Family Focus 07/17/20
07/25/2020
Ed Friesen
2020-21, July 2020
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July 17, 2020
Dear BA Families:
This Friday Focus for Families is my first official communication with all of you, our school parents, directly. I look forward to connecting with you weekly to share pertinent information and to build a strong partnership. Today, communication takes multiple forms, from weekly school newsletters, to social media school accounts, video news, blogs, updates on our website and communication through PowerSchool, as well as interviews on the radio and with our local newspaper. What sometimes seems clear from our office, may not be clear to you, so please reach out with questions as we begin our partnership. I thank you for taking time to complete our Distance Learning surveys. All of your input is valued as our staff moves forward to planning for all scenarios this fall. Prayers are also critical for all staff, students and families so please join me in praying as we plan.
2020 FALL PLANS: A COVID Team was created with representatives of staff and faculty upon my arrival in July. This team met to review Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocols and are presently meeting in subgroups to plan for the fall. Please know that at this time, all of these ideas are tentative plans based on recommendations from MDH and CDC following the guidance from the Diocese protocols. What are some of the considerations that we are reviewing?
- Groups of students staying together to mitigate exposure
- Creative ideas for band and choir to minimize groups
- Additional lunch periods
- Masks worn upon entering the school and in hallways
- Spacing desks and minimizing class sizes
- Cancellations of field trips and rethinking service projects
- Rethinking large group events and pepfests
- Considerations for size of group at weekly Mass
What is our time frame to share final plans with students and families?
- July 21: BA COVID Team meets to review recommendations from subgroups
- July 23: District meeting to review transportation plans
- July 27: Governor Walz announcement and recommendations for schools
- July 28: BA Leadership Team and Teacher Leader meeting to review and revise BA COVID Team Plans considering local and state recommendation impacts
- July 29: BA All Staff Meeting to finalize plans
- August 1-7: Bring in student leadership to improve on ideas and create videos.
- August 7: Parent communication regarding fall plans through Family Focus newsletter and links on our website and social media accounts
I know that there is a lot of information and planning to take place in the next few weeks. I’m proud of our dedicated teachers and staff who are preparing for multiple scenarios and am blessed to be at BA to begin my partnership with this amazing community. I look forward to connecting with students during sports practices and in early August to put into action the best plans for this fall. Here is the latest video communicating some of this information with Mr. Wollesheim, Assistant Principal: https://youtu.be/5ldJNEM1mg4 . Thank you for your prayers!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder, President/Principal mreeder@bacards.org
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.
BA Scholarship Challenge Update
We are so excited to announce that we surpassed our Scholarship Challenge Grant goal of $15,000! Thanks to our many supporters, we’ll now receive an additional $15,000 match to fund student scholarships. To all those able to help use meet this goal - THANK YOU!!
SUPPORT THESE FUN SUMMER 2020 EVENTS!
Thursday, July 30-Saturday, August 1 (1-day ride options available!)
We’ve got 12 riders signed up for this year’s SMART Challenge Bike Ride. Each person rides 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 Legacy
Join us for this fun golf 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.
UPDATES
Welcome to our New Staff
We are excited to welcome the following new members to the BA Team: Cassie Vogt, Guidance Counselor, Emily Shimota, HS Religion, Casi Story, Ag and Industrial Tech. Watch this space and our social media accounts for a more extensive introduction.
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.
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 has task forces working on scenarios. Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Education will announce how public schools will reopen the week of July 27. That decision will impact the direction the MSHSL will take. 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. 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 & 2022: 1st United Bank Junior 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.
CSCOE Virtual Summer Programs
The Catholic School Center of Excellence has put together a series of online educational videos aimed at K-8 students on topics ranging including STEM, the performing arts, and the 4 His Glory sports program with former Viking Matt Birk. Find more information on the attached flyer.
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 |
Family Focus 07/03/2020
07/25/2020
Ed Friesen
2020-21, July 2020
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July 3, 2020
Happy 4th of July Weekend!!
Welcome to new President/Principal Mindy Reeder!
This July begins my partnership with you as your President/Principal for Bethlehem Academy. What a joy to join you in my 11th year as a principal serving Catholic schools. I consider this my vocation and look forward to serving the students, staff, and families of Bethlehem Academy as well as the greater community of Faribault. To come back in my new capacity truly feels like coming home!
My connection with Bethlehem Academy is both personal and professional. My husband and I are proud Bethlehem Academy (BA) parents with the graduation of our son in 2012. Through the dedicated staff and personal relationships developed at BA, our son thrived and discovered his true gifts while embraced by the BA and Faribault community. Bethlehem Academy holds a rich history in the community and I am honored to represent BA’s fortitude and follow the Sinsinawa Dominican sisters in devotion of prayer, ministry, study, and community that inspired generations, including multiple extended family members. As I join the BA school community, I look forward to continuing to expand all areas of excellence with the BA dedicated staff while honoring the rich traditions established in our community.
This fall I want to reassure all families, students and staff, that we will be open. It may look different, it may feel different, but our doors will welcome students. Over the summer I will be meeting with our Bethlehem Academy Board of Directors, the Sinsinawa Dominicans Sponsors Council, BA leadership teams, and teachers and staff to ensure excellence, build relationships, and secure support while we walk through these changes together. We will put effective measures in place to ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff while meeting our mission to provide excellence in education and spiritual growth. Please do understand that this could change if there is national or state-wide mandates for schools.
“We Are BA” truly exemplifies our unity at this time and I invite you to reach out with questions and ideas as we move forward. I am devoted to you and know that God has great plans for us as this new school year begins where “We challenge ourselves to love as Jesus Christ loved, to lead, to serve, to inspire and to seek the truth-VERITAS!”
