Family Focus 8/19/22
08/26/2022
Ed Friesen
2022-23, August 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)
August 19, 2022
Dear BA Families:
It's back-to-school time! BA Staff look forward to welcoming students back next Wednesday, Aug 24, at our picnic from 5-6:30 p.m. Please join us for hotdogs, fellowship and games on the "Back 40" - the lawn area to the south of the school. New families, join us for the picnic and then please stay for a new family orientation beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the BA Cafeteria. It's a great year to be a Cardinal! Please click HERE for all of our back-to-school information including school shopping supply lists and revised dress code.
STUDENT SCHEDULES: All scholars should have received an email with information on how to log into PowerSchool to view their schedule. Hard copies will be distributed at student orientation Aug 29. If you have any questions about your schedule, please contact Shane Roessler, BA Counselor, at sroessler@bacards.org or by 507-334-3948 (ext. 217). PLEASE contact Ms. Roessler if your scholar has any missing hours or extra study halls.
LAPTOPS: An email will be sent soon with sign up information so returning Grade 7-12 students can get their laptops next week. New Grade 7-12 students will get their laptops following the 9-11:30am all student orientation August 29. Grade 6 students will get laptops in their technology class the first week of school.
FALL SPORTS: BA Sports and Coop Teams are back to practicing and preparing for an exciting fall. Please plan to join us for our first home volleyball game on Thursday, August 25 and put our first home football game on your calendars for Sept 2.
- Aug 22: Middle school fall sports being. Click HERE for more information and forms.
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- Aug 24-Back-to-School Picnic (BTS): 5-6:30 pm on the BA Back 40 (south side of BA by greenhouse)
- Aug 24-New Family Orientation: 6:45-7:30 pm, BA cafeteria
- Aug 26-27: BA spirit wear event at Star Sports (421 2nd Ave NW) next to Ace Hardware. A portion of all spirit wear sales goes back to BA - get a certificate at the BTS Picnic or mention the event at purchase.
- Aug 29 - Gr 6-12 All Student Orientation 9-11:30 am, all students attend; no busing or lunch (BA van will run). Bring school supplies for locker setup. *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12)** new Grade 7-12 students plan to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get laptop and technology training. Pizza provided. (6th graders will get laptops in their tech class.)
- Aug 30 - First day of school! First bell at 8am, second bell at 8:05, dismissal at 2:55pm. Don't forget to put money in your scholar's hot lunch account!
- Aug 31: Mass @ IC, 10:35am - be sure to be in new Mass Dress Code attire (polos and khakis/black pants.)
Click HERE for the updated dress code.
KUDOS: To all of our Smart Ride participants and supporters. It was a wonderful ride across Minnesota. Thanks to all who golfed at the BA Golf Classic and supported this special event.Join me in prayers for the new school year! Please reach out with any questions.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
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Welcome to our High School Theology Teacher!
My name is Mark Nuehring and I am excited to join BA as the new theology teacher. I truly believe God has led me to this opportunity! I have been involved in faith formation in Catholic parishes for years and taught theology at Lourdes High School in Rochester and hold a Master's Degree in Theology from St. Mary's University and a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. My wife and I have 3 children, with our middle child leaving for college this month. We also have two golden doodles who are spoiled rotten. When I am not working, I enjoy cooking, landscaping, and watching the Vikings. I still have pre-season optimism about this season. I look forward to meeting you soon!
International Student Host Family Needed ASAP: KoAm, an educational exchange program that brings students to BA from South Korea, is seeking a host family to bring a returning 9th grade girl back to BA for the first semester. Expenses paid with a monthly stipend and tuition credit offered to the host family. Contact Kris Sauer by email or at 507-334-3948 if interested.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Youth Adoration Hour, 3-4pm Mondays. Register HERE.
Click HERE to be a teen leader or sign up for faith formation classes at DMCC by Sept 2!
Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17
Family Focus 7-29-22
08/15/2022
Kris Sauer
July 2022, 2022-23
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July 29, 2022
Dear BA Families:
Welcome August - where did summer go?! BA volunteers gathered at the Rice County Fair in the Cardinal Cafe, serving up great food with a lots of smiles this month. This ongoing tradition connects alumni, staff and students with fair attendees. We are thankful for all of the fair stand volunteers, with a special thank you to the Simones family for coordinating this massive fundraising event. We sent our SMART Riders off this week embraced by a soft, cool breeze. Next Friday, August 5th, we gather for the BA Golf Classic. The sacrifice and dedication of all of our volunteers at each of these events makes a profound statement of how much they care for the mission of BA and the future of our scholars. THANK YOU!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL: With the approach of August many of you are beginning your school shopping and planning for events. The Back-to-School Packet will be mailed out next week and links to our upcoming events and our school supply lists can be found below. Athletes can expect registration information for sports within the week, with fall high school sports beginning Aug 15, middle school Aug 22. We anticipate sending schedules to students by August 5. Students should contact Ms. Roessler with questions. Summer is quickly fading - reach out with questions and take advantage of a few more summer weekends!
BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! Click on the links for more information.
- Summer Band & Music Lessons - Join our band director, Brad Lorence, for summer music lessons (Gr 6-12) and summer band (Gr 8-12). Click HERE for more information or email Mr. Lorence at: brad_lorence@bacards.org.
- Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: It's not too late to register!
- Fall Sports Begin: Aug 15 for high school, Aug 22 for middle school. Please visit bacardinals.com for more information and forms!
- Back-to-School Picnic: August 24 (5-6:30 p.m.), BA Back 40
- New Family Orientation: August 24, 6:45-7:3pm, BA gymnasium
- Student Only Orientation: August 29 (9-11:30 a.m., no busing or lunch) *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12)** - You're invited to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get your laptop and receive technology training. Pizza provided.
Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)
- Summer Office Hours: Mon-Thursday, 9am-1pm
- Summer Reading Assignments
- 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR: (Link)
- School Supply List 2022-2023 *Please note our Mass dress code update to ensure you have Mass attire for the fall.
Mass Dress Code Update: BA Spirit Wear Day!
- Tops: Black polos with or without BA logo; Red polos with or without BA logo and/or band shirts; White button-down shirt with collar or white polo.
- Bottoms: Boys or Girls: Tan or black pants (dockers; khakis; black jeans); Girls may choose to wear black, tan, or plaid skirts in black and red, to the knee.
- Jackets or Sweaters: Students may wear a jacket, sweater, or a BA crew neck sweatshirt, or quarter zip BA athletic jacket over their polo or button-down shirt in colder weather. No hooded sweatshirts on Mass days.
Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Welcome to our New Staff!
Ag/Shop: Please welcome Maxwell Johnson, BA's new Ag/Shop teacher. Hello Cardinals! My name is Maxwell Johnson (Mr. Johnson) and I am a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota in Agricultural Education. I grew up in Nerstrand where I raised and showed meat goats at the local, state, and national levels. I enjoy the outdoors and hands-on experiences and hope to incorporate that into my classroom. Outside of school, you can find me cheering the local sports team, working with boer goats, or volunteering with local 4-H clubs.
Middle School New Staff: Stephen Uphus - MS Counselor
High School New Teachers: Social Studies -Christian Bjornson; Student Support/Teaching Assistant; Math Department - Dave Gilmore & Josh Maus; Music Department - Choir Director, Emily Cicha & Band Director, Brad Lorence.
International Student Host Family Needed: KoAm, an educational exchange program that brings students to BA from South Korea, is looking at possibly needing a host family for a high school girl this school year. This is a great cultural opportunity and chance for these students to experience life in America! Monthly stipend and tuition credit offered. Contact Kris Sauer by email or at 507-334-3948 if interested.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Faith Formation registration is open for Middle School EDGE (Gr 5-7), Confirmation (Gr 8+), and High School Leadership Team (confirmed students)-assist with middle school & confirmation programs. Click HERE for more information and to register!
Family Focus 07-15-22
07/28/2022
Kris Sauer
July 2022, 2022-23
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July 15, 2022
Dear BA Families:
It's Rice County Fair Time! Join me at the fair by helping out in our Cardinal Cafe. We need e
veryone to volunteer to ensure that we have all times covered at BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24. (Click to sign up.)
Welcome new BA Staff! We are finalizing all open staff/teaching positions and invite you to connect with our new teachers and staff in welcoming them to the BA family. Please see two more new staff introductions below.
