Emily Carlson's Holy Angels page

"The Mind of the Blinded"

2008-01-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

See the one-act play on Thursday evening, January 24, at AHA.
See a free performance of AHA's one-act play "The Mind of the Blinded" at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, in the AHA theater. This year's one-act is written by AHA alum Dylan Lamb '06. Dylan is a student at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

UNIFORMS - Emily Carlson

2008-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Oh, I remember those great uniforms. I didn't mind wearing the same thing everyday, if only they let us wear those shirts untucked. $10 if you got caught with the tails out! I want to know all the money I paid to AHA thanks to Mrs. Murray busting me in Spanish class!

The uniform code was established to break down socioeconomic barriers between
students, promote unity and pride in one's self and one's classmates, enhance security, and strengthen the overall image of the Academy of Holy Angels.
A student's appearance may not draw undue attention to him or herself to disrupt the operations of the school.
The AHA uniform will be worn by all students grades 9-12 and will consist of a white
shirt with the AHA logo and navy blue pants, skirt or shorts. There are several pant
selections, three styles of skirts and two styles of shorts available in several sizes.
A large selection of shirts is available, including turtlenecks, oxfords and polos , all with the AHA logo. Other optional logo items include sweaters and vests.. AHA activity crewneck, sweatshirts purchased anytime after the 2003-2004 school year through activity captains and any approved uniform sweatshirt sold in Stars Spirit (school store) also can be worn as part of the uniform. (The Assistant Principal approves sweatshirt designs.)
The school name and its trademarks are the sole property of the Academy of Holy
Angels.
The Academy of Holy Angels uniform apparel must be purchased through Donald's
Uniform, the sole uniform provider for AHA. Donald's is located at 972 Payne Ave., St. Paul. All clothing is washable and dryable, and comes in blends or 100 percent cotton.
There are several ways to acquire the uniform pieces: at the spring on-campus uniform
sale; at the Donald's store; via phone order at (651) 776-2723 with UPS delivery; or via Donald's Web site at: www.donaldsuniform.com.
Please maintain uniform clothing in a presentable manner. Students must wear correctly sized clothing, and no ripped, cut, faded or torn items may be worn. Shirts need to be tucked in at all times. Skirts and shorts must be no higher than 3 inches above the knee. Shorts cannot extend below the top of the knee. Sweaters and sweatshirts may be draped or tied around the shoulders, but not around the waist. All long pants must be hemmed and not dragging below the bottom of the shoe.
For safety reasons, the following items must be removed and not worn in school: all hats, caps, scarves, bandanas, kerchiefs, winter headbands, jackets, mittens and gloves. Open toe shoes/sandals may not be worn to shop classes or labs.
The following is the policy on accessories: Skirts and shorts may be worn with navy or white tights, knee highs or regular anklet socks. Garments worn under uniform shirts must be solid white in color and visible only at the neckline. Facial jewelry may not cause a distraction or safety hazard. Backpacks may not be carried in the halls due to limited passing space. Pants must be worn outside of shoes and boots. There may be no chains, linked or other type, except necklaces or bracelets of one eighth inch or smaller.
Offensive, obscene or potentially harmful accessories are not allowed.
Students must be in uniform the entire school day. Being in uniform is wearing the
appropriate attire in the appropriate manner (e.g. shirt tucked in). The uniform policy is enforced from 7:50 a.m.-2:40 p.m., Monday through Friday. It also is in effect on field trips and other designated AHA events. A student is fined $10 for being out of uniform without prior permission. A second offense will result in another $10 fine, and a third offense will result in a $10 fine and detention. (Refer to Student Behavior Policies.)
Uniform fines are payable at the Attendance Office. The Dean of Student Life will
resolve any dispute of a violation.
Out-of-Uniform days, dress-up days or "theme" days are periodically scheduled
throughout the year for a variety of special events.
1. Out-of-Uniform Days - Students may wear their uniform or any other appropriate
clothing. Jeans and T-shirts are allowed but torn or cut off clothing, short shorts, athletic pants or shorts, sweatpants/pajama pants, skimpy tops, tops with shoulder straps less than one inch wide (bras and bra straps cannot be visible), tops with spaghetti straps, slip dresses, etc. are never considered appropriate for school and are subject to a $10 fine.
2. Dress-Up Days - Students may wear their uniform or any dress-up clothing which is
modest and appropriate for church. Denims, T-shirts, hats, tank tops, shirts with writing and clothing prohibited from being worn on an Out-of-Uniform day are not allowed and are subject to a fine. The Dean for Student Life will determine appropriateness of any questionable attire.
3. Theme Days - There are occasions during the year where the school community
celebrates a holiday or event by dressing in certain colors or clothing that reflects the theme (i.e., St. Patrick's Day with green and white). Students are allowed to wear their uniform on that day or clothing that is in the spirit of the day. Students who choose to wear clothing other than their uniform or clothing that is in the spirit of the day will be fined. Hats are not acceptable unless they are in the spirit of the day. The Dean for Student Life will determine appropriateness of any questionable attire.

Holy Angels boys basketball team adds two victories - Emily Carlson

2008-01-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

Holy Angels basketball player Tyler Bredow (center) gets tangled between Simley's Muresuk Mena (left) and Alex Ewing during the Stars' win Jan. 3. (SCOTT THEISEN - SUN NEWSPAPERS)

By Mike Cook - Contributing Writer, MN SUN

Playing as one has been the key ingredient in Academy of Holy Angels hardwood success.

