News Translations

Families are encouraged to attend Taste of Kindergarten, which is a special evening for soon-to-be-kindergartners and their parents. You and your child will have a chance to learn about kindergarten and take a tour. Taste of Kindergarten is a special time for your child, and we ask that siblings not attend as we need to limit the number of people in the building due to COVID-19 protocols.

Join us for an evening of getting ready to go to kindergarten!

Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 29
Location: The elementary school your student will attend
Cost: FREE – registration is required

Click the name of your child's school to register for the event:

• Cedar Creek Elementary School
• East Bethel Elementary School
• St. Francis Elementary School

Do not hesitate to call your elementary school (K-5) with any questions you may have about kindergarten or the upcoming 2021-22 school.

• Cedar Creek Elementary School | 763-213-8780
• East Bethel Elementary School | 763-213-8900
• St. Francis Elementary School | 763-213-8670

Kindergarten Registration Booklet 2021-22 (PDF)

Dear St. Francis Middle School Families,

It is an exciting time of year! St. Francis Middle School Counselors will begin working with grades 6-7 students to register for 2021-2022 school year grades 7-8 classes. Below is an overview of what to anticipate with this process. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the registration process.  

Thursday, March 25 – SFMS Counselor Registration Presentation 

• Middle school Counselors will be presenting a recorded registration video during 4th hour classes. 
• Topics that will be discussed: include what classes students can register for and how to register.

Thursday, March 25 – Registration Video Sent to Families

• An email will be sent to all families with the registration video.
• The video presentation will guide you through how to register your student. 
• Registration window officially open: your student can register.

Wednesday, March 31 – Registration Virtual Question and Answer Sessions  

• 12:00-1:00 pm  ←  (Click time to join the Google Meets)
• 6:00-7:00 pm  ←  (Click time to join the Google Meets)
• Families may ask questions about registration and/or the transition to middle school.

Friday, April 2 – Last Day to Register

• The registration window will be open from Thursday, March 25 until Friday, April 2, 2021.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Morgan Costley, School Counselor, last names A-La at morgan.costley@isd15.org or 763-213-8619 or Lindsay Pakola, School Counselor last names Le-Z at lindsay.pakola@isd15.org or 763-213-8535.

Responsibilities:

• Maintaining district grounds including, but not limited to, mowing, string trimming, pruning shrubs, trees, weeding, shoveling and removing paper and debris from school yard and along fence lines.
• General landscaping projects including mulch and rock.
• Repairing and maintaining athletic playing fields.
• Replacing and repairing chain link fencing.
• Assist in installing and repairing irrigation systems.
• Other like or comparable duties as assigned.

Employment Period:

• June through August, Monday through Friday, hours may vary

Questions:

• Contact Ben Wallin at 612-221-1195 or email Benjamin.Wallin@isd15.org
• Students who would like to apply need to be at least 16 years old.

APPLY TODAY

ATTEND THE JOB FAIR

The district will hold an in-person hiring event on
Monday, April 5
3:00-5:00 p.m.

St. Francis Area Schools District Office
4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW
St. Francis, MN 55070

Social distancing and mask protocols will be followed. Hand sanitizer will be available.

It has been wonderful to see many of our students in the hallway and buildings. It almost feels like the first week of school again. Our distance learners are also doing very well and continuing to enjoy the flexibility of learning in this format. I have a couple of updates to share with you.

Mandate from the Minnesota Department of Education

As you can imagine, this work has been challenging and incredibly complex. Our educators and staff are working extremely hard to teach in both models each day which comes with a great deal of planning.  

According to the Minnesota Department of Education guidance Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year), the district is required to give our teachers 30 additional minutes of planning each day. Instead of creating challenging situations for our families by having early releases every Friday like many districts are doing, we are going to combine the minutes and have three ‘no student contact’ days, and that will provide the mandated planning time for teachers. 

There will be NO SCHOOL for students in all learning models on March 5, April 5, and May 7, 2021.

The district’s goal this school year is to provide high-quality instruction and learning experiences for all our students, whether in-person or distance learning. We are also working on plans for the fall of 2021 to meet the needs of all students—more information is coming soon.

