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Family Focus 11/11/22

11/16/2022

Kris Sauer

November 2022, 2022-23

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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)

November 11, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
Happy Veteran's Day! What an honor to host area Veterans this morning and to hear from past American Legion commander and Air Force veteran, John McDonough. The service of our veterans to our country is a grand example to our scholars.

GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 22: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life to join us in the BA gymnasium on November 22 at 1 pm for a special program, tours and cookies. (Regular 2:55pm release for scholars although some may leave early with grandparents, with your permission, after the program.) Click HERE for the invite and questionnaire. 

SPECIAL ADVENT EVENTS: During Advent we have special Masses and our Christmas Concerts, so please mark your calendars, now!

• December 8: 10:30 a.m. Immaculate Conception Mass at IC
• December 11: 6:30-7:30 p.m. BA Band & Choir Christmas Concerts, please note, we moved the band concert to Dec. 11 as Dec. 12 is the celebration of Our Lady Guadalupe at the Parish.
• December 14: 10:30 a.m. BA will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at IC

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional events are online. 

• Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE. 
• Nov 14: Girls basketball opens
• Nov 18: Prom Dress Down Day; Thanksgiving basket collection deadline (see below for more information)
• Nov 21: Boys basketball opens
• Nov. 22: Grandparents Day! Please invite grandparents and special adults to come to BA for a program, tours, and cookies at 1 pm!
• Nov. 23-25: NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings
• Dec 2: NHS Dress Down Day
• Dec 3: Benefactors Brunch
• Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Mass for BA and guests (10:30 a.m.)
• Dec 11: Choir and Band Winter Concert (NOTE NEW DATE FOR BAND CONCERT)
• Dec 21: BA Red Cross Blood Drive at Divine Mercy Catholic Church Sign up at www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Bethlehem Academy to schedule an appointment from 9am to 2pm. 

• 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!
• Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• MS Homework Club/HS Homework Help: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204 for middle school students. Academic support for high school students is led by Mrs. Ashley offered 3-3:30pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the library.

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

ALL BA UPDATES

Thanksgiving Basket Drive: Peer Ministry is sponsoring a Thanksgiving basket collection. Students were given a suggested item to donate during homeroom this week. Deadline for collecting items is Friday, Nov 18. The goal is for each homeroom to create a Thanksgiving dinner basket that will then be donated to St. Vincent de Paul and our local food shelf. Please help if you can!

RaiseRight/Earn Even More Tuition Credit: To check out the November RaiseRight (Scrip) newsletter, click HERE. Wanted: people to help sell Scrip gift cards after Mass on the weekends. You will be able to choose the Mass times that work for you. You may choose to work once a month or more. A calendar schedule will be sent to you. You will earn $7 for your child’s tuition credit each time you sell. This would simply involve sitting at the desk in the Narthex and selling gift cards. When everyone is finished purchasing, you will count the inventory, sign the log sheet, and put the cards back in the safe. Interested? Please contact Peggy Johnson at pjohnson@dmcs.cc or (507) 334-7706.

Counselor Tidbits: Click HERE for the Counselor's Corner page on our website. 

Basketball Registration:  Registration is now open for participation in boys and girls basketball this winter.  Please visit our sports website, bacardinals.com, and click on the More menu to get the link for the registration form.  The activity fee is $140 per participant.  The fee may be paid online at bacardinals.com under the More menu, by check or by contacting Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) to have the fee added to your tuition payment account.  Participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file in the school's activities office.  Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.  

Boys Basketball Team Store:  Get your BA Boys Basketball team and fan apparel now.  Orders must placed by November 23.  Click HERE for the team store!

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

Kleenex Needed! We would greatly appreciate any Kleenex donations as we approach the cold/flu season. We only have a few boxes left. Thank you!

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors & Seniors:

• ACT Exams: Find ACT college test dates and registration deadlines at this LINK. 
• SAT Testing: Find SAT college test dates and registration deadlines HERE.

