____________________________________

February 26, 2010

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE LAKE DRIVE – MARCH 2 MEETING
    The City of Mendota Heights council has approved the construction of a roundabout this summer at Mendota Heights Road and Visitation Drive.  There will now be a Public Hearing on a proposal to close Lake Drive – the proposal is to only allow access to STA from Mendota Heights Road.  
    Thank you to all who have given input into this process, from attending meetings, writing to council members, sharing information on effectiveness of bollards from other communities, and even providing an independent traffic study report. 
    We still need to let the mayor and city council members know our objections.  Please plan on attending the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. 


2010-11 REGISTRATION MATERIALS – MARCH 1 DUE DATE
    The 2010-11 Registration Materials were mailed on February 12.  If you did not receive your registration packet, please contact Lesia Zownirowycz at 651-683-1552 or lzownirowycz@cadets.com.  The forms need to be completed and returned to our office by March 1.


REGISTRATION FOR AP TESTS – MARCH 1 DUE DATE
    Reminder . . . Recently your son received an AP Bulletin and a registration form (blue) to sign up for the AP exams he needs to take, for each AP class being taken.  The registration form must be turned in to Dr. Heidelberger by March 1.  Failure to return the registration by this date will result in a $20 late fee.  Please call Mr. Bartek at 651-683-1566 if you have any questions.


PARENTS OF SENIORS –
SENIOR PARTY FORMS ARE DUE TODAY
SENIOR PARENT NIGHT IS MARCH 1

1) The deadline to register for the Graduation Senior Party is today, February 26.  Click HERE to access the necessary forms.  Payment may be sent at a later date but please return the completed forms to school ASAP (you can bring them with you to Senior Parent Night).

2) Senior Parent Night is Monday, March 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Please make every effort to attend the meeting.

3) The new dates for the Senior Retreat are March 21-22.  If you have not done so, please contact Chris Zimmermann at czimmermann@cadets.com right away about the “surprise” we need from you for your son.


STA COMMUNITY AUCTION INVITATIONS WERE MAILED
    The Gala invitations were mailed on February 22.  If you have not yet received your invitation, please contact the Auction Office at auction@cadets.com to request one.


STA FOOD SERVICE SURVEY EXTENDED
    We want your food service program to be the best it can be, so we are asking for your input.  PLEASE take a few minutes to fill out the survey.  Thank you in advance for your participation.


STA AUCTION VOLUNTEERS
    A HUGE thank you to all of you who have responded to help by volunteering at the STA Auction April 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th.  We are so appreciative of your help for this great school fundraiser!  You will receive a confirmation letter with your assigned duties and shift(s) the week of March 22nd (prior to Easter/Spring Break).  You will receive an e-mail reminder the week of Auction.
    There are still a few openings to help on Friday evening, April 16th, for Family Night, and, on Saturday evening, April 17th, for the Gala.  If you are still willing to volunteer please e-mail Kathleen Lee at  kslee1@comcast.net.  If you end up with some extra free time April 15th through April 18th, please feel free to stop in for any amount of time and check in at the volunteer table to help as a trouble-shooter or a runner for the Auction. 
    We could not complete the greatest fundraiser of the year without the great STA Community Volunteers!  Thank you for your help!


ADVOCACY OF THE HUNGRY
March 1 – 5
    STA food drive – Last year students, faculty and staff, carrying grocery bags donated by Kowalski’s Market, participated in a campaign to collect food for Neighborhood House.  More than 1,000 bags, containing more than 5,000 pounds of food, were donated in one week – a record amount received by the organization! 
    This year, we are doubling our efforts and plan to fill 2,000 bags from Kowalski’s.  Students learned about the food drive in their theology classes and during a presentation at Formation on February 23rd.  Read more about the campaign.


MOTHER/SON RETREAT
Reservations are due by March 1
    Enjoy an evening of inspiration and reflection with your son(s).  The retreat features Mass, dinner and two guest speakers. Mollie Raih, wife of Dr. Tom Raih and mother of five Academy graduates, will share her perspectives on the spiritual journey of motherhood and Nick Stommes, U of M senior member of the Gopher football team and scholar-athlete award winner, will offer his insight into living out your faith in the college life.
March 7
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
STA Chapel and Cafeteria
$15 per person
Click here for the registration form


MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR CONCERT
March 2
7:00 p.m. at Visitation DeSales Auditorium


STUDENT SLIDESHOW ABOUT UGANDA
March 3
7:00 p.m. at STA Cafeteria
    Students who traveled to the orphanage have an informational presentation about their experiences.  All members of the STA community are welcome.


