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Family Focus 11-4-22
11/10/2022
Kris Sauer
November 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
November 4, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome November! With the warm weather, it has not felt like November, although our playoff schedule certainly highlights the changing of the seasons. It is very exciting to move forward so confidently in playoffs with our volleyball ranked #1 and football #2 in sections - THANK YOU COACHES, STUDENTS & FAMILIES FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We also want to especially congratulate our Cross Country Coop Team as they head to State this Saturday! *Please note, if our volleyball and football teams make it to State, upcoming school days may be revised, depending on the day and times of the games.
This week BA celebrated Halloween in partnership with DMCS for our annual "Trunk or Treat" event. What a fantastic turnout and so many creative trunks! Our scholars also gathered for Mass on All Saints' Day with many from the community joining us for this Holy Day. It was a wonderful first week of November - God is shining down!
BA OPEN HOUSE-Monday, November 7: Please invite families and potential new students to our open house on Monday, November 7. This is a great time to showcase our school! Pre-registration for these families is helpful at: (Open House).
VETERAN'S DAY PROGRAM AT BA: Please join us for a short Veteran's Day program on Friday, Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the gymnasium. IF WE ARE AT STATE FOR VOLLEYBALL, WE MAY POSTPONE TO MONDAY, NOV. 14.
NEW FACES AT BA: Over the next few months students may comment about new faces, extra staff in some classrooms. In addition to observations and support from Mr. Wollersheim and me, some of our new teachers are also assigned outside coaches who are supporting their professional development needs as new teachers. These coaches will be in the classroom more often during the second semester.
GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 22: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life. Join us in the BA gymnasium Nov 22 at 1 pm for a special program, tours and cookies. Regular 2:55pm release for scholars.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
- Nov 8: SADD poetry contest deadline, see below
- Nov 9: MAKE UP SCHOOL PHOTOS!
- The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
- Nov 11: Veteran's Day program (May be moved to Nov. 14)
- Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE.
- Nov. 22: Grandparents Day! Please invite grandparents and special adults to come to BA for a program, tours, and cookies at 1 p.m.!
- Nov. 23-25: NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for families struggling at this time, students with special needs, and prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
SADD Veteran's Day Poetry Contest: All students are invited to submit a poem or inspirational tribute speech about Veteran's Day or patriotism. Submissions due to Mrs. Donlon by Tues, Nov 8. Winner earns a $25 Target gift card & a chance to read their work at our Veteran's Day program Nov 11. All participants entered in a Caribou gift card drawing. See the flyer HERE.
Counselor Tidbits: This week we are touching on technology! Click HERE for the flyer. Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website.
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Kleenex Needed! We would greatly appreciate any Kleenex donations as we approach the cold/flu season. We only have a few boxes left. Thank you!
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors & Seniors:
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser to Nov 4: Support the Wolf Ridge trip! See an 8th grader for forms and to order these great Tastefully Simple products; click HERE for an information form; or To see the online catalog, go to www.tastefullysimple.com and to order email akshuda@charter.net. Orders will be delivered directly to you by Thanksgiving.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES
School Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 10-28-22
11/04/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, October 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
October 28, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Thank you for attending conferences and meeting with our teachers. We value your partnership in the educational journey of your scholar. Please continue to reach out with questions as we begin our second quarter of the school year.
GO CARDINALS! This week BA was active! What a joy to be continuing in section playoff games for football and volleyball. Thank you for attending our games and supporting our scholars! Our lady Cardinals in Coop Cross Country are also heading to State - Congratulations! This week FFA attended the National Conference in Indianapolis. We look forward to learning more about the National FFA program. In addition, our National Honor Society inducted in new members during our Mass. It was a great week to be a Cardinal!
SOCKTOBER! Did you send in new socks? You still have one more day to send your socks in for SADD, on Monday, Oct 31. They are collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul.
DRESS DOWN DAY & TRUNK OR TREAT-Oct. 31: Students are invited to dress down or in costume for a $1 or bag of candy on Monday. Neat, clean, modest costumes encouraged. JOIN US Halloween night from 4-6pm as BA and DMCS host a joint "trick or treating" event in the BA parking lot. Families and clubs host various trunks. Open to the whole community, this event easily draws over 1000 people. Sign up a trunk HERE (this is a parent volunteer hour event)
OPEN HOUSE: Please invite families and potential students to our open house on Monday, November 7. This is a great time to showcase our school! Pre-registration for these families is helpful at: (Open House).
THINKING SNOBALL? If you're already shopping for Snoball Dresses, please keep in mind that we ask all dresses to be "modest." Dresses should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee, or have low necklines. If you are not sure, please send a picture of you in your dress to Mrs. Piehl or Mrs. Reeder.
From the Parent/Student Handbook - "School expectations for dress and behavior are in effect for all BA dances. While attire may be more or less formal than the school day, it will continue to be evaluated in terms of being clean, neat, and modest. Modesty in dress is highly encouraged for dances because this is a reflection of Bethlehem Academy. It is possible that a student would be asked to change before entering the dance if he/she is wearing inappropriate attire."
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 28: MS Halloween Dance (hosted by Jr Class/Prom), 7-9pm; Click HERE for registration form
- Oct 28: DMCS Prairie Fire "Snow White" performance, 6:30pm
- Oct 29: DMCS Prairie Fire "Snow White" performance, 6:30pm, See flyer HERE
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (neat, clean, modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE; Cars out of BA main parking lot by 3:15pm.
- Nov. 1: All Saints Day Mass at BA at 10:20 a.m. at IC, 60 min Mass
- Nov 4: Founder's Day! BA celebrates with the Sinsinawa Dominicans on their founding day.
- Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge fundraiser closes, see MS section for details;
- FFA fruit fundraiser closes, click HERE for flyer
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
- Nov 8: SADD poetry contest deadline, see below
- Nov 9: MAKE UP SCHOOL PHOTOS!
