News Translations

Below you will find the timeline for St. Francis Area Schools' return to in-person learning. We know that many factors can change this plan. We are hopeful that local and county data will continue to support returning to school if that is the right choice for your family. 

Elementary families who had previously chosen distance learning for their students will remain in distance learning classrooms. If they had already notified their schools of their wish to change to in-person, that change would begin on January 19.  

Secondary families will soon receive a survey to identify their choice to remain in distance learning or return to in-person learning on the specified date for their student's grade level return. 

December 16:  Governor Walz releases new Safe Learning Plan updates
December 18:  Anoka County Superintendents meet
December 21:  Commissioner Richer Update with Superintendents
December 21:  Return to In-Person Planning Meeting
December 22:  Local COVID-19 Committee Review the Plan
December 22:  Programs Supervisors and Principals Review Plan
January 4:         Update plan to include Middle School and High School
January 6:         Cabinet Final Review
January 11:       Board Meeting Review of Plan
January 12:       Superintendent Giese presents plan to Regional COVID-19 Team

Timeline of Return

January 13, 14, 15

• Grades K-2 No school, planning days for transition
• Grades 3-12 Distance Learning

January 18

• No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 19

• Pre-K-Grade 2 In-person
• Grades 3-12 Distance Learning

January 27, 28, 29

• Pre-K-Grade 2 In-person
• Grades 3-12 No school, planning days for transition – Students that are part of an AP class may have the option to come to class during the transition days

February 1

• Pre-K-Grade 9 In-person
• Grades 10-12 Distance Learning

February 15

• No School Presidents Day

February 16

•     Pre-K-Grade 12 All students in session

 

• Kindergarten through Grade 5 full distance learning students attend school virtually on these dates, with no transition days
• Special Education programs should follow the plan given by Program Supervisor
• Dates are subject to change if COVID-19 numbers rise or the state gives new guidelines
• Saints Online will continue current programming

Technology

Elementary students will be directed to return loaned technology devices back to school. The device will stay “assigned” to that student and may be sent home again if needed for distance learning. Students grades 6-12 will keep their technology and it will travel back and forth with them.

Other safety measures and key components from the updated Safe Learning Plan

• No more than three grade bands can be introduced into a building in a two-week time period when implementing an in-person learning model.
• Wearing both face masks and shields is strongly encouraged for school staff at all times. Masks are required by staff unless approved by Human Resources.
• A transparent barrier may be placed between an adult and a student while in a small group and individual instruction setting if needed.
• Face coverings must be worn when engaging in indoor physical activity (e.g., indoor recess, indoor Physical Education class, or exercising in a gym). Physical Education classes may continue to be held indoors with a mask.
• Testing for all in-person staff will be available every two weeks, starting February 1. Testing will be available at the District Office, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
• See the Safe Learning Plan from the state of Minnesota

The Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year from the State of Minnesota has been updated. To safely transition to an in-person learning model, the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education requires schools to implement a rolling start process. Students will gradually be brought back into buildings. 

January 4
Distance Learning continues for K-12. Athletics, activities, and some Community Education opportunities will resume.  

January 13, 14, 15 
No school Kindergarten through Grade 2*, planning days. All other grade levels will attend class as usual. 

January 18
No school Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 19 
In-person learning begins for Kindergarten through Grade 2

January 27, 28, 29
No school Grades 3-5*, planning days. All other grade levels will attend class as usual. 

February 1
In-person learning begins for Grades 3-5 (Students in Grades 3-5 are scheduled to return to in-person learning, assuming the Kindergarten-Grade 2 startup is successful.)

* Families who chose the Distance Learning model will remain in Distance Learning.  Distance Learning students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 will have school on the dates identified above as non-instructional, excluding Monday, January 18.

The District will continue to wait for guidance from the state for middle and high school learning models. We will continue to remain in distance learning and return to in-person learning as conditions allow, and hopefully, it will be soon. Early Childhood Family Education will continue in its current model. Preschool Place 15 students will continue to attend regularly scheduled days.

Updated guidance states that staff will be wearing face masks and shields. When educators cannot be six feet from students, a transparent barrier may be added between the staff member and student. Staff will have the opportunity to be tested every two weeks.

New guidance for students includes face coverings when engaging in indoor physical activity. Outdoor activities, such as recess, does not require them. All student meal times and specialist lessons must be held in the classroom or outside when possible. 

Transportation information for Kindergarten through Grade 2 will be available on January 11 in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and on the Here Comes the Bus app. Please review your students' bus times. The Kindergarten through Grade 5 route information will be available on January 25. Review your drop-off and pick-up times, as these may have changed with the addition of Grades 3-5.