Spring Break

Many of you are planning spring trips. Please be aware of these recommendations: 

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published guidance on domestic and international travel during COVID-19, stating they recommend no travel at this time given that it increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. 
• If you opt to travel, please do so safely so that we can keep our buildings open!
• The CDC recommends individuals get tested 3-5 days after travel. 

Sincerely, 

Beth Giese
Superintendent of St. Francis Area Schools

The form now available in your Infinite Campus Portal (2021 Spring Distance Learning Parent Form) needs to be completed ONLY IF YOUR STUDENT IS SWITCHING learning models for Trimester 3.

Before you fill out the form, please note:

• Once you submit the form, you will not be able to make changes. 
• Complete one form for each student in grades K-12.
• The deadline to complete the form is Sunday, February 28 at midnight.
• If you need assistance with your Parent Portal in Infinite Campus, visit www.isd15.org/students-families/infinite-campus-parent-portal, call 763-753-7158, or email campus.help@isd15.org

Questions that will be asked for grades K-12:

Student’s First and Last Name

Student's School

Grade

My student currently attends school via: 

In-Person
Distance Learning

For third trimester my student will attend school via:

In-Person
Distance Learning

My student will need busing for third trimester

Yes
No

It is an exciting time of year! We will begin working with 5th-grade students as they prepare to transition toward St. Francis Middle School. Below is an overview of what to anticipate with this transition. Please contact School Counselors Morgan Costley or Lindsay Pakola if you have any questions or concerns regarding the registration process for the 2021-22 school year.

Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19
SFMS counselors 5th-grade presentation – Welcome to Middle School
Middle school counselors will be presenting to 5th-grade students during the school day
Topics that will be discussed: 

• School counselor introduction
• Middle school expectations
• Helpful tips for starting middle school
• Classes they get to choose to register for

Friday, February 19
Registration video sent to families

• On Friday, February 19, an email will be sent to all families 
• The video presentation will guide you through how to register your student for 6th-grade at SFMS
• The registration window will officially open: you may start registering your student

Wednesday, February 24
Registration Question and Answer virtual sessions

• 12:00 pm-1:00 pm ← (Click on time to join the Google Meet)
• 6:00-7:00 pm ← (Click on time to join the Google Meets)
• Participating families may ask questions about registration and/or the transition to middle school

Friday, February 26
Last day of registration for 5th-grade students

• The student’s registration window will be open from Friday, February 19, through Friday, February 26

More detailed information will be emailed to families on February 19. Please feel free to reach out to Morgan Costley, School Counselor, last names A-L at morgan.costley@isd15.org or 763-213-8619 or Lindsay Pakola, School Counselor, last names M-Z at lindsay.pakola@isd15.org or 763-213-8535, with any questions you may have.

St. Francis High School Students and Families,

This message is mainly focused toward grade 10-12 students who are returning to in-person learning on Tuesday, February 16. Please pay close attention to the learning model that you have chosen for your student(s). Both in-person and distance learning students will start a new weekly schedule on February 1 (see schedule below). Teachers will have both in-person and distance learning students in the same class at the same time.

For in-person students, there are specific procedures towards the end of this message.

Trimester 2 Calendar

• Monday, February 15 – No School Presidents’ Day
• Tuesday, February 16 – Grades 10-12 students will start in-person classes, with grade 10-12 distance learning students attending virtually. Grade 9 students will continue to attend in-person or virtually. 
• March 8-12 – No School Spring Break
• Monday, March 15 – School Resumes
• Friday, March 19 – End of Trimester 2

Important, this is the new SFHS Weekly Schedule started on February 1, for both in-person and distance learning students:

Student Expectations

(This applies to both in-person and distance learning students.)

• All students are required to check-in at the beginning of each class so they know the class’s learning targets, receive instruction from the teacher, and get the classroom assignments/assessments for the day. If students do not check-in and participate, they will be marked absent for the class period. See more information regarding attendance procedures below.
• After direct instruction, students should use the remaining class time to work on assignments and/or work as assigned. Teachers can meet with students who need additional assistance.
• Teachers will be available to meet with students throughout the class period. Students are expected to participate in the class actively.
• We ask students to have a Chromebook or computer with them for in-person and virtual classes. In-person students should take their Chromebook or computer home with them at night. Headphones are recommended for in-person students. 
• If a student needs a Chromebook, please contact the following staff members:
• In-person students may pick up or exchange a Chromebook, 11:27 a.m.-1:11 p.m. from Larry Brockner in St. Francis High School, Room D222. Contact Larry at larry.brockner@isd15.org or call 763-213-8678.
• Distance learning and in-person students can pick up or exchange a Chromebook at the District Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 1:00–4:00 p.m. Contact Marika Hendricks at marika.hendricks@isd15.org or call 763-753-7158.

