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Family Focus 11-8-24

date 11/11/2024 author Kris Sauer category November 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

November 8, 2024 - Celebrating our 160th Year!

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

Veterans Day: On Monday we will host a short Veteran’s Day program in the BA gym starting at 8:30 am. All are welcome to join us for this event, which will include remarks from John McDonough, Air Force veteran and past Commander of the Faribault American Legion. The event will also include the presentation of colors by members of the Rice County Central Veterans Association; patriotic performances by the Bethlehem Academy Band and Tom Donlon; and a reading by Kaitlyn Hunt ‘27, the winner of our school-wide poetry contest on veterans and patriotism. Share this invitation with veterans in the community so we may honor them as well.

Girls basketball starts Monday for this short but busy week. A reminder there is NO SCHOOL Friday, November 15. We will be closed for teacher workshops.

This Thursday, Nov 14 is our fall admissions open house! Please spread the good word about BA and invite interested families to join us on campus for student-led tours and informational sessions. Pre-register for the open house at this link; Cardinal visit days have also begun. Prospective students can choose a Cardinal visit day at this link. Contact Kris with any questions!

GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 26: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your student's life to join us in the BA gymnasium on November 226at 1:00 pm for a special program, tours and cookies. (Regular 2:55pm release  although some may leave early with grandparents, with your permission, after the program.) 

SPECIAL ADVENT EVENTS: During Advent we have special Masses and our Christmas Concerts. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us!

  • December 9: 10:30 am Immaculate Conception Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church (there will be NO Friday Mass this week)
  • December 15: BA Band & Choir Christmas Concerts, BA gym
  • December 20: 10:30 am Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at BA
The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • November 18: Boys basketball season opens
  • November 18-22: Campus Ministry food drive to benefit St. Vincent de Paul
  • November 19: Online School Store Closes. Click HERE to order.
  • November 20: Grade 9/10 retreat
  • November 21: NHS "Black Out" Dress Down Day
  • November 22: Brian Greenfield @ BA, 1pm assembly. Click here for his bio/information. 
  • November 26: Grandparent's Day, 1pm 
  • November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break / No School
Find other BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

  • The BA Annual Fund goal is: $260,000. Each gift supports our students and staff directly. We are thrilled to announce a $50,000 matching grant - all gifts received through December 1 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to the match. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
  • Alumni Club: Calling all BA alumni! We have launched the Alumni Club to bring alumni together AND raise money for student academic and extracurricular programs like FFA, arts, and athletics. Click HERE for more information or to join. 
  • Mother Samuel Building Update: With the construction of the new school and sale of the Divine Mercy School block, we have been working with Divine Mercy Catholic Church and are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with them to purchase the Mother Samuel Building, connected to BA and housing the Adoration Chapel. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis (for DMCC) and Dominican Veritas Ministries (for BA) must approve the agreement; both will consider doing so at meetings scheduled for later this month. More details to follow - we excited for the opportunities this has for future BA programs and opportunities!
Please pray for the Luckow family and all those who are struggling with grief; for the caregivers in our community who care for the sick, elderly, and inform; and those struggling with their physical or mental health.

Thank you for your partnership,
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES


BA Online School Store Now Open! Looking for some great BA-themed Christmas gifts? We've just opened a BA school store with lots of new items. Click HERE to check it out. Orders must be placed by Nov 19. Items delivered to BA in time for the holidays. Go, Cardinals! 

BA Job Openings: Please remember to spread the word about our Head of School search! Find the job posting on our website HERE; share broadly to your LinkedIn network (post is HERE) of share today's post on our Facebook page. We are also looking for a part-time (Tuesday/Thursday) kitchen assistant and a nighttime custodian. Find job postings HERE. Thank you!

Host Family Needed! Permanent placement fell through (too many cats!) and our BA 8th grader is in need of a permanent placement. Please consider hosting! Stipend plus BA tuition credit and other incentives available. Contact Cheryl Da Silva for more information: 617-710-5700; cdasilva@pse-edu.org.


JO Volleyball Meeting Nov 18: All grade 4-11 girls volleyball players interested in playing JO volleyball are invited to attend a registration meeting Nov 18, 7pm in the BA cafeteria. Players can register at this link; find the meeting flyer with more information on the program HERE

Winter Sports Registration Now Open!

Girls and Boys Basketball Registration: Registration for girls and boys basketball is now open. The link to register may be found on bacardinals.com under the More menu. The activity fee for participating in basketball is $140 per player. The fee may be paid online under the More menu, by check or by having the fee added to your tuition account. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school’s activities office in order to participate. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Sports physical clearance forms are available under the More menu on the bacardinals.com website.

Girls Basketball began practicing on November 11.

Boys Basketball begins practicing on November 18.

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. 


MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser: Help support the 8th graders in their Tastefully Simple fundraiser. 100% of all profits goes toward the cost of the bus for our students. Any additional funds will help defray the cost for our chaperones. Email Kris Shuda, the Tastefully Simple consultant and past BA parent that is generously donating her profits, with any questions you may have at akshuda@charter.net  or visit www.tastefullysimple.com for product information.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE


 

 

Calendars:

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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Friday Focus 11-01-24

date 11/06/2024 author Kris Sauer category November 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

November 1, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

What a privilege it was to join together with DMCS and our Faribault Catholic community for All Saint's Day this morning at Divine Mercy Catholic Church! It is just so powerful to gather all our young people together to pray and worship - please know that you are always welcome to join us in worship for our weekly Masses.

Last night's Trunk or Treat event was nothing short of amazing! Despite the cold, blustery (snowy?!?!) day, we hosted at least 1000 trick-or-treaters (and their adults) on our campus. A very special Cardinal thank you to everyone who donated candy or cash and to our students, BA & DMCS staff, parents and community members who very creatively and enthusiastically provided Halloween-themed trunks. It was a blast! Check out our Facebook page for photos of the fun. 

