Family Focus Newsletters

Welcome Guest

Recent Posts	Recent Comments	Categories	Archives	Search : type, hit ENTER
subscribe

Family Focus April 22, 2022

04/27/2022

Kris Sauer

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 22, 2022

Dear BA Families:

CARDINAL STRONG! The the warm weather was welcomed at spring sporting events this season. Our teams showed strong results in both our coop sports and BA softball - way to go, Cardinals! Scholars also heard from Darrell Thompson, previous Green Bay Packer and President of Bolder Options. He shared insight into persevering through struggles through his personal story.

Merit-based HOBAN Scholarships for BA 9-12 Scholars: Looking for another scholarship opportunity to support your tuition costs at BA? Please encourage your scholar to take time to apply for the merit-based Hoban scholarship. Scholars entering grades 9-12 next fall are eligible and must write a short essay due by April 29 to be considered. (Apply Here)

Spring Parent Survey: As we plan for next year, we would value your feedback to make our school and community stronger! Please take our short parent survey found HERE by May 10. 

SAVE THE DATE: April 29-May 1! BA Scholars are performing the play "Clue" at the Paradise Center for the Arts. Come support our theater students!

SPRING STAFF CHANGES: Each spring staff share with administration their plans for the upcoming school year. This year we have three staff moving on for various reasons and we will miss them - Sue Jandro, HS Math; Cassie Kratt - MS & HS Choir Director and Edward Wendt, Band Director. Please pray for their transitions and please ask for God to direct the right staff to BA!

KUDOS: To SADD for hosting our guest speaker this week and helping us pray for Ukraine each day during announcements.

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

• April 25-26: FFA scholars at STATE!
• April 26: WIN day
• April 28: Parent Close Up Trip Meeting, see info below
• April 25, 27-29: MS MAP Testing
• April 29: HS Hoban Scholarship application due, click HERE
• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Ctr for Arts
• May 2: Daily Senior open campus begins
• May 5: Student of the Month, 7:30am
• May 7: Prom 
• May 10: Spring Parent Survey deadline
• May 11: Spring Choir & Band Concert
• 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
Close Up Trip Parent Meeting: Parents of rising grade 9-12 students interested in attending the Close Up trip to New York City and Washington, DC during spring break 2023 are invited to attend an informational meeting at BA Thursday, April 28, at 7pm in G9. BA advisor Dave Wollin and a Close Up program representative will be on hand to answer questions about this incredible program. 

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. 

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps, including robotics and athletics, and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration now! (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. The Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition's April message for parents is on Steve's Law. Under Steve’s Law, also known as the Minnesota Good Samaritan Law, any person who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose cannot be prosecuted for possession of drugs or paraphernalia. Both the person seeking help and the overdose victim are protected from prosecution if they cooperate with law enforcement. For more information, visit ricecountycmhc.org/naloxone/.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
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 April 25

Family Focus April 14, 2022

04/20/2022

Kris Sauer

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 14, 2022

Dear BA Families:

BLESSED EASTER! As you celebrate the Triduum, may you feel the blessing of God upon you. Just a reminder, there is no school on Friday or Monday. This week the Holy Spirit helped guide our Peer Ministry as they led the 6-7th grade retreat. What a blessing to have our young leaders helping our middle school scholars grow in faith and fellowship. 

THANK YOU! We are so thankful to everyone for their participation in BABS. Thanks to your efforts and donations, we raised over $61,950 towards our Fund-A-Need and will receive a match of $50,000 enabling us to support Teacher Wish Lists. In addition, our Live and Silent Auctions brought in over $36,000. With all of the sponsors and games, we anticipate grossing over $40,000 helping us reach our budget needs for BABS.

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES: Thank you for registering early, we have nearly 90% of our scholars registered. If you haven't registered, please do so by Friday, April 15. Remember it's a two step process: 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE BA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

HOBAN Scholarships for BA 9-12 Scholars: Looking for another scholarship opportunity to support your tuition costs at BA? Please take time to apply for the Hoban scholarship. Scholars must write a short essay due by April 29. (Apply Here)

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps, including robotics and athletics, and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration now! (Summer Programs)


SAVE THE DATE - April 29-May 1! BA Scholars are performing the play "Clue" at the Paradise Center for the Arts. Come support our theater students!

KUDOS: To our Peer Ministry Team and Ms. Shimota for their work with our middle school this week. Special thanks to our Student Council and Home & School for hosting Grandparents Day today!

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

• April 15: TADS aid and FACTS Re-enrollment Deadline!
• April 15: NO SCHOOL / Good Friday
• April 18: NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
• April 18: Post Prom Dining Night Out @ Crooked Pint, FLYER
• April 19: Guest Speaker Darryl Thompson, 1pm (WIN schedule)
• April 21: WIN day
• April 22: Dress down day for Ukraine hosted by SADD
• April 26: WIN day
• April 29: HS Hoban Scholarship application due, click HERE
• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Ctr for Arts
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for a beautiful Easter! To support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES

Crooked Pint DNO April 18: Post-prom is hosting a dining night out at Crooked Pint Monday, April 18 and 15% of all dining/drink purchases from 5-9pm will go to Post Prom! Click HERE for the flyer to show your server for the discount. 

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. Here is a link to Rice County resources. The Rice County Chemical and Mental Health Coalition's April message for parents is on Steve's Law. Under Steve’s Law, also known as the Minnesota Good Samaritan Law, any person who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose cannot be prosecuted for possession of drugs or paraphernalia. Both the person seeking help and the overdose victim are protected from prosecution if they cooperate with law enforcement. For more information, visit ricecountycmhc.org/naloxone/.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

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 April 18

Family Focus April 8, 2022

04/12/2022

Kris Sauer

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 8, 2022

Dear BA Families:

It's BABS Weekend! I hope to see many of you at BABS tomorrow as we celebrate BA pride, enjoy time together and raise critical dollars for our scholars. It's not too late to sign up, hope to see you there! 

