Family Focus 2-17-22
02/18/2022
Kris Sauer
2021-22, February 2022
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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)
February 17, 2022
Dear BA Families:
United in prayer. This week one of our students was in a tragic accident. He is recovering thanks to prayers and miracles. We ask for your continued prayers for Andrew Caron and the Caron family as he heals and recovers. What a blessing that we can come together to support and care for each other through prayer.
LONG WEEKEND AHEAD: Please don't forget that you have a long weekend. Friday, Feb. 18 and Monday, Feb. 21 are "No School Days." Not only is this a great opportunity for scholars to relax or travel, but it is also a great time to make up any late work.
APPRECIATION OF STAFF: Please thank your Faribault bus drivers and the BA van driver on Wednesday, Feb. 23 for Bus Driver Appreciation Day in our District. Cards and tokens of gratitude appreciated!
BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23: Enrollment is a two step process:
1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan. 2) TADS-this is where you go to complete a tuition assistance request, if desired. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. SIGN UP BY MARCH 1 (deadline extended!) to take advantage of all scholarship offerings and BA covering the $10 FACTS enrollment fee. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or to set up time for support.
HIGH SCHOOL ACT SCIENCE PREP COURSE @ BA: Will your scholar be taking the ACT this April? Plan to attend the ACT Science Prep course, free to BA scholars, with Cathy Guth on Wed., March 9 from 6-8 p.m. and Sat., March 12 from 9-11 a.m. Scholars will need to attend both sessions to complete their preparation. ACT Prep is taught in our English and Math classes but science prep is offered annually through these workshops. SIGN UP in the BA Office by Feb. 25, no cost. REMINDER: ACT spring test sign up is also due by Feb. 25 online: (ACT Test SIGN UP)
COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had one positive COVID case. We had two students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff.
- BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available. Order yours HERE. Volunteers and auction items needed! See ideas on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
- Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $280,445. What an incredible response! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs and support for students, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)
- Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are nearly at $7 million!
KUDOS: Thank you to all of our scholars and parents who came to help host a fantastic open house this past Sunday! We continue with shadow visits and tours and encourage you to invite others to consider joining the BA Family. Also, don't forget to check out the Paradise Center for the Arts art opening reception this Friday, Feb 18 featuring BA scholar, Summer Heselton!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online.- Feb 18: NO SCHOOL
- Feb 18: Paradise Center for the Arts gallery opening reception, 5-7pm
- Feb 21: NO SCHOOL
- Feb 23: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- Feb 24: Gr 10 & 11 NET Retreat, Shieldsville
- Feb 28: Parent Class Registration Info Night (see below)
- March 1: No fee FACTS re-enrollment & TADS financial aid deadline for full scholarship consideration extended!
- March 1: 9th Grade Youth Frontiers Retreat @ BA (more info below)
- March 4: Class registration forms due, students grades 8-11
- March 4: Band & Choir Concert
- March 5: MS Robotics teams @ State; MS Honors Band in Austin
- March 10: Conferences (Sign up will be out next week)
- March 10: BAAA Easter Flower order deadline. Order yours HERE (Store ID=440); see below for more info & QR code
- Find our event school calendar on our website HERE
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Class Registration Starts Next Week/Feb 28 Parent Info Session: School Counselor Shane Roessler will begin meeting with students in grades 6-11 regarding class registration for 2022. Ms. Roessler will hold a Parent Class Registration Information Night at BA Monday, Feb 28. Parents of current middle school students are invited to join her @ 6pm, 8th grade parents @ 6:30pm and parents of grades 9-11 students at 7:30. Sessions will be recorded for later viewing. Signed class registration forms are due to the Counselor's office by March 4. More information to follow next week.
BA Activities Association (BAAA) Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser! This annual Easter flower fundraiser is now online! The BAAA will receive 30% of all plant sales, with proceeds going to offset the costs of athletic uniforms, choir robes, robotics fees, etc. Orders must be completed by 10 PM on Thursday, March 10. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products can be picked up in the BA lobby April 12 & 13. Please contact your fundraiser chair: Clarice DeGrood or via 507-838-8073 with questions. Thank you for your support! Find the link to order HERE (Store ID = 440 and BA is the seller's name) or scan the QR code for a direct link: 
Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE.
Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources.
PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website).
Home Basketball Game Help Needed: Many volunteers are needed to help at home basketball games this winter. Please consider sharing your time and talent in support of our student activities!
Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
9th Grade Retreat March 1: 9th graders will participate in a Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Rotary Club of Faribault here at BA. Please click HERE for more information about Youth Frontiers and to watch a video about the Respect Retreat.
Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:
Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms Roessler by March 10, 2022.
College/FAFSA Resources: The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is offering a series of webinars from Feb 5-March 1 to help you learn more about the FAFSA (financial aid), how to compare offers from schools (once your child has applied), scholarships and how to navigate the system of paying for any level of education after high school. To register any of the webinars using Zoom, visit https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6hrjIqG4mCsdrn5Tv. Visit https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ for information about each of Minnesota’s financial aid programs. Questions can be directed to the state’s financial aid hotline: (651) 642-0567.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Aim Higher Foundation K-8 Scholarships: Every year, students at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, MN) receive tuition assistance scholarships from the Aim Higher Foundation. We would like to thank the many donors and friends who help make our great school accessible to all families! Learn more HERE. Apply via the TADS financial aid application HERE and click on Financial Aid Assessment. Deadline extended to March 1, 2022!
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH
Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE.
BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Deadline to apply: March 18, 2022. Click HERE for the full job description.
Part-time Spring Coaching Positions @ Bethlehem Academy
If interested in coaching a spring sport (track, softball, baseball), we have spots available. Or, if know of someone that may have interest…please email athletics@bacards.org.
JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Ace Hardware is Hiring! Faribault's Ace Hardware store is looking for a floor associate. Must be at least 15 years old. See Tyler at Faribault Ace Hardware. (421 2nd Ave NW; 507-332-7414.)
Faribault Youth Baseball Summer League Registration: Registration from Feb 1-March 15 for the 2022 summer metro baseball traveling league ages 10u-15u. Go to faribaultbaseball.com for more info and to register.
Free Meals for Students
Community dinners are offered Monday-Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm at Jefferson Elementary School (922 Home Place). Kids eat free; adult meals are $3.50. More information in English and Spanish HERE.
CALENDAR LINKS
Click the link below for the calendar.
Friday Focus 2/11/22
02/14/2022
Kris Sauer
February 2022, 2021-22
Leave a comment
"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)
February 11, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Discerning your vocation is a journey. Over the weekend I attended the Honor Band concert, stopped in to visit our Robotics Team and cheered on our Spelling Bee participants from afar. Our basketball teams and coop athletes continue to compete and excel. I am overjoyed to see our scholars thrive with their unique skills and gifts - a part of discerning God's special call for each of us. Thank you for partnering with us in this journey. Please join us on Sunday and invite families to our Open House, Feb. 13 from 11am-1pm!
APPRECIATION OF STAFF: This week was National Counselor's Week, see below. Send a card to Ms. Roessler to show your appreciation for all she does for our scholars. We also wish to thank our Lunch Ladies this week - send them a Valentine on Monday to show your love!
BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23: Enrollment is a two step process:
1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan. 2) TADS-this is where you go to complete a tuition assistance request, if desired. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. SIGN UP BY FEB 22 to take advantage of BA covering the $10 FACTS enrollment fee and ensure your scholar's spot. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or to set up time for support.
COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had one positive COVID case. We had five students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 60 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. Visit our COVID webpage for all the updated information. Find COVID testing sites HERE; one free at-home testing box available at school. BA will also have N95 masks available next week.
- BABS-April 9: Volunteers and auction items needed! See ideas on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant at tlebens@bacards.org to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
- Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are nearly at $7 million!
- Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $280,400. What an incredible response! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs and support for students, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)
KUDOS: Congratulations to Aiden Tobin for 100 wrestling wins!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online.- Feb 13: Winter Open House; pre-register HERE
- Feb 14-17: 8th graders @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
- Feb 18: NO SCHOOL
- Feb 21: NO SCHOOL
- Feb 22: No fee re-enrollment deadline; TADS financial aid deadline for full scholarship consideration.
