Family Focus 10/23/2020
11/08/2020
Ed Friesen
October 2020, 2020-21
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October 23, 2020
Dear BA Families:
Celebrating our scholars is a part of our mission in the BA Family! God has a plan for each person and as we celebrate their strengths, they become more aware of who God is calling them to be. Homecoming celebrated our seniors, in fall sports, and on our Royal Court. Many of our senior athletes have been recognized in their sport and we’ve shared this online. Congratulations to all of our seniors and special congratulations to our Homecoming King, J. J. Malecha, escorted by Ashley Rost.
This week we also held our first “Student of the Month” recognition. Students gathered to hear what teachers see as their strengths, exhibiting through the Dominican pillars of: Prayer, Study, Community and Service. We are proud of each honoree and invite you to enjoy our video sharing this event with you. Congratulations: Austin Ahlman, Payton Bice, Maci Bongers, Declan Chappuis, Jared Davila, Destinee Fregoso, Malia Hunt, Brooke Johnson, Riley Kangas, Lucas Klokonos, Zachary McCabe, Isabella Pankonin, Jason Shuda and Monica Wilder.
National Honor Society Inductees: Congratulations to the following juniors and seniors, inducted into the National Honor Society following the conclusion of this morning’s high school Mass following the characteristics of Character, Leadership, Scholarship, Service and Citizenship: Isaac Caron, Avery Han, Madelyn Bauer, Camryn Belmont, Emily Casper, Ellie Cohen, Matthew Croke, Andrew Donahue, Madelyn Gersemehl, Mercedes Huerta, Abby Kugler, Molly Lund, Livia Schulz, Sophia Smith, Aiden Tobin.
US GOVERNMENT STUDIES: Mr. Tom Madden extends learning during election times for our scholars. Here is an update of what students in his classes will be experiencing this election year.
Mr. Madden: “With the election coming up on November 3rd we at Bethlehem Academy are educating our students about the electoral process. In the ‘Citizenship and Government’ course students will learn about political parties and the electoral process. As part of this unit, they will be researching candidates running for federal office and creating campaign posters. The posters will help educate their fellow students about the candidates and some of their major beliefs/plans. In conjunction with the Office of Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon, the school will hold a Mock Election in which students will cast ballots for the President, Senate and the House of Representatives.
We strongly believe that we need to prepare our students to be active citizens in our democracy. We want them to leave our doors knowing the importance of voting and how their voices matter. In the previous midterm elections of 2018, Minnesota led the nation with a youth (ages 18-29) turnout rate of 43.7%. While this number is low, it shows the impact young men and women can have in an election.”
COVID UPDATE: At this time we have no COVID 19 cases reported. We will continue with in-person learning but as our County rises in COVID 19 cases, we will also ensure that students are prepared should we need to move to Hybrid. We will keep families alerted to any changes in our learning format and adjustments that may be needed to any of our models as we move throughout the year. In addition, we’ve updated the “Parent & Student COVID Addendum” over our MEA workshop to clarify specific areas, add the new decision tree model, and update any changes from MDH that are pertinent to Catholic schools. Please review the updated addendum here.
Upcoming Events:
- October 27: Picture Retake Day
- October 29:
- DRESS DOWN DAY! Bring a $1 or Candy for our “Trunk or Treat” event and you can dress down! (See dress code info below)
- PSAT test for Juniors @ BA 8am-12pm
- HS Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences (Sign up here)
- October 31: Trunk or Treat at the Fairgrounds, 4-6pm; register your trunk here.
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership! Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions.
Blessings,
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
MS & 9th Grade Speaker David Rinaldi: Living Your Faith!
David Rinaldi, NET Ministries Program Director, spoke to our middle school and 9th grade students today on Living Your Faith!: So many teens perceive faith formation as just another subject like math or history. They see it as just a bunch of stuff they're forced to learn but that has no relevance to their life. In this presentation, David shows that our faith isn't about a bunch of facts and figures--it's about a relationship with a Father who loves them more than they'll ever realize! David encourages and equips young people to place God at the center of their lives and challenges them to share His love with others. At NET Ministries, David trains and equips missionaries to bring the Gospel to nearly 100,000 people a year. He holds a Master's Degree in Theology from Ave Maria University and has 20 years of ministry experience with youth and young adults. He has given over 1000 presentations to a variety of audiences and has never been run out of town. David's presentations are grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church and are based on the Bible, the Catechism, and the writings of the saints. Please ask your students about this amazing speaker!
BA Robotics Club Starts Oct 26
After a delayed start, the Vex Robotics Club is ready to get started! The first meeting for BA students will be held Monday, Oct 26, 3-5pm in the BA library. High School Robotics will only meet on Mondays this year; no school, no robotics and no fees this year. Interested students should bring a signed copy of the attached form to the first meeting.
