Family Focus, 2/24/23
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
February 24, 2023
Dear BA Families:
Minnesota winter returned! The online learning classes kept students on target with objectives and homework to keep them on track this week as we draw closer to the end of 3rd quarter. Thank you for your help in supporting online learning schedules. Our FFA officers hosted a BA Staff breakfast on Tuesday and closed our week with FFA Ag Olympics - Kudos to our officers and members, and Mr. Johnson for this great focus on Agriculture and FFA!
MARCH 1 - ONLINE CONFERENCES: Our staff looks forward to talking with our parents on March 1 during online conferences. Please remember to sign up by Tuesday, Feb 28 at 1pm if you would like to talk with your scholar's teacher(s). Remember, these are zoom only.
CLASS REGISTRATION/NEW ELECTIVES! We are excited to offer new electives for next year! Mr. Uphus has begun working with rising high school scholars to register for classes, with forms due by Friday, March 3. Find the 2023-2024 Course Guide and registration forms under Quick Links on our website HERE.
2023-24 RE-ENROLLMENT AND TUITION ASSISTANCE OPEN! Please be sure to complete your financial aid application (click HERE to apply) by April 14 for BA aid and scholarship consideration. Remember, you can fill out the form with your 2021 or 2022 tax documents, but 2022 W2s and current pay stubs are needed. Contact Kris Sauer with questions or to set up an appointment if help is needed filling these out.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
- The BA Annual Fund drive is at $211,100+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
BABS - A Red & Black Gala Event on April 15 is in need of silent, live and dessert auction items. Email Teresa Lebens with your donations at: tlebens@bacards.org.
- Raffle & Event Tickets: Visit the BABS site at babsnight.weebly.com to order your event or raffle ticket.
- Class Silent Auction Baskets: Each class is being asked to create a basket for our online silent auction. Watch for details coming home! Any student contributing an item or money to the class basket will get a dress-down pass that can be utilized on any day this spring other than a Mass Day. Click HERE for more information.
- BABS Volunteers Needed! Volunteers are needed to work at BABS April 15: registration table, bartenders, food service, raffle sales, and more. This is a parent service hour event! Click HERE for more information and to sign up to volunteer.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
UPCOMING EVENTS: BA Basketball play off games and additional events are online.
- Feb 27: CloseUp DC and NYC parent meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room
- Feb 28: Track & Field student meeting, 3pm in Cafeteria
- March 1:
- P/T Conferences via Zoom, 4pm-8pm, Sign up HERE
- Trap team student meeting, 3pm in Cafeteria
- "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" auditions, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in Ms. Kohl's Room.
- March 2: BAAA Easter Flower Order deadline.
- "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" auditions, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in Ms. Kohl's Room.
- March 3: Winter Band/Choir Concert
- March 4: MS Robotics @ State
- March 17:
- DMCC Youth Ministry Lifeline event registration deadline-see info below, register HERE
- DMCS Scholarship Night-see info below
- March 20: 1st Scrub Club for HS students, 6pm. See below for info.
- April 4: Red Cross Blood Drive @ BA, 9am-2pm. Search by date and sign up to give HERE.
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- LUNCH ROOM POSITION AVAILABLE: We are looking for a kitchen assistant to join our joyful team, immediately. Staff will work to create and prepare for meals, cutting and washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, and serving our student body. Hours are 7:30am-1:30pm when school is in session. Email mreeder@bacards.org if interested.
Please join me in praying for the victims and families impacted by the recent earth quake in Turkey and Syria. In addition, continue to pray for our scholars and staff.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATE
Introducing Jolene Beske for 2023-24: I’m excited to be the new Business teacher at BA and share my love of all things business! I have a BS in Business Administration from SW MN State University and a Masters in Organizational Management from Concordia, St. Paul. I currently co-own TRB Electric, LLC with my husband Tyler and have been a substitute teacher at BA for 9 years. I have two children, Aubrey (’20) and Ava (’24), and a very handsome grandson, Bowen. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, scrapbooking, camping, reading & cheering on the MN Vikings.
