__________________________________________________

September 25, 2009

Dear Parents:If your son is home sick please be sure to call school and report his illness – high school (651-683-1511) and middle school (651-683-1520). PowerSchool, our online student information system, is where parents and students should check school assignments. If assignments are not posted for one of your son’s classes, please contact his teacher directly to ask about the necessary work.

NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR – SEPTEMBER 30

Students and Parents grades 9-12 are invited to visit the nation’s largest college fair right here in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1. The Minneapolis National College Fair, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, is a great opportunity to begin or narrow the college search. The best time to visit the fair is Wednesday evening between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m.

MOTHERS’ CLUB HARVEST MASS AND DINNER – SEPTEMBER 30

It is not too late to register! You can e-mail your reservation information to Chris Zimmermann at czimmermann@cadets.com and bring your $18 check to the event. This annual tradition is a wonderful way for STA moms to gather together to share in prayer and food. All mothers/guardians are welcome and we hope to see many of you at school on the 30th.
Click here for the invitation and more details

THEOTOKOS AND TEAM VIANNEY – OCTOBER 1

For High School Men: It takes courage to follow Jesus. And dedication. Leadership. A calling. If you’ve possibly got what it takes, come to Team Vianney at St. John Vianney College Seminary on the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) campus from 5:40 to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursdays of the month (during the school year). Meet for pizza, hear a short, dynamic talk on our Catholic faith, and participate in an energetic Mass with college seminarians and university students. Contact the SJV office: 651.962.6825, sjv@stthomas.edu or call Fr. John Klockeman at 651.962.6832.

JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING SEMINAR – OCTOBER 5

For juniors and their parents of Juniors. The seminar will focus on the search process, standardized testing, college visits, and using our college counseling software. Click here for more information

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY IN KAMPALA, UGANDA – OCTOBER 6

Parent/Student Information Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center.
Click here for more information

HOMECOMING DANCE:

     The Homecoming Dance at Saint Thomas Academy is Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 8:00-11:00 p.m. Anyone arriving after 8:45 p.m. will not be allowed into the dance and his or her parents will be called.
     The dance is open to grades 10-12 and the cost is $25 per couple or $15 for singles. Pictures will be available from The Photographer’s Guild. The cost for photos will be $18 for couples (two 5x7 and four wallets photos) and $5 per person in group pictures (one 5x7 for each person in the photo). Dress for the young men will be shirt, tie, dress slacks (no jeans); and sport coats are optional.
     Our goal at Saint Thomas Academy is to have a dance that is safe and enjoyable for all who attend.  Parents, I ask you to talk with your son about the decisions he makes on this evening. Please advise him against using alcohol or other chemicals and attending parties where this type of behavior may occur.
     Please note that the dance is after curfew in Dakota County. As long as the students are heading straight home after the dance the police have assured me that this will not be a problem.
     All of us at Saint Thomas Academy are committed to supporting you as parents to provide a healthy and fun experience for your son. I believe if we all promote the same goals, the Homecoming Dance will be a safe and enjoyable evening for all.
  Complete letter from Mr. Byrne, including information about Homecoming Week [pdf]

EXPLORE TEST FOR 9TH GRADE STUDENTS:

     On October 14, Saint Thomas Academy will administer standardized tests to all freshmen, sophomores and juniors.  The 9th graders will take the EXPLORE test, which is the entry point into ACT’s Educational Planning and Assessment System.  This system also features the PLAN test, taken in 10th grade, and the ACT Assessment for college entrance and placement.
  Complete letter from Dr. Heidelberger [pdf]

PLAN TEST FOR 10TH GRADES STUDENTS:

     On October 14, Saint Thomas Academy will administer standardized tests to all freshmen, sophomores and juniors.  The 10th graders will take the PLAN test, which is an achievement test designed to provide 10th grade students, parents, teachers and counselors with information that can be used to plan and prepare for future academic and career success.  The PLAN is an excellent practice test for the ACT.
  Complete letter from Dr. Heidelberger [pdf]

ORDER YOUR KAYDET YEARBOOK: 

Due to budgetary constraints, this year there is a fee of $40 per book for the Kaydet yearbook. Seniors will receive the yearbook and personalization for free. The actual cost per book to the school is $60 so we are able to offer it to the students at a discounted rate. You may order and pay for the yearbook online – http://jostensyearbooks.com?REF=A04156100 – there is no shipping cost involved as the books will be delivered to school. The deadline to order the yearbook is December 23, 2009.