Stoddard Barnhill and James Pfitzinger each scored 14 points and the Stars beat Simley 74-56 Jan. 3. Willy Baregi and Sahr Ngekia each added 13 points.

Holy Angels improved its record to 6-3 with a 64-50 victory over host Waconia Jan. 5.

Barnhill netted 23 points and Joe St. Main came through with 11 points. Ngekia had 10 points.

Simley received 18 points from Thomas Sims against Holy Angels. Solomon Luate and Jordan Roue each had 11.

Sims had 13 points one night later in a 69-60 loss at Tartan.

During the holidays, Holy Angels lost two of three games in a tournament at the University of St. Thomas.

"We were pretty upset with our performance there," Barnhill said. "We felt we should have been 2-1, or maybe even 3-0. We're just trying to get all things going."

They did that against Simley, which is 2-4 overall and 0-1 in the Classic Suburban Conference.

A rebound basket by Pfitzinger gave the Stars a 14-4 lead, before layups by Barnhill and Baregi made it 19-9 midway through the first half.

"We all know each other's style, and we know where each other is going to be at a certain point," said Pfitzinger, who has been playing with a sore ankle.

Pfitzinger and Bredow had four points apiece during a 12-1 Holy Angels run to end the first half. Every point was scored from inside the paint as the Stars continued to quickly pass to set up easy scores.

"The first couple of games it really wasn't there, but team chemistry really worked out today and everybody moved the ball around," Barnhill said. "They played a full-court press the entire game, so if we weren't going to move the ball we really weren't going to get much."

A 10-2 run to start the second half increased the Stars' lead to 45-20 before the Spartans began to find some shooting success.

Sims scored 16 of his points in the second half, including a pair of 3-pointers. He also made all six free-throw attempts, each time after he was fouled driving to the basket.

"We just tried to push the ball more," Sims said.

Alex Ewing, the Spartans leading scorer at 13.3 points per game, got into foul trouble against Holy Angels and went scoreless. The 6-foot-3 forward had the challenge of playing inside against the taller Stars front line.

"Simley scores a lot on second-chance points, and that had been our problem earlier this year with teams getting second and third opportunities," Barnhill said. "Getting the first rebounds won us the game."

Up next for Holy Angels is a showdown with Benilde-St. Margaret's, the top-ranked team in Class 3A. That non-conference contest is 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, on the Red Knights' home court.

Academy of Holy Angels Athletics and Activities - Emily Carlson

2008-01-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

The Academy of Holy Angels is a member of the Missota Conference, which is made up of Farmington, Hutchinson, New Prague, Northfield, Prior Lake, Red Wing and Shakopee.

We offer 23 Minnesota State High School League sports and fine arts as well as 32 other co-curricular activities and clubs. Holy Angels students are encouraged to become involved in co-curricular activities which promote discipline and life long skills. During the 2006-07 school year 90 percent of the students were involved in athletics and activities.

To access 2007-08 Athletic and Activity Schedules (event times and locations) go here. Click on: Member Schools, then on Holy Angels. (To obtain detailed game schedules, including bus times, click on Advanced View Option on the right side of the page.) Parents and fans are encouraged to sign up for Notify Me through the Missota Conference website. You will then receive email notification of all changes made to the schedule.

Varsity game scores can be obtained by going here.

Information is posted daily on the Activities Hotline (612-798-0762). Updates will be added after 1:15 p.m. when weather is questionable.

Spring Activities Kick-off--Monday, February 25, 2008

Students planning to participate in the spring sports/activities season, and their parents, are urged to attend the Spring Activities Kick-Off on Monday, Feb. 25. General meeting begins @ 7pm in the gym; individual team meetings will follow.

Spring 2008 tryouts and practices will begin on the following dates:
Monday, May 10--Track & Fld, Boy's & Girl's Golf and Softball

Monday, May 17--Baseball

Monday, May 24--Boy's Tennis, Boy's & Girl's Lacrosse (LAX)

The following forms must be completed and filed with the Holy Angels Activities Office before any student is allowed to participate in tryout/practice:
-The MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Brochure 2007-08. This form can be obtained at http://www.mshsl.org/ under resources/ publications/eligibility. This form needs to be completed once each school year.
-A Permission for Emergency Treatment form (a new form must be completed each season/sport). This form is in triplicate & is available in the Activities Office.
-A Permission to Drive/Ride form for all teams with off-campus practice.
-A current physical examination 2007-08 Physical Form. All physicals must be updated every three years.
-A Waiver, Release, and Consent to Participate in Extracurricular Activities form.

These forms, with the exception of the Permission for Emergency Treatment Form, are available by clicking on the above links. These forms are also available by stopping at the Holy Angels Activities Office. Forms will not be mailed.

