FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Parents,
Happy Easter and welcome to spring!
There is no question we all have many reasons to feel joyful and encouraged. The dawn of the spring season is beautiful. It is awe-inspiring to see budding trees, fresh flowers, and to hear the sweet sounds of the chirping birds. There are so many new and beautiful gifts from God, such delights after the darkness and challenges of the winter season. As I gaze out my office window, it is gratifying to see students having their classes and lunches again in the quad. Additionally, the sights and sounds of our spring athletes are truly glorious to behold! We also are looking forward to many spring activities such as school Masses, the Mother Daughter Event & Senior Fashion Show, awards ceremonies and more!
With vaccinations underway in our nation and world, we have reason to feel more encouraged about the pandemic's ending. There seems to be new light and much cause for optimism! It's wonderful to hear of many neighboring schools and districts reopening their doors for in-person learning after having been shuttered and virtual since last spring. STA will continue our mitigation protocols and will make adjustments to operations, as advised by our MRI Global management partners, the CDC and local health authorities.
At STA, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a central promise. During spring break week, our nation mourned the loss of several victims who were shot in Atlanta, Georgia, most of whom were of Asian descent. According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism (CSUSB), Asian hate crimes have increased nearly 150 percent since 2019. The violence and hatred toward Asian people and all people must end. In our STA community, we are committed to social justice and honoring the dignity of all human beings. We will ensure that our curriculum, conversations, and support for all people is ongoing. The STA Asian Affinity Group, comprised of faculty sponsors and students, is compiling resources to inform our STA community of ways to become informed and involved. We support our Asian community and stand in solidarity with them. We remain committed to our charism -- to love the dear neighbor without distinction regardless of race, age, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religious beliefs or ZIP code.
The exciting thing about Easter is the fulfillment of the resurrection. We know that Jesus is present and with us. Christ is risen and commands us to love. As it is written in John 13: 34-35: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet also exhort us to remember the charism of love. We must emulate Christ and walk in love, each and every day.
Take time to enjoy the new spring season. In the words of the English writer William Hazlitt, “Give me the clear blue sky over my head, and the green turf beneath my feet, a winding road before me…” Here's to the threshold of a new spring, a new beginning for us all!
God Bless,
Dr. Siabhan May-Washington
President
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April 1
Holy Thursday (half day of classes)
April 2
Good Friday (no classes)
April 4
Easter
April 5
Easter Monday (no classes)
April 5-9
Giving the Basics:
Stars for Women's Rights Collection
April 6
National Honor Society
Induction Ceremony
April 7
Women's Symposium &
2020 Alumna of the Year Award
Black Women of Excellence: Empowering Young Women
Star Parents Association
Meeting ID: 882 5229 7265
Passcode: 8cUjnN
April 8
Parents in Prayer
Meeting ID: 891 7906 4394
Passcode: DKmxf8
April 9
Relay for Life
April 11
Mother Daughter Event &
Senior Fashion Show
April 12
Dress Down Day for
Stars for Women's Rights
April 15
Women's Circle of Giving
April 16
Junior Retreat
Prom (seniors only)
Senior Skip Day
April 17
ACT Exams
Junior Ring Ceremony & Dance
Student Appreciation Day
April 20
Senior Cap & Gown Pickup
Star Galaxy Committee (virtual)
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April 21
Professional Development Day (no classes)
April 22
Star Night for Incoming Freshmen & Parents
April 23
Stars Walk of Fame & Color Throw
April 27
STA Awards Ceremony
Senior Capstone Presentations
(1:30 p.m. dismissal for all students)
April 29
Senior College Celebration Day
April 30
All-School Mass
Senior Farewell Advisory Parties
May 3
Teacher Appreciation Day
Final Day of Classes (seniors)
May 4-6
Final Exams (seniors)
May 7
Graduation Rehearsal
May 8
SAT Exams
May 10
STA Golf Classic
May 11-12
Freshman Interim Days
May 12
Star Parents Association
Meeting ID: 832 3709 7752
Passcode: gC1X5C
May 13
Parents in Prayer
May 14
Graduation - Baccalaureate Mass
May 15
Graduation
May 17-19
Final Exams
(freshman, sophomore and junior classes)
May 19-21
KAIROS
May 27
College Application Workday (Class of '22)
June 5
SAT Exams
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National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
April 6, 12:20 p.m.
This year's National Honor Society Induction Ceremony is scheduled during lunch/advisory period, with attendance limited to students. Details and viewing options are available in a separate email.
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Women's Symposium
April 7
This year's symposium, limited to student attendance, is themed "Journeys." Students will hear from women -- including keynote speaker Sister Barbara Moore and a panel of young alumnae -- who have made an indelible impact on the lives of others. Click here for additional details. |
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To accommodate the day's itinerary, students must report to advisory by 8:30 a.m. (attendance is mandatory). The day will conclude at 3:05 p.m. Permission for off-campus periods for 1, 2 and 9 will not apply. This is a formal uniform day.