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES VISITS:

Twenty-two representatives are visiting STA next week. The full schedule is posted in Naviance (our college counseling software) and the College Counseling Web site.

ARCHDIOCESAN VIRTUS VOLUNTEER TRAINING:

     On Thursday, October 22, we will have Virtus training for adults. Virtus is a  “Safe Environment” training program aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse.
     The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has mandated that all priests, principals, teachers archdiocesan employees and volunteers who have regular and ongoing contact with children participate in “Safe Environment” training. This training is simply to ensure the protection and the security of all children and vulnerable young adults.
     If you plan to volunteer at Saint Thomas Academy you will need to participate in this training. We will offer this training on Thursday, October 22, at 12:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room in the STA Media Center. The session will finish by 3:30 p.m. 
     There are some exceptions to this training. If one works at the Auction, the Senior All Night Party, or similar activities, you do not need this training. If you would like to register for this program or have questions, please contact Wendy Hanson at 651.683.1513. If you cannot make this training, it is offered at many times and locations in the Archdiocese.
     In order to receive credit for attending this session, you must do three things:
1.  Pre-register at www.virtus.org   (Call school for information: 651.683.1513)
2.  Arrive on time for the presentation and sign in. It is suggested that you arrive early; if you miss the beginning of the first video or neglect to sign in, your attendance will not be confirmed.
3.  Attend the entire three hour presentation.

GUATEMALA SERVICE TRIP APPLICATIONS:

Faculty members John Rogers (English) and Janna Reuter (Spanish) are leading a student service trip to the San Lucas Toleman Mission in Guatemala from January 15-23, 2010. Trip participants will engage in projects to assist local residents. This may include assisting in the coffee-making process, constructing buildings and retaining walls, or helping in a local reforestation project. Interested juniors and seniors may pick up an application in Mr. Rogers' classroom, room 202. Applications are due October 30.

VISTA FINE ARTS SOCIETY:

The mission of the Fine Arts Society is to Encourage student interest and participation in the arts, enrich and complement the existing fine arts programs at the schools, and make performances and workshops available to students, families and friends of our two schools. Click here for more details about VISTA Fine Arts Society and to become a member.

PARENTS OF SENIORS – 
Some information for those parents who were unable to attend Senior Parent Night on September 21:
- Link to senior service project information 
- Link to Mr. Bjork's College Counseling presentation 
- Kaydet yearbooks: The seniors will receive a personalized yearbook free of charge; the personalization will be the student's full, formal first and last name UNLESS you contact Ms. Girres at agirres@cadets.com BEFORE November 1st to request a different personalization.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 28 – Eagle Awards (invitations were mailed)
 October 1 – Final Turn-in day for Middle School Magazine Drive
October 2 – Father/Son Mass ~ 7:30 a.m.
October 2 – Eucharistic Adoration ~ 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Benediction
October 2 – Seventh Grade Retreat

__________________________________________________

September 18, 2009

Dear Parents:
If your son is home sick please be sure to call school and report his illness – high school (651-683-1511) and middle school (651-683-1520). PowerSchool, our online student information system, is where parents and students should check school assignments. If assignments are not posted for one of your son’s classes, please contact his teacher directly to ask about the necessary work.

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT – SEPTEMBER 21
Your son’s senior year is one of the most important years of his education for him and for you. We at the Academy are concerned not only about how much he learns but also about the kind of person he becomes. Our work here complements yours in guiding your son into a fine Christian man. Every year we plan two evenings for senior parents. The first one is Monday the 21st, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

JOSTENS REP AT SCHOOL FOR CLASS RINGS – SEPTEMBER 24
Representatives from Jostens were at school yesterday to discuss class rings with the juniors. The students received information about ordering rings and the representatives will be back at school on Thursday the 24th to take orders.

