STA Weekly News & Events

Mark your calendars for Back to School Night (parents/guardians only) on Wednesday, September 9. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Back-to-School Night provides the opportunity to follow your son's schedule and get a feel for a typical day in the life of a Cadet.  During each of the classroom sessions, teachers will provide you with information regarding course content, expectations and grading. 

Arrival time is 5:30-5:55 p.m., and you may enter through Vince Flynn Hall. Please be sure to bring a copy of your son's schedule (accessible via PowerSchool, if you need assistance accessing, please contact Tech Service at technology@cadets.com we will begin the evening with Formation in the Court, promptly at 6:00 p.m. 

Cadets.com

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.

Saint Thomas Academy App

For quick access to information, make sure you have downloaded the Saint Thomas Academy app. This mobile app has the calendar, Weekly Newsletter, Athletics Team schedules, Directory, and more. Download in your app store.

Saint Thomas Academy Parents Facebook Group

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.

Family Directory

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#

To keep our families personal information secure, do not share the passkey.  

Family directories will be online only, if you need a printed copy, they will be available for $10 each. Order your copy here.  Directories will be ready after Labor Day.

To access the directory on the STA App, see the instructions HERE.

If you need to update your information please use this Change Form on the Registrar's page. 

Each year during our Veterans' Day event, we honor ST(M)A Veterans with the presentation of the Fleming Medal. We're accepting nominations for consideration for the 2026 Veterans' Day ceremony now. Please fill out this form to nominate any ST(M)A Alumnus either active duty or veteran of military service who you feel should be considered for this award. Specific criteria can be found in the form itself. 

Please note: if your nomination isn't selected this year, it will be saved and reconsidered for five (5) years.

 

In 2008, a new, annual tradition began at Saint Thomas Academy – the Fleming Alumni Veterans Award. As a ROTC charter military institute, our list of graduates who have served this nation in our armed forces is long and distinguished. As a result, the STA administration approved a new award to honor our veteran graduates. The award is officially named the “Fleming Alumni Veteran Award,” or simply the “Fleming Medal” after Captain Richard Fleming, Class of 1935, and recipient of the Medal of Honor and our highest decorated graduate.
 
The History of the Award:
A design competition was held for cadets to create a medal that would capture the themes of STA, military service and country. After a difficult selection process, Cadet Andrew Sheaffer, Class of 2008, won the competition. His design superimposed the Maltese cross worn on the Cadet Class A lapel, with the school crest, crossed rifle and saber, and four blue stones to symbolize the pillars of STA. On the top of the medal, a Latin phrase reading PRO DEO et PATRIA, “for God and Country,” is inscribed.

All returning Upper School students may come to school to set up their lockers on Thursday, August 20 between 12-3:00 p.m.

All returning Middle School students may come to school to set up their lockers on Monday, August 24 between 1-3:00 p.m.

This is an optional event. Returning students will use the same locker and combination as past years. Enter the Flynn Hall doors and remember to bring your combination.

School supply lists are ready!  
Click here and scroll down to the School Supply List section on our website. 

During the summer, as part of each English class and most social studies classes at Saint Thomas Academy, students are required to complete assigned reading over the summer. This will likely take the form of 2-3 specific novels depending on their individual length and the level of the course. Click here for the reading lists.

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.

Transportation registration should be completed by June 1, 2026.

The Alumni Association’s efforts are a cornerstone of Saint Thomas Academy. A standout example of this impact is the Legacy Scholarship program. We are proud to be one of the only schools in the nation to offer a scholarship to every son and grandson of an alumnus—a promise kept to honor our enduring family legacy and make a world-class education more accessible for our families.

Plan Your Next Gathering with a Purpose

The funds generated through the Alumni Association local partnerships go directly toward these scholarships and Academy programs. To keep this momentum going, we encourage our parents, teams and groups to "think local" when planning social events:

• When planning parent socials, post-game gatherings, or class meetings, please consider hosting them at one of our designated partner establishments.

• By holding your functions at these locations, you are doing more than just socializing—you are actively supporting the funds that provide scholarships for our boys.

You can find the full list of our partner establishments and more details on how these gatherings benefit our Cadets here:

STA Community Partner Locations

Thank you for everything you do to support the mission and the boys of Saint Thomas Academy.

Go Cadets!

CADET MAKER HOURS
 

You can shop 24/7 at cadets.com/cadetmaker. 

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Gift cards are available in all sizes!  You can purchase gift cards online or in the store or your favorite Cadet.

