Family Friday Focus 08/14/2020
08/14/2020
Ed Friesen
August 2020, 2020-21
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Dear BA Families:
Our school building is buzzing with final preparations for our return to campus. Along with the traditional preparations, our staff is also redesigning the classroom environment to include the new health and safety protocols for this fall. From spaced desks to plexi partitions and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the building, these safety measures will allow us to engage with our student body through in-person learning. Please take time to review our “Return to Campus Guide” and our “BA Pandemic Preparedness Plan” on our school COVID Response webpage found by clicking here. In addition to these documents, you will find links to other important resources. We will continue to update this webpage throughout the year and keep you informed.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PACKET: Please look for your “Back-to-School” packet to arrive early next week. In the packet you will find traditional student information as well as a COVID Addendum to the Student Policy Handbook for students and families to review along with an updated school calendar and supply list. Every student and parent/guardian MUST submit the Student Handbook and Technology e-form found at this link: https://forms.gle/ERSwhn9ynekfCTQC7.
First Q&A VIDEO / PARENT LIVE Q&A SESSION AUGUST 18: Thank you for sending us your questions! Check out our first Q&A video discussing face coverings, orientation and classroom setup here. Next week we are inviting you to join us for a live, online parent Q&A session. See info below to join us Tuesday, August 18 beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Additional communication and upcoming events:
- August 14: Back-To-School mailing sent.
- August 18: Parent Live Question & Answer Session, login at: meet.google.com/ukt-rpdi-ivo or by Phone Number (รข
Family Focus 08/01/2020
08/01/2020
Ed Friesen
August 2020, 2020-21
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Dear BA Families:
Governor Tim Walz shared a new algorithm with our State Thursday for considerations in reopening schools this fall. In addition, Catholic schools met with the Diocese Friday to review this information and how it impacts the variables within each school and for Bethlehem Academy. On Monday and Tuesday, BA leadership will meet with the BA Board and our Staff to finalize plans. We look forward to sharing our plan with families in next “Friday Focus for Families” newsletter. Where are we at in our time frame to share final plans with students and families?
- August 3 & 4: District Meeting, BA Board, Leadership and Staff meetings to review final fall plans
- August 7: Parent and student communication regarding fall plans through “Friday Focus for Families” newsletter and links on our website and social media accounts
- August 10-14: Bring in student leadership to review plans and assist with orientation
WHAT’S NEW?
- Greenhouse - We’re building! Drive by to see the progress and development of our new greenhouse. What a joy to expand our educational excellence in our agricultural program.
- High School STEM Solar Grant Pilot Program - BA is one of a few select MN high schools chosen to be a part of Minnesota Independent Schools Forum STEM Community Partnership with We Share Solar. Our high school will be receiving materials and curriculum to implement a new STEM project utilizing solar power. Not only will this be built into our curriculum across high school subjects, but students will build a solar powered item to support communities in need in Africa. Our staff will receive training this fall for implementation later this year.
- Positivity Project Pilot Program for Middle School - BA was also awarded a middle school grant to pilot a new Positivity Project curriculum. This program will be implemented into our religion classes and focuses on developing young minds and hearts. Our staff attended an initial meeting to review this week.
- Senior Student Webpage & Links: Seniors, be sure to check out our college planning webpage for information, links and scholarships to assist you as you continue your personal journey following graduation!
- Donation Updates: Did you want to support BA during the summer with a gift or a memorial? Online gifts accepted at this link.
- Summer Fundraisers: What amazing, generous group of SMART Challenge Riders we have! They are off biking on their second day of the challenge and we are so thankful to them. It’s not too late to sponsor them!. In addition, you can still join us for golf! Register for our August 7 Cardinal Golf Classic, at the link below.
Continue to pray for our school, DMCS, and our parish as we plan for this fall to bring our students and staff back together in prayer, study, community and service.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder
President/Principal
BA UPDATES
Summer Office Hours
The front office is open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 1pm through August 20. The office is closed on Fridays. Regular office hours resume Monday, August 24.
