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March 18, 2020 - Online Distance Learning is in Session

03/28/2020

Ed Friesen

March 2020

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Good morning,

Online chool is in session today! Teachers are posting course materials and assignments in PowerSchool and email. It is important that students log in to PowerSchool and check their school email daily. We recognize with so many schools across the nation going online, there may be times during the day that PowerSchool and other websites used by classes may be slow or experience other technical issues. For this reason, we recommend studens check PowerSchool and their email multiple times during the day.

In addition to posting course materials on PowerSchool and email, some teachers may also hold video calls/webinars to provide class instruction and tutoring using tools like Google Meet (Hangout), Zoom, or FaceTime. Teachers will be checking their email regularly and will respond in a timely fashion.

We encourage you to help your child(ren) to develop a schedule of their time for each day. For example:

• 8:00am - Religion
• 9:00am - Math
• 10:00am - Break/Activity/Recreation
• 10:30am - English
• etc.

Attached to this email are planner sheets for high school and middle school. These sheets may be helpful for students to keep track of their assignments and due dates.

We encourage you to set up a parent PowerSchool ID so that you can also keep track of assignments and other course announcements in PowerSchool. There are also additonal communication tools in PowerSchool for you to work with teachers. Please watch for an email with additional information about creating a parent PowerSchool ID.

Tomorrow, March 19, is the feast day for St. Joseph, Bethlehem Academy's patron saint. In 1868, on a very cold winter night, the sisters and boarding students at Bethlehem Academy ran out of firewood. They prayed to St. Joseph. Late at night, an unknown man showed up with a delivery of firewood. Legend has it that man was St. Joseph. As we face this new challenge (opportunity), we pray to St. Joseph:

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

Family Focus 3/6/2020

03/28/2020

Ed Friesen

March 2020

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March 6, 2020

Note from Dr. Briscoe…

Bethlehem Academy Community,

Happy Spring Break! Be safe and enjoy your time together as a family. A reminder that BA offices will be closed from March 9-13. We look forward to seeing your student(s) refreshed and ready to begin the 4^th quarter on Monday, March 16.

Coronavirus Update

Just a reminder to be vigilant about hand washing, to cover your mouth with your elbow as you sneeze, and to stay home if sick. Please refer to the March 4 parent email for more information on the COVID-19 outbreak and BA’s response. A reminder that additional resources can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

2020-2021 Enrollment Due March 17 for Class Registration

Thank you to families who have already re-enrolled their student(s) for next year! If you have not yet done so, please re-enroll by Tuesday, March 17 to facilitate 2020-2021 class registration for your student. Click here for instructions and more information on re-enrolling.

Tuition Assistance Update

Although the initial financial aid deadline has passed, please know that it is not too late to apply for financial aid! Any family who is concerned about affording full tuition and fees may still apply for tuition assistance through TADS, with whom we partner to fairly assess need. Contact Kris at ksauer@bacards.org with questions on this process.

Accreditation Visit, Mar 23-25

We continue to prepare to welcome several guests on March 23-25 as part of our MNSAA Accreditation. The faculty and staff have been working hard on the various aspects of our report in order to be fully prepared. We are reminding you that parents may be contacted by a team member and we count on your participation. Everyone will be asked to “Dress for Success” all three days which means student dress down passes WILL NOT be honored March 23-25. All BA students are expected to be in the best dress code they can muster! Thank you for your continued support of BA. Together We Fly!

BABS 2020, April 4

Join us for BABS 2020 - Celebrating Mission and Scholarship. Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here or at the door. Raffle Tickets are also available for purchase. Please see the attached order form, limited quantities available.

Dr. Chuck Briscoe

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Attention Senior Parents

It is hard to believe it is that time of year again. Mr. Zabel and his Multimedia students are collecting senior pictures and baby pictures. These pictures will be used in the senior slide show as well as the BA yearbook and BA Star Bulletin. Mr. Zabel is asking that all senior pictures and baby pictures please be turned in before April. Pictures can be sent to Mr. Zabel via email (bzabel@bacards.org) Seniors have also been instructed of what to do in terms of uploading photos of memories from their K-12 years that will go into the senior slide show that will be played at the Mary Ceremony. There is a Google folder where pictures will be uploaded. Please talk to your son or daughter if you have photos that you would like to use. Thanks again for your help and cooperation.

