Category : 2024-25
Family Focus 8/30/24
09/06/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
August 30, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
What a great first week! We rolled out the red carpet Tuesday to welcome everyone back to campus to begin the week and ended this morning celebrating a wonderful Mass together. Thank you to Campus Ministry and our high school students for working together to set up and take down chairs so we could gather and prayer in a more reverent environment. It is so wonderful to have new and returning Cardinals back in the building! Tonight our BA Cardinal football team will open their season on the road at Winona Cotter. Go, Cardinals!
Staffing updates: We are excited to announce that Paul Brown, with years of experience in construction, will join our maintenance team next Tuesday. Regretfully, due to unforeseen circumstances, Lindsay Bjorkquist will not be working at BA as a middle school counselor this school year. We are collaborating with Phoenix School Consulting not only to fill the MS Counselor position, but to provide coverage until that happens. In the interim, students should work with School Counselor Nathan Bienias as needed. Finally, we are looking for a part-time kitchen staff assistant (Mondays & Tuesdays), as Sarah Babcock has decided to shift to substituting in the kitchen as needed. And, we are still looking for someone to help direct our spring play! Click HERE to find information on our website about these openings.
Parents, one last thing: your daughters are lovely and dressed so nicely, especially for our first Mass of the school year. Mrs. Sauer shared this with all the girls before Mass, and we ask you to remind them of this as well: do please wear skirts/dresses that are long enough to be mid-thigh and, if wearing shirts or dresses with scooped, rounded or squared necklines, that those necklines be modest, preferably near their collar bone. Thank you!
The week ahead:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- September 11: All-school Student Service Day, more details to come
- September 13: 1st United Bank Jr Board of Directors applications due (juniors and seniors)
- September 17: Dig Pink/Tackle Cancer pink dress down day fundraiser; Dig Pink events at home VB games
- September 20: Tackle Cancer event @ home football game
- September 21: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church - see below for volunteer link
- September 22-23: Senior class retreat
- September 23-27: Homecoming Week: Wrangle the Wildcats!
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL Monday, September 2 for Labor Day.
May you have a restful and blessed long weekend!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
2023-2024 Yearbooks are in and were distributed to students this past week. Extra copies are available for purchase ($79.46). Contact Mrs. Kallie Battles to get your copy!
Homework Club starts next week and 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.
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.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for a Grade 7 and Grade 10 parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School web page: Click HERE for all your back to school resources!
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.
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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.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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 Click HERE to sign up for confirmation. |
 Register HERE for Edge! |
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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.
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus Aug 23, 2024
08/29/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
August 23, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
WELCOME BACK to BA's 160th year of providing an outstanding Catholic education based on our Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. Go, Cardinals!!
We are excited to welcome all our students back to campus on Monday. Orientation starts at 9am in the gym - homeroom lists will be posted in Alumni Hall outside the gym. Note that no lunch will be served, our orientation ends at 11:30 a.m. High school students new to BA (if you were at BA for middle school, there is no need to attend) should plan to stay until 1pm for an additional orientation. Our official first full day of school is Tuesday, August 27. Faribault busing will be operating. First bell rings at 8:00 a.m., students must be in homeroom/1st hour classes when the tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m. School dismisses at 2:55 p.m.
Thank you to all our new and returning parents who joined us this past Wednesday for our Parent Open House. It was great to meet all of you! This was a required meeting for all new middle school families. Please reach out to Brent Zabel if you were not able to attend. New middle school parents please note: there is no mandatory parent technology meeting on August 26. We apologize for any miscommunication on this.
We need a host family for a Korean 8th grade girl! See below for more information. If you haven't already returned the lunch and health forms included in your back to school mailing, please send them in with your son or daughter on Monday. You can also find these same forms on our website's back to school page (click here).
The week ahead:
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 24: DMCS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony following 4pm Mass with Archbishop Hebda, DMCS open house to follow until 8pm.
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- All grade 6-12 students - arrive by 9 a.m. and meet in the gym. Homeroom lists posted.
