Monthly Archives : October 2020
Family Focus 10/3/2020
10/03/2020
Ed Friesen
October 2020, 2020-21
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Dear BA Families:
Our staff is honored to partner with all of our families. Over the past few weeks we have had an increase in allergies, colds, and strep. As we follow the COVID decision tree, we know that this is hard on our families and our teachers. Your feedback is important. Please know that this challenging time requires our school to follow the executive orders in order to remain with in-person learning. We will work to improve our communication with you as we evaluate how best to proceed with each symptom and the revision of any protocols. AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO COVID 19 CASESthanks to your support, the work of our staff, and by following protocols.
This week our Board reviewed our COVID 19 Pandemic Response Plan.We have consulted with the Diocese and our MDH Regional representative to confirm if there are areas within our plan that we can adjust as well as make more clear while ensuring that we are following the mandates required for nonpublic schools. It is our primary goal to keep our students and staff safe while offering in-person learning, and to follow our mission to offer academic excellence and spiritual growth. I understand this personally as my father has Stage IV cancer and I help to care for both of my parents. The Board made recommendations for updating and clarifying our plan. Staff will review as well and our revisions will be complete after MEA. Here are the areas that we are updating:
- Mask Breaks: Adding mask breaks as our weather cools, which limits opportunities for outdoor learning.
- Decision Tree: Including the new MDH decision tree that was revised on 8/31/20 (we previously shared this with families and have put on our website, but want to formally add to our plan).
- Medical Exemptions: Defining and clarifying that BA must follow the mask mandate which includes allowing for medical exemptions where some cannot wear masks. (We do have staff and students who have medical exemptions.) The Diocese did verify that we have to follow the allowance for medical exemptions.
- WIN for High School Students: During MS Mass Fridays, we do have room for about 30 of our HS students to join us in the balcony for Mass. Students can let their homeroom teacher know if they wish to attend in person. Unfortunately we do not have this space available for MS during HS masses.
- Overall: We will review our plan to ensure that it meets any further updates while honors both our staff and students. To review our current plan now linked to the mandated mask executive order, please click here.
HOMECOMING & SPOOKTACULAR!We look forward to celebrating Homecoming Week! Please plan to join us online for Homecoming events. Limited tickets for the Homecoming football game are available next Saturday as well. More information on both coming soon. We look forward to celebrating the rich history of BA during Homecoming! We also need every family to participate in Spooktacular and raise $50 a student. You can run in person or virtually on Saturday, Oct. 10. Our goal is to raise $3,000 and have 120 participants. If we reach this goal, our students will earn an early release day. There are additional prizes for individuals and classes, check out the link here.
Upcoming Events:
- October 5: Senior Retreat
- October 5-10: Homecoming Week!
- October 5, 6, 8: Middle School MAP testing
- October 8: Middle School Parent/Teacher conferences,
CLICK HERETO SIGN UP.
- October 10:Spooktacular virtual or in-person 5k/1-mile run/walk for Catholic Education. More info here
- October 13: AP Exam Test Order deadline
- October 14-16: MEA - No School
Reminders:
- Wanted: Face Masks, Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes!
- Feeling Ill? Please keep students and their siblings home. This is part of the safety protocols for COVID. Click here for info and call the attendance line (attendance@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) with the symptoms.
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership!
Blessings,
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
(See separate sections below for updates specific to high school or middle school)
Homecoming Week October 5-10
With the return of fall sports, Homecoming is back on the schedule for next week. Click here for more information on all the spirit-filled activities! And a dress code reminder: we expect students to remain in neat, clean, modest attire for dress down days. Hats are NOT allowed; leggings are IFthey are under a pair of shorts, dress, long tunic, etc. **Middle school students, please remember Friday is a Mass Day and students should come dressed for Mass. They may change into their “spiritwear” after Mass.
Spooktacular Oct 10: Sign up today!
