues at Divine Mercy Catholic School as they move into their new building on the DMCC parish campus. Find a link to help them move in the volunteer opportunities section below.
Blessings,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
JULY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Parent Volunteer Program Information: Click HERE
See below for a list of parent and student volunteer opportunities this month. The concessions project help is VERY flexible in terms of days and times!
- DMCS Moving Help (BA parents and students earn service hours) Click HERE to sign up. Self-report your hours in POINT; we will get a list from DMCS as well so as not to miss anyone!
- Paint the Concessions Stand Monday, July 22! Help us save money on the concessions project and join us to prep and paint the concessions and bathrooms. A 2nd paint date is set for Monday, July 29. Contact Kris if you can help!
HOST FAMILY NEEDED: We are still seeking a host family for Daln, an incoming 8th grade girl from South Korea. Daln's favorite subject is P.E. and Art. She loves to make friends, work out, and aspires to become a cosmetologist. KoAm provides the host family gift of $500/month and provides additional student fund to cover all additional expense for the student. Boarding and transportation provided by the host family. BA provides a tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and a year-long home athletic passes. It is a wonderful way to bring a great cultural exchange within your own community! Please contact KoAm's local area coordinator Haewon Park at 612-234-1518 or haewon@koameduall.org.
Summer Band Starts July 30! High school summer band camp is on July 30th and August 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00. Plan to meet in the band room. We will be going over our band handbook, working on pep band music, polishing our parade marching for Homecoming, and meeting new members of the band. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
2024-2025 BA School Calendar: Click HERE
Student Summer Reading Assignments: Click HERE to find titles and reading guides for each grade and/or high school class for your sons and daughters.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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.png) Register for the Eucharistic Congress here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4cb0329e-b079-490f-a808-16c9d3c1d5b6 |
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 7/12/24
07/18/2024
Kris Sauer
July 2024, 2024-25
Leave a comment
July 12, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We hope you had a wonderful July 4th weekend, and are enjoying this week of sun and little to no rain!
THANK YOU to our 2024 SMART Riders: current and past parents Sara & Cory Caron, Aaron Langer, Bob Crone, and George Farmer; alumni Wade Bauer (BA Class of 1974) and Dave DeGrood (BA Class of 1977); and BA Art Teacher Jason Hillesheim! They have been braving the heat and contending with newly arranged routes thanks to all the rain we've had lately. The ride concludes tomorrow (Saturday). Please keep them in your prayers as they ride and raise dollars to help BA students with tuition assistance, and consider supporting them with a donation HERE.
As we partner with you for the upcoming year, find a list of summer volunteer hours below - including a VERY flexible opportunity to earn hours by helping us remove wallpaper, paint, and prep the concessions area for a much-needed refresh! A reminder to please complete your tuition contract as soon as possible. Click HERE to log in. Find the purple tuition icon and follow the prompts to set up your contract. Thank you to those who have already taken care of this! Please note any unpaid 2023-24 tuition will be added to your 2024-2024 tuition contract if not paid by August 23rd. Contact Lisa to make arrangements for payment or if there are any questions.
Don't forget to sign up to join us for the Cardinal Golf Classic August 2nd at the Legacy. This is a great day of fun and fellowship with fellow BA parents, alumni and supporters. Click HERE for more information, including affordable sponsorship options to raise the profile of your company with our 100+ golfers.
Finally, blessings and prayers to our colleagues at Divine Mercy Catholic School as they move into their new building on the DMCC parish campus. Find a link to help them move below.
Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel
Click on individual names to contact a member of the Leadership Team or email the entire team at leadership@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
JULY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Parent Volunteer Program Information: Click HERE
See below for a list of parent and student volunteer opportunities this month. The concessions help is VERY flexible in terms of days and times!
- July 17-21: BA fair stand @ the Rice County Fair - parent and student volunteers needed, click here to sign up. Help needed all shifts but especially on Sunday, July 21.
- DMCS Moving Help (BA parents and students earn service hours) Click HERE to sign up.
- Concessions Phase 1: July 16, 6:30pm: Help us save money on the concessions project and join us to strip the wallpaper borders in the bathrooms. Prep and painting planned for the last 2 weeks of July. Contact Kris if you can help!
HOST FAMILY NEEDED: We are still seeking a host family for Daln, an incoming 8th grade girl from South Korea. Daln's favorite subject is P.E. and Art. She loves to make friends, work out, and aspires to become a cosmetologist. KoAm provides the host family gift of $500/month and provides additional student fund to cover all additional expense for the student. Boarding and transportation provided by the host family. BA provides a tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and a year-long home athletic passes. It is a wonderful way to bring a great cultural exchange within your own community! Please contact KoAm's local area coordinator Haewon Park at 612-234-1518 or haewon@koameduall.org.
