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Family Focus 4/30/2021
April 30, 2021
Dear BA Families:
April is coming to a close and only four full weeks of school remain. The beautiful fresh air breathes spring into our school after the long, hard winter months. What an incredible year it's been! During the next four weeks work especially with your scholar to spend extra time on homework in order to finish the year strong.
As we continue in the liturgical year of Easter celebration, what a blessing to share in the Sacrament of Confirmation with our 8th grade scholars and families, even if it was remotely. They have taken the next step with the Sacrament of Confirmation and are now "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened for service to Christ." (US Bishops) Congratulations!
SENIOR PARENTS: What precious weeks and events are yet to occur in May. These memories will be seared into your mind, capturing your heart. Take time off, plan quiet time together, and treasure this final time. Know that I am praying for you and honored to share this time with you. Reminders of events and times will be sent out.
SUMMER PROGRAMMING: This summer we will offer summer sports camps, Robotics and Arts programs, see below. In addition, for some upper classmen who have missed a credit in a class, we will be offering credit recovery this summer. Students will be contacted regarding this option. Take advantage of extending learning this summer to support your scholar!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - May 3-7th! Send cards, write a note, share your thankfulness for all of the efforts of our teaching staff this next week! It's been an incredible year and they deserve our greatest appreciation.
- May 1: Prom Grand March, 5pm, watch live here
- May 3-7th: National Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 4: AP Calculus BC Exam
- May 5: AP English Literature Exam
- May 5: Choir and Band Concert, 6 & 7 p.m. Limited attendance but join us online via our YouTube channel or FaceBook page!
- May 6: Avant Spanish Test
- May 7: HS Mass; AP European History exam
- May 12: School Nurse Appreication Day
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-22 Financial Aid Update: We are working on financial aid. Students must be enrolled for next year for aid to be allocated. Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance completing enrollment and/or responding to information requests from TADS.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU! We continue to close the gap and are 99% toward our goal of $250,000. Keep sharing the good news!
BABS Fund-A-Need (FAN): Thank you! We have raised enough through the FAN to add needed security cameras and purchase 12 new interactive SMART Boards for our classrooms. Help us get to 18 SMART boards-donate to the FAN here.
FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG/COVID UPDATES: As we approach the end of the school year, we ask your assistance in remaining vigilant in upholding COVID safety protocols. Please help us keep students healthy and in school the rest of the year. Remember-
- Stay home if sick; contact the attendance line with info & symptoms;
- We encourage testing OFTEN! See links below. It is encouraged that your student test every two weeks.
- If your student or member of your household is getting tested for COVID due to exposure or symptoms, stay home and isolate until you receive and provide a copy of test results to the office.
- Consistently wear a mask, continue to social distance from others - and please ask your students to do so as well especially when not in our building and limit social gatherings.
At this time, we have no new positive cases among school students and/or staff and no one is quarantining. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning as well as the 10 day quarantine. Please see links to additional COVID resources below:
- MDH Home Screening Tool for COVID Symptoms
- Rice County COVID-19 Testing Resources
- Rice County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Rice County Free Mental Health Resources
Please pray: For Ella Banon, younger sister to BA 8th grader Barak Barner who is dealing with cancer; families suffering loss of a child in recent accidents; students who have been injured and are recovering; and I welcome continued prayers as well for my healing.
Mindy Reeder
President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Band/Choir Spring Concert May 5
The Spring Concert will be held in Van Orsow Auditorium. Choir begins at 6pm, Band at 7pm. Tickets will be distributed as they were for the winter concert and the event will be streamed live on our YouTube channel or FaceBook Page.
Merit-Based Hoban Scholarship Applications Available
Students in grades 8 through 11 are invited to apply for the John E. and Lucille M. Hoban Merit Based Scholarship. Students are required to write a two-part essay and must be a student in good standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The 2021-2022 application is attached. The deadline for submission is Monday, May 10, 2021.
Order your 2020-2021 YEARBOOK
Have you ordered a yearbook for the 2020-2021 school year? May 29 is the deadline to purchase a school yearbook! Cost is $65. Order yours today - see the attached form or order online here. Contact Mr. Zabel if you have any questions.
Adult 2021 Summer Employment Opportunity
Bethlehem Academy is looking for an energetic adult to help supervise the summer student work program. This student supervisor will work with the students under the direction of the BA maintenance team. The position runs from June 7 to August 13 from 8am-2:30pm with a half hour lunch break. Pay is $12/hour. Contact Steve Zabel at 334-3948 ext. 220 or by email if you or anyone you know may be interested. Position is flexible and may be shared. Deadline to apply is May 21.
Counseling Support: We have learned of a suicide challenges circling social media on TikTok, Twitter and other sites. It involves encouraging teens to engage in "blue whale" and chapstick suicide challenges. Please be sure to talk with your child and be aware of their social media use and accounts. Here are other resources:
Crisis Phone Lines
YouthLine: Text teen2teen to 839863 or call 1-877-968-8491
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: call 1-800-422-4453
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text Hello to 741741
Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text "start" to 678-678
Here is a list of suicide warning signs for teens.
Online School Store Now Open!
BA facemasks, car clings and **NEW** polos are now available for purchase on our online school store. Also available are BABS fixed priced items, including wrought iron planters and messenger bags. Click here to purchase these great items!
Home Track Meet Help
Bethlehem Academy is hosting a home track meet on Tuesday, May 11. We are in need of volunteers for these events. Please contact Ed Friesen or Brent Zabel if you are willing to help with either of these duties.
Fair Stand Manager Needed
BA parent team sought to run the BA Cardinal Cafe fair stand July 21-25, 2021, at the Rice County Fair. Tuition reduction and training from the retiring managers provided. Contact Kris Sauer for more information.
Summer Camps @ BA!
BA will be hosting a number of camps this summer, including robotics and sports camps. Click here for information and registration forms for all our summer camps.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
PROM & POST-PROM: Prom is Saturday, May 1, 2021. Attendees should plan to wear masks for most of the evening. Prom will be hosted in our gym, with the Grand March at 5pm and the dinner and dance from 6-9:45pm. Grand March attendees have tickets to attend in person; all others are invited to watch on our BA YouTube channel and Facebook page. You may also join us outside for the outdoor Grand March starting after the indoor program. Attendees will exit the front lobby door and proceeding north around the block to end at the ramp on the Back 40. Parent volunteers needed for Post-Prom; sign up to volunteer for Post-Prom here.
SENIORS: Mary Ceremony Slide Show photos wanted
A note from Mr. Zabel: It is hard to believe that we are already preparing for our Mary Ceremony. We are so proud of the accomplishments our Seniors have achieved over the years. Seniors in Multimedia are currently working on creating a senior slide show that will be presented during the Mary Ceremony. We invite you to drop some photos of memories throughout their years growing up at this link. Students are using photos from this folder for the senior slide show. Please keep in mind we have to limit the video and will not be able to use ALL of the pictures you may put in this folder. Thanks again for helping us capture these memories of your graduates!
SENIORS: Faribault Daily News Graduation Section-May 6 Deadline
The Faribault Daily News will again publish its annual special section featuring area high school graduates. There is also a special online version where seniors can create and personalize a page of their own to share with friends and family. Graduates or their parents may submit a photo (at least 1MB, vertical and preferably pictured from the waist up) and information on the Daily News website at bit.ly/3t6yEL3. It is free; the deadline for graduate submissions is May 6. For more information, contact Regional Managing Editor Suzanne Rook at 507-333-3134 or editor@faribault.com.
SENIORS: Post-Graduate Info Needed
Ms. Rogers sent seniors a Naviance survey this week for information on their post-secondary plans. The survey is required regardless of whether they are undecided, attending 2 or 4 year school, going straight to a career, into the military, anything!! Survey deadline is May 13. Failure to fill out this survey by Thursday, May 13th, means your student is not guaranteed to be in the graduation program.
SENIORS: Grad Party List
A reminder to please email Class of 2021 grad party details (date, time, location, menu) to Barb Johnson for the master class grad party list.
JUNIORS: Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Register here! for the June 12 exam (sign up deadline: May 7; late signup deadline: May 21).
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
Sacred Relics of the Saints: Treasures of the Church, May 10 @ DMCC
Divine Mercy Catholic Church presents a teaching and exposition of Sacred Relics on Monday, May 10 at 6:30pm. See attached flyer. Fr. Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross will be here with an extraordinary Vatican collection of over 150 relics, some as old as 2000 years. The Church of St. Dominic in Northfield will present the same program on Saturday, May 15, at 6:00 pm.
Spring Break 2022 Guatemala Trip
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Spring Break Mission Retreat to Guatemala. Deadline to apply is May 1st. Click here for more information.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Faribault Golf Course: Kitchen Workers
Faribault Golf Course is seeking 3 part-time line cooks (1-2+ years’ experience) to start the golf season. Pay depends on experience and availability. Call or send resumes to Chef Patty LeBeau at chefpattylabeau@gmail.com or call 612-701-7190.
ATTACHMENTS
2021-2022 BA/DMCS School Calendar
Hoban Scholarship 2021 Application
Yearbook Order Form
Sacred Relics DMCC May 10
Family Focus 4/23/2021
April 23, 2021
Dear BA Families:
As I write this newsletter on Thursday, sunshine streams into the windows of my home where I continue to recover. As was previously shared, my surgery was successful and additional bone and CT scans did not show any spread of the cancer past my lymph nodes. I am thankful for your prayers and support and will be able to join students, families and staff remotely for the next few weeks.
I was saddened to learn about students connected to our school who have been injured or passed away during these past few weeks. We are thankful for our counselor and your partnership as we support our students during these times. Please continue to reach out to Ms. Rogers or other staff for any emotional needs this spring.
Staff Announcements!
New Band Director Hired: We are excited to announce that Mr. Edward Wendt, Jr. will be joining Bethlehem Academy as our new band director. He will be replacing Mr. Scot Gardner, Bethlehem Academy’s band (and occasional choir) teacher of 44 years. Mr. Wendt comes from the Totino-Grace Fine Arts Academy, where he taught various music groups, and Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Winsted where he instructed high school band and other various groups and ensembles. Please join us as we welcome him into the BA family.
Retirement Announcement: After 33 years, Eileen Kriechbaum has also announced her decision to retire. Her love of the Spanish language and culture has inspired 100s of BA students to continue in their Spanish studies beyond high school. We will miss her energy and love as she transitions to retirement.
