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Family Focus 12/16/22
01/05/2023
Kris Sauer
2022-23, December 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
December 16, 2022
Dear BA Families:
BLESSED 3rd WEEK OF ADVENT! This week began with our Christmas Concert on Sunday. What beautiful music our scholars created to celebrate the season! Congratulations to our band and choir directors, Mr. Lorence and Ms. Cicha on a wonderful concert. Our scholars also gathered for a special Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, delivered our service projects to the community, and completed our FFA giving tree gifts. The snow arrived on Thursday, delaying our start and canceling our 10th and 11th grade retreat - we will reschedule for later in the year. The Back 40 does look like a Winter Wonderland!
COUNSELOR UPDATE: We are saddened to share that one of our counselors, Shane Roessler, has accepted a new position with the judicial courts. She is excited about this change, but sad to leave. Please click HERE to read her personal update. We will be working with Phoenix Counseling in replacing the counselor as soon as possible.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! I want to wish each family, each scholar, a beautiful Christmas! May the Holy Spirit guide you and wrap you in loving arms as you celebrate during break with friends and family. We are thankful for you!
FUNDRAISERS & EVENT UPDATES:
- The BA Annual Fund drive is at $97,200 with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! We are so thankful to our supporters and will receive a $40,000 match for reaching $100,000 by 12/31/22. Thank you for considering an end-of-year gift!
- Looking for a fun stocking stuffer? Purchase a BA Bash raffle ticket, still available next week in the office!
- Post Prom has a Dine Out scheduled from 4-8pm Dec. 20 at Perkins! Go out to eat and support Post Prom!
- Join us at the BA Red Cross Blood Drive on Dec. 21 at DMCC. See info below.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Dec 19 & 20: Finals for High School *Dress down days! See above.
- Dec 20: Dining Night Out at Perkins, 4-8pm, dine in or take out; 10% of sales back to BA Post Prom
- Dec 21: BA Red Cross Blood Drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church-volunteers & donors needed! See below for info.
- Dec 21-Jan 3: Christmas Break-NO SCHOOL
- Jan 4: Semester 2 begins with a Red 40-min Mass day
- Jan 6: Student Council $ Dress Down Day
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- MS Homework Club/HS Homework Help: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204 for middle school students. Academic support for high school students is led by Mrs. Ashley from 3-3:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the library.
Please continue to pray for staff with ailing family members, students with sick family members or parents recovering from surgery, and families with special needs this Christmas. May the light of Advent bring them hope!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Office Hours During Break: During Christmas break, any communication, donations, or raffle tickets may be mailed in or dropped off at the side entrance door, Door C. The office will be open:
- Wed., Dec. 21 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wed., Dec. 28 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The office will be closed all other days through January 2. January 3rd is a teacher workday and the office will be open 8am-3pm. We wish you a blessed Christmas break and a Happy New Year!
Band/Choir Christmas Concert video: Click here for a link to the Dec 11 Christmas concert and thank you to FCTV for editing the video!
Rome Trip Summer 2024: It's not too late to join! Please contact Ms Caryn Coller if interested.BA Blood Drive: BA will be hosting a blood drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church December 21 from 9am– 2pm. More donor spots added! We are still looking for student volunteers. Students can earn service hours for each hour they are present. Click here to volunteer or donate blood: Volunteer Link; Blood Donor Link. Thank you!
BA's American Heart Challenge: This is a service learning program sponsored by SADD and the American Heart Association where students will learn the health effects of vaping & tobacco and earn 2 hours of community service for participating. Registration is at this link - donation and participation deadline is December 20, 2022.
RaiseRight Update: Click HERE for the December newsletter.BABS Donations needed! Consider adding BABS to your holiday shopping list! Find our BABS Amazon wish list at: https://a.co/bBHzgk9. Thank you!
BA Bash Raffle: Click HERE for the BA Bash raffle ticket order form.
Basketball Game Volunteers: The high school basketball season is upon us. With 2 dozen home games from December through February, there are many volunteer opportunities. We need parent volunteers to sell admission (tickets) and to work in the concession stand. Click the links to volunteer at an upcoming game: Girls Basketball Volunteers; Boys Basketball Volunteers
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Counselor Tidbits: Click HERE for an update on Couseling Office staffing. Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website, including updated graduation service cord information.
Positivity Project: This week's character focus is Self-Control. Click here for more information.HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
- After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
- Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!)
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 12/9/22
12/13/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, December 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
December 9, 2022
Dear BA Families:
BLESSED 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT! This week we celebrated St. Nicholas's Feast Day, participated in the Immaculate Conception Mass with parishioners, and gathered for Reconciliation and Adoration. We also held a dress down to support the Friesen family. Each week of Advent brings us closer in our relationship with Christ as we prepare for His coming.
As we draw closer to the end of our first semester of the school year, we are thankful for each family, each student, and each benefactor that supports BA through gifts of time, talent and treasure. This past Saturday we honored former teacher, Eileen Kriechbaum and long-time supporters, Barb and Dick Rost, as new inductees into our Court of Honor. What a joy to honor those who support our mission! We are blessed by so much support for BA!
FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS AT BA: In order to live out our mission, there is always a fundraiser or event at our school! Presently, we're inviting families to support either our Annual Fund drive, with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year, or purchase a BA Bash raffle ticket - it makes a great stocking stuffer! To date, our Annual Fund is at $84,400 - with a goal to reach $100,000 before the end of the year in order to receive up to $40,000 in matching funds! In addition, our Post Prom has a Dine Out schedule for Dec. 20 and BA is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Dec. 21 while our FFA collects needed items for families in the area. See below for more information.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Please remember to join us for our Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 11th beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the BA gymnasium featuring our bands and choirs. High school band and choir students should report at 5:45 p.m., middle school students should report by 6 p.m.
- Middle School Band Attire: Please dress up, Santa hats are allowed. Follow normal dress code rules.
- Middle School Choir Attire: Please dress up in black and white and follow normal dress code rules.
- High School Band Attire: Please wear all black. Follow normal dress code rules.
