The Courier - August 2018 by St. Francis Area Schools

St. Francis Area Schools Back-to School Information Pages 5-9

AUGUST 2018 | VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1

Alumni Maggie Ewen nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year Award Page 22

WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG | NEWS@ISD15.ORG

The Courier

I’m FREE. Pick me up and READ ME! I have all sorts of back-to-school news.

St. Francis Area Schools Communications Department St. Francis, Minnesota Serving the communities of Andover, Athens Township, Bethel, East Bethel, Linwood Township, Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis and Stanford Township

Thinking of running for school board? The decision to run for your local school board is one to which much thought and consideration must be given. Serving as a board member is one of the most important responsibilities that a citizen can undertake. If elected, the educational standards, which you, together with your fellow board members, establish, will affect the future of the students, the community and society. Being a board member is a complex and varied position, and often is frustrating as you struggle long hours with difficult choices. However, it is

also rewarding, as you watch students succeed and go on to lead productive lives as the result of educational opportunities you helped to create. According to Minnesota law, “the care, management, and control of independent districts shall be vested in a board of directors, to be known as the school board.” There are certain implications in being responsible for the entire district which you may want to consider. Decisions need to reflect what is in the best interest of all students and all citizens. This demands a constant

effort and strong commitment to serving other people. If you are willing to devote your time and talents to meeting these challenges, your state school boards association applauds your decision to run for election and wishes you the best of luck. We are ready and willing to serve you. For your information The Minnesota School Boards Association and your local board of education are pleased to provide the general public with this information to public school governance. A brochure about running for school board is available at www.mnmsba.org/ BecomingASchoolBoardMember. For further information about policies and procedures of St. Francis Area Schools School Board,

visit www.isd15.org. SOURCE: www.mnmsba.org/ BecomingASchoolBoardMember

2018 School Board Election Information Three of seven seats for the St. Francis Area Schools School Board will be decided in the 2018 general election; there will be no primary election. Each seat is a four-year term. Candidate filing for the school board is open until 5:00 p.m., August 14, 2018 at St. Francis Area Schools District Office, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis MN 55070. There is a filing fee of $2. The general election will be November 6.

Changes to The Courier THE COURIER STAFF

Students from St. Francis Elementary School Kids Connection braved the rain to witness the raising of the tent for the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus. They were also treated to meeting the three big cats in the show, Francis the lion and tigers Sampson and Delilah. The circus was in town for two performances on July 25. THE COURIER PHOTO

It is with a mixture of emotions St. Francis Area Schools announces the upcoming discontinuation of The Courier. After 25 years of a successful and high quality newspaper, October 2018 will be the final issue of the school district publication. The final issues will continue to focus on bridging the community and businesses. “We would like to thank our loyal readers and advertisers who have supported The Courier of the years,” said Kathleen Miller, editor for The Courier. As part of its strategic plan, St. Francis Area Schools has been working on rebranding for over three years. “During that time, we have researched best practices, identified needs, sought stakeholder feedback and looked at successful rebranding efforts of other area school districts,” said Superintendent Troy Ferguson. “Through these processes and discoveries, our district determined change was needed to move St. Francis Area Schools forward as a school district of choice. With the changing needs of the district, it is time for the Communications Department to shift its focus,” added Ferguson.

This transition will provide exciting opportunities for St. Francis Area Schools to position itself to increase enrollment and build school pride. The Communications Department will focus on public relations, marketing and branding of the school district with the ultimate goal of increasing student enrollment. Resources will be dedicated to the school district website, forms and publications, eNews, social media and other tasks to serve the needs of the school district. Stakeholders will be informed about school district happenings through a new quarterly school newsletter and more frequent website and social media posts. The first quarterly newsletter will be released November, with additional CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Inside Schools in Action..................................... 2 School Board Highlights...................... 10 Community & Business........................ 11 Community Education......................... 19 Sports & Outdoors................................ 22 Meetings, Events & Benefits................. 24 Life........................................................... 25

AUGUST 2018

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Schools in Action Superintendent’s Bulletin

TROY FERGUSON ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT

Recently I heard that years fly by, but days are long. That seems so true to me. We are about to begin a new school year, which reminds me how time flies! Last year at this time, St. Francis Area Schools was preparing for a bond referendum for the November 2017 election. Thank you for your support of our school district and the passing of the bond. Districtwide safety, addressing facility needs, renovating classrooms, learning spaces, special education needs and more are being addressed. Much

planning and collaborating has taken place and soon major projects will begin with completion scheduled in 2021. Your patience while buildings are being renovated is very much appreciated. To receive news alerts in your email regarding bond projects, visit www.isd15.org/bond. More changes ahead. The front page announces that after 25 years, we are discontinuing The Courier. October 2018 will be the final issue of this school district publication that many of us have read and looked forward to each month. As part

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of our strategic plan, St. Francis Area Schools has been working on rebranding our district for more than two years. We have researched best practices, identified needs, sought stakeholder feedback and looked at successful rebranding efforts of other Minnesota school districts. Through these processes and discoveries, our district determined change was needed to move St. Francis Area Schools forward as a school district of choice. This transition will provide exciting opportunities for St. Francis Area Schools to position itself to increase enrollment and build school pride. The Communications Department will focus on public relations, marketing and branding with the ultimate goal of increasing student enrollment. Regarding branding, there are a few items to note. These were presented to the School Board at the July 23 meeting. Part of the branding effort was to review building names. Changes include removing ‘community’ from two of our elementary schools’ names. Our schools do not fit the definition of a community school. Going forward, the names of our three K-5 elementary schools are: Cedar Creek Elementary School, East Bethel Elementary School

and St. Francis Elementary School. Crossroads School & Vocational Center will now be called St. Francis Learning Center, which houses Saints Academy, Saints Online, Transition 15 and Adult Basic Education. The Central Services Center will be referred to as the District Office of St.

Francis Area Schools. These and other transitions provide exciting opportunities for St. Francis Area Schools to increase enrollment and build school pride. Stay tuned, keep in touch and watch out for students crossing streets and getting on and off our school buses. See you at Open Houses!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Courier issues mailed to homes and businesses in February, May and August. “The Courier staff is incredibly appreciative of our advertisers and their support over the past 25 years,” said Miller who has been with the Courier for 24 years. “So many relationships have been established over the years, and we will continue to support local businesses as we are able. We want to make this transition for them as smooth as possible. Please contact us and let us know how we can help.” The Communications Department also plans to expand advertising opportunities in other district publications, such as Community Ed catalogs, programs and the school calendar. “While we make the transition, we want to assure everyone that we will continue to produce a great, high quality product. We are proud of our tradition of bringing news to this community. Please help us make the final issues of The Courier the best yet,” Miller added.