SUPPORT OUR SUMMER EVENTS!
SMART Ride through August 1Our 12 riders took off on Day 1 of the ride Thursday and have been blessed with good roads and great weather. Follow updates on Facebook and find rider profiles and sponsor your favorite rider(s) here.
Friday, August 7 @ The Legacy: Register TODAY!Today, July 31, is the last day to register for this fun golf tournament! Just $100/golfer includes 18 holes, awards dinner, gift and on-course games. Sign up online here.
Wanted: Facemasks & Sanitizer!
We are developing a parent wish list for COVID-19 related items. At this time, we are asking anyone who has the time/interest/supplies to please make and donate cloth facemasks. While we have a supply of disposable facemasks on hand, and will provide a Cardinal facemask for every student and staff, we know we will need extra masks as the year progresses. Completed masks can be dropped off at the BA Office during regular business hours. In addition, we anticipate going through a lot of hand sanitizer, donations being accepted. Thank you!
From the Nurse’s Office
Students entering 7th grade this fall: Please make sure that you have had your tetanus booster and 1st meningitis shot before the start of school in the fall. Reminder letters will be sent out.
Students entering 12th grade this fall: The meningitis booster requirements for this fall has been postponed because of Covid 19. Many have already had their booster shot. If you are seeing your doctor for any reason, you can still have this immunization but it is not necessary before the start of school in fall.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2021: Faribault Rotary Strive Program
Faribault Rotary’s introductory Strive session was held June 10, but they would like more students involved! Meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of the month through January. Because of the unique circumstances, students may watch a recorded version of this session and it will count as them attending it live. A link to the video that discusses Strive and how to register for the program is at: https://youtu.be/fT6jH6etMYU See June 18 email for more information; contact Kurt Halvorsen at Faribaultrotarystrive@gmail.com with questions.
Class of 2021: Army ROTC Scholarship Program
The Army ROTC scholarship application is currently open. Students who complete the application can earn a full tuition and fee scholarship to more than 1,700 colleges nationwide. Some colleges are unique in that they will give free room and board to Army ROTC scholarship awardees. The first scholarship review board meets in October, so it is vital that those who desire to apply start now so they have enough time to complete the online application and ensure all other requirements; physical fitness test, transcript requested / submitted, and Officer interview. Interested seniors should contact Mr. Todd Frerichs
Class of 2021 & 2022: 1st United Bank Board of Directors
1st United Bank has an exciting opportunity for students in Faribault and surrounding communities. They are accepting applications for our 2020-2021 Junior Board of Directors. Eligible applicants include Juniors and Seniors in High School for the 2020-2021 school year. Individuals should possess an enthusiastic approach to community involvement, and an interest in business, banking or finance. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Aim Higher Scholarships
The Aim Higher Foundation has announced expanded scholarship opportunities for K-8 students this summer. New applicants are encouraged to apply via the TADS financial aid application, and students whose family situation due to COVID-19 are encouraged to update their spring application. See the attached flyer for more information on how to apply, or go to https://aimhigherfoundation.org/ to find out more. Application deadline is August 7.
DATES TO REMEMBER
(click on hyperlink for more information)
7/30-8/1 SMART Ride 8/7 Cardinal Golf Classic 8/7 BA Reopen Plans announced 8/13 BA Fall Sports Meeting 8/17 HS Fall Sports Open 8/24 MS Fall Sports Open 8/27 BA & DMCC Blood Drive, 8am-2pm 8/31 Orientation 9/1 First Day of School! Attached Files
Family Focus 7/25/2020
07/25/2020
Ed Friesen
July 2020, 2020-21
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July 24, 2020
Dear BA Families:
Each week brings us new changes, challenges and opportunities. Know that our staff is praying for each other and our students and families during this time. Our COVID Team met for nearly three hours this week to share their subcommittee recommendations based on the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This impressive group focused on continuing our mission to seek excellence in all that we do for our students at Bethlehem Academy. The COVID Team is developing action steps to implement three scenarios, Scenario 1 - Everyone is back with safety measures; Scenario 2 - A hybrid of this model; and Scenario 3 - Online learning.
