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Monthly Archives : August 2023

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Family Focus 8/26/23

date 08/30/2023 author Kris Sauer category August 2023, 2023-24 comment Leave a comment

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)


August 26, 2023

Dear BA Families: 


We look forward to seeing your scholars on Monday for orientation! Please see the schedule below for times and details. Our first full day of school will be Tuesday, August 29th. A reminder that from 7:30-8:00 a.m. we offer a free, continental breakfast for all scholars. Lunches this year are also free, however, extra snacks and treats will be taken out of your scholar's lunch account, so please send in a check. Additionally, Mr. Friesen sent email went to returning parents and students Friday afternoon with information on how to sign up to pick up their laptops this weekend.

Monday, Aug 28 Back to School Picnic & Orientation Events

8:30am: Seniors arrive to pick out their parking spot
9-11:30am: Student Orientation (new & returning students, no hot lunch). Meet in the gym. Homeroom assignments will be posted for student reference. Students will get copies of their schedules and their locker assignments in homeroom. Bring your school supplies to get set up for Tuesday!
11:30am-1pm: New-Gr 9-12 Laptop Training (lunch provided)

5:30pm, New Middle School Parent Meeting, BA Cafeteria: Mandatory parent orientation meeting for all 6th grade and new 7th and 8th grade students. New 7th/8th graders will get their laptops; 6th grade students will get their laptops in technology class; a parent must attend this meeting in order for the laptop to be taken home. Please email Brent Zabel if you are not able to attend.

6:00pm, New High School Parent Meeting: All new high school parents are invited to join us in Room 105 for information and resources to help make your scholar's transition to BA a success.

6:30pm Back-to-School Picnic for All BA Families: All Cardinal families are invited to join us for our Back-to-School picnic at 6:30pm! Free hot dog dinner and games for the whole family. We'll have information tables (student groups and more) and BA gear for sale. Join us on the Back 40 (south side of BA near the greenhouse) for a great way to kick off a fantastic Cardinal year!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Tuesday, August 29
7:30 a.m. Doors Open/Breakfast available (students must eat in the cafeteria)
8:05 a.m. Tardy Bell
2:55 p.m. Dismissal


FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

  • The BA Annual Fund drive letters were mailed out this August. Our goal for this year is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift this year or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To see the letter, please visit: Annual Fund

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.

  • Aug. 29: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
  • Sep 4: NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
  • Sep 6, 6:00pm - Social Media/Technology safety presentation for Parents presented by the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center. See flyer below.
  • Sep 14 - Dig Pink cancer fundraiser @ home volleyball game
  • Sep 15 - Tackle Cancer fundraiser events @ home football game
  • Sep 16: SpiritFest @ Divine Mercy Catholic Church 
  • Sep 28 - School picture day! Photo order forms to be sent home with students Sep 22

BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: mreeder@bacards.org

  • Part-time Van Driver
  • Substitute Teachers (Must have college degree)
Please pray for the beginning of our school year. Reach out with questions.

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

ALL BA UPDATE
Schedule Updates/Counselor Meetings: Reminder that School Counselor Stephen Uphus is available to meet with students regarding scheduling changes following orientation Monday, Aug 28 from 
1:30am-3pm.

Back to School Information: Click HERE for everything you need for back to school, including dress code, summer read, school supply, & online school store info.

Fall Sports:  Fall sports are underway.  Grades 9-12 teams are finishing their first week of practices.  Middle school teams will begin practices on Monday, August 21:  7th/8th grade football will meet at 3:15 in Room 211.  Grades 6-8 volleyball will practice from 3:30-5:00 at DMCS on Monday.  Please visit https://www.bacardinals.com for more information.  The online registration form for football and volleyball can be found under the More menu as can the link to pay the $140 activity fee. The activity fee may also be paid by check or as an additional charge to your tuition account.  

Middle school soccer will begin on Tuesday, August 29 right after school.  Please visit faribaultfalcons.com for more information on cooperative sports or contact the activities office.

Rotary STRIVE Scholarship Program for Seniors: Rotary's STRIVE program kicks off with their first meeting September 13. Click HERE for more information on this scholarship program. Click HERE to register. 

Sept 6 Parent Social Media Presentation Flyer: 




DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES


Click HERE to fill out the Youth Discipleship survey. 


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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 8/18/23

date 08/23/2023 author Kris Sauer category August 2023, 2023-24 comment Leave a comment

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 (Campus Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2023-2024)


August 18, 2023

Dear BA Families: 

Welcome Back! Our BA teachers return on Monday with a full week of workshops planned to prepare for a fantastic school year. We are excited to welcome returning and new scholars to BA. With new courses and plans for the year in progress, we look forward to a wonderful year together. Go Cardinals!

