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Family Focus 12/1/23

12/07/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, December 2023

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Dear BA Families:

This Sunday begins the Advent season and with it, the opportunity to center our thoughts on hope. As Fr. Mike Schmitz says in this video, advent "is a season of devout and joyful preparation for the coming of Jesus." At BA, we have added Advent wreaths to our classrooms and hallways, and the manger is set up in our lobby as we await the birth of Jesus. Special morning prayers, reconciliation, and special Masses to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe are among the ways we will prepare for the season.

Thank you to all our grandparents who joined us November 21! The gym was packed with joyful faces and students and grandparents joined in a prayer service, special activities, and tours of the school. We are indeed blessed!

Fundraising update: We are 3 weeks away from our Autumn Cash Raffle drawing. We are halfway to our goal of raising $10,000 through this fundraiser. Get your $25 ticket today and help us reach $10k by Dec. 21!! Our Annual Fund goal is to raise $255,000 for the general operations of the school, with $137,849 received so far. Consider a year end gift and donate HERE.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Dec. 2: DMCC HS Youth Group devotions & movie night, 6-10pm (see flyer below)
Dec. 4: Grade 11 retreat
Dec. 5: NHS $ Dress Down Day
- DMCC Advent Penance Fair, 3-6:30pm (see below)
Dec. 6: BABS planning meeting, 4pm
- 8th grade parent Wolf Ridge mtg, 6pm, Rm 207
Dec. 7: 1pm WIN Schedule
- Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA Gym
- Dec. 7: Prom dining night out at Godfather's, 4-7pm

Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception Mass, 10:30am (parish collection)
Dec. 9: Mission Trip Movie Night, DMCS gym, 6:30pm
Dec. 12: Reconciliation, special schedule
Dec. 15: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 10:30am
Dec. 17: Band/Choir Christmas Concert, 1:30pm, BA Gym
Dec. 20: BA-hosted Red Cross Blood Drive, 9am-2pm, at DMCC Sign up HERE
Dec. 21: 1pm dismissal
Dec. 22-Jan. 3: Christmas Break
Jan 4, 2024: 1st day of Semester 2

A reminder that homework help is available for both middle and high school students:

Middle School: 3-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Room 204 with Mrs. Kohl
High School: 3-3:30pm Monday and Wednesday, Room 105 with Ms. Ashley

Finally, we are looking for a new kitchen assistant, Mon-Fri, 7:30am-1:30pm. Contact John Wollersheim or Kris Sauer with questions, find the position description HERE.

Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
John Wollersheim, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel, Kris Sauer, Stephen Uphus

ALL BA UPDATE

Parent Help Needed! We are currently in the last 3 weeks of our Autumn Cash Raffle. Our budget is to raise $10,000 through this fundraiser. Please help us reach our goal and purchase at least ONE $25 ticket. Drawing to be held Dec. 21, with cash prizes of $2023, $1023, and $523 for the lucky winners. Click HERE to order your ticket today!
Help Sell Raffle Tickets! Parent and student volunteers are needed after all DMCC Masses this month and at the Dec 16 Chad Johnson event to sell raffle tickets. This is a parent and student service hour opportunity. Sign up HERE.

Yearbook Orders: Multimedia student have been working hard on the 2023-2024 yearbook. If you order by 1/26/24, the price is $69 + tax. Click HERE to order online. Please contact Mrs. Kallie Battles at with questions.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Parent Volunteers needed for home basketball games:

Click HERE for the girls basketball game sign up
Click HERE for the boys basketball game sign up

Basketball Team Apparel:

Boys Basketball Team Store: https://jpwilder.myshopify.com/collections/ba-cardinals-boys-basketball - Store closes Sunday Night!

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Drivers Training @ BA: Cannon River Driving School is hosting driver's training for interested students the weeks of March 11 and March 18, 2024. Classes will run Monday-Friday from 3:15-6:30pm at BA. Cost $125/student. Registration closes March 8; at least 10 student must enroll to run the course at BA. Registration information coming soon.

Seniors: College Scholarship Info: Go to our scholarship page HERE for updated local and national college scholarship offerings.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
8th Grade Wolf Ridge Parent Meeting: Wednesday, December 6, 6pm in Room 207-208 - Julie Smisek's classrooms. Contact Julie with questions.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

Register for the Eucharistic Congress here: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4cb0329e-b079-490f-a808-16c9d3c1d5b6

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 11/17/23

11/30/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, November 2023

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Dear BA Families:

As approach Thanksgiving break, we are profoundly blessed to be continuing the Dominican legacy gifted to us by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa and extraordinarily grateful for you, our families, as well as our alumni, supporters, and benefactors who make up our school community. Thank you!

Grandparents Day November 21: All grandparents are invited to join us Tuesday, November 21 at 1pm for our Grandparents Day program. Students whose grandparents are unable to attend may invite someone else in their lives to join us or will be "adopted" by students with visiting grandparents. Note that students will be dismissed around 2:30pm following the conclusion of the program (note later dismissal time). Click HERE for a copy of the flyer with more information, including the annual Grandparent's Day baking contest and an optional questionnaire. Parent volunteers needed for reception setup and staffing starting at 11:30. Email Kris Sauer if you are able to help - earn parent service hours!

Here is a look at our schedule for next two weeks:

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

Nov. 19: Paul J. Kim event @ DMCC. Sign up HERE
Nov. 20: Boys basketball season begins
Nov. 21: Grandparents Day, 1pm; early dismissal at 2:30pm
Nov. 22-24: Thanksgiving Break
Nov 30: Prom $ Dress Down Day
Dec. 4: Grade 11 retreat
Dec. 5: NHS $ Dress Down Day
Dec. 6: 8th grade parent Wolf Ridge mtg, 6pm, Rm 207
Dec. 7: 1pm WIN Schedule
- Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA Gym
- Prom dining night out at Godfather's, 4-7pm
Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception Mass, 10:30am
Dec 12: Reconciliation, special schedule
Dec. 15: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, 10:30am
Dec 17: Band/Choir Christmas Concert, 1:30pm, BA Gym

A reminder that homework help is available for both middle and high school students:

Middle School: 3-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Room 204 with Mrs. Kohl
High School: 3-3:30pm Monday and Wednesday, Room 105 with Ms. Ashley

God's blessings to you on this Thanksgiving - may you enjoy time with family and friends; prayers for all those who have recently lost loved ones; prayers for peace and an end to ongoing world conflicts.

Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
John Wollersheim, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel, Kris Sauer, Stephen Uphus

ALL BA UPDATE

Prom Heggies Pizza Fundraiser: Calling all pizza lovers! The Junior class is hosting a Heggies pizza fundraiser from Nov 17-Dec 1 to raise money for Prom. Place your order with any 11th grade student or click HERE for the order form. Payment by cash or check is required at the time of the order. All orders are due to the school office by 3pm, Fri, Dec 1. Orders placed directly with students will be delivered by the student on Dec 12. Orders placed through the school office will be available for pick up after 3pm Dec 12. Please help us crush our 300 pizza sales goal!

Yearbook Orders! Multimedia student have been working hard on the 2023-2024 yearbook. If you order by 1/26/24, the price is $69 + tax. Click HERE to order online. Please contact Mrs. Kallie Battles at with questions.

Autumn Cash Raffle: Support BA! Purchase a raffle ticket and win cash prizes ranging from $2023 to $523. Click HERE for the order form.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Girls and Boys Basketball Registration: Registration for girls and boys basketball is now open. The link to register may be found on our athletics website, https://bacardinals.com under the More menu. The activity fee for participating in basketball is $140 per player. The fee may be paid online under the More menu at bacardinals.com, by check or by having the fee added to your tuition account. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school's activities office in order to participate. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Sports physical clearance forms are available on bacardinals.com under the More menu. Boys Basketball practices will begin on Monday, November 20.
Basketball Team Apparel:

Girls Basketball Team Store: https://jpwilder.myshopify.com/collections/ba-cardinal-basketball
Boys Basketball Team Store: https://jpwilder.myshopify.com/collections/ba-cardinals-boys-basketball

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors: ACT Test BOGO Offer - Deadline TODAY, Dec 17: Students who pay to register for the December 2023 ACT will receive a discount code that can be used to take another ACT^® test for free. Click HERE for more information.

Seniors: College Scholarship Info: Go to our scholarship page HERE for updated local and national college scholarship offerings.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
8th Grade Wolf Ridge Parent Meeting: Wednesday, December 6, 6pm in Room 207-208 - Julie Smisek's classrooms. Contact Julie with questions.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

Sign up for the Paul J. Kim event here: https://forms.gle/JBBi7v4FQvEr5CKWA

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
15th Annual IRIS Turkey Trot Nov. 23: Volunteers needed. Click HERE to sign up and help (student volunteer hours earned). Want to run/walk? Sign up for the race HERE.

Faribault Soccer Registration Opens Nov. 1: Faribault Soccer runs off-season programs for ages 3-18. Program registration opens November 1. Click HERE for the flyer; click HERE to register.

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 11/10/23

11/14/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, November 2023

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Dear BA Families:

The Luckow Family asked that we share the message below with all of you:

Please continue to keep the Luckow Family in your prayers.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Nov. 13: Girls basketball season begins
Nov. 14: NHS $ Dress Down Day
Nov. 15: Grade 9 & 10 Retreat, Shieldsville; AP test fees due (see below)
Nov. 19: Paul J. Kim event @ DMCC. Sign up HERE
Nov. 20: Boys basketball season begins
Nov. 21: Grandparents Day, 1pm; early dismissal at 2pm
Nov. 22-24: Thanksgiving Break

Thank you Veterans! This morning we held a Veteran's Day ceremony, featuring guest speaker Captain Stephen Uphus, Minnesota Army National Guard and BA School Counselor. Thank you to SADD for planning the ceremony, and to all who participated.

Last Friday we celebrated our long heritage with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa and formally transferred the canonical sponsorship of Bethlehem Academy to Dominican Veritas Ministries (DVM). Find a link to the ceremony HERE; Click HERE for a brief description of DVM and what it means for the governance of BA.

Grandparents Day November 21: All grandparents are invited to join us Tuesday, November 21 for a 1pm Grandparents Day program. Students will be dismissed following the conclusion of the program around 2pm.

A reminder that homework help is available for both middle and high school students:

Middle School: 3-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Room 204 with Mrs. Kohl
High School: 3-3:30pm Monday and Wednesday, Room 105 with Ms. Ashley

Continued prayers for the Luckow family and for all members of our community who have lost loved ones this past month.

Blessings, The BA Leadership Team

ALL BA UPDATE

Yearbook Orders!: Multimedia student have been working hard on the 2023-2024 yearbook. If you order by next Friday, the cost is $63 + tax; after that the price is $69 + tax through 1/26/2024, So act now and purchase a yearbook before the price goes up! Click HERE to order online. Please contact Mrs. Battles at kallie_battles@bacards.org with questions.

Autumn Cash Raffle: Purchase a raffle ticket and win cash prizes ranging from $2023 to $523. Click HERE for the order form.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Girls and Boys Basketball Registration: Registration for girls and boys basketball is now open. The link to register may be found on our athletics website, https://bacardinals.com under the More menu. The activity fee for participating in basketball is $140 per player. The fee may be paid online under the More menu at bacardinals.com, by check or by having the fee added to your tuition account. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school's activities office in order to participate. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Sports physical clearance forms are available on bacardinals.com under the More menu.

Varsity and JV Girls basketball practices will begin on Monday, November 13. Middle School Girls basketball practices will begin on Tuesday, November 14. Boys Basketball practices will begin on Monday, November 20.

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. Register through Faribault's Infinite Campus Portal. Click here for an InfiniteCampus portal account application form. Or, contact portalhelp@faribault.k12.mn.us for assistance in setting up an account.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
AP Exam Fees Due Wednesday, Nov. 15: Reminder that AP test registration and payment is due to Mr. Uphus or AP teachers by the end of the day on Wednesday, November 15 (original deadline was Nov 13. Cost for each exam is $98. Reach out to Mr. Uphus with any questions or concerns about payment and ordering.

