October 2021

STA Mission

St. Teresa’s Academy educates young women to think critically, encourages them through Catholic values to love the dear neighbor without distinction, and empowers them to change the world.

In compliance with the KCMO mask mandate, masks are required when indoors at all STA campus spaces until October 7 or until the city mandate is lifted.

STA administration continues to work with local health officials to assess the situation with COVID-19 in the Kansas City community. Our goal is to keep your daughter and her fellow students safe and in an in-person educational environment. Thank you for working with us toward this goal.

Three students from the Class of 2022 have been recognized for their high standards in academics as well as service, leadership and character.

Congratulations to these students and their families on their outstanding accomplishments.

Amelia Arrieta has been recognized by the College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Program as a National Hispanic Scholar. Of the more than 400,000 eligible juniors who took the PSAT last year, Amelia is one of just 5,000 to receive this recognition.

Claire Fanning has been named a Semifinalist in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. Of the more than one million juniors to take the PSAT last year, Claire is among the approximately 16,000 students to achieve Semifinalist status. She will move on to compete for Finalist.

Sophia Rall has been named a Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. Only 34,000 Commended Students are recognized throughout the nation annually for their exceptional academic promise.

Georgia Kerrigan, STA Class of 2022, is serving as STA's peer leader for Sources of Strength (SoS), a youth suicide prevention program that embraces and promotes hope, access to mental health resources and support systems. Georgia was selected by a faculty member during the past school year--SoS's first year in operation at STA. As a peer leader, Georgia helps run the program and related campaigns to spread messages of positivity and hope to her STA sisters.

"I know many students struggle with or have been impacted by mental health or suicide in some way," says Georgia. "Since freshman year, I've experienced the support and interconnectedness of the STA community, and I think it's important that everyone knows they are valued and have a place in this community."

Georgia recently spoke about STA's SoS program at the annual SPEAK UP walk for suicide awareness, which raises funds to help educate local teens and their families about mental health and suicide prevention.

Congratulations to the following STA faculty members have been accepted to participate in the Kansas City Metro Educators' Catalyst Program, which focuses on innovative teaching and learning in secondary education. Participants were selected based on proposals reflecting evidence-based, student-centered queries with measurable objectives.

Each recipient will participate in four professional development days led by expert facilitators from across the region, followed by a presentation of findings. In addition, each recipient will receive a $1500 stipend and a materials budget to support their work.

Renee Blake

Science Department

How do I incorporate standards-based grading (SBG) into my flipped classroom units, especially labs and projects, to develop more meaningful learning targets and intentional assessments that provide measurable evidence of student success?

Kelly Finn

English Department

How can St. Teresa’s Academy expand experiential learning opportunities for our students through enhanced alumni and business/community partnerships as well as improved faculty classes?

Sarah Holmes

Science Department

How can concern for the environment and a student-centered, problem-solving approach be combined to help students develop solutions to promote sustainability on our campus?

Matthew Lewis

Science Department

What provides a greater impact on students: several smaller self-contained projects or a single, semester-spanning project?

Mary Montag

Science Department

How can I shift the learning from teacher and grade centered to more inquiry based, student empowered learning?

Nicole Brewington Smith

Social Studies Department

How can STA best grow internal leadership capacity among faculty through cross-training to provide quality teacher leaders for programs such as Interim Week, Internships/Externships, etc. and retain experienced teachers in the classroom?

Jeff Zimmerman

Technology Department

How do I know making more creative ways to deliver and study content increases student engagement and understanding in IT courses, especially for young women?

Join the STA team!

STA is seeking qualified professionals in several areas including science, robotics and food service. We also have substitute teacher opportunities available!

October Smart Tuition/Blackbaud billings include (if applicable): fees for AP exams, lost digital pens or computer chargers, golf uniforms and tennis travel. Thank you for keeping your account current!

Please contact Cheryl Givens (cgivens@stteresasacademy.org) with any questions.

Sunday, October 10

10 a.m. - Mass (optional)

Chapel of St. Joseph, Windmoor Center

11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Student-led tours leaving every half hour from Windmoor Center

Open to students (and their parents) who are interested in becoming future Stars! Enjoy campus tours led by current STA students; visits with STA teachers, administrators and students; information on athletics, fine arts and communication programs, extracurricular activities, service programs, college counseling and much more.