Retirement Celebrations: With three dedicated staff retiring this spring, including Tracy Meschke, Eileen Kriechbaum, and Scot Gardner (details below for Mr. Gardner), watch for additional details later this spring to join BA in honoring all three staff as they leave a legacy for all to follow at BA.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- April 26-28: MS MAP Testing - see below
- April 26-30: Prom Dress Down Days
- Monday, April 26 - Beach Day
- Tuesday, April 27- Neon Day
- Wednesday, April 28- America Day
- Thursday, April 29- Jersey Day
- Friday, April 30- Prep day (MS students must be in Mass-appropriate clothes
- April 29: Student of the Month, 7:30am in the Gym / ACT Aspire 9th grade makeup test day
- April 30: Middle School Mass Day
- May 1: Prom 2021, Grand March streamed live on our YouTube channel here
- May 4: AP Calculus BC Exam
- May 5: AP English Literature Exam
- May 5: Band and Choir Concert, 6 & 7 p.m. Limited attendance but join us online via our YouTube channel!
- May 6: Avant Spanish Test
- May 7: AP European History exam
Congratulations to the Robert's Family - they were the lucky winner of the $200 Amazon gift card, drawn from all families who registered for 2021-22 by April 1st!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-22 Financial Aid Update: We are working on financial aid. Students must be enrolled for next year for aid to be allocated.Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance completing enrollment and/or responding to information requests from TADS.
- 2021-2022 School Calendar: copy attached
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU! We continue to close the gap! As of today we have received $246,996 in gifts, 99% toward our goal of $250,000. Keep sharing the good news.
BABS Fund-A-Need (FAN): Thank you! We have raised enough through the FAN to add needed security cameras and purchase 11 new interactive SMART Boards for our classrooms. Help us get to 18 SMART boards-donate to the FAN here.
FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG/COVID UPDATES: As we approach the end of the school year, we ask your assistance in remaining vigilant in upholding COVID safety protocols. We've seen an uptick in students and family members who have been asymptomatic but tested positive for COVID, and numbers in Rice County continue to climb as COVID variants take hold. Please help us keep students healthy and in school the rest of the year. Remember-
- Vaccinations now available for students 16 or older! See link below.
- Stay home if sick; contact the attendance line with info & symptoms;
- We encourage testing OFTEN! See links below. It is encouraged that your student test every two weeks.
- If your student or member of your household is getting tested for COVID due to exposure or symptoms, your student should stay home and isolate until you receive and provide a copy of test results to the office.
- Consistently wear a mask, continue to social distance from others - and please ask your students to do so as well especially when not in our building and limit social gatherings.
At this time, we have no new positive cases among school students and/or staff. Any confirmed or exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning as well as the 10 day quarantine. Please see links to additional COVID resources below:
- MDH Home Screening Tool for COVID Symptoms
- Rice County COVID-19 Testing Resources
- Rice County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Rice County Free Mental Health Resources
Please pray: For Ella Banon, younger sister to BA 8th grader Barak Barner who is dealing with cancer; families suffering loss of a child in recent accidents; students who have been injured and are recovering; and I welcome continued prayers as well for my healing.
Mindy Reeder
President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Counseling Support: We have learned of a suicide challenges circling social media on TikTok, Twitter and other sites. It involves encouraging teens to engage in "blue whale" and chapstick suicide challenges. Please be sure to talk with your child and be aware of their social media use and accounts. Here are other resources:
Crisis Phone Lines
YouthLine: Text teen2teen to 839863 or call 1-877-968-8491
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: call 1-800-422-4453
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text Hello to 741741
Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text "start" to 678-678
Here is a list of suicide warning signs for teens.
Merit-Based Hoban Scholarship Applications Available
Students in grades 8 through 11 are invited to apply for the John E. and Lucille M. Hoban Merit Based Scholarship. Students are required to write a two-part essay and must be a student in good standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The 2021-2022 application is attached. The deadline for submission is Monday, May 10, 2021.
Order your 2020-2021 YEARBOOK
Have you ordered a yearbook for the 2020-2021 school year? May 29 is the deadline to purchase a school yearbook! Cost is $65. Order yours today - see the attached form or order online here. Contact Mr. Zabel if you have any questions.
Adult 2021 Summer Employment Opportunity
Bethlehem Academy is looking for an energetic adult to help supervise the summer student work program. This student supervisor will work with the students under the direction of the BA maintenance team. The position runs from June 7 to August 13 from 8am-2:30pm with a half hour lunch break. Pay is $12/hour. Contact Steve Zabel at 334-3948 ext. 220 or by email if you or anyone you know may be interested. Position is flexible and may be shared. Deadline to apply is May 21.
Lilly O’Donnell Memorial Service April 30
There will be a memorial candle vigil for Lilly O’Donnell on Friday, April 30, 8:30pm at the Northfield High School football field. Please wear a mask if you plan to attend.
Band/Choir Spring Concert May 5
The Spring Concert will be held in Van Orsow Auditorium. Choir begins at 6pm, Band at 7pm. Tickets will be distributed as they were for the winter concert and the event will be streamed live on our YouTube channel. Additional information will be provided by Mrs. Kratt and Mr. Gardner.
Online School Store Now Open!
BA facemasks, car clings and **NEW** polos are now available for purchase on our online school store. Also available are BABS fixed priced items, including wrought iron planters and messenger bags. Click here to purchase these great items!
BASEBALL APPAREL - Click HERE to order by this Saturday, April 24.
Home Track Meet Help
Bethlehem Academy is hosting home track meets on Thursday, April 29 and Tuesday, May 11. We are in need of 2 more volunteers for these events:
- Public Address Announcer - follow a script to announce upcoming races and possible announce results as they become available
- Starter's Assistant - assist in getting race results and getting next race participants ready.
Parent Volunteers for Mr. Gardner Open House June 12
Calling all band parents/guardians! Scot Gardner has served Bethlehem Academy as the band director for 44 years. During his tenure, he has touched the lives of thousands of students, building their confidence, inspiring them with his love of music, and inviting them to strive for excellence both in their music and in life. To celebrate Scot, Cassie Kratt is seeking parents volunteers to help plan a retirement open house to be held at BA on Saturday, June 12. Please email Cassie if you are interested in honoring Scot in this special way. Thank you!
Fair Stand Manager Needed
BA parent team sought to run the BA Cardinal Cafe fair stand July 21-25, 2021, at the Rice County Fair. Tuition reduction and training from the retiring managers provided. Contact Kris Sauer for more information.
Summer Football and Girls Basketball & Volleyball Camps
BA will be hosting a number of camps this summer. Football camps are open to students in Grades 4-12, with a passing camp open to varsity players. Girls basketball and volleyball camps are open to girls in grades 2-8. Click here for information on all our summer sports camps.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
PROM & POST-PROM: Prom is Saturday, May 1, 2021. Attendees should plan to wear masks for most of the evening. Prom will be hosted in our gym, with the Grand March at 5pm and the dinner and dance from 6-9:45pm. Grand March: BA 12th graders attending Prom are allowed 4 guests each. 10th & 11th grade BA students will get 2 guests, as will each non-BA student attendee. Guest names must be provided to Tammy Anderson by Thursday, April 29. Post-Prom and non-BA student guest permission slips are due Wednesday, April 28. Parent volunteers needed for Post-Prom; sign up to volunteer for Post-Prom here.GRADE 9/10: ACT ASPIRE MAKEUP TEST INFO
The ACT ASPIRE make up test for 9th grade students is next Thursday, April 29. Students will be contacted individually at school to attend the make-up session. ACT has informed us that we will have test scores sometime in July. To learn more about the test, visit www.act.org/actaspire.
JUNIORS: Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Register here! for the June 12 exam (sign up deadline: May 7; late signup deadline: May 21).
SENIORS: Faribault Sertoma Club Scholarship
The Faribault Sertoma Club is offering two $1500 scholarships for post secondary education. The recipients of the scholarships will best personify Sertoma's motto, "Service to Mankind". Deadline is April 30.
SENIORS: Grad Party List
A reminder to please email Class of 2021 grad party details (date, time, location, menu) to Barb Johnson for the master class grad party list.
SENIORS: Faribault Daily News Graduation Section-May 6 Deadline
The Faribault Daily News will again publish its annual special section featuring area high school graduates. There is also a special online version where seniors can create and personalize a page of their own to share with friends and family. Graduates or their parents may submit a photo (at least 1MB, vertical and preferably pictured from the waist up) and information on the Daily News website at bit.ly/3t6yEL3. It is free; the deadline for graduate submissions is May 6. For more information, contact Regional Managing Editor Suzanne Rook at 507-333-3134 or editor@faribault.com.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Grade 6-8 MAP Testing April 26-28
Middle school students will spend 2 periods daily next Monday through Wednesday (April 26-28) in MAP testing in math, reading, science and language. Please be sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and is well rested for these exams.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
Sacred Relics of the Saints: Treasures of the Church, May 10 @ DMCC
Divine Mercy Catholic Church presents a teaching and exposition of Sacred Relics on Monday, May 10 at 6:30pm. See attached flyer. Fr. Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross will be here with an extraordinary Vatican collection of over 150 relics, some as old as 2000 years. The Church of St. Dominic in Northfield will present the same program on Saturday, May 15, at 6:00 pm.
Spring Break 2022 Guatemala Trip
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Spring Break Mission Retreat to Guatemala. Deadline to apply is May 1st. Click here for more information.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Faribault Golf Course: Kitchen Workers
Faribault Golf Course is seeking 3 part-time line cooks (1-2+ years’ experience) to start the golf season. Pay depends on experience and availability. Call or send resumes to Chef Patty LeBeau at chefpattylabeau@gmail.com or call 612-701-7190.
Tri-Star Manufacturing: Assembly Work
Student workers sought for summer assembly work at Tri-Star Manufacturing in Kasson. Contact Peggy Sheldon at 507-331-4347 if interested.
ATTACHMENTS
2021-2022 BA/DMCS School Calendar
Hoban Scholarship 2021 Application
Yearbook Order Form
Sacred Relics DMCC May 10
Family Focus 4/16/2021
April 16, 2021
Dear BA Families:
I am pleased to report that Mrs. Reeder's surgery went well and she is resting at home. Your continued prayers for her recovery are greatly appreciated.
BABS 2021 - DENIM & DIAMONDS THANK YOU! Thank you to all the donors, supporters, participants, and volunteers who made BABS 2021 a success! I am pleased to report that so far BABS has brought in $102,886, including $45,916 from the auctions, raffles, and games and $56,970 for our Fund-A-Need (FAN). That is enough in FAN donations to purchase all needed security cameras and 11 new SMART Boards for our classrooms. Our goal is to raise enough to purchase SMART Boards for all 18 of our classrooms. You can watch the video here and donate directly to this year's Fund-A-Need here. Please help if you can, and thank you for helping us raise the dollars needed to continue to empower our students and staff to achieve personal, spiritual, and academic excellence here at Bethlehem Academy!
Upcoming schedule:
- April 21: Administrative Professional Day - say thank you to our front office staff!
- April 23: HS Mass Day
- April 26-28: MS MAP Testing
- May 1: Prom 2021
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-22 Financial Aid Update: We will be working on financial awards in the next few weeks. Students must be enrolled for next year for aid to be allocated. If you haven't already, please complete enrollment in FACTS and respond to any emails from TADS requesting financial aid application documents or additional information, as we cannot review/assess incomplete applications. Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance with this process.