What's New at BA?

  • Friday Mass Days @ Immaculate Conception Church- Join us now on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
  • Habitudes - for Social Emotional Learning (a part of Theology)
  • New Courses - Business education, Church History, War History, AP Music Theory, Current Events
  • New Teachers & Staff: Kenneth Gigante, MS Math Support & Theology; Cecilia Allen, HS Algebra 2; Jolene Beske, Business classes; and Kallie Battles, HS Science, Multimedia and Int. Algebra. New staff: Lori Bittenbender, front office; Penny Thorpe & Jason Collins, maintenance; Jon Rysdam & Sarah Babcock, kitchen.
  • Change of Titles/Duties: Brent Zabel will be acting Middle School Dean; Ed Friesen will be Administrative Dean, supporting teachers and managing high school discipline; Katy Ashley will be teaching HS Social Studies courses, as well as HS Theology.
  • Building Updates: New walk-in freezer in our cafeteria. Updated library space to classroom and student center (still in progress.)
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
  • The BA Annual Fund drive kicks of this August with a goal of $255,000. Each gift is supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift this year or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar.

  • Wed., Aug. 23 (5:30-6:30 p.m.) Back to School Picnic
  • Wed., Aug. 23 (6:15-7 p.m.) New family orientation (parents and students)
  • Mon., Aug. 28 (9-11:30 a.m.) Student Orientation
    • Seniors - arrive by 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot.
    • New High School Students - 11:30a.m.-1p.m. Stay to eat pizza and receive your laptop.
    • MANDATORY New Middle School Parents (All Gr 6, New Gr 7 & 8) technology training/orientation - 5:30p.m., BA Cafeteria, at least one parent must attend to get student laptop
  • Tues. Aug. 29: First Day of School! Tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.

BA JOB OPENINGS: Email if interested at: mreeder@bacards.org

  • Part-time Van Driver
  • Part-time Kitchen Assistant
  • Substitute Teachers (Must have college degree)
I look forward to seeing everyone at our "Back-to-School" picnic on Wednesday, August 23 beginning at 5:30p.m! Please reach out if you have any questions.

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


ALL BA UPDATE
Schedule Updates/Counselor Meetings: See dates below for times when School Counselor Stephen Uphus will be available in person to discuss schedule changes/additions. The open office hours will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. FYI that he sent this information directly to students via their BA email. Mr. Uphus will continue to work on requests that have already been sent, but encourages students to come see him during the times below as it is usually easier to sort things out in person. Please know that you can email Stephen as well at suphus@bacards.org or at 507-334-3948, ext. 217 | voice/text: 507-323-9979. Office availability listed below:

  • Thursday August 24th: 8am-3pm
  • Friday August 25th: 8am-3pm
  • Monday, August 28th (following student orientation): 11:30am-3pm
Back to School Information: Click HERE for everything you need for back to school, including dress code, summer read, school supply, & online school store info.

Fall Sports:  Fall sports are underway.  Grades 9-12 teams are finishing their first week of practices.  Middle school teams will begin practices on Monday, August 21:  7th/8th grade football will meet at 3:15 in Room 211.  Grades 6-8 volleyball will practice from 3:30-5:00 at DMCS on Monday.  Please visit https://www.bacardinals.com for more information.  The online registration form for football and volleyball can be found under the More menu as can the link to pay the $140 activity fee.  The activity fee may also be paid by check or as an additional charge to your tuition account.  

Middle school soccer will begin on Tuesday, August 29 right after school.  Please visit faribaultfalcons.com for more information on cooperative sports or contact the activities office.




DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES


Click HERE to fill out the Youth Discipleship survey. 


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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

Family Focus 6/2/23

date 08/17/2023 author Kris Sauer category June 2023, 2022-23 comment Leave a comment

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 (Peer Ministry-selected Bible verse for 2022-2023)


June 2, 2023

Dear BA Families: 

Happy Summer! What an exciting week at BA. During these last two days, our 6-11th grade scholars gathered for finals, locker clean out, and a middle school day at the park as well as lunch on the back 40!  Our lady Cardinals brought home the Section 1A Championship and are headed to state next week, see details below. Our BA co-op participants competed at competitions in golf and track and field. Our Trap team took 1st place in the conference! Watch the news for all of the updates and progress of our athletes! Also, don't forget to scroll below to check out the summer reading requirements, teacher tutors and summer programs and camps. 

Attend the Games - Order tickets online: The Cardinals are going to state in softball for the first time in its roughly 35 years of existence. The state tournament is held at Caswell Park in North Mankato, just off of Lor-Ray Drive and US Hwy 14.
  • Thursday-June 8: 1:30pm and 8:15pm. Ticket prices are $13 adults and $8 students. You must purchase digital tickets at:  https://www.mshsl.org/tickets
  • Friday’s game schedule is based on how we do Thursday.
    • 5th place game is at 1:30pm
    • 3rd place game is at 3:30pm
    • Championship game is at 5:30pm.

