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Family Focus 9/3/21

09/09/2021

Mindy Reeder

2021-22, September 2021

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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)

September 3, 2021

Dear BA Families: 
Welcome September! Teachers and staff helped students connect and prepare for the school year this week. As I walked through the halls and observed in classrooms, I found students connecting through social activities, in small groups discussing and energetically participating in their learning. I am honored to partner with our dedicated staff and our students who greet me each morning with a smile as we begin our new school year.

COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS: BA will continue to watch numbers and reports. We talk with Rice County and receive communication from the Diocese weekly. As you may be aware, the public school has added masks for adults and indoor sports attendance. The Gopher Conference, our sports organization, will also be evaluating this as we move forward, as will our Board of Directors for our school. Please review the chart below for our present plan.

DID YOU FORGET TO SET UP YOUR TUITION PAYMENT PLAN? I will be calling families this week if your plan is not set up. Please contact me directly if you have questions or need support at mreeder@bacards.org.

ATHLETIC & ACTIVITY SIGN UP: Please peruse the opportunities listed below for your scholar to get involved in BA programs. NEW THIS YEAR - Knowledge Bowl - Sign up and information is below.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Sept 6: Labor Day - No School
• Sept 8: School Picture Day - form found HERE
• Sept 18, 1pm: Tackle Cancer home football game
• Sept 18, 4-10pm: DMCC Spiritfest
• Sept 22: MS/HS NET Retreat/Joe Roueche Talk for Parents
• Sept 27-Oct 1: Homecoming Week

REMINDERS:

• Student Laptops: All high school students should have their laptops by Friday. Next week middle school will begin receiving their laptops.
• Tuition Agreements: Check your junk mail folder if you haven't seen anything. Note that we are NOT USING TADS this year, but FACTS. Contact Kris Sauer @ ksauer@bacards.org with questions. 
• Tracking Volunteer Hours - Parents: We are transitioning to a new SignUpGenius-based system, meaning once you sign up & show up to volunteer you are good - you will no longer need to separately record your hours. The volleyball and football sign ups just sent out are included in this, and any hours already logged for this school year will be moved to the new system. More information to follow. Students will still log their volunteer hours separately through their religion classes. 
• Parent Special Event - parish-wide "It's all about the Relationship" by Joe Roueche on Sept. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m in the BA gym. Sign up information HERE.
• Homework Club will run Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m. with Mrs. Kohl, starting September 7.

ALL BA UPDATES

Mask Donations Needed: Our supply of masks to have on hand for students and visitors is almost gone. We could especially use donated boxes of disposable masks. Send in to the front office if you are able to help. Thank you!

Spooktacular Committee Volunteers Needed: We are seeking 2-3 parents to serve on the Spooktacular planning committee. Spooktacular, a Halloween-themed 5k run/1-mile walk fundraiser in conjunction with Divine Mercy Catholic School (DMCS) will be held Oct 16 this year. Our first planning meeting is Wed, Sept 8 at 4:30pm at DMCS. Contact Kris Sauer if interested in participating (counts for parent volunteer hours!). 

Order Tackle Cancer Gear by Sept 8
Click HERE to order your TACKLE CANCER BA gear! For any shirt or sweatshirt purchased, $5.00 of the cost will go toward Tackle Cancer. Orders need to be placed by September 8 so clothing can be picked up at  Star Trophy inside Ace Hardware by September 15. All staff, students, and  parents are encouraged to wear their Tackle Cancer clothing for the 1:00pm September 18th Tackle Cancer home football game vs. Randolph at Bruce Smith Field.

Gr 4-12 Robotics Team-1st Practice Sep 9
Robotics is back and open to all interested students in Grades 4-12. Practices will be held in the BA Library Mondays and Thursdays from 3-5pm starting Thursday, September 9. Program fees are $75 payable to Divine Mercy Catholic School. Find the registration form HERE.