Contact Kelly McKee (kmckee@stteresasacademy.org), Admissions Director, with any questions.

October brings an end to the first quarter and a midway point of the first semester of the 2021-2022 school year.

Virtual parent/student/teacher conferences will be held by appointment Thursday, October 14, from 1-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. These provide an opportunity for parents, students and teachers to collectively engage in meaningful discussions. Students are encouraged to participate in the virtual conference process, as research indicates this leads to greater academic growth and accountability. As always, our team of counselors is available to support your daughter should a need arise.

Watch for additional details and registration in a separate email.

Enrollment for Interim Week 2022 is just around the corner, and this year a host of unique and thought-provoking experiences have been added, including new corporate and community partnerships, alumnae-supported courses and student-led courses.

These exciting new opportunities include classes that focus on the following guiding questions:

• How has Disney's representation of women shaped our societal perception of femininity?
• How do you solder, repair and build electronics?
• How can we better understand the history of beads as a commodity and practice using glassblowing techniques to create our own beads?
• Can a "Little Free Pantry" successfully provide a neighborhood safety net for those who are food insecure?
• How has the lack of political interaction between Cuba and the United States affected our knowledge of Cuba?
• How can we expand our understanding of native plants and beekeeping and apply this knowledge to our own campus?
• How can students learn and apply rock climbing techniques?

We will also offer three trips:

• Explore and tour Washington, D.C., and New York to study the history of the Holocaust - Parent meeting Tuesday, October 5 at 7 p.m., Fahey Learning Center
• Explore and tour Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - Parent meeting TBD
• Experience the Civil Rights Trail in the South - Parent meeting TBD

All courses are designed to include differentiated learning activities to fully engage students in experiential learning.

In three weeks, students will select one or two classes from the Interim Week 2022 course catalogue. While many classes are free, some do require a fee which will be charged to your Smart Tuition account. Please keep this in mind when helping your daughter select her courses.

If you have any questions, please email Kelly Finn (kfinn@stteresasacademy.org), Experiential Education Coordinator. 

On Monday, November 8, STA will hold Freshman Innovation Day. This half-day of innovation experience will allow your daughter to tap into her own creativity, collaborate with her peers and conduct team building--all while participating in problem-solving experiences.

Research shows unstructured free time activates the brain's innovative area and brings new ideas to the forefront. Students will engage in games and wellness activities, and then move into the focused teamwork phase using the design thinking process illustrated below.

Watch your email for additional details about this exciting opportunity for STA freshmen! Please contact Mandi Sonnenberg (msonnenberg@stteresasacademy.org) with any questions.

Applications will be available November 15, 2021, and must be submitted by December 1, 2021.

NHS Requirements:

• Junior or senior
• 93.0 or higher cumulative GPA as of June and of the current year (this GPA must be maintained for continued membership)
• Essays - Topics on application
• Character - Review of SBR history
• Leadership - Evidence of involvement and leadership in the STA and KC communities
• Service - A minimum of 15 hours of service to the STA community and a minimum of 15 hours of service to the Kansas City community. Service must be completed between March 15, 2021, and the application deadline. Service is an annual requirement for membership and must be performed at a non-profit school, agency or organization. STA hours may be fulfilled by assisting teachers, working on development or recruitment activities, summer athletic camps, etc. Hours must not be affiliated with a class or STA scholarship. Service hours required for graduation may not be applied to the NHS requirement. Students are responsible for finding their own service opportunities.

Please contact Abigail Jelavich (ajelavich@stteresasacademy.org) with questions.

Truman Medical Center (TMC) Behavioral Health, in partnership with ShowMe Hope (SMH) Missouri, is now offering support to anyone affected by COVID-19 in Jackson County. The goal is to provide assistance to Missourians in building hope and resiliency for the future.

Services include:

• Crisis counseling: Manage stress and learn coping skills
• Resources and referrals: Connect with community resources and agencies for additional help
• Pandemic preparedness education: Learn how to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19

Call 816-404-6222 to learn more about these services. For immediate care, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. All calls are free and confidential.

Click on the Show-Me Hope Missouri flyer for additional information.

View the image above to access video resources from TMC's Center for Trauma Informed Innovation.