STUDENT PHOTOS –
Student photo packets were delivered today. If you have any problems or concerns with your order, please contact The Photographer’s Guild directly at 651.646.3239. Retakes will be available on Friday, September 25. Students MUST turn in their first packet in order to get retakes. Senior photos are set for December 1-4; each student will be assigned a day and time at a later date.

YEARBOOK FEE – 
Due to budgetary constraints, this year there is a fee of $40 per book for the Kaydet yearbook. Seniors will receive the yearbook and personalization for free. The actual cost per book to the school is $60 so we are able to offer it to the students at a discounted rate. You may order and pay for the yearbook online – http://jostensyearbooks.com?REF=A04156100 – there is no shipping cost involved as the books will be delivered to school.

INFORMATION FROM MR. BJORK, COLLEGE COUNSELOR

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES VISITS –
Each year, 60+ colleges/universities send representatives to the STA campus to meet with Juniors and Seniors. Students must get a pass from Mr. Bjork and have their teacher approve the visit in order to meet with these representatives. If students are unable to meet with a representative, Mr. Bjork will give the representative the student’s name for follow up.

A full schedule is posted in Naviance (our college counseling software) and the College Counseling page.

Representative Visits September 21—September 28
Tuesday, September 22: Princeton University
Wednesday, September 23: Saint John’s University (Minnesota), Ripon College
Monday, September 28: Carroll College (Montana), Evergreen State College, Providence College, Colorado State University (@ Visitation)

NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR – SEPTEMBER 30
Students and Parents grades 9-12 are invited to visit the nation’s largest college fair right here in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1. The Minneapolis National College fair is a great opportunity to begin or narrow the college search. The best time to visit the fair is Wednesday evening between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m.

JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING SEMINAR – OCTOBER 5
Parents of Juniors: The junior year is an important year for college planning. Two college planning seminars will be held for students and parents:
Monday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. and
Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Please mark your calendar for these two important dates. The first seminar will focus on the search process, standardized testing, college visits, and using our college counseling software. The second seminar will have presentations by college personnel and follow up information from the first seminar. I look forward to working with you and your son.

Please contact Mr. Bjork with questions - sbjork@cadets.com or 651.683.1509.


MOTHERS’ CLUB HARVEST MASS AND DINNER – SEPTEMBER 30
This annual tradition is a wonderful way for STA moms to gather together to share in prayer and food. All mothers/guardians are welcome and we hope to see many of you at school on the 30th. The invitation and more details are found on the Mothers' Club page.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION –
Thank you for the enthusiastic response for First Friday Adorers. Eucharistic Adoration will begin on October 2, with 7:30 a.m. Mass and closing Benediction at 2:20 p.m. All are cordially invited and encouraged to visit the STA Chapel at any time during the day for quiet prayer. If you pick up your son after school, please consider committing to an hour in Adoration at the end of the day from 1:00-2:00 or from 2:00 through Benediction. Contact Vicki Sheaffer to sign up or ask questions  vsheaffer@hotmail.com.

BOX TOPS FOR BAND –
Turn in your box tops for Band to Mrs. Neddermeyer or Mrs. McQuillan. Go to http://www.boxtops4education.com to shop online at the marketplace and earn 1-7% for band.
Go to the web site
Click on Sign Up Now
Find your school by name: St Thomas Academy (no period on the St), state Minnesota
Continue on with your registration
You can also print valuable coupons for “Box Tops” products from the “Box Tops” Web site. Our profits will go to enhance the Middle School Band program.