Knowledge Bowl - New Academic Team to BA!
Anyone interested in being part of a Knowledge Bowl team at BA?  Knowledge Bowl is a team competition against other schools in which you answer questions about a variety of academic topics. Teams work together to try and answer a question and the first team to buzz in gets a chance to answer the question for a point.  Competitions are held at various schools and there is a regional and state tournament competition.  We would need students versed in all fields of study,  from advanced math and science to English, History, and engineering. If you are interested, contact Dave Wollin at dwollin@bacards.org.

Invitation to Join Moms in Prayer Group: Please contact Lori Bittenbender if interested in partnering in the Moms in Prayer ministry to pray with other BA moms.  We will meet for only one hour a week at BA (Room 102, in the conference room) to pray for our kids, their teachers and Bethlehem Academy. If interested, please contact Lori at 972-955-4730 or lori@lbpublicrelations.com. Learn more about Moms in Prayer at https://momsinprayer.org/

Volunteer at SpiritFest Saturday, September 18!
Parents and students! Many volunteers are needed to help make the Sept 18 Divine Mercy Catholic Church's annual SpiritFest a success. Sign up for a volunteer shift at this link. Hours served are eligible for our family and students' volunteer hours. See attached flyer for more information.

Game Day Volunteers Needed
Our athletics program depends on the helping hands of many volunteer parents and alumni.  For football and volleyball, we need adults to help at the admissions table/gate and in the concession stand.  Please consider sharing your time and talent with us!

The VOLLEYBALL volunteer sign-up can be found at:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949a4ac29a4fd0-2021
  

The FOOTBALL volunteer sign-up can be found at:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949a4ac29a4fd0-20211
  

BA Maintenance Position Available
Bethlehem Academy seeks an energetic individual to join our maintenance team! This team member will work directly with the Maintenance Supervisor in coordinating all care for the facility, from cleaning to repairs and lawn care and snow removal.  Required Qualifications: 1^st Class Boilers License; Basic knowledge in the following areas: plumbing, electrical and carpentry; Good vision is required in order to read material safety data sheets; Good attendance is required as well as ability to work various shifts; Ability to work extra hours if necessary. Send resume and two references to: Mindy Reeder at mreeder@bacards.org by Sept. 17, 2021.

BA Theater Director Position
Bethlehem Academy is seeking a Director to lead our theater and drama programs throughout the year. Do you have a heart for theater? Do you love working with middle and high school students? This position is paid a stipend per show or program (Drama Club; Musical Production) and typically arranges a schedule for practices after the school day. Qualifications: Experience in theater and musical productions. Directing experience preferred. Application: Please send your resume and three references to: Mindy Reeder – mreeder@bacards.org

Student Guatemala Mission Trip Coffee Fundraiser
BA teens going on the Spring Break mission trip are selling coffee from Guatemala to fund the work projects they will do while in Guatemala. Free delivery to Faribault. Order HERE. The coffee is direct trade, so the San Lucas Mission buys directly from small farmers, meaning the families get paid a fair and livable wage for the coffee crop. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Online BA School Store!
We have select items available for purchase, either online or in the school office, including Yeti tumblers, Puravida bracelets in BA colors, and polo shirts. See the available items HERE. 

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
BAND PROGRAMS: 

• Spirit Fest-Sept. 18 from 6:15-6:40 p.m.- The BA pep band will be playing for Spirit Fest on Saturday, September 18th on the stage. Please be there at 5:45pm for warm-ups. 

Faribault Community Boards-Youth Leadership Positions
Getting involved in the community looks great on your high school resume as you live out the Dominican Pillar of Service! Here are options for volunteer leadership positions – and this will also help you meet your volunteer hour requirements at BA. Click HERE to check out the many options, from the Library Board to the Paradise Center for the Arts. Any students interested in applying can do so at this link: https://forms.gle/LprHkygBabFL5Hnz9

1st United Bank Junior Board Applications 
Rising 11th and 12th graders are invited to apply for the 1st United Bank Junior Board of Directors. Applications due September 10, 2021. Application and more information attached. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

FAITH FORMATION/YOUTH GROUP UPDATES

Registration for Confirmation and Middle School EDGE is closing on Monday, September 6! Students in 8^th grade on up can sign up for confirmation. Middle School EDGE is open to students in grades 5-7. If you have a student who still needs to receive their First Communion, please let us know! 