BABS 2022: You can still reserve your ticket (online event tickets sales close Sat 4/9 @ 12noon; tickets available at the door), volunteer, or bid on Silent Auction items online if you cannot attend: 

• Register Here: Tickets
• Volunteer Here: Sign Up Genius
• Raffle Tickets Here: RAFFLE
• Auction Items Here: AUCTION

BA REGISTRATION FOR THE 2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR CONTINUES: Thank you for registering early, we have nearly 90% of our scholars registered. If you haven't registered, please do so by next Friday, April 15. Remember it's a two step process: 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE BA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

GRANDPARENTS' DAY - April 14: Please be sure to share this date with grandparents/special adults in your scholar's life. We will have a short program and treats beginning at 1 p.m. Click here for the invitation, information on the baking competition, and grandparent questionnaire. 

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps being offered this year and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration, now! (Summer Programs)

KUDOS: To our BABS committee for the incredible efforts to put everything together for a fantastic BABS event! Special congratulations to our FFA scholars - our Landscaping team qualified for State! Thanks to Mrs. Jensen for leading her FFA team.

RECOGNITION: It's that time of year to recognize a business and area schools at the Faribault Daily News! Click here to vote: VOTE FOR THE BEST

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

• April 9: BABS 2022!! Click here for more information 
• April 12 & 13: Easter flower pick up, 3-6pm, BA Front Lobby
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 13: Joint BA & DMCS Mass at 8:30 a.m. (No 10:30 a.m. Mass today)
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• April 15: TADS aid and FACTS Re-enrollment Deadline!
• April 15: NO SCHOOL / Good Friday
• April 18: NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
• April 18: Post Prom Dining Night Out @ Crooked Pint
• April 19: Guest Speaker Darryl Thompson, 1pm (WIN schedule)
• April 21: WIN day
• April 26: WIN day
• April 29-May 1: BA spring play, Clue, at the Paradise Center for the Arts
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for the healing and relationships. Special prayers asked for the families of Ukraine. To support Ukraine at this time, the Diocese has fundraising information: https://www.archspm.org/helping-ukraine/

ALL BA UPDATES


Easter flower pick up! Easter flowers ordered for the BAAA fundraiser will be available for pick up Tuesday April 12 and Wednesday April 13, 3-6pm in the BA front lobby. Forgot to order? Extra flowers are available for purchase during pick up times!

April 15: TADS, FACTS Deadlines & Tuition Tax Documents: Friday, April 15 is the deadline to apply for BA tuition assistance for the 2022-2023 school year. Find the application here. We ask that enrollment in FACTS be completed by April 15 so we may adequately plan for next year. Find the FACTS login HERE  (Parent login/FACTS Family Portal). Taxes: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

Crooked Pint DNO April 18: Post-prom is hosting a dining night out at Crooked Pint Monday, April 18 and 15% of all dining/drink purchases from 5-9pm will go to Post Prom! Click HERE for the flyer to show your server for the discount. 

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. Thank you!

2022 Summer Camps

From the Nurse’s Office
A reminder to all students entering 7^th grade this fall: Please make sure that you have had your tetanus booster and 1^st meningitis shot before the start of school in the fall. Many students have already received the required shot. Reminder letters will be going out. For all students entering grade 12 in fall: A second meningitis shot is required before the start of school this fall. Reminder letters will be sent out.

SPRING SPORTS
As we head into spring break, spring sports are getting underway at Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School. Available sports include girls fastpitch softball, baseball, track & field, golf and boys tennis. 

Girls Fastpitch Softball is offered by Bethlehem Academy to girls in grades 6-12. The high school team began practice this week and middle school will begin practice on Monday, March 28. Please visit our athletics website https://sports.bacards.org, for registration link, activity fee payment link, schedules, forms, parent-player-coach handbook and other items. The activity fee is $140 per participant and may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Register for Girls Fastpitch Softball HERE. Completing the online registration form is required. Pay the Softball Activity Fee HERE. 

Baseball, Track & Field, Golf and Boys Tennis are offered through cooperative sports agreements with Faribault Public Schools. Please visit www.faribaultfalcons.com for schedules, registration, forms and other information. The activity fee for high school students is $170 and the activity fee for middle school students is $85. Payment of activity fees for these sports is done through the district’s Infinite Campus web portal. Contact Shawn Behrens in the high school activities office to create your Infinite Campus account. Ms. Behrens may be reached at 507-333-6210 or sbehrens@faribault.k12.mn.us. Click here for Faribault Falcon sports registration. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.

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

Enrollment/Financial Aid/Tuition Agreement Deadlines:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

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 STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (water park, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

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

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of April 11

Family Focus, April 1, 2022

04/06/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, April 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)

April 1, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Welcome April!  I hope that Spring Break blessed you with relaxation of body and renewal of spirit. The parish and BA scholars that traveled to Belize experienced a beautiful act of service during their Spring Break and we are proud of all of them. They shared their stories with the Legion this past week.

BA is excited to celebrate the beginning of the 4th quarter this week and continue in our Lenten activities. Today we gathered for our last "Stations of the Cross" closing with a special candle ceremony. Next Friday reconciliation will be offered to all scholars. We invite you to join us and take our Lenten "Kindness Challenge!" (Kindness)

SUMMER CAMPS: We have several summer camps being offered this year and will be scheduling additional programs as well. Check out what's open for registration, now! (Summer Programs)

GRANDPARENTS' DAY - April 14: Please be sure to share this date with grandparents/adults in your scholar's life. We will have a short program and treats beginning at 1 p.m.


