Dear Parents,
 
We are so excited to have your daughters back at St. Teresa's Academy for the 2017-2018 school year! It has been a very busy summer, jam-packed with momentous changes on our campus.
 
Summer days on campus have been filled with academic learning, robotics, art projects, and athletic camps. In addition, amazing construction progress on the Goppert Center has taken place, bringing the campus transformation into focus. Keep reading for updates on the Academy 150 Capital Campaign, including the latest construction news.
 
At St. Teresa's Academy, "More Starts Here," and the teachers and staff are eager to educate your daughters this year in preparation for their bright futures.
 
Please note the following:  
  • Please review your daughter(s) class schedule. It will soon be mailed to your home. 
  • PowerSchool is now available for access. Please log in using the username and password you set up for your account. 
  • We are happy to welcome the following new faculty and staff to STA: Vickie Albritton, mathematics; Madeline Lueke and Matthew Lewis, science; Andrew Meyer, social studies; Sara Taber and Robert Tonnies, English; Andrea Essner, campus ministry & service. We are so very grateful to have them share their talents and expertise with STA. 
 
We look forward to seeing you at Back to School Night on Thursday, August 31. Enjoy the remainder of summer break.
 
Blessings,
 
St. Teresa's Academy Administration
ACADEMY 150 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Contributions to the Academy 150 Capital Campaign have grown to nearly $9 million, which is just over half of the $15 million fundraising goal. The generosity of the STA community who have given their time and treasures to the campaign is greatly appreciated. If you have not yet given, your gift is still needed to bring the extraordinary educational enhancements to the students of St. Teresa's Academy for generation to come. To give, please visit: stteresasacademy.org/capitalcampaign.
 
Since the Academy 150 Capital Campaign Groundbreaking in May, construction on the Goppert Center has been in full swing. The projected completion date is set for the spring of 2018 (although some new athletic spaces, including offices, will reopen this August). Before the start of school, keep an eye out for information on how to safely navigate construction on campus.
UPCOMING EVENTS

Orientation Day for All Students 
Wednesday, August 16
Check your daughter's scheduled time on the school calendar.
Complete the School Health Form and verify that immunizations are current.
Complete the MSHSAA Health Form, if applicable.
Check out Sports Tryout Information for students participating in fall sports.

Eclipse Day 2017 Information
On  August 21, 2017, St.  Teresa's Academy will be fortunate to experience the solar eclipse near the path of totality. Students will learn the appropriate guidelines for experiencing the eclipse to better understand the event. Eclipse glasses will be provided to all St. Teresa's students, teachers and staff for safe viewing. Students will have a picnic lunch and will view the eclipse with their advisory.  

Mother's Breakfast
Thursday, August 24
7:30 a.m., M&A Commons

Father's Breakfast
Tuesday, August 29 or Wednesday, September 6
7:30 a.m., M&A Commons

Light Their Way Auction
Save the Date - November 18, 2017
BUSINESS OFFICE

The first tuition payment was due July 10. Following are  the steps taken for delinquent accounts:
  • A late fee of $25 will be applied to your account for each delinquent month.
  • PowerSchool will be disabled for the student.
  • Student will not receive class schedules.
  • Student will not be allowed to return 2nd semester if first semester is delinquent.
  • Student will not be allowed to re-enroll for the upcoming school year. 
  • Administration may revoke student's participation in school-sponsored activities, events, sports, retreats, etc.
Tuition payments should be submitted directly to Smart. You can pay online by calling  888.868.8828 or by logging into your Smart account. Checks received at STA will be mailed to Smart, which may cause a delay in posting and a late fee.
ACADEMICS

Orientation
New Student Orientation (freshman and transfer students) will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Students may dress casually and arrive at the M&A Auditorium by 8:00 a.m. The morning will include meeting advisors, fellow advisees, administration, and faculty. Students will tour the school, receive their tablets, and learn how to access Moodle and PowerSchool. A snack will be provided and New Student Orientation will conclude at 12:00 p.m.  Students should bring a pen or pencil, as well as the completed School Health Form with verification that immunizations are current (if it has not already been provided).

