OUR VISION  

Make the world a better place one cadet at a time. 

OUR MISSION  

To develop boys into men of character. 

FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS AND CORE VALUES 

Catholic || College Preparatory || Military Leadership || All-Male 

Our Work:  

As a college preparatory, Catholic, military, all-male school for grades 6-12, we nurture each student in ways that  strengthen: 

His intellectual potential through a curriculum that fosters a respect for knowledge and an abiding spirit of inquiry,  analytical thinking, creative expression, effective communication skills, and independent study; 

His spiritual potential through the daily teaching and practice of Catholic traditions and values, with the Gospel message  of Jesus Christ as the basis for encouraging a positive and growing faith; 

His moral potential through instruction and example that incorporate the moral values which foster and reinforce ethical  behavior, and build respectful relationships with all people; 

His physical potential through a program of athletics, activities, and instruction that fosters health, safety, fitness, and  good sportsmanship; 

His leadership potential through the practice of leadership and citizenship in a variety of curricular and co-curricular  experiences. 

Saint Thomas Academy achieves this work by offering a balanced educational program that fosters self-esteem and self discipline, encouraging respect for others, and recognizing the unique and creative abilities of each student. In response  to its Catholic mission and the message of Jesus Christ, Saint Thomas Academy offers this educational experience to a  diverse student body of young men who have the integrity, capability and motivation to benefit from and contribute to  the Academy’s mission. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIFIC 

Furthermore, the Middle School’s connected affiliation to our Upper School gives the young students a sense of  belonging to the larger successful community while still giving them a separate area to grow into their role. The Middle  School boys’ social-emotional potential is developed by creating a caring and socially responsible community, actively  teaching emotional literacy at retreats and in the classroom, and taking advantage of teachable moments.

EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE 

7:55 Warning Bell

8:00-8:45 Period 1 

8:50-9:35 Period 2 

9:40-10:25 Period 3 

10:30-11:15 Period 4 

11:20-12:05 Period 5 

LATE START SCHEDULE 

9:25 Warning Bell

9:30-10:25 Period 1

10:30-11:25 Period 2

11:30-12:55 Period 3/Lunch

1:00-1:55 Period 4

2:00-2:55 Period 5

OFFICE HOURS

Main, Middle School, Admissions, and Business Office:  7:30 AM-4:00 PM (Mon. - Thurs.) 7:30 AM-3:30 PM (Friday)

Attendance Line for All Grades (6-12): (651) 683-1511
attendance@cadets.com

Nurse 7:45 AM - 3:15 PM (Mon.-Thurs.) and 7:45 AM-2:45 PM  (Friday)

Cadet Maker:  2:00-4:00 PM (Mon., Tues., Thurs.) and 12:00-4:00 PM (Wed. & Fri.)

*During breaks and summer, the school offices may operate under adjusted hours on prior notice.

OFFICE HOURS  

Main, Middle School, Admissions, and Business Office:  

7:30 AM-4:00 PM (Mon. - Thurs.) 

7:30 AM-3:30 PM (Friday) 

Attendance: 651-683-1511 

Nurse: 7:45 AM - 3:15 PM (Mon.-Thurs.) and 7:45 AM-2:45 PM (Friday) 

*During breaks and summer, the school offices may operate under adjusted hours on prior notice. 

MESSAGES  

Parents may leave a message for their Middle School son by calling the Middle School Office, 651-683-1520. *Please note that when the word “parent” is used in the handbook, we are referring to parents/legal guardians.   

All questions and concerns related to the bus service (VISTA Transportation) should be directed to  VISTA Transportation Coordinator at vistabusing@cadets.com. 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

A diploma from Saint Thomas Academy represents the successful completion of a rigorous academic program inspired by our  mission to cultivate the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and leadership potential of every graduate. The foundations of  our college preparatory curriculum are trust and honesty. We expect our students to complete all of their schoolwork using  their own intellect, gifts, and talents. 

In order to be students of integrity, it is important to work with teachers to recognize the difference between receiving help  with schoolwork and claiming someone else’s work as one’s own. We also encourage our students to take action when  dishonest and untrustworthy behavior occurs. Dishonest and untrustworthy academic behavior is the result of students  gaining academic advantage through any of the following acts: 

• Providing or accepting answers or information on assessments before, during, or after the task; • Turning in writing found or purchased on the Internet as if it were one’s own; 

• Using crib sheets without teacher permission; 

• Using electronic devices and the resources available via these devices in a manner not authorized for the task by the  teacher; 

• Not collaborating on a paper or project where all members are responsible and claiming credit; • Copying someone’s work or allowing someone to copy your work; 

• Sharing or acquiring test information except as allowed by teachers; 

• Turning in work that has already been credited in another class; 

• Other situations judged dishonest by the school. 

Consequences for Academic Dishonesty are outlined in the Rules and Regulations portion of this handbook.   

Saint Thomas Academy bases student GPAs on a 4.000 scale. Successful completion of a minimum of the following  academic courses, 6th – 8th grade, is required for graduation. Among the courses, each student must include the  following: 

All required courses listed are organized on a semester basis for grading purposes. Grades received at the end of the first  and second semester are used to calculate cumulative GPA. 

The Middle School Director may make allowances for transfer students.

Students are strongly encouraged to improve weak skills over the summer in order to be ready for the next level the  following fall. Students may take summer school courses at an accredited and approved school to improve these skills. A  grade earned at an accredited and approved summer school may replace a previously earned grade on the Saint Thomas  Academy transcript and will be used in calculating the GPA. Enrolling in sessions on time management and organization  skills may also be helpful. Optional but recommended summer courses at Saint Thomas Academy include “Bridge to  STA”. Also, the required reading over the summer is a great way to further develop intellectual and academic skills.  Students discuss and write about these books in English and Social Studies classes in the fall. Summer reading lists are  available on the school website - Cadets.com - under Summer Reading. 

The academic awards program at Saint Thomas Academy has long represented a standard of excellence that recognizes those students who have performed at a very high level in our rigorous, college 

preparatory environment. These awards are based on the student’s annual G.P.A. and there are three levels of recognition:  

1. Eagle - 3.90+ (matches our graduation requirement for Summa Cum Laude) 

2. Saber - 3.67-3.899 (matches our graduation requirement for Magna Cum Laude) 

3. Torch - 3.33-3.66 (matches our graduation requirement for Cum Laude) 

Note: Incidents of academic misconduct may result in loss of academic awards. 

Saint Thomas Academy provides support and resources to all students to allow for a successful learning experience. The following conditions allow students to remain in good standing: 

1. New students and transfers who are in good standing with the Minnesota State High School League are eligible for co curricular activities immediately. At the end of S1 (semester one), GPA and grades are then reviewed. 2. A returning student is in good standing and eligible for co-curricular activities if, at the end of a grading period (Q1,  Q2, S1, Q3, Q4, S2), the student has a current term GPA above 2.0 and no “F” grade for any individual class. This  applies to the previous or current quarter and semester GPA only, not the cumulative GPA. 

3. Students CANNOT become ineligible at the mid-quarter, but CAN become eligible at mid-quarter. 4. Ineligible status carries over from semester to semester (fall to spring/spring to fall). 

At mid-quarter, quarter, or semester, ineligible students become eligible by raising their current GPA to 2.0 with no “Fs”. 

Alternatively, students on academic probation are permitted to fully participate in co-curricular activities if they complete a co-curricular eligibility plan with their case manger. Students with an approved co-curricular eligibility plan retain their eligibility if they meet the weekly academic improvement benchmarks outlined in their plan. 