- The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
- Nov 11: Veteran's Day program (May be moved to Nov. 14)
- Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE.
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for families struggling at this time, students with special needs, and prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
SADD Veteran's Day Poetry Contest: All students are invited to submit a poem or inspirational tribute speech about Veteran's Day or patriotism. Submissions due to Mrs. Donlon by Tues, Nov 8. Winner earns a $25 Target gift card & a chance to read their work at our Veteran's Day program Nov 11. All participants entered in a Caribou gift card drawing. See the flyer HERE.
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Kleenex Needed! We would greatly appreciate any Kleenex donations as we approach the cold/flu season. We only have a few boxes left. Thank you!
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- College Application Fee Waiver Closes Oct 31: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser to Nov 4: Support the Wolf Ridge trip! See an 8th grader for forms and to order these great Tastefully Simple products; click HERE for an information form; or To see the online catalog, go to www.tastefullysimple.com and to order email akshuda@charter.net. Orders will be delivered directly to you by Thanksgiving.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Free Tutoring Service: Carleton College offers a FREE tutoring service to Rice County students. Sessions are typically via Zoom and 1:1 with a Carleton student once a week. Sign up HERE if interested.
School Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 10/14/22
10/26/2022
Kris Sauer
October 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
October 14, 2022
Dear BA Families:
MEA is almost here! Our first quarter of the academic year ends on Tuesday, October 18th with an early release at 1pm and conferences to follow from 1:30-6:30pm. They are in-person conferences this fall, our Feb winter conferences will be via Zoom. We look forward to sharing the progress and areas of growth with you! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE (sign up will close Mon, Oct 17 at 1pm so that faculty can prepare) and if you can, please bring a bag of candy for our Trunk or Treat event Oct 31 - 1000 community kids join us each year! Don't forget, school is closed Oct. 19-21 for MEA break.
SPOOKTACULAR CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: Did you sign up your middle school student or your entire family for Spooktacular this Saturday? We are encouraging middle school students to shine at the joint Spooktacular event. Students who participate can earn prizes. Same day registration available. We'll see you tomorrow!
CELEBRATING OUR PRIESTS: This week we thanked our three priests, Fr. John Powers, the BA Chaplain, and the priests of Divine Mercy Church: Fr. Clayton Forner and Fr. Cory Rohlfing. These men serve others without hesitation, presiding for Masses and funerals, serving our schools, and giving of themselves to ensure spiritual growth among all of us. Take a minute to thank our priests by sending an email, a note, or recognition gift!
SOCKTOBER! What is it? It's our SADD organization collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. Send in new socks this month!
TRUNK OR TREAT: What is it? BA and DMCS host a joint "trick or treating" event in the BA parking lot from 4-6pm on Halloween, October 31st. Families and clubs host various trunks for students to stop at for treats. Open to the whole community, this event easily draws over 1000 people. Join the fun! Sign up a trunk HERE (this is a parent volunteer hour event)
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Same day registration open at 7am for 8:30am first race start!
- Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard
- Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm Sign up HERE; bring a bag of candy for Trunk or Treat!
- Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 26: NHS Induction @ 10:25am Mass
- Oct 28: MS Halloween Dance (hosted by Jr Class/Prom), 7-9pm; Click HERE for registration form
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (neat, clean, modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE
- Nov. 1: All Saints Day Mass at BA at 10:30 a.m. at IC
- Nov 4: Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge fundraiser closes, see MS section for details
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
- Nov 9: The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for peace in Ukraine and safe travels for families over MEA.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
BA School Directory Update: We will be finalizing the Bethlehem Academy School Directory soon. If you do not want your phone number or address in the directory, please contact the main office ASAP. The directories will include all families in grades 6-12 and will be distributed to all families that have paid their $30 Home & School dues. (You can still pay in the office or use the QR code to Venmo your fees.) Please make sure to notify the office of any phone, email or address changes for school correspondence and in the event that we need to reach you during the school day.
BABS Night Committee Volunteers Needed: Take part in planning BA's largest fundraising event of the year; food, games, entertainment, auctions, decorating & more - help is needed in all areas! Click HERE to sign up for the committee (this a parent service hours opportunity!) A staff member will connect with you to answer any questions you may have.
PowerSchool and Schoology: Please check your email for information about setting up your parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website. Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology. PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information. Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instructional videos, etc.). Please contact Ed Friesen for questions and assistance.
BA Positions available - We are still looking to fill positions on our Board Committees, for our BA Van, and for the BA Fair Stand. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- College Application Fee Waiver: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Oct 15 Spooktacular Middle School Challenge: Same Day Registration Available starting at 7am! Middle school scholars are invited to join the October 15 BA/DMCS Halloween-themed Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education! Walk, run or participate virtually and get pledges to be eligible for prize drawings. On race day, enjoy candy stops on the route, prizes for best costumes & race winners. All participants get a free t-shirts; participating BA middle school students are eligible for weekly gift card drawings and entry into two prize drawings (have 2 race participants, entered into drawing for a squishmallow! AND if participant fees + pledges = $125, entered into drawing for 4 tickets to the MN Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular). Click HERE for the information sheet and pledge form. Register to run/walk in the Oct 15 event HERE. Register or turn in pledges by Monday, October 17 to be eligible for the prize drawings!
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser to Nov 4: Support the Wolf Ridge trip! See an 8th grader for forms and to order these great Tastefully Simple products; click HERE for an information form; orders will be delivered directly to you by Thanksgiving.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Free Tutoring Service: Carleton College offers a FREE tutoring service to Rice County students. Sessions are typically via Zoom and 1:1 with a Carleton student once a week. Sign up HERE if interested.
Milestone Senior Living has Openings for Resident Assistants for their part-time evening and weekend shift. This is particularly good position for students who may be interested in a career in health care or nursing. Find the flyer HERE or contact Amy Brunner at 507-331-2748 Ext #6 or adminfb@milestoneseniorliving.com if interested.
School Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 10-7-22
10/12/2022
Kris Sauer
October 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
October 7, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Happy Homecoming 2022! Congratulations to our Homecoming King Kyle Ernste and his escort Brooke Johnson! Scholars have had a full week of celebrations and special events. Our joint Homecoming Mass was a beautiful reflection of the Catholic schools of Faribault, from singing to instrumentation and our own alumnus, Fr. Mike Skluzacek 1971, as presider. Thank you for partnering with us throughout the week and and reminders to our scholars of appropriate behavior expectations. I hope to see you at our 7pm game tonight, Friday, Oct. 7 at Bruce Smith Field as we cheer on our Cardinals!
CONFERENCES! Fall BA Conferences 6-12th grade are slated for Tuesday, October 18 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. This is an early release day at 1 p.m. These are in-person conferences, our winter conferences will be via Zoom. Be sure to sign up with the teachers that you would like to meet with. We look forward to sharing the progress and areas of growth with you! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE.
SPOOKTACULAR CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: This year we are encouraging our Middle School students to shine at the joint Spooktacular event. Students who participate can earn prizes. I'll be walking the course with them on Oct. 15 - so sign up the entire family to support the Catholic Schools of Faribault!
SOCKTOBER! What is it? It's our SADD organization collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. Send in new socks this month!
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 12: Junior Parent Info Night, 7pm, cafeteria - more info in HS section
- Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am, cafeteria
- PSAT for Juniors who signed up for exam
- Oct. 14: Peer Ministry Dress Down $$
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info in middle school section below
- Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard, see info in HS section
- Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
- Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 26: NHS Induction @ 10:25 Mass
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE (parent volunteer hours!), more info below
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for safety and proper etiquette at tonights game and dance.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat Oct 31 - Our biggest community event of the year is held Mon Oct 31 from 4-6pm in the BA parking lots. Free hot dogs and trick or treating for the entire Faribault community. Close to 1000 kids (and their family members!) have traditionally joined us to trick or treat from decorated car/truck trunks. Pulling off an event of this size truly takes our whole BA/DMCS community! Candy donations (1000 kids!) are welcome at any time in the BA Front Office. Sign up to be a trunk in this great event HERE. (This event earns parent volunteer hours.)
Positivity Project: Forgiveness (6-8) Grades (9-12): To review the trait of Forgiveness (you forgive those who have done wrong and you accept that people make mistakes) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you can watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.BA Positions available - We are still looking to fill positions on our Board Committees, for our BA Van, and for the BA Fair Stand. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested:
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Junior Parent Info Night: Please join us for a Junior Parent Night presentation on Wednesday, October 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. We will be covering what to expect for the rest of this year and how best to prepare for senior year. We look forward to seeing you there! (Students are not expected to attend but are more than welcome to attend!)
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- Senior Parents/Info Night Presentation: Thank you to those of you who attended the Senior Parent Informational Night. Your time was appreciated! Here is a link to the slides and the information and links contained within: Senior Parent Night Slides. If you missed the presentation, here is a link to the recorded presentation: Senior Parent Night Presentation.
- College Application Fee Waiver: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines (Oct 7 for the Nov 5 test) HERE.
International Club Field Trip Oct 16: Join us! The International Club works to connect our international exchange students with our BA host country students. Our first event of the year is at Fireside Orchard in Northfield. On Sun, Oct 16 we will meet in the BA parking lot at 11:30am. Students will carpool and return by 2:30pm. Admission is free, but students will need to bring their own money for lunch or other treats. We will receive a guided tour of the facilities, do an apple tasting, play yard games, have lunch, and have fun! Permission slips (click HERE) are due by Friday, Oct 7. Contact Ms. Tondryk with questions.
CLOSE UP TRIP 2023: Open to students in grades 9-12, the trip will be March 26-April 2, 2023, and include Washington, DC and New York City. Trip cost is $2970 and includes travel, food, hotels, tickets to events, and many other extras. Contact Dave Wollin with questions or visit the Project Close Up website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Oct 15 Spooktacular Middle School Challenge: Middle school scholars are invited to join the October 15 BA/DMCS Halloween-themed Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education! Walk, run or participate virtually and get pledges to be eligible for prize drawings! On race day, enjoy candy stops on the route, prizes for best costumes & race winners. All participants get a free t-shirts; participating BA middle school students are eligible for weekly gift card drawings and entry into two prize drawings (have 2 race participants, entered into drawing for a squishmallow! AND if participant fees + pledges = $125, entered into drawing for 4 tickets to the MN Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular). Click HERE for the information sheet and pledge form. Register to run/walk in the Oct 15 event HERE. Register or turn in pledges by next Wed (Oct 6) for the first weekly drawing!
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Free Eye Exam/Glasses Program: Shopko has a program entitled Kids In Focus which provides eye examinations and glasses for children (ages 5 – 17) who need them but do not have eye care insurance. Find out more by clicking here: Kids in Focus | Eye Care for Children in Need | Shopko Optical. A new Shopko Optical has opened in Faribault and the Faribault Lions Club has agreed to partner with them. If your scholar needs this service, please reach out to Mrs. Reeder or Mrs. White, our school nurse, will work with the Lions Club to provide a voucher for the examination and see that their visual needs are met.
Family Focus 9/30/22
10/06/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, September 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
September 30, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome October! With the chill in the air, it is no surprise that we are turning the calendar to October and our BA Homecoming Week! Please join us for our 7pm game Friday, Oct. 7 at Bruce Smith Field as we cheer on our Cardinals!
HOMECOMING REMINDERS: Homecoming week is full of traditions and events. Administration has reminded scholars that for all events, we are to be safe and appropriate, following CARDS. Please encourage this at home as well for any unsanctioned events. We want this to be fun week for all. Please Note: We discourage middle school students from doing any out-of-school activities. They are invited to dress up and join us for all of the events at school this week as well as the game on Friday.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 3-7: Homecoming Week - "Flatten the Falcons"! See below for more information.
