STA Weekly News & Events

On behalf of the Mothers' and Fathers' Clubs of Saint Thomas Academy, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for the generous support of our parent community and your contributions to this year’s Gifts of Gratitude.  As a result of your incredible generosity, we were able to provide each faculty and staff member – including part-time staff – a financial gift this Christmas season to express our appreciation for the dedication and commitment they show for our Cadets. Thank you again for your support and generosity!

Justi Leroe and Mark Korf
Past Presidents

The Parent Series is a year-long program offering exceptional webinars designed for independent school parents & caregivers in all stages of their children's growth.

Register and watch the webinars (you will receive a recording if you cannot attend live) on this page.

1. Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind - Tue, Jan 13, 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
2. 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People - Tue, Feb 10, 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
3. Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness - Wed, Apr 15, 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CDT
4. Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children - Wed, May 6, 2026 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM CDT

Mark your calendars for key dates for the 2026-2027 school year.  While these dates provide an early glance into the upcoming school year, the full school calendar will be released this spring.

Semester 1 exams will take place January 12-15, 2026.   Click here to view the exam schedule.  Students need only be on campus when they have an exam.

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As we approach exam week, we want to ensure all families are informed about expectations and logistics to help students succeed during this important time. Please review the following details carefully.

Students are required to take their exams at the scheduled times. Missing an exam will result in an incomplete grade, making students temporarily ineligible for activities until the exam is rescheduled and graded.

During exam week, students must wear their uniforms and should only be on campus when they have exams. Quiet study areas will be available in the Cafeteria, while the Anderson Learning Commons, academic hallways, and the Court will be off-limits during exams. Students must remain in the classroom for the full exam period.

Please note that lunch will not be provided from January 12-15. Students scheduled for more than one exam in a day are encouraged to bring a snack. Middle school students should confirm their exam schedules directly with their instructors. Buses will run on their normal schedule.

Thank you for supporting your students during exam week. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out.

As we begin preparing for the Gala on April 25, 2026 - now is when we need your help to make our silent auction absolutely spectacular.

Skip the stress and check out our Amazon Wishlist for items we're dreaming of, or surprise us with your favorite bottles of wine, whiskey, or other top-shelf spirits! If you're feeling generous—and let's be honest, you are—gift cards are always a winner! Don't be chicken: we'd love gift cards from Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Cane's, or any spot that gives a great caffeine kick like Starbucks, Caribou, or Dunkin' Donuts!

Items can be delivered to STA, to the Main Desk, anytime!  Just be sure to include this form if you can (we will have copies if you forget).

Thank you for your support!

Financial assistance must be applied for each year.  You will need to have your 2024 taxes completed in order to complete the request.  To apply for financial assistance, please visit mytads.com.

As a reminder, ALL tuition and fees must be paid in full prior to the end of the academic year.  

If you have questions, please contact Karsten Williams via email or call at 651.683.1510.

Late Starts for 2025-26 School Year
Class begins at 9:30 a.m.

DATES:
February 4
March 4
April 29

CADET MAKER HOURS

Cadet Maker will be closed for in-store shopping during exam week, January 12-16.

Check out the daily social media offers to shop online.
Great deals available online each day!

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The Cadet Maker is open Monday thru Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. and during select activities, athletics, and events. Please contact Martha Parish about volunteer opportunities in the store.

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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

January 5 - January 9

Hello, Cadet families! After a nice and much needed two week break, the Cadets are re-energized and ready to finish off semester one strong! In their military classes, the senior leadership introduced a swimming unit where the boys had the chance to play water polo! This gives them a new way to exercise and stay fit while also having fun in the water.

In their platoon rooms, the Cadets are continuing their three subject rotation of marksmanship, Vietnam War project, and CPR, where each platoon is assigned a new topic to master. The senior leaders in each company have constructed presentations to ensure that each Cadet knows the objective for each content area in order for them to be successful. In addition, the Cadets are still working hard on memorizing their BCK, with squad leaders quizzing their Cadets daily about the different types of ranks or measurements for brass.

Go Cadets!

Make sure to visit this page and bookmark it.  Important dates, deadlines, and more will be shared on this page throughout the year.  

• college application prep
• military LEAD process
• community service requirements
• and the retreat

Now hiring for Fully Promoted!

Position: Part time (after school, 3-5:00 p.m.) shipping/receiving position, starting at $16.50 per hour with a pay increase possible after 60 days depending on performance.  

Fully Promoted is an STA alumni owned, branded apparel and promotional products company located about one-mile from school in Mendota Heights.

Please contact Bill Reilly class of '85, at bill.reilly@fullypromoted.com, or 651-251-2246 if interested.

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Now hiring for the new location of Lava Island.  Click here to apply.

