Recent Post

No school Monday as we celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. Rest up, stay warm, and get ready for the next two week of SnoBall and Catholic Schools Week activities!

SnoBall Week starts Tuesday with dress down themes each day - see below or click here for details. We extend congratulations to our 2025 SnoBall Queen Court: Brooklyn Becker (Noah Casper), Olivia Glumack (Zander Smith), Taylor Moon (Cole Goodwin), Jocelyn Simones (Peter Schoolmeesters), and Anna Tobin (Declan Chappuis)! SnoBall Queen coronation (BA by tradition separately crowns a SnoBall Queen and Homecoming King) follows the 8pm SnoBall Dance Grand March Saturday, January 25 in the BA gym. All are welcome! The high school-only dance concludes at 11pm; SnoBash (see flyer below and via the link above), a post-prom event that night, is open to ALL BA parents and supporters. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate our mission with Catholic Schools' Week activities January 26 through February 2. Click here for the full week's events. Our Mass/field trip/service day for middle and high school students will be held Wednesday, January 29. Field trip permission forms were distributed in homeroom today. Please turn the forms and the fee in by Monday, January 27. Click here for a link to information shared in yesterday's parent email. A HUGE thank you for your generous response to our request for donations for our Basilica service project- we've added a gift card option donation option to the list. Find it at the link above. 

Semester 1 report cards will be mailed next week. We were delayed by a glitch in the system. Thank you for your patience. This mailing will also include a flyer with directions on how to access FACTS to retrieve your 2024 tax information as well as information on tuition assistance, enrollment, and upcoming new student events. TADS tuition assistance applications for 2025-2026 are open and can be found at www.mytads.com. 

Staffing update: We are excited to announce that we've hired a new evening custodian, Lillian Windsperger. Lillian will start with us on Monday, January 20. Sadly, Jim Beckmann shared with his players last week that he is stepping down as BA's head football coach. We thank Coach Beckmann for his many years of service to BA's football program!

The week ahead: 

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

• January 20: NO SCHOOL, MLK federal holiday
• January 21-24: SnoBall Week
• January 25: SnoBall Dance & Coronation, Grade 9-12, 8pm Grand March in the BA gym
• January 25: SnoBash Post Prom event, 9-11pm, Faribault Golf Club (see flyer below)
• January 26: Bishop Kenney Mass & Reception, 10am DMCC
• January 27-31: Catholic Schools Week (CSW), click HERE for the schedule
• January 27: CSW field trip permission slips & fees due; Basilica service project donations due
• January 29: CSW Mass, field trip, service day Click HERE for info
• February 1: BA-hosted Mass, 4pm, Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• February 2: Admissions Open House, 11am-1pm; click HERE to register for this new student event: help us grow enrollment - encourage interested families to attend!
• February 5: Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
• February 6: Post Prom Dining Night Out, Godfathers
• February 7: NO SCHOOL / Teacher Workday

Prayers those affected by the LA wildfires and for healing, health, and happiness in for our Bethlehem Academy Cardinal family!

With gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

Tickets on sale through Wednesday, January 22 during high school lunches. $15/single, $30/couple. Non-BA guests must have a signed permission slip. Form available in the front office and must be turned in by Jan 24.

COMMUNITY NEWS
 

Former BA Choir Director Emily Cicha is offering lessons. See info below.

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/

The first week of the semester is complete. It is wonderful to have your sons and daughters back in the building!

Semester 1 report cards will be mailed next week. Please discuss with your son or daughter what went well, what needs attention in the second semester, and how we can help. The mailing will also include a flyer with directions on how to access FACTS to retrieve your 2024 tax information as well as information on tuition assistance (applications for 2025-2026 are open and found at www.mytads.com), enrollment, and upcoming new student events.

The pace will only quicken as we move into January! Middle school students will have winter NWEA MAP testing next week, giving us an opportunity to see how much growth has occurred since the fall. Monday, January 20, is a NO SCHOOL day as we mark the Martin Luther King Holiday. SnoBall Week begins January 21 and the grade 9-12 SnoBall Dance and Queen Coronation takes place Saturday, January 25 - see info in the high school section below; the Grand March is at 8:00 p.m. We finish the month celebrating Catholic Schools’ Week January 26-February 2. Be sure to mark your calendar for our 4:00 p.m. BA school Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church on Saturday, February 1^st. We will close out the week with our Open House Sunday, February 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Last but absolutely not least, we extend our congratulations to newlyweds Christian & Elizabeth Bjornson, who got married over Christmas break!

