November 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.

Plan to attend this year's Women & Wealth seminar, featuring six experts on topics such as investing, estate planning and more!

Wednesday, November 3

5:30 p.m. - Happy Hour

6-7:30 p.m. - Program

Windmoor Center

RSVP today

Please contact Paula Holmquist (pholmquist@stteresasacademy.org), Alumnae Director, with any questions.

• Wednesday, Nov. 3-Saturday, Nov. 6
• 7:30 p.m.
• STA - M&A Auditorium
• Tickets must be purchased in advance
• 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 share.

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 is committed to the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Part of this is ensuring inclement weather communications and school closures are shared in a timely fashion. We recognize many in our community travel great distances to campus, so we will make our determinations as expeditiously as possible. Occasionally, we may consider Schedule 3/Late Start, with students checking in by 9:30 a.m. 

STA acknowledges some parents may elect to keep their children off the roads if driving conditions or distances are a concern. In such instances, the student’s absence will be excused.

STA will hold school in person whenever feasible; however, if conditions are hazardous, we will close campus. In the event of closure, students will follow Schedule 5/Virtual Learning Day. Students are expected to complete coursework and log into their curriculum platform every school day when virtual learning is in session, and be present for every class listed on the schedule. See additional information on the Student & Parent Virtual Learning Procedures for additional detail.

We will communicate our decision about school closures through our website, SchoolMessenger, STA's Facebook page, Instagram (sta_stars), and Twitter.

Tracie (Davidson, '00) Baker, recipient of STA's 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award

In October, STA presented Tracie (Davidson, '00) Baker with the 2021 Distinguished Alumna Award. The award honors Tracie's work as a community advocate and changemaker.

Tracie and her husband Kevin started the Logan Baker Foundation in 2013 to honor their son who was diagnosed with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMS) as an infant. Logan passed away in February 2013 at the age of 17 months.

Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $200,000 to provide adaptive equipment, therapy training and inclusive playgrounds.

Congratulations to Tracie on her tremendous work and accomplishments.

In October, three students were selected through a rigorous audition process to perform in the KC Metro All-District Choir. Lily Brown ('22), Millie Lee ('24) and Isabel Schlader ('22) performed at William Jewell College on October 26 in the SSAA (Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I and Alto II) honor choir.

Congratulations to these students on their impressive talents and accomplishments.

Lily Brown, STA senior

Millie Lee, STA sophomore

Isabel Schlader, STA senior

REV Robotics, a designer and manufacturer of robotics parts and components used by students for learning about STEAM, recognized STA's work in robotics with a financial award that will support purchase of robotics equipment and materials. STA was one of 50 teams selected out of a pool of more than 700 applicants nationwide for its work in student robotics.

"Wheel Throwing," photographed by STA senior Amelia Arrieta, is a finalist for the NSPA's Photo of the Year.

STA journalism class interviews "mystery guest"

STA journalism teacher Dianne Hirner decided to put students' interviewing skills to the test in October by introducing a "mystery guest" to the class.

At Hirner's invitation, Rita (Hall, '55) Cloud joined the class as an unidentified interviewee. Cloud is STA's first Black alumna. Students used their interviewing and investigative skills to identify Cloud's relationship to the Academy and ultimately learn of her special place in STA history.

Cloud's campus visit and role as STA's first Black alumna will be covered in November's issue of The Dart, STA's student newspaper.

Rita (Hall, '55) Cloud (red jacket) meets with STA's journalism class. Also pictured is STA journalism teacher Dianne Hirner (yellow jacket).

STA alumnae reunite!

Alumnae from near and far gathered on campus Saturday, Oct. 9, for the STA alumnae reunion to reminisce and celebrate their days as Stars.

Alumnae from the Class of 1955 (l. to r.): Anita (DeFeo) Schneider, Rita (Hall) Cloud and Rita (Coolick) Zahner

Alumnae from the Class of 1960 (l. to r.): Pinky (Loftus) McAnany, Peggy (Klein) Todt and Lindsay (Hughes) Major

Rita (Hall, '55) Cloud (l.) and Sister Barbara Moore, CSJ

The Class of 1971 gather for their 50th-reunion photo on the front steps of the M&A Building.

Alumnae from across the country unite for STA's Black Alumnae Reunion, honoring special guest Rita (Hall, '55) Cloud (center), STA's first Black alumna.

Mole Day fosters interest in chemistry

On October 22, STA students and faculty displayed their enthusiasm for chemistry at STA's Mole Day event. A mole is a basic unit of measurement in chemistry.

