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Family Focus 2-5-22

02/07/2022

Kris Sauer

February 2022, 2021-22

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

February 5, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Welcome February! Despite the cold, the sun is shining and reminds me of how our Saints lead us in example and through the darkness of winter. In celebrating Catholic Schools' week reminds us of our Saints and the joy of living out our faith in our school communities. Help us spread the good word of our Catholic Schools of Faribault and invite families to our Open House, Feb. 13 from 11am-1pm!

BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23:  We are pleased to also announce new CIS classes with Marquette University and extended courses through Catholic Virtual. More details will be in the curriculum guide that will be published in February. Sign up early and apply for financial aid via TADS to ensure the most financial aid opportunities for your scholar. Our school is growing; early registration is encouraged!

COVID Updates: Masks recommended. Return to a regular class schedule next week. This week BA did not have any positive COVID cases. We had five students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 59 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff test positive. Visit our COVID webpage for all the updated information. Find COVID testing sites HERE; one free at-home testing box available for each BA student. Stop in the front office. BA will also have N95 masks available later in February.

• 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: $269,500. We have surpassed our goal of $255,000! THANK YOU! If you haven't given, yet, please consider a gift through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)  
• Hyvee Easy Fundraising Idea: Need a reusable bag? When you purchase one at Hyvee they donate back to BA! Be sure to indicate us on your purchase! 

KUDOS: Congratulations to our Gopher Conference Honors Band participants Anne Azelton '25, Madelyn Bauer '22, Matthew Croke '22, Alaisha Garcia-Lopez '23, and  Penelope Parrish '24, and the following high school students who will have their artwork on display at the Gopher Conference Art Exhibition at WEM this weekend: Camryn Belmont '22, Justin Delesha '22, Isabella Dokkestul '24, Tyler Hogate '24, Amelia Pemrick '24, Zachary Velishek '24.

• Feb 5: Gopher Conference Honors Music Concert & Art Exhibit, 1:30pm @ WEM High School - see flyer below
• Feb 6: Rome Trip Bake Sale Fundraiser @ 8, 10, 12 DMCC Masses
• Feb 7: Post-Prom Dining Night Out @ Taco John's
• Feb 13: Winter Open House; pre-register HERE
• Feb 13-17: 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.
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

Rome Trip Bake Sale Fundraiser Feb 6 
BA students going on the Theology Department Rome Trip this June will be holding a fundraising bake sale following the 8am, 10am and 12pm Masses at Divine Mercy Catholic Church on Sunday, February 6. Please stop by for some tasty baked treats!

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. 

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. 

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

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.

Family Focus 1-28-22

02/02/2022

Kris Sauer

January 2022, 2021-22

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

January 28, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Happy Catholic Schools Week! Starting on Sunday, please join us at the 10 a.m. DMCC Mass as we celebrate with thousands of Catholic schools nationwide for Catholic Schools Week. As part of the week's celebration, BA students will participate in daily prayer, trivia and service projects: 1) A challenge to bring in as much non-perishable food items for St. Vincent de Paul as possible (winning class earns a pizza party); 2) Scholars will create Valentines and Thank You cards for area nursing homes and health care workers; 3) BA SnoBall Court will bring treats to their DMCS buddies. Share the great news about Faribault Catholic Schools and invite families to our Open House, Feb. 13 from 11am-1pm!

WIN Day - Wednesday, Feb. 2-No Regular Classes: This Wednesday is our second WIN day scheduled to help students who were out on quarantine make up missed assignments and tests. It is also an opportunity for students and teachers to schedule individual support as needed. The Middle School teachers coordinate their schedule and High School teachers set up a schedule with students. If you have a scholar who wants additional support, please have them set that time up with the teachers. Most teachers schedule students between 8-Noon, although other times can be arranged. Typically, in the afternoon, teachers attend meetings. We do not anticipate any additional WIN days, however, we remain flexible based on needs.

BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23: NEED HELP? Stop in on Monday, Jan. 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for assistance with applying for aid and enrollment.  We are pleased to also announce new CIS classes with Marquette University and extended courses through Catholic Virtual. More details will be in the curriculum guide that will be published in February. Sign up early and apply for financial aid to ensure the most financial aid opportunities for your scholar. Our school is growing; early registration is encouraged!

COVID Updates: Masks recommended. This week BA had four scholars with positive COVID cases and eight students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 59 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff test positive. Visit our COVID webpage for all the updated information. Find COVID testing sites HERE; one free at-home testing box available for each BA student. Stop in the front office. BA will also have N95 masks available later in February.

• BABS-April 9: Our BIGGEST event of the year,  Bethlehem Academy Backers and Supporters (BABS)! New this year - featuring local restaurants, enticing games, musical entertainment and a live and silent auction! Our Fund-A-Need goal this year is to raise $75,000 for an additional BA student vehicle. Please plan to attend, meet other BA parents and alumni, and enjoy a night out! 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 help. 
• 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: $269,500. We have surpassed our goal of $255,000! THANK YOU! If you haven't given, yet, please consider a gift through June 2022. Additional gifts help us increase staff salaries, expand programs, and care for our building and grounds: Donate Online (click)  
• Hyvee Easy Fundraising Idea: Need a reusable bag? When you purchase one at Hyvee they donate back to BA! Be sure to indicate us on your purchase! 