Attendance Procedures

(This applies to both in-person and distance learning students.)

• Teachers will take attendance each class period Monday through Friday.
• 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.
• Parents/guardians can excuse absences by calling the attendance line at 763-213-1531 or emailing hsattendance@isd15.org.
• Arriving late to school (in-person students only) 
• Students will be required to sign-in on the kiosk at the greeter station. Only one student may be in the kiosk area at a time. They will then head directly to their class through the commons. Parent/guardian must call or email the attendance line within two (2) school days of the absence/tardy date to have a late arrival excused. Please do not send paper notes with your student.

Attendance Procedures for In-Person Students Only

• This message is for students who are currently or will be attending in-person classes at St. Francis High School. Since the return of grade 9 on February 1, the school office has been closely monitoring in-person students that are checking in for classes virtually. Switching back and forth between instructional models is not the intended delivery method. As we transition, with grade 9 students already attending and grades 10-12 returning to in-person on Tuesday, February 16, students who chose the in-person model must physically attend at St. Francis High School. If students do not attend in-person classes, they will be counted as absent and unexcused until a parent/guardian calls the Absentee Line (763-213-1531) or emails hsattendance@isd15.org to excuse the absence. 
• Of course, if a student is in quarantine, we welcome them to hop over to distance learning until they are cleared to come back. If an in-person student feels ill, a parent/guardian will need to call the school declaring the student sick as they have done in the past.

Grading Practices for In-Person and Distance Learning Students

The grading scale for Trimester 2:

• A-C = Students will receive credit for the class grades and will impact student GPA. 
• P = Students will receive credit for the class but will not impact GPA.
• NG = Students will not receive credit for the class, but it will not impact GPA.

---

The information below is for in-person students only

After School Procedures

All students are expected to leave the building at the end of the school day. The only exception to this is for students who participate in co-curricular activities.

Cleaning Procedures

The custodial staff is following a strict cleaning schedule. Teachers will spray down desks and tables throughout the day after a student has used the desk. Students will sit at an assigned desk while in a classroom.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 Information/Health Office

Please keep your student home if he/she is feeling ill in any way. You must keep your student home if he/she has the following symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Your student will also be sent home if these symptoms develop during the school day.

• One of the following: fever greater than or equal to 100.4 F, new-onset and/or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, the new loss of taste or smell.
• Two or more of the following: sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, excessive fatigue, new onset of severe headache, new onset of nasal congestion/stuffy or runny nose

If your student falls into either of the categories listed above, contact the SFHS Health Office at 763-213-1530. He/she must stay at home in isolation for at least ten (10) days from the time symptoms start until symptoms improve AND have no fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medications), has been given an alternative diagnosis by a medical provider and/or has a negative COVID-19 test. Siblings and household contacts must stay home (or will be sent home) and must quarantine from all activities for at least 14 days unless there is an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test from the student with symptoms.

These requirements are from the Minnesota Department of Health Decision Tree. View the entire document by visiting COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs

• If your student becomes ill with possible COVID-19 symptoms during the day, you will be contacted and will need to make arrangements for them to be picked up within 60 minutes or permit us to allow them to drive themselves home. If they are picked up, they will be placed in an isolation room and monitored by staff until the designated adult arrives to get them. If your student is not picked up within 60 minutes, the Office of the Superintendent will be notified so they may continue to work with you on exiting your child from the school building.
• Under no circumstances will students with possible COVID-19 symptoms be allowed to ride the bus home.
• Please be sure emergency contacts are accurate with names and phone numbers and updated accordingly on Infinite Campus. Ensure they know that you have received a call from the school and will need to pick up your student promptly. 

Please contact the Health Office staff if you have any questions at 763-213-1530 (Cassondra) or 763-213-1670 (Holly).

Lockers

Student will be allowed to use lockers during Trimester 2. Please pick a locker in the locations determined by your grade.