Mole Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated among chemists, chemistry students and faculty, and chemistry enthusiasts. The holiday was created as a way to foster interest in the discipline. Schools throughout the U.S. and around the world celebrate Mole Day with various activities related to chemistry and/or moles.

Left: Student Gabi Vovk feels the full force of atmospheric pressure in a demonstration performed by chemistry teacher Vickie Albritton on Mole Day. 

STA students celebrate Day of the Dead

Every year on November 1 & 2, families in Mexico celebrate The Day of the Dead (el Día de Los Muertos). This holiday, which honors the lives of deceased loved ones, is becoming more widespread throughout Latin America and the U.S.

STA Spanish teachers and students set up altars with decorations and offerings, or "ofrendas," such as incense, candles, skulls and drawings in bright colors to highlight the celebratory mood of the holiday.

The tables also features photos of the deceased along with food, drinks and objects that represent cherished items of the deceased in their memory. All students are invited to bring offerings and photos of loved ones for the displays.

STA student, faculty and staff contributions to a Day of the Dead altar in the M&A entry, celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones.

Art on campus

First Latina astronaut encourages students to "Reach for the stars!"

Students at STA got a surprise last month when Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut, sent an autographed photo encouraging them to "Reach for the stars!"

As part of Spanish Heritage Month, Maria Laura Lopez Gonzales, STA Spanish teacher, contacted Ochoa to engage her in the Academy's celebration activities.

Ochoa, a veteran astronaut, was the 11th director of the Johnson Space Center (JSC). She was JSC's first Hispanic director, and its second female director. She became the first Hispanic woman to go to space when she served on the nine-day mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1993. She has flown in space four times, logging nearly 1,000 hours in orbit.

STA students received an official NASA picture from Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut. Ochoa's personalized message encouraged students to "Reach for the stars!"

Join the STA team!

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

November Smart Tuition/Blackbaud billings include (if applicable): fees for choir dresses, sports travel and apparel and lost Dell pen fees. Please login to your Smart Tuition/Blackbaud account or call 1-888-868-8828 to view your invoice.

Please ensure tuition is current in order for your daughter to begin the second semester.

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

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.

Monday, Nov 8, 2021

8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

Check-in at Goppert Building 

Casual, out-of-uniform attire

Serving the dear neighbor is who we are at STA; therefore, students will lend a helping hand on this day through service opportunities.

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

The Fall 2021 Exam Schedule is now available. Fall exams are scheduled for December 13-15. Please mark your calendars with the exam dates corresponding with your daughter's classes.

Applications available November 15, 2021, submission deadline December 1, 2021.

NHS Requirements:

Junior or senior with a minimum of 93.0 or higher cumulative GPA as of June 2021 (and prior to induction in Spring 2022). Must have completed a minimum of 15 service hours to STA, a minimum of 15 community service hours to a non-profit organization, and display strong leadership and character. Service hours must be from March 15, 2021, through the application deadline.

Access the NHS application here.

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

In November, the STA community will compete in CANstruction, a food drive supporting Harvesters Food Network, which feeds those in need. The 38 advisory groups will divide into two groups of 19 advisories, with the goal of collecting cans of food to create structures that will be judged at the end of the competition.

Cans will be collected through November 19, with "build day" on November 22 and judging on November 23. Winners will receive a dress-down day after Thanksgiving, and all participants will be contributing to a cause that affects one in eight individuals in the Kansas City area.

Interim Week 2022 is scheduled for January 5-7. This year we have added a host of unique and thought-provoking experiences, 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 also have students traveling on three trips:

• Explore and tour Washington, D.C., and New York to study the history of the Holocaust
• Explore and tour Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
• Experience the Civil Rights Trail in the South

All courses are designed to include differentiated learning activities to fully engage students in experiential learning. Students will participate in an Interim kick-off celebration day on Monday, December 6, which will run on a special schedule to allow students to visit with their Interim instructors and learn more about their class(es).

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

Graphic design by Grace Uecker (‘22)

STA and seven local organizations* have partnered to offer students externship opportunities to experience a real-world business environment. To date, 57 students are approved and assigned to externships, which take place between spring and fall semesters.

The program includes a full day at the partner's site, exposing them to all facets of the business through an experiential shadow day, followed by a professional contact project and service activity in the February-April timeframe.

*STA thanks our participating partners: Burns & McDonnell, JE Dunn, Gould Evans, KCUR, UMKC Innovation Center, United WE (Women's Empowerment) and VMLY&R.

