____________________________________

January 29, 2010

FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMICS
Registration for the 2010-11 school year begins on Monday.
     Course selection forms for current students in grades 7 - 11 are due by February 2.
They will be collected during lunch both February 1 and 2.  A late fee of $50 is applied starting February 3.  The students who were in Uganda are exempt from this deadline.

Please contact Dr. Heidelberger at cheidelberger@cadets.com or 651-683-1522 if you have any questions.

STA Round-Up: Save the dates!

Thursday, August 5 – 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.
OR
Wednesday, August 11 – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This summer, to begin the 2010-11 school year, we will have a new way to distribute materials to, and collect information from, parents and students.  We have made these changes to make it easier and more efficient for parents to acquire all the important information needed to begin a new school year. 

You must come to school with your son(s) on one of these days.
You may show up at any time between the hours listed above (no appointment is needed).

When you arrive, you will receive a card that must be signed at various stations. 
A number of stations are required: turn in health forms, district forms, athletics forms and contact information verification; complete the paperwork for the Taher lunch program (either accepting or declining the program); pick up the school calendar and the student planner.  Other stations are optional: visit the Cadet Maker bookstore for Phy. Ed. uniforms and other supplies; receive information about the Auction, the yearbook, and Mothers’ and Fathers’ Clubs.

After you have visited all the stations, you will receive your son’s schedule and passwords for PowerSchool. 
SCHEDULES WILL NOT BE MAILED FOR THE 2010-11 SCHOOL YEAR. 

More information will follow in the late spring and early summer. 

Please plan your summer schedule so you can come to school on August 5 or 11.

The new high school uniform sale is scheduled for August 16-18.  A reminder that STA does not sell Middle School uniforms. 


FROM THE COMMANDANT OF CADETS
1) Cadets who, for whatever reason, do not come to school in uniform must be in appropriate civilian dress: tie, slacks, and dress shoes.  The dress for Cadets who have injuries are handled on a case-by-case basis. 
2) Congratulations to Cadet 1LT M. DePauw, Cadet MSG N. Olayinka, and Cadet CPL G. Earley for winning the Cadets of the Quarter!

SUPPORT THE STA COMMUNITY AUCTION
    The Academy needs your help to produce a successful Auction. It takes hundreds of people to produce a successful fundraiser for the students and faculty of STA and we hope you will sign up to help.  If you did not get a chance to fill out your volunteer form, you can still sign up to help.  Click here for the Auction site, download the Cadet Incentive Form, January, and return the completed form to the Auction Office. 
     If you would like your donation to the Community Auction included in the catalog, please send in your donation form by February 15.  Please click here to access the form.
     THANK YOU for your support of the students and faculty via the Auction!    

FULL CIRCLE SHOW
Student directed, produced, choreographed and designed!
VIRTUOSITY promises to be a thought-provoking, lively, dynamic experience and the students hope to see you at the show. 
January 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m.
January 31 at 4:00 p.m.
DeSales Auditorium at Visitation School
    Tickets are available at the door prior to each performance
    Adults and seniors $5
    Students special offer! 2 for $5

PARENTS OF SENIORS!!!
1) The $70 payment for the senior class retreat is due to Mrs. Zimmermann by Wednesday, February 3rd.  Please contact her at czimmermann@cadets.com to find out what you need to do about the “surprise” portion of the retreat.
2) If you would like Mr. Geroux to provide a video of your son’s Senior Speech, please contact him at jgeroux@cadets.com two days before the date of the speech.  We do ask for a donation of $10 per DVD to cover expenses.
3) Senior Parent Night is Monday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. at STA.
4) Registration materials for the graduation party are due by February 26.  Click here to access the online forms and information.
5) February 11th is the deadline to order announcements and other graduation items from Jostens – www.shop.jostens.com.

BE A JUDGE FOR HISTORY DAY!
The Social Studies department will sponsor the 12th annual History Day competition at Saint Thomas Academy on the evening of Thursday, February 18, 2010.

This year the theme is Innovation in History: Impact and Change. Students in grades 8 and 11 have been doing extensive research on topics related to this theme and will be presenting their exhibits, performances and documentaries to their classmates and the public.

We 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 18. Past judges have agreed that the judging experience is enjoyable and valuable for judges and students alike.

If you are interested in judging, please download, fill out and return this PDF file.