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay for lunch and to receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
- September 2: No School, Labor Day Holiday
- September 7: Football home opener and parent night
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested to: lmoon@bacards.org
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Blessings on your week ahead!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Host Family Needed! We need a host family for a new 8th grade girl from Korea. Word just received today! Please consider opening your home to this student. Monthly stipend and exchange program support provided; BA offers a tuition and parent volunteer hour credit as well as an annual home game athletic pass. Contact Kris if interested.
Volleyball & Football Home Game Volunteers Needed: 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.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for a Grade 7 and Grade 10 parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School web page: Click HERE for all your back to school resources!
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.
Fall Sports Registration
The fall sports season starts Monday! To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
Returning Students Grades 9-12 Laptops: Returning students in grades 9-12 may sign up to check out their laptops in advance of Tuesday's first day of classes. Note: some laptops are still at Apple's repair depot and may not be available for advance pickup.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0948A9AD2F4-50897773-laptop
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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
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https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/
Family Focus 8/17/24
08/23/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
August 17, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We are excited for the start of the school year! We welcome teachers to campus for workshops Monday - see below for new staff announcements. Our Parent Open House night is Wednesday, August 21 from 5:30-7pm. We are excited to welcome all our parents for this informational open house. Students are welcome to join you, but please note that they have their own orientation Monday, August 26 from 9-11:30am. FYI that a light meal will be provided (we know many of you will be coming straight from work); at least one parent of our new 6th graders and our new 7th and 8th graders must attend this event - please email Mr. Brent Zabel (bzabel@bacards.org) if a conflict prevents you from joining us.
Our back to school mailing was sent to families Monday - be sure to return the lunch and health forms included. You can also find these same resources on our website's back to school page (click here). High school students were sent their schedules yesterday - reach out to Mr. Friesen or Mr. Bienias with questions. Tuition contracts must be completed by August 23rd or laptops and school schedules will be held.
Staffing Update: We are very excited to announce the hiring of Mary Clare Stroh Melero, BA Class of 2012, as our new choir teacher! See introduction below. Click here for more information on all our new staff members: Nathan Bienias and Lindsay Bjorkquist, school counselors; Tom Nardi, Middle School Theology Teacher; and Grant Yackley, Assistant AD/Assistant Dean/Technology Integrationist.
Mary Clare Stroh Melero ‘12, Choir: As an alum who cherished her time in band and choir, I could not be more excited to come back to Bethlehem Academy to work in the music department as a choir teacher! After graduating from BA in 2012, I spent several years as a missionary sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with young people across the United States. After my time as a missionary, I pursued opportunities to grow into a professional musician. Only by the grace of God I found success. Through His gifts of worship leading and songwriting I have been able to learn so much. In 2018 I married my husband, Ryan Melero, and convinced him to move from California to the promised land: Faribault, MN! Over the last 6 years we have had 4 children (Ryan Jr. 5, Mateo 5, Mary Christina 4, Natalia Joy 3) and started a local business - Melero & Sons Autoglass. I have continued writing and worship leading. Somewhere along the way I started giving both private music lessons and group lessons to the point where in 2022 I was able to open a studio space here in downtown Faribault where I give lessons and record music with individuals. I am THRILLED to bring my passion of bringing the gospel to young people and teaching music together. I look forward to spending time and sharing my joy for Jesus and music with your students at our beloved Catholic school!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 19: Fall middle school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 21: Parent open house, 5:30-7:00pm - meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms, tour BA - plan to join us! Students welcome but not required as they have their own orientation August 26.
- August 24: DMCS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony following 4pm Mass with Archbishop Hebda, DMCS open house to follow until 8pm.
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- All grade 6-12 students - arrive by 9 a.m. and meet in the gym
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
- September 2: No School, Labor Day Holiday
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested to: lmoon@bacards.org
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Blessings on your week ahead!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Heads of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Summer Read: Every grade has a summer reading assignment. Click HERE to find the reading guides.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School web page: Click HERE for all your back to school resources!
