Welcome to Minnehaha!

You're a Redhawk Now!

We are thrilled that your family is a part of the Minnehaha community. We want to make sure that you have the information you need so you and your child feel ready to go when the first day of school arrives.

One of the best part of our jobs is welcoming new families, so at any time, if you have a question, please don't hesitate to reach out. You'll see a list of contacts below for the variety of departments. If you're not sure who to call, send a message to the Admission Counselor you worked with. They are here to help you.

Getting Ready for School

We can't wait to welcome you on your first day of school! Here's what you can do now to prep for the big day.

February

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Shadow Visits Open	Schedule Your Child's Shadow Visit	Let us know if you don't see a day you are looking for.	Any family inquiring with Minnehaha. *Lower & Middle School families must have an application started.
Summer Camp Registration Opens	Mid-February	View our catalog and register.	Open to the public. *Must be enrolled to register for Kindergarten Bound.
Upper School Fine Arts "Revue"	Feb 7, 7:30pm Feb 8, 4:00pm	Produced by Upper School Choirs, Jazz Band, Creative Writing Club and Tech Team	All current families and families inquiring with Minnehaha.
Mosaic Community Conversation and Dinner	Feb 20, 5:30 p.m.	Theme: The Art of Table Fellowship	All current families and families inquiring with Minnehaha.

March

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Shadow Visits Open	Schedule Your Child's Shadow Visit	Let us know if you don't see a day you are looking for.	Any family inquiring with Minnehaha. *Lower & Middle School families must have an application started.
Summer Camp Registration Open		View our catalog and register.	Open to the public. *Must be enrolled to register for Kindergarten Bound.
Middle School Small Ensembles	March 4, 7:00 p.m.	Produced by Middle School Band Members	All current families and families inquiring with Minnehaha.
All School Jazz Band Festival	March 11, 7:30 p.m.	Produced by Middle and Upper School Jazz Bands	All current families and families inquiring with Minnehaha.
Parent Pathways (Parent Workshop)	March 11, 6:15-7:15 p.m.	The Anxious Generation Session #4 “Accountability” (Soup and Bread Dinner)	All current families and families inquiring with Minnehaha.

April

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Shadow Visits Open	Schedule Your Child's Shadow Visit	Let us know if you don't see a day you are looking for.	Any family inquiring with Minnehaha. *Lower & Middle School families must have an application started.
Summer Camp Registration Open	Open	View our catalog and register.	Open to the public. *Must be enrolled to register for Kindergarten Bound.
Soon to be Sixth Grade	April 10, 5:00 p.m.	Learn about life at the Middle School	Current 5th grade families and new to Middle School families. Admission Counselors will send email invitations. Must have application completed to attend.
Nearly Ninth Grade	April 22, 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.	Learn about life at the Upper School	Current 8th grade families and new to Upper School families. Admission Counselors will send email invitations. Must have application completed to attend.
Zoom Gathering: Student Leadership Opportunities	April 23, 4:30-5:15 p.m.	Unlock your child's potential. Discover how our student leadership program shapes confident, capable servant leaders. Join Executive Director of Faith Formation, David Hoffner, and his team!	Any family inquiring, accepted or enrolled with Minnehaha Academy. RSVP HERE
Middle School Theater: The Wizard of Oz	April 24-26, 7:00 p.m.; April 26, 2:00 p.m.	Produced by Middle Theater Students	Open to the public. Reach out to your Admission Counselor for complementary tickets.
Zoom Gathering: Athletics	April 30, 7:00-7:30 p.m.	More than just a game. What can you expect to see if your child joins an athletic team at Minnehaha Academy? Relationships. Versatility. Excellence. Join our MA athletics experts and get all your questions answered!	Any family inquiring, accepted or enrolled with Minnehaha Academy. RSVP HERE

May

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.

Middle School

Register for Elective Classes: The Middle School Dean of Students will reach out to you about registering for elective classes when you register in Skyward. Review our course descriptions.