• Grade 9 – E-Wing first and second floor
• Grades 10-11 – Locker Commons and Social Studies Hall second floor
• Grade 12 – Senior Hall

Click Here For Locker Form

Lunch

Students will have 30 minutes to eat lunch (see exact lunchtimes above in the new schedule). Students will receive lunchtimes on their first day of in-person instruction. Students will sit with their 4th-hour classes in the lunchroom.

Masks

All students are required to wear a mask at all times. If your student does not have a mask, one will be provided. Please use this link How to Safely Wear Your Mask (PDF) to review how to wear a mask properly. 

Passes

Staff will not issue written passes. Students will need to check Infinite Campus to see if they have permission to leave early.

Passing Time

Teachers will dismiss students at the end of each hour. Students are expected to go directly to their next class. They are allowed to go to the restroom, administer medications, etc. Students will have seven minutes between classes. Please follow the guidelines below:

• Stay on the right side of the hallway
• Keep moving in the hallway from point A to point B without gathering
• Maintaining six feet apart to the best of their ability
• Physical Education
• We will not allow students to have a locker for Physical Education (PE) during Trimester 2. Please be sure to bring gym shoes to school for PE classes. All students must have masks on for class to begin. Teachers will provide mask instructions during class activities. Please follow the social distancing guidelines set by the teacher.  

Restrooms

Only three people are allowed in a restroom at one time. If the restroom is full, please wait on the social distancing markers outside the restroom. Make sure to wash your hands before you leave the restroom.

Social Distancing Guidelines

• Try to maintain at least six feet distance between yourself and others 
• Avoid close contact with other individuals
• Stay to the right in hallways
• Utilize markers on the floor to reference distancing space
• Wear a mask at all times

Hello families,

The Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year has been updated, and we are pleased that all of our students will have the opportunity to select in-person or distance learning.

All students at St. Francis Area Schools must select in-person or distance learning. Moving back and forth between models is not the intended method of delivery. Of course, if a student is in quarantine, we welcome them to hop over to distance learning until they are cleared to come back. If an in-person learning student feels ill and is staying home, parents will need to call the school’s Absence Line for that day(s).

Some general reminders now that all the students are back in the building.

• Face masks are required by staff and students. 
• When educators cannot be six feet from students (small group and individual instruction) if possible, add a transparent barrier between the adult and student. 
• Optional COVID-19 testing is available to staff every two weeks.

Middle and high school staff will be in hallways reminding students to social distance as much as possible. We are hopeful you can talk to your students as well. We genuinely want to keep our students and staff safe and our buildings open.

Please stay well and diligent in your efforts not to spread this virus

Stay healthy,
Superintendent Giese

St. Francis High School will be offering the ACT with writing to all Junior students on April 13-15. The ACT is a test that colleges across the nation use to help determine admission and scholarship opportunities. 

This test will be offered during school hours and at a discounted rate of $35 per student.

Because students will be taking the test online, we will have a three-day window for testing. Students will be randomly assigned a date within the testing window.

Registration form and payments (completed waiver) must be received by Sunday, February 21, to be eligible to take the test.

Students who are on free or reduced lunch will be offered a fee waiver to cover the test's cost. Students who would like to apply for the fee waiver will need to fill out a Waiver of Confidentiality and submit it to us to verify that the student is Free & Reduced status in the system.

If your student is registering for the ACT test in April, please do the following:

• Fill out the ACT Registration Form
• Complete payment in one of three ways:
• Make a payment online at ACT Payment Link
• Drop off $35 check or cash to Ms. Abraham or Student Union Desk at SFHS
• Fill out Waiver of Confidentiality, drop off to Ms. Abraham or Student Union Desk at SFHS

If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Abraham at 763-213-1580 or dawn.abraham@isd15.org.

As schools across the country and state try to deal with less funding, St. Francis Area Schools is seeking your input on items that could possibly save money for the school district.

The Financial Community Forum is stakeholders opportunity to provide ideas/suggestions starting today until February 12. Superintendent Giese will gather the input and report it to the School Board at the February 16 work session, 6:30 p.m. in the Saints Room at the High School. Submit your ideas/suggestions via email to any member of the School Board (school.board@isd15.org) or Superintendent Giese (beth.giese@isd15.org).

Thank you for your feedback.