Family Focus 8/18/23
08/23/2023
Kris Sauer
August 2023, 2023-24
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"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)
August 18, 2023
Dear BA Families:
Welcome Back! Our BA teachers return on Monday with a full week of workshops planned to prepare for a fantastic school year. We are excited to welcome returning and new scholars to BA. With new courses and plans for the year in progress, we look forward to a wonderful year together. Go Cardinals!
What's New at BA?
- Friday Mass Days @ Immaculate Conception Church- Join us now on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
- Habitudes - for Social Emotional Learning (a part of Theology)
- New Courses - Business education, Church History, War History, AP Music Theory, Current Events
- New Teachers & Staff: Kenneth Gigante, MS Math Support & Theology; Cecilia Allen, HS Algebra 2; Jolene Beske, Business classes; and Kallie Battles, HS Science, Multimedia and Int. Algebra. New staff: Lori Bittenbender, front office; Penny Thorpe & Jason Collins, maintenance; Jon Rysdam & Sarah Babcock, kitchen.
- Change of Titles/Duties: Brent Zabel will be acting Middle School Dean; Ed Friesen will be Administrative Dean, supporting teachers and managing high school discipline; Katy Ashley will be teaching HS Social Studies courses, as well as HS Theology.
- Building Updates: New walk-in freezer in our cafeteria. Updated library space to classroom and student center (still in progress.)
- The BA Annual Fund drive kicks of this August with a goal of $255,000. Each gift is supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift this year or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.
- Wed., Aug. 23 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) Back to School Picnic
- Wed., Aug. 23 (6:15-7 p.m.) New family orientation (parents and students)
- Mon., Aug. 28 (9-11:30 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.
- MANDATORY New Middle School Parents (All Gr 6, New Gr 7 & 8) technology training/orientation - 5:30p.m., BA Cafeteria, at least one parent must attend to get student laptop
- Tues. Aug. 29: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: mreeder@bacards.org
- Part-time Van Driver
- Part-time Kitchen Assistant
- Substitute Teachers (Must have college degree)
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATE
Schedule Updates/Counselor Meetings: See dates below for times when School Counselor Stephen Uphus will be available in person to discuss schedule changes/additions. The open office hours will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. FYI that he sent this information directly to students via their BA email. Mr. Uphus will continue to work on requests that have already been sent, but encourages students to come see him during the times below as it is usually easier to sort things out in person. Please know that you can email Stephen as well at suphus@bacards.org or at 507-334-3948, ext. 217 | voice/text: 507-323-9979. Office availability listed below:
- Thursday August 24th: 8am-3pm
- Friday August 25th: 8am-3pm
- Monday, August 28th (following student orientation): 11:30am-3pm
Fall Sports: Fall sports are underway. Grades 9-12 teams are finishing their first week of practices. Middle school teams will begin practices on Monday, August 21: 7th/8th grade football will meet at 3:15 in Room 211. Grades 6-8 volleyball will practice from 3:30-5:00 at DMCS on Monday. Please visit https://www.bacardinals.com for more information. The online registration form for football and volleyball can be found under the More menu as can the link to pay the $140 activity fee. The activity fee may also be paid by check or as an additional charge to your tuition account.
Middle school soccer will begin on Tuesday, August 29 right after school. Please visit faribaultfalcons.com for more information on cooperative sports or contact the activities office.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES
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Click HERE to fill out the Youth Discipleship survey.
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 6/2/23
08/17/2023
Kris Sauer
June 2023, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
June 2, 2023
Dear BA Families:
Happy Summer! What an exciting week at BA. During these last two days, our 6-11th grade scholars gathered for finals, locker clean out, and a middle school day at the park as well as lunch on the back 40! Our lady Cardinals brought home the Section 1A Championship and are headed to state next week, see details below. Our BA co-op participants competed at competitions in golf and track and field. Our Trap team took 1st place in the conference! Watch the news for all of the updates and progress of our athletes! Also, don't forget to scroll below to check out the summer reading requirements, teacher tutors and summer programs and camps.
- Order State Softball T-Shirts: Place your State Softball T-shirt order by noon Sat June 3 here: https://forms.gle/yMuLSRU4azq6tviz8
- Thursday-June 8: 1:30pm and 8:15pm. Ticket prices are $13 adults and $8 students. You must purchase digital tickets at: https://www.mshsl.org/tickets.
- Friday’s game schedule is based on how we do Thursday.
- 5th place game is at 1:30pm
- 3rd place game is at 3:30pm
- Championship game is at 5:30pm.
Game times are subject to change due to such things as weather delays or a preceding game going extra innings. (Please see the notes below for what you can bring to the game.)
