News Translations

Optional COVID-19 testing kits are available to students through St. Francis Area Schools. Through the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education, the District has received a supply of "over-the-counter," take-home-style tests available in each school's Health Office. These tests are an optional resource and offer a private way for families to rapid test inside of their own homes. Students experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may request a take-home test from the school nurse with parental consent. All testing is self-administered and should be performed at home.

These specific test kits are designed for use by individuals who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19; they should not be used to screen for COVID-19 when symptoms are not present.

If your student tests positive COVID-19, please follow the steps below. 

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should first follow a medical provider's orders. Otherwise, it is recommended that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate at home until:

• They feel better (symptoms have improved), and;
• It has been ten days since they first felt sick (or since they tested if no symptoms were present), and;
• They have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without using a medicine that lowers fevers.
• Please contact the Health Office at your students' school to report a positive test.
  • Cedar Creek Elementary School   763-213-8831
  • East Bethel Elementary School   763-213-8910
  • St. Francis Elementary School   763-213-8708
  • St. Francis Middle School   763-213-8530
  • St. Francis High School   763-213-1530
  • St. Francis Learning Center   763-753-7239
  • Early Childhood Family Center   763-753-7180
• Report your child's absence
  • Cedar Creek Elementary School   763-213-8800
  • East Bethel Elementary School   763-213-8931
  • St. Francis Elementary School   763-213-8731
  • St. Francis Middle School   763-213-8531
  • St. Francis High School   763-213-1531
  • Saints Academy   763-753-7120
  • Early Childhood Family Center   763-753-7183

Minnesota Rule 4605.7070 requires any person in charge of any institution, school, childcare facility, or camp to report cases of COVID-19 to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). 

If in-home testing is not convenient for families, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has a list of COVID-19 testing options available at no cost to Minnesotans.

• There are COVID-19 community testing sites across Minnesota offering free tests to all.
• People can go to local pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. You can search for testing sites near you at Find Testing Locations.
• Families can also use the COVID-19 Vault saliva testing at home program to have a test mailed to them.

Click here for more information about COVID-19 testing from MDH.

All families with students in St. Francis Area Schools are strongly encouraged to complete an Application for Educational Benefits.

1. Qualifying for Educational Benefits helps your family secure reduced high school athletic, activity, and preschool fees. The income thresholds are higher than in some programs, so many families are surprised to find they do qualify.
2. 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.
3. Your family may be eligible for Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT). P-EBT is a federal temporary emergency nutrition benefit loaded onto electronic cards for families to purchase food.

Please don’t wait.

Apply online

Apply by filling out a form

The district needs you to apply for Educational Benefits today! Thank you for your continued support of St. Francis Area Schools.

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 763-753-7060 if you are unsure or if you have a changing financial situation.

Please note: due to a federal waiver, St. Francis Area Schools participates in a United States Department of Agriculture’s provision that supplies free first meals to all enrolled K-12 students during the 2021-22 school year.