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Family Focus 11/13/2020

11/13/2020

Ed Friesen

November 2020, 2020-21

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Dear BA Families:

Our online learning reset was very positive this first week. Thank you for supporting your student and partnering with our teachers to shift to online learning during this reset period. Mr. Wollersheim has reached out to students who missed a class and assisted them. Please remember, our campus is open and we can support your student as needed during this online learning period. Let us know if you plan to come into school. In addition, some teachers will be calling small groups of students to work on art, shop, or other projects at school. In addition, students who missed class or are behind in their work as asked to come in, if possible, on Wednesday, November 18, to receive support. Here is our schedule for next week:

GIVING WEEK AT BA!

• Monday – Nov. 16 – RED DAY

• • 8:05 Morning Announcements: https://meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa (Also bookmarked in the Cardinal App Store)
  • Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule online
  • High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

• Tuesday – Nov. 17 – WHITE DAY 

• • 8:05 Morning Announcements: https://meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa (Also bookmarked in the Cardinal App Store)
  • Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule online
  • High School Online Schedule: WHITE DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule 

• Wednesday – Nov. 18: MASS DAY & WIN-STUDENT SUPPORT DAY (No live classes) THIS IS ALSO OUR NATIONAL ACCREDITATION DAY AT BA! We will have a team at BA reviewing all of our areas for excellence.
  • 8:30 a.m. MASS with DMCS online at https://www.facebook.com/divinemercy.cc or if you can come to IC, please do!
  • After Mass: If you need support, please email teachers. If you missed class or are behind in assignments, you will be asked to come into school. If you cannot come into school, you will be connected with online. Teachers may also be reaching out to students. 

• Thursday – Nov. 19: RED DAY ***GIVE TO THE MAX DAY – Support BA at: https://www.bacards.org/page/3044

• • 8:05 Morning Announcements: https://meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa (Also bookmarked in the Cardinal App Store)
  • Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule online
  • High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule Friday

• Friday - Nov. 20: WHITE DAY *Normal schedule (NOT a Mass day)

• • 8:05 Morning Announcements: https://meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa (Also bookmarked in the Cardinal App Store)
  • Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule online
  • High School Online Schedule: WHITE DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

GIVING WEEK AT BA-Nov. 16-20! Please consider a gift to the BA Annual Fund this week, or share the link with friends and family on your social media platforms starting next Monday. We would love to see every parent make a gift of support of any size to our fund and show our parent strength! Our goal this year is to raise $250,000. To date we have raised: $63,831.85 - 25.5% of our goal.

• HELP US REACH OUR MATCH! A donor has stepped up with a $25,000 match by December 31, 2020. Click here to read a copy of our letter and share this link with others at: https://www.bacards.org/page/3044

COVID UPDATE: At this time we have six positive reported COVID 19 cases at BA. Please join me in praying or a quick recovery for our students and staff. With all of this news, I wanted to share The Catholic Spirit published this wonderful article for prayer at home: https://thecatholicspirit.com/commentary/faith-at-home/teach-us-to-pray-as-stressed-out-parents/

• Online Learning Picture Challenge - WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Send us your photos by Friday, Nov. 20 to create a Thanksgiving Wall of Blessings! Don’t forget, we will be writing letters to our grandparents this week as we cannot celebrate Grandparents Day together. 

KUDOS: Special congratulations this week to our senior football player John Rose, State Farm’s Athlete of the Week and senior swimmer Abby Larson, who on Nov. 11, signed a National Letter of Intent to participate in Division I swimming at the University of St. Thomas next fall.

SCHEDULE CHANGE: Christmas Break will be a full two week break to clean our building and allow additional professional development time for our staff. We will be out of school Dec. 21-Jan. 1, 2021.

Upcoming Events:

• • Nov. 16-20-Giving Week and Give to the Max Day, Nov. 19 - Support BA during national Giving Week with a donation online or by sharing this link-https://www.bacards.org/page/3044
  • Nov. 24: Grandparents Day will not be held in person this year. Students will be writing letters to their grandparents, or grandfriends. Please watch for these letters to come home and mail or share them with grandparents and special friends!
  • Nov. 25-27: NO SCHOOL - Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

• Nov. 30: Return to in-person learning, schedule to be determined.