Congratulations to our girls volleyball team! Although their run at sections has ended, they were this year's Gopher Conferene Champions. Thank you to our 8 seniors for leading a season to be proud of! Speaking of pride - GOOD LUCK to senior Brooklyn Becker, running at the State AA Cross Country Meet tomorrow morning at 10am for the Faribault co-op team. #CardinalPride!

It's time to grow the Cardinal family! Our fall admissions open house is in less than two weeks, held on campus November 14 from 5-7pm. Please spread the word and encourage families and prospective students to join us. Pre-register for the open house at this link; Cardinal visit days have also begun. Prospective students can choose a Cardinal visit day at this link. Contact Kris with any questions!

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • November 11: 8:30am Veteran's Day Program, BA gym; Girls basketball season opens
  • November 13: School photo retake day, 7:30am start
  • November 14: Admissions Open House, 5-7pm: please invite friends to check us out!
  • November 15: No School / Teacher Workday
  • November 18: Boys basketball season opens
  • November 18-22: Campus Ministry food drive
  • November 20: Grade 9/10 retreat
  • November 22: Brian Greenfield @ BA, 1pm assembly. Click here for his bio/information. 
  • November 26: Grandparent's Day, 1pm 
  • November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break / No School
Find other BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Please pray for those who are struggling with grief; for the caregivers in our community who care for the sick, elderly, and inform; and those struggling with their physical or mental health.

Thank you for your partnership,
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES


BA Job Openings: Please remember to spread the word about our Head of School search! Find the job posting on our website HERE; share broadly to your LinkedIn network (post is HERE) of share today's post on our Facebook page. We are also looking for a part-time (Tuesday/Thursday) kitchen assistant and a nighttime custodian. Find job postings HERE. Thank you!

Kleenex donations requested: Sniffle season is upon us and our kleenex stock is low. Please donate and replenish our school supply if you are able. Thank you!

DMCS/Whooping Cough: Pertussis (whooping cough) has been reported at DMCS and in our community. Please click here to see the announcement from the MN Departmen of Health with more information. 



FFA Fruit Sales
: FFA is holding their annual fruit and nut sales. Orders taken through November 8. Contact Mr. Johnson to connect with one of our FFA students to place an order!

Winter Sports Registration Now Open!

Girls and Boys Basketball Registration: Registration for girls and boys basketball is now open. The link to register may be found on bacardinals.com under the More menu. The activity fee for participating in basketball is $140 per player. The fee may be paid online under the More menu, by check or by having the fee added to your tuition account. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school’s activities office in order to participate. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Sports physical clearance forms are available under the More menu on the bacardinals.com website.

Girls Basketball begins practicing on November 11.

Boys Basketball begins practicing on November 18.

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. 

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE
Career Development Survey: As part of Career Development month in November Mr. Bienias is planning to send a career interest survey to high school students to get an idea of where their career interests are at. Please email Mr. Bienias by Friday, November 8 if you do not want your son or daughter to participate in this survey. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE
7th Grade Vision Screening Nov 5: 7th graders will have their vision checked on Tuesday; please contact Nurse Michele or the office to opt your child out of the screening. Please remind your 7th grader to wear their prescribed glasses/contacts on Tuesday!

Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser: Help support the 8th graders in their Tastefully Simple fundraiser. 100% of all profits goes toward the cost of the bus for our students. Any additional funds will help defray the cost for our chaperones. Email Kris Shuda, the Tastefully Simple consultant and past BA parent that is generously donating her profits, with any questions you may have at akshuda@charter.net  or visit www.tastefullysimple.com for product information.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE


 

Calendars:

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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 10/25/24

date 10/30/2024 author Kris Sauer category October 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

October 25, 2024

***Scheduling note: No Faribault busing Friday, November 1.***

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

Fall is flying by! Thank you to all our parents who joined us for conferences Wednesday. We so value partnering with you in your child's educational journey! Today at Mass we had the honor of joyfully inducting 17 new members into Bethlehem Academy's National Honor Society Chapter. Tuesday saw the conclusion of our Cardinal football team's season as they lost in section playoffs to Goodhue. With a win Thursday night over Southland, volleyball now moves to the section quarterfinals Monday night. Congratulations to all our Cardinals for their hard work and dedication to the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community and service!

We are excited for Halloween Thursday! Students are invited to dress in costume (modest, school appropriate, no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) with a $1 or bag of candy donation. All proceeds go to fund our Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm in our main BA parking lot. Thank you for supporting this - we annually get 1000 trick or treaters at this free community event - and are grateful for any contribution! Sign up to be a trunk (earn parent and student volunteer hours) at this link

Adoration Chapel Parking Reminder: please remind your students to pay attention to parking signs on 2ndAvenue and not park in front of the Adoration Chapel. Those spots are reserved for the adorers who are praying in the chapel, many of whom are older and rely on the close parking these spots provide. Thank you!

Finally, invite friends, family and neighbors to check out BA at our fall prospective student open house November 14 from 5-7pm. Families can register at this link; Cardinal visit days have begun. Prospective students can choose a Cardinal visit day at this link. Contact Kris with any questions!

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • November 4: Founder's Day
  • November 6: Student of the Month, 7:30am
  • November 6: Veteran's Day Poetry Contest deadline
  • November 7: FFA hunting $ dress down day
  • November 7: Post-Prom A&W Dining Night Out, 4-9pm
  • November 11: Veteran's Day Program, Girls basketball season opens
  • November 14: Admissions Open House, 5-7pm
  • November 15: No School / Teacher Workday
  • November 18: Boys basketball season opens
Find other BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Please pray for the caregivers and those struggling with their physical or mental health.

Thank you for your partnership,
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES


Fr. Kevin Kenney Ordination Oct 28: Father Kevin Kenney, former Divine Mercy Catholic Church pastor, will be ordained as the new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on Monday, October 28. Information on all the ordination events can be found at this link; watch a livestream of the ordination HERE

BA Job Openings: Please remember to spread the word about our Head of School search! Find the job posting on our website HERE; share broadly to your LinkedIn network (post is HERE) of share today's post on our Facebook page. We are also looking for a part-time (Tuesday/Thursday) kitchen assistant and a nighttime custodian. Find job postings HERE. Thank you!

