Family Focus 10/29/21
11/01/2021
Kris Sauer
2021-22, October 2021
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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)
October 29, 2021
Dear BA Families:
This week begins our second quarter of the school year. It's an exciting week as our fall sports continue with play-off games. Congratulations to our football team with a win this past Tuesday! Kudos is also extended to our volleyball team who won their match last night over Houston! Both continue section play tomorrow (Saturday): volleyball at 10am vs Rushford-Peterson in Rochester; football at Fillmore Central at 7pm. Our Robotics and Knowledge Bowl teams will begin with winter training and competitions. Our Theater Club meets this Friday after school with assistance from director Patrick Braucher of the Paradise Center for the Arts. He will be supporting BA this year in our theatrical programming. Join us this quarter in celebrating our students, supporting their needs, and cheering them on as our new quarter begins.
ALL SAINTS DAY: On Monday, Nov 1, at 8:30 a.m. we will gather for an all school Mass with DMCS in our gymnasium. Everyone is invited! The 4th grade class will be sharing the stories of the "lives of the Saints" as we celebrate this Holy Day.
NO BUSING MONDAY: There will be no busing Monday, November 1, as the public school system does not have school for its students that day. Bethlehem Academy and Divine Mercy Catholic School do have school on Monday, November 1. Please make alternate transportation arrangements for your scholar to attend school on Monday.
DOES YOUR SCHOLAR NEED ACADEMIC SUPPORT? Take advantage of our school day support with Mrs. Kohl and Mr. Wollin, and our after school homework club with Mrs. Kohl and Mr. Ponciano.
UPDATES ON FUNDRAISERS:
- Spooktacular: Thank you for supporting our fundraising by participating or volunteering at Spooktacular. It was a great day, but we did not reach our goal and will be in school for a full day as scheduled on December 17, 2021.
- BA BASH Raffle 2021: BA is kicking off BA BASH Raffle 2021! With only 1000 tickets available, and prizes of $2021, $1021 and $521, this is a great way to get involved and support BA. We hope to raise $10,000 from this raffle and invite you to participate. Please get your ticket order form HERE and, with new beginnings ahead, pray for a healthy and positive 2022! Drawing held December 31, 2021.
- Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift, the stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more.
- Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $64,300 with a match of $50,000! Thank you! Our goal this year is $255,000, which is critical to supporting teacher/staff salaries, supplies, books, student programs, and building and maintenance needs. Please consider a donation: Donate Online (click)
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS: As of 10/29/21 we have had 11 total COVID positive cases for the year. We do not have any active cases at this time but do have some students quarantining due to exposure or positive family members.
KUDOS: Congratulations to our NHS members and their advisor, Ms. Piehl for the beautiful induction ceremony after Mass this week. Special congratulations to senior Sophia Smith who was named a finalist in the National College Match scholarship program.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online.
- Oct 29: MS Halloween Dance, 7-10pm, see info below in MS
- Oct 29: Theater Club meeting, 3pm
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat, 4-6pm, BA parking lot. Register your trunk HERE (Note: this event is NOT Oct 30 as on some early calendars)
- Nov. 1: All Saints Day, BA/DMCS MASS in the BA Gym
- Nov 1: After Prom Parent Meeting, 6pm-see HS Section for more info
- Nov. 11: Veteran's Day program! Calling all Veterans, please arrive by 8:15 for a short program at 8:30 a.m.
- Nov. 18: BA Open House Info HERE; Registration HERE
- Nov 18: Paradise Student Gallery opening reception, 5-7pm
- Nov. 19: Band Trip to U of MN Indoor Concert
- Nov 23: Grandparents Day, 1pm (Updated from earlier calendars)
- Nov 24-26: Thanksgiving Break (Updated from earlier calendars)
- Find our event school calendar on our website HERE
Blessings, Mindy Reeder- President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
The volleyball team has advanced in the section playoffs and will be playing at the Rochester Mayo Civic Center. The Rochester Mayo Civic Center requires all spectators to wear masks. Spectators also walk through metal detectors when entering the facility.