Students with an approved co-curricular eligibility plan begin to fully participate in co-curricular activities following a temporary hold-out period determined by academic administration. 

In both scenarios, students will again become ineligible if they fail to maintain a 2.0 or receive an “F” at quarter and/or semester end.

Ineligible students are also unable to earn leadership promotion and participate in co-curricular activities. It is the student’s  responsibility to request the eligibility plan and work with a case manager to meet the weekly eligibility criteria outlined in the  plan. The student’s case manager and the Assistant Headmaster must approve the student’s plan. Struggling students may be  asked to complete an academic screening with a licensed psychologist, at the family’s expense, to identify additional actions that can be taken to improve performance. 

A student will be placed on academic probation and begin the recovery process if his grades fall into either of the following categories: 

1. Grade point average below 2.0 at the end of grading period (Q1, Q2, S1, Q3, Q4, S2). 

2. An “F” in one or more courses at the end of grading period (Q1, Q2, S1, Q3, Q4, S2). 

Academic recovery is designed to support and assist students who are struggling to maintain an acceptable level of academic  performance. A student in academic recovery is required to meet with the learning specialist, counselor, assistant headmaster,  and dean of students to develop a support plan for the courses in which he has been deficient. Co-curricular eligibility may be  affected. The student will be given one quarter to raise his academic performance to meet the minimum requirements. If  academic performance does not improve, one or more of the following action steps will be taken: 1. Mandatory continuation of support plan. 

2. Ineligibility in co-curricular activities. 

3. Referral to external licensed psychologist for academic screening. 

4. Mandatory enrollment in pre-approved summer school course. 

5. Consideration of a change in schools. 

Academic accommodations are intended to ensure access to educational opportunities for students with learning, cognitive,  and sensory differences. Saint Thomas Academy is committed to helping students realize their full potential and achieve  independence by providing reasonable services needed to accommodate individuals with learning differences. Documentation  of the student's disability must be provided by the student's parent/guardian in order to be considered for implementation of a  learning plan. Documentation consists of a complete neuropsychological assessment performed by a licensed psychologist and  must be current (within three years). Accommodations may vary depending on the disability and documentation provided.  

All upper school courses at Saint Thomas Academy are year-long courses, unless otherwise noted. As such, a course may only  be added during the first week of the first semester. Requests to add courses after the first full week of the semester are  subject to instructor approval. Requests to drop courses must also be made within two weeks of the first semester. After the  second week, requests to drop are decided by the assistant headmaster, in consultation with the instructor. There will be no  adds/drops after mid-quarter of quarter 1. A “withdrawal” (W) will appear on the transcript for any drop made after the second week of the first semester.  

Saint Thomas Academy offers advanced placement (AP) courses in biology, calculus AB, calculus BC, computer science, economics, English, environmental science, government, Spanish, statistics, U.S.  history, and world history. AP Chinese and French are offered through One Schoolhouse. Students may earn college credit by taking an AP exam in May. All AP students are expected to take the AP exam. The GPA weight for AP courses is 1.2.

Qualified students may enroll in university level courses offered through College in the Schools (CIS), through the University of Minnesota, or the Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC), through Saint  Mary’s University of Minnesota. Courses offered are: AP Biology, Honors Advanced Morality, CIS French. CIS and PACC courses require additional fees and/or book purchases. Courses are listed on transcripts  at both STA and the university sponsoring the class. Colleges that accept these credits will require formal  transcripts from the participating university. 

Saint Thomas Academy offers a variety of honors courses. These, as well as the AP, CIS, and PACC  courses, demand more study time and effort than standard courses. In addition to meeting the prerequisites, students must be highly motivated and willing to study more independently and at an  accelerated rate. 

Courses weighted at 0.5 meet across a semester; courses weighted at 1.0 meet across a year. Honors or Advanced Placement  coursework are weighted greater than 1.0 to account for the difficulty of the course material. 

Saint Thomas Academy’s concussion policy is intended to help facilitate an educational plan that allows students with a  diagnosed concussion to heal from their injury. STA contracts with a certified athletic trainer that can help start the policy and  work with the student for return-to-play.  

Procedures for students with diagnosed concussions: 

1. A medical release of information signed by parents, along with any physician recommended accommodations, will be  given to the Saint Thomas Academy case manager. 

2. Before the student resumes classes, he will meet with his case manager who will review accommodations provided by  the student’s physician.  

3. The assistant headmaster or case manager will communicate the accommodations to parents and to the student’s  teachers. 

i. Should academic accommodations keep students from taking semester exams, the assistant  headmaster, in consultation with the case manager, will determine if those exams will be waived or  rescheduled for a later date.

4. The case manager continues to meet with the student weekly until the student is symptom free. 5. The school nurse is available as needed during the school day should concussion symptoms appear. 6. The administration will consider academic modifications such as pass/fail grading or schedule change if the student  has had academic accommodations for a minimum of three weeks. 

7. Academic modifications to curriculum and/or pass/fail grading may make the student ineligible for academic awards. 8. In order to participate in physical education, Saint Thomas Academy co-curricular activities, practices, or  competitions, the student and case manager must have an academic plan in place to complete make up work after  the student’s physician has lifted academic accommodations. 

9. A student may not begin the Saint Thomas Academy athletic concussion protocol until all academic accommodations  have been lifted. 

The Administration reserves the right to modify the concussion procedures for just cause. 

In order to allow for an expression of differences that occur in academics, a procedure has been developed for establishing a  line of communication between school, parents, students and teachers. Issues are best resolved at the level at which they  occur. If students have a concern about a class or a teacher, they must follow the steps listed below, in sequence: 

1. The student will meet privately with the instructor to attempt to resolve the conflict. 

2. Parents will gather full information from their son. 

3. If the issue is not resolved, the parents will contact the teacher, either to discuss the situation or, if necessary, to  arrange a meeting. 

4. If the issue is still not satisfactorily resolved, a meeting, including the department chair, will be called.

5. If the issue is still not resolved, the assistant headmaster will be contacted. 

The following Visitation courses are open to Saint Thomas Academy students:  

VISTA Theatre and VISTA String Orchestra.  

GRADING 

The following grading system is in use at Saint Thomas Academy:  

A = 4 points I (Incomplete) = 0 points 

B = 3 points S (Satisfactory) = 0 points 

C = 2 points U (Unsatisfactory) = 0 points 

D = 1 point W (Withdrawal) = 0 points 

F = 0 points 

“Incomplete” marks must be changed to letter grades within two (2) weeks from the end of each quarter/semester, or the  “Incomplete” will revert to the grade at that time. Any exceptions must be approved by the assistant headmaster. 

An Upper School student who fails a course may be required to make up the credit. It is the parents’ or  student’s responsibility to arrange for making up a failed course. Prior approval from the assistant headmaster is required for courses taken outside Saint Thomas Academy. Failed courses may be made up in the following ways: • Retaking the course during the next school year at Saint Thomas Academy. The grade replaces the previous grade on the  transcript and in calculating the GPA. 

• Credits earned for college-prep level courses in an accredited and approved summer school. Upon receipt of an official  transcript, the grade replaces the previous grade on the transcript and in calculating the GPA. See assistant headmaster  for prior approval form. 

Each course has a numerical value based on the frequency of meeting and course difficulty. In this handbook, the course  weights and lengths of classes are indicated by the following designations: 

0.5 = meets for the entire year 

1.0 = meets all year long 

1.1 = an honors course that meets for an entire academic year 

1.2 = an Advanced Placement (AP) course, CIS, PACC that meets for an entire academic year 

Saint Thomas Academy has a strong desire to meet the needs of all students we admit into the school. In some circumstances,  students come to the Academy with specific learning needs identified by a licensed professional. Should a parent desire  accommodations for his/her son, the following information is needed in order to be considered for a learning plan that includes  accommodations to best meet the needs of the student and maintain the integrity of the Academy’s curricular program.  Items needed for consideration include: 

1. Documentation of a medical, mental health, and /or learning disability that substantially limits academic performance  as determined by the counseling department and assistant headmaster.  

