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Family Focus 2-10-23

date 02/14/2023 author Kris Sauer category 2022-23, February 2023 comment 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)

February 10, 2023

Dear BA Families: 
Praying together each week is a blessing. This week we prayed for those impacted by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Beginning our day in prayer truly focuses us on spiritual growth and connects us to prayer needs of ourselves and others. If you have prayer requests, please let me know. I also remind you that several parents gather weekly for prayer at school. Please reach out to join them at:
Parents Praying

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY: Prayer truly makes a difference in the lives of our scholars and staff. Share this difference with others and bring them to our Open House on Sunday, Feb. 12. See details below.


2023-24 EARLY ENROLLMENT DEADLINE - Feb. 22! Please be sure to complete your financial aid application (click HERE to apply) by Feb. 22 (less than 2 weeks away!) to ensure eligibility for all available scholarships. Remember, you do not need to have your taxes done to fill out financial aid forms. They can be filled out with your 2021 tax documents, but 2022 W2s are needed
Re-enroll in FACTS by Feb 22 and the $10 re-enrollment fee will be waived. Contact Kris Sauer with questions or to set up an appointment if help is needed filling these out.

LOOKING AHEAD/NEW ELECTIVES! As we begin planning for next year, we look forward to expanding the courses we offer including new electives in: business, music theory and history. Our full curriculum manual will be available for scholars and families in the next few weeks.

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS: We continue to hear and experience inappropriate use of social media and apps of our scholars. Please be sure to monitor social media accounts and limit internet access at home. Most recently, we are hearing concerns with the Yik Yak app (more info
HERE). Visit online resources for parents on how to support your scholar's tech & social media use: (Parent Info) and (Impact on Teens)


 

Welcome Middle School Counselor, Katie Smith! 
My name is Katie Smith and the new counselor at both BA and DMCS. I am a graduate from St Cloud State University where I played D1 hockey and received my Bachelors degree in psychology. I got my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addiction Studies from the University of Saint Mary’s in Fargo, North Dakota, where I lived for about 13 years before moving back to my hometown of Rosemount. I am married to my wonderful husband Eric, and we have 2 boys, Weston who is 10 and Afinnis who is 8; 3 dogs Una, Jax and Magnum; and one cat named Steve. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, cooking, baking and of course all things hockey. I have a diverse work history supporting students and really love working in schools. I'm so excited to provide support to students around emotional, behavioral, and relationship skills. 

FUNDRAISERS & EVENT UPDATES:

  • The BA Annual Fund drive is at $210,500+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
  • BABS - A Red & Black Gala Event on April 15 is in need of silent and live auction items. Or do you make a fancy dessert? We are looking for a few more desserts for our silent, dessert auction. Invites coming soon! Email Teresa Lebens with your donations at: tlebens@bacards.org
BA & DMCS 2023-24 CALENDAR: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar. 

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:




UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online
  • Feb 10 & 11: Gopher Conference Band/Choir/Art Honors Concert, Maple River 
  • Feb 12: Winter Admissions Open House 11am-1pm. Invite a prospective Cardinal to join us! Registration recommended HERE, walk-ins welcome. 
  • Feb 13-16: 8th Grade @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
  • Feb 14: Prom $ Dress Down Day
  • Feb 16: 1pm WIN schedule
  • Feb 17 & 20: No School, President's Day weekend
  • Feb. 21: FFA Week begins - come dress in farmer style!
  • Feb 22: Ash Wednesday, 10:30am 60 min Mass
  • Feb 22: Early enrollment, financial aid deadline
  • Feb. 22 & 23: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Auditions
  • Feb 23: Grade 10-11 retreat
REMINDERS: 
  • 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!
  • LUNCH ROOM POSITION AVAILABLE: We are looking for a kitchen assistant to join our joyful team. Staff will work to create and prepare for meals, cutting and washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, and serving our student body. Hours are 7:30am-1:30pm when school is in session. Email mreeder@bacards.org if interested. 
  • ROBOTICS HELP NEEDED: We are looking for a Robotics assistant. If you are able to help on Mondays and/or Thursdays after school, please email me. You are paid a stipend to assist - mreeder@bacards.org.
  • SUPPORT FOOD PACK: We encourage you to help support the food pack with a donation to "Feed My Starving" children at: (Food Pack Gift). Thank you for your support!
KUDOS: Congratulations to this month's math and science, "Students of the Month!" Check out their spotlight on Facebook. Also, special congratulations to Caitlyn and Megan Cina who competed at the Regional Spelling Bee in Rochester.

Please continue to join me in praying for family members, BA parents, and staff members who need God's healing touch!

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATE

Candy Grams: Student council will be selling candy grams before school on Monday morning. The cost of candy grams is $2. They will be delivered Tuesday, Feb 14.

Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser Now Open! The Bethlehem Academy Activities Association (BAAA) 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, and more. Find the link to order HERE.  Click HERE for the flyer & QR code. Store ID = 440; seller's name = BA. Orders must be completed by 10 pm on Thursday, March 2. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products will be available for pick up April 4 & 5 after school. Questions? Please contact Clarice DeGrood or at 507-838-8073. Thank you for your support!

Tuition Tax Statements: Click HERE for instructions on how to find and print your 2022 tuition tax statement in FACTS. Our District Code is FCS-MN.

Driver’s Ed @ BA: Cannon River Driving School will be hosting driver’s training at Bethlehem Academy. At least 10 students are needed to run the class, which runs March 18 (8am-11am), March 20-24 and April 3-6 (3:15-6:15pm). Please fill out and mail the contract (click HERE or get a copy in the BA Office) directly to the driving school with your payment. Contact Denise or Adam at adam_rueger@yahoo.com with questions.

Spring Play Auditions: The Theatre Club will be holding auditions for the spring play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Feb 22 & 23 from 3-4:30pm in Mrs. Kohl's room. Interested scholars can pick up audition packets in the office. Questions? Contact Patrick Braucher at
pbraucher@bacards.org.

BA Family Directory: The 2022-2023 Family Directory is available for pickup in the BA front office to all families who have paid their $30 Home and School dues. Still have to pay? Use the Home and School Venmo link here: 


Basketball Game Volunteers/Parent Service Hours:  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 help: Girls Basketball VolunteersBoys Basketball Volunteers and your parent service hours will be automatically recorded. Thank you!

Basketball Officials: BA needs individuals to officiate junior high basketball this winter. Contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948) if interested.


HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
High School Reminders:
  • After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
  • Senior Scholarships: Click HERE for a list of college and community scholarship opportunities, requirements and deadlines!
  • Senior Service Cord: Click here for the senior service cord guidelines. Applications are due April 6, 2023. 
  • Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!) 
Juniors & Seniors: ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINKSAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

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

Family Focus 2/3/23

date 02/08/2023 author Kris Sauer category 2022-23, February 2023 comment 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)

February 3, 2023

Dear BA Families: 
The pillar of service! What a blessing to join our scholars as we packed food this week as part of Catholic Schools' Week. It is incredible to see so many scholars working together to make a difference. We encourage you to help support the food pack with a donation to "Feed My Starving" children at: (
Food Pack Gift). Thank you for your support!

2023-24 EARLY ENROLLMENT DEADLINE APPROACHING - Feb. 22! Please be sure to complete your financial aid application (click HERE to apply) by Feb. 22 to ensure eligibility for all available scholarships. Re-enroll in FACTS by Feb 22 and the $10 re-enrollment fee will be waived. Contact Kris Sauer with questions or to set up an appointment if help is needed. 


FUNDRAISERS & EVENT UPDATES:

  • The BA Annual Fund drive is at $210,000+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
  • BABS - A Red & Black Gala Event on April 15 is in need of silent and live auction items. We are excited to announce a new program, catered meal by Patty LeBeau and live entertainment by Laura O'Connor. Invites coming soon! Email Teresa Lebens with your donations at: tlebens@bacards.org
BA & DMCS 2023-24 CALENDAR: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar. 

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:




UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online
  • Feb 5: Catholic Schools Week Mass: BA will host the 5 p.m. Mass @ Divine Mercy Church. After Mass, high school students are invited to stay and participate in the ProLife speaker presentation. Click HERE for flyer. 
  • Feb 8: Student of the Month, 7:30am
  • Feb 10: Dress Down Day, International Cultural Club
  • Feb 11: Gopher Conference Band/Choir/Art Honors Concert, Maple River (Feb 10=practice day)
  • Feb 12: Winter Admissions Open House 11am-1pm. Invite a prospective Cardinal to join us! Advance registration HERE, walk-ins welcome. 
  • Feb 13-16: 8th Grade @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
  • Feb 14: Prom Dress Down Day
  • Feb 16: 1pm WIN schedule
  • Feb 17 & 20: No School, President's Day weekend
REMINDERS: 
  • 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!
  • ROBOTICS HELP NEEDED: We are looking for a Robotics assistant. If you are able to help on Mondays and/or Thursdays after school, please email me. You are paid a stipend to assist - mreeder@bacards.org.
KUDOS: Thank you to our Campus Ministry Club for reading prayers each day, decorating our school for Catholic Schools' Week, reading and singing at Mass, and sharing donuts with our scholars on Friday!

Please continue to join me in praying for family members, BA parents, and staff members who need God's healing touch!

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATE

Tuition Tax Statements: Click HERE for instructions on how to find and print your 2022 tuition tax statement in FACTS. Our District Code is FCS-MN.

