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Due to the pandemic, all students and/or parents are to fill out the online Health Check-in form prior to entering campus each day. You will find a link to this online form on the Mobile Up App or on the STA website. We encourage students to remain at home if not feeling well and that they be fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
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Dear Parents,
Thank you for the privilege of educating your daughter! We are eager to move forward with a safe, inclusive, and productive year of learning. Realistically speaking, the ways we will learn will look and feel different. We want the girls to embrace the new fashion of wearing their protective masks as seamlessly as they do when donning their tartan plaid skirts. Last fall, I encouraged the students to greet me with a fist bump or high five when they saw me in the quad or hallways. This year, I will be looking for a thumbs-up, elbow bump, or a jovial head nod when they come my way!
By now, you have seen our detailed Campus Reopening Plan that was released earlier this month. It contains all of the specifics about our plans for the 2020-2021 school year. You can peruse it again by clicking here. We know the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are still with us; yet, we are determined to prevail and deliver high quality teaching and learning. We are laser-focused on our mission of educating young women to think critically, encouraging them through Catholic values to love the dear neighbor without distinction, and empowering them to change the world!
We will continue to be transparent and upfront with any new plans that may emerge. In our community, we work together and are interdependent. We must have solidarity in keeping each other safe. On our campus, we are committed to maintaining a healthy community. We are optimizing our air flow systems, enforcing social distancing and mask wearing, using more outdoor spaces, mandating more frequent hand washing, and increasing our disinfecting protocols. We need parents to help reinforce the same amount of safety and personal accountability outside of campus. St. Teresa’s Academy will not be able to remain open if students engage in unwise, off-campus behaviors that will pose health issues for our community.
Principal for Academic Affairs Barbara McCormick, Principal for Student Affairs Dr. Liz Baker, and I have been so thankful for the expert guidance of MRIGlobal. MRIGlobal is partnering with us and providing expert support to assist with our campus readiness considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Biological Engagement Team has successfully led efforts to develop emergency response plans and procedures to facilities in the U.S. and around the world. In addition, we are very thankful for the support of our parent community.
I ask that you pray continually for the success of our school year, for our nation, and for our world. We must be fervent and vigilant in praying, just as the persistent widow was in Jesus’s parable in the book of Luke. The persistent widow kept knocking at God’s door for an answer. Jesus told this parable to show His followers “that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). We must be persistent in our acts of prayer because, “At the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
We welcome any questions or concerns you may have. I am so proud of the committed faculty and staff of STA who are ready to provide an emotionally supportive and academically challenging year for our STARS!
God Bless,
Dr. Siabhan May-Washington
President
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FRESHMAN & TRANSFER STUDENT
MANDATORY VIRTUAL LIVE PARENT MEETING
Mark your Calendar to Attend
One parent or guardian from each student's family must attend the virtual one-hour session listed below. Digital Citizenship will be covered during the course of this important meeting. Failure to attend will result in your student's internet connectivity service being removed.
Mark your calendar to attend the following session:
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August 17, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The link to join the online meeting will be sent to you via email on the day of the event. To learn more about Digital Citizenship, please read the information provided in the Academic section below.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
August 10, 2020
Fall Sports Tryouts Begin
August 14, 2020
Sophomore and Junior Class Orientation Day
August 17, 2020
Virtual Digital Citizenship Night
August 17 & 18, 2020
Freshman Class Orientation Days
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August 18, 2020
Transfer Student Orientation Day (transfer students will also attend their class Orientation Day)
Senior Class Orientation Day
Senior Application Kick-Off (A-L)
Passing of the Legacy Ceremony
August 19, 2020
First Day of Class
Senior Application Kick-Off (M-Z)
August 27, 2020
Virtual Back to School Night
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Per the guidance of the CDC and advisors from MRIGlobal, nonessential visits to campus will be limited until further notice. To keep the STA campus operational and as safe as possible, only employees or essential people needed for school operation should visit campus. In some circumstances, if a visit is authorized or deemed necessary by STA administration or STA Directors, visitors must abide by the following:
- Wear masks/face coverings inside the buildings.
- Wash or use sanitizer for hands upon entry.
- Answer essential health-check questions required of employees and students:
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In the last 48 hours have you had a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher?
- In the last 48 hours, have you had a cough, shortness of breath that is not relieved by allergy medication?
- In the last 48 hours, have you had chills, body aches, sore throat loss of taste/smell?
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PowerSchool
PowerSchool is available for access. Please log in using the username and password you set up for your account to access your daughter's schedule. Schedules will not be mailed to your home.
New Faculty & Staff
Please welcome the following new faculty and staff to STA:
- Kathleen Daily, Social Studies
- Ashley Fick, Library Consultant
- Mary Benson-Gajewski, Counselor
- Celine Guild, Math
- Dave Mitchell, Math
- Samantha Pilcher, Science
- Leisha Reynolds, Spanish
- Dr. Mandi Sonnenberg, STEAM Director
- Allison Wilson, Administration Assistant
- Andrea Zecy, Math
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The July and August tuition payments must be received in order for a student to attend the first day of school. Following are the steps taken for delinquent accounts:
- A late fee of $30 will be applied to your account for each delinquent month.