KUDOS: Congratulations to all of our Snoball candidates! Thank you to Brent Zabel, Sharie Piehl, and BA Staff for coordinating this week's activities. 

• Jan 29: SnoBall (Gr 9-12 semi-formal girl-ask-boy dance). Grand March & SnoBall Queen Coronation @ 8pm, dance ends at midnight. Livestream link HERE. Post-Prom SnoBash event 9-11:30pm @ Faribault's Elks Lodge
• Jan 30: Catholic Schools Week, BA Mass @ DMCC, 10am
• Jan 31: Enrollment & Financial Aid Registration Assistance Night @ BA, 4:30-6:30pm
• Jan 30-Feb 6: Catholic Schools Week, week-long food drive + other activities-see below for details
• Feb. 2: WIN Day-No regular classes. Students scheduled for support.
• Feb 3: Student of the Month, 7:30am, Cafeteria
• Feb 6: Rome Trip Bake Sale Fundraiser @ 8, 10, 12 DMCC Masses
• Feb 7: Post-Prom Dining Night Out @ Taco John's
• Feb 13: Winter Open House; pre-register HERE
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

Enrollment and Financial Aid Registration Assistance Night Jan 31: Having trouble logging in to FACTS? Need help filling out your enrollment or TADS financial aid form? We are here to help! Bring your passwords and financial documents to BA Monday, January 30 from 4:30-6:30pm. We will have staff on hand in Rm 106 to work with you. 

Welcome Stephen Uphus to the BA Team!
Hello, everyone! My name is Stephen Uphus, and I am the new counseling intern here at Bethlehem Academy for the middle school. I am currently pursuing my school counseling master's degree through Winona State University and will be working with Mrs. Roessler with middle school students for the duration of the academic semester until I finish my degree in May, when I (hopefully) can find a job as a school counselor! I am originally from Stillwater, MN and graduated from Saint John's University in 2017 with an undergrad in psychology. I spent the last two and a half years in the Lewiston-Altura school district, working as an administrative assistant, substitute teacher, and paraprofessional in both the high school and elementary school. Additionally, I have had the privilege of serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard since 2016 first as a tank crew member and now as a communications officer. My wife, Ashley (Radatz '13), is a graduate of BA and we are both excited that I have the opportunity to work in her old school! She and I moved to town about a month ago; we both love to travel, be outdoors, and spend time with family! I will be working out of BA on Tuesdays and am here to assist students with academic planning (both during and beyond high school), career readiness, and provide any other social/emotional support needed for their time in school. Please come say hello, I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of you! 

 & click on Financial Aid Assessment to get started. Application deadline is February 22 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. 

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

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.

Family Focus 1-21-22

01/24/2022

Kris Sauer

January 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)

January 21, 2022

Dear BA Families:

Our BA scholars are back on track during this short but cold week! We gathered for Mass and Adoration as part of the national "9 Days for Life" which continues through to next Thursday. Our Peer & Campus Ministry students are collecting baby items or donations for Pregnancy Options. Please support us in prayers or a donation as we support life. You are also encouraged to join Minnesotan's on Saturday with the Parish at the Minnesota March for Life. (Email to confirm attendence)

CONGRATULATIONS TO SNOBALL CANDIDATES: This next week we kick of our Snoball Week activities! A fun winter tradition at BA, congratulations to our Court: Madelyn Bauer, Ellie Cohen, Mercedes Huerta, Molly Lund, and Jennifer Robert.  Here's a look at the schedule:

• Monday-Jan. 24: White Day (Full in-person learning) - PJ day
• Tuesday-Jan. 25: Red Day (Full in-person learning) - Beach day
• Wednesday-Jan. 26: WIN Learning Day- No regular classes but all students needing to make up assignments or tests or receive additional support should schedule time to come in and meet with teachers. Teachers will also be scheduling time with students
• Thursday-Jan. 27: White Day (Full in-person learning) - Jersey Day
• Friday-Jan. 28: Red Day (Full in-person learning) - Class Color Day: 6^th grade-red; 7^th grade-yellow; 8^th grade-green; 9^th grade-purple; 10^th grade-orange; 11^th grade-pink; 12^th grade-blue (1 p.m. Prayer Service & Snoball Court Activities)

BA REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2022-23: Announcing new CIS classes with Marquette University and extended courses through Catholic Virtual. More details to follow. Sign up early and apply for financial aid to ensure the most financial aid opportunities for your scholar. Our school is growing; early registration is encouraged!

COVID Updates: MASKS REQUIRED through Jan. 29. This week BA had five scholars with positive COVID cases and 10 students in quarantine. Since the start of the school year we have had 55 COVID positive student cases and 9 staff test positive. Visit our COVID webpage for all the updated information. Find COVID testing sites HERE; one free at-home testing box available for each BA student. Stop in the front office.