STAFFING UPDATES FOR 2023-24
- Brent Zabel as Middle School Dean/Advanced Science Course Teacher.
- Kallie Donahue Battles - 9th and 10th grade science and MS theology.
- Jolene Beske is joining our staff to teach business courses.
- Cecilia Allen will be teaching Algebra 2 in high school.
- Katy Ashley will be teaching some social studies courses as she begins her teacher training.
- Welcome to our new office team: Nikki Dut as our office secretary and Lori Bittenbender as the office assistant, see write ups, below
- Please welcome Jon Rysdam, our new Lunch Program Supervisor. His introduction coming soon.
- Penny Thorpe joins our maintenance team as co-head of cleaning, building and grounds with Loren Tatge. Steve Zabel will stay on part-time consulting the maintenance team.
- The BA Annual Fund drive is at $234,200+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
- BA Cardinal Club Raffle ticket order forms have been mailed! Get yours early to win!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.
- Heritage Days Parade, June 17: be on the BA/DMCS float! Student and parent sign up at this link.
- Cardinal Cafe at the Rice County Fair, July 19-25: work the fair stand and get your hours in early! Find the sign up HERE.
- SMART Ride, July 27-29: Bicycle single or multiple days for BA
- Cardinal Golf Classic, Aug 4 at the Faribault Golf Club: Committee members needed - will earn parent hours! Contact Kris at ksauer@bacards.org
Prayers for your summer - hope to see you at the State softball games!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATE
Summer Office Hours: Our front office will be staffed Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm June 5 to August 18. The office will be closed Fridays and the week of July 3-7.
Report Cards/Summer Mailing: 2nd semester report cards and our summer mailing with school supply lists, summer read list and other important items should be in the mailing late next week after grades are finalized Monday afternoon.
MN State Softball Tournament Details:
- Each individual must have a ticket to be scanned. Tickets may be on a mobile device or printed.
- No backpacks, duffel bags, briefcases, shoulder bags, etc., other than purses, will be allowed into the facility. All bags/purses are subject to being searched.
- Camera tri-pods/mono-pods and “selfie sticks” are NOT allowed.
- No beverages, food or noisemakers will be allowed to be brought into the facility.
- No balloons, laser pointers, noisemakers, air-horns, horns, drums, or whistles will be allowed in the facility.
- No weapons of any kind including licensed concealed carry weapons, knives, etc. are allowed
- No signs or banners may be hung in the facility. Hand-held signs allowed (can be held by one person).
Summer Read Assignments-See link to form given to your scholar below:
- 6th Grade Summer Read
- 7th Grade Summer Read
- 8th Grade Summer Read
- 9th Grade Summer Read
- 10th Grade Summer Read
- American Literature Summer Read
- AP English Literature Summer Read
- AP English Language Summer Read
- Reading & Writing 11/12 Summer Read
- World Literature Summer Read
23-24 Tuition Agreements: parents with enrolled students for 2023-24 should have received an email with their tuition agreement. Please review your agreement and payment plan. If you need to change the payment schedule of your agreement, please contact Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org or 507-334-3948, x206. If you believe you require additional financial assistance, please complete the form found here.
Summer Band: High school (gr 8-12) summer band camp late July, early August; high school percussion tryouts due by July 25; band lessons for all grades starting after July 4th. Click HERE for Mr. Lorence's letter with all the details; click HERE for the summer band lesson sign up form.
Summer Math Tutoring:
- Mrs. Lynette Battles will be offering math tutoring this summer for 4th-8th grade students. Cost is $150 for 6 one hour sessions. Please email her at lbattles@bacards.org for more information and availability.
- Mr. David Gilmore is offering math tutoring for $30/hour this summer. Contact him at David_Gilmore@bacards.org
Summer Camps @ BA: Click HERE for information and registration forms for football, basketball, volleyball, robotics camps and summer voice lessons.
DMCC Summer Programs: Great opportunities this summer through the Divine Mercy Catholic Church youth groups, including Totus Tuus. More info and sign up at this link.
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, 5/26/23
06/01/2023
Kris Sauer
May 2023, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
May 26, 2023
Dear BA Families:
A Cardinal send off to our Seniors! We gathered to recognize scholars from all grades, but especially our seniors, for our 2022-23 BA Awards Day Ceremony. What an honor for our staff to recognize your scholars. Each year brings growth for scholars in all four pillars of: prayer, study, community and service. After the ceremony, staff gathers with seniors for our traditional brunch. This intimate event is our final send-off with our seniors, before commencement. Senior parents - thank you! Thank you for giving your scholar the gift of Catholic education and for partnering with us throughout this journey!