High School Study Help Sessions: This week was the soft opening of the high school open library study help sessions with Ms. Katy Ashley, HS Resource Teacher. From now on, the sessions will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3-3:30pm in the library. This time can be used as a group study session, individual help time, a time where students can learn organizational skills, get help with missing assignments, or advocate for themselves and meet with teachers to ask questions or get help with assignments/tests. Please encourage your scholar to stop by the library to take advantage of this great resource! Questions? Please contact Ms. Ashley at Katy_Ashley@bacards.org

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH UPDATES

 

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

Family Focus 11-4-22

11/10/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, November 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)

November 4, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
Welcome November! With the warm weather, it has not felt like November, although our playoff schedule certainly highlights the changing of the seasons. It is very exciting to move forward so confidently in playoffs with our volleyball ranked #1 and football #2 in sections - THANK YOU COACHES, STUDENTS & FAMILIES FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We also want to especially congratulate our Cross Country Coop Team as they head to State this Saturday! *Please note, if our volleyball and football teams make it to State, upcoming school days may be revised, depending on the day and times of the games.

This week BA celebrated Halloween in partnership with DMCS for our annual "Trunk or Treat" event. What a fantastic turnout and so many creative trunks! Our scholars also gathered for Mass on All Saints' Day with many from the community joining us for this Holy Day. It was a wonderful first week of November - God is shining down!

BA OPEN HOUSE-Monday, November 7: Please invite families and potential new students to our open house on Monday, November 7. This is a great time to showcase our school! Pre-registration for these families is helpful at: (Open House). 

VETERAN'S DAY PROGRAM AT BA: Please join us for a short Veteran's Day program on Friday, Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the gymnasium. IF WE ARE AT STATE FOR VOLLEYBALL, WE MAY POSTPONE TO MONDAY, NOV. 14.

NEW FACES AT BA: Over the next few months students may comment about new faces, extra staff in some classrooms. In addition to observations and support from Mr. Wollersheim and me, some of our new teachers are also assigned outside coaches who are supporting their professional development needs as new teachers. These coaches will be in the classroom more often during the second semester.

GRANDPARENTS DAY - Tuesday, Nov. 22: Please extend an invitation to grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life. Join us in the BA gymnasium Nov 22  at 1 pm for a special program, tours and cookies. Regular 2:55pm release for scholars.

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
• Nov 8: SADD poetry contest deadline, see below
• Nov 9: MAKE UP SCHOOL PHOTOS!
  • The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
• Nov 11: Veteran's Day program (May be moved to Nov. 14)
• Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE. 
• Nov. 22: Grandparents Day! Please invite grandparents and special adults to come to BA for a program, tours, and cookies at 1 p.m.!
• Nov. 23-25: NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings

• Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Prayers for families struggling at this time, students with special needs, and prayers for peace in Ukraine.

Family Focus 10-28-22

11/04/2022

Kris Sauer

October 2022, 2022-23

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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)

October 28, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
Thank you for attending conferences and meeting with our teachers. We value your partnership in the educational journey of your scholar. Please continue to reach out with questions as we begin our second quarter of the school year.

GO CARDINALS! This week BA was active! What a joy to be continuing in section playoff games for football and volleyball. Thank you for attending our games and supporting our scholars! Our lady Cardinals in Coop Cross Country are also heading to State - Congratulations! This week FFA attended the National Conference in Indianapolis. We look forward to learning more about the National FFA program. In addition, our National Honor Society inducted in new members during our Mass. It was a great week to be a Cardinal! 

SOCKTOBER! Did you send in new socks? You still have one more day to send your socks in for SADD, on Monday, Oct 31. They are collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. 

DRESS DOWN DAY & TRUNK OR TREAT-Oct. 31: Students are invited to dress down or in costume for a $1 or bag of candy on Monday. Neat, clean, modest costumes encouraged. JOIN US Halloween night from 4-6pm as BA and DMCS host a joint "trick or treating" event in the BA parking lot. Families and clubs host various trunks. Open to the whole community, this event easily draws over 1000 people. Sign up a trunk HERE (this is a parent volunteer hour event)

OPEN HOUSE: Please invite families and potential students to our open house on Monday, November 7. This is a great time to showcase our school! Pre-registration for these families is helpful at: (Open House). 

THINKING SNOBALL? If you're already shopping for Snoball Dresses, please keep in mind that we ask all dresses to be "modest." Dresses should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee, or have low necklines. If you are not sure, please send a picture of you in your dress to Mrs. Piehl or Mrs. Reeder. 

From the Parent/Student Handbook - "School expectations for dress and behavior are in effect for all BA dances. While attire may be more or less formal than the school day, it will continue to be evaluated in terms of being clean, neat, and modest. Modesty in dress is highly encouraged for dances because this is a reflection of Bethlehem Academy. It is possible that a student would be asked to change before entering the dance if he/she is wearing inappropriate attire."