BABS 2022: Have you reserved your ticket for April 9? It's just one week away! You won't want to miss the fun:

• Register Here: Tickets
• Volunteer Here: Sign Up Genius
• Raffle Tickets Here: RAFFLE

Class Basket: Donate toward your scholar's class basket! Each grade this year has picked a theme that you can donate toward: 6-Movie; 7-Camping; 8-Sports; 9-Gardening; 10- Bonfire or Beach; 11-Movie; 12-BBQ/Grill. ALL BASKET DONATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 4.

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES: Thank you for registering early, we have 85% of our families completed and anticipate close to 15 new scholars! Remember it's a two step process: 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

KUDOS: To our choir and solo and ensemble participants who all received Superior ratings, check this out on Facebook! Special thanks to Mrs. Kratt for working with each scholar on their performance. Congratulations to Delaney Luckow '28 and Holden Boyd '26 competing in their State Archery tournament in Duluth and receiving their highest scores for the season!

RECOGNITION: It's that time of year to recognize a business, and area schools at the Faribault Daily News! Click here to vote: VOTE FOR THE BEST

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly at Immaculate Conception Church for Mass on Wednesdays and Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

• April 4: Deadline to apply to be a Summer Student Worker (see info below)
• April 4: 2023 Close-Up Trip (DC & NYC) mtg, Gr 9-11, 7:45am
• April 5: BA Blood Drive in the BA gym; Gr 9 Pre-ACT test
• April 7: Gr 10 Pre-ACT test
• April 8: Reconciliation
• April 9: BABS 2022!! Click here for more information 
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• April 15: TADS aid and FACTS Re-enrollment Deadline!
• April 15: NO SCHOOL / Good Friday
• April 18: NO SCHOOL / Easter Monday
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for the healing and relationships. Special prayers asked for the families of Ukraine.

ALL BA UPDATES

HS Summer Workers: Deadline April 4: High school students (entering grades 9-12 in 2022-2023) interested in working at BA and DMCS this summer on our maintenance team have until Monday, April 4 to apply. Student workers help clean and prepare the schools for the upcoming school year. Students are guaranteed 2 weeks and may be asked to work additional weeks. The hourly wage is $8.42; all wages earned will be credited directly to the scholar’s BA tuition agreement in August. Workers who are selected will be under the direction of Mr. Steve Zabel, but will work a week in both schools. Students whose families receive financial aid will have first priority; others are encouraged to apply. If interested, please call the BA office @ 507-334-3948 or email Barb Johnson with te names of your scholar(s). 

April 15: TADS, FACTS & Tuition Tax Documents: Friday, April 15 is the deadline to apply for BA tuition assistance for the 2022-2023 school year. Find the application here. We ask that enrollment in FACTS be completed by April 15 so we may adequately plan for next year. Find the FACTS login HERE  (Parent login/FACTS Family Portal). Taxes: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

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. Thank you!

From the Nurse’s Office
A reminder to all students entering 7^th grade this fall: Please make sure that you have had your tetanus booster and 1^st meningitis shot before the start of school in the fall. Many students have already received the required shot. Reminder letters will be going out. For all students entering grade 12 in fall: A second meningitis shot is required before the start of school this fall. Reminder letters will be sent out.

2022 Summer Camps

SPRING SPORTS
As we head into spring break, spring sports are getting underway at Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School. Available sports include girls fastpitch softball, baseball, track & field, golf and boys tennis. 

Girls Fastpitch Softball is offered by Bethlehem Academy to girls in grades 6-12. The high school team began practice this week and middle school will begin practice on Monday, March 28. Please visit our athletics website https://sports.bacards.org, for registration link, activity fee payment link, schedules, forms, parent-player-coach handbook and other items. The activity fee is $140 per participant and may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Register for Girls Fastpitch Softball HERE. Completing the online registration form is required. Pay the Softball Activity Fee HERE. 

Baseball, Track & Field, Golf and Boys Tennis are offered through cooperative sports agreements with Faribault Public Schools. Please visit www.faribaultfalcons.com for schedules, registration, forms and other information. The activity fee for high school students is $170 and the activity fee for middle school students is $85. Payment of activity fees for these sports is done through the district’s Infinite Campus web portal. Contact Shawn Behrens in the high school activities office to create your Infinite Campus account. Ms. Behrens may be reached at 507-333-6210 or sbehrens@faribault.k12.mn.us. Click here for Faribault Falcon sports registration. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.

Middle school track & field begins practice on April 4. 

Middle school baseball begins practice on April 4. 

Golf begins practice on Monday, March 28. Golf is open to students in grades 7-12.

Boys Tennis begins practice on Monday, March 28. Boys Tennis is open to boys in grades 7-12. 

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

Enrollment/Financial Aid/Tuition Agreement Deadlines:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PreACT Test – For students in grades 9 (April 5) and 10 (April 7): The ACT is the most common college entrance exam in Minnesota and the United States. It is commonly taken by students in spring of their Junior year and/or fall of their Senior year. The PreACT is designed to prepare students for taking the ACT. It is a standards-based assessment which monitors progress toward college and career readiness. Students are automatically registered for these tests, which are paid for by the school. Grade 9 students will take this test Tuesday, April 5; Grade 10 on Thursday April 7. To learn more about the PreACT exam, click HERE.

ST CATHERINE UNIVERSITY FASHION CAMP: Dates: July 11-15 (1-5 p.m.) Open to all 10-12th grade scholars.Cost: $300 (A reduced cost of $50 is available for families who qualify for free/reduced price lunch). For more information and to sign up, click HERE. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Click HERE to register!

















BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Click HERE for the full job description. 