Socktober: SADD's new sock donation drive continues through Thursday, October 31. Students can earn service hours for each package donated! 

FFA Fruit Sales: FFA is holding their annual fruit and nut sales. Orders taken through November 8. Contact Mr. Johnson to connect with one of our FFA students to place an order!

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser: Help support the 8th graders in their Tastefully Simple fundraiser. 100% of all profits goes toward the cost of the bus for our students. Any additional funds will help defray the cost for our chaperones. Email Kris Shuda, the Tastefully Simple consultant and past BA parent that is generously donating her profits, with any questions you may have at akshuda@charter.net  or visit www.tastefullysimple.com for product information.

Winter Sports Registration Now Open!

Girls and Boys Basketball Registration: Registration for girls and boys basketball is now open. The link to register may be found on bacardinals.com under the More menu. The activity fee for participating in basketball is $140 per player. The fee may be paid online under the More menu, by check or by having the fee added to your tuition account. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school’s activities office in order to participate. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Sports physical clearance forms are available under the More menu on the bacardinals.com website.

Girls Basketball begins practicing on November 11.

Boys Basketball begins practicing on November 18.

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. 


DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE


 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Talk. They Hear You.

Talk to your kids before they make plans with friends.

The new school year is a great time to establish family rules for social activities. 

Youth need your help understanding the facts about alcohol and other drugs. Talk with them about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, and be clear and consistent about your expectations.

For tips on how and when to begin the conversation, visit underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

 

Hable. Ellos eschucan.

Hable con sus hijos antes de que hagan planes con sus amigos.

El nuevo año escolar es un buen momento para establecer reglas familiares para las actividades sociales.

Los jóvenes necesitan su ayuda para entender los datos sobre el alcohol y otras drogas. Hable con ellos sobre los riesgos del consumo de alcohol y sustancias por menores de edad y sea claro y coherente con sus expectativas.

Para obtener consejos sobre cómo y cuándo comenzar la conversación, visite underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

 

Calendars:

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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 10/18/24

date 10/22/2024 author Kris Sauer category October 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

October 18, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

We hope you are enjoying this long weekend, taking time for some rest and relaxation with family. We look forward to seeing your renewed and refreshed students on Monday, October 21!

A reminder of our dress code adjustment starting Monday: no shorts, sandals or flip flops may be worn until after spring break in March.Thank you for your help in reminding students of this change!

Parent/Teacher Conferences are this Wednesday, October 23rd, from 3:45-7:30pm. All 6th grade parents are asked to meet with their son or daughter's homeroom teacher. Click here to sign up for a 10-minute conference with either Ms. Coller or Mrs Cina. Parents of Grade 7-12 students are invited to sign up for 10-minute conferences with individual teachers via this link. All conferences are held in each teacher's classroom. Please note that some of our part-time teachers are only scheduled through 5:30pm. ***Grade 7/8 Parents: Ms. Coller and Ms. Cina are not available for 7th and 8th grade conferences. They will be sharing notes with other middle school teachers to pass along and you may contact them direectly to schedule an alternate date/time. Sign ups close Tuesday, October 22 at 1pm. Click HERE for a map of classrooms (will also be posted @ school). Thank you for partnering with us to advance your student's academic, spiritual, and personal development! 

Trunk or Treat, our big community event, is set of October 31 from 4-6pm. Sign up to be a trunk (earn parent and student volunteer hours) at this link. More info below.

Share the good news of BA with family and friends! Our fall prospective student open house is scheduled for November 14 from 5-7pm - encourage families to register at this link; Cardinal visit days begin Tuesday, October 22. Encourage friends and neighbors to check us out! Students can choose a Cardinal visit day at this link

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • October 28: Fr. Kevin Kenney Ordination; DMCC is organizing a bus. Get tickets ($30) by Oct 21-see flyer below. 
  • October 31: Costume $ Dress Down; Trunk or Treat event 4-6 pm. 
  • November 1: All Saints Day K-12 Mass @ DMCC
  • November 11: Veteran's Day Program 
Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Please remember to spread the word about our Head of School search! Find the job posting on our website HERE; share broadly to your LinkedIn network (post is HERE) of share today's post on our Facebook page. We are also looking for a part-time (Tuesday/Thursday) Kitchen Assistant. Find the job posting HERE. Thank you!

Kudos to all our student-athletes and good luck as section competition begins ramping up. Congratulations to our girls and boys co-op soccer players. The boys are the Section 1AA runners-up, after a tough double overtime section final that was finally decided in a shootout; the girls team finished with their best season in over a decade! Good luck to our volleyball and football teams as section play begins the week of October 21-more information below. 

Prayers please for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton as well for all those in our community who are suffering in any way. 

Thank you for your partnership,
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES


Football Section Playoff Tuesday, October 22, 7pm @ Goodhue: Goodhue has a cashless admission gate, which will continue in the playoffs. There will not be a cash option. All fans should enter through the single gate on the West side of the field by Heritage Park/Pickleball Courts. Tickets may be purchased either: 1) with a credit/debit card at the gate; 2) digitally with your phone (no app required; phone is your ticket). Tickets may be purchased through GoFan at this link: BA @ Goodhue Tickets. Screenshots of tickets will be accepted to make entrance easier for fans attending with different people (ie. those without phones). Goodhue has a free Live Stream for the event which can be accessed at this link: Goodhue Live Stream.

Trunk or Treat October 31 Our biggest community event of the year is just around the corner and we need your help! Last year 1000 kids trick or treated from decorated car/truck trunks in the BA parking lot. Join us to trick or treat or sign up to host a trunk. Candy donations welcomed - please bring a bag to Parent/Teacher Conferences October 23 or drop one off in the BA Front Office any time. To participate, please register your trunk HERE. (This is a self-report parent volunteer event.) Thank you!

A Candy/$ Dress Down Day will be held Thursday, October 31. Students may dress in costumes on Halloween in exchange for a bag of candy and/or dollar. We had 1000 participants last year, so all donations are GREATLY appreciated.

