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Family Focus 8/26/22

08/30/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, August 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)

August 26, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
It's back-to-school time! Our new staff joined all of your favorite teachers this week for our Workshop Week preparations. Teachers eagerly wait to connect with your scholars on Monday during orientation. Please click HERE for all of our back-to-school information including school shopping supply lists and revised dress code.

WELCOME NEW FAMILIES! We were blessed despite the rain, to meet with so many of you and your scholars! For those that couldn't make it, find the Quick Start Guide HERE (useful start of school info & staff email list) and the 2022-2023 New Family Guide (info on major school events & other "everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask" BA information) at this LINK. Please reach out with questions as this new year begins and you become a part of the BA Family.

STUDENT SCHEDULES: Students may log into PowerSchool to view their schedule. A hard copy will be distributed on Monday during student orientation. PLEASE contact BA Counselor Ms. Shane Roessler if your scholar has any missing hours or extra study halls or if you have any questions at sroessler@bacards.org or 507-334-3948, x217. 

DRESS CODE:  Our planned complimentary BA polos for each student are on order. In the meantime, there are some BA polos for sale in the front office ($10 each). 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.

• Aug 26-27: BA spirit wear event at Star Sports (421 2nd Ave NW) next to Ace Hardware. Fifteen percent of all spirit wear sales will go back to BA. They have everything you need!
• Aug 29 - Gr 6-12 All Student Orientation 9-11:30 am, all students attend; No lunch; Faribault busing operating on a normal school schedule, call 507-334-5121 for routes and information. The BA van will run, with 2 afternoon routes. Bring school supplies for locker setup. *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12) stay through 1:30pm** new Grade 7-12 students should plan to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get laptop and technology training. Pizza provided. (6th graders will get laptops in their tech class.)
• Aug 30 - First day of school! First bell at 8am, second bell at 8:05, dismissal at 2:55pm. Don't forget to put money in your family's hot lunch account!
• Aug 31: Mass @ IC, 10:25am - be sure to be in new Mass Dress Code attire (Black, red or white polos or white button down shirts and khakis/black pants. *Our planned special BA polos are on order.)
• Sept 5: Labor Day - No School 

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 

New Family Resources: 

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. Contact Lori Bittenbender lori@lbpublicrelations.com 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 New Family Info Meeting
BA's middle school (MS) teachers are hosting an informational middle school new family meeting on Sept. 21 from 6:30-7:00pm. 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 be a teen leader or sign up for faith formation classes at DMCC by Sept 2!

















Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17

 

Family Focus 8/19/22

08/26/2022

Ed Friesen

2022-23, August 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)

August 19, 2022

Dear BA Families: 
It's back-to-school time! BA Staff look forward to welcoming students back next Wednesday, Aug 24, at our picnic from 5-6:30 p.m. Please join us for hotdogs, fellowship and games on the "Back 40" - the lawn area to the south of the school. New families, join us for the picnic and then please stay for a new family orientation beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the BA Cafeteria. It's a great year to be a Cardinal! Please click HERE for all of our back-to-school information including school shopping supply lists and revised dress code.

STUDENT SCHEDULES: All scholars should have received an email with information on how to log into PowerSchool to view their schedule. Hard copies will be distributed at student orientation Aug 29. If you have any questions about your schedule, please contact Shane Roessler, BA Counselor, at sroessler@bacards.org or by 507-334-3948 (ext. 217). PLEASE contact Ms. Roessler if your scholar has any missing hours or extra study halls. 

LAPTOPS: An email will be sent soon with sign up information so returning Grade 7-12 students can get their laptops next week. New Grade 7-12 students will get their laptops following the 9-11:30am all student orientation August 29. Grade 6 students will get laptops in their technology class the first week of school. 

FALL SPORTS: BA Sports and Coop Teams are back to practicing and preparing for an exciting fall. Please plan to join us for our first home volleyball game on Thursday, August 25 and put our first home football game on your calendars for Sept 2. 

• Aug 22: Middle school fall sports being. Click HERE for more information and forms.
• Aug 24-Back-to-School Picnic (BTS): 5-6:30 pm on the BA Back 40 (south side of BA by greenhouse)
• Aug 24-New Family Orientation: 6:45-7:30 pm, BA cafeteria
• Aug 26-27: BA spirit wear event at Star Sports (421 2nd Ave NW) next to Ace Hardware. A portion of all spirit wear sales goes back to BA - get a certificate at the BTS Picnic or mention the event at purchase.
• Aug 29 - Gr 6-12 All Student Orientation 9-11:30 am, all students attend; no busing or lunch (BA van will run). Bring school supplies for locker setup. *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12)** new Grade 7-12 students plan to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get laptop and technology training. Pizza provided. (6th graders will get laptops in their tech class.)
• Aug 30 - First day of school! First bell at 8am, second bell at 8:05, dismissal at 2:55pm. Don't forget to put money in your scholar's hot lunch account!
• Aug 31: Mass @ IC, 10:35am - be sure to be in new Mass Dress Code attire (polos and khakis/black pants.)   