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 STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (waterpark, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

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

• BA School Calendar 
• Spring Coop Sports Schedule - Week of April 4

Family Focus 3-18-22

03/29/2022

Kris Sauer

March 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)

March 18, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Happy Spring Break! I'll be praying for all of your safety as many families plan to travel this break. Please pray for our Parish/School Belize travel group as they head out to serve Christ. Follow them online: (https://www.facebook.com/divinemercybelize2022)
Remember to join us for our Lenten activities: Mass at Immaculate Conception Church each Wednesday at 10:30am and Friday mornings Stations of the Cross at 10:35am and on Monday, March 28, our NHS members are hosting the parish soup supper with DMCS. Also, take our Lenten "Kindness Challenge!" (Kindness)

BABS have you reserved your ticket for April 9? Donate, attend, and/or volunteer! Each grade level this year has picked a theme that you can donate toward: 6-Movie; 7-Camping; 8-Sports; 9-Gardening; 10- Bonfire or Beach; 11-Movie; 12-BBQ/Grill. ALL BASKET DONATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 1. Send in donations toward these themes marked for the grade level. Check out the volunteer needs on our "Sign Up Genius" and connect with us to reserve your tickets to BABS, you won't want to miss our celebration! (Ticket Link)

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES: Enrollment is a two step process. 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

UPDATES ON FUNDRAISERS: 
BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available and donations and Baskets Needed! Order raffle tickets HERE. See ideas for donations on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.

Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $283,200. We are so thankful for this support! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Donate Online

Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are over $7 million!

COVID Updates: This week BA had no positive COVID cases and no one in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. 

KUDOS: To our scholars and our staff for the completion of the 3rd quarter of the year! The next two months will go by quickly!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Additional activities and sporting events online. Join us weekly for Mass on Wednesdays and Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

• March 21: Golf, baseball season opener
• March 21-25: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
• March 28: NHS students serve at the DMCC Lenten Soup Supper
• March 29: HS Choir solo and ensemble contest
• March 29: Post-Prom parent meeting, 6:00pm, BA Cafeteria 
• March 31: Gr 10-11 PSEO Info Meeting, 6:30pm-see below
• April 1: BABS Baskets and donations due!
• April 4: Summer Student Worker deadline
• April 5: BA Blood Drive in the BA gym; Gr 9 Pre-ACT test
• April 8: Reconciliation
• April 9: BABS; click here for more information 
• April 10: Gr 10 Pre-ACT test
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• April 15: Re-enrollment Deadline!
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE

Prayers for the safety of our scholars, staff, and families over spring break. Special prayers asked for the families of Ukraine.

ALL BA UPDATES

Help the Gardner Family: Former BA Band Director, Scot Gardner, is looking for volunteers to help his family meet the needs of their son, Christopher. See their letter with more information HEREand help if you can. 

Looking for a way to help the Caron Family? Classmate Matthew Friesen has set up a GoFundMe account to help Andrew Caron and his family as he recovers from his recent auto accident. Donate to the family HERE.

Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTSHERE. 

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

Enrollment/Financial Aid/Tuition Agreement Deadlines:

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PSEO Information Meeting March 31: Is your scholar interested in taking PSEO next year? PSEO (Post Secondary Education Options) is the name for the opportunity for high school students to take college classes through a college for both high school and college credit. There are many important items to consider when looking at PSEO. To make sure you and your scholar are aware of them all, there will be an informational meeting on Thursday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. in the BA Library. 10th and 11th grade tudents who are interested in PSEO are strongly encouraged to attend.

PreACT – For students in grades 9 and 10: The ACT is the most common college entrance exam in Minnesota and the United States. It is commonly taken by students in spring of their Junior year and/or fall of their Senior year. The PreACT is designed to prepare students for taking the ACT. It is a standards-based assessment which monitors progress toward college and career readiness. Students are automatically registered for these tests, which are paid for by the school. Grade 9 students will take this test Tuesday, April 5; Grade 10 on Thursday April 7. To learn more about the PreACT exam, click HERE.

BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Deadline to apply: March 18, 2022. Click HERE for the full job description. 

SPRING SPORTS

As we head into spring break, spring sports are getting underway at Bethlehem Academy and Faribault High School. Available sports include girls fastpitch softball, baseball, track & field, golf and boys tennis. 

Girls Fastpitch Softball is offered by Bethlehem Academy to girls in grades 6-12. The high school team began practice this week and middle school will begin practice on Monday, March 28. Please visit our athletics website, https://sports.bacards.org, for registration link, activity fee payment link, schedules, forms, parent-player-coach handbook and other items. The activity fee is $140 per participant and may be paid online or by sending a check to the school office. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam. Register for Girls Fastpitch Softball HERE. Completing the online registration form is required. Pay the Softball Activity Fee HERE. 

Baseball, Track & Field, Golf and Boys Tennis are offered through cooperative sports agreements with Faribault Public Schools. Please visit www.faribaultfalcons.com for schedules, registration, forms and other information. The activity fee for high school students is $170 and the activity fee for middle school students is $85. Payment of activity fees for these sports is done through the district’s Infinite Campus web portal. Contact Shawn Behrens in the high school activities office to create your Infinite Campus account. Ms. Behrens may be reached at 507-333-6210 or sbehrens@faribault.k12.mn.us. Click here for Faribault Falcon sports registration. Student participants must also have a valid sports physical clearance on file with the school. Sports physicals are good for 3 years from the date of the exam.

High School Track & Field began practice this past week. Middle school track & field begins practice on April 4. Track & field is open to students in grades 6-12. (I am not sure if 6^th grade can participate in middle school track.)

High school Baseball began arm conditioning this past week. Practice begins on Monday. Middle school begins practice on April 4. Baseball is open to students in grades 6-12. 