- Earn Tuition Credit - Summer Student Workers Needed: We still have openings in our summer student work program. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks of work and all earnings are credited towards tuition. Contact Barb Johnson to sign up.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU-what a blessing! We are at $246,878. 98.7% of our goal of $250,000. Gifts to the annual fund can be sent through June 30, 2021 - perhaps we will surpass our goal thanks to prayers and support this year!
FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG/COVID UPDATES: As we approach the end of the school year, we ask your assistance in remaining vigilant in upholding COVID safety protocols. We've seen an uptick in students and family members who have been asymptomatic but tested postive for COVID, and numbers in Rice County are also going up as COVID variants take hold. Please help us keep students healthy and in school the rest of the year by:
- Staying home if sick; contact the attendance line with info & symptoms;
- If your student or member of your household is getting tested for COVID, your student should stay home and isolate until you receive and provide a copy of test results to the office;
- Consistently wear a mask, continue to social distance from others - and please ask your students to do so as well.
At this time, we have 1 positive case among school students and/or staff. Any confirmed or exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning as well as the 10 day quarantine. Please see links to additional COVID resources below:
- MDH Home Screening Tool for COVID Symptoms
- Rice County COVID-19 Testing Resources
- Rice County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Rice County Free Mental Health Resources
Please pray: For Mrs. Reeder and all members of our community dealing with cancer, including Ella Banon, younger sister to BA 8th grader Barak Barner.
John Wollershim, Assistant Principal
jwollersheim@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Parents Volunteers Sought for Mr. Gardner Open House
Calling all band parents/guardians! Scot Gardner has served Bethlehem Academy as the band director for 44 years. During his tenure, he has touched the lives of thousands of students, building their confidence, inspiring them with his love of music, and inviting them to strive for excellence both in their music and in life. To celebrate Scot, Cassie Kratt is seeking parents volunteers to help plan a retirement open house during the early summer of 2021. Please email cricker@bacards.org if you are interested in honoring Scot in this special way. Thank you!
School Store!
Need BA facemasks or car clings? Missed out on buying the cool wrought iron planters on our BABS silent auction?!? We've set up an online school store for these items and more! Click here to purchase these great items! Coming soon: BA polo shirts!
Fair Stand Manager Needed
BA parent team sought to run the BA Cardinal Cafe fair stand July 21-25, 2021, at the Rice County Fair. Tuition reduction and training from the retiring managers provided. Contact Kris Sauer for more information.
Student Summer Workers NEEDED!!
Our summer student work program is back! Interested high school students (grades 9-12 in 2021-22) are encouraged to apply. Please call the BA office @ 334-3948 or email Barb Johnson with the names of your students. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and will work at both BA & DMCS under the direction of Head Custodian Steve Zabel. Hired students may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.21/hour. All earnings will be credited to their tuition account.
Summer Football and Girls Basketball & Volleyball Camps
BA will be hosting a number of camps this summer. Football camps are open to students in Grades 4-12, with a passing camp open to varsity players. Girls basketball and volleyball camps are open to girls in grades 2-8. Click here for information on all our summer sports camps.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
GRADE 9/10: ACT ASPIRE MAKEUP TEST INFOACT Aspire make up testing will take place the last week of April. ACT has informed us that we will have scores sometime in July. We will keep you posted as we learn more. To learn more about the test, visit www.act.org/actaspire.
PROM: Prom will be held May 1, 2021. Attendees should plan to wear masks for most of the evening. Prom will be hosted in our gymnasium, with the Grand March at 5pm and the dinner and dance from 6-9:45pm. Please note new end time to accommodate fireworks display at the parent-planned Post Prom event. Grand March guests: BA seniors who attend Prom are allowed 4 guests each. BA juniors who attend Prom are allowed 2 guests each. This is per BA student, not per couple. Non-BA student attendees do not have a Grand March guest allotment. (For example: 2 BA seniors attend together=8 Grand March guests; 1 BA junior + 1 outside guest = 2 guests, etc.). Students should provide their guest names to Tammy Anderson by Thursday, April 29. More details to follow early next week.
JUNIORS & SENIORS: AP TESTING INFO
Scheduled AP exams begin at BA on Monday, May 3rd through Thursday, May 13. See attached letter for exam dates and what students should and should not bring to the AP exam.
GRADE 10/11: PSEO Update
PSEO Student Registration: Deadline May 31st, no exceptions. More information about what PSEO is can be found here on the BA website. If your student is interested in PSEO, they must set up an appointment with Ms. Rogers to discuss their options; apply to their selected college’s PSEO program; email Ms. Rogers a completed Notice of Student Registration form and a transcript request, OR meet with Ms. Rogers a second time. If emailed, must be sent before noon on 05/31.
JUNIORS: Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Register here! for the June 12 exam (sign up deadline: May 7; late signup deadline: May 21).
College Visit Info
Virtual College Night Event Week of April 19
BA Students have been invited to a Virtual college night event! With the ongoing challenges of holding in-person College Fairs, the school/college counseling staff from Catholic high schools in the metro area have teamed up to deliver exciting programming for students and families the week of April 19, 2021. These events will include live, virtual sessions with admission representatives from a variety of colleges and universities with a different theme each night. Sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. with recordings available later. Registration for these events is free, yet necessary to secure a spot, due to limited capacity.
SENIORS: Faribault Sertoma Club Scholarship
The Faribault Sertoma Club is offering two $1500 scholarships for post secondary education. The recipients of the scholarships will best personify Sertoma's motto, "Service to Mankind". Deadline is April 30.
SENIORS: Grad Party List
A reminder to please email Class of 2021 grad party details (date, time, location, menu) to Barb Johnson for the master class grad party list.
SENIORS: Faribault Daily News Graduation Section-May 6 Deadline
The Faribault Daily News will again publish its annual special section featuring area high school graduates. There is also a special online version where seniors can create and personalize a page of their own to share with friends and family. Graduates or their parents may submit a photo (at least 1MB, vertical and preferably pictured from the waist up) and information on the Daily News website at bit.ly/3t6yEL3. It is free; the deadline for graduate submissions is May 6. For more information, contact Regional Managing Editor Suzanne Rook at 507-333-3134 or editor@faribault.com.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
Guatemala Mission Trip Info Night April 19
Interested high school students and their parents should plan to attend this introductory session held April 19 at 6pm in the St. Faustina Commons. Email Anna at ablessing@divinemercy.cc with questions.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Faribault Golf Course: Kitchen Workers
Faribault Golf Course is seeking 3 part-time line cooks (1-2+ years’ experience) to start the golf season. Pay depends on experience and availability. Call or send resumes to Chef Patty LeBeau at chefpattylabeau@gmail.com or call 612-701-7190.
Tri-Star Manufacturing: Assembly Work
Student workers sought for summer assembly work at Tri-Star Manufacturing in Kasson. Contact Peggy Sheldon at 507-331-4347 if interested.
ATTACHMENTS
AP Exam Dates & Information
Family Focus April 9, 2021
Dear BA Families:
I am pleased to report that Mrs. Reeder's surgery went well and she is resting at home. Your continued prayers for her recovery is greatly appreciated.
JOIN US VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON: BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, is TOMORROW, April 10! We look forward to seeing many of you at BABS tomorrow night for our in-person event. For those not able to attend, we encourage you to support this great event virtually! The Silent Auction is open and features many wonderful items. Place your bids through Sunday, April 11 at 2pm here. Our Live Auction will be live streamed on both our Facebook page and our YouTube channel. You can donate directly to this year's Fund-A-Need here. Please help if you can!
Upcoming schedule:
- April 10: BABS Denim & Diamonds, find info here
- April 12: Grade 10 ASPIRE test (NEW DATE); last day to purchse Prom tickets
- April 14: Grade 9 ASPIRE test (NEW DATE)
- April 21: Administrative Professional Day - say thank you to our front office staff!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-22 Financial Aid Update: We will be working on financial awards in the next few weeks. Students must be enrolled for next year for aid to be allocated. If you haven't already, please complete enrollment in FACTS and respond to any emails from TADS requesting financial aid application documents or additional information, as we cannot review/assess incomplete applications. Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance with this process.
- Earn Tuition Credit - Summer Student Workers Needed: We still have openings in our summer student work program. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks of work and all earnings are credited towards tuition. Contact Barb Johnson to sign up.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU-what a blessing! We are at $246,038 - 98% of our goal of $250,000. Gifts to the annual fund can be sent through June 30, 2021 - perhaps we will surpass our goal thanks to prayers and support this year!
FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG/COVID UPDATES: As we approach the end of the school year, we ask your assistance in remaining vigilant in upholding COVID safety protocols. We've seen an uptick in students and family members who have been asymptomatic but tested postive for COVID, and numbers in Rice County are going up as well as COVID variants take hold. Please help us keep students healthy and in school the rest of the year by:
- Staying home if sick; contact the attendance line with info & symptoms;
- If COVID testing, stay home and isolate until you receive and provide a copy of test results to the office;
- Consistently wear a mask, continue to social distance from others - and ask your students to do so as well.
At this time, we have 1 positive case among school students and/or staff. Any confirmed or exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning as well as the 10 day quarantine. Please see links to additional COVID resources below:
- Updated Quarantine Guidance for Vaccinated Persons
- COVID-19 Testing for Kids and Families
- COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded to all Minnesotans 16+
- Visit MDH COVID-19 Vaccine Website
- MDH Travel Updates
Please pray: For the O'Donnell family, who lost Lilly (former BA classmate of our junior class) to a tragic car accident last weekend; Ella Banon, younger sister to BA 8th grader Barak Barner; and Mrs. Reeder as she recovers from surgery.
John Wollershim, Assistant Principal
jwollersheim@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Spring Sports
Spring sport activity fees may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. The activity fee for baseball, fastpitch softball, golf and track & field is $135 per participant. The $165 fee for trap shooting may also be paid online or by sending a check to the school office.
Student Summer Workers NEEDED!! Sign Up By April 6
Our summer student work program is back! Interested high school students (grades 9-12 in 2021-22) are encouraged to apply. Please call the BA office @ 334-3948 or email Barb Johnson with the names of your students. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and will work at both BA & DMCS under the direction of Head Custodian Steve Zabel. Hired students may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.21/hour. All earnings will be credited to their tuition account.
Summer Football and Girls Basketball Camps Registration Now Open
BA will be hosting a number of camps this summer. Football camps are open to students in Grades 4-12, with a passing camp open to varsity players. Girls basketball camps are open to girls in grades 2-8. See attached flyers for more information.
Face masks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA face masks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
GRADE 9/10: ACT ASPIRE TEST INFOWe have rescheduled the ACT ASPIRE assessments to Monday, April 12 (Grade 10) and Wednesday, April 14 (Grade 9). your child will be taking ACT® Aspire® assessments. We ask you to encourage your child to do their best and get plenty of sleep the night before. To learn more about the test, visit www.act.org/actaspire.