- High School Choir Attire: Dress up, but students will wear choir robes.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Dec 11: 6:30-7:30pm BA Band & Choir Christmas Concerts
- Dec 13: WIN Day, 1pm schedule
- Dec 14: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 10:20am (60 min)
- Dec 14: Candy gram order deadline, see info below
- Dec 14: FFA Christmas Giving Tree gift deadline, see info below
- Dec 15: Grade 10 & 11 retreat @ St. Patrick's Church in Shieldsville
- Dec 16: SADD Ugly Xmas Sweater $ Dress Down Day - Finals begin
- Dec 19 & 20: Finals for High School *Dress down days! See above.
- Dec 20: Dining Night Out at Perkins, 4-8pm, dine in or take out; 10% of sales back to BA Post Prom
- Dec 21: NO SCHOOL
- Dec 21: BA Red Cross Blood Drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church-volunteers needed! See below for info.
- Dec 21-Jan 3: Christmas Break-NO SCHOOL
- Jan 4: Semester 2 begins
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- MS Homework Club/HS Homework Help: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204 for middle school students. Academic support for high school students is led by Mrs. Ashley from 3-3:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the library.
Please continue to pray for staff with ailing family members, students with sick family members, struggling students, and families with special needs this Christmas. May the light of Advent bring them hope!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Rome Trip Summer 2024: It's not too late to join! Please contact Ms Caryn Coller if interested.
BA's American Heart Challenge: This is a service learning program sponsored by SADD and the American Heart Association where students will learn the health effects of vaping & tobacco and earn 2 hours of community service for participating. Registration is at this link - donation and participation deadline is December 20, 2022.
BA Blood Drive: BA will be hosting a blood drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church December 21 from 9am– 2pm. We are still looking for 8 student volunteers. Students can earn service hours for each hour they are present. Click here to volunteer: Volunteer Link. All blood donations slots have been filled. Thank you!Calling all recent BA graduates! Ms. Shane Roessler, School Counselor, is looking for recent graduates to return and be part of panel of college students to share what college is like, how it is different/same than high school and any other insider information that they wish they would have known their senior year in high school. We will be hosting this panel over a lunch period early January (the first week we return to school). If you know of a graduate who will be around during that time, please let Mrs. Shane Roessler know at sroessler@bacards.org, or call/text 507-291-3675. THANK YOU!
RaiseRight Update: Last weekly order before Christmas is due Tues, Dec 13. Limited supply of small denomination gift cards available at DMCS and at Divine Mercy Church. Click HERE for the December newsletter with more information.BABS Donations needed! Consider adding BABS to your holiday shopping list! Find our BABS Amazon wish list at: https://a.co/bBHzgk9. Thank you!
Basketball Game Volunteers: The high school basketball season is upon us. With 2 dozen home games from December through February, there are many volunteer opportunities. We need parent volunteers to sell admission (tickets) and to work in the concession stand. See the links below to volunteer at an upcoming game:
- Girls Basketball Volunteers: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949a4ac29a4fd0-22231
- Boys Basketball Volunteers: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949a4ac29a4fd0-2223
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Boys Basketball Middle School Coach Opening: BA is currently looking for an additional middle school boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Counselor Tidbits: Click HERE for this a tidbit on gratitude. Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website, including updated graduation service cord information.
Click HERE for the BA Bash raffle ticket order form.
Positivity Project: This week's character focus is Self-Control. Click here for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
- After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
- Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!)
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School News: Click HERE to find the second quarter middle school newsletter. You should also have received a copy by email. Please contact your child’s advisory teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Thank your for partnering with us at Bethlehem Academy!
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL/CHURCH UPDATESHelp Wanted: Divine Mercy Catholic School is seeking a 9th-12th grade student to assist in their After School Program. This can be Monday-Friday or shared with another person and can range in time from 3:00-4:30 pm or later, if needed. This is a paid position. Please contact Ginger Van Hecke at DMCS if you are interested.
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 12/2/22
12/07/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, December 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
December 2, 2022
Dear BA Families:
BLESSED ADVENT! This week began our first week of Advent. Our Peer Ministry led us in a special Advent prayer. All of our students gathered in Houses to complete service projects. Together we created 9 throw blankets, 240 Christmas gift bags for elderly and EMT providers, as well as 105 veteran cards. It was a wonderful way to start Advent!
SPECIAL HOUSES' SERVICE PROJECTS: We completed our service commitment and will have December 21 off from school! Our last day of school before Christmas break will be Tuesday, Dec. 20. Please remember, high school students have finals so it is important that they are here!
SENIOR PARENTS: There are updates for scholarships and awards as well as a revised process for graduation service cords on the High School Counselor's webpage, please check this often! (Counselor's Corner)
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Dec 3: Benefactors Brunch
- Dec 6: St. Nicholas Day! Rome Trip meeting @ 3pm (see below)
- Dec 7: Student of the Month, 7:30am; Wolf Ridge parent meeting, 6pm Rm 207
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Mass for BA/guests (10:30am, 60 min)
- Dec 9: Reconciliation, 12-2:30pm; special schedule
- Dec 11: 6:30-7:30pm BA Band & Choir Christmas Concerts, please note, we moved the band concert to Dec. 11 as Dec. 12 is the celebration of Our Lady Guadalupe at the Parish
- Dec 13: WIN Day, 1pm schedule
- Dec 14: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 10:20am (60 min)
- Dec 14: Candy gram order deadline (see info below)
- Dec 15: Grade 10 & 11 retreat @ Shieldsville
- Dec 16: SADD Ugly Xmas Sweater $ Dress Down Day
- Dec 21: NO SCHOOL
- Dec 21: BA Red Cross Blood Drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church see below for volunteer and donation info
- Dec 21-Jan 3: Christmas Break-NO SCHOOL
- Jan 4: Semester 2 begins
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- MS Homework Club/HS Homework Help: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204 for middle school students. Academic support for high school students is led by Mrs. Ashley from 3-3:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the library.
As you may be aware, my Advent began with the loss of my mother. She had been on hospice, so although it was not a surprise, it is always a loss to lose a loved one. We will celebrate her life on Monday, December 5. Your kind words and prayers are appreciated. Please continue to pray for staff with ailing family members, students who are struggling and all of our families this Christmas that the light of Advent will inspire them!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Rome Trip Info Meeting: There will be an informational meeting for BA's trip to Rome the summer of 2024 in Mr. Nuehring’s room on Tues, Dec 6 at 3pm. If scholars are unable to make it or have questions, please see Ms. Coller or Mr. Nuehring.