- Feb 24: Gr 10 & 11 NET Retreat, Shieldsville
- March 1: 9th Grade Youth Frontiers Retreat @ BA (more info below)
- March 5: MS Robotics teams @ Stated
- Find our event school calendar on our website HERE
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
School Counseling Update: BA's school counselors, Shane Roessler and Stephen Uphus, wanted to share the following message and resources with our BA community: "The theme this year for National School Counseling Week is #Better Together. School counselors work with students on their vocational/career plans, academic concerns and personal concerns. For all of us, especially students, all three things tend to rely on the each other. School counseling is most successful when we work as a team. That team includes other mental health professionals, school staff, school administration, parents and community members. All of these members rely on one another to create the best environment for students to be successful. We know that we are truly better together. Thank you for working with us!"
Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources.
PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website).
Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE.
Home Basketball Game Help Needed: Many volunteers are needed to help at home basketball games this winter. Please consider sharing your time and talent in support of our student activities!
Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
9th Grade Retreat March 1: 9th graders will participate in a Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Rotary Club of Faribault here at BA. Please click HERE for more information about Youth Frontiers and to watch a video about the Respect Retreat.
Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:
Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) Students of Integrity Scholarship. BBB will award scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2021-2022 school year, who personify all the best aspects of high character in their personal choices and actions. Recipients are selected primarily based on a written essay. The call for entries are open now and until the deadline of February 16, 2022, at 4pm.
Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms Roessler by March 10, 2022.
College/FAFSA Resources: The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is offering a series of webinars from Feb 5-March 1 to help you learn more about the FAFSA (financial aid), how to compare offers from schools (once your child has applied), scholarships and how to navigate the system of paying for any level of education after high school. To register any of the webinars using Zoom, visit https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6hrjIqG4mCsdrn5Tv. Visit https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ for information about each of Minnesota’s financial aid programs. Questions can be directed to the state’s financial aid hotline: (651) 642-0567.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Aim Higher Foundation K-8 Scholarships: Every year, students at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, MN) receive tuition assistance scholarships from the Aim Higher Foundation. We would like to thank the many donors and friends who help make our great school accessible to all families! Learn more HERE. Apply via the TADS financial aid application HERE and click on Financial Aid Assessment.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH
Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE.
BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Deadline to apply: March 18, 2022. Click HERE for the full job description.
Part-time Spring Coaching Positions @ Bethlehem Academy
If interested in coaching a spring sport (track, softball, baseball), we have spots available. Or, if know of someone that may have interest…please email athletics@bacards.org.
JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Ace Hardware is Hiring! Faribault's Ace Hardware store is looking for a floor associate. Must be at least 15 years old. See Tyler at Faribault Ace Hardware. (421 2nd Ave NW; 507-332-7414.)
Faribault Youth Baseball Summer League Registration: Registration from Feb 1-March 15 for the 2022 summer metro baseball traveling league ages 10u-15u. Go to faribaultbaseball.com for more info and to register.
River Bend Nature Center Internships: River Bend Nature Center is taking applications for a summer internship (June-July). Applicants must be 18 or older to apply. Click HERE for the summer internship application, due Feb 18.
Free Meals for Students
Community dinners are offered Monday-Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm at Jefferson Elementary School (922 Home Place). Kids eat free; adult meals are $3.50. More information in English and Spanish HERE.
CALENDAR LINKS
Click the link below for the calendar.
Family Focus 2-5-22
02/07/2022
Kris Sauer
2021-22, February 2022
Leave a comment
"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,"
Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)
February 5, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome February! Despite the cold, the sun is shining and reminds me of how our Saints lead us in example and through the darkness of winter. In celebrating Catholic Schools' week reminds us of our Saints and the joy of living out our faith in our school communities. Help us spread the good word of our Catholic Schools of Faribault and invite families to our Open House, Feb. 13 from 11am-1pm!
BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23: We are pleased to also announce new CIS classes with Marquette University and extended courses through Catholic Virtual. More details will be in the curriculum guide that will be published in February. Sign up early and apply for financial aid via TADS to ensure the most financial aid opportunities for your scholar. Our school is growing; early registration is encouraged!
COVID Updates: Masks recommended. Return to a regular class schedule next week. This week BA did not have any positive COVID cases. We had five students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 59 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff test positive. Visit our COVID webpage for all the updated information. Find COVID testing sites HERE; one free at-home testing box available for each BA student. Stop in the front office. BA will also have N95 masks available later in February.