- PowerSchool will be disabled for the student.
- Student will not receive class schedules.
Please send your tuition payments directly to Smart Tuition. 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.
For questions, please contact Kathy Rohr, Director of Finance.
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Orientation
Freshman Orientation will take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 17 and 18. Transfer Student Orientation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, and transfer students should also attend Orientation with their class (see schedule below). A detailed orientation schedule has been emailed. Students need to wear an STA polo shirt and bring their blazers (or formal sweater or vest for seniors) for yearbook photos.
Please remind your student to fill out the Health Check-In Form found on the STA mobile app or on the STA website prior to arriving on campus.
The Star Shop will be open for those who need to pick up their uniform order. Students should bring a backpack and pen or pencil.
Additional Orientation and Photo Times :
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Friday, August 14, 8:00-11:30 a.m., Report to Advisory
Friday, August 14, 12:00-3:10 p.m., Report to Advisory
Tuesday, August 18, 11:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. (Phase 2 Service Validation Due)
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The first full day of classes will be Wednesday, August 19. Students must be in uniform attire. St. Teresa's does not publish a school supply list; individual teachers will communicate any specific supplies needed on the first day of class.
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Virtual Parent Digital Citizenship Night
Monday, August 17, 6:00 p.m.
What is Digital Citizenship?
- The practice of using the internet and technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly
- Best practices for responsible technology use
- Techniques and strategies for responsible use of social media and technology
- The ability to think critically and discern what is positive to share online and what should be kept private
- Protecting private information, respecting yourself and others, staying safe online, giving proper credit when using someone else's work, and balancing time spent online and offline.
This technology session is designed to assist parents and guardians with the conversations they may have with their daughter when using digital devices.
One parent or guardian from each family of a freshman or transfer student must attend this virtual session. A link to the online session will be emailed to parents the day of this event.
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Virtual Back-to-School Night
This event will take place virtually on Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m. Faculty and the administration are re-imagining this experience and more information will be coming soon.
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SAVE THE DATE
St. Teresa's Academy Auction
Friday, November 20, 2020
7:00 p.m.
As the 2020-2021 school year nears, many things surrounding St. Teresa’s Academy have been re-imagined -- including the annual Auction!
To adapt to pandemic conditions, this year’s Auction, STA Strong, will shift to a virtual event. Please mark your calendars to join what is sure to be a special evening celebrating all that makes STA strong - the premier education, unwavering faith, the bonds of sisterhood, and the commitment to love the dear neighbor without distinction.
Proceeds from the Auction benefit students’ financial assistance, as well as the education, programs, and facilities provided by St. Teresa’s Academy. This year, more than ever, your support is needed.
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New Dual Enrollment Partnership
Dual enrollment credit is now being offered through SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY for AP Biology, College PreCalculus, AP Calculus I, College Latin III, and College Latin IV. Registration will occur in September and the cost is $65 per credit hour. Details TBA.
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Reflections on STA's 2020 Virtual Learning Experience
The talented faculty and staff of St. Teresa’s Academy were prepared when the coronavirus pandemic quickly ended in-class instruction during the 2019-2020 school year. Students seamlessly shifted into the virtual learning environment that had been in place for inclement weather throughout the year.
Click here to explore highlights of this unprecedented experience.
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Gold Standard Award from the NGPF
St. Teresa's Academy has been awarded a Gold Standard for Financial Education by NGPF (Next Gen Personal Finance) for its commitment to a comprehensive personal finance curriculum.
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AP Scholar Roster
Congratulations to the 66 STA Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars from the
2020 AP Exams. Click here to review the full list.
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National French Contest 2020 Results
Le Grand Concours 2020!
The following students were recognized for high achievement in the National French Contest (Le Grand Concours), an annual French language competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French.
Level 5A
Silver: Mara Kugler
Bronze: Katie Riffle
Honorable Mention: Isabella Dougherty
Level 4C
Silver: Iris Kline, Ava Kugler
Bronze: Murphy O'Dell; Lorraine Frueh and Bishop Hankel - tied; Lissette Sessler
Honorable Mention: Libby Lueck, Avery Wade, and Ruby Harris
Level 4A
Top score: Elise McGhie
Level 3C
Gold: Manon Jarque and Isabel Reyes - tied for highest score - highest awards of all levels
Silver: Ava Martinez and Evelyn Parker - tied for highest score; Zoë Hoss; Caroline Hinkebein
Bronze: Alex Ward and Samantha Lif
Honorable Mention: Natalie Mitchell; Sylvie Boughner and Lauren Chestnut - tied
Level 3A
Bronze: Anna Koffler and Natalie Rovello
Level 2A
Top Score: Madeleine Sage
Level 1A
Silver: Margot Naber
Honorable Mention: McKenzie Heffron
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Sources of Strength Partnership
St. Teresa's Academy is excited to be partnering with SPEAK UP. Sources of Strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent suicide by increasing help-seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults.