2. A complete neuropsychological assessment (e.g. intellectual, academic, and social-emotional  components) administered by a licensed psychologist within the last three years. 

i. Parents and students should be mindful that ACT/SAT/PSAT require documentation for timed and  untimed conditions. For more information, refer to:  

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations/policy-for-accommodations-documentation.html 

3. Documentation of previous academic performance. 

4. Documentation of current academic performance. 

5. Students with singularly identified mental health disorders will be supported by the counselor. If a learning disability is  also identified, the learning specialist will provide additional support. 

6. Additional information if applicable: 

a. Documentation of a previous learning plan that has been in effect within the past three years. Please note:  Saint Thomas Academy will review this plan, along with the documentation of the learning disability when  determining eligibility and acceptable accommodations.

To achieve our mission everyone at Saint Thomas Academy takes seriously our responsibility to establish and maintain a  positive learning environment governed by standards which nurture the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and leadership  potential of all cadets. This is supported by clear and consistent enforcement of the standards and expectations Saint Thomas Academy has for every student. Each student has the responsibility to read and review this document so that he may do his  part to help create and maintain a healthy, safe, and supportive school. 

Teachers and advisors, who are primarily responsible for addressing student behavior in their classrooms, work closely with the  dean of students and the assistant headmaster when responding to student behaviors that do not support the mission of Saint  Thomas Academy. Teachers may impose consequences for poor student behavior, including but not limited to: verbal  warnings, demerits, a parent conference, after-school detention, Saturday detention, and referring a student to the dean of  students for further action. 

When comportment issues are brought to the dean of students, the dean of students will have a conversation with the  involved student/s and adult/s in order to understand the situation and to determine appropriate next steps. If further action is  required, an investigation will occur. In the case of repeated and/or serious breaches of conduct, appropriate disciplinary  consequences will be administered. These consequences include but are not limited to: parent/guardian conference, after school detention, Saturday detention, reduction in military rank, exclusion, such as in school suspension (ISS), out of school  suspension (OSS), or suspension from co-curricular activities and in the most serious of cases, a Placement Hearing which  may lead to expulsion. 

In cases, where other students may have been affected by another student’s poor conduct, the dean of students, working  together with other school officials, the student, and his parents/guardians shall implement measures to restore and maintain the affected student in a way that protects his privacy, his character, and his dignity. 

The dean of students, working together with other school officials, the student, and his parents/guardians shall implement  measures to correct and prevent further conduct that is unbecoming of a student at Saint Thomas Academy. 

Saint Thomas Academy shall make every attempt to keep all investigations and results of investigations confidential, including  any consequences for misconduct. 

A Board of Discipline is convened when a student has violated Saint Thomas Academy’s standards in such a way as to  jeopardize his placement as a student at Saint Thomas Academy. The dean of students presides over a board of discipline and  is comprised of the assistant headmaster, the commandant of cadets, and three faculty members. School officials participating  in board of discipline proceedings may impose whatever penalties or requirements they believe to be appropriate given the  offense, including expulsion. The dean of students directs the proceedings but does not have a vote. The school counselor  serves as the student advocate and advisor. 

When a board of discipline is convened, an explanation of the incident will be provided by the dean of students to all present.  Each school representative has the opportunity to ask the student questions about his infraction. Following the question and  answer phase of the board of discipline, the student may make a statement regarding the incident. A student’s entire  experience at Saint Thomas Academy will be considered when making a final decision regarding future placement at Saint  Thomas Academy. A simple majority is required for expulsion.

After arriving at a decision, the assistant headmaster will inform the headmaster of the results and the parents/guardians are  contacted, followed by the student. The decision made during a board of discipline may be appealed by contacting the  headmaster directly to request a meeting. All information discussed in the board of discipline is confidential. The assistant headmaster keeps a record of the hearing in his file. 

Note: 

If a Board of Discipline is convened and the student is allowed to remain a student at Saint Thomas Academy, the voting  members of the board of discipline will establish appropriate consequences which support the spirit and mission of Saint  Thomas Academy’s co-curricular program and the greater Saint Thomas Academy community. Proper steps of restitution  must be made in all cases where the actions of one student affected another person. Students will work with counselors and  administrators to ensure appropriate restorative measures have been taken. 

The faculty and administration strongly believe that attending and being present and on time for all classes and mandatory  school functions (liturgies, assemblies, formation, study halls, lunch, etc.) are essential for academic progress and to take full  advantage of this unique educational experience. Regular attendance – a responsibility to be shared by students, parents/  guardians, and Saint Thomas Academy – is one of the means by which a Cadet learns responsibility and accountability. 

When a student must miss school or class for any reason, a parent or legal guardian must email attendance at  attendance@cadets.com before 8:00 a.m. the day of the absence. As a follow-up measure, a call/voicemail can be placed to  the attendance coordinator at 651-683-1511.  

A parent/guardian who fails to contact the school will be contacted. If contact cannot be made, the absence will be  recorded as an absence (A) until further resolved. 

All students are required to be present in their first class by 8:00 a.m. and attend all classes on time every day school is in  session. Students are not allowed to depart campus during the school day without a parent first contacting the school.

Any student leaving school before the conclusion of the school day for any reason other than a school sanctioned event  (SSE), must have conveyed parental communication to the school at attendance@cadets.com or 651-683-1511. Whenever  possible, medical and or dental appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day. Either the student and/or the  parent should request a documentation note from the doctor’s office receptionist. The student must sign in/out at the desk at  Vincent J. Flynn Hall (Door #23). 

Students who fail to sign in and/or out will be referred to the dean of students for disciplinary consequences. Students who  forge their doctor’s/parent’s/guardian’s signature will be referred to the dean of students for disciplinary consequences.

In the event of illness or emergency at school, a student may be released from school by the school nurse or dean of  students without written parental/guardian permission. Contact with a parent/guardian will be attempted before a student is  released. 

Parents/Guardians shall provide the school with current phone numbers (work, cell, home, emergency contact, etc.) in  order to ensure timely and accurate communication between home and school. 

A student who is not in his first class by 8:00 a.m. is tardy. All students arriving at school after 8:00 a.m. must enter through  Vincent J. Flynn Hall (door #23) to receive a pass before being admitted into class. If the student has an excusable reason for  being tardy, he must present documentation upon his arrival, or have it previously submitted. This documentation will be  recorded as excused tardy (ET). 

Students who arrive at school after 8:00 a.m. and are unexcused will receive an unexcused tardy (UT) in their attendance  record. Unexcused Tardies include, but are not limited to: 

● construction, traffic, or other transportation miscues 

● car trouble 

● oversleeping/ sleeping in  

This policy does not affect students on late buses.  

Only in rare instances is tardiness between classes excusable. When a teacher or staff member must delay a student, a pass to  the next class will be issued. 

● A student who is tardy with no pass will receive an unexcused tardy (UT).  

The dean of students will communicate with each student the consequences of his failure to comply with the school’s  attendance expectations.  

