STA Weekly News & Events

Join us for a webinar on Monday, March 24 7:00 p.m. to learn more about Saint Thomas Academy’s dual enrollment program for college credit in the 2025-26 school year.  Dual enrollment includes our already robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, in addition to our collaboration with Saint Mary’s University Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC), and Saint Louis University’s prestigious 1818 Advanced College Credit Program.

Unlike AP courses, which hinge on a single end-of-year exam, dual enrollment recognizes Saint Thomas Academy coursework taught by certified faculty as equivalent to college coursework. This means that students who successfully complete a dual enrollment course at Saint Thomas Academy will also receive an official college transcript, which they transfer to their future college or university for credit. 

Dual enrollment can be a game-changer for students, offering them the chance to earn significant college credit while in high school. These credits may allow your son to complete an additional college major or minor, study abroad, graduate early, or perhaps even complete a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program in under five years.

Join us for an online informational session on Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about dual enrollment, please click here for the link for the webinar.  

We are excited to announce the return of Summer Prep, an academic program designed exclusively for students in grades 6-12. This innovative program, running for 4 or 8 weeks, offers a unique opportunity to solidify your skills, advance your placement in math or world languages, and even earn high school or college credits.

Whether you're aiming to reinforce math, social studies, or world language fundamentals, Summer Prep has something for you!

Here's what makes Summer Prep special:

• Taught by experienced faculty, you’ll learn from passionate full-time teachers from Saint Thomas Academy.
• Depending on the course, you have the chance to earn valuable high school or college credits.
• If you are a middle school student, advanced coursework will allow you to get a head start on high school by taking courses, advancing your placement in math or world languages. 

Coursework Includes:

• Language Lab
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• World Languages

See the Course Catalog here.  Registration is now open!

 

Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation School partner each year to offer VISTA Bus Transportation to our families. We provide a convenient, safe mode of transportation for our students - which alleviates the burden on parents to arrange individual rides.  Plus, riding the bus fosters a sense of community amongst our students as they commute together, encouraging social interaction, and camaraderie.

Schmitty & Sons, a Minnesota based, employee owned company with their own full-service maintenance team, will be our provider.  Schmitty & Sons has staff onsite during all hours of operation and local management personnel available 24-hours a day.  

Contact Mr. John Kenney at vistabusing@cadets.com.
For the full details and registration, visit our transportation page.

See the summer camp offerings and registration details here!

 

Late Starts for 2024-25 School Year
Class begins at 9:30 a.m.

April 2

April 30

Take 20% off on hat purchases, winter hats and baseball hats this week! Look at your options at www.cadets.com/cadetmaker, or stop in the store for a look.  When checking out, enter 'hat20p' in the discount box.  Items can be picked up in store, or shipped to you for a small charge.

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Store Hours this week-Monday through Thursday 3-5PM, special extra hours on Thursday open through halftime of the basketball game.  The store will be closed on Friday, and next week for spring break.

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The Cadet Maker normal hours are from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

Please contact Martha Parish about volunteer opportunities in the store.

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The Cadet Maker is now available ONLINE! 
Are you an alum living in a different state? Maybe a grandparent watching their grandson play on Cadet Broadcasting from Arizona?  You can now have access to great Cadet merchandise without ever having to leave home!  Check us out online at cadets.com/cadetmaker

The Inver Wood Maintenance team is looking for staff for the 2025 season. Inver Wood Golf Course is a 27-hole municipal golf course located in Inver Grove Heights. As a team member you will help perform all maintenance functions on the course, which includes operating specialized mowing equipment, along with setting up the golf course for daily play. 

We work a “flexible” set schedule so you can plan out your summer activities. We start early in the morning, 5:30 am, which leaves your whole afternoon free. Pay starts at $14.60 up to $24.15 with experience. Must be 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license to start. 

Contact: 

Joel Metz 

Golf Course Superintendent 

Inver Wood Golf Course 

651.554.0132 

jmetz@ighmn.gov 

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We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday. Enjoy the remaining few days of spring break.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Friday, March 14 - Friday, March 21 - Spring Break
Friday, March 28 - MS Volleyball Mixer
Monday, March 31 - House Formal Inspection - uniform and haircut inspection
Wednesday, April 2 - Late Start
Friday, April 4- No School (Middle School Only) - BFI for upper school

House Formal Inspection:
While the upper school prepares for BFI, the middle school began preparing for House Formal Inspection (HFI).  House Captains went over the requirements for HFI and held a practice inspection to check uniforms and haircuts.  They marked up a sheet with items students need to correct before our own HFI on March 31.  Students should be in compliance with uniform and grooming standards. Please help your son check over his shirt, pants, shoes and belt for tears, stains, frayed laces, and missing buttons.  Sweaters are not required for this inspection. Ties and sweaters will be required for future formal uniform events. Thank you for helping your son prepare for inspection.