Registration link: https://fs22.formsite.com/dmcc/FallFF2021/index.html

Confirmation info: https://www.divinemercy.cc/confirmation-prep

Middle School EDGE info: https://www.divinemercy.cc/middle-school-edge

If you have any questions, please reach out! 

• Anna Blessing,  Confirmation and High School Youth Ministry, ablessing@divinemercy.cc
• Andrea Gibbs, Middle School EDGE and First Communion, agibbs@divinemercy.cc

Wed, Sep 22 Faith Formation Kick Off Night! includes: 

• Parent Night: It’s all about the Relationship, with guest speaker Joe Roueche, 7-8:30pm BA Gym; Required to attend.
• Middle School NET Retreat: (must be registered for EDGE), 6-9pm DMCS Gym
• High School and Confirmation* NET Retreat: (must be signed up for High School Youth Group or Confirmation), 6-930pm DMCC Church *required for confirmation students

COMMUNITY UPDATES
Youth After School Programs
Faribault YouthConnect! Network offers many programs for to Faribault youth this fall during the after school hours and on non-school days. Attached is a menu (in three languages) highlighting various opportunities offered by 4-H, Buckham Library, FPS Community Schools, Faribault Public Schools Activities, Paradise Center for the Arts, Parks and Recreation and River Bend Nature Center. Check out the attached flyer for more information. 

Senior Service Coordinator Position: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Neighbors Helping Neighbors provide chore services to seniors over 60, and to others with disabilities, to help them remain living independent in their home. We currently have an opening for a part time staff position in Faribault.  We are looking for a Rice County community member, passionate about serving seniors and working with volunteers, to help us grow Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The Senior Service Coordinator position is posted on our website HERE.  Interested candidates may view the job description and apply directly.  

Housekeeping Positions: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Neighbors Helping Neighbors has part-time Household Helper positions available for anyone 17 or over. Employees assist seniors 60 and over with light housekeeping so they can remain in their home. Flexible days/hours (2-20/week), $12.50/hour. Apply online by clicking HERE.  
 

• BA School Calendar - Week of Sept. 6
• BA-FHS Coop Sports Calendar - Week of Sept. 6

ATTACHMENTS
SpiritFest Raffle & Volunteer Info Flyer
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application
Faribault Youth Connect Fall Activity Flyer

Family Focus 8/27/21

09/01/2021

Kris Sauer

August 2021, 2021-22

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August 27, 2021

Dear BA Families: 

The BA School year begins on Monday! What a wonderful start to our year as we gathered at the picnic, met and blessed new scholars and families, and kicked off our year by selecting students for BA Cardinal Houses. Energy was high this week and I know that the Holy Spirit will continue to be on fire as we return to classrooms on Monday. 

What are BA Cardinal Houses? Our BA student council helped to create our presentation video shared with students prior to the "selection ceremony." Take a minute and click HERE to view the introductory video. All students were selected for one of the various Houses, noted below, drawn by random selection. We will gather in Houses this next week for our first activity. The goal of these Houses is to bring students closer together, build fellowship among the youngest and oldest students, provide more leadership opportunities for our juniors and seniors as mentors, and build opportunities to grow in our faith and school spirit! Here are the five houses:

• • Veritas – truth (GREEN) 
  • Caritas – love/charity (ORANGE) 
  • Gratia – grace (AQUA) 
  • Credo – faith/belief (creed) (YELLOW) 
  • Salve/Salvara – to save (GREY)

Thank you to Student Council leaders and seniors Madelyn Bauer, Aiden Tobin, Matthew Croke, and Katie Seidel for their work in putting this together!

COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS: Please see the graphic below for a quick reference. BA will continue to watch numbers and reports. We talk with Rice County and receive communication from the Diocese weekly. If mandates and adjustments are needed we will communicate that with our families.

DID YOU FORGET TO SET UP YOUR TUITION PAYMENT PLAN? I will be calling families this week if your plan is not set up. Please contact me directly if you have questions or need support at mreeder@bacards.org.

ATHLETIC & ACTIVITY SIGN UP: Please peruse the opportunities listed below for your scholar to get involved in BA programs. NEW THIS YEAR - Knowledge Bowl - Sign up and information is below.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• August 30: First Day of School! Faribault busing & BA Van will run.
• Sept. 1: Join us for our Wednesday Mass at 10:30 a.m. as we kick of our year at IC Church.
• September 3: Class service projects planned mid-day 
• September 6: Labor Day - No School.

REMINDERS:

• Student Laptops: Some laptops have arrived, but our roll out will be a bit delayed. Teachers will provide instruction in various ways.
• Tuition Agreements: Check your junk mail folder if you haven't seen anything. Note that we are NOT USING TADS this year, but FACTS. Contact Kris Sauer @ ksauer@bacards.org with questions. 
• Tracking Volunteer Hours - Parents: Log your parent volunteer hours at: https://www.bacards.org/page/310 HS Students will log their volunteer hours separately in Naviance, MS students through their religion classes. 
• LUNCH in 2021-22: Please fill out the free and reduced lunch forms in your back to school packets. We still rely on funding from this program even though BA will once again be offering free lunches to students this year. Do remember to please put money into your child's account for those extra helpings and treats that they love! 
• Parent Special Event - parish-wide "It's all about the Relationship" by Joe Roueche on Sept. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m in the BA gym. Sign up information below.
• Homework Club will begin Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m. with Mrs. Kohl.
• Spirit Fest is September 18: Join the fun, buy raffle tickets or volunteer - all the details at: https://www.divinemercy.cc/spirit-fest

ALL BA UPDATES

Online School Store Now Open!
Order your new BA gear at our online school store. Orders taken through midnight, August 30. Find the link HERE. We also have select items available for purchase, either online or in the school office, including Yeti tumblers, Puravida bracelets in BA colors, and polo shirts. See the available items HERE. 

Order Tackle Cancer Gear by Sept 8
Click HERE to order your TACKLE CANCER BA gear! For any shirt or sweatshirt purchased, $5.00 of the cost will go toward Tackle Cancer. Orders need to be placed by September 8 so clothing can be picked up at  Star Trophy inside Ace Hardware by September 15. All staff, students, and  parents are encouraged to wear their Tackle Cancer clothing for the 1:00pm September 18th Tackle Cancer home football game vs. Randolph at Bruce Smith Field.

Knowledge Bowl - New Academic Team to BA!
Anyone interested in being part of a Knowledge Bowl team at BA?  Knowledge Bowl is a team competition against other schools in which you answer questions about a variety of academic topics. Teams work together to try and answer a question and the first team to buzz in gets a chance to answer the question for a point.  Competitions are held at various schools and there is a regional and state tournament competition.  We would need students versed in all fields of study,  from advanced math and science to English, History, and engineering. If you are interested, contact Dave Wollin at dwollin@bacards.org.

Invitation to Join Moms in Prayer Group

"Mom, will you pray for me?" Our kids are facing a battlefield for their hearts and minds. Placing our children and their schools in the Lord’s capable hands is what Moms in Prayer is all about. Through prayer, battles are won. Please contact Lori Bittenbender, mom to a new 7th BA grader, to partner in the Moms in Prayer ministry and pray with other BA moms.  We will meet for only one hour a week at BA (Room 102, in the conference room) to pray for our kids, their teachers and Bethlehem Academy. If interested, please contact me at 972-955-4730 or lori@lbpublicrelations.com. Learn more about Moms in Prayer at https://momsinprayer.org/

Back to School Information: Find back to school information, including school supply lists, summer reading assignments, and other important information on our Back to School page HERE. Our updated COVID-19 information page is HERE.