School calendars The 2018-19 St. Francis Area Schools calendar will be available at open houses (one per family). For additional calendars, please contact the Communications Department at 763-753-7031 after Tuesday, September 4.

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AUGUST 2018

Open House In-school science in St. Francis Area Schools schedule for CAITLIN POTTER

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR, CEDAR CREEK ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE RESERVE

In 2018, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (ESR) and St. Francis Area Schools received a generous grant from the Minnesota Department of Education as part of Title IV “Well-Rounded Education Opportunities” funding. This funding is being used to develop and implement a novel science support program that brings Cedar Creek ESR education staff into classrooms to share lessons, investigations, experiments and demonstrations with K-3 elementary students and staff at all three district elementary schools. This project has three major goals: 1) to improve students’ understanding of the scientific process, the natural world and required state science standards; 2) to train and empower St. Francis Area Schools’ teachers to deliver these lessons on their own and to integrate science and the science standards into additional subject areas; 3) to improve the “Science Culture” of St. Francis Area Schools by incorporating science into the school culture and making it fun and engaging for both students and teachers. By exposing students to well-crafted lessons and experiences tied not only to state standards but also to hyper-local scientific research, understanding and interest in science should grow. For teachers, working alongside outside specialists and professional scientists will increase confidence in teaching science and promote a deeper understanding of the context and specifics of the science standards they are required to meet. The Cedar Creek ESR staff began work on this project in spring of 2018 with visits to the third graders at Cedar Creek Elementary School and East Bethel Elementary School. Cedar Creek ESR naturalists took over for the day and led enthusiastic students and teachers through

St. Francis Area Schools

investigations and discussions of animal adaptations, macroinvertebrates and water quality, ecosystem functions and more. It was a blast to get to spend the entire day learning and exploring both in the third-grade classrooms and out in the school forest! In the 2018-19 school year, Cedar Creek ESR will build on our successful 3rd grade adventures by working with classroom teachers to offer similar experiences multiple times a year at grades K-3. The lessons are hands-on, tied to state science standards and cross-disciplinary. Cedar Creek ESR aims to build strong relationships with individual students and teachers and to set these important community members on a path towards science literacy and environmental awareness. Cedar Creek ESR staff are grateful to the support and hard work of the St. Francis Area Schools teachers and staff and to the folks at Minnesota Department of Education for the opportunity to experiment in this new direction.

St. Francis High School Monday, August 27 3:30-7:30 p.m. St. Francis Middle School Monday, August 27 4:00-8:00 p.m. Saints Academy/ Saints Online Monday, August 27 3:30-7:30 p.m. Cedar Creek Elementary School Tuesday, August 28 5:30-7:00 p.m. Open House & PTO BBQ East Bethel Elementary School Wednesday, August 29 5:00-6:30 p.m. St. Francis Elementary School (both campuses) Wednesday, August 29 5:00-6:30 p.m. Transition 15 Wednesday, August 29 4:00-7:30 p.m.

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Start and dismissal times and PLC dates for 2018-19 school year St. Francis Area Schools has adjusted start times for Early Childhood programs for the 2018-19 school year. The following are start and dismissal times for district schools: ■ Cedar Creek Elementary School, 9:10 a.m.-3:40 p.m. ■ Early Childhood Family Education, 9:00-11:30 a.m.; 12:35-3:05 p.m. ■ East Bethel Elementary School, 9:10 a.m.-3:40 p.m. ■ Saints Academy/Saints Online, 7:45 a.m.-2:20 p.m. ■ St. Francis Elementary School-North, 9:05 a.m.3:35 p.m. ■ St. Francis Elementary School, 9:10 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

■ St. Francis High School, 7:45 a.m.-2:25 p.m. ■ St. Francis Middle School, 7:45 a.m.-2:12 p.m. ■ Transition 15, 7:40 a.m.-1:40 p.m. Ninety-minute late starts for all St. Francis Area Schools are the third instructional Wednesday of every month. These dates include: September 19, October 17, November 21, December 19, January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17 and May 15. A one-page calendar for the 2018-19 school year is available at www.isd15.org under Forms & Publications.

School supply lists Supply lists for St. Francis Area Schools can be found at www. isd15.org, on your student’s school’s Forms & Publications page.

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Annual Parent Notice Right to Request Teacher Qualifications ■ if state certification and licensing requirements have been waived (is not being required at this time) for the teacher under emergency or other temporary status; ■ if the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline for which they are certified or licensed; ■ if the teacher has met state-approved or staterecognized certification, licensing, registration or other comparable requirements. These requirements apply to the professional discipline in which the teacher is working and may include providing English language instruction to English learners, special education or related services to students with disabilities, or both; and ■ if your child is receiving Title I or special education services from paraprofessionals, his or her qualifications. Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the social, academic and critical thinking they need to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly skilled. If you would like to request information about your child’s teacher(s) or paraprofessional(s), or if you

ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

St. Francis Area Schools receives federal funds for programs that are part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended (2015). Throughout the school year, we will continue to provide you with important information about this law and your child’s education. Based on current education law, teachers must have earned state certification and licensure. State certification and licensure is the training required to be a teacher. We are very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for the coming school year. We are prepared to give your child a high-quality education. You have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s teacher(s) or paraprofessional(s). A paraprofessional provides academic or other support for students under the direct supervision of a teacher. If you request this information, the district or school will provide you with the following as soon as possible: ■ if the teacher has met state certification and licensing requirements for the grade levels and subjects for which the teacher provides instruction;

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NONPUBLIC LIAISON

Information regarding registration for the 2018-19 school year for homeschool/ nonpublic schools is posted on the St. Francis Area Schools website: www.isd15.org; Parents > Parent Resources > Tell Me About…>Homeschool Information. Information packets will also be available at St. Francis Area Schools District Office. Contact Kim Springer at 763-753-7022 to pick up a packet. Registrations, immunization forms and nonpublic pupil aid forms are due in the St. Francis Area Schools Superintendent’s Office by October 1, 2018, and

AUGUST

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have any questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact Jan Gilpin, St. Francis Area Schools Employee Services, 763-7537016 or email jan.gilpin@isd15.org. Thank you for your interest and involvement in your child’s education. St. Francis Area Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs and services. It provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding non-discrimination policies and to coordinate compliance. Contact Brandon Nelson, St. Francis Area Schools Human Resources Director at 763-753-7039, email brandon.nelson@isd15.org or 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis, MN 55070-9368. Inquiries or complaints may also be directed to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC 20202, or by calling 800-421-3481 or 877-521-2172 (TTY).