The week ahead: 

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

• January 20: NO SCHOOL, MLK Day
• January 21-24: SnoBall Week
• January 25: SnoBall Dance, Grade 9-12, 8pm Grand March
• January 25: SnoBash Post Prom event, 9-11pm, Faribault Golf Club (see flyer below)
• January 26: Bishop Kenney Mass & Reception, 10am DMCC
• January 27-31: Catholic Schools Week, click HERE for the schedule
• February 1: BA-hosted Mass, 4pm, Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• February 2: Admissions Open House, 11am-1pm; click HERE to register for this new student event

Prayers those affected by the LA wildfires and for healing, health, and happiness in the new year!

With gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

Spread the word! All prospective students and youth basketball players are invited to join us for FREE family admission at the girls basketball game January 10 and the boys game January 16. Families should sign up at   https://forms.gle/fxeMD6Dui5jKnbpXA

COMMUNITY NEWS
 

Former BA Choir Director Emily Cicha is offering lessons. See info below.

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/

Happy New Year! Our prayer is that your Christmas break was restful and rejuvenating, filled with moments of prayer, grace, and peace.

We are excited to welcome your sons and daughters back to campus Monday for the start of the second semester! Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you on your student's personal, spiritual, and educational journey. 

Some updates: Delighted to share that we will have Choir Director Mary Clare Melero with us on campus through March; we continue to work on long-term sub options for her position. In other staffing, we are still seeking an evening custodian. Please send potential candidates to Business Manager Lisa Moon. Thank you!

The week ahead: 

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

• January 13-17: NWEA MAP testing, Middle School
• January 14: Spelling Bee @ DMCS
• January 15: Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
• January 15: Post Prom Dining Night Out @ Crooked Pint, 5-9pm
• January 16: Youth Night at Boys Basketball Game
• January 17: 10:30am Mass @ BA
• January 20: NO SCHOOL, MLK Day
• January 21-24: SnoBall Week
• January 25: SnoBall Dance, HS only, 8pm Grand March
• January 25: SnoBash Post Prom event, 9-11pm, Faribault Golf Club (see flyer below)
• January 26: Bishop Kenney Mass & Reception, 10am DMCC
• January 27-31: Catholic Schools Week
• February 1: BA-hosted Mass, 4pm, Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• February 2: Admissions Open House, 11am-1pm

Fundraising updates:
We exceeded our target of selling 400 Holiday Raffle tickets. Thank you to everyone who participated and help us achieve this fundraising goal!

Annual Fund: We successfully met the year-end $50,000 Annual Fund match! To date we’ve raised $180,000 of the $260,000 Annual Fund goal. Thank you to all who have donated! Please give to the Annual Fund if you can, but more importantly, share with family and friends who wish to support and invest in Catholic education. Each gift directly supports our students and staff, providing needed funds not covered by student tuition and fees, and is critical to maintaining our 160-year tradition of high standards of personal, spiritual, and academic excellence. Donate online at: Annual Fund. THANK YOU!

Prayers for healing, health, and happiness in the new year!

With gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

Spread the word! All prospective students and youth basketball players are invited to join us for FREE family admission at the girls basketball game January 10 and the boys game January 16. Families should sign up at   https://forms.gle/fxeMD6Dui5jKnbpXA

COMMUNITY NEWS
 

Former BA Choir Director Emily Cicha is offering lessons. See info below.

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/

Merry Christmas!

As we begin the Christmas break, may your holiday season be blessed with the gifts of faith, family, and friendship. As we approach 2025, know that we are so thankful for your partnership and support. 

In the midst of the season's hustle and bustle, we pray you find time for moments of solitude, grace, and peace.