Golf begins practice on Monday, March 28. Golf is open to students in grades 7-12.

Boys Tennis begins practice on Monday, March 28. Boys Tennis is open to boys in grades 7-12. 

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

CODING CAMP: During the exciting 3-week summer camp, students build really impressive AI products that people can use! AI Camp is founded by Stanford Ph.Ds, and have taught thousands of students about AI! No coding experience is needed. About 70% of our applicants are awarded with a scholarship. To apply, click here: https://www.ai-camp.org/summer-camp-scholarship. This amazing opportunity is first-come, first serve. The deadline is 3/15."

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 STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (waterpark, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

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

• BA School Calendar 

Family Focus 3-11-22

03/14/2022

Kris Sauer

March 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)

March 11, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Thank you for joining us for conferences. We were happy to greet you face-to-face this spring and partner with you in your scholar's achievements and goals. Please reach out with any additional information or questions. We look forward to your feedback on conferences and other important BA programs as we plan for next year. Watch for a survey next week!

LENT & SISTERS: This week we celebrated National Sister's Week for those serving in vocations. Scholars honored our two Sinsinawa Dominican sisters with special cards and a gift from Home & School. We invite you to join us in our Lenten activities: Mass at Immaculate Conception Church each Wednesday at 10:30am, Friday mornings Stations of the Cross at 10:35am. Also, take our Lenten "Kindness Challenge!" (Kindness)

BABS is just around the corner-April 9! Donate, attend, and/or volunteer! Each grade level this year has also picked a theme that you can donate toward: 6-Movie; 7-Camping; 8-Sports; 9-Gardening; 10- Bonfire; 11-Movie; 12-BBQ/Grill. Send in donations toward these themes marked for the grade level. Check out the volunteer needs on our "Sign Up Genius" and connect with us to reserve your tickets to BABS, you won't want to miss our celebration! (Ticket Link)

GRANDPARENT'S DAY RESCHEDULED: Please invite your scholar's grandparents to our rescheduled event on Thursday, April 14, starting at 1pm.

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES:  Enrollment is a two step process. 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available and donations and Baskets Needed! Order raffle tickets HERE. See ideas for donations on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.

COVID Updates: This week BA had no positive COVID cases and no one in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. 

KUDOS: To our Robotics Teams and special congratulations to our MS Team. They will compete at the Vex IQ World Championship in Dallas this May! Special thanks to Cassie Kratt and congratulations to our high school choir for their performance this week at contest! We wish senior, Kacie Hofius the best in her spring skating show this Saturday.

• March 14: Softball, track & field season opener
• March 15: STRIVE meeting for Juniors at 1 p.m.; Spring sports meeting, 6:30pm
• March 18: Senior open campus forms due, see below
• March 21: Golf, baseball season opener
• March 21-25: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
• March 28: BA students serve at the DMCC Lenten Soup Supper
• March 29: HS Choir solo and ensemble contest
• April 4: Summer Student Worker deadline
• April 5: BA Blood Drive in the BA gym; Gr 9 Pre-ACT test
• April 10: Gr 10 Pre-ACT test
• April 9: BABS
• April 12: Gr 6-7 retreat, BA gym
• April 14: Grandparents Day, 1pm!
• Click HERE for the 2022-2023 BA School Calendar
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

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

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

PreACT – For students in grades 9 and 10: The ACT is the most common college entrance exam in Minnesota and the United States. It is commonly taken by students in spring of their Junior year and/or fall of their Senior year. The PreACT is designed to prepare students for taking the ACT. It is a standards-based assessment which monitors progress toward college and career readiness. Students are automatically registered for these tests, which are paid for by the school. Grade 9 students will take this test Tuesday, April 5; Grade 10 on Thursday April 7. To learn more about the PreACT exam, click HERE.

BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Deadline to apply: March 18, 2022. Click HERE for the full job description. 

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Faribault Youth Baseball Summer League Registration: Registration from Feb 1-March 15 for the 2022 summer metro baseball traveling league ages 10u-15u.  Go to faribaultbaseball.com for more info and to register. 

CODING CAMP: During the exciting 3-week summer camp, students build really impressive AI products that people can use! AI Camp is founded by Stanford Ph.Ds, and have taught thousands of students about AI! No coding experience is needed. About 70% of our applicants are awarded with a scholarship. To apply, click here: https://www.ai-camp.org/summer-camp-scholarship. This amazing opportunity is first-come, first serve. The deadline is 3/15."

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 STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (waterpark, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

 

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

• BA School Calendar 

Family Focus 3/4/22

03/09/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, March 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)

March 4, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Welcome March - the season of Lent begins. With March, the sun arrives a little earlier and warms us as we prepare for Easter during the season of Lent. As part of this preparation, students in 9th grade began March with an all day in-school Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Faribault Rotary. Each year, planning a religious retreat along with daily prayer, Mass and spiritual events develops our young scholars character and enriches their faith life. Throughout Lent, we will also offer the Rosary each Friday morning at 7:40 a.m., Stations of the Cross, Fridays at 10:30 a.m., and continue with weekly Mass and Adoration inviting all of our families to join us when you can.

CONCERT TONIGHT!  Don't forget to join us for our winter Band/Choir concert on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. tonight!

CONFERENCES MARCH 10: We invite you to in-person conferences this spring. Our staff looks forward to visiting with you! Please sign up here: (Sign Up)

BA REGISTRATION FOR 2022-23 CONTINUES:  BA staff and partners bring 16 new classes to BA scholars over the last two years with the option for over 300+ online courses through Catholic Virtual and CIS classes with the U of M and Marquette. It's a great time to be a Cardinal, register early and tell your friends! Enrollment is a two step process. 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply HERE by April 15. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions.

COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had no positive COVID cases and no one in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. 

• BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available and donations and Baskets Needed! Order raffle tickets HERE. See ideas for donations on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
• Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $281,200. What an incredible response! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Donate Online (click)  
• Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are over $7 million!

KUDOS: To our Robotics Middle School team, competing at State this Saturday and our middle school honors band students competing in Austin. Congratulations to our State wrestlers, Aiden Tobin '22 and Bo Bokman '25 as they compete today and tomorrow. Special thanks to Julie Smisek and all of the chaperones during our Wolf Ridge 8th Grade excursion. Congratulations to our STRIVE scholarship winners Justin Delesha, Madelyn Gersemehl, Abigail Kugler, and Sophy Smith.

• March 5: MS Robotics teams @ State; MS Honors Band in Austin
• March 9: HS Choir Group Music Festival
• March 10: Conferences (Sign Up)
• March 10: BAAA Easter Flower order deadline. Order yours HERE (Store ID=440); see below and attached flyer for more info 
• March 14: Softball, track & field season opener
• March 15: Spring sports meeting, 6:30pm
• March 21: Golf, baseball season opener
• March 21-25: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

BA Activities Association (BAAA) Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser! This annual Easter flower fundraiser is now online! The BAAA will receive 30% of all plant sales, with proceeds going to offset the costs of athletic uniforms, choir robes, robotics fees, etc. Orders must be completed by 10 PM on Thursday, March 10. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products can be picked up in the BA lobby April 12 & 13. Please contact your fundraiser chair: Clarice DeGrood or via 507-838-8073 with questions. Thank you for your support! Find the link to order HERE (Store ID = 440 and BA is the seller's name); flyer also attached. 

Face coverings no longer required on school transportation: On Friday, Feb. 25, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated their face mask requirements for transportation operated by school systems. Beginning Monday, Feb. 28, Faribault Public Schools - and Bethlehem Academy - no longer requires students and adults to wear face coverings when riding a school bus or on other district-provided transportation. Students and staff may choose to wear a face covering at any time. 

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:
Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms. Roessler by March 10, 2022.

BA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Evening School Maintenance position open: Hours 3-11pm during the school year, 6:30am-3 p.m. in the summer. Deadline to apply: March 18, 2022. Click HERE for the full job description. 

JOB/COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Faribault Youth Baseball Summer League Registration: Registration from Feb 1-March 15 for the 2022 summer metro baseball traveling league ages 10u-15u.  Go to faribaultbaseball.com for more info and to register. 

Free Meals for Students
Community dinners are offered Monday-Thursday, 4:30-5:30pm at Jefferson Elementary School (922 Home Place). Kids eat free; adult meals are $3.50. More information in English and Spanish HERE. 
 

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 STRETCH June 13th-17th, 2022 This program is designed for middle school students going into grades 6-8 to "stretch" themselves by making new friends, growing in their faith, and having new experiences. Each day includes a morning service project (local needs, River Bend Nature, Sharing and Caring Hands, Feed My Starving Children), lunchtime Bible Student, and afternoon activity (waterpark, movie, Valleyfair, tour of Twins Stadium).***activities mentioned above are subject to change based on availability.  Register for Summer Stretch

Register for Totus Tuus

Day Program Grades 1-6 Divine Mercy Catholic School June 27-July 1 9:00am-2:30pm $50 per student, with $100 family max

Evening Program Grades 7-12 Divine Mercy Catholic Church/Farmhouse June 25- June 30 7:30p-9:45pm Free to attend

 

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

• BA School Calendar 

ATTACHMENT

• BAAA Easter Flower Fundraiser

Family Focus 2-25-22

03/01/2022

Kris Sauer

February 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)

February 25, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Closing out February. This week our scholars celebrated national FFA Week with special events, games and a visit from two little lambs! In addition, our 10th and 11th grade scholars attended a full day NET Retreat for time together as classes, time for religious discussion and essential time for Mass, prayer and reflection - critical in developing the body, mind and spirit. This next Wednesday we invite you to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church as we begin the season of Lent. Also, don't forget to join us for our winter Band/Choir concert on Friday, March 4.

THEATER CLUB AUDITIONS FOR "CLUE": BA is partnering with the Paradise Center for the Arts this year and will feature our scholars in CLUE at the Paradise on April 29, 30th and May 1st. Audition packets are available in the office and open to 7-12th grade students. Students can audition on March 2nd or 3rd after school. Patrick Braucher is our director, one of the Paradise directors. Encourage your scholar!

CONFERENCES MARCH 10: We invite you to in-person conferences this spring. Our staff looks forward to visiting with you! Please sign up here: (Sign Up)

BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23 - Early Financial Aid Applications Due March 1:  BA staff and partners bring 16 new classes to BA scholars over the last two years with the option for over 300+ online courses through Catholic Virtual. It's a great time to be a Cardinal, register early and tell your friends! Enrollment is a two step process. 1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan-this can be adjusted later. 2) TADS-Apply for tuition assistance, if needed - MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. SIGN UP BY MARCH 1 (deadline extended!) to take advantage of all scholarship offerings and BA covering the $10 FACTS enrollment fee. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or to set up time for support.

COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had no positive COVID cases and no one in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. 

• BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available. Order yours HERE. Volunteers and auction items needed! See ideas on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
• Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $281,000. What an incredible response! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Donate Online (click)  
• Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are over $7 million!

KUDOS: To our FFA team members for hosting this week and to Richard for subbing and bringing in the little lambs. Also, special thanks to our basketball coaches, participants and families - it was a great season with much to be proud of!