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


EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
March 5
8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at STA Chapel
    All parents, guardians, families and friends are invited and encouraged to stop into the Chapel next Friday, March 5, anytime during the school day.  The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed after the 7:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 2:20 p.m.  Please join in this special Lenten opportunity for quiet prayer on campus.


NO DISTRICT 197 BUSES
March 5


END OF QUARTER EXAMS
March 8-11


FATHERS’ CLUB MEETING
March 9
7:30 a.m. at STA Media Center (Multi-Purpose Room)
    Leadership Lessons for Dads: Temperance


DEADLINE FOR SENIOR PROJECTS
March 12
    Students need to have completed 40 hours of service work and turned in their journals


STA SUMMER ATHLETIC CAMPS
    Registration forms are now available for this summer’s soccer, basketball and football camps.  Click HERE for the information.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

SHOP THE AUCTION
    The exclusive online auction begins on March 15. 
Hundreds of amazing items are now posted online – Click HERE to access the site, view all the items and start your “wish list.”

7TH GRADE PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
    All parents of 7th graders are welcome to this casual get-together!  There will be a cash bar and appetizers available for purchase.  If you have any questions, please contact Su LeFevour, Lucy Poole or Angie Ohmes.
Friday, March 19
7:00 p.m.
Pool and Yacht Club, Lilydale

MOTHERS’ MORNING OF PRAYER
Reservations are due by March 19
    Saint Thomas Academy Mothers’ Club invites the women of the Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation Community to the annual Mothers’ Morning of Prayer - A Lenten Reflection.  The theme for the morning is “Learning from the Virgin Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God and The Art of the Cathedral of Saint Paul as it tells the story of our Faith.”
Thursday, March 25
The Feast of the Annunciation
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Convent of the Visitation, DeSales Auditorium
$10 per person
Click here for the registration form

SAVE THE DATE
Semi-annual Day of Rest and Reflection for the Men of STA
Saturday, March 27
8:30 a.m. to noon
    The phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” or “the Beloved Disciple’” occurs five times in the Gospel of John, but in no other New Testament accounts of Jesus.  It relates specifically to four moments in the final day of Jesus’s life and the day of his resurrection.  In this regard, the phrase offers a special—and fascinating—portal for reflecting on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter: for in those days “the Beloved Disciple” rests his head on the breast of Jesus, stands at the foot of the Cross, races Peter to the empty tomb, and encounters the Risen Christ on the seashore.

    Our Lenten Day of Rest and Reflection will offer you the opportunity to enter more intimately than ever before into the mysteries of Holy Week and Easter, to approach more prayerfully than ever before the liturgies of this holy time, and to experience more fully than ever before your own “beloved-ness” as a disciple of Jesus.

    Please join us at Saint Thomas Academy the morning of Saturday, March 27.  The Day begins with coffee at 8:30 a.m., two talks by Father Thomas O’Brien, ample opportunity for private thought and prayer, and a period of time in which to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The day concludes with an informal lunch at noon.

    Father O’Brien is a member of the faculty of Saint Thomas Academy, and serves as its Director of Catholic Identity and Mission.  The Day of Rest and Reflection, a “men-only” event, is open – free of charge – to all alumni of the Academy, its benefactors, the fathers of current students, and present-day students themselves.

    To reserve a space, please contact Chris Zimmermann at 651-454-4570 or czimmermann@cadets.com.


SAVE THE DATE!
Mothers’ Club Spring Mass, Luncheon and Review
Friday, May 14
10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


 

____________________________________

February 19, 2010

2010-11 REGISTRATION MATERIALS
    The 2010-11 Registration Materials were mailed last Friday.  If you did not receive your registration packet, please contact Lesia Zownirowycz at 651-683-1552 or lzownirowycz@cadets.com.  The forms need to be completed and returned to our office by March 1.


LUNCH PROGRAM
    The final payment for the 2009-10 Lunch Program was due December 1st.  If you have any questions please contact Julie Marks at 651-683-1512.
    Lent continues through April 4; on Fridays during Lent all lunch selections will be without meat, including the deli and salad bars, and soups.

