Saint Thomas Academy Middle School:
A school within a school
Middle School marks an important transition in a young boy's character development and spiritual growth. At STA, special emphasis is placed on preparing young boys for high school learning, including building self-esteem and confidence, as well as improving communication, writing, listening and study skills. Saint Thomas Academy is committed to keeping Middle School classes small, allowing for personal instruction and developing a sense of camaraderie among the students.
An advantage of the STA Middle School is that is a part of the high school - students are able to model themselves upon older counterparts, take part in Formations and, most importantly, they are held to the same academic standards as high school students.
Links to individual academic departments are to the left.
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Field Trip Permission Slips
If you need an extra copy of Middle School permission slips,
they will be posted here so you can download and print one.
Skiing/Tubing Day at Afton Alps
Every winter the entire 7th, 8th and 9th grades take an-all day ski and/or tubing trip. This year's trip is Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at Afton Alps Recreation Area. This is an excellent opportunity for students to have a fun-filled day with their classmates as well as learn and participate in a life-long activity. The trip is for all Middle School students regardless of skiing ability. This is not a “day off” for students.
Letter from Mr. Jurkovich with registration form [pdf]
Permission form [pdf]
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There are 132,656 private and public schools in the United States, according to Department of Education statistics. Of those, 6,980 are Catholic elementary or secondary schools. What sets these Catholic schools apart from the pack?
Three things, say educators, parents and community leaders: faith, academics and service. So, fittingly, the 2012 Catholic Schools Week theme focuses on these three priorities.
• Children are taught faith—not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God.
• Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential.
• Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.
Catholic Schools Week is January 29 - February 4
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Donation Drive for Joseph's Coat
Please bring in gently used children’s items until February 7th. The following items would be appreciated: Games, toys, stuffed animals and children’s clothing. No adult clothing is needed at this time. Please bring items to Mr. Tangwe’s or Mr. Seidel’s room. Thank you for your generosity and compassion! Information about Joseph's Coat
Middle School Artwork at Winter Carnival
A selection of STA Middle School Artstart and Computer Graphic students are taking part in the AZ Gallery Middle School Art Extravaganza during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Ms. Kelly has chosen 25 pieces of student artwork to go on display for this event, the exhibition runs January 20–February 5, at the AZ Gallery, 308 Prince St, Lowertown St. Paul. _________________________________________________________________________________
BE A JUDGE FOR HISTORY DAY!
The Social Studies department of Saint Thomas Academy will sponsor the 14th annual History Day competition at Saint Thomas Academy on the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
This year the theme is Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History. Students in grades 8 and 11 have been doing extensive research on topics related to this theme and will be presenting their exhibits, web sites, performances and documentaries to their classmates and the public.
We would like to invite parents, faculty, staff, and all members of the Saint Thomas Academy community to serve as judges for this event. About 36 judges are needed. No experience or special knowledge is required–instruction will be provided beforehand. The event will take about three hours of your time, between approximately 6:45 and 9:30 p.m. on the evening of February 15. Past judges have agreed that the judging experience is enjoyable and valuable for judges and students alike.
If you are interested in judging, please provide the information requested below and return it to me at Saint Thomas Academy by Friday, February 10 (though earlier is better).
E-mail communications are best because I can provide easy and instant updates–my address is dhoverson@cadets.com. Please send the following information to volunteer:
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Your name
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Your full address
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Your daytime and evening telephone numbers
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Is your son in grade 8 or 11? If so, please include his name
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Your preference of format type to judge - Exhibit - Media Documentary -
Performance - Web site - No Preference
All judges will receive a confirmation notice and additional information on judging this theme within a few days after I receive your registration. Thank you for helping with this important educational event.
Doug Hoverson, History Day Coordinator
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VISTA Variety Show
Two great evenings showcasing the varied talents of the STA and Visitation student.
Show information:
• Friday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m.
• DeSales Auditorium at Visitation School
• Tickets are $10 per person at the door
• The VISTA Variety Show is a great show for the whole community!