Support Catholic education - join us Oct 10 for the BA/DMCS Spooktacular Fun Run. Both virtual and in-person events offered this year. Students are asked to raise $50 through participation or sponsors. LOTS of great incentives, including top fundraiser, top class, and an all-school goal of 120 participants. Use the pledge sheet attached to help your student track their fundraising! In-person race sign up here; virtual race sign up here. First participant drawing held Oct 2.
Bus Safety Video for Faribault Bus Riders
Parents of students riding the Faribault Public Schools bus are asked to view this video from the Minnesota State Patrol on bus safety. Information on bus safety in both English and Spanish are also attached for your reference.
COVID Testing Site Information
The Symptoms & School Attendance section on our COVID Response Plans page has been updated to include area testing sites, hours, and contact information. Find a copy attached or on the page here.
Chess Club
Students interested in building community and learning to play chess should contact Mr. Madden, HS social studies teacher, about a new club forming. All grades and all skill levels welcome. Meetings to be held 3:05-3:55 on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons.
BABS Committee
We are looking forward to another fantastic BABS event April 10, 2021! To make our biggest fundraising and social event of the year a success, we need your help. If you are interested in serving on the BABS Planning Committee, please contact Mrs. Reeder at mreeder@bacards.org. Thank you!
TRUNK OR TREAT Oct 31: Trunks Needed!
The annual BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat will be a drive-by event held at the Rice County Fairgrounds Saturday, October 31, from 4-6pm. Free hot dog dinner included! Sign up to host a trunk here.
Masks
Please remind your student(s) of the importance of bringing a mask with them to school every day. They should have extras in their backpack, their locker, and their car. While we have extras available, we have been going through them faster than anticipated. Thank you!
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2021 Senior Retreat Oct 5
A reminder that the Class of 2021 will have a day-long NET Ministry-led retreat Monday, October 5 at Derham Farm/The Barns at Crockers Creek. Please remind students to bring their facemask and to be at BA by 7:30am to get on the bus.
AP Exam Order Deadline: October 13
Students taking AP courses at BA are required to take the May AP exams. Students not in AP classes are allowed to take the exams if they choose. See attached form for more information and a test order form; contact Ms Rogers with questions.
Jostens Reps @ BA October 20
Josten’s representatives will be meeting with the sophomores (class rings) and seniors (graduation) on October 20 during period 3.
MACAC College Fair-Virtual Options
This year’s Minnesota Association for College Admissions Counseling (MACAC) college fair in Minneapolis will be held online from September 28-October 14. There are a multitude of opportunities for students to register for and attend Zoom presentations about colleges including Riverland, UW-River Falls, Saint Benedict's and more! Sign up for the sessions you are interested in attending, and even if the times don't line up, the sessions will be recorded and available online. MACAC also has day long virtual college fairs on October 12, 18, and November 8th at this link https://virtualcollegefairs.org. If you want more information or to set up a session during your study hall or a school day, please reach out to Ms. Rogers and she will help you learn more.
Class of 2021 - College Applications
Seniors! Remember to request your transcripts and letters of recommendation through Naviance. If you have any questions, please email and/or stop by your counselor’s office.
ACT October Test Deadline Extended
The deadline for all October dates of the ACT exam has been extended to Friday, October 5th! October test dates are: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/25. You can also sign up for a later date through www.ACT.org.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School Conferences Online October 8
Middle School Parent/Teacher conferences will be held from 4-7:30pm Thursday, October 8. Please sign up for a time to meet with your child’s teachers and discuss their progress HERE.
MS October Newsletter
The October Middle School newsletter was emailed to MS parents and guardians mid-day Friday, October 2. Please reach out to your students advisory teacher if you did not receive one.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES
Synod 2020
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are continuing Synod 2020 with two virtual prayer and study series. Download the app or sign up for weekly emails to participate and learn more. Click here for more information.
Middle School Edge/High School Youth Group
Middle School EDGE & High School Youth Group is open to all BA families. This is another great opportunity for your students to gather with others that want to grow in their faith and to enhance what they are learning in the classroom. Registration is required for both. Visit www.divinemercy.cc/faith-formation for more information.
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