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The 2023-24 family directories were distributed to parents at Back-to-School Night earlier this month. If you missed picking up your copy at Back-to-School night, the directories are available at the main reception desk in Flynn Hall. Please have your son grab one or parents/guardians may pick one up between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
To access the selected information in the online directory, you can use the Saint Thomas Academy app!
As we approach the mid-quarter mark, which falls on Friday, September 22, we wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of staying informed about your son's academic progress. Your active involvement in monitoring your child's performance is crucial to their success, and we encourage you to regularly check PowerSchool for the latest updates.
Click here for instructions on how to view your son's grades on PowerSchool.
If you wish to confer with any of your son's teachers before scheduled conferences on November 8-9, please feel free to reach out to them to schedule a meeting during their regular office hours, which are held between 2:50 and 3:15 Monday through Thursday. This offers a wonderful opportunity for you to discuss your child's progress, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Saint Thomas Academy uses Vigidami to organize and view all photos of your son and school activities. Vidigami is a centralized photo-management system used by Saint Thomas Academy to collect and share photographs of students, staff and school activities throughout the STA community in a members-only private site. Vidigami offers an app for both Android and iPhone.
You can see how to use Vidigami here in this easy step-by-step guide. You can also click here to find additional instructions.
Saint Thomas Academy will celebrate our annual Homecoming festivities beginning Monday, September 25. The Upper School Student Council has all the fun planned! See below for the details.
Out of Uniform Themes:
Monday: USA
Tuesday: College
Wednesday: Company Colors for the Upper School (Colors will be assigned to each company) House Colors for the Middle School
Thursday: Retro
Friday: Beach/Tropical
In addition, the Mothers' Club will provide donuts, there will be Chick-fil-a, food trucks, competitions, and more! All families are invited to join us for the Cadets football game vs. Armstrong on Friday night at 7 p.m. The week will conclude with the Homecoming Dance for grades 10, 11, and 12.
With the onset influenza season and colder months approaching, a reminder about maintaining our students and community’s health. Encourage your son to practice good hygiene, like frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, to protect against common illnesses like influenza, strep throat and COVID-19. Flu shots are now available at your provider or nearby pharmacy. Please have your son stay home if he feels unwell or has a fever of 100.4 or above. Saint Thomas Academy asks that a student be fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications, before returning to school. By prioritizing our student’s health, we can ensure a safe and healthy winter for our students and greater community.
All parents and guardians are invited to join us on Monday, October 23 for our Parent Speaker Series. The topic for the evening will be "It's Complicated: Teens, Social Media, and Mental Health". Led by Erin Walsh of the Spark & Stitch Institute, she will cover:
Is Facebook depression real? Is social media use contributing to teen anxiety? Or is social media actually connecting and inspiring us? In this interactive and energizing presentation, our guest speakers cut through conflicting messages to explain how technology is impacting mental health. You will leave understanding the key ingredients for digital wellbeing as well as practical tools and strategies to reduce risks and nurture digital strengths.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Court. Please RSVP here.
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About Erin Walsh
Erin is a parent, speaker, educator, and writer. She has worked with communities across the country who want to better understand child and adolescent development and cut through conflicting information about kids and technology. She is fiercely committed to bringing an equity lens and asset-based approach to our understanding of, and response to, youth and media. Her signature down-to-earth approach and sense of humor helps families and educators engage in complicated topics and leave feeling capable and motivated.
Erin has enjoyed bringing science and tips to families and educators alongside her father Dr. David Walsh for nearly 20 years. They started together at the National Institute on Media and the Family and then more recently founded Mind Positive Parenting before creating Spark & Stitch Institute™ in 2019. In addition to writing articles for several other organizations including Bolster Collaborative and Psychology Today, she co-authored the 10th Anniversary Edition of the national bestseller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen.
The Saint Thomas Academy cadets.com website is where you will find most of the answers. Click on "current families" at the top of page to access. On a mobile device, click on the hamburger menu in the top right of the screen.
For quick access to information, make sure you have downloaded the Saint Thomas Academy app. This mobile app has a two-week at a glance calendar, Weekly Newsletter, Athletics Team schedules, Directory, and more.
For connection to the parent community, join the private Saint Thomas Academy Parents Facebook group to post questions, share information, and connect with other parents. You will need to answer ALL of the membership questions to join.