Volleyball Mixer
It’s finally here! The Volleyball Mixer 6th, 7th and 8th grade Vis/STA students will be held on March 28 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. The event promises to be a great opportunity for Vis and STA Middle School students to enjoy each other's company, build community, and engage in some fun and competitive volleyball games! The event will be hosted on the Vis Campus in the Fine Arts Foyer/Commers Gym/Small Gym.  The cost of the event is $10.00 per student and it includes admission, pizza and a drink.  Team sign ups will be available on Monday, March 24 after formation. 
Volleyball Mixer Permission Slip
Volleyball Mixer Payment

Tech Sessions in Middle School
Throughout the school year, middle school students have had the opportunity to attend grade level tech sessions with Ms. Judy, our Information Literacy Specialist.  They have learned many valuable skills to support them in their classroom projects.
The 8th grade students worked in groups of 3-4 and found an article about school cell phone bans using a scholarly journal, added it to NoodleTools, created notecards in NoodleTools about facts from the article, and then recorded a short podcast using that information.  
The 6th grade sessions were, and 7th grade sessions are going to be, coding skills through Hour of Code for quarter 3.  The 6th graders looked at Block coding last week and 7th graders will be practicing JavaScript on March 6th and 7th.
For the 4th quarter sessions, all grade levels will be looking at different aspects of their digital footprint going into the summer.

Attendance, Late Arrivals, and Early Dismissals
Please communicate all attendance needs to Mrs. Greeley before 8:00 a.m.  Parents or guardians may email attendance at attendance@cadets.com, call the attendance line at 651-683-1511, or report an absence through the STA app.  If your son 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.Greeley.  Students will not be admitted or 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.  

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 on Mendota Heights Road and walk up the sidewalk to enter through Flynn Hall.  Students are welcome to use the ALC or cafeteria as a place to study in the morning and after school.  Breakfast will be available for sale in the cafeteria (except for late start days) - cash and credit card accepted. Middle School students may be dropped off at the Middle School doors from 7:30 - 8:00  a.m. 

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)
• Supervised, quiet study in the Anderson Learning Commons or cafeteria until 4:30 p.m.
• The building will close at 4:30 p.m.  All students on campus after 4:30 will be relocated to Ciresi Atrium in Flynn Hall.

Reminder: Visitors during the school day must check in at the Reception Desk at Vince Flynn Hall and pick up a name tag. ID must be presented to be issued a name tag.  Visitors are not permitted to enter through the Middle School.  

Snacks
Students are able to bring a snack to enjoy after formation.  Food should be wrapped up and be in a resealable bag or package that goes home each night.  Snacks should be brought in for the individual and not handed out (or sold) to others. Please, no candy. Water should be in a leak and spill proof container. Soda, energy drinks, and coffee should not be consumed during the day.

Middle School Phone Policies
Please remind your son of the STA Middle School Cell Phone Policies:

• Cell phones are to be turned off, not on one’s person, and not used during the school day - upon entering the Middle School/start of school at 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.  This includes texting parents!
• Students may ask to use the Middle School Office phone only during lunch or before/after school, unless it is an emergency.
• Phones must be left at home or turned off and stored in a locker. 
• Phones confiscated during the day are to be picked up by a student.
• 2nd offense:  Phone picked up by a parent and student meeting with the Middle School Director and/or Dean of Students.
• Parents ~ if you need to reach your son during the school day, please call the Middle School Office at 651-683-1570.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Student Services team features the following weekly resource from Mrs. Schultz, Mr. Larson, Ms. VanDiver, and Mr. Moe. 

This week we are sharing a resource about confronting avoidance in teens. Utilize these helpful tips when helping your teen confront avoidance! Read more here!

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.cadets.com/academics/college-counseling, and announced at formation. This is a great opportunity to connect with representatives and learn more about the college admissions process.

Here's what's happening in college counseling:

Next Coffee Chat!
College Counseling offers monthly Virtual Coffee Chats which are a great opportunity to drop in and discuss college visits, the application process, testing options and more!   All Saint Thomas Academy high school families are welcome to attend virtually.

