Family Focus 7/16/21
07/21/2021
Kris Sauer
July 2021, 2021-22
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July 16, 2021
Dear BA Families:
It's Rice County Fair time! If you haven't signed up for a shift, please review the openings for the BA Fair Stand. We need everyone to support the stand as we support the community at the Rice County Fair!
Our staff continues to prepare for the next school year through professional development, implementation of "Houses," the Positivity Project school wide, and new courses. We are excited to welcome 19 new students this fall, an increase in enrollment of 7%! Our BA family also welcomes new teachers after the retirement of dedicated staff this year and changes in teachers. On a sad note, we say farewell to two additional staff, Matt Knutson and Sister Melissa Schreifels. They both touched students lives and we wish them the best in their new positions.
Please welcome: Edward Wendt, Band Director; Rachel Tondryk, Spanish Instructor; Father John Powers, 7th grade theology/Chaplain; Dave Wollin is expanding his role as an AP teacher and will also be our HS support instructor.
We also added two staff added this month:
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Lynette Battles - Middle School & High School Math Teacher: Mrs. Battles graduated from Bethlehem Academy. She has taught in Catholic education for the past 15 years and earned her BS in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota, and a teaching license through the College of St. Catherine. She begins her Masters program through the University of St. Thomas Murray Institute this fall. She's very happy to continue her teaching career at Bethlehem Academy and looks forward to engaging math students and working with BA staff and families. She currently lives in Faribault with her husband Josh, and they have four children, Jacob, Noah, Alissa, and Shae. |
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Mr. Michael Bengen - PE/Health Teacher: Mr. Bengen graduated from Winona State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in Developmental Adapted PE. He has a passion for helping people learn and become a better version of themselves. Outside of teaching, he enjoys going to his family camper where he fishes and plays yard games. Mr. Bengen is looking forward to being able to get to know the students at BA and possibly be able to coach some of them in the near future. |
We are also working with the Archdiocese, State, and County to review any needed COVID protocols for the fall of our school year. We will inform families of any updates, but do not anticipate many requirements.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- July 23-27: Cardinal Cafe at the Rice Count Fair! Sign up HERE to volunteer.
- July 29-31: SMART Ride - Join us to raise scholarship dollars or sponsor one of our 9 riders, including Class of 2021 grads Luke Bauer and Isaac Caron!
- August 6: Cardinal Classic Golf Tournament, Faribault Golf Club. Spots are filling fast! Sign up to play, click here.
FUNDRAISERS:
- BA Fair Stand: We need your support at the Rice County Fair. We want to thank the Simones family for agreeing to manage the stand and we need you to volunteer - July 21-25, 2021. We are asking EVERY STUDENT AND FAMILY TO TAKE A SHIFT IN ORDER TO MEET OUR BUDGETARY NEEDS. Click HERE to sign up today. Thank you!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder
President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
SMART Ride July 29-31, 2021
Save the date for this summer's SMART ride! Single day biking options available or join all 3 days, with camping at Minneopa State Park near Mankato. This great event raises money for student scholarships! Click here for information on joining the ride or sponsoring a rider.
Cardinal Golf Classic Aug 6
Registration is open for the annual Cardinal Golf Classic! This year's event will be held at the Faribault Golf Club Friday, August 6 with a scramble format starting at 12 noon. Registration just $100 includes golf, awards dinner, gift and hole contests. Spots filling fast. Sign up your foursome here today!
Back to School Information: Find back to school information, including school supply lists, summer reading assignments, and other important information on our Back to School page HERE. Our annual summer back to school mailing will be sent early August.
Don't forget about your student's summer read! Find the list of books and the handouts on our website at this link.
REMINDER: Required Immunizations
All students who will be in 7th grade this fall are required by law to have a Tdap (tetanus booster) as well as a meningitis shot. The meningitis shot is the first in a two-shot series which should be completed at 16 years of age. Students who will be in 12th grade are required by law to have a second meningitis shot. Students should have had their first shot in the series before the start of 7th grade. Any students who have conscientious objector forms on file will need to fill out a new form for this fall. If you have any questions or need a conscientious objector form, please contact Mary Herzog in the nurse’s office, 507-334-3948.
SCRIP Note Update: BA students and families may participate in the DMCS Scrip program to earn tuition credit. See the attached summer program update for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
1st United Bank Junior Board
Rising 11th and 12th graders are invited to apply for the 1st United Bank Junior Board of Directors. Applications due September 10, 2021. More information attached.
ATTACHMENTS
Scrip Note Update
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application
Family Focus 6/29/21
07/16/2021
Kris Sauer
June 2021, 2020-21
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June 29, 2021
Dear BA Families:
Happy July 4th! I hope that the month of June has brought you relaxation and joy that only Minnesota summers can bring. This month BA scholars attended camps, church programs and summer support. Teachers continued in their educational journey through June professional development opportunities. Our maintenance team and student workers dig in every day to ensure that our buildings are prepared to shine this fall. We are so thankful for their hard work and impressed with our student workers!