Socktober: SADD's new sock donation drive continues all month. Students can earn service hours for each package donated! 

FFA Fruit Sales: FFA is holding their annual fruit and nut sales. Contact Mr. Johnson to connect with one of our FFA students to place an order!

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE
Middle School Dance October 25 - students must sign up by October 21 - click HERE for the form. Parent volunteers needed! 

Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser: 8th graders are raising money for their February Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center trip. Contact Mrs. Smisek to connect and place an order!


DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE

COMMUNITY NEWS

Talk. They Hear You.

Talk to your kids before they make plans with friends.

The new school year is a great time to establish family rules for social activities. 

Youth need your help understanding the facts about alcohol and other drugs. Talk with them about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, and be clear and consistent about your expectations.

For tips on how and when to begin the conversation, visit underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

 

Hable. Ellos eschucan.

Hable con sus hijos antes de que hagan planes con sus amigos.

El nuevo año escolar es un buen momento para establecer reglas familiares para las actividades sociales.

Los jóvenes necesitan su ayuda para entender los datos sobre el alcohol y otras drogas. Hable con ellos sobre los riesgos del consumo de alcohol y sustancias por menores de edad y sea claro y coherente con sus expectativas.

Para obtener consejos sobre cómo y cuándo comenzar la conversación, visite underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

 

Calendars:

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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 10/11/24

date 10/18/2024 author Kris Sauer category October 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

October 11, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

A short week ahead for the MEA break - NO SCHOOL next Wednesday through Friday, October 16-18, with faculty in workshops on Wednesday. Enjoy the long weekend with family!

A reminder of our dress code adjustment following the MEA break: no shorts, sandals or flip flops may be worn until after spring break in March.Thank you for your help in reminding students of this change, effective Monday, October 21!

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, October 23rd, from 3:45-7:30pm. All 6th grade parents are asked to meet with their son or daughter's homeroom teacher. Click here to sign up for a 10-minute conference with either Ms. Coller or Mrs Cina. Parents of Grade 7-12 students are invited to sign up for 10-minute conferences with individual teachers via this link. All conferences are held in each teacher's classroom. Please note that some of our part-time teachers are only scheduled through 5:30pm. Sign ups close October 22 at 1pm. Thank you for partnering with us to advance your student's academic, spiritual, and personal development! 

Trunk or Treat, our big community event, is set of October 31 from 4-6pm. Sign up to be a trunk (earn parent and student volunteer hours) at this link. More info below. Our fall prospective student open house is scheduled for November 14 from 5-7pm; Cardinal visit days begin Tuesday, October 22. Encourage friends and neighbors to check us out! Students can join us for a visit day at this link; more open house information to come. 

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • October 16-18: No School/MEA Break 
  • October 23: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3:45-7:30pm-links to sign up above. Candy donations for our Trunk or Treat event welcomed!
  • October 25: 10:30am-NHS induction ceremony at BA Mass; Middle School Dance from 7-9:30pm, hosted by the Junior Class. Sign up by October 21, click HERE for the form
  • October 28: Fr. Kevin Kenney Ordination; DMCC is organizing a bus. Get tickets ($30) by Oct 21-see flyer below. 
  • October 31: Costume $ Dress Down; Trunk or Treat event 4-6 pm. 
Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Please remember to spread the word about our Head of School search! Find the job posting on our website HERE; share broadly to your LinkedIn network (post is HERE) of share today's post on our Facebook page. We are also looking for a part-time (Tuesday/Thursday) Kitchen Assistant. Find the job posting HERE. Thank you!

Kudos to all our student-athletes for working hard all season; good luck to our volleyball and football teams as section play begins the week of October 21. 

Prayers please for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton as well for all those in our community who are suffering in any way. 

Thank you for your partnership,
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES


Trunk or Treat October 31 Our biggest community event of the year is just around the corner and we need your help! Last year 1000 kids trick or treated from decorated car/truck trunks in the BA parking lot. Join us to trick or treat or sign up to host a trunk. Candy donations welcomed - please bring a bag to Parent/Teacher Conferences October 23 or drop one off in the BA Front Office any time. To participate, please register your trunk HERE. (This is a self-report parent volunteer event.) Thank you!

A Candy/$ Dress Down Day will be held Thursday, October 31. Students may dress in costumes on Halloween in exchange for a bag of candy and/or dollar. We had 1000 participants last year, so all donations are GREATLY appreciated.

Socktober: SADD's new sock donation drive continues all month. Students can earn service hours for each package donated! 

Permanent Host family Needed! Although we have a temporary family, a permanent placement for Rachel, our new South Korean 8th grade girl, is still needed. BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education!  Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested. 
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE
Middle School Dance October 25 - students must sign up by October 21 - click HERE for the form. Parent volunteers needed! 

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE























DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
 
 
 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Talk. They Hear You.

Talk to your kids before they make plans with friends.

The new school year is a great time to establish family rules for social activities. 

Youth need your help understanding the facts about alcohol and other drugs. Talk with them about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, and be clear and consistent about your expectations.

For tips on how and when to begin the conversation, visit underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

 

Hable. Ellos eschucan.

Hable con sus hijos antes de que hagan planes con sus amigos.

El nuevo año escolar es un buen momento para establecer reglas familiares para las actividades sociales.

Los jóvenes necesitan su ayuda para entender los datos sobre el alcohol y otras drogas. Hable con ellos sobre los riesgos del consumo de alcohol y sustancias por menores de edad y sea claro y coherente con sus expectativas.

Para obtener consejos sobre cómo y cuándo comenzar la conversación, visite underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

 

Online BA School Calendar:

https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 10/4/24

date 10/13/2024 author Ed Friesen category October 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

October 4, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

HOS Search Relaunch: Yesterday we shared a message from the chairs of BA's Board and Head of School Search Committee announcing the relaunch of our search for a new head of school. Find their message and the position prospectus at this link. On Tuesday, a representative from Catholic School Management, the firm helping us with the search, will be on campus to meet with members of the search committee, administration, and a few faculty. Please share news of this position and pray for a successful search.