For non-academic or non-medically related absences, students who are absent from any class or a school day will be coded as  absent (A). These instances include, but are not limited to family vacations, club & travel athletics, construction, traffic, or  other transportation miscues, personal appointments, haircuts, and sleeping in. This policy update is in keeping with similar  independent schools. Excessive absences will follow a continuum and be directed at the discretion of the dean of students.  Absences include, but are not limited to:  

• family vacations 

• club & travel athletics 

• matters of school discipline such as detention 

• construction, traffic, or other transportation miscues 

• car trouble 

• personal non-medical appointments, i.e. haircuts 

• oversleeping 

• sleeping in after a competition 

• sleeping in to recover from illness 

• sleeping in late after a night of studying or working 

• skipping without parental/school knowledge. Further disciplinary measures will be applied 

Students absent from school are expected to complete their assignments, testing, and in-class work by the designated due  date for each subject which generally will be one day of make-up time for each day absent. Additional assignments may be  given upon return, and there may be some testing, classroom, and laboratory work, due to its nature, that cannot be made up  or granted full credit. Assignments can be found on PowerSchool. It is best practice to communicate these absences with the  instructor well in advance. 

An excused absence (EA) code can be utilized by the DOS with student/parent communication. Situations include: family  emergency, in-school meeting, road test, unique event/graduation, school discipline, weather/traffic verification, funeral. 

Please recognize that we are required to monitor attendance and notify parents of potential problems with student  attendance. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance or believe there is an error in this notice, contact the school at  651-683-1511. The designated attendance personnel will work with you to resolve the issue.

Saint Thomas Academy recognizes that it may not always be possible to avoid medical appointments during the school day.  However, it is the responsibility of the student and his family to avoid conflicts with the school day whenever possible and to  schedule ongoing medical appointments to avoid repeatedly impacting the same class periods. Medical appointment during  class is strongly advised against to avoid interruption of academic instruction. Parents should refer to their son’s class schedule  when scheduling appointments. A valid note from the health service provider is required to be submitted to the attendance  coordinator so that the absence is considered excused (APT). An excused appointment (APT) does not impact daily athletic  and activity eligibility.  

If a student is sick or experiencing symptoms, they should not report to school. Their absence will be recorded as (ILL). If a  student is experiencing health concerns for a period of three consecutive days or more, he must submit a doctor’s note  specifying his reason for being absent. In cases of prolonged health matters, the dean of students will work with a school  counselor and the assistant headmaster to determine how to best help the student complete the required coursework.   

Saint Thomas Academy strongly discourages families from extending already existing holiday breaks or from taking vacations  during the school year that are not compatible with the established school calendar. If a family decides their student will be  absent from school for three or more consecutive days for non-medical reasons on days that Saint Thomas Academy is in  session. It is the responsibility of the family and the student to follow the procedure described here. These dates will be coded  as an absence (A) and an extended absence form ensures that assignment communication has taken place between student  and instructors.  

1. A parent and/or student must request the absence by contacting the dean of students at least two weeks prior to the  planned absence. 

2. The student must pick up an extended absence form from the dean of students two weeks before the planned absence.

3. The form must be completed and submitted to the dean of students no later than one week before the planned absence.  The form can be submitted in hard copy or electronically.  

4. Previous assessments, assignments, and tasks must be completed before departure. All work assigned while the student is  gone must be completed by the due dates specified on the form. Students who fail to complete missed work by the  deadline will lose credit for those tasks. 

Cadets are strongly encouraged to make appointments to visit colleges on days when school is not in session. Students who  plan to miss school for a college visit must go to the college counseling office to receive a college visit form. This completed  form must be returned to a college counselor one week before the visit. The attendance coordinator, attendance@cadets.com, must also be notified of the planned absence.  

In the event that a visit will require a student to miss three or more days of school, they should additionally complete an  extended absence request form. As mentioned above, this form can be picked up from the dean of students.  

It is recommended that juniors schedule no more than two visits per semester that interfere with academic instruction.  

Note: Teachers are not expected to assist students in making up missed work, reteaching a lesson, or accepting late work if the  student fails to follow these procedures.

School sanctioned absences (SSE) and related tardies are excused but monitored and count toward a student’s cumulative  attendance totals. These absences and tardies do not count against co-curricular eligibility. School sanctioned absences  include, but are not limited to:  

• Campus ministry activities 

• Crack Drill Squad performances 

• Grade level retreats 

• Honor Guard/Color Guard duties 

• Military event reviews 

• School testing 

• STA sporting events and co-curricular activities 

• STA-sponsored field trip 

Participating in co-curricular activities at Saint Thomas Academy is a privilege. Eligibility to participate in co-curricular  activities is evaluated on a daily basis and communicated by the dean of students to the student, director of athletics and  activities, coaches, and moderators. A student who misses any part of the school day will not be allowed to participate in co curricular activities, including practices and competitions. Exceptions to this rule include medical appointments (APT), school  sanctioned events (SSE), or an absence approved by the dean of students (EA). Students will not be excused from arriving  late for school due to a previous night’s event. 

The following consequences are outlined as interventions to mediate a student’s compliance with the school’s attendance  expectations. 

• Verbal warnings 

• Demerits 

• Parent conference 

• After-school detention 

• Exclusion from co-curricular activities and school-sponsored events, privileges 

• School service tasks 

• Attendance Intervention Plan 

• Saturday detention 

• Board of Discipline Placement Hearing 

Note: For eligibility requirements related to academics, please see Academics and Co-Curricular Eligibility.  

Saint Thomas Academy recognizes the importance of fan attendance at state tournament competitions as a display of school  pride and a means of supporting the participants. The administration may approve the dismissal of the entire student body or select members for the purposes of attending such events.  

1.) A permission slip must be turned in to the dean of students by the end of the academic day the previous day to the event. 
2.) For a cadet to be eligible, he must be in good academic standing, including no F’s and no outstanding  assignments/assessments. Have no recent major comportment, attendance infractions pending, or disciplinary measures. 

Note: Students with siblings on state tournament teams will be excused to attend those games with a parent’s/guardian’s  permission and communication to STA. 

Excessive absenteeism may result in lower academic achievement and lost opportunities in co-curricular activities and other  school-sponsored events. Teachers are available to help students make up schoolwork missed due to excused absences.  However, it is impossible to recreate Saint Thomas Academy’s classroom experiences through tutoring or abridged  information online. 

• When a student has been absent five (5) times for any one class within a quarter, a meeting with the student,  parents/guardians, teachers, dean of students, and other concerned adults may be required to examine the situation and to  develop a plan to address the problem. In certain situations, an attendance intervention plan may be required. Students on an  attendance intervention plan may lose some school privileges. 

Saint Thomas Academy is committed to the highest standards of personal and academic integrity. Students’ work will, at all  times and in its many forms, reflect an ethical code based on moral and religious values. Trust, honesty, respect, and fairness are  important aspects of our learning environment. Incidents of academic misconduct are cumulative only for the high school years. 

PLAGIARISM 

Plagiarism is the act of presenting another person’s work, in whole or in part, as one’s own. It is considered to be theft of  intellectual property. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: inappropriately using a string of words from another work; using text from another source word-for-word or with a few words changed here and there; using data, ideas, or words without  attribution; omitting citations; extensive cutting/pasting information from another work; purchasing or borrowing papers; and failing to cite sources. 

If a teacher detects plagiarism in an assignment or exam, the teacher may recommend, depending on the severity of the  plagiarism, that the student receive: 

• a reduced grade for the assignment or exam; 

• no credit for the assignment or exam; 

• a reduced grade for the quarter or semester. 

First offense 

1. A letter grade of “F” will be given and a reworking of the assignment is required.  

2. The teacher will notify the student’s parents. 

3. An academic misconduct report will be filed with the assistant headmaster and the dean of students. 4. The assistant headmaster, and dean of students, in consultation with the teacher, may decide upon further disciplinary  action. 