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can be submitted to: St. Francis Area Schools, Attention: Kim Springer, 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis, MN 55070. Homeschool information will also be available on the Minnesota Department of

School bus drivers wanted St. Francis Area Schools is in need of school bus riders/drivers for the 2018-19 school year. Part-time and full-time shifts are available for mornings, afternoons or both. Complete the online application at www.isd15.org/employment. A valid Class B drivers license required; if applicant does not have Class B license, the Transportation Department will provide paid training. A six-hour work day qualifies driver for fulltime benefits. Call the St. Francis Area Schools Transportation Department at 763-753-7101. St. Francis Area Schools is an equal opportunity employer.

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AUGUST 2018

Transportation services and policies • 2018-19 school year ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

How safe is the bus? At St. Francis Area Schools, we pride ourselves on having a safe, top-of-theline fleet of buses driven by superior drivers. When parents/guardians put their child on our buses, this is what they can expect: ■ Buses are equipped with an alarm system called “Child Reminder.” This alarm will sound in the rare event that a driver forgets to walk through the bus after turning off the ignition. ■ Buses are equipped with state-of-theart video surveillance. In Minnesota, only school officials are authorized to watch in-bus video. ■ Buses are equipped with newly installed GPS units to track the location of the bus for student safety. ■ Our buses have LED lights in the stop sign and in the back of the bus for better visibility. Each of our drivers, including substitute drivers, has the following qualifications: ■ Completed at least 20 hours training behind the wheel; ■ Attends at least 8 hours of additional training each year; ■ Has taken an awareness class on bodily fluids and the handling of them; ■ Has received and cleared two background checks ■ Has their driver’s license checked through the Department of Vehicle Services at least twice a year ■ Has a two-way mobile device with direct connection for immediate contact with dispatch. School bus and school bus stop rules School bus safety rules are to be posted on every bus. If these rules are broken, the school district’s discipline procedures are to be followed (see Policy 406). Consequences are progressive and may include suspension of bus privileges. It is the school bus driver’s responsibility to report unacceptable behavior to the Transportation Department or school office. Rules at the bus stop ■ Get to your bus stop five minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students. ■ Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop. ■ Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself. ■ Use appropriate language. ■ Stay away from the street, road or highway when waiting for the bus. Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus. ■ After getting off the bus, move away from the bus. ■ If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver

to signal to you before crossing the street. ■ No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay. ■ No use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Rules on the bus ■ Immediately follow the directions of the driver. ■ Sit in your seat facing forward. ■ Talk quietly and use appropriate language. ■ Keep all parts of your body inside the bus. ■ Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself. ■ No fighting, harassment, intimidation or horseplay. ■ Do not throw any object. ■ No eating, drinking or possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs. ■ Do not bring any weapon/look-alike or dangerous objects on the school bus. ■ Do not damage the school bus. Drivers are to enforce the provisions of the school bus and bus stop rules as appropriate. Students may be released from the bus at only two points: the designated bus stop or at school, except in case of an emergency or as otherwise authorized. Bus rules and discipline For infractions of the bus rules, the driver will fill out a discipline report and a letter is sent or a call is made to the parents or guardians regarding the incident. A copy of the report is sent to the school principal for their knowledge and records. The student is issued either a warning or a suspension from the bus, depending on the infraction. Each subsequent offense results in an increasingly stricter discipline. Bus riding is a privilege, not a right. Abusing these rules can result in the loss of a student’s bus riding privileges. Infractions Infractions include: abuse, verbal, includes profanity; alcohol or chemicals, possession; ammunition, possession; arson; failure to follow driver’s direction; fighting; firearm or look-alike firearm; harassment, including obscene gestures; interference with safe operation of the bus; not remaining seated; spraying of cologne/ perfume/hair spray; tampering with emergency and safety equipment; theft or knowingly possessing stolen property; throwing/shooting of objects and tobacco/tobacco products, e-cigarettes. Vandalism Vandalism on buses is not tolerated. Students are responsible for paying for damages they cause to buses. Students causing damage to a bus lose their bus riding privileges. Items not allowed on a bus: any potentially dangerous item; skis, skateboards, roller blades, etc.; helium-filled balloons/large objects that take up ⅓ or more of the bus seat; sharp objects that are not contained in a

Yearly reminders Childcare forms need to be filled out each year; previous years do not rollover. These forms are available at each elementary school, at the transportation office and on the district website at www.isd15.org/ transportation. If there is ever a change in your child’s transportation, please contact the Transportation Department immediately. Grades 6-12 will ride the early routes together. Grades K-5 will be going to Cedar Creek Elementary School, East Bethel Elementary School and St. Francis Elementary School. Kindergarten students will use elementary bus stops. Walking to a bus stop It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their child walking to and from the bus stop. Students may be expected to walk to the bus stop or to school as follows: K-5 .4 mile 6-12 .5 mile All distances are to be measured from the end of the student’s driveway where such driveway meets the publicly maintained road. backpack; balls, marbles, anything that rolls; containers that can leak or squirt liquid; glass objects; possession or use of laser pens or pointers; fire or smoke producing items are prohibited (state rule); weapons/look-a likes of any kind are prohibited (state rule); gas cans are prohibited (state rule) and animals, dead or alive, are prohibited (state rule). Inclement weather When a decision is made to close school, all district personnel and households with students are notified with a phone call, email and/or text message. Please make sure that all contact information is current and upto-date in Infinite Campus. The district website is updated after the decision has been made to close school. Sources of information about school closing are: ■ District website at www.isd15.org

■ Local television stations— Channels 4, 5, 9 and 11 ■ St. Francis Area Schools Facebook page Joint/shared custody When both parents reside in the same school boundaries, students may ride from both residences as needed. Call the transportation office to arrange for the buses. Childcare ■ Childcare is defined as a location other than the student’s residence in which care is being provided in the absence of the parent or legal guardian. ■ A Student Transportation Form must be submitted to the transportation office if your child needs transportation from childcare. ■ Childcare pick-up and drop-off locations must be the same every day. ■ Forms must be submitted five (5) days in advance to allow for proper notification and scheduling. ■ Forms are available on the district website (www.isd15.org), at all elementary school offices and at the transportation office. Change in student information Please fill out a Student Transportation Form and call the Transportation Department at 763-753-7080 if there is a change in address, phone number, head of household or name. This will help keep records up-to-date and allow proper bus assignment. Forms can be found on the school district’s website at www.isd15. org/transportation. Changing routes and/or bus stops Students are assigned to bus stops and specific bus routes. Students must ride only the bus they are assigned to. Students shall board and exit the bus only at their assigned bus stop. No driver is to make changes in the pickup or drop-off schedule for his or her route without prior authorization. No stops are to be added, deleted or moved without approval. No driver may deviate from the established route without prior permission except as required by an emergency or temporary road conditions.