Service Opportunity in Kampala, Uganda –
Parent/Student Information Meeting October 6

Last week, we announced a new service opportunity for a group of students to travel to Uganda and work on a building project at the Daughters of Charity Orphanage on the outskirts of the capitol city of Kampala. The orphanage is home to 80 -100 children ranging in age from two years through their teens.  These children are able to attend school (for which the orphanage must pay) only because they bake biscuits every day and sell them at local markets.  They earn enough so that a few of the children can go on to secondary school (the equivalent of our high school) and some even go on to receive a college degree.  The orphanage could send more children to school if they could increase their revenues by selling more biscuits.  Currently, the limiting factor is a reliable, inexpensive source of eggs.  Our project will be to build a chicken coop on the grounds of the orphanage large enough to house several hundred chickens.

The trip will take place during the last two weeks of January 2010.  Mr. Julius Tangwe from Saint Thomas Academy will chaperone.  Our students will work side-by-side with students from the University of St. Thomas who are in Kampala for the month of January.  STA and UST students will live together in a retreat center run by the Archdiocese of Kampala, located approximately 1/2 mile from the Daughters of Charity Orphanage.

The cost of this trip is currently estimated to be approximately $3,500.  The final price will depend on the cost of airfare when we make the flight reservations.  Please consider this opportunity for service for your son.  Not only will the experience create memories that will last a lifetime, your son will know first hand that his contribution has forever changed the lives of others.

There will be a meeting at STA on Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center to discuss this opportunity with you and your son. 


UPCOMING EVENTS –
September 21 – Senior Parent Night
September  24 – Middle School Magazine Drive turn-in day
September 25 – Student photo retakes – grades 7-11
September 28 – Eagle Awards (invitations were mailed)
September 30 – Mothers’ Club Harvest Mass and Meal

__________________________________________________

September 11, 2009

Dear Parents:

Student(s) or staff at STA have influenza-like illness. Symptoms of influenza-like illness include fever, cough sore throat, muscle aches or fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If your son has a health condition (such as asthma, diabetes, lung or heart problems) you should contact his health care provider for instructions, especially if he develops influenza symptoms. Local clinics are not testing specifically for H1N1, but are testing for the flu. If the test is positive, it will either be for Influenza A or Influenza B. H1N1 is a type of Influenza A, and currently 97% of the Influenza A in the metro area is thought to be H1N1. Link to tips for influenza prevention.

PARENT NIGHT – SEPTEMBER 14
Please join us on Monday the 14th, for Parents' Night, an evening where you get to go to your son's classes. Pick up your son's schedule (High School in the cafeteria; Middle School in the Rongitsch Commons) between 6:00 - 6:25 p.m. The first bell rings at 6:30 p.m. Come meet your son's teachers, attend Formation, and pick up the school calendar and directory. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Heidelberger at cheidelberger@cadets.com or 651.683.1522.

FATHERS’ CLUB MEETING – SEPTEMBER 15
All fathers/guardians are invited to the first meeting of the year on Tuesday the 15th, at 7:30 a.m. at STA. The meeting will last one hour and the agenda is as follows:

• Prayer
• Introduction of officers
• Purpose of Fathers’ Club
• Guest speakers: Mr. Byrne, Mr. Sjoberg, Mr. Ritten
• Leadership lesson for dads: The virtue of wisdom
• Open discussion

If you have any questions, please contact Fathers’ Club liaison Mrs. Zimmermann at czimmermann@cadets.com or 651.454.4570.

JOSTENS REP AT SCHOOL FOR CLASS RINGS – SEPTEMBER 17
On Thursday the 17th, representatives from Jostens will be at both lunch periods to discuss class rings with the juniors. The students will receive information about ordering rings and the representatives will be back at school on Thursday the 24th to take orders.

STANDARDIZED TESTING FOR GRADES 7 AND 9 – SEPTEMBER 18
On Friday the 18th, we will administer GRADE, a standardized reading test, to all 7th and 9th graders. GRADE measures individual skills for reading in areas of vocabulary, comprehension and oral language. Parents will receive the results in late fall. The results will also be shared with the student's English teacher. The best way for students to prepare for the test is to get a good night's sleep and to eat breakfast. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Heidelberger at cheidelberger@cadets.com or 651.683.1522.