Our biggest concern with in-person learning is staffing. If you would like to be a substitute teacher, please sign up here. If you are interested in becoming an Educational Assistant or bus driver, we need you desperately! Apply online at www.isd15.org/jobs. 

Please enjoy the upcoming holidays. We miss your kids and the busy hallways

Beth Giese
Superintendent of Schools

Have you ever asked yourself, "How can I help St. Francis Area Schools (SFAS)?"

The answer is by applying for Educational Benefits. You can help our district receive funding for critical educational programs during these difficult times. Much of the teaching and learning funding for school districts is based upon how many families qualify for Educational Benefits.  The deadline for applications is coming soon, so please apply today!

• Qualifying for Educational Benefits also helps your family secure reduced athletic, activity and preschool fees.
• If you applied for benefits this school year and were denied, but your financial situation has changed, please apply again.  
• Take a few moments to apply online now. Educational Benefits Form
• If you have already received an approval letter, there is no need to apply again.

SFAS is also participating in the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) COVID-19 meal program, which provides free meals to all enrolled K-12 students. If you would like to pick up free distance learning meals for your student, please register for DISTANCE LEARNING MEAL BUNDLES. Your family needs to have received an email confirmation from Nutrition Services before you pick up the meals.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Francis Area Schools!

Good afternoon families,

Today, Governor Walz announced a plan to prioritize putting students back in the classroom. The Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year has been updated and starting January 18, 2021 every elementary school across the state is encouraged to operate an in-person learning model. Middle and high schools will continue to use the original process for determining learning models.

In order to safely transition to an in-person learning model, the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education require schools implement a rolling start process in which students will gradually be brought back in the building. 

• According to the Safe Learning Plan, an acceptable rolling start strategy has no more than three additional grades bands can be introduced into the building in a two week time period when implementing an in-person learning model.
• Face masks and face shields must be worn together by school staff at all times.  
• When educators cannot be six feet from students (small group and individual instruction), if possible add a clear barrier between the adult and student.  
• Face coverings must be worn when engaging in indoor physical activity (e.g., during indoor recess, indoor physical education class, or when exercising in a gym)  
• All student meal times and specialist lessons must be held in the classroom or outside (weather permitting). Physical education classes may continue to be held indoors outside of individual classrooms so long as students and staff are wearing face coverings.
• Testing for all staff must occur every two weeks.

There are parameters the district must follow in order to get students back in classrooms, starting with our youngest learners. More details to come by December 23.

Please stay well and diligent in your efforts to not spread this virus.  Together we can get our entire school back in session.  More information will be coming, but I wanted this early communication to come immediately after the announcement.  Try to be patient as we navigate this updated Safe Learning Plan.

Stay healthy,
Beth Giese
Superintendent of Schools

St. Francis Area Schools has made changes in the way students learn to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. The district's mental health support staff is available to ensure students, staff, and families' mental well-being during Distance Learning. The mental health support staff's assistance to students has been a constant through all the learning changes and will continue.  

The district's mental health support staff includes early childhood staff, social workers, school counselors, and school psychologists. Please click on the presentation below to view all levels of support (pre-K through 12th grade) with information regarding:

• Reasons to connect with mental health support staff
• Resource available to students and families
• Staff contact information
• Lee Carlson Center school-linked services

Continuous Support through Distance Learning- Mental Health Support in St. Francis Area Schools  (presentation)
Contact Information (webpage)

St. Francis Area Schools, the Anoka County Library - St. Francis and the Community Education Advisory Council will be hosting a virtual event to discuss mental health. Mental illnesses are more common than diabetes, yet we still struggle with talking about them compared to a physical illness. During this event, participants will learn how to recognize the stigma and gain tips for talking with others about mental illness. We will also feature a panel discussion after the presentation to answer questions from the audience. This presentation is part of the Making It Ok Anoka County campaign. Please join us Monday, December 7, 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a WebEx presentation, followed by a 30 minute panel discussion.

To register for the event click here.

The community is invited to submit questions regarding mental health that our panel may discuss after the presentation. Please submit your question for the panel by Monday, November 30, at 12:00 p.m. We will do our best to have each question answered and provide additional resources after the event.

Click here to submit a question for the panel discussion.  

St. Francis High School (SFHS) will transition to full Distance Learning for all students on Thursday, November 19. When referencing all students in this letter, this includes all students categorized as Hybrid A, Hybrid B, and Distance Learning. This transition includes all students.