This program helps to ensure STA students have ways to manage stressors in their lives by meeting challenges they face with strength and support. Sources of Strength brings peer leaders together in partnership with caring adults. STA faculty and staff will participate in the training program prior to the start of the school year. The program will be introduced to students upon their return to campus and will include a nomination process from faculty and staff who will be leading the program. Sources of Strength will bring education, awareness, and support to our entire community, while allowing nominated students to be peer leaders in the program.
If you think your student may be interested in participating in Sources of Strength by being a peer leader, or if you have additional questions, please feel free to contact School Counselor, Amanda Whitcomb at awhitcomb@stteresasacademy.org.
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Senior Application Workday – August 4, 2:00 p.m. in Windmoor. This is an optional program; students may come and go and stay as long as they please. Bring your computer/charger. Seniors may work on applications with the assistance of our college counselors and get a head start on the process. Students must use the COVID-19 Student tile on MobileUp and enter their temperature and answer questions prior to arrival on campus.
Senior College Application Kick-Off Night - M&A Auditorium
Four options for this program will be offered to accommodate social distancing. Be on the lookout for a SignUpGenius to choose your date and time.
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Tuesday, August 18, at 5:00 p.m. OR 7:00 p.m. OR
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Wednesday, August 19, at 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
We will cover the college search and application process during a pandemic, transcripts, recommendations, test-optional admissions, and the changing landscape of higher education. This event is for seniors and senior parents.
Junior College Planning Night
This event was originally scheduled for September 8; however, plans are to send an email around September 1 with a link to 8-10 thirty-minute sessions on the college planning process. This is a joint virtual program with STA, Sion, and RHS for juniors and their parents. Info sessions include ACT/SAT, financial aid, college visits and admission timeline, highly selective admissions, essays and resumes, honors programs, college athletics, visual and performing arts, gap year programming, and parent advice from an admission dean/current parent of a college student.
Kansas City Private High Schools' Virtual College Night
Wednesday, September 9, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Join us for a live virtual evening of college planning. We will begin with an opening session, Insider’s Tips on Searching & Applying to College During a Pandemic from 6:00-6:30 p.m. A virtual college fair will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. where families may visit virtual college booths that include such features as chat, meet now, quick links, brief videos, request info, etc. The chat and meet now feature will be with the admission representatives that cover the Kansas City area for the institutions. We expect over 100 colleges and universities from the U.S. and abroad. This event is open to all grade levels. A complete list of colleges attending will be available in late August.
Advanced Placement Exams – May 2021 Registration & Payment
Students will register for their AP exam(s) online in their AP course in late August/early September and, based on student registration, families will be billed $95 per exam through Smart Tuition in the fall. Exams will not be ordered unless payment is received. There will be NO exam refunds or exam cancellations and NO late registrations. AP exams take place at STA on national test dates and times from May 3-14, 2021.
Debi Hudson & Abigail Jelavich, STA College Counseling
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The security division at St. Teresa's Academy continues to provide the safest environment possible for the students, faculty, staff, and guests. This includes examining the special measures necessary during this global pandemic. One specific change being made this school year is with the numeric keypads at the entrance of every building on campus.
In the past, the students were assigned a specific grade level code which would allow them access during the school day. In an effort to reduce the surface contact for the students, STA has invested in "adhesive fobs" for all students. These fobs are about the size of a quarter and are specifically programmed to each student.
The students will be required to wear STA lanyards throughout the day and the fobs will be fixed inside of the ID holder. These fobs will allow students access into the buildings without touching the keypads. They simply wave their ID in front of the keypad and entrance will be allowed. It is important for the students to keep track of these devices and promptly report if they are lost, stolen or become inoperable. STA administration asks that parents please emphasize this as well so we can ensure the safest possible experience on campus.
Robert Wynne
Director of Security
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Athletic Awards and Fall Tryouts
Click below to discover more about graduating athletes honored with athletic awards and collegiate athletes.
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STA UNIFORM ORDERS
If you have not picked up your uniforms yet, you can pick them up in the Star Shop on August 17 and 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Face masks are available for purchase in the Star Shop.
Due to unexpected circumstances, the STA uniform skirt is not expected to arrive prior to the start of school. Until skirts arrive, students without skirts may wear any of the following options:
- Black, knee-length shorts
- Black, uniform-length skirt
- Black pants
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Give Back to STA Through AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support St. Teresa's Academy every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to St. Teresa's (when designated as your charitable organization).
Amazon Smile is now available on the Amazon app. In the past, you could only give back if you shopped from a web browser. Now, when you shop from their app you can give to the charity of your choice.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Get shopping and giving now!
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