Activities Department Staff

Ralph Halvorson, Activities Director
612-798-2634
rhalvorson@ahastars.org

Deborah Scheerz, Activities Assistant
612-798-2635
dscheerz@ahastars.org

Doris Rothsetin, Activities Assistant
612-798-2672
drothstein@ahastars.org

Year-long theme encourages care for others - Emily Carlson

2008-01-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Each year AHA establishes a theme for the school year. This year's theme comes from the founding principles of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who established the Academy of Holy Angels. The theme is "love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction." Focusing on this theme offers us a unique opportunity to think about how best to care for others in our own community, in our neighborhood, and across the world. And it challenges us to put our thoughts into action!

Weddings in the AHA Chapel - Emily Carlson

2008-01-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

The following is information you will need to review so you understand the parameter within which the Academy of Holy Angels allows weddings in the Academy of Holy Angels' St. John the Evangelist Chapel.

Requirements and Reservations
1. Only Academy of Holy Angels alumni may have a wedding in the Academy of Holy
Angels' St. John the Evangelist Chapel.

2. The Academy of Holy Angels school schedule has priority over chapel availability
for weddings. Weddings will be scheduled on dates that do not impede school
events, student and teacher activities, renovation or maintenance activities.

3. Wedding date reservations will be made on a first come, first serve basis.

4. Half ($250) of the total chapel rental fee ($500) is required as a deposit to secure your scheduled date.

5. Your "Academy of Holy Angels Wedding Packet" filled with all the necessary
information will be mailed to you upon request.

Contact Information:
Carrie Robarge Carroll Tina Rosenthal
Assistant Director of Development Development Associate
Alumni Affairs Manager (612) 798-2204
(612) 798-0775
ccarroll@ahastars.org

Capacity: The Academy of Holy Angels' St. John the Evangelist Chapel has a maximum seating capacity of 290 people. There are 18 pews in each side of the chapel, for a total of 36 pews.

Other Information
Alcohol and Tobacco: There is to be no alcohol (hard liquor, beer, wine, or champagne) on the school premises at any time, which includes the wedding preparation, wedding or rehersal. The school is a smoke free environment. Please make sure the wedding party is aware and understands the importance of this school policy.

Air Conditioning: The Academy of Holy Angels' St. John the Evangelist Chapel is NOT air conditioned.

Parking: Wedding guests can park in the Academy of Holy Angels' parking lot. Please know that parking for wedding guests may be limited because of other activities. For example, league play in the AHA StarDome usually fills the AHA parking lot until 11:00 p.m., and the St. Peter's Church parking lot becomes more congested on Saturdays due to the 4:30 p.m. Mass. The Academy of Holy Angels cannot be responsible for tickets issued to guests for parking at the Hub Shopping Center.

Receptions: The Academy of Holy Angels is NOT available for receptions.

Priest: The wedding party is responsible for securing their own priest or presider. All aspects of the liturgy need to be approved by the priest presiding at the wedding. Please secure a preist at the time or very soon after you reserve the chapel. AHA's chaplain, Fr. Mike Tix, is availalbe on occasion. Please work with him directly. He can be reached at St. John's Parish in Savage, MN via phone at (952) 890-9465 or e-mail at mtix@stjohns-savage.org

Dates
The Academy of Holy Angels' Administration determines the school schedule. Weddings on Saturdays are typical, but Friday evening weddings may be considered. Dates are subject to change. Interested couples must contact Carrie Robarge Carroll to solidify the date.

Everyone is Invited to Food for Thought on Tuesday, January 15 - Emily Carlson

2008-01-08T23:28:00.000-08:00

AHA President Jill Reilly, Ed.D., will present AHA's annual State of the School address at the Tuesday, January 15, Food for Thought session. The event begins at noon in the LaRock Room. Dr. Reilly will discuss important topics facing the Academy including marketing efforts, preserving the long-term viability of the school, enrollment, financial stability, technology, campus safety and other issues. Dr. Reilly will also answer audience questions. Food for Thought is sponsored by the AHA Community Association.

History of AHA

2008-01-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

1851
Four Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJs) travel by steamer from Carondelet , Mo. to St. Paul , Minn. They arrive in St. Paul on Nov. 3, 1851 and about two weeks later open a school in the vestry of a log chapel to teach children of Catholic families and Native American children.

1877
Under the administration of Sister Agnes Veronica Williams, CSJ, the CSJs open the Academy of Holy Angels on Oct. 2, 1877 on the feast of Holy Angels as a day school for girls in the Merritt House (“the white convent”) on Third Street North near Immaculate Conception Church in Minneapolis . Sister St. John Ireland , CSJ, is the first directress. The school later moves to the Ankeny home (“the brown convent”) and the Skyles house (“the grey convent”).

1882
The Academy of Holy Angels moves to the Bassett property on Fourth Street North . Holy Angels is both a boarding school as well as a day school for grade school and high school girls.

1907
Holy Angels is outgrowing its structure. A new high school, St. Margaret's Academy, opens on Thirteenth Street . The Holy Angels high school merges with St. Margaret's. Holy Angels retains its boarding and day school for grade school girls.

"The Bassett's Place” building and location are deemed no longer suitable for a school, and the Academy of Holy Angels closes its doors with the dream of building a new school. The building on the Bassett property is demolished in 1928.