Doug Hoverson, History Day Coordinator

VISTA PRODUCTIONS AUDITIONS FOR FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
    Student auditions are on a first come/first served basis on Monday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 2, from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m. each day.  Callbacks are on Wednesday, February 3, beginning at 3:15 p.m.  The audition forms are located in the Visitation Fine Arts Center lobby.
    Students: Please prepare a song to sing and bring music; an accompanist is provided.  If you need assistance choosing a song or have questions, please contact Wendy Short-Hays in the VISTA office (651 683-1750 or wshortha@vischool.org).

FRESHMAN PARENTS!   
    The freshman class will have a great day on the hills at Afton Alps on February 4th. Parents and chauffeurs are invited to stop by the cafeteria between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. for a cup of coffee after dropping off the students (hosted by the 9th grade class reps, Cammy Baer and Maureen Brackey).

The Snack Shack will not be open after school on February 4th.

FATHER/SON MASS
February 5
7:30 a.m. at STA

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
February 5
Eucharistic Adoration is an opportunity for all to drop by the Chapel for quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  Father O'Brien will offer Mass at 7:30 a.m. with Adoration beginning right after and continuing until Benediction at 2:20 p.m.  You are welcomed anytime during the school day or please consider committing to a regular hour of prayer at this once a month practice.  Contact Cammy Baer, Vicki Sheaffer or Mary Underwood if you have any questions.

VISTA VARIETY SHOW
February 5 and 6
7:30 p.m. at the Visitation Fine Arts Center
    The VISTA Variety Show is a benefit for the VISTA Fine Arts Society and showcases all the talented students at STA and Vis.
   
TICKET SALES: Tickets are $10 each, proceeds benefit VISTA FAS
Tickets will be on sale during lunches -
Tuesday, February 2 (Seniors only)
Wednesday, February 3
Thursday, February 4
Tickets will also be on sale at the door before the shows (6:45 p.m.), if available.


UPCOMING EVENTS:

COFFEEHOUSE GATHERING
February 11
3:15 p.m. at STA
     The Write Place, in collaboration with the English and Fine Arts Departments and the Cadence literary and arts magazine, will hold a Coffeehouse on February 11th, 3:15-4:00 p.m. in the Write Place (room 205).  The Coffeehouse is an open forum for all students, faculty and staff to share any original art, writing, music or performance. It is free and open to the community at large.  Light refreshments are available.  Support the arts here at STA!

MOTHERS’ CLUB MOMS NIGHT OUT
Take a break and have a fun night out with other STA moms!  Appetizers, cash bar, drawings for gift baskets.  No RSVP needed
February 11
7:00 p.m. at Mendakota Country Club
Click here for the flier

VISTA IMPROV SHOW
February 12 and 13
7:30 p.m. at Visitation Fine Arts Center

NO SCHOOL
February 15 for President’s Day

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The next STA gathering at Feed My Starving Children is Tuesday, February 16, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.  We would love to have you join us.  As our student interest grows we need to provide adequate adult presence.  Thank you for considering this opportunity. Please contact Mrs. Miley at kmiley@cadets.com to sign up.

____________________________________

January 22, 2010

FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMICS
     Congratulations to the students who are on the STA Honor Roll for Semester 1.  The High Honor Roll recognizes students with a GPA of 3.67 and above; the Honor Roll recognizes those with a GPA of 3.33 -- 3.66. Click here to access the lists   

     Quarter 2/Semester 1 grades and comments have been updated on PowerSchool if your son takes a class at Visitation (Chinese, Honors French 4, AP Spanish, Orchestra) or if he made up an incomplete grade.

Registration Timeline for 2010 – 2011 School Year
1.    The Course Description Booklet for 2010 – 2011 is posted on the STA Web site.  Please feel free to review course options with your son.
2.    Students in grades 7 – 11 will receive their course selection form in school on Monday, January 25. You may view this form online; however, students must hand in the form distributed to them.
3.    Students have the week of January 25 – 29 to discuss options with teachers, parents, counselors and the Dean of Academics. The “pre-selected” classes are required.
4.    Parents, students and required teachers must sign the form. 
5.    Students turn in their course selection form during lunch periods on Monday and Tuesday, February 1 and 2.  Students must have all needed signatures.
6.    A late fee of $50 applies starting Wednesday, February 3. 

(Note: The students in Uganda are exempt from this deadline and have an extension.)

