SFHS Weekly Newsletter

Greetings SFHS Students, Staff, and Families,

It was a busy week here at SFHS. Thank you all for coming to parent/teacher conferences on Monday. If you were unable to attend, please reach out to your students teachers. We love to celebrate your students success and work collaboratively to support their growth.

The weather is changing and snow is forecasted this weekend, but just remember it is always sunny here at St. Francis High School. Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

Your SFHS Administrative Team,

Doug Austin, Principal

Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson, Assistant Principals

As Election Day for our school district’s referendum approaches, I wanted to share more insight into the current state of our budget and our district’s vision for a strong future for our students, staff and schools.

Over the past decade, we have made difficult decisions to balance our budget due to chronic

underfunding from the state. Our district receives $1,347 less funding per student than the state

average. Over 70% of school districts in Minnesota – including many in our region - rely on voter-

approved local funding to support their schools. St. Francis Area Schools does not have a voter-approved levy.

Through the budget shortfalls, we have taken steps to preserve funding for the classroom and manage our spending without seeking additional operational financial support. But after years of budget cuts, we have reached a point where additional investments are needed to meet the needs of our students and provide them with the quality education they deserve and that our families and community expect.

To help achieve this goal, our district proposed the Strong Future plan. The plan seeks voter-approved local funding to support our district’s goals to grow vocational and technical education, expand STEAM programming, provide classroom supplies and materials, enhance technology and invest in staff while providing high value for the investment from our community.

On Tuesday, November 7, district voters will consider two ballot questions: a 10-year, $325 per student operating levy that would provide $1.5 million in new revenue each year for 10 years and a 10-year $880,000 annual capital projects levy.

If the referendum is approved, these investments would be supported by a tax increase on properties in our district. A home valued at $375,00 would see an estimated monthly tax increase starting in 2024 of $9 per month for question one and an additional $5 per month for question two (for a total of $14 per month if both questions pass). I strongly encourage district residents to use this tax calculator to calculate their tax impact.

The district developed this plan based on a survey of community members, and now residents will

decide whether or not to approve the plan. Please visit sfStrongFuture.org to learn more about the plan, its cost and tax impact, and voting information. Also, don’t forget to make your voice heard on this important community decision by casting your ballot on or before Tuesday, November 7.

Thank you,

Karsten Anderson

Superintendent

St. Francis Area Schools

Please join us for the HS Veterans Appreciation Program. Friends, Family are all welcome to attend! We hope to see you there.

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.

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

Questions or want more College & Career information? Please contact Ms. Abraham at dawn.abraham@isd15.org or 763-213-1580

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

If you are interested in learning more about Robotics and how to join, please email Clarissa Dobson at clarissa.dobson@isd15.org to get on the email list about upcoming events.