To view the entire Parent News, please click "[Message clipped] View entire message." at the end of this email.
Student Health Online Check-In Form
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.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Parents,

During any typical September at St. Teresa’s Academy, there is always a flurry of activity happening. This year, a great deal is still very much underway, but on top of our customary campus events, we are cognizant of challenges associated with the pandemic, concerns of a burgeoning economic crises, and urgencies associated with systemic racism. In addition, there are environmental and political realities on the forefront of all of our minds. Yet, despite all of these unprecedented issues, we are ready and feel privileged to face these hurdles with your daughter! When I spoke to students during orientation week, I encouraged them to love, to be loyal, and to be in it for the long haul!

Love is at the core of our St. Teresa’s Academy community. Each and every STA student must have love for herself and have a sense of optimism about her goals. A healthy self-esteem is essential, and every student at our school is valued and special. Accordingly, our patron namesake St. Teresa of Avila taught us that all students must have love for each other: “In this house all must be friends, all must be loved, all must be held dear, and all must be helped.”

Loyalty to our school is an important aspect that should not be overlooked. We have to work together to take care of our school community and each other. Students can show loyalty to STA by wearing their uniforms with pride, abiding by mask wearing guidelines, complying with social distancing protocols, and engaging in hand washing practices whether on or off campus. 

The most important job students have this year is to commit to growth and progress. We want students to give their very best efforts in learning and studying each and every day. We will be encouraging your daughters to be curious, reflective, and hardworking thinkers. This is a moment that provides us with an opportunity to truly advance our mission. We are grateful and blessed to have your daughters in our community.

God Bless, 
Dr. Siabhan May-Washington
President
UPCOMING EVENTS:

September 2, 2020
No Classes
Welcome Zoom Meeting for New Moms

September 3, 2020
Welcome Zoom Meeting for New Moms

September 7, 2020
Labor Day - No School

September 9, 2020
Virtual College Night
Star Parents Association Zoom Meeting
September 10, 2020
Welcome Zoom Meeting for New Dads
Parents in Prayer
Virtual Back-to-School Night

September 16, 2020
Welcome Zoom Meeting for New Dads

September 21, 2020
No Classes
Please check the online calendar for other important dates this month.
Visitor Procedures
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: 
  1. In the last 48 hours have you had a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher? 
  2. In the last 48 hours, have you had a cough, shortness of breath that is not relieved by allergy medication?
  3. In the last 48 hours, have you had chills, body aches, sore throat loss of taste/smell?
STA COVID-19 Protocols
If your student tests positive for COVID-19, please follow the following steps:
  1. Contact Nurse Angela Sweeny: asweeny@stteresasacademy.org 
  2. Nurse Sweeny will contact the health department, and the health department may follow up to ask additional information. 
  3. The Kansas City Health Department will conduct a contact tracing interview on confirmed positive cases.  
  4. The parent and student involved in contact tracing will receive an email letter indicating date of return.
  5. Note: Out of an abundance of caution, we follow guidance from MRIGlobal and the CDC guidelines for contact tracing whether students are masked or unmasked.

The STA administration will direct any communications regarding a change in a student's learning plan (in-person, hybrid, or virtual) to the students' instructors.
Business Office
A few items regarding your Smart Tuition account:
  • Fall sports fees were billed to your Smart Tuition account and are due September 10.
  • You can download the Smart Tuition for Parents app on your phone and use it to view your account and make payments. You need to know your Smart Tuition username and password. On the app, you can:
  • View the details of your billings
  • Make a payment 
  • Update your personal information

It is important to keep your tuition account current. 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.
  • Account must be current in order for student to return 2nd semester.

Please send your tuition payments directly to Smart Tuition. You can pay via the app, pay online at  https://parent.smarttuition.com/, or by calling 888-868-8828.

For questions, please contact Kathy Rohr, Director of Finance.
Upcoming Events
Welcome Zoom Meeting for New Moms (Two Dates Offered)
September 2, 7:30 a.m., OR
September 3, Noon
The Star Parent's Association invites all moms of incoming freshmen and transfer students to enjoy great conversation on the Moms' Welcome Zoom Meeting. STA President, Dr. May-Washington, SPA President, Angie H. Smith, and Parent and Community Outreach Director, Barbara Cusick, will share information about some of the things important to parents and daughters as you begin the new school year. 