• BABS-April 9: Our BIGGEST event of the year,  Bethlehem Academy Backers and Supporters (BABS). This is great night out in support of BA! Food featuring local restaurants, games, entertainment and a live and silent auction are part of the evening. Our Fund-A-Need goal this year is to raise $75,000 for an additional BA student vehicle. Please plan to attend! Volunteers and auction items also 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 help. 
• 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 $6 million!
• Annual Fund: To date we have raised: $242,800. We are over 98% of the way to our goal of $255,000! If you haven't given, yet, please consider a gift through June 2022: Donate Online (click)  
• Hyvee Easy Fundraising Idea: Need a reusable bag? When you purchase one at Hyvee they donate back to BA! Be sure to indicate us on your purchase! 

KUDOS: To our scholars, families and staff during this recent increase in COVID cases. Thank you for your flexibility, your support, and your care.

• Jan 24-28, SnoBall Week: See above for dress down theme days.
• Jan 28: Campus Ministry Pregnancy Options drive deadline
• Jan 28: Youth Basketball/Future Cardinal Night @ boys basketball game; sign up HERE. 
• Jan 29: SnoBall (Gr 9-12 semi-formal girl-ask-boy dance) + Post-Prom SnoBash event; see more info in high school section below.
• Jan 30: Catholic Schools Week, BA Mass @ DMCC, 10am
• Jan 31: Enrollment & Financial Aid Registration Assistance Night @ BA, 4:30-6:30pm
• Jan 30-Feb 6: Catholic Schools Week, week-long food drive + other activities-see below for details
• Feb 3: Student of the Month, 7:30am, Cafeteria
• Feb 7: Post-Prom Dining Night Out @ Taco John's
• Feb 13: Winter Open House; pre-register HERE
• Find our event school calendar on our website HERE 

ALL BA UPDATES

SPRING TRAP TEAM Registration deadline Jan 24: We have room for more people on the Spring Trap Team! Interested students need to contact Coach Rost by email and let him know so he can invite you through the league. Start dates and spring team fees still to be determined. Students need to be signed up by Monday, January 24. You MUST contact Coach Rost so he can give you the code to sign up. Email: todd@adventurespecialties.com

Catch the Bus to the MCCL March for Life this Saturday, Jan 22! On Jan. 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court's disastrous Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions eliminated laws protecting unborn children nationwide. Each year, pro-life Minnesotans mark the anniversary of Roe and Doe with the MCCL March for Life. There will be a free coach bus to take for the March for Life tomorrow, Jan 22. It will arrive in Faribault around 8:45am at the Speedway gas station, 2519 Lyndale Ave. The bus will leave the parking lot at 9am sharp. You will be dropped off at the Cathedral for the prayer service and then you can either walk or ride down to the Capitol. The bus will arrive back in Faribault around 2:45pm. If you are interested in going or have questions, please contact Kay Keller at 507-330-4559 theporklady@hotmail.com

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. 

January 28 Youth Basketball Night: Youth basketball teams, prospective Cardinals, DMCS families all invited to join us! Sign up HERE.  

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

Jan 29 SnoBall Dance Info: The January 29 SnoBall is a girl-ask-boy (Sadie Hawkins) semi-formal dance for students in grades 9-12. Tickets are on sale during high school lunches ($30/couple, $15/single) Friday, Monday and Tuesday (Jan 21, 24, and 25) and in the front office on Wednesday, January 26 during our no-class WIN day. Typically, the girls purchase a tie for their date that matches their dress. The girls arrange for a bouquet and boutonniere with a local florist that the boy picks up and pays for the day of the dance. Boys wear a dress shirt (most choose black), tie and nice pants; girls wear semi-formal dresses. Couples usually go out to dinner with a group of friends prior to the Grand March. Parents and guests gather in the gym at 8:00pm for the Grand March, where participating couples are introduced and the SnoBall Queen is crowned. As per current activities/athletics policy, spectators/visitors will be asked to wear a mask, but student participants will not. Usually, the Mother-Son/Father-Daughter dance follows coronation, then parents and guests depart and the dance begins. The dance ends at midnight.

SnoBash, Jan 29: Junior parents are hosting SnoBash at the Elks Lodge in Faribault Saturday, Jan 29, from 9-11:30pm. To purchase advance tickets, please place payment in an envelope ($20/ticket) and drop in the designated basket in the BA office.  On the envelope, please identify the number of tickets, names and an email address for confirmation.  The post prom committee will collect from the office, send confirmations, and have a list of pre-paid individuals at the door the night of SnoBash.

Info for Seniors
College Scholarships:

• 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. 

• Faribo 4 Kids is again offering the Thomas Laughlin Scholarship. THREE $1,500 scholarships will be given again this year for students attending any form of higher education.  Find the 2022 scholarship application HERE. Applications must be postmarked by March 18, 2022.

College/FAFSA Resources: The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is offering a series of webinars from Feb 5-March 1 to help you learn more about the FAFSA (financial aid), how to compare offers from schools (once your child has applied), scholarships and how to navigate the system of paying for any level of education after high school. To register any of the webinars using Zoom, visit https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6hrjIqG4mCsdrn5Tv. Visit https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ for information about each of Minnesota’s financial aid programs. Questions can be directed to the state’s financial aid hotline: (651) 642-0567.

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.