    When discussing choices, remember that with the exception of some MS electives, classes are year-long and we expect students to stay in a course the entire year. Any course may be canceled if enrollment is insufficient or if it cannot be staffed. Due to scheduling constraints, there is no guarantee that students will be able to fit all desired courses into their schedules. (This usually impacts only a few seniors.)

    Students must register for enough classes to partially or completely fill six of the seven instructional periods, regardless of the number of credits a student has earned towards graduation. In other words, all students at STA must be enrolled in six class periods both semesters in order to remain at the Academy.

    In the spring, we will ask parents to verify their son’s selections. In late May, teachers may adjust placement, especially in honors or AP courses, based on academic performance second semester.

    Please contact Dr. Heidelberger at cheidelberger@cadets.com or 651-683-1522 if you have any questions.

VACATIONS
    As we begin second semester, please consult our calendar for non-school days.  We understand that “one in a lifetime” opportunities come up for students and their families.  Nevertheless, we strongly discourage taking students out of school for extended vacations beyond our regularly scheduled vacation periods.

FROM THE HEADMASTER
    A letter was mailed in December asking you to update your emergency contact information so we can implement the ALERTNOW notification service, which will allow us to give you timely information such as school delays or closings due to inclement weather, or contact you regarding school-related emergencies.  We are still waiting to hear from approximately 200 families so if you have not yet completed and returned this letter, please do so right away.

FROM THE COMMANDANT OF CADETS
Junior Officer (JO) Selection Process for the Class of 2011 –
    This process will begin next week and is conducted entirely by this year’s senior leadership.  Seniors will evaluate each applicant on:
 * Appearance.
 * Military / STA Knowledge.
 * GPA - Cumulative and Military.
 * Demerits.
 * Demonstrated military performance during their junior year.
 * Co-curricular activity and athletic involvement.
 * Service and leadership outside of school.
 * Knowledge of current events.
    This is perhaps the most arduous selection process a cadet will face at STA.  Each senior class takes a great deal of pride in evaluation criteria, ensuring that the most qualified cadets are selected. 1SG Hernandez or I will observe each interview, but the final selections are the responsibility of each senior class.  The process culminates with a “Top 20” list in mid-April then is reduced to 14 cadets in May and announced during the brigade change-of-command ceremony.
    Many outstanding cadets are not selected for JO.  The competition is tough.  However, these cadets can and do serve in high-level leadership positions during their senior year to include company commanders and primary staff officers.  GOOD LUCK TO ALL APPLICANTS!

Congratulations to A. Bartol for earning a four-year Army ROTC scholarship to Creighton University and to C. Schlank for receiving an appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

STA COMMUNITY AUCTION – CADET INCENTIVE, PHASE II
    The Academy needs your help to produce a successful Auction.  Your son will bring home the second Cadet Incentive form asking for volunteers during Auction Week.  It takes hundreds of people to produce a successful fundraiser for the students and faculty of STA and we hope you will sign up to help.  The Cadet Incentive form needs to be returned to school by January 28, so, if your son does not hand the form to you, please ask him about it. THANK YOU!   

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
    The Variety Show is next month and the VISTA Fine Arts Society needs your help with the event. They are looking for volunteers to sell tickets at school before the show and a number of positions the night of the show.
* Volunteers during lunch periods: 
    Ticket sales during lunch periods on February 2, 3 and 4
* Volunteers at the shows:
    Ticket sales, ticket collection, general chaperoning, helping Sr. Jane with the refreshments at
    intermission, etc. on February 5 and 6
If you are able to help, please contact VISTA Fine Arts Society Chairs,
Colleen Heffron (heffron3@comcast.net) or Mary Sullivan Rickey (sullric@aol.com)

BASEBALL INFORMATION
    There are still a few spots available for the 2010 baseball clinic – registration closes on January 24th. Information about the clinic, exercises, captains’ practices and Middle School and underclassmen guidelines are posted on the Web site.
Click here for clinic registration and other information

VISTA CHOIR AND BAND
    The Classic Suburban All-Conference Honors Festival was held last week at North High School in St. Paul. This event was held in conjunction with the Choir, Band and Jazz Band. Dr. Lee Nelson from Wartburg College was the guest conductor. This was the first year that members of the choir participated in this prestigious event. Congratulations to all the participants: please click here to see all the honored students

VISTA PRODUCTIONS AUDITIONS FOR FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
    Student auditions are on a first come/first served basis on Monday, February 1, and Tuesday,
February 2, from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m. each day. Callbacks are on Wednesday, February 3, beginning at
3:15 p.m. The audition forms are located in the Visitation Fine Arts Center lobby.
    Students: Please prepare a song to sing and bring music; an accompanist is provided. If you need assistance choosing a song or have questions, please contact Wendy Short-Hays in the VISTA office (651 683-1750 or wshortha@vischool.org).