PROM: Prom will be held May 1, 2021. Students in 11th and 12th grade are invited and may invite an outside guest. Attendees should plan to wear masks for most of the evening. Students and guests are invited to Derham Farm at 3pm for pictures. Grand March will be held at 5pm in the BA gym. BA senior prom attendees are allowed 4 guests each and each BA junior attendee will get two guests for the Grand March. It will be live streamed. Prom will be hosted in our gymnasium, with the dinner (all-you-can-eat wood fired food truck) beginning at 6pm, and the dance running from 7-10:30pm. The dance portion of the evening will be limited with creative measures in place to mitigate exposure, as per MDH guidelines. Prom tickets are being sold during HS lunch periods; $30/couple, $15/individual. The deadline to purchase Prom tickets is Monday, April 12. An after prom party is currently being coordinated by junior and senior parents with more details to come.
Dear Parents: Navigating College Admissions-April 13 Virtual Event
Sponsored by the MN Independent School Forum, BA parents are invited to attend this free 6:30pm April 13 virtual event. In his book, Dear Parents (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018), Jon McGee, Head of School at Saint John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN, offered parents of college-bound students a road map for navigating the complex and often emotional challenge of preparing themselves and their children for college. The parent of four children (one college graduate, two currently in college, and one still in high school), McGee will offer insights and guidance drawn from years of personal and professional experience about college, college preparation, and college choice at the various stages of our children’s lives. Click here to sign up for this FREE event.
GRADE 10/11: PSEO Update
PSEO Student Registration: Deadline May 31st, no exceptions. More information about what PSEO is can be found here on the BA website. If your student is interested in PSEO, they must set up an appointment with Ms. Rogers to discuss their options; apply to their selected college’s PSEO program; email Ms. Rogers a completed Notice of Student Registration form and a transcript request, OR meet with Ms. Rogers a second time. If emailed, must be sent before noon on 05/31.
JUNIORS: Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Register here! for the June 12 exam (sign up deadline: May 7; late signup deadline: May 21).
College Visit Info
Virtual College Night Event Week of April 19
BA Students have been invited to a Virtual college night event! With the ongoing challenges of holding in-person College Fairs, the school/college counseling staff from Catholic high schools in the metro area have teamed up to deliver exciting programming for students and families the week of April 19, 2021. These events will include live, virtual sessions with admission representatives from a variety of colleges and universities with a different theme each night. Sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. with recordings available later. Registration for these events is free, yet necessary to secure a spot, due to limited capacity.
SENIORS: Faribault Sertoma Club Scholarship
The Faribault Sertoma Club is offering two $1500 scholarships for post secondary education. The recipients of the scholarships will best personify Sertoma's motto, "Service to Mankind". Deadline is April 30.
SENIORS: Open Campus
Open campus for seniors in good standing begins today and is offered every Friday through April 30. Daily open campus begins Monday, May 3rd. Seniors may only leave campus during a scheduled lunch or study hall. Signed parent permission is required and students must sign in and out in the front office.
SENIORS: Grad Party List
A reminder to please email Class of 2021 grad party details (date, time, location, menu) to Barb Johnson for the master class list.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
Guatemala Mission Trip Info Night April 19
Interested high school students and their parents should plan to attend this introductory session held April 19 at 6pm in the St. Faustina Commons. Email Anna at ablessing@divinemercy.cc with questions.
ATTACHMENTS
Football Passing Camp (Varsity)
Football Summer Camp (Grades 4-12)
Girls Basketball Summer Camp (Grades 2-8)
Family Focus 3/31/21
Dear BA Families:
Happy Easter! We hope that this Easter weekend brings your family great joy and hope. As you prepare for the Easter celebration, please see below for a few announcements and reminders for your family from BA faculty. I also wanted to let you know that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be out for surgery April 6-April 16 and working from home April 19-May 14. I expect to return in-person by May 17, just in time for our end of year events and graduation. I appreciate your prayers during this time. John Wollersheim will be back full-time in the building during my recovery.
Don't miss BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, April 10, 2021! Please purchase your raffle tickets here and admissions ticket here -you can also stop in the front office for both. We also invite you to donate here, support this year's Fund-A-Need and plan to bid on our fabulous live and silent auction items! Watch for (and share!) our posts on our Facebook page as we add new items. Check out our BABS webpage for all the details, including admissions and sponsors to date! WE ESPECIALLY NEED:
- VOLUNTEERS!! Free event admission if you sign up here to help.
- Wine, beer, or soda (new unopened bottles) for the Ring Toss!
- Gift cards for the "Pick a Pocket" game
PROM: Prom is scheduled for May 1, 2021. Students in 11th and 12th grade are invited and may invite an outside guest. Attendees should plan to wear masks for most of the evening. Students and guests are invited to Derham Farm at 3pm for pictures. Grand March will be held at 5pm in the BA gym. BA senior prom attendees are allowed 4 guests each and each BA junior attendee will get two guests for the Grand March. It will be live streamed. Prom will be hosted in our gymnasium, with the dinner (all-you-can-eat wood fired food truck) beginning at 6pm, and the dance running from 7-10:30pm. The dance portion of the evening will be limited with creative measures in place to mitigate exposure, as per MDH guidelines. Prom tickets will be sold during high school lunches after Easter. An after prom party is currently being coordinated by junior and senior parents with more details to come.
Upcoming schedule:
- April 2: NO SCHOOL/Good Friday
- April 5: NO SCHOOL/Easter Monday
- April 6:
- Red Cross Blood Drive @ BA. See info below.
- Aspire Test for 9th Grade at BA (Breakfast 7:30-8:00am) See more information below.
- Student summer worker deadline. See info below.
- April 7: BABS Silent Auction bidding opens. Click here!
- April 8: Aspire Test for 10th Grade at BA (Breakfast 7:30-8)
- April 9: HS Mass
- April 10: BABS Denim & Diamonds, find info here
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-22 TADS Financial Aid updates: We are still accepting applications for tuition assistance. We will begin working on awards following the Easter break, so be sure to take advantage of our needs-based scholarship program and apply ASAP using this link: financial aid app. Please respond to any emails from TADS requesting documents or additional information as we cannot review/assess incomplete applications. Contact Kris Sauer if you need assistance with this process.
- REMINDER: All new and returning students who have completed enrollment in FACTS by Thursday, April 1 will be eligible for a $200 Amazon gift card drawing! If you haven't already, follow the link from Faribault Catholic Schools/FACTS to finish this today.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU-what a blessing! We are at $244,545 - 98% of our goal of $250,000. Gifts to the annual fund can be sent through June 30, 2021 - perhaps we will surpass our goal thanks to prayers and support this year!
COVID UPDATES: At this time, we have 1 additional positive case among school students and/or staff. Any confirmed or exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning as well as the 10 day quarantine. We will be evaluating any updates from MDH and the CDC for implementation after Easter.
- Family vaccine connector: If you or anyone in your family is interested in receiving a vaccine, please sign up at the State of MN's Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Sign up here.
- COVID Tests recommended: The Minnesota High School League and Health Department is recommending testing for students if they have symptoms. They are offering free tests and families may receive them at home. Click here to get your free test.
- Free Mental Health Resources available to Families: The Rice County Trauma Project has partnered with Advanced Trauma Consulting to create a short video series addressing grief, loss and pandemic trauma. You'll find the toolkit HERE.
Please continue to pray for Ella Banon, younger sister to one of BA's 8th grade students, Barak Barner. Your prayers and support are asked for by the family. Fiind Ella's GoFundMe page at this link. Ella Strong t-shirts may also be ordered here.
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Spring Sports
Spring sport activity fees may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. The activity fee for baseball, fastpitch softball, golf and track & field is $135 per participant. The $165 fee for trap shooting may also be paid online or by sending a check to the school office.
Student Summer Workers NEEDED!! Sign Up By April 6
Our summer student work program is back! Interested high school students (grades 9-12 in 2021-22) are encouraged to apply. Please call the BA office @ 334-3948 or email Barb Johnson with the names of your students. Studens are guaranteed 2 weeks and will work at both BA & DMCS under the direction of Head Custodian Steve Zabel. Hired students may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.21/hour. All earnings will be credited to their tuition account. Requests for summer work must be submitted by Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
Student Council Blood Drive April 6
BA's Student Council is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at BA on Tuesday, April 6 (Red Day). Interested parents and students should use this link to sign up and then click on Bethlehem Academy on the left. Spots are filling up fast! If you are 17 years old or older, you are eligible to donate. If you are 16, you can donate with parent permission. See this page for more information about donating and eligibility requirements. FYI that donors will need a picture ID with you on April 6 (driver’s license, BA student ID). Thank you!
Face masks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA face masks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
GRADE 9/10: ACT ASPIRE TEST INFO
On April 6 (Grade 9) and April 8 (Grade 10) your child will be taking ACT® Aspire® assessments. The valuable data we gain from these assessments allows us to make evidence-based decisions when addressing your child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and growth potential. This can give you an early indication of his or her likely readiness for the future, providing time to address areas where improvement is needed. We will be administering the ACT Aspire Summative assessment to continue charting your child’s progress year-over-year. Measuring academic growth is necessary to keep your child on track for college and career readiness. The test is aligned with the ACT, the most popular college entrance test in the United States. It will allow us to adjust curriculum and instruction as needed, to help maximize your child’s ACT performance in the coming years. We ask you to encourage your child to do their best and get plenty of sleep the night before. To learn more about the test, visit www.act.org/actaspire.
GRADE 10/11: PSEO Update
PSEO Student Registration: Deadline May 31st, no exceptions. More information about what PSEO is can be found here on the BA website. If your student is interested in PSEO, they must set up an appointment with Ms. Rogers to discuss their options; apply to their selected college’s PSEO program; email Ms. Rogers a completed Notice of Student Registration form and a transcript request, OR meet with Ms. Rogers a second time. If emailed, must be sent before noon on 05/31.
JUNIORS: Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Register here! for the June 12 exam (sign up deadline: May 7; late signup deadline: May 21).
College Visit Info
Virtual College Night Event Week of April 19
BA Students have been invited to a Virtual college night event! With the ongoing challenges of holding in-person College Fairs, the school/college counseling staff from Catholic high schools in the metro area have teamed up to deliver exciting programming for students and families the week of April 19, 2021. These events will include live, virtual sessions with admission representatives from a variety of colleges and universities with a different theme each night. Sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. with recordings available later. Registration for these events is free, yet necessary to secure a spot, due to limited capacity.
SENIORS: Open Campus
Open campus for seniors in good standing begins today and is offered every Friday through April 30. Daily open campus begins Monday, May 3rd. Seniors may only leave campus during a scheduled lunch or study hall. Signed parent permission is required and students must sign in and out in the front office.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
Guatemala Mission Trip Info Night April 19
Interested high school students and their parents should plan to attend this introductory session held April 19 at 6pm in the St. Faustina Commons. See attached flyer for more information. Email Anna at ablessing@divinemercy.cc with questions.