Join us this summer! We need your support and involvement to ensure success at our summer events. Please be sure to sign up to take a shift at the Rice County Fair, join us on the trails or sponsor a rider on our BA SMART Ride, and gather your team for the BA Golf Classic! See all the details below.
As we prepare for the next school year, we look forward to beginning the year by implementing "Houses" and the Positivity Project school wide. These programs extend social and emotional learning programming by connecting more students and celebrating our unique, God given traits. Our enrollment is up for the first time in four years and we look forward to welcoming new students into the BA Family as well as new teachers. Please welcome:
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Father John Powers: Father John grew up in Northeast Minneapolis with his sister, and parents, Marge and Mike Powers. He attended St. John’s University, studying history, and graduated in 2009. He entered the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained in 2015. He has served at various locations and will now be assigned to Holy Trinity in Waterville, St. Andrew’s in Elysian and Bethlehem Academy where he will teach a middle school theology class. Father John looks forward to getting to know our students and families! |
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Shane Roessler - Counselor: Mrs. Roessler is an experienced counselor with over 20 years of service. She lives in Waseca with her husband and two daughters. She will be supporting our students as our new guidance counselor beginning in the fall. "I would have to say that I am most excited to begin working with a great group of students who are striving to be the best they can be and helping out the world around them." |
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Edward Wendt, Jr. – Band Teacher: Mr. Wendt, Jr. comes to BA band from Totino-Grace Fine Arts Academy. He has organized drum lines, directed jazz and pep bands and organized band trips to St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans. "I want my students and future students to have experiences like these that they will remember for the rest of their lives. These experiences are what I hope to bring to the classroom when teaching band for Bethlehem Academy!" |
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Rachel Tondryk – Spanish Teacher: Rachel graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a double major in Spanish and Education. Her last year of college was spent living in Costa Rica and attending La Universidad de Veritas in San José. She taught Spanish at her alma mater, Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, coached, and served on various committees. After a short period at home with her children she returned to teaching at St. Dominic School in Northfield. Rachel is thrilled to continue at BA and feels blessed that she and her daughters will be a part of the BA community. |
In addition, positions have been offered for our new math teacher and high school support staff person - introductions coming soon!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- June 28-July 13: School Store open - see below for details
- July 23-27: Cardinal Cafe at the Rice Count Fair!
- July 29-31: SMART Ride - Join us to raise scholarship dollars!
- August 6: Cardinal Classic Golf Tournament, Faribault Golf Club. Sign up to play, click here.
FUNDRAISERS:
- Annual Fund: We are just shy, $1,100 from our $250,000 annual fund goal. Thank you to everyone who helped us surpass all previous annual fund drives in this critical year!
- Cardinal Club Raffle: One more day to get your raffle tickets in! Get your order in by noon Wed June 30 to be included in tomorrow's drawing at 1:56pm. To date we have raised more than $11,000 to support BA needs through this raffle.
- BA Fair Stand: We need your support at the Rice County Fair. We want to thank the Simones family for agreeing to manage the stand and we need you to volunteer - July 21-25, 2021. We are asking EVERY STUDENT AND FAMILY TO TAKE A SHIFT IN ORDER TO MEET OUR BUDGETARY NEEDS. Click HERE to sign up today. Thank you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 2021-22 Tuition Agreements Sent: Financial aid has been awarded and tuition agreements have been sent. Please complete your agreement ASAP so we may plan for the fall. Contact Kris Sauer or Sister Mary Margaret if you have questions or concerns regarding your agreement.
May your summer bring joy, may your family find peace and may God bless you during the summer months! Our office will be open from 9-1 p.m. M-Th. Stop in!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Cardinal Cafe at the Rice County Fair!: The Rice County Fair is back and so is the Cardinal Café! Join us for this longstanding BA tradition! Volunteers are needed for all shifts. Jobs include taking orders, taking and assembling food, drink and snack orders and manning the grill! Help promote BA and earn service hours. Sign up to volunteer HERE. Tell all your friends to stop by and get a burger, a famous Lunch Lady cookie, or just to say hello while at the Rice County Fair this year!
SMART Ride July 29-31, 2021
Save the date for this summer's SMART ride! Single day biking options available or join all 3 days, with camping at Mankato. This great event raises money for student scholarships! Click here for information on this great event.
Cardinal Golf Classic Aug 6
Registration is now open for the annual Cardinal Golf Classic! This year's event will be held at the Faribault Golf Club Friday, August 6 with a scramble format starting at 1pm. Registration just $100 includes golf, awards dinner, gift and hole contests. Sign up your foursome here today!
Summer Sports Camps @ BA!