Rome Trip Candy Grams: Help support the Bethlehem Academy Rome pilgrimage trip for summer of 2024! Candy canes with a message can be ordered for $1.00 each. Candy canes will be delivered December 19th. Return the order form (find it HERE) with payment to the Bethlehem Academy office by December 14th. Label the envelope: Candy Gram. Thank you for your support!
BA's American Heart Challenge: Allana Kern, Director of Youth Market with the American Heart Association, spoke to high school students yesterday. Below is a message from Allana regarding her talk:
BA Families: We are excited to announce that December’s health topic is focused on NO VAPING OR TOBACCO! We know from scripture that our body is to be treated well. We were bought at a price and are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:20). That's why Bethlehem Academy, with your SADD club's sponsorship, is taking on the American Heart Challenge! It is an amazing service learning program where students will learn the health effects of vaping & tobacco, and they can even earn 2 hours of community service just for participating! Registration has begun, and I would like to invite you to join the effort as part of our school team at this link. I greatly appreciate your support and look forward to making a difference in the health of our community this December. Thank you, Allana Kern
BA Blood Drive: December 21 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., BA will be hosting a blood drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. We are looking for many volunteers to fill slots for each hour. Students can earn service hours for each hour they are present. If a scholar is interested in giving blood at this drive, there are some requirements: be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs., and you have not donated blood in the last 56 days. Click these links to sign up: Volunteer Link; Blood Donation LinkCalling all recent BA graduates! Ms. Shane Roessler, School Counselor, is looking for recent graduates to return and be part of panel of college students to share what college is like, how it is different/same than high school and any other insider information that they wish they would have known their senior year in high school. We will be hosting this panel over a lunch period early January (the first week we return to school). If you know of a graduate who will be around during that time, please let Mrs. Shane Roessler know at sroessler@bacards.org, or call/text 507-291-3675. THANK YOU!
RaiseRight/Earn Even More Tuition Credit: To check out the November RaiseRight (Scrip) newsletter, click HERE. Wanted: people to help sell Scrip gift cards after Mass on the weekends. You will be able to choose the Mass times that work for you. You may choose to work once a month or more. A calendar schedule will be sent to you. You will earn $7 for your child’s tuition credit each time you sell. This would simply involve sitting at the desk in the Narthex and selling gift cards. When everyone is finished purchasing, you will count the inventory, sign the log sheet, and put the cards back in the safe. Interested? Please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc or (507) 334-7706.BABS Donations needed! Consider adding BABS to your holiday shopping list! Find our BABS Amazon wish list at: https://a.co/bBHzgk9. Thank you!
Basketball Registration: Please visit our sports website, bacardinals.com, and click on the More menu to get the link for the registration form. The activity fee is $140 per participant. The fee may be paid online at bacardinals.com under the More menu, by check or by contacting Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) to have the fee added to your tuition payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file in the school's activities office. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Boys Basketball Middle School Coach Opening: BA is currently looking for an additional middle school boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Counselor Tidbits: Click HERE for this week's tidbit on gratitude. Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website, including updated graduation service cord information.
Click HERE for the BA Bash raffle ticket order form.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
- After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
- Second semester schedule changes are DUE by December 8. Forms are available in the library outside of the counseling office.
- Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!)
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL/CHURCH UPDATES
Help Wanted: Divine Mercy Catholic School is seeking a 9th-12th grade student to assist in their After School Program. This can be Monday-Friday or shared with another person and can range in time from 3:00-4:30 pm or later, if needed. This is a paid position. Please contact Ginger Van Hecke at DMCS if you are interested.
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 11/18/22
11/29/2022
Kris Sauer
November 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
November 18, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Blessed Thanksgiving to all of our families! We are so thankful for your partnership at Bethlehem Academy and invite you to join our school as we focus on gratitude this week and next: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 22: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life to join us in the BA gymnasium on Tuesday, November 22 at 1 pm for a special program, tours, and cookies. (Regular 2:55pm release for scholars although some may leave early with grandparents, with your permission, after the program.) Click HERE for the invite and questionnaire. Click HERE for the 1pm Assembly Class Schedule.
SPECIAL HOUSES' SERVICE PROJECTS: On December 1st, our House Committee is planning for scholars to participate in a variety of service projects, tying blankets, making sandwiches for the homeless, and gift bags for emergency staff and area nursing homes. IF OUR STUDENTS WORK HARD AND COMPLETE THEIR SERVICE PROJECTS - We will all have December 21 off! Donations accepted toward these projects, please send either cash/check, small candy canes and bags of Hershey kisses or personal products to school! THANK YOU!
SENIOR PARENTS: There are updates for scholarships and awards as well as a revised process for graduation service cords on the High School Counselor's webpage, please check this often! (Counselor's Corner)
BENEFACTOR'S BRUNCH - DECEMBER 3: You're invited to join us for a special Mass and brunch to celebrate retired teacher, Ms. Eileen Kriechbaum and longtime BA supporters, Barb & Dick Rost as we honor them at 10am on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at BA.
SPECIAL ADVENT EVENTS: During Advent we have special Masses and our Christmas Concerts, so please mark your calendars!
- December 3: Benefactor's Brunch - 10am Mass followed by lunch and a short program. Please RSVP to advancement@bacards.org by Nov. 30.
- December 6: St. Nicholas Day!
- December 8: 10:20 a.m. Immaculate Conception Mass at IC
- December 11: 6:30-7:30pm BA Band & Choir Christmas Concerts, please note, we moved the band concert to Dec. 11 as Dec. 12 is the celebration of Our Lady Guadalupe at the Parish.