Star Parents Association Zoom Meeting
Wednesday, September. 9, 7:00 p.m.  
All are invited to attend. Please click here for the Zoom link. 
  • Meeting ID: 826 6399 1141
  • Passcode: NiKi3q
  • Special Guest: Brianna Walker, STA Director of Equity and Inclusive Education and Admissions Assistant
Virtual College Night 
Wednesday, September 9, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Click here to register.
Parents in Prayer
Thursday, September 10, Noon
Join the Parent Liturgy Committee in this first monthly Zoom gatherings to share in a time for prayer and reflection.
Please click here for the Zoom link
  • Meeting ID:   829 8590 5503
  • Passcode:  0mii9p  
Virtual Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 10,  6:00-8:15 p.m. 
Faculty and the administration are reimagining this experience. Watch your email inbox for complete information coming soon. 
Welcome Zoom Meeting for New Dads (Two Dates Offered)
September 10, 7:30 a.m., OR
September 16, 7:30 a.m.
The St. Joseph Society, STA's Fathers' Club, invites all dads of incoming freshmen and transfer students to enjoy great conversation on the Dads' Welcome Zoom Meeting. STA President, Dr. May-Washington, St. Joseph Society Chair, Matt Scanlon, and Parent and Community Outreach Director, Barbara Cusick, will share information about some of the things important to parents and daughters as you begin the new school year. 

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 reimagined -- 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.

Traditionally, gift gathering for the STA Auction means entertaining parties with parents, alumnae, and friends. Unfortunately, this year, parties have become a distant memory. BUT, gift gathering is still vital to the success of the STA Strong Virtual Auction.

Your donated auction item ($50 minimum) is valued and appreciated. Gifted items may include:
  • Gift Cards
  • Tickets to the Theater or Concerts
  • Services
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Artistic Creations
  • Or any Item from the Amazon Wish List

To donate, sponsor, or underwrite this year's Auction, please click the appropriate button below. Thank you for helping keep STA Strong!
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. 
Academics
AP Exams – May 2021 Registration & Payment
Students will register for their exam(s) online in their AP course, and, based on student registration, families will be billed $95 per exam through Smart Tuition. 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. For exam dates, please click here to view the STA website
STA Sophomore Recognized for Inspiring Others
Riyan Jones, class of 2023, was featured on the KSHB-TV website for her involvement in politics and commitment to social justice and equality. The story reports, "She is tired of so much division and believes her political involvement will eventually lead to harmony." Way to go, Riyan!

Click here to view her story.
Fine Arts
Congratulations to the STA Theatre students who earned honors for the 2019-2020 school year. 
Honor Thespian - Gold Bar Earned (600+ Hours of Service)
Liv Collet
Darcie Higula
Isabel Mayer
Ailis Reavey
CeCe Wacht
Fourth Honors - Gold Star Earned (500+ Hours of Service)
Maggie Dodderidge
Mary Grace Greene
Isabel Mayer
Grace Patenaude
Ailis Reavey
Elie Roddy
Victoria Scheuer
Aria Utt
 Third Honors - Silver Star Earned (400+ Hours of Service)
Lauren Biritz
Maggie Dodderidge
Ally Fox
Lauren Hawley
Elizabeth Hayes
Ava Larson
Isabel Mayer
Grace Patenaude
Ailis Reavey
Elie Roddy
Anna Ronan
Victoria Scheuer
Avery Schmitz
Molly Symmonds
Aria Utt
 Second Honors - Bronze Star Earned (300+ Hours of Service)
Marisa Araujo
Lauren Biritz
Emily Cory
Ally Fox
Eileen Harrington
Elizabeth Hayes
Genesis Jeffries
Ava Larson
Elizabeth Parra
Avery Schmitz
Molly Symmonds
 First Honors - Lettered in Theatre (200+ Hours of Service)
Marisa Araujo
Bella Avery
Giovanna Caime
Emily Cory
Audrey Flavin
Ally Fox
Lilly Frisch
Eileen Harrington
Genesis Jeffries
Sam Lif
Emily McMurray
Maddie Mudd
Briana Schulte
Madison Smith
Keeley Spencer
Sofia Stockwood
Molly Symmonds
Shooting Stars Thespians (100+ Hours of Service)
Marisa Araujo
Grace Ashley
Bella Avery
Lily Brown
Aisling Catley-Goggin
Sophie Emerson
Audrey Flavin
Josie Fox
Eileen Harrington
Emma Hirte
Anna Hirte
Manon Jarque
Genesis Jeffries
Sam Lif
Grace Mackiewicz
Natalie Mitchell
Jannely Montagner
Maddie Mudd
Savannah Nixon
Reagan Penn
Adele Quick
Briana Schulte
Keeley Spencer
Sofia Stockwood
Lucy Sturr
Counseling
Sources of Strength Partnership
St. Teresa's Academy is excited to be partnering with SPEAK UP to bring STA a new program!!