EARLY RELEASE DAYS & DRESS CODE: Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, May 29. School resumes on Tuesday, May 30th and our last day is Wednesday, May 31st. Our last two days we will release at 1 p.m. Lunch is provided. See the dress code notes, below.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ATHLETES! Our girls' softball brought home the Sub-Section Title with a phenomenal 10-0 victory! Come and cheer them on this next Tuesday, May 30. BA participants in Coop FHS sports are also shining at regional events. Watch the news for all of the updates and progress of our athletes.
STAFFING UPDATES FOR 2023-24:
- New Staff/Positions for 2023-24:
- Brent Zabel as Middle School Dean/Advanced Science Course Teacher.
- Kallie Donahue Battles - 9th and 10th grade science and MS theology.
- Jolene Beske is joining our staff to teach business courses.
- Katy Ashley will be teaching some social studies courses as she begins her teacher training.
- Welcome to our new office team: Nikki Dut as our office secretary and Lori Bittenbender as the office assistant, see write ups, below.
- Please welcome Jon Rysdam, our new Lunch Program Supervisor. His introduction coming soon.
- The BA Annual Fund drive is at $233,900+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
- BA Cardinal Club Raffle ticket order forms have been mailed! Get yours early to win!
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.
- Monday, May 29: Memorial Day - no school
- Tuesday, May 30: 1pm dismissal, lunch served
- Wednesday, May 31: 1pm dismissal, lunch served - last day of school! *Students may come out of dress code, but dress for the weather and review the "not allowed" list for out-of-dress code days.
- BA Summer events: See below for great ways to support BA and earn service hours for parents and students!
It has been an honor for our staff and faculty to serve your family and your scholar. May summer be a blessing to you and your family, and may God keep you safe in your travels. Until next fall - Fly Cardinals!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATE
Introducing New BA Staff:
Nikki Dut, Office Secretary: I am honored to be a part of such a brilliant team. I’m a mother of six and have taken in two additional children as well. I love cooking, planning events and fundraising for organizations. I also enjoy reading and learning, walks and outdoors. I am currently completing my bachelor’s degree as well. I look forward to remembering each and everyone’s name and face when I begin at BA!
Lori Bittenbender, Office Assistant: I am looking forward to serving the BA community while working in the front office. Our family has lived in Faribault for the last 5 years. We have an 8th grade daughter at BA and our son will join the Cardinal family as a 6th grader next school year. Our oldest daughter will be a junior at Shattuck St. Mary's where my husband is a teacher. For the past 17 years, I have owned my own business as a public relations freelancer but have also been involved in education field for many years as a reading tutor as well as working and living on boarding school campuses.
23-24 Tuition Agreements: parents with enrolled students for 2023-24 should have received an email with their tuition agreement. Please review your agreement and payment plan. If you need to change the payment schedule of your agreement, please contact Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org or 507-334-3948, x206. If you believe you require additional financial assistance, please complete the form found here.
Order your 2022-2023 BA Yearbook! Click HERE to order online or use the form found here and return to the front office with your payment. Orders due May 31. Contact Mr. Zabel at bzabel@bacards.org with questions.
Save the date for BA summer events! See below for several parent and student summer service opportunities. All are great ways to support BA! See our Events page HERE; more information to follow via parent email.
- Heritage Days Parade, June 17: be on the BA/DMCS float! Student and parent sign up at this link.
- Cardinal Cafe at the Rice County Fair, July 19-25: work the fair stand and get your hours in early! Find the sign up HERE.
- SMART Ride, July 27-29: Bicycle single or multiple days for BA
- Cardinal Golf Classic, Aug 4 at the Faribault Golf Club: Committee members needed - will earn parent hours! Contact Kris at ksauer@bacards.org
Summer Band: High school (gr 8-12) summer band camp late July, early August; high school percussion tryouts due by July 25; band lessons for all grades starting after July 4th. Click HERE for Mr. Lorence's letter with all the details.
Summer Math Tutoring:
- Mrs. Lynette Battles will be offering math tutoring this summer for 4th-8th grade students. Cost is $150 for 6 one hour sessions. Please email her at lbattles@bacards.org for more information and availability.
- Mr. David Gilmore is offering math tutoring for $30/hour this summer. Contact him at David_Gilmore@bacards.org
Summer Camps @ BA: Click HERE for information and registration forms for football, basketball, volleyball, robotics camps and summer voice lessons.
DMCC Summer Programs: Great opportunities this summer through the Divine Mercy Catholic Church youth groups, including Totus Tuus. More info and sign up at this link.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors: Sign up for STRIVE: STRIVE, a Faribault Rotary-sponsored program is taking registrations for the 2023-2024 school year. Sign up to participate HERE.
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/