- Oct 7: Early release at 2pm following the Homecoming Parade
- Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here. See high school section for more information.
- Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am, cafeteria
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info in middle school section below below
- Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard, see info below in HS section
- Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
- Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE (parent volunteer hours!), more info below
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Join me in prayers for peace and the mental and physical health of scholars as well as our new staff and students.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
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"Flatten the Falcons!" Homecoming Week (Oct 3-7) Info: Planned by the Senior Class, each day of Homecoming Week features a different dress down theme along with related fun activities. A pep fest is held Friday noon in Van Orsow Auditorium followed by coronation at 1pm. All are invited to attend (reserved seating for Court family members). (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 begins around 1:30pm Friday following the noon pep fest. Note that students are dismissed after the parade concludes, usually around 2pm. Faribault buses run on a normal dismissal schedule. The parade will run through downtown as it did prior to COVID. The Homecoming dance follows the Homecoming football game and is a mixer (not an “ask” dance) open to high school students, grades 9-12 only. Non-BA students may attend the Homecoming mixer if registered in the main office prior to the event.
- Mon 10/3: Color Day. Gr 6: white; Gr 7: purple; Gr 8: yellow; Gr 9: red; Gr 10: orange; Gr 11: green; Gr 12: blue; Faculty/staff: pink
- Tues 10/4: Twin Day (pair with peers to wear identical costumes)
- Wed 10/5: Mass Attire; 8:30am joint BA-DMCS Mass & Buddy Day
- Thurs 10/6: College Day / Youth Volleyball Night @ home VB game
- Fri 10/7: Show Your CARDINAL Spirit; noon pep fest, 1pm coronation, 1:30pm parade (Click HERE for a parade map.)
- Fri 10/7: Homecoming football game, 7pm; Future Cardinal/Youth Night @ game; Homecoming Dance to follow the game in the BA gym until midnight, cost: $5 or pack of socks
BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat Oct 31 - Our biggest community event of the year is held Mon Oct 31 from 4-6pm in the BA parking lots. Free hot dogs and trick or treating for the entire Faribault community. Close to 1000 kids (and their family members!) have traditionally joined us to trick or treat from decorated car/truck trunks. Pulling off an event of this size truly takes our whole BA/DMCS community! Candy donations (1000 kids!) are welcome at any time in the BA Front Office. Sign up to be a trunk in this great event HERE. (This event earns parent volunteer hours.)
Positivity Project: Forgiveness (6-8) Grades (9-12): To review the trait of Forgiveness (you forgive those who have done wrong and you accept that people make mistakes) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you can watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.BA Positions available - We are currently looking to fill the following positions. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested:
- BOD Finance Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on financial policies and the annual budget. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BOD Advancement Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on fundraising efforts. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BA 2nd Van Driver: Morning and afternoon scholar transportation while school is in session. Paid position, anticipated late winter start date. Class III drivers training provided.
- BA Fair Booth 2nd Family: Seeking a 2nd family to assist with operating the BA Cardinal Cafe during the Rice County Fair the 3rd week of July. Tuition stipend provided.
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- Senior Parents/Info Night Presentation: Thank you to those of you who attended the Senior Parent Informational Night. Your time was appreciated! Here is a link to the slides and the information and links contained within: Senior Parent Night Slides. If you missed the presentation, here is a link to the recorded presentation: Senior Parent Night Presentation.
- College Application Fee Waiver: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines (Oct 7 for the Nov 5 test) HERE.
International Club Field Trip Oct 16: Join us! The International Club works to connect our international exchange students with our BA host country students. Our first event of the year is at Fireside Orchard in Northfield. On Sun, Oct 16 we will meet in the BA parking lot at 11:30am. Students will carpool and return by 2:30pm. Admission is free, but students will need to bring their own money for lunch or other treats. We will receive a guided tour of the facilities, do an apple tasting, play yard games, have lunch, and have fun! Permission slips (click HERE) are due by Friday, Oct 7.
CLOSE UP TRIP 2023: For students in grades 9-12 interested in the Project Close Up trip, there will be a meeting Oct 5 @ 7pm in Mr. Wollin's room (G9). The Project Close Up rep from Washington, DC, will be at the meeting to answer questions. Details include: Trip will be March 26-April 2, 2023. Trip cost is $2970 and includes travel, food, hotels, tickets to events, and many other extras. The trip includes group studies of current events and government operations, visits to Congress (while in session) and our Congressmen, tour of the Capitol, and the sites of Washington, DC, and New York City including the DC monuments, a Broadway play, trip to the top of Rockefeller Center, 911 memorial & Brooklyn Bridge visit, etc. Contact Dave Wollin with questions or visit the Project Close Up website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Oct 15 Spooktacular Middle School Challenge: Middle school scholars are invited to join the October 15 BA/DMCS Halloween-themed Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education! Walk, run or participate virtually and get pledges to be eligible for prize drawings! On race day, enjoy candy stops on the route, prizes for best costumes & race winners. All participants get a free t-shirts; participating BA middle school students are eligible for weekly gift card drawings and entry into two prize drawings (have 2 race participants, entered into drawing for a squishmallow! AND if participant fees + pledges = $125, entered into drawing for 4 tickets to the MN Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular). Click HERE for the information sheet and pledge form. Register to run/walk in the Oct 15 event HERE. Register or turn in pledges by next Wed (Oct 6) for the first weekly drawing!
FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League: Enroll by Sep 30: All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30.
Family Focus 9/23/22
09/29/2022
Kris Sauer
September 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
September 23, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Tackle Cancer! Thanks to our BA football team players for hosting the Tackle Cancer dress down today. Tomorrow please join us at our 1pm game where the team will be raising additional dollars for cancer research. Cancer has touched many of our lives and the research and support continues to be needed. THANK YOU! Just as a a reminder, on special themed dress down days, students are to come in the theme attire or wear normal dress code. Please remind your scholars as Homecoming themed days are noted below for the week of October 3.