Very important Students may ride only the bus to which they are assigned. Policy prohibits students from riding a friend’s bus. Changing of buses for social reasons is never allowed. Bus capacities are such that room is not available for the casual rider on other buses. PLC Late Start Days If students ride the school bus on the PLC late start days, buses will run 90 minutes later than scheduled. Call the St. Francis Area Schools Transportation Department for details at 763-753-7080. See page 3 for PLC late start dates. Moving When you move, please notify the Transportation Department so we can cancel the current transportation and add your child to a different route if needed. If you have any questions or need general student transportation information, please contact Transportation at 763-753-7080. Transportation staff is looking forward to serving you.

AUGUST 2018

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News from St. Francis Area Schools Health Services SONNI BUERSKIN

SPECIAL SERVICES PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

The St. Francis Area Schools Health Services Department is excited to welcome students and staff to the 2018-19 school year. Health Services staff are looking forward to a healthy school year and will be working hard to promote student health and safety so that health concerns do not become obstacles to learning. Please read the following information that will help answer common questions about school health services.

Courier Contacts Main Phone ��763-753-7031 Advertising ��763-753-7032 Billing ��763-213-1588 Fax ��763-753-4693 Email ��news@isd15.org Website �� www.the-courier.org Like us on Facebook Address 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW St. Francis, MN 55070-9368 Publisher Lisa Rahn ��763-753-7048 lisa.rahn@isd15.org Editor Kathleen Miller ��763-753-7042 kathleen.miller@isd15.org Production Binie Bertils Pat Johnson ��763-753-7025 pat.johnson@isd15.org Shawnda Schelinder ��763-753-7033 shawnda.schelinder@isd15.org Advertising Representative Sarah Yannarelly ��763-753-7032 ads@isd15.org Billing Amy Lindfors ��763-213-1588 amy.lindfors@isd15.org Deadline Information Deadline for the September issue of The Courier is August 10. Delivery For delivery inquiries, call 763-753-7031. Letter to the Editor For the complete Letter to the Editor policy, visit www.the-courier.org. Policies and Pricing Visit www.the-courier.org for policy and pricing information. News Submission Send news and photos/captions to news@isd15.org. Subscriptions The publication is delivered at no charge to all St. Francis Area Schools residents. The Courier can be mailed to any address for an annual (11 issues) subscription rate of $18. The Courier is a publication prepared and distributed by St. Francis Area Schools Community Education and paid for with revenues generated by advertising sales.

Health Services Staff There are several health positions in St. Francis Area Schools. Each school has access to a licensed school nurse (LSN). In addition, each health office is staffed with either a health education assistant (HEA), a health office licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). Cedar Creek Elementary School: Carol Wilson, LSN; Barb Southworth, LPN East Bethel Elementary School: Carol Wilson, LSN; Jennifer McDonough, HEA Lifelong Learning Center: Carol Wilson, LSN; Katie Duray, HEA St. Francis Elementary School: Colleen Flaten, LSN; Teresa Cadwell, HEA St. Francis Middle School: Colleen Flaten, LSN; Sheryl Achman HEA St. Francis High School: Holly Coy, LSN; Angela Spike, HEA Saints Academy, Saints Online, Transition 15, St. Francis Learning Center: Holly Coy, LSN; Kayla Hansen, LPN Emergency Cards Emergency cards will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. Please fill out the form, sign and return to your child’s school. It is very important that we have current emergency information for each student. We are only able to send students home with persons that are listed on the student’s emergency card. If there is a change of address or phone number during the school year, please contact the health office so we can make that change. Immunizations The Minnesota State Immunization Law requires students attending school to be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases or show proof of exemption. This means students in all grades need to have documentation of required vaccines or exemption on file. To enter kindergarten, students need to show proof of having (or being exempted from) five DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), four polio, two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), the Hepatitis B series and two varicella (chicken pox) vaccines. Students entering grade 7 are required to show evidence of having (or being exempted from) a second MMR, a Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), the Hepatitis B series, two varicella and the

meningococcal vaccine. All vaccinations or exemptions need to be completed prior to the first day of school. Class schedules for those entering seventh-grade will be held until the needed immunization dates or exemption information is received. Please call the LSN at your student’s school with any questions.

FILE PHOTO

Physicals The Minnesota State High School League requires that students participating in any athletic activities have on record a physical examination every three years. The district requires physicals for participation in athletic activities at the middle school and high school levels. In the growth and development of the adolescent, it is important that regular preventive healthcare such as a physical is obtained. The recommended years to have a physical would be prior to seventh and tenth-grades. Physical fitness and developing the habit of routine preventive health exams promotes optimal health throughout your student’s life. Athletic physical exam forms can be obtained in the health office at your child’s school or found online at www. isd15.org > St. Francis High School > Athletics. If you have questions, please contact the health office at your student’s school. Illnesses It can be difficult to decide when your child should stay home due to illness. St. Francis Area Schools Health Services staff has developed guidelines that can guide your decision making. ■ If your child has a temperature over 100 degrees, they need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. ■ If your child has vomited or had diarrhea, they need to stay at home for 24 hours

after the last episode. ■ If your child has had a throat culture to rule out a strep infection, they should remain at home until the results of the culture have been obtained. If the culture is positive for strep, your child will need to be on medication for 24 hours before returning to school. ■ If your child has any rash that may be disease-related or you do not know the cause, check with your healthcare provider prior to having your child come to school. ■ Please contact the health office at your child’s school if your child has any infectious disease such as chicken pox, strep throat, impetigo or if you have any questions. Medications A healthcare provider and parent/guardian permission are necessary to give medications at school. This includes both prescription and over-thecounter medications. Please remember, when you are at your clinic, get a note from your healthcare provider stating that medication needs to be given at school. If you forget to obtain the written order, the clinic can fax the permission to the school your child attends. Medication must be in the prescription bottle or original container when brought to school. Parents are required to bring the medication to school unless an alternate plan has been developed with the school nurse. Many medications are a controlled substance and we need to make sure that all of the medications arrive safely at school. If you have questions regarding medications, please contact the health office at your child’s school. Asthma Students with asthma may self-carry and administer their quick relief asthma inhaler at school when a healthcare provider, parent/guardian and school nurse agree that a student is able to selfadminister their medication safely and responsibly at school (MN Inhaler Use Statutes 121A.221). Consent to selfcarry must be completed annually by the prescribing healthcare professional and parent/guardian and returned to the school nurse. Severe Allergies Students with lifethreatening allergies/ anaphylaxis may self-carry and administer their Epi-Pen®.

