STA Weekly News & Events

Foil your dinner plans and stop by Chipotle at 3324 Promenade Ave in Eagan to support Saint Thomas Academy & Visitation School Aquatic Center fundraiser on Wednesday, April 5 from 5 - 9 p.m. 

The fundraiser will support the Saint Thomas Academy & Visitation School new Aquatic Center project. Download the flyer below or mention the fundraiser at checkout and Chipotle will donate 33 percent of the proceeds to our fundraising efforts. Learn more about the Aquatic Center project here. 

$100 Raffle
First Prize - $20,000 in cash or $20,000 credit towards 2023-2024 tuition for one Cadet
Second Prize - $5,000 cash
Third Prize - Traeger grill 575 w wifi

$50 Raffle
First Prize - School Lunch for the 2023-2024 school year
Second Prize - Oculus Quest 2
Third Prize - $300 in gasoline gift cards

$5 Raffle
My Favorite Teacher/Staff - Purchase raffle tickets for your Cadet's favorite teacher or staff member at school, and they can win a well-deserved gift valued at $200.  (Three lucky winners will be chosen)

RAFFLE ORDER FORM

or contact Jodie Whaley to purchase!  jwhaley@cadets.com or 651.683.1590

Donation Needs and instructions 

All donations can be dropped off at the middle school front office or at the front desk at Flynn Hall during school hours, any school day! Please just put attention to: STA Auction with your donation slip and we will make sure it gets accounted for. Donation slip is also attached. 

Auction Needs:

Amazon List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RBC9N1F8BIHD/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

Any MN Sport Tickets

Concerts tickets

Plays, Musicals

Cabin Rentals

Unique Experiences

Vacation spots

Restaurant Gift Cards

Brew Pub Pass

Wine 

Assorted Spirits

iPad

iPod

Apple Watch

Beats

Gaming Station

Sport items

Cadet Store Items

Grilling Items

Beach Items

Cooking Items

Cabin Items

Solo stove

Hammock

Dishware

Kitchenaid

Spa items

Assorted Micro Brews

Jewelry

TV

Camping Items

Patio Items

Lawn Items

All the best-

Bridget and Pat Batzler, Katie and Patrick Smith, Liz and Derek Benz

Registration is open for the many fun summer camps from Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation School. Camps include sports, academics, arts, activities, and more. Many of the camps are new! Invite your neighborhood friends too! View options and register here: cadets.com/summer.

TUITION
ALL tuition and fees must be paid in full prior to the end of the academic year.  
ATTENTION SENIORS - All tuition must be paid in full prior to graduation in order to receive your diploma and transcript. Please contact Pam Kunkel (651-683-1510) in the business office with any questions.

FINANCIAL AID
The 2023-24 Financial Aid application deadline was January 15. If you have not yet applied for financial aid please submit ASAP to be considered.

Financial aid awards for returning families will be communicated by mid March.  If you have any questions please reach out to Pam Kunkel.

CADET MAKER HOURS 

The Cadet Maker regular hours are 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The store will no longer be open on Tuesday mornings.

CADET MAKER SEAMSTRESS NEEDED

Cadet Maker is looking for seamstresses to add to the Cadet Pillow making team.  A variety of skills are needed, prepping pieces, stitching pillow covers together and creating embroidered prayer panels.  If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Martha Parish at mparish@cadets.com. 

 

 

 

 

The Brigade Formal Inspection (BFI) will take place on Wednesday, April 5. This inspection is a significant culminating event for the Corps of Cadets. It is a final report card for the senior leadership on how the Corps presents itself in 5 inspectable areas which include:  an in-ranks inspection worth 60%; accountability - 15%; command and staff briefing - 10%; Brigade review - 10% and Color Guard - 5%. The bulk of the inspection takes place during the in-ranks whereby every cadet will be inspected for uniform, grooming and Basic Cadet Knowledge. A score of 90% or higher will determine if the Corps retains the coveted Gold Star and the "Honor Unit with Distinction" status (and of course...ties off/sleeves up Class B1 Uniform modification). Please help your son prepare for his inspection by ensuring his uniform is cleaned and pressed, shoes are highly shined and he has a regulation haircut and shave. A reminder that this year's BFI uniform is Class A1 - that is white trousers, white shirt, tie, blouse coat, garrison cap and white gloves.

SUMMER STUDENT WORKER

POSITION
Saint Thomas Academy seeks an energetic, part-time, up to 24 hours per week, Summer Student Worker to help with a variety of tasks to help prepare the building for the next school year. 