Spring Sports Parent Meeting

The Spring Sports parent meeting will be on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30pm in the school cafeteria. All parents of spring sports participants should attend as the school and coaches will share important information for the upcoming spring season. The activity fee is $135 per participant for baseball, fastpitch softball, track & field and golf. The activity fee may be paid online on our athletics website, https://sports.bacards.org. Fees may also be paid by check at the spring sports parent meeting. Participants need to have a valid sports physical on file and must complete once each school year the annual eligiblity statement & health questionnaire. Note: 6th grade students may only participated on middle school/junior high teams; track and golf do not have middle school-only squads.

Cannon River Driving School @ BA, Mar 16-27

Cannon River Driving School classroom instruction begins March 16-27, from 3-6 pm Mon-Fri.

Rotary STRIVE Program Starts March 18!

Attention Juniors! Would you like to learn more about how to use your time effectively? What about tips for managing stress? Are you prepared to interview for jobs and manage your own finances? Consider joining the Faribault Rotary Strive program to learn about these skills and more! We meet once a month starting March 18^th, 2020 at the South Central College Conference Room in the front of their building. Each session starts at 7:15 am and is done by 7:45 am. The Rotary Club provides breakfast and the speaker, so all you need to do is show up! In addition, if you attend 6 out of the 8 sessions you get $50 and you qualify to apply for a scholarship! Meetings will be held this year on: March 18, April 8, May 13 and next school year on September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9, and January 13. More information will be provided at the first meeting on Wednesday, March 18^th. If you have any questions, please e-mail Faribaultrotarystrive@gmail.com.

Junior Parent Post Prom Meeting March 19!

Attention Junior Class parents! The next Post Prom meeting will be Thursday, March 19th at 530pm at BA. Please join us to plan this great event for our students. Many hands make light work! Questions? Contact Alana at lanagourhan@gmail.com.

Unplanned at the Village Theatre, March 27 & 28

The Peer Ministry club of Bethlehem Academy is teaming up with Pregnancy Options of Faribault to host a showing of the film Unplanned at the Village Family Theater on Friday, March 27 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 28 at 1:30 pm. Students and adults are invited to stay after the showing to participate in a discussion to process and unpack the film.

Unplanned covers the true story of Abby Johnson, one of Planned Parenthood’s youngest clinic directors and advocates until the day she saw “something that changed everything.” The film is about abortion “but even more so, it’s a movie about the truth of forgiveness, repentance, and redemption” (Johnson). While the film does not contain swearing or nudity, it was given an R rating for the CGI recreation of what Johnson saw on the ultrasound screen as well as a scene involving the aftermath of the abortion pill. Due to the rating, students will need parent/guardian permission, given through this form, to view the film. Parents and other guests are not only welcome but encouraged to attend as well.

Know that high school students who attend the viewing and stay for the discussion are eligible for extra credit in their religion classes. An alternative extra credit opportunity will be provided to students who cannot or choose not to view Unplanned.

UPCOMING EVENTS/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking New Members for BA Board of Directors

It is time to think about joining the Bethlehem Academy Board of Directors. If you are committed to the mission of BA and want to help shape the future, consider applying for an open position on the Board. It meets monthly, works in-between on committees and is a vital part of BA. Applications are available here or in the main office. Term begins August 2020 for 3 years. Questions? Contact Kathy Nass at 507-323-5365.

Rise Up Twin Cities for MS Students, Mar 21

Divine Mercy Youth Ministry is bringing middle school students to a conference called “Rise Up Twin Cities” on March 2. The conference price is $60. See attached flyer for more information; Link to the middle school page can be found here. A direct link to the registration form can be found here. For more information, contact Ang Hoisington at ang323hoisington@yahoo.com.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Faribault Elks Lodge

Faribault Elks Lodge is offering scholarships for post-secondary education to high school seniors graduating in the spring of 2020. Click here for application or visit www.Faribaultelks.org and click on scholarships, then start the application. Deadline is March 31, 2020.

P.E.O. Scholarship

The P.E.O. Chapter AR of Faribault will be awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a 2020 graduating female pursuing post-secondary education from either FHS or BA. The application requires three short questions and a completed application form. Deadline is April 3^rd. Applications are available in the counseling office.