MASS POLO SHIRTS: The High School Mass polo shirts purchased by BA have arrived. Unfortunately, the middle school shirts are still back-ordered. We will pass out the high school shirts this next week during homeroom. We do hope to have the middle school shirts within the next few weeks.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Sep 26: Extended New Family Survey deadline, add'l 6th and new 9th grade families input needed. Click HERE to complete. Thank you!
- Sep 26-27: Middle School MAP testing. See middle school section for more information.
- Sept 27: Picture Day! Click HERE for the order form.
- Sep 28: Senior Year Parent/Senior Meeting, 7pm Cafeteria
- Sep 29: WIN Day
- Sep 30: NO AFTERNOON FARIBAULT BUSING. Faribault Public School students are being dismissed at 1pm this day for FHS homecoming.
- Oct 3-7: Homecoming Week! See below for more information.
- Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here. See high school section for more information.
- Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info to follow
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
- Oct 19-21: MEA - No School
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Encourage students to sign up for activities! Robotics registration can be found HERE or in the office. Scholars can still join SADD & Campus Ministry! The Close Up trip meeting is 7pm Oct 5 meeting (see high school section for more info). FFA is also holding sign up meetings, including for a FFA Trap Team, talk with Mr. Johnson to join.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Join me in prayers for peace and the mental and physical health of scholars.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Homecoming Week (Oct 3-7) Info: Planned by the Senior Class, each day of Homecoming Week features a different dress down theme along with related fun activities. A pep fest is held Friday noon in Van Orsow Auditorium followed by coronation at 1pm. All are invited to attend (reserved seating for Court family members). [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 begins around 1:30pm Friday following the noon pep fest. Note that students are dismissed after the parade concludes, usually around 2pm. Faribault buses run on a normal dismissal schedule. The parade will run through downtown as it did prior to COVID. The Homecoming dance follows the Homecoming football game and is a mixer (not an “ask” dance) open to high school students, grades 9-12 only. Non-BA students may attend the Homecoming mixer if registered in the main office prior to the event.
- Mon 10/3: Color Day. Gr 6: white; Gr 7: purple; Gr 8: yellow; Gr 9: red; Gr 10: orange; Gr 11: green; Gr 12: blue; Faculty/staff: pink
- Tues 10/4: Twin Day (pair with peers to wear identical costumes)
- Wed 10/5: Mass Attire; 8:30am joint BA-DMCS Mass & Buddy Day
- Thurs 10/6: College Day / Youth Volleyball Night @ home VB game
- Fri 10/7: Show Your CARDINAL Spirit; noon pep fest, 1pm coronation, 1:30pm parade (Click HERE for a parade map.)
- Fri 10/7: Homecoming football game, 7pm; Future Cardinal/Youth Night @ game; Homecoming Dance to follow the game in the BA gym
BA Positions available - We are currently looking to fill the following positions. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested:
- BOD Finance Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on financial policies and the annual budget. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BOD Advancement Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on fundraising efforts. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BA 2nd Van Driver: Morning and afternoon scholar transportation while school is in session. Paid position, anticipated late winter start date. Class III drivers training provided.
- BA Fair Booth 2nd Family: Seeking a 2nd family to assist with operating the BA Cardinal Cafe during the Rice County Fair the 3rd week of July. Tuition stipend provided.
Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance. Please stop by before Friday, September 30; books will be donated to the AAUW book sale after that date.
Positivity Project: Perspective (6-8) Grades (9-12): To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective (you appreciate when people see things in different ways.) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
1. You are invited to a Senior Parent Meeting on Wednesday, September 28, at 7 p.m. in the BA Cafeteria. This important night will cover what to expect for the last year of high school. We hope to see you there!
2. An important note about October - Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
CLOSE UP TRIP 2023: For students in grades 9-12 interested in the Project Close Up trip, there will be a meeting Oct 5 @ 7pm in Mr. Wollin's room (G9). The Project Close Up rep from Washington, DC, will be at the meeting to answer questions. Details include: Trip will be March 26-April 2, 2023. Trip cost is $2970 and includes travel, food, hotels, tickets to events, and many other extras. The trip includes group studies of current events and government operations, visits to Congress (while in session) and our Congressmen, tour of the Capitol, and the sites of Washington, DC, and New York City including the DC monuments, a Broadway play, trip to the top of Rockefeller Center, 911 memorial & Brooklyn Bridge visit, etc. Contact Dave Wollin with questions or visit the Project Close Up website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
MAP Growth Testing – For students currently in grades 6, 7 and 8 : By dynamically adjusting to each student’s test responses, MAP Growth Exams create a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures individual student performance in the areas of English, Math, Language and science (grade 6 science in the fall and grade 8 science in the spring). Middle School students are automatically registered for these tests which are paid for by the school. Testing dates for students, which typically take a couple hours each scheduled day, are: Thurs Sep 22, Fri Sep 23, Mon Sep 26, and Tues Sep 27 (6th Science only).
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30.
Family Focus 9/16/22
09/23/2022
Ed Friesen
2022-23, September 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
September 16, 2022
Dear BA Families:
It's Divine Mercy Catholic Church Spirit Fest and the groundbreaking for the new education center tomorrow! I hope you can join me at Divine Mercy Church on Saturday evening as we raise funds for the parish and break ground for the Divine Mercy Catholic School-expanding all we offer as the Catholic Schools of Faribault! It's a full evening of entertainment, food, and fellowship. The BA Band will play a few numbers around 5:15pm and the Groundbreaking is at 5:45pm. Did you know that each year the parish supports BA with a substantional monthly gift? In addition, the parish priests visit with our scholars, talk to classes and assist with Masses. What a joy to celebrate together and support one another - and don't forget the fireworks at dusk. See you there!
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Sept 17: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; Volunteers Needed! Sign up HERE
- Sept 17: DMCS new school groundbreaking @ SpiritFest, 5:45pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church
- Sept 18: Tackle Cancer Gear order deadline. Order HERE.