Stop in the Cadet Maker to purchase, or visit cadets.com/cadetmaker.  Click on 'Gift Cards' in the main menu to the top of the page, gift cards can be purchased and printed from the website.  

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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

Keep your Cadet’s blouse coat protected and looking sharp all year long with a garment bag from the Mothers’ Club. We are excited to share that we have partnered with a new vendor—a Saint Thomas Academy alumnus—to bring you an upgraded, higher-quality garment bag for the school year.

Each bag is $25 and can be customized with your Cadet’s embroidered name. For your convenience, you can choose to have your bag shipped directly to your home or select local pick-up in Mendota Heights.

Please submit your orders by Thursday, August 13 to ensure delivery in time for the upcoming school year.

Details and ordering here.

The Quartermaster and Mothers' Club Closet are currently low in stock on uniform pants. With new families joining us for the start of the school year, we’d greatly appreciate any gently used uniform pants you're able to donate—specifically in sizes 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36.

Donations can be dropped off in Flynn Hall as soon as possible. Thank you for your support!

All tailored items from the uniform sales will be available for pick-up in Flynn Hall at Saint Thomas Academy, beginning Thursday, August 20.

Seniors and Juniors.

There is still time to share your gifts with the greater community while completing your graduation Service requirement.

Seniors, read this note carefully and try to return to school this fall having completed your 30-hour, one-site graduation requirement.  All the information is there.

Juniors, there is a fun opportunity to complete your miscellaneous hours helping Mendota Heights Park and Rec.  Read the note.

If you have any questions,  we can talk after the 27th of August.  Have a fun, safe, and relaxing end to your summer break.

 

8/1/26.           August Newsletter for Service Opportunities:  Read carefully

 For rising juniors and seniors. Please browse the opportunities below. Your Senior Requirement 30-hour, ONE SITE, ministry must be direct care, with people at a school, non-profit, or community agency, or place of worship.  STA sports camps, feed My Starving Children, Environmental/ecology/animal volunteering, Boy Scout Camps, YMCA Camps can only be used for the 10-hour miscellaneous category.  We want the 30-hour Senior Requirement placement to be a hands-on immersion experience with a community program or place of worship.

1. Urgent: The FINAL opportunity to complete ALL 30 hours in one week will take place starting August 17^th with Ms. Maggie LeMay at Immaculate Conception School. They recently moved a number of items from another school and now Maggie needs help unpacking and organizing.  Several of our rising seniors were part of the move, now we need another group to help them get ready for school to start.  It runs 8:00-4:00 starting the 17^th, but you need serve for 30.  Email me ASAP if interested.
2. The City of Mendota Heights is looking for volunteers to help out with their upcoming legacy event, Height's Fest. Do you have a spot on Cadets.com for this type of opportunity? Any other outlets for it? I would post in the parent page on FB, but I'm reluctant to use my personal account to represent the City.
3. Volunteers Needed - A great opportunity for teens!
   Heights Fest - Aug. 7 & 8 at Mendakota Park

Aug. 7 | 4:15-6 p.m.  Food Truck Fest: We are looking for volunteers to help with line control at the balloon-artist station and face painting station.

Aug. 8 | 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.  Splash & Play Party: We are looking for volunteers to help with line control and to supervise inflatables during the splash and play party.

Email Allie to sign up: ADesmond@mendotaheightsmn.gov

List of Service Fair 4/11/26) Agencies: These are the agencies (below) that came to our Service Fair in April and are seeking summer volunteers. Look them up online, and seek out the Volunteer Coordinator: You can negotiate different starting and finishing times.

 Agencies and programs: DARTS in West St. Paul, Dakota Woodlands, Saint Vincent DePaul, Bridging, Highland Path Senior Residences, Minnesota Veteran’s Home, Living Well Residences, Loaves and Fishes, Camp Como. You can also contact a senior residence, non-profit, or church close to your home.

 If you choose an opportunity not mentioned here, be sure to email me so I can confirm that the experience fulfills the perimeters of the Senior Service Requirement.

As the school year approaches, please take a moment to note the important Back-to-School and New Student Orientation dates below.  Orientation events are a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the year ahead, meet our faculty and staff, and connect with our school community.

We'll continue to share updates each week, so be sure to check your inbox every Thursday for the Middle School newsletter. If you haven't already, please subscribe to the school calendar and download the STA app before the first day of school—these are the best ways to stay informed about school news, events, and important reminders.