MID-QUARTER COMMENTS
To view comments made by teachers for the mid-quarter:

1) Log in to the PowerSchool parent portal with your user name and password.

2) From the main page you can review your son's grades.

3) By clicking on the icon at the top of the page labeled "Teacher Comments," you will see any comments a teacher may have posted.


PARENTS OF 11-12 GRADE STUDENTS IN AP CLASSES
    Reminder . . . Recently your son received an AP Bulletin and a registration form (blue) to sign up for the AP exams he needs to take, for each AP class being taken.  The registration form must be turned in to Dr. Heidelberger by March 1.  Failure to return the registration by March 1 results in a $20 late fee. 
QUESTIONS?  Call Mr. Bartek at 651-683-1566.


FOOD SERVICE SURVEY
    We want your food service program to be the best it can be, and so we are asking for your input.  The survey will be available until February 19.  Thank you in advance for your participation.


PARENTS OF SENIORS
1) The new date for Senior Parent Night is March 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Please make every effort to attend the meeting.

2) The new dates for the Senior Retreat are March 21-22.

3) The deadline to register for the Senior Party after graduation is February 26.  Click HERE to access the necessary forms.


STA AUCTION VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
    We are still in need of several volunteers to help at the Auction for all shifts and all activities at the Gala on Saturday evening, April 17.  The Auction is the school's largest fundraiser.  Please consider donating your time to help with this event.  If you are willing to volunteer for Saturday evening, please contact Kathleen Lee at kslee1@comcast.net.


SHOP THE AUCTION
Hundreds of amazing items are now posted online – Click HERE to access the site, view the items and start your "wish list."  The exclusive online auction begins on March 15.  Thank you for all your support of Around the World in 125 Years!


VISTA ORCHESTRA AND BAND CONCERT
February 19
7:00 p.m. at the Visitation DeSales Auditorium
    VISTA’s Orchestra will join musical forces with STA band members for “A Night at the Symphony,” a special concert featuring some of the world’s greatest symphonic music.  The group will perform Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and a patchwork symphony, featuring four symphonic movements – one each by a different composer: Schubert, Mahler, Brahms and Dvorak.  A reception, sponsored by the Fine Arts Society, will follow the concert.


JUNIOR SERVICE FAIR
February 22

8TH GRADE THEATRE FIELD TRIP
February 23
Click HERE if you need a copy of the permission slip that was sent home earlier this week.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
February 25
4:00 - 7:30 p.m. at STA
    Semester II conferences are held before the end of third quarter in order for you to receive feedback early in the semester.  Please enter at the main entrance of the high school to pick up your son's schedule and the teachers' seating chart.  We look forward to your joining us!

VISTA MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL
February 26 at 7:30 p.m.
February 27 at 7:30 p.m.
February 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation DeSales Auditorium
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors
    Taking place in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of Thoroughly Modern Millie includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers. Filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess whom audiences will love to hate.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

ADVOCACY OF THE HUNGRY
March 1 – 5
    STA food drive – Last year students, faculty and staff, carrying grocery bags donated by Kowalski’s Market, participated in a campaign to collect food for Neighborhood House.  More than 1,000 bags, containing more than 5,000 pounds of food, were donated in one week – a record amount received by the organization!    
     This year, we are doubling our efforts and plan to fill 2,000 bags from Kowalski’s.  Students will learn about the food drive, the first of a number of activities during a “Lenten Journey” organized by Campus Ministers and the theology department, on February 23rd during a special formation.

MOTHER/SON RETREAT
Reservations are due by March 1
      Enjoy an evening of inspiration and reflection with your son(s).  The retreat features Mass, dinner and two guest speakers: Mollie Raih, wife of Dr. Tom Raih and mother of five Academy graduates, will share her perspectives on the spiritual journey of motherhood and Nick Stommes, U of M senior member of the Gopher football team and scholar-athlete award winner, will offer his insight into living out your faith in the college life.
Sunday, March 7
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saint Thomas Academy
$15 per person
Click here for the registration form

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR CONCERT
March 2 at 7:00 p.m.

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE LAKE DRIVE
    The City of Mendota Heights council, at their February 3rd meeting, approved the construction of the roundabout at Mendota Heights Road and Visitation Drive.  There will now be a Public Hearing on a proposal to close Lake Drive.  This will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

    Thank you to all who have given input into this process, from attending meetings, writing to council members, sharing information on effectiveness of bollards from other communities, and even providing an independent traffic study report. 