DISCO MIXER – SEPTEMBER 19
This mixer is a fun evening open to all high school students (STA and Visitation) and is sponsored by the Campus Ministers.
Time: 8:00-11:00 p.m. CORRECTED STARTING TIME
Price: $5 per person
Dress and Conduct: The dress code will be enforced (no tank tops/spaghetti straps; no mesh shirts; no bare midriffs; no short skirts) and inappropriate dancers will be asked to leave the dance. Purses and bags will be checked at the door. All students must arrive at the dance before 9:00 p.m. – there is no admittance after that time. If you have any questions, please contact Father O’Brien at tobrien@cadets.com or 651.683.1582.

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT – SEPTEMBER 21
Your son’s senior year is one of the most important years of his education for him and for you. We at the Academy are concerned not only about how much he learns but also about the kind of person he becomes. Our work here complements yours in guiding your son into a fine Christian man. Every year we plan two evenings for senior parents. The first one is Monday the 21st, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. This is an informational meeting about your son’s needs:

• Graduation requirements
• Overview of the year
• Senior service requirements
• College counseling process
• Senior promotions
• Senior retreat
• Senior pictures
• Packets from Jostens regarding graduation announcements, etc. will be available for pickup.

This meeting will also provide an opportunity for you to share any concerns and questions and indicate how we may be of help to you. If you are unable to attend this evening or have questions throughout the year, please contact Mr. Byrne at mbyrne@cadets or 651.683.1521.

MOMS IN TOUCH INTERNATIONAL – THURSDAYS AT VISITATION
Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear over your children with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms in Touch International (MITI) gathers moms together to pray specifically and scripturally for their children and schools. They meet in prayer every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Parlor at Visitation. Please contact Visitation parent Eva Silva at 651.452.8608 or evsilva@comcast.net for more information about the local group.

KAMPALA UGANDA SERVICE OPPORTUNITY MEETING – OCTOBER 6
Dr. Tim Schacker (STA alumnus and parent) will lead a group of students on a service trip to Uganda in January 2010. The students will partner with UST students to build a chicken coop on the grounds of the Daughters of Charity Orphanage. The orphanage is home to 80-100 children who sell biscuits to help pay for their tuition. Having a chicken coop at the orphanage will allow the children to have a steady supply of eggs for the biscuits, instead of buying them from the stores. This week, Dr. Schacker addressed the students at formation about this invaluable experience and on Tuesday, October 6, he and Mr. Tangwe will hold an informational meeting at STA at 6:00 p.m. for interested students and their parents. Please contact Mr. Tangwe – jtangwe@cadets.com – if you have any questions before the meeting.

TALKING MONEY WITH YOUR CHILDREN SEMINAR – OCTOBER 20
The STA Mothers’ Club and Visitation Parents' Association are bringing personal finance expert Nathan Dungan to Visitation on October 20. Dungan is an exciting and engaging speaker with simple and immediate ways for youth and adults to achieve Financial Sanity. All STA and Vis parents are invited and students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend with their parents. For more information and links to Nathan on video, click here and open the October Meeting – The Money Talk document.

UPCOMING EVENTS –
September 14 – Middle School Magazine Drive begins
September 15 – Late Start, 8:45 a.m. first bell
September 16 – Opening School Mass and Reception (Class A without blouse coat for high school; long-sleeve shirt and tie for middle school)
September  24 – Middle School Magazine Drive turn-in day
September 25 – Student photo retakes – grades 7-11

CALENDAER CHANGE –
Middle School Christmas Concert has been changed to Wednesday, December 16. Times remain the same.

__________________________________________________

September 4, 2009

We have a number of notices and reminders this week. At the end of the e-mail, after the “Upcoming Events” section was information from the Minnesota Department of Health about safeguarding your family against influenza. Click here for a copy of that letter. For our part, we are making some changes at school, including a more extensive cleaning schedule for public surfaces and the addition of hand cleansers in the lunch line and the offices. We will keep you updated as needed via e-mail and Cadets.com (Student Health Services).

PRESIDENT OBAMA EDUCATIONAL ADDRESS – SEPTEMBER 8
The president’s address to students via CNN and the Internet on Tuesday, September 8, is not mandatory and STA will not air the address.