- Sept 21: Middle School New Family Night (6
:30pm), BA Library - Sept 23: Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day ($1, sweatpants ok; $2 to wear leggings, hats)
- Sept 23: Opening Student Art Reception at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 5-7pm. Exhibit runs in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery until Nov 12.
- Sep 22-23 and 26-27: Middle School MAP testing. See MS Section for more information.
- Sept 24: Tackle Cancer events at the home football game, 1pm
- Sept 27: Picture Day! More details to follow
- Sep 29: WIN Day
- Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here
- Oct 7: Homecoming-see below for the week's dress down themes
- Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm.
- Oct 19-21: MEA - No School
- Home & School: Please send in your Home & School Dues to the office! ($30) you can also Venmo using the QR code to the left.
- Volunteers needed at games! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games.
- Encourage students to sign up for activities! Robotics registration can be found HERE or picked up in the office. SADD & Campus Ministry held their first meeting, but there is still time to join! Scholars can also travel to New York and D.C. through Close Up, plan to attend the 7pm Oct 5 meeting if interested. Contact Mr. Wollin with questions. FFA is also holding sign up meetings, talk with Mr. Johnson to join.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Please continue to pray for our scholars and our staff as we begin this new year together.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Homecoming Week Dress Down Themes:
- Mon 10/3: Color Day. Gr 6: white; Gr 7: purple; Gr 8: yellow; Gr 9: red; Gr 10: orange; Gr 11: green; Gr 12: blue; Faculty/staff: pink
- Tues 10/4: Twin Day (pair with peers to wear identical costumes)
- Wed 10/5: Mass Attire
- Thurs 10/6: College Day
- Fri 10/7: Show Your CARDINAL Spirit
- BOD Finance Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on financial policies and the annual budget. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BOD Advancement Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on fundraising efforts. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BA 2nd Van Driver: Morning and afternoon scholar transportation while school is in session. Paid position, anticipated late winter start date. Class III drivers training provided.
- BA Fair Booth 2nd Family: Seeking a 2nd family to assist with operating the BA Cardinal Cafe during the Rice County Fair the 3rd week of July. Tuition stipend provided.
2021-2022 Yearbooks have arrived! Extra yearbooks are available for purchase. Cost is $70; write checks out to Bethlehem Academy, with "2021-22 yearbook" in the notes. Contact Mr. Brent Zabel with questions.
Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance. Please stop by before September 30; books will be donated to the AAUW book sale after that date.
PowerSchool and Schoology: Following PowerSchool's purchase of Schoology, we transitioned from PowerSchool Classroom Learning to Schoology for a learning management system last school year. The PowerSchool Classroom website is in the process of being decommissioned and will go offline in a couple of months. We are in the process of updating how parent data is stored in PowerSchool. That process will be completed soon. When completed we will be providing you with information about parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website. Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology. PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information. Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instructional videos, etc.)
Positivity Project: Being Present and Other People Matter – Mindset (6-8) Grades (9-12): To practice and encourage the character strength of mindset (being present/other people matter) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
MAP Growth Testing – For students currently in grades 6, 7 and 8 : By dynamically adjusting to each student’s test responses, MAP Growth Exams create a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures individual student performance in the areas of English, Math, Language and science (grade 6 science in the fall and grade 8 science in the spring). Middle School students are automatically registered for these tests which are paid for by the school. Testing dates for students, which typically take a couple hours each scheduled day, are: Thurs Sep 22, Fri Sep 23, Mon Sep 26, and Tues Sep 27 (6th Science only).
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 21 at 6:30pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection.
FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17
Family Focus, 9/9/22
09/13/2022
Kris Sauer
September 2022, 2022-23
Leave a comment
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
September 9, 2022
Dear BA Families:
The Cardinals gathered by classes today to serve the Faribault Community through various service projects! Each year we encourage our scholars to follow CARDS - Character, Accountability, Respect, Decision-Making and Service. What a joy to see all of the scholars supporting our community today.
A special thank you to all of our families as you partner with your scholar these first two weeks of the school year. I know adjusting back to the school year schedule can have challenges and I thank you for reaching out with questions. For our new families, please mark your calendars as Middle School will be inviting new families in on Sept. 21st to meet teachers and learn more about Middle School at BA.
HOT LUNCH: Contact Julie Trnka for a WordWare keycode to set up your online account. Find the MN Free/Reduced Lunch Program annual form HERE; Fill out this FORM if you have a scholar with special dietary needs.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
- Sept 13: PSAT (Gr 11) test registration deadline, see below
- Sept 17: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; Volunteers Needed! Sign up HERE
- Sept 18: Tackle Cancer Gear order deadline. Order HERE.
- Sept 21: Middle School New Family Night (6:30pm)
- Sept 23: Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day ($1, sweatpants ok; $2 to wear leggings, hats)
- Sept 23: Opening Student Art Reception at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 5-7pm. Exhibit runs in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery until Nov. 12.
- Sept 24: Tackle Cancer events at the home football game, 1pm
- Sept 27: Picture Day! More details to follow
- Oct 7: Homecoming
- Oct 18: Early Release, Conferences 1-6 p.m.
- Oct 19 & 20: MEA - No School
- Home & School: Please send in your Home & School Dues to the office! ($30) you can also Venmo this at:
- Volunteers needed at games! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games.
- Encourage students to sign up for activities! Robotics registration can be found HERE or picked up in the office. SADD & Campus Ministry held their first meeting, but there is still time to join! Scholars can also travel to New York and D.C. through Close Up, contact Mr. Wollin if interested. FFA is also holding sign up meetings, talk with Mr. Johnson to join.
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
I hope you can join our mother's prayer group, information below, to begin prayers for your scholar and our teachers this school year. Please share any special prayer requests with this group as they meet weekly.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Positivity Project: Open-Mindedness: This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Open-Mindedness. Open-mindedness means you like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions. To practice and encourage the character strength of open-mindedness with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Grade 11: PSAT Registration due Sept 13: BA is offering the PSAT test for 11th grade students only on Oct 12. To take the exam-the ONLY qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program-sign up in the front office by Tuesday, September 13. Cost is $18. Contact Ms. Roessler with questions.
Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
2021-2022 Yearbooks - have arrived! Extra yearbooks are available for purchase. Cost is $70, write checks out to Bethlehem Academy, with "2021-22 yearbook" in the notes. Contact Mr. Brent Zabel with questions.
Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance.
PowerSchool and Schoology: Following PowerSchool's purchase of Schoology, we transitioned from PowerSchool Classroom Learning to Schoology for a learning management system last school year. The PowerSchool Classroom website is in the process of being decommissioned and will go offline in a couple of months. We are in the process of updating how parent data is stored in PowerSchool. That process will be completed soon. When completed we will be providing you with information about parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website. Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology. PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information. Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instructional videos, etc.)
Game Tickets Now Available Online: BA athletic event tickets are now available for purchase online! Click HERE to order season passes or individual game tickets or download the Hometown Fan app. Cash sales at the door still available.
HS Close Up DC/NY Trip: Any student in grades 9-12 who is interested in Project Close Up, please see Mr Wollin or email him. Close Up is a program that allows students to travel to Washington, DC, and take part in tours and discussions that teach young people about our American governmental system. Our trip this year will also include a weekend in New York sightseeing.The trip will be over spring break 2023.
Moms in Prayer - As we live in a world filled with uncertainty, isn’t it comforting to know that God created you for such a time as this? Now is our time to RISE UP BOLD, rebuild, & reconnect like never before! To stand in the gap for our children & their schools through prayer. Please join us Tuesdays at 8am in the Adoration Chapel. Email Lori Bittenbender with questions.
Gently Used Football Gear Needed: The Bethlehem Academy youth football program for grades 4/5/6 are in need of gently used football equipment. If you have gear sitting around that your kids have outgrown consider donating it to the program! Equipment needed in youth and adult sizes: white football helmets, shoulder pads, black football pants, pads and cleats. Please drop off any donations at Bethlehem Academy or text Angel at 507-210-4691 for pick up.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School Newsletter: Please click HERE for the September 2022 Middle School Newsletter.
FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30.
Middle School New Family Info Meeting Sept 21
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 21 at 6:30pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection. More information to follow.
Youth Adoration Hour, 3-4pm Mondays. Register HERE.
Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17
Family Focus 9/2/22
09/06/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23
Leave a comment
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
September 2, 2022
Dear BA Families:
What a wonderful first week of school! From orientation day, to classroom mixers, introductions, Mass and our first House event, our scholars and staff connected for a great start to the new year. We also understand that transitioning back to school for some of our scholars can be difficult. Please reach out if your scholar needs any extra support during this first month of school! I invite all families to pray for teachers, students and staff as our school year begins.
ACTIVITIES: Many BA activities are also beginning, from athletics to school organizations. I encourage your scholar to join an activity. Sign up information is at school, or will be sent home over the next month including: Knowledge Bowl, Robotics, Close Up Trip to DC/New York, SADD, Peer Ministry, FFA and Theater Club. Getting involved helps connect our scholars to others and develops their interests and gifts. We also look forward to seeing you at upcoming school athletic events or at coop sport competitions - Go Cardinals!
HOME & SCHOOL/VOLUNTEERING: Congratulations to Debbie Kangas for winning the Home & School drawing at the Back-to-School Picnic. All BA Families are a part of Home & School. Your dues help to support student and staff appreciation events throughout the year. Please send your check into the office to pay your dues. In addition, all families are asked to volunteer at BA events. Please sign up to take tickets or work concessions at BA athletic events this fall: click here for volleyball games, here for football games. If you plan to go on field trips and events at school, we also need you to complete your Virtus training at Virtus.org. Thanks for your support!
HOT LUNCH: Hot lunch is optional for students. As the COVID-funded free lunch program has ended, please be sure you have money in your family's lunch account. Contact Julie Trnka for a WordWare keycode to set up your online account. Find the MN Free/Reduced Lunch Program annual form HERE; Fill out this FORM if you have a scholar with special dietary needs.
DRESS CODE: Scholars showcased their BA spirit at Mass this week, thank you! We still have some BA polos for sale in the front office ($10 each) and expect our new shirts, which were back-ordered, to be here before the end of the month for all scholars. Just a reminder, scholars may also wear a plain red, black, or white polo or a white button-down shirt for Mass days. Click HERE for the updated dress code.
PARKING: A reminder that all parking spots in our main lot have been allocated to staff, seniors and juniors. Please use the visitor spots when visiting during the school day.
SERVICE DAY SEPT 9: As we have for the past few years, students will be doing grade-based community service projects during Cardinal hours next Friday, Sept 9. Most of our grades will be doing outdoor yard work. On Wednesday, students will be asked in homeroom if they want a BA bag lunch or will bring their own. Dress code: BA Cardinal t-shirts along with pants and shoes suitable to their project. More details to follow early next week.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
| Mon, Sept 5 | Tues, Sept 6 - RED | Wed, Sept 7 - WHITE | Thurs, Sept 8 - RED | Fri, Sept 9 - WHITE |
| LABOR DAY - NO SCHOOL | NORMAL SCHEDULE | 10:25 MASS Schedule *40 min |
NORMAL SCHEDULE | Service Day! Classes will do service during Cardinal Hours (10:40-1:30) *BA or own bag lunches to take with them. |
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Sept 17: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; Volunteer HERE
- Sept 21: Middle School New Family Night (6:30pm)
- September 23: Opening Student Art Reception at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 5-7pm. Exhibit runs in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery until Nov. 12.
