I am blessed to begin my third year as BA’s President/Principal, my 14th year as an administrator. I am thankful for the partnerships within our community that support our scholars, our staff, and our families. We are proud to continue to provide excellence in Catholic education for Faribault and our surrounding communities as sponsored by the Sinsinawa Dominican sisters. This is our 158th academic year and the Sinsinawa Dominicans celebrate 175 years!

Providing excellence to our scholars each year is essential to the mission at Bethlehem Academy (BA). To ensure excellence, we’ve added a second counselor and high school support staff. In addition, we’ve welcomed new teachers and staff to the BA family. Outside of staffing, BA now offers more opportunities for “College in Schools” courses not only through the University of Minnesota, but also through Marquette University. Mass continues to be offered weekly along with Adoration, and our Campus Ministry team adopted the bible verse: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

Bethlehem Academy is also rolling out our second year using the House System. The House System builds relationships across all grades, 6-12. Scholars gather in their House System for social events, team building, and fun, competitions. Older scholars develop leadership skills in mentoring the younger scholars during small group time, supporting each scholar as an important part of the BA School Family. The House System is partnered with the Positivity Project where we focus on a key characteristic each week and discuss personal traits and strengths within our theology classes.

This year our entire school staff began the year with a skit defining CARDS – Character, Accountability, Respect, good Decision-Making and Service. All BA scholars and staff are encouraged to live out “CARDS” by being a role model to others, being accountable for their actions, showing respect to others, making good decisions, and serving our greater community. To culminate this focus in the first month, the entire school will hit the Faribault community to provide a school-wide day of service on September 9, 2022.

The 2022-23 school year is a great year to be a Cardinal at Bethlehem Academy where we continue to focus on our mission, “to achieve personal, spiritual and academic excellence.” The last three years have been tough, yet within those struggles BA has pulled through with increased enrollment, a balanced budget and new programming and educational courses. With all the programs and staff now in place, BA is set for success in 2022. GO CARDINALS!