The fall sports season starts Monday! To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
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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
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Ruth's House 20th Anniversary-Student Volunteers Needed: Sign up by August 17 to volunteer at the Aug 23rd 20th anniversary event. Ruth's House is looking for student volunteers to help with parking, the welcome booth, our donor appreciation event, kid games and activities, and clean-up. There are various shifts lasting two hours or under and are always scheduled with another individual. Click HERE to sign up. |
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 8/9/24
08/15/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
August 9, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
The start of the school year is just around the corner! High school fall sports start Monday (see below for more information) and work on the building is very close to completion. Our back to school mailing will go out Monday. Please watch for it as there are lunch and health forms that need to be returned to school. You can also find these same resources on our website's back to school page (click here).
Teacher workshop week begins August 19 and our Parent Open House night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21 from 5:30-7pm. Please note that this open house event is for parents - we want you to have a chance to hear from and ask questions of the leadership as well as meet and hear from our teachers as we partner with you for the new school year. Students have their own orientation Monday, August 26 from 9-11:30am. FYI that a light meal will be provided (we know many of you will be coming straight from work); at least one parent of our new 6th graders and our new 7th and 8th graders must attend this event - please email Mr. Brent Zabel (bzabel@bacards.org) if a conflict prevents you from joining us.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 12: Fall high school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 19: Fall middle school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 21: Parent open house, 5:30-7:30pm - meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms, tour BA - plan to join us! Students welcome but not required as they have their own orientation August 26.
- August 24: DMCS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony following 4pm Mass with Archbishop Hebda, DMCS open house to follow until 8pm.
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- All grade 6-12 students - arrive by 9 a.m. and meet in the gym
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: lmoon@bacards.org
- Custodian
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Blessings on your week ahead!
In partnership,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
HS Summer Band: High school summer band camp has started, with a final round of practices on August 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
Summer Read: Every grade has an summer reading assignment. Click HERE to find the reading guides.
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School page: Click HERE
Fall Sports Registration
The fall sports season starts Monday! To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Pregnancy Options Run Baby Run! Event August 10: Support the mission of Faribault's Pregnancy Options and participate in their 10th annual Run Baby Run fundraiser with 10k, 5k and 1 mile options. Click HERE for info and the link to register.
Ruth's House 20th Anniversary-Student Volunteers Needed: Sign up by August 17 to volunteer at the Aug 23rd 20th anniversary event. Ruth's House is looking for student volunteers to help with parking, the welcome booth, our donor appreciation event, kid games and activities, and clean-up. There are various shifts lasting two hours or under and are always scheduled with another individual. Click HERE to sign up.
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 8/3/24
08/08/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
August 3, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We were blessed with beautiful weather and a great turnout for yesterday's Cardinal Golf Classic at the Legacy! Thank you to everyone who participated and to our student athlete volunteers.
The start of 2024-2025 is right around the corner! We are looking forward to partnering with you in the formation of your sons and daughters in prayer, study, community and service. Our back to school packets will be mailed this week. Resources for the start of the year can be found on our website's back to school page (click here). Fall sports begin August 12 for high school students and August 19 for middle school students. Click HERE for fall sports information. Finally, a few families still need to set up their tuition agreeement in EduTrak (new system this year). Click here to get started; reach out to Lisa with questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2024-2025 BA School Calendar
- August 7: BA Red Cross Blood Drive @ DMCC. Sign up to donate HERE
- August 12: Fall high school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 19: Fall middle school sports open - click HERE for BA and co-op sports registration information
- August 21: Parent open house, 5:30-7:30pm - meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms, tour BA - plan to join us!
- August 26 (9am-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
- Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot
- New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
- August 27: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: lmoon@bacards.org
- Part-time BA Van Driver
- Part-time Theatre Director
- Substitute Teachers & Kitchen Assistants
Please reach out with questions. Prayers for a blessed last few weeks of summer!
Blessings,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Summer Band has Started! High school summer band camp has started, with more practices on August 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00. Plan to meet in the band room. We will be going over our band handbook, working on pep band music, polishing our parade marching for Homecoming, and meeting new members of the band. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School page: Click HERE
Red Cross Blood Drive - Wednesday, August 7
The Bethlehem Academy Student Council and Divine Mercy Catholic Church are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 7 from 9am to 3pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Students aged 16 and older are eligible to donate. Consider donating to help save lives!