Click HERE for the updated dress code. 

Join me in prayers for the new school year! Please reach out with any questions.

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

ALL BA UPDATES 
Welcome to our High School Theology Teacher!
My name is Mark Nuehring and I am excited to join BA as the new theology teacher. I truly believe God has led me to this opportunity! I have been involved in faith formation in Catholic parishes for years and taught theology at Lourdes High School in Rochester and hold a Master's Degree in Theology from St. Mary's University and a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. My wife and I have 3 children, with our middle child leaving for college this month. We also have two golden doodles who are spoiled rotten. When I am not working, I enjoy cooking, landscaping, and watching the Vikings. I still have pre-season optimism about this season. I look forward to meeting you soon!

International Student Host Family Needed ASAP: KoAm, an educational exchange program that brings students to BA from South Korea, is seeking a host family to bring a returning 9th grade girl back to BA for the first semester. Expenses paid with a monthly stipend and tuition credit offered to the host family. Contact Kris Sauer by email or at 507-334-3948 if interested.

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

















Click HERE to be a teen leader or sign up for faith formation classes at DMCC by Sept 2!

















Click Here to volunteer for Spirit Fest Sept 17

Family Focus 7-29-22

08/15/2022

Kris Sauer

July 2022, 2022-23

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July 29, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

Welcome August - where did summer go?! BA volunteers gathered at the Rice County Fair in the Cardinal Cafe, serving up great food with a lots of smiles this month. This ongoing tradition connects alumni, staff and students with fair attendees. We are thankful for all of the fair stand volunteers, with a special thank you to the Simones family for coordinating this massive fundraising event. We sent our SMART Riders off this week embraced by a soft, cool breeze. Next Friday, August 5th, we gather for the BA Golf Classic. The sacrifice and dedication of all of our volunteers at each of these events makes a profound statement of how much they care for the mission of BA and the future of our scholars. THANK YOU!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL: With the approach of August many of you are beginning your school shopping and planning for events. The Back-to-School Packet will be mailed out next week and links to our upcoming events and our school supply lists can be found below. Athletes can expect registration information for sports within the week, with fall high school sports beginning Aug 15, middle school Aug 22. We anticipate sending schedules to students by August 5. Students should contact Ms. Roessler with questions. Summer is quickly fading - reach out with questions and take advantage of a few more summer weekends!

BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! Click on the links for more information.

• Summer Band & Music Lessons - Join our band director, Brad Lorence, for summer music lessons (Gr 6-12) and summer band (Gr 8-12). Click HERE for more information or email Mr. Lorence at: brad_lorence@bacards.org.
• Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: It's not too late to register!
• Fall Sports Begin: Aug 15 for high school, Aug 22 for middle school.  Please visit bacardinals.com for more information and forms!
• Back-to-School Picnic: August 24 (5-6:30 p.m.), BA Back 40
• New Family Orientation: August 24, 6:45-7:3pm, BA gymnasium
• Student Only Orientation: August 29 (9-11:30 a.m., no busing or lunch) *Seniors - come at 8:30 a.m. to pick your parking spot! **New Students (grade 7-12)** - You're invited to stay from 11:30am-1:30pm to get your laptop and receive technology training. Pizza provided.

Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)

• Summer Office Hours: Mon-Thursday, 9am-1pm
• Summer Reading Assignments 
• 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR: (Link)
• School Supply List 2022-2023 *Please note our Mass dress code update to ensure you have Mass attire for the fall.

• Tops: Black polos with or without BA logo; Red polos with or without BA logo and/or band shirts; White button-down shirt with collar or white polo. 
• Bottoms: Boys or Girls: Tan or black pants (dockers; khakis; black jeans); Girls may choose to wear black, tan, or plaid skirts in black and red, to the knee. 
• Jackets or Sweaters: Students may wear a jacket, sweater, or a BA crew neck sweatshirt, or quarter zip BA athletic jacket over their polo or button-down shirt in colder weather. No hooded sweatshirts on Mass days.

Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.

