Greetings SFHS Student, Staff, and Families,

Snowflakes are currently falling outside, reminding us that winter has not completely left yet. While the sudden temperature drop has impacted some of our Spring sports and activities, we are resilient and hopeful for warmer days ahead. Our students had a busy week with mid-trimester assessments and MCA Math testing; we are so proud of their efforts. Next week we have the ACT and MCA Reading tests. Remember that Tuesday the 23rd is also a Senior exemption day. The coming weeks are going to be busy as the school year winds down. Keep working hard, stay focused, and 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 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!

Follow us on instagram @sfhsseniorallnightparty2024

Facebook: SFHS all night party 2024

All Night Party Registration Now Open!

Students must submit a signed copy to Ms. Nancy Brunn

Early Bird Registration* ends 5/10/24

2024 Registration form_final.docx

*this guarantees you a senior t-shirt and gift!

REOPENED by popular demand!

Senior Yard Signs are on sale now for $20

Deadline: 4/24/24

Sign Pick Up Time: Week of 4/26/24 Location: TBD

sf24signs.itemorder.com

Senior Shirt Link

"City Lights, Golden Nights, PROM 2024, TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE"

• $70 per ticket, which includes Grand March, Dinner, and Dance! CASH ONLY.
• Tickets can purchased in the Activities Office or Room B113.

• If SFHS students plan to bring an outside guest, the guest must be at least a sophomore and under 21. See Mrs. Paquay to complete a guest permission form. Outside guest tickets are $80.

• Online students will need to come to SFHS and purchase tickets from our Activities Office.
• Students at the ALC will be able to purchase tickets at their site.

Tickets are first come, first serve, we will sell out- so get them early!

Project Fairy Godmothers would like to invite your school to our 2024 Prom Dress Giveaway. Students and their personal shopper will choose a dress, shoes, and accessories. We have stylists on board to provide makeup and hair inspirations and seamstresses to make minor alterations. Each student can walk the red carpet with snaps from professional photographers. Also in attendance are college recruiters. The day is a true Prom Experience!

Event Details (see the attached flier for more details )

Saturday, April 6th 8:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. AND Sunday, April 7th 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

Oxford Community Center - Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, 270 Lexington Parkway N., St. Paul, MN 55104

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A48ABA82AA6FA7-47865282-prom

Project Fairy Godmothers

Mary Thielen (952.334.2727)

projectfairygodmothers@gmail.com

www.projectfairygodmothers.org

Dear families,

Join us for an Art Tour of Barcelona and Paris during Spring Break of 2025! We still have 10 spots open! Contact debra.paquay@isd15.org with questions or to receive information.

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.

Congratulations to the following St. Francis High School students who were recognized at a signing event on April 11!

Weston Rolf: Cross Country at Bethel University

Jaden Kozak: Hockey at St. Catherine University

Kara Schwintek: Softball at Bethel University

Alexis Wyman: Rowing at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities

Nick Aanenson: Cross Country at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Josie Lupinek: Basketball at Hamline University

Kiersten Terris: Tennis at Blue Mountain Christian University

Amber Lawrence: Cross Country/Track at Gustavus Adolphus College

It’s with great pride that we’d like to announce our new boys basketball coach, Robbie Whitney! Robbie grew up in our basketball program and is a graduate of St. Francis. In high school he was a great student-athlete. He was an all-conference forward who played on our 2014 and 2015 section championship teams. After high school, Robbie went on to play basketball at Bethel University. To no one’s surprise he picked up coaching after his playing days ended. He cut his teeth coaching our JV team for a season and then got hired as New Life Academy’s head coach. At New Life Coach Whitney won two section championships and earned two runner-up finishes at the state tournament. This past season Coach moved up to the college level to finish his masters degree while serving as a graduate assistant for the Augustana men’s basketball team. Our basketball family is thrilled to have Coach Whitney back home leading the program he helped establish as a player. Robbie’s a champion and will continue the proud tradition of Saints boys basketball here in St. Francis.

Eric Thompson has been selected as the new Head Boys Hockey Coach for Northern Edge (includes St. Francis High School and North Branch High School). Please join us in congratulating Coach Thompson in his new role with the program!

Coach Thompson has an extensive background in hockey, most recently serving as an assistant with Northern Edge last year.

Vox Consone choir, the top choir at SFHS went to the 7AA large group choral contest and received 3 superior ballots! Superior is the highest rating one can receive.

Congratulations, Vox Consone choir!

Tickets are now on sale for the Spring Musical - Into the Woods.

Advance sale tickets are $5 on line and the price will go up after Spring Break.

www.seatyourself.biz/stfrancishs

The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. (PG - children 6 and under may not understand the darker sides of these traditional fairy tales

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!

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.

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! 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.