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Family Focus 9/22/23

09/26/2023

Kris Sauer

September 2023, 2023-24

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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)

September 22, 2023

A Message from the BA Board Chair:
Dear Bethlehem Academy Community,

Thank you for your continued support of our great Catholic school! 

I want to provide a quick update on transition planning following Mindy’s announcement that her last day will be October 13. The board and faculty/staff met and have started the foundational open discussions for an interim coverage plan, as well as what is required for future leadership structure for long term success. The board will be meeting again next week and will continue to provide updates through this process. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated not only through this transition but daily for the students as they become our next generation of Christian leaders. Veritas! 

Sincerely,
Cory Caron, Board of Directors Chairperson, cory.caron@yahoo.com

President/Principal Message:
Dear BA Families: 
Completion of our first month of school! This is a great opportunity to check in with your scholar on their progress in each class as we are midway through this first quarter. 

Please welcome Gina Yetzer to our school family. Gina is our new Office Administrative Assistant - stop in and introduce yourself!
Hello, I’m Gina Yeltzer and am very happy to be at BA and back working in a Christian environment! My husband, Joe, is Chief Deputy for the county and we have three children: Gabrielle (20, studying at Eckard College), Isaac (17, senior at FHS) and Eddie (15, sophomore at FHS). We are an active family who loves to be outdoors on the beach or skiing in the mountains. I appreciate your patience as I learn all my new duties and look forward to the year ahead.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.

• Sept. 25: National Food Service Day - Thank our lunch team!
• Sept 25-28: Middle School MAP testing-be sure students have fully charged laptops every day this week!
• Sept. 26: Rome Trip Dress Down $$1 sweats; $2 leggings
  • Homecoming t-shirt orders due by 1pm. 
• Sept. 27: Guatemala Trip Bake Sale before and after school; items range from $1-4.
• Sept. 28: School picture day! Photo order forms sent home today (9/22), extra copies available in the front office.
• Sept. 29: 7th Grade field trip to River Bend Nature Center
  • No PM Faribault busing; Faribault public schools will dismiss and buses will run at 1pm due to the Faribault homecoming parade. BA will be in session regular hours that day; the BA van will run at our normal dismissal time. 
  • Paradise Center for the Arts Student Exhibit Reception, 5-7pm: Opening reception for BA student artwork featured in the PCA's Corey Lyn Creger Art Gallery. 
• Oct. 2-6: HOMECOMING WEEK! See below for themed dress down days & more information
• Oct 6: Parent/Alumni Social @ Corks & Pints following the football game. First 100 adults get at $1 off their beverage of choice. Join us!

BA JOB OPENINGS: Have a flexible schedule? Consider driving our student van in the morning (6:50-7:50) and/or in the afternoons after fall sports finish. We are also in need of a part-time kitchen assistant and a gambling program manager. Email mreeder@bacards.org if interested.

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

• The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $49,212-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
• SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Guest speaker: former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.
• Nov. 5: New - Founder's Day 50 Fundraiser!  Details to come!

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATE

Homecoming 2023 Themed Dress Down Days

• Mon., Oct 2: Color Day 6^th grade: red; 7^th grade: black; 8^th grade: white; 9^th grade: green; 10^th grade: blue; 11^th grade: purple; 12^th grade: pink
• Tues., Oct 3: Gray Out + Anything but a Backpack
• Wed., Oct 4: Mass Attire
• Thurs., Oct 5: Teacher/Student Role Reversal Day
• Fri., Oct 6: Cardinal Spirit Wear

Homecoming Week 2023: Theme - Knock out the Knights 2.0! T-shirt orders due Tues, Sept 26. Week features daily themed dress down days (see above). Wednesday is the DMCS & BA Mass at 8:30, followed by student buddy activities. A pep fest is held Friday noon in Van Orsow Auditorium followed by Homecoming King coronation at 1:00pm. All are invited to attend. (Note that by longstanding tradition, BA crowns a Homecoming King but not a Homecoming Queen. Instead, seniors elect a SnoBall Queen at the winter SnoBall.) The Homecoming parade typically begins around 1:30pm Friday following the pep fest. Note that students are dismissed after the parade concludes, usually around 2:00pm. (Faribault buses run on a normal dismissal schedule.) The Homecoming dance follows the Homecoming football game and is a mixer (not an “ask” dance) open to all high school students. Non-BA high school students may attend the homecoming mixer if registered in the main office prior to the event. This year, BA will host a parent/alumni social at Corks and Pints Friday night following the football game. First 100 people through the door get $1 off a drink of their choice!

