Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you for a great trimester two and remember that we don't have school on Monday, March 4 for teacher grading day. We will start trimester three on Tuesday, March 5. Make sure to cheer on the state wrestlers who are competing in St. Paul today and Saturday. Boys Basketball will start section play next week. As always, Go Saints!!!!!

Your SFHS Administrative Team,

Doug Austin - Principal

Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson - Assistant Principals

Important Information: Upcoming MCA Testing: PLEASE NOTE UPDATES IN BOLD!

This year students in 10th and 11th grade will be taking their Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) during the regular school day.

• 10th Graders will be taking the MCA Science test either March 6th or May 7th & 8th.

• 11th graders will be taking the MCA Math test on April 16th.

• 10th Graders will be taking the MCA Reading test on April 23rd

There are two separate testing dates for the Science MCA to accommodate students who take Biology during the 3rd Trimester. Students who took the “B” portion of Biology during Trimester 1 or 2 will take the Science MCA test during school on March 6th. Students who have Biology 3rd trimester will take the Science MCA on May 7th & May 8th in their Biology classrooms.

Why MCA Testing Matters: We believe that MCA data is valuable for our students, school, and community. We want every student to participate and do their best. MCA test results provide important information about what our students know and can do. They also inform our community (and potential home buyers) about our school and district. Participation by all students in Minnesota’s statewide assessments benefits our students, schools, and districts in a variety of ways.

• Save time and money: MCA scores can be used to remove the potential academic requirement and cost for remedial courses at Minnesota State Colleges and University System (MinnState) schools.
  
  

• Participation & perception: Increased participation in MCA tests provides a more accurate, competitive perception of a district with neighboring districts. Just like having everyone’s photo in a yearbook provides a complete picture of the student body, these assessments, when taken by all students, help provide a complete picture of how well schools and districts are performing.

• School and district accountability: MCA data allows us to effectively measure student academic progress and provides valuable information to ensure that our district curriculum and instruction are effective.

• Identification of student success and areas for growth: MCA test scores enable us to effectively measure individual student growth and create plans for improvement.

• Resources: MCA data contributes to the ongoing improvement of instructional materials, identification of inequities, and allocation of resources needed to support all students.

Still have questions or concerns about MCA testing at St. Francis High School? Please contact Assistant Principal Jennifer Bobbe at 763-213-1503 for more information.

Thank you for supporting your student and our school!

Your student is invited to Paris and Barcelona in 2025!

Dear families,

Your student is invited to join us on an upcoming educational travel experience to France and Spain during Spring Break of 2025!

When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and I would love to have your student join me on this adventure. Come hear all the details, including the itinerary, activities, academic opportunities, cost of this trip, and more at our interest meeting on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will take place at St Francis High School and the exact location will be based on how many are attending, so please be sure to RSVP below.

Please click here to register for the meeting – an RSVP is required to attend:

https://bit.ly/3Ifw6Dl

**Even if you are unable to attend the meeting, please still RSVP as “interested” so you receive the information. There are limited spots on this trip (30 students), so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

If you are ready to enroll before the meeting, please do so at: https://shorturl.at/hjq18

STATE BOUND!!! Congratulations to the following individuals on qualifying for the 2024 MSHSL individual State Wrestling Tournament at the Excel Energy Center. If you would like to catch the finals tomorrow 03/02/24 you can find tickets here.

Ashton Charmoli 107lbs

Shaun Pearson 121lbs

Tegan Sherk 127lbs

Gunner Hostetter 139lbs

Tyson Charmoli 145lbs

Aydan Carlson 189lbs

GOOD LUCK, BOYS!

Caleb Schoenrock, a 6'7 senior forward, broke the single season rebounding record that has stood since 1979. The record of 3221 rebounds was held by Craig Jerde for 44 seasons. Caleb is currently at 331 rebounds this season with one regular season game left and at least one playoff game to go to add to his record's total. Congrats Caleb on the accomplishment.

These student competed in the Mississippi 8 Lifting Competition and did amazing! A ton of weight was moved and personal bests were broken.

Huge thanks to all the coaches that have helped out all these St. Francis Student Athletes over the years. Special thanks to Coach Gerlach, Schoening, and Dunbar for helping coach alongside these incredible humans!

Scan the QR code or click the link to register for a Spring Sports/Activities

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

Calling all Freshmen at St. Francis High School!

TRIO Upward Bound is currently looking for new participants. TRIO Upward Bound is a FREE college-readiness program. If you are interested in applying, please stop by the high school guidance office or fill out the online application here: https://anokaramsey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ccEaq4YWlCmFAW

Spots are limited, so we encourage you to apply quickly. TRIO Upward Bound provides college prep support, after-school help, opportunities to visit college campuses, academic advising, and much more!

To be eligible for the TRIO Upward Bound Program, students need to meet one of the following criteria:

1. Low income: Student’s parent(s) earn below the Federal TRIO Program Current-Year Low-Income Levels. This is based on the size of the family unit and the amount of taxable income found on the parent(s) tax return at the time of entry into the program.

2. Potential First-Generation College Student: Neither parent has earned a four-year degree.
3. 
   

For additional information, please contact me at dannica.smelter@anokaramsey.edu or call/ text 320.416.0055.

Thank you!

Minnesota DECA needs your help! Please consider signing up to judge at our state DECA competition, Sunday, March 10 - Tuesday March 12, 2024. Sign up for one, two or all three days! No experience is needed, we'll train you at registration. Contact Lisa-Marie Schrag at SFHS if you have any questions, otherwise, just scan the QR code and sign up today!

Juniors interested in taking the ACT test during school hours and at a discounted rate, please check your email for a message from Ms. Abraham!

The ACT is a college entrance exam that colleges across the nation use to help determine admission as well as scholarship opportunities.

The ACT will be offered to all Juniors on Tuesday, April 23rd! Registration Deadline is Tuesday, March 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Abraham @ 763-213-1580 or dawn.abraham@isd15.org

Attention All Parents and Families of Seniors!

The Senior All Night Party committee is looking for SILENT AUCTION BASKET donations for our SATURDAY, MARCH 2nd fundraiser.

Can you put together a silent auction basket? Ideas include: lottery tickets, cooking, sports, gift cards, etc.

If you are interested in helping email: sfhsallnightparty@gmail.com

MEETING DATE CHANGE: The next meeting is Thursday, February 29th, 6:30pm at Back to Captain’s, Isanti - all are welcome to come!

Upcoming fundraising events to put on your calendars:

• Saturday, March 2nd @ Back to Captains on Long Lake 3:00pm - 6:00pm

• Raffles, silent auctions, other events and lots of fun!

• Saturday, April 6th @ Back to SRO 2:00pm - 5:00pm

• Raffles, silent auctions, other events and lots of fun!

Follow us on instagram @sfhsseniorallnightparty2024

Facebook: SFHS all night party 2024

Speech is still taking talented students to voice their passion and gain all the skills in communication and confidence! See Mrs. Arnold in C204 during Saints time or after school.

See you there!

Please fill out the attached form below. We need the correct spelling and punctuation of your Full Legal Name. You will also mark as to where you will be walking for graduation. (Note, this form can only be accessed by students with ISD credentials. Please have your senior fill out this form if they haven't already).

Graduation Information Form

The time has come to order your Cap & Gowns! Please order your Cap & Gown packages by 02/16/24. Here is the link to order your Caps and Gowns
Cap & Gown Order

Here is the link to the class ring information. (Optional)
Class Ring Information

The St. Francis High School Graduation Ceremony is May 31 at 7:00 p.m. Additional information about tickets will be forthcoming.

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

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.