Family Focus 07-15-22

07/28/2022

Kris Sauer

July 2022, 2022-23

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July 15, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

It's Rice County Fair Time! Join me at the fair by helping out in our Cardinal Cafe. We need everyone to volunteer to ensure that we have all times covered at BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24. (Click to sign up.)

Welcome new BA Staff! We are finalizing all open staff/teaching positions and invite you to connect with our new teachers and staff in welcoming them to the BA family. Please see two more new staff introductions below.

Summer Band / Music Lessons - Join our new band director, Brad Lorence, for summer music lessons (gr 6-12) and summer band (gr 8-12) beginning the week of July 25. Click HERE for more information or email Mr. Lorence at: brad_lorence@bacards.org.

BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our leadership through the BA Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)

BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! 
(click on the links for more information)

• BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24: Earn service hours: parent & student volunteers needed! 
• BA's SMART Ride for Catholic Education, July 28-30: Ride a single day or camp & ride OR support one of our riders!
• Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: great sponsorship opportunities and/or register to golf 

Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)

• Summer Office Hours: Mon-Thursday, 9am-1pm
• Summer Reading Assignments 
• 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
• School Supply List 2022-2023 *Please note our Mass dress code update to ensure you have Mass attire for the fall.

Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.

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

ALL BA UPDATES 

Welcome to our new staff! 

HS Social Studies -Christian Bjornson

Hello Cardinals! My name is Christian Bjornson, and I’m the new high school social studies teacher at B.A. I recently completed my M.Ed. in social studies education from the University of Minnesota and am excited to begin my first full year of teaching this fall. Prior to going back to school for teaching, I earned a M.A. from Norwich University and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota—both in history—and worked as a historical interpreter and researcher for the Minnesota Historical Society. Though I’m a recent transplant to Faribault (originally from Minneapolis), I have deep family roots in the area: my great-great grandfather settled here after immigrating from Germany, and my grandmother grew up on Division Street. When I’m not teaching, some of my favorite hobbies include reading, playing music, visiting museums, or enjoying the outdoors. I’m also an avid disc golfer and always looking for course recommendations!

High School Student Support/Teaching Assistant

Hi, my name is Katy Ashley and I am looking forward to working at BA this year in my student support position! I graduated from Winona State University in 2020 with a degree in History and a minor in Art History. For the past two years I have been working in the Metro area for a medical firm as a lab assistant. I love being outdoors, playing sports, and am a voracious reader. As a DMCS and BA alumni, I hope to help the next generation of graduates obtain an excellent education!

Math Department
Hi, I’m Dave Gilmore, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy! I live in Nerstrand and have 2 daughters that attend high school in Northfield. I currently work at South Central College in Faribault and have been teaching math there for almost 15 years. I have my M. Ed. degree from U of M, Twin Cities and my B.A. in Math Education from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.  Besides math, I also enjoy playing guitar and teach guitar lessons in Northfield with the Northfield Community Ed Program. I’m excited to begin teaching at BA and I am really looking forward to joining the team and meeting all of you! 

I’m Josh Maus, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy this year. I’ll be teaching Advanced Algebra, Consumer Mathematics, and AP Statistics. I currently work as an analyst for a sports data firm in Bloomington, Minnesota, and I’ve previously worked in finance and education. I’m originally from Northfield, where I attended St. Dominic School, Northfield High School, and St. Olaf College. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics with a Statistics minor. In my free time, I enjoy playing baseball and fishing. I’m excited to join the BA family!

Choir Director

Hi, my name is Emily Cicha, and I’m so excited to meet everyone! I’ve lived in Mandan, North Dakota, my whole life. I love to sing and play music and was active in the arts. I graduated from University of Mary this last spring. Singing has always been my favorite thing, but I’ve also played oboe and English horn in college and for my local symphony. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to share music and our faith together!

Band Director
Hello BA! My name is Brad Lorence and I will be the band director at BA this fall. I am super excited. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in December of 2021 with my degree in Instrumental Music Education. I enjoy being outdoors, particularly playing golf, going on hikes, and watching various sporting events. I am also a big fan of road trips and beautiful, historic Catholic churches. Mbeannaí Dia thú!




Vikings Football Game Aug 20: Discounted tickets are available for the Vikings vs the San Francisco Forty Niners on August 20. Purchase tickets using this link and promo code (CARDINALS) and the Vikings will make a donation to the BA football program.

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL 

Family Focus July 1 2022-Summer

07/14/2022

Kris Sauer

2022-23, July 2022

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July 1, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

Happy 4th of July! I hope you are having a blessed summer! At Bethlehem Academy, our summer is in full swing, from summer events and programs, to cleaning and building projects, BA is abuzz with activity.  Please be sure to sign up and get involved - we really need everyone to volunteer, especially at BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24. (Click to sign up.)