Seniors: College Scholarship Info: Go to our scholarship page HERE for updated local and national college scholarship offerings.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

Sign up for the Paul Kim event here: https://forms.gle/JBBi7v4FQvEr5CKWA

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
15th Annual IRIS Turkey Trot Nov. 23: Volunteers needed. Click HERE to sign up and help (student volunteer hours earned). Want to run/walk? Sign up for the race HERE.

Faribault Soccer Registration Opens Nov. 1: Faribault Soccer runs off-season programs for ages 3-18. Program registration opens November 1. Click HERE for the flyer; click HERE to register.

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 11-3-23

11/09/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, November 2023

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Dear BA Families:

Thank you for your prayers and support for the Luckow family. It is at times like these that truly demonstrate the power and strength of our BA and DMCS communities. Arrangements have been made for Mitch Luckow’s visitation and funeral. Find a link to his obituary with details HERE. We encourage all families to attend the visitation; BA will be sending flowers on behalf of students and staff. The link to a meal train signup, including other ways to support the family, can be found HERE.

Next Wednesday, Nov. 8, we will follow at 10:30am Mass schedule. We have made special arrangements for the 8^th grade class to attend the funeral; all other students will be in a WIN study period during the scheduled Mass time. A bus will be provided for the 8^th graders. A reminder that this is a regular school day with a special schedule; students wishing to attend separately with their families must email attendance as with any other excused absence.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Nov. 6: Veteran's Day poetry contest deadline-see info below
Nov. 7: Mitch Luckow Visitation, 3-7pm, Boldt Funeral Home
Nov. 8: Mitch Luckow funeral, 10:30am, Divine Mercy Catholic Church, visitation at the church 9:30-10:30am
Nov. 9: FFA Dress Down Day
- Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
- BA Fall Open House for prospective students, 5-7 pm. Help us grow our enrollment! Invite interested students to join us for our Fall Open House. Click HERE to preregister.
Nov. 10: SPECIAL SCHEDULE for 8:15am Veterans Day ceremony and 10:30am Mass Day. Mass Dress Code for students.
Nov. 13: Girls basketball season begins
Nov. 15: Grade 9 & 10 Retreat, Shieldsville
Nov. 20: Boys basketball season begins
Nov. 21: Grandparents Day, 1pm; early dismissal at 2pm
Nov. 22-24: Thanksgiving Break

In a transfer of sponsorship ceremony this afternoon, we celebrated our long heritage with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa and our new sponsorship through Dominican Veritas Ministries, of which the Sinsinawans are a founding member. Thank you to all our honored guests, Board members, alumni, and parents who attended. We will have more information in our parent email next week.

Good luck to our girls co-op cross country runners, competing at the state tournament tomorrow at 2:45pm. Football and volleyball seasons ended in section play this past week - congratulations to all our student-athletes for their dedication and team work this season! Finally, thank you to all our students, staff, parents, and community members who participate in Tuesday's Trunk or Treat. It was a resounding success.

Prayers for the Luckow family, for our Domincan Sisters of Sinsinawa, for our BA community, and for peace in the war-torn areas of the world.

Blessings, The BA Leadership Team

ALL BA UPDATE

Autumn Cash Raffle: Purchase a raffle ticket and win cash prizes ranging from $2023 to $523. Click HERE for the order form.

Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge 8th Grade Fundraiser Orders Due Nov 6:  8th graders are hosting a Tastefully Simple fundraiser to raise money for their February Wolf Ridge trip. Place an order with one of our 8th graders or order online directly at this link and 100% of all profits go to this trip! Contact Kris Shuda for questions about the fundraiser; Julie Smisek for Qs about the trip.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Girls and Boys Basketball Registration: Registration for girls and boys basketball is now open. The link to register may be found on our athletics website, https://bacardinals.com under the More menu. The activity fee for participating in basketball is $140 per player. The fee may be paid online under the More menu at bacardinals.com, by check or by having the fee added to your tuition account. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school's activities office in order to participate. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Sports physical clearance forms are available on bacardinals.com under the More menu.

Girls basketball practices will begin on Monday, November 13. Boys Basketball practices will begin on Monday, November 20.

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. Register through Faribault's Infinite Campus Portal.  Click here for an InfiniteCampus portal account application form.  Or, contact portalhelp@faribault.k12.mn.us for assistance in setting up an account.

Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Opening: Bethlehem Academy has an opening for an assistant boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948 x205) for more information and to apply.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Seniors: College Scholarship Info: Go to our scholarship page HERE for updated local and national college scholarship offerings.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

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 10/27/23

11/02/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, October 2023

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Dear BA Families:
Good luck to our student-athletes as they compete in section play & compete @ State! Congratulations to our co-op cross country team runners headed to STATE Nov 4 (2:45pm race time) after finishing 2^nd in the section meet yesterday! Cardinal football play tomorrow at 2pm at Bruce Smith Field, taking on Kenyon-Wanamingo in their 2^nd game of section play - come cheer them on!! Girls volleyball won their section opener last night, beating Lanesboro in straight sets. They will play Tuesday, October 31 at 7:30pm vs Fillmore Central at Rochester Mayo Civic Center. Go, Cardinals!!

Trunk or Treat is Tuesday, Oct. 31: Dress down day and event information below. Volunteer trunks still needed! Due to the cold, we'll have Entrance C open for volunteers to warm up - hot drinks will also be available. Sign up HERE. This is a parent and student volunteer event.

DVM Transfer Ceremony: Please join us next Friday, Nov 3rd at 1pm as we celebrate our historic transition in governance from the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa to Dominican Veritas Ministries and give thanks to the Sisters for all they have done to promote, support, and sustain our mission. Archbishop Hebda and former Principal Sr. Kate Theis will be among our honored guests. Students should dress their best or be in Mass Dress code.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Oct. 27: MS Dance, 7-9pm; Cost is $10/student, permission slip & payment due Oct 23.
Oct 31:
- Jostens Letter Jacket/Class Ring rep taking orders before school; or order online HERE.
- Trunk or Treat Dress Down - bring a $ or bag of candy
- BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat from 4-6pm in the BA parking lot - sign up HERE.
Nov. 1: Special WEDNESDAY 10:30am Mass for All Saints Day
Nov. 2: School Photo Re-takes will be at 8 am at DMCS. Photo forms are available in the front office. If students want re-takes they have to bring their old photos back.
Nov. 3, 1pm (WIN Schedule):
- Dress Your Best or Mass Dress Code Day. Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Special guests include: Archbishop Hebda and former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.
- Senior graduation orders due
Nov. 9: Student of the Month, 7:30am, BA gym
- BA Fall Open House for prospective students, 5-7 pm. Help us grow our enrollment! Invited interested students to join us for our Fall Open House. Click HERE to preregister. Cardinal Visit Days also available.
Nov. 10: Mass Day, Veteran's Day ceremony-Special Schedule, see flyer below for student poetry contest

Please join Pope Francis today, October 27, in a day of prayer for peace.