Summer Band / Music Lessons - Join our new band director, Brad Lorence, for summer music lessons (gr 6-12) and summer band (gr 8-12) beginning the week of July 25. Click HERE for more information or email Mr. Lorence at: brad_lorence@bacards.org.
BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our leadership through the BA Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)
BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us!
(click on the links for more information)
- BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24: Earn service hours: parent & student volunteers needed!
- BA's SMART Ride for Catholic Education, July 28-30: Ride a single day or camp & ride OR support one of our riders!
- Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: great sponsorship opportunities and/or register to golf
Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)
- Summer Office Hours: Mon-Thursday, 9am-1pm
- Summer Reading Assignments
- 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
- School Supply List 2022-2023 *Please note our Mass dress code update to ensure you have Mass attire for the fall.
KUDOS: Thanks to our maintenance team and student workers for their hard work this summer in cleaning and preparing for our fall return! The school shines! Special thanks to all basketball camp organizers for a great experience for younger scholars.
Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.
Blessings, Mindy Reeder - President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL BA UPDATES
Welcome to our new staff!
HS Social Studies -Christian Bjornson
Hello Cardinals! My name is Christian Bjornson, and I’m the new high school social studies teacher at B.A. I recently completed my M.Ed. in social studies education from the University of Minnesota and am excited to begin my first full year of teaching this fall. Prior to going back to school for teaching, I earned a M.A. from Norwich University and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota—both in history—and worked as a historical interpreter and researcher for the Minnesota Historical Society. Though I’m a recent transplant to Faribault (originally from Minneapolis), I have deep family roots in the area: my great-great grandfather settled here after immigrating from Germany, and my grandmother grew up on Division Street. When I’m not teaching, some of my favorite hobbies include reading, playing music, visiting museums, or enjoying the outdoors. I’m also an avid disc golfer and always looking for course recommendations!
High School Student Support/Teaching Assistant
Hi, my name is Katy Ashley and I am looking forward to working at BA this year in my student support position! I graduated from Winona State University in 2020 with a degree in History and a minor in Art History. For the past two years I have been working in the Metro area for a medical firm as a lab assistant. I love being outdoors, playing sports, and am a voracious reader. As a DMCS and BA alumni, I hope to help the next generation of graduates obtain an excellent education!
Math Department
Hi, I’m Dave Gilmore, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy! I live in Nerstrand and have 2 daughters that attend high school in Northfield. I currently work at South Central College in Faribault and have been teaching math there for almost 15 years. I have my M. Ed. degree from U of M, Twin Cities and my B.A. in Math Education from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Besides math, I also enjoy playing guitar and teach guitar lessons in Northfield with the Northfield Community Ed Program. I’m excited to begin teaching at BA and I am really looking forward to joining the team and meeting all of you!
I’m Josh Maus, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy this year. I’ll be teaching Advanced Algebra, Consumer Mathematics, and AP Statistics. I currently work as an analyst for a sports data firm in Bloomington, Minnesota, and I’ve previously worked in finance and education. I’m originally from Northfield, where I attended St. Dominic School, Northfield High School, and St. Olaf College. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics with a Statistics minor. In my free time, I enjoy playing baseball and fishing. I’m excited to join the BA family!
Choir Director
Hi, my name is Emily Cicha, and I’m so excited to meet everyone! I’ve lived in Mandan, North Dakota, my whole life. I love to sing and play music and was active in the arts. I graduated from University of Mary this last spring. Singing has always been my favorite thing, but I’ve also played oboe and English horn in college and for my local symphony. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to share music and our faith together!
Band Director
Hello BA! My name is Brad Lorence and I will be the band director at BA this fall. I am super excited. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in December of 2021 with my degree in Instrumental Music Education. I enjoy being outdoors, particularly playing golf, going on hikes, and watching various sporting events. I am also a big fan of road trips and beautiful, historic Catholic churches. Mbeannaí Dia thú!Vikings Football Game Aug 20: Discounted tickets are available for the Vikings vs the San Francisco Forty Niners on August 20. Purchase tickets using this link and promo code (CARDINALS) and the Vikings will make a donation to the BA football program.
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