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Oct 28: MS Halloween Dance (hosted by Jr Class/Prom), 7-9pm; Click HERE for registration form
• Oct 28: DMCS Prairie Fire "Snow White" performance, 6:30pm
• Oct 29: DMCS Prairie Fire "Snow White" performance, 6:30pm, See flyer HERE
• Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (neat, clean, modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
• Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE; Cars out of BA main parking lot by 3:15pm.
• Nov. 1: All Saints Day Mass at BA at 10:20 a.m. at IC, 60 min Mass
• Nov 4: Founder's Day! BA celebrates with the Sinsinawa Dominicans on their founding day.
  • Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge fundraiser closes, see MS section for details;
  • FFA fruit fundraiser closes, click HERE for flyer
• Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
• Nov 8: SADD poetry contest deadline, see below
• Nov 9: MAKE UP SCHOOL PHOTOS!
  • The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information
• Nov 11: Veteran's Day program (May be moved to Nov. 14)
• Nov 12: Altar Server training for ALL servers at DMCC, 10am. See flyer HERE. 

• Volunteers needed! BABS Committee members needed - help us plan for our largest fundraiser of the year! Sign up HERE. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Prayers for families struggling at this time, students with special needs, and prayers for peace in Ukraine.

Family Focus 10/14/22

10/26/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, October 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)

October 14, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
MEA is almost here! Our first quarter of the academic year ends on Tuesday, October 18th with an early release at 1pm and conferences to follow from 1:30-6:30pm. They are in-person conferences this fall, our Feb winter conferences will be via Zoom. We look forward to sharing the progress and areas of growth with you! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE (sign up will close Mon, Oct 17 at 1pm so that faculty can prepare) and if you can, please bring a bag of candy for our Trunk or Treat event Oct 31 - 1000 community kids join us each year! Don't forget, school is closed Oct. 19-21 for MEA break.

SPOOKTACULAR CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: Did you sign up your middle school student or your entire family for Spooktacular this Saturday? We are encouraging middle school students to shine at the joint Spooktacular event. Students who participate can earn prizes. Same day registration available. We'll see you tomorrow!

CELEBRATING OUR PRIESTS: This week we thanked our three priests, Fr. John Powers, the BA Chaplain, and the priests of Divine Mercy Church: Fr. Clayton Forner and Fr. Cory Rohlfing. These men serve others without hesitation, presiding for Masses and funerals, serving our schools, and giving of themselves to ensure spiritual growth among all of us. Take a minute to thank our priests by sending an email, a note, or recognition gift!

SOCKTOBER! What is it? It's our SADD organization collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. Send in new socks this month!

TRUNK OR TREAT: What is it? BA and DMCS host a joint "trick or treating" event in the BA parking lot from 4-6pm on Halloween, October 31st. Families and clubs host various trunks for students to stop at for treats. Open to the whole community, this event easily draws over 1000 people. Join the fun! Sign up a trunk HERE (this is a parent volunteer hour event)

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Same day registration open at 7am for 8:30am first race start!
• Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard
• Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
• Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm Sign up HERE; bring a bag of candy for Trunk or Treat!
• Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
• Oct 26: NHS Induction @ 10:25am Mass
• Oct 28: MS Halloween Dance (hosted by Jr Class/Prom), 7-9pm; Click HERE for registration form
• Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (neat, clean, modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
• Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE 
• Nov. 1: All Saints Day Mass at BA at 10:30 a.m. at IC
• Nov 4: Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge fundraiser closes, see MS section for details
• Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students, 5:30-7:30pm, Pre-register HERE
• Nov 9: The Signery Post-Prom Fundraiser, 6:30-8:30pm, click HERE for a flyer with more information

• Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Prayers for peace in Ukraine and safe travels for families over MEA.

Family Focus 10-7-22

10/12/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, October 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)

October 7, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
Happy Homecoming 2022! Congratulations to our Homecoming King Kyle Ernste and his escort Brooke Johnson! Scholars have had a full week of celebrations and special events. Our joint Homecoming Mass was a beautiful reflection of the Catholic schools of Faribault, from singing to instrumentation and our own alumnus, Fr. Mike Skluzacek 1971, as presider.  Thank you for partnering with us throughout the week and and reminders to our scholars of appropriate behavior expectations. I hope to see you at our 7pm game tonight, Friday, Oct. 7 at Bruce Smith Field as we cheer on our Cardinals!