1931
On Sept. 15, 1931 , during a record-breaking heat wave of 104 degrees, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet open a new Academy of Holy Angels with 107 students in grades 1-12 on its current site at 66th Street and Nicollet Avenue , Richfield . Built during the Depression in the midst of cornfields, the construction cost is about $600,000. Sister Eugenia Maginnis, CSJ, is principal. The new school, hailed as “one of the most attractive educational institutions in the Middle West,” features English Gothic architecture, oil heat, a fan ventilation system and a loudspeaker in every room. The St. John the Evangelist Chapel is dedicated on Sept. 29, 1931 . Holy Angels has both a day school and a boarding school, and 182 girls are enrolled by the end of the school year. The resident students come from Minnesota , the Dakotas , Wisconsin , Iowa and Nebraska . Tuition is $40 for grades 1-8 and $50 for grades 9-12. Boarders pay $185 for a double room and $245 for a single room.

1932
Holy Angels is formally accredited on May 2, 1932 . Enrollment is 225 the first day and grows to 265 by the end of the school year. The 13 girls in the first graduation class wear white formals and carry long-stemmed roses. The tradition of carrying roses at graduation is still in place today.

1934
The white cap and gown worn at graduation is the start of another tradition.

1935
The Holy Angels Alumnae Association is established by Sister Laurent, CSJ.

1946
The Holy Angels elementary school (K-8) closes when St. Peter's Church establishes a grade school adjacent to Holy Angels.

1950
Tuition is $165 for day students; for boarders it is $500 a year for a double room and $600 a year for a single room.

Holy Angels closes its boarding school and remains a day high school.

1954
The Mary Medal is established to be presented to the woman in the graduating class best exemplifying the qualities of Christian life.

1972
The Academy of Holy Angels becomes coeducational, serving students in grades 9-12. There are 84 freshmen boys, 38 sophomore boys and six junior boys.

1974
The St. Thomas Moore Medal is established to be given to a senior man exemplifying the qualities of Christian life. The first co-educational class graduates with 10 men who wear red rose boutonnières at graduation, the start of a new tradition.

1975
The girls basketball team wins the first Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) basketball tournament.

1976
The first four-year, co-ed class graduates.

1980
The Sisters of St. Joseph turn governance of the school over to a lay board of directors but maintain ownership of the school. They rent the building to the Academy for $1 a year. A new gymnasium is constructed.

1986
The science rooms are renovated.

1989
A middle school is established. Holy Angels also establishes a theater school. From 1931, there has been a drama studio and drama classes connected with theater productions. The first drama teacher was Sister Charitas Farr, CSJ. Holy Angels wins a star rating in the state one-act play festival, the highest rating possible, and goes on to win the rating again in 1993, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

1994
The boy's golf team wins the state tournament Class A.

1995
Enrollment is 583 high school students. A donor provides a complete telephone system with Internet capacity and telephone service for each classroom and office. The Science Department begins its initiative to include science technology in AHA classrooms.

1996
Holy Angels begins its Writing Across the Curriculum program. To enhance the campus and revenues, Holy Angels builds the StarDome, a $2 million, year-round athletic facility. The complex includes bleachers, a concession building and a playing field for Holy Angels sports and activities.

1997
Holy Angels offers its first Advanced Placement (AP) class. Students who score well on AP exams can earn college credit. The Academic Letter is established for students who earn high honors for one academic year. Enrollment surpasses 650 students.

1998
Holy Angels is named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. Holy Angels expands classroom space by 15 percent through renovation, including a visual arts wing, and creates technology labs and other technology areas. The first Campus Ministry Team (CMT) is held. The Service Letter is established for students who volunteer. AHA's middle school closes. The boys golf team Class A wins the state tournament in 1998 and 1999.

1999
Holy Angels expands the Commons and renovates the courtyard.

2000
AHA is the first private school to receive an Ethics in Curriculum Award from the Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation and also earns the Archdiocesan John Ireland Award for service programs. The Holy Angels Theater School 's Starlight Productions is one of 17 U.S. high schools invited to participate in The Fringe Theater Festival in Edinburgh , Scotland . The girls softball team Class AA wins the state championship. The Academy replaces 979 windows throughout the building.

The Academy celebrates the refurbishment and re-dedication of the St. John the Evangelist Chapel and the addition of a greenhouse, donated by the AHA Community Association, to provide further capacities to AHA's science program.

The NCEA ACRE (Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education) begins with the 9 th grade class. ACRE measures student growth in the areas of profession of faith, liturgy and sacraments, morality and prayer. The boys hockey team Class AA wins the state championship.

2003
Holy Angels purchases the school's campus from its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, at a substantial discount. Holy Angels also builds and dedicates a new 70,000-square-foot addition that includes a Convocation Center and classrooms. The Academy launches a $5 million campaign to help fund the new addition and the purchase of the land. ACRE scores increase significantly from the previous year, rising to levels above the national average. The girls soccer team Class A wins the state championship. The competition cheerleading team is also state champion and goes on to win the championship again in 2004 and 2005.

2004
Enrollment reaches 850 students.

2005
Holy Angels offers nine Advanced Placement (AP) classes in the sciences, English, social studies, math, world language, biology, ethics and theology. ACT scores increase from 23.6 in 2002 to 24.6 in 2005. Three AHA students are named National Merit Finalists and 10 are named Merit Commended Scholars. The number of letters, certificates and chevrons awarded to students for service increase dramatically as do the hours of community service performed by students. The girls hockey Class A and boys hockey Class AA teams win the state championship (the first time in Minnesota that the boys and girls hockey champions are from the same school).

