Parent Newsletter: 10/1/2018
An Update from the Admissions Office
Dear Team,

Yes, you are part of the admission team! Coming off of a very strong year enrollment-wise, we are still growing our student body with families that fit the Mission and Vision of Saint Agnes. Our strongest marketing initiative by far is word of mouth. We are looking for you, our brand advocates, to help tell the story of Saint Agnes.

As most of you are well aware, our first open house of the year is coming up next Thursday, October 11 at 6:30 PM. We are hoping for another great turnout and the opportunity to tell our story to even more folks. How can you help us spread the word? Some quick ideas:

  • Talk to your friends, family and neighbors. Tell them about your experience and how their children can also enjoy this comprehensive education.
  • Share your story. Either share this link to our Open House Event, or share your experience with Saint Agnes School on social media for others to read and experience themselves.
  • Pick up free Aggie swag. From the Main Office, grab a yard sign in your front yard or put a bumper sticker on your car to help spark conversation.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you might encounter:

Do I need to register for the Open House?
No, just show up.

Do I need to attend an Open House at all?
We certainly recommend attending an Open House, but our Admissions Team will accommodate your schedule if those dates do not work for you. Request a personal tour with the Admission Office at 651-925-8803.

Can I afford Private Catholic education?
We will make it affordable. Any family can call for a quote to learn if their personal budget will work with our tuition rates and financial aid packages.

Do I need to be a parishioner to attend?
No. As a matter of fact, 90% of our students are Catholic and our families represent 43 parishes throughout the Archdiocese. All are welcomed.

Is there a waiting list?
Three classes had wait lists for the 2018-19 school year, but these numbers are subject to change. Contact the Admissions Office to submit an application for the wait list.
 
What are our transportation options?
We currently rely on family drivers, carpool options, and public transportation. Aggie families come from 83 zip codes, so chances are good that you will live by a Saint Agnes Family that may be able to assist with transportation.
 
What is the curriculum like at Saint Agnes.
From preschool through 12th grade, our students encounter a rigorous liberal arts program that prepares them with the necessary knowledge, skills and habits of mind for success in college, life and beyond. Here is an overview of our Pre-12 curriculum .

What sort of extra curricular options does Saint Agnes School offer?
95% of our students participate in at least one co-curricular activity, service-oriented club, or athletic team. Learn more in our Athletics, Arts, and Activities Overview .

Thanks for sharing your story to help tell ours,
Joseph Olson '03
Director of Admissions
UPCOMING EVENTS
Correction - Important October Dates
Please note a correction from last week's published schedule. There will be no school Thursday or Friday, October 18-19. School will be in session on Wednesday, October 17 as we celebrate K-6 Grandparents Day.
October 17 – K-6 Grandparents Day
October 18 – NO SCHOOL; Teacher Workshop
October 19 – NO SCHOOL

Convent Showing - Sunday, October 7 
Saint Agnes families and friends are invited to a showing of the recently renovated Convent, the new home for our Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Enjoy conversation with the Sisters and view the public area on the first floor and second floor chapel from 2:30-3:30 PM this Sunday, October 7.

Junior High Mass of the Holy Spirit Field Trip - Wednesday, October 10
On October 10, our seventh and eighth grade students will be travelling to U.S. Bank Stadium to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit with Archbishop Hebda and students from almost 80 other Catholic Schools! Please join with us in praying for our Archbishop, our students, and our Archdiocese. 

PSAT/PLAN Testing On Campus - Wednesday, October 10
Saint Agnes will administer the PSAT and PLAN tests on Wednesday, October 10. Both are preliminary college readiness and preparatory tests and serve as practice for the real ACT and SAT college entrance exams.   
Testing Fee: $15. Please pay online here . If needed, you may pay by cash or check (please note PSAT in the memo), and submit payment to the main office. Payment is due Monday, October 8. Learn more about the PSAT.

Testing Fee: $15. Please pay online here . If needed, you may pay by cash or check (please note PLAN in the memo), and submit payment to the main office. Payment is due Monday, October 8.
The Guidance Office will distribute copies of the parent letters and PSAT practice booklets early this week. Please contact Mrs. Rachel Kemp with any questions.