Upper School

Register for Classes: See below for Upper School class registration night. Our Assistant Principal will guide you through the Upper School class registration process. Be sure you are registered in Skyward prior to registering. Review our course descriptions.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Shadow Visits Open (Last opportunity May 16)	Schedule Your Child's Shadow Visit	Let us know if you don't see a day you are looking for.	Any family inquiring with Minnehaha. *Lower & Middle School families must have an application started.
Summer Camp Registration Open	Open	View our catalog and register.	Open to the public. *Must be enrolled to register for Kindergarten Bound.
Upper School Pops Concert	May 2-3	Produced by Upper School Musicians	All current families and families inquiring with Minnehaha.
Zoom Gathering: Lower and Middle School (PreK-grade 8) Principal Q&A	May 14, 4:30-5:15 p.m.	Bring your questions for our Lower & Middle School Principals! Principals Dr. Balmer and Mr. Ayers are happy to answer your questions. If you are enrolled already and want to feel confident on the first day of school - or you are still considering if MA is the right choice for you and need to get more information - this zoom gathering is for you! We hope to see you there. RSVP Here	Any family inquiring, accepted or enrolled with Minnehaha Academy.
Zoom Gathering: Upper School (Grades 9-12) Principal Q&A	May 14, 5:15-5:45 p.m.	Bring your questions for our Upper School Principal! If you are enrolled already and want to feel confident on the first day of school - or you are still considering if MA is the right choice for you and need to get more information - this zoom gathering is for you! We hope to see you there. RSVP Here	Any family inquiring, accepted or enrolled with Minnehaha Academy.
Upper School Class Registration	May 22, 4:00 p.m.	Assistant Principal Sarina Baker will guide you through the Upper School class registration process. Be sure you are registered in Skyward prior to the event. Review our course descriptions. Location: Upper School Library RSVP Here	Newly Enrolled Upper School Families - Parents and Students

June

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.

Middle School

Register for Elective Classes: The Middle School Dean of Students will reach out to you about registering for elective classes when you register in Skyward. Review our course descriptions.
Summer Assignments: Review summer assignments for your child's classes.

Upper School

Register for Classes: See below for Upper School class registration night. Our Assistant Principal will guide you through the Upper School class registration process. Be sure you are registered in Skyward prior to registering. Review our course descriptions.
Summer Assignments: Review summer assignments for your child's classes.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Fall Athletics Captains Practices Begin	Determined by sport	Make sure you are registered in Skyward and you have filled out your Athletics Form by end of May to join the coach's email list. Contact our Athletic Department with any questions.	All enrolled student athletes
Summer Camp Begins		View our catalog and register.	Open to the public. *Must be enrolled to register for Kindergarten Bound
Upper School Class Registration Night	June 2, 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.	Assistant Principal Sarina Baker will guide you through the Upper School class registration process. Be sure you are registered in Skyward prior to the event. Review our course descriptions. Location: Upper School Library RSVP Here	Newly enrolled Upper School families - parents and students
Juneteenth Celebration	June 12, 5:00-7:30 p.m.	Celebrate Juneteenth with us! Food trucks, live music, and gathering at the Upper School outdoor Bethlehem Amphitheater. Contact your Admission Counselor with any questions.	Open to the public.

July

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.
Create a ParentSquare Account: You will receive your Parent Square account registration via email. Follow the prompts to activate your Parent Square account. Each parent or guardian should have a Parent Square account with the same email as Skyward, do not combine your accounts. Parent Square is how you'll get updates from your child's teacher, the principal, and other key messages and event information. It is also a way that you can message other parents, see calendar events, sign up for field trips and volunteer opportunities as they arrive.
School Calendar: Review the school calendar in Parent Square or online and mark important dates.

Middle School

Register for Elective Classes: The Middle School Dean of Students will reach out to you about registering for elective classes when you register in Skyward. Review our course descriptions.
Summer Assignments: Review summer assignments for your child's classes.