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Summer Student Worker will provide assistance to the Facilities staff, both inside the building and on the grounds of STA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      Perform routine and project cleaning as assigned.

2.     To be present for scheduled shifts.

3.     Perform projects that may include outside maintenance work.

4.    Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned or apparent.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

●      If over the age of 18, must complete VIRTUS through the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, to include a background check, Code of Conduct, and training.

●      Physically agile and dexterous and able to perform physical labor over an extended period of time.  Must be able to bend, climb ladders, and lift up to 75 lbs.

●      Ability to follow written and oral instructions and have good communication skills

●      Proficient with sending emails

●      Ability to work independently and as part of a team

●      Able to communicate effectively with staff and visitors

Further Instructions:
If you are interested in applying, please contact: Mrs. Anne McQuillan, Facilities Manager, Saint Thomas Academy, via email amcquillan@cadets.com or mail to 949 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, MN  55120

Position will remain open until filled

LEADERSHIP PATHWAY MEETINGS

All current 10th and 11th graders (i.e., "rising" juniors and seniors) should consider attending a meeting during community time on Tuesday, March 28th in Mr. Simmons' room to learn about the Business & Economics Leadership Pathway opportunity and/or on Thursday, March 30th, with Ms. Harvalis (in Mr. Traxler's room) to learn about the STEM Leadership Pathway opportunity.  Watch this 2 minute video to learn more right now! 

 

The Corps of Cadets is continuing to quickly raise the standard as we continue to approach BFI on April 5. Currently, at the company level, Company Commanders are working to find more ways to incorporate BCK (Basic Cadet Knowledge) questions into the daily military curriculum. Some Commanders have found unique ways to incentivize other military period opportunities, such as using the rifle range. Through this Cadets are still able to continue to participate with their classmates, while continuing to improve their knowledge prior to BFI. the Brigade Leadership is continually trying to remind the underclassmen the value of passing BFI, and how exciting it would be to be able to take ties off following a successful passing of BFI. So, Cadets must work to keep the standard high as BFI is now only 2 and a half weeks away!

Safeway Driving School offers teen driver's education for Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation students. The Teen Package includes 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. 

Registration:
To register or for more information, call Safeway Driving School at 651-351-9150.

Cost:
$420 ($430 under the payment plan) payable upon registration to Safeway Driving School.

Summer Driver's Education Courses 
June 5 - June 16 - This is an online Zoom class
9:00 - 12:00 PM

July 24 - August 4 - Room VF144 at Saint Thomas Academy 
9:00 - 12:00 PM 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming No School Days

• April 6 -10 - Easter Break

Upcoming Early Dismissal

• Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - Middle School Early Dismissal 
  Middle School will run full classes in the morning and dismissal will be NOON- lunch will not be served. Middle School students will be in uniform and follow their B Day schedule. This early dismissal coincides with the Upper School BFI and Archbishop’s Review. 

Upcoming Formal Uniform - Sweater Required

• Friday, March 31 - Stations of the Cross

• Tuesday, April 11 - Easter Mass

Upcoming Uniform/Haircut Inspection
Middle School students will have a uniform and haircut inspection next week. Please plan for uniform fixes and haircut appointments prior next week  to ensure compliance.  Students will be inspected by house and will work together to earn the option to forgo ties and roll sleeves for the remainder of the school year.  Schedule those haircuts now! 

Middle School/Upper School Course Registration for 23-24
As we approach the class registration period for the 2023-2024 academic year, I wanted to provide you with some academic advising resources to help support your son's decision-making process.

• Our Curriculum Overview webpage is an excellent resource featuring videos from each department chair surveying their respective department's course offerings.

• Grades 6 & 7: The Middle School Course Catalog outlines the Academy's graduation requirements and elective opportunities. 

• Grade 8: Eighth Graders should have received communication from Mr. Buethe regarding details on registration (occurring this week). The Upper School Course Catalog outlines the Academy's graduation requirements and elective opportunities.  The Leadership Pathway Guide articulates an enhanced curricular framework designed to prepare your son for the rigors of a college or university major in a STEM or business field. 

We encourage you to review these materials with your son at home to determine which courses may interest him. Please consider discussing eligibility requirements and any remaining questions that he may have with his teachers, counselor/learning specialist or the department chairs.  During Community Time, your son will receive direct academic advising at school. We strongly encourage your son to seek out 1:1 academic advising with faculty and staff as questions arise. Finally, please note that the Registrar will email a Course Registration Form to your son's cadets.com email address on Thursday, March 30 for your sons to complete during advisory. These forms are due no later than Friday, April 14.