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

• December 23-January 3: Christmas Break
• January 6: 1st day of Semester 2
• January 8: Prom $ Dress Down Day
• January 10: Mass 10:30am @ BA, Youth Night at Girls Basketball Game
• January 14: BA/DMCS Spelling Bee
• January 15: Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
• January 16: Youth Night at Boys Basketball Game

In gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

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

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

**Head of School Search Update from the Board** 
We were fortunate to have two candidates interview with us for the Head of School position on Tuesday. They both were very impressed with our school in many ways! It's always neat to hear from outsiders when they too see what a wonderful school we have. While we continue to accept resumes, the Search Committee is working through further steps and discernment with the candidates that visited BA. We look forward to sharing another update after Christmas break. Continue to keep us in your prayers. 
-Erin Langenfeld, Search Committee Head and Beth Dienst, Board of Director Chair
-------------
It's hard to believe, but the first semester is winding down! We've been blessed to partner with you in the education of your sons and daughters. Please remind your students to continue to work hard this next week, turning in assignments and preparing for finals (high school). 

Our annual Christmas concert is this Sunday! Please be sure to join us at 6pm in the BA gym for this festive event. Students and staff have been hard at work preparing what is sure to be a wonderful concert. FCTV will tape the performance; watch our Facebook page for a link to the concert recording.

Reminders for Friday, December 20: no Faribault busing (public schools are closed), BA will dismiss at 1pm. 

As the weather gets colder, a reminder that we follow Faribault Public Schools (FPS) for weather-related school delays and cancelations. BA will send emails and text messages to parents, students, and staff as soon as FPS makes the announcement as well as post on our website and Facebook page. Find more information in our Parent/Student Handbook. 

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

• December 23-January 3: Christmas Break
• January 6: 1st day of Semester 2
• January 8: Prom $ Dress Down Day
• January 10: Mass 10:30am @ BA, Youth Night at Girls Basketball Game
• January 14: BA/DMCS Spelling Bee
• January 15: Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
• January 16: Youth Night at Boys Basketball Game

Holiday Raffle: Earn Parent Volunteer Hours! Get your raffle tickets for a chance to win Christmas cash!! Sell or buy four (4) Holiday Raffle tickets and earn one parent volunteer hour! If you get others to purchase raffle tickets, ask them to put your family name on the order form. BA parents can choose a tuition credit or cash payout option if they are one of our lucky three winners. Forms are available in the BA office or online HERE and must be received by Monday, December 16. Thank you for your support!

This Advent season we are keeping all of our BA families in our prayers and ask that you do the same. 

In gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

Our lost and found pile is growing! Please ask your son or daughter to check for missing items prior to the break. Anything still here December 23rd will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you!

Grandparents Day 2024: It was wonderful to celebrate with our grandparents prior to the Thanksgiving holiday! A reminder that you can find pictures of your sons and daughters with their grandparents at this link. Click HERE for the 2024 Grandparents Day video prepared by seniors Noah C and Anna C.  

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

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

**BOD Head of School Update** Thank you for your continued prayers and patience as we work through the Head of School search process. We continue to evaluate candidates and have invited two candidates for an on-site visit next Tuesday, December 10. They will each be touring BA, visiting classrooms, and meeting with faculty, staff, student leaders, and the search committee. Please reach out to us at employment@bacards.org with any questions. -Beth Dienst, Board Chair and Erin Langenfeld, Head of Search Committee
-------------
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please ask your students to keep working hard these last two weeks of the semester, and to seek help from our teachers and counselors as needed. We are here to support, encourage, and help your son or daughter achieve!

Mass Schedule Updates: Mass next week will be on Monday, December 9, 10:30am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. We will not have Mass on Friday, December 13. The final Mass of the semester will be on Friday, December 20, at 8:30am (note new time) at BA. We will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe at the December 20 Mass.

HS Finals and December 20 Early Release: High school students will have Period 1-3 Red finals on Wednesday, December 18 and Period 1-3 White finals on Thursday, December 19. Cardinal A-D finals will be held on Friday, December 20, following Mass. We will have a 1pm dismissal on December 20 for all students. Please note that there is NO Faribault busing on Dec 20 as Faribault schools are not in session. 

It was wonderful to celebrate with our grandparents last week! Find pictures of your sons and daughters with their grandparents at this link. 

Holiday Raffle: Earn Parent Volunteer Hours! Get your raffle tickets for a chance to win Christmas cash!! Sell or buy four (4) Holiday Raffle tickets and earn one parent volunteer hour! If you get others to purchase raffle tickets, ask them to put your family name on the order form. BA parents can choose a tuition credit or cash payout option if they are one of our lucky three winners. Our goal is to sell 200 tickets by December 16! Forms are available in the BA office or online HERE. (Unfortunately, state law prohibits us from accepting credit card or Venmo-type payments. Check or cash are the only payment options.) Ho, ho, ho and thank you for your support! 