Happy New Year! The Middle Schoolers will have a special schedule next week, along with the Upper School due to semester exams. Semester exams are scheduled Monday, January 12 through Thursday, January 15. Since our faculty teach both Upper and Middle School courses and the divisions run on the same daily schedule, both Middle and Upper School run the special schedule, even if some classes do not hold official semester exams. Students only need to report to school for exams that require attendance (communicated by each teacher - check Schoology and inquire with teachers as needed) and should be in uniform.  All students should enter and exit the building through Flynn Hall after 8:00 a.m.  The middle school entrance will be closed and locked as a secure entrance.  Breakfast and lunch will not be served and buses will run on a normal schedule.  Please follow this link for detailed times and information.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
January 12 - 15 - Exam Week, special schedule
Friday, January 16 - No School, professional development, end of Semester 1
Monday, January 19, - No School, MLK Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 28 - Formal Uniform, Mass

Exam Week Schedule
Please follow this link for detailed times and information.

Mark Your Calendars! Eagle Bluff Seventh Grade Retreat - Class Trip (February)
*DATE CHANGE* - Virtual Meeting will take place, Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 - 7:00. 
Seventh grade families - please mark your calendars for a two night environmental retreat at Camp Eagle Bluff February 25 - 27.  All students are expected to attend. A virtual informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00 p.m. An email with the meeting link and information will be sent out next week to seventh grade families.

CogAT Testing - 8th Grade
On Wednesday, January 21, all 8th grade students will take the CogAT exam.  The exam begins promptly at 8:15 a.m and will end by 11:15 a.m.  This exam is a required part of the matriculation to Upper School and is mandatory for all eighth grade students. Students will be in regular uniform and classes will resume in the afternoon. 

Middle School Ski Club
Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation Middle Schools will host three ski club evenings for Vis/STA students in grades 6, 7, and 8 at Afton Alps.  Space is limited so mark your calendars and sign up early for Friday, January 30, Friday, February 20, and Friday, March 6.  Students will leave Saint Thomas Academy at 3:30 p.m and return to campus by 8:45 p.m.  Registration deadlines are firm and are due 10 days prior to the ski date. Please follow this link for registration, cost, permission slips, and more details.    

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 hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.  
Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. should be dropped off and enter through the Flynn Hall entrance.  Students are welcome to use the ALC or cafeteria as a place to study with supervision 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. 

A friendly reminder that the middle school doors are locked from 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.  Any student arriving or departing between these times must check in with attendance in Flynn Hall.  All tardy students must  enter through Flynn Hall to check in and receive a pass from attendance.

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 3:15 p.m. The Middle School closes at 3:15 p.m., at which time students may:

• Report to Activities/Athletics (activities bus 5:25 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. 

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

This week we are sharing about the Art of Boredom.  Click here to read about why boredom is a productive space for teens to reset, grow, create, and discover new strengths.

Please join us for the Mothers' Club Winter Social on Wednesday, January 21 from 5:30-8 p.m. Casual, cozy, and highlighted with a performance from our Crack Drill Squad. 

This is one of those do-not-miss events on the STA calendar. We can't wait to see you all there! 

RSVP here: signupgenius.com/go/5080C4BA5AF2CA57-58345922-mothers and consider bringing a bottle of wine or gift card to support our 2026 Spring Gala. 

Fathers' Club Friday Mass (LET'S FILL THE CHAPEL!). All Cadet fathers and sons are invited to the Fathers’ Club Friday Mass THIS Friday, January 9 in the Chapel at 7:15 am, followed by coffee, pastries and fellowship in the cafeteria. A great way to start your day and to get to know other Dads. Let's . . . Fill . . . The . . . Chapel!!

How do you hold on to joy in today’s busy and often challenging world? Save the date for Friday, January 30 from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m., and join us for the annual Mother’s Morning of Prayer, a meaningful morning of faith, reflection and connection; this year held at Saint Thomas Academy.

We are delighted to welcome Catholic speaker Jane Leyden Cavanaugh, mother of Visitation alum Tess Cavanaugh ’23, for an upbeat and interactive presentation on joy. Together, we will explore what joy truly means, pray as a community, and gather in small groups to share and reflect. Our hope is that you will leave the morning with a renewed sense of joy in your heart and practical ways to hold onto it, even on the most challenging days.

The morning will include Mass, fellowship, small-group discussion and time to connect with women from both school communities.

All Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation School mothers, guardians, alum moms and Visitation alumnae are invited. This joint event is sponsored by the STA Mother’s Club and the Visitation Parents’ Association.

We hope you’ll join us for this special morning of prayer, reflection and joy.

Register here!

Congratulations to the Saint Thomas Academy Choir who will be performing the National Anthem at the Minnesota Timberwolves Game on Friday, February 6, 2026. Save the date!

The Saint Thomas Academy Choir is recognized for singing the National Anthem. We are known as the Anthem Singers. Over the years my students have performed this patriotic song in many different ways - as a featured soloist, trio, small group and or full choir. It definitely takes talent, teamwork, pride and confidence to perform it well. My choir is so ready for this opportunity!