- BABS-April 9: Volunteers and auction items needed! See ideas on our webpage from group events, to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant at tlebens@bacards.org to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
- Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are nearly at $7 million!
- Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $269,500. We have surpassed our goal of $255,000! THANK YOU! If you haven't given, yet, please consider a gift through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)
- Hyvee Easy Fundraising Idea: Need a reusable bag? When you purchase one at Hyvee they donate back to BA! Be sure to indicate us on your purchase!
KUDOS: Congratulations to our Gopher Conference Honors Band participants Anne Azelton '25, Madelyn Bauer '22, Matthew Croke '22, Alaisha Garcia-Lopez '23, and Penelope Parrish '24, and the following high school students who will have their artwork on display at the Gopher Conference Art Exhibition at WEM this weekend: Camryn Belmont '22, Justin Delesha '22, Isabella Dokkestul '24, Tyler Hogate '24, Amelia Pemrick '24, Zachary Velishek '24.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online.- Feb 5: Gopher Conference Honors Music Concert & Art Exhibit, 1:30pm @ WEM High School - see flyer below
- Feb 6: Rome Trip Bake Sale Fundraiser @ 8, 10, 12 DMCC Masses
- Feb 7: Post-Prom Dining Night Out @ Taco John's
- Feb 13: Winter Open House; pre-register HERE
- Feb 13-17: 8th graders @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
- Feb 18: NO SCHOOL
- Feb 21: NO SCHOOL
- Feb 22: No fee re-enrollment deadline; TADS financial aid deadline for full scholarship consideration.
- Find our event school calendar on our website HERE
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Rome Trip Bake Sale Fundraiser Feb 6
BA students going on the Theology Department Rome Trip this June will be holding a fundraising bake sale following the 8am, 10am and 12pm Masses at Divine Mercy Catholic Church on Sunday, February 6. Please stop by for some tasty baked treats!
Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE.
Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources.
Home Basketball Game Help Needed: Many volunteers are needed to help at home basketball games this winter. Please consider sharing your time and talent in support of our student activities!
Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website).
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:
Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) Students of Integrity Scholarship. BBB will award scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2021-2022 school year, who personify all the best aspects of high character in their personal choices and actions. Recipients are selected primarily based on a written essay. The call for entries are open now and until the deadline of February 16, 2022, at 4pm.
Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms Roessler by March 10, 2022.
College/FAFSA Resources: The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is offering a series of webinars from Feb 5-March 1 to help you learn more about the FAFSA (financial aid), how to compare offers from schools (once your child has applied), scholarships and how to navigate the system of paying for any level of education after high school. To register any of the webinars using Zoom, visit https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6hrjIqG4mCsdrn5Tv. Visit https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ for information about each of Minnesota’s financial aid programs. Questions can be directed to the state’s financial aid hotline: (651) 642-0567.
MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Aim Higher Foundation K-8 Scholarships: Every year, students at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, MN) receive tuition assistance scholarships from the Aim Higher Foundation. We would like to thank the many donors and friends who help make our great school accessible to all families! Learn more HERE. Apply via the TADS financial aid application HERE and click on Financial Aid Assessment.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH
BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Part-time Spring Coaching Positions @ Bethlehem Academy
If interested in coaching a spring sport (track, softball, baseball), we have spots available. Or, if know of someone that may have interest…please email athletics@bacards.org.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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Equipped for Life Event: On February 5, the Archdiocese and the Minnesota Catholic Conference are sponsoring Equipped for Life: A Fresh Approach to Conversations About Abortion at the University of St. Thomas. The day will equip attendees with practical tools and the confidence to engage pro-choice advocates who defend abortion with arguments based in difficult circumstances, biology, personhood, or bodily autonomy. To learn more and register, please visit: https://www.mncatholic.org/equippedforlife.
River Bend Nature Center Internships: River Bend Nature Center is taking applications for a summer internship (June-July). Applicants must be 18 or older to apply. Click HERE for the summer internship application, due Feb 18.
Free Meals for Students
Community dinners are offered Monday-Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm at Jefferson Elementary School (922 Home Place). Kids eat free; adult meals are $3.50. More information in English and Spanish HERE.
CALENDAR LINKS
Click the link below for the calendar.