8th Grade Wolf Ridge Trip Fundraiser to Nov 5
We are having our annual Tastefully Simple fundraiser sale with 100% of the profits helping to defray the bus cost for the February eighth grade Wolf Ridge trip. The fundraiser begins this week and runs through November 5th. Product information can be found at www.tastefullysimple.com and orders can be made through Kris Shuda, a BA past parent who is generously donating the profits of her sales. Orders will be delivered directly to each customer’s door via UPS. Please direct any questions to Julie Smisek, 8th grade advisor, at jsmisek@bacards.org or Kris Shuda at the link above. Eighth graders and their families thank you for your support!
Veteran's Day Student Poetry Contest: Deadline Nov 5
SADD is sponsoring a poetry contest. Find a flier with more information HERE. The topic for the poem or tribute speech is Veteran’s Day or Patriotism. All students in grades 6-12 are eligible, the minimum is 10 lines. Email entries by Nov 5 to Mrs. Donlon.
Holiday Scrip Now Available! Click HERE for a flyer with more information.
New Student Application/Shadow/Open House Information
We are excited to open applications to new students for the 2022-2023 school year starting November 1st! Student shadow days begin November 2nd. Invite a student interested in BA to join your scholar for the day! Register for a shadow day HERE. Our fall open house is scheduled for Thursday, Nov 18 starting at 6pm. Pre-registration encouraged (sign up HERE); walk-ins welcome. Family tours are offered M-F from 9am-4:30pm. Click HERE to sign up. You are our greatest resource in bringing great new students to BA! Please contact Kris Sauer If you are interested in hosting a informational meeting in your home for prospective students and their families. Watch Facebook and our website (News and Enrollment tabs) for more information.
Online BA School Store!
We have select items available for purchase, either online or in the school office, including Yeti tumblers, Puravida bracelets in BA colors, and polo shirts. See the available items HERE.
Grandparents' Day
We will be holding our annual Grandparents' Day on Tuesday, November 23 at 1:00pm. We hope many of our students' grandparents can join us. Proxy grandparents are also welcome. More details will be coming.
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
After Prom Meeting Nov 1
There will be an After Prom brainstorming meeting for any junior or senior parent wishing to help coordinate and plan the After Prom Party on Monday, November 1 @ 6:00pm in the BA Cafeteria. Items to be discussed include: fundraising, venue, activities, prizes, schedule, food. Bring your ideas and join us!
Attention Senior Parents!
Mark your calendars for the following important dates:
- Monday, November 1 - 6:30 p.m. at the FHS Performing Arts Center. Join all senior parents in Faribault to cover all things FAFSA. If you are new to Financial Aid, plan on attending to hear direct from the financial aid officers at South Central. Meeting at Faribault High School (FHS).
- Wednesday, November 3 - during lunch - Josten's orders for caps & gowns, announcements and other graduation memorabilia items are due.
- Monday, November 15 - 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the FHS Library
Don't know where to start with the FAFSA? Come and complete the FAFSA with help from financial aid officers from surrounding colleges. The experts will be on hand to help navigate the form and answer all questions that you may have.
Meca Sportswear will be at Bethlehem Academy on Thursday, November 4 from 7:30am to 8:30am for letter jacket orders. Students that have lettered in a varsity activity or expect to letter this year are invited to order a letter jacket.
Class Rings
Josten's will be at Bethlehem Academy on Wednesday, November 3 during lunch to collect class ring orders from students in grades 10-12. Also, students that already have a class ring and need it re-sized, repaired or cleaned are invited to bring their rings to the Josten's rep during Wednesday's lunch.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Middle School Halloween Dance Oct 29
The Junior Class is hosting a middle school Halloween dance Friday, October 29 from 7pm-10pm in the BA gym. All BA grade 6-8 students are invited to attend this prom fundraiser. Cost is $10; pizza and beverages will be provided.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH
High Schoolers: The Synod Process Needs Your Voice!