Click here now to reserve your seats for this exciting NBA Game: MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS. Use the promo code: 25stachoir26

My Choir students are excited for this opportunity to perform the Anthem and see the T'wolves play in front of 16,000 excited fans!  We hope to see the Saint Thomas Academy community come out and support the Choir!

Go Cadets!
Julia Fahey

All students in grades K through 8 are invited to join the Cadets when they take on the Edina Hornets on Tuesday, January 13 at 6 p.m.  Click here to RSVP and you will also receive a foam Cadets hockey puck!

Please share this event with other families in your network!

You are all invited to join the Fathers’ Club for Trivia Night on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at STA.  A wintertime tradition returns with food & drink, fun, prizes and STA fellowship!  Click here for more information or to register.  Check out the photos from prior years!

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!

Winter Social - Wednesday, January 21
Please join us on Wednesday, January 21, 5:30-8:00 p.m. in Founders Hall for the Mothers' Club Social.  This will be a casual gathering on campus to reconnect with old friends AND meet new ones.  
Enjoy light appetizers, wine, and n/a beverages with us for this casual social event.   The event will also feature a performance from the Crack Drill Squad!

This event is sponsored by the Mothers' Club and there is no cost to you.  Please RSVP to help us in provision planning!

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 Anne Olson 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 Christina Crow with questions or to get involved.

SAVE THE DATES!

• Mother & Son Dance, Presented by the Fathers' Club - Saturday, March 28, 2026

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.

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

2025 - 26 Saint Thomas Academy Fathers' Club Board:

• President – Stephen Kelly
• Past President Advisor – Mark Korf
• Vice President – Conan DeWitt
• Treasurer – Conan DeWitt 
• Secretary – Adam Bakeman 
• Communications Chairman – Tom Horton 
• Advisor - Jack Koegel 
• Annual STA Car Show - John Gainor
• Aquinas Experience Chairman - Conan DeWitt
• Burger Stand/Spotlight Chairmen – Mark Fotsch and Grill Master Jason Kelecic 
• Eagle Projects - OPEN
• Father/Son Banquet Chairman – Jeff Wright 
• First Friday Mass/Hospitality Chair – Peter Nguyen 
• Mother/Son Dance Chairmen – John Gainor and Adam Bakeman 
• Trivia Night Chairmen – Mark Korf and Brian Convery 

Some photos from our recent JGA vs Jarfalla (Sweden) International game last Saturday (January 3).

Great day - and a great breakfast and fellowship with both team following the early morning game.

Thanks to the JGA Mothers.

All Community members are invited to join us for the Cadets Basketball game on Wednesday, January 14 at 6 p.m. against Two Rivers.

Saint Thomas Academy & Visitation School students, parents, teachers, staff, and families are invited!  

Mendota Heights, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, and more - come out to support high school basketball!

Half-time recognition of our Community Leaders and a fun half-time contest!

All students in grades K through 8 are invited to join the Cadets when they take on Simley on Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m.  Click here to RSVP and you will also receive a Cadets mini basketball!

Please share this event with other families in your network!

Get ready to celebrate the greatest tradition in the State of Hockey history! On Saturday, January 24, our Cadets will take the ice for Hockey Day Minnesota 2026.

This year is extra special as the event celebrates its 20th Anniversary, and it’s happening right in nearby Hastings. This is a rare opportunity to showcase Cadet Pride on a massive stage, and we need every student, parent, and alum there to make some noise.

Hockey Day in Hastings features an excellent line-up of hockey games, entertainment, and an amazing hockey village!

Details:

• Cadets vs. Wolverines (Rock Ridge - from Virginia, Minnesota)
• Saturday, January 24 at 4:30 p.m.
• United Heroes League Community Park in Hastings, MN

To make sure we "Pack the Stands," STA is planning to provide shuttle buses for all students, parents, alumni, and fans. Leave the driving and parking to us!  SIGN UP HERE FOR THE FAN BUS!

For more event details, visit hockeydaymn.com.

Let's turn Hastings blue and white! Buy your tickets now ($40 for adults, $23 for students) for the session on January 24 (includes three games).  Parking ranges from $29-$35, so we recommend riding the bus. 

The STA Advancement Department is hosting the official pre-game party at the Confluence Hotel in Hastings.  The party is from 1-4 p.m. and will also feature free shuttles to the game.  This limited-space event is first come first serve so get your tickets here!

Also, the Confluence Hotel has a special rate for STA Hockey fans, click here to reserve your room.

Did you know that Saint Thomas Academy offers over 75+ sports teams, clubs, and activities for your son?  From day one we have encouraged boys to "get involved" and "try new things"!  

We make this recommendation as it's a great way for boys to try new things (of course), make new friends or expand their social connections, and to supplement resumes for college.

Click here to see a list of many of our clubs & activities and encourage your son to try something new!

For questions, email De Hanuman (Associate Athletics Director) at dhanuman@cadets.com