The week ahead: 

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

• December 15: Christmas Concert, BA gym, 6pm
• December 16: Knowledge Bowl Meet; last day to purchase BA holiday raffle tickets
• December 17: BA Holiday Raffle drawing
• December 18: Prom coffee house/bake sale, HS finals Pd 1-3 Red
• December 19: HS finals Pd 1-3 White
• December 20: No Faribault busing, 8:30 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass @ BA, HS Cardinal hour finals, 1pm dismissal
• December 23-January 3: Christmas Break
• January 6: 1st day of Semester 2

Finally, we've raised $33,368 toward the $50,000 Annual Fund match gift!! All donations to the Annual Fund through December 31 will be doubled thanks to this amazing show of support for our school! Please give to the Annual Fund if you can, but more importantly, share this news with family and friends who wish to support and invest in Catholic education. Each gift directly supports our students and staff and is critical to maintaining our 160-year tradition of high standards of personal, spiritual, and academic excellence. Donate online at: Annual Fund. THANK YOU!

This Advent season we are keeping all of our BA families in our prayers and ask that you do the same. 

In gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

BA Job Openings: We are looking for a nighttime custodian and long-term MS Choir substitute teacher!  Find the job postings HERE. Thank you!

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

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

What an amazing afternoon today hearing from Catholic youth motivational speaker, Brian Greenfield! If you are free, we encourage you to listen to him speak at tonight's 6pm Unite & Ignite event at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. 

Head of School Search Update from the Board: As we continue to accept applications for the Head of School position, the Search Committee is excited to be starting to talk with viable candidates. We kindly ask that you keep our search in your daily prayers as we work towards selecting the ideal candidate for this critical role. If any questions arise, you can reach out via employment@bacards.org. Thank you!
-Beth Dienst, Board Chair and Erin Langenfeld, Head of Search Committee

GRANDPARENTS DAY Tuesday, November 26: Please invite grandparents/special adults in your student's life to join us in the BA gymnasium on Tuesday, November 26 at 1:00 pm for a special afternoon, including photos with grandchildren, a prayer service, games, tours, and refreshments. Find the Grandparents Day invite HERE. 

Christmas Cash Raffle: Please help us promote our Holiday Raffle! Share with family and friends and purchase a raffle ticket if you can for a chance to win holiday cash! This raffle helps us meet our budget and is a great way to support BA. Click HERE for a direct link to the form. (Unfortunately, state law prohibits us from accepting credit card or Venmo-type payments. Check or cash are the only payment options.) Ho, ho, ho and thank you for your support! 

Staffing Update: Please keep our middle school choir director, Mary Clare Melero, and her family in your prayers. Last week Mrs. Melero learned that she is expecting twins early summer 2025 and will likely need to finish her time at BA early in the second semester. We are actively looking for a long-term sub for the choir position (send us any leads!) and are also working on alternate plans for middle school choir should we not find one. More details to follow. 

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

• December 9: 10:30 Mass @ DMCC, Immaculate Conception 
• December 12: SADD Ugly Sweater $ Dress Down Day
• December 15: Christmas Concert, BA gym, 6pm
• December 16: Knowledge Bowl Meet; last day to purchase holiday raffle tickets
• December 17: Holiday Raffle drawing
• December 18: Prom coffee house/bake sale
• December 20: No Faribault busing, 10:30 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass @ BA
• December 23-January 3: Christmas Break
• January 6: 1st day of Semester 2

Finally, the BA Annual Fund has a $50,000 match gift!! All donations to the Annual Fund through December 31 will be doubled thanks to this amazing show of support for our school! Please give to the Annual Fund if you can, but more importantly, share this news with family and friends who wish to support and invest in Catholic education. Each gift directly supports our students and staff and is critical to maintaining our 160-year tradition of high standards of personal, spiritual, and academic excellence. Donate online at: Annual Fund. THANK YOU!

As we approach this holiday break, we wish you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving spent with friends and family.

In gratitude, 
Kris Sauer, Ed Friesen, 
Interim Co-Heads of School

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). We are also looking for a nighttime custodian and a long-term substitute middle school choir director. Find job postings HERE. Thank you!