5. In accordance with Saint Thomas Academy military regulations, the offending student may receive up to 15 demerits and  possible reduction in military rank.

6. Potential ineligibility for academic awards for the year in which the incident occurred. The assistant headmaster will  review the circumstances surrounding the academic misconduct to determine if disqualification from academic awards is  warranted. The student and parents will be notified in writing of the determination. 

7. Once the assignment has been reworked and reviewed the teacher, in consultation with the assistant headmaster shall  determine a final percentage for the task.  

Second offense 

1) A letter grade of “F” will be given and a reworking of the assignment is required. 

2) The teacher will notify the student’s parents. 

3) An academic misconduct report will be filed with the assistant headmaster, the dean of students, the commandant and  the department chair. 

4) The assistant headmaster and dean of students, may decide upon further disciplinary action which may include: a) A behavioral contract 

b) An educational component that involves a reflective composition 

c) In accordance with Saint Thomas Academy military regulations, the offending student may receive up to 15  demerits and reduction in military rank. 

d) Potential ineligibility for academic awards for the year in which the incident occurred. The assistant headmaster  will review the circumstances surrounding the academic misconduct to determine if disqualification from  academic awards is warranted. The student and parents will be notified in writing of the determination. 

e) Once the assignment has been reworked and reviewed the teacher, in consultation with the assistant headmaster  shall determine a final percentage for the task.  

Note: All subsequent offenses will automatically result in a meeting with the Assistant Headmaster, and dean of students  to determine appropriate consequences. 

Alcohol, Chemicals, Tobacco, and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Possession, Use or Under the Influence  As part of Saint Thomas Academy’s mission we are committed to providing a learning environment free from chemicals  supported by clear and consistent enforcement. When alcohol or other drugs or chemicals are interfering with a student’s  school performance, Saint Thomas Academy will provide a network of support and resources to help the student and his  family. To those ends, the possession, use, distribution, delivery, transfer, sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages, controlled  substances, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, prescription or non prescription drugs or other toxic substances, or benign substances being represented or used by students as an illicit  substance, steroids, and drug paraphernalia is expressly forbidden on campus, and throughout the calendar year. Parents will  be asked to report to campus and pick up their son if chemical usage is suspected or found.  

Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) E-Cigarette, and Tobacco 

Saint Thomas Academy proudly maintains a tobacco, mood-altering substance, and nicotine-free learning environment using  clear and consistent enforcement. Smoking, chewing, using and/or possessing an electronic nicotine delivery systems or  tobacco in any form, at any time while enrolled at Saint Thomas Academy is a violation of our standards and is prohibited. When it has been determined that a student has violated this standard, the protocol for alcohol, chemicals,  tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery system will be administered. A student possessing, using, or under the influence of  alcohol or mood-altering chemicals or an electronic nicotine delivery system at any time of the year is subject to the following  sanctions: 

First Offense 

1. Immediate in-school or out-of-school suspension and exclusion from all school activities until a meeting with the  student, parents, school counselor, and dean of students can occur. 

2. Outside of law enforcement confirmation, students suspected of violating the chemical use policy will be required to  complete a drug screening at a facility approved by Saint Thomas Academy. Results of this screen must be shared  with Saint Thomas Academy administration. 

3. Co-curricular ineligibility for one-third of the season based on the regular season schedule. This carries over to the  next season in which the student participates. If the ineligibility carries over to another sport/activity in another  season, the participant must complete the full season in that activity. In the event that the number of competitions  cannot be evenly divided, the penalty is rounded up to the next whole number (e.g. 8 game regular season = 3 games  or 27 game regular season = 9 games). Should a student be involved in multiple co-curricular activities concurrently,  ineligibility standards would apply to each activity separately and equally. 

4. Possible chemical evaluation/assessment performed by student’s pediatrician. All results are to be shared with the  dean of students and the school counselor. 

5. Possible referral to an outside agency for treatment options.  

6. Participation in and completion of no fewer than four sessions in Saint Thomas Academy’s chemical health support  group or individual sessions with a school counselor. 

7. The student will be ineligible to be a sport/activity captain for one full calendar year. Captaincy will be removed in season when an incident occurs. 

8. Five hours of Saint Thomas Academy community service 

9. Reduction in military rank and 15 demerits 

10. Proper steps of restitution must be made in all cases where the actions of one student affected another  person. Students will work with counselors and administrators to ensure appropriate restorative measures have been  taken. 

Second Offense 

1. Immediate in-school or out-of-school suspension and exclusion from all school activities until a meeting with the  student, parents, school counselor, and dean of students can occur. 

2. Outside of law enforcement confirmation, students suspected of violating the chemical use policy will be required to  complete a drug screening at a facility approved by Saint Thomas Academy. Results of this screen must be shared  with Saint Thomas Academy administration. 

3. Co-curricular ineligibility for two-thirds of the season based on the regular season schedule. This carries over to the  next season in which the student participates. If the ineligibility carries over to another sport/activity in another  season, the participant must complete the full season in that activity. In the event that the number of competitions  cannot be evenly divided, the penalty is rounded up to the next whole number (e.g. 8 game regular season = 6 games  or 27 game regular season = 18 games). 

4. Chemical Evaluation/Assessment performed by student’s pediatrician. All results are to be shared with the dean of  students and the school counselor. 

5. Possible referral to an outside agency for treatment options.  

6. Participation and completion of no fewer than six sessions in the school chemical health group or individual sessions  with a school counselor 

7. The student will be ineligible to be a captain for the remainder of their time at Saint Thomas Academy. Captaincy will  be removed in-season when an incident occurs. 

8. Ten hours of Saint Thomas Academy community service. 

9. Reduction in military rank and 15 demerits

10. Proper steps of restitution must be made in all cases where the actions of one student affected another  person. Students will work with counselors and administrators to ensure appropriate restorative measures have been  taken. 

 Third Offense 

1. Immediate in-school or out-of-school suspension and exclusion from all school activities until a meeting with the student,  parents, school counselor, and dean of students can occur. 

2. Possible referral to law enforcement. 

3. A Board of Discipline will be convened. 

Note: 

1. These consequences apply to all Saint Thomas Academy students, even those of legal age. 

2. At no time should the eligibility consequences administered by the school fall below the stipulated Minnesota State High  School League standards. 

3. When a student is involved in multiple co-curricular activities concurrently, ineligibility standards shall apply to each  activity.  

PROVIDING SELLING, or DISTRIBUTING ALCOHOL OR OTHER MOOD-ALTERING DRUGS

1. Immediate in-school or out-of-school suspension and exclusion from all school activities until a meeting with the student,  parents, school counselor, and dean of students can occur. 

2. Possible referral to law enforcement. 

3. A Board of Discipline will be convened. 

In order to support our daily work in fulfillment of our mission, at various times throughout the school year trained dogs will randomly search areas of the Saint Thomas Academy campus. If a dog identifies a locker, car, backpack, or other area as having chemicals in it, that area will be thoroughly searched. If chemicals are found in or on a student’s personal property, Saint Thomas Academy’s alcohol, chemicals, tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery system policy will be administered. Parents/ Guardians and students should be extra-vigilant especially if there are multiple drivers of the same vehicle. Saint Thomas Academy will make every effort to contact parents/guardians as soon as it has been determined that their son may be in possession of chemicals. School officials may proceed with a search in the absence of parental/guardian acknowledgement. Students will be held accountable to Saint Thomas Academy’s policy regarding alcohol, chemicals, tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery system regardless of who last drove the vehicle.  