- December 14: 10:20 a.m. BA will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at IC
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Nov 21: NHS $ Dress Down Day for Thanksgiving meal project; Boys basketball opens
- Nov. 22: Grandparents Day! Please invite grandparents and special adults to come to BA for a program, tours, and cookies at 1 pm! Click HERE for 1pm Assembly Class Schedule
- Nov. 23-25: NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings
- Dec. 1: Health Speaker for HS & WIN day for Houses (Service Projects)
- Dec 2: NHS $ Dress Down Day
- Dec 3: Benefactors Brunch
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Mass for BA/guests (10:20am, 60 min)
- Dec 11: Choir and Band Winter Concert, 6:30pm (NOTE NEW DATE FOR BAND CONCERT)
- Dec 14: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 10:20am (60 min)
- Dec 16: SADD Ugly Xmas Sweater $ Dress Down Day
- Dec 21: BA Red Cross Blood Drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church Sign up at www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Bethlehem Academy to schedule an appointment from 9am to 2pm.
- Dec 22-Jan 3: Christmas Break-NO SCHOOL
- Jan 4: Semester 2 begins
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- MS Homework Club/HS Homework Help: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204 for middle school students. Academic support for high school students is led by Mrs. Ashley from 3-3:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the library.
Wishing all of our families a blessed Thanksgiving Break. Since next week is a short week, we will not be sending out a Friday Focus. Enjoy this precious time with family and friends and keep each other in your prayers. BA will be closed November 23-25 and returns on Monday, November 28.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Calling all recent BA graduates! Ms. Shane Roessler, School Counselor, is looking for recent graduates to return and be part of panel of college students to share what college is like, how it is different/same than high school and any other insider information that they wish they would have known their senior year in high school. We will be hosting this panel over a lunch period early January (the first week we return to school). If you know of a graduate who will be around during that time, please let Mrs. Shane Roessler know at sroessler@bacards.org, or call/text 507-291-3675. THANK YOU!
RaiseRight/Earn Even More Tuition Credit: To check out the November RaiseRight (Scrip) newsletter, click HERE. Wanted: people to help sell Scrip gift cards after Mass on the weekends. You will be able to choose the Mass times that work for you. You may choose to work once a month or more. A calendar schedule will be sent to you. You will earn $7 for your child’s tuition credit each time you sell. This would simply involve sitting at the desk in the Narthex and selling gift cards. When everyone is finished purchasing, you will count the inventory, sign the log sheet, and put the cards back in the safe. Interested? Please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc or (507) 334-7706.
Black Friday Shopping: Consider adding BABS to your shopping list! Find our Amazon wish list at: https://a.co/bBHzgk9Basketball Registration: Registration is now open for participation in boys and girls basketball this winter. Please visit our sports website, bacardinals.com, and click on the More menu to get the link for the registration form. The activity fee is $140 per participant. The fee may be paid online at bacardinals.com under the More menu, by check or by contacting Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) to have the fee added to your tuition payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file in the school's activities office. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.
Boys Basketball Team Store: Get your BA Boys Basketball team and fan apparel now. Orders must placed by November 23. Click HERE for the team store!
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Boys Basketball Middle School Coach Opening: BA is currently looking for an additional middle school boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Counselor Tidbits: Click HERE for this week's tidbit on gratitude. Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website, including updated graduation service cord information.
Click HERE for the BA Bash raffle ticket order form.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors & Seniors:
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 11/11/22
11/16/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, November 2022
Leave a comment
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
November 11, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Happy Veteran's Day! What an honor to host area Veterans this morning and to hear from past American Legion commander and Air Force veteran, John McDonough. The service of our veterans to our country is a grand example to our scholars.
GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 22: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life to join us in the BA gymnasium on November 22 at 1 pm for a special program, tours and cookies. (Regular 2:55pm release for scholars although some may leave early with grandparents, with your permission, after the program.) Click HERE for the invite and questionnaire.
SPECIAL ADVENT EVENTS: During Advent we have special Masses and our Christmas Concerts, so please mark your calendars, now!
- December 8: 10:30 a.m. Immaculate Conception Mass at IC
- December 11: 6:30-7:30 p.m. BA Band & Choir Christmas Concerts, please note, we moved the band concert to Dec. 11 as Dec. 12 is the celebration of Our Lady Guadalupe at the Parish.
- December 14: 10:30 a.m. BA will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at IC
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE.
- Nov 14: Girls basketball opens
- Nov 18: Prom Dress Down Day; Thanksgiving basket collection deadline (see below for more information)
- Nov 21: Boys basketball opens
- Nov. 22: Grandparents Day! Please invite grandparents and special adults to come to BA for a program, tours, and cookies at 1 pm!
- Nov. 23-25: NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings
- Dec 2: NHS Dress Down Day
- Dec 3: Benefactors Brunch
- Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Mass for BA and guests (10:30 a.m.)
- Dec 11: Choir and Band Winter Concert (NOTE NEW DATE FOR BAND CONCERT)
- Dec 21: BA Red Cross Blood Drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church Sign up at www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Bethlehem Academy to schedule an appointment from 9am to 2pm.
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org or call 507-334-3948, x 302 by 8am if possible. Thank you!
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- MS Homework Club/HS Homework Help: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204 for middle school students. Academic support for high school students is led by Mrs. Ashley offered 3-3:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the library.
Wishing all of our families a blessed Thanksgiving Break. Since next week is a short week, we will not be sending out a Friday Focus. Enjoy this precious time with family and friends and keep each other in your prayers. BA will be closed Nov 23-25 and returns on Monday, Nov. 28.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Thanksgiving Basket Drive: Peer Ministry is sponsoring a Thanksgiving basket collection. Students were given a suggested item to donate during homeroom this week. Deadline for collecting items is Friday, Nov 18. The goal is for each homeroom to create a Thanksgiving dinner basket that will then be donated to St. Vincent de Paul and our local food shelf. Please help if you can!
RaiseRight/Earn Even More Tuition Credit: To check out the November RaiseRight (Scrip) newsletter, click HERE. Wanted: people to help sell Scrip gift cards after Mass on the weekends. You will be able to choose the Mass times that work for you. You may choose to work once a month or more. A calendar schedule will be sent to you. You will earn $7 for your child’s tuition credit each time you sell. This would simply involve sitting at the desk in the Narthex and selling gift cards. When everyone is finished purchasing, you will count the inventory, sign the log sheet, and put the cards back in the safe. Interested? Please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc or (507) 334-7706.