It’s not too late to join a Synod small group, and share your perspectives with our parish and the Archdiocese! Parents, we need your voice as well! Sign up on the DMCC website HERE. Upcoming meetings are as follows, more information in the attached flyer:
- November 2: Parents as Primary educators and Helping the young encounter Jesus
- November 9: Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry
BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Bethlehem Academy is Hiring!
We are looking for a Development and Marketing Assistant and a Maintenance Team Member. Click HERE for more information and how to apply. We also have coaching openings in track and field and fastpitch softball and are looking for people to officiate junior high basketball games. Please email athletics@bacards.org if interested.
COMMUNITY/VOLUNTEERING INFORMATION
Free Meals for Students
Community dinners are offered Monday-Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm at Jefferson Elementary School (922 Home Place). Kids eat free; adult meals are $3.50. More information in English and Spanish HERE.
Area Seniors Need Yard Help!
The following senior citizens in Faribault need help with yard work this fall. Find the list below, and contact Jessica Thornton (Program Coordinator, Senior Independence at Family Service Rochester) at jthornton@familyservicerochester.org or 507-287-2010 ext 1033 if you can help.
- Tom B - 526 Little Ford Lane, Faribault: Clean gutters
- Donna D - 620 8th St SW, Faribault: raking and window washing. Windows are older, need to be taken apart. Client will instruct and provide supplies.
- John H - 111 2nd St SW, Faribault: needs someone to move items in garage and help arrange things, has supplies
- Gloria O - 830 Rogers Row, Faribault: fall clean up. Raking, cleaning up year, hauling bags of leaves, etc to the landfill, has supplies
- Donna S - 422 Shumway Ave, Faribault: general yard clean up, raking
CALENDAR LINKS
Click the link below for the calendar.
ATTACHMENTS
DMCC Synod Meetings: Young Adult & Parent Info
Meca Sportswear Letter Jacket Information
Josten's Traditional BA Class Ring Order Form
Family Focus 10/15/2021
10/20/2021
Kris Sauer
2021-22, October 2021
Leave a comment
"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)
October 15, 2021
Dear BA Families:
The first quarter comes to a close next Tuesday. As a school family, we are all feeling the weight of returning to a full school schedule filled with activities, sports, academics and events. I know that everyone is thrilled to be back into a more normal routine, but we are carrying with us the load of 18 months of a pandemic lifestyle. Join us in prayers and talking with your scholar about their struggles and triumphs at the end of this first quarter.
CONFERENCES: Our middle school staff appreciated visiting with you about your scholar's progress during Middle School conferences last night; our high school team looks forward to the same on Monday for high school students. A separate email to sign up for Parent/Teacher Conferences was sent out; register HERE or below.
UPDATES ON FUNDRAISERS:
Spooktacular: We look forward to seeing your tomorrow! Online registration is closed; same day registration is available. Please join us! We need each BA family to raise $100 through participation or pledges; this is a budgeted fundraiser for our school. More info and a pledge form HERE. To date we have 88 participants signed up. If BA reaches our goal of 115 participants by Saturday, we will have an early release day Dec 17. Thank you!- Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift, the stronger DMCS, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more.
- Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $54,200-we have reached our $50,000 match - doubling your gift! Thank you! Our goal this year is $255,000, which is critical to supporting teacher/staff salaries, supplies, books, student programs, and building and maintenance needs. Please consider a donation: Donate Online (click)
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS: As of 10/15/21 we have had 11 total COVID positive cases for the year, three are active and quarantining. Please remember to keep your scholar home if they have any symptoms or if a member of your family is diagnosed with COVID. If they have been a close contact, students should wear a mask for one week while at school.