COMMUNITY AUCTION – AROUND THE WORLD IN 125 YEARS
 First Annual STA Auction Wine Frenzy
    This year, at the Gala dinner during the cocktail hour, we will be offering the first annual STA Wine Frenzy in which guests have the opportunity to join in the frenetic excitement, buy a spectacular bottle of wine, and contribute to the cause.
    However, in order for our Frenzy to be successful, we need donations of wine.  Whether you have a bottle of Pinot Gris valued at $7.99, or a lovely 1998 Bordeaux valued at $100, we’re accepting ALL donations.  We would like to accumulate at least 100 bottles to have in the game, so visit your cellar or the store, and please bring a bottle (or two!) to the Development office over the next two weeks and we’ll be sure to put it to good use.
    If you have questions about the Frenzy, or would like your wine to be picked up, please contact either Joanne Mullen at jbmullen@comcast.net, or Brian Reagan at brianjreagan@comcast.net, and we’ll be able to help you out.
  Please include a donation form with your wine donation so we may provide you with a gift receipt. The form is available online.
 

UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

COLLEGE SEMINAR FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR PARENTS
January 27
7:00 p.m. at STA ** Change in time from printed school calendar

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS MASS
January 28
High school students must wear the white uniform shirt.

7TH GRADE TRIP TO THE AUDUBON CENTER
January 27-29
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. A list of “What to bring and what to leave at home,” health and emergency forms, and additional information was sent to your home – click here if you need additional copies.

FULL CIRCLE SHOW
    Unencumbered by a published script the students are free to interpret, develop, redevelop, access and move fully through the creative process.  Students choreograph for peers, all with varying levels of dance experience, with impressive results.
    This year our theme is VIRTUOSITY, exploring the search for virtue and spirituality.  This theme was chosen specifically as a gift to the Sisters of the Visitation as they celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the order.
    We have expanded the program to include live musicians and vocals. Bel Canto and Chamber choir members are also part of the performance expanding our cast to more than 45 members.  VIRTUOSITY promises to be a thought-provoking, lively, dynamic experience.  We hope you will be able to include Full Circle in your entertainment plans this year.
January 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m.
January 31 at 4:00 p.m.
DeSales Auditorium at Visitation School
    Tickets are available at the door prior to each performance
    Adults and seniors $5
    Students special offer! 2 for $5

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
    We join the Archdiocese and Catholic schools around the country in celebrating Catholic education during the week of January 31 to February 6 (this is a change from the printed school calendar). Students and faculty who were selected for the “Pay it Forward” program will present their projects during this week.

FRESHMAN SKI TRIP
    The freshman class will have a great day on the hills at Afton Alps on February 4th. Please make sure your son’s permission slip is returned to Mr. McCarthy.

TEAM VINNEY MEETING 
    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 or sjv@stthomas.edu, or call Fr. John Klockeman at 651-962-6832.
February 4
5:40 p.m. at UST

FATHER/SON MASS
February 5
7:30 a.m. at STA

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
February 5
8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Benediction

VISTA FINE ARTS SOCIETY VARIETY SHOW
February 5 and 6
7:30 p.m. at Visitation Fine Arts Center

SENIOR PARENT NIGHT
February 8
7:00 p.m. at STA

MOTHERS’ CLUB MOMS NIGHT OUT
Take a break and have a fun night out with other STA moms! Appetizers, cash bar, drawings for gift baskets. No RSVP needed
February 11
7:00 p.m. at Mendakota Country Club
Click here for the flier

____________________________________

January 15, 2010

FROM THE CAMPUS MINISTRY CLASS

Dear Members of the STA Community,

We are writing to request your support in our efforts to assist those that were afflicted in the recent earthquake in Haiti.  Over 50,000 are believed dead as a result of the earthquake.  Even more have lost their homes.  In a country where food and pure water were already scarce, and a social infrastructure all but absent, millions are now left without the simplest of life’s necessities.

