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Family Focus 2/9/24

date 02/12/2024 author Kris Sauer category 2023-24, February 2024 comment Leave a comment

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

February 9, 2024

Dear BA Parents/Guardians:


The Lenten season begins with our celebration of Ash Wednesday Mass this Wednesday, February 14 at 10:30am. As we lean into the Lenten season, we focus on efforts to repent, reflect and restore with special prayers to start our day, a focus on Lenten activities in our Theology classrooms, and Stations of the Cross scheduled for the week of March 11. We encourage you to find time at home to reinforce these Lenten activities and offer Loyola Press's "8 Ways to Pray During Lent" as a resource to find more time for personal and family-centered prayer this season. 


As the season of Lent commences, twelve high school students will be leaving next week for a 10-day mission trip to Jamaica in conjunction with Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Our 8th graders likewise leave Monday for several days at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN, where they will focus their time on outdoor science-based activities and class bonding. Please pray for both groups to have a successful trip!

A few reminders: Presidents' Day Weekend starts Friday, with NO SCHOOL February 16 and Monday, February 19. Head of School Search: the position has been posted; please pray for committed, dedicated, experienced applicants! A reminder that Parent/Teacher Conferences will NOT be held in February. They have been rescheduled to March 6th. Just TWO WEEKS to submit by Feb 23 an application for tuition assistance and be  eligible for the most scholarships! Info on this and how to get your 2023 tax information below. 

BABS/Financial Update: Homeroom teachers have begun speaking to your students about the BABS Silent Auction Homeroom Baskets. More information to follow. Save the date and plan to join us April 13th for BABS 2024, the 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala! This is our biggest night of celebration and fundraising in support of BA! Find ticket and other information HERE. Contact Teresa Lebens if interested in donating, sponsoring, or volunteering for this fabulous celebration! Our Annual Fund goal is to raise $255,000 for operating expenses not covered by tuition; $187,905 has been donated so far. Consider a gift and help us fund operating and faculty salary expenses not covered by tuition HERE.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

  • Feb. 16: NO SCHOOL
  • Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL, Presidents' Day
  • Feb. 23: Early TADS deadline: apply by today at mytads.com for the most scholarship options!
  • Feb. 20-23: FFA Week - celebrating this great program and the opportunities it gives our scholars!
  • Feb. 28: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
  • Feb 29: 1pm WIN schedule/High School History Day presentations
    • Rome $ Dress Down Day
  • March 3: Winter Band/Choir Concert, 7pm

Kudos: To seniors Hudson Dillon and Elliott Viland who signed Letters of Intent to play DII football next year at Minnesota State University Mankato and Southwest Minnesota State University, respectively. Kudos as well to co-op hockey (Oliver Linnemann), wrestling (Lucas Nelson and Elliott Viland) and swimming (Elliot Daschner) seniors who were honored during recent Senior Night events; and to our math, science and agriculture students of the month honored on Thursday. God is good!

THANK YOU to school counselors Mr. Stephen Uphus and Mrs. Katie Smith for their hard work and support of our students! Prayers for our students, our families and those that are sick and/or struggling as we approach the Lenten season. 
Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
John Wollersheim, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel, Kris Sauer, Stephen Uphus
Click on individual names to contact a member of the Leadership Team or email the entire team at leadership@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATES

TWO WEEKS to the Tuition Assistance Early Application Deadline: Apply by Feb 23 to be eligible for the most scholarships. Find the TADS financial aid application at www.mytads.com; click HERE for more information on all our scholarship and assistance programs. All application must be in no later than April 15 for BA tuition assistance consideration. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or if you need help with this process.

Tax Information in FACTS: Looking for tuition information for your 2023 tax return? Click HERE for a step-by-step guide to finding that information in FACTS. Contact Kris or Lisa if you need further assistance.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Parent Volunteers needed for home basketball games:
  • Click HERE for the girls basketball game sign up
  • Click HERE for the boys basketball game sign up

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES 

BA HS PT Summer Nanny Sought: A DMCS family with two energetic boys is looking for a responsible, kid-centric BA student for a part-time summer nanny position. Ideally, the student would have a drivers license/vehicle for transportation, CPR certified, and available 2-3 days a week during the entire summer, flexible days. Email Kris Sauer for contact information if interested.

Drivers Training @ BA: This class is confirmed! If you haven't registered, there is still time. Cannon River Driving School will host driver's training at BA the weeks of March 11 and March 18. On-campus classes are Monday-Friday from 3:15-6:30pm. Cost $125/student. Registration closes March 8. Register for class and behind the wheel at this link; register for class only here. Contact Denise at deniseruegercmt@yahoo.com with questions.

Seniors: Service Cord Info: Service cord forms and information can be found HERE; contact Mr. Uphus with questions.

