SFHS Weekly Newsletter

Greetings SFHS Students, Staff, and Families,

It's hard to believe it's already October! The weather has officially changed and it finally feels like Fall. Our students are working hard in their classes and getting ready for mid-trimester assessments. Please encourage your child to get support if they need it. Remember that you can verify their progress in Infinite Campus by clicking on Campus Parent. We appreciate teaming with you to ensure your child's academic success.

We hope you all have an enjoyable weekend. Go Saints!

Your SFHS Administrative Team,

Doug Austin, Principal

Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson, Assistant Principals

You’re Invited: Referendum Open House on Oct. 10

Dear Parents and Staff,

Our district is committed to providing residents with the information they need to help them make an informed vote on the St. Francis Area Schools referendum on or before November 7

To help residents learn more about the district’s Strong Future plan, we are holding an open house on Tuesday, October 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the school district office (4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis).

District leaders will be available to share information and answer questions about the November referendum, including our goals for a strong future, the challenges we face in achieving those goals, our plan to address them, and the cost and tax impact of the plan. Information on voting will also be available.

Strong Future is the district’s investment plan to support a strong future for our students, staff and schools. The plan would enhance vocational and technical education, expand hands-on STEAM programming at all grade levels, enhance high school courses that help students earn industry certifications and college credits, provide essential classroom materials and supplies and attract and retain high-quality staff. It would also help the district acquire and maintain student and district technology, enhance security and operational systems and invest in technology-related personnel and ongoing training expenses.

To achieve these goals, the district is proposing two ballot questions for residents to vote on this November: a 10-year, $325 per student operating levy and a $880,000 annual capital projects levy. If approved by voters, these investments would be supported by a tax increase on properties in the district. A home valued at $375,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $14 per month starting in 2024.

This is an important community decision. To learn more about our plan ahead of the open house, I encourage you to visit: sfStrongFuture.org.

We look forward to meeting with you all.

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.

Mr. Dereck Buss, Last names A - Ha

Ms. Anna Ruel, Last names He - O

Ms. Tammy Sworsky, Last names P - Z

SFHS National Honor Society will be hosting a blood drive Wednesday, October 18th from 9-2:30 in the back gym. Students 16 years and older are encouraged to sign up to donate. Parents are also able to sign up! Sign ups will be next week during lunch, or you can email sharon.bergman@isd15.org to sign up or with any questions.

Anyone interested in Robotics, we will have an off-season tournament event at Becker High School on Saturday October 14th, 2023 from 7am until 5pm. If you are interested in attending and seeing what Robotics is all about, please contact Clarissa Dobson at clarissa.dobson@isd15.org to get more information.

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.

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

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

October 26th Hours 1-3

Free to all students grades 10 - 12 interested in taking it for military or general career interest.

Students can sign up using the link below:

ASVAB Sign-up

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.