As citizens of the world—and especially, we believe, as members of a Catholic high school community—we have an obligation as humans to reach out and aid those who so desperately need our help in these times.  It is our natural duty to answer the call, to unite ourselves and rally around this cause in an effort to do our part in relieving the horrible suffering this disaster has caused.  Haiti is one of the world’s poorest nations.  With over 6.6 million people living in poverty before the earthquake, the need was great.  Now it is undeniable.  Those that had nothing lost it all.

Collection bins will be placed at all major entrances of the school next week as a means of collecting monetary donations.  We will greatly appreciate your generosity in any amount; your gift can truly help make a difference. Please note: This is a collection for financial contributions, not food or material supplies.  Your contributions will be sent in the form of one check from the Community of Saint Thomas Academy to Catholic Relief Services, which is one of the major charitable organizations coordinating the world’s response to this disaster.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

The Campus Ministry Class of 2010


FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMICS
Viewing Quarter/Semester Grades and Comments
Parents, to view comments made by teachers for Quarter 2/Semester 1:
1.    Log in to the PowerSchool parent portal with your user name and password.
2.    You may review your son’s grades from the main page.
3.    By clicking on the letter grade, you will be taken to a page with the details of the assignments and grades for the quarter/semester.
4.    Above the list of assignments, you will see Teacher Comments.
If you have a question about your son’s grade(s), please contact his teacher(s).


Registration Timeline for 2010 – 2011 School Year
1.    The Course Description Booklet for 2010 – 2011 is posted on the STA Web site.  Please feel free to review course options with your son.
2.    Students in grades 7 – 11 will receive their course selection form in school on Monday, January 25. You may view this form online; however, students must hand in the form distributed to them.
3.    Students have the week of January 25 – January 29 to discuss options with teachers, parents, counselors and the Dean of Academics. The “pre-selected” classes are required.
4.    Parents, students, and required teachers must sign the form. 
5.    Students turn in their course selection form during lunch periods on Monday and Tuesday, February 1 and 2.  Students must have all needed signatures.
6.    A late fee of $50 applies starting Wednesday, February 3. 

(Note: The students going to Uganda are exempt from this deadline and have an extension.)

When discussing choices, remember that with the exception of some MS electives, classes are year-long and we expect students to stay in a course the entire year. Any course may be canceled if enrollment is insufficient or if it cannot be staffed. Due to scheduling constraints, there is no guarantee that students will be able to fit all desired courses into their schedules. (This usually impacts only a few seniors.)

Students must register for enough classes to partially or completely fill six of the seven instructional periods, regardless of the number of credits a student has earned towards graduation. In other words, all students at STA must be enrolled in six class periods both semesters in order to remain at the Academy.

In the spring, we will ask parents to verify their son’s selections. In late May, teachers may adjust placement, especially in honors or AP courses, based on academic performance second semester.

Please contact Dr. Heidelberger at cheidelberger@cadets.com or 651-683-1522 if you have any questions.

VACATIONS
As we begin second semester, please consult our calendar for non-school days.  We understand that “one in a lifetime” opportunities come up for students and their families.  Nevertheless, we strongly discourage taking students out of school for extended vacations beyond our regularly scheduled vacation periods.


COMMUNITY AUCTION – AROUND THE WORLD IN 125 YEARS
 First Annual STA Auction Wine Frenzy
    This year, at the Gala dinner during the cocktail hour, we will be offering the first annual STA Wine Frenzy in which guests have the opportunity to join in the frenetic excitement, buy a spectacular bottle of wine, and contribute to the cause.
However, in order for our Frenzy to be successful, we need donations of wine.  Whether you have a bottle of Pinot Gris valued at $7.99, or a lovely 1998 Bordeaux valued at $100, we’re accepting ALL donations.  We would like to accumulate at least 100 bottles to have in the game, so visit your cellar or the store, and please bring a bottle (or two!) to the Development office over the next two weeks and we’ll be sure to put it to good use. 
If you have questions about the Frenzy, or would like your wine to be picked up, please contact either Joanne Mullen at jbmullen@comcast.net, or Brian Reagan at brianjreagan@comcast.net, and we’ll be able to help you out.
  Please include a donation form with your wine donation so we may provide you with a gift receipt. The form is available online.


STUDENT SERVICE TRIPS
Two groups of students and faculty advisors are leaving this weekend to assist others in Guatemala and Uganda. Blogs from their service trips will be posted on Cadets.com next week.


SENIOR PARTY AFTER GRADUATION
Parents of seniors: A separate e-mail will be sent to you with all the information for this annual “lock-in” party after graduation. 