Tuition Tax Statements: Click HERE for instructions on how to find and print your 2022 tuition tax statement in FACTS but use this link to get to your account; our District Code is FCS-MN.
Driver’s Ed @ BA: Cannon River Driving School will be hosting driver’s training at Bethlehem Academy. At least 10 students are needed to run the class, which runs March 18 (8am-11am), March 20-24 and April 3-6 (3:15-6:15pm). Please fill out and mail the contract (click HERE or get a copy in the BA Office) directly to the driving school with your payment. Contact Denise or Adam at adam_rueger@yahoo.com with questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
High School Reminders:
- After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
- Senior Scholarships: Click HERE for a list of college and community scholarship opportunities, requirements and deadlines!
- Senior Service Cord: Click here for the senior service cord guidelines. Applications are due April 6, 2023.
- Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!)
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES
Register at https://forms.gle/DCbiXH3uqNUGHjii6 by March 17 for the Lifeline DMCC Youth Ministry event:
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 2-16-23
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
February 16, 2023
Dear BA Families:
Happy President's Day Weekend! I hope the long weekend brings you welcome rest and gives scholars an opportunity to catch up on homework or school projects. The winter season is busy with active sports schedules, academic competitions and programs, and performance events. This past week our Knowledge Bowl and Robotics competed, Honor Band, Choir and Art performed/exhibited, and BA and Coop sports begin completing their regular season. BA staff look forward to cheering on teams at sections and are sending off the Emerald's Dance Team to State today!
CLASS REGISTRATION/NEW ELECTIVES! We are excited to offer new electives for next year! Mr. Uphus will begin working with rising high school scholars next week to begin registering for classes, with forms due by Friday, March 3.
DON'T FORGET! 2023-24 EARLY ENROLLMENT DEADLINE TUESDAY, Feb. 22! Please be sure to complete your financial aid application (click HERE to apply) by Feb. 22 (next Wednesday!) to ensure eligibility for all available scholarships. Remember, you do not need to have your taxes done to fill out the financial aid form. It can be filled out with your 2021 tax documents, but 2022 W2s are needed. Re-enroll in FACTS by Feb 22 and the $10 re-enrollment fee will be waived. Contact Kris Sauer with questions or to set up an appointment if help is needed filling these out.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
- The BA Annual Fund drive is at $210,900+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
- BABS - A Red & Black Gala Event on April 15 is in need of silent and live auction items. Or do you make a fancy dessert? We are looking for a few more desserts for our silent, dessert auction. Invites coming soon! Email Teresa Lebens with your donations at: tlebens@bacards.org.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Feb 17 & 20: No School, President's Day weekend
- Feb. 21: FFA Week begins - FFA $ Dress Down: dress in blue & gold!
- Feb 22: Ash Wednesday, 10:30am 60 min Mass
- Feb 22: Early enrollment, financial aid deadline
- Feb. 22 & 23: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Auditions
- Feb 23: Grade 9 & 10 retreat
- March 1: P/T Conferences via Zoom, 4pm-8pm
- March 2: BAAA Easter Flower Order deadline
- March 3: Winter Band/Choir Concert
- March 4: MS Robotics @ State
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- LUNCH ROOM POSITION AVAILABLE: We are looking for a kitchen assistant to join our joyful team. Staff will work to create and prepare for meals, cutting and washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, and serving our student body. Hours are 7:30am-1:30pm when school is in session. Email mreeder@bacards.org if interested.
Please join me in praying for the victims and families impacted by the recent earth quake in Turkey and Syria. In addition, continue to pray for our scholars and staff.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATE
Spring Play Auditions: The Theatre Club will be holding auditions for the spring play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Feb 22 & 23 from 3-4:30pm in Mrs. Kohl's room. Interested scholars can pick up audition packets in the office. Questions? Contact Patrick Braucher at pbraucher@bacards.org.
Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser: Order by March 2! The Bethlehem Academy Activities Association (BAAA) annual Easter flower fundraiser is now online! The BAAA will receive 30% of all plant sales, with proceeds going to offset the costs of athletic uniforms, choir robes, Robotics fees, and more. Find the link to order HERE. Click HERE for the flyer & QR code. Store ID = 440; seller's name = BA. Orders must be completed by 10 pm on Thursday, March 2. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products will be available for pick up April 4 & 5 after school. Questions? Please contact Clarice DeGrood or at 507-838-8073. Thank you for your support!
Tuition Tax Statements: Click HERE for instructions on how to find and print your 2022 tuition tax statement in FACTS. Our District Code is FCS-MN.
Driver’s Ed @ BA: Cannon River Driving School will be hosting driver’s training at Bethlehem Academy. At least 10 students are needed to run the class, which runs March 18 (8am-11am), March 20-24 and April 3-6 (3:15-6:15pm). Please fill out and mail the contract (click HERE or get a copy in the BA Office) directly to the driving school with your payment. Contact Denise or Adam at adam_rueger@yahoo.com with questions.
BA Family Directory: The 2022-2023 Family Directory is available for pickup in the BA front office to all families who have paid their $30 Home and School dues. Still have to pay? Use the Home and School Venmo link here:
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
- After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
- Senior Scholarships: Click HERE for a list of college and community scholarship opportunities, requirements and deadlines!
- Senior Service Cord: Click here for the senior service cord guidelines. Applications are due April 6, 2023.
- Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!)
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 2-10-23
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
February 10, 2023
Dear BA Families:
Praying together each week is a blessing. This week we prayed for those impacted by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Beginning our day in prayer truly focuses us on spiritual growth and connects us to prayer needs of ourselves and others. If you have prayer requests, please let me know. I also remind you that several parents gather weekly for prayer at school. Please reach out to join them at: Parents Praying.
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: Prayer truly makes a difference in the lives of our scholars and staff. Share this difference with others and bring them to our Open House on Sunday, Feb. 12. See details below.
2023-24 EARLY ENROLLMENT DEADLINE - Feb. 22! Please be sure to complete your financial aid application (click HERE to apply) by Feb. 22 (less than 2 weeks away!) to ensure eligibility for all available scholarships. Remember, you do not need to have your taxes done to fill out financial aid forms. They can be filled out with your 2021 tax documents, but 2022 W2s are needed. Re-enroll in FACTS by Feb 22 and the $10 re-enrollment fee will be waived. Contact Kris Sauer with questions or to set up an appointment if help is needed filling these out.
LOOKING AHEAD/NEW ELECTIVES! As we begin planning for next year, we look forward to expanding the courses we offer including new electives in: business, music theory and history. Our full curriculum manual will be available for scholars and families in the next few weeks.
SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS: We continue to hear and experience inappropriate use of social media and apps of our scholars. Please be sure to monitor social media accounts and limit internet access at home. Most recently, we are hearing concerns with the Yik Yak app (more info HERE). Visit online resources for parents on how to support your scholar's tech & social media use: (Parent Info) and (Impact on Teens)
Welcome Middle School Counselor, Katie Smith! My name is Katie Smith and the new counselor at both BA and DMCS. I am a graduate from St Cloud State University where I played D1 hockey and received my Bachelors degree in psychology. I got my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addiction Studies from the University of Saint Mary’s in Fargo, North Dakota, where I lived for about 13 years before moving back to my hometown of Rosemount. I am married to my wonderful husband Eric, and we have 2 boys, Weston who is 10 and Afinnis who is 8; 3 dogs Una, Jax and Magnum; and one cat named Steve. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, cooking, baking and of course all things hockey. I have a diverse work history supporting students and really love working in schools. I'm so excited to provide support to students around emotional, behavioral, and relationship skills. |
FUNDRAISERS & EVENT UPDATES:
- The BA Annual Fund drive is at $210,500+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
- BABS - A Red & Black Gala Event on April 15 is in need of silent and live auction items. Or do you make a fancy dessert? We are looking for a few more desserts for our silent, dessert auction. Invites coming soon! Email Teresa Lebens with your donations at: tlebens@bacards.org.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Feb 10 & 11: Gopher Conference Band/Choir/Art Honors Concert, Maple River
- Feb 12: Winter Admissions Open House 11am-1pm. Invite a prospective Cardinal to join us! Registration recommended HERE, walk-ins welcome.