Upper School

Register for Classes: Our Assistant Principal will guide you through the Upper School class registration process. Be sure you are registered in Skyward prior to the event. Review our course descriptions.
Summer Assignments: Review summer assignments for your child's classes.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Fall Athletics Captains Practices Ongoing	Determined by sport	Make sure you are registered in Skyward and you have filled out your Athletics Form by end of May to join the coach's email list. Contact our Athletic Department with any questions.	All enrolled student athletes
Summer Camp Ongoing		View our catalog and register.	Open to the public. *Must be enrolled to register for Kindergarten Bound
Ninth Grade Class Registration	July 14	Register for your classes with Vice Principal Sarina Baker. Subsequent registration nights will take place virtually.	All enrolled ninth grade families.
Breakfast with the President	July 30	If you’ve already enrolled — we can’t wait to see you there! Still considering your next step? Now’s the time to secure your place and gain access to the many touch points designed just for our enrolled families. Once you've completed enrollment, you'll receive an invite in your email.	All enrolled families
Intro to Parent Square	July 31	Now that you're enrolled, it's essential to get connected to ParentSquare - our main hub for school communication. Once you've completed enrollment, you'll receive an invite in your email to this virtual event.	All enrolled families

August

Items to Complete

All Grades

New Student Enrollment Form: First, complete the New Student Enrollment Form sent to you from the Admission Department.
Create a Skyward Account: Second, set up a Skyward Account. Follow the directions sent in an email from the Admission Department.
Complete Outstanding Forms: Third, complete any outstanding forms in Skyward.
Create a FACTS Account (Tuition and Financial Aid Management): Follow the directions on the FACTS website to set up your account.
Create a ParentSquare Account: You will receive your Parent Square account registration via email. Follow the prompts to activate your Parent Square account. Each parent or guardian should have a Parent Square account with the same email as Skyward, do not combine your accounts. Parent Square is how you'll get updates from your child's teacher, the principal, and other key messages and event information. It is also a way that you can message other parents, see calendar events, sign up for field trips and volunteer opportunities as they arrive.
School Calendar: Review the school calendar in Parent Square or online and mark important dates.
School Supplies: Gather your child's school supplies. See our school supply lists for details.
Set up a Taher School lunch account if your child will be eating school lunch (K-12) or purchasing milk (preschool).

Lower School

Back-to-School Packet : You will receive a packet of back-to-school materials in the mail. This packet will have key information about the school year, your child's teacher, the Tech Event, Orientation Day, Back-to-School Night, teacher conferences, and school photos.
Extended Day Registration (Lower and Middle School only)

Middle School

Register for Elective Classes: The Middle School Dean of Students will reach out to you about registering for elective classes when you register in Skyward. Review our course descriptions.
Back-to-School Packet: You will receive a packet of back-to-school materials in the mail. This packet will have key information about the school year, as well as your advisor for the year. It will also provide information about Orientation Day, Back-to-School Night, teacher conferences, school photos, and other relevant information related to transportation, food services, and a school supply list.
Extended Day Registration (Lower and Middle School only)
Summer Assignments: Review summer assignments for your child's classes.

Upper School

Register for Classes: Our Assistant Principal will guide you through the Upper School class registration process. Be sure you are registered in Skyward prior to the event. Review our course descriptions.
Back-to-School Information: A Parent Square post will be sent by the Upper School Principal and will provide details about the first day schedule, orientation day, and class meetings. Your child's schedule can be found on Schoology and will posted prior to the start of school.
Review Senior Portrait and Tribute Information (Seniors only)
Summer Assignments: Review summer assignments for your child's classes.