KUDOS: This week we thank administrative team for helping to guide in school decisions and our strategic plan, thank you - Ed Friesen, John Wollersheim, Shane Roessler and Kris Sauer.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online.
- Oct 16: Spooktacular Fun Run for Education. Race day registration available! Find out more HERE.
- Oct 17: "Our Lady of Fatima" movie at The Village Theater on Sunday at 6:30 pm. A donation of $1 requested.
- Oct 18: High School Parent/Teacher Conferences - 3:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Click HERE; sign up closes 9pm Sun Oct 17
- Oct 18: 7:30pm Senior parent info zoom meeting (details below)
- Oct. 19: Picture re-take day
- Oct 19: End of the 1st Quarter - check in with your scholar!
- Oct 20-22: MEA Break - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 27: NHS Induction @ BA Mass - 10:30 a.m.
- Oct 27: Jostens reps, class rings & graduation-see HS section
- Oct 27: 7:30pm Junior Parent Info Night-see HS section for more info
- Oct 29 - Trunk or Treat Dress Down Day - see info below
- Oct 29 - MS Halloween Dance, 7-10pm, see info below in MS
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat, 4-6pm, BA parking lot. Register your trunk HERE (Note: this event is NOT Oct 30 as on some early calendars)
- Nov. 11: Veteran's Day program! Calling all Veterans, please arrive by 8:15 for a short program at 8:30 a.m.
- Nov 23 - Grandparents Day, 1pm (Updated from earlier calendars)
- Nov 24-26: Thanksgiving Break (Updated from earlier calendars)
- Find our event school calendar on our website HERE
Blessings, Mindy Reeder- President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
BABS Survey-Respond by TODAY, FRIDAY, Oct 15The annual April BABS event is the most longstanding, successful fundraising event at Bethlehem Academy. The Board of Directors, together with staff and the BABS committee, is interested in getting your input on this important fundraiser for our school. Please click HERE to take the survey and let us know what you think. The survey should only take 5 minutes and is completely anonymous. Thank you!
October 19 - Picture Re-take Day
Scholars who missed picture day in September are invited to have their pictures taken Tuesday morning, October 19. Forms available in the front office and found HERE.
Trunk or Treat Student Dress Down Oct 29
BA’s Student Service Club is hosting a Dress Down Day Friday, October 29. For a dollar or a bag of candy, students may dress in costume or dress down for the day. Costumes should be neat, clean, modest, and school-appropriate. No scary masks or plastic weapons, please. Hats, leggings (worn with a long top/skirt/dress), sweats or athletic pants are allowed. No athletic shorts please. Close to 1000 kids participate! All proceeds go towards providing extra candy for our community-wide Trunk or Treat event from 4-6pm Sun, Oct 31 in the BA/DMCS parking lots. Sign up a Trunk HERE.
8th Grade Wolf Ridge Trip Fundraiser to Nov 5
We are having our annual Tastefully Simple fundraiser sale with 100% of the profits helping to defray the bus cost for the February eighth grade Wolf Ridge trip. The fundraiser begins this week and runs through November 5th. Product information can be found at www.tastefullysimple.com and orders can be made through Kris Shuda, a BA past parent who is generously donating the profits of her sales. Orders will be delivered directly to each customer’s door via UPS. Please direct any questions to Julie Smisek, 8th grade advisor, at jsmisek@bacards.org or Kris Shuda at the link above. Eighth graders and their families thank you for your support!
We are excited to open applications to new students for the 2022-2023 school year starting November 1st! Student shadow days begin November 2nd. Invite a student interested in BA to join your scholar for the day! Register for a shadow day HERE. Our fall open house is scheduled for Thursday, Nov 18 starting at 6pm. Pre-registration encouraged (sign up HERE); walk-ins welcome. Family tours are offered M-F from 9am-4:30pm. Click HERE to sign up. You are our greatest resource in bringing great new students to BA! Please contact Kris Sauer If you are interested in hosting a informational meeting in your home for prospective students and their families. Watch Facebook and our website (News and Enrollment tabs) for more information.