Faribault Sertoma Club

The Faribault Sertoma Club will offer (2) $1500 scholarships for post-secondary education to High School Seniors graduating in the Spring of 2020. The recipients of these scholarships will be students who best personify Sertoma’s motto, “Service to Mankind”. Please see Mr. Schumann for an application. Deadline is April 30, 2020.

BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Student Summer Work Program: We are looking for student workers who will be in grades 9-12 next fall to help clean and prepare the schools for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Tuition credit provided. Please click here for additional information.

Spring Coaches: Assistant & JV Baseball coaches needed for the 2020 spring season. Contact Ed Friesen for more information.

Morning BA Van Driver: Needed immediately for 6:15-8:00 am route. Tuition credit available. Contact Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org if interested.

Substitute Teachers: Sought ASAP. Contact Sister Mary Margaret if interested.

DATES TO REMEMBER

(click on hyperlink for more information)

Online School Activities Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

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: July 22-26
• Cardinal Golf Classic: Friday, August 7
• S.M.A.R.T. Challenge Ride: Thursday, August 6-Saturday, August 8 (1-day ride options available!)

Family Focus 2/29/2020

02/29/2020

Ed Friesen

February 2020

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Note from Dr. Briscoe…

On being thermometers and thermostats:

Each morning I look out at a thermometer on my deck to see how cold it is, then turn on the radio for the forecast. As a native Minnesotan, I receive a certain satisfaction in being tough and able to endure what would seriously challenge the survival skills of people in warmer climates. Indoor temperature is another matter. I try to keep the thermostat in the house set a bit low for some people’s taste’s but will turn it up whenever we have visitors.

Thermometers and thermostats, although the words sound quite similar, there is a world of difference in what they do. A thermometer gives a reading of how hot or cold it is. That’s it. A thermostat on the other hand, senses when a room is getting uncomfortably cold or hot and kicks in the furnace or air conditioner to change the room temperature.

When we express feelings, fact and opinions on issues in our community, school, or neighborhood we are being thermometers. We might evaluate a person or situation in terms of good or bad, hot or cold according to some criteria, but if that is all we do, we are no more than thermometers, giving reading of the ambient temperature.

On the other hand, if we move from opinion and evaluations to actions, if we respond by finding ways to support and encourage the good as well as finding ways to bring about positive improvement in situations that need change, we are like thermostats, making a difference in our community and for those around us. Being only a thermometer, constantly complaining about the cold, is not going to make the situation any better. On the contrary, complaining will only make me be more focused on my discomfort and feel colder, well on second thought, it may have the additional effect of encouraging others to complain or avoid my company.

If you have been too much like a thermometer, why not go into action and be a thermostat. Remember the four principles from my favorite book, The Fred Factor:

1. Everyone makes a difference.
2. Success is built on relationships.
3. You must continually create value for others.
4. You can reinvent yourself regularly.

Dr. Chuck Briscoe

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BA Pancake Breakfast/Open House

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Sunday for our very successful pancake breakfast and open house! Your support is so appreciated!

SYNOD 2021

We need your help! All Catholics, former Catholics, those interested in the Catholic religion (regardless of your home parish) are asked to complete the Disciple Maker Index at www.disciplemakerindex.com, by Saturday, February 29^th. The information which you share in this document is confidential, but at the same time will help form the future for your parish and for the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis. It is important that we have participation from a variety of age groups. If your child is a junior or senior at BA, he/she will have completed the survey in class. If your child is in the confirmation program, she/he has been invited to participate in the survey. For further information or clarification, contact Sister Kathleen at 507-334-2266, ext. 1018 or by email @ srkathleen@divinemercy.cc

Easter Flower Orders Due March 2

It is time for the annual BA Activities Association Easter flower fundraiser! These beautiful flowers are delivered fresh from Gerten’s Greenhouse and will arrive April 7 and 8 just in time for Easter. All orders are due to the BA office by Monday, March 2. Forms available in the office or click here to find one online. The proceeds from the flower sale supports co-curricular and extra-curricular activites at Bethlehem Academy. Thank you for supporting student activities!

Parent Teacher Conferences, March 5

Parent-Teacher Conferences are next Thursday, March 5 from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Middle school teachers will be in the BA Cafeteria; high school teachers will be in the gym. The conferences are an opportunity for parents to meet to discuss student progress and are meant to be short 5-minute meetings with each teacher. If longer time is required, it is recommended that an individual appointment be arranged directly with that teacher. Faculty emails can be found on our website here.