CONFERENCES! Fall BA Conferences 6-12th grade are slated for Tuesday, October 18 from 1:30-6:30 p.m. This is an early release day at 1 p.m. These are in-person conferences, our winter conferences will be via Zoom. Be sure to sign up with the teachers that you would like to meet with. We look forward to sharing the progress and areas of growth with you! TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE.

SPOOKTACULAR CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL: This year we are encouraging our Middle School students to shine at the joint Spooktacular event. Students who participate can earn prizes. I'll be walking the course with them on Oct. 15 - so sign up the entire family to support the Catholic Schools of Faribault!

SOCKTOBER! What is it? It's our SADD organization collecting socks for the homeless through St. Vincent de Paul. Send in new socks this month!

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Oct 12: Junior Parent Info Night, 7pm, cafeteria - more info in HS section
• Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am, cafeteria
  • PSAT for Juniors who signed up for exam
• Oct. 14: Peer Ministry Dress Down $$
• Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info in middle school section below
• Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard, see info in HS section
• Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
• Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
• Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
• Oct 26: NHS Induction @ 10:25 Mass
• Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
• Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE (parent volunteer hours!), more info below
• Nov 7: BA Open House for prospective students

• Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Prayers for safety and proper etiquette at tonights game and dance.

Family Focus 9/30/22

10/06/2022

Kris Sauer

September 2022, 2022-23

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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)

September 30, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
Welcome October! With the chill in the air, it is no surprise that we are turning the calendar to October and our BA Homecoming Week! Please join us for our 7pm game Friday, Oct. 7 at Bruce Smith Field as we cheer on our Cardinals!

HOMECOMING REMINDERS: Homecoming week is full of traditions and events. Administration has reminded scholars that for all events, we are to be safe and appropriate, following CARDS. Please encourage this at home as well for any unsanctioned events. We want this to be fun week for all. Please Note: We discourage middle school students from doing any out-of-school activities. They are invited to dress up and join us for all of the events at school this week as well as the game on Friday.

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Oct 3-7: Homecoming Week - "Flatten the Falcons"! See below for more information.
• Oct 7: Early release at 2pm following the Homecoming Parade
• Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here. See high school section for more information.
• Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am, cafeteria
• Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info in middle school section below below
• Oct 16: International Club Outing to Fireside Orchard, see info below in HS section
• Oct. 16 & 17: Senior Class Retreat
• Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
• Oct 19-21: MEA - NO SCHOOL
• Oct 31: Trunk or Treat Dress Down, $1 or bag candy to wear costumes (modest, and no scary masks or plastic weapons, please) proceeds go to Trunk or Treat event
• Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm; Register your trunk HERE (parent volunteer hours!), more info below

• Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Join me in prayers for peace and the mental and physical health of scholars as well as our new staff and students.

Family Focus 9/23/22

09/29/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, September 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)

September 23, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
Tackle Cancer! Thanks to our BA football team players for hosting the Tackle Cancer dress down today. Tomorrow please join us at our 1pm game where the team will be raising additional dollars for cancer research. Cancer has touched many of our lives and the research and support continues to be needed. THANK YOU! Just as a a reminder, on special themed dress down days, students are to come in the theme attire or wear normal dress code. Please remind your scholars as Homecoming themed days are noted below for the week of October 3.

MASS POLO SHIRTS: The High School Mass polo shirts purchased by BA have arrived. Unfortunately, the middle school shirts are still back-ordered. We will pass out the high school shirts this next week during homeroom. We do hope to have the middle school shirts within the next few weeks. 

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Sep 26: Extended New Family Survey deadline, add'l 6th and new 9th grade families input needed. Click HERE to complete. Thank you!
• Sep 26-27: Middle School MAP testing. See middle school section for more information.
• Sept 27: Picture Day! Click HERE for the order form. 
• Sep 28: Senior Year Parent/Senior Meeting, 7pm Cafeteria 
• Sep 29: WIN Day
• Sep 30: NO AFTERNOON FARIBAULT BUSING. Faribault Public School students are being dismissed at 1pm this day for FHS homecoming.
• Oct 3-7: Homecoming Week! See below for more information.
• Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here. See high school section for more information.
• Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am
• Oct 15: Spooktacular Fun Run; Sign up HERE; more info to follow
• Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm
• Oct 19-21: MEA - No School
• Oct 31: BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat event, 4-6pm

• Volunteers needed! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games. Find our new Volunteer Connection page HERE.
• Encourage students to sign up for activities! Robotics registration can be found HERE or in the office. Scholars can still join SADD & Campus Ministry! The Close Up trip meeting is 7pm Oct 5 meeting (see high school section for more info). FFA is also holding sign up meetings, including for a FFA Trap Team, talk with Mr. Johnson to join.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Join me in prayers for peace and the mental and physical health of scholars.