Student Services Socktober Campaign
For Socktober, the Student Services Committee is collecting socks in the boxes by the office and in Mrs. Donlon’s room, now and until the end of October. All donations will be given to St. Vincent de Paul in Faribault. Students at BA have the opportunity to earn service hours by bringing in socks. One pair is 30 minutes; students can earn only up to 2 hours of service (4 pairs of socks.) But the group encourages people to bring in as much as they can because it will help the less fortunate immensely as we are getting closer to the winter months. Thank you!
BA BASH Raffle 2021
BA is kicking off BA BASH Raffle 2021! With only 1000 tickets available, and prizes of $2021, $1021 and $521, this is a great way to get involved and support BA. We hope to raise $10,000 from this raffle and invite you to participate. Please get your ticket order form HERE and, with new beginnings ahead, pray for a healthy and positive 2022! Drawing held December 31, 2021.
Moms in Prayer Meeting Weekly
The Bethlehem Academy Moms in Prayer group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 8-9 am in the Adoration Chapel. Please join us! Contact Lori Bittenbender at lori@lbpublicrelations.com or 972-955-4730 with questions.
Online BA School Store!
We have select items available for purchase, either online or in the school office, including Yeti tumblers, Puravida bracelets in BA colors, and polo shirts. See the available items HERE.
LAPTOP CARE
Our laptops are brand new. Please take good care of them!
- Every weekend (Friday or Saturday night before going to bed), plug in the laptop, quit all applications, re-start the laptop and leave the display/lid open. We have a policy to check and install Apple software updates on a weekly basis.
- Use a backpack with a laptop compartment. Be careful to not drop or toss backpack with the laptop in it. Set it down gently! Also, be careful about very full backpacks - set it down to minimize the amount of weight from textbooks and other items on the laptop itself (keep backpack vertical).
- A neoprene sleeve can be helpful to provide additional protection for the laptop. Note the laptops are 13" MacBook Airs (2020 M1 models)
- Some people like the clamshells that snap to the laptop. Please note some shells do not meet Apple's specifications completely and can actually add too much weight to the display, stressing the hinges.
- Keep the laptop in a safe, secure location when not using (car trunk, locked locker, etc.).
- Please let Mr. Friesen know of any problems.
Jostens' Reps-Junior & Senior Presentations
Josten's representatives will be on campus Wednesday, October 27, to speak to juniors and seniors during Cardinal hours. Students will have the opportunity to order class rings (juniors) and graduation materials (seniors), including cap and gown ordering (school pays), and announcements and other product options (choice; student pays).
Attention Senior Parents!
Mark your calendars for the following important dates:
Monday, October 18 - 7:30 p.m. Zoom meeting (at the end of zoom conferences). Shane Roessler, BA School Counselor, will be covering all things you need to know now that you have a senior. Join us for a 30 minute Zoom presentation (link here) to cover the important targets this senior year. A question and answer session will be held at the end. This meeting will be recorded for those that can not attend.
Monday, November 1 - 6:30 p.m. at the FHS Performing Arts Center.
Join all senior parents in Faribault to cover all things FAFSA. If you are new to Financial Aid, plan on attending to hear direct from the financial aid officers at South Central. Meeting at Faribault High School (FHS).
Monday, November 15 - 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the FHS Library
Don't know where to start with the FAFSA? Come and complete the FAFSA with help from financial aid officers from surrounding colleges. The experts will be on hand to help navigate the form and answer all questions that you may have.