Basketball Registration: Registration is now open for participation in boys and girls basketball this winter. Please visit our sports website, bacardinals.com, and click on the More menu to get the link for the registration form. The activity fee is $140 per participant. The fee may be paid online at bacardinals.com under the More menu, by check or by contacting Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) to have the fee added to your tuition payment account. Participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file in the school's activities office. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.
Boys Basketball Team Store: Get your BA Boys Basketball team and fan apparel now. Orders must placed by November 23. Click HERE for the team store!
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Kleenex Needed! We would greatly appreciate any Kleenex donations as we approach the cold/flu season. We only have a few boxes left. Thank you!
Juniors & Seniors:
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES
Online School Calendar:
https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 11-4-22
11/10/2022
Kris Sauer
November 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
November 4, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome November! With the warm weather, it has not felt like November, although our playoff schedule certainly highlights the changing of the seasons. It is very exciting to move forward so confidently in playoffs with our volleyball ranked #1 and football #2 in sections - THANK YOU COACHES, STUDENTS & FAMILIES FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We also want to especially congratulate our Cross Country Coop Team as they head to State this Saturday! *Please note, if our volleyball and football teams make it to State, upcoming school days may be revised, depending on the day and times of the games.
This week BA celebrated Halloween in partnership with DMCS for our annual "Trunk or Treat" event. What a fantastic turnout and so many creative trunks! Our scholars also gathered for Mass on All Saints' Day with many from the community joining us for this Holy Day. It was a wonderful first week of November - God is shining down!
BA OPEN HOUSE-Monday, November 7: Please invite families and potential new students to our open house on Monday, November 7. This is a great time to showcase our school! Pre-registration for these families is helpful at: (Open House).
VETERAN'S DAY PROGRAM AT BA: Please join us for a short Veteran's Day program on Friday, Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the gymnasium. IF WE ARE AT STATE FOR VOLLEYBALL, WE MAY POSTPONE TO MONDAY, NOV. 14.
NEW FACES AT BA: Over the next few months students may comment about new faces, extra staff in some classrooms. In addition to observations and support from Mr. Wollersheim and me, some of our new teachers are also assigned outside coaches who are supporting their professional development needs as new teachers. These coaches will be in the classroom more often during the second semester.
GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 22: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life. Join us in the BA gymnasium Nov 22 at 1 pm for a special program, tours and cookies. Regular 2:55pm release for scholars.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
- Nov 8: SADD poetry contest deadline, see below
- Nov 9: MAKE UP SCHOOL PHOTOS!
- The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
- Nov 11: Veteran's Day program (May be moved to Nov. 14)
- Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE.
- Nov. 22: Grandparents Day! Please invite grandparents and special adults to come to BA for a program, tours, and cookies at 1 p.m.!
- Nov. 23-25: NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for families struggling at this time, students with special needs, and prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
SADD Veteran's Day Poetry Contest: All students are invited to submit a poem or inspirational tribute speech about Veteran's Day or patriotism. Submissions due to Mrs. Donlon by Tues, Nov 8. Winner earns a $25 Target gift card & a chance to read their work at our Veteran's Day program Nov 11. All participants entered in a Caribou gift card drawing. See the flyer HERE.
Counselor Tidbits: This week we are touching on technology! Click HERE for the flyer. Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website.
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Kleenex Needed! We would greatly appreciate any Kleenex donations as we approach the cold/flu season. We only have a few boxes left. Thank you!
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors & Seniors:
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser to Nov 4: Support the Wolf Ridge trip! See an 8th grader for forms and to order these great Tastefully Simple products; click HERE for an information form; or To see the online catalog, go to www.tastefullysimple.com and to order email akshuda@charter.net. Orders will be delivered directly to you by Thanksgiving.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES
School Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 10-28-22
11/04/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, October 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
October 28, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Thank you for attending conferences and meeting with our teachers. We value your partnership in the educational journey of your scholar. Please continue to reach out with questions as we begin our second quarter of the school year.
GO CARDINALS! This week BA was active! What a joy to be continuing in section playoff games for football and volleyball. Thank you for attending our games and supporting our scholars! Our lady Cardinals in Coop Cross Country are also heading to State - Congratulations! This week FFA attended the National Conference in Indianapolis. We look forward to learning more about the National FFA program. In addition, our National Honor Society inducted in new members during our Mass. It was a great week to be a Cardinal!
SOCKTOBER! Did you send in new socks? You still have one more day to send your socks in for SADD, on Monday, Oct 31. They are collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul.
DRESS DOWN DAY & TRUNK OR TREAT-Oct. 31: Students are invited to dress down or in costume for a $1 or bag of candy on Monday. Neat, clean, modest costumes encouraged. JOIN US Halloween night from 4-6pm as BA and DMCS host a joint "trick or treating" event in the BA parking lot. Families and clubs host various trunks. Open to the whole community, this event easily draws over 1000 people. Sign up a trunk HERE (this is a parent volunteer hour event)
OPEN HOUSE: Please invite families and potential students to our open house on Monday, November 7. This is a great time to showcase our school! Pre-registration for these families is helpful at: (Open House).
THINKING SNOBALL? If you're already shopping for Snoball Dresses, please keep in mind that we ask all dresses to be "modest." Dresses should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee, or have low necklines. If you are not sure, please send a picture of you in your dress to Mrs. Piehl or Mrs. Reeder.
From the Parent/Student Handbook - "School expectations for dress and behavior are in effect for all BA dances. While attire may be more or less formal than the school day, it will continue to be evaluated in terms of being clean, neat, and modest. Modesty in dress is highly encouraged for dances because this is a reflection of Bethlehem Academy. It is possible that a student would be asked to change before entering the dance if he/she is wearing inappropriate attire."
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 28: MS Halloween Dance (hosted by Jr Class/Prom), 7-9pm; Click HERE for registration form
- Oct 28: DMCS Prairie Fire "Snow White" performance, 6:30pm
- Oct 29: DMCS Prairie Fire "Snow White" performance, 6:30pm, See flyer HERE
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (neat, clean, modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE; Cars out of BA main parking lot by 3:15pm.