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

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES
Order order tickets and make donations this year at www.dmcsgala.com.
 


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

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Talk to your teens about mental health and how they are feeling. Normalize these conversations, and reach out for help if there are concerns about mental, physical, or chemical health issues. Having frequent talks with teens in a safe environment will show that you care about their physical and mental health. It can also foster a more open and honest dialogue about the risks of underage drinking, drug use, and other topics. For more information about local chemical and mental health resources, visit the RCCMHC Resource Directory at healthycommunityinitiative.org/resources/.
 

 


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

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

Family Focus 2/2/24

date 02/07/2024 author Kris Sauer category 2023-24, February 2024 comment Leave a comment

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

February 2, 2024

Dear BA Parents/Guardians:

 

What a fantastic Catholic Schools Week! We started the week crowning Bennett Wray-Raabolle our 2024 SnoBall Queen on Saturday; celebrated Mass Sunday at Divine Mercy Catholic Church; held a school-wide field trip day on Tuesday where our high school students helped pack 57,672 meals at Feed My Starving Children - enough to provide 158 children with a daily meal for a year; and Wednesday celebrated Mass with Archbishop Hebda where sophomore Andrew Volkmuth presented the Archbishop with an Intarsia cross (did you know we are the only high school in the state to offer this program?!?!). The Archbishop also spent time following Mass visiting classrooms and speaking with our students - all of whom spoke so eloquently and with gratitude for the opportunity to attend BA where they can live out and practice their faith. Thank you for your commitment to their Catholic, faith-centered education here at BA!

Congratulations to our band, choir, and fine arts student participating in this weekend's Gopher Conference Honors Fine Arts Program. Check out the band and choir concert and see our students' artwork at Kenyon-Wanamingo High School at 1pm tomorrow, Saturday, February 1. Best of luck and congratulations to all!

We look forward to opening our doors this weekend to prospective new students during our Winter Open House. Please let anyone you know who is thinking about Bethlehem Academy know that we will be here on Sunday from 11am-1pm to welcome them, answer questions, and give tours.

A few reminders: Counselor Day Monday! Please share your thanks with Mr. Uphus and Ms. Smith for all the work they do for our students; encourage your scholars to reach out as well! Parent/teacher conferences have been rescheduled to March 6th. Deacon Hjalmar will not be joining us at BA as previously reported, he has moved on to another opportunity in the Twin Cities. Find tuition assistance (applications received by Feb 23 are eligible for the most scholarships!) and 2023 tax information below. Appointment pickup - please go to Door C to pick up your student for appointments during the school day.

Financial Update: Save the date and plan to join us April 13th for BABS 2024, the 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala! Contact Teresa Lebens if interested in donating, sponsoring, or volunteering for our biggest fundraising event of the year! Our Annual Fund goal is to raise $255,000 for operating expenses not covered by tuition; $187, 905 has been donated so far. Consider a gift and help us fund operating and faculty salary expenses not covered by tuition HERE.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

  • Feb. 12-15: Wolf Ridge 8th Grade Trip
  • Feb. 12-21: Jamaica Mission Trip
  • Feb. 14: Ash Wednesday Mass, 10:30am
  • Feb. 15: Prom Car Wash Promo begins
  • Feb. 16: NO SCHOOL
  • Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL, Presidents' Day
  • Feb. 23: Early TADS deadline: apply by today for the most scholarship 

Kudos: To our students participating in this weekend's Gopher Conference Honors Fine Arts program; to FFA students Kendra Hanson '24 and Luke McCrea '26, competing today for state-level achievement and a regional officer position; to our entire staff for another successful field trip experience for our students; to Mrs. Celeste Donlon for her work planning two Catholic Schools' Week Masses; and to our students for their excellent representation of Bethlehem Academy this week. God is good!

Prayers for our students, our families and those that are sick and/or struggling. 
Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
John Wollersheim, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel, Kris Sauer, Stephen Uphus
Click on individual names to contact a member of the Leadership Team or email the entire team at leadership@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATES

Tuition Assistance Applications Open: Apply by Feb 23 to be eligible for the most scholarships. Find the TADS financial aid application at www.mytads.com; click HERE for more information on all our scholarship and assistance programs. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or if you need assistance with this process.

Tax Information in FACTS: Looking for tuition information for your 2023 tax return? Click HERE for a step-by-step guide to finding that information in FACTS. Contact Kris or Lisa if you need further assistance.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Parent Volunteers needed for home basketball games:
  • Click HERE for the girls basketball game sign up
  • Click HERE for the boys basketball game sign up

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES 

Drivers Training @ BA: This class is confirmed! If you haven't registered, there is still time. Cannon River Driving School will host driver's training at BA the weeks of March 11 and March 18, 2024. On-campus classes are Monday-Friday from 3:15-6:30pm. Cost $125/student. Registration closes March 8. Register for class and behind the wheel at this link; register for class only here. Contact Denise at deniseruegercmt@yahoo.com with questions.