Please join me in praying for students and families as they recover from COVID. I invite you to also join me during weekly Adoration at any time.

Blessings,

Mindy Reeder
President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL-BA UPDATES

Student Directory

We are close to finalizing this year’s student directory. If you DO NOT want your address and phone numbers included in the directory, please email Barb Johnson (bjohnson@bacards.org) by Wednesday, November 18. 

Volunteer Opportunities

• BABS Committee-We are looking forward to another fantastic BABS event April 10, 2021! BABS (BA Boosters & Supporters) is our biggest fundraising and social event of the year and key to successfully moving BA forward. Mrs. Reeder at mreeder@bacards.org. Our first virtual meeting is Dec 2 at 6pm. Thank you!

1. Plug in laptop
2. Quit all applications.  (Closing a window does not quit the program on a Mac.  Choose quit from the application menu or click & hold mouse over app in the doc and choose quit)
3. Re-start laptop and leave lid display open

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

Class of 2021: College Early Action Deadline 11/15

Reminder: the next round of early action admissions are due November 15. Please remind your seniors to check their college application deadlines, follow up with teachers for letters of recommendation, and with Ms Rogers for your transcript requests!

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

• 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. 

• DMCS Butter Braid Sales: DMCS students are selling butter braids! Order by November 30 for December 15 delivery. If interested, send the attached form and payment in with your student and have them drop it off in the BA Front Office. We will be sure it gets to DMCS by the order deadline.
• DMCS Holiday Scrip: Holiday SCRIP is now available. See attached flyer for more information. Holiday SCRIP is also available after all Sunday Masses at Divine Mercy Catholic Church and from the Divine Mercy Catholic School Business Office at 15 SW Third Avenue. 

COMMUNITY

IRIS Turkey Trot: This year’s IRIS Turkey Trot will be held Thursday, November 26th both in person and virtually. See attached flyer for more information and note the November 12 (today) registration deadline for a free t-shirt!

Attachments:

• IRIS Turkey Trot
• Scrip for the Holidays
• Activities Calendar for Week of November 16

Online Learning "Reset" - 11/8/2020

11/08/2020

Ed Friesen

Uncategorized

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Dear BA Parents & Students:

We hope this beautiful warm Sunday has you outside enjoying time with your family. This weekend BA learned of two more positive COVID-19 cases, one student and one staff, as well as other students needing to quarantine due to positive cases in their family or in their sport. With the students and staff currently out and those that we would need to add to our quarantine list, or who have notified us, we would have well over 60 students and 8 staff out. Due to these numbers, we will be doing a reset. A reset is a short learning period where we voluntarily move to online learning to meet all quarantine requirements and hopefully stop the spread. Therefore, we will begin online learning this week, starting on Wednesday, November 11. (There will be no classes on Tuesday, November 10 to provide teachers an added preparation day.). As a reminder, here is the link to our online learning expectations and guide to online learning; please scroll down to Scenario 3 starting on page 9: (https://www.bacards.org/sites/bacards.org/files/files/Private_User/ksauer/BAschoolhandbookcovidaddendum%2010-14-20%20update.pdf)

Below is the schedule and details. Please note, because our school is voluntarily moving to online learning for a short period to reset, activities, meetings and sports will continue, except for those students who are required to quarantine.  In addition, if your student needs extra support or internet access, please let us know as the building will be open for students; just call us to confirm this at 507-334-3948. We will also be calling students directly if they are not attending their zoom classes or turning in assignments. Find our schedule for through Thanksgiving below:

**Band students, please note, if your instrument is at school you are required to pick it up as your grade will be directly affected.**

Monday – Nov. 9 (NO SCHOOL – planned professional development day)

• Noon to 6 p.m. – Pick up any books, band instruments, supplies that are needed.
• VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday – Nov. 10 (NO SCHOOL – professional development added preparation day)

• 7:30am-3:00pm Pick up any books, band instruments, supplies that are needed.

