SFHS Weekly Newsletter
November 3, 2023
Greetings SFHS Students, Staff, and Families,
Reminder that the referendum voting is November 7th. Please go out and vote!
We also have our Veterans Appreciation Program on November 10. All are welcome to attend! We look forward to seeing and recognizing all of the Veterans.
Have a safe, and fun weekend. Good luck to all the hunters!
Your SFHS Administrative Team,
Doug Austin, Principal
Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson, Assistant Principals
Your Voice Matters - A Big Decision with a Big Impact
Only one week is left to vote on the district's proposed referendum.
After years of budget cuts and funding challenges, our district has proposed a plan to seek voter-approved funding to invest in a strong future for our students, staff and schools. Residents will now decide whether or not to approve the district's plan.
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, district voters will be asked to consider two ballot questions:
Question One: A 10-year, $325 per student operating levy that would provide the district with an additional $1.5 million each year.
Question Two: A $880,000 annual capital projects levy for ten years. Question Two cannot pass unless Question One also passes .
If approved by voters, these investments would be supported by a tax increase on properties in our district. For example, a home valued at $375,000 would see an estimated tax increase of $14 per month starting in 2024, about $9 for question one and about $5 for question two.
How to Vote:
Vote early in person at the Anoka County Elections Office (2100 3rd Avenue, Suite 160, Anoka, MN 55303), Monday through Friday, from 8 to 4:30 p.m. Extended voting hours are available on Saturday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Monday, November 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications can be downloaded here. Absentee ballots must be returned in person or by mail to the Anoka County Elections Office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7.
Vote on Election Day at your designated polling location. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find your polling location, visit sfStrongFuture.org/vote.
To learn more about the referendum, including the proposed plan, cost, and tax impact, please visit our dedicated website: sfStrongFuture.org. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (763) 753-7041 or karsten.anderson@isd15.org if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Karsten Anderson
Superintendent
St. Francis Area Schools
Veterans Appreciation Program
Please join us for the HS Veterans Appreciation Program. Friends, Family are all welcome to attend! We hope to see you there.
Yearbook Information
SENIOR CLASS PHOTO
Yearbook is planning to take a senior class photo during advisory next Tuesday, 11/7.
SENIOR QUOTE
Attention seniors!
Check your school email for information about submitting your senior quote. Senior quotes and senior portraits must be received by Sunday, 11/19/23, at midnight.
SENIOR PORTRAIT SUBMISSION
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
Fall Play 2023
Fall Play Puffs opens November 9-12! Please come out and support these talented students!
2023 Madrigal Dinner
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.
Online Winter Sports/Activities Registration
Online Registration Links
DECA Dugout
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.
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.
AP Information
AP students and Families,
An important part of taking an AP course is the AP Test at the end of the year. This is an optional test but the only way students have an opportunity to earn college credit for the class. Test Fees will be paid in person to me for $62 per test or through Community Education with this link for $62 plus their processing fee of $5 for a total of $67 per test. Checks can be written out to Saint Francis High School. In person payments are due by 3pm Friday, November 10th. Online payments are due by 11:59pm Friday, November 10th. Students that have not paid or submitted the Free and Reduced form to me will not be able to take the test.
For students who are on free and reduced meals, please fill out this document and email it to dereck.buss@isd15.org for more information regarding payment.
Remember, this price is a small amount when compared to how much taking a college class will be in the future. Best of luck and reach out to dereck.buss@isd15.org if you have any questions.
College & Career Center Info
College Rep Visits
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:
Interested in Robotics?
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.