Family Focus 3/26/2021
Dear BA Families:
Blessed Holy Week! I do pray that Spring Break brought you joy. I know that some students and families are just completing quarantines due to cases, exposure, or travel. We look forward to having everyone back in-person soon! During this Holy Week, BA students will begin on Wednesday with reconciliation. As we celebrate the Triduum, beginning with Holy Thursday and culminating with Easter Sunday, I am overjoyed to be at BA serving our students, staff and families where we can celebrate the gift of everlasting life through Jesus. May your spirit be exuberant this Easter.
This quarter also begins our end-of-year testing, starting with our 9th and 10th grade students taking the Aspire test (see high school section below for more information on this exam). This test is an all-day test on April 6 for 9th grade and April 8t for 10th grade. We will offer a free breakfast for the 9th and 10th grade students on these days from 7:30-8:00 a.m.
BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, April 10, 2021: Don't forget to order your raffle tickets here, purchase an admissions ticket here, volunteer to help here, consider a donationhere, support this year's Fund-A-Need and plan to attend in-person or online to bid on our fabulous items! Check out our BABS webpage for all the details, including admissions and sponsors to date! A separate email with all of the information and volunteer needs was sent yesterday.
Schedule for the upcoming three weeks:
- March 31: HS & MS Reconciliation
- April 1: Complete enrollment by today for a chance to win a $200 Amazon Gift Card!
- April 2: NO SCHOOL/Good Friday
- April 5: NO SCHOOL/Easter Monday
- April 6:
- Red Cross Blood Drive @ BA. See info below.
- Aspire Test for 9th Grade at BA (Breakfast 7:30-8)
- Student summer worker deadline. See info below.
- April 8: Aspire Test for 10th Grade at BA (Breakfast 7:30-8)
- April 9: HS Mass
- April 10: BABS Denim & Diamonds, find info here
KUDOS: Proud of our Shop Students who built birdhouses and donated them to River Bend Nature Center and partnered with the Fire Station on a table project this past month AND our High School Student Council & Student Service Club who led a month-long Lenten service project that brought in 100 pounds of toiletries that were donated today to St. Vincent dePaul for families in need.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-2022 Enrollment-WIN a $200 Gift Card! Re-enroll and register for classes by April 1 to be eligible for a $200 Amazon Gift Card drawing! Please email Kris Sauer with questions.
- 2021-22 TADS Financial Aid updates: We are still accepting applications for tuition assistance. Be sure to take advantage of our needs-based scholarship program and apply by April 5 using this link: financial aid app. Please respond to any emails from TADS requesting documents or additional information as we cannot review/assess incomplete applications. Contact Kris Sauer if you need assistance with this process.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES
BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU-what a blessing! We are at $244,045 - 98% of our goal of $250,000. Gifts to the annual fund can be sent through June 30, 2021 - perhaps we will surpass our goal thanks to prayers and support this year!
COVID UPDATES: At this time, we have 1 additional positive case of school students and/or staff. Any confirmed or exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning as well as the 10 day quarantine. We will be evaluating any updates from MDH and the CDC for implementation after Easter.
- Family vaccine connector: If you or anyone in your family is interested in receiving a vaccine, please sign up at the State of MN's Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Sign up here.
- COVID Tests recommended: The Minnesota High School League and Health Department is recommending testing for students, especially in sports where they have experienced increases. They are offering free tests and families may receive them at home. Click here to get your free test.
- Free Mental Health Resources available to Families: The Rice County Trauma Project has partnered with Advanced Trauma Consulting to create a short video series addressing grief, loss and pandemic trauma. You'll find the toolkit HERE.
Please continue to pray for Ella Banon, younger sister to one of BA's 8th grade students, Barak Barner. Your prayers and support are asked for by the family. Fiind Ella's GoFundMe page at this link. Ella Strong t-shirts may also be ordered here.
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Spring Sports
Practices for spring sports begin on Monday, March 29. Spring sport activity fees may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. The activity fee for baseball, fastpitch softball, golf and track & field is $135 per participant. The $165 fee for trap shooting may also be paid online or by sending a check to the school office..
Easter Flower Pick Up March 30-31
Flowers ordered through the BA Activities Association will be available for pickup in BA's Front Lobby Tuesday, March 30 and Wednesday, March 31 from 3:00-6:00pm.
Student Summer Work Sign Up By April 6
Our summer student work program is back! High School students (grades 9-12 in 2021-22) who apply and qualify for financial aid will have first priority; other interested students are encouraged to apply. Please call the BA office @ 334-3948 or email Barb Johnson with the names of your interested students. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and will work at both BA and DMCS under the direction of Head Custodian Steve Zabel. Hired students may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.21 per hour. All student earnings will be credited to their tuition account. Requests for summer work must be submitted by Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
Student Council Blood Drive April 6
BA's Student Council is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at BA on Tuesday, April 6 (Red Day). Interested parents and students should use this link to sign up and then click on Bethlehem Academy on the left. Spots are filling up fast! If you are 17 years old or older, you are eligible to donate. If you are 16, you can donate with parent permission. See this page for more information about donating and eligibility requirements. FYI that donors will need a picture ID with you on April 6 (driver’s license, BA student ID). Thank you!
Face masks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA face masks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
GRADE 9/10: ACT ASPIRE TEST INFO
On April 6 (Grade 9) and April 8 (Grade 10) your child will be taking ACT® Aspire® assessments. The valuable data we gain from these assessments allows us to make evidence-based decisions when addressing your child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and growth potential. This can give you an early indication of his or her likely readiness for the future, providing time to address areas where improvement is needed. We will be administering the ACT Aspire Summative assessment to continue charting your child’s progress year-over-year. Measuring academic growth is necessary to keep your child on track for college and career readiness. The test is aligned with the ACT, the most popular college entrance test in the United States. It will allow us to adjust curriculum and instruction as needed, to help maximize your child’s ACT performance in the coming years. We ask you to encourage your child to do their best and get plenty of sleep the night before. To learn more about the test, visit www.act.org/actaspire.
GRADE 10/11: PSEO Update
PSEO Student Registration: Deadline May 31st, no exceptions. More information about what PSEO is can be found here on the BA website. If your student is interested in PSEO, they must set up an appointment with Ms. Rogers to discuss their options; apply to their selected college’s PSEO program; email Ms. Rogers a completed Notice of Student Registration form and a transcript request, OR meet with Ms. Rogers a second time. If emailed, must be sent before noon on 05/31.
JUNIORS: Upcoming ACT Test Dates
Register here! for the April 17 exam (late signup deadline: March 26) and the June 12 exam (sign up deadline: May 7; late signup deadline: May 21).
JUNIORS: STRIVE Program Information-First meeting March 31
STRIVE is a select group of seniors that meets 8 times during the school year to help students achieve their goals after graduation. Meetings are online via Zoom and in each session we hear from community members who cover topics like goal setting, budgeting, applying for scholarships, career development and more. If you are not able to attend the session live, a recorded version will be available for you to watch. Students who are part of STRIVE and participate in at least 6 meetings will be eligible to apply for STRIVE scholarships. The first meeting is March 31. See attached flyer for more information.
College Visit Info
University of St Thomas Info Session March 31
Join the Virtual Info Session (30 minutes) on March 31st with an admissions counselor who will cover academics, campus life, the admissions process, and basics of financial aid!
Signature College Night: A Virtual Event!
Virtual College Night Event Week of April 19
BA Students have been invited to a Virtual college night event! With the ongoing challenges of holding in-person College Fairs, the school/college counseling staff from Catholic high schools in the metro area have teamed up to deliver exciting programming for students and families the week of April 19, 2021. These events will include live, virtual sessions with admission representatives from a variety of colleges and universities with a different theme each night. Sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. with recordings available later. Registration for these events is free, yet necessary to secure a spot, due to limited capacity. See attached flyer to learn more!
SENIORS: Open Campus
Open campus for seniors in good standing begins today and is offered every Friday through April 30. Daily open campus begins Monday, May 3rd. Seniors may only leave campus during a scheduled lunch or study hall. Signed parent permission is required and students must sign in and out in the front office.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
Guatemala Mission Trip Info Night April 19
Interested high school students and their parents should plan to attend this introductory session held April 19 at 6pm in the St. Faustina Commons. See attached flyer for more information. Email Anna at ablessing@divinemercy.cc with questions.
ATTACHMENTS
* 2021-22 Rotary Strive Program
* High School Mission Retreat Flyer
* Signature College Nights
Family Focus 3/12/2021
Dear BA Families:
Happy Spring Break! I do pray that your family finds time to refresh and renew in body, mind and spirit this Lent and over our Spring Break. I know that our staff looks forward to this time. Over the last two weeks additional stress was added for both our staff and scholars due to new COVID cases, expanded quarantining and added online learning students. Thank you for shifting with us this Friday as we adapted to these changes in order to finish our 3rd quarter positively. I'm praying that when we return, we are all healthy and refreshed for our final quarter of the school year! Please see updates below for online learning changes.
BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, April 10, 2021: Your packets were mailed! Don't forget to order your raffle tickets here, consider a donation here, and plan to attend in-person or online to bid on all of our auction items. Check out our "BABS" webpage for all the details, including admissions and sponsors to date! .
We are also looking for these items for our auction:
- Gas outdoor fireplace
- Wine, beer and/or your favorite mixers
- Gift Cards
- Vacation homes/destinations
- Sports or golfing outings
- Experiences...
Schedule for the upcoming three weeks:
- March 15-19: NO SCHOOL / SPRING BREAK
- March 23: Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day - send a card!
- March 24: High School Stations of the Cross
- March 31: HS & MS Reconciliation
- April 1: Enroll by today for $200 Amazon Gift Card drawing
- April 2: NO SCHOOL/Good Friday
- April 5: NO SCHOOL/Easter Monday
- April 5: Student Summer Worker deadline
- April 6: Red Cross Blood Drive @ BA
- April 10: BABS Denim & Diamonds, find info here
KUDOS:
- Proud of MS Student - Owen Dotterweich for competing this week in the Regional Spelling Bee and representing BA!
- Congratulations to our students of the month! What an honor to hear how dedicated they are each month to one or more of the Dominican pillars of: Prayer, Study, Community and Service. Find the ceremony on our Facebook page here.
- Congratulations to senior Verity Wray-Raabolle! She was selected as a National Merit Finalist, one of only a few in the nation. We are proud of her dedication to excellence at BA! See the presentation here, and watch for a Facebook post honoring Verity's accomplishment after spring break.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-2022 Enrollment-WIN a $200 Gift Card! Re-enroll and register for classes by April 1 to be eligible for a $200 Amazon Gift Card drawing! Please email Kris Sauer with questions.