Saint Thomas Academy does not tolerate harassment, bullying or hazing (read below for definitions of each). Each student, parent/guardian, faculty or staff member, or other person subjected to or becoming aware of any such conduct is asked to report such conduct promptly to officials of the school, in which case an investigation will occur and appropriate disciplinary or other action will be taken. Anonymous communications received at school are not investigated unless such communication specifies a specific threat or involves the safety of students, faculty or staff.    

A board of discipline may be convened for students who participate in harassing, bullying, and/or hazing behavior.  

Harassment is severe, pervasive, or persistent behavior that creates a hostile environment at school and is discriminatory  based on a person’s gender, race or ethnicity, religion or religious practice, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has  the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying may involve but is not limited to: 

• Unwanted teasing, mocking  

• Threats, insults, intimidation 

• Stalking 

• Cyberbullying* 

• Physical and relational aggression 

• Theft 

• Public humiliation 

• Destruction of school or personal property 

• Social exclusion, including incitement and/or coercion 

• Spreading rumors 

*Cyberbullying means bullying using technology or other electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of  a sign, signal, writing, image, sound, or data, including a post on a social network Internet website or forum, transmitted  through a computer, cell phone, or other electronic device. 

Hazing means committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a substantial risk  of harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other  purpose. 

If a cadet or their parent/guardian feels that an act of bullying or hazing has occurred, inform a school employee  (administrator, faculty, coach, staff member) of the incident as soon as possible.  

Saint Thomas Academy cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying among  students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such  conduct affects the educational environment of the Academy and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the  control of the school in its normal operations, it is Saint Thomas Academy’s intent to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond, and remediate those acts of bullying that occur. 

Saint Thomas Academy expects all of its students to maintain a positive digital footprint and adhere to high ethical and moral  standards in postings related to themselves, the school, and the broader Saint Thomas Academy community. Students are  responsible for their own behavior as it relates to social media use and Saint Thomas Academy reserves the right to act when  the content of postings conflicts with the conduct expectations of the school. 

All social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, etc.) directly referring to Saint Thomas Academy,  and/or using the Saint Thomas Academy name, logo and/or crest will be exclusively used and/or supervised by the Saint Thomas  Academy Communications Office. Activating and/or using social media platforms that directly relate to any Saint Thomas  Academy material without the consent of the Saint Thomas Academy Communications Office is strictly forbidden. 

OTHER DISCIPLINARY ISSUES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:  1. Stealing - whether from another student, school employee, or the school itself. 

2. Fighting or any other physical altercation. 

3. Willful destruction of property.

4. Use of guns, explosive devices, or any other weapons on campus or at school-sponsored activities off campus (unless  where authorized). 

5. Electronic devices not approved by a teacher for academic use (including, but not limited to, cell phones,  smartwatches, and iPods) are not to be used by Middle Schoolers during the school day, from 8:00 AM -  3:05 PM, anywhere in the building. Use of cell phones and other handheld devices with cameras in the locker  room are not permitted at any time. 

6. If students need to make a phone call, they may use the MS Office phone. 

7. If parents need to leave a message for their son, they may call the MS Office. See the “Internet and Network  Acceptable Use Policy” for more details. Violations will result in: First Offense - the device will be confiscated and a  parent must come to school to retrieve from the Middle School Director; second subsequent offenses - the student  must pay a $20 fine. Distribution of unauthorized publications (posters, flyers, newspapers, etc.) on campus or at a  school- sponsored event. The Middle School Director and Dean of Students or activity supervisor must approve all  posters, flyers, and student announcements. 

8. Wagering and/or gambling on campus are strictly prohibited. 

9. Consequences range from detention, fines, suspension, parental conference, Board of Discipline, and possible  expulsion. Any criminal offense will be turned over to the proper authorities. 

Saint Thomas Academy is an educational institution where discipline is enforced and students are required to meet the  standard for wearing a uniform. A neat and well-groomed appearance is fundamental to building pride and esprit while  simultaneously honoring the many distinguished alumni of this institution. The faculty, staff, administration, and senior  cadet leaders are responsible to ensure that cadets present a neat and orderly appearance. 

Hair will be neatly groomed. Length will not be ragged, unkempt, bulky or extreme. Hair will not touch the ears, collar or  eyebrows. Sideburns will be neatly trimmed and not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. Hair will  not be colored or highlighted. Lines cut into the scalp are not permitted. No jewelry, except one watch (but not a  smartwatch), is allowed. 

The Middle School uniform is not sold on campus. 

The following items must be purchased from Donald’s (see DonaldsUniform.com): 

• navy blue trousers 

• Oxford shirts -- long-sleeved shirts are required; short-sleeved shirts are optional for the early fall and late  spring 

• last name embroidered above the pocket of all shirts (Donald’s will arrange) 

• STA Middle School tie with logo 

• V-neck pullover sweater with school logo 

• The following items may be purchased from Donald’s or any retailer: 

• plain black dress shoes (loafer or tie oxford that can be polished) 

• plain black socks (must be mid-calf; no ankle socks; no athletic logos) 

• black belt 

• plain white crew neck t-shirt to be worn under uniform shirt (no writing on the t-shirt) 

A student not in uniform must bring a permission slip, signed by a parent, to the Middle School office before  7:55 AM to obtain a pass. Unlike the High School, if a Middle School student cannot be in complete uniform, he should  wear the rest of the uniform (e.g., if shoes are being repaired, he can still wear the rest of the proper uniform - shirt, tie,  and trousers). A Middle School student not in complete uniform will be put on lunch room duty. Repeated offenses may  result in further consequences including, but not limited to, after-school detention. 

Students are expected to keep track of their personal and school belongings. Please put your name clearly on all articles  of clothing, books, textbooks, binders, notebooks, and register your calculator. Use a Sharpie marker to label your  uniform and all your personal items! The Middle School, High School, and Locker Rooms each keep lost and found areas. 

Saint Thomas Academy is committed to keeping Middle School classes small, allowing for personal instruction and  developing a sense of camaraderie among our students. One of the ways to promote friendships and leadership skills is  our House program. Students are divided into one of six houses, combining 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Each house has  two faculty advisors and each has an elected 8th grade captain, which serves on the Middle School student council that  meets with the Middle School Director. Houses meet every other week – activities include organizing events,  sponsoring guest speakers, forming teams for competitions, and service projects. 

Middle Schoolers attend High School formation about three times per week. Eighth graders stand along the rail of the  upper level on the south side of Founders’ Hall. Sixth and seventh graders stand along the rail of the upper level on the  north side of Founders’ Hall. Weather permitting, during the fall and spring, Middle Schoolers will often have recess in  place of attending High School Formation 

About twice a week, the Middle School hosts its own formation in the Middle School Rongitsch Commons or have  House meetings. For MS Formation, students sit in the Middle School Rongitsch Commons next to their House  classmates and the House Captains and the MS Director lead Middle School Formation. House meetings are held in the  classrooms of the House Faculty Advisors and are led by the House Captain and the House Faculty Advisors.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any person at any Saint  Thomas Academy venues without prior written authorization from the Director of Business Affairs. 

For purposes of this policy, a UAV is any aircraft without a human pilot aboard the device. This prohibition applies to all fields  of play, courts, arena, mats, gym floor or pool, and includes a ban on the entire Saint Thomas Academy facility including, the  spectator areas and parking areas. 

School officials shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a UAV; and if necessary, shall remove anyone,  without prior written authorization, attempting to use a UAV and/or confiscate the UAV. 