Welcome new BA Staff! Please see below a few more introductions from our new BA teachers and staff. Our staff looks forward to connecting with you at our back-to-school events. Band practice and sign up for summer programs will be out after the 4th for all band students - watch for the update!

BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our leadership through the BA Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)

Scrip Credits: If you participated in the ShopWithScrip program, your annual credit has been applied to your account in FACTS. Go to www.factsmgt.com  login on the FACTS Family Portal (FCS-MN is the District Code) and choose 2022-2023 on Financial Home to see your credit. For more information on how to earn SCRIP tuition credits, click HERE. 

BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! 
(click on the links for more information)

• BA Summer Sports & Robotics Camps-boys basketball & robotics!
• BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24: Earn service hours: parent & student volunteers needed! 
• BA's SMART Ride for Catholic Education, July 28-30: Ride a single day or camp & ride OR support one of our riders!
• Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: great sponsorship opportunities and/or register to golf 

Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)

• Summer Office Hours: THE FRONT OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED JULY 5-8 FOR CLEANING. Staff will be monitoring emails. 
• Summer Reading Assignments 
• 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
• School Supply List 2022-2023

Continue to join us in prayer over the summer for our staff, new teachers, and prayers for Ukraine and the lives of the unborn.

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

ALL BA UPDATES 

Welcome to our new staff! 

Math Department
Hi, I’m Dave Gilmore, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy! I live in Nerstrand and have 2 daughters that attend high school in Northfield. I currently work at South Central College in Faribault and have been teaching math there for almost 15 years. I have my M. Ed. degree from U of M, Twin Cities and my B.A. in Math Education from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.  Besides math, I also enjoy playing guitar and teach guitar lessons in Northfield with the Northfield Community Ed Program. I’m excited to begin teaching at BA and I am really looking forward to joining the team and meeting all of you! 

I’m Josh Maus, a new math teacher at Bethlehem Academy this year. I’ll be teaching Advanced Algebra, Consumer Mathematics, and AP Statistics. I currently work as an analyst for a sports data firm in Bloomington, Minnesota, and I’ve previously worked in finance and education. I’m originally from Northfield, where I attended St. Dominic School, Northfield High School, and St. Olaf College. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics with a Statistics minor. In my free time, I enjoy playing baseball and fishing. I’m excited to join the BA family!

Choir Director

Hi, my name is Emily Cicha, and I’m so excited to meet everyone! I’ve lived in Mandan, North Dakota, my whole life. I love to sing and play music and was active in the arts. I graduated from University of Mary this last spring. Singing has always been my favorite thing, but I’ve also played oboe and English horn in college and for my local symphony. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to share music and our faith together!

Band Director
Hello BA! My name is Brad Lorence and I will be the band director at BA this fall. I am super excited. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in December of 2021 with my degree in Instrumental Music Education. I enjoy being outdoors, particularly playing golf, going on hikes, and watching various sporting events. I am also a big fan of road trips and beautiful, historic Catholic churches. Mbeannaí Dia thú!




Vikings Football Game Aug 20: Discounted tickets are available for the Vikings vs the San Francisco Forty Niners on August 20. Purchase tickets using this link and promo code (CARDINALS) and the Vikings will make a donation to the BA football program.

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL 

Family Focus June 3, 2022-Summer Edition

06/28/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, June 2022

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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

June 3, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

Congratulations to our Graduates! We send our Class of 2022 graduates off with prayers and blessings. They are now a part of the Bethlehem Academy legacy and we look forward to hearing from them in the future as they pursue their dreams.  

We will be busy this summer planning for the next school year. Our school office is open Monday through Thursday 9-1 p.m. Come in if you need to drop something off, order more Cardinal raffle tickets, or come in and talk with us. We're excited to expand our programs and courses and welcome new staff! Please see our first introduction, below, of our new BA Band Director.

BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)

MASS DRESS CODE: As part of our plan for improvement, we thank you for your specific feedback on the dress code and Mass dress. We will be moving forward with a simpler Mass dress code, BA polos and dress slacks or khakis. All scholars will be provided a BA shirt for our first year roll out. The student council will help select the shirt style.

HANDBOOK UPDATES: In addition, as part of our Strategic Plan our handbook is reviewed annually. Updates to the handbook will be completed over the summer and shared with students during Orientation and Back-to-School week. It will be available online in August as well.

