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We hope you are enjoying this long weekend with your sons and daughters! Faculty spend today in professional development on topics ranging from AI in the classroom to curriculum development, with several staff members participating in a Chamber-sponsored business mixer to explore school-community partnerships and opportunities. 

Looking ahead, we are starting to frame up the school calendar for next year. Unfortunately, Faribault Public Schools has not finalized their 25-26 calendar and we are also waiting to hear from the Archdiocese regarding staff participation expectations for next year's NCEA (Nat'l Catholic Education Association) Conference that will be held April 7-9, 2026, in Minneapolis. Know that we are eager to finalize this and will get that to you as soon as possible.

Enrollment and class registration for 2025-2026 will be opening soon. Families seeking tuition assistance are reminded that the deadline to apply is February 28. Applications received after that date will be allocated aid as available. Find the application at www.mytads.com; 2023 tax returns may be used, but 2024 W-2s and current paystubs must be submitted. Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance.

Parent service hours opportunities: parent volunteers are needed to help on the 160th Anniversary Celebration (August 2) and the Cardinal Golf Classic (August 1) committees. Both events are this summer, but planning is starting now. Helping means you can earn parent hours for this year through May and an early start on hours for next year for time June to August. Log into POINT (https://pointapp.org/sign-in/) to sign up and contact Kris with questions. Another option: we've set up an Amazon store for BABS wish list items. Find the list to donate an item HERE - one parent hour earned for every $25 spent (self-report via POINT). 

Service hour reminders: if you sign up to volunteer through POINT, there is no need to self-report your hours as the system automatically counts then for you. Student hours should not be logged under parent accounts; their hours are separate and must be turned in to their Theology teachers. Parents who volunteer for co-op sports teams may self-report a maximum of 5 parent volunteer hours/season. Volunteering for DMCS/DMCC-only events (SpiritFest, Spooktacular, etc.) may self-report a maximum of 5 parent hours for each event. We are grateful for your partnership, and your gifts of time and treasure. Please reach out to Kris with questions. 

Finally, excited to share that last weekend's winter open house was the most successful in recent years, and fundraising to date for the annual fund is above average for this time of year. Please share the good new of BA within your family and friend networks and help us grow enrollment for next year! 

The week ahead: 

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

• February 13: Prom $ dress down, 1pm WIN schedule for History Day; grade 6-7 field trip; grade 8 retreat
• February 14: 10:30am Mass at BA
• February 17: NO SCHOOL, President's Day
• February 20: FFA blue & gold $ dress down day
• February 21: 8:30am Mass at DMCC
• February 26: 6^th grade Youth Frontiers retreat
• February 28: 10:30am Mass @ BA; TADS financial aid applications due (www.mytads.com)

Prayers for those in our community who are sick or undergoing surgeries, and for healing, health, and happiness for our Bethlehem Academy Cardinal family!

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

BABS - our biggest event of the year - is just around the corner. Get your tickets now at https://one.bidpal.net/babs2025/welcome

School Store now open! Purchase BA gear at the concessions stand during home basketball games or order online HERE for front office pickup.

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

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

What a blessing to celebrate Catholic Schools' Week with your sons and daughters this week! Our middle schoolers joined DMCS students for Mass and Buddy Day/service projects while our high school students traveled to The Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis for Mass, tours of this beautiful cathedral, and service for the homeless. It was a wonderful day living out our Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service!  Thank you to all who supported the Basilica project with your donations.

Please join us for the 4pm BA-sponsored Catholic Schools' Week Mass tomorrow at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. We are hosting a new student open house this Sunday from 11am-1pm. Please help us grow enrollment and invite interested students and families to join us for this event!

Enrollment for 2025-2026 will be opening soon. Families seeking needs-based scholarships and aid are reminded to apply NOW for financial aid via TADS; aid applications close February 28. 2023 tax returns may be used, but 2024 W-2s and current paystubs must be submitted. Find the application at www.mytads.com.  Reminder that families must apply each year for requested aid; applications do not carry over from year-to-year. Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance.

The week ahead: 

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

• February 1: BA-hosted Mass, 4pm, Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• February 2: Admissions Open House, 11am-1pm; click HERE to register for this new student event: help us grow enrollment - encourage interested families to attend!
• February 5: Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
• February 6: Post Prom Dining Night Out, Godfathers, 4-7pm
• February 7: NO SCHOOL / Teacher Workday
• February 13: Prom $ dress down, 1pm WIN schedule for History Day; grade 6-7 field trip; grade 8 retreat
• February 14: 10:30am Mass at BA
• February 17: NO SCHOOL, President's Day

Finally, two things: one - a reminder that we have NO SCHOOL next Friday; and two - congratulations to our 2025 SnoBall Queen, Brooklyn Becker!

Prayers for the victims of the DC plane crash, for those affected by the California wildfires, for those in our community who are sick or undergoing surgeries, and for healing, health, and happiness for our Bethlehem Academy Cardinal family!

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

School Store now open! Purchase BA gear at the concessions stand during home basketball games or order online HERE for front office pickup.

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

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

Our cold-shortened week was nonetheless spirit-filled as students participated in SnoBall Week themes and activities! Please join us tomorrow night in Van Orsow Auditorium for the 8pm SnoBall Grand March and coronation. Good luck to all our wonderful SnoBall Queen candidates: Brooklyn Becker (Noah Casper), Olivia Glumack (Zander Smith), Taylor Moon (Cole Goodwin), Jocelyn Simones (Peter Schoolmeesters), and Anna Tobin (Declan Chappuis). Guests will be dismissed following the mother-son/father-daughter dance for all SnoBall participants. The dance ends at 11pm. See the flyer below for SnoBash, an adult-only event hosted by junior parents for post-prom.

Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate our mission and our faith with Catholic Schools' Week activities January 26 through February 2. Click here for the full week's events. Our Mass/field trip/service day for middle and high school students will be held Wednesday, January 29. Field trip permission forms and fees are due Monday, January 27. Click here for a link to information shared in yesterday's parent email. A HUGE thank you for your generous response to our request for donations for our Basilica service project-please bring all donations to the BA front office by Monday, January 27.

Semester 1 report cards were mailed Tuesday, January 21. We are committed to helping all families afford a BA education for their sons and daughters and invite families to fill out a tuition assistance application in TADS found at www.mytads.com to be eligible for needs-based scholarships and aid. Applications must be submitted by February 28 to be eligible for all scholarships, including those sponsored by the Archdiocese. Reminder that families must apply each year for aid; applications do not carry over from year-to-year. Contact Kris Sauer if you have questions or need assistance.

The week ahead: 

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

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

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

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

All are welcome to join us in Van Orsow Auditorium for the 8pm Grand March and SnoBall Queen coronation!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week ahead: 

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY NEWS
 

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

Calendars:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week ahead: 

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY NEWS
 

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

Calendars:

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

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

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

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

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

The week ahead: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY NEWS
 

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

Calendars:

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

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

Merry Christmas!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The week ahead: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BA Job Openings: Please remember to spread the word about our Head of School search! Find the job posting on our website HERE; share broadly to your LinkedIn network (post is HERE). We are also looking for a nighttime custodian and a long-term substitute middle school choir director. Find job postings HERE. Thank you!

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

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

Seniors! Scholarship Information:

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

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

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