2006
Today, Holy Angels serves 850 students from throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. Holy Angels offers 12 Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

Legacy Society

2007-12-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

When the Sisters of St. Joseph established Holy Angels' Richfield campus in 1931, they envisioned a school that would educate and mold young people for generations to come.

More than 75 years later, Holy Angels has developed thousands of young people into adults who are confident, prepared and connected in faith.

Now you can help us ensure that this legacy remains vibrant, and that our students continue to benefit from the ideals of education and service the Sisters began so many years ago.

Gifts from wills and bequests will also expand the school's endowment, helping to underwrite our core activities including:

-financial aid for students with demonstrated needs
-teacher salaries and professional development
-textbooks, technology and other learning materials
-co-curricular activities such as sprots, student organizations and fine arts

What is the Holy Angels Legacy Society?

To recognize and thank those who have included Holy Angels in their bequest and estate plans, we have established the Holy Angels Legacy Society. The following actions will qualify a person for membership:

-Including Holy Angels in your will or estate plan
-Naming Holy Angels as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy
-Creating a charitable trust with Holy Angels as a beneficiary
-Establishing a charitable gift annuity for the school
-Designating Holy Angels as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan, such as a 403(b), 401(k), Keogh or IRA

Holiday tournament guide (checking out the top ten)

2007-12-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

Check out Holy Angels basketball in the Catholic tournament, and boy's hockey in the Schwan Cup!

BY TIM LEIGHTON
Pioneer Press

Have any holiday cheer left?
You'll need some this week with the arrival of the annual holiday tournament extravaganza. Here is a look at the best of the bunch:

1. SCHWAN CUP, GOLD DIVISION
What: Boys hockey
When: Today-Friday
Where: Xcel Energy Center
Teams: Roseville, Holy Angels, Duluth East, Hill-Murray, Centennial, Moorhead, White Bear Lake, Minnetonka

The skinny: The best regular-season tournament features many of Minnesota's top boys hockey programs. Holy Angels is the two-time defending champion and the only school to win two titles. Minnetonka makes its debut in the Gold Division.

2. KAPOSIA CLASSIC
What: Girls hockey
When: Saturday-Tuesday
Where: Wakota Arena, South St. Paul
Teams: Roseville, Owatonna, Eden Prairie, Hibbing, Crookston, Stillwater, Henry Sibley, South St. Paul
The skinny: The best girls hockey tournament of the regular season. Stillwater came close to knocking off Eden Prairie last year in the semifinals before the Eagles went on to win the tournament. Stillwater, however, later won a much bigger prize: the Class AA state championship. Stillwater is ranked No. 1, just ahead of Eden Prairie.

3. DICK'S SPORTING GOODS CLASSIC
What: Girls basketball
When: Thursday-Saturday
Where: Hopkins High School, Minnetonka
Teams: Minneapolis South, Blaine, Eastview, Tartan, Cretin-Derham Hall, Osseo, Burnsville, Hopkins
The skinny: Filled with Class AAAA powers, this could be a sneak peek at the state tournament. Minneapolis South, fueled by the high-level guard play of Tayler Hill, is ranked No. 3 in the metro area. South and Eastview are undefeated. Hopkins' only loss was to Becker, the defending Class AAA champion.

4. SCHWAN CUP, SILVER DIVISION
What sport: Boys hockey
When: Today-Friday
Where: Aldrich Arena, Maplewood
Teams: Wayzata, Breck, Benilde-St. Margaret's, Edina, St. Thomas Academy, Cretin-Derham Hall, Brainerd, Blaine
The skinny: Top-ranked Edina and small-school power St. Thomas Academy highlight a formidable field that can compete with opponents in the Gold Division. A dandy quarterfinal matchup features longtime rivals St. Thomas Academy and Cretin-Derham Hall.

5. JOE HUTTON CLASSIC
What: Boys basketball
When: Thursday-Saturday
Where: Hamline University, St. Paul
Teams: St. Thomas Academy, Minneapolis Washburn, Park (Cottage Grove), Como Park, Blaine, St. Paul Central, Montevideo, Hopkins
The skinny: St. Thomas Academy is the defending Class AAA champion, and Hopkins, a traditional Class AAAA power, is ranked No. 2 in the state behind Minnetonka.

6. BETHEL HOLIDAY
What: Boys basketball
When: Thursday-Saturday
Where: Bethel University, Arden Hills
Teams: Maple Grove, Sibley, St. Anthony, Fairmont, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis North, North St. Paul, Mounds View
The skinny: Henry Sibley features a formidable lineup that includes the one-two punch of Chris Halvorson and Mike Bruesewitz. Mounds View's Matt Harris averages 12.3points and 9.0 rebounds a game. Mustangs teammate Mike Schramm averages 19 points a game.