BA SUMMER EVENTS-Please join us! 
(click on the links for more information)

• BA Summer Sports & Robotics Camps
• DMCS Scholarship Night, June 10
• Heritage Days Parade, June 18, 6:15pm: Student volunteers needed! Get an early start on your service hours. Email Kris Sauer to sign up. 
• BA's Cardinal Cafe @ the Rice County Fair, July 20-24: Earn service hours: parent & student volunteers needed! 
• BA's SMART Ride for Catholic Education, July 28-30: Ride a single day or camp & rider for up to 3 or support a rider
• Cardinal Golf Classic @ The Legacy, Aug 5, 12 noon: great sponsorship opportunities and/or register to golf 

Get ready for 2022-2023 (click link for info)

• Summer Office Hours: stop by to pick up lost & found items, including glasses, a full set of retainers, jewelry, hoodies, and water bottles. 
• Summer Reading Assignments 
• 2022-23 BA SCHOOL CALENDAR (Link)
• School Supply List 2022-2023

Continue to pray over the summer for our new teachers, safety of scholars, and prayers for Ukraine and all of those suffering from violence and loss. Please continue to join us during the month of May in saying a Hail Mary or the Rosary as we celebrate Mary.

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

All BA UPDATES 

Welcome to our new band director! 

Hello BA! My name is Brad Lorence and I will be the band director at BA this fall. I am super excited. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in December of 2021 with my degree in Instrumental Music Education. I enjoy being outdoors, particularly playing golf, going on hikes, and watching various sporting events. I am also a big fan of road trips and beautiful, historic Catholic churches. Mbeannaí Dia thú!

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Family Focus May 20, 2022

06/01/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, May 2022

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"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

May 20, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

It's our last week of school! As we look forward to all of our traditional events next week, we also thank you for taking time to complete our parent surveys. Your feedback on specific questions, your input on what is going well and areas for growth help us celebrate areas of achievements and plan for improvement through our Strategic Plan for the future. (Review our Plan)

BA SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS: Would you like to be a part of our Board? Please consider supporting our school through Board leadership. The application link is here: (Application for Board)

MASS DRESS CODE: As part of our plan for improvement, we thank you for your specific feedback on the dress code and Mass dress. We will be moving forward with a simpler Mass dress code, BA polos and dress slacks or khakis. All scholars will be provided a BA-provided shirt for our first year roll out. The student council will help select the shirt style.

HANDBOOK UPDATES: In addition, as part of our Strategic Plan our handbook is reviewed annually. Updates to the handbook will be completed over the summer and shared with students during Orientation and Back-to-School week. It will be available online in August as well.

TUITION AGREEMENTS & FINANCIAL AID: This information is available in FACTS and financial awards have been given. If you have questions or need more support, please reach out to Kris Sauer at ksauer@bacards.org. 

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGES & CONCERT ADDITIONS: Please note the special schedules and early releases next week.

• Wed, May 25:
  • 1 p.m. BA Mary Ceremony - at the close of the ceremony, scholars are released. (~2:30 p.m.)
  • 7:30 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass is at Divine Mercy Catholic Church
• Thurs, May 26: Students will be released at 1 p.m. *Please note, there are golf, track and softball games today as well.
• Fri, May 27: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  
  • 9:15 a.m. Middle School Band Concert
  • 9:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony
  • 11:15 a.m. Dismissal for scholars Grades 6-11
  • No lunch will be served
  • 11:15 a.m. Senior/Staff Brunch
  • 7 p.m.  High School Band Concert in gymnasium
  • 7:30 p.m. Commencement in gymnasium.
• 2022-23 BA School Calendar (Link)

CELEBRATING RETIRING STAFF: Please send cards to send off Sue Jandro, Cassie Kratt, Mary Herzog, Hugh McCusker and Tom Madden as they depart from our school family for retirement or other life adventures!

KUDOS: Congratulations to all of our spring sports teams and coop participants on a fantastic year! We look forward to final competitions next week! A special thank you to all of our coaches.

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

• May 20: Middle School Lock-In and DMCS Family Fun Night
• May 24: HS Finals, Red Periods 1-3; Senior Rehearsal
• May 25: Gr 9-11 Finals Period 3, Cardinals A-C (See schedule above)
• May 26: Gr 9-11 White Day Finals 1, 2; Early dismissal at 1 pm
• May 27: Last Day of School! (See schedule above)
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

We have had a good response to our open positions and look forward to announcing our new hires! Prayers for Ukraine and all staff and scholars as we prepare for our summer. Please continue to join us during the month of May in saying a Hail Mary or the Rosary as we celebrate Mary.