End of Quarter
The end of 3rd quarter is Friday, March 24.   Please remind your son to turn in any late assignments/make up quizzes/tests before that date.

Spring Sports
Please speak with your son about spring plans and interests- it’s not too late to sign up for spring sports. Any questions, please contact John Kenney at jkenney@cadets.com Middle School students grades 7 and 8  are able to try out for the golf team.  Please follow this link for more information on tryouts. 

After School 
Students may wait in the Middle School Commons until 3:30.  After 3:30, all students  must go through Flynn Hall.  Students are welcome to use Flynn Hall, the cafeteria, or the ALC to study.   Middle School students have been told to stay off the ice on Rogers Lake and not to go down by the lake or through the woods at any time before or after school.  
Extended Absences
Students missing two or more days of school should obtain an extended absence form from Mrs. Doran and speak with teachers prior to leaving.  Teachers will provide assignments as accurately as possible, however, students should continue to check Schoology and work with teachers upon return for additional make-up work. Parents or guardians should notify Mrs. Doran at attendance@cadets.com or submit an attendance form through the app.

Attendance Reminders
All late arrivals, early departures, and absences must be reported to the attendance line: 651-683-1511,  attendance@cadets.com, or on the attendance submission form through the STA App.  Between  8:00-2:50, all arrivals and departures must go through Flynn Hall. Please refer to the handbook for more information on attendance policies. 

Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Mechtel

 

 

 

Click here for this week's featured podcast about how to teach your child to advocate for themselves.

Class of 2023 Saint Thomas Academy Student Merit Scholarship Survey
Use this form to enter the merit scholarships you have been awarded. The names of the scholarships will be listed in the graduation program, and the amounts of the scholarships are for internal use only.
 

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS COLLEGE FAIR
We hope you’ll join us for our Catholic Schools college fair on Monday, April 17 from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm at Saint Thomas Academy in the Holtz Gym.  Please register for a barcode before the fair at www.StriveFair.com. During the fair, colleges will scan your barcode to send you more information about their schools. The day after the fair, you will receive a report with information on the colleges with whom you scanned.

Mark you calendar! The Spring Choir Concert will be on Thursday, March 30 at Saint Thomas Academy in the Court at 7:00 pm. Please join us!

Senior Moms/Female Guardians - Mark Your Calendar! The annual event will be on Thursday, May 11. Check in at 11:30 a.m. Mass starts at 12:00 for the mothers only, followed by the seniors joining their moms for lunch. This favorite event is for mothers/female guardians of the seniors and their soon-to-be graduating senior sons. Details forthcoming.

As a mother/guardian at Saint Thomas Academy, you are a member of the Mothers' Club!  We look forward to you getting involved this year with our community!  

SECOND FRIDAY MASS - APRIL 14
Mother/Guardian and Son Masses will be held the Second Friday of the month, starting at 7:15 am. Please join us in the chapel on April 14. Light refreshments will be served after Mass. We welcome and encourage you and your son to attend the Mother/Guardian and Son Mass.

Please contact Rosanna Bamsey with questions about Mother/Guardian and Son Mass.

BOOK CLUB - APRIL 11 AND MAY 10
Please join us for the last two book club meetings!  On Tuesday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we will discuss the Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. Please register here if you can join us!

On Wednesday, May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we will discuss Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman.  Please register here if you can join us!

JOIN THE DECOR COMMITTEE!
We are looking for women to join the Decoration Committee and serve as specific event volunteers or event team captains for each of the events listed below (you are welcome to participate with multiple events):

• Harvest Mass & Dinner (fall)
• Veterans Day (November)
• Cadet Promotions (November)
• Christmas decorations in the building - set-up/take down (December)
• Mother/Guardian & Son Christmas Mass & Brunch (December)
• Mother/Guardian & Senior Son Lunch (May)
• Military Ball (May)

Some of these events are a bigger commitment than others, but all are very important to the smooth planning of these wonderful events.  All are welcome!  Please contact Jodi Anderson if you are interested in volunteering.

The Fathers' Club has a few great opportunities to connect in the upcoming weeks!  

FATHER/SON MASS
Join us in fellowship as we celebrate Mass together on the First Friday of every month at 7:15 a.m. in the Chapel.  Our next Father/Son Mass is Friday, April 14 (will be a family Mass with the moms!).  Stick around for coffee and donuts after mass...it's Pack the Chapel 2023!