If you need to contact another family, you can find the information on the Family Directory on cadets.com.
You will need a Passkey to access the information. The Passkey is: Access#
Please do not share the passkey. Also, the online directory does NOT list address information. Printed family directories with address information will be available on Back-to-School Night on September 11.
To access the directory from the STA App, see the instructions HERE.
If you need to update your information please use this Change Form on the Registrar's page.
Saint Thomas Academy students who drive to school must register their vehicle(s) using this form: STA Vehicle Registration Form. A free parking permit will be issued and must be displayed on the rear view mirror so that it is visible through the windshield. Every student vehicle must have a permit. Please complete one form per vehicle.
Please do not re-register if your car already has a permit, because permits do carry over from year to year. Did your son get a new or different car - please register the new car.
Permits are not interchangeable. Overnight parking is not allowed. Students may not park in the reserved spaces.
Students may pick up permits from Ms. Doran at the Flynn Hall desk during the school year.
Cadet Maker is looking for volunteers for the 23-24 school year. The store is open daily 3-5PM and for special events. Tasks include greeting Cadet families, ringing up purchases and keeping the store stocked and straightened. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Parish at MParish@Cadets.Com
The Cadet Maker will be open on Friday, August 25, 8AM-3PM.
Check out the new merchandise and purchase your son's PE uniform.
REGULAR SCHOOL DAY HOURS:
Starting August 28
Monday through Friday: 3-5 PM
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.
Fall 2023 Session Dates (3:15 - 6:15 p.m.)
October 30, 31
November 1, 2, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16
Registration:
To register or for more information, call Safeway Driving School at 651-351-9150 or go to Safeway's webpage, click on Locations, then, on the right side list, scroll down and click on Saint Thomas Academy. Click the class on the calendar to register.
Senior Parents,
Please remind your son that there are six months left to complete the Senior Service Requirement. Fifty-four students are all finished (see attached list). Please remind your son to check in with Mr. Seidel or respond to his email (sent Tuesday) to come up with a plan.
Thank You!
Mr. Seidel at jseidel@cadets.com
Middle School House Captains
Please join me in congratulating the following students on their newly appointed Middle School House Captain positions:
Andrew D - Mr. Byrne House
Shannon J - Father Doffing House
Grant K - Mr. Bassett House
Nick R - Archbishop Ireland House
Peter S - Archbishop Roach House
Elliot S - Mr. Fleischhacker House
These fine young men will undoubtedly lead their peers well this year. Congratulations, gentlemen!
Upcoming Dates to Note
September 25 - 29 - Homecoming Week - see below for out of uniform theme
October 3 - MS Haircut Inspection - see below for specifics
Wednesday, October 4 - Late Start, class begins at 9:30 a.m.
October 27 - Picture Day - Formal Uniform
Late Arrivals and Early Dismissals
If your child is arriving at school after 8:00 a.m. or needs to be picked up before 2:50 p.m., he will need to use Flynn Hall doors and check in or out with Mrs. Doran in attendance. Students will not be excused from the Middle School doors during the day. If your son is late due to a medical appointment, please be sure to bring in a note from the medical provider. These passes are readily available from the medical provider’s main reception desk upon departure. Please communicate all attendance needs to Mrs. Doran at attendance@cadets.com or 651-683-1511.
Attendance
Please email attendance@cadets.com if your son will be out of school. Please see STA Handbook for the details regarding STA’s attendance policies:
If absent or late, please email or call the attendance line (651-683-1511) to notify before 8 a.m. if possible
If late, your son should first report to Flynn Hall to get a pass
Your son is responsible for missed work. He should check “Unified Classroom” for assignments, email the teacher, ask a trusted friend
Grandparents’ Day
It was wonderful seeing so many grandparents in the building today! What an incredible gift to witness the boys sharing their experience as a cadet with their loved ones. It was truly a special day. Photos will be shared via a link to grandparents' emails and in the newsletter shortly.
Grooming/Hair Standards - Haircut inspection Tuesday, October 3
Master Sergeant Silsley will meet with all Middle School students on Friday to go over grooming and hair standards for students. A haircut inspection will be held on Tuesday, October 3 during Community Time. Students not in compliance will not be able to participate in co-curricular activities. The standards of Saint Thomas Academy, as they pertain to grooming, are now uniform for every student from the 6th through the 12th grade. If your son is going to attend this institution, we ask that you assist us in reinforcing these standards. The failure of a select few students (and yes, it is truly a select few) to comply with our regulations, is detracting from everyone's learning experiences. Hair and grooming standards can be reviewed here.