Blessings, The BA Leadership Team

ALL BA UPDATE

Trunk or Treat Dress Down Day Oct. 31: Come in costume or dress down for a dollar or a bag of candy. Proceeds provide candy for our free community Trunk or Treat event. No scary masks or plastic weapons, please. Costumes should be neat, clean, and modest. Hats, leggings, sweats or Birkenstocks with socks allowed.

Trunk or Treat Event Oct 31, 4-6 pm: Volunteer trunks needed for the BA/DMCS community-wide Trunk or Treat event in the BA/DMCS parking lots. This is a parent and student service hour event. Sign up to host a trunk HERE. Due to the forecasted cold weather, the building will be open for volunteers to take a break and warm up. Hot drinks provided!

Autumn Cash Raffle: Purchase a raffle ticket and win cash prizes ranging from $2023 to $523. Click HERE for the order form.

BABS PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Volunteers needed for the BABS 2024 planning committee. BABS is BA's biggest fundraising event of the year and a main source of funding for general and special project needs of the school. This is a parent service hour event - please consider lending your time and talent. Sign up to volunteer HERE.

Christmas Scrip on Sale now: Get your Christmas gift card order in early! Earn money off tuition by buying gift cards for stores you already shop at. Click HERE for info on the RaiseRight gift card tuition incentive program. Contact aluckow@dmcs.cc with questions.

Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge 8th Grade Fundraiser: From Oct. 9-Nov. 6, 8th graders are hosting a Tastefully Simple fundraiser to raise money for their February Wolf Ridge trip. Place an order with one of our 8th graders or order online directly at this link and 100% of all profits go to this trip! Contact Kris Shuda for questions about the fundraiser; Julie Smisek for Qs about the trip.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Football and Volleyball Playoffs

Saturday, October 28 - 2pm - Varsity Football Playoff vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo at Bruce Smith Field
Tuesday, October 31 - approx. 7:30pm - Varsity Volleyball vs. Fillmore Central at Rochester Mayo Civic Center
Thursday, November 2 - 7:30pm - Varsity Volleyball Playoffs continue at Rochester Mayo Civic Center
Friday, November 3 - Section Football Championship To Be Announced
Saturday, November 4 - 10am - Section Volleyball Championship at Rochester Mayo Civic Center; 2:45pm - Girls Class AA State Cross Country Meet at University of Minnesota Les Bolstad Golf Course

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. Register through Faribault's Infinite Campus Portal. Click here for an InfiniteCampus portal account application form. Or, contact portalhelp@faribault.k12.mn.us for assistance in setting up an account.

Faribault Archers Oct. 29 Registration: Faribault Falcons Archers are hosting an information and registration session at the Rice County Fairgrounds Faribault Archery Club 3-5pm on Oct. 29. Open to all grade 6-12 students, click HERE for the flyer with more information, click HERE to register online (click on Register in the upper right corner.)

Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Opening: Bethlehem Academy has an opening for an assistant boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948 x205) for more information and to apply.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Attention Seniors! Jostens graduation packets were handed out this week at school or can be picked up in the main office. Graduation orders include your cap & gown for graduation, so make sure to place your order no later than Friday, November 3rd, 2023, online at: https://hub.jostens.com/ls/7ed522a8-6ef6-433e-a669-a571dd80545b/hniAIQ_balUobgfa Any question on graduation items? Email Jostens at paul.moe@jostens.com or call (507) 282-5373.

Seniors: College Scholarship Info: Go to our scholarship page HERE for updated local and national college scholarship offerings.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION
15th Annual IRIS Turkey Trot Nov. 23: Volunteers needed. Click HERE to sign up and help (student volunteer hours earned). Want to run/walk? Sign up for the race HERE.

Faribault Soccer Registration Opens Nov. 1: Faribault Soccer runs off-season programs for ages 3-18. Program registration opens November 1. Click HERE for the flyer; click HERE to register.

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 10/20/23

10/25/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

October 2023, 2023-24

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Dear BA Families:
BA's Leadership Team hopes you are enjoying this MEA Break! Thank you for joining faculty at Parent/Teacher conferences Tuesday to partner in your student's education.

This team, together with our faculty, is dedicated to and focused on continuing to provide an outstanding education for your students, committed as they always are on our foundational Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community and service. Please reach out to the following team members as needed:

John Wollersheim: Acting Principal; on campus Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; taking the lead on curriculum, scheduling, and policy.
Ed Friesen: High School Dean/Athletics Director/Technology Director and will continue teaching his current math classes
Brent Zabel: Middle School Dean/HS Science Teacher
Kris Sauer: Enrollment, Advancement, Communications, Marketing, Events, Tuition Assistance
Stephen Uphus: High School Counseling, Assessment, Scheduling
Katie Smith: Middle School Counseling (Monday, Thursday)

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Oct. 24: Josten's rep here (10th grade: class rings, 12th grade: graduation)
Oct. 26: PSAT Exam (11th graders who registered)
Oct. 27: NHS Induction @ 10:30 am Mass/ MASS DRESS CODE
Oct. 29: MS Dance, 7-9pm; Cost is $10/student, permission slip & payment due Oct 23.
Oct 31: Trunk or Treat dress down - bring a $ or bag of candy for this community event! Trunks needed for the BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat from 4-6pm in the BA parking lot - sign up HERE.
Nov. 1: Special WEDNESDAY 10:30am Mass (All Saints Day)
Nov. 3, 1pm: Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Special guests include: Archbishop Hebda and former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.
Nov. 9: Student of the Month, 7:30am; BA Fall Open House for prospective students, 5-7 pm
Nov. 10: Mass Day, Veteran's Day ceremony

BA JOB OPENINGS: Have a flexible schedule? Consider driving our student van in the morning (6:50-7:50) and/or in the afternoons after fall sports finish. We are also in need of a part-time kitchen assistant. Email ksauer@bacards.org if interested.