FATHER SON BANQUET UPDATE
We are excited to confirm the final details for the annual Father Son Banquet on Sunday, 16 April 2023.  All current STA students are invited to attend this premier annual event along with their father or an important male in their life. The program includes Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell discussing the importance of faith and the determination to succeed, and the presentation of our 2023 awards to a member of the STA faculty, a junior STA student and an outstanding volunteer from our STA community. Register here!

FATHERS' CLUB MONTHLY MEETINGS
The Fathers' Club meets virtually on the 2nd Tuesday and in-person at STA on the 4th Tuesday of every month, from 7-8 a.m.  All STA dads and male guardians are welcome!  Please email us at fathersclub@cadets.com if you are interested in joining a regular meeting and helping plan our events and activities.  

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE 2023 EVENTS

April 16, 2023 - STA Father-Son Banquet

May 13, 2023 - Fathers' Club Smoker at the Military Ball

Every Father/Male Guardian is automatically a member of the Fathers' Club. Please join us for any or all of our upcoming events, and support work For Him, For Me and For Us!

Welcome to the 2023 STA Golf season!

Please note the following information about STA golf and the upcoming spring tryout process. Click here for the Cadet website golf team page.
Note: In the recent past the JV scoring average has been 83-93, and the Varsity scoring average has been 72-82.

The tryout process will begin (weather permitting) around April 1.  
We will keep 18 or 19 players total for two teams - JV/Varsity.
Students in grades 7 – 12 can tryout.

VARSITY GOLF DETAILS
The Varsity tryout process may last up to 3 weeks.
The Varsity player selection will be determined by a combination of scores from the previous school year, summer tournament experience and the current tryout scores.
The Varsity will play (15) matches (including 5 invitationals) and will start Section play around June 1.
The Varsity practice schedule will also include some weekend 18-hole rounds.

JUNIOR VARSITY GOLF DETAILS
The JV tryout process will consist of 2-4 nine-hole rounds.
The JV schedule will consist of 12 weekday matches (split between 12 players) and will run until the middle of May.
The JV also practices two days a week at Lost Spur Golf Club in Mendota.  

If you are intending to tryout and haven’t signed up yet - please communicate your intent with any member of the Athletics/ Activities Department.
Coach Greg Vannelli will email everyone on the tryout list with the tryout dates as coaches become aware of course opening dates.

STA GOLF COACHING STAFF
Junior Varsity Coach: Mike Byrne – retired and former principal of the STA middle school
Varsity Asst. Erik Christopherson – A former D1 Minnesota Gopher player and well recognized Amateur in the state of Minnesota
Varsity Head Coach - Greg Vannelli  – 13th season, 6 Team State Tournaments Appearances, and 7 Conference Championships  gvannelli@cadets.com 

2023 Macalester Youth Basketball Camps
The Macalester College men's basketball team will hold a Youth Basketball Camp this summer in the Leonard Center. There will be two sessions: July 24-27 and Aug. 7-10. The camp is for boys in grades 4-8 and will focus on basketball skills, competitive games and character development.

Click here to register for the Youth Basketball Camp. A 10% discount is offered for two or more registrations.

Please contact Macalester head coach Abe Woldeslassie at 651-696-6245 or awoldesl@macalester.edu if you have any questions.
 

The Saint Thomas Academy Athletic & Activities Department is excited to partner with Game-One in providing athletic gear tailored towards the wide variety of sports and activities we offer at Saint Thomas Academy. This 24/7/365 online store allows fans of all Saint Thomas Academy teams and activities to purchase gear that meets our brand standards.

Click here to shop!

Through the link above, you will be able to customize various types of clothing with a specific sport and the Saint Thomas Academy "ST" logo. Ordering from this site is easy. Once you are done customizing your product, they will ship it to your front door within 7-10 business days. Because each piece of clothing is unique (dependent on placement of the logo, font, color, etc.), purchases from this site are final. Game-One does not accept returns for their customized orders. 

Currently, the site only has stores set up for athletic teams. They are currently creating the artwork for the activities we offer for upper and middle school Cadets. Future communication will be sent when the activities stores are up and running. 

Individual sport programs will still have their "team stores" season-after-season with their vendors, depending on who the head coach prefers to work with for their team's apparel needs.  This store is an opportunity for fans of Saint Thomas Academy to purchase specific sports gear directly to their home, whether they live in Mendota Heights, MN or Albuquerque, New Mexico.

GO CADETS!