CADET MAKER INFORMATION
    Cadet Maker is now selling gift cards in any denomination. These cards are great for gym uniforms, books, school supplies, apparel, birthday ideas, etc. and they are “reloadable” as well.
    Local artist Brian Leo ’58 designed limited-edition bronze insignia sculptures exclusively for the STA Alumni Association. These insignia statues are available for purchase at the Academy Cadet Maker bookstore for $150. These beautiful works of art are cast from solid bronze and stand approximately 10” tall by 7” wide and weigh 12 pounds. Each insignia statue comes with a brass plate for custom engraving – a great present for your member of the Class of 2010!


UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

** The City of Mendota Heights council meeting about Lake Drive has been moved again; it is now scheduled for March.


FRESHMAN FUN NIGHT
Friday, January 15
7:00 – 10:30 p.m. at STA

NO SCHOOL – JANUARY 18

FATHERS’ CLUB MEETING
Discussion – Leadership lessons for dads: Fortitude
Tuesday, January 19
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. at STA (Media Center)

2010 VARIETY SHOW AUDITIONS
A great way for STA and Vis students to show off their talents! Encourage your high school sons and daughters to audition.
January 19-20
Click here for details and criteria

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM
January 20

COLLEGE SEMINAR FOR JUNIORS AND THEIR PARENTS
January 27
7:00 p.m. at STA **NEW TIME

7TH GRADE TRIP TO THE AUDUBON CENTER
January 27-29
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. A list of “What to bring and what to leave at home,” health and emergency forms, and additional information was sent to your home – click here if you need additional copies.

FULL CIRCLE SHOW
    Unencumbered by a published script the students are free to interpret, develop, redevelop, access and move fully through the creative process.  Students choreograph for peers, all with varying levels of dance experience, with impressive results.
    This year our theme is VIRTUOSITY, exploring the search for virtue and spirituality.  This theme was chosen specifically as a gift to the Sisters of the Visitation as they celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the order.
    We have expanded the program to include live musicians and vocals. Bel Canto and Chamber choir members are also part of the performance expanding our cast to more than 45 members.  VIRTUOSITY promises to be a thought-provoking, lively, dynamic experience.  We hope you will be able to include Full Circle in your entertainment plans this year.
January 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m.
January 31 at 4:00 p.m.
DeSales Auditorium at Visitation School
    Tickets are available at the door prior to each performance
    Adults and seniors $5
    Students special offer! 2 for $5

TEAM VINNEY MEETING 
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 or sjv@stthomas.edu, or call Fr. John Klockeman at 651-962-6832.
February 4
5:40 p.m. at UST

MOTHERS’ CLUB MOMS NIGHT OUT
Take a break and have a fun night out with other STA moms! The evening features appetizers, cash bar and drawings for gift baskets. No RSVP needed.
Thursday, February 11
7:00 p.m. at Mendakota Country Club
Click here for the flier

____________________________________

January 8, 2010

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER A YEARBOOK
Click here to order online or download the order form.


MEETING ABOUT LAKE DRIVE CLOSURE
    Reminder about the meeting at STA on Monday, January 11, at 7:00 p.m. The city council meeting has been changed to February 16; complete details about the project are on the Web site.


FROM THE HEADMASTER
    A letter was mailed in December asking you to update your contact information so we can implement the ALERTNOW notification service, which will allow us to give you timely information such as school delays or closings due to inclement weather, or contact you regarding school-related emergencies. If you have not yet completed and returned this letter, please do so right away.


FROM THE DEAN OF ACADEMICS
Viewing Quarter/Semester Grades and Comments
Parents, to view comments made by teachers for Quarter 2/Semester 1:
1.    Log in to the PowerSchool parent portal with your user name and password.
2.    You may review your son’s grades from the main page.
3.    By clicking on the letter grade, you will be taken to a page with the details of the assignments and grades for the quarter/semester.
4.    Above the list of assignments, you will see Teacher Comments.
If you have a question about your son’s grade(s), please contact his teacher(s).


Registration Timeline for 2010 – 2011 School Year
1.    The Course Description Booklet for 2010 – 2011 is posted on the STA Web site. Please feel free to review course options with your son.
2.    Students in grades 7 – 11 will receive their course selection form in school on Monday, January 25. You may view this form online; however, students must hand in the form distributed to them.
3.    Students have the week of January 25 – January 29 to discuss options with teachers, parents, counselors and the Dean of Academics. The “pre-selected” classes are required.
4.    Parents, students, and required teachers must sign the form. 
5.    Students turn in their course selection form during lunch periods on Monday and Tuesday, February 1 and 2.  Students must have all needed signatures.
6.    A late fee of $50 applies starting Wednesday, February 3. 