Driver’s Ed @ BA: Cannon River Driving School (CRDS) will be hosting driver’s training at Bethlehem Academy. At least 10 students are needed to run the class, which runs March 18 (8am-11am), March 20-24 and April 3-6 (3:15-6:15pm). Please fill out and mail the contract (click HERE or get a copy in the BA Office) directly to the driving school with your payment. Contact Denise or Adam at adam_rueger@yahoo.com with questions.

Spring Play Auditions: The Theatre Club will be holding auditions for the spring play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Feb 22 & 23 from 3-4:30pm in Mrs. Kohl's room. Interested scholars can pick up audition packets in the office. Questions? Contact Patrick Braucher at
pbraucher@bacards.org.

BA Family Directory: The 2022-2023 Family Directory is available for pickup in the BA front office to all families who have paid their $30 Home and School dues. Still have to pay? Use the Home and School Venmo link here: 


FREE At-Home COVID Tests: The Nurse's Office has extra at-home COVID tests available. Stop by the front office to pick up a FREE test kit for your family!

Parent/Teacher Conference Update: Our winter parent-teacher conferences will NOT be held February 15 as originally scheduled. The new date is Wednesday, March 1, 4-8pm with conferences held via Zoom. A sign up link will be sent at a later date.

Rome Trip June 2024: It's not too late to join! Interested students should contact Ms Caryn Coller for more information.

Basketball Game Volunteers/Parent Service Hours:  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 help: Girls Basketball VolunteersBoys Basketball Volunteers and your parent service hours will be automatically recorded. Thank you!

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 the Counselor's Corner page on our website, including updated graduation service cord information.

Positivity Project: This week's character focus is Perserverance (click for more info)

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
High School Reminders:
  • After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
  • Senior Scholarships: Click HERE for a list of college and community scholarship opportunities, requirements and deadlines!
  • Senior Service Cord: Click here for the senior service cord guidelines. Applications are due April 6, 2023. 
  • Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!) 
Juniors & Seniors: ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINKSAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Click HERE to sign up for the DMCC MS Retreat! 
































COMMUNITY NEWS













 

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

Family Focus, 1/27/23

date 01/31/2023 author Kris Sauer category Uncategorized comment 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)

January 27, 2023

Dear BA Families: 
Celebrating Catholic Schools! As high school families gather on Saturday for our traditional SnoBall event, we will also be kicking off on Sunday our celebration of Catholic Schools Week (CSW), Prek-12 nationwide. We join other Catholic schools in this national event commemorating what makes our schools different: Faith, Excellence and Service! Our schools will join together for Mass on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. BA's Campus Ministry will share special prayers during the week and we will gather with our DMCS buddies Wednesday, pack food during our field trip day Thursday,  and enjoy a Talent Show/Knowledge Bowl competition on Friday. It's a great week to be a Cardinal! 

THURSDAY, FEB. 2 - CSW FIELD TRIP - HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST ARRIVE BY 7:45AM as their buses leave at 7:50am. Did you get your form in for the field trip? The permission form and field trip fee is linked: 
HERE if you forgot. If you wish to have the fee added to your FACTS account, please indicate that on the form.

2023-24 ENROLLMENT IS OPEN! We thank you for your partnership in your scholar's education. Our Board has approved keeping tuition increases low, with only a 1% increase for next year, while also working to expand scholarships and programs each year. Please be sure to complete your financial aid application (click HERE to apply) by Feb. 22 to ensure eligibility for all available scholarships. Re-enroll in FACTS by Feb 22 and the $10 re-enrollment fee will be waived. Contact Kris Sauer with questions or to set up an appointment if help is needed. 

ROBOTICS HELP NEEDED: We are looking for a Robotics assistant. If you are able to help on Mondays and/or Thursdays after school, please email me. You are paid a stipend to assist - mreeder@bacards.org.


FUNDRAISERS & EVENT UPDATES:

  • The BA Annual Fund drive is at $209,614+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
  • BABS - A Red & Black Gala Event on April 15 is in need of silent and live auction items. We are excited to announce a new program, catered meal by Patty LeBeau and live entertainment by Laura O'Connor. Invites coming soon! Email Teresa Lebens with your donations at: tlebens@bacards.org
BA & DMCS 2023-24 CALENDAR: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar. 