- Nov. 1: All Saints Day Mass at BA at 10:20 a.m. at IC, 60 min Mass
- Nov 4: Founder's Day! BA celebrates with the Sinsinawa Dominicans on their founding day.
- Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge fundraiser closes, see MS section for details;
- FFA fruit fundraiser closes, click HERE for flyer
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
- Nov 8: SADD poetry contest deadline, see below
- Nov 9: MAKE UP SCHOOL PHOTOS!
- The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
- Nov 11: Veteran's Day program (May be moved to Nov. 14)
- Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE.
- Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for families struggling at this time, students with special needs, and prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
SADD Veteran's Day Poetry Contest: All students are invited to submit a poem or inspirational tribute speech about Veteran's Day or patriotism. Submissions due to Mrs. Donlon by Tues, Nov 8. Winner earns a $25 Target gift card & a chance to read their work at our Veteran's Day program Nov 11. All participants entered in a Caribou gift card drawing. See the flyer HERE.
Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.
Kleenex Needed! We would greatly appreciate any Kleenex donations as we approach the cold/flu season. We only have a few boxes left. Thank you!
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- College Application Fee Waiver Closes Oct 31: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser to Nov 4: Support the Wolf Ridge trip! See an 8th grader for forms and to order these great Tastefully Simple products; click HERE for an information form; or To see the online catalog, go to www.tastefullysimple.com and to order email akshuda@charter.net. Orders will be delivered directly to you by Thanksgiving.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Free Tutoring Service: Carleton College offers a FREE tutoring service to Rice County students. Sessions are typically via Zoom and 1:1 with a Carleton student once a week. Sign up HERE if interested.
School Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 10/14/22
10/26/2022
Kris Sauer
October 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
October 14, 2022
Dear BA Families:
MEA is almost here! Our first quarter of the academic year ends on Tuesday, October 18th with an early release at 1pm and conferences to follow from 1:30-6:30pm. They are in-person conferences this fall, our Feb winter conferences will be via Zoom. We look forward to sharing the progress and areas of growth with you! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE (sign up will close Mon, Oct 17 at 1pm so that faculty can prepare) and if you can, please bring a bag of candy for our Trunk or Treat event Oct 31 - 1000 community kids join us each year! Don't forget, school is closed Oct. 19-21 for MEA break.
SPOOKTACULAR CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: Did you sign up your middle school student or your entire family for Spooktacular this Saturday? We are encouraging middle school students to shine at the joint Spooktacular event. Students who participate can earn prizes. Same day registration available. We'll see you tomorrow!
CELEBRATING OUR PRIESTS: This week we thanked our three priests, Fr. John Powers, the BA Chaplain, and the priests of Divine Mercy Church: Fr. Clayton Forner and Fr. Cory Rohlfing. These men serve others without hesitation, presiding for Masses and funerals, serving our schools, and giving of themselves to ensure spiritual growth among all of us. Take a minute to thank our priests by sending an email, a note, or recognition gift!
SOCKTOBER! What is it? It's our SADD organization collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. Send in new socks this month!
TRUNK OR TREAT: What is it? BA and DMCS host a joint "trick or treating" event in the BA parking lot from 4-6pm on Halloween, October 31st. Families and clubs host various trunks for students to stop at for treats. Open to the whole community, this event easily draws over 1000 people. Join the fun! Sign up a trunk HERE (this is a parent volunteer hour event)
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Same day registration open at 7am for 8:30am first race start!
- Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard
- Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm Sign up HERE; bring a bag of candy for Trunk or Treat!
- Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 26: NHS Induction @ 10:25am Mass
- Oct 28: MS Halloween Dance (hosted by Jr Class/Prom), 7-9pm; Click HERE for registration form
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (neat, clean, modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE
- Nov. 1: All Saints Day Mass at BA at 10:30 a.m. at IC
- Nov 4: Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge fundraiser closes, see MS section for details
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
- Nov 9: The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for peace in Ukraine and safe travels for families over MEA.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
BA School Directory Update: We will be finalizing the Bethlehem Academy School Directory soon. If you do not want your phone number or address in the directory, please contact the main office ASAP. The directories will include all families in grades 6-12 and will be distributed to all families that have paid their $30 Home & School dues. (You can still pay in the office or use the QR code to Venmo your fees.) Please make sure to notify the office of any phone, email or address changes for school correspondence and in the event that we need to reach you during the school day.
BABS Night Committee Volunteers Needed: Take part in planning BA's largest fundraising event of the year; food, games, entertainment, auctions, decorating & more - help is needed in all areas! Click HERE to sign up for the committee (this a parent service hours opportunity!) A staff member will connect with you to answer any questions you may have.
PowerSchool and Schoology: Please check your email for information about setting up your parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website. Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology. PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information. Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instructional videos, etc.). Please contact Ed Friesen for questions and assistance.
BA Positions available - We are still looking to fill positions on our Board Committees, for our BA Van, and for the BA Fair Stand. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- College Application Fee Waiver: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
- ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK.
- SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Oct 15 Spooktacular Middle School Challenge: Same Day Registration Available starting at 7am! Middle school scholars are invited to join the October 15 BA/DMCS Halloween-themed Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education! Walk, run or participate virtually and get pledges to be eligible for prize drawings. On race day, enjoy candy stops on the route, prizes for best costumes & race winners. All participants get a free t-shirts; participating BA middle school students are eligible for weekly gift card drawings and entry into two prize drawings (have 2 race participants, entered into drawing for a squishmallow! AND if participant fees + pledges = $125, entered into drawing for 4 tickets to the MN Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular). Click HERE for the information sheet and pledge form. Register to run/walk in the Oct 15 event HERE. Register or turn in pledges by Monday, October 17 to be eligible for the prize drawings!
Wolf Ridge Tastefully Simple Fundraiser to Nov 4: Support the Wolf Ridge trip! See an 8th grader for forms and to order these great Tastefully Simple products; click HERE for an information form; orders will be delivered directly to you by Thanksgiving.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Free Tutoring Service: Carleton College offers a FREE tutoring service to Rice County students. Sessions are typically via Zoom and 1:1 with a Carleton student once a week. Sign up HERE if interested.