(Note: The students going to Uganda are exempt from this deadline and have an extension.)

When discussing choices, remember that with the exception of some MS electives, classes are year-long and we expect students to stay in a course the entire year. Any course may be canceled if enrollment is insufficient or if it cannot be staffed. Due to scheduling constraints, there is no guarantee that students will be able to fit all desired courses into their schedules. (This usually impacts only a few seniors.)

Students must register for enough classes to partially or completely fill six of the seven instructional periods, regardless of the number of credits a student has earned towards graduation. In other words, all students at STA must be enrolled in six class periods both semesters in order to remain at the Academy.

In the spring, we will ask parents to verify their son’s selections. In late May, teachers may adjust placement, especially in honors or AP courses, based on academic performance second semester.

Please contact Dr. Heidelberger at cheidelberger@cadets.com or 651-683-1522 if you have any questions about registration.


FROM THE COMMANDANT OF CADETS
1.  Winter = long shabby hair! Please assist us in reminding your son to get a haircut.

2.  For whatever reason, if your son cannot wear his uniform to school, he must be in dress slacks and a tie. Injured Cadets should see LTC DePuglio for uniform guidance / waiver. 

3.  Congrats to Delta Company for winning Phase 1 of the Cadet Incentive!


UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

STA ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 10
1:00 p.m.

MOTHERS’ CLUB MEETING
How often have you ever wondered “Why Do They Act That Way?” The Mothers’ Club and the Visitation Parents’ Association invite you to enjoy a morning with Michael Mann, distinguished storyteller, training consultant, public speaker and author. Michael will speak on the subject of children and adolescents, shedding light on why they act that way.  
Tuesday, January 12
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at STA (Rongitsch Commons)
Click here for the flier

ALL-CONFERENCE CHOIR, BAND AND JAZZ PERFORMANCE
Five students from the STA Men’s Choir and 12 students from VISTA Band will participate in a concert on January 12, at North St. Paul High School at 7:00 p.m.

LATE START – JANUARY 13 (8:50 a.m.)

VISTA BAND CONCERT PERFORMANCE
Thursday, January 14
7:00 p.m. at DeSales Auditorium

FRESHMAN FUN NIGHT
A collaboration of STA and Visitation’s Guidance Departments, the evening will include gym activities, fun video games and a dance contest. Concession and drinks will be available for purchase.
Friday, January 15
7:00 – 10:30 p.m. at STA ($5 per student)
Click here for details

NO SCHOOL – JANUARY 18

FATHERS’ CLUB MEETING
Discussion – Leadership lessons for dads: Fortitude
Tuesday, January 19
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. at STA (Media Center)

2010 VARIETY SHOW AUDITIONS
A great way for STA and Vis students to show off their talents! Encourage your high school sons and daughters to audition.
January 19-20
Click here for details and criteria 

ATHLETICS CAPTAINS' PRACTICES
Baseball started this week - Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Thursdays 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the bubble.
Lacrosse begins on January 19

HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM
Current Middle School students will take the high school entrance exam in the morning.
Wednesday, January 20

MOTHERS’ CLUB MOMS NIGHT OUT
Take a break and have a fun night out with other STA moms! The evening features appetizers, cash bar and drawings for gift baskets. No RSVP needed.
Thursday, February 11
7:00 p.m. at Mendakota Country Club
Click here for the flier

STA ATHLETICS ON MSBN
Check our Web site for the schedule of upcoming matches (basketball and skiing today)
Check the MSBN site for archived matches, including wrestling

____________________________________

January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!

Reminder about upcoming events:

Monday, January 4
Classes resume

Wednesday, January 6
Colgate University's men's a cappella performance during Formation

Friday, January 8
Father/Son Mass at 7:30 a.m.
Eucharistic Adoration 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. (Benediction)
Deadline to order your yearbook

Sunday, January 10
Open House at 1:00 p.m. - invite your friends!

Monday, January 11
Meeting about Lake Drive at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 12
Mothers' Club meeting at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, January 13
Late start at 8:50 a.m.

Thursday, January 14
VISTA Band Concert at 7:00 p.m.