- Oct 7: Homecoming
I hope you can join our mother's prayer group, information below, to begin prayers for your scholar and our teachers this school year. Please share any special prayer requests with this group as they meet weekly.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Arrived: 2021-2022 Yearbooks - Returning scholars who ordered yearbooks will receive them soon in homeroom. Extra yearbooks are available for purchase. Contact Mr. Brent Zabel with questions or to purchase; he will be reaching out to Class of 2022 parents and others to arrange pickup at BA as needed.
Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance.
PowerSchool and Schoology: Following PowerSchool's purchase of Schoology, we transitioned from PowerSchool Classroom Learning to Schoology for a learning management system last school year. The PowerSchool Classroom website is in the process of being decommissioned and will go offline in a couple of months. We are in the process of updating how parent data is stored in PowerSchool. That process will be completed soon. When completed we will be providing you with information about parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website. Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology. PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information. Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instrucitonal videos, etc.)
Game Tickets Now Available Online: BA athletic event tickets are now available for purchase online! Click HERE to order season passes or individual game tickets or download the Hometown Fan app. Cash sales at the door still available.
HS Close Up DC/NY Trip: Any student in grades 9-12 who is interested in Project Close Up, please see Mr Wollin or email him. Close Up is a program that allows students to travel to Washington, DC, and take part in tours and discussions that teach young people about our American governmental system. Our trip this year will also include a weekend in New York sightseeing.The trip will be over spring break 2023.
Moms in Prayer - As we live in a world filled with uncertainty, isn’t it comforting to know that God created you for such a time as this? Now is our time to RISE UP BOLD, rebuild, & reconnect like never before! To stand in the gap for our children & their schools through prayer. Please join us Tuesdays at 8am in the Adoration Chapel. Email Lori Bittenbender with questions.
Gently Used Football Gear Needed: The Bethlehem Academy youth football program for grades 4/5/6 are in need of gently used football equipment. If you have gear sitting around that your kids have outgrown consider donating it to the program! Equipment needed in youth and adult sizes: white football helmets, shoulder pads, black football pants, pads and cleats. Please drop off any donations at Bethlehem Academy or text Angel at 507-210-4691 for pick up.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30.
Middle School New Family Info Meeting
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 28 at 6:30pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection. More information to follow.
We are in desperate need of one more middle school volleyball coach. Be different. Take a chance. Say yes. If you or someone you know has an interest, please contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) or Head Volleyball Coach Chris Bothun.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Youth Adoration Hour, 3-4pm Mondays. Register HERE.
Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17
Family Focus 8/26/22
08/30/2022
Kris Sauer
August 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
August 26, 2022
Dear BA Families:
It's back-to-school time! Our new staff joined all of your favorite teachers this week for our Workshop Week preparations. Teachers eagerly wait to connect with your scholars on Monday during orientation. Please click HERE for all of our back-to-school information including school shopping supply lists and revised dress code.
WELCOME NEW FAMILIES! We were blessed despite the rain, to meet with so many of you and your scholars! For those that couldn't make it, find the Quick Start Guide HERE (useful start of school info & staff email list) and the 2022-2023 New Family Guide (info on major school events & other "everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask" BA information) at this LINK. Please reach out with questions as this new year begins and you become a part of the BA Family.
STUDENT SCHEDULES: Students may log into PowerSchool to view their schedule. A hard copy will be distributed on Monday during student orientation. PLEASE contact BA Counselor Ms. Shane Roessler if your scholar has any missing hours or extra study halls or if you have any questions at sroessler@bacards.org or 507-334-3948, x217.
DRESS CODE: Our planned complimentary BA polos for each student are on order. In the meantime, there are some BA polos for sale in the front office ($10 each). Scholars may also wear a plain red, black, or white polo or a white button-down shirt for Mass days. Click HERE for the updated dress code.
Aug 26-27: BA spirit wear event at Star Sports (421 2nd Ave NW) next to Ace Hardware. Fifteen percent of all spirit wear sales will go back to BA. They have everything you need!- Aug 29 - Gr 6-12 All Student Orientation 9-11:30 am, all students attend; No lunch; Faribault busing operating on a normal school schedule, call 507-334-5121 for routes and information. The BA van will run, with 2 afternoon routes. Bring school supplies for locker setup. *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12) stay through 1:30pm** new Grade 7-12 students should plan to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get laptop and technology training. Pizza provided. (6th graders will get laptops in their tech class.)
- Aug 30 - First day of school! First bell at 8am, second bell at 8:05, dismissal at 2:55pm. Don't forget to put money in your family's hot lunch account!
- Aug 31: Mass @ IC, 10:25am - be sure to be in new Mass Dress Code attire (Black, red or white polos or white button down shirts and khakis/black pants. *Our planned special BA polos are on order.)
- Sept 5: Labor Day - No School
I hope you can join our mother's prayer group, information below, to begin prayers for your scholar and our teachers this school year. Please share any special prayer requests with this group as they meet weekly.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
New Family Resources:
Moms in Prayer - As we live in a world filled with uncertainty, isn’t it comforting to know that God created you for such a time as this? Now is our time to RISE UP BOLD, rebuild, & reconnect like never before! To stand in the gap for our children & their schools through prayer. Please join us Tuesdays at 8am in the Adoration Chapel. Contact Lori Bittenbender lori@lbpublicrelations.com with questions.
Gently Used Football Gear Needed: The Bethlehem Academy youth football program for grades 4/5/6 are in need of gently used football equipment. If you have gear sitting around that your kids have outgrown consider donating it to the program! Equipment needed in youth and adult sizes: white football helmets, shoulder pads, black football pants, pads and cleats. Please drop off any donations at Bethlehem Academy or text Angel at 507-210-4691 for pick up.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School New Family Info Meeting
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 21 from 6:30-7:00pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection. More information to follow.
We are in desperate need of one more middle school volleyball coach. Be different. Take a chance. Say yes. If you or someone you know has an interest, please contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) or Head Volleyball Coach Chris Bothun.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Youth Adoration Hour, 3-4pm Mondays. Register HERE.
Click HERE to be a teen leader or sign up for faith formation classes at DMCC by Sept 2!
Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17