Saint Agnes Fall Festival - Sunday, October 21
The annual Church of Saint Agnes Fall Festival will be held from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 21! Volunteers and donations are still needed to make this parish fundraiser a success. Follow these links to volunteer or to learn more . Please contact Kristin Coyne with any questions at 651-998-9509.
ATHLETICS
Come Support Our Aggie Athletes this Homecoming Week!
(M) October 1: Volleyball at Faithful Shepherd (Grade 6 White, 3:45 PM)
Volleyball at Holy Spirit - Saint Paul (Grade 8, 3:45 PM; Grade 7, 4:30 PM)
Football at Concordia Academy - Roseville (JV 4:00 PM)

(T) October 2: Cross Country All Invitational vs. Trinity at Dakota County Fairgrounds (4:00 PM)
Volleyball vs. St. Anthony Village at Saint Agnes Bandas Gym (C 4:00 PM, JV 4:00 PM, Varsity 6:00 PM)
Football vs. Providence Academy at West Mini (JH 4:15 PM)
Girls Soccer vs. DeLaSalle HS at Neiman Sports Complex (JV 4:15 PM)
Boys Soccer vs. DeLaSalle HS at Pioneer Park (JV 5:00 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM)
Volleyball at Highland Catholic Grade School (Grade 5, 5:15 PM)
Girls Swim & Dive All Meet vs. SPA/Highland Park at St. Anthony Village HS (5:30 PM)
Girls Soccer at DeLaSalle HS (Varsity 7:00 PM)

(W) October 3: Volleyball vs. Highland Catholic at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 6 Red, 3:45 PM)
Football vs. Brooklyn Center at West Mini (JH 4:30 PM)
Volleyball vs. SPA at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 6 White, 4:30 PM)
Volleyball vs. St. John the Evangelist at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 8, 5:15 PM; Grade 7, 6:00 PM)
Volleyball vs. Holy Spirit at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 5, 6:45 PM)

(R) October 4: Girls Soccer vs. Harding at Bakken Field (JV 4:00 PM)
Girls Soccer at St. Paul Harding HS (Varsity 4:00 PM)
Boys Soccer vs.North Lakes Academy at Pioneer Park (Varsity 5:00 PM)
Girls Swim & Dive All Meet vs. Minneapolis South at St. Anthony Village HS (5:30 PM)
Football at Cretin Derham Hall (Grades 5/6, 8:15 PM)

(F) October 5: Football at Spectrum (Varsity 3:30 PM)

(S) October 6: Girls Soccer vs. St. Croix Prep at Pioneer Park (JV 9:00 AM, Varsity 1:00 PM)
Boys Soccer vs. St. Croix Prep at Pioneer Park (JV 11:00 AM, Varsity 3:00 PM)
Girls Swim & Dive All True Team Section at Stillwater JH (2:00 PM)
Volleyball vs. St. Croix Prep at Saint Agnes Bandas Gym (C 3:30 PM, JV 4:30 PM, Varsity 6:00 PM)

View full athletics calendar here .

Fall Basketball Workouts for Grades 5-8
 Saint Agnes will be offering fall basketball workouts for boys and girls who plan to play basketball this year. These are intense skill workouts for serious players who wish to improve their skills. These are not designed for traditional “fun” but rather satisfaction and enjoyment through improving! These workouts consist of about 90 minutes of skill development and team play.
 
Dates: Sundays, October 7 and October 14
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Cost: FREE!
 
Please contact Chris Hopkins , head boys basketball coach, with questions on the skills sessions.
PARENTS
High School Mock Trial Team
Saint Agnes will be fielding a high school mock trial team this year! Practice will be approximately one hour a week (at a time to be decided based on students’ schedules) and up to 12 students can compete on the team. Some Saturday invitational competitions in December and Tuesday evening competitions in January will be required for attendance. There will also be a fee to cover the team’s entrance in the state competition (approximately $30-40 depending on participation numbers). Students in grades 9-12 interested in participating should talk to Ms. Burr in Room 251. The cut-off for joining the team is Wednesday, October 3.

Senior Baby Photos Due - Friday, October 5
Please turn your baby picture in to Mrs. Richtsmeier by Friday, October 5. Bring them in for her to scan or email your photo to her.

The Charlemagne Institute Presents "Is College Worth It?" Seminar - Saturday, October 6
Learn more about the value of a degree and alternatives to student loan debt at a seminar this Saturday from 2:30-5:00 PM at the Charlemagne Institute in Bloomington. The Institute explains, " Today's college grads often leave school with a student loan burden so massive it effectively wipes out their earnings' advantage for the next decade. Too many also end up in jobs in which a 4-year degree isn't required. For that reason you need to ask yourself: Is college worth it for you ? " This event is free to the public; pre-registration required at iscollegeworthit.eventbrite.com . Follow this link for more information.

Saint Agnes Food Pantry is Open
The Saint Agnes food pantry is open Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 PM and contains both perishable and non-perishable items. Any Saint Agnes family who wishes to take advantage of this resource is encouraged to stop in or  contact John Ernster  to set up an appointment.

The Parent Newsletter is a weekly publication of Saint Agnes School.
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