Additional ORIENTATION times on Wednesday, August 16:
Sophomore 12:00
Junior 1:00
Senior 2:00 (Phase 2 Service Validation Due)

The first full day of classes will be Thursday, August 17. Students must be in formal uniform attire (skirt, polo, and sweater or vest) for the Passing of the Legacy Prayer Service.  St. Teresa's does not publish a school supply list; individual teachers will communicate any specific supplies needed on the first day of class. 
 
Back to School Night
This event begins Thursday, August 31, 6:00 p.m. with parents reporting to their daughter's advisory. New Parents are asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to attend a special orientation in the M&A auditorium. Parents of freshman and transfer students are invited to learn more about their daughter's future educational experience at STA. The administration and guidance counselors will speak to parents about programs, clubs, technology, services, and tips for success. 
AP Scholars

Congratulations to the students who were named AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor and AP Scholars with Distinction after the May 2017 tests.
COLLEGE COUNSELING

Senior College Application Kick-Off Night
Thursday, August 17,  7-8:30 p.m. , M&A Auditorium 
Seniors are required to attend and parents are strongly encouraged!

Catholic College Day at STA
Tuesday, September 5, Activity II, Windmoor. Thirty Catholic colleges and universities will be represented. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to attend.

Junior College Planning Night
Wednesday, September 6, 7:15-9:00 p.m. Rockhurst High School, Rose Theater. Joint program with STA, Sion, and RHS juniors and their parents. Info sessions include: ACT/SAT, financial aid & admission timeline, selective admissions, essays & resumes, honors programs, NCAA athletics, college visits, visual & performing arts, and much more.

Kansas City Private High Schools' College Night
Thursday, September 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Rockhurst High School, gymnasium. Over 140 colleges will be in attendance. This is an excellent opportunity for sophomore, junior, and senior families. A complete list of colleges attending will be emailed to families in late August.

Debi Hudson & Liz Majors, College Counselors
STAR PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Get involved at your daughter's school by volunteering for events and activities. Here's how:
  • Access the Sign Up Genius on the STA website within the Parents tab under Parent Volunteers.
  • Click the link below on this monthly Parent E-Newsletter or the Parent Volunteer email.
  • Click the volunteer tile on the STA app.
CAMPUS MINISTRY

Kairos Retreat
There will be a meeting on Wednesday, August 23, about the Kairos Retreats being offered in 2017-2018.
STAR SHOP

Uniform orders can be picked up in the Star Shop from August 14-15, 10:00 am - noon, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and during orientation on August 16th. The Star Shop is now located in the Donnelly building across from the main office during the construction of Goppert. Don't forget any spirit wear item from the Star Shop can be worn with uniform skirts on Fridays.

The Star Shop will be open when school is in session, Monday through Thursday, 2:45-3:30 pm, or by appointment.  The Star Shop is also a great way to volunteer and get involved at STA! Contact Laura Benge at lbenge@stteresasacademy.org for details.
LUNCH PROGRAM

Bistro Kids
Bistro Kids is the school's healthy lunch program that offers fresh, locally sourced, and natural food options for your daughter. Bistro Kids  is also available for full service catering. Hot lunch is $5.25, and salad bar for $3.50.
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ATHLETICS

As mandated by MSHSAA, student-athletes are not eligibile for tryouts until they have an annual physical and complete the MSHSAA Physical Exam Form/PRIVIT Instructions form and submit it electronically to the PRIVIT website. 

Tryouts for fall sports begin July 31. 
CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to junior Hannah Jirousek for being accepted into the Women's Foundation's Girls Leadership Program. The Girls Leadership Program is a free, year-long program for high school girls who are interested in developing leadership skills and understanding the importance of philanthropy in their communities and beyond.  The young women will learn about grant-making, fundraising, leadership, team building, program evaluation and budgeting. Started in 1999, the program is in its 18th year and has over 303 alumnae.