Services to students, faculty and staff include, but are not limited to: first aid, administration of medications, counseling,  communicable disease control, and maintenance of school health records. There is a school nurse on duty most of the hours  that school is in session. It is important that current and accurate emergency information is on file with the school so that the  nurse can reach a parent by phone if the student becomes ill or injured. 

Saint Thomas Academy adheres to Minnesota law mandating that all students be 100 percent compliant with MN  Immunization requirements before they are allowed to start school in the fall.  

A physical exam is required every three years - grades 6-12 

All enrolled students are required to have on file in the STA Health Office a physical examination that was completed within  the last three years. Physical examinations are required for both enrollment (physical education and high school  Military/Leadership classes) and participation in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) or Catholic Athletic  Association (CAA) athletics/activities. Our school nurse will notify families when a student’s physical examination will need to  be updated. 

Please note: In order for a student to receive Tylenol or Ibuprofen in school, we must have on file in the Health Office a copy  of the medication authorization form with both a parent signature and the physician’s signature. Authorization from the  physician and the parent is also required for prescription medications. 

If a student becomes ill or is injured, a parent will be contacted by phone. Students who drive will not be allowed to leave  school unless a parent has given permission to the nurse or Dean of Students and the student is excused to go home. All new  students and ninth grade students must provide the school with the results of a physical exam performed within the last year.  Health forms may be accessed at the Saint Thomas Academy website at cadets.com/healthforms (under the For Students  heading).

OUR VISION  

Make the world a better place one cadet at a time. 

OUR MISSION  

To develop boys into men of character. 

FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS AND CORE VALUES 

Catholic || College Preparatory || Military Leadership || All-Male 

CATHOLIC – We develop each Cadet’s spiritual potential through the daily teaching and practice of Catholic traditions and  values. We develop their moral potential through instruction and example by incorporating these values into all we do. We  foster ethical behavior, humility and respectful relationships with all people, and instill a lifelong commitment to the service of  others. 

COLLEGE PREPARATORY – We develop each Cadet’s intellectual potential through a rigorous curriculum that fosters a  lifelong respect for knowledge, an abiding spirit of inquiry, analytical thinking, creative expression, effective communication  skills, and independent study. 

MILITARY LEADERSHIP – Our multi-faceted programs instill in each Cadet the lifelong values of honor, integrity, self discipline, self-reliance, brotherhood, devotion to duty, our community, and the service of others. 

ALL MALE – We have established a proven academic, athletic and learning environment that nurtures and builds on the  unique manner that boys develop; embracing and fostering opportunities distinctly beneficial to them. While our approach is  highly focused, our Cadets experience a student life that is rich, diverse, actively engaged with our sister school, Visitation, and the community at large. 

Faith || Excellence || Integrity || Respect

EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE  

7:55 Warning Bell 

8:00-8:45 Period 1 

8:50-9:35 Period 2 

9:40-10:25 Period 3 

10:30-11:15 Period 4 

11:20-12:05 Period 5 

Main, Middle School, Admissions, Business Office 7:30 AM-4:00 PM (Mon-Thu) 

7:30AM-3:30PM (Fri) 

Attendance 

651-683-1511 

Nurse 

7:45 AM-3:15 PM (Mon-Thu) 

7:45 AM-2:45 PM (Fri) 

Cadet Maker Store 

3:00-5:00 PM Mon - Fri 

7:30 a.m. - 12:30 PM Tues

Quartermaster Store 

3:00-3:45 PM (Mon, Wed) 

7:15-8:00 AM (Tue, Thu) 

LATE START SCHEDULE 

9:25 Warning Bell
9:30-10:25 Period 1
10:30-11:25 Period 2
11:30-12:55 Period 3/Lunch
1:00-1:55 Period 4
2:00-2:55 Period 5
2:55-3:15 Tutoring 

*During breaks and summer, the school offices may operate under adjusted hours on prior notice. 

Parents may leave a message for their son by calling the main office, 651-454-4570, provided the call is  made before 2:30 PM. 

*Please note that when the word “parent” is used in the handbook, we are referring to parents/legal guardians. 

All questions and concerns related to the bus service (VISTA Transportation) should be directed to VISTA Transportation Coordinator at vistabusing@cadets.com. 

The faculty and administration strongly believe that attending and being present and on time for all classes and mandatory  school functions (liturgies, assemblies, formation, study halls, lunch, etc.) are essential for academic progress and to take full  advantage of this unique educational experience. Regular attendance – a responsibility to be shared by students, parents/  guardians, and Saint Thomas Academy – is one of the means by which a Cadet learns responsibility and accountability.

Saint Thomas Academy believes that interscholastic athletic and co-curricular activity participation is an essential portion of the  education of the “whole student.” We believe that athletics and activities should provide a variety of experiences that will prepare  our students for adult life, presenting lessons in sportsmanship, competition, responsibility, teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and  winning and losing with class. Participation contributes to an esprit de corps and provides more avenues for individuals to achieve  success. Athletics or activities participation is a privilege that require responsibility to the school, to the community, to the student  body, to the team, and to  the student himself. 

● The athletic and co-curricular activity program of Saint Thomas Academy reflects the mission of the school and is an  integral part of the curriculum; 

● The athletic and co-curricular activity program helps students gain self-confidence, develop discipline and responsibility  in team play, improve their skills and experience the enjoyment of competition.  

● Playing time may vary at the coach’s discretion, depending upon the player’s attendance at practice, attitude, effort,  demonstrated skills, and the skill level of the competition; 

● The Varsity program is the highest level of interscholastic competition at Saint Thomas Academy. Varsity athletes and  coaches strive for excellence and a winning spirit in this competitive environment. Game participation by all team  members is determined by the coaching staff; 

The Junior Varsity, B Squad and Freshmen programs strive for a balance among competitive play, individual participation, and skill  development, while fostering a winning spirit; 

The Middle School program emphasizes participation and skill development, while fostering a competitive spirit to try one’s best  and display sportsmanship, win or lose. While it is recognized that choices regarding starting line-ups and playing time are made by  coaches and can sometimes appear subjective to spectators, it is expected that any decisions by coaches involving playing time will  be respected and honored as being within the purview of the coach; 

● Saint Thomas Academy is committed to the safety and physical and emotional health of its athletes;

● The school expects athletes, coaches, parents, and fans representing Saint Thomas Academy to practice good  sportsmanship and behave ethically and honorably before, during, and after athletic competitions and practices;

● The Academy supports coaches in their understanding of and commitment to its student-athletes.

● The school will ensure that coaches have appropriate training in coaching and first aid procedures;

● The Academy will strive to educate parents about its policies and expectations, and encourage effective, constructive  communication among parents and coaches; 

● Saint Thomas Academy complies with the rules and policies of the governing bodies of the sports and activities in which it  participates; 

● While participating in school-sponsored activities, students must observe all rules of the Saint Thomas Academy High  School and Middle School Student Handbooks. 