Sign up for a time at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Bethlehem%20Academy
Learn more about donating blood here
Fall Sports Registration
The fall sports season is just around the corner. To register for football (grades 7-12) or volleyball (grades 6-12), please visit bacardinals.com and go to the More menu for registration form and activity fee payment. The $140 activity fee may be paid online, by check or adding it to your EduTrak payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical on file. Sport physicals are good for 3 years from the date of examination. Typically, students have sports physicals for 7th grade and 10th grade (or 6th grade, 9th grade and 12th grade).
Please visit https://faribaultathletics.com/ for information on available cooperative sports (soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, cross country running).
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Pregnancy Options Run Baby Run! Event August 10: Support the mission of Faribault's Pregnancy Options and participate in their 10th annual Run Baby Run fundraiser with 10k, 5k and 1 mile options. Click HERE for info and the link to register.
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 7/26/24
08/01/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
July 26, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We are beginning to gear up for the start of 2024-2025! Our maintenance team is hard at work cleaning the building and our concessions upgrade project is underway. Thank you to our parent volunteers who have been helping us with this project! We will be installing the concessions stand storage door and finishing painting on Monday, with carpet scheduled to be installed the end of next week. Find concessions project pictures and other great BA news on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Yesterday we emailed to you our updated 2024-2025 dress code policy. Click here for a copy of that policy plus all other back-to-school information - and don't forget to remind your son or daughter to be working on their summer read for English class! Finally, if you haven't already, please set up your tuition agreeement in EduTrak (new system this year). Click here to get started; reach out to Lisa with questions.
Our final event of the summer - the Cardinal Golf Classic - takes place next Friday, August 2nd at the Legacy. This is a great day of fun and fellowship with fellow BA parents, alumni and supporters. Click HERE for more information and to register to play. Finally, please support our 8 SMART riders with a donation through July 31. Doing so goes directly to BA student scholarships. Click HERE to show your support for their ride.
Finally, we are still looking for a few staff members to add to our team, including a driver for our BA van, choir teacher, theater director, math teacher, and substitute teachers & kitchen assistants. Find job descriptions HERE and help spread the word.
Thank you for your partnership!
Blessings,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
Summer Band Starts July 30! High school summer band camp is on July 30th and August 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00. Plan to meet in the band room. We will be going over our band handbook, working on pep band music, polishing our parade marching for Homecoming, and meeting new members of the band. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
2024-2025 Parent Ambassadors: We are looking for grade-level parent representatives to serve as a liaison for each class with both the school and prospective families. Serving in this capacity fulfills the parent service hour requirement for the year. Find more information on the POINT BA page; click here for parent volunteer program information; contact Kris with questions.
2024-2025 Back-to-School page: Click HERE
Red Cross Blood Drive - Wednesday, August 7
The Bethlehem Academy Student Council and Divine Mercy Catholic Church are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 7 from 9am to 3pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Students aged 16 and older are eligible to donate. Consider donating to help save lives!
Sign up for a time at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Bethlehem%20Academy
Learn more about donating blood here
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Shattuck/Faribault Community Soccer Camp 2024 July 29-August 2: The 2024 Summer Camp, hosted by Shattuck-St. Mary's is coming up soon! Registration now available! Hone your skills, continue playing, prepare for the fall, all with the Community Soccer Camp. Camp is hosted by the Shattuck / St. Mary's Soccer Center of Excellence! Click HERE for registration info. Pregnancy Options Run Baby Run! Event August 10: Support the mission of Faribault's Pregnancy Options and participate in their 10th annual Run Baby Run fundraiser with 10k, 5k and 1 mile options. Click HERE for info and the link to register.
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 7/19/24
07/26/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
July 22, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We are humbled by the confidence extended by the Board of Directors in naming us interim Co-Head of School and look forward to partnering with all of you to continue our mission of providing a Dominican Catholic education following the pillars of prayer, study, community, and service to guide your sons and daughters toward personal, spiritual, and academic excellence. (Click HERE for the leadership announcement email from Board Chair Beth Dienst sent the morning of 7/122/24 for more information.)
