Parent Newsletter: 1/7/2019
A Message from the Headmaster
KFerdinandt
Dear Families,
 
I write to you to inform you of the death of Jim Berens early this morning. Jim and his wife Lois have been wonderful witnesses of generosity toward Saint Agnes this past decade. Huge fans of our Aggie Athletics, Jim and Lois funded our Berens Strength & Conditioning Room to offer our athletes the opportunity to grow in strength and virtue. They have given substantial contributions toward tuition assistance to help more students have access to Catholic formation in heart and mind. Jim has served on the parish finance council, and both he and Lois have held leadership roles in our present and past capital campaigns.

The Berens' support for Saint Agnes has always been one that is very personal, and they have utilized all their God-given gifts in service to causes such as Saint Agnes that are close to their hearts.
Saint Agnes was proud to honor Jim & Lois Berens as our 2018 Red & White Benefit Honorees.
We will be hosting Jim's funeral and visitation later this week — arrangements are being finalized this afternoon. We are proud and honored to have Jim and his family on our campus one more time.
 
Please pray for the repose of his soul, for his wife Lois, and for the entire Berens family. May Jim's soul rest in peace!
 
Blessings on your Monday,
Kevin Ferdinandt
Headmaster
A Message from the Dean of Academics /
Interim Lower School Director
Dear Parents, 
 
I hope you and your family are having a blessed Christmas season and Happy New Year! We are excited to have the students back in the building to begin Second Semester. 
 
Please read the following academic update closely, as it contains important information regarding grades, schedules, academic honors, and the upcoming Freshman Placement Test for all current 8th graders.
 
K-12 Semester 1 Report Cards
Semester 1 report cards were made available to download and print via Educate/Cornerstone on Saturday, January 5. You may access your child's final grades for Fall 2018 as well as previous report cards in Educate/Cornerstone. Please follow the directions below to access report cards online. 
  1. Log in to Educate/Cornerstone (if you lost your password, choose "forgot password" under the log in; contact the main office with other log in issues)
  2. Select "Report Cards" under your student's name
  3. Select the red Adobe PDF icon for the latest term (2018-2019 Semester 1)
  4. You may save and print the document once it opens
NOTE: As last year, printed copies of report cards are available only upon request; please contact the main office at 651-925-8700. We will print and mail home final report cards in the summer after Semester 2.
 
K-6 Successful Learning Behaviors
Please see the full definitions for K-6 successful learning behaviors below. These are assessed by homeroom teachers on report cards as follows: (4) Consistently, (3) Frequently, (2) Sometimes, and (1) Rarely.
  • Respectful: Treats classmates, teachers, and adults with respect and courtesy.
  • Responsible: Follows directions, obeys rules, and can be relied upon by peers and adults.
  • Engaged: Displays an active and enthusiastic pursuit of learning the material in and out of class.
  • Expressive: Communicates his/her own ideas and emotions honestly and appropriately with others.
  • Attentive: Listens carefully to classmates and adults; observant of transitions between activities.
  • Organized: Uses time wisely; uses materials and space with care; observant of expectations and deadlines.
  • Diligent: Works carefully and thoroughly in class and on written work (homework, projects, tests, etc.).

7-12 Semester 2 Schedules
Semester 2 schedules for students in grades 7-12 are available on  Educate ; we provided printed copies of schedules upon arrival in the UAC Commons for all 7-12 students this morning.
 
7-12 Semester 1 Academic Honor Roll
We will soon publish the list of those who earned a spot on the fall 2018 academic honor roll! See the honor roll criteria for grades 7-12 and learn more about how students in grades 9-12 can letter in academics.
 
Freshman Placement Exam: 8:00AM Saturday, January 19
The Freshman Placement Exam is required for all current 8th graders in order to best determine placement in 9th grade courses. It is also required to qualify for certain merit-based scholarships. All current 8th grade students must take the Freshman Placement Exam. The test consists of four 30 minute sections and will be finished around 11:00 AM. Please arrive by 7:50 AM so we can begin promptly.