Family Focus 9/16/22

09/23/2022

Ed Friesen

September 2022, 2022-23

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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)

September 16, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
It's Divine Mercy Catholic Church Spirit Fest and the groundbreaking for the new education center tomorrow! I hope you can join me at Divine Mercy Church on Saturday evening as we raise funds for the parish and break ground for the Divine Mercy Catholic School-expanding all we offer as the Catholic Schools of Faribault! It's a full evening of entertainment, food, and fellowship. The BA Band will play a few numbers around 5:15pm and the Groundbreaking is at 5:45pm. Did you know that each year the parish supports BA with a substantional monthly gift? In addition, the parish priests visit with our scholars, talk to classes and assist with Masses. What a joy to celebrate together and support one another - and don't forget the fireworks at dusk. See you there!

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Sept 17: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; Volunteers Needed! Sign up HERE
• Sept 17: DMCS new school groundbreaking @ SpiritFest, 5:45pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• Sept 18: Tackle Cancer Gear order deadline. Order HERE.  
• Sept 21: Middle School New Family Night (6:30pm), BA Library
• Sept 23: Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day ($1, sweatpants ok; $2 to wear leggings, hats)
• Sept 23: Opening Student Art Reception at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 5-7pm. Exhibit runs in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery until Nov 12.
• Sep 22-23 and 26-27: Middle School MAP testing. See MS Section for more information.
• Sept 24: Tackle Cancer events at the home football game, 1pm
• Sept 27: Picture Day! More details to follow
• Sep 29: WIN Day
• Oct 5: Close Up meeting, 7pm, Mr. Wollin's room, DC rep will be here
• Oct 7: Homecoming-see below for the week's dress down themes
• Oct 12: Student of the Month, 7:30am
• Oct 18: Early Release @ 1pm, P/T Conferences 1:30-6:30pm.
• Oct 19-21: MEA - No School

• Home & School: Please send in your Home & School Dues to the office! ($30) you can also Venmo using the QR code to the left.   
• Volunteers needed at games! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games.
• Encourage students to sign up for activities! Robotics registration can be found HERE or picked up in the office. SADD & Campus Ministry held their first meeting, but there is still time to join! Scholars can also travel to New York and D.C. through Close Up, plan to attend the 7pm Oct 5 meeting if interested. Contact Mr. Wollin with questions. FFA is also holding sign up meetings, talk with Mr. Johnson to join.
• Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

Please continue to pray for our scholars and our staff as we begin this new year together.

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

ALL BA UPDATES 
Homecoming Week Dress Down Themes:

• Mon 10/3: Color Day.  Gr 6: white; Gr 7: purple; Gr 8: yellow; Gr 9: red; Gr 10: orange; Gr 11: green; Gr 12: blue; Faculty/staff: pink
• Tues 10/4: Twin Day (pair with peers to wear identical costumes)
• Wed 10/5: Mass Attire
• Thurs 10/6: College Day
• Fri 10/7: Show Your CARDINAL Spirit

BA Positions available - We are currently looking to fill the following positions. Contact President/Principal Mindy Reeder if interested:

• BOD Finance Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on financial policies and the annual budget. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
• BOD Advancement Committee: Volunteer position advises the BA Board of Directors on fundraising efforts. Meets monthly; BA family service hours awarded.
• BA 2^nd Van Driver: Morning and afternoon scholar transportation while school is in session. Paid position, anticipated late winter start date. Class III drivers training provided.  
• BA Fair Booth 2^nd Family: Seeking a 2nd family to assist with operating the BA Cardinal Cafe during the Rice County Fair the 3rd week of July. Tuition stipend provided.

New Family Survey: A reminder to our families with new students to please complete the new family survey by Monday, Sept 19. Click HERE to complete. Thank you to the families that have responded. Your input is greatly appreciated!