Blessings, The BA Leadership Team

ALL BA UPDATE

Trunk or Treat Dress Down Day Oct. 31: Student Council is sponsoring a Halloween Dress Down Day Tuesday, Oct. 31! Come in costume or dress down for a dollar or a bag of candy. No scary masks or plastic weapons, please. Costumes should be neat, clean, and modest. Hats, leggings, sweats or athletic pants are allowed.

Trunk or Treat Event Oct 31, 4-6 pm:Volunteer trunks needed for the BA/DMCS community-wide Trunk or Treat event in the BA/DMCS parking lots. This is a parent and student service hour event. Sign up to host a trunk HERE.

Autumn Cash Raffle: Purchase a raffle ticket and win cash prizes ranging from Click HERE for the order form.

BABS PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Volunteers needed for the BABS 2024 planning committee. BABS is BA's biggest fundraising event of the year and a main source of funding for general and special project needs of the school. This is a parent service hour event - please consider lending your time and talent. Sign up to volunteer HERE.

Christmas Scrip on Sale Oct 23: Get your Christmas gift card order in early! Contact aluckow@dmcs.cc with questions. Click HERE for info on the RaiseRight gift card tuition incentive program.

Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge 8th Grade Fundraiser: From Oct. 9-Nov. 6, 8th graders are hosting a Tastefully Simple fundraiser to raise money for their February Wolf Ridge trip. Place an order with one of our 8th graders or order online directly at this link and 100% of all profits go to this trip! Contact Kris Shuda for questions about the fundraiser; Julie Smisek for Qs about the trip.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Football and Volleyball Playoffs

Tuesday, October 24 - 7pm - Varsity Football vs. Wabasha-Kellogg. The game will be played in Kasson. Adult tickets are $8 and student tickets are $5.
Thursday, October 26 - 7pm - Varsity Volleyball vs. Lanesboro at BA. Adult tickets are $8 and student tickets are $5
Saturday, October 28 - 2pm - Varsity Football Playoffs continue. (BA will host on Saturday with a victory Tuesday night.)
Tuesday, October 31 - approx. 7:30pm - Varsity Volleyball Playoffs continue at Rochester Mayo Civic Center
Thursday, November 2 - 7:30pm - Varsity Volleyball Playoffs continue at Rochester Mayo Civic Center
Friday, November 3 - Section Football Championship To Be Announced
Saturday, November 4 - 10am - Section Volleyball Championship at Rochester Mayo Civic Center

Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports* through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. Register through Faribault's Infinite Campus Portal. Click here for an InfiniteCampus portal account application form. Or, contact portalhelp@faribault.k12.mn.us for assistance in setting up an account.

Faribault Archers Oct. 29 Registration: Faribault Falcons Archers are hosting an information and registration session at the Rice County Fairgrounds Faribault Archery Club 3-5pm on Oct. 29. Open to all grade 6-12 students, click HERE for the flyer with more information, click HERE to register online (click on Register in the upper right corner.)

Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Opening: Bethlehem Academy has an opening for an assistant boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948 x205) for more information and to apply.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Seniors: College Scholarship Info: Go to our scholarship page HERE for updated local and national college scholarship offerings.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
MS Halloween Dance Oct 27, 7-9pm: The Junior Class Prom Committee is hosting a Halloween dance for MS students. Cost is $10/student, permission slip & payment due Oct 23. Parent chaperones needed! Sign up HERE.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES
Order your Christmas decor online at www.divinemercy.cc/yout h by October 25.

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 10/13/23

10/20/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, October 2023

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Dear BA Families:
Thank you! I have been blessed to serve as the President/Principal at BA for these past three plus years. Thank you for this opportunity. I will continue to pray for BA's faculty, staff and scholars during this transitional period and especially for the next leader to come to BA. I hope to see you at future events!

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Oct. 14: Spooktacular! Register HERE. Parent volunteer hours given for all registered for either the in person or virtual races!
Oct 16, 1pm: Parent/teacher conference registration closes. Sign up here to meet with your scholar's teachers
Oct. 17: 1pm dismissal (regular Faribault 3pm bus schedule)
- SADD Socktober Dress Down Day: pair of socks or $1 for sweats, $2 for hats, leggings. Student service hours earned for packs of socks. All proceeds/socks to St. Vincent de Paul.
- 2:00-6:30 pm: Parent/teacher conferences - bring candy donations for Trunk or Treat (see below)!
Oct. 18-20: NO SCHOOL, MEA Break
Oct. 26: PSAT Exam (11th graders who registered)
Oct. 27: NHS Induction @ 10:30 am Mass
Oct 31: Trunk or Treat dress down - bring a $ or bag of candy for this community event! Trunks needed for the BA/DMCS Trunk or Treat from 4-6pm in the BA parking lot - sign up HERE.
Nov. 3, 1pm: Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Guest speaker: former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have received $70,989 - THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
Autumn Cash Raffle: Purchase a raffle ticket and win cash prizes ranging from Click HERE for the order form.

May God Creator Bless you; May God Redeemer Heal You, May God the Holy Spirit fill you with Light!

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

ALL BA UPDATE

Oct. 14 Spooktacular & Shoe Drive: Join the fun! Register for the Spooktacular Race for Catholic education HERE. Raise $125/family and get in on the Squishmallow and BA sweatshirt drawings. Top fundraising family wins a Halloween yard inflatable! All proceeds benefit BA & help us keep costs down. Click HERE for the pledge sheet with more information. New this year - old tennis shoe drive for St. Vincent de Paul (+ coupon)-turn in your gently used shoes in the BA office. Click HERE for more info.

Trunk or Treat Oct 31: Volunteer trunks needed for the BA/DMCS community-wide Trunk or Treat event Tuesday, October 31 from 4-6pm in the BA/DMCS parking lots. This is a parent and student service hour event. Sign up to host a trunk HERE. Lots of candy needed for the 1000 trick-or-treaters who join us for this event! Candy donations gladly accepted. Bring to P/T conferences next Tuesday afternoon; heads up that there will be a $/bag of candy costume dress down on Oct 31 for this event.