Event	Date & Time	Description	Who
Preschool and Kindergarten Playdate	August 12, 9:30 a.m.	A relaxed and joyful morning where incoming PreK and Kindergarten students can meet new friends, parents can connect, and everyone can get excited for the year ahead.	Current and newly enrolled families in preschool and kindergarten. Look for an email invite from your Admissions Counselor!
Lower School (Grades 1-5) Playdate	August 13, 9:30 a.m.	A relaxed and joyful morning where incoming Grades 1-5 students can meet new friends, parents can connect, and everyone can get excited for the year ahead.	Current and newly enrolled families in grades 1-5. Look for an email invite from your Admissions Counselor!
Middle School (Grades 6-8) Transition & Tech Welcome Night	August 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m.	New Middle School students will get set up with their iPads and tech support, while parents attend a helpful tech info session. Afterward, all new and rising middle school families are invited to celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter with rooftop activities and an ice cream bar!	Newly enrolled and enrolled Middle School students.
Upper School (Grades 9-12) Transition & Tech Welcome Night	August 13, 4:30 p.m.	New Upper School students will get set up with their iPads and tech support, while parents attend a helpful tech info session. Afterward, all new and rising middle school families are invited to celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter with rooftop activities and an ice cream bar!	Newly enrolled and enrolled Upper School students.
Lower and Middle School Orientation (PreK-Grade 8)	August 18-19	PreK and Lower School: Schedule a 20-minute meeting* (30 minutes for preschool) with your child's teacher for them to meet, do a simple reading assessment (grade k-5), and get comfortable with their classroom! Be sure to bring in school supplies. Specialty school supplies sold through Minnehaha and Redhawk spirit wear will be available to purchase. Students will also get their class photo taken. Middle School: Schedule a 30-minute meeting* for your child to meet their advisor and receive their schedule. Your child will also find their locker, walk their schedule, and take their school picture. Be sure to bring in school supplies. Specialty school supplies sold through Minnehaha and Redhawk spirit wear will be available to purchase. *Link to sign up for a time to meet your child's teacher will be sent out via Parent Square.	All enrolled Lower and Middle School students and parents
10th-12th Grade Class Meetings	August 18	10th Grade: 9:30 am - 11:00 a.m. (breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by class meeting) 11th Grade: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (meeting at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch at noon) 12th Grade: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (lunch at noon followed by class meeting) Your child will hear an overview of the upcoming school year, listen to expectations, have a meal, and will get a chance to spend time with friends. This is a required event.	All newly enrolled and current 10th-12th grade students
9th Grade Orientation Day	August 19, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	Your ninth grader will meet their advisor, receive their printed schedule, familiarize themselves with the building, and and have fun bowling with their advisor group! Parents will have a class meeting with the Upper School Counselors at 2:00 p.m. and then ninth graders and parents will enjoy an ice cream social together at 2:30 p.m. This is a required event.	All incoming 9th grade students and parents (only from 2:00-3:00 p.m.)
Upper School Orientation (Grades 10-12)	August 19, 1:30-2:30 p.m.	Your child will meet their advisor and other new students, receive their printed schedule, and become familiar with the Upper School building. Then enjoy an ice cream social with parents and other new students at 2:30 p.m. This is a required event.	All newly enrolled 10th-12th grade students and parents (only at 2:30 p.m.)
First Day of School (All Grades)	August 20	School Hours: Upper (High) School: 8:25 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Lower (Elementary) and Middle School: 8:35 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Stop for a picture with Squawk at our Lower and Middle School Campus! Capture a memorable photo in front of the original 1913 Minnehaha Academy stone sign at our Upper School.	All enrolled students
First Day of School Kindergarten Coffee & Kleenex	August 20	Coffee, Kleenex and treats are available at our fireplace area right after Kindergarten drop off time.	Kindergarten parents

September

Minnehaha's Digital Platforms

Need Tech Help? Contact our Technology Team via email.

Parent Square

Minnehaha's Primary Communication Platform

Classroom Teacher Updates & Weekly Principal Broadcasts
Information About Various Co-Curricular Opportunities
School Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Permission Field Trip Forms
Private message with Other Parents
Communicate with your teacher about topics in brief

Skyward

Student Database

Maintains Student Information
Emergency Contact Details
Register for Classes
Register for Athletics
Annual Release Forms

SeesaW
(K-Grade 2)
and

SchoologY (Grades 3-12) Learning Management System

Find information about your child's grades and progress

FACTS

Payment System

Follow the instructions in the email you received from the Admission Department.

Discover More

Now that you're a Redhawk family, you'll want to learn more about the details of life at Minnehaha. Visit our Current Parent Page for all of the details on: course offerings, support services, lunch, after-school programs, summer camp, our parent handbook, how parents can get involved, and more by visiting our Current Parent Page.