The parent and prescribing doctor must annually inform the school in writing that the student possesses or requires access to the Epi-Pen®. The licensed school nurse will develop an individualized health plan to ensure student safety at school (MN House File 1763). Diabetes Federal law gives students with diabetes the right to receive the care they need to be safe and participate in school activities just like any other child. Our health services staff works hard to provide monitoring of blood glucose levels, administer insulin and glucagon and provide diabetes care during field trips, extracurricular events and all school-sponsored activities. In addition, we work with families to make appropriate individualized health plans for the students. Per federal law, capable students are permitted to self-manage their diabetes anytime, anywhere. Section 504 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights statute that assures individuals will not be discriminated against based on disabilities and medical diagnoses, including many of those described above. This law protects a student with an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. In addition, students on 504 plans generally have accommodations so they can access learning at the same rate as peers. A student must qualify for a 504 plan through a school based evaluation process. If you are interested in learning more about 504 plans or feel your child may be a candidate for a 504 evaluation, please visit www.isd15.org/ section504. Additional Information The Health Services webpage can be found on the district website (www.isd15.org) under the ‘departments’ tab. Additional information about the above topics as well as important health forms can be found there. If you have any health related questions at any time throughout the school year, please contact your school’s health office. If you need to contact someone about your child’s health during the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year, please contact Sonni Buerskin, supervisor of special services at 763-753-7013.

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AUGUST 2018

2018-19 Educational Benefits including school meals ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS NUTRITION SERVICES

St. Francis Area Schools provides healthy meals each day. Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. To apply, complete the Application for Educational Benefits form (see page 9). A new application must be submitted each school year. At public schools, the application also helps the school qualify for education funds and discounts.

Regular Priced Meals REGULAR-PRICED MEALS Breakfast Prices Lunch Prices $1.45 Elementary $2.30 Elementary $1.55 Secondary $2.40 Middle School $2.50 High School A ½ pint of milk is included with a meal. Extra milk is 50¢ per ½ pint.

State funds help pay for reducedprice school meals, all students who are approved for either free or reducedprice school meals will receive school meals at no charge. State funds also help pay for breakfasts for kindergarten students, so all participating kindergarten students receive breakfast at no charge. Return completed Application for Educational Benefits to: St. Francis Area Schools Nutrition Services 23306 Cree Street NW, Suite 103 St. Francis, MN 55070 Who can get free school meals? Children in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and foster, homeless, migrant and runaway children can get free school meals without reporting household income. Or children can get free school meals if their household income is within the maximum income shown for their household size on the instructions. To apply for full school meals, please complete the Application for Educational Benefits form. I get WIC or Medical Assistance. Can my children get free school meals? Children in households participating in WIC or Medical Assistance may be eligible for free school meals. Please fill out an application. Who should I include as household members? Include yourself and all other people living in the household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen? Yes. You or your children do not have to be U.S. citizens for your children to

qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. What if my income is not always the same? List the amount that you normally get. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get overtime only sometimes. For seasonal work, write in the total annual income. Will the information I give be checked? Yes, and we may also ask you to send written proof.

How will the information be kept? Information you provide on the form, and your child’s approval for school meal benefits, will be protected as private data. For more information see the Application for Educational Benefits. If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later? Yes. Please complete an application at any time if your income goes down, your household size goes up or you start getting SNAP, MFIP or FDPIR benefits. Please provide the information

requested about children’s racial identity and ethnicity, which helps make sure St. Francis Area Schools is fully serving our community. This information is not required for approval of school meal benefits. If you have other questions or need assistance completing the application, call 763-753-7015.

How to complete the Application For Educational Benefits Complete the Application for Educational Benefits form for school year 2018-19 if any of the following applies to your household: ■ Any household member currently participates in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) —OR— ■ The household includes one or more foster children (a welfare agency or court has legal responsibility for the child) —OR—

Household Size

$ Per Year

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

22,459 30,451 38,443 46,435 54,427 62,419 70,411 78,403

Add for each additional person

7,992

Maximum Total Income $ Per $ Twice $ Per $ Per Week Month Per Month 2 Weeks 1,872 936 864 432 2,538 1,269 1,172 586 3,204 1,602 1,479 740 3,870 1,935 1,786 893 4,536 2,268 2,094 1,047 5,202 2,601 2,401 1,201 5,868 2,934 2,709 1,355 6,534 3,267 3,016 1,508 666

333

308

154

■ The total income of household members is within the guidelines shown above (gross earnings before deductions, not take-home pay). Do not include as income: foster care payments, federal education benefits, MFIP payments or value of assistance received from SNAP, WIC or FDPIR. Military: Do not include combat pay or assistance from the Military Privatized Housing Initiative. The income guidelines are effective from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. Step 1: Children List all infants and children in the household, their birthdate and, if applicable, their grade and school. Attach an additional page if needed to list all children. Indicate if a child is in foster care (a welfare agency or court has legal responsibility for the child). Step 2: Case Number If any household member currently participates in the Special Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), write in your case number, check which program you participate in, and then go to Step 4. If you do not participate in any of these programs, leave Step 2 blank and continue on to Step 3. WIC and Medical Assistance (M.A.) programs do not qualify for this purpose. Step 3: Adults / Incomes / Last 4 Digits of Social Security Number ■ List all adults living in the household (everyone not listed in Step 1) whether related or not, such as grandparents, other relatives or friends. Include any adult who is temporarily away from home, like a student away at college. Attach another page if necessary. ■ List gross incomes before deductions, not take-home pay. Do not list an hourly wage rate. For adults with no income to report, enter a ‘0’ or leave the section blank. This is your certification (promise) that there is no income to report for these adults. For seasonal work,

write in the total annual income. ■ For each income, indicate often the income is received: each week, every other week, twice per month or monthly. ■ For farm or self-employment income only, list the net income per year or month after business expenses. A loss from farm or self-employment must be listed as 0 income and does not reduce other income. ■ Last four digits of Social Security number – An adult household member must provide the last four digits of their Social Security number or check the box if they do not have a Social Security number. ■ Regular income to children – If any children in the household have regular income, such as SSI or part-time jobs, list the total amount of regular income received by all children. Do not include occasional earnings like babysitting or lawn mowing. Step 4: Signature and Contact Information An adult household member must sign the form. If you do not want your information to be shared with Minnesota Health Care Programs, check the “Don’t share” box in Step 4. Optional: Please provide the information on ethnicity and race that is requested on the second page of the form. This information is not required and does not affect approval for school meal benefits. The information helps to make sure we are meeting civil rights requirements and fully serving our community.