BABS PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Volunteers needed for the BABS 2024 planning committee. BABS is BA's biggest fundraising event of the year and a main source of funding for general and special project needs of the school. This is a parent service hour event - please consider lending your time and talent. Sign up to volunteer HERE.

Christmas Scrip on Sale Oct 23: Get your Christmas gift card order in early! Contact aluckow@dmcs.cc with questions. Click HERE for info on the RaiseRight gift card tuition incentive program.

Tastefully Simple Wolf Ridge 8th Grade Fundraiser: From Oct. 9-Nov. 6, 8th graders are hosting a Tastefully Simple fundraiser to raise money for their February Wolf Ridge trip. Place an order with one of our 8th graders or order online directly at this link and 100% of all profits go to this trip! Contact Kris Shuda for questions about the fundraiser; Julie Smisek for Qs about the trip.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Registration for Winter Co-operative Sports* through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. Register through Faribault's Infinite Campus Portal. Click here for an InfiniteCampus portal account application form. Or, contact portalhelp@faribault.k12.mn.us for assistance in setting up an account. *Dance season begins October 23. Students participating in dance must be registered by October 20.

Faribault Archers Oct. 29 Registration: Faribault Falcons Archers are hosting an information and registration session at the Rice County Fairgrounds Faribault Archery Club 3-5pm on Oct. 29. Open to all grade 6-12 students, click HERE for the flyer with more information, click HERE to register online (click on Register in the upper right corner.)

Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Opening: Bethlehem Academy has an opening for an assistant boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948 x205) for more information and to apply.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Juniors! MN House Page Program: applications due Nov 23. Go to our scholarship page HERE for more information.

Order your Christmas decor online at www.divinemercy.cc/yout h by October 25.

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 10/6/23

10/10/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, October 2023

Leave a comment

Dear BA Families:
Happy Homecoming! BA scholars have celebrated in style this week with Buddy Day, a joint Mass, themed dress up days, and today's prayer service and pep fest. Please join us tonight at the football game and afterward, all parents, alumni and BA supporters are invited to the gathering at Corks & Pints (next to 10,000 Drops) for fun and fellowship. The first 100 will receive a $1 discount ticket toward the beverage of their choice.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

REMINDERS: BA scholars should not be arriving before 7:30 a.m. unless they have a meeting. If you do need to drop off your scholar earlier, please let the office know and tell your child that they should report to the cafeteria prior to 7:30 a.m. Email: attendance@bacards.org

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

Oct. 6: Homecoming!
- 7:00 pm Football game vs Kenyon-Wanamingo, Cardinal Family Youth Night
- Post-Game-HS Students: High School Student Homecoming Dance (see info in HS section below)
- Post-Game: Parent/Alumni Social @ Corks & Pints/10,000 Drops. First 100 adults get at $1 off their beverage of choice. Join us!
Oct. 11: Student of the Month celebrated in the gym @ 7:30 am
Oct. 14: Spooktacular! Register HERE; Pledge form, prize & shoe drive information HERE.
Oct. 17: 1pm dismissal (regular Faribault 3pm bus schedule) parent/teacher conferences from 2-6:30pm, sign up here to meet with your scholar's teachers
Oct. 18-20: NO SCHOOL, MEA Break

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $56,269-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Guest speaker: former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.

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

ALL BA UPDATE

Rome Pilgrimage June 2024: It's not too late to sign up for the 2024 Pilgrimage to Rome! Highlights of the trip will include St. Peter’s Basilica Mass and tour, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, San Francesco - Church of St. Francis, and Michelangelo’s David. Cost for trip is $3,995 which includes airfare, accommodations, transportation in Rome and to Assisi and Florence, as well as most meals. Trip is open to current high school students and adults. Please contact Ms. Caryn Coller for more details or student permission slip. Click HERE for our travel company information.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
Homecoming Dance, Oct. 6: The Homecoming Dance follows the football game at BA. Approximate start time is 9:30pm and will end at midnight. Students in grades 9-12 may attend the dance. Cost of the dance is $5 or a package of socks. BA students may bring 1 guest who does not attend BA. That guest needs to be 9^th grade or older. This form must be completed for any guest attending the dance. The form is also available in the office and must be turned in by Thursday, October 5. Guest must arrive with the BA student who signed them up for the dance. Note: If students ask to leave the dance early, we will ask to talk to a parent to let them know your student is leaving the dance.

Juniors! PSAT Exam: A reminder that 11th graders need to let Mr. Uphus know by Monday, Oct. 9 if they will take the free PSAT exam on Oct. 26. Click HERE for more information on the exam and the related National Merit Scholarship Program.

Juniors! MN House Page Program: applications due Nov 23. Go to our scholarship page HERE for more information.

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES
MS Halloween Dance Oct 27, 7-9pm: The Junior Class Prom Committee is hosting a Halloween dance for MS students. Cost is $10/student, permission slip & payment due Oct 23. Parent chaperones needed! Sign up HERE.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Registration for Winter Cooperative Sports through Faribault Public Schools is now open. This includes Dance, Hockey, Wrestling, Gymnastics and Boys Swimming. Registration is to be done through Faribault's Infinite Campus Portal. Click here for an InfiniteCampus portal account application form. Or, contact portalhelp@faribault.k12.mn.us for assistance in setting up an account.
*Dance season begins October 23. Students participating in dance must be registered by October 20. Those dance participants that are in the choreography group need be registered by Monday, October 9.

Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Opening: Bethlehem Academy has an opening for an assistant boys basketball coach. Interested individuals may contact Ed Friesen (efriesen@bacards.org or 507-334-3948 x205) for more information and to apply.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

Click HERE for LifeLine Registration.

Order your Christmas decor online at www.divinemercy.cc/yout h by October 25.

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 9/29/23

10/04/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, September 2023

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)

September 29, 2023
An update from the BA Board:
The BA Board has met several times this week to discuss the leadership transition at Bethlehem Academy.