Summer Read Program
Don't forget about your student's summer read! Find the list of books and the handouts on our website at this link.

REMINDER: Required Immunizations
All students who will be in 7^th grade this fall are required by law to have a Tdap (tetanus booster) as well as a meningitis shot. The meningitis shot is the first in a two-shot series which should be completed at 16 years of age. Students who will be in 12^th grade are required by law to have a second meningitis shot. Students should have had their first shot in the series before the start of 7^th grade. Any students who have conscientious objector forms on file will need to fill out a new form for this fall. If you have any questions or need a conscientious objector form, please contact Mary Herzog in the nurse’s office, 507-334-3948.

Volunteer at SpiritFest Saturday, September 18!
Parents and students! Many volunteers are needed to help make the Sept 18 Divine Mercy Catholic Church's annual SpiritFest a success. Sign up for a volunteer shift at this link. Hours served are eligible for our family and students' volunteer hours. See attached flyer for more information.

Joe Roueche Parent Presentation Sept 22
Parents, while your students attend the HS and MS NET Retreats, please join us in the BA gym for a 7pm presentation by Joe Roueche on "It's All About the Relationships." Click HERE for more information.

Theater Director Position
Bethlehem Academy is seeking a Director to lead our theater and drama programs throughout the year. Do you have a heart for theater? Do you love working with middle and high school students? This position is paid a stipend per show or program (Drama Club; Musical Production) and typically arranges a schedule for practices after the school day. Qualifications: Experience in theater and musical productions. Directing experience preferred. Application: Please send your resume and three references to: Mindy Reeder – mreeder@bacards.org

SCRIP Note Update: BA students and families may participate in the DMCS Scrip program to earn tuition credit. See the attached August update for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
South Parking Lot-Staff Only Parking
Parents of student drivers please remind your scholars that the south parking lot by the greenhouse has been designated for staff only this school year. The main parking remains an option for all students and visitors.

BAND PROGRAMS: 

• Spirit Fest-Sept. 18 from 6:15-6:40 p.m.- The BA pep band will be playing for Spirit Fest on Saturday, September 18th on the stage. Please be there at 5:45pm for warm-ups. 

High School NET Retreat Sept 22
High school students! Click HERE for information on the High School NET retreat held Sept 22, 6-9:30pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church.

DMCC High School Youth Group
Click HERE for Divine Mercy Catholic Church high school youth group information and activities!

Faribault Community Boards-Youth Leadership Positions
Getting involved in the community looks great on your high school resume as you live out the Dominican Pillar of Service! Here are options for volunteer leadership positions – and this will also help you meet your volunteer hour requirements at BA. Click HERE to check out the many options, from the Library Board to the Paradise Center for the Arts. Any students interested in applying can do so at this link: https://forms.gle/LprHkygBabFL5Hnz9

1st United Bank Junior Board Applications 
Rising 11th and 12th graders are invited to apply for the 1st United Bank Junior Board of Directors. Applications due September 10, 2021. Application and more information attached. 

HIGH SCHOOL CHURCH PROGRAMS: Confirmation & High School Youth Group Information online - grow in body, mind and spirit! https://www.divinemercy.cc/discipleship

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Gr 4-6 Football!
Students interested in playing youth football should plan to attend a meeting (with their parents) Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 on BA's Back 40 (field on south side of the school, next to the greenhouse). Varsity head coach Jim Beckmann will talk to parents and students about the season. Parents are needed to volunteer to help with practices and games (no football knowledge is required.) Find the sign up form attached. Please email Kevin Dokkestul with questions. 

Middle School NET Retreat Sept 22
Middle school students, please click HERE for information on registering for the Middle School NET retreat, 6-9pm at Divine Mercy Catholic School.