Parents are welcome to stay in our commons area during the test. We will offer a brief overview of what a transition to high school looks like for students and their families, as well as a discussion about our financial aid packages and potential scholarships. There will also be time for a presentation and Q & A session with Dr. Kevin Ferdinandt, Headmaster, and Mr. Joseph Olson, Director of Admissions.

Our students will be testing with other prospective 9th graders on that day. Students need only to bring a calculator and #2 pencils. Extra supplies will be available. We will provide a light breakfast of donuts, fruit, and coffee for both parents and students. Please  contact Mr. Olson with any questions at 651-925-8803.
 
We look forward to seeing you and your students again this week!
 
Sincerely in Christ, 
Michael Adkins
Introducing Permission Click!
Permission Click is a web-based platform we are implementing to digitize various permission forms, sign-ups and agreements. We plan to gradually introduce its use over the course of the second semester with hopes of maximizing its use in the 2019-20 school year. In some cases, you will need to click a link to choose to sign up or give permission. Two such examples follow in this newsletter, for the JH/HS MCCL March for Life Field Trip and the 2019 ACT Prep Course. In other cases, like a field trip for a specific grade or class, you will receive a direct email requesting your response.

Please add notifications@permissionclick.com to your contacts or list of safe senders to ensure delivery. Email requests will come with the subject line: "Form Response Required for Saint Agnes School.” Paper forms will still be available, but only upon request. Thank you to Mrs. DeMarais in the Main Office who has worked to setup our templates and account! Please contact the Main Office if you have any questions.
ADMISSIONS
Preschool-12th Grade Open House - Tuesday, January 8
Please invite your friends to meet our faculty, tour our campus, and join us for our Winter Open House tomorrow at 6:30 PM! If unavailable to join us on January 8, we can always schedule a more personalized family tour. Please feel free to call us in the Admissions Office at 651-925-8803 with any questions.
Financial Aid Application Deadlines
Although our financial aid application is due February 28, the application process for Aim Higher Scholarships (found in your TADS financial aid process) will close on February 17. Complete the financial aid application through TADS by this date if you would like to be considered for these scholarships. More information available here . Please contact the Admissions Office at 651-925-8803 with questions.
Re-Enrollment Available through Saturday, January 19
The re-enrollment period for current families is now open for next year. Existing families at Saint Agnes School will be given first priority to re-enroll their current students before new applicants will be considered. This priority will be contingent upon the student being in good academic and behavioral standing with the school and the family being in good standing with their tuition account.

Current families should have already received an email with instructions on how to re-enroll via your TADS account. There is also a $100 re-enrollment fee per student with a $300 maximum per family. Re-enrollment will be open through January 19. Kindergarten acceptances will begin on January 7, and acceptances for Grades 1-11 will begin on January 21. Please contact Joseph Olson in Admissions at 651-925-8803 with any questions.
9th Grade Placement Exam - Saturday, January 19
Save the date! On Saturday, January 19, from 8:00-10:30 AM, our 8th grade students and 8th grade students from other schools will be taking their freshman placement exam. Parents are welcome to stay and hear an address from Dr. Kevin Ferdinandt on the state of the school and from Mr. Joseph Olson on the admissions/enrollment process and financial aid/tuition management.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Final Car Raffle Turn In Day – Friday, January 11
Congratulations! We have raised over $48,000 for our school! The final turn in date for the raffle will be this Friday, January 11. (After this date, any remaining ticket stubs and money may be brought to the main office). Thank you for all your hard work! Remember, 100% of funds raised stay right here at Saint Agnes! Please  contact Mrs. Laurie Weyandt  for more information, and see the  parent information letter  for more details.
Correction: Little Flowers Group - Wednesday, January 16
Due to a publishing error, we incorrectly announced that the next meeting of the Little Flowers Group would be held this week. The group will be meeting next on Wednesday, January 16. Please contact Arika Heffron for more details.
Musical Fair - Save the Date - Sunday, January 20
The Musical Fair will be Sunday, January 20, at 1:30 PM in Gruden Gym. Don't miss the big announcement, and get a jump-start on audition music and paper work! Grades 2-6 will be accepted for the children's chorus and Grades 7-12 will form the high school chorus. You will not be disappointed!
Art Night - Sunday, January 20
Join us for Art Night, featuring O. Henry’s one act play entitled The Cop and the Anthem. Beginning at 7:00 PM, the night will also include improvisation demonstrations, monologues, music and art displays. Please come to enjoy this evening hosted by the students of the Saint Agnes Drama Club. No admission charge, but a free will donation will be offered. 
Prayer Service & March for Life - Tuesday, January 22
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will be hosting a Prayer Service for Life at 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 22 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Immediately following is the MCCL March for Life at the Minnesota State Capitol. Please see this flyer (insert PDF) for information from MCCL.
 