    We still need to let the mayor and City Council members know our objections.  So please contact them and plan on attending the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Contact information for the City Council members is posted on Cadets.com.

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

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
March 5
8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at STA Chapel

NO DISTRICT 197 BUSES
March 5

MOTHERS’ MORNING OF PRAYER
Reservations are due by March 19
      Saint Thomas Academy Mothers’ Club invites the women of the Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation Community to the annual Mothers’ Morning of Prayer - A Lenten Reflection.  The theme for the morning is “Learning from the Virgin Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God and The Art of the Cathedral of Saint Paul as it tells the story of our Faith.”
Thursday, March 25
The Feast of the Annunciation
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Convent of the Visitation, De Sales Auditorium
$10 per person
Click here for the registration form

SAVE THE DATE!
Mothers’ Club Spring Mass, Luncheon and Review
Friday, May 14
10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Click here for more details

THE DAVE BASSETT ’62 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS FUND
    This fund is named for the late Dave Bassett, Academy alumnus and professor, and is available to cover the incidentals associated with an STA education.  Faculty, staff, parents and alumni donate to this fund and we want all parents to know that resources exist to help.  We do not want a student to miss a field trip or retreat, or a parent to miss a community-building event for financial reasons.  Please contact Mr. Byrne at 651.683.1521 for confidential assistance.


Link to School Photos and Videos    

Link to All-School Information online  

Link to Middle School Information online 


To ensure that you receive timely information from the Academy, please be sure that your current e-mail is on file. If you change your e-mail address, or any other contact information, please notify Mrs. Zimmermann in the main office - 651-454-4570 or czimmermann@cadets.com.

____________________________________

February 12, 2010

MID-QUARTER COMMENTS
To view comments made by teachers for the mid-quarter:

1) Log in to the PowerSchool parent portal with your user name and password.

2) From the main page you can review your son's grades.

3) By clicking on the icon at the top of the page labeled "Teacher Comments," you will see any comments a teacher may have posted.


YOU CAN STILL BE A HISTORY DAY JUDGE
You are invited to volunteer – please contact Mr. Hoverson this weekend.

    The Social Studies department will sponsor the 12th annual History Day competition at Saint Thomas Academy on the evening of Thursday, February 18.  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 fill out the form on the Web site 


PARENTS OF 11-12 GRADE STUDENTS IN AP CLASSES
    When your son signed up for AP Classes he set out on a path to be better prepared for college and to receive credit for the advanced work he is doing.  Next week, in his AP classes, he will receive an AP STUDENTS and PARENTS BULLETIN.  Please take time to review the information and register for the tests he needs to take; although testing begins May 3, tests must be ordered at the beginning of March.
    The state of Minnesota helps pay for each exam; however, the student’s cost is $25 for each test.  The registration form must be turned in by March 1, 2010, so that the appropriate tests can be ordered.  A late fee will be charged for all registrations not turned in by this date.  If you have questions, call Larry Bartek at 651.683.1566.


FOOD SERVICE SURVEY
    We want your food service program to be the best it can be, and so we are asking for your input.  The survey will be available until February 19.  Thank you in advance for your participation.


PARENTS OF SENIORS
1) The new date for Senior Parent Night is March 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Please make every effort to attend the meeting.

2) The new dates for the Senior Retreat are March 21-22.

3) The deadline to register for the Senior Party after graduation is February 26.  Click HERE   to access the necessary forms.


STA AUCTION VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
    We are still in need of several volunteers to help at the Auction for all shifts and all activities at the Gala on Saturday evening, April 17.  The Auction is the school's largest fundraiser.  Please consider donating your time to help with this event.  If you are willing to volunteer for Saturday evening, please contact Kathleen Lee at kslee1@comcast.net.


AUCTION DONATION DEADLINE
    A friendly reminder that your donation paperwork needs to be in the Auction Office by February 15, so your donation can be listed in the catalog.  You can e-mail (auction@cadets.com) or fax your donation form (651.454.0995) or bring it to the office (Jodie will be in on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).  Click HERE if you need a form.


SHOP THE AUCTION
Hundreds of amazing items are now posted online – Click HERE to access the site.