- Class Registration: BA is expanding course offerings! Students need to register by MARCH 12 to ensure class options for next year. Some classes have size limits.
- 2021-22 TADS Financial Aid applications still open. We are still accepting applications for tuition assistance. Be sure to take advantage of our needs-based scholarship program and apply via TADS by April 1 using this link: financial aid app. Applications received after this date will be put on a deferred list.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
- BA Annual Fund: THANK YOU-what a blessing! We are at $242,238 - 97% of our goal of $250,000. Gifts to the annual fund can be sent through June 30, 2021 - perhaps we will surpass our goal thanks to prayers and support this year!
COVID UPDATES: At this time, we have 3 additional positive cases of school students and/or staff. Any confirmed or exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning. Plans for BA moving forward:
- Online Learners: As we hopefully return to a more normal fourth quarter, please know that online learning is reserved for students quarantining and students with medical/health concerns. If you elected for online learning all year, you are able to continue although we do encourage you to return to in person class. All other reasons for online learning are no longer accepted including: online learning for athletes, vacations, and sick days. This was never the intent of online learning and has resulted in extra stress and academic concerns for both teachers and scholars.
- Spring Break Plans: If you are traveling over spring break, please follow the CDC guidelines. Upon return, if your student or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms, we would ask that you quarantine. As a precaution, you may choose to quarantine for the first three days following spring break to ensure that you do not have symptoms. Please email with any travel-related distance learning requests.
- Family vaccine connector: If you or anyone in your family is interested in receiving a vaccine, please sign up at the State of MN's Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Fill out the form to sign up here.
- COVID Tests recommended: The Minnesota High School League and Health Department is recommending testing for students, especially in sports where they have experienced increases. This is free and families may receive them at home. Click here to get your free test.
- Free Mental Health Resources available to Families: The Rice County Trauma Project has partnered with Advanced Trauma Consulting to create a short video series addressing grief, loss and pandemic trauma. You'll find the toolkit HERE.
Please pray for Ella Banon, younger sister to one of BA's 8th grade students, Barak Barner. Your prayers and support are asked for by the family; find Ella's GoFundMe page at this link. Ella Strong t-shirts may also be ordered here.
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Spring Break Volunteers Needed
Maintenance has 65 bags of salt that need to be moved to the boiler room and the Mother Samuel Building over spring break. If interested and able to help, please contact Steve Zabel. Service hours provided. Day/time flexible.
Friday Morning Student-led Rosary
Campus Ministry is leading the rosary every Friday during Lent. Please meet in Ms. Shimota's classroom Friday mornings at 7:40am. Rosaries and prayer sheets will be provided. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend!
Spring Break SCRIP Note
Scrip orders will NOT be processed the week of March 15 - March 19 due to Spring Break. Please plan your order for next week accordingly. If you have any questions please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc
Student Summer Work Sign Up By April 5
Our summer student work program is back! High School students (grades 9-12 in 2021-22) who apply and qualify for financial aid will have first priority; other interested students are encouraged to apply. Please call the BA office @ 334-3948 or email Barb Johnson @ bjohnson@bacards.org with the names of your interested students. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and will work at both BA and DMCS under the direction of Head Custodian Steve Zabel. Hired students may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.21 per hour. All student earnings will be credited to their tuition account. Requests for summer work must be submitted by Monday, April 5, 2021.
Face masks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA face masks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Junior & Senior Parents: After Prom Meeting March 23
Prom 2021 is on and all junior and senior parents are invited to an After Prom brainstorming session Tuesday, March 23rd at 6:30pm in the BA Cafeteria. Many hands make light work. Let's make Prom a memorable event in 2021! See parent email sent March 12 or contact Debbie Korman at 507-339-8059 with questions.
FREE ACT/SAT Practice Test & Prep Online
The weekend of March 20 and 21 the Princeton Review is offering a Free Practice ACT and Free Practice SAT, and Scores Back Strategy Session for MN students. They are offering a free practice ACT, SAT, and review session. If your student cannot attend the specific date and time next weekend sign up and your student will have 3 months to take a practice test.
PSEO/CIS/AP Meeting Video Links
If you missed the PSEO/CIS/AP Meeting hosted by Ms Rogers March 4th, find a recording here and on the BA Website in the Counselor's Corner. This video covers each of these pathways for students to earn college credits before graduation! Contact Ms. Rogers with any questions.
SENIORS: Open Campus
Open campus for seniors in good standing will begin on Fridays starting Friday, March 26 through Friday, April 30. Daily open campus will begin Monday, May 3rd. Seniors may only leave campus during a scheduled lunch or study hall. Parent permission is required and students must sign in and out in the front office. Permission forms must be turned in to the Front Office.
SENIORS: College Scholarship Opportunities
There are several national and local scholarships available with deadlines in March, including the Schulze Family Foundation Scholarship, Tri-Lakes Sportsman’s Club Scholarship, Faribo 4 Kids Thomas Laughlin Scholarship, Allina Health Orthopedics Sports Medicine Scholarship, and the Steele-Waseca Electric Coop College Scholarship. Have your students check the Scholarships section of Naviance (find video here; find Naviance information on our web page here) or email Ms. Rogers to find out more.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
SCRIP Note: Scrip orders will NOT be processed the week of March 15 - March 19 due to Spring Break. Please plan your order for next week accordingly. If you have any questions please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc
DMCC Youth Ministry Events
High School Spring Break Mission Night, March 17, 6-9pm
Since we aren't able to physically go on a mission trip to Guatemala, we are bringing a little bit a Guatemala right here! Movie night, discussion, prayer and guest speakers. We will also talk about plan for future mission trips. Open to anyone in 8th grade on up. No registration required. Held in the Youth Room of the IC Basement.
More information and programs on the Divine Mercy Catholic Church High School Youth Ministry page at https://www.divinemercy.cc/high-school
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Faribault Youth Baseball Traveling League Sign Up
Youth baseball traveling leagues are forming now! Practices begin early April. Registration open to March 15. Register at faribaultbaseball.com or email faribaultbaseball@gmail.com with questions.
Attached Files |
Family Focus 3/05/2021
Dear BA Families:
Blessed March and Lent! During this week of Lent with students back in school for 5 days, we reflected on prayer, service, and fasting. My challenge to our students was to speak positively as much as possible, leaving swear words out of their vocabulary. Theology students placed large banners of Saints representing all backgrounds around the school. We gathered for the Rosary and Mass this morning and our staff continues to reflect on "A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Thomas Aquinas" during this season of Lent.
CELEBRATING VOCATIONS: Join me next week in honoring our sisters as part of National Catholic Sisters Week as well as our Priests. On Tuesday, March 9, we invite you to send a message, share a gift card, or just thank those that serve us at BA through their vocation.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR CONFERENCES! We love connecting with our parents to celebrate the progress and areas for growth of each BA scholar. Thank you for partnering with us along this educational journey.
BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, April 10, 2021: We are presently looking for amazing donations and sponsors for our Silent and Live Auction - please fill out the online form here to donate. Event tickets will be limited this year and Silent & Live Auction bidding will be both in person and online! We need your help to add to some of our baskets and auction items, please consider donating:
- Gas outdoor fireplace
- Wine, beer and/or your favorite mixers
- Gift Cards
- Vacation homes/destinations
- Sports or golfing outings
- Experiences...
Schedule for the upcoming three weeks:
- March 8-12: Full in-person (no WIN Wednesday)
- Homework Club: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 3-4 p.m.
- March 9: Celebrate our Sisters and our Priests with thanks!
- March 10: Prom Dress Down Day ($1; $2 for hats or leggings)
- March 11: Student of the Month, 7:30am
- March 12: Final course selection due in PowerSchool
- March 12: HS Mass / MS WIN - LAST DAY OF THE QUARTER
- March 12: Last day of Toiletry Drive; 6th grade spring football sign up and Senior Open Campus forms deadline (see below for more info)
- March 15-19: NO SCHOOL / SPRING BREAK
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-2022 Enrollment-WIN a $200 Gift Card! Re-enroll and register for classes by April 1 to be eligible for a $200 Amazon Gift Card drawing! Please email Kris Sauer with questions.
- Class Registration: BA is expanding course offerings! Students need to register by MARCH 12 to ensure class options for next year. Some classes have size limits.
- 2021-22 TADS Financial Aid applications still open. We are still accepting applications for tuition assistance. Be sure to take advantage of our needs-based scholarship program and apply via TADS ASAP using this link: financial aid app.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
- BA Annual Fund: Our goal is to raise $250,000 by June 30, 2021. As of March 4th we are at $231,478 - 92% of our goal. WE CHALLENGE ALL DONORS TO SHARE THEIR ANNUAL FUND GIFT - WE LOVE BA!
COVID UPDATES: At this time, we have no additional positive cases of school students and/or staff although some sports teams have had exposure. Any exposed school members are quarantined. All interested staff have received the vaccine and Rice County numbers are very low. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning. Plans for BA moving forward:
- Online Learners: You will be able to come to school prior or after school for support as well as WIN time on Friday mornings. We would love to have you come back to in-person learning as this last week of the quarter is critical. Please notify the office (507-334-3948) if you are able to join us in person.
- Spring Break Plans: If you are traveling over spring break, please be aware there is no quarantine requirement at this time for travel within the United States (If traveling internationally, see the CDC guidelines.) If upon return your student or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms, we would ask that you quarantine. As a precaution, you may choose to distance learn for the first three days following spring break to ensure that you do not have symptoms. Please email me with any travel-related distance learning requests.
- Family vaccine connector: If you or anyone in your family is interested in receiving a vaccine, please sign up at the State of MN's Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Fill out the form to sign up: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Campus Ministry is leading the rosary every Friday during Lent. Please meet in Ms. Shimota's classroom Friday mornings at 7:40am. Rosaries and prayer sheets will be provided. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend!
Toiletry Drive for St. Vincent de Paul Until March 12
Student Service Club and Student Council are hosting a toiletry drive for St. Vincent de Paul. Items will collected through Spring Break. Students donating items will be eligible for a dress down day pass drawing. Items needed include: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
Spring Break SCRIP Note
Scrip orders will NOT be processed the week of March 15 - March 19 due to Spring Break. Please plan your order for next week accordingly. If you have any questions please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc
Student Summer Work Sign Up By April 5
Our summer student work program is back! High School students (grades 9-12 in 2021-22) who apply and qualify for financial aid will have first priority; other interested students are encouraged to apply. Please call the BA office @ 334-3948 or email Barb Johnson @ bjohnson@bacards.org with the names of your interested students. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and will work at both BA and DMCS under the direction of Head Custodian Steve Zabel. Hired students may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.21 per hour. All student earnings will be credited to their tuition account. Requests for summer work must be submitted by Monday, April 5, 2021.
