Knightly News
January 11, 2012


College Financial Aid Information
We want to inform parents of seniors that the 2012-2013 FAFSA on the Web Worksheets Form is now available in the college and career center. This form is also on the FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov). In the search box, type “FAFSA worksheet.” The FAFSA on the Web Worksheets are used to help with the online submission of the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Families must complete the FAFSA when applying for federal student aid. There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study, and loans.

The College Financial Aid Night for parents of seniors is tonight, Wednesday, January 11, at 7 p.m. in the Hamburge Theater. Jennifer McCormack from St. Catherine University’s Financial Aid Office will be presenting.

Parent Association Board Positions for 2012-2013
The BSM Parent Association is accepting nominations for members of its 2012-2013 board. Positions to be filled include ways and means, secretary, assistant treasurer, hospitality, junior high activities, community wellness, Prayer Line, social programs, student/faculty recognition. In addition to these board positions, we will fill other leadership roles for some of our events such as Knightsbridge, and more. View full job descriptions for the various positions.

Service in the BSMPA is a great way to get involved at the school and meet a lot of terrific people. While we know that it’s hard to begin thinking about next year already, it’s important for us to plan ahead.

For questions, please contact Kathy Dillon at 612-270-6035. If you know someone you would like to nominate or would like to nominate yourself, please complete the online nomination form. If you prefer, you can mail a printed nomination form to BSM or send it electronically to kathycdillon@aol.com no later than January 15, 2012. You will receive a response by March 15, 2012.

Dad's Night Out
It's the guys' turn to have a BSM get-together. All senior high dads are invited to a casual night of sports watching, talk and pool, Monday, January 16, at the home of Archie Black. Please bring something to eat or drink. There is no need to RSVP, just show up at 7:30 p.m. The Blacks' address is 924 Adeline Lane N., Golden Valley, 55422.

The Junior High Dad's Night Out will be Wednesday, February 8, at Bunny’s in St. Louis Park.

New Student Application Deadline
The application deadline for incoming seventh and ninth grade students for the 2012-2013 school year is Tuesday, January 17. If you know of any families that our Admissions Office should follow up with within the next few days, please contact Kate at 952-915-4344 or kleahy@BSMschool.org.

Adoration During Finals
     “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Matthew 26:40)

Parents support BSM students during finals by spending some quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the BSM Chapel. On Thursday, January 19, and Friday, January 20, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed from 7:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. All are welcome to come and pray throughout each day.

If you are willing to commit to a specific 30-minute period, shifts (of two people each) begin at 7:45 a.m. and run through 12:45 p.m. both days. Please contact Anne Zierden at azwwjd@comcast.net  to sign up for the time you are available.

Please consider spending some quiet time praying for your student(s), our school community, teachers and staff.

Holiday Ball
The annual winter, girl-ask-boy dance for sophomores, juniors and seniors is scheduled for Saturday, January 21. The dinner-dance is from 7-11:30 p.m. and will be held at the Sheraton Minneapolis West on Ridgedale Drive. Students are asked to check in between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Dinner will be served beginning at 7:15. Tickets are $40 for a single and $80 for a couple and are available in the Spirit Shop window during lunches. All tickets must be purchased by Friday, January 13.

Last year, as a school, BSM began working toward simplicity in activities. We want to provide students with nice but not extravagant opportunities. In keeping with that here are a few tips on what isn’t required at this winter dance:
• Impressive transportation. Please help your child make modest choices about getting to and from the dance. Party buses and limos are not necessary.
• Elaborate after-parties. The dance is a good party on its own—it is unnecessary to feel obligated to let your child attend an after-party. Do not let your child lead you to believe that everyone attends an after-party.
• Designer outfits. While it is fun to buy the newest and latest fashion, it is unnecessary to do so for the dance. Get creative: students can borrow dresses from friends, siblings, or cousins or take advantage of all of the wonderful post-Christmas sales. While spending a lot of money on a beautiful (but uncomfortable) pair of shoes may seem like a good idea, remember that some type of footwear is required throughout the dance.  Our approach for the last few years has been “A Pair to Wear, A Pair to Share.”  Bring a pair of socks to dance in and a pair to donate to PRISM.