BA/DMCS football and basketball summer camps are still open! Click here for information and registration forms for these great programs!
2021-2022 Calendar, Supply List: See attached for next year's BA/DMCS school calendar and school supply list.
Don't forget about your student's summer read! Find the list of books and the handouts on our website at this link.
Host Family Needed for 2021-22
Host family needed for KoAm-sponsored Jiyun (8th grade female from South Korea), arriving next fall. Great cultural exchange, monthly stipend & support provided. Jiyun is sociable, empathetic, proactive, and responsible. She wants to become a good college student with good English skills. Jiyun has a younger brother and loves school, friends, and music. She is excited to come to America and study at BA! Contact Kris Sauer if interested in this great opportunity.
REMINDER: Required Immunizations
All students who will be in 7th grade this fall are required by law to have a Tdap (tetanus booster) as well as a meningitis shot. The meningitis shot is the first in a two-shot series which should be completed at 16 years of age. Students who will be in 12th grade are required by law to have a second meningitis shot. Students should have had their first shot in the series before the start of 7th grade. Any students who have conscientious objector forms on file will need to fill out a new form for this fall. If you have any questions or need a conscientious objector form, please contact Mary Herzog in the nurse’s office, 507-334-3948.
ATTACHMENTS
2021-2022 BA/DMCS School Calendar
2021-2022 School Supply List
Family Focus 5/28/21
06/28/2021
Kris Sauer
2020-21, May 2021
Leave a comment
May 28, 2021
Dear BA Families:
This week we saluted our seniors, honored students with end of year recognition, crowned Mary and said farewell to three BA staff legends! It certainly is a week of celebration and tradition and I am blessed to share in all of these festivities for the first time this year as your President/Principal. A 156-year legacy of excellence in Catholic education, Bethlehem Academy gives students a foundation for life. Thank you to all of our parents, families, supporters and alumni who partnered with us this year to endure and succeed despite the many challenges. Thank you for giving your child the gift of Catholic education. WE ARE BLESSED!
As we prepare for the next school year, I am excited to introduce you to four new staff joining our team for the 2021-2022 academic year. Please welcome:
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Father John Powers: Father John grew up in Northeast Minneapolis with his sister, and parents, Marge and Mike Powers. He attended St. John’s University, studying history, and graduated in 2009. He entered the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained in 2015. He has served at various locations and will now be assigned to Holy Trinity in Waterville, St. Andrew’s in Elysian and Bethlehem Academy where he will teach a middle school theology class. Father John looks forward to getting to know our students and families! |
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Shane Roessler - Counselor: Mrs. Roessler is an experienced counselor with over 20 years of service. She lives in Waseca with her husband and two daughters. She will be supporting our students as our new guidance counselor beginning in the fall. "I would have to say that I am most excited to begin working with a great group of students who are striving to be the best they can be and helping out the world around them." |
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Edward Wendt, Jr. – Band Teacher: Mr. Wendt, Jr. comes to BA band from Totino-Grace Fine Arts Academy. He has organized drum lines, directed jazz and pep bands and organized band trips to St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans. "I want my students and future students to have experiences like these that they will remember for the rest of their lives. These experiences are what I hope to bring to the classroom when teaching band for Bethlehem Academy!" |
In addition, Rachel Tondryk has accepted the Spanish teaching position. She previous taught at both St. Dominic's and Benilde-St. Margaret's. She has a graduate degree in World Languages and Cultures. Watch for her bio and photo over the summer!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- May 31: Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
- June 1-2: High School Final Exams, no early release for MS or HS
- June 2: Last Day of School, regular dismissal
- June 12: Scot Gardner retirement celebrated hosted by the Gardner Family and BA; 12-2pm, BA Back 40
- June 19: Heritage Days Parade - Families, join us to celebrate Faribault Catholic Schools!
- July 23-27: JOIN US AT THE FAIR! Watch for volunteer opportunities for all of our activities, athletes and grade levels!
- July 29-31: SMART Ride - Join us to raise scholarship dollars!
- August 6: Cardinal Classic Golf Tournament, Faribault Golf Club. Sign up to play, click here.
FUNDRAISERS:
- Annual Fund: HELP US REACH - $250,000 by June 30, 2021, less than $3,000 left to reach our goal!
- Cardinal Club Raffle: We will be mailing out invitations to purchase raffle tickets for our Cardinal Club Raffle. Join the fun and support BA as summer begins!
- BA Fair Stand: We need your support at the Rice County Fair. We want to thank the Simones family for agreeing to manage the stand, but mark your calendars to volunteer - July 21-25, 2021. Shifts and a sign up genius will be announced. We are asking EVERY STUDENT AND FAMILY TO TAKE A SHIFT IN ORDER TO MEET OUR BUDGETARY NEEDS. Thank you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 2021-22 Tuition Agreements Sent: Financial aid has been awarded and tuition agreements have been sent. Contact Kris Sauer or Sister Mary Margaret if you have questions or concerns regarding your agreement.