DMCC Middle School EDGE
Click HERE for information on Divine Mercy Catholic Church's middle school EDGE program. Open to all 5th-7th graders, this program is for those in middle school who want to come together with other teens to grow in their faith and to learn more about the Catholic Church. This provides a great opportunity to prepare for Confirmation. 

COMMUNITY UPDATES
Youth After School Programs
Faribault YouthConnect! Network offers many programs for to Faribault youth this fall during the after school hours and on non-school days. Attached is a menu (in three languages) highlighting various opportunities offered by 4-H, Buckham Library, FPS Community Schools, Faribault Public Schools Activities, Paradise Center for the Arts, Parks and Recreation and River Bend Nature Center. Check out the attached flyer for more information. 

Senior Service Coordinator Position: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Neighbors Helping Neighbors provide chore services to seniors over 60, and to others with disabilities, to help them remain living independent in their home. We currently have an opening for a part time staff position in Faribault.  We are looking for a Rice County community member, passionate about serving seniors and working with volunteers, to help us grow Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The Senior Service Coordinator position is posted on our website HERE.  Interested candidates may view the job description and apply directly.  

Housekeeping Positions: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Neighbors Helping Neighbors has part-time Household Helper positions available for anyone 17 or over. Employees assist seniors 60 and over with light housekeeping so they can remain in their home. Flexible days/hours (2-20/week), $12.50/hour. Apply online by clicking HERE.  

ATTACHMENTS
2021 BA Gr 4-6 Football Registration
SpiritFest Raffle & Volunteer Info Flyer
Scrip Note-August Update
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application
Faribault Youth Connect Fall Activity Flyer

Family Focus 8/20/21

08/27/2021

Kris Sauer

2021-22, August 2021

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August 20, 2021

Dear BA Families: 

WELCOME TO THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR! This next week we look forward to welcoming scholars and families back at our special orientation events including the Back-to-School Picnic on Wed., Aug. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. on the Back 40, if weather permits (in the gym if rain). New scholars and families are encouraged to attend a special orientation following the picnic at 6:45 p.m. in the gymnasium. Thursday, Aug. 26, all BA scholars return at 9 a.m. for orientation. We will gather in the gymnasium Thursday morning. Please have your scholars wear their Cardinal t-shirts as we'll be taking an all-school photo at the end of orientation.

I love that parents are helping us start our school year by creating a prayer group. See below to join the Moms in Prayer group here at BA. In addition, we would like to see all parents at the school and parish-wide "Parent Presentation - It's all about the Relationship" by Joe Roueche on Sept. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m in the BA gym. While you're at the presentation, all Middle School (located at DMCS) and High School/Confirmation scholars (located at Divine Mercy Church) will attend the NET retreats from 6-9:30 p.m. This is a blessed way to begin our year, together! Mark your calendars!

COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS: Here is a quick graphic to review our plans as of today. Know that mandates or escalating cases could change what is required at any time. Link here to our webpage with detailed information.


TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: New student laptops were ordered this summer but please be aware that arrival of some of the new devices are delayed. Although we are working hard to expedite this in order to have everything in place, it is possible that all students may not have laptops during the first week of school. 

MENTOR FAMILIES: BA is looking for Mentor families to help support families of the 16 new high school and 17 new middle school students (at every grade level!) to our Cardinal community. If you would be willing to be a mentor family or want to learn more, email Kris Sauer at: ksauer@bacards.org. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• August 25: Back-to-School Picnic, 5-6:30pm, BA Back 40
  • 6:45 p.m. - ALL NEW SCHOLARS & FAMILIES ORIENTATION at BA
• August 26: Student Orientation, 9-11:30am Students please wear Cardinal spirit wear or BA colors (red, black). No Faribault busing; BA Van routes will run; No lunch served; bring school supplies!
• August 30: First Day of School! Faribault busing & BA Van will run.
• September 3: Tentative service projects planned for BA scholars.
• September 6: Labor Day. No School.

