
SFHS Weekly Newsletter
March 15, 2024
Dear Parents and Students,
Just a reminder that we have Spring Break March 25-29. In addition, we have a late start day on Wednesday, March 20. Don't forget we have the MORP dance tonight from 7:00-10:00 pm in the St. Francis High School Cafeteria/Bridge Street Room.
Enjoy the weekend, as always Go Saints!!!!!
Your SFHS Administrative Team,
Doug Austin - Principal
Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson - Assistant Principals
UPCOMING EVENTS
MCA Information
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.
11th graders will be taking the MCA Math test on April 16th.
10th Graders will be taking the MCA Reading test on April 23rd
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!
SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY 2024 INFORMATION
Attention All Parents and Families of Seniors! If you are interested in helping email: sfhsallnightparty@gmail.com
Upcoming fundraising events to put on your calendars:
- Senior signs ordering deadline is March 28th; Sign Link Here
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
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:
**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
Therapy and supportive services provided by Conscious Healing Counseling are kept confidential and are separate from other services received through St. Francis School District. Individual Therapy for your student requires parent permission and can be accessed using the student's health insurance.
Activities/Athletics Section
Boys Basketball Award Winners:
- M8 Academic All Conference (3.7 GPA or Higher): Caleb Schoenrock, Owen Lamson, & Tanner Rothbauer
- M8 Honorable Mention All Conference: Nate Kuznia and Taylor Hardie
- M8 All Conference: Connor Peterson and Caleb Schoenrock
Scan the QR code or click the link to register for a Spring Sports/Activities
DECA
St. Francis High School students earn recognition at Minnesota DECA State Career Development Conference.
12 students from St. Francis High School participated in the annual Minnesota DECA State Career Development Conference in Minneapolis, MN, March 10-12, 2024.
During the school year, approximately 5,000 Minnesota DECA members take part in the organization's competitive events program, allowing them to compete in over 60 events focused in the areas of entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality, marketing and other related fields. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development. After qualifying earlier this year, district winners put their talents to the test during the State Career Development Conference.
Students receiving state recognition include:
Jack Humphrey – Employment Interview – 1st place
Ava Randall - Hotel & Lodging Management Series - 7th place
Julian Kelcher - Principles of Finance - 7th place
Joseph Zandlo - Marketing Communications - 10th place
Rowan Anderson - Top test taker in the Business Management and Administration Cluster Exam
Teagan Harmon - Top test taker in the Business Management and Administration Cluster Exam
Ava Randall - Outstanding DECA Member
Sophia Lund - Outstanding DECA Member
This April, Jack Humphrey will travel to Anaheim, CA to participate in a leadership academy. More than 20,000 top students from around the world will attend the International Career Development Conference – the pinnacle of DECA competition.
ABOUT MINNESOTA DECA: DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA enhances the preparation for college and careers by providing co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote compeon. The Minnesota High School Association is part of a larger organization comprised of 250,000 members from all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain. For more information about Minnesota DECA, please visit www.mndeca.org. Follow our local St. Francis DECA chapter on our socials @SFHS DECA
TRIO Upward Bound
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:
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.
- Potential First-Generation College Student: Neither parent has earned a four-year degree.
For additional information, please contact me at dannica.smelter@anokaramsey.edu or call/ text 320.416.0055.
Thank you!
ACT Information
This is a final reminder for all Juniors interested in taking the ACT test on April 23rd at St. Francis High School that the registration closes today. Juniors and parents please check your email for information on how to register. If you have any questions, please contact dawn.abraham@isd15.org or 763-213-1580.
Speech Information
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!
Graduation Information
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).
The time has come to order your Cap & Gowns! 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.
Reapply for Educational Benefits!
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.
Lunch Account Information
Nutrition Services is switching over to district approved Infinite Campus meal accountability software over spring break. The student meals continue to be free, and this switchover will not change how students and staff access the meal program with their pin numbers.
To prepare for the conversion the following timelines have been established:
Mar 18, 2024 The last day to put online payments with PAYPAMS for credit/debit card into meal accounts for ala carte purchases.
Mar 19, 2024 PAYPAMS will no longer be available. Our new online payment system will be available after spring break. Checks will continue to be accepted at the schools through March 22.
Mar 22, 2024 This is the last day for the Net Cash Point Of Sale machine at the High School; and it will no longer be in service after the software conversion. Going forward, students wanting to purchase ala carte will need to place their deposits in the lunch money collection box by 9:00 am to use for Saints Time snack line purchases and by 10:30 am to use for lunch time snack line purchases. Our new online payment system will be accessible after spring break in the student portal and the parent portal.
March 23-31 Spring Break. Over spring break, meal account balances will be transferred into Infinite Campus. School cashier offices are closed over spring break and we will not be able to process checks or debit/credit card online payments over spring break while conversion is happening.
Apr 1, 2024 School resumes, Infinite Campus Food Service system will go live!
Online debit and credit card payments will be accepted in Campus Payments for Food Service. Campus Payments are accessible by parent portal and student portal. Checks continue to be accepted at elementary schools by turning in to the classroom teacher in the morning; middle school and high school have lunch money collection boxes on the cafeteria wall for students to deposit money into accounts. We still accept cash, however sending of cash is discouraged, and is at your own risk.
Additionally, Educational Benefit Forms will be accepted online through Infinite Campus parent portal beginning April 1. Last day to enter an online application via Stratta Apps will be March 18. March 19 - Strata Apps will no longer be available. Paper applications will continue to be accepted throughout the school year, with processing on hold over spring break during the software conversion.
For questions regarding the upcoming change please send an email to: Nutrition.office@isd15.org
Meet With Your Counselor
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
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
Parking Permit Information
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.