Alpine Skiing* - Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Baseball - 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, Freshmen, B Squad, and Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Basketball - 6th grade, 7th grade A & B, 8th grade A & B, Freshmen A & B, B Squad, and Junior Varsity/Varsity Cross Country* - 6th Grade, Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Football - 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, Freshmen (also some Freshmen reserve games), B Squad, and Junior Varsity/Varsity Golf* - Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Hockey* - Middle School, Junior Gold, Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Lacrosse - Middle School, 9th and 10th grades, and Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Nordic Skiing* - Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Soccer - 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, Freshmen, B Squad, and Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Swimming and Diving* - 6th grade CAA, Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Tennis - Middle School, and Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Track and Field* - Middle School, Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Wrestling* - Junior Varsity/Varsity 

Audio/Visual Club * 

Bands * 

Bowling Team * 

Cadence (literary/fine arts magazine) *

Cannon Crew 

Choir * 

CHOOSE Group 

Citation (student newspaper)

Crack Drill Squad 

Curling* 

Debate * 

Environmental Club* 

Experimental Vehicle Team 

Fishing 

FIRST LEGO League * 

FIRST Tech Challenge * 

Honor Guard/Color Guard 

Intramural Basketball 

Kaydet (yearbook) 

Language Clubs * 

Math Team * 

Mock Trial * 

Model UN 

Orchestra * 

Peer Mentoring 

Quiz Bowl/Knowledge Bowl *

Ranger Challenge 

Rifle Team * 

HS Student Council 

Table Tennis * 

Trap & Skeet Team * 

Ultimate Frisbee 

VISTA Productions (theater) * 

* Available for Middle School students (Note: The Minnesota State High School League does not allow 6th graders to  participate in JV or Varsity High School competitions. In some activities, 6th graders may practice with JV teams. 

When there are not Middle School-specific teams, 7th and 8th grade may participate with JV/Varsity.) For some activities, students must meet specific criteria, such as high academic standing. For others, students must meet  more general criteria. In no case may a student continue in athletics and activities when such athletics or activities impede his  studies or prove detrimental to him in other ways. All athletics, activities, and clubs have faculty or other adult moderator. 

Students involved in activities are held to the same standards and expectations as students involved in athletics.

A Guide for Parent-Athlete-Coach Communication 

The contents of this guide are designed to help establish standards of behavior and provide direction for the student athletes,  coaches, and parents during their athletic experience at Saint Thomas Academy. The student-athletes’ learning and  development will always be the central focus throughout all aspects of their educational-based athletic experience. We  believe that educational-based athletics should provide a variety of experiences that will prepare our students for adult life,  presenting lessons in sportsmanship, competition, responsibility, teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and winning and losing  with grace. Athletic participation is a privilege that requires responsibility to the school, to the community, to the student  body, to the activity, and to the student himself. 

The Saint Thomas Academy tradition has been to win with honor. We desire to field excellent teams and a winning spirit at  the Varsity level, but only by maintaining the integrity of our athletes, our school, and our community. At the sub-varsity  levels we strive for a balance among competitive play, individual participation, and skill development, while fostering a winning  spirit. Our goal is that this, in conjunction with the lessons of sportsmanship, responsibility and teamwork, will provide a  meaningful athletic experience. 

Athletics can be an emotional endeavor and occasionally conflict will arise. If you have an athletic issue concerning your  student-athlete, please consider the “24 hour rule”–that is, please wait 24 hours before contacting the coach. We have  found that if all parties involved with an athletic conflict take time to reflect on the situation, the ensuing conversation will be  based less on emotions and more on facts. While the “24 hour rule” may not resolve your concern, it might prevent a  misunderstanding from escalating into an adversarial situation. If, after 24 hours, you still feel that the situation merits  attention, please follow the grievance procedures listed below: 

1. The student-athlete should communicate concerns or issues first with the coach of that specific team. This meeting  should be at some time other than before, during, or after practice or a contest. No other outsiders other than the  athlete and coach(es) should be present. 

2. If not resolved in the first step, then the parent and athlete together should request a meeting with the coach(es)  involved at a time outside of practice or a contest. 

3. If not resolved in second step, the parent, athlete, and coach(es) should meet with the Director of Athletics and  Activities at a time outside of practice or a contest. 

4. It is important that the above steps be followed in sequence. 

Specific rules for students participating in the interscholastic athletic and activities program at Saint Thomas Academy are  included in this Athletics & Activities Handbook. Coaches are responsible for establishing rules and procedures for teams  under their jurisdiction. While rules and safety procedures may be reiterated orally on a regular basis, information that is  needed by student-athletes on an ongoing basis will be distributed in writing to all athletes. 

Saint Thomas Academy is a voluntary member of this conference. The conference was established for the primary purpose of  promoting selected interscholastic activities among member schools and the assurance of such advantages as may be gained by a union of effort. The conference was established to encourage member schools to improve their co-curricular program in  athletics and non-athletic activities. The conference membership facilitates arranging schedules, equalizing competition,  conducting league meetings, and determining league championships. The conference provides Saint Thomas Academy the  opportunity for competition without excessive travel. Membership implies abiding by conference schedules, rules, and  regulations. Other conference member schools are: Hastings, Henry Sibley, Hill-Murray, Mahtomedi, North St. Paul,  Simley, South St. Paul and Tartan. 

All schools are voluntary members of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). As a school member, Saint  Thomas Academy agrees to abide by all rules and regulations endorsed by this league. The primary role of the MSHSL is to  maintain rules and regulations that ensure equity in competition for the student athletes and a balance with other  educational programs. The association solicits input and is responsive to requests for rule modification from member schools,  appointed committees, and coaches’ associations. The MSHSL attempts to enforce such rules that assure the greatest good  for the greatest number and to ensure the competition is conducted in an appropriate manner. Some information regarding  MSHSL Rules and Regulations is included in this manual. Parents/Students may access the entire MSHSL Handbook on  their Web site at www.MSHSL.org. 

Any student who intends to participate in high school interscholastic athletic activities must have on file in the school, a  record of a physical examination performed within the previous three years. 

All Saint Thomas Academy students, regardless of athletic participation, must annually sign the Athletic Eligibility  Information Bulletin that is put out by the MSHSL. In addition, a parent or guardian must sign the Parent’s Permit and  Health Questionnaire. These forms are available from the Assistant Director of Athletics and Activities and online at  Cadets.com/Athletics. 

● A student is placed on academic probation and declared ineligible only at the end of each formal grading period (quarter/semester); 

● A declaration of ineligibility may be appealed if there were unusual circumstances that contributed to his poor  academic performance. Such an appeal (if granted) will not alter the student’s status of being on academic  probation. Appeals are made to the Director of Academic Life. 

Athletic fees are charged in certain sports. Also, most of the sports require athletes to purchase certain items. If athletic fees  cause a hardship for any athlete, the Director of Athletics and Activities should be consulted for confidential assistance. 

Please see entire ATTENDANCE POLICY for all requirements related to attendance.

Please review the ACADEMIC PROGRAM section of the High School Handbook. 

Please review CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY in this handbook for requirements related to co-curricular eligibility. BASIC ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES 

Saint Thomas Academy (STA) provides a wide range of electronic resources to support the educational mission of the  school. Users must abide by the policies stated in this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Failure to do so will result in loss  of network privileges. Students will also be subject to the school’s discipline process with possible consequences as  severe as expulsion. 

Network users include all students, teachers, administrators, support staff and community members who have access  to the Saint Thomas Academy-wide and local area network (WAN/LAN). Students may access the network while  working on class work in a supervised setting. Students must follow all rules contained within this policy at all times  when using the WAN/LAN. Students must also follow the direction of faculty and staff members supervising any area  where networked resources can be accessed. Students who access or bring personal computers, laptop computers or  personal digital assistants to school are subject to the guidelines of the Saint Thomas Academy Acceptable Use Policy.  Failure to comply may result in confiscation of the personal equipment. 

The purpose of this policy is to detail the acceptable use of computer equipment and Technology at Saint Thomas  Academy (STA). These rules are in place to protect the students, employees, Saint Thomas Academy and its property.  Not following this policy can, at a minimum, cause students to not be properly equipped for class or worse, possibly  expose Saint Thomas Academy to risks including virus attacks, compromise of network systems and services, and legal  issues. 

If a user has a problem with a school-issued device, he or she should take the device to the Information Technology Department. 

Definition and specific computer security terms can be found in the SANS Glossary.