FFA Oct 26 Meeting & Fruit/Butter Braid Sales
The next FFA meeting is Monday, October 26th at 3:00pm in the greenhouse. Officers will be nominated for elections. FFA members are selling Fruit/Butter Braid Sales through Nov 6. All profits will go into the FFA fund which covers the cost for contest fees, state, and hopefully next year’s national convention. Email Ms. Story for more information.
Picture Retake Day Oct 27
For those that were missing for school pictures, a photo order form is attached. For those requesting a retake, please bring in the original photos. We will replace their initial order. Please indicate on the returning order what they didn’t like about the initial photos so that can be corrected on the retakes.
Trunk or Treat Dollar/Candy Dress Down Day Oct 29
Student Service Club is hosting a Dress Down Day Thursday October 29. For a dollar or a bag of candy, students may dress down for the day. Hats, leggings (worn with a long top/skirt/dress), sweats or athletic pants are allowed. NO athletic shorts and NO COSTUMES, please. All attire must be neat, clean, modest and free of offensive logos. All proceeds go to our community drive through Trunk or Treat event from 4-6pm Saturday, October 31 at the Rice County Fairgrounds.
Socktober through Oct 31
Student Service Club is hosting Socktober through October 31. Please consider donating new socks for any age; there will be a box at the side door of BA, and a decorated box at DMCC. All socks will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
BA Online School Store Now Available!
We are pleased to announce that we have created an online school store selling BA spiritwear. Find the link here. Orders will be taken online through Tuesday, Nov 10, with delivery expected the first week in December. Choose door-to-door delivery (fees apply) or local delivery to BA (free). These items make great Christmas gifts. Check it out today!
Open House November 9
We will be hosting an in-person open house Monday, November 9, from 6-8pm for prospective students in grades 6-12. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please encourage anyone interested in our authentically Catholic, Dominican prep school to sign up on our webpage 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 Rochester, 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
Juniors: PSAT Testing Oct 29
Reminder: Juniors who signed up last spring will be taking the PSAT exam Thursday, October 29 from 8am until noon at BA. Registered students received an email this week from their school counselor, Ms. Rogers, with test instructions. ***We have 3 extra tests for this October date. Contact Ms. Rogers ASAP if your student is interested.*** If your student did not sign up for the October PSAT, the CollegeBoard just added a new January testing date. We will begin taking registration for the January PSAT when we have more information in early November. Please reach out to Ms. Rogers (trogers@bacards.org) with any questions.
HS P/T Conferences
High School Parent/Teacher conferences will be held Thursday, October 29th via individual Zoom meetings. Core high school teachers have 5-minute blocks from 4-7:30pm; specialist teachers are available to meet with parents from 4-5:30pm. Please note that Ms. Ricker, our Choir Director, will not be available to meet October 29. If an individual conference is needed, she will be available after November 3rd. Please contact her at cricker@bacards.org if you wish to set up a time to meet. Please sign up for a time to meet with your child’s teachers and discuss their progress HERE.
Class of 2021: Coca-Cola Scholarship due October 31
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the country, is now accepting applications from current high school seniors to become Coca-Cola Scholars and receive one of 150 college scholarships worth $20,000. Click here for information on how to apply.
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.
Class of 2021 - Early Action Deadline Nov 1!
Seniors! Early action deadlines for most colleges starts on November 1! Remember to request your transcripts and letters of recommendation through Naviance. Check out the Naviance how-to videos on matching the Common App, requesting letters of recommendation, adding colleges and requesting transcripts, and exploring colleges at this link. If you have any questions, please email and/or stop by Ms. Roger’s office.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES
- David Rinaldi Parent Presentation - Friday Night - Don’t miss it!
We want to encourage you to make this a date night for you and your spouse! Hear from David Rinaldi as he talks about Christ-centered parenting in today's crazy world and how you remain united as husband and wife. Following Dave's talk there will be refreshments and time for you to talk as a couple. Our evening will end with Adoration and priests will be available for confession. Free to attend, RSVP required here.
- 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.
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Family Focus October 9, 2020
11/08/2020
Ed Friesen
October 2020, 2020-21
Leave a comment
Dear BA Families:
Happy Homecoming! This week brought BA students together to celebrate all that is BA. School pride included selecting homecoming royalty, dress up days, senior prizes, Mass, bingo and ultimate frisbee. Today we gathered for lunch on the Back 40 to celebrate homecoming, our history, and our future.