REMINDERS:

• Tuition Agreements: We still have about 30 families who need to set up their payment plan with FACTS. Payments are due this month! See your email for a link to set this up in FACTS. Check your junk mail folder if you haven't seen anything. Note that we are NOT USING TADS this year, but FACTS. Contact Kris Sauer @ ksauer@bacards.org with questions. 
• Tracking Volunteer Hours - Parents: Log your parent volunteer hours at: https://www.bacards.org/page/310 HS Students will log their volunteer hours separately in Naviance, MS students through their religion classes. 
• FREE LUNCH in 2021-22: As a carryover of COVID school grants and support, BA will once again be offering free lunches to students. You'll only need to put money into your child's account for those extra helpings and treats that they love!

SISTER MARY MARGARET RETIRES! 
A reminder to send your cards of thanks/congratulations/best wishes to Sister Mary Margaret to the front office by August 30.


KUDOS:  To our Office and Maintenance staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a safe, clean and prepared start to the school year!

SUPPORTING THE DMCS "United for our Future" CAMPAIGN! Join us in prayer and support of the Divine Mercy Catholic School Capital Campaign. The stronger our local elementary, the stronger BA will be!

Join us in praying for the start of the school year and the health of all students and staff. We join with Pope Francis who has asked everyone to unite in praying for the “battered population of Afghanistan and the people of Haiti."  

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

ALL BA UPDATES

Home & School Bake Sale @ Aug 25 Picnic
Home & School is sponsoring a bake sale at Back to School Night (Wed Aug 25, 5-6:30pm on the Back 40)! Stop by our table to buy some tasty treats and learn about what we do. If you haven't already paid your dues, you can do that too! We will also be having a drawing for a basket of tasty treats for anyone who has already paid their dues or pays them that night. You will need to be present to win. If you can donate to our bake sale, please sign up HERE.

Invitation to Join Moms in Prayer Group

"Mom, will you pray for me?" Our kids are facing a battlefield for their hearts and minds. Placing our children and their schools in the Lord’s capable hands is what Moms in Prayer is all about. Through prayer, battles are won. Please contact Lori Bittenbender, mom to a new 7th BA grader, to partner in the Moms in Prayer ministry and pray with other BA moms.  We will meet for only one hour a week at BA (Room 102, in the conference room) to pray for our kids, their teachers and Bethlehem Academy. If interested, please contact me at 972-955-4730 or lori@lbpublicrelations.com. Learn more about Moms in Prayer at https://momsinprayer.org/

House Program Introduction
Want to know about our new House Program at BA? Click HERE to view the introductory video we will be using at student orientation Aug 26 prior to sorting our students into their Houses. Thank you to Student Council leaders and seniors Madelyn Bauer, Aiden Tobin, Matthew Croke, and Katie Seidel for their work in putting this together!

Back to School Information: Find back to school information, including school supply lists, summer reading assignments, and other important information on our Back to School page HERE. Our updated COVID-19 information page is HERE.

Summer Read Program
Don't forget about your student's summer read! Find the list of books and the handouts on our website at this link.

REMINDER: Required Immunizations
All students who will be in 7^th grade this fall are required by law to have a Tdap (tetanus booster) as well as a meningitis shot. The meningitis shot is the first in a two-shot series which should be completed at 16 years of age. Students who will be in 12^th grade are required by law to have a second meningitis shot. Students should have had their first shot in the series before the start of 7^th grade. Any students who have conscientious objector forms on file will need to fill out a new form for this fall. If you have any questions or need a conscientious objector form, please contact Mary Herzog in the nurse’s office, 507-334-3948.

BA/DMCC Red Cross Blood Driver Aug 24
Give the life-saving gift of blood! BA and Divine Mercy Catholic Church are hosting a blood drive at the church Tuesday, Aug 24 from 9am to 2pm. Spots are still available and all donors receive a variety of complimentary incentives. Sign up HERE.  