The Saint Agnes School Junior High and High School Pro-Life Clubs are coordinating an opportunity for junior high and high school students to attend both the Prayer Service and March for Life. Sign up using Permission Click by Thursday, January 17!
Please contact Mr. Karl Pedersen (HS) or Mrs. Lynda True (JH) for details. Students younger than junior high are encouraged to attend as well, but transportation and supervision must be arranged by their families.
Father/Daughter Dance - Saturday, February 23
Save the date for this year's Father/Daughter dance! Young ladies in grades 9-12 are invited to attend with their dad, grandfather, godfather, or other male role model. Watch the newsletter for more information on how to attend or volunteer for this annual event. 
ATHLETICS
Come Support Our Aggie Athletes this Week!
(M) January 7: Boys Basketball vs. Nativity at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 6, 4:00 PM)
Girls Basketball vs. Nativity at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 7, 5:00 PM)
Girls Basketball vs. Nativity at Saint Agnes Gruden Gym (Grade 6, 6:00 PM)
Boys Basketball at Highland Catholic (Grade 5, 6:00 PM)
Girls Basketball at St. Croix Catholic (Grade 5, 6:15 PM)

(T) January 8: Boys Basketball at St. Joe's Rosemount (Grade 7 White, 4:30 PM)
Boys Hockey vs. Minneapolis Boys Hockey at Parade Ice Garden (JV 5:00 PM; Varsity 7:00 PM)
Girls Basketball vs. Academy of Holy Angels at Saint Agnes Bandas Gym (JV 5:30 PM; Varsity 7:00 PM)
Boys Basketball at High School for Recording Arts (JV 5:30 PM; Varsity 7:00 PM)

(W) January 9: Boys Basketball vs. Highland Catholic at Hillcrest Rec Center (Grade 8, 3:30 PM)
Boys Basketball at Faithful Shepherd (Grade 7 Red, 3:45 PM)

(R) January 10: Boys Basketball at New Life Academy (C 4:30 PM; JV 6:00 PM; Varsity 7:30 PM)
Boys Basketball at Holy Spirit Saint Paul (Grade 7 White, 5:15 PM)
Wrestling All Meet vs. Spectrum at Saint Agnes Bandas Gym (6:00 PM)
Boys Basketball vs. Providence Academy at Plymouth Arena and Pool/Lifetime Fitness (7:00 PM)

(F) January 11: Girls Basketball at Fridley High School (C 4:30 PM, JV 4:30 PM, Varsity 6:00 PM)
Girls Hockey vs. Eveleth-Gilbert at Eveleth Hippodrome (Varsity 7:30 PM)

View full athletics calendar  here .
4HG Basketball Camp, Grades 5-8 - Thursday, January 10
All 5-8th grade basketball players (boys and girls) will participate in a basketball clinic hosted by 4HG (For His Glory) on January 10 from 6:00-8:00 PM. It will be run by Kelly Scott, a former Big Ten Basketball Champion for the University of Minnesota. There is NO cost for the event; just come with a water bottle and be prepared to have fun!