Middle School uniforms can be purchased at Donald’s Uniform. Please be sure to allot enough time to receive personalized items, as shirts and sweaters are monogrammed with student names.  Physical education uniforms are also purchased through Donald’s.

Enjoy these final weeks of summer. We look forward to welcoming your family back to campus and beginning another year of learning, growth, and community together.

Important Dates

• Monday, August 17 - MSHSL Fall Season Begins
• Monday, August 17 - Middle School Soccer begins
• Wednesday, August 19  - New Middle School Family Orientation, virtual, 1:30 PM
• Thursday, August 20 - Returning Middle School student device pick up only (if student is unavailable on August 24)
• Monday, August 24 - New Middle School Student Orientation 8:00-12:00
• Monday, August 24 - Returning Middle School student device pick up and locker set- up, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
• Tuesday, August 25 - First Day of School
• Tuesday, August 25- Middle School Cross Country begins
• Monday, August 31 - Formal Uniform, Opening Mass (sweaters and ties)
• Wednesday, September 2 - Late Start, Class begins at 9:30
• Thursday, September 3 - Tackle Cancer Out of Uniform, order shirts here
• Thursday, September 3 - Cadets Football vs. Cretin Derham Hall at TCO Sports Facility
• Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7 - No School, Labor Day Weekend
• Wednesday, September 9 - Back to School Night for parents/guardians, 6 PM
• Friday, September 11 - Middle School Touchdown Party at 4:45 p.m.

Friday, September 25 - Formal Uniform, Grandparents’ Day


Monday, August 24, 2026 - New Middle School Student Orientation
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
All new Middle School students are invited to attend orientation from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. During the morning, students will:

• Receive class schedules and locker assignments
• Tour the school and locate classrooms
• Receive their school laptop and participate in a technology orientation

Students should dress casually. Please note that hats are not permitted. Additional details will be shared prior to orientation.

12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
All new Middle School parents and guardians are invited to join their sons at 12:00 p.m. in the Middle School Commons for self-guided tours of the Middle School. Families are welcome to help their sons set up their lockers and walk through their class schedules to become familiar with classroom locations before the start of the school year.

Please park in the Flynn Hall parking lot and enter through Door #23. 

Monday, August 24, 2026- Returning Student Locker Set-Up & Laptop Distribution
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Returning Middle School students are welcome to stop by between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to:

• Pick up their class schedule and locker assignment
• Set up their locker
• Walk their class schedule
• Receive their school laptop

Schedules and locker assignments will be available outside the Middle School Office, and laptops will be distributed in the ALC.

Additionally, returning students may pick up laptops on Thursday, August 20  from 12:00 - 3:00 if unable to come in on Monday, August 24. Schedules and locker set up will not be available on this date. Students who are unable to attend will receive their laptop on the first day of school and will have time during Community Time to set up their locker. Please do not use tape or contact paper inside lockers.

Class Schedules

Class schedules are viewable on PowerSchool. If you son has a question regarding his schedule or needs to request a course change,  please email Mrs. Nonnemacher at snonnemacher@cadets.com

Summer Reading
During the summer, as part of each English class and most social studies classes at Saint Thomas Academy, students are required to complete assigned reading over the summer. Click here for the required reading lists.

Donald’s Uniform 
Middle School uniform guidelines can be found here.  Pants, sweater, tie, Oxford shirts and the gym uniform are purchased through Donald’s.  Sweaters and shirts must be embroidered with your son’s last name. 

School Supply List
Please follow this link for 2026-2027 school supplies

Tackle Cancer 2026
Join us as we take part in the annual Tackle Cancer event in support of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. This year the Tackle Cancer fund-raising event will be held the week of August 31.  The event will culminate at the much anticipated rivalry game between the Cadets and the Cretin Derham Hall Raiders on September 3 at the TCO Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings Practice Facility.

Cancer is a disease that has impacted far too many people in our entire community, and any funds raised will go directly toward cancer research for Minnesota organizations.

We have several options for you to participate this year:
(All information can be found at cadets.com/tacklecancer)

• Purchase a blue paper football to be displayed on our MVP Tackle Cancer Wall of Fame in Flynn Hall through September 25!  Paper footballs are $5 each and you can honor someone who has been touched by cancer by adding their name to a paper football.  Order HERE! 
• Students at STA will have an optional out of uniform day on September 3 where they are able to be out of uniform if they wear the Tackle Cancer t-shirt, from this year.  Shirts will be sold during lunch and after school for $20 each.  Purchase your son's shirt HERE, so you have your choice of sizes.  
• Tackle Cancer shirts are for ALL fans, so all fans will be able to purchase via the link above, after school at STA, or at the game at TCO on Thursday, September 3 (quantities are limited).
• Game tickets to the football game against Cretin-Derham Hall on Thursday, September 3 at TCO Stadium will go on sale soon.
• Donate to the cause, any amount is appreciated!  Donate HERE.
  