As we reported last week, the 2023-2024 Annual Report has been published and shared with MNSAA, our accrediting agency, as well as with the BA Board of Directors. Click HERE for a copy of the report; please reach out to either of us with any questions. 

Shoes and Socks: Student Group Service Projects: Student Council and SADD are both hosting service drives this month. Next week, October 7-11, Student Council is accepting donations of gently used running/tennis shoes in support of Mrs. Tondryk's Mill Town half marathon next weekend. SADD is collecting socks for the entire month of Socktober - student service hours can be earned by donating. See flyers below for more information. 

Study Assistance: As the year progresses, please be aware of academic resources open to your students: Daily math help: Mrs. Allen is available to help all students with math from 7:30am-9:30am Monday through Friday in the 2nd floor student center; Mrs. Kohl offers Homework club from 3pm-4pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons in the old library classroom. Our faculty are available before school at 7:30am and after school until 3:30pm to help your students with questions. Please encourage your sons and daughters to utilize these great resources for their studies!

Events: DMCS is hosting their annual Spooktacular 5k/1mile fun run/walk on October 12. Register to join the fun at this link. Trunk or Treat is set of October 31 from 4-6pm. Sign up to be a trunk (earn parent and student volunteer hours) at this link. More info below. 

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • October 16-18: No School/MEA Break 
  • October 23: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3:45-7:30pm. Sign up links coming soon.
  • October 25: 10:30am-NHS induction ceremony at BA Mass; 7-9:30pm, Middle School Dance hosted by Junior Class, sign up by October 21, click HERE for the form
  • October 28: Fr. Kevin Kenney Ordination; DMCC is organizing a bus. Get tickets ($30) by Oct 21. 
  • October 31: Costume $ Dress Down; Trunk or Treat event 4-6 pm. 
Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Prayers please for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene as well for all those in our community who are suffering in any way. 

Thank you for your partnership,
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES

Home & School Parent Directory: Opt Out by Oct 7: We are working on the Home & School Family Directory. If you do NOT want your information published in this directory, please email Gina Yetzer by October 7. The directory will be emailed to parents who have paid their Home & School dues. Scan the QR code if you haven't already paid your dues for the year. 

Trunk or Treat October 31 Our biggest community event of the year is just around the corner and we need your help! Last year 1000 kids trick or treated from decorated car/truck trunks in the BA parking lot. Join us for trick or treating or sign up to host a trunk. Please bring a candy donation to Parent/Teacher Conferences October 23 or drop any candy donations in the BA Front Office. To participate, please register your trunk HERE. (This is a self-report parent volunteer event.) Thank you!

Permanent Host family Needed! Although we have a temporary family, a permanent placement for Rachel, our new South Korean 8th grade girl, is still needed. BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education!  Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested. 

Volunteer Opportunities:
Oct 13: Mill Town Marathon student volunteers needed: Are your students looking for service hours? Join in supporting Ms. Tondryk as she runs the Mill Town half marathon on Sunday, Oct 13, by volunteering at the local race! There are various time slots and roles available, from photographer to bicycle pacer to handing out water or race packets. It's a fun way to earn service hours, be part of a lively event, and cheer on Ms. Tondryk! Click HERE to volunteer. 
Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at:  https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE

Fall Sports Digital Tickets
Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform.  Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance.  Volleyball and football passes are available as well.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE
Middle School Dance October 25 - students must sign up by October 21 - click HERE for the form. Parent volunteers needed! 

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE























DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
Click HERE to register!
 
 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Talk. They Hear You.

Talk to your kids before they make plans with friends.

The new school year is a great time to establish family rules for social activities. 

Youth need your help understanding the facts about alcohol and other drugs. Talk with them about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, and be clear and consistent about your expectations.

For tips on how and when to begin the conversation, visit underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

 

Hable. Ellos eschucan.

Hable con sus hijos antes de que hagan planes con sus amigos.

El nuevo año escolar es un buen momento para establecer reglas familiares para las actividades sociales.

Los jóvenes necesitan su ayuda para entender los datos sobre el alcohol y otras drogas. Hable con ellos sobre los riesgos del consumo de alcohol y sustancias por menores de edad y sea claro y coherente con sus expectativas.

Para obtener consejos sobre cómo y cuándo comenzar la conversación, visite underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

 

Online BA School Calendar:

https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 9/27/24

date 10/02/2024 author Kris Sauer category September 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

September 27, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

Homecoming 2024 - What a week! Congratulations to our Homecoming King, Peter Schoolmeesters. Escorted by Mariana Hager, Peter was joined by fellow King candidates Nicholas Archambault (Morgan Wilson), Noah Casper (Anna Tobin), and Cole Goodwin (Kaylee Katra). Proud of them and all our Cardinals this week! 

The 2023-2024 Annual Report has been published and shared with MNSAA, our accrediting agency, as well as with the BA Board of Directors. Click HERE for a copy of the report; please reach out to either of us with any questions. 

As the year progresses, please be aware of two resources for your students: Daily math help: Mrs. Allen is available to help all students with math from 7:30am-9:30am Monday through Friday in the 2nd floor student center; Mrs. Kohl offers Homework club from 3pm-4pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons in the old library classroom. Our faculty are available before school at 7:30am and after school until 3:30pm to help your students with questions. Please encourage your sons and daughters to utilize these great resources for their studies!

Looking ahead: DMCS is hosting a waffle breakfast this Sunday-see below for the flyer; register to walk/run in the October 12 Spooktacular at this link; be sure to join us in the BA parking lot for the Trunk or Treat community event October 31 from 4-6pm. Sign up to be a trunk (earn parent volunteer hours) at this link.

The week ahead: 

Click here for the school picture order form.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • October 7: Last day to opt out of the Home & School directory, see below
  • October 10: Prom $ Dress Down 
  • October 12: DMCS Spooktacular walk/run, register HERE
  • October 16-18: No School/MEA Break
  • October 23: Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • October 25: NHS induction ceremony; Middle School Dance hosted by Junior Class
  • October 31: Costume $ Dress Down; Trunk or Treat event 4-6pm
Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

May you have a restful and blessed weekend!