PHOTO DAY – SEPTEMBER 11
Photo day is Friday, September 11, for grades 7-11. All students should have a “clean” haircut for the pictures. High school students wear the Class A uniform and middle school students wear the long-sleeve shirt with tie. If you have questions about the high school uniform, there is a page at Cadets.com that describes the uniforms with photos – Click here to access the page.

PARENT NIGHT – SEPTEMBER 14
Please join us on Monday, September 14 for Parents' Night, an evening where you get to go to your son's classes.  Pick up your son's schedule (High School in the cafeteria; Middle School in the Rongitsch Commons) between 6:00 - 6:25 p.m.  The first bell rings at 6:30 p.m.  Come meet your son's teachers, attend Formation, and pick up the school calendar and directory.

HOST FAMILY NEEDED –
An 8th grade family is needed to host our 8th grade foreign exchange student from Mexico for the second semester of this school year (January to June). To learn more, contact the admissions office at 651.683.1515 or staadmissions@cadets.com.

PERU STUDENT TRIP –
All students who will be in grades 10 and 11 during school year 2009-10 are invited to attend the ten-day Peru trip in June 2010. Please see Ms. Reuter for additional information and the necessary paperwork. A deposit of $300 is due upon registration to confirm your place. Registration deadline is October 14. Click here to access the informational brochure for the trip.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE REMINDERS –

• If your son will be absent, please call the High School office at 651-683-1511 or the Middle School office at 651-683-1520 to reports his absence. 

• If you son has an appointment during the school day, please send a note with him that morning. The note should list the times and reason for his absence and he must bring the note to the appropriate office before classes start.  When he returns to school after his appointment, he will need to check in at the office.

VISTA PRODUCTIONS AUDITIONS FOR THE FALL PLAY –
Auditions for Blithe Spirit are on Tuesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9, at 3:15 p.m. in the Visitation Fine Arts Center. Students will be given a scene to read at the audition. The auditions are on a first-come/first-served basis and callbacks are on Thursday, September 10. For more information, please contact Wendy Short-Hays at wshortha@vischool.org.

UNIFORMS: GYM AND ATHLETIC –
Please remind your sons to bring home their gym and athletic uniforms to wash them. This will help with their personal hygiene and an overall healthier environment in the locker room.

TRAFFIC TIPS –

• If you are driving to Saint Thomas Academy on Dodd Road and turn on Lake Drive (North of Mendota Heights Road) please remember that the speed limit is 30 m.p.h. until you reach the curve, and then it is 15 m.p.h. We encourage students and parents to use Mendota Heights Road as much as possible when driving to and from the Academy. This keeps our neighbors happy and the students walking to and from classes at Visitation safe.

• The parking spaces in the main lot that are marked “Reserved” are only for STA employees and visitors to the school. Students ARE NOT allowed to park in these spaces. The north side of the school parking lot is designated as a bus zone. Please do not park your vehicle in this designated area.

• The circular driveway in front of school is marked as a No Parking Fire Zone. While we understand that parents will drive up to pick up their son during the day and after school, leaving cars at the curb is not allowed. If you need to park and leave your vehicle, please use the visitor parking spots or park in the main lot.

• Please be aware of buses, trucks and other vehicles trying to enter and exit the driveway near the Middle School and move your vehicle to allow their safe entry and exit.

• Please be mindful that students, STA employees, parents and neighbors walk along Lake Drive.

UPCOMING EVENTS –
September 7 – Labor Day, no school
September 8 – Mothers’ Club Meeting, 10:00 a.m. at STA
September 10 – Mothers’ Club Social, 7:00 p.m. at Pool & Yacht Club
September 11 – Student Photos, grades 7-11
September 14 – Parent Night, 6:00 p.m. at STA; Middle School Magazine Drive
September 15 – Late Start, 8:45 a.m. first bell; Fathers’ Club Meeting, 7:30 a.m. at STA
September 18 – Reading Tests, grades 7 and 9
September 19 – Disco Mixer, grades 9-12, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. at STA (more details to follow)