AUGUST 2018

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Meal Accounts Student meal accounts are prepaid accounts that must maintain a positive balance. Absolutely no negative balances will be allowed when purchasing extras or à la carte on student meal accounts! Students may deposit funds into their accounts in the morning after arriving to school. Sending cash with students is discouraged and at your own risk. Please send checks or use Visa, MasterCard or Discover, electronic check or debit card to purchase meals. Visit the district website at www. isd15.org, select Nutrition Services under Departments then Meal Payment Options or directly at PayPams.com. Please allow one to two school days for your payment to update the account balance at the school. A convenience fee will be charged when using online payments. Sending cash with your student is discouraged by St. Francis Area Schools. Special note for St. Francis High School and St. Francis Middle School students: We are unable to make change on the main meal lines. Change will be deposited into the student’s account for future use.

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Nutrition Services meals program The St. Francis Area Schools School Board has resolved to continue the lunch/breakfast meals program for the 201819 school year. The St. Francis Area Schools Child Nutrition Program includes the following provisions: Participation in the Free and Reduced Lunch/Breakfast Programs is guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Nutrition Education Nutrition Services supports the Wellness Committee Initiatives by providing healthy school meals and snacks to students of St. Francis Area Schools. Offer Versus Serve Students of all grade levels must take a minimum of three of the five offered food groups when buying a lunch and three of four offered food groups when buying a breakfast.

All district families are encouraged to complete the Application for Educational Benefits (page 9) to learn their eligibility status for compensatory funding purposes in St. Francis Area Schools. Please return the application to: St. Francis Area Schools Nutrition Services 23306 Cree Street NW, Suite 103 St. Francis, MN 55070 – or – to student’s school, c/o Nutrition Services Free lunch and breakfast will be provided for those who qualify. Students who qualify for reduced price school meals will receive free breakfast and lunch.

United States Department of Agriculture regulations require students to take ½ cup fruit or vegetable at lunch for the meal to be complete. Monthly menus are posted on the district website at www. isd15.org. Milk All meals in St. Francis Area Schools are served a choice of one percent white, chocolate skim or white skim milk. St. Francis Area Schools will furnish lactose-reduced milk upon request in writing from a parent. Extra milk is 50¢. Kindergarten snack milk is unflavored one percent or skim.

Grades Grades Grades 1-5 6-8 9-12 Adult Preschool

Lunch (First Lunch) Full Pay $2.30 $2.40 $2.50 Reduced 0 0 0 Free (No charge) 0 0 0 Second Lunch $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 Breakfast (First Breakfast) Full Pay $1.40 $1.50 $1.50 Reduced (No charge) 0 0 0 Free (No charge) 0 0 0 Second Breakfast $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 Milk 50¢ 50¢ 50¢ Kindergarten Breakfast is FREE Kindergarten Snack Item: 50¢ Kindergarten Snack Milk: No charge for milk

$3.70 N/A N/A $3.70

$2.30

$1.90 N/A N/A $2.00 50¢

$1.35

St. Patrick Catholic Church

August

9-11

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Donations accepted in good shape August 4 & 5 before Masses August 6-8, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CANNOT ACCEPT: cribs, car seats, highchairs, TVs, microwaves, air conditioners, exercise equipment, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers or construction materials.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

À la Carte Sales Healthy à la carte choices are made available to students at St. Francis High School and St. Francis Middle Schools (grades 6-12). Some examples of items offered are: noncarbonated beverages, bottled water, flavored milk, baked chips, string cheese, beef jerky, granola bars, crackers, yogurt, low fat ice cream, fruit and vegetable juices. Extra portions of menued items are also for sale. À la carte offerings meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School standards. It is very important that parents establish guidelines for the amount of à la carte items students may purchase in their accounts. Note: The elementary schools (grades K-5) offer milk, juice, bottled water and an extra portion of entrée only! A PIN will be assigned to new students and staff. Keep this number confidential! The owner of the account is the only person who may use the account. Lunch/Breakfast Prices Students and staff may purchase meals by the day or for the entire school year. Your building cashier will be happy to answer questions and help you decide the best method of payment.

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AUGUST 2018

St. Francis Area Schools Nutrition Services 23306 Cree Street NW, Suite 103 St. Francis, MN 55070 763-753-7015

2018-19 Application for Educational Benefits Complete one application per household. Please use pen (not a pencil).

STEP 1: List ALL Household Members who are infants, children and students up to and including grade 12 (if more spaces are required for additional names, attach another sheet of paper). Definition: A Household Member is “Anyone living with you and shares income and expenses, even if not related.” Children in Foster care are eligible for free meals. Read How to Complete the Application for Educational Benefits for more information. Child’s First Name

Child’s Last Name

Birthdate

Grade

Foster Child

     STEP 2: Do Any Household Members (including you) currently participate in one or more of the following assistance programs: SNAP, MFIP or FDPIR? Medical assistance does not qualify. If NO > Go to STEP 3.

If YES > Enter Case Number ____________________________________ then go to STEP 4. (Do not complete STEP 3)

STEP 3: Report Income for ALL Household Members (Skip this step if you answered ‘Yes’ to STEP 2) A. Child Income

Child Income

Sometimes children in the household earn or receive income. Please include the TOTAL income received by all Household Members listed in STEP 1.

Weekly

Bi-weekly

2x Month

Monthly





B. All Adult Household Members (including yourself) List all Household members not listed in STEP 1 (including yourself ) even if they do not receive income. For each Household Member listed, if they do receive income, report total gross income (before deductions or taxes) for each source in whole dollars (no cents) only. If they do not receive income from any source, write ‘0’ or leave any fields blank. You are certifying (promising) that there is no income to report. Are you sure what income to include here? Flip the page and review “Sources of Income” for more information. “Sources of Income for Children” will help you with the Child Income section. “Sources of income for Adults” will help you with the ALL Adult household Members section. 2x Month

Monthly

Yearly

Weekly

Bi-weekly

2x Month

Monthly

Earnings from Work

Bi-weekly

Name of Adult Household Members (First and Last)

All Other Income such as SSI, Unemployment, Public Assistance, Child Support, and others on page two

Weekly



Net Income from Self-Employment

C. Last Four Digits of Social Security Number (SSN) of Primary Wage Earner or Other Adult Household Member XXX-XX-_____________ Check if no SSN: 

Total Household Members (Children and Adults) _________

STEP 4: Contact information and adult signature. Mail completed form to: St. Francis Area Schools Nutrition Services, 23306 Cree Street NW, Suite 103, St. Francis, MN 55070 “I certify (promise) that all information on this application is true and that all income is reported. I understand that this information is give in connection with the receipt of Federal funds, and that school officials may verify (check) the information. I am aware that if I purposely give false information, my children may lose meal benefits, and I may be prosecuted under applicable State and Federal laws.”