ALL BA UPDATES

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS: Don't forget about the summer reading assignment for English class! Faculty will be discussing the required read in class early next week. Information will be posted on our website under the Academics tab by the summer break. 

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP  The BA Student Council will be cleaning up our adopted highway tomorrow, Saturday, May 21.  Our adopted highway is MN Highway 60 from mile marker 154 to mile marker 157, east of Faribault.  Students are to meet at BA at 8:45am.  This community service project is not limited to just student council members; any member of the student body is welcome to join and help!  Please dress appropriately for the weather and walking in highway ditches. Students should also bring work gloves.

SUMMER CAMPS: Join our championship volleyball and robotics teams at camps this summer! Lots of options for students grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs


Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Family Focus May 13, 2022

05/18/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, May 2022

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

May 13, 2022

Dear BA Families: 

Minnesota weather - isn't it a joy! This Wednesday scholars and staff were drenched on their way to Mass. During our concert, as many of you know, we were interrupted twice by area weather warnings and sirens. What a day! Although we completed our choir concert, we will be adding our Middle School and High School Band Concert performances to two events already planned the last week of school - we hope you can join us! Thank you for your patience and understanding during the concert as we followed safety protocols.

TUITION AGREEMENTS & FINANCIAL AID: Please watch for these notifications in your email boxes. This will come from FACTS and could end up in your junk mail. You may also login and check the status. Please reach out if you have any questions to Kris Sauer at .

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGES & CONCERT ADDITIONS: Please note that the last week of school we have special schedules. 

• Wed, May 25:
  • 1 p.m. BA Mary Ceremony - at the close of the ceremony, scholars are released. (~2:30 p.m.)
  • 7:30 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass is at DMCC
• Thurs, May 26: Students will be released at 1 p.m. *Please note, there are golf, track and softball games, as well.
• Fri, May 27: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  
  • 9:15 a.m. Middle School Band Concert
  • 9:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony
  • 11:15 a.m. Dismissal for scholars Grades 6-11
  • No lunch will be served
  • 11:15 a.m. Senior/Staff Brunch
  • 7 p.m.  High School Band Concert in gymnasium
  • 7:30 p.m. Commencement in gymnasium.

STILL NEED PLANTS? The FFA Plant sale will continue Friday after school in the greenhouse and possibly Saturday morning at the Fairgrounds, if there are plants left. Stop by!

CELEBRATING RETIRING STAFF: Please send cards to send off Sue Jandro, Mary Herzog (It was Nurses' Day this week, too!), Hugh McCusker and Cassie Kratt as they depart from our school family for retirement or other life adventures!

KUDOS: Congratulations to our BA Manta Rays Vex IQ Robotics team at tying for 6th place in their division at World Championship this past week! Thank you to Mr. Robinson, their coach, chaperone Bob Crone, and all of the parents for their support. Kudos to Mrs. Kratt and Mr. Wendt for the spring concert, despite the interruptions! Thank you to Mrs. Jandro for coordinating the prom and all of her work with the committee. Thanks to our parents for Post Prom!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• May 17: WIN Day
• May 20: Middle School Lock-In and DMCS Family Fun Night
  • DMCS Family Fun Night - 3:30-7:30 - Student volunteers needed for Family Fun Night! Sign up HERE
• May 24: HS Finals, Red Periods 1-3; Senior Rehearsal
• May 25: Gr 9-11 Finals Period 3, Cardinals A-C (See schedule above)
• May 26: Gr 9-11 White Day Finals 1, 2; Early dismissal at 1 pm
• May 27: Last Day of School! (See schedule above)
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for Ukraine and all of our scholars who received the Sacrament of Confirmation! Please join us during the month of May in saying a Hail Mary or the Rosary as we celebrate Mary.

ALL BA UPDATES

Student Service Hours: Does your scholars still need service hours for the semester? DMCS is hosting a family fun night Friday, May 20 and student volunteers are needed! Sign up HERE

SUMMER CAMPS: Join our championship volleyball and robotics teams at camps this summer! Lots of options for students grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

Talk to your Teen: Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

Class of 2022 Info:

Family Focus May 6, 2022

05/10/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, May 2022

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

May 6, 2022

Dear BA Families:

It's May! Happy Mother's Day to all of the BA mothers. As we celebrate you, we are also honoring Mary. This week we began by joining DMCS for the Crowning of Mary at Mass. Along with Mass and prayers, BA will culminate our end of year events with the traditional Mary Ceremony the last week of school. Join us in praying the Rosary this month as we celebrate Mary.

END OF YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGES: Please note that the last week of school we have special schedules and two early release days. 