At this time, the Board’s immediate priority is to recruit and hire an interim leader as soon as possible to lead us through this school year. Concurrently, we are also evaluating BA’s leadership needs to determine the best leadership structure for the 2024-2025 school year, with the goal of having this in place for recruitment of that position in early 2024.

We will continue to provide updates on this process. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated not only through this transition but daily for the students as they become our next generation of Christian leaders. Veritas!
Sincerely,
Cory Caron, Board of Directors Chairperson, cory.caron@yahoo.com

From Mrs. Reeder:
Dear BA Families:
Happy Homecoming Week! Homecoming BA Traditions unite scholars, staff and families as we celebrate our rich history as a Dominican school. Kicking off this Homecoming tonight is our first Student Art Show of the year at the Paradise Center for the Arts. Join us tonight for the opening reception from 5-7 p.m. and celebrate our 9 featured high school artists. Additionally, I hope you can join us for some of the homecoming festivities next week, see the schedule below. All parents, alumni and BA supporters are invited to the gathering after the game at Corks & Pints (next to 10,000 Drops) for fun and fellowship. The first 100 will receive a $1 discount ticket toward the beverage of their choice.

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. See below for more details on the week.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

Sept. 29: Paradise Center for the Arts Student Exhibit Reception, 5-7pm: Opening reception for BA student artwork featured in the PCA's Corey Lyn Creger Art Gallery.
Oct. 2-6: HOMECOMING WEEK! See below for themed dress down days & more information
Oct. 5: Knowledge Bowl meeting, 7:45am, open to all Gr 7-12 students, email Dave Wollin with questions.
Oct. 6: **No Parking in the BA Main Lot**2pm early dismissal** Parents are welcome to join us for the following Homecoming events:
- 12:00 pm Pep Fest: Welcome, Skits, Coaches speak, Co-op Team Recognition
- 1:00 pm Homecoming King Coronation
- 1:30 pm Parade
- 7:00 pm Football game vs Kenyon-Wanamingo, Cardinal Family Youth Night
- Post-Game-HS Students: High School Student Homecoming Dance (see info in HS section below)
- Post-Game: Parent/Alumni Social @ Corks & Pints/10,000 Drops. First 100 adults get at $1 off their beverage of choice. Join us!
Oct. 11: Student of the Month celebrated in the gym
Oct. 14: Spooktacular! Register HERE; Pledge form, prize & shoe drive information HERE.
Oct. 17: 1pm dismissal, parent/teacher conferences from 2-6:30pm, watch for a sign up coming soon
Oct. 18-20: NO SCHOOL, MEA Break

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $56,269-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Guest speaker: former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.

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

ALL BA UPDATE

Homecoming 2023 Themed Dress Down Days

Mon., Oct 2: Color Day 6^th grade: red; 7^th grade: black; 8^th grade: white; 9^th grade: green; 10^th grade: blue; 11^th grade: purple; 12^th grade: pink
Tues., Oct 3: Gray Out + Anything But a Backpack
Wed., Oct 4: Mass Attire; 8:30 Mass w/DMCS
Thurs., Oct 5: Teacher/Student Role Reversal Day
Fri., Oct 6: Cardinal Spirit Wear

Homecoming Parade, Friday, October 6, 1:30pm: join us for the homecoming parade! Click HERE for the parade route.

Parent Volunteers Needed! There are many parent service hour opportunities in the month of October. Click here for all the options. Thank you for sharing your time and talent in support of BA!

Welcome New Staff!
Nurse Michele Germscheid: My husband Steve and I live in New Prague. We have 4 children: Zach, Claire, Simon, and Michael, and 1 grandbaby, Leah, who is almost 8 months old. I grew up in New Prague and attended St.Wenceslaus Catholic School through 8th grade. I am excited to meet everybody, and hope for a school year somewhere between happy and healthy!

Spring Play Director, William McIntyre: Will is a 2019 BA alum who is thrilled to be back at BA to direct the spring play! Will graduated from St. Olaf May 2023 with a degree in Theater, Sociology, and Anthropology. He participated in many productions at St. Olaf, on top of participating in multiple choirs, including the St. Olaf Choir. Stay tuned to hear what the spring show will be!

Oct. 14 Spooktacular & Shoe Drive: Join the fun! Register for the Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education HERE. Raise $125/family and get in on the Squishmallow and BA sweatshirt drawings. Top fundraising family wins a Halloween yard inflatable! Click HERE for the pledge sheet with more information. New this year - old tennis shoe drive for St. Vincent de Paul (+ coupon)-turn in your gently used shoes in the BA office. Click HERE for more info.

Trunk or Treat Oct 31: Volunteer trunks needed for the BA/DMCS community-wide Trunk or Treat event Tuesday, October 31 from 4-6pm in the BA/DMCS parking lots. This is a parent and student service hour event. Sign up to host a trunk HERE.

Home and School: Reminder to please pay your $30 Home and School dues! Scan the QR code at left to pay via Venmo or send a check in to the BA front office. Thank you!

Rome Pilgrimage June 2024: It's not too late to sign up for the 2024 Pilgrimage to Rome! Highlights of the trip will include St. Peter’s Basilica Mass and tour, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, San Francesco - Church of St. Francis, and Michelangelo’s David. Cost for trip is $3,995 which includes airfare, accommodations, transportation in Rome and to Assisi and Florence, as well as most meals. Trip is open to current high school students and adults. Please contact Ms. Caryn Coller for more details or student permission slip. Click HERE for our travel company information.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES
National Honor Society Applications Due Oct. 2: Forms available in the BA front office. All eligible juniors and seniors who are not already NHS members were sent an email inviting them to apply.

Homecoming Dance, Oct. 6: The Homecoming Dance follows the football game at BA. Approximate start time is 9:30pm and will end at midnight. Students in grades 9-12 may attend the dance. Cost of the dance is $5 or a package of socks. BA students may bring 1 guest who does not attend BA. That guest needs to be 9^th grade or older. This form must be completed for any guest attending the dance. The form is also available in the office and must be turned in by Thursday, October 5. Guest must arrive with the BA student who signed them up for the dance. Note: If students ask to leave the dance early, we will ask to talk to a parent to let them know your student is leaving the dance.