In addition, STA will present 2020's Distinguished Alumna Award to an STA alumna who has substantially influenced her profession, community or society at large. The Distinguished Alumna Award will be presented publicly at an event scheduled in June.
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Black Women of Excellence Empowering Young Women
April 7
4-6 p.m.
This panel discussion, organized by St. James United Methodist Church and hosted by STA, features STA alumnae who will share stories about achieving excellence in their careers, communities and home lives. The event will be held at the Music & Arts building on the STA campus. In-person attendance is open to students and parents, but space is limited. Masks and social distancing are required. Livestreaming also will be available. Registration is required for both in-person and livestream participation. See separate email for details.
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Relay for Life
April 9
4-6 p.m. (Freshmen & Sophomores)
7:30-9:30 p.m. (Juniors & Seniors)
Cancer has touched everyone in some way. Relay for Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Rather than an overnight event, STA's event will be shorter, but promises a fun, meaningful experience for students to raise money and awareness for the ACS. STA is working diligently toward our goal of $30,000! Click here to donate and find out more. |
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Mother Daughter Event & Senior Fashion Show
April 11
1-2:30 p.m.
All STA students and their mothers or special friends are invited to attend the annual St. Teresa's Academy Mother Daughter event. Join us in the quad for this traditional event with a new twist! Bring your own picnic lunch and blanket. Register online by April 1. $10 per person. |
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Women's Circle of Giving
Grant Application Review
April 15
The Women's Circle of Giving (WCG) is composed of philanthropic women who join together to fund projects not covered by STA's operating budget. Half of funds raised by WCG go to STA students in need, while the remainder is available to faculty and staff members in the form of grants.
By pooling their funds, WCG members maximize their philanthropic efforts. Every member has an equal say in fund awards. Members need not be present to vote at the April 15 meeting. Details to follow. Click here to join the circle! |
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Star Night
Thursday, April 22
6-7:30 p.m.
Incoming freshmen will gather on the STA Track & Field on Star Night to meet future classmates, advisory big sisters and current students. Parents of incoming freshmen are invited to enjoy refreshments in the quad and visit with STAR Parents Association representatives who will share tips to guide them through their daughter's time at STA. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Monday, April 26.
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Stars Walk of Fame & Color Throw
Friday, April 23
This student-led fundraising event supports financial aid programs at STA, including the Emergency Fund, which provides financial assistance to STA families in crisis. This fun and energizing STA tradition includes music, festivities and a one-mile walk. Register by April 8 to include a personalized message to your daughter on the event t-shirt or to be a corporate sponsor of this event. |
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STA Golf Classic
Monday, May 10
Organize a team to play in this year's golf tournament at Leawood Country Club! Men's, women's and mixed divisions available. Register here before April 30. Click here to sponsor by April 27. Multiple levels of sponsorship are available. |
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Grandparents' Day - Virtual Mass
May 2
Students and their grandparents are invited to celebrate Mass on Sunday, May 2 with Father Don Farnan. A link to the the virtual ceremony will be shared with the school community on April 30.
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STA Faculty Member Published in "American Literary Realism"
STA congratulates STA Language Arts teacher Jarrod Roark, Ph.D., for his two book reviews published in the Winter 2021 edition of "American Literary Realism." This journal has featured critical essays on American literature for more than 45 years.
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Campus Ministry wishes our STA community a blessed walk through Holy Week and a joyful celebration of the Easter season to follow!
On April 16 (rain date April 22), juniors will have their outdoor class retreat on campus. Look for a separate email from Campus Ministry with additional details.
On April 30, STA will celebrate an end-of-year All-School Mass to commission STA's newly trained Mass ministers and bless our soon-to-graduate seniors. Mass will be celebrated in the STA chapel and livestreamed to advisories.
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AP Exams
AP exams will take place from May 3-17. Dates and times are located on the school calendar and at this link. These are national dates and times; please make sure your daughter reports on time. Late arrivals will not be permitted to test. Morning exams begin at 7:45 a.m. and afternoon exams begin at 11:45 or noon. Locations will be posted the week prior to exams. Bring #2 pencils, pens, snacks, water and a calculator if required for your exam.
Thoughts on Your Summer Vacation from College Counseling
One of the components of a strong college application is how a student spends their time outside of the classroom. Below are some ideas on how to spend your summer.
· Employment
· Serve your community
· Shadow someone in a career area of interest
· Enter a leadership training program or internship
· Think about your future, research colleges and careers of interest
· Complete your STA summer assignments
· Read for pleasure
· Hobbies – pursue what you’re passionate about and what interests you
Senior Parents
Remember to submit enrollment forms/deposit by May 1, the National Candidate's Reply Date, and submit housing contract/fees to the school of your choice. Pay close attention to your April and May College Planning News for details on final transcripts, sorority recruitment information, and dual enrollment courses with Rockhurst University, Saint Louis University, and University of Missouri-Kansas City. Please remember to turn in copies of all scholarships (not just the ones you plan to accept) to Debi Hudson at dhudson@stteresasacademy.org. This information is extremely valuable for our data collection. You may forward emails from colleges or drop off printed copies.