• March 1: No fee FACTS re-enrollment & TADS financial aid deadline for full scholarship consideration extended!
• March 1: 9th Grade Youth Frontiers Retreat @ BA (more info below)
• March 2 & 3: Theater Auditions for "Clue" after school 7-12th grades
• March 4: Class registration forms due, students grades 8-11
• March 4: Band & Choir Concert
• March 5: MS Robotics teams @ State; MS Honors Band in Austin
• March 10: Conferences (Sign Up)
• March 10: BAAA Easter Flower order deadline. Order yours HERE (Store ID=440); see below for more info & QR code
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

BA Activities Association (BAAA) Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser! This annual Easter flower fundraiser is now online! The BAAA will receive 30% of all plant sales, with proceeds going to offset the costs of athletic uniforms, choir robes, robotics fees, etc. Orders must be completed by 10 PM on Thursday, March 10. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products can be picked up in the BA lobby April 12 & 13. Please contact your fundraiser chair: Clarice DeGrood or via 507-838-8073 with questions. Thank you for your support! Find the link to order HERE (Store ID = 440 and BA is the seller's name) or scan the QR code for a direct link: 

Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

 & click on Financial Aid Assessment to get started. The application deadline was just extended to March 1 to be considered for all available scholarships. 

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

9th Grade Retreat March 1: 9th graders will participate in a Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Rotary Club of Faribault here at BA. Please click HERE for more information about Youth Frontiers and to watch a video about the Respect Retreat. 

Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:
Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms Roessler by March 10, 2022.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Aim Higher Foundation K-8 Scholarships: Every year, students at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, MN) receive tuition assistance scholarships from the Aim Higher Foundation. We would like to thank the many donors and friends who help make our great school accessible to all families! Learn more HERE. Apply via the TADS financial aid application HERE and click on Financial Aid Assessment.  Deadline extended to March 1, 2022!

Family Focus 2-17-22

02/18/2022

Kris Sauer

February 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)

February 17, 2022

Dear BA Families:

United in prayer. This week one of our students was in a tragic accident. He is recovering thanks to prayers and miracles. We ask for your continued prayers for Andrew Caron and the Caron family as he heals and recovers. What a blessing that we can come together to support and care for each other through prayer.

LONG WEEKEND AHEAD: Please don't forget that you have a long weekend. Friday, Feb. 18 and Monday, Feb. 21 are "No School Days." Not only is this a great opportunity for scholars to relax or travel, but it is also a great time to make up any late work.

APPRECIATION OF STAFF: Please thank your Faribault bus drivers and the BA van driver on Wednesday, Feb. 23 for Bus Driver Appreciation Day in our District. Cards and tokens of gratitude appreciated!

BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23:  Enrollment is a two step process:
1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan. 2) TADS-this is where you go to complete a tuition assistance request, if desired. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. SIGN UP BY MARCH 1 (deadline extended!) to take advantage of all scholarship offerings and BA covering the $10 FACTS enrollment fee. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or to set up time for support.

HIGH SCHOOL ACT SCIENCE PREP COURSE @ BA: Will your scholar be taking the ACT this April? Plan to attend the ACT Science Prep course, free to BA scholars, with Cathy Guth on Wed., March 9 from 6-8 p.m. and Sat., March 12 from 9-11 a.m. Scholars will need to attend both sessions to complete their preparation. ACT Prep is taught in our English and Math classes but science prep is offered annually through these workshops. SIGN UP in the BA Office by Feb. 25, no cost. REMINDER: ACT spring test sign up is also due by Feb. 25 online: (ACT Test SIGN  UP)

COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had one positive COVID case. We had two students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 61 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. 

• BABS-April 9: Raffle tickets now available. Order yours HERE. Volunteers and auction items needed! See ideas on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
• Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $280,445. What an incredible response! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs and support for students, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)  
• Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are nearly at $7 million!

KUDOS: Thank you to all of our scholars and parents who came to help host a fantastic open house this past Sunday! We continue with shadow visits and tours and encourage you to invite others to consider joining the BA Family. Also, don't forget to check out the Paradise Center for the Arts art opening reception this Friday, Feb 18 featuring BA scholar, Summer Heselton!

• Feb 18: NO SCHOOL
• Feb 18: Paradise Center for the Arts gallery opening reception, 5-7pm
• Feb 21: NO SCHOOL
• Feb 23: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• Feb 24: Gr 10 & 11 NET Retreat, Shieldsville
• Feb 28: Parent Class Registration Info Night (see below)
• March 1: No fee FACTS re-enrollment & TADS financial aid deadline for full scholarship consideration extended!
• March 1: 9th Grade Youth Frontiers Retreat @ BA (more info below)
• March 4: Class registration forms due, students grades 8-11
• March 4: Band & Choir Concert
• March 5: MS Robotics teams @ State; MS Honors Band in Austin
• March 10: Conferences (Sign up will be out next week)
• March 10: BAAA Easter Flower order deadline. Order yours HERE (Store ID=440); see below for more info & QR code
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

BA Activities Association (BAAA) Annual Easter Flower Fundraiser! This annual Easter flower fundraiser is now online! The BAAA will receive 30% of all plant sales, with proceeds going to offset the costs of athletic uniforms, choir robes, robotics fees, etc. Orders must be completed by 10 PM on Thursday, March 10. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Products can be picked up in the BA lobby April 12 & 13. Please contact your fundraiser chair: Clarice DeGrood or via 507-838-8073 with questions. Thank you for your support! Find the link to order HERE (Store ID = 440 and BA is the seller's name) or scan the QR code for a direct link: 

Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

 & click on Financial Aid Assessment to get started. The application deadline was just extended to March 1 to be considered for all available scholarships. 

Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Home Basketball Game Help Needed:  Many volunteers are needed to help at home basketball games this winter.  Please consider sharing your time and talent in support of our student activities!