Blessings, Mindy Reeder,
Bethlehem Academy President/Principal 2020
Ed. S; Ed. M.
Summer Office Hours
The front office is closed July 3rd for the 4th of July holiday and will resume summer hours (Monday-Thursday from 9am to 1pm) July 6. Please note the office is closed on Fridays during the summer.
BA Scholarship Challenge Extended to July 4
Help us double our money! The MN Foundation offering to match our $15,000 in donations for the Scholarship Challenge has extended the deadline to July 4th. Donate here to help if you can. If you prefer to send a check, email us at advancement@bacards.org so we can include it in the count. Thank you!
JOIN US FOR THESE FUN SUMMER 2020 EVENTS!
SMART Bike Ride: ***New Dates!***Thursday, July 30-Saturday, August 1 (1-day ride options available!)
Join the SMART Ride & help raise money for BA scholarships! Single day options available; each day’s rides will start/end at BA. Just $30/day or $75 for all 3 days. Registration, rider sponsor pages & other info at: smartchallenge.myevent.com
Cardinal Golf Classic: Friday, August 7 @ The Legacy
Join us for this fantastic golf scramble tournament & great social event in support of Bethlehem Academy! Just $100/golfer includes 18 holes, awards dinner, gift and on-course games. Registration form attached or sign up online at https://golfclassic.bacards.org/
UPDATES
Planning for the Fall
We are diligently planning for a safe return to school at the end of August. We are reviewing the MN Department of Education guidelines, along with guidance from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and to open school in the fall.
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.
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.comwith questions.
Attached Files |
Family Focus 6/1/2020
07/25/2020
Ed Friesen
2019-20, June 2020
Leave a comment
UPDATES
Pass/No Credit Option for Semester 2
Recognizing the challenges placed on students and families, Bethlehem Academy has adopted a Semester 2 Pass/No Credit grading option for students who may have struggled academically during the 4th quarter due to distance learning. AP and CIS classes do not qualify, and there are a number of restrictions and caveats. Please review the attached grading policy. If interested in pursuing this grading option, please log into PowerSchool to review current grades. Note the attached form must be returned to BA by June 4, 2020.
SENIOR WEEK/COMMENCEMENT UPDATES
THANK YOU to everyone involved in the production of our Senior Week/Commencement programs. Best wishes and Congratulations to the Class of 2020! In case you missed any of the virtual programs, they remain viewable on Bethlehem Academy’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FaribaultBA) and YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/bethlehemacademy).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2020-2021 Financial Aid & Tuition Agreements
Most tuition agreements have been sent via TADS to families of enrolled students. Please contact Sister Mary Margaret (mmurphy2@bacards.org) or Kris Sauer (ksauer@bacards.org) with questions or if your financial situation has changed since the February financial aid deadline. We will work with you to keep your students at Bethlehem Academy.
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.
2020-2021 Faribault Rotary Strive Program
Faribault Rotary is going to hold Strive meetings online via Zoom until further notice; the first meeting will be on Wednesday, June 10th at 9:00 am. They will hold meetings on the second Wednesday of the month through January. Interested students will need to e-mail Faribaultrotarystrive@gmail.com to receive the link to the first Strive meeting.
Get Involved in BA! Join the Board of Directors
The BA Board of Directors is looking for 5-6 people to join the Board! It's a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and move BA forward. You will only have two meetings a month, so it isn’t a huge time commitment. And you can even join with a friend! We need you! If you want to help, have questions, or are on the fence about joining, please reach out to any of our current members, who would be happy to talk: Kathy Nass (Board Chair, 507-323-5365), Mike Donkers, Debbie Korman, Mellanie Smith, Kathy Halvorson, Mary Campbell, Pat DeGrood, Melissa Casper, Cory Caron, and Crystal Bauer. Bethlehem Academy needs our parents, alumni, friends to serve and help guide BA. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Board. Thank you! #WEAREBA #TogetherWeFly
Needed: Used Summer Reading/IRP Novels
A note from our English Departments: If you have any old summer reading novels, or IRP (Independent Reading Novels), sitting around at home that you would not mind donating we would love them!!! We will have a table available in the gym on the day students return laptops and textbooks for these book donations. Thank you for your consideration.
Box Tops
Great news! If you shop for groceries online, you can now submit your email receipts from select retailers to earn Box Tops for your school. Click here for details. You can also turn in your receipts to school right after you shop and Mrs. Smisek will scan them digitally if you don’t have the app. And, through May 10, earn double Box Tops when you buy any Box Tops participating products. This program helps support our middle school science program.
Grade 9-10 Students: Be a Big!
Big Brothers Big Sister of Southern Minnesota is recruiting interested 9th and 10th grade students for next school year. Check out this message from BA junior Kennedy Tutak: https://youtu.be/U50V_lOq_ZM. Interested students need to have a valid driver’s license by December 2020; commit to at least 2 years; want to be a kid’s new friend! Click here to take the first step in becoming a Big. Contact Megan Horton, Community Outreach Director at megan@bbbsofsouthernmn.org for more information.
Yearbook Orders
Still want to buy a 2019-2020 yearbook? It’s not too late! The BA Multimedia class has worked hard to create a memorable yearbook highlighting this historic year. Purchase yours for just $60 + tax online at http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A04015000.
SAVE THE DATE FOR SUMMER 2020 EVENTS!
Summer event dates below – please add these to your calendar! More information coming soon.
Cardinal Café @ the Rice County Fair: Cancelled for July 2020- Cardinal Golf Classic: Friday, August 7
- S.M.A.R.T. Challenge Ride: Thursday, August 6-Saturday, August 8 (1-day ride options available!)
- Heritage Days Parade: Saturday, August 8, 2pm.
Attached Files |