Junior Parents
Check out your detailed April college planning newsletter. Mark your calendar for the Class of 2022 College Application Kickoff Night, Monday, August 16 at 7 p.m. in the M&A Auditorium. This event is required of all seniors. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend virtually to learn more about deadlines, transcript submissions, testing, and more.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION |
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Support for Our Students and a Healing Community
STA stands with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Senseless violence ended the lives of eight people in the Atlanta area on March 16. While there is no knowledge of this being a targeted attack, it goes without saying that this loss of life comes as we have seen an increase, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, in hate, xenophobia, racism and misogyny targeting Asians and Asian Americans. STA also stands in continuous prayer and support for the lives lost in the deadly attack in Boulder, Colorado.
We all are impacted by the experiences of those close to us and by what we see happening in other communities each and every day. As we try to make sense of these events, know there is support at STA for you. If you or someone you know needs assistance, available resources include Campus Ministry, Counseling Department, Director of Equity and Inclusion, any faculty or staff member, and your STA sisters.
Star Galaxy Committee
Please join the next Star Galaxy Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. The goal of Star Galaxy is to bridge the gap between lunch table and dinner table, to ensure parents are confident engaging in the same conversations that their daughters and teachers are having. Watch your email for virtual meeting details.
DEI Ongoing Professional Development Plan
Teachers, staff and administration are fulfilling their final credit of the school year for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ongoing Professional Development Plan (DEI OPDP). All full-time faculty and staff are required to earn two DEI OPDP credits for the school year. This enables STA leadership to continue the conversation around topics pertaining to DEI and advances STA's mission to love the dear neighbor without distinction. Examples of credit opportunities include participating in the DEI Fall/Spring Book Club, Small Talk Workshops, self-paced learning, and attending a Star Galaxy Committee meeting.
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On March 11, STA sponsored a discussion with Lisa Damour, Ph.D., best-selling author and psychologist, about the important topic of managing stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Additional resources include:
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Volunteers are needed April 12, 20 & 23 for the Stars Walk of Fame Event. Sign up to fill chalk bags, prepare student packets or help with event registration.
Sign up to welcome parents of Class of 2025 to STA Star Night on Thursday, April 22. Volunteers will greet new parents in the STA quad and share tips to guide them through their daughter's time at STA.
Volunteers also are needed at the STA Golf Classic on Monday, April 10. With opportunities ranging from hole-in-one spotters to greeters, registration and tournament chefs, you're sure to have a great day on the course! Sign up to volunteer today!
Join the upcoming Star Parents Association meetings on April 7 and May 12. See details in the STA Calendar section above.
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Summer camps at STA are designed for campers to have fun as well as to learn and develop their skills. Athletics camps are great for girls in grade school through high school to work on team concepts, wellness and physical conditioning. |
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Athletic Camps
Basketball
Cross Country
Dance
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Sports Performance
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STEAM Camps
Art Workshop
Clay
How to be an Environmentalist
The Science of Toys & Games
Mythbusters!
Boats, Planes, Rockets & More!
Coding/Programming
Engineering & Construction
Sport Science
... and more!
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Click here to register and see specific dates, times, locations and recommended ages. |
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March marked the beginning of the spring sports competition for STA athletics. Each team is primed for strong seasons.
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Lacrosse begins their season Wednesday, March 31 at St. Teresa’s. For game results check out the KCMGLA standings.
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Soccer is 3-0-0 in their first games of the season. The Stars advanced in the Mo-Kan Tournament Championship.
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Track & Field is off to a solid start, winning the Al Hobson Invitational. Hosted at STA, the meet honored seniors for their accomplishments and contributions. The Stars have several meets remaining before competing at Districts. Click here for track meet results.
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Dance Auditions for the 2021-22 dance team will occur May 3, 5 and 7. Click here for more information. The Dance Team will have their Spring Show on April 24 at 6 p.m. in Goppert Gymnasium. View the Spring Show livestream here.
Additional Resources:
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Get in the Star spirit! The STA Star Shop has great gear to get you in the mood to cheer on your favorite STA sports team and show your STA pride. All students can wear STA spirit gear on Fridays, so stop by if you need a refresh! |
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Visit the Star Shop in Goppert Center or check out Star merchandise online. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. when school is in session. Email the shop ( starshop@stteresasacademy.org) with any questions. Follow us on Instagram to see the latest in Star gear! |
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Give back to STA through AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile provides a simple and automatic way for you to support STA every time you shop with Amazon, at no cost to you.
Simply use smile.amazon.com the next time you shop and select St. Teresa's Academy as your designated charitable organization (you'll only need to do this once). You'll find the exact same offers, prices and shopping experience, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of your spending to STA every time you shop.
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