Wednesday – Nov. 11 (FIRST ONLINE LEARNING DAY GRADES 6-12)

• 8:05 Morning Announcements-Special Veteran’s Day presentation: meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: WHITE DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Thursday – Nov. 12 – RED DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Friday – Nov. 13 – WHITE DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• 8:30 a.m. MASS – If you are not in quarantine you may attend in person at IC; otherwise join us online at: https://www.facebook.com/divinemercy.cc
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: WHITE DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Monday – Nov. 16 – RED DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Tuesday – Nov. 17 – WHITE DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: WHITE DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Wednesday – Nov. 18: STUDENT SUPPORT DAY (No live classes) If you need support, please email teachers. Teachers may also be reaching out to students.

Thursday – Nov. 19: RED DAY. ***GIVE TO THE MAX DAY – Online giving to support BA at: https://www.bacards.org/page/3044

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Friday – Nov. 20: WHITE DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• 8:30 a.m. MASS – If you are not in quarantine you may attend in person; otherwise join us online at: https://www.facebook.com/divinemercy.cc
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: WHITE DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Monday – Nov. 23 – RED DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Tuesday – Nov. 24 – WHITE DAY

• 8:05 Morning Announcements:meet.google.com/uod-epie-zxa.  (Bookmarked in Cardinal App Store)
• Middle School Online Schedule: *See your schedule below for times and classes
• High School Online Schedule: RED DAY – follow your personal school bell schedule

Wednesday, Nov 25-Friday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Break

We will gather back as a school family on Monday, November 30. Any adjustments to the schedule when we return will be shared with families. Thank you for your partnership and support. Please let us know how best we can support you. If you need access to the school internet and do not have to quarantine, staff will be in the building, please let us know. In addition, if your scholar is sick please call the attendance line or email attendance at: attendance@bacards.org. Do not hesitate to reach out with questions during this short reset period.

Blessings,

Mindy Reeder

President/Principal

mreeder@bacards.org

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR ONLINE LEARNING:

Family Focus 11/6/2020

11/08/2020

Ed Friesen

November 2020, 2020-21

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November 6, 2020

Dear BA Families:

What lovely weather this first week of November! Each day our Peer Ministry class has joined us on morning announcements to lead the prayer for vocations as part of the National Vocations Week. BA is blessed to have 97 graduates follow the call to vocations. We invite you to continue praying for vocations at home, here is a link to the vocations’ prayer: https://www.usccb.org/committees/clergy-consecrated-life-vocations/prayers-vocations

Growing spiritually in our faith is a central to our mission. Each BA staff person and teacher set a spiritual goal this fall. To enrich this goal, professional development and growth opportunities are offered throughout the year. Our staff will be hearing personally from David Rinaldi, a Catholic presenter and NET Ministries program director on Monday during their workshop. I also recently attended the online presentation by Father Spitzer on our Catholic Faith and Science through the Diocese. He is not only motivational, but inspirational in how he shares the beautiful links between science and our faith. I invite you to listen and connect to his teachings online through many videos and resources through the Magi Center and Credible Catholics found here. We would love to also have parents joining in prayer through Adoration in a parents’ prayer group. Please email me if you are interested in helping us start this group! mreeder@bacards.org.

ELECTION AT BA: BA students voted this week to participate in a mock election. The process, support and promotion of candidates and results were shared with our student body and online. We pray for final election results as we wait.

ANNUAL REPORT: Bethlehem Academy celebrates and shares our progress toward our strategic plan each year through our BA Annual Report. This past year, though challenging, resulted in positive growth in academics and financial stability. Read the report here for the full details about our 2019-20 academic year.

ANNUAL FUND: The Annual Fund helps to bring in over $200,000 each year to support our schools mission. Our goal this year is to raise $250,000. Each gift to our annual fund supports the foundation of our school, providing academic support, expanding new programs and meeting budgetary needs. To date we have raised: $49,092 - 19.6% of goal.