In partnership
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES

Home & School Parent Directory: Opt Out by Oct 7: We are working on the Home & School Family Directory. If you do NOT want your information published in this directory, please email Gina Yetzer by October 7. The directory will be emailed to parents who have paid their Home & School dues. Scan the QR code if you haven't already paid your dues for the year. 

Permanent Host family Needed! Although we have a temporary family, a permanent placement for Rachel, our new South Korean 8th grade girl, is still needed. BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education!  Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested. 

Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at:  https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE

Fall Sports Digital Tickets
Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform.  Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance.  Volleyball and football passes are available as well.

Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.)

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE

 

Online BA School Calendar:

https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 9/20/24

date 09/26/2024 author Kris Sauer category September 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

September 20, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 

Our football and volleyball teams have done a great job this week planning Dig Pink and Tackle Cancer events. If you didn't join us for volleyball Tuesday, tonight is a great opportunity to cheer on our Cardinal football team AND help the team TACKLE CANCER. All funds raised will be donated directly to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund. Game time is 7pm at Bruce Smith Field. Thank you for your support of this effort to build community and do good in service for others!


Next week is Homecoming Week! This is a special week full of traditions and events. Please encourage your sons and daughters to participate in activities responsibly, be safe and appropriate, and follow CARDS (Character, Accountability, Decision-Making, Service). We have reminded students of this as well, particularly when it comes to any unsanctioned events. We want this to be fun week for all. Please Note: We discourage middle school students from doing any out-of-school activities. They are invited to dress up and join us for all of the events at school this week as well as the game on Friday. For our high schoolers: a reminder to get permission for any out-of-school "decorating." 

Homecoming Week Dress Down/Theme Day Info: 
  • Students must wear themed attire or come to school in the normal dress code.
  • If dressing in the theme for the day:
    • Athletic shorts of a modest length (mid-thigh) may be worn if following the theme of the day.
    • Leggings may be worn with shorts, skirts or dresses fitting the theme. If wearing a theme-appropriate top with leggings, the top must be long. It cannot be cropped or waist-length.
Friday, September 27 Reminders:
  • No Faribault busing! The public schools do not have school. The BA van will run as scheduled.
  • Students must come to school in the morning. We will take attendance following morning announcements and then board buses for Mass at DMCC. DO NOT send your child directly to Divine Mercy.
  • The dress down theme for Friday is Cardinal spirit wear. Because we will attend Mass, students may not wear shorts, leggings, or hats on Friday. Jeans (dress code appropriate) on this Mass Day are acceptable.
  • Middle school students will be dismissed at approximately 1:45pm, following the departure of the parade vehicles for the DMCC campus.
  • High school students will return in parade vehicles at the conclusion of the parade and be dismissed from there at approximately 2:30pm. 
Finally, blessings to our seniors on retreat Sunday and Monday and good luck to our Homecoming King candidates Nicholas Archambault, Noah Casper, Cole Goodwin, and Peter Schoolmeesters and their Court. Click HERE for more details on the week. 

Spirit Fest: Please plan to join our Divine Mercy Catholic Church community to celebrate Spirit Fest tomorrow. Loads of activities from live music to great food to Mass, an outdoor movie, loads of activities and fireworks to end the evening! MANY volunteers are needed for this event. Please sign up HERE if you are able to help - up to 5 hours will count towards your BA parent service hour requirement. Thank you!

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • October 2: Student of the Month, 7:30am BA gym
  • October 3: Picture Day
  • October 10: Prom $ Dress Down 
  • October 12: DMCS Spooktacular
  • October 16-18: No School/MEA Break
  • October 23: Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • October 25: NHS induction ceremony; MS Dance
  • October 31: Costume $ Dress Down; Trunk or Treat event 4-6pm
Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

May you have a restful and blessed weekend!

In partnership
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA
UPDATES
Permanent Host family Needed! Although we have a temporary family, a permanent placement for Harang is still needed. BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education!  Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested. 

Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Divine Mercy Catholic Church is hosting their annual Spirit Fest event tomorrow - Saturday, September 21. BA parents who volunteer at this event can earn up to 5 BA parent service hours. Click HERE for the link to sign up. Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at:  https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE

Fall Sports Digital Tickets
Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform.  Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance.  Volleyball and football passes are available as well.

Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.)

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
  

 
Click HERE to order. 
 
 

Online BA School Calendar:

https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 9/13/24

date 09/19/2024 author Kris Sauer category 2024-25, September 2024 comment Leave a comment

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

September 13, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardians: 


It was indeed a GREAT week to be a Cardinal! On Wednesday, September 11, we took a break from routine to gather together in prayer in remembrance of the events of 9/11. From there, every class went out into the community for several hours of volunteering. The joy on your sons and daughters faces as they served others was inspiring. Thank you for your partnership in their education focused on the Dominican values of prayer, study, commmunity and service!

Next week our football and volleyball teams continue coming together as a community to serve. The girls will host a DIG PINK event at their September 17th home volleyball games and the boys will host a TACKLE CANCER event at their home football game on September 20. Students will have a dress down day ($1 for pink, sweatpants; $2 for hats) on Tuesday, September 17. All proceeds go to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research Fund. Please participate and support our student-athletes as you are able!

Middle School Parents: Next week, Sept 16-19, begins our Fall NWEA MAP testing. Please help your son or daughter understand that working through these assessments and trying their hardest is important so that we can have accurate data. Thank you for helping them get a good night’s sleep as well. Note that students who miss a test due to schedules or illness will have a chance for a make up exam.

Spirit Fest: Please plan to join our Divine Mercy Catholic Church community to celebrate Spirit Fest, their annual fall event Saturday, Sept 21. Loads of activities from live music to great food to Mass, an outdoor movie, loads of activities and fireworks to end the evening! MANY volunteers are needed for this event. Please sign up HERE if you are able to help - up to 5 hours will count towards your BA parent service hour requirement. Thank you!