 I have checked this box if I do not want my information shared with Minnesota Health Care Programs as allowed by state law. Printed name of adult signing form_____________________________________________________ Signature of adult_________________________________________ Today’s Date____________________ Street Address (if available)_______________________________________ Apt#___________ City_______________________ State_________ Zip____________ Daytime Phone________________________ INSTRUCTIONS: Sources of Income Sources of Income for Children

Sources of Income for Adults

Sources of Child Income

Examples

Earnings from Work

Public Assistance/Alimony/Child Support

All Other Income

• • •

• A child has a regular full or part-time job where they earn a salary or wages • A child is blind or disabled and receives Social Security • A parent is disabled, retired, or deceased, and their child receives Social Security benefits • A friend or extended family member regularly gives a child spending money • A child receives regular income from a private pension fund, annuity, or trust

• Salary, wages, cash bonuses (before deductions or taxes) • Net income from self-employment (farm or business) • If you are in the U.S. Military:  Basic pay and cash bonuses (do NOT include combat pay, FSSA or privatized housing allowances)  Allowances for off-base housing, food and clothing

• • • • • • • •

• Social Security • Disability benefits • Regular income from trusts or estates • Annuities • Investment income • Rental income • Regular cash payments from outside household

Earnings from work Social Security  Disability Payments  Survivor’s Benefits Income from person outside the household • Income from any other source

Cash assistance from state or local government Supplemental security income Unemployment benefits Worker’s compensation Alimony payments Child support payments Veteran’s benefits Strike benefits

OPTIONAL: Children’s Racial and Ethnic Identities We are required to ask for information about your children’s race and ethnicity. This information is important and helps to make sure we are fully serving our community. Responding to this section is optional and does not affect your children’s eligibility for free or reduced price meals. Ethnicity (check one):  Hispanic or Latino  Not Hispanic or Latino Race (check one or more):  American Indian or Alaskan Native  Asian  Black or African American  Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander  White The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information on this application. You do not have to give the information, but if you do not, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced price meals. You must include the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. The last four digits of the social security number is not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case number or other FDPIR identiﬁer for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number. We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

At public school districts, each student’s school meal status also is recorded on a statewide computer system used to report student data to MDE as required by state law. MDE uses this information to: (1) Administer state and federal programs, (2) Calculate compensatory revenue for public schools, and (3) Judge the quality of the state’s educational program. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through

the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint form, (AD-3027) online at: https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaintusda-customer, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

AUGUST 2018

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School Board Highlights School Board Perspective

MIKE STARR ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

As a substitute teacher in our school district, I was in a class last May with all seniors. I was asked why the school district had to cut so many teaching positions when an $80 million bond was passed last November. I took time to explain the difference between a bond, which is for building, and a levy, which is for learning. A levy allows us to hire staff and fund programs. By law, districts cannot use bonding funds to hire staff. The bond, which was passed by our taxpayers, will be used to improve building security, add classrooms, remove 25+-year-old portables, update our science rooms, media centers, business sections, allow industrial tech classrooms to expand and bring much-needed updates and renovations to our school buildings. As a school board member, I’ve been told that our school district needs to do a better job on expenditures with our budget. School funding is one of the most complex systems to work with. There are 10,000 individual lines of funding to track throughout the year. School boards and staff are estimating and establishing a budget 18 months out. Budgets are

School Board Highlights SHAWNDA SCHELINDER

STAFF WRITER

July 23, 2018 As part of St. Francis Area Schools’ branding efforts, four buildings will be renamed. ■ Cedar Creek Community School will become Cedar Creek Elementary School ■ East Bethel Community School will become East Bethel Elementary School ■ Crossroads School and Vocational Center will become St. Francis Learning Center ■ Central Services Office will become St. Francis Area Schools District Office Presenting at the July 23 school board meeting, Community Education Director Lisa Rahn explained how the superintendent’s branding committee came to these decisions. In addition to being consistent with the name of the St. Francis Elementary School, the community schools’ names did not meet the state definition. “By definition, a community school is a partnership between the school and other community resources, which may include family support, social services, health services and things like that,” Rahn told the board. “As such, we really

100 percent based on enrollment, which drives the amount of funding we receive from state and federal governments. Across Minnesota this year, 59 school districts are falling short on school funding. Our district cut over $3.7 million for the 2018-19 school year, resulting in a staff right-sizing of over 50 positions cut. Within the metro area, the following school districts are projecting a budget shortfall: 1. Minneapolis - $33 million 2. St. Paul - $17.2 million 3. Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan -$12 million 4. Robbins dale - $10.6 million 5. Burnsville - $6.7 million 6. Osseo - $5.8 million 7. Shakopee - $2.6 million 8. Stillwater - $2.4 million 9. Anoka-Hennepin - $2.1 million 10. Monticello - $2.0 million (Per StarTribune April 28, 2018) Every school district sets its own policy on an amount in their fund balance, which is a percentage

don’t meet that definition. It makes more sense for us to move in the direction of an elementary school.” This fall, the St. Francis Area Schools Adult Basic Education will be moving to the Crossroads School and Vocational Center building, which also houses Saints Academy, Saints Online and Transitions 15. The new building name St. Francis Learning Center not only encompasses all of the programs housed there, it also aligns with the names of other buildings in the city of St. Francis. Finally, Central Services Office will revert back to St. Francis Area Schools District Office. Many community

members and staff still refer to the building as the District Office, making that change more natural, Rahn said. Superintendent Troy Ferguson assured the board the district would not be spending money on the name change; the district will change the building names on items as they need replacement. The motion to approval the branding committee’s recommendations passed 6-1, with Schoenrock opposing the motion. Annual resolutions Every July, the school board reviews a number of policies, some required by state statue. The board reviewed and approved 18 policies,

School Board Members

School Board Meeting Schedule

Mike Starr Chairman

763-300-9110

Jill Anderson Vice-Chairwoman

612-270-0415

School board meetings are held in the Community Room at Central Services Center, located at 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW, St. Francis.