7. RUMBLE ON THE RED
What: Wrestling
When: Friday-Saturday
Where: Fargodome, Fargo, N.D.
Teams: Fifty teams are competing, including 39 from Minnesota: Apple Valley, Benilde-St. Margaret's, Blaine, Byron, Coon Rapids, Delano, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, Eagan, Faribault, Forest Lake, Frazee, Fulda-Murray County Central, Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland, Hawley, Sibley, Jackson County Central, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, Lake Park, Maple River, Marshall, Minneota, Moorhead, New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva, Orono, Owatonna (junior varsity), Perham, Prior Lake, Richfield, St. Cloud Apollo, St. Michael-Albertville, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Scott West, Thief River Falls, United North Central, Wabasha-Kellogg, Wayzata, Windom.
The skinny: Apple Valley, the two-time defending Class AAA champion, is the marquee attraction, but the Eagles' depth will be tested. Top wrestlers Eric Devos, Matt Kelliher, Destin McCauley, Justin LaValle, Matt Mincey and Craig Kelliher won't make the trip because of issues with match counts. Perham is the defending champion.

8. CATHOLIC SPIRIT
What: Boys basketball
When: Thursday-Saturday
Where: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul
Teams: Roseville, Hill-Murray, Robbinsdale Armstrong, Cretin-Derham Hall, Holy Angels, New Orleans-St. Augustine, Woodbury, St. Paul Johnson
The skinny: Robbinsdale Armstrong is the defending Class AAAA runner-up. Cretin-Derham Hall features the powerful inside play of Seantrel Henderson and the perimeter prowess of Michael Floyd and John Nance. Woodbury is the defending Section 3AAAA champion, and Johnson was the winner in Section 4AAAA.

9. HILL-MURRAY HOLIDAY
What: Girls basketball
When: Thursday-Saturday
Where: Hill-Murray School, Maplewood
Teams: Centennial, Duluth East, Wayzata, Stillwater, Chaska, Mounds View, Prior Lake, Hill-Murray
The skinny: Top-ranked Centennial is the team to beat. Megan Nipe averages 21.7 points a game, followed by Kiara Allums (13.9) and Emily Becken (11.1). Centennial claimed the No. 1 spot with a victory over defending Class AAAA champion St. Paul Central in the second game of the season. Hill-Murray opened the season with three losses but then rattled of four consecutive wins, including an impressive nonconference victory over Edina, a Class AAAA power.

10. VARSITY PREMIER
What: Boys hockey
When: Today -Friday
Where: Wakota Arena, South St. Paul
Teams: St. Paul Johnson, Bloomington Kennedy, Anoka, Hopkins, Woodbury, Eagan, North St. Paul, South St. Paul
The skinny: Woodbury, a state tournament participant last season, is off to a 6-1 start, scoring 42 goals and surrendering only 16. David Eddy leads the Royals with 11goals and six assists. Travis Boyd of Hopkins is a potent scorer, too, with nine goals and eight assists. Joe Grooms has five goals and eight assists.

LONDON – OCTOBER 2008

2007-12-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

Juniors and seniors eligible to participate in this exciting and educational trip
The English Department sponsors a trip to London every other year for juniors and seniors. We have gone in 2004, 2006, and now we are taking applications from current sophomores and juniors for the October 2008 trip. This is an educational trip that ties in with the English 12 British history and literature curriculum. The AP English students study this in their junior year.

Trip planned over Teacher Convention Break, 2008
We are planning on leaving Wednesday, October 15, and returning on Monday, October 20, 2008. Students normally do not miss any school, because the trip is over the teacher convention break.

What you’ll do and see; how you’ll travel; who will supervise
We work with EF Educational Tours of Cambridge, Massachusetts. We have used this company for many different trips over the past twenty years and have found them to be organized and accommodating to high school students and teachers.

We usually have a ratio of no more than 10 students for each teacher/staff chaperone, which works well in keeping track of everyone. We spend four very busy days in London going to all the regular sites. EF supplies us with our own guide who stays with us throughout the visit as well as with individual expert Blue Badge site-guides who take us through The Tower of London, Windsor Castle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and a walking and bus tour of London. We also attend one theatre performance. There is an optional day at the city of Bath and at Stonehenge for which students may sign up.

This is a great time of year to travel, not only because the trip is about $500 less than it would be in June, but also because the crowds are substantially smaller.

What it costs
The cost for the 2008 trip is set at $1,661 which includes air, bus, travel pass for the underground and the city bus, accommodations, two meals per day, personal and site guides, and entrance into several historical sites.

Notes about applying and registering
In the past we have taken a large group of students, and have divided them into smaller groups when we travel through London, so there is no limit at this point to the number of students who can participate.

Students can register for the trip up to July 8, 2008 (which is 99 days before departure). All fees for the trip are paid to EF Educational Tours, which requires that the trip be paid in full by July 8.

More details and application forms for the trip are available from English teacher Pam Boston in room 2370. (You may also contact her at pboston@ahastars.org). There’s a $95 nonrefundable application fee due with the application form.

Participants also can register online at the EF Tours Web site www.eftours.com. Our tour number is 422419.

Don’t forget the passport!
If you do decide to go, register for your PASSPORT TODAY!

Watch for an announcement in early January about a parent/student information meeting to be scheduled for February.

All the latest news you need to know

2007-12-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in Campus Ministry next year?
Juniors considering applying to be in Campus Ministry class their senior year are required to complete a Discernment Packet and register for a retreat scheduled for January 11. Students will receive more information in Theology classes during December.

Tenth grade students to participate in service projects
Tenth Graders are required to participate in a Campus Ministry Team (CMT) service project before the mid point of Trimester II. Students must sign up for their project before Christmas break, and they must participate in service by January 24.