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE:











UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online
  • Jan 28: "Winter Wonderland" SnoBall Dance, Grand March & SnoBall Queen Coronation 8pm; dance ends at 11pm; Post-Prom SnoBash parent event 9-10:45pm @ Faribault's Elks Lodge-see below for more information
  • Jan 29: Rome Trip Bake Sale at DMCC after the 8am & 10am Masses.
  • Jan 30: Faribault Emeralds Community Performance & Senior Night-6:30pm @ FHS. Free admission with item for St. Vincent de Paul's food shelf. Click here for flyer. 
  • Feb 3: Youth Basketball Night @ Boys Basketball game - sign up link HERE
  • Jan 29-Feb 5: Catholic Schools Week
    • Feb 1: Joint BA/DMCS Mass @ IC, 1 hr, 8:30am
    • Feb 1: BA/DMCS Buddy Day
    • Feb 2: Class field trips (no color day), click here for forms & info
    • Feb 5: BA will host the 5 p.m. Mass @ Divine Mercy Church. After Mass, high school students are invited to stay and participate in the ProLife speaker presentation. Click HERE for flyer. 
  • Feb 8: Student of the Month, 7:30am
  • Feb 10: Dress Down Day, International Cultural Club
  • Feb 11: Gopher Conference Band/Choir/Art Honors Concert, Maple River (Feb 10=practice day)
  • Feb 12: Winter Admissions Open House 11am-1pm. Invite a prospective Cardinal to join us! Advance registration HERE, walk-ins welcome. 
  • Feb 13-16: 8th Grade @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
  • Feb 14: Prom Dress Down Day
  • Feb 16: 1pm WIN schedule
  • Feb 17 & 20: No School, President's Day weekend
REMINDERS: 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!

KUDOS: Congratulations to our scholars on the Emerald's Dance Team for bringing home a Gopher Big 9 Conference Championship win!

Please continue to join me in praying for family members, BA parents, and staff members who need God's healing touch!

Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATE

SnoBash, Jan 28: Parents: Come and join us at the Elks from 9-10:45pm for a night of fun supporting post-prom activities! To purchase advance tickets either use Venmo (see QR code or click HERE) or drop payment in the BA office. Be sure to include the number of tickets, names, and an email address for confirmation with your payment. The post prom committee will have a list of pre-paid guests at the front door. 

FREE At-Home COVID Tests: The Nurse's Office has extra at-home COVID tests available.
Stop by the front office to pick up a FREE test kit for your family!

Parent/Teacher Conference Update: Our winter parent-teacher conferences will NOT be held February 15 as originally scheduled. The new date is Wednesday, March 1, 4-8pm with conferences held via Zoom. A sign up link will be sent at a later date.

Rome Trip Summer 2024: It's not too late to join! Interested students should contact Ms Caryn Coller for more information.

Basketball Game Volunteers/Parent Service Hours:  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 help: Girls Basketball VolunteersBoys Basketball Volunteers and your parent service hours will be automatically recorded. Thank you!

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 the Counselor's Corner page on our website, including updated graduation service cord information.

Positivity Project: This week's character focus is Perserverance (click for more info)

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

Jan 28 SnoBall Dance Info/Purchase Tickets by Jan 24: The January 28 "Winter Wonderland" SnoBall is a girl-ask-boy semi-formal dance for students in grades 9-12. Tickets are on sale during high school lunches ($30/couple, $15/single) through Tues, Jan 24. A signed form, found in the front office, is required for a non-BA grade 9-12 guest. Typically, the girls purchase a tie for their date that matches their dress. The girls arrange for a bouquet and boutonniere with a local florist that the boy picks up and pays for the day of the dance. Boys wear a dress shirt (most choose black), tie, and nice pants; girls wear semi-formal dresses. Attire that is neat, clean, and modest is expected of all participants. Couples usually go out to dinner with a group of friends prior to the Grand March. Parents and guests gather in the gym at 8:00pm for the Grand March, where participating couples are introduced and the SnoBall Queen is crowned. There will be a row of chairs in front of the stands for guests with mobility issues. Usually, the Mother-Son/Father-Daughter dance follows coronation, then parents and guests depart and the dance begins. The dance ends at 11:00 p.m.

SnoBall Grand March Reserved Seating: The post-prom committee is selling $15 reserved seats for SnoBall's Grand March Saturday, January 28. This is separate from and behind the rows reserved for SnoBall Court parents/families. Email Darla Hanson at
darma2200@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

SENIOR PARENTS: SNOBALL SNACK DONATIONS: The Class of 2023 invites you to donate by clicking
HERE.  Thank you!

High School Reminders:
  • After school support is available for students in the library Tuesday - Thursday until 3:30 (link to info)
  • Senior Scholarships: Click HERE for a list of college and community scholarship opportunities, requirements and deadlines!
  • Senior Service Cord: Click here for the senior service cord guidelines. Applications due April 6, 2023. 
  • Please remind your high school student to check their email and class Schoology on a regular basis! (Thank you for your support with this!) 
Juniors & Seniors: ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINKSAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Click HERE to sign up for the DMCC MS Retreat! 

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

Our Mission
Bethlehem Academy, a Catholic school in the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, strives to empower its students and staff to achieve personal, spiritual and academic excellence. We challenge ourselves to love as Jesus Christ loved, to lead, to serve, to inspire and to seek the truth: Veritas.
Address
105 3rd Ave. SW
Faribault, MN  55021
Phone:  507-334-3948
Fax:  507-334-3949