Milestone Senior Living has Openings for Resident Assistants for their part-time evening and weekend shift. This is particularly good position for students who may be interested in a career in health care or nursing. Find the flyer HERE or contact Amy Brunner at 507-331-2748 Ext #6 or adminfb@milestoneseniorliving.com if interested.
School Calendar: https://gopherconference.org/public/genie/7/school/7/
Family Focus 10-7-22
10/12/2022
Kris Sauer
October 2022, 2022-23
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
October 7, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Happy Homecoming 2022! Congratulations to our Homecoming King Kyle Ernste and his escort Brooke Johnson! Scholars have had a full week of celebrations and special events. Our joint Homecoming Mass was a beautiful reflection of the Catholic schools of Faribault, from singing to instrumentation and our own alumnus, Fr. Mike Skluzacek 1971, as presider. Thank you for partnering with us throughout the week and and reminders to our scholars of appropriate behavior expectations. I hope to see you at our 7pm game tonight, Friday, Oct. 7 at Bruce Smith Field as we cheer on our Cardinals!
CONFERENCES! Fall BA Conferences 6-12th grade are slated for Tuesday, October 18 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. This is an early release day at 1 p.m. These are in-person conferences, our winter conferences will be via Zoom. Be sure to sign up with the teachers that you would like to meet with. We look forward to sharing the progress and areas of growth with you! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE.
SPOOKTACULAR CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: This year we are encouraging our Middle School students to shine at the joint Spooktacular event. Students who participate can earn prizes. I'll be walking the course with them on Oct. 15 - so sign up the entire family to support the Catholic Schools of Faribault!
SOCKTOBER! What is it? It's our SADD organization collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. Send in new socks this month!
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 12: Junior Parent Info Night, 7pm, cafeteria - more info in HS section
- Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am, cafeteria
- PSAT for Juniors who signed up for exam
- Oct. 14: Peer Ministry Dress Down $$
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info in middle school section below
- Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard, see info in HS section
- Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
- Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 26: NHS Induction @ 10:25 Mass
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE (parent volunteer hours!), more info below
- Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Prayers for safety and proper etiquette at tonights game and dance.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat Oct 31 - Our biggest community event of the year is held Mon Oct 31 from 4-6pm in the BA parking lots. Free hot dogs and trick or treating for the entire Faribault community. Close to 1000 kids (and their family members!) have traditionally joined us to trick or treat from decorated car/truck trunks. Pulling off an event of this size truly takes our whole BA/DMCS community! Candy donations (1000 kids!) are welcome at any time in the BA Front Office. Sign up to be a trunk in this great event HERE. (This event earns parent volunteer hours.)
Positivity Project: Forgiveness (6-8) Grades (9-12): To review the trait of Forgiveness (you forgive those who have done wrong and you accept that people make mistakes) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you can watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.BA Positions available - We are still looking to fill positions on our Board Committees, for our BA Van, and for the BA Fair Stand. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested:
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Junior Parent Info Night: Please join us for a Junior Parent Night presentation on Wednesday, October 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. We will be covering what to expect for the rest of this year and how best to prepare for senior year. We look forward to seeing you there! (Students are not expected to attend but are more than welcome to attend!)
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- Senior Parents/Info Night Presentation: Thank you to those of you who attended the Senior Parent Informational Night. Your time was appreciated! Here is a link to the slides and the information and links contained within: Senior Parent Night Slides. If you missed the presentation, here is a link to the recorded presentation: Senior Parent Night Presentation.
- College Application Fee Waiver: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines (Oct 7 for the Nov 5 test) HERE.
International Club Field Trip Oct 16: Join us! The International Club works to connect our international exchange students with our BA host country students. Our first event of the year is at Fireside Orchard in Northfield. On Sun, Oct 16 we will meet in the BA parking lot at 11:30am. Students will carpool and return by 2:30pm. Admission is free, but students will need to bring their own money for lunch or other treats. We will receive a guided tour of the facilities, do an apple tasting, play yard games, have lunch, and have fun! Permission slips (click HERE) are due by Friday, Oct 7. Contact Ms. Tondryk with questions.
CLOSE UP TRIP 2023: Open to students in grades 9-12, the trip will be March 26-April 2, 2023, and include Washington, DC and New York City. Trip cost is $2970 and includes travel, food, hotels, tickets to events, and many other extras. Contact Dave Wollin with questions or visit the Project Close Up website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Oct 15 Spooktacular Middle School Challenge: Middle school scholars are invited to join the October 15 BA/DMCS Halloween-themed Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education! Walk, run or participate virtually and get pledges to be eligible for prize drawings! On race day, enjoy candy stops on the route, prizes for best costumes & race winners. All participants get a free t-shirts; participating BA middle school students are eligible for weekly gift card drawings and entry into two prize drawings (have 2 race participants, entered into drawing for a squishmallow! AND if participant fees + pledges = $125, entered into drawing for 4 tickets to the MN Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular). Click HERE for the information sheet and pledge form. Register to run/walk in the Oct 15 event HERE. Register or turn in pledges by next Wed (Oct 6) for the first weekly drawing!
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Free Eye Exam/Glasses Program: Shopko has a program entitled Kids In Focus which provides eye examinations and glasses for children (ages 5 – 17) who need them but do not have eye care insurance. Find out more by clicking here: Kids in Focus | Eye Care for Children in Need | Shopko Optical. A new Shopko Optical has opened in Faribault and the Faribault Lions Club has agreed to partner with them. If your scholar needs this service, please reach out to Mrs. Reeder or Mrs. White, our school nurse, will work with the Lions Club to provide a voucher for the examination and see that their visual needs are met.
Family Focus 9/30/22
10/06/2022
Kris Sauer
2022-23, September 2022
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"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)
September 30, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome October! With the chill in the air, it is no surprise that we are turning the calendar to October and our BA Homecoming Week! Please join us for our 7pm game Friday, Oct. 7 at Bruce Smith Field as we cheer on our Cardinals!