2021-2022 Yearbooks have arrived! Extra yearbooks are available for purchase. Cost is $70; write checks out to Bethlehem Academy, with "2021-22 yearbook" in the notes. Contact Mr. Brent Zabel with questions. 

Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance. Please stop by before September 30; books will be donated to the AAUW book sale after that date.

PowerSchool and Schoology: Following PowerSchool's purchase of Schoology, we transitioned from PowerSchool Classroom Learning to Schoology for a learning management system last school year.  The PowerSchool Classroom website is in the process of being decommissioned and will go offline in a couple of months.  We are in the process of updating how parent data is stored in PowerSchool.  That process will be completed soon.  When completed we will be providing you with information about parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website.  Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology.  PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information.  Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instructional videos, etc.)

Positivity Project: Being Present and Other People Matter – Mindset (6-8) Grades (9-12): To practice and encourage the character strength of mindset (being present/other people matter) with your scholar, please click on the highlighted grades above (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
MAP Growth Testing – For students currently in grades 6, 7 and 8 : By dynamically adjusting to each student’s test responses, MAP Growth Exams create a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures individual student performance in the areas of English, Math, Language and science (grade 6 science in the fall and grade 8 science in the spring). Middle School students are automatically registered for these tests which are paid for by the school. Testing dates for students, which typically take a couple hours each scheduled day, are: Thurs Sep 22, Fri Sep 23, Mon Sep 26, and Tues Sep 27 (6^th Science only).

Middle School New Family Info Meeting Sept 21, 6:30pm, BA Library
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 21 at 6:30pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection.

FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30. 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL 
Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17



























 

Family Focus, 9/9/22

09/13/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, September 2022

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)

September 9, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
The Cardinals gathered by classes today to serve the Faribault Community through various service projects! Each year we encourage our scholars to follow CARDS - Character, Accountability, Respect, Decision-Making and Service. What a joy to see all of the scholars supporting our community today.

A special thank you to all of our families as you partner with your scholar these first two weeks of the school year. I know adjusting back to the school year schedule can have challenges and I thank you for reaching out with questions. For our new families, please mark your calendars as Middle School will be inviting new families in on Sept. 21st to meet teachers and learn more about Middle School at BA. 

HOT LUNCH: Contact Julie Trnka for a WordWare keycode to set up your online account. Find the MN Free/Reduced Lunch Program annual form HERE; Fill out this FORM if you have a scholar with special dietary needs.

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Sept 13:  PSAT (Gr 11) test registration deadline, see below
• Sept 17: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; Volunteers Needed! Sign up HERE
• Sept 18: Tackle Cancer Gear order deadline. Order HERE.  
• Sept 21: Middle School New Family Night (6:30pm)
• Sept 23: Tackle Cancer Dress Down Day ($1, sweatpants ok; $2 to wear leggings, hats)
• Sept 23: Opening Student Art Reception at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 5-7pm. Exhibit runs in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery until  Nov. 12.
• Sept 24: Tackle Cancer events at the home football game, 1pm
• Sept 27: Picture Day! More details to follow
• Oct 7: Homecoming
• Oct 18: Early Release, Conferences 1-6 p.m.
• Oct 19 & 20: MEA - No School

• Home & School: Please send in your Home & School Dues to the office! ($30) you can also Venmo this at:  
• Volunteers needed at games! Sign up here: volleyball games, football games.
• Encourage students to sign up for activities! Robotics registration can be found HERE or picked up in the office. SADD & Campus Ministry held their first meeting, but there is still time to join! Scholars can also travel to New York and D.C. through Close Up, contact Mr. Wollin if interested. FFA is also holding sign up meetings, talk with Mr. Johnson to join.
• Attendance: If your scholar is sick or has an appointment, please email attendance@bacards.org by 8am if possible. Thank you!

I hope you can join our mother's prayer group, information below, to begin prayers for your scholar and our teachers this school year. Please share any special prayer requests with this group as they meet weekly.

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

ALL BA UPDATES 

Positivity Project: Open-Mindedness: This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Open-Mindedness.  Open-mindedness means you like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions. To practice and encourage the character strength of open-mindedness with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.

Grade 11: PSAT Registration due Sept 13: BA is offering the PSAT test for 11th grade students only on Oct 12. To take the exam-the ONLY qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program-sign up in the front office by Tuesday, September 13. Cost is $18. Contact Ms. Roessler with questions.