• Girls' Games Signup
• Boys Games Signup

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

9th Grade Retreat March 1: 9th graders will participate in a Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Rotary Club of Faribault here at BA. Please click HERE for more information about Youth Frontiers and to watch a video about the Respect Retreat. 

Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:
Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms Roessler by March 10, 2022.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Aim Higher Foundation K-8 Scholarships: Every year, students at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, MN) receive tuition assistance scholarships from the Aim Higher Foundation. We would like to thank the many donors and friends who help make our great school accessible to all families! Learn more HERE. Apply via the TADS financial aid application HERE and click on Financial Aid Assessment.  Deadline extended to March 1, 2022!

Friday Focus 2/11/22

02/14/2022

Kris Sauer

2021-22, February 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)

February 11, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Discerning your vocation is a journey. Over the weekend I attended the Honor Band concert, stopped in to visit our Robotics Team and cheered on our Spelling Bee participants from afar. Our basketball teams and coop athletes continue to compete and excel. I am overjoyed to see our scholars thrive with their unique skills and gifts - a part of discerning God's special call for each of us. Thank you for partnering with us in this journey. Please join us on Sunday and invite families to our Open House, Feb. 13 from 11am-1pm!

APPRECIATION OF STAFF: This week was National Counselor's Week, see below. Send a card to Ms. Roessler to show your appreciation for all she does for our scholars. We also wish to thank our Lunch Ladies this week - send them a Valentine on Monday to show your love!

BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23:  Enrollment is a two step process:
1) FACTS-this is where you re-enroll your scholar for next year and set up your payment plan. 2) TADS-this is where you go to complete a tuition assistance request, if desired. Award letters and tuition agreements are sent in May to enrolled students. SIGN UP BY FEB 22 to take advantage of BA covering the $10 FACTS enrollment fee and ensure your scholar's spot. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or to set up time for support.

COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had one positive COVID case. We had five students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 60 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff. Visit our COVID webpage for all the updated information. Find COVID testing sites HERE; one free at-home testing box available at school. BA will also have N95 masks available next week.

• BABS-April 9: Volunteers and auction items needed! See ideas on our webpage from group events to auction items (BABS link). Contact Teresa, our new Development & Marketing Assistant at tlebens@bacards.org to donate your time, talent, or treasure.
• Divine Mercy Build Project - United for Our Future: Please prayerfully consider a gift. The stronger DMCS is, the stronger BA will be! Click HERE to learn more. To date they are nearly at $7 million!
• Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $280,400. What an incredible response! Gifts continue to be accepted through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs and support for students, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)  

KUDOS: Congratulations to Aiden Tobin for 100 wrestling wins! 

• Feb 13: Winter Open House; pre-register HERE
• Feb 14-17: 8th graders @ Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
• Feb 18: NO SCHOOL
• Feb 21: NO SCHOOL
• Feb 22: No fee re-enrollment deadline; TADS financial aid deadline for full scholarship consideration.
• Feb 24: Gr 10 & 11 NET Retreat, Shieldsville
• March 1: 9th Grade Youth Frontiers Retreat @ BA (more info below)
• March 5: MS Robotics teams @ Stated
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

School Counseling Update: BA's school counselors, Shane Roessler and Stephen Uphus, wanted to share the following message and resources with our BA community: "The theme this year for National School Counseling Week is #Better Together.  School counselors work with students on their vocational/career plans, academic concerns and personal concerns.  For all of us, especially students, all three things tend to rely on the each other. School counseling is most successful when we work as a team.  That team includes other mental health professionals, school staff, school administration, parents and community members.  All of these members rely on one another to create the best environment for students to be successful.  We know that we are truly better together.  Thank you for working with us!"

Mental Health Resources: We know that at this time we are seeing an increase in the mental health needs of our scholars. Here is a link to Rice County resources. 

PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM: Phoenix Counseling, with a Catholic focus, is our counseling association and is available to BA parents. Please visit their website for videos and resources as part of the "Peace of Mind" for families supported by Catholic Schools' Center of Excellence. (Link to website). 

Tuition Tax Documents: Please remember that your tax deduction for tuition spans two school years. TADS information can be downloaded from your account under Reports/Tax Year. Find the process from obtaining tax information from FACTS HERE. 

 & click on Financial Aid Assessment to get started. Application deadline is February 22 to be considered for all available scholarships. 

Home Basketball Game Help Needed:  Many volunteers are needed to help at home basketball games this winter.  Please consider sharing your time and talent in support of our student activities!

• Girls' Games Signup
• Boys Games Signup

Online School Store @ Star Sports & Apparel! BA has opened at school store at Star Sports and Apparel. Orders are filled as they are placed, so purchase your BA gear any time! Click HERE to for all the great options!

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

9th Grade Retreat March 1: 9th graders will participate in a Youth Frontiers Respect Retreat sponsored by the Rotary Club of Faribault here at BA. Please click HERE for more information about Youth Frontiers and to watch a video about the Respect Retreat. 

Class of 2022 College Scholarship & Other Info:

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) Students of Integrity Scholarship. BBB will award scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2021-2022 school year, who personify all the best aspects of high character in their personal choices and actions. Recipients are selected primarily based on a written essay. The call for entries are open now and until the deadline of February 16, 2022, at 4pm. 

Tri-Lakes Sportsmen's Club will be offering a $500 dollar scholarship again this year to students with a love for the outdoors planning to attend a 2 or 4 year post-secondary program. Find the application HERE, due to Ms Roessler by March 10, 2022.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

Aim Higher Foundation K-8 Scholarships: Every year, students at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, MN) receive tuition assistance scholarships from the Aim Higher Foundation. We would like to thank the many donors and friends who help make our great school accessible to all families! Learn more HERE. Apply via the TADS financial aid application HERE and click on Financial Aid Assessment.