Transition to Distance Learning Timeline

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

• Teacher Preparation Day/No school for students
• There is no school for all students on this day. Students should work on any missing assignments.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

• Teacher Preparation Day/no school for student
• There is no school for all students on this day. Students should work on any missing assignments.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 – Distance Learning Day

• This is the first full Distance Learning day for all students (Hybrid and Distance Learning). 
• NEW - All students will attend all classes virtually Periods 1-5. Teachers and classes will remain the same.
• Students should attend class virtually and participate in class. Students will check-in for attendance following the same attendance procedures we are currently using with Hybrid and Distance Learning students.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 – Independent Learning Virtual Day

• Students should work on any work assigned by the teacher. 
• Students can reach out to their teacher for intervention time
• If a student is assigned to intervention by a teacher, they are required to attend. 
• Students will need to check in with all teachers by responding to a question for attendance purposes.
• Important, students/families will be allowed to pick up any books and/or materials outside of Door 10, which can be accessed from the west student parking lot. Teachers will inform students if they need to pick up materials. Instructional materials pick up times for November 20 are 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 12:00-2:00 p.m. 

All Students will attend virtually with their teachers every day Monday through Thursday. Students need to connect with their teachers daily. See the daily and weekly schedules below.

FULL DISTANCE LEARNING DAILY SCHEDULE starting on Thursday, November 19

Period 1
     7:45-8:15 a.m.  Direct instruction
     8:15-8:52 a.m.  Connect with students

Period 2
     8:57-9:27 a.m.  Direct instruction
     9:27-10:04 a.m.  Connect with students

Period 3
     10:09-10:39 a.m.  Direct instruction
     10:39-11:16 a.m.  Connect with students

Period 4 (Lunch & Advisory Time)
     11:21-11:46 a.m.  Direct Instruction
     11:46-11:59 a.m.  Advisory
     11:59 a.m.-12:29 p.m.  Lunch
     12:29-1:14 p.m.  Connect with Students

Period 5
     1:19-1:49 p.m.  Direct instruction
     1:49-2:25 p.m.  Connect with students

FULL DISTANCE LEARNING WEEKLY SCHEDULE starting for Thursday, November 19

Monday
     All students attend Virtual class sessions with Teacher

Tuesday
     All students attend Virtual class sessions with Teacher

Wednesday
     All students attend Virtual class sessions with Teacher

Thursday
     All students attend Virtual class sessions with Teacher

Friday
     Virtual Day for Students

How are class periods divided? 

• Direct instruction – there will be up to 30 minutes of direct instruction at the beginning of each class period. 
• Students are required to check-in at the beginning of each class to know the learning targets for the class, receive instruction and classroom assignments/assessments for the day from the teacher.
• After direct instruction, students should have time to work on assignments. Teachers can meet with students who may need additional assistance during this time.
• Students are expected to actively participate in class. 

Additional face-time with teachers - not additional content

• Teachers will keep content and work similarly to the current workload.
• This structure provides more time for students to connect with their teachers.

Attendance procedures

• Teachers will take attendance every class period Monday-Thursday similar to the practice in place before COVID-19.
• On Fridays during trimester one, students will need to check-in for attendance purposes with all of their teachers by responding to a question. 
• It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school within two (2) school days from the date of the absence. Additionally, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to encourage regular school attendance.

School materials pick up

• Students/families will be allowed to pick up any books and/or materials outside of Door 10, which can be accessed from the west student parking lot. Teachers will inform students  if they need to pick up materials. Instructional materials pick up times for Friday, November 20 are 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 12:00-2:00 p.m. 
• Starting on Friday, December 4, pick up times for students/parents will be every Friday, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Technology/Chromebook pick up

• On Friday, November 20 technology devices that students requested from the “Choosing a Grade 9-12 Learning Model” will be available for pick up at SFHS outside of Door 10, which can be accessed from the west student parking lot. This technology pick up will be for both St. Francis Middle School and St. Francis High School students/families. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this technology pick up event for Distance Learning, please feel free to call Marika Hendricks at 763-753-7158.  
• Pick up times for Friday, November 20 are 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Positive COVID-19 cases

• Please report positive COVID-19 cases to the Holly Coy SFHS School Nurse by emailing Holly.Coy@isd15.org or call 763-213-1670. Students will still be in the building to participate in sports/activities, receive assistance through Student Services, or use the SFHS Distance Learning Help Center.