• Wed, May 25: 1 p.m. is the BA Mary Ceremony - at the close of the ceremony, scholars are released. (Most likely 2:30 p.m.) Baccalaureate Mass is at 7:30 p.m. at DMCC.
• Thurs, May 26: Students will be released at 1 p.m. *Please note, there are golf, track and softball games, as well.
• Fri, May 27:  The Awards Ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. Students grades 6-11 will be dismissed at 11:15 a.m. for the summer; No lunch will be served; Senior/Staff Brunch @ 11:15am; Commencement is at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.

CELEBRATING RETIRING STAFF: Please send cards to send off Sue Jandro, Mary Herzog, Hugh McCusker and Cassie Kratt as they depart from our school family for retirement and other life adventures!

KUDOS: Thank you to all of the BA Board, Home & School and our parents for sending in treats, cards and flowers to honor our teachers this week! Congratulations to our FFA officers and members and special thanks to Casi Jensen in coordinting "Baby Animal Day."

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• May 7: Prom - See details in the HS section below
• May 10: Spring Parent Survey deadline
• May 11: Spring Choir & Band Concert
• May 12: WIN Day
• May 17: WIN Day
• May 20: Middle School Lock-In
• May 25: Mary Ceremony, 1pm & Baccalaureate, 7:30pm
• May 26: Early dismissal at 1 pm
• May 27:
  • Awards Day, 9:30 am
  • 11:15 AM EARLY DISMISSAL/LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, Grades 6-11 (no lunch served)
  • Senior/Faculty Brunch @ 11:15am
  • Commencement, 7:30pm
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers to support Ukraine and all of our BA mothers!

ALL BA UPDATES
SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps this summer for students ranging from grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses! The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

TALK TO YOUR TEEN: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PROM Saturday, May 7: Rustic Romance – PROM 2022 Information. SADD will be sharing special safety demonstrations with high school scholars this coming week. On Saturday, May 7, here is the schedule:

2:00 Pictures at Derham Farm (Barns at Crocker Creek)
4:15 arrive at BA
4:45 line up by the vending machines
5:00 Grand March
5:30 Senior/Junior couples load bus
6:00 Arrive at the Owatonna Country Club 
6:30 dinner  -- buffet style
7:30 – 11:00 Dance
11:00 load bus to return to BA
11:30 Arrive at BA

During pictures at Derham Farm and at the Grand March, Brent Zabel will be taking photos of each couple, groups of couples, and class photos; a link will be shared with parents.

Post Prom May 7-8:  BA students and their guests are invited to attend Post Prom May 7-8, 2022. Permission slips must be signed and turned in to the BA Front Office by Friday, April 29. Click HERE for the permission slip plus event information.

1. Students are still in "school" mode, so they're mentally warmed-up for testing.
2. They've got plenty of time to submit applications for scholarships and schools if they meet their performance goals.
3. If they decide to retest, they know the areas they need to work on.
4. June is one of only three chances per year to purchase their Test Information Release (TIR) to help them prep. A TIR is an official copy of their questions, the answer key, and the answers they submitted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

Summer Youth Formation Programs! Summer Stretch and Totus Tuus registration is open! There is a program for everyone, grades 1-12! Teen leaders also needed. Find more information and register online HERE. 

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of May 9

Family Focus April 29, 2022

05/06/2022

Ed Friesen

April 2022, 2021-22

Leave a comment

"But Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7 (Bible verse of the year chosen by Peer Ministry)

April 29, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Theater is back at BA! I hope that you are able to come out for one of the performances this weekend, April 29-May 1. BA Scholars are performing the play Clue at the Paradise Center for the Arts and the creative results are astounding. We are so blessed to partner with the Paradise and Patrick Braucher for this production. See you there!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK-May 2-6: Join us in celebrating our dedicated teachers next week. You're invited to send in treats, share an email or drop off a card. Our teachers go above and beyond to educate and support our scholars as they live out the mission of BA. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR TEACHERS!

TESTING COMPLETE: For the last two weeks BA scholars have participated in various tests. Our Middle School scholars take the NWEA MAP test, a national assessment in reading, language usage, math and science. Our 9th and 10th grade scholars took the Pre-ACT test. These results will be available to all families in the upcoming weeks. We are proud of our scholar's hard work throughout these exams. 

SPRING STAFF CHANGES: Each spring staff share with administration their plans for the upcoming school year. It is with heavy heart that we announce that three staff will be leaving the BA family for various reasons and we will miss them: Sue Jandro, HS Math; Cassie Kratt - MS & HS Choir Director and Edward Wendt, Band Director. We also have two retirements to celebrate: Mary Herzog, our school nurse, and Hugh McCusker, one of our maintenance assistants. Please pray for these transitions and ask God to direct the right staff to BA!