HOMECOMING ISSUES: Unfortunately, some students this week have thought it is “funny” or acceptable to say or write negative racial or sexual comments. This is not something that we can laugh about and we have been addressing these issues. As we celebrate BA this weekend, please take this opportunity to also talk with your scholar about expectations. Our mission is, “To love as Jesus Christ loves, to lead, to serve, to inspire and to seek the truth: VERITAS.”
SPOOKTACULAR!To date we are over $3,000 in donations and participation fees with presently about 90 registered for live or virtual racing-but it’s not too late to participate! You can sign up tomorrow morning or donate online. If we reach this goal, our students will earn an early release day. Check out the link here.
AIM HIGHER TONIGHT FUNDRAISER TONIGHT: Please join me later tonight to support Aim Higher and their scholarship program. They donate to Catholic schools across our Diocese and support us individually with scholarship gifts to our students. This is their only fundraising event of the year. Here is a link from Archbishop Hebda: Video Link of Archbishop Hebda. In addition, I will be hosting a watch party at 6 p.m. tonight online. Join me at this link and our school could win the drawing for our school! Join: https://zoom.us/j/94837041062?pwd=eHNsYWdOZk1QS0czdUVDWTV5b3plZz09 Meeting ID: 948 3704 1062 Passcode: ba2020 In addition, you should sign up to bid on some great items or donate at: https://nightoflight.info
Upcoming Events:
- October 10:Spooktacular virtual or in-person 5k/1-mile run/walk for Catholic Education. More infohere
- BA Football Game - 2 p.m. Homecoming Game / King Coronation at halftime
- Live feed on KDHL AM 920:https://kdhlradio.com/listen-live/
- The game (and coronation) may be livestreamed on https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/bethlehem-academy-faribault-mn if reliable network connection can be made from the field (subscription required)
- If not streamed on our NFHS Network, we will try to stream at least the coronation on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/BethlehemAcademy)
- BA Volleyball Game, 5:45pm JV, 7:15 pm Varsity @ Medford
- Livestreamed on Medford's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Medford-Public-School-820392311364122/
- On the radiation on KDHL AM 920 at https://kdhlradio.com/listen-live/
- BA Football Game - 2 p.m. Homecoming Game / King Coronation at halftime
- October 13: AP Exam Test Order deadline
- October 10:Spooktacular virtual or in-person 5k/1-mile run/walk for Catholic Education. More infohere
- October 14-16: MEA - No School
- October 23: End of 1st Quarter
- NHS Induction
- October 29: HS Virtual Conferences
- October 31: Trunk or Treat at the Fairgrounds
Greenhouse Update: We are excited to announce that we have our final approval for occupancy with our Greenhouse! Our students can now begin larger plant projects for additional learning opportunities. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this possible!
Reminders:
- Wanted: Face Masks, Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes!
- Feeling Ill? Please keep students and their siblings home. This is part of the safety protocols for COVID. Click here for info and call the attendance line (attendance@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) with the symptoms.
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership! Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions. We will continue to follow up with several of the inappropriate homecoming behavior and thank you for sharing with us what you know.
Blessings,
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
ALL-BA UPDATES
(See separate sections below for updates specific to high school or middle school)
FFA Meetings: Oct 13 and Oct 26
FFA breakfast meeting Tuesday, October 13th starting at 7:30am - we will launch our Fruit/Butter Braid Sales, which will start 10/13 and run through Nov 6. All profits will go into the FFA fund which covers the cost for contest fees, state, and hopefully next year’s national convention among many things. Our Next official FFA monthly meeting is Monday, October 26th at 3:00pm in the greenhouse. Officers will be nominated for elections.
Free COVID Testing Oct 13-15
Free COVID-19 testing is being offered from 12-6pm, October 13-15 at the Faribault Armory-MN National Guard facility. Open to everyone, with or without symptoms, no insurance needed. Appointments are required, click here to sign up. See attached flyers in English and in Spanish for more information.
Yearbook Orders-Discount through Oct 16
Great news everyone! Josten's has extended its back to school yearbook promotion until October 16th. The starting price is $50 plus tax. After October 16th the price will go up to $55. The sooner you buy it the cheaper it is. You don't want to miss out on this historic year! Order form attached or go to this link to order your 2020-2021 yearbook today. Please contact Mr. Zabel if you have any questions.
BA Robotics Club Starts Oct 26
After a delayed start, the Vex Robotics Club is ready to get started! The first meeting for BA students will be held Monday, Oct 26, 3-5pm in the BA library. No fees this year; interested students bring a signed copy of the attached form to the first meeting.