• HELP US REACH OUR MATCH! A donor has stepped up with a $25,000 match by December 31, 2020. Click here to read a copy of our letter and share this link with others at: https://www.bacards.org/page/3044

COVID UPDATE: At this time we have three reported COVID 19 cases at BA. Next week is a four day week, so we will continue with in-person learning on those days. On October 27, the Deputy Commissioner of Education issued a letter emphasizing school level approaches. Deputy Commissioner Mueller references Step 5 on page 8 of the Safe Learning Plan which Governor Walz released in late July. This step states, "After the initial selection of a learning model for school opening, the decision to shift to an alternative learning model should center on the impact of COVID-19 at the school level, while maintaining awareness of changes in viral activity in the community through continued review of the biweekly county-level case data." In addition we did update our addendum here. We will meet with all staff on Monday and share any teaching model changes with our families next week. With all of this news, I wanted to share The Catholic Spirit published this wonderful article for prayer at home: https://thecatholicspirit.com/commentary/faith-at-home/teach-us-to-pray-as-stressed-out-parents/

SCHEDULE CHANGE: Christmas Break will be a full two week break to clean our building and allow additional professional development time for our staff. We will be out of school Dec. 21-Jan. 1, 2021.

Upcoming Events:

• Nov 9:No School / Teacher Workday
• Nov 9: Virtual Open House for Prospective Gr 6-12 Students - 6 pm on our Facebook page
• Nov 10: BA School Store Closes for Christmas Orders; reopens in January. Click here to order.
• Nov. 11: Happy Veteran’s Day! A limited program at BA for students will be held.
• Nov. 19: Give to the Max Day - Donate online and share the link-https://www.bacards.org/page/3044
• Nov. 24: Grandparents Day will not be held in person this year. Students will be writing letters to their grandparents, or grandfriends. Please watch for these letters to come home to mail!
• NOv. 25-27: NO SCHOOL - Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Blessings, 

Mindy Reeder, President/Principal mreeder@bacards.org

ALL-BA UPDATES

Online School Store Order Deadline Nov 10!

***New Items Added*** Be sure to check out the BA school store! New items, including window clings and Under Armour hoodies and fleece pants just added. The store closes November 10 for early December (Christmas!) delivery. Get your order in today. Find the link here. 

Virtual Open House November 9, 6pm

We will be hosting an virtual open house Monday, November 9, at 6pm for prospective students in grades 6-12. Please encourage friends and neighbors who might be interested in our authentically Catholic, Dominican prep school to watch live or at their convenience. On campus family tours offered Monday through Friday from 3-6pm. Register for a tour here. 

Volunteer Opportunities

• BABS Committee-We are looking forward to another fantastic BABS event April 10, 2021! BABS (BA Boosters & Supporters) is our biggest fundraising and social event of the year and key to successfully moving BA forward. To make this event 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!
• Family Service, a non-profit agency that helps seniors with different needs, is seeking volunteers to help senior homeowners in Faribault with fall clean-up. This would include raking, picking up sticks, cleaning out garden beds, etc. Please contact Jennell Loeffler at 507-287-2010 ext. 1082 or jloeffler@familyservicerochester.org if interested.
• Tutors-Do you have time during the school day? Do you have a math or language arts degree and could support high school students? We are looking for volunteer tutors in several subjects to support our high school students during study hall. You can meet with them virtually during their study hall. Call to learn more: 507.334.3948.

REMINDERS:

• 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!

• Donations of masks and hand sanitizer welcome!

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

St. Catherine’s University: Weekly Virtual Info Sessions

Junior/Senior girls: The Counseling Center at St. Catherine's University in St Paul is offering weekly virtual group information sessions on Mondays from 3:30-4:00pm. If you are interested in joining, email Anne Moe at admoe674@stkate.edu for a zoom link or with more specific questions as you explore your college options.

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

• 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. 

• DMCS Butter Braid Sales: DMCS students are selling butter braids! Order by November 30 for December 15 delivery. If interested, send the attached form and payment in with your student and have them drop it off in the BA Front Office. We will be sure it gets to DMCS by the order deadline.
• DMCS Holiday Scrip: Holiday SCRIP will be sold after all Sunday Masses beginning this weekend. Thank you for your support of the SCRIP program! We will also be selling it out of the DMCS Business Office beginning Tuesday, November 10th!