Trap Team Registration Deadline March 6

BA Trap Team registration is now open and information packets are available in the main office.

Tuition Assistance Update

Thank you to all our families that completed their financial aid applications by the February 17 deadline! Please know that we remain committed to providing a Bethlehem Academy education to all families who desire it and it is not too late to apply for financial aid! Although no longer eligible for Archdiocesan scholarships, any family who is concerned about affording full tuition and fees may still apply for tuition assistance through TADS, with whom we partner to fairly assess need. Contact Kris at ksauer@bacards.org with questions on this process.

2020-2021 Enrollment Due March 17

Thank you to those families who have already re-enrolled their student(s)! If you have not yet done so, please re-enroll soon to facilitate class registration and our planning for next year. We ask that you complete re-enrollment for your student(s) by Tuesday, March 17 to best facilitate this. Click here for instructions and more information on re-enrolling.

Junior Class - Mock ACT Exam at BA, March 25

Juniors in the ACT Prep Class with Cathy Guth must sign up for the April 4^th ACT exam. To prepare, all students in the class will take a mock ACT exam at BA the morning of Wednesday, March 25. There is no fee for the mock exam and juniors not currently enrolled in the class may choose to participate. Please contact Cathy Guth at cathy_guth@yahoo.com with questions or to sign up.

Supplies Needed

Cold and flu season is upon us! We go through many boxes of tissues to stay well. If you can donate any boxes of tissue it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us stay healthy!

UPCOMING EVENTS/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking New Members for BA Board of Directors

It is time to think about joining the Bethlehem Academy Board of Directors. If you are committed to the mission of BA and want to help shape the future, consider applying for an open position on the Board. It meets monthly, works in-between on committees and is a vital part of BA. Applications are available here or in the main office. Term begins August 2020 for 3 years. Questions? Contact Kathy Nass at 507-323-5365.

Cannon River Driving School, Mar 16-23

Cannon River Driving School is offering Drivers Education at Bethlehem Academy, March 16-27, from 3-6 pm Mon-Fri. Please see the attached registration form for details and to sign up.

Rise Up Twin Cities for MS Students, Mar 21

Divine Mercy Youth Ministry is bringing middle school students to a conference called “Rise Up Twin Cities” on March 2. The conference price is $60. See attached flyer for more information; Link to the middle school page can be found here. A direct link to the registration form can be found here. For more information, contact Ang Hoisington at ang323hoisington@yahoo.com.

Accreditation Visit, Mar 23-25

We continue to prepare to welcome several guests on March 23-25 as part of our MNSAA Accreditation. The faculty and staff have been working hard on the various aspects of our report in order to be fully prepared. We are reminding you that parents may be contacted by a team member and we count on your participation. Everyone will be asked to “Dress for Success” all three days which means student dress down passes WILL NOT be honored March 23-25. All BA students are expected to be in the best dress code they can muster! Thank you for your continued support of BA. Together We Fly!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Faribault Elks Lodge

Faribault Elks Lodge is offering scholarships for post-secondary education to high school seniors graduating in the spring of 2020. Click here for application or visit www.Faribaultelks.org and click on scholarships, then start the application. Deadline is March 31, 2020.

P.E.O. Scholarship

The P.E.O. Chapter AR of Faribault will be awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a 2020 graduating female pursuing post-secondary education from either FHS or BA. The application requires three short questions and a completed application form. Deadline is April 3^rd. Applications are available in the counseling office.

Faribault Sertoma Club

The Faribault Sertoma Club will offer (2) $1500 scholarships for post-secondary education to High School Seniors graduating in the Spring of 2020. The recipients of these scholarships will be students who best personify Sertoma’s motto, “Service to Mankind”. Please see Mr. Schumann for an application. Deadline is April 30, 2020.

BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Student Summer Work Program: We are looking for student workers who will be in grades 9-12 next fall to help clean and prepare the schools for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. Tuition credit provided. Please click here for additional information.

Spring Coaches: Assistant & JV Baseball and Track & Field coaches needed for the 2020 spring season. Contact Ed Friesen for more information.

Morning BA Van Driver: Needed immediately for 6:15-8:00 am route. Tuition credit available. Contact Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org if interested.

Substitute Teachers: Sought ASAP. Contact Sister Mary Margaret if interested.

DATES TO REMEMBER

(click on hyperlink for more information)

Online Activities Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/