As we plan for these three scenarios, we’d like your feedback on several issues related to our back to school plans. Please complete the short (5 minute) survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HHBS2H3. This information will help inform the work of our task forces and assist us in making plans suited to the families we serve. Thank you in advance for your input on this.
We thank you for your honest and open feedback from students, parents and staff in regards to distance learning experiences last spring. We understand that new strategies to engage students and ensure excellence will need to be implemented for any online learning environment, even our snow days. Although many experienced a positive learning environment, others shared ideas for improvement and better communication. Our staff is excited to review best practices from schools nationwide as we plan for any possible online learning in the future.
Where are we at in our time frame to share final plans with students and families?
- July 27-29: Staff and Board meetings to review health and safety plans
- July 30: Governor Walz announcement and recommendations for schools and BA Teacher Leader meeting to review and revise the COVID Team plans
- August 3: District Meeting to review their plans and how this impacts BA
- August 1-7: Bring in student leadership to improve on ideas and create videos
- August 7: Parent and student communication regarding fall plans through “Friday Focus for Families” newsletter and links on our website and social media accounts
WHAT’S NEW?
- Greenhouse - We’re building! Drive by to see the progress and development of our new greenhouse. What a joy to expand our educational excellence in our agricultural program.
- High School STEM Solar Grant Pilot Program - BA is one of a few select MN high schools chosen to be a part of Minnesota Independent Schools Forum STEM Community Partnership with We Share Solar. Our high school will be receiving materials and curriculum to implement a new STEM project utilizing solar power. Not only will this be built into our curriculum across high school subjects, but students will build a solar powered item to support communities in need in Africa. Our staff will receive training this fall for implementation later this year.
- Positivity Project Pilot Program for Middle School - BA was also awarded a middle school grant to pilot a new Positivity Project curriculum. This program will be implemented into our religion classes and focuses on developing young minds and hearts. Our staff will receive professional development this August.
- Senior Student Webpage & Links: Seniors, be sure to check out our college planning webpage for information, links and scholarships to assist you as you continue your personal journey following graduation! Bethlehem Academy, a Catholic school in the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, strives to empower its students and staff to achieve personal, spiritual and academic excellence. We challenge ourselves to love as Jesus Christ loved, to lead, to serve, to inspire and to seek the truth: Veritas.
- Donation Updates: Did you want to support BA during the summer with a gift or a memorial? Online gifts accepted at this link.
- Summer Fundraisers: What amazing, generous group of SMART Challenge Riders we have! See below to sponsor one of these amazing people. In addition, it’s not too late to join us for golf! Register or sponsor our Cardinal Golf Classic, at the link below.
Please join me in praying for Julie Trnka and her family at the loss of her father-in-law. Continue to pray for our school, DMCS, and our parish as we plan for this fall to bring our students and staff back together in prayer, study, community and service.
Blessings,
Mindy Reeder,
President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.orgBA UPDATES
Summer Office Hours
The front office is open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 1pm through August 20. The office is closed on Fridays. Regular office hours resume Monday, August 24.
SUPPORT OUR SUMMER EVENTS!
The SMART Ride is this upcoming week: Thursday, July 30-Saturday, August 112 riders are ready for this year’s SMART Ride next week! Each bike in support of Catholic education; all proceeds go to BA student scholarships. Find rider profiles and sponsor your favorite rider(s) here.
Friday, August 7 @ The LegacyJoin us for this fun tournament & great social event in support of Bethlehem Academy! Just $100/golfer includes 18 holes, awards dinner, gift and on-course games. Register by July 31. Form attached or sign up online here.