HOMECOMING REMINDERS: Homecoming week is full of traditions and events. Administration has reminded scholars that for all events, we are to be safe and appropriate, following CARDS. Please encourage this at home as well for any unsanctioned events. We want this to be fun week for all. Please Note: We discourage middle school students from doing any out-of-school activities. They are invited to dress up and join us for all of the events at school this week as well as the game on Friday.
NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online.
- Oct 3-7: Homecoming Week - "Flatten the Falcons"! See below for more information.
- Oct 7: Early release at 2pm following the Homecoming Parade
- Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here. See high school section for more information.
- Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am, cafeteria
- Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info in middle school section below below
- Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard, see info below in HS section
- Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
- Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
- Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
- Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
- Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE (parent volunteer hours!), more info below
- Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
- Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
- Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!
Join me in prayers for peace and the mental and physical health of scholars as well as our new staff and students.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
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"Flatten the Falcons!" Homecoming Week (Oct 3-7) Info: Planned by the Senior Class, each day of Homecoming Week features a different dress down theme along with related fun activities. A pep fest is held Friday noon in Van Orsow Auditorium followed by coronation at 1pm. All are invited to attend (reserved seating for Court family members). (Note that by longstanding tradition, BA crowns a Homecoming King but not a Homecoming Queen. Instead, seniors elect a SnoBall Queen at the winter SnoBall.) The Homecoming parade begins around 1:30pm Friday following the noon pep fest. Note that students are dismissed after the parade concludes, usually around 2pm. Faribault buses run on a normal dismissal schedule. The parade will run through downtown as it did prior to COVID. The Homecoming dance follows the Homecoming football game and is a mixer (not an “ask” dance) open to high school students, grades 9-12 only. Non-BA students may attend the Homecoming mixer if registered in the main office prior to the event.
- Mon 10/3: Color Day. Gr 6: white; Gr 7: purple; Gr 8: yellow; Gr 9: red; Gr 10: orange; Gr 11: green; Gr 12: blue; Faculty/staff: pink
- Tues 10/4: Twin Day (pair with peers to wear identical costumes)
- Wed 10/5: Mass Attire; 8:30am joint BA-DMCS Mass & Buddy Day
- Thurs 10/6: College Day / Youth Volleyball Night @ home VB game
- Fri 10/7: Show Your CARDINAL Spirit; noon pep fest, 1pm coronation, 1:30pm parade (Click HERE for a parade map.)
- Fri 10/7: Homecoming football game, 7pm; Future Cardinal/Youth Night @ game; Homecoming Dance to follow the game in the BA gym until midnight, cost: $5 or pack of socks
BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat Oct 31 - Our biggest community event of the year is held Mon Oct 31 from 4-6pm in the BA parking lots. Free hot dogs and trick or treating for the entire Faribault community. Close to 1000 kids (and their family members!) have traditionally joined us to trick or treat from decorated car/truck trunks. Pulling off an event of this size truly takes our whole BA/DMCS community! Candy donations (1000 kids!) are welcome at any time in the BA Front Office. Sign up to be a trunk in this great event HERE. (This event earns parent volunteer hours.)
Positivity Project: Forgiveness (6-8) Grades (9-12): To review the trait of Forgiveness (you forgive those who have done wrong and you accept that people make mistakes) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you can watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.BA Positions available - We are currently looking to fill the following positions. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested:
- BOD Finance Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on financial policies and the annual budget. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BOD Advancement Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on fundraising efforts. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
- BA 2nd Van Driver: Morning and afternoon scholar transportation while school is in session. Paid position, anticipated late winter start date. Class III drivers training provided.
- BA Fair Booth 2nd Family: Seeking a 2nd family to assist with operating the BA Cardinal Cafe during the Rice County Fair the 3rd week of July. Tuition stipend provided.
Class of 2023 Seniors & Parents:
- Senior Parents/Info Night Presentation: Thank you to those of you who attended the Senior Parent Informational Night. Your time was appreciated! Here is a link to the slides and the information and links contained within: Senior Parent Night Slides. If you missed the presentation, here is a link to the recorded presentation: Senior Parent Night Presentation.
- College Application Fee Waiver: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are are waiving their application fee for the ENTIRE MONTH of October. For more information, please check out the following: https://www.minnstate.edu/MinnStateWk/
SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines (Oct 7 for the Nov 5 test) HERE.
International Club Field Trip Oct 16: Join us! The International Club works to connect our international exchange students with our BA host country students. Our first event of the year is at Fireside Orchard in Northfield. On Sun, Oct 16 we will meet in the BA parking lot at 11:30am. Students will carpool and return by 2:30pm. Admission is free, but students will need to bring their own money for lunch or other treats. We will receive a guided tour of the facilities, do an apple tasting, play yard games, have lunch, and have fun! Permission slips (click HERE) are due by Friday, Oct 7.
CLOSE UP TRIP 2023: For students in grades 9-12 interested in the Project Close Up trip, there will be a meeting Oct 5 @ 7pm in Mr. Wollin's room (G9). The Project Close Up rep from Washington, DC, will be at the meeting to answer questions. Details include: Trip will be March 26-April 2, 2023. Trip cost is $2970 and includes travel, food, hotels, tickets to events, and many other extras. The trip includes group studies of current events and government operations, visits to Congress (while in session) and our Congressmen, tour of the Capitol, and the sites of Washington, DC, and New York City including the DC monuments, a Broadway play, trip to the top of Rockefeller Center, 911 memorial & Brooklyn Bridge visit, etc. Contact Dave Wollin with questions or visit the Project Close Up website.
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Oct 15 Spooktacular Middle School Challenge: Middle school scholars are invited to join the October 15 BA/DMCS Halloween-themed Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education! Walk, run or participate virtually and get pledges to be eligible for prize drawings! On race day, enjoy candy stops on the route, prizes for best costumes & race winners. All participants get a free t-shirts; participating BA middle school students are eligible for weekly gift card drawings and entry into two prize drawings (have 2 race participants, entered into drawing for a squishmallow! AND if participant fees + pledges = $125, entered into drawing for 4 tickets to the MN Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular). Click HERE for the information sheet and pledge form. Register to run/walk in the Oct 15 event HERE. Register or turn in pledges by next Wed (Oct 6) for the first weekly drawing!
FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League: Enroll by Sep 30: All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30.