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE
U.S. Naval Academy Visit Monday, Nov 25: We’re excited to announce that J.J. Malecha, U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman and BA 2021 grad, will be visiting BA on Monday, November 25th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm to talk about college and career opportunities at the United States Naval Academy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the Naval Academy, hear firsthand experiences, and get insights into military education and career pathway options. Contact Mr. Bienias for more information.

Prom Heggie's Pizza Sales: Members of the junior class are taking orders for Heggie's pizzas through Friday, December 6. Contact Nettie Battles to connect with a junior student to place your order and support Prom 2025!

Seniors! Scholarship Information:

• Minnesota Colleges Scholarship Listings: From Mr. Bienias: Here's also a link for office of education MN scholarship list to have parents be aware of https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/spages/scholarshipsall.cfm
• Schulze College Scholarship: The Schulze Family Foundation Board of Trustees has renewed the Schulze College Scholarship for a twelfth year.  The portal to accept applications will open on January 6, 2025. A completed application must include the financial aid notification of award (NOA) and be submitted by April 1, 2025. Click HERE for more information. 

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

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

We hope you are enjoying the long weekend. Faculty spent today (Friday) in professional development, discussing curriculum, state standards and cross-curricular options;  artificial intelligence in the classroom; and preparations for the remainder of the semester. 

An exciting opportunity this week for our students to hear from nationally recognized Catholic youth motivational speaker, Brian Greenfield. Mr. Greenfield is a regular presenter at the Steubenville Catholic youth conferences and spoke at the National Eucharistic Congress last summer, motivating teens to embrace and grow in their faith. Find his bio HERE. Our special Friday assembly will include a time for adoration and benediction, and so we will not have a separate Mass this week. (Students may be in regular dress code Friday.) Concurrently, our 6th and 7th graders will be separately engaged with faith-based and personal growth presentations and activities. 

New Staff: Excited to announce two new staff members who will be joining us next week. Ms. Lynn Kochevar has been hired as the new Middle School Counselor. She has extensive experience in the Lakeville School District and is excited to be on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also added to the Cardinal team is Ms. Theresa Kucera - a 1985 BA grad - who has joined the kitchen staff. Welcome to both!

Campus Ministry is hosting a week-long food drive for St. Vincent de Paul. Students should bring donations to their homeroom. The homeroom with the most donated food will earn a pizza party. Please donate as you are able.

GRANDPARENTS DAY Tuesday, November 26: Please invite grandparents/special adults in your student's life to join us in the BA gymnasium on November 26 at 1:00 pm for a prayer service, games, photos, tours and refreshments. Find the Grandparents Day invite HERE. 

BA School Store: 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 Tuesday, Nov 19. Items delivered to BA in time for the holidays. Go, Cardinals! 
 

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

• November 26: Grandparent's Day, 1pm, click HERE for invite
• November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break / No School
• December 3: Penance Fair, 12-2:30pm
• December 4: Student of the Month, 7:30am; 11^th Grade Youth Frontiers Retreat @ Senior Center
• December 5: NHS Christmas dress down day
• December 6: 10:30 am Mass @ BA
• December 7: Post-Prom DNO @ El Tequila 4-8pm
• December 15: Christmas Concert, BA gym, 6pm

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

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. 

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!

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.

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

U.S. Naval Academy Visit: We’re excited to announce that J.J. Malecha, U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman and BA 2021 grad, will be visiting BA on Monday, November 25th, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm to talk about college and career opportunities at the United States Naval Academy. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the Naval Academy, hear firsthand experiences, and get insights into military education and career pathway options. Contact Mr. Bienias for more information.

Seniors! Scholarship Information:

• Minnesota Colleges Scholarship Listings: From Mr. Bienias: Here's also a link for office of education MN scholarship list to have parents be aware of https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/spages/scholarshipsall.cfm
• Schulze College Scholarship: The Schulze Family Foundation Board of Trustees has renewed the Schulze College Scholarship for a twelfth year.  The portal to accept applications will open on January 6, 2025. A completed application must include the financial aid notification of award (NOA) and be submitted by April 1, 2025. Click HERE for more information. 

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

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

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

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

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!

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. 

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. 

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

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

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!

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

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!

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. 

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

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