Recent studies confirm social media can negatively affect teen health and self perceptions.

A recent study from Facebook (owner of Instagram) showed that nearly 1/3 of teenage girls feel badly about their bodies, which is exacerbated when using Instagram. The Wall Street Journal (subscription) reported on the study, stating, "Comparisons on Instagram can change how young women view and describe themselves." Other studies found that teens report feeling more anxiety and depression when using Instagram.

A separate study vetted by the Journal of the American Medical Association noted an association between online activities and youth suicide as well as other risk factors associated with screen time.

Find additional listings noting the connection between adolescent health and technology use here.

Thank you to all families who attended the Junior College Info Night and the College Fair last month. Both events had record attendance. During October, STA will host more than 50 colleges and universities on campus. The visit schedule is updated weekly in Scoir. Juniors and seniors receive a "Visit Reminder" email every Wednesday with details for the following week.

Parents of seniors

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens for senior families on October 1.

Join us for a Virtual College Financial Aid Workshop

• Tuesday, October 25
• 7-8 p.m.
• Join on Microsoft Teams
• Featuring special guest Karen Urbina from Loyola Marymount University

Junior class seminars

College Counseling will hold two fall junior seminars to discuss:

• ACT and SAT registration process and test-optional admissions
• Criteria in the college search process

Standardized tests

Bring No. 2 pencils and a calculator to all on-campus tests. There is no fee for these tests, as they are included in your student's book/technology fee.

PSAT for sophomores and juniors

All sophomores and juniors will test (required) on Wednesday, October 13. The PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition at the junior grade level only. Read more about the PSAT.

Sophomores

• Test on October 13 VIRTUALLY beginning at 8:15 a.m. and completing by 11:30 a.m.
• Sophomores must register in advance for the practice exam by October 6; please remind your daughter to register if she has not already done so (this virtual test is offered through STA's partnership with Revolution Prep)

Juniors

• Test on campus; arrive no later than 8:05 a.m.; testing will begin at 8:15 a.m.
• Late arrivals will NOT be allowed to test
• Dismissal will be approximately 11:30 a.m.
• Students must bring two No. 2 pencils, a calculator, and may dress out of uniform
• Room assignments will be mailed by class and posted on the front doors of all buildings the week of the test
• This is a national test date; there is no alternate test date for juniors
• PSAT information booklets were distributed in English classes at the end of September

Practice ACT for sophomores and juniors

All sophomores and juniors will test (required) on Monday, November 8 on campus. Read more about the ACT.

• Students should arrive on campus no later than 8:05 a.m.; testing will begin at 8:15 a.m.
• Late arrivals will NOT be allowed to test
• Dismissal will be at approximately 12:30 p.m.
• Students must bring two No. 2 pencils, a calculator, and may dress out of uniform
• Room assignments will be emailed by class and posted on the front doors of all buildings the week of the test
• Scores will be available following the test through the Revolution Prep app
• Students have pre-registered for the practice test with Revolution Prep and listed a parent email for score return

Parents, students and their families are invited to celebrate Mass in the Chapel of St. Joseph in Windmoor Center on the following dates. Mass times are from 7:30-8:05 a.m. unless indicated otherwise.* Stay afterward for coffee and bagels!

STA will celebrate the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila and Founders' Day on Tuesday, October 12, with an all-school prayer service. We will honor the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who founded our school, and pray as a community with our patron, St. Teresa of Avila.

Freshman Retreat will be held Friday, October 1, from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Freshman Day of Service is scheduled on Wednesday, October 13, from 8-11:30 a.m. at Shawnee Mission Park. Freshmen students and their parents will receive an email with additional details.

Juniors and seniors will attend STA's annual Service Fair on Wednesday, October 20, during their lunch hour to meet with different service agencies from around the metro. Afterward, they will choose one for their junior/senior service initiative. Juniors will give 10 hours of service outside of school by April 2022, and seniors will do 30 hours of service during Service Week, February 14-18, 2022.

The Hispanic Affinity Group is leading STA in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (see "Campus Life" section below) with activities and other initiatives to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for Hispanic culture.

The Black Student Coalition is preparing for its Inaugural Student Leadership Conference, where the group will welcome students from Kansas City-area private schools to learn about leadership on their campuses.