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Oklahoma! Musical Auditions and Callbacks
Auditions:
• Sunday, February 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 6, 3:15-6:00 p.m.
Cast Callbacks:
• Tuesday February 7, 3:15-6:30 p.m.
Dance Callbacks:
• Wednesday, February 8, 3:15-6:00 p.m.
Auditions are on a first-come basis. You may pick up forms in the Visitation Fine Arts Lobby on the day you wish to audition. Please prepare a song to sing and bring sheet music (if you need help choosing a piece, contact Wendy Short-Hays, Randi Rexroth or Julia Fahey). Students who are called back will be notified via e-mail.
No preparation is needed for callbacks, you will be given something to read from the script. Dance callbacks will involve both men and women. OKLAHOMA! has many dance sequences using many dance styles… boot clog, square dance, contemporary, lifts and athletic stunts. Please be dressed for movement.
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Camp Audubon Trip
February 1-3
The 7th Grade class will travel to the Audubon Center of the North Woods.
This is an overnight field trip for two nights. The trip is chaperoned by
the 7th grade faculty and Mr. Jurkovich. The Audubon Center is located on Grindstone Lake in Sandstone, MN, about 90 miles north of the Twin Cities.
The Camp is an Environmental Learning Center. The students will participate in a variety of activities
such as Orienteering and Snowshoeing. They will have a chance to learn about and enjoy the great outdoors. This is a great experience and a highlight of their 7th grade year! Students received the documents below on January 17th.
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VISTA Middle School Musical
Forty Middle School students from STA and Visitation are rehearsing every day after school learning how to work together and be a team. Their project? Beauty and the Beast, Jr. This “tale as old as time” comes to life on stage in a musically, magical way as Belle tries to tame a beast and teach him the ways of love. Come join Lumiere, Cogsworth, Gaston and a whole bunch of dancing flatware as we celebrate the transforming power of love!
Everyone sings in the show. At first, some students were shy, but no longer. All are singing out and enjoying the music. Dance movements were also challenging at first, but Wendy Short-Hays has worked her magic and now they all look like professionals! Director Marcie Bergland always has fun warm-ups that help with focus, diction and memory.
Save the dates for the shows -
• Thursday, February 23 at 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation School, DeSales Auditorium
Admission: Adults - $8, students and seniors - $5
Tickets may be purchased at the door.
For questions or more information, please contact Julia Fahey at jfahey@vischool.org
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Middle School - Important Information
School Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Tutoring: Monday - Thursday 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Student Schedules/Lockers
Your son’s schedule, locker number and combination will be available for pick up at Round-Up.
Middle School Entrance
The Middle School students are allowed to use the Middle School entrance doors beginning at 7:15 a.m. each day. If your son needs to arrive at an earlier time, he may use the Upper School main entrance door.
Middle School Commons
The Middle School will be closed to students at 3:30 p.m. each day. Students may remain in the Middle School only if involved in a Middle School activity or tutoring with a faculty member. If you son needs to stay at school past 3:30 p.m. then he is required to be at the STAyers program.
STAyers Program
This is a "drop in any day" program that is free of charge and runs from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Students will have time for homework and participate in fun activities. Students will be supervised during this time. Students do not need to stay for the entire time. When the student’s ride arrives, he is free to leave. Students must be picked up at the High School doors.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are not allowed in the Middle School from 8:00 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. They are allowed before and after school. We encourage students to turn in their cell phones to the Middle School office during school hours where they will be kept safe for the day.
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Middle School Magazine Drive
The annual magazine drive is the only Middle School fundraiser and is a fast and easy way for you to help support our school year round!
Simply click on the link below to buy or renew your magazine subscriptions at up to 85% off newsstand prices. It's fast and your son will receive full credit for your selections. 40% of every sale goes to our school! If your son is a 7th grader, 40% of his sales will be deducted from his cost of the three-day field trip to Camp Audubon in January.
The school code for shopping is 1081867 - Thank you for your support!
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