Juniors! PSAT Exam: A reminder that 11th graders need to let Mr. Uphus know by Monday, Oct. 9 if they will take the free PSAT exam on Oct. 26. Click HERE for more information on the exam and the related National Merit Scholarship Program.

Juniors! MN House Page Program: applications due Nov 23. Go to our scholarship page HERE for more information.

LifeLine Registration at www.divinemercy.cc/youth.

Order your Christmas decor online at www.divinemercy.cc/youth

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 9/22/23

09/26/2023 author

Kris Sauer category

2023-24, September 2023

Leave a comment

A Message from the BA Board Chair:
Dear Bethlehem Academy Community,

Thank you for your continued support of our great Catholic school!

I want to provide a quick update on transition planning following Mindy’s announcement that her last day will be October 13. The board and faculty/staff met and have started the foundational open discussions for an interim coverage plan, as well as what is required for future leadership structure for long term success. The board will be meeting again next week and will continue to provide updates through this process. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated not only through this transition but daily for the students as they become our next generation of Christian leaders. Veritas!

Sincerely,
Cory Caron, Board of Directors Chairperson, cory.caron@yahoo.com

President/Principal Message:
Dear BA Families:
Completion of our first month of school! This is a great opportunity to check in with your scholar on their progress in each class as we are midway through this first quarter.

Please welcome Gina Yetzer to our school family. Gina is our new Office Administrative Assistant - stop in and introduce yourself!
He

llo, I’m Gina Yeltzer and am very happy to be at BA and back working in a Christian environment! My husband, Joe, is Chief Deputy for the county and we have three children: Gabrielle (20, studying at Eckard College), Isaac (17, senior at FHS) and Eddie (15, sophomore at FHS). We are an active family who loves to be outdoors on the beach or skiing in the mountains. I appreciate your patience as I learn all my new duties and look forward to the year ahead.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

Sept. 25: National Food Service Day - Thank our lunch team!
Sept 25-28: Middle School MAP testing-be sure students have fully charged laptops every day this week!
Sept. 26: Rome Trip Dress Down $$1 sweats; $2 leggings
- Homecoming t-shirt orders due by 1pm.
Sept. 27: Guatemala Trip Bake Sale before and after school; items range from $1-4.
Sept. 28: School picture day! Photo order forms sent home today (9/22), extra copies available in the front office.
Sept. 29: 7th Grade field trip to River Bend Nature Center
- No PM Faribault busing; Faribault public schools will dismiss and buses will run at 1pm due to the Faribault homecoming parade. BA will be in session regular hours that day; the BA van will run at our normal dismissal time.
- Paradise Center for the Arts Student Exhibit Reception, 5-7pm: Opening reception for BA student artwork featured in the PCA's Corey Lyn Creger Art Gallery.
Oct. 2-6: HOMECOMING WEEK! See below for themed dress down days & more information
Oct 6: Parent/Alumni Social @ Corks & Pints following the football game. First 100 adults get at $1 off their beverage of choice. Join us!

FUNDRAISER UPDATES:

The BA Annual Fund drive goal is: $255,000. Each gift supports our scholars and staff directly. Please consider a gift or call to set up a meeting at 507-334-3948. To date we have already received $49,212-THANK YOU! Donate online at: Annual Fund
SAVE THE DATE! On November 3rd at 1 p.m. we will host the Bethlehem Academy Sponsorship Transition Ceremony for Dominican Veritas Ministries - Parents invited! Guest speaker: former BA Principal Sr. Kathleen Theis, OP.
Nov. 5: New - Founder's Day 50 Fundraiser! Details to come!

Please pray for our Board as we plan for an interim principal position.

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

ALL BA UPDATE

Homecoming 2023 Themed Dress Down Days

Mon., Oct 2: Color Day 6^th grade: red; 7^th grade: black; 8^th grade: white; 9^th grade: green; 10^th grade: blue; 11^th grade: purple; 12^th grade: pink
Tues., Oct 3: Gray Out + Anything but a Backpack
Wed., Oct 4: Mass Attire
Thurs., Oct 5: Teacher/Student Role Reversal Day
Fri., Oct 6: Cardinal Spirit Wear

Homecoming Week 2023: Theme - Knock out the Knights 2.0! T-shirt orders due Tues, Sept 26. Week features daily themed dress down days (see above). Wednesday is the DMCS & BA Mass at 8:30, followed by student buddy activities. A pep fest is held Friday noon in Van Orsow Auditorium followed by Homecoming King coronation at 1:00pm. All are invited to attend. (Note that by longstanding tradition, BA crowns a Homecoming King but not a Homecoming Queen. Instead, seniors elect a SnoBall Queen at the winter SnoBall.) The Homecoming parade typically begins around 1:30pm Friday following the pep fest. Note that students are dismissed after the parade concludes, usually around 2:00pm. (Faribault buses run on a normal dismissal schedule.) The Homecoming dance follows the Homecoming football game and is a mixer (not an “ask” dance) open to all high school students. Non-BA high school students may attend the homecoming mixer if registered in the main office prior to the event. This year, BA will host a parent/alumni social at Corks and Pints Friday night following the football game. First 100 people through the door get $1 off a drink of their choice!

Spooktacular & Shoe Drive: Join the fun! Register for the Oct 14 Spooktacular Fun Run for Catholic education HERE. Watch for details on fabulous participant prizes. New this year - old tennis shoe drive for St. Vincent de Paul (+ coupon.) Click HERE for more info.

Trunk or Treat Oct 31: Volunteer trunks needed for the BA/DMCS community-wide Trunk or Treat event Tuesday, October 31 from 4-6pm in the BA/DMCS parking lots. This is a parent and student service hour event. Sign up to host a trunk HERE.

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

National Honor Society Applications Due Oct 2: Forms available in the BA front office. All eligible juniors and seniors who are not already NHS members were sent an email inviting them to apply.

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES

Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, MN
is offering a Family Retreat, Oct 20-22, 2023, titled:
God is Near: Knowing God-with-Us.

Arrive Friday between 4:00-7:00 p.m. Depart Sunday by 12:30. Suggested offering: $50 deposit per family; $190 per adult; $50 for kids; children five/under free.

Register by clicking the button below or call 952.447.2182 (Tues-Fri 9:00-4:00).

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

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

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