Homecoming is just two weeks away! Congratulations to our 2024 Court candidates: Nicholas Archambault, Noah Casper, Cole Goodwin, and Peter Schoolmeesters. Order your homecoming t-shirts by 3pm Monday, September 16. Click HERE for an order form. See below for themed dress days September 23-27 and homecoming activities on September 27, including the pep fest, coronation, and parade (new route this year). Go, Cardinals - Wrangle the Wildcats

In other highlights: While we have a temporary family, we are still looking for a permanent host family for an accepted 8th grade girl from So Korea. Please consider opening your home to this student! Find more information below. The Vex IQ Robotics program begins with practices on September 16. This is great club open to all BA students. Click HERE for the registration form and more information. 

Finally, NO homework club next week, September 16-19. 

The week ahead: 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

  • September 21: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church - Volunteer HERE - parents can earn up to 5 service hours!
  • September 22-23: Senior class retreat
  • September 23-27: Homecoming Week: Wrangle the Wildcats! See below for themed dress down days and more information.
  • September 27: BA homecoming events; Middle School dismissed at 1:45pm; High School dismissed following the parade at 2:45pm.
  • October 2: Student of the Month, 7:30am BA gym
  • October 3: Picture Day!
  • October 12: Spooktacular
  • October 16-18: No School/MEA Break
Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

May you have a restful and blessed weekend!

In partnership
Kris SauerEd Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School

ALL BA UPDATES

    Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day & Events:  
    BA volleyball and BA football are again participating in the Randy Shaver Tackle Cancer & Dig Pink fundraiser. BA volleyball will raise funds at their home game on Tuesday, September 17th. BA football will raise funds at their home game on Friday, September 20th.  There will also be a $1 dress down day on Tuesday, September 17th. Please join us at the games for additional opportunities at each of the events to participate in raising funds for Cancer Research.*Proceeds from the events, t-shirt and hoodie sales, and the dress down day will all be donated to the Randy Shaver Cancer Fund.*

    Homecoming Week 2024: T-shirt orders are due by 3pm Monday!! Click HERE for an order form. BA will celebrate Homecoming Week September 23-27. Students are encouraged to follow the dress theme for each day. Note that students not participating in the theme should follow the dress code. Friday, September 27th will begin with Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) followed by buddy activities with Divine Mercy Catholic School. All are invited to attend the noon pep fest and coronation in BA's Van Orsow Auditorium. The homecoming parade will follow. This year's parade will go from BA out to DMCS instead of through downtown Faribault. The Homecoming Dance for high school students (a mixer-type dance) will be held in the BA gym following the football game until 11:30pm. PARENTS! Join us at Corks & Pints after the game for your own event - 1st 100 in the door receive $1 off their first beverage!

     
    Permanent Host family Needed! Although we have a temporary family, a permanent placement for Harang is still needed. BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education!  Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested. 


    Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Divine Mercy Catholic Church is hosting their annual Spirit Fest event Saturday, September. BA parents who volunteer at this event can earn up to 5 BA parent service hours. Click HERE for the link to sign up. Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at:  https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE

    Fall Sports Digital Tickets
    Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform.  Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance.  Volleyball and football passes are available as well.

    Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.)

    High School Updates
    Juniors: Sign up for the PSAT by 9/17! BA will be offering an opportunity for 11th graders to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) in October (21-25, date TBD). Associated costs will be covered by BA. The PSAT is a test designed to help high school sophomores and juniors prepare for the SAT. The PSAT can also gauge your aptitude for other national tests and inform which areas you'll need to focus your studying on. It also affords a student the opportunity to earn a scholarship and the prestigious title of National Merit Scholar if they perform well enough. If interested, please fill out the form at this link by Tuesday, September 17. Parents or students are also encouraged to reach out to our school counselor in person or Nathan_Bienias@bacards.org. Information on the scholarship program can be found HERE.

    Senior parents: Zoom prayer event September 17 for your senior. Click HERE to register. See flyer below (updated QR code)


    DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
      


    Register HERE for Edge!
    Click HERE to order. 
     
    COMMUNITY NEWS

    Online BA School Calendar:

    https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

    Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
    https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

    Family Focus 9/6/24

    date 09/09/2024 author Kris Sauer category September 2024, 2024-25 comment Leave a comment

    “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2024-2025)

    September 6, 2024

    Dear Parent/Guardians: 


    The school year is in full swing! We hope your sons and daughters are settling in and getting used to the routine of school. We are here to help, so please do reach out if there is any way we can support you.

    The next few weeks will be busy with lots of great events and opportunities for our students to grow in our Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. See below for more information on our annual school-wide service day next Wednesday, September 11 - and please consider donating to the service day drive for St. Vincent de Paul, one of our service sites. We'll be collecting canned goods, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste - send contributions in with your students by next Wednesday. BA volleyball and football teams are raising money for cancer through their Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer events. Order shirts and hoodies by September 11 and plan to participate in the games on September 17 and September 20. Finally, homecoming is just around the corner! See below for themed dress days September 23-27 and homecoming activities on September 27, including the pep fest, coronation, and parade (new route this year). Go, Cardinals - Wrangle the Wildcats! See below for all the details. 

    In other highlights: We are looking for a host family for an accepted 8th grade girl from So Korea who will be arriving hopefully late September. Please consider opening your home to this student! Find more information below. The Vex IQ Robotics program begins with practices on September 16. This is great club open to all BA students. Click HERE for the registration form and more information. 

    The week ahead: 

    UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar

    • September 11: All-school Student Service Day & St. Vincent de Paul donation drive (see below)
    • September 13: 1st United Bank Jr Board of Directors applications due (juniors and seniors)-see info below
    • September 16: Vex IQ Robotics Team first meeting. Click HERE to sign up. 
    • September 17: Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer pink dress down day fundraiser; Dig Pink events at home VB games. Order gear HERE by 9/11 at 11:59pm
    • September 20: Tackle Cancer event @ home football game
    • September 21: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church - see below for volunteer link, parents can earn up to 5 service hours!
    • September 22-23: Senior class retreat
    • September 23-27: Homecoming Week: Wrangle the Wildcats! See below for themed dress down days and more information.
    • September 27: No Faribault busing! BA homecoming events; Middle School dismissed by 1:45pm; High School dismissed following the parade at 2:45pm.
    Find other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages. 