SFHS Distance Learning Help Center

• Starting on Monday, November 30, there will be space in the Commons for students to use during the school day. Priority will be given to students who have limited internet access at home. Transportation will not be provided. More information regarding the Help Center and sign-up process will be available on Monday, November 23.

St. Francis Area Schools will transition to a Distance Learning model. The current COVID-19 infection rate trend shows a rapid escalation in both Anoka and Isanti counties. Zip code data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows the district at well over 155 positive cases per 10,000. Also, this action follows a growing number of school employees being directly impacted by COVID-19 isolation and quarantine. Please know, the health and safety of staff, students, and the community remain at the forefront of our decision to transition to Distance Learning. 

Transition to Distance Learning Timeline

St. Francis High School and Middle School

• November 16.   Announce Distance Learning beginning Thursday, November 19
• November 17-18    Professional planning days for secondary staff. No school for students in grades 6 -12, T15 and Distance Learning.
• November 19-24    Distance Learning
• November 25-27    Thanksgiving Break
• November 30-January 11    Distance Learning
• January 11    Board meeting to review Learning Models

East Bethel and St. Francis Elementary Schools Grades K-5

• November 16    Announce Distance Learning beginning Monday, November 30
• November 17-20    Hybrid Learning
• November 23-24    Professional planning days for elementary staff. No school for students in grades K-5 and Distance Learning.
• November 25-27    Thanksgiving Break
• November 30-January 11    Distance Learning
• January 11    Board meeting to review Learning Models

Cedar Creek Elementary School Grades K-5

• November 9-10    Professional Planning days for elementary staff, no students
• November 11    Distance Learning
• November 23-24    Hybrid students in attendance. No school for distance learning students.
• November 25-27    Thanksgiving Break
• November 30-January 11    Distance Learning
• January 11    Board meeting to review Learning Models

Grades Pre-kindergarten and Early Childhood Family Education

• Stays in the current Hybrid Model until further notice

The district will continue prioritizing options to bring students back for in-person instruction. 

Prioritizing In-Person Support and Services: 

Per Executive Order 20-94, school districts operating in a Distance Learning model should prioritize providing in-person instruction and services to students with disabilities and whose individualized education program calls for intensive services that cannot be provided in a distance learning model. Our special education teams will be in contact with students with an IEP.

CTE Education:

St. Francis Area Schools understands providing hands-on instruction is important while in the Distance Learning model. Any educator that would like to have a hands-on in-person lab, may do so by requesting in-person programming with their building administrator. These lessons will be for 10 or fewer students or based on the capacity of the room and follow public health guidelines. 

Mental Health Assistance: 

The COVID-19 Pandemic has created different types of mental health circumstances and high levels of stress for many of our staff, students, and families. Some may need a support system to help rebalance and refocus on the task of learning and being productive in a school. During Distance Learning, counselors and social workers will be available to address mental health and well-being. 

Breakfast and Lunch Programs:

St. Francis Area Schools is participating in the United States Department of Agriculture's COVID-19 meal program, which has been recently extended through the end of this school year. This program will continue to provide free meals (breakfast and lunch) to all enrolled students even during Distance Learning. Although the meals are free, you must successfully register by using the Distance Learning Meal Request Form. If your student(s) is already in Distance Learning and receiving meal bundles, there is no need to sign up again. 

Essential Childcare for Tier I Critical Workers:

This is a school-age childcare program intended for extreme circumstances in which parents or guardians cannot be at home because they are Tier I Critical Workers. Care will be provided during school hours and staffed by Educational Assistants. Please follow the state guidelines (page 23) to determine if you qualify as a Tier I worker. Both parents must qualify as Tier I to receive free care. For registration information, please email care15@isd15.org. 

Pre-kindergarten and Early Childhood Family Education:

Preschool Place 15 and Early Childhood Family Education will continue under recommendations from the Superintendent, Director of Community Education, and Director of Student Services. The Superintendent will give as much notice as possible to parents in the event of a learning model change.

Distance Learning Help Centers: 

Each site will house a Distance Learning Help Center. The location of the center will be at 50 percent of room capacity and will maintain social distancing guidelines. It will be monitored by St. Francis Area Schools staff who have limited duties while students are in Distance Learning (counselors, social workers, behavior interventionists, health office staff, assistant principals, etc.). Transportation will not be provided to a Distance Learning Help Center. Priority will be given to those students that have limited internet access in their homes. Appointments are required to attend. More details will be sent to families from the administration of each building.

Every effort will be made to make this change go as smoothly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Beth Giese
Superintendent of Schools