In the 2021-2022 academic year, student participation in STA's STEM/STEAM Certificate program jumped by 76% fueled by interest in the "A" (CreAtivity) as well as increased outreach from faculty to students.

The certificate program is offered to students, beginning in their sophomore year, who go above and beyond standard requirements with extensive STEM/STEAM-focused coursework, service, and professional mentoring and internships.

Teresa Broadcasting Company (TBC), which launched at the beginning of this semester, delivers student-produced, live announcements to the STA student body every morning. This semester-long course provides an overview of the broadcast industry while giving students an opportunity to broad schools news and entertainment, and sharpen reporting, editing and anchoring skills.

To date, TBC has broadcasted live 98% of school days, with the other 2% being pre-recorded. View TBC's YouTube channel.

Please contact Dr. Mandi Sonnenberg (msonnenberg@stteresasacademy.org) with questions or if you're interested in supporting this new broadcast journalism program.

Check your email for the monthly senior family college planning news, which contains valuable information on deadlines, college visits, scholarships, financial aid and more. It also includes features on types of financial aid and comparing awards. Many application deadlines are fast approaching. Please check with your daughter o her progress.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for federal financial aid.

To date, over 80% of the class has requested transcripts to colleges and universities. December 1 and January 1 deadlines are fast approaching!

The College Counseling department will be holding junior seminars in November. In early November, we will cover the ACT & SAT registration process, dates, timelines, frequency, locations, the rise in test-optional admissions and much more. The ACT & SAT registration process is the family's responsibility. STA does not register students for these standardized tests. STA is a test site for the April and June ACT, but students must register online, and they are not guaranteed placement at STA. See your Fall College Planning News for details. We strongly encourage juniors to begin testing in February or April.

In mid-November, we will cover criteria in the college search process, creating the college list and more. We will follow up with parents after seminars with an overview and documentation on items covered. Also, monthly college planning emails to junior families will begin in January.

The Practice ACT is scheduled for Monday, November 8, at 8:15 a.m. Students should arrive by 8:05. Bring No. 2 pencils, a calculator and snack. Room assignments will be emailed to students and posted on doors.

If a family member or friend is interested in finding out more about STA, please encourage them to join our mailing list and explore the Admissions area of the website, including:

• HSPT-Flexible Admissions
• Shadow Days
• Admissions Informational Evenings (only three remaining evenings--all in November)
• Merit Scholarship Exam (register by December 1)
• How to Apply (priority deadline December 1)

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

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.

Amelia Arrieta ('22), is gaining the attention of college athletic recruiters from Division I programs across the country.

Arrieta, who began running cross country only this year, recorded the fastest 5K time in the state of Missouri since 2015--in only her fourth race.

Arrieta currently holds the record for Missouri girls in the two-mile race with a time of 11:31.6 and the 5K run with 17:24.80 (at the time, the 32nd-best in the country). Read more

STA congratulates all of our fall athletes for their competitive spirit and successes on the fields, courses, courts and in the classrooms.

STA senior Amelia Arrieta, center, is enjoying a stellar year in her first cross-country season.

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.

On October 21, STA hosted Dr. Lisa Damour in a virtual telehealth event. Dr. Damour addressed student questions and provided guidance on managing stress and anxiety.

Additional resources from Dr. Damour can be found on her Managing Stress & Anxiety Resources webpage as well as in numerous articles published in the New York Times (subscription), including:

• How to Help a Teen Out of a Homework Hole
• How Teens Use Downtime to Connect, Distract or Reflect
• How to Do School When Motivation Has Gone Missing
• Dear Teenagers, Here's How to Protect Your Emotional Well-Being

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

Star Parents Association Meeting

• Thursday, November 4
• 6:30 p.m.
• Windmoor Center
• All are encouraged to attend

Parents in Prayer

• Friday, November 5
• 9 a.m.
• Zoom (Meeting ID: 891 4306 4758; Passcode: juZ42Y)
• Registration not required

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

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

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

Donate with a click

Purchase an auction items from STA's Amazon Wish List. The gift will be sent directly to STA with a receipt to you.

Donate directly

Provide a gift or gift certificate directly to STA. You can deliver to campus, or someone will pick up the item from 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 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.

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

Alumnae & Friends

Hosts: Kathleen (Aylward, '80) and Kurt Wiedeman

STA thanks the more than 60 individuals who co-hosted/sponsored this event.

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!

Watch for more details soon! In the meantime, stay warm with an STA fleece or sweatshirt! 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!

Opportunities are available for parents 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!

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