Sean Sullivan Clerk 763-807-0010 Rob Schoenrock Treasurer 763-232-7902 Barbara Jahnke Director 763-753-6846 Amy Kelly Director 763-744-8458 Marsha Van Denburgh Director 763-753-6653 Email: schoolboard@isd15.org

of the entire budget. Our district’s policy is to have five percent of our annual budget in the fund balance. Currently our district has around 1.2 percent in the fund balance. An appropriate fund balance shows a bonding company that a school district is adhering to its budget and spending within its means. A good fund balance helps a school district get a better rating for bonds, which in turn saves the district and taxpayers money. What can we do to give parents and students a reason to attend our schools? St. Francis Area Schools must show our community why our students should stay in our school district and attend our schools. We do that by updating our school buildings, which will be completed by 2021. Thank you for passing our biggest bond ever to update our schools. We are going through a tough time because of the decline in enrollment. Like all other school districts across the state, we will work hard to build a strong and positive school district that students will choose to attend and be proud to tell people, “I am a St. Francis Saint.”

including policies relating to the superintendent, harassment and violence, privacy of student records and facilities. For a full list of the policies reviewed and links to the policy text, go to www.isd15. org, select School Board and click on Meetings, Agenda,

Packet. Each school board meeting is recorded for the convenience of parents and community members who are unable to attend. To view a video of the school board meeting, go to www.isd15.org/sbvideo.

Mondays, August 13 & 27 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 10 & 24 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Mondays, October 8 & 22 Dialogue with School Board 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Live streaming and video archives of school board meetings are available at www.isd15.org/sbvideo.

Crossroads extended school year students enjoyed outdoor games and beautiful sunny skies during their recent field day. The students were able to play bean bag toss, Frisbee, ladder golf and more. THE COURIER PHOTO

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AUGUST 2018

Community & Business

Fresh on the Farm

SHARON JOHNSON MINNESOTA FRESH FARM

Preserving summer vegetables—yes, you can Home canning is a great way to preserve all those vegetables growing in your garden or that are abundant at the farmers market. Tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, beans, beets, Brussel sprouts and more can all be canned in glass jars or frozen in bags or plastic containers for enjoyment at meals over the winter. If you’re saying “Who, me? I can do that?” Well, yes, you can. The easiest method of preserving food is freezing. Additionally, freezing is the method that potentially preserves the greatest quantity of nutrients. To ensure success in freezing fruits and vegetables, make sure to find step by step instructions from a reputable source. University Extension websites are a great resource. In preparing vegetables for freezing, you will usually need to include a step called “blanching” that involves immersing the food in boiling water and then ice-cold water to prevent further cooking. This step helps to destroy microorganisms on the surface of the vegetable, making it safe for long term storage. With freezing, very little equipment is needed. Make sure you have a big pot for blanching and a large bowl for the ice water. You can store your food in freezer bags or plastic containers.

If you are feeling a little more confident, try canning in glass jars this year. There are two methods of glass jar canning— water bath and pressure cooker. Use water bath processing for high acid foods and recipes that incorporate carefully measured acid, like vinegar.

Pickles of all sorts are made using a water bath. That is, using a large pot with boiling water to heat and seal glass jars filled with your summer harvest and the correct amount of acid. A combination of time in the water bath and temperature destroys mold, yeast and enzymes that cause spoilage while creating a vacuum seal. You need jars, rims and seals which can be found at grocery and hardware stores at this time of year. If you want PEXELS PHOTO

Waterfowl Banquet

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Family Fun Experience

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Movie in the Park

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

FREE!

Thursday, September 13 The banquet will be held at St. Francis American Legion Post 622 3073 Bridge Street, St. Francis Contact Stew for more information 763-753-6230

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 9-11 Memorial Golf Tournament

LOCATION 7550 SUNWOOD DRIVE NW – RAMSEY, MN 55303 WITHIN THE COR, RAMSEY’S DOWNTOWN

All dollars raised stay in Minnesota! GREAT FOOD - HUNTING THEMED RAFFLES

GRILLING? We have the ingredients.

Please visit www.ci.ramsey.mn.us

for more information on volunteer, sponsorship and event participation opportunities. Expires 8/31/18

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Valid on cash transactions only, must pay inside St. Francis County Market. Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Expires 8/31/18

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Specialty Deli Salads • Fried & Rotisserie Chicken Fresh Fruit • Cold Beverages • Chips & Snacks • Bakery

a come-back. You will need a pressure canner along with the jars, rims and seals. If you are faced with an abundant harvest from your garden or can’t resist the piles of produce at the market, think about how you can preserve these wonderful foods for later this year. Yes, you can.

5K Run & Youth Fun Run Family Bike Tour • Wellness Van • Car Show Bean Bag Tournament • Kids Fun & Activities Food & Beverage Vendors • Talent Show Most Business/Craft Expo • Parade events are Sami Dare Hypnotist • Dance Caravan Ramsey Fire Dept. Chili Cook-Off Bingo • Live Music by Maiden Dixie THANK YOU Fireworks SPONSORS!

11th Annual

5:30-6:30 p.m. Social Hour 6:30 p.m. Dinner

to preserve low acid foods like beans without adding vinegar, you will need to use a pressure cooker. Pressure canning is the only processing method that reaches the high temperature (240°F) needed to safely preserve low acid foods. As people are taking a heightened interest now in healthy foods, pressure canning is making

Per Gallon All Grades of Gas

Valid on cash transactions only, must pay inside St. Francis County Market. Not good with other offers. Limit one per visit. Expires 8/31/18

AUGUST 2018

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East Bethel News

STEVEN VOSS MAYOR, CITY OF EAST BETHEL

What a great summer! I hope everyone is getting outside and enjoying our area and what East Bethel has to offer for recreation. Night to Unite On August 7, communities and neighborhoods throughout East Bethel and the nation will come together for an evening gathering of friends and neighbors in a celebration

of our communities. This is a great time to catch up with happenings in our neighborhoods, brag about our kids, share some food and drink and just get to know one another. Each year, several East Bethel neighborhoods organize a Night to Unite gathering. If you are interested in hosting a Night to Unite event, or would like to find out where one in your area is happening, please

W O H S R A C St. Francis Friday Nite Rally

14th seas

Weather Permitting

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 5:00 P.M.-DUSK ST. FRANCIS CITY CENTRE

FREE

For Everyone!

Hwy 47 & Pederson Dr. NW St. Francis, Minnesota

FOR RALLY INFORMATION, CALL DICK HENZ AT

763-753-1092

Sponsored by St. Francis Collision/Joe’s Hot Rod Shop, King’s County Market, St. Francis McDonald’s and other area merchants.

call Karen White at City Hall 763-367-7840 for information or Laura Landes of the Anoka County Sheriff ’s Office at 763-324-5179 to register your event. New developments off the ground East Bethel will be experiencing a small building boom over the next year that will be noticeable along the Highway 65 corridor. We had two ground-breakings in July for large residential developments including a 48 home single-family development at the intersection

of Viking Boulevard and Jackson Street, and a 67unit apartment building along