 
VISTA IMPROV SHOW
February 12 and 13
7:30 p.m. at the Visitation DeSales Auditorium
    VISTA students will gather for an evening of improvisational comedy performances and the audience will sit right onstage to be closer to the fun.  Tickets are available at the door at a cost of $5 for adults and two tickets for $5 for students.


NO SCHOOL
February 15 for Presidents’ Day


HISTORY DAY PRESENTATIONS
February 18
7:00 p.m. at STA
    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.


VISTA ORCHESTRA AND BAND CONCERT
February 19
7:00 p.m. at the Visitation DeSales Auditorium
    VISTA’s Orchestra will join musical forces with STA band members for “A Night at the Symphony,” a special concert featuring some of the world’s greatest symphonic music.  The group will perform Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and a patchwork symphony, featuring four symphonic movements – one each by a different composer: Schubert, Mahler, Brahms and Dvorak.  A reception, sponsored by the Fine Arts Society, will follow the concert.


UPCOMING EVENTS:

JUNIOR SERVICE FAIR
February 22

8TH GRADE THEATRE FIELD TRIP
February 23
Click HERE if you need a copy of the permission slip that was sent home earlier this week.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
February 25
4:00 - 7:30 p.m. at STA
    Semester II conferences are held before the end of third quarter in order for you to receive feedback early in the semester.  Please enter at the main entrance of the high school to pick up your son's schedule and the teachers' seating chart.  We look forward to your joining us!

VISTA MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL
February 26 at 7:30 p.m.
February 27 at 7:30 p.m.
February 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation DeSales Auditorium
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors
    Taking place in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz. Based on the popular movie, the stage version of Thoroughly Modern Millie includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers. Filled with frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess whom audiences will love to hate.

ADVOCACY OF THE HUNGRY
March 1 – 5
STA food drive – more information next week

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR CONCERT
March 2 at 7:00 p.m.

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE LAKE DRIVE
    The City of Mendota Heights council, at their February 3rd meeting, approved the construction of the roundabout at Mendota Heights Road and Visitation Drive.  There will now be a Public Hearing on a proposal to close Lake Drive.  This will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 (not on February 16th).

    Thank you to all who have given input into this process, from attending meetings, writing to council members, sharing information on effectiveness of bollards from other communities, and even providing an independent traffic study report. 

    We still need to let the mayor and City Council members know our objections.  So please contact them and plan on attending the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Contact information for the City Council members is posted on Cadets.com.

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

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
March 5
8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at STA Chapel

NO DISTRICT 197 BUSES
March 5

MOTHER/SON RETREAT
      Enjoy an evening of inspiration and reflection with your son(s).  The retreat features Mass, dinner and two guest speakers: Mollie Raih, wife of Dr. Tom Raih and mother of five Academy graduates, will share her perspectives on the spiritual journey of motherhood and Nick Stommes, U of M senior member of the Gopher football team and scholar-athlete award winner, will offer his insight into living out your faith in the college life.
Sunday, March 7
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saint Thomas Academy
$15 per person
Click here for the registration form

MOTHERS’ MORNING OF PRAYER
      Saint Thomas Academy Mothers’ Club invites the women of the Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation Community to the annual Mothers’ Morning of Prayer - A Lenten Reflection.  The theme for the morning is “Learning from the Virgin Mary’s ‘Yes’ to God and The Art of the Cathedral of Saint Paul as it tells the story of our Faith.”
Thursday, March 25
The Feast of the Annunciation
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Convent of the Visitation, De Sales Auditorium
$10 per person
Click here for the registration form

SAVE THE DATE!
Mothers’ Club Spring Mass, Luncheon and Review
Friday, May 14
10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Click here for more details

THE DAVE BASSETT ’62 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS FUND
    This fund is named for the late Dave Bassett, Academy alumnus and professor, and is available to cover the incidentals associated with an STA education.  Faculty, staff, parents and alumni donate to this fund and we want all parents to know that resources exist to help.  We do not want a student to miss a field trip or retreat, or a parent to miss a community-building event for financial reasons.  Please contact Mr. Byrne at 651.683.1521 for confidential assistance.


Link to School Photos and Videos    

Link to All-School Information online  

Link to Middle School Information online 


To ensure that you receive timely information from the Academy, please be sure that your current e-mail is on file. If you change your e-mail address, or any other contact information, please notify Mrs. Zimmermann in the main office - 651-454-4570 or czimmermann@cadets.com.