KUDOS: To our Theater Director and scholars involved in this year's Spring Production of Clue!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays.

• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Ctr for Arts
• May 1: Family Rosary Procession from State Capitol to Cathedral of Saint Paul with the Diocese (Link)
• May 2: Daily Senior open campus begins
• May 2-May 6: Dress up days for Prom Week (Details below.)
• May 4: 8:30am Joint BA-DMCS Mass
• May 5: Student of the Month, 7:30am
• May 7: Prom - See details in the HS section below
• May 10: Spring Parent Survey deadline
• May 11: Spring Choir & Band Concert
• May 12: WIN Day
• May 17: WIN Day
• May 20: Middle School Lock-In
• May 25: Mary Ceremony, 1pm & Baccalaureate, 7:30pm
• May 27: Awards Day, 9am
• May 27: 11:15 AM EARLY DISMISSAL/LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (no lunch served; Senior/Faculty Brunch @ 11:15am)
• May 27: Commencement, 7:30pm
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers to support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps this summer for students ranging from grades 2-12, including volleyball, boys & girls basketball, football and robotics. Non-BA students welcome to attend! Find information and registration forms and get signed up at: Summer Programs

Earn Scrip Credit: Sell @ Masses! The DMCS Scrip Program is looking for people to sell Scrip after weekend Masses for the upcoming year (May 21, 2022 – May 14, 2023). The Scrip Program allows participating families the chance to earn tuition credit at Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy. You will receive an additional $7 tuition credit in your Scrip account for each Mass that you sell Scrip. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Peggy Johnson at (507) 334-7706 Ext: 2206 or pjohnson@dmcs.cc as soon as possible. 

Positivity Project Home Activities: To help extend the learning to your students' homes, we encourage you to share these P2 for Families resources with your students' families. The password is: P2- 6-8 | 9-12

TALK TO YOUR TEEN: MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Find lots of great resources on the BA COUNSELOR'S CORNER webpage HERE. And Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PROM Saturday, May 7: Rustic Romance – PROM 2022 Information. SADD will be sharing special safety demonstrations with high school scholars this coming week. On Saturday, May 7, here is the schedule:

2:00 Pictures at Derham Farm (Barns at Crocker Creek)
4:15 arrive at BA
4:45 line up by the vending machines
5:00 Grand March
5:30 Senior/Junior couples load bus
6:00 Arrive at the Owatonna Country Club 
6:30 dinner  -- buffet style
7:30 – 11:00 Dance
11:00 load bus to return to BA
11:30 Arrive at BA

During pictures at Derham Farm and at the Grand March, Brent Zabel will be taking photos of each couple, groups of couples, and class photos; a link will be shared with parents.

Post Prom May 7-8:  BA students and their guests are invited to attend Post Prom May 7-8, 2022. Permission slips must be signed and turned in to the BA Front Office by Friday, April 29. Click HERE for the permission slip plus event information.

Attention 9^th & 10^th Grade Parents: Pre-ACT scores are back!  We are excited to share with you the results of the Pre-ACT tests that were taken April 5 and April 7.  It is a lot of great information! Pick up their scores at an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 4, at 6:30pm in the BA gym.  We will spend about 30 minutes reviewing scores, what it means now and what it means for the future.  

1. Students are still in "school" mode, so they're mentally warmed-up for testing.
2. They've got plenty of time to submit applications for scholarships and schools if they meet their performance goals.
3. If they decide to retest, they know the areas they need to work on.
4. June is one of only three chances per year to purchase their Test Information Release (TIR) to help them prep. A TIR is an official copy of their questions, the answer key, and the answers they submitted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pregnancy Options Pancake Breakfast May 14: See flyer at left; tickets available at BA from Jen Robert '22. 

Americorps Jobs: A full description of the various positions can be found here, healthycommunityinitiative.org/americorps. 
 

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND CHURCH

Registration for the Steubenville Youth Conference is now open! Open to grades 8 (going into 9th next year) and up. July 29-31 at the University of St. Thomas. Cost is $275 per person, $100 deposit to hold your spot. Register online HERE. Find the conference video teaser HERE. 

Summer Youth Formation Programs! Summer Stretch and Totus Tuus registration is open! There is a program for everyone, grades 1-12! Teen leaders also needed. Find more information and register online HERE. 

CALENDAR LINK
Click the link below for the school activities calendar.

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of May 2