Current Parent Page

Welcome Teams

Welcome to the Minnehaha Academy community!

Now that your enrollment is complete, you're about to meet more of the amazing team who will walk with you through this next season. It's a lot of new information, and we’re here to make it easy. Below you’ll find a list of go-to contacts who are excited to support your family.

Lower School Welcome Team

Role	Name	Email
Principal	Karen Balmer	balmerkaren@minnehahaacademy.net
Dean	Wesley Laws	lawswesley@minnehahaacademy.net
Tuition/Student Accounts Manager	Lauren Sass	sasslauren@minnehahaacademy.net
Tech Support		techhelp@minnehahaacademy.net
School Lunch/Taher	Laura Dubois	l.dubois@taher.com
Academic Support Services Director	Martha Erickson	ericksonmartha@minnehahaacademy.net
Athletics	Emily Kennett	kennettemily@minnehahaacademy.net
Transportation Director	Scott Glenn	glennscott@minnehahaacademy.net
Preschool Director	Thea Engfer	vangordonrthea@minnehahaacademy.net
Extended Day Programs	Charlotte Deegan	deegancharlotte@minnehahaacademy.net
Attendance/Main Office	Elizabeth Rausch	rauschelizabeth@minnehahaacademy.net
Counseling/Student Services	Katherine McGraw	mcgrawkatherine@minnehahaacademy.net
School Nurse	Paul Slininger	sliningerpaul@minnehahaacademy.net
Coaches		Athletics Details
Parent Engagement		Parent Engagement Details

Middle School Welcome Team

Role	Name	Email
Principal	Devin Ayers	ayersdevin@minnehahaacademy.net
Dean	Kari Fields	fieldskari@minnehahaacademy.net
Tuition/Student Accounts Manager	Lauren Sass	sasslauren@minnehahaacademy.net
Tech Support		techhelp@minnehahaacademy.net
School Lunch/Taher	Laura Dubois	l.dubois@taher.com
Academic Support	Martha Erickson	ericksonmartha@minnehahaacademy.net
Athletics	Emily Kennett	kennettemily@minnehahaacademy.net
Transportation Director	Scott Glenn	glennscott@minnehahaacademy.net
Extended Day Programs	Charlotte Deegan	deegancharlotte@minnehahaacademy.net
Attendance/Main Office	Elizabeth Rausch	rauschelizabeth@minnehahaacademy.net
Counseling/Student Services	Christy Daigle	daiglechristy@minnehahaacademy.net
Core Formation/ MLI	Rev. Amy Long	longamy@minnehahaacademy.net
School Nurse	Paul Slininger	sliningerpaul@minnehahaacademy.net
Coaches		Athletics Details
Parent Engagement		Parent Engagement Details

Upper School Welcome Team

Role	Name	Email
Principal	Dr. Toby Castle	castletoby@minnehahaacademy.net
Assistant Principal/Class Registration	Sarina Baker	bakersarina@minnehahaacademy.net
Dean	Lance Johnson	johnsonlance@minnehahaacademy.net
Tuition/Student Accounts Manager	Lauren Sass	sasslauren@minnehahaacademy.net
Registrar	Mary Kate Fretheim	fretheimmarykate@minnehahaacademy.net
Tech Support		techhelp@minnehahaacademy.net
School Lunch/Taher	Laura Dubois	l.dubois@taher.com
Academic Support Services Director	Martha Erickson	ericksonmartha@minnehahaacademy.net
Athletics	Emily Kennett	kennettemily@minnehahaacademy.net
Transportation Director	Scott Glenn	glennscott@minnehahaacademy.net
Counseling/Student Services	Christine Paton	patonchristine@minnehahaacademy.net
Core Formation/MLI/CFE	Jessa Anderson	andersonjessa@minnehahaacademy.net
School Nurse	Heidi Streed	streedheidi@minnehahaacademy.net
Coaches		Athletics Details
Parent Engagement		Parent Engagement Details