All Saint Agnes basketball players and coaches, please make plans to attend this upcoming 4HG Clinic! Players will hear inspiring messages, learn basic skills, participate in age-appropriate drills, and be given an in-depth introduction into what it means to be a 4HG student-athlete and play FOR HIS GLORY! See flyer with more details.

Order of Events
+ Pray the 4HG Athlete Prayer
+ Watch the 4HG Video
+ Review the 4HG Student Code of Conduct
+ Complete Clinic Training Drills
+ Distribute 4HG Credo Cards and Swag
+ Close Clinic with the 4HG Athlete Prayer
Saint Agnes K-8 Swim Team - Register Now!
The Saint Agnes Swim Team seeks to take students who already know how to swim and develop their strokes, build physical conditioning, and gain experience in competitive swimming. All students are welcome whether they have extensive experience in competitive swimming or no experience at all; however, in order to be part of the team, a student must be able to swim the length of the pool (25 yards) on their own. Register with Mr. Sam Thompson or online at AggieAthletics.org. Fee for the season is $100 and includes 3-4 regular season meets. Contact Coach Hank Kemp at 651-925-8739 or see the flyer for more information.
ADVANCEMENT
Help Make the Red & White Benefit a Success!
This annual event will be held on Saturday, February 9. Here are four ways to be a part of it!
 
Donate: Year-end sales are a great time to shop for silent auction items. Food and liquor baskets, gift cards, tickets to sporting or music events, or "experiences" are also very popular. Items can be dropped in the main office or the Advancement Office during business hours. Please fill out a donation form so that we can give proper credit with the donated item.  Forms are available for download or in the main office.
 
Volunteer: A few spots remain.  See where you can still be of service.
 
Advertise: Advertise your business in the program or submit a congratulatory ad in honor of Fred Blonigen, our 2019 honoree.  Rates and additional details may be found here .
 
Attend:   Register for tickets and sponsorships online ! Tickets are $100 and tables seat 10.
 
With your support, we can make this our most successful event yet! Please contact  Mary Appel   with questions or  visit the website  to learn more about the annual Red & White Benefit.
PARENTS
New Saint Agnes Youth Group: Soul Team - Sunday, January 27
Soul Team's mission is to help your high school son or daughter continue their journey into spiritual adulthood that began at their Confirmation. We focus on practical spiritual advice, helping them hear God's voice in their life. Guest speakers share stories of discernment and how God helped them in their struggles, and starting this month, we will end by praying Compline with the Sisters in their chapel. Soul Team meets the last Sunday of the month and starts with dinner in Schuler Hall at 5:30 PM. Encourage your high school student to join us on Sunday, January 27!
Saint Agnes School 2019 ACT Prep Course
Register for the Saint Agnes ACT Prep Course! Each session will focus on content and test-taking strategies. Classes meet twice a week (T/Th) from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 21 and continuing until April 11. The course costs $150 per student, which includes an ACT prep book and ACT flash cards.  Download the flyer , or pick one up in the Guidance Office! Register online using Permission Click (preferred) or use the flyer. 
Registration is not complete until payment has been submitted. Checks should be made payable to Saint Agnes School with “ACT Course” in the memo line and turned in to Ms. Burr (Classroom 251); or you may pay online . Registration and payment must be received by January 31. If the class is filling up, priority will be given to juniors. Please contact Ms. Samantha Burr  with any questions. 
Shine On: A Showcase of Catholic School Talent
The Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE) and Lundstrum Performing Arts invite students in grades 4-8 attending Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to share their gifts of singing, dancing, acting, or playing a musical instrument. Auditions will be held January 19-20; up to 20 acts will be invited to perform at the final showcase, held March 17 at the Providence Academy Performing Arts Center. Submit registration form (list Mr. Michael Adkins as school contact) and select an audition date by January 8. More details available online . For questions, please contact Jeannie Judge .
Forming Catholic Hearts & Minds in Faith, Reason, & Virtue