Volunteer at SpiritFest Saturday, September 18!
Parents and students! Many volunteers are needed to help make the Sept 18 Divine Mercy Catholic Church's annual SpiritFest a success. Sign up for a volunteer shift at this link. Hours served are eligible for our family and students' volunteer hours.

Joe Roueche Parent Presentation Sept 22
Parents, while your students attend the HS and MS NET Retreats, please join us in the BA gym for a 7pm presentation by Joe Roueche on "It's All About the Relationships." Click HERE for more information.

Theater Director Position
Bethlehem Academy is seeking a Director to lead our theater and drama programs throughout the year. Do you have a heart for theater? Do you love working with middle and high school students? This position is paid a stipend per show or program (Drama Club; Musical Production) and typically arranges a schedule for practices after the school day. Qualifications: Experience in theater and musical productions. Directing experience preferred. Application: Please send your resume and three references to: Mindy Reeder – mreeder@bacards.org

SCRIP Note Update: BA students and families may participate in the DMCS Scrip program to earn tuition credit. See the attached August update for more information.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
South Parking Lot-Staff Only Parking
Parents of student drivers please remind your scholars that the south parking lot by the greenhouse has been designated for staff only this school year. The main parking remains an option for all students and visitors.

BAND PROGRAMS: 

• Gopher Football High School Band Day: Sign Up by Aug 25-All 9-12 BA Band Students & Parents: Gopher Football Band day is a tremendous opportunity for local High School bands to perform during halftime on the field of Huntington Bank Stadium. The Pride of Minnesota Marching Band and Spirit Squad Day is Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the 11am Minnesota vs. Miami University (OH) football game. If interested in this event, please sign-up by Wednesday, August 25th.  Please email Mr. Wendt with any questions.
• Spirit Fest-Sept. 18 from 6:15-6:40 p.m.- The BA pep band will be playing for Spirit Fest on Saturday, September 18th on the stage. Please be there at 5:45pm for warm-ups. 

Student Volunteers Needed Aug 24
Several high school students needed for a back to school project the morning of Tuesday, August 24. Service hours provided. Contact Mrs. Sauer at 507-334-3948, x206 or ksauer@bacards.org if able to help.

High School NET Retreat Sept 22
High school students! Click HERE for information on the High School NET retreat held Sept 22, 6-9:30pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church.

DMCC High School Youth Group
Click HERE for Divine Mercy Catholic Church high school youth group information and activities!

Faribault Community Boards-Youth Leadership Positions
Getting involved in the community looks great on your high school resume as you live out the Dominican Pillar of Service! Here are options for volunteer leadership positions – and this will also help you meet your volunteer hour requirements at BA. Click HERE to check out the many options, from the Library Board to the Paradise Center for the Arts. Any students interested in applying can do so at this link: https://forms.gle/LprHkygBabFL5Hnz9

1st United Bank Junior Board Applications 
Rising 11th and 12th graders are invited to apply for the 1st United Bank Junior Board of Directors. Applications due September 10, 2021. More information attached. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School NET Retreat Sept 22
Middle school students, please click HERE for information on registering for the Middle School NET retreat, 6-9pm at Divine Mercy Catholic School.

DMCC Middle School EDGE
Click HERE for information on Divine Mercy Catholic Church's middle school EDGE program. Open to all 5th-7th graders, this program is for those in middle school who want to come together with other teens to grow in their faith and to learn more about the Catholic Church. This provides a great opportunity to prepare for Confirmation. 

COMMUNITY UPDATES
DMCC Middle School EDGE
Faribault YouthConnect! Network offers many programs for to Faribault youth this fall during the after school hours and on non-school days. Attached is a menu (in three languages) highlighting various opportunities offered by 4-H, Buckham Library, FPS Community Schools, Faribault Public Schools Activities, Paradise Center for the Arts, Parks and Recreation and River Bend Nature Center. Check out the attached flyer for more information. 

ATTACHMENTS
Scrip Note-August Update
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application
Faribault Youth Connect Fall Activity Flyer