- Feb 13-16: 8th Grade @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
- Feb 14: Prom $ Dress Down Day
- Feb 16: 1pm WIN schedule
- Feb 17 & 20: No School, President's Day weekend
- Feb. 21: FFA Week begins - come dress in farmer style!
- Feb 22: Ash Wednesday, 10:30am 60 min Mass
- Feb 22: Early enrollment, financial aid deadline
- Feb. 22 & 23: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Auditions
- Feb 23: Grade 10-11 retreat
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- LUNCH ROOM POSITION AVAILABLE: We are looking for a kitchen assistant to join our joyful team. Staff will work to create and prepare for meals, cutting and washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, and serving our student body. Hours are 7:30am-1:30pm when school is in session. Email mreeder@bacards.org if interested.
- ROBOTICS HELP NEEDED: We are looking for a Robotics assistant. If you are able to help on Mondays and/or Thursdays after school, please email me. You are paid a stipend to assist - mreeder@bacards.org.
- SUPPORT FOOD PACK: We encourage you to help support the food pack with a donation to "Feed My Starving" children at: (Food Pack Gift). Thank you for your support!
Please continue to join me in praying for family members, BA parents, and staff members who need God's healing touch!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATE
Candy Grams: Student council will be selling candy grams before school on Monday morning. The cost of candy grams is $2. They will be delivered Tuesday, Feb 14.
Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser Now Open! The Bethlehem Academy Activities Association (BAAA) annual Easter flower fundraiser is now online! The BAAA will receive 30% of all plant sales, with proceeds going to offset the costs of athletic uniforms, choir robes, Robotics fees, and more. Find the link to order HERE. Click HERE for the flyer & QR code. Store ID = 440; seller's name = BA. Orders must be completed by 10 pm on Thursday, March 2. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products will be available for pick up April 4 & 5 after school. Questions? Please contact Clarice DeGrood or at 507-838-8073. Thank you for your support!
Tuition Tax Statements: Click HERE for instructions on how to find and print your 2022 tuition tax statement in FACTS. Our District Code is FCS-MN.
Driver’s Ed @ BA: Cannon River Driving School will be hosting driver’s training at Bethlehem Academy. At least 10 students are needed to run the class, which runs March 18 (8am-11am), March 20-24 and April 3-6 (3:15-6:15pm). Please fill out and mail the contract (click HERE or get a copy in the BA Office) directly to the driving school with your payment. Contact Denise or Adam at adam_rueger@yahoo.com with questions.
Spring Play Auditions: The Theatre Club will be holding auditions for the spring play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Feb 22 & 23 from 3-4:30pm in Mrs. Kohl's room. Interested scholars can pick up audition packets in the office. Questions? Contact Patrick Braucher at pbraucher@bacards.org.
BA Family Directory: The 2022-2023 Family Directory is available for pickup in the BA front office to all families who have paid their $30 Home and School dues. Still have to pay? Use the Home and School Venmo link here:
Basketball Game Volunteers/Parent Service Hours: The high school basketball season is upon us. With 2 dozen home games from December through February, there are many volunteer opportunities. We need parent volunteers to sell admission (tickets) and to work in the concession stand. Click the links to help: Girls Basketball Volunteers; Boys Basketball Volunteers and your parent service hours will be automatically recorded. Thank you!
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
- After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
- Senior Scholarships: Click HERE for a list of college and community scholarship opportunities, requirements and deadlines!
- Senior Service Cord: Click here for the senior service cord guidelines. Applications are due April 6, 2023.
- Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!)
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/