April 4 at 9 a.m.
Join virtually here

Service Academy/ROTC & NCAA Information Night
March 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Court and Wright Lecture Hall

ACT Test 
April 5 at 8 a.m. (please arrive by 7:45 a.m.).
at STA
Bring water, #2 pencils, a calculator, and your ACT admissions ticket.

Test Prep Opportunities at Saint Thomas Academy
Flying Colors Prep (formerly Breakaway Test Prep) is pleased to offer Saint Thomas Academy students two ACT prep classes this winter and spring.  Please complete the form below to register your student for a prep course in advance of the April 5, 2025 ACT.  Classes will be held at Saint Thomas Academy. Dates of the test prep are below:

An ACT prep class in advance of the April 5, 2025 ACT that will meet at STA as follows:

• Wednesday, March 12 from 8:00-9:30 a.m.
• Sunday, March 23 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 2 from 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Your student should complete a practice exam with Flying Colors prior to starting a class. You can register your student for a practice test by clicking here.

Join us for the Spring Choral Concert on Thursday, March 27! 

Choir students have been learning a rich variety of repertoire for this event. Selections include famous songs from; Elvis, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli and a Barbershop piece (in 4-part harmony)  that you will sure to enjoy!

Bring your friends and family!

Saint Thomas Academy is partnering with Visitation for a joint volunteer opportunity at Feed My Starving Children on Wednesday, April 9 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.  FMSC is located in Eagan and students (and parents!) are invited to help us pack meals for needy families around the world.

Sign up here!

About Feed My Starving Children

Every year, millions of children die from preventable causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and undernutrition. Hunger is still causing nearly half of deaths in children under 5 years old. From this data, we estimate at least 6,200 children die each day from causes related to undernutrition. This is heartbreaking.

Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC works with food distribution partners that stay with communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development.

Kids and adults of all ages hand-pack nutritious MannaPack® meals specifically designed to assist in reversing and preventing undernutrition.

We’re excited to announce the Father/Son Banquet, coming this year with a special surprise that will take the event to new heights. Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 4, for an unforgettable evening filled with bonding, celebration, and a special opportunity you won’t want to miss! 

This annual event, hosted by the Fathers' Club, is one of the MOST TALKED ABOUT EVENTS of the year!  You will not want to miss it!

Join moms and female guardians, and sons, for a night of dinner and dancing at the Omni Viking Lakes.  Great food, awesome venue (and close to STA!), and camaraderie is on the agenda for the evening.

Register here for the event on Saturday, March 29!

This event is for moms, female guardians and their sons in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.

The Saint Thomas Academy Alumni Association's Hall of Fame Selection Committee will begin meeting in March and will deliberate new and existing nominations through the Spring before finalizing the selections for the St Thomas Academy Hall of Fame - Class of 2025. 

The Hall of Fame Selection Committee's Mission Statement: To instill and preserve pride in the rich tradition of Saint Thomas Academy by celebrating the outstanding athletic accomplishments or contributions to the athletic history and traditions of the Academy by alumni, athletes, coaches, directors, advisors and loyal supporters. 

We look forward to celebrating the Hall of Fame's newest inductees during Alumni Reunion Weekend this Fall! 

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The Alumni Association would like to highlight our growing footprint in Charitable Gambling in support of Saint Thomas Academy students. Our newest location is Lucky's 13 in Mendota.  The other locations where we have a Charitable Gambling presence include Buffalo Wild Wings (Mall of America, Eagan), Mallards (Bloomington, Inver Grove Heights), McGoverns, Jameson's, Applebees (Eagan, Hastings, Inver Grove, Bloomington, Woodbury, WSP, Cottage Grove, and Oak Park Heights), and Pauly's Pub. We welcome the STA community to stop by these establishments. 

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Lastly, please look out for information on the Alumni Golf Open to sign up and register your groups! We encourage all alumni to join us at upcoming events, volunteer their time and talents, and consider contributing to the school's success. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of current and future Saint Thomas Academy Cadets!

Chris Kettler '15
Vice President

The STA Fathers’ Club Aquinas Experience is a chance for STA fathers and sons to spend an hour together, once a month, on Sunday night, thinking about great ideas, having fun, competing in games and having pop and pizza. With Saint Thomas Aquinas and Father Combs as guides, we meet at the ALC (Library). Future dates will be Apr 27 and May 25.