As we plan for 160th year of academic excellence, we are excited to welcome the following members to the Bethlehem Academy team:
Grant Yackly, Assistant AD/Assistant Dean/Technology Integrationist: I am delighted to be joining the BA community. Most recently, I served as a Health and Physical Education Teacher at the Academy of Holy Angels. Additionally, I coached boys' high school hockey for two seasons and held various summer educational positions for New Prague Area Schools. I obtained my bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University - Mankato and am set to complete my master's degree next summer at the University of St. Thomas. I am dedicated to fostering a Christ-like environment in all my past and future endeavors, both personally and professionally. I am very excited about beginning at BA!
Tom Nardi, Middle School Theology Teacher: I am thrilled to join the BA community as the Middle School Theology Teacher! I'm from Prior Lake and attended the University of St. Thomas where I studied Theology and Catholic Studies. I spent the last year working and teaching at Brilla College Prep Middle School in The Bronx, NYC with the Seton Teaching Fellows program, and I’m excited to be back home! I’m an avid MN sports fan and watch all of the Vikings and Twins games, I also like to keep score/stats for the Twins as well. I’m excited to meet everyone and teach the students of Bethlehem Academy!
Nathan Bienias, School Counselor: I am excited to join you as your new school counselor for grades 9-12. I'm here to support you in achieving your academic goals and addressing your social and emotional needs. Originally from New Brighton, MN, I enjoy all things nerdy, including Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. My favorite band this year is Sleep Token. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). My girlfriend and I bond over our love of cats, and she inspired me to get two kitties of my own - pictures available upon request. I look forward to getting to know each of you and helping you find success in your high school journey!In addition, we congratulation Brent Zabel on his promotion to Dean of Students while we welcome the
addition of Lindsay Bjorkquist, who - we learned late last week - will step in Katie Smith's position as middle school counseling support (see intro graphic at left). Stephen, as previously announced, will be on hand through the end of July before transitioning to a new counseling position at Lakeville South. Finally, we are excited to add Joe Zappa as our new nighttime custodian.As we partner with you for the upcoming year, find a list of summer volunteer hours below - including a VERY flexible opportunity to earn hours by helping us prep and paint the concessions area for a much-needed refresh! If you haven't already, a reminder to please complete your tuition contract as soon as possible. Click HERE to log in. Find the purple tuition icon and follow the prompts to set up your contract. Thank you to those who have already taken care of this! Please note any unpaid 2023-24 tuition will be added to your 2024-2025 tuition contract if not paid by August 23rd. Contact Lisa to make arrangements for payment or if there are any questions.
Don't forget to sign up to join us for the Cardinal Golf Classic August 2nd at the Legacy. This is a great day of fun and fellowship with fellow BA parents, alumni and supporters. Click HERE for more information, including affordable sponsorship options to raise the profile of your company with our 100+ golfers. Support our 8 SMART riders with a donation through July 31. Click HERE.
THANK YOU to the Simones and Casper family for their excellent work organizing and running the BA Cardinal Cafe fair stand. Their efforts, as well as the efforts of all of our student and parent volunteers, meant we had another successful week at the Rice County Fair!
Finally, blessings and prayers to our colleagues at Divine Mercy Catholic School as they move into their new building on the DMCC parish campus. Find a link to help them move in the volunteer opportunities section below.
Blessings,
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen
Interim Co-Head of School
ALL BA UPDATES
JULY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Parent Volunteer Program Information: Click HERE
See below for a list of parent and student volunteer opportunities this month. The concessions project help is VERY flexible in terms of days and times!
- DMCS Moving Help (BA parents and students earn service hours) Click HERE to sign up. Self-report your hours in POINT; we will get a list from DMCS as well so as not to miss anyone!
- Paint the Concessions Stand Monday, July 22! Help us save money on the concessions project and join us to prep and paint the concessions and bathrooms. A 2nd paint date is set for Monday, July 29. Contact Kris if you can help!
HOST FAMILY NEEDED: We are still seeking a host family for Daln, an incoming 8th grade girl from South Korea. Daln's favorite subject is P.E. and Art. She loves to make friends, work out, and aspires to become a cosmetologist. KoAm provides the host family gift of $500/month and provides additional student fund to cover all additional expense for the student. Boarding and transportation provided by the host family. BA provides a tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and a year-long home athletic passes. It is a wonderful way to bring a great cultural exchange within your own community! Please contact KoAm's local area coordinator Haewon Park at 612-234-1518 or haewon@koameduall.org.