Star Galaxy Parent Meetings are open to all parents who wish to hear about what is happening with diversity, equity and inclusion at STA and share their own thoughts, experiences, and perspectives about how we all can make a difference. Please plan to attend our upcoming meeting! 

Tuesday, November 9

7-8 p.m.

Zoom (Meeting ID: 958 8391 7282; Passcode: STA1234)

Topic: Who Are the Sisters of St. Joseph?

Please contact Brianna Walker (bwalker@stteresasacademy.org), Director of Equity, Outreach and Inclusive Education, with any questions.

The Star Parents Association welcomes all parents to the following October events.

Parents in Prayer

• Friday, October 1
• 9 a.m.
• Zoom (Meeting ID: 891 4306 4758; Passcode: juZ42Y)
• No registration required

Star Parents Association Meeting

• Thursday, October 7
• 7 p.m.
• Zoom (Meeting ID: 869 8255 0750; Passcode: W3yUpB)
• No registration required

SPA welcomes your involvement throughout the year. Register to volunteer.

Tryouts for the 2021-2022 winter season begin November 1 for Basketball and November 8 for Swim & Dive. Please be sure your student athlete has completed physical exams and submitted the MSHSAA Physical Exam Form using links and instructions found here.

STA's fall sports season is well underway! View athletic calendars, scores and standings, rosters and more.

STA is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), honoring the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have inspired others to achieve success. This observance began in 1968. Read more.

Among the celebration activities are prayer videos in Spanish, trivia games and classroom resources to share student cultural knowledge and experiences.

STA students lead prayers in Spanish as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

STA celebrates Chinese Moon Festival

The week of September 21, all four Chinese classes at STA celebrated the Chinese Moon Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival and Zhōng qiū jié (中秋节) in Chinese. The moon festival occurs every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar (八月十五日), when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year. It fell on September 21 in the year 2021.  

China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia all celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. Chinese people gather with their family for dinner, appreciate the moon outdoors, drink tea and eat moon cake.

Mandarin I students at STA enjoy moon cakes with their instructor, Chiun-Pei Lin, joining the virtual class from her location in China.

STA successfully kicked off this year's clubs and extracurricular activities in September. There are still opportunities for interested students to get involved, including:

• DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
• Women in Project Management, offering insight on PM tips and tools, and providing consultation to students desiring PM guidance on individual projects.
• And much more!

If your daughter is interested in extracurricular activities, please have her contact the facilitator for that group.

STA Student Government Association members held their first event of the year on September 29, bringing together STA big sisters (juniors) with their assigned little sisters (freshmen). Students engaged in a spoon race, three-legged sack race, beach volleyball and a Fall Vibes chalk art competition by advisory. Big Sister/Little Sister program planning began last year and is committed to developing the STA sisterhood per our core value statement, "We cultivate young women who have a sense of self confidence and self acceptance, recognizing that each and every person, including our own selves, is worthy of love and deserves to be loved, accepted and embraced."

The STA Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter invites students, friends and family to Movie Night at STA!

• Friday, October 8
• Gates open at 7:30 p.m., movie begins at 8 p.m.
• STA - Kevin Gray Field
• Tickets are $5 in advance (purchase here), $8 at the gate
• Concessions available at the event

Additionally, raffle tickets will be available at the event to win prizes such as Athleta gift cards, Kendra Scott jewelry, Sheridan's gift cards, AirPods, Sporting KC Gear, pedicures and more!

If you would like to contribute to the cause directly, you can donate to the group's GoFundMe page.

All proceeds support the FBLA student group. FBLA members will purchase items to distribute to the homeless community of Kansas City. Last year, FBLA distributed 200 large bags; the goal this is year is 300 large bags and 500 small bags.

Tickets will be on sale in the Commons September 30 and October 1, or can be purchased online.

Contact FBLA Advisor Alicia Stewart (astewart@stteresasacademy.org) with any questions.

All STA students and parents are invited to celebrate National Mole Day on Friday, October 22. A mole is a unit of measurement to reflect an amount of a chemical substance. The day is meant to bring awareness and create interest in the study of chemistry.

• Friday, October 22
• 6 p.m.
• STA - The Quad
• Snacks, lawn games and demos provided!
• No registration required

Anyone wishing to donate funds toward snack items and beverages may do so here.

