Family Focus 8/13/21
08/20/2021
Kris Sauer
2021-22, August 2021
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August 13, 2021
Dear BA Families:
What a blessing to have such beautiful weather this weekend! By now all families should have received their "Back-to-School" packet. In the packet is important information, forms, and our COVID-19 Addendum updates for 2021-22. Click HERE to access all the information included in that mailing. Many families have emailed with questions on our COVID response, so please take a few minutes to review the plans for this fall at BA. Also, keep in mind, all of our plans could be changed due to mandates or high numbers. Information on our COVID response plan is on the school website at: https://www.bacards.org/page/3426. If you have additional questions, we're also releasing a little Q & A video next week, or drop me an email. Our staff is so excited to welcome students back to campus this fall!
MENTOR FAMILIES: BA is looking for Mentor families to help support families new 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 STUDENTS & FAMILIES ORIENTATION at BA
- August 26: Student Orientation, 9-11:30am (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 6: Labor Day. No School.
REMINDERS:
- Tuition Agreements: Thank you to parents who have set up their agreements for this fall! A reminder that tuition agreements must be set up before school starts. 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 on this as it is NOT TADS this year, but FACTS. Contact Kris Sauer @ with questions.
- Tracking Volunteer Hours - Parents: Log your parent volunteer hours at: https://www.bacards.org/page/310 HS Students will log their hours 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!
THANK YOU SISTER MARY MARGARET! Yesterday we celebrated Sister Mary Margaret who, after 11 years of service here at Bethlehem Academy, will be moving to the Motherhouse at the Sinsinawa Mound where she will join their House of Welcome. She will be part of a community of Sisters who will journey with women who are discerning vowed membership with the Sinsinawa Dominicans. Send her a card of thanks/congratulations/best wishes to the front office by August 30!
GOLF CLASSIC KUDOS: A huge thank you to all 124 golfers who attended this year, our amazing sponsors, and our Golf Planning Committee: Ed Friesen, Kris Sauer, Tina Bokman, Dawn Pavel, Carrie Petersen, Sarah Speckhals and Mellanie Smith. It was a wonderful success with an anticipated $10,000+ profit and additional funding for the Adam Donahue '08 Scholarship here at BA!
SUPPORTING THE DMCS "United for our Future." Join us in prayer and support of the DMCS 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. If you have questions, our office will be open from 9am -1 pm Monday-Thursday. Stop in and don't forget to remind your students to complete their summer reading!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder- President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
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.
My name is Lori Bittenbender, and I’m a new BA mom. My daughter will start the 7th grade this upcoming school year. I’m involved in the Moms in Prayer ministry and I'm looking to pray with other BA moms. We will meet for only one hour a week and pray for our kids, their teachers and Bethlehem Academy in the Conference Room off of Room 102. If interested, please contact me at 972-955-4730 or lori@lbpublicrelations.com. Learn more about Moms in Prayer at https://momsinprayer.org/
Summer Band Program-Last Week:
Grade 7-12 band students - summer band wraps up this Tuesday and Wednesday! Final practices will be at BA Aug 17-18 from 7-8:30pm. Contact Mr. Wendt at ewendt@bacards.org with any questions.
Bethlehem Academy Gopher Football High School Band Day
Attn: All 9-12 BA Band Students & Parents:
Gopher Football Band day is a tremendous opportunity for local High School bands to not only perform during halftime on the field of Huntington Bank Stadium, but also develop relationships and get to know current U of M students in the Pride of Minnesota Marching Band and Spirit Squad. Band day will be happening on Saturday, September 11, 2021. The Minnesota vs. Miama University (OH) Game starts at 11:00am. If interested in this event, please sign-up by Wednesday, August 25th. Please email Mr. Wendt with any questions.
Got Yard Games?
Please contact Kris at 507-334-3948, x206 or ksauer@bacards.org if you have a yard game (corn hole, giant Jenga, etc.) you'd be willing to donate for use at the Back-to-School Picnic Aug 25. Thank you!
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 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 7th 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 12th 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 7th 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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
ATTACHMENTS
Scrip Note-August Update
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application
Family Focus 7/30/21
08/09/2021
Kris Sauer
July 2021, 2021-22
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July 30, 2021
Dear BA Families: A special thank you to our students, our families, our alumni and our supporters for all they do for BA! It's been a wonderful week of service and dedication. Thanks to everyone who volunteered in the BA Cardinal Cafe fair stand, who sponsored a rider - or is riding in - our Smart Challenge ride, and all of our sponsors and players for next week's BA Golf Classic. We are so appreciative of the immense support we receive and the partnerships with area businesses and Divine Mercy Catholic Church and School - THANK YOU! It's great to be a Cardinal.
Speaking of Cardinals, alumni arrived back in Minnesota this week from the Class of 1956! They will be hosting a reunion this Saturday. In addition to their reunion, other classes celebrating this year include: Class of 1966; Class of 1971 and the Class of 1981. I look forward to connecting with alumni as they return to "where it all started!"
MENTOR FAMILIES: BA is looking for Mentor families to help support families new 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.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Keep the below dates in mind as you plan for our return to school! Our "Back-to-School" mailing will be sent out next week including the revised COVID addendum with minimum protocols that are required.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- August 6: Cardinal Classic Golf Tournament, Faribault Golf Club
- August 12: Fall sports meeting, 6:30pm, BA gym
- August 25: Back-to-School Picnic, 5-6:30pm, BA Back 40
- 6:45 p.m. - ALL NEW STUDENTS & FAMILIES ORIENTATION at BA
- August 26: Student Orientation, 9-11:30am (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)
REMINDERS:
- Tracking Volunteer Hours - Parents: Log your volunteer hours at: https://www.bacards.org/page/310 HS Students will log their hours 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!