For information contact Stephen at scpkelly@gmail.com, 651 470-9294 or Conan, conan.dewitt@gmail.com, 651 728-1158.

The Mothers' Club is a great way to get involved and meet other moms. Please join us at one of our many events and volunteer opportunities!

First Mother/Guardian & Son Mass | All are Welcome
Mother/Guardian & Son Masses for the school year will be held the second Friday of the month at 7:15 a.m., with the exception of the Feast Days or days that conflict on the school calendar.  Mothers/guardians and their sons of all faiths are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please contact Erin Probst 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.  Sign up here!

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!

Email us at fathersclub@cadets.com if you are interested in becoming more active with our Executive Team!

Fathers' Club Calendar Feed:

Please remember to sign up for the automated Fathers' Club Calendar Feed.  Use this link to access the calendar!

Important Upcoming Dates (next 60 days)

Be sure to click here to add Fathers’ Club events to your calendar.

March 29 - Mother/Son Dance (see below)

April 25 - Friday Father / Male Guardian Mass

April 27 - FC Aquinas Experience (see below)

May 4 – Father Son Banquet

May 16 – Friday Father / Male Guardian Mass

Upcoming Events

First Friday Father/Male Guardian Mass – April 25 and May 16

A long-standing STA Fathers’ Club tradition is the First Friday Father/Male Guardian Mass.  This 20-25 minute mass followed by coffee & pastries is a great way to start the day and a great faith example to our sons. Mass begins at 7:15 am in the Chapel. 

FC Aquinas Experience –  April 27

The STA Fathers’ Club Aquinas Experience is a chance for STA fathers and sons to spend an hour together, once a month, on Sunday night, thinking about great ideas, having fun, competing in games and having pop and pizza. With Saint Thomas Aquinas and Father Combs as guides, we meet at the STA ALC (Library). The future dates will be April 27 and May 25. For information contact Stephen at scpkelly@gmail.com, 651 470-9294 or Conan, conan.dewitt@gmail.com, 651 728-1158.

Mother/Son Dance – March 29

There are few relationships in a young man’s life more sacred than those with his mother.  At Saint Thomas Academy, we recognize the importance of this bond, and while we value parental influence year-round, we emphasize and celebrate one night for mom.  The Mother Son Dinner Dance is the Father’s Club highlight event of the year, where mothers and sons dress to the 9’s and enjoy an evening of good food, dancing music and most of all, quality time with each other.

If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out via e-mail: 

dinnerdancesta@gmail.com 

We need volunteers – Please use this link for Sign-up Genius

Save the Date: Father/Son Banquet - An Evening to Remember!

We’re excited to announce the Father/Son Banquet, coming this year with a special surprise that will take the event to new heights. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening filled with bonding, celebration, and a special opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Date: May 4th
Time: 5PM (subject to change)

Spotlight Events (Grilling burgers for our Cadets and STA community)

Join us in celebrating our teams, clubs, and activities all year long with food and fun!

If you know of an STA team or club to Spotlight, please send us a note.  Your son's coaches, team captains and activities leaders also have more information regarding upcoming Spotlight events.  Proceeds from the Burger Stand at Football games are used to help fund our Spotlight Events for our Cadets. 

If you like to grill, and would like to volunteer for upcoming Spotlight Events, please email fathersclub@cadets.com

 

2024 – 2025 Fathers’ Club Executive Team

If you would like to get involved with a leadership position, or attend our bi-weekly planning meetings, please email fathersclub@cadets.com

President – Mark Korf

Past President Advisor – Jason Kelecic

Vice President – OPEN

Advisor - Jack Koegel

Communications Chair – Tom Horton

Secretary – Stephen Kelly

Treasurers – Paul Culligan and Conan DeWitt

Mother/Son Dance Chair – John Gainor

Mother/Son Dance Co-Chair – OPEN

Father/Son Banquet Chair – Sean Harlin

Father/Son Banquet Co-Chair – Jeff Wright

First Friday Mass/Hospitality Chair – Peter Nguyen

Trivia Night Chair – Mark Korf

Trivia Night Co-Chair – Brian Convery

Spotlight Chair – Tom Audette

Spotlight Grill Master – Peter Nguyen

August 4-7 and/or August 11-14 | More Info | Register
The men's basketball team is hosting 2 basketball camps this summer at Macalester for boys in grades 4-8.

Note: The women's basketball team is hosting a basketball camp at Macalester for girls in grades 2-8, July 21-25. Info & Registration