Summer Band Starts July 30! High school summer band camp is on July 30th and August 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 3:30 to 6:00. Plan to meet in the band room. We will be going over our band handbook, working on pep band music, polishing our parade marching for Homecoming, and meeting new members of the band. If you cannot make it to one of the rehearsals, please let Mr. Lorence know. (email: Brad_Lorence@bacards.org)
2024-2025 BA School Calendar: Click HERE
Student Summer Reading Assignments: Click HERE to find titles and reading guides for each grade and/or high school class for your sons and daughters.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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.png) Register for the Eucharistic Congress here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4cb0329e-b079-490f-a808-16c9d3c1d5b6 |
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 7/12/24
07/18/2024
Kris Sauer
2024-25
Leave a comment
July 12, 2024
Dear Parent/Guardians:
We hope you had a wonderful July 4th weekend, and are enjoying this week of sun and little to no rain!
THANK YOU to our 2024 SMART Riders: current and past parents Sara & Cory Caron, Aaron Langer, Bob Crone, and George Farmer; alumni Wade Bauer (BA Class of 1974) and Dave DeGrood (BA Class of 1977); and BA Art Teacher Jason Hillesheim! They have been braving the heat and contending with newly arranged routes thanks to all the rain we've had lately. The ride concludes tomorrow (Saturday). Please keep them in your prayers as they ride and raise dollars to help BA students with tuition assistance, and consider supporting them with a donation HERE.
As we partner with you for the upcoming year, find a list of summer volunteer hours below - including a VERY flexible opportunity to earn hours by helping us remove wallpaper, paint, and prep the concessions area for a much-needed refresh! A reminder to please complete your tuition contract as soon as possible. Click HERE to log in. Find the purple tuition icon and follow the prompts to set up your contract. Thank you to those who have already taken care of this! Please note any unpaid 2023-24 tuition will be added to your 2024-2024 tuition contract if not paid by August 23rd. Contact Lisa to make arrangements for payment or if there are any questions.
Don't forget to sign up to join us for the Cardinal Golf Classic August 2nd at the Legacy. This is a great day of fun and fellowship with fellow BA parents, alumni and supporters. Click HERE for more information, including affordable sponsorship options to raise the profile of your company with our 100+ golfers.
Finally, blessings and prayers to our colleagues at Divine Mercy Catholic School as they move into their new building on the DMCC parish campus. Find a link to help them move below.
Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel
Click on individual names to contact a member of the Leadership Team or email the entire team at leadership@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
JULY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Parent Volunteer Program Information: Click HERE
See below for a list of parent and student volunteer opportunities this month. The concessions help is VERY flexible in terms of days and times!
- July 17-21: BA fair stand @ the Rice County Fair - parent and student volunteers needed, click here to sign up. Help needed all shifts but especially on Sunday, July 21.
- DMCS Moving Help (BA parents and students earn service hours) Click HERE to sign up.
- Concessions Phase 1: July 16, 6:30pm: Help us save money on the concessions project and join us to strip the wallpaper borders in the bathrooms. Prep and painting planned for the last 2 weeks of July. Contact Kris if you can help!
HOST FAMILY NEEDED: We are still seeking a host family for Daln, an incoming 8th grade girl from South Korea. Daln's favorite subject is P.E. and Art. She loves to make friends, work out, and aspires to become a cosmetologist. KoAm provides the host family gift of $500/month and provides additional student fund to cover all additional expense for the student. Boarding and transportation provided by the host family. BA provides a tuition credit, fulfillment of the parent service hour requirement, and a year-long home athletic passes. It is a wonderful way to bring a great cultural exchange within your own community! Please contact KoAm's local area coordinator Haewon Park at 612-234-1518 or haewon@koameduall.org.
2024-2025 BA School Calendar: Click HERE
Student Summer Reading Assignments: Click HERE to find titles and reading guides for each grade and/or high school class for your sons and daughters.
DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATE
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Register for the Eucharistic Congress here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4cb0329e-b079-490f-a808-16c9d3c1d5b6 |
Online BA School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/