• Wednesday, November 3-Saturday, November 6
• 7:30 p.m.
• STA - M&A Auditorium
• Ticket sales begin October 18 and must be purchased in advance - watch for additional information
• Masks are required for all performances

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney film, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 19 to attend this year's auction. Until then, there are a lot of ways you can help make STA's signature fundraiser a success!

Become a Sponsor or Underwriter

Sponsorship and Underwriting are crucial to the success of this important fundraiser. Special benefits, including recognition opportunities and invitations to a VIP cocktail reception, are available.

Donate Auction Items

There are several ways to donate items for auction. Please send your donation by November 1.

• Provide a gift or gift certificate directly to STA. You can deliver to campus, or someone will pick up the item from you. Fill out this form.
• Purchase an item from STA's Amazon Wish List. The gift will be sent directly to STA, with a receipt to you.

Volunteer

Connect with other parents as a volunteer on one of the following committees: Silent Auction, Underwriting and Sponsorship, Live Auction, and Event.

Enter by October 1 at NOON to win Chiefs tickets

Enter to win a 2021 RAV4 LE AWD

Don't miss your chance to drive away in a 2021 RAV4, courtesy of Molle Toyota. This like-new vehicle is pre-owned with approximately 8,000 miles. Black exterior and interior.

Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online or from any STA student before noon on Thursday, November 18.*

The drawing will be held LIVE at the auction. You do not need to be present to win.

*Winner must be a U.S. citizen and 18 years of age or older. Winner is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes. Certain terms and conditions apply. You need not be present to win.

Raffle ticket purchases are not tax deductible.

Alumnae & Friends Gift-Gathering Party October 6

Mark your calendars for this year's Alumnae & Friends Gift-Gathering Party! Mingle, enjoy great food and beverages, and support the STA Strong auction!

Wednesday, October 6

Stop by anytime between 6-8 p.m.

At the home of

Kathleen (Aylward, '80) and Kurt Wiedeman

1206 W 58th St.

KCMO 64113

Tickets are $25 per person or purchase a sponsorship ticket for $150 (includes recognition in the auction program and supports students and programs)

Auction gift-gathering parties a success

Many thanks to the following party hosts for opening their homes to support STA, and to the co-hosts helping to make it all happen

THANK YOU!

Freshman Parents

Hosts: Kelly & Dan Reichman

Co-hosts:

Amy (Kopp, '91) & Eric Baker

Collette & Daniel Bednarczyk

Jen Greenstreet & Bill Hans

Victoria & Andy Lewellen

Sophomore Parents

Hosts: Kim Klein & Jeffrey Goldstein

Co-hosts:

Andrea Ways Newman ('90) & Chris Newman

Kathleen & Jamie Randall

Kristen (Spiegelhalter, '94) & Bob Tinsman

Junior Parents

Hosts: Grace & Steve DiFranco

Co-hosts:

Jen (Carter, '92) & Tim Fortin

Bebee & Matt Schloegel

Susan & Tracey Shank

Senior Parents

Hosts: Meredith &Michael Mason

Co-hosts:

Emily & Matt Eckles

Beth & Jason Wade

Plan to attend this year's Women & Wealth seminar, featuring six experts from across the nation on topics including investing, estate planning and more!

• Wednesday, November 3
• 6-8 p.m.
• Windmoor Center

Watch for additional information about this free event! You may contact Paula Holmquist (pholmquist@stteresasacademy.org), Alumnae Director, with any questions.

Support STA -- at no cost to you -- every time you shop using AmazonSmile.

Simply use smile.amazon.com the next time you shop. Sign in with your regular account information 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!

Time to get ready for cooler weather! Visit the STA Star Shop online or next time you're on campus to check out the latest gear! The Star Shop is also your go-to-source for uniform items throughout the year. We receive new merchandise on a regular basis!

Want to get involved on campus? Opportunities are available to staff the shop after school Mondays-Thursdays, during home games and at other times throughout the school year. Contact Kristen Walker (kwalker@stteresasacademy.org) to volunteer.

Follow us on Instagram to see the latest Star gear!

View the images below to see what's cooking at STA in October (also available on the STA app), as well as Harvest of the Month nutritional information from Taher Food Service.