Face masks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA face masks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
SENIORS: Open Campus
Open campus for seniors in good standing will begin on Fridays starting Friday, March 26 through Friday, April 30. Daily open campus will begin Monday, May 3rd. Seniors may only leave campus during a scheduled lunch or study hall. Parent permission is required and students must sign in and out in the front office. Seniors were given open campus permission forms in homeroom today. A signed parent permission form must be turned in to the BA Front Office by Friday, March 12 in order for seniors to participate.
JUNIORS: April 17 ACT Sign Up Deadline is March 12
A reminder that the deadline to sign up for the April 17 ACT exam is Friday, March 12. Students can register for the test here. Contact Ms. Rogers with any questions.
Cannon River Driving School
Cannon River Driving School will conduct a driver's education class at BA after spring break. This class meets 10 times for 3 hours to meet the 30 hour requirement for classroom instruction. Classes will meet 3pm to 6pm March 22-26 and March 29-April 1 and 8:30am-11:30am on April 2. See attachments below fo registration form.
SENIORS: College Scholarship Opportunities
There are several national and local scholarships available with deadlines in March, including the Schulze Family Foundation Scholarship, Tri-Lakes Sportsman’s Club Scholarship, Faribo 4 Kids Thomas Laughlin Scholarship, Allina Health Orthopedics Sports Medicine Scholarship, and the Steele-Waseca Electric Coop College Scholarship. Have your students check the Scholarships section of Naviance (find video here; find Naviance information on our web page here) or email Ms. Rogers to find out more.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Spring Football for Grade 6: Sign up by March 12
Spring football is back and a team is being formed for students in grades 4-6. See attached flyer for more information and email Kevin Dokkestul at kevin.dokkestul@gmail.com by Friday, March 12 if interested.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
SCRIP Note: Scrip orders will NOT be processed the week of March 15 - March 19 due to Spring Break. Please plan your order for next week accordingly. If you have any questions please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc
DMCC Youth Ministry Events
High School Prolife Apologetics Night March 10, 7:15-8:30pm
Held in the DMCS Gym, high schoolers are invited to join Emily Albrecht from Equal Rights Institute to learn more about Prolife Apologetics.
High School Spring Break Mission Night, March 17, 6-9pm
Since we aren't able to physically go on a mission trip to Guatemala, we are bringing a little bit a Guatemala right here! Movie night, discussion, prayer and guest speakers. We will also talk about plan for future mission trips. Open to anyone in 8th grade on up. No registration required. Held in the Youth Room of the IC Basement.
More information and programs on the Divine Mercy Catholic Church High School Youth Ministry page at https://www.divinemercy.cc/high-school
ATTACHMENTS
Cannon River Drivers Ed Classroom Course
Spring Football League for Grades 4-6
Family Focus 2/26/21
Dear BA Families:
Happy FFA Week! FFA Members celebrated with donuts for staff, guessing games with prizes and special daily announcements. It's exciting to see this program develop. Congratulations to all club members. We look forward to "Baby Animal Day" in May!
CONCERT TONIGHT! With all safety protocols in place including "instrument masks" BA will gather tonight to hear our young musicians led by our music directors, Scot Gardner and Cassie Kratt. Please join us online to hear our talented musicians - click here for the link to our YouTube channel.
COVID UPDATES: At this time, we have two new positive cases of school students and/or staff. These people, and any exposed school members, are currently quarantined. Most return on Monday. All interested staff have received the vaccine and Rice County numbers are very low. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning. Plans for BA moving forward:
- March 1: BA returns to a full 5 day week
- Students: Please bring cold lunches through Thursday, March 4. Hot lunch resumes Friday, March 5.
- Online Learners: You will be able to come to school prior or after school for support as well as WIN time on Friday mornings. We would love to have you come back to in-person learning for these last two critical weeks of the quarter. Please notify the office if you are able to join us in person.
- Spring Break Plans: If you are traveling over spring break, please be aware there is no quarantine requirement at this time for travel within the United States (If traveling internationally, see the CDC guidelines.) If upon return your student or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms, we would ask that you quarantine. As a precaution, you may choose to distance learn for the first three days following spring break to ensure that you do not have symptoms. Please email me with any travel-related distance learning requests.
- Family vaccine connector: If you or anyone in your family is interested in receiving a vaccine, please sign up at the State of MN's Vaccine Connector, a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Fill out the form to sign up: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/
BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, April 10, 2021: We are presently looking for amazing donations and sponsors for our Silent and Live Auction - please fill out the online form here to donate. Event tickets will be limited this year and Silent & Live Auction bidding will be both in person and online! We need your help to add to some of our baskets and auction items, please consider donating:
- Gas outdoor fireplace
- Wine, beer and/or your favorite mixers
- Gift Cards
- Vacation homes/destinations
- Sports or golfing outings
- Experiences...
Schedule for the upcoming three weeks:
- Feb 28, 11am-2pm: BA Open House
- March 1-5: Return to full in-person (no WIN Wednesday)
- March 3: HS Class Registration forms due. See attached for more information.
- March 4: Parent/Teacher Conferences. Sign up here. Sign up will close March 3 at 8 p.m. Zoom links will be provided. Mr. Madden's conferences will be held March 9 from 4:30-8:00pm. Sign up to meet with Mr. Madden here.
- March 4: PSEO/AP/CIS Info Night, 6:30pm
- March 5: MS Mass/HS WIN
- March 8-12: Full in-person (no WIN Wednesday)
- March 11: Student of the Month, 7:30am
- March 11: Final course selection due in PowerSchool
- March 12: HS Mass / MS WIN - LAST DAY OF THE QUARTER
- March 15-19: NO SCHOOL / SPRING BREAK
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-2022 Enrollment-WIN a $200 Gift Card! Re-enroll and register for classes by March 15 to be eligible for a $200 Amazon Gift Card drawing! Please email Kris Sauer with questions.
- Class Registration: BA is expanding course offerings. Students need to register before SPRING BREAK to ensure class options for next year. Some classes have size limits.
- 2021-22 TADS Financial Aid applications still open. Although the deadline to apply for Archdiocesan scholarships has passed, we are still accepting applications for tuition assistance. Be sure to take advantage of our needs-based scholarship program and apply via TADS using this link: financial aid app.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
- BA Annual Fund: Our goal is to raise $250,000 by June 30, 2021. As of February 18 we are at $228,993 - 92% of our goal. WE CHALLENGE ALL DONORS TO SHARE THEIR ANNUAL FUND GIFT BY FEB. 28 - WE LOVE BA! We need only an additional $23,857 to reach our goal.
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Limited Attendance Open House Feb 28, 11am-2pm
Does your student have a friend interested in BA? Invite them to join us for an Open House Sunday, February 28! Pre-registration required as attendance is limited. Invite families to sign up here to find out what a difference a Cardinal education can make!
Friday Morning Student-led Rosary
Campus Ministry is leading the rosary every Friday during Lent. Please meet in Ms. Shimota's classroom Friday mornings at 7:40am. Rosaries and prayer sheets will be provided. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend!
Toiletry Drive for St. Vincent de Paul
Student Service Club and Student Council are hosting a toiletry drive for St. Vincent de Paul. Items will collected through Spring Break. Students donating items will be eligible for a dress down day pass drawing. Items needed include: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
Parent/Teacher Conferences March 4
Middle School & High School Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, March 4, from 4:00-8:00 pm via Zoom. Conferences will be 5 minutes long. Please sign up for a time to meet with your child's teacher and discuss their progress. The following teachers will have conferences from 4:00-6:00pm: Mr. Gary Busse, Mr. Ed Friesen, Mrs. Kris Kohl & Mr. Dave Wollin. The Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Tori Rogers will be available from 4:30-6:30pm. Sign up to discuss your student's progress with teachers at this link. Individual teacher Zoom links will be emailed to parents in time for conferences. NOTE: Mr. Madden's conferences will be held March 9 from 4:30-8:00pm. Sign up to meet with Mr. Madden here.
Face masks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA face masks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Cannon River Driving School
Cannon River Driving School will conduct a driver's education class at BA after spring break. This class meets 10 times for 3 hours to meet the 30 hour requirement for classroom instruction. Classes will meet 3pm to 6pm March 22-26 and March 29-April 1 and 8:30am-11:30am on April 2. See attachments below fo registration form.
PSEO/CIS/AP Virtual Info Session March 4, 6:30pm
Guidance Counselor Tori Rogers is hosting a virtual PSEO, CIS, and AP information session for parents of current 10th and 11th grade students from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. This event is intended to address questions about PSEO, CIS, and AP courses, and next steps as your students enter their final two years of high school. General information on each of these programs can be found here on the Counselor's Corner page on the BA website. See attached flyer for info. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Rogers.
SENIORS: Open Campus
Open campus for seniors in good standing will begin following spring break with Fridays only. Full open campus will begin in May. Seniors may only leave campus during a scheduled lunch or study hall. Parent permission is required and students must sign in and out in the front office. Students will be given open campus permission forms in homeroom Friday, March 5.
College Scholarship Opportunities
There are several national and local scholarships available with deadlines in March, including the Schulze Family Foundation Scholarship, Tri-Lakes Sportsman’s Club Scholarship, Faribo 4 Kids Thomas Laughlin Scholarship, Allina Health Orthopedics Sports Medicine Scholarship, and the Steele-Waseca Electric Coop College Scholarship. Have your students check the Scholarships section of Naviance (find video here; find Naviance information on our web page here) or email Ms. Rogers to find out more.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
DMCS Annual Catholic United Financial Raffle to Feb 28
Divine Mercy Catholic School students are selling $5 raffle tickets through Feb 28. Order tickets on their website or contact the school at 507-334-7706 if interested. Thank you for your support of our Catholic schools!
DMCC Youth Ministry Events
Acquire the Fire! Saturday, Feb 27, 3:30-8:30pm
Join us for 4pm Mass with the parish followed by dinner, keynote speaker Joe Roueche, praise and worship, and Adoration. All high school and young adults welcome. Register to attend here.
Taizé Lenten Prayer Service March 3, 6-7 pm, DMCC
Taizé Prayer is a quiet, simple way of prayer designed for people of all Christian traditions. This meditative candlelit service will include simple chants sung repeatedly, rich silence and prayers of praise and intercession. It's the perfect way to uplift your concerns and calm your soul during the Lent season.
High School Prolife Apologetics Night March 10, 7:15-8:30pm
Held in the DMCS Gym, high schoolers are invited to join Emily Albrecht from Equal Rights Institute to learn more about Prolife Apologetics.
High School Spring Break Mission Night, March 17, 6-9pm
Since we aren't able to physically go on a mission trip to Guatemala, we are bringing a little bit a Guatemala right here! Movie night, discussion, prayer and guest speakers. We will also talk about plan for future mission trips. Open to anyone in 8th grade on up. No registration required. Held in the Youth Room of the IC Basement.
