SFHS Weekly Newsletter

SFHS Students and Parents,

Here are some important reminders for all students as we approach the end of the school year, please remember that we have limited time to turn in work and connect with teachers. Please make sure to attend Saints Time if you have missed work and/or need assistance in a class.

Seniors, we always hear about potential senior “skip days” this time of year. SFHS expects seniors to attend school through Wednesday, May 29. Remember that you already have two exemption days: April 23 and May 30. SFHS doesn’t endorse or approve of any other days off other than the exemption days already approved by the school board.

Enjoy the long weekend and as always Go Saints!!!!

Your SFHS Administrative Team,

Doug Austin - Principal

Jennifer Bobbe & Donnie Thompson - Assistant Principals

Follow us on instagram @sfhsseniorallnightparty2024

Facebook: SFHS all night party 2024

All Night Party Registration Open!

Students must submit a signed copy to Ms. Nancy Brunn

Early Bird Registration* ends 5/10/24

*this guarantees you a senior t-shirt and gift!

Parents: Please help us by talking with your students and getting your registrations in.

The venue needs numbers (as accurate as possible) by 5/27/24.

We really want all of our Seniors at the event!

Registration continues through the evening of graduation.

2024 Registration form_final.docx

Next Meeting

Beef O’Brady’s on Monday, May 20th at 6:00pm

Senior Shirt Link

Therapy and supportive services provided by Conscious Healing Counseling are kept confidential and are separate from other services received through St. Francis School District. Individual Therapy for your student requires parent permission and can be accessed using the student's health insurance.

Prior to a game on Monday, May 6, the St. Francis High School softball team recognized Vern Gilbertson for his contributions to education and the SFHS softball team.

Gilbertson threw out a ceremonial first pitch and had the opportunity to talk with the team. The evening also celebrated the Teresa Rolling Radzinski/Coach Gilbertson Girls Fast Pitch Softball Scholarship, which was established in September of 2023. The 2024 senior softball players who want to continue their education past high school were the first to be awarded the scholarship. If anyone would like to donate to the scholarship fund, please contact sharon.bergman@isd15.org.

View photos from the May 6 game. (Photos by Tony Hoglund)

About Gilbertson's Impact and the Scholarship

The St. Francis High School girls softball program was started in 1975 by teacher Vern Gilbertson who served as the head coach for 15 years and taught at SFHS from 1962 to 1993. He retired from coaching after the 1989 season. The 1980 team was the first SFHS softball team to win the Region 7AA Championship and play in the state tournament. The team placed fourth overall. In September of 2023, the 1980’s girls softball team and coaches were inducted into the St. Francis High School Hall of Fame to receive recognition of their accomplishments. Players were contacted from across the United States and 12 confirmed attendance for the event. Teresa Rolling Radzinski was found living in Florida and traveled back to Minnesota for the event. When Coach Gilbertson met Teresa again at the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, she thanked him for finding her and he confessed that hearing she was going to fly back to Minnesota to attend “made his day.” He had been thinking of his 1980 team and remembering the players that led to its success.

Teresa, a 10th grader in 1980, had pitched for the junior varsity team and was added to the varsity roster for tournament play. In the 5th inning of the Region 7AA Championship game with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, Teresa was called upon to pitch for the first time in a varsity game. She was up to the task and finished the game giving up no hits, no runs, and striking out one batter. Her pitching helped to win the Region 7AA Championship and moved the team to state tournament play.

The day following the induction program, Coach Gilbertson received a message from Teresa thanking him for the effort to find and include her. She then pledged a generous $10,000 donation to St. Francis High School acknowledging Coach Gilbertson. She asked him to direct the donation and a self perpetuating scholarship was established for SFHS girls softball senior players who want to continue their education past high school. The first SFHS Teresa Rolling Radzinski/Coach Gilbertson Girls Fast Pitch Softball Scholarship was awarded in the 2023-24 school year.

Calling all Freshmen at St. Francis High School!

TRIO Upward Bound is currently looking for new participants. TRIO Upward Bound is a FREE college-readiness program. If you are interested in applying, please stop by the high school guidance office or fill out the online application here: https://anokaramsey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ccEaq4YWlCmFAW

Spots are limited, so we encourage you to apply quickly. TRIO Upward Bound provides college prep support, after-school help, opportunities to visit college campuses, academic advising, and much more!

To be eligible for the TRIO Upward Bound Program, students need to meet one of the following criteria:

1. Low income: Student’s parent(s) earn below the Federal TRIO Program Current-Year Low-Income Levels. This is based on the size of the family unit and the amount of taxable income found on the parent(s) tax return at the time of entry into the program.

2. Potential First-Generation College Student: Neither parent has earned a four-year degree.
3. 
   

For additional information, please contact me at dannica.smelter@anokaramsey.edu or call/ text 320.416.0055.

Thank you!

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.

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.