Seniors: Service Cord Info: Service cord forms and information can be found HERE; contact Mr. Uphus with questions.

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

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES


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


 
COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Talk to your teens about mental health and how they are feeling. Normalize these conversations, and reach out for help if there are concerns about mental, physical, or chemical health issues. Having frequent talks with teens in a safe environment will show that you care about their physical and mental health. It can also foster a more open and honest dialogue about the risks of underage drinking, drug use, and other topics. For more information about local chemical and mental health resources, visit the RCCMHC Resource Directory at healthycommunityinitiative.org/resources/.


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

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

Family Focus 1/22/24

date 02/01/2024 author Kris Sauer category 2023-24, January 2024 comment Leave a comment

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

January 22, 2024

Dear BA Parents/Guardians:

It was an exciting week at BA! Please join us tomorrow at 8pm for Grand March followed by the SnoBall Queen coronation. Following coronation, all BA parents and adult guests are invited to join the Post-Prom for SnoBash, a fun social event with live music featuring BA grad Noah Battles from 9-11pm at the Faribault Golf Club.

Catholic Schools' Week begins Sunday! Join us at the 10am Mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church as we celebrate Catholic education. Students will be on a service-based field trips Tuesday, Jan 30. Field trip permission slips and the $25 fee MUST be turned in no later than Monday, Jan 29. High school students must arrive and report to homeroom at 7:40am to board the buses on time. Middle school students may arrive at the usual time. We are asking students to wear Cardinal gear and dress code bottoms. Wednesday, January 31, we begin with an 8:30am joint BA/DMCS Mass in the BA gym officiated by Archbishop Hebda. We are honored to have him with us for this celebration! Please join us if you are able. Finally, we finish the week sharing the good news of BA with prospective students and families at our Winter Admissions Open House Sun, Feb 4 from 11am to 1pm. Invite a prospective student to join us!


Financial Update: Save the date and plan to join us April 13th for BABS 2024, the 40th Anniversary Ruby Gala! Contact Teresa Lebens if interested in donating, sponsoring, or volunteering for our #1 fundraising event of the year! Our Annual Fund goal is to raise $255,000 for operating expenses not covered by tuition; $182,525 has been donated so far. Consider a gift and help us fund operating and faculty salary expenses not covered by tuition HERE.

Here is a look at our schedule for next week:

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

  • Feb. 4: 11am-1pm Admissions Open House & Tours. Invite a prospective student/family to pre-register HERE
  • Feb. 5: Counselor's Day - Send a message of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Uphus and Ms. Smith!
  • Feb. 7: Prom $ Dress Down Day
    • Post Prom mtg, 5:30pm, BA cafeteria
  • Feb. 8: Student of the Month, 7:30am
  • Feb. 12-15: Wolf Ridge 8th Grade Trip
  • Feb. 12-21: Jamaica Mission Trip
  • Feb. 14: Ash Wednesday Mass, 10:30am
  • Feb. 16: NO SCHOOL
  • Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL, Presidents' Day

Kudos: To the Senior Class for planning a fun SnoBall Week!

Prayers for our students, our families and those that are sick and/or struggling. 
Blessings, The BA Leadership Team
John Wollersheim, Ed Friesen, Brent Zabel, Kris Sauer, Stephen Uphus
Click on individual names to contact a member of the Leadership Team or email the entire team at leadership@bacards.org

ALL BA UPDATES

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK FIELD TRIP FORMS MUST BE TURNED IN MONDAY: Click here to find the forms and more information on Catholic Schools Week. 

Tuition Assistance Applications Open: Apply by Feb 23 to be eligible for the most scholarships. Find the TADS financial aid application at www.mytads.com; click HERE for more information on all our scholarship and assistance programs. Reach out to Kris Sauer with questions or if you need assistance with this process.

ATHLETICS UPDATES
Parent Volunteers needed for home basketball games:
  • Click HERE for the girls basketball game sign up
  • Click HERE for the boys basketball game sign up

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES 

Drivers Training @ BA: Cannon River Driving School is hosting driver's training for interested students the weeks of March 11 and March 18, 2024. Classes will run Monday-Friday from 3:15-6:30pm at BA. Cost $125/student. Registration closes March 8; at least 10 student must enroll to run the course at BA. Register for class and behind the wheel at this link; register for class only here. Contact Denise at deniseruegercmt@yahoo.com with questions.

Seniors: Service Cord Info: Service cord information was sent to seniors this week. Find forms and information HERE; contact Mr. Uphus with questions.

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

DIVINE MERCY CHURCH & SCHOOL UPDATES


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

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

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