Senior Parent Meeting--Canceled
Attention senior parents...The January 25, 7 p.m. meeting has been canceled. Watch your mailbox for a letter specifically related to the senior party in the next few weeks. In the meanwhile, if you’d like additional information or would like to volunteer for the senior party, please contact Liz Hickok (chhickok@aol.com) or Sarah Dritz (sdritz@mchsi.com). 

Graduation Cap & Gown
Seniors will be receiving an information packet to order their graduation cap, gown and additional graduation items on Friday, January 27. The deadline to place the order is Tuesday, February 7. The cap and gown is ordered with this packet. If you do not order any additional items, the order must be placed for the cap and gown.  Remember, each graduate receives their cap, gown and 10 graduation announcements at no charge.

Tuition Assistance Applications for Current Families
Tuition assistance applications are due January 31. Families can apply online at www.TADS.com. All current families receiving assistance must reapply each year. Decisions letters will be sent the first week of March. If you need a paper application, please contact Shané Sisco at 952-927-4176, ext. 2482, or ssisco@BSMschool.org.

Father Daughter Dinner Dance
All senior high girls and their fathers are invited to walk the red carpet at the Hollywood Knights Father Daughter Dinner Dance on Friday, March 2, at the Mall of America Hilton, 3800 American Blvd., from 6:30-11:30 p.m. This incredibly popular event at BSM is a semi-formal evening of fun including dinner, dancing, contests, and DJ for $45 per person. Details including how to make reservations will be coming soon.

Host Home Needed for Jack Lee
Senior Jack Lee, a current BSM international student from South Korea, is in need of a host home for the remainder of the school year. Jack enjoys computers, playing musical instruments and sporting events. He will attend church with his host family and can live in a home with pets. The host families receive a monthly stipend and are not responsible for insurance or spending money. If you would like more information, please contact Faith Richardson (Nacel Open Door Coordinator) at richardson_faith56@yahoo.com or 952-406-8676.

Spirit Shop Update
Happy 2012 from the Spirit Shop! Didn't get that travel mug, wall clock or 4-in-1 blanket/poncho/backpack/seat cushion you asked for at Christmas? No problem. We still have all that and a lot more. And remember, we have notebooks, folders, thumb drives, pens and other school supplies your student may need in a pinch. Stop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or order online in the coziness of your bathrobe at www.BSMschool.org/SpiritShop.

January ordering days for letter jackets are Tuesday and Wednesday, the 24th and 25th. The Letter Jacket representative will be in the cafeteria commons to take orders and measurements from 11:00 to 12:45 on those days. A $100 deposit is required at the time the order is placed.

Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Are you still looking for ways to get involved at BSM? The Parent Association has updated their volunteer form for the second semester. View form >

 SAT/ACT Deadlines
Registration deadlines for upcoming SAT and ACT tests:
• January 28 SAT – late deadline is January 13.
• March 10 SAT – regular deadline is February 10 and late deadline is February 24.
• February 11 ACT – regular deadline is January 13 and late deadline is January 20. ..
 ..For a complete listing of SAT and ACT deadlines for the 2011-2012 school year, go to www.sat.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org, respectively.
Remember to list BSM’s school code, 242-202, when registering for these exams.

Gap Year Fair
Groves Academy is hosting a USA Gap Year Fair on Sunday, January 29, from 1-3:30 p.m. What is a Gap Year? It is a period of time between completing high school and beginning college when a student steps outside the traditional classroom to explore the world, reflect on personal values and goals, and prepare to take the next purposeful step in life. This fair is designed to provide students and parents with a broad exposure of Gap Year Programs and the opportunity for face to face conversations with the people who work in the field. More information, including a listing of exhibitors, is available at www.grovesacademy.org.