Homework Club: Homework Club with Mrs. Kohl is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3-4pm in Room 204. All students welcome!

2021-2022 Yearbooks - have arrived! Extra yearbooks are available for purchase. Cost is $70, write checks out to Bethlehem Academy, with "2021-22 yearbook" in the notes. Contact Mr. Brent Zabel with questions. 

Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance.

PowerSchool and Schoology: Following PowerSchool's purchase of Schoology, we transitioned from PowerSchool Classroom Learning to Schoology for a learning management system last school year.  The PowerSchool Classroom website is in the process of being decommissioned and will go offline in a couple of months.  We are in the process of updating how parent data is stored in PowerSchool.  That process will be completed soon.  When completed we will be providing you with information about parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website.  Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology.  PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information.  Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instructional videos, etc.)

Game Tickets Now Available Online: BA athletic event tickets are now available for purchase online! Click HERE to order season passes or individual game tickets or download the Hometown Fan app. Cash sales at the door still available. 

HS Close Up DC/NY Trip: Any student in grades 9-12 who is interested in Project Close Up, please see Mr Wollin or email him.  Close Up is a program that allows students to travel to Washington, DC, and take part in tours and discussions that teach young people about our American governmental system. Our trip this year will also include a weekend in New York sightseeing.The trip will be over spring break 2023.

Moms in Prayer - As we live in a world filled with uncertainty, isn’t it comforting to know that God created you for such a time as this? Now is our time to RISE UP BOLD, rebuild, & reconnect like never before! To stand in the gap for our children & their schools through prayer. Please join us Tuesdays at 8am in the Adoration Chapel. Email Lori Bittenbender with questions.

Gently Used Football Gear Needed: The Bethlehem Academy youth football program for grades 4/5/6 are in need of gently used football equipment. If you have gear sitting around that your kids have outgrown consider donating it to the program! Equipment needed in youth and adult sizes: white football helmets, shoulder pads, black football pants, pads and cleats. Please drop off any donations at Bethlehem Academy or text Angel at 507-210-4691 for pick up.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
Middle School Newsletter: Please click HERE for the September 2022 Middle School Newsletter.  

FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30. 

Middle School New Family Info Meeting Sept 21
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 21 at 6:30pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection. More information to follow.

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL 
Youth Adoration Hour, 3-4pm Mondays. Register HERE.

















Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17



























 

Family Focus 9/2/22

09/06/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23

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)

September 2, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
What a wonderful first week of school! From orientation day, to classroom mixers, introductions, Mass and our first House event, our scholars and staff connected for a great start to the new year. We also understand that transitioning back to school for some of our scholars can be difficult. Please reach out if your scholar needs any extra support during this first month of school! I invite all families to pray for teachers, students and staff as our school year begins.

ACTIVITIES: Many BA activities are also beginning, from athletics to school organizations. I encourage your scholar to join an activity. Sign up information is at school, or will be sent home over the next month including: Knowledge Bowl, Robotics, Close Up Trip to DC/New York, SADD, Peer Ministry, FFA and Theater Club. Getting involved helps connect our scholars to others and develops their interests and gifts. We also look forward to seeing you at upcoming school athletic events or at coop sport competitions - Go Cardinals!

HOME & SCHOOL/VOLUNTEERING: Congratulations to Debbie Kangas for winning the Home & School drawing at the Back-to-School Picnic. All BA Families are a part of Home & School. Your dues help to support student and staff appreciation events throughout the year. Please send your check into the office to pay your dues. In addition, all families are asked to volunteer at BA events. Please sign up to take tickets or work concessions at BA athletic events this fall: click here for volleyball games, here for football games. If you plan to go on field trips and events at school, we also need you to complete your Virtus training at Virtus.org. Thanks for your support!

HOT LUNCH: Hot lunch is optional for students. As the COVID-funded free lunch program has ended, please be sure you have money in your family's lunch account. Contact Julie Trnka for a WordWare keycode to set up your online account. Find the MN Free/Reduced Lunch Program annual form HERE; Fill out this FORM if you have a scholar with special dietary needs.

DRESS CODE: Scholars showcased their BA spirit at Mass this week, thank you! We still have some BA polos for sale in the front office ($10 each) and expect our new shirts, which were back-ordered, to be here before the end of the month for all scholars. Just a reminder, scholars may also wear a plain red, black, or white polo or a white button-down shirt for Mass days. Click HERE for the updated dress code.