2024-2025 BA School Calendar: Click HERE
Student Summer Reading Assignments: Click HERE to find titles and reading guides for each grade and/or high school class for your sons and daughters.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Register for the Eucharistic Congress here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4cb0329e-b079-490f-a808-16c9d3c1d5b6 |
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 6/30/24
07/12/2024
Kris Sauer
June 2024, 2023-24
Leave a comment
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)
June 30, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
The Bethlehem Academy Board of Directors closed out the 2023-2024 school year at their meeting Wednesday night. Thank you to outgoing Board Chair, Cory Caron, for his leadership these past three years and welcome to incoming Board Chair, Beth Dienst. We extend our gratitude as well to Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Associates Mary Jane Alexander and Patty Murray, for their service to the Board.
The Selection Committee for the Head of School position, together with school leadership, is actively working on an interim leadership model for the 2024-2025 school year while we continue with the search process. We will share more in the coming weeks.
The Board also passed an updated PSEO class reimbursement policy effective for next school year: for each PSEO class of 3 credits or more taken in a high school semester, tuition may be reduced 3.5% if, upon successful completion of the course, parents make a request to the BA business office within a time period set by the school administration. Once classes begin in the fall, details on the process and relevant deadlines will be provided in a timely manner to those affected by this policy.
Tuitio
n contracts / Scrip: We ask parents to complete their tuition contracts and set up a payment schedule in EduTrak ASAP. Click HERE to log in. Find the purple tuition icon and follow the prompts to set up your contract. Email Lisa Moon if you need family key information to set up an account. FYI: Scrip credits earned will be applied to EduTrak contracts as a payment June 28.
Happy Fourth of July! A reminder that the office will be closed next week, July 1-5. The leadership team is likewise taking time away from the office July 1-5. Enjoy your time with friends and family!
Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel
Click on individual names to contact a member of the Leadership Team or email the entire team at leadership@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
RAFFLE/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Parent Volunteer Program Information: Click HERE
- July 11-13: SMART Bike Ride for Catholic education. Click HERE to register to ride or sponsor a rider. (Participating parents earn volunteer hours for biking!)
- July 17-21: BA fair stand @ the Rice County Fair - parent and student volunteers needed, click here to sign up.
- August 2: BA Cardinal Golf Classic - sponsor this great event and/or golf with us at the Legacy! Click here to register.
FREE Baby Grand Piano! A member of our BA community has a Yamaha baby grand piano they would like to give to a passionate instrument lover who will take it and care for it. Please reach out to Gina Yetzer if interested.
2024-2025 BA School Calendar: Click HERE
Student Summer Reading Assignments: Click HERE to find titles and reading guides for each grade and/or high school class for your sons and daughters.
Lost and Found: Claim by July 10!
Summer Office Hours: BA's front office is open Monday through Thursday, 9am-1pm, closed Fridays, and will be closed the week of July 1-5.
PSE Local Coordinator Position Available: PSE, the student exchange company that is sending Bethlehem Academy a Korean boy for the '24-'25 school year is looking for a Local Coordinator. This is a contracted, paid position and is about 1 hour per month. The Local Coordinator checks in with the student and the host family monthly and fills out an online report (14 questions) and uploads the students grades in a PDF format. The LC vets the host family, making a trip to the home to meet the family and see the student's bedroom and also does an orientation with the family (a PowerPoint presentation) and also the same with the student. The pay is $80 a month to fill out the online report and the LC then gets paid $300 for meeting the family and doing the orientations for both students. Please contact Cheryl Da Silva, PSE Regional Manager 617 710 5700 or cdasilva@pse-edu.org if interested.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Register for the Eucharistic Congress here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4cb0329e-b079-490f-a808-16c9d3c1d5b6 |
Faribault Transportation Open House:
Faribault Transportation is holding an Open House on Tuesday, June 25th from 4:00 to 6:30pm. It’s a fun Summer get together with our drivers. It is open to the community. If you are interested in driving school bus or being a bus aide, this is a great opportunity to learn more about these positions at Faribault Transportation. Tuesday, June 25th from 4-6:30pm. Bring your family!! Faribault Transportation is located at 2615 NW 1st Ave. in Faribault.
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Fall sport option for BA students! Mountain biking with the local team: Cannon Valley Composite. All ability levels are welcome. For more information, reach out to Coach Todd Trembley at ttrembley@charter.net |
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/