SFHS Weekly Newsletter

Greetings to our SFHS students, families, and staff,

Today we celebrated Veterans Day as well as those men and women currently serving in all branches of the armed forces. Our all-school assembly included Veterans from our community and we all listened to Major Nathan Burr speak about his experiences. He challenged us to see what we could accomplish in 36 hours. We are grateful for the sacrifices of these brave men and women and while we value them everyday, we are especially thankful today.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend. Go Saints!

Your SFHS Administrative Team,

Doug Austin, Principal

Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson, Assistant Principals

American Indian Education is pleased to announce that St. Francis Area Schools Nutrition Services will be offering a Harvest Sampling of Wild Rice for students during lunch meal service on the following days:

All 3 Elementary Schools: Harvest Sampling is on Thursday, November 16.
Middle School Harvest Sampling is on Tuesday, November 28.
High School & Learning Center Harvest Sampling is on Thursday, November 30.

Join our free luncheon on November 22nd from 11:00-12:30 in the Bridge Street Room at St. Francis High School with author Anton Treuer! Anton will be discussing how to embrace and celebrate Cultures in our schools. RSVP to Haley Dagle at haley.dagle@isd15.org

If you want to learn how to motivate people, give a speech without feeling faint, or want to show off your skills in performance, this is the activity for you! We teach the skills to be confident, poised, and have fun doing it. We meet people from all different school, build lasting friendships and have fun doing it.

Wednesday, November 25th after school in Mrs. Arnold's room, C204. Hope to see you there!

Fall Play Puffs opens November 9-12! Please come out and support these talented students!

Attention seniors! Check your school email for information about submitting your senior quote. Senior quotes and senior portraits must be received by Sunday, 11/19/23, at midnight.

Senior portraits are due by Sunday, November 19, 2023.

For more information, click the link below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nefNUUjAtjr3V_BVitA4agB6O_o8O62qx_5fdhlZ5U8/edit

There will be an Robotics informational meeting November 30th at 5:30pm in D115.

If you are interested in Robotics, please come to the meeting to learn about the program!

Robotics is open to 7th graders through 12th graders.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please email Ms. Dobson at clarissa.dobson@isd15.org

Even though ISD15 Nutrition Services is participating in the new Minnesota Free School Meals program, families with students in St. Francis Area Schools are strongly encouraged to complete an Application for Educational Benefits. Qualifying for Educational Benefits helps your family secure reduced athletic, activity and preschool fees. The district could receive additional money for students, schools, and essential educational programs by completing an Application for Educational Benefits. Much of the teaching and learning funding for districts is based upon how many families qualify for Educational Benefits.

Please don't wait, apply online at https://stfrancis.strataapps.com/ or, you may complete the paper application mailed out to you and return to St. Francis Area Schools Nutrition Services Office, 3325 Bridge Street NW, St. Francis, MN 55070.

If you have already received a direct certification letter or an approval letter, there is no need to apply again. Please contact Nutrition.Office@isd15.org or call 763-753-7060 if you are unsure or if you have a changing financial situation.

You may reapply for benefits at any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now but have a decrease in household income, become unemployed, have an increase in household size, or qualify for MFIP, SNAP, or FDPIR benefits, you may fill out another application at that time.

https://stfrancis2054a.cf.affinetysolutions.com/

https://gostfrancissaints.com/

The DECA Dugout is open at SFHS. We're open before school and during Saints Time. Our staff has been working hard to open our store for our students and staff! We're excited to see some familiar faces and serve you snacks, beverages and Saints apparel. If you can't make it into SFHS, shop online with us here. Thank you for supporting our DECA program.

Mr. Dereck Buss, Last names A - Ha

Ms. Anna Ruel, Last names He - O

Ms. Tammy Sworsky, Last names P - Z

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is a group that meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month in D111 (Mr. Loukinen's room). Meetings are in the morning at 7:05, or 8:35 on late start days. It is an opportunity for students to talk and learn about their faith with other students. All students are welcome. If you have any questions, email jake.loukinen@isd15.org

Students who park on school grounds must have a student school-authorized parking permit. Permits are $60 per trimester for full-time students and $12 per class for part-time students. A discounted price of $150 is available for purchasing all three trimesters NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 30, 2023. Free parking is available in the lower lot. Students must only park in the west lot and display the current trimester's student parking permit.

Students parking without a student school-sanctioned permit or in an undesignated area may be directed to move their vehicle to the lower lot. The school may revoke parking permits and privileges from individuals who continue to violate the rules or whose driving habits present a threat to the safety of others. SFHS will not refund fees for revoked parking permits.

Parents and students can also find this information on the SFHS website and live feed: https://sfhs.isd15.org/o/sfhs.

AP students and Families,

An important part of taking an AP course is the AP Test at the end of the year. This is an optional test but the only way students have an opportunity to earn college credit for the class. Test Fees will be paid in person to me for $62 per test or through Community Education with this link for $62 plus their processing fee of $5 for a total of $67 per test. Checks can be written out to Saint Francis High School. In person payments are due by 3pm Friday, November 10th. Online payments are due by 11:59pm Friday, November 10th. Students that have not paid or submitted the Free and Reduced form to me will not be able to take the test.

For students who are on free and reduced meals, please fill out this document and email it to dereck.buss@isd15.org for more information regarding payment.

Remember, this price is a small amount when compared to how much taking a college class will be in the future. Best of luck and reach out to dereck.buss@isd15.org if you have any questions.

We host many different reps from colleges around the area. Students can sign up to meet with and gather info about these colleges. This is a great way for students to learn about the differences between these campuses without having to leave school or step foot on campus. Students can sign up using the link below:

College Rep Visit Sign-up