Game times are subject to change due to such things as weather delays or a preceding game going extra innings. (Please see the notes below for what you can bring to the game.)

STAFFING UPDATES FOR 2023-24

  • Brent Zabel as Middle School Dean/Advanced Science Course Teacher.
  • Kallie Donahue Battles - 9th and 10th grade science and MS theology.
  • Jolene Beske is joining our staff to teach business courses.
  • Cecilia Allen will be teaching Algebra 2 in high school.
  • Katy Ashley will be teaching some social studies courses as she begins her teacher training.
  • Welcome to our new office team: Nikki Dut as our office secretary and Lori Bittenbender as the office assistant, see write ups, below
  • Please welcome Jon Rysdam, our new Lunch Program Supervisor. His introduction coming soon.
  • Penny Thorpe joins our maintenance team as co-head of cleaning, building and grounds with Loren Tatge. Steve Zabel will stay on part-time consulting the maintenance team.
FUNDRAISER UPDATES:
  • The BA Annual Fund drive is at $234,200+ with a goal of $265,000 for this academic year! Gifts accepted through June 30, 2023.
  • BA Cardinal Club Raffle ticket order forms have been mailed! Get yours early to win!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Click HERE for a copy of the 2023-2024 BA School Calendar. 

  • Heritage Days Parade, June 17: be on the BA/DMCS float! Student and parent sign up at this link
  • Cardinal Cafe at the Rice County Fair, July 19-25: work the fair stand and get your hours in early! Find the sign up HERE
  • SMART Ride, July 27-29: Bicycle single or multiple days for BA
  • Cardinal Golf Classic, Aug 4 at the Faribault Golf Club: Committee members needed - will earn parent hours! Contact Kris at ksauer@bacards.org
BA Job Openings: Help Spread the Word! BA is seeking an Assistant Athletic Director/High School Dean, Math Support Teacher and part-time Van Driver for 2023-24. Contact Mindy Reeder at 507-334-3948 or at mreeder@bacards.org for info.

Prayers for your summer - hope to see you at the State softball games!

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


ALL BA UPDATE
Summer Office Hours: Our front office will be staffed Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm June 5 to August 18. The office will be closed Fridays and the week of July 3-7.

Report Cards/Summer Mailing: 2nd semester report cards and our summer mailing with school supply lists, summer read list and other important items should be in the mailing late next week after grades are finalized Monday afternoon.

MN State Softball Tournament Details:

  • Each individual must have a ticket to be scanned. Tickets may be on a mobile device or printed. 
  • No backpacks, duffel bags, briefcases, shoulder bags, etc., other than purses, will be allowed into the facility. All bags/purses are subject to being searched. 
  • Camera tri-pods/mono-pods and “selfie sticks” are NOT allowed. 
  • No beverages, food or noisemakers will be allowed to be brought into the facility. 
  • No balloons, laser pointers, noisemakers, air-horns, horns, drums, or whistles will be allowed in the facility. 
  • No weapons of any kind including licensed concealed carry weapons, knives, etc. are allowed 
  • No signs or banners may be hung in the facility. Hand-held signs allowed (can be held by one person).

Summer Read Assignments-See link to form given to your scholar below:

23-24 Tuition Agreements: parents with enrolled students for 2023-24 should have received an email with their tuition agreement. Please review your agreement and payment plan. If you need to change the payment schedule of your agreement, please contact Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org or 507-334-3948, x206. If you believe you require additional financial assistance, please complete the form found here

Summer Band: High school (gr 8-12) summer band camp late July, early August; high school percussion tryouts due by July 25; band lessons for all grades starting after July 4th.  Click HERE for Mr. Lorence's letter with all the details; click HERE for the summer band lesson sign up form. 

Summer Math Tutoring

  • Mrs. Lynette Battles will be offering math tutoring this summer for 4th-8th grade students.  Cost is $150 for 6 one hour sessions. Please email her at lbattles@bacards.org for more information and availability. 
  • Mr. David Gilmore is offering math tutoring for $30/hour this summer. Contact him at David_Gilmore@bacards.org

Summer Camps @ BA: Click HERE for information and registration forms for football, basketball, volleyball, robotics camps and summer voice lessons. 

DMCC Summer Programs: Great opportunities this summer through the Divine Mercy Catholic Church youth groups, including Totus Tuus. More info and sign up at this link.
 

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

Online Faribault Falcons Calendar:
https://big9conference.org/public/genie/4/school/7/

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