More information and programs on the Divine Mercy Catholic Church High School Youth Ministry page at https://www.divinemercy.cc/high-school
ATTACHMENTS
Class Registration 2021-2022 Information
Cannon River Drivers Ed Classroom Course
Family Focus 2/19/21
Dear BA Families:
Our Season of Lent began with a beautiful Ash Wednesday Mass here at BA. Throughout the Lenten Journey, we will be giving students and staff opportunities for prayer, fasting and giving, through service or gifts of support. To kick this off we began today with an out-of-dress-code Friday to help raise funds for personal care items for St. Vincent de Paul. Our Peer Ministry will host the Rosary every Thursday morning beginning at 7:45 a.m. In addition, we will be spending more time in Adoration and prayer and taking time for Stations of the Cross. Our staff will be in a Lenten Book Study and Reconciliation will be hosted after Spring Break for all students.
COVID UPDATES: At this time, we anticipate returning to school for full, five day weeks beginning March 1. Most of our staff have received the vaccine and numbers in our school and in Rice County have dropped. We will continue to follow safety protocols including spacing, mask wearing, ventilation and cleaning. We have not had any additional COVID cases or any need to quarantine students in the last few weeks and will continue to keep you informed.
BABS - DENIM & DIAMONDS, April 10, 2021: SAVE THE DATE! We are presently looking for amazing donations to our Silent and Live Auction - please fill out the online form here to donate. Event tickets will be limited this year and Silent & Live Auction bidding will be both in person and online! THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS & STAFF - WE NEED EVERYONE TO MAKE THIS A HUGE SUCCESS!
CAR SAFETY: We have experience car theft and potential break-ins of cars parked along the street. Please have students be extra careful and be sure to lock up. As part of our BABS Fund-A-Need we will be seeking to add additional outdoor cameras to our campus.
Schedule for the upcoming three weeks:
- Feb 20: FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DUE BY MIDNIGHT
- Feb 21: Pancake Breakfast / postponed to 2022
- Feb 22: High school class registration begins
- Feb 24: WIN DAY - No regular classes. Students should come in for support or time to work on projects.
- Easter flower order deadline
- ACT Science Test Prep Class, 8am-12pm (Gr 11)
- BA Day @ Taco Johns, 4-8pm
- Feb. 22-26: FFA Week
- Feb. 26: Winter concert. Limited attendance, parents only. Choir & Band teachers shared details.
- Feb 28, 11am-2pm: BA Open House
- March 1-5: Return to full in-person (no WIN Wednesday)
- March 4: Parent/Teacher Conferences. Sign up here.
- March 8-12: Full in-person (no WIN Wednesday)
- March 11: Student of the Month, 7:30am
- March 15-19: NO SCHOOL / SPRING BREAK
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- 2021-2022 Enrollment: Enrollment is open! You should have received an email from FACTS with instructions on how to set up your account and re-enroll your students for next year. FYI that we have found the reset password email sometimes takes longer to arrive than one would expect. Be patient and/or check your junk folder when first setting up your account. If you have questions about registration, please email Kris Sauer.
- Class Registration: BA is expanding course offerings for 2021-2022, with 12 new classes and two trips offered. These include:
- ACT Prep integration into subjects in 11th grade
- Coding Class, Intro to Engineering
- Intro to Photography
- Creative Writing
- Additional Ag and Shop classes, including Small Gas Engines
- Theology courses and a trip to the Holy Land
- Guatemala mission trip
- High School Student Support Center
- 2021-22 TADS Financial Aid Applications Due Feb 20! Be sure to take advantage of our needs-based scholarship program and apply via TADS using this link: financial aid app. The initial application deadline is February 20, 2021, at midnight. ***Note: if you have trouble uploading documents, please fill out the application by midnight Saturday. We can help you upload documents next week.***
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
- BA Annual Fund: Our goal is to raise $250,000 by June 30, 2021. As of February 18 we are at $226,143 - 90% of our goal. WE CHALLENGE ALL DONORS TO SHARE THEIR ANNUAL FUND GIFT BY FEB. 28 - WE LOVE BA! We need only an additional $23,857 to reach our goal.
- DO YOU WANT FLOWERS? Orders are due to the BA front office Feb 24. An order form can be found online here. The BA Activities Association, the school's booster club, uses the proceeds to support extracurricular activities at BA. This is their only source of revenue for this school year due to covid restrictions.
Mindy Reeder, President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Spring Trap Shooting Registration Due Feb 23
If your student is interested in participating in Spring Trap, please email Coach Rost at todd@adventurespecialties.com by Tuesday, February 23. A meeting will be set up for those interested in the near future.
BA Day @ Taco Johns 4-8pm Feb 24
Taco John's is hosting a BA Day on Wednesday, Feb 24, from 4-8pm. 25% of all orders placed at this time will go back to BA to support our athletics and co-curricular programs. Take a break from dinner and support BA!
Art Exhibit at Paradise Center for the Arts: Seventeen BA Art Students will be featured in the Spring Show running from February 19-April 3, 2021. Please visit the Paradise Center for the Arts to see our students amazing art work! Thanks to Mr. Hillesheim for helping students showcase their talents.
Limited Attendance Open House Feb 28, 11am-2pm
Does your student have a friend interested in BA? Invite them to join us for an Open House Sunday, February 28! Pre-registration required as attendance is limited. Invite families to sign up here to find out what a difference a Cardinal education can make!
Parent/Teacher Conferences March 4
Middle School & High School Conferences will be held virtually on Thursday, March 4, from 4:00-8:00 pm via Zoom. Conferences will be 5 minutes long. Please sign up for a time to meet with your child's teacher and discuss their progress. The following teachers will have conferences from 4:00-6:00pm: Mr. Gary Busse, Mr. Ed Friesen, Mrs. Kris Kohl & Mr. Dave Wollin. The Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Tori Rogers will be available from 4:30-6:30pm. Sign up to discuss your student's progress with teachers at this link. Individual teacher Zoom links will be emailed to parents in time for conferences.
Parent Volunteers Needed for the BA Activities Association
The BA Activities Association is looking for parents to join our committee! The BAAA works together to raise funds in support of our extra-curricular programs. Support from this group includes: new varsity athletics uniforms on a rotating basis; Wolf Ridge busing; After Prom donation; and 2 Scholarships annually for rising seniors. Funds raised by this committee have also supported: a batting cage & pitching machine, choir sound shells, band instruments, re-finishing the gym floor & installing a new sound system in the gym, and football goalposts at Teepee Tonka. The group also provides donations to teams/clubs/ organizations that work concessions during the year. If you would like to be a part of the committee, please contact Clarice DeGrood at 507-838-8073 or by email at: degrood@kmwb.net. Thank you!
BABS April 10: Save the Date!! / Parent Volunteers Needed
Bethlehem Academy Backers and Supporters (BABS) is BA’s largest annual fundraiser and a fun adult social event where we celebrate BA and raise funds for our beloved school. BABS 2021 will be held the evening of April 10. This “Denim and Diamonds” themed event will feature casino games, a silent & live auction (virtual and onsite) as well as food and drink. All parents, alumni, and friends over 21 years of age are invited! Attendance will be limited. Volunteers as well as live or silent auction items are needed. Contact Mrs. Reeder if you can help this great event.
Facemasks and BA Car Clings Available for Sale
We are now selling BA facemasks and car clings in the BA Front Office! Click here for more information. Send in payment (cash or check made out to BA) with your order to Tammy in the front office or email Tammy with any questions.
Wanted: Spring Sports Coaches
We have the following spring sports coaching positions open: Head Baseball, Assistant Baseball, Middle School Baseball, Head Track & Field, Assistant Track & Field (# of assistants to be determined). If you or someone you know is interested please contact Athletic Director Ed Friesen at efriesen@bacards.org. March 29 is the planned start date for spring sports.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors Register TODAY (Feb 19) for FREE ACT Science Prep Class
Mrs. Cathy Guth is offering a FREE ACT science seminar Wed, Feb 24, from 8am-12pm. The session will be held at BA (it's a non-class WIN day). The ACT prep book will be provided. Mrs. Guth will focus on science concepts and skills and test taking and pacing strategies for the ACT test. Students will also take a practice science test. Interested juniors should email Mrs. Rogers by Feb 19 at 3pm if they wish to attend this FREE course.
Current 10th & 11th Grade Students: PSEO for Fall 2021
Students interested in taking PSEO courses at South Central or other colleges and universities must discuss this option with the counselor ASAP as many schools have deadlines as early as the beginning of April. FAQs about PSEO can be found here on the Counselor's Corner page on the BA website. If you have any questions concerning PSEO, please email Ms. Rogers.
SENIORS:
Please update all of your application decisions and information on Naviance as you hear results so that we know your options, plans, and how Ms. Rogers can help assist you with next steps!
College Scholarship Opportunities
There are several national and local scholarships available with deadlines in March, including the Schulze Family Foundation Scholarship, Tri-Lakes Sportsman’s Club Scholarship, Faribo 4 Kids Thomas Laughlin Scholarship, Allina Health Orthopedics Sports Medicine Scholarship, and the Steele-Waseca Electric Coop College Scholarship. Have your students check the Scholarships section of Naviance (find video here; find Naviance information on our web page here) or email Ms. Rogers to find out more.
Cannon River Driving School
Cannon River Driving School will conduct a driver's education class at BA after spring break. This class meets 10 times for 3 hours to meet the 30 hour requirement for classroom instruction. Classes will meet 3pm to 6pm March 22-26 and March 29-April 1 and 8:30am-11:30am on April 2. See attachments below fo registration form.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
AIM Higher K-8 Scholarship
The Aim Higher Scholarship is a $1,000, student-based scholarship awarded to K-8 students from families with demonstrated need. This year's application deadline is February 20, 2021. Application is via the online TADS financial aid form found here. Click here to find more information via the English flyer and the Spanish flyer.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH (DMCC) & SCHOOL (DMCS) UPDATES
DMCS Annual Catholic United Financial Raffle to Feb 28
Divine Mercy Catholic School students are selling $5 raffle tickets through Feb 28. Order tickets on their website or contact the school at 507-334-7706 if interested. Thank you for your support of our Catholic schools!
WOMEN'S LENTEN SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITY
Set a Fire is our “Blessed is She” reflection book for your Lenten journey this year. We believe every woman can fully live her life when she’s guided by the Holy Spirit. Divine Mercy Catholic Church is offering several in-person and online small group options. It is free to participate in the small groups; purchasing the book is strongly encouraged. There is an option on the form to purchase a book through us to save on shipping. Small groups start the week after Ash Wednesday (Feb 17). See the registration form for information on times and locations. Visit www.divinemercy.cc/setafire for more information.
Middle School Edge/High School Youth Group
Middle School EDGE & High School Youth Group is open to all BA families. This is another great opportunity for your students to gather with others that want to grow in their faith and to enhance what they are learning in the classroom. Registration is required for both. Visit www.divinemercy.cc/faith-formation for more information.
ATTACHMENTS
Cannon River Drivers Ed Classroom Course