Homecoming Week
One of Saint Thomas Academy’s favorite weeks is just around the corner! Students may choose to participate in the out of uniform themes for the week (no hats, face paint or sandals). More information on the week’s festivities will be shared with students next week.
Out of Uniform themes are:
Monday 9/25: USA
Tuesday 9/26: College
Wednesday 9/27: House Colors
Thursday 9/28: Retro
Friday 9/29: Beach/Tropical
Middle School Bike Club
Mr. Weber is excited to lead a fall bike club for Middle School students! The first outing will hopefully take place on Tuesday, September 26, October 3, 10, and 17 from 3:30 - 4:45 pm. All rides will be on trails and roads with very little traffic. Students interested in participating must bring their own bike, bike lock, helmet, weather/activity appropriate clothing and shoes, emergency medication such as inhalers/epi-pen, and water bottles. Bikes may be brought to Flynn Hall and locked up for the day at the bike racks outside. It is the student’s responsibility to secure all items. Saint Thomas Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged equipment. A permission slip is required for every student participating. Permission slips can be picked up from Mrs. Krivak in the Middle School office.
Mass and Confession Schedule
On rotation days B, D, G & H, Father Timothy will celebrate Mass in the Chapel at 7:15 a.m. All are welcome. Confession will be offered Monday - Thursday from 2:50 - 3:30 p.m.
Stadium Policy
Please read the stadium policy for supervision and ticketing policies at High School Athletic events. The following comes directly from our Athletic Event Ticket Page and coincides with the MSHSL policies:
In order to attend high school events, elementary and middle school students:
Must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times
Students are expected to sit with the parent or guardian they arrived with and to be supervised at all times. Please discuss these expectations with your child.
Youth ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult upon admission. If students show up without an adult, they will not be permitted to enter.
Middle School Arrival
Middle School doors will not be unlocked until 7:30 a.m. Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. should be dropped off at Flynn Hall. Students are welcome to use the cafeteria as a place to study in the morning and after school. Breakfast will be available for sale in the cafeteria - cash and credit card accepted.
Middle School Dismissal
The last period ends at 2:50 p.m., at which time students are dismissed. Tutoring is available from 2:50-3:15 p.m. Monday - Thursday (or by appointment before or after school, per teacher).
Students may be picked up at Middle School doors (#7) until 3:30 p.m. The Middle School closes at 3:30 p.m., at which time students may:
Report to Activities/Athletics (activities bus 5:30 Flynn Hall)
Quiet study in the Anderson Learning Commons Mon-Thur (some supervision)
Study/relax in the cafeteria – no formal supervision
After 3:30 p.m. – pick up at Flynn Hall (Door #23)
Reminder: Visitors during the school day must check in at the Receptionist Desk at Vince Flynn Hall and pick up a name tag. ID must be presented to be issued a name tag.
School Uniforms
Middle School students will wear the fall uniform (short or rolled sleeves, no tie) until MEA break. Beginning November 1, students will wear the formal uniform, which includes long sleeve shirts and ties. Tie and sweater worn on Mass days and other special occasions - these dates are noted on the school calendar and in the newsletter. Uniforms are available for purchase through Donald’s Uniform only and all oxford shirts must have the student’s last name embroidered above the pocket. Please note, turnaround time is up to three weeks for shirts. Black belts are required to be worn with pants daily.
Go Cadets!
Ms. Mechtel
Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation Admissions Departments are hosting a dance for boys & girls in Grades 7 and 8 on October 13 at Visitation. See all the details here!
This week's featured article from the Student Services department is a TED Talk video which highlights Angela Lee Duckworth, a psychologist, professor, and author who currently teaches at the University of Pennsylvania.
Angela took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school early in her career, and soon discovered that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success.
SAVE THE DATE
Testing Day is Wednesday, October 11 for ALL freshmen, sophomores and juniors. All testing will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Freshmen will take online practice ACT from home.
Sophomores will take online practice SAT from home.
Juniors must report to school for online PSAT in school.
Seniors must report to school for college application completion.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPS
College Admission representatives are scheduling visits to STA! Visit times will take place during Community Time and after school. The full list of college visits will be listed in Naviance, the College Counseling Page: https://www.