Information about all of the CMT service projects is available on the AHA website. (Go to www.ahastars.org or www.academyofholyangels.org. Click on Academics; then on Departments and then on Theology. When you reach the Theology page, click on the service opportunities link at the top of the page.) Permission forms also are available on the Theology page of Web site, and students must turn in the completed and signed forms to CMT on the date of their service project event in order be allowed to participate.

We pray for…
AHA food service employee Doreen Gardeen whose father died
Spencer Gardeen ’09 whose grandfather died
Nicholas ’10 and Alexandra ’08 Chamlin whose grandfather died
Katie '09 and Becky '11 Hamerly whose grandfather died
Andy Moran '08 whose father died
Shelagh Nelson ’09 whose grandmother died
Casey O'Connor '09 whose grandfather died

Around the Campus

2007-12-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

Support the Student Government Christmas Basket Drive

Families throughout the metro area will have a happier holiday season this year thanks to the Christmas Basket Drive sponsored by AHA Student Government.

Homerooms will work together to provide gifts and food certificates for families identified by Universal Family Solutions. Collections will be underway soon, and gifts will be delivered to Universal Family Solutions on Thursday, December, 20. Students will participate in a prayer and blessing service before the gifts are delivered for distribution.

This project is just one of many that AHA sponsors throughout the school year to help students understand the importance of service to others. We are grateful to our students and their families for their continuing generosity in this project. Contact Gregg Sawyer, Student Government moderator, at 612-798-2612 or gsawyer@ahastars.org for more information.

This week at AHA

2007-12-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

St. Nicholas drops by! on Friday, December 7, members of AHA's Students Assisting Students (SAS) club continued an old St. Nicholas Day tradition by placing gifts of candy in shoes left in the hallway by AHA students. SAS is committed to supporting other AHA students, to helping them feel welcome, and to promoting an environment of acceptance and community at school.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

2007-12-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Upcoming AHA Alumni Events

Dec 15 Starliner Dance Invitational and Alumni Hospitality Room
Dec 19 Legacy Society Reception & Christmas at the Academy Concert
Dec 22 Alumni Basketball, 9-12 AHA gymnasium
Dec 31 Alumnae (girls Hockey) scrimmage vs. current team 11:15 – 1:30
Dec 22- Jan 3 AHA Stars competing all around the metro area – check out the complete
schedule below or via the Missota Website at
http://www.missotaconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=36
Jan 19 Alumni gathering before hockey game near Cambridge Square
Watch the Holy Angels’ website for details.
www.academyofholyangels.org
Jan 31 3rd Annual Alumni-Parent Social at Houlihans, 7 p.m.
Feb 22 Activities Hall of Fame Induction and Reception
Feb If you are going to be in Florida in February, let the alumni office know.

STARFEST 2008 – April 12, 2008
at the Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis
The Executive Committee has already started planning for Starfest 2008—
the largest annual fundraiser at AHA—and is need of your help finding
great auction items.

English

2007-12-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

English was my favorite subject at Holy Angels. The teachers were engaging, we read interesting books, and there was always the chance to act out a Shakespeare play!

English Department Philosophy
The English Department is a vital and integral part of the educational program. We are committed to providing our students with instruction consistent with and supportive of our Catholic Christian values. Rooted in the Academy's mission, we strive to educate the whole student: inetllectually, spiritually, morally, and emotionally.
To ensure that our students will be successful, we teach effective written and oral communication skills. Our instructors strive to give students the tools they will need to speak articulatley; to write clearly; to use technology effectively and ethically; and to think critically, analytically and creatively.

English Department Philosophy
Our goal is to create lifelong learners.

Department Learner Outcomes
Exhibit competent spoken and written communication
Comprehend demanding literature and technical writing
Demonstrate critical, analytical, creative thinking and problem solving
Exhibit broad language and vocabulary skills
Produce effective expository writing
Gain respect for each individual's diversity and point of view
Experience assigned reading inside and outside of the classroom
Acquire skills and practice for collaborative endeavors
Be well prepared for college, career and beyond

Holy Angels update

2007-12-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here's the news!

Don't miss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on stage at AHA this season. Public performances are Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 1, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Audience members also are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation for the food bank. For more information phone 612-798-2651. AHA is also offering two mid-morning matinée performances for local elementary schools.

Two AHA seniors recently signed NCAA letters of intent to go to college and compete in sports programs. They are Lauren Smith who will Attend Ohio State University and play hockey and Joe Loftus who will attend Vanderbilt University and play baseball.

Worship opportunities abound during Advent
During Advent, the Academy of Holy Angels is offering members of the AHA community many opportunities to prepare for the Christmas season through worship and prayer in the AHA chapel.
• The Campus Ministry Team is leading prayer services at 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, December 3, 10, and 17 and on Fridays, December 7, 14, and 21.

• AHA also is offering Advent liturgies on Wednesday, December 5, with Father James Adams ’94 presiding; Wednesday, December 12, with Father Glenn Jenson presiding; and Wednesday, December 19, with father Paul Sirba ’78 presiding.
Students and parents, faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to join together in worship during these times

Holy Angels Hockey Ranked 3rd in State!