    May you have a restful and blessed weekend!

    In partnership
    Kris SauerEd Friesen
    Interim Co-Heads of School

    ALL BA UPDATES

    Service Day 2024 Donation Drive and Info: As is our tradition as a Dominican school focused on prayer, study, community and service - all grades will be departing for service sites in the Faribault community following a short prayer service on Wednesday, September 11, which is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Students will be provided a bag lunch (or may bring their own) and are asked to dress in Cardinal shirts and work-ready pants and shoes. More details to follow next week. We are also conducting a donation drive for St. Vincent de Paul, one of our service sites. Please, if you are able, send donations of canned goods and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste) in with your student by next Wednesday. Thank you for supporting these acts of service!

    Homecoming Week 2024: BA will celebrate Homecoming Week September 23-27. Students are encouraged to follow the dress theme for each day - see the list below. Note that students not participating in the theme should follow the dress code. Friday, September 27th will begin with Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church (139 Mercy Drive) followed by buddy activities with Divine Mercy Catholic School. All are invited to attend the noon pep fest and coronation in BA's Van Orsow Auditorium. The homecoming parade will follow. This year's parade will go from BA out to DMCS instead of through downtown Faribault. See below for themed dress down days: 

    • Monday, September 23rd: Color Day - Grades will wear the following colors: 6th: Red; 7th: Green; 8th: Yellow; 9th: Purple; 10th: Orange; 11th: Pink; 12th: Clear; Faculty/Staff: Blue            
    • Tuesday, September 24th: Adam Sandler Day (Students wear over-sized, baggy clothing)
    • Wednesday, September 25th: Western Wear
    • Thursday, September 26th: Hawaiian/Tropical Day
    • Friday, September 27th: Cardinal spirit wear

    Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer Gear Order, Dress Down Day & Events:  
    Unfortunately, cancer touches the lives of so many in numerous ways. We would like to come together and do our part to help.

    BA volleyball and BA football are again participating in the Randy Shaver Tackle Cancer & Dig Pink fundraiser. BA volleyball will raise funds at their home game on Tuesday, September 17th. BA football will raise funds at their home game on Friday, September 20th. T-shirts and Hoodies are available for purchase in white or light pink. Click HERE to order by 11:59 Wednesday, September 11.  ORDER SOON! There will also be a $1 dress down day on Tuesday, September 17th. Please join us at the games for additional opportunities at each of the events to participate in raising funds for Cancer Research.*Proceeds from the events, t-shirt and hoodie sales, and the dress down day will all be donated to the Randy Shaver Cancer Fund.*

    Host family Needed! Host family needed ASAP for accepted student arriving soon from South Korea! BA offers tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and an all-season athletic pass to host families. Consider hosting this delightful student and give her the gift of a BA education! Monthly stipend, BA tuition credit, parent volunteer hour credit for the year; and annual home game family pass included for the host family. Contact Kris or Cheryl at PSE with questions or if interested. 


    2023-2024 Yearbooks: Extra copies are available for purchase ($79.46). Contact Mrs. Kallie Battles to get your copy! 

    Homework Club is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 3-4pm in Mrs. Kohl's 2nd floor library classroom. No need to sign up, students are invited to join her when they need to. Plan Ahead: NO Homework Club September 16-19. 

    Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Divine Mercy Catholic Church is hosting their annual Spirit Fest event Saturday, September. BA parents who volunteer at this event can earn up to 5 BA parent service hours. Click HERE for the link to sign up. Volleyball & Football Home Games: Help needed to take tickets and work concessions at our fall home football and volleyball games. Find the game sign ups in POINT at:  https://pointapp.org/sign-in/. Click HERE for more information on our parent volunteer program. Find directions on how to self-report your hours HERE

    Fall Sports Digital Tickets
    Bethlehem Academy and the other members of the Gopher Conference have adopted GoFan as our digital ticketing platform.  Get the GoFan app on your mobile device or visit the website https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19536 to buy your tickets in advance.  Volleyball and football passes are available as well.

    Moms in Prayer Group: Enrich your prayer life - all moms are invited to join this fabulous group Tuesdays at 1:45pm at BA in Sr Theresa's office in the basement level (stop in the front office for directions.)

    High School Updates
    Juniors and Seniors! 1st United Bank Junior Board of Director Applications for this year are now available. Click HERE for a copy. All applications must be in by September 13th.

    Juniors: Sign up for the PSAT by 9/17! BA will be offering an opportunity for 11th graders to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) in October (21-25, date TBD). Associated costs will be covered by BA. The PSAT is a test designed to help high school sophomores and juniors prepare for the SAT. The PSAT can also gauge your aptitude for other national tests and inform which areas you'll need to focus your studying on. It also affords a student the opportunity to earn a scholarship and the prestigious title of National Merit Scholar if they perform well enough. If interested, please fill out the form at this link by Tuesday, September 17. Parents or students are also encouraged to reach out to our school counselor in person or Nathan_Bienias@bacards.org. Information on the scholarship program can be found HERE.


    Senior parents: Zoom prayer event September 17 for your senior. Click HERE to register. 

    DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
      



    Click HERE to sign up for confirmation. 

    Register HERE for Edge!
    Click HERE to order. 
     
     
    COMMUNITY NEWS
    Lawn Mowing Job: Mary Ann, a BA neighbor on Willow Street, is looking for a BA student or adult to mow her lawn. Mower available on site, $20/time. Contact her at 507-334-3000 if interested. 
     
    Online BA School Calendar:

    https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/

    Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
    https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

    Our Mission
    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.
    Address
    105 3rd Ave. SW
    Faribault, MN  55021
    Phone:  507-334-3948
    Fax:  507-334-3949