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Loyola University Chicago - September 25, 1:15
University of Colorado Boulder - September 25, 3:15
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - September 26, 1:15
St Olaf College - September 26, 3:15
Saint John's University - September 28, 1:15
University of Denver - September 28, 3:15
Tour de France - wine style! Register today for this French wine tasting event. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Your night will be led by wine experts from Sips Ensemble.
Join us on Thursday, November 2 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Jameson's Bar & Restaurant for this fun event! This event is limited in attendance, so register today!
Jameson's Bar & Restaurant is located at 886 Smith Avenue South in West St. Paul.
The event is hosted by the Rindal, Wilson, Leach, and Cosgriff families. This is a Let's Party fundraising event to support the Saint Thomas Academy Community Auction.
The Mothers' Club is looking forward to the school year! The Mothers' Club supports more than 50 events throughout the school year, such as:
The Mothers' Club also supports faculty and staff with appreciation events throughout the academic year.
Harvest Mass - Social Gathering & Dinner October 10
Celebrate fall with fellow STA moms and guardians at the Harvest Mass on Oct. 10. This STA Mothers' Club tradition is a great time to reconnect and make new friends. The event begins with Mass at 6 p.m. followed by social time then dinner.
Moms and guardians will be seated for dinner according to the grade level of their son. The price is $25 per person; attire is dressy casual. Watch for registration information soon, and please contact Jen Schreier with questions.
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration is a time of quiet prayer in front of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will follow the Mother/Son Mass at 7:45 a.m. each month, with the reposition of the the Blessed Sacrament at 3 p.m. You don't have to "do" anything: just come and pray or take some quiet time for reflection.
Eucharistic Adoration is open to anyone of any faith! Please contact Eucharistic Adoration Chair Myriam Grady with questions or to get involved.
The Fathers’ Club is an organization that includes all dads and male guardians of Saint Thomas Academy Cadets. By the nature of your son attending Saint Thomas Academy, you are a member of the Fathers' Club! We’re excited you’ve joined us for the upcoming school year!
Thanks to all who joined the Fathers' Club Annual Meeting and Kickoff event on Tuesday, September 19. Email us at fathersclub@cadets.com if you are interested in becoming more active with our Executive Team!
Our other upcoming activities include:
The FC Burger Stand at Home Football Games
First Friday Mass - 7:15 a.m. in the Saint Thomas Academy Chapel
Fathers’ Club Spotlight Events
Our Executive Team meets twice a month to organize our activities for the year, connect with other STA constituents and collaborate with school leadership. If you’re interested in becoming a part of our efforts, or have any other questions about our group, please drop us a note at fathersclub@cadets.com
Be sure to check out the Fathers' Club homepage for a complete listing of events, mission statements, awards, reps, etc.
All boys in grades Kindergarten through Grade 8 are invited to join us on Thursday, October 12, starting at 6 p.m. for the Cadets Football game vs. Hastings. RSVP HERE to receive FREE Admission!
At the Showdown you'll meet coaches, enjoy pre-game sideline access, and welcome the team onto the field!
Please share this event with other families in your network!
Hello STA Baseball Athletes & Families,
I hope everyone is enjoying the start of another school year. Although we're 6+ months from the start of the baseball season, planning is well underway for the spring! Attached are 3 useful documents as we head into the off-season:
Please let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck to our athletes this school year!
Go Cadets!
Bobby Thompson | bthompson@cadets.com
Macalester College will host a youth basketball clinic on Sunday, November 5 for boys in grades 4-8. 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Click here for more information and to register.
Macalester will also host a basketball coaches clinic on Saturday, November 4 from 9-noon. More details here.
Contact Abe Woldeslassie, Macalester Head Basketball Coach, with questions.
2023-24 Saint Thomas Academy Cadets Basketball Travel Gear
The store is currently open to order Cadets Basketball travel gear. The store will close at midnight on September 25. The link to the store is: https://cadetbasketball23.
Travel gear is available to Cadets who are in the 6-12 basketball program.
Travel gear is not mandatory. Also, families in grades 9-12 who purchase a travel suit do not automatically make a team. Each family should do what is best for them in regards to purchasing a travel suit.
A separate fan store will be sent out to families later this fall!
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.
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!