2007-11-29T19:43:00.000-08:00

Boys' hockey preview: Preseason metro top 10
From: The Star Tribune

PRESEASON METRO TOP 10 BOYS' HOCKEY TEAMS
1. Edina: Is anyone not picking the Hornets as the team to beat?
2. Hill-Murray: The Pioneers return a load of talent from 2007 tournament team.
3. Holy Angels: The Stars should bounce back after losing in their section final last season.
4. Blaine: The Bengals have a good shot at a third consecutive state berth.
5. Eden Prairie: The Eagles are very strong along the blue line.
6. Burnsville: The Blaze shouldn't have trouble scoring goals this season.
7. Benilde-St. Margaret's: The Red Knights will call on their young forwards to step up.
8. Centennial: The Cougars are seeking their second trip to the state tournament.
9. Rosemount: The veteran Irish are poised for a standout season.
10. Anoka: The Tornadoes will be competitive in the tough Northwest Suburban

Hockey Schedule!

2007-11-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

Academy of Holy Angels Stars 2007-2008 Schedule
Section: 2AA

Conference: MissotaHead Coach: Greg Trebil

Home Ice: Richfield Ice Arena, Richfield, MN

12/06/07 at Rosemount (3AA) (Rosemount Community Center), 7:30 PM

12/11/07 Shakopee (2AA) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:30 PM

12/14/07 Wayzata (6AA) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:30 PM

12/20/07 Prior Lake (2AA) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:30 PM

12/22/07 New Prague (1A) (Richfield Ice Arena), 2:30 PM

12/26/07 SCHWAN CUP INVITATIONAL (Xcel Energy Center), St. Paul, MN vs. White Bear Lake (4AA), 12:00 PM

12/27/07 SCHWAN CUP INVITATIONAL (Xcel Energy Center), St. Paul, MN vs. TBD

12/28/07 SCHWAN CUP INVITATIONAL (TBD) vs. TBD

01/08/08 at Red Wing (1A) (Prairie Island Arena), 7:00 PM

01/10/08 at Northfield (1A) (Northfield Arena), 7:30 PM

01/11/08 at Hutchinson (3A) (Burich Arena), 7:00 PM

01/15/08 at Hill-Murray (4AA) (Aldrich Arena), 8:00 PM

01/17/08 at Farmington/Randolph (1AA) (Schmitz-Maki Arena), 7:15 PM

01/19/08 at Catholic Memorial (MA), TBA

01/21/08 at Mount St. Charles Academy (RI), TBA

01/25/08 at Prior Lake (2AA) (Dakotah Ice Center), 7:00 PM

01/26/08 Minnetonka (6AA) (Richfield Ice Arena), 2:25 PM

01/29/08 at New Prague (1A) (New Prague Community Center), 7:00 PM

01/31/08 Red Wing (1A) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:25 PM

02/02/08 at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, 7:30 PM

02/05/08 Hutchinson (3A) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:25 PM

02/07/08 at Shakopee (2AA) (Shakopee Ice Arena), 7:00 PM

02/11/08 Farmington/Randolph (1AA) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:25 PM

02/14/08 *On FSN!* at Stillwater (4AA) (St. Croix Recreation Center), 7:30 PM

02/15/08 Northfield (1A) (Richfield Ice Arena), 7:25 PM

Starfest!

2007-11-25T18:40:00.001-08:00

Starfest
Mark your calendars now for Starfest 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis on April 12!

What is Starfest?
Starfest is a celebration of the AHA community. It is a chance for all of us to gather together to reflect on the many great things that have transpired over the past year, to look toward our future, and to succeed in our goals for the AHA community. The evening entails a silent auction full of great items, a delicious dinner, an exciting live auction and fun raffle games.

Where do Starfest proceeds go?
The proceeds of Starfest go directly back to support the programs, initiatives, and facilities that benefit our children and our school. A large portion of Starfest proceeds support student financial aid to enable promising students the ability to attend AHA, provide access to technology and modern learning materials, assist in providing competitive salaries and benefits to teachers -- the heart of Holy Angels -- help us finish the construction of new classrooms, and to put it plainly, "keep the lights on" at our school.

How much money does Starfest raise and where does it come from?
Starfest 2007 successfully raised $127,000 to assist the school in covering our costs. Starfest profits come from many sources: live and silent auction proceeds, event ticket sales, generous sponsors and underwriters, raffle ticket sales and advertising revenue.

The Academy of Holy Angels invites you to GET INVOLVED with Starfest 2008:
DONATE! We encourage you to think about making a donation to our live or silent auction. Click on the links below to get an idea of what would make a good auction item and how you can go about making a donation. You can also place an ad in the auction catalog to promote your business or the company you work for!

Emily Carlson's Holy Angels page

2007-11-19T18:47:00.001-08:00

Emily Carlson went to Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, MN.

Here's what Wikipedia says about the school:

The Academy of Holy Angels (AHA) is a Catholic, coeducational high school located in Richfield, MN. Located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Holy Angels educates more than 850 students each year in grades nine through twelve from around the Twin Cities metropolitan area. A nationally recognized college preparatory school, it offers a rigorous, broad-based curriculum and numerous opportunities to excel in co-curricular activities, arts and athletics. Holy Angels welcomes students of all racial and religious backgrounds.

Stay tuned for more!