Junior Parent Information Night Oct 27
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Middle School Hallowen Dance Oct 29
The Junior Class is hosting a middle school Halloween dance Friday, October 29 form 7pm-10pm in the BA gym. All BA grade 6-8 students are invited to attend this prom fundraiser. Cost is $10; pizza and beverages will be provided. Students must turn in a signed permission slip (click HERE) by Wednesday, October 17 to attend. Parent chaperones needed! Sign up information to follow.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH
It’s not too late to join a Synod small group, and share your perspectives with our parish and the Archdiocese! Parents, we need your voice as well! Sign up on the DMCC website HERE. Upcoming meetings are as follows, more information in the attached flyer:
- October 19: Welcoming Parishes & Collaboration in Parish Ministry
- October 26: Liturgy& Sunday Experience & Sharing the Gospel in Word and Deed.
- November 2: Parents as Primary educators and Helping the young encounter Jesus
- November 9: Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry
Bethlehem Academy seeks an energetic individual to join our maintenance team! This team member will work directly with the Maintenance Supervisor in coordinating all care for the facility, from cleaning to repairs and lawn care and snow removal. Required Qualifications: 1st Class Boilers License; Basic knowledge in the following areas: plumbing, electrical and carpentry; Good vision is required in order to read material safety data sheets; Good attendance is required as well as ability to work various shifts; Ability to work extra hours if necessary. Send resume and two references to: Mindy Reeder at mreeder@bacards.org.
CALENDAR LINKS
Click the link below for the calendar.
Family Focus-MEA Update 10/19/21
10/19/2021
Ed Friesen
2020-21, October 2021
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October 19, 2021 - MEA Break Update
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Wednesday, October 20th, through Friday, October 23rd. Second quarter will begin on our return to school on Monday, October 25th following the break.
Dress Code Changes Starting Oct 25
A reminder that shorts and sandals/flip flops may not be worn following the MEA break through spring break. Again, please no shorts or sandals in school starting Monday, October 25 through spring break in March.
Student Directory Update
We will be finalizing the Bethlehem Academy School Directory soon. If you do not want your phone number or address in the directory, please contact the main office ASAP at 507-334-3948 or by email to Barb Johnson. The directories will include all Gr 6-12 families and distributed to all families that have paid their Home & School dues. Please notify the office of any phone, email or address changes for school correspondence and in case we need to reach you during the school day.
Vaccination Update
Minnesota has launched ‘Kids Deserve a Shot,’ a vaccine incentives program rewarding Minnesotans 12-17 years old for completing their COVID-19 vaccine series. Minnesotans 12-17 years old who start and complete their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series between October 18 and November 30 are eligible to receive a $200 Visa gift card. All Minnesotans 12-17 years old who have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series at any time in 2021 can enter to win a $100,000 Minnesota College Scholarship! Five drawings will be held. Register for the incentives HERE; free vaccinations offered Thursday at Rice County Public Health. See the flyer with more information HERE.
Link to parent email on website
Can’t find the weekly parent email in your inbox? You can always find it on our website under the Resources / Parent Central tab; or click HERE.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online.
- Oct 19: End of the 1st Quarter - check in with your scholar!
- Oct 20-22: MEA Break - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 27: NHS Induction @ BA Mass - 10:30 a.m.
- Oct 27: Jostens reps, class rings & graduation
- Oct 27: 7:30pm Junior Parent Info Night
- Oct 29 - Trunk or Treat Dress Down Day
- Oct 29 - MS Halloween Dance, 7-10pm
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat, 4-6pm, BA parking lot. Register your trunk HERE (Note: this event is NOT Oct 30 as on some early calendars)
- Nov. 11: Veteran's Day program! Calling all Veterans, please arrive by 8:15 for a short program at 8:30 a.m.
- Nov 23 - Grandparents Day, 1pm (Updated from earlier calendars)
- Nov 24-26: Thanksgiving Break (Updated from earlier calendars)
- Find our event school calendar on our website HERE
Click the link below for the calendar.
- BA School Calendar - Week of Oct. 25
- BA-FHS Coop Sports Calendar - Week of Oct. 18
- BA-FHS Coop Sports Calendar - Week of Oct. 25
"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)