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 to create a positive, caring, and strong school climate. The program will be introduced to students during the beginning of this month and will include a nomination process from faculty and staff who will be leading the program. Selected STA faculty and staff will participate virtually in training on September 10 and 11 during the school day. 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.  
Walk Update!
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Break the Silence Walk will no longer be held at Garmin this year. Instead, you are invited to participate in "SPEAK UP Walk-At-Home" from September 1-30.

Here is how it works:
  1. Sign up as a virtual walker for $15. You also have the option to add a mailed t-shirt for another $15.
During the month of September, take a video or pictures of you walking with your family and/or friends! Use the hashtag #SPEAKUPWALK2020.

Please click here to register.
Parent and Student Resources
Everyone can use a little help sometimes. Below, please find links to information sheets created by a third party that may provide some guidance. The information includes both English and Spanish translations.

College Counseling
College Info Night for Junior Families (Students and Parents) 
College Info Night, previously scheduled for September 8, has moved to a virtual recorded format. Junior families will be sent an email with links to various presentations for this event that have been prerecorded by various admission deans/directors specifically for STA, Rockhurst High School, and Sion.

Sessions offered: 
  • Parent-to-Parent Advice from a Dean of Admission
  • Planning for Campus Visits and Admission Timeline
  • ACT/SAT and Test-Optional Admissions
  • Financing a College Education: Need and Merit-Based Aid
  • Essays and Resumes
  • Highly Selective Admissions
  • College Honors Programs
  • Gap Year Programs
  • Applying to Visual and Performing Arts Programs
  • College Athletics: How to Get Noticed

Virtual College Night 
Wednesday, September 9, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Open to all families of Kansas City's private high schools. Over 120 colleges will be represented in a virtual college fair booth format. Students and parents must register prior to the event! Click here to register.

6:00-6:30 p.m.: Intro Session: Insider’s Tips to Searching and Applying to College in the Midst of a Pandemic.
6:30-8:30 p.m.: Live Virtual College Fair
All grade levels are welcome!
  
Standardized Tests
PSAT Test
Wednesday, October 14, 8:30 a.m.-noon for sophomores and juniors
Sophomores will take a VIRTUAL PSAT through Revolution Prep. There is no cost for this test. Details TBA.
Juniors will take the PSAT on paper on STA’s campus. There is no registration and cost is included in STA's Technology Fee.
Practice ACT
Monday, November 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for sophomores and juniors. 
This will be a virtual practice ACT with Revolution Prep. There is no cost for this test and there is no makeup or an alternate date. Details TBA.
Digital Citizenship
On August 17, a mandatory Digital Citizenship virtual meeting was held with parents of new students to STA.

This important, annual technology session is designed to assist parents and guardians with the conversations they may have with their daughter when using digital devices. Topics included:

  • 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.

All families are invited to brush up on their citizenship skills as technology and online platforms are used more than ever before. Click here to view a recording of this year's meeting.
Athletics
athleticlogo
Athletic News
Click below to discover more about the fall sports season, including updates on Cross CountryGolfSoftballTennis, and Volleyball.
Star Shop
New items are available in the Star Shop!

Sweatshirts, shorts, leggings, t-shirts, socks, and much more! Come by and get what you need for spirit wear days. In addition, snacks are available for students to purchase throughout the day.

The Star Shop will be open when school is in session, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Click here to shop online.

Any questions, please contact Kristen Walker at kwalker@stteresasacademy.org or at 816-501-0011 ext 117.
Dell Computer Offer
For a limited time: Dell's Member Purchase Program is announcing a new discount percentage on Dell and Alienware electronics & accessories. This program has been extended to the entire STA community, including teachers, staff, students, and their families.

Members can now save 10% on top tech accessories, including monitors. You may take advantage of this offer to complete your tech set up*. 

In addition, Labor Day Early Access has launched. Shop early as doorbusters are limited in quantity.

Shop online at: www.dell.com/mpp/STA

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sam Riebau:

Giving Back
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!