Socktober through Oct 31
BA’s Student Service Club is hosting Socktober through the end of the month. Please send in new socks with your students; all donations will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
BA Spiritwear / Online School Store
We are pleased to announce that we have created an online school store selling BA spiritwear. Find the link here. Orders will be taken online through Tuesday, Nov 10, with delivery expected the first week in December. Choose door-to-door delivery (fees apply) or local delivery to BA (free). These items make great Christmas gifts. Check it out today!
Rice Co Public Health Vaccine Program
Now more than ever, it is important to keep your child’s vaccines up to date. Rice County Public Health has a Child and Teens Checkups Program that can help. See attached flyer for more information.
TRUNK OR TREAT Oct 31: Trunks Needed!
The annual BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat will be a drive-by event held at the Rice County Fairgrounds Saturday, October 31, from 4-6pm. Free hot dog dinner included! Sign up to host a trunk here, and plan to have your student(s) participate in our dollar/bag of candy dress down day the last week in October. Watch this space for details.
BA School Directory: Home and School
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. The directories will include all families in grades 6-12 and will be distributed to all families that have paid their $25 Home and School dues.
Updated Contact Information?
Please make sure to notify the BA office of any phone, email or address changes for school correspondence and in the event that we need to reach you during the school day.
Volunteer Opportunity
Family Service Rochester, 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.
Bus Safety Video for Faribault Bus Riders
Parents of students riding the Faribault Public Schools bus are asked to view this video from the Minnesota State Patrol on bus safety.
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!
BABS Committee
We are looking forward to another fantastic BABS event April 10, 2021! BABS (BA Backers & 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!
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
AP Exam Order Deadline: October 13
Students taking AP courses at BA are required to take the May AP exams. Students not in AP classes are allowed to take the exams if they choose. See attached form for more information and a test order form; contact Ms Rogers with questions.
Jostens Reps @ BA October 20
Josten’s representatives will be meeting with the sophomores (class rings) and seniors (graduation) on October 20 during period 3.
University of St. Thomas Virtual BA Visit Oct 21
The University of St. Thomas will have representatives available for virtual visits with BA students October 21 from 11:15-11:45am, with additional time added based on student interest. Students should contact Ms. Rogers if they are interested in meeting with admissions and learning about St Thomas.
Juniors: PSAT Testing Oct 29
PSAT-NMSQT is coming up on October 29th! Reminder: current 11th grade students who signed up for this test last year are the only ones eligible for the October date. The PSAT-NMSQT will now be also offered on an additional date: January 26, 2021. If you are a junior interested in taking the test on this date, please reach out to Ms. Rogers (trogers@bacards.org) ; the deadline to sign up is December 1.
MACAC College Fair-Virtual Options
This year’s Minnesota Association for College Admissions Counseling (MACAC) college fair in Minneapolis will be held online from September 28-October 14. There are a multitude of opportunities for students to register for and attend Zoom presentations about colleges including Riverland, UW-River Falls, Saint Benedict's and more! Sign up for the sessions you are interested in attending, and even if the times don't line up, the sessions will be recorded and available online. MACAC also has day long virtual college fairs on October 12, 18, and November 8th at this link https://virtualcollegefairs.org. If you want more information or to set up a session during your study hall or a school day, please reach out to Ms. Rogers and she will help you learn more.
Class of 2021 - College Application/Naviance Navigation.
Seniors! Remember to request your transcripts and letters of recommendation through Naviance. Check out the Naviance how-to videos on matching the Common App, requesting letters of recommendation, adding colleges and requesting transcripts, and exploring colleges at this link. If you have any questions, please email and/or stop by your counselor’s office.
ACT October Test Deadline Extended
The deadline for all October dates of the ACT exam has been extended to Friday, October 5th! October test dates are: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/25. You can also sign up for a later date through www.ACT.org.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thank you to all the parents who participated in yesterday’s Parent-Teacher Conferences via Zoom. We are dedicated to working in partnership with you; please reach out if you have any additional questions regarding your child’s progress. Find staff emails on our website at this link.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES
Parents Night Out Oct 23!
Divine Mercy Catholic Church wants to encourage you to take a date night with your spouse! Join us Friday, October 23, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM at DMCC. Hear from David Rinaldi as he talks about Christ-centered parenting in today's crazy world and how you remain united as husband and wife. Following Dave's talk there will be refreshments and time for you to talk as a couple. Our evening will end with Adoration and priests will be available for confession. David Rinaldi’s powerful presentations have been life-changing moments for thousands of teens and adults across the country. With over 20 years of experience working with youth, David communicates the love of God and the truths of the Catholic faith with a boldness and humor that teens and adults alike can appreciate.This event is free to attend and registration is required. Register on Divine Mercy’s Facebook Page, or by emailing Andrea Gibbs at AGibbs@divinemercy.cc.
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.
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