  Cadet Maker Summer HoursYou can shop online at cadets.com/cadetmaker anytime.  Purchase can be picked up at the store, or sent to your home for a small fee.

Middle School Soccer
Middle School Soccer begins on Monday, August 17. Practices will be Monday thru Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM on the fields across the street from Saint Thomas Academy. 
 

 

 

 

Dive Into a Great Season with Blackline Aquatics! 🏊‍♂️✨

Looking for a sports program that balances high-level athletic growth with real fun? Blackline Aquatics is kicking off its 2026–2027 season this September, and we want your athlete (ages 7 and up) to be a part of it!  (Blackline Aquatics utilizes the Saint Thomas Academy Michel Aquatic Center for many practices and events).

Serving the Twin Cities for over 40 years, our competitive USA Swimming club is built on a foundation of experienced coaching—with over 80 years of combined staff expertise—and a positive, supportive culture. We’re dedicated to helping turn young athletes into great young adults, and we proudly welcome multi-sport athletes!

Best of all? We have zero volunteer or fundraising requirements. You can focus entirely on cheering for your swimmer.

Ready to join the family? Visit our website today for registration details and more information!

Saint Thomas Academy Basketball Fall Program Grades 9-12 

Saint Thomas Academy Fall Basketball Preparation is designed to give student athletes an opportunity to continue to work on their skill development as they prepare for the upcoming season. The program consists of the following parts: 

1. Fall sport participation is encouraged. We encourage our athletes to participate in cross country, football, and soccer. While in season, we expect our athletes to give those sports their full commitment. 

2. Skill based training. We will offer skill based training on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays to accommodate both our athletes who are and who are not participating in a fall sport. These sessions will be provided by reputable trainers outside of our coaching staff. Training will be run by Nathan Hendler, former St. Olaf All MIAC player and pro player in Europe. 

3. Strength Training. We encourage our athletes to participate in our Cadet Strength program which runs all fall. Our athletes are expected to lift on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

4. Fall League. Our high school teams will participate in the Breakdown Fall League which begins in late October and goes to the beginning of basketball season. 

SIGN UP HERE by September 1, 2026.

Participation and Dates: When athletes sign up and pay they can attend as many sessions as they wish: Tuesdays:  330-430 PM  630-730 PM	Thursdays:  330-430 PM  630-730 PM	Sundays:  600-730 PM
September 15,22,29  October 6,13,20,27  November 3,10	September 10,17,24  October 1,8,22,29  November 5,12	September 13,20,27  October 4,11

Join us as we take part in the annual Tackle Cancer event in support of the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. This year the Tackle Cancer fund-raising event will be held the week of August 31.  The event will culminate at the much anticipated rivalry game between the Cadets and the Cretin Derham Hall Raiders on September 3 at the TCO Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings Practice Facility.

Cancer is a disease that has impacted far too many people in our entire community, and any funds raised will go directly toward cancer research for Minnesota organizations.

We have several options for you to participate this year:
(All information can be found at cadets.com/tacklecancer)

• Purchase a blue paper football to be displayed on our MVP Tackle Cancer Wall of Fame in Flynn Hall through September 25!  Paper footballs are $5 each and you can honor someone who has been touched by cancer by adding their name to a paper football.  Order HERE! 
• Students at STA will have an optional out of uniform day on September 3 where they are able to be out of uniform if they wear the Tackle Cancer t-shirt, from this year.  Shirts will be sold during lunch and after school for $20 each.  Purchase your son's shirt HERE, so you have your choice of sizes.  
• Tackle Cancer shirts are for ALL fans, so all fans will be able to purchase via the link above, after school at STA, or at the game at TCO on Thursday, September 3 (quantities are limited).
• Game tickets to the football game against Cretin-Derham Hall on Thursday, September 3 at TCO Stadium will go on sale soon.
• Donate to the cause, any amount is appreciated!  Donate HERE.

It’s a summertime tradition! For the 15th year, our partner Twin Cities Orthopedics is offering FREE high school sports physicals. With 10 convenient locations, making sure your athlete is eligible for sports has never been easier. Learn more: TCOmn.com/SportsPhysicals