Wanted: Facemasks
We are developing a parent wish list for COVID-19 related items. At this time, we are asking anyone who has the time/interest/supplies to please make and donate cloth facemasks. While we have a supply of disposable facemasks on hand, and will provide a Cardinal facemask for every student and staff, we know we will need extra masks as the year progresses. Completed masks can be dropped off at the BA Office during regular business hours. Thank you!
From the Nurse’s Office
Students entering 7th grade this fall: Please make sure that you have had your tetanus booster and 1st meningitis shot before the start of school in the fall. Reminder letters will be sent out.
Students entering 12th grade this fall: The meningitis booster requirements for this fall has been postponed because of Covid 19. Many have already had their booster shot. If you are seeing your doctor for any reason, you can still have this immunization but it is not necessary before the start of school in fall.
Coop Sports Update
Attached is text from a Faribault Daily News article regarding Faribault Public Schools District 656 school board’s most recent meetings regarding the cooperative sports programs. The public school board is turning their focus towards examining the loss of students through open-enrollment to neighboring school districts. We encourage you to continue to express gratitude for the cooperative program opportunities and share the positive benefits to the Faribault community. We know this can be an emotional issue, but it is important to be positive, appreciative, and supportive of Faribault Public Schools. Every community needs a good public school system. And, every public school system needs the support of its community. Finding solutions to these and other underlying issues facing Faribault will involve much dialogue and people working together.
MSHSL Sports Update
The MN State High School League (MSHSL) is holding weekly online meetings with activities directors. We continue to plan for fall sports but know there will be changes in how we operate. The MSHSL Board of Directors meets on August 4. Summer activities are operating on protocols based on the Minnesota Department of Health’s guidance for youth and adult sports released June 19 as well as the new face mask/face covering order. Please note that it is important for students to practice social distancing and hygiene habits all the time, not just while participating in activities.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2021: Faribault Rotary Strive Program
Faribault Rotary’s introductory Strive session was held June 10, but they would like more students involved! Meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of the month through January. Because of the unique circumstances, students may watch a recorded version of this session and it will count as them attending it live. A link to the video that discusses Strive and how to register for the program is at: https://youtu.be/fT6jH6etMYU See June 18 email for more information; contact Kurt Halvorsen at Faribaultrotarystrive@gmail.com with questions.
Class of 2021: Army ROTC Scholarship Program
The Army ROTC scholarship application is currently open. Students who complete the application can earn a full tuition and fee scholarship to more than 1,700 colleges nationwide. Some colleges are unique in that they will give free room and board to Army ROTC scholarship awardees. The first scholarship review board meets in October, so it is vital that those who desire to apply start now so they have enough time to complete the online application and ensure all other requirements; physical fitness test, transcript requested / submitted, and Officer interview. Interested seniors should contact Mr. Todd Frerichs toddfrerichs@creighton.edu
Class of 2021 & 2022: 1st United Bank Board of Directors
1st United Bank has an exciting opportunity for students in Faribault and surrounding communities. They are accepting applications for our 2020-2021 Junior Board of Directors. Eligible applicants include Juniors and Seniors in High School for the 2020-2021 school year. Individuals should possess an enthusiastic approach to community involvement, and an interest in business, banking or finance. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Aim Higher Scholarships
The Aim Higher Foundation has announced expanded scholarship opportunities for K-8 students this summer. New applicants are encouraged to apply via the TADS financial aid application, and students whose family situation due to COVID-19 are encouraged to update their spring application. See the attached flyer for more information on how to apply, or go to https://aimhigherfoundation.org/ to find out more. Application deadline is August 7.
DATES TO REMEMBER
(click on hyperlink for more information)
7/30-8/1 SMART Ride 8/7 Cardinal Golf Classic 8/7 BA Reopen Plans announced 8/13 BA Fall Sports Meeting 8/17 HS Fall Sports Open 8/24 MS Fall Sports Open 8/31 Orientation 9/1 First Day of School! Attached Files