May your summer bring joy, may your family find peace and may God bless you during the summer months! Our office will be open from 9-1 p.m. M-Th. Stop in!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Order your 2020-2021 YEARBOOK
Have you ordered a yearbook for the 2020-2021 school year? Cost is $65. Order yours by the May 29 deadline - see the attached form or order online here. Contact Mr. Zabel if you have any questions.
School Choice at the Capitol!
The Archdiocese has asked our Catholic school families to help express support for school choice bills presently going on at the MN State Capitol. Click here for more information on the bills and how to express your support.
2021-2022 Calendar
See attached for next year's BA/DMCS school calendar.
Banon Family Meal Support
Some of tour DMCS/BA families have been offering support to Ella Banon and her family by providing occasional freezer meals. We would like to continue to offer this to the family over the summer as Ella begins chemotherapy in June. If you would like to provide an occasional meal please contact Ellie Wilder or 507-210-9060 as she is coordinating the effort. Thank you!
Host Family Needed for 2021-22
Host family needed for KoAm-sponsored Jiyun (8th grade female from South Korea), arriving next fall. Great cultural exchange, monthly stipend & support provided. Jiyun is sociable, empathetic, proactive, and responsible. She wants to become a good college student with good English skills. Jiyun has a younger brother and loves school, friends, and music. She is excited to come to America and study at BA! Contact Kris Sauer if interested in this great opportunity.
NOTE FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE: Required Immunizations
All students who will be in 7th grade this fall are required by law to have a Tdap (tetanus booster) as well as a meningitis shot. The meningitis shot is the first in a two-shot series which should be completed at 16 years of age. Students who will be in 12th grade are required by law to have a second meningitis shot. Students should have had their first shot in the series before the start of 7th grade. Any students who have conscientious objector forms on file will need to fill out a new form for this fall. If you have any questions or need a conscientious objector form, please contact Mary Herzog in the nurse’s office, 507-334-3948.
BA Employment Opportunities
BA is hiring for a number of positions next year, including an Academic Support High School Position (Part-Time). Send in your resume and two references to mreeder@bacards.org if interested! Other openings include Head Boys Basketball Coach. Find more information on these positions on our website here.
Summer Robotics & Sports Camps @ BA!
All BA/DMCS summer camps are still open - including ROBOTICS and SPORTS!! Options for both high school (robotics, football) and younger students (grades 1-8: robotics, football, basketball, volleyball) available. Click here for information and registration forms for all our summer options!
SMART Ride July 29-31, 2021
Save the date for this summer's SMART ride! Single day biking options available or join all 3 days, with camping at Mankato. This great event raises money for student scholarships! Click here for information on this great event.
Cardinal Golf Classic Aug 6
Registration is now open for the annual Cardinal Golf Classic! This year's event will be held at the Faribault Golf Club Friday, August 6 with a scramble format starting at 1pm. Registration just $100 includes golf, awards dinner, gift and hole contests. Sign up your foursome here today!
Online School Store Now Open!
BA facemasks, car clings and polo shirts are now available for purchase on our online school store. Also available are BABS fixed priced items, including wrought iron planters and messenger bags. Click here to purchase these great items!
Heritage Days Parade June 19
We are looking for student and parent volunteers to be a part of the BA/DMCS parade float in the Heritage Days parade Saturday, June 19 at 6:15pm! This is a fun way to get a jump start your student’s 2021-2-22 service hours. Email Kris if you can participate.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Robotics & Sports Camps @ BA!
Great summer camp options @ BA, including robotics for both middle and high school students (robotics camp flyer attached). Other options include football, girls volleyball and boys and girls basketball camps. Click here for information and registration forms for all our summer options!
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
COMMUNITY
Frozen at the Paradise Center for the Arts
Please come and see Frozen! BA students Monica Wilder, Eva Tutak, Lily Ernste, Anne Azelton, and Avalon Roberts are in it! Performances June 13, 19, and 20. Find the link to get tickets here!
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Faribault Golf Course: Kitchen Workers
Faribault Golf Course is seeking 3 part-time line cooks (1-2+ years’ experience) to start the golf season. Pay depends on experience and availability. Call or send resumes to Chef Patty LeBeau at chefpattylabeau@gmail.com or call 612-701-7190.
Vector Marketing Jobs for Class of 2021
Vector has Customer Sales and Service positions available this summer for seniors. Jobs are flexible full or part time positions. Work from home, $18/hour. For more information or to schedule an interview, please apply online at: www.burnsvillework.com.
ATTACHMENTS
Yearbook Order Form
2021-2022 BA/DMCS School Calendar
MS/HS Robotics Summer Camp Flyer