PARKING: A reminder that all parking spots in our main lot have been allocated to staff, seniors and juniors. Please use the visitor spots when visiting during the school day.

SERVICE DAY SEPT 9: As we have for the past few years, students will be doing grade-based community service projects during Cardinal hours next Friday, Sept 9. Most of our grades will be doing outdoor yard work. On Wednesday, students will be asked in homeroom if they want a BA bag lunch or will bring their own. Dress code: BA Cardinal t-shirts along with pants and shoes suitable to their project. More details to follow early next week.

NEXT WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Sept 17: Spirit Fest at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; Volunteer HERE
• Sept 21: Middle School New Family Night (6:30pm)
• September 23: Opening Student Art Reception at the Paradise Center for the Arts, 5-7pm. Exhibit runs in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery until  Nov. 12.
• Oct 7: Homecoming

I hope you can join our mother's prayer group, information below, to begin prayers for your scholar and our teachers this school year. Please share any special prayer requests with this group as they meet weekly.

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

ALL BA UPDATES 

Arrived: 2021-2022 Yearbooks - Returning scholars who ordered yearbooks will receive them soon in homeroom. Extra yearbooks are available for purchase. Contact Mr. Brent Zabel with questions or to purchase; he will be reaching out to Class of 2022 parents and others to arrange pickup at BA as needed. 

Free BA Library Books! We’ve cleaned out the BA library and have boxes of books available for free! Parents and students are invited to stop in from 7:30-8:00am or 3-3:30pm to take what they want from the boxes located next to the vending machines by the east gym entrance.

PowerSchool and Schoology: Following PowerSchool's purchase of Schoology, we transitioned from PowerSchool Classroom Learning to Schoology for a learning management system last school year.  The PowerSchool Classroom website is in the process of being decommissioned and will go offline in a couple of months.  We are in the process of updating how parent data is stored in PowerSchool.  That process will be completed soon.  When completed we will be providing you with information about parent accounts for both the PowerSchool web portal and the Schoology website.  Mobile apps are also available for PowerSchool and Schoology.  PowerSchool will be the primary site to see grades and attendance information.  Schoology will be the site to view what is currently happening in the classroom (assignments, lesson plans, notes, instrucitonal videos, etc.)

Game Tickets Now Available Online: BA athletic event tickets are now available for purchase online! Click HERE to order season passes or individual game tickets or download the Hometown Fan app. Cash sales at the door still available. 

HS Close Up DC/NY Trip: Any student in grades 9-12 who is interested in Project Close Up, please see Mr Wollin or email him.  Close Up is a program that allows students to travel to Washington, DC, and take part in tours and discussions that teach young people about our American governmental system. Our trip this year will also include a weekend in New York sightseeing.The trip will be over spring break 2023.

Moms in Prayer - As we live in a world filled with uncertainty, isn’t it comforting to know that God created you for such a time as this? Now is our time to RISE UP BOLD, rebuild, & reconnect like never before! To stand in the gap for our children & their schools through prayer. Please join us Tuesdays at 8am in the Adoration Chapel. Email Lori Bittenbender with questions.

Gently Used Football Gear Needed: The Bethlehem Academy youth football program for grades 4/5/6 are in need of gently used football equipment. If you have gear sitting around that your kids have outgrown consider donating it to the program! Equipment needed in youth and adult sizes: white football helmets, shoulder pads, black football pants, pads and cleats. Please drop off any donations at Bethlehem Academy or text Angel at 507-210-4691 for pick up.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
FREE 6th Grade Gopher Basketball League
All 6th graders interested in playing basketball are encouraged to sign up for the free Gopher League. Find more information on BA basketball and gopher league options HERE. New Gopher League registration deadline: Sept 30. 

Middle School New Family Info Meeting
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 28 at 6:30pm. While the target audience is new families, the meeting is open to all and will share how MS partners with MS teachers and families and create a home and school connection. More information to follow.

Needed: MS Volleyball Coach

We are in desperate need of one more middle school volleyball coach. Be different.  Take a chance. Say yes. If you or someone you know has an interest, please contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org) or Head Volleyball Coach Chris Bothun.

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL 
Youth Adoration Hour, 3-4pm Mondays. Register HERE.

















Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17