SUPPORTING THE DMCS "United for our Future." DMCS plans to build out by Divine Mercy Church and kicked off this campaign over the summer. Join us in prayers and discernment as you consider your support. BA looks forward to a rich partnership with DMCS throughout this build project.
Sending prayers to you this summer! Our office will be open from 9am--1 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Stop in and don't forget to remind your students to complete their summer reading!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder- President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Summer Band Program Starts August 3
Grade 7-12 band students - Mr. Wendt is starting up summer band! Band will practice Tues-Wed from 7-8:30pm the first three weeks of August. Plan to be at BA 7-8:30pm Aug 3-4, Aug 10-11, and Aug 17-18. Watch your email for more information.
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 annual summer back to school mailing will be sent next week.
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 7th 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 12th 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 7th 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.
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 summer program update for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
1st United Bank Junior Board
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.
ATTACHMENTS
Scrip Note Update
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application
Family Focus 7/23/21
07/28/2021
Kris Sauer
July 2021, 2021-22
Leave a comment
July 23, 2021
Dear BA Families:
Student and family volunteer time is needed for the success of BA events - and a rich part of our history. Each year we ask families to give the gift of time, 25 hours of their time, to support the many events, fundraisers, and programs at BA. With the beginning of our fiscal year in July, the Rice County Fair is the first opportunity students and families have to volunteer. If all students and parents signed up for one shift, we would be overwhelmed, but the work load would be easy. Typically our teams or clubs sign up for a time to work together - as we get back into our more "normal" events now that COVID restrictions have lifted, we need everyone to step up. We could really use your support this Saturday or Sunday at the Rice County fair stand - sign up online at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d4aa5a72ba7fd0-bafood Additional volunteer hours will be available throughout the year as well.
Tracking Volunteer Hours
- Parents: In 2019 we kicked off an online tracking form for parents (which we did not use last year due to COVID limits on events). If you're volunteering at the fair, are part of our School Board or other committees, please track your time and let us know how you like to volunteer. Visit our volunteer page at: https://www.bacards.org/page/3105
- Students: Separately, our students track their volunteer and service hours through a school program called Naviance. This tracking helps them ensure that they've met their volunteer goals for the year, which vary by grade, and will also help remind them of their effort when they apply for scholarships and recognition.
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!
SUPPORTING THE DMCS "United for our Future." This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the presentation to build a new school building for DMCS out on the grounds near the church. What a beautiful plan to ensure Catholic education in Faribault for generations! Some might wonder how this connects to BA. Our support in connected in multiple ways. First as united Catholic Schools of Faribault, we grow together and partner in so many ways. Our schools are stronger together and our partnership has endless potential. Second, DMCS is our main feeder school. Third, the new parish hall and school will provide additional opportunities for BA to partner with our parish and school for space, events and sports programs. Please join DMCS in prayers at this point for the success of their Capital Campaign, the future of Faribault Catholic schools.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- July 23-27: Cardinal Cafe at the Rice Count Fair! Sign up HERE to volunteer.
- July 29-31: SMART Ride - Sponsor one of our 10 riders, including Class of 2021 grads Luke Bauer and Isaac Caron!
- August 6: Cardinal Classic Golf Tournament, Faribault Golf Club. Spots are filling fast! Sign up to play, click here.
- August 12: Fall sports meeting, 6:30pm, BA gym
- August 25: Back-to-School Picnic, 5-7pm, BA Back 40
- August 25: New Family Orientation, 6:30pm, BA Cafeteria
- August 26: Student Orientation, 9-11:30am (No Faribault busing; BA Van routes will run)
- August 30: First Day of School! (Faribault busing & BA Van will run)
God bless you during the summer months! Our office will be open from 9am--1pm Monday-Thursday. Stop in and don't forget to remind your students to complete their summer reading!
Blessings, Mindy Reeder
President/Principal
mreeder@bacards.org
ALL-BA UPDATES
Summer Band Program Starts August 3
Grade 7-12 band students - Mr. Wendt is starting up summer band! Band will practice Tues-Wed from 7-8:30pm the first three weeks of August. Plan to be at BA 7-8:30pm Aug 3-4, Aug 10-11, and Aug 17-18. Watch your email for more information.
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 annual summer back to school mailing will be sent early August.
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.
SMART Ride July 29-31, 2021
Support one of our 10 riders for this 10th anniversary of the SMART Ride! This great event raises money for student scholarships! Riders include current & past parents, alumni (including 2 from the Class of 2021), and friends of BA. Click here to support one of these great riders - every pledge counts!
Cardinal Golf Classic Aug 6
Sign up by Friday, July 30, to join the Aug 6 Cardinal Golf Classic at the Faribault Golf Club. Scramble format starts at 12 noon & spots are filling fast! Sign up your foursome here today!
REMINDER: Required Immunizations
All students who will be in 7th 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 12th 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 7th 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.
SCRIP Note Update: BA students and families may participate in the DMCS Scrip program to earn tuition credit. See the attached summer program update for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
1st United Bank Junior Board
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.
ATTACHMENTS
Scrip Note Update
1st United Bank Board of Directors Application