Spooktacular & Shoe Drive: Join the fun! Register for the Oct 14 Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education HERE. Watch for details on fabulous participant prizes. New this year - old tennis shoe drive for St. Vincent de Paul (+ coupon.) Click HERE for more info.

Trunk or Treat Oct 31: Volunteer trunks needed for the BA/DMCS community-wide Trunk or Treat event Tuesday, October 31 from 4-6pm in the BA/DMCS parking lots. This is a parent and student service hour event. Sign up to host a trunk HERE. 

Home and School: Reminder to please pay your $30 Home and School dues! Scan the QR code at left to pay via Venmo or send a check in to the BA front office. Thank you!

Rome Pilgrimage June 2024: It's not too late to sign up for the 2024 Pilgrimage to Rome! Highlights of the trip will include St. Peter’s Basilica Mass and tour, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, San Francesco - Church of St. Francis, and Michelangelo’s David. Cost for trip is $3,995 which includes airfare, accommodations, transportation in Rome and to Assisi and Florence, as well as most meals. Trip is open to current high school students and adults.  Please contact Ms. Caryn Coller for more details or student permission slip. Click HERE for our travel company information.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

National Honor Society Applications Due Oct 2: Forms available in the BA front office. All eligible juniors and seniors who are not already NHS members were sent an email inviting them to apply.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

































Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, MN
is offering a Family Retreat, Oct 20-22, 2023, titled:
God is Near: Knowing God-with-Us.

• Arrive Friday between 4:00-7:00 p.m. Depart Sunday by 12:30. Suggested offering: $50 deposit per family; $190 per adult; $50 for kids; children five/under free. 

Register by clicking the button below or call 952.447.2182 (Tues-Fri 9:00-4:00).

 

 

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, 9/15/2023

09/19/2023

Kris Sauer

September 2023, 2023-24

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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)

September 15, 2023

Dear BA Families: 
Tackle Cancer Fundraiser! Our BA Volleyball had a blast raising funds for cancer on Thursday and tonight, please join us for the BA Football Tackle Cancer event. This fundraiser is a wonderful way to support those who have been touched by cancer - THANK YOU! BA Staff looks forward to seeing you out at the Divine Mercy Parish Festival on Saturday, it's going to be a great weekend. Here is a look at our schedule for next week:


UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.
Middle School Homework Club: Closed, Monday, Sept. 18; Open - Tues., Sept. 19 and Thurs., Sept. 21 (3-4 p.m.)

• Sept. 16: SpiritFest @ Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Volunteers still needed! Click HERE to help! (Students earn service hours.) 
• Sept. 18: National Priest Day! Thank our priests for all they do!
• Sept. 25: National Food Service Day - Thank our lunch team!
• Sept. 26: Rome Trip Dress Down $$1 sweats; $2 leggings
• Sept. 28: School picture day! Photo order forms to be sent home with students Sep 22.
• Sept. 29: 7th Grade goes to River Bend Nature Center
• Oct. 2-6: HOMECOMING WEEK!

Reminders:  Don't forget, we have free breakfast offered from 7:30-8 a.m. each morning. 

BA JOB OPENINGS: Part-time Van Driver - Email if interested at: mreeder@bacards.org 

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

• The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $48,702-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
• SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! 
• Nov. 5: New Founder's Day Alumni/Donor Event - Details to come!

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATE

Rome Pilgrimage - June 7-18, 2024: Attention Bethlehem Academy families, it is not too late to sign up for the 2024 Pilgrimage to Rome.  Highlights of the trip will include St. Peter’s Basilica mass and tour, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, San Francesco - Church of St. Francis, and Michelangelo’s David.  Cost for trip is $3,995 which includes airfare, accommodations, transportation in Rome and to Assisi and Florence, as well as most meals.  Trip is open to current high school students and adults.  Please contact Ms. Caryn Coller for more details or student permission slip.  ccoller@bacards.org. Link to our travel company - Ciaoromatravel.com

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Letter Jackets - This past week Meca Sportswear was at BA for letter jacket orders.  BA has worked with Meca for letter jacket ordering for many years.  The Meca Sportswear representative will be at BA again on a date to be determined.

Besides, Meca, students may also purchase letter jackets from Josten's.  BA has worked with Josten's for yearbooks and graduation items for many years.  Josten's has recently expanded into letter jackets.  Josten's will have a representative at BA on Wednesday, September 20 during the lunch hour.  Please click here for more information on the letter jacket option from Josten's.
 

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

















Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, MN
is offering a Family Retreat, Oct 20-22, 2023, titled:
God is Near: Knowing God-with-Us.

• Arrive Friday between 4:00-7:00 p.m. Depart Sunday by 12:30. Suggested offering: $50 deposit per family; $190 per adult; $50 for kids; children five/under free. 

Register by clicking the button below or call 952.447.2182 (Tues-Fri 9:00-4:00).

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, 9/8/2023

09/08/2023

Ed Friesen

September 2023, 2023-24

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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)

September 8, 2023

Dear BA Families: 
Service and Learning. This week our scholars heard from the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center on online safety and their online footprint. The lyceum highlighted online citizenship as well as what to watch out for when online. Additionally, parents attended an evening presentation. Visit their webpage for information (Jacob W).

On Friday, all BA scholars gathered for grade level service projects across town including: parish grounds; Milestone Senior Center; United Way Bookstore; IRIS; Calvary Cemetery; River Bend Nature Center and clean up along the Straight River Bike trails. This day of service is a tradition at BA, bringing scholars together as we serve out the Dominican Pillar of Service in our community.

IN CLASSROOMS: BA scholars should be feeling comfortable with their schedules and their classes. Student homework is in Schoology, so be sure to ask them to see the Schoology class pages. Parents can check grades periodically in PowerSchool. Reach out with questions on these programs to our technology coordinator, Ed Friesen at .

HOMEWORK HELP: Students can find teachers before or after school for support. We do have homework club for Middle School starting every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m. For High School students, Ms. Ashley has resource time, email her at: . For High School math, Mrs. Allen is available after school and Mr. Gilmore before school. 

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.

•  Sept. 9: Deadline to order t-shirts/sweatshirts for the 2023 Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer events; click HERE to order.
• Sept. 14 - Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day and fundraiser @ home volleyball game. Click HERE for more information.
• Sept. 15 - Tackle Cancer fundraiser events @ home football game
• Sept. 16: SpiritFest @ Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Volunteers needed! Click HERE to help! (Students earn service hours.) 
• Sept. 28 - School picture day! Photo order forms to be sent home with students Sep 22
• Oct. 2-6: HOMECOMING WEEK!

See the Prom Fundraiser! Scan and order your hats today.

Reminders:  Don't forget, we have free breakfast offered from 7:30-8 a.m. each morning. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and pick up time is 3 p.m. Lifeteen kicks off this Sunday, see flier below.

BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: mreeder@bacards.org

• Part-time Van Driver
• Substitute Teachers (Must have college degree)

FUNDRAISERS & EVENT UPDATES:

• The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $47,102-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
• SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! 
• Nov. 5: New Founder's Day Alumni/Donor Event - Details to come!

Family Focus, 9/1/23

09/03/2023

Kris Sauer

2023-24, September 2023

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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)

September 1, 2023

Dear BA Families: 
Our first week of the 2023-24 academic year is wrapped up! I hope your scholar is feeling comfortable and excited about some of their classes. Our staff is working hard to ensure that curriculum is engaging and challenging, with support available when needed. Please reach out to your scholar's teachers with any questions.

ONLINE SAFETY-Wed., Sept. 6: Ensuring that your scholar is safe online is critical in today's society. Bethlehem Academy is hosting an online safety presentation for parents of 6-12th grade students on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. PLEASE JOIN US! This is a free presentation and so important for parents. (Flier below)

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.

• Sept. 4: NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
• Sept. 6, 6:00pm - Parent Social Media/Technology safety presentation by the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center. See flier below.
• Sept. 7: 1st day of Robotics, 3-5pm & MS Homework Club, see info below
• Sept. 8: All School Student Service Day after Mass! (Service Day dress code, see info below)
• Sept. 9: Deadline to order t-shirts/sweatshirts for the 2023 Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer events; click HERE to order.
• Sept. 14 - Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day and fundraiser @ home volleyball game. Click HERE for more information.
• Sept. 15 - Tackle Cancer fundraiser events @ home football game
• Sept. 16: SpiritFest @ Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Volunteers needed! Click HERE to help! (Students earn service hours.) 
• Sept. 28 - School picture day! Photo order forms to be sent home with students Sep 22
• Oct. 2-6: HOMECOMING WEEK!

Reminders:  Don't forget, we have free breakfast offered from 7:30-8 a.m. each morning. 

BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: mreeder@bacards.org

• Part-time Van Driver
• Substitute Teachers (Must have college degree)

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

• The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $46,552-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
• SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! 
• Nov. 5: New Founder's Day Alumni/Donor Event - Details to come!

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATE

Schoolwide Service Day Sept. 8: Next Friday, BA will be living out its mission of service and sending each grade out into the community to perform acts of service next Friday, Sept 8. Students will depart for their work sites following Mass (no Mass dress code), and will return in time for Period 3 (HS) and Period 8 (MS). Bag lunches will be provided by the school. Students should bring water bottles and gloves and are asked to wear Cardinal t-shirts and pants/shoes appropriate for the work at their site. See below for more information.

Grade 12 – Milestone Senior Center and United Way Bookstore. Projects range from visit with elderly to yard work, cleaning, painting, and sorting books.
Grade 11 – Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Students will help clean inside the church and do yard work at the House of Gratitude and Garden of Mercy.
Grade 10 – Calvary Cemetery. Students will paint inside of new building, clean flat grave markers; tree clearing. Extra supplies, including flat-edge shovels or other small tools for clearing tombstones, paint brushes & buckets, suggested.
Grade 9 – IRIS (Infants Remembered in Silence). Projects include yard work, cleaning, creating bereavement support packets and labeling and stamping 1500 Turkey Trot Postcards
Grade 7 and Grade 8 - River Bend Nature Center. Grade 7 will help clear buckthorn; Grade 8 will help take down the compass and collecting trash from trails and driveway.
Grade 6 – Straight River Bike Trail. Students will help clean the trail.

Mass Day School Store: Click HERE to order Mass Day-appropriate BA gear.

2022-2023 Yearbooks were distributed today (Sept. 1) in homeroom. Contact Brent Zabel (bzabel@bacards.org) with questions or to purchase a 2022-23 yearbook.

Robotics Opens Sept. 7: Robotics begins after Labor Day! Open to middle and high school students, the team meets Mon & Thurs from 3-5pm in the DMCS Media Lab. Cost to participate is $75; click HERE for the registration form. 

MS Homework Help Starts Thurs, Sept 7: Homework help for middle school students is offered every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3-4pm, starting Thursday, Sept. 7.

Fall Sports:  Fall sports are underway.  Please visit https://www.bacardinals.com for more information.  The online registration form for football and volleyball can be found under the More menu as can the link to pay the $140 activity fee. The activity fee may also be paid by check or as an additional charge to your tuition account.  

Middle school soccer began Tuesday, August 29. Please visit faribaultfalcons.com for more information on cooperative sports or contact the activities office.

Fall Trap: if your scholar is interested in either a fall trap shooting league and/or occasional practice sessions, contact Coach Troy at 507-384-7386 or tcmarquardt@gmail.com.

Sept 6 Parent Social Media Presentation Flyer: 


HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Rotary STRIVE Scholarship Program for Seniors: Rotary's STRIVE program kicks off with their first meeting September 13. Click HERE for more information on this scholarship program. Click HERE to register. 

1st United Jr Board of Directors Scholarship Program: BA juniors and seniors are invited to apply for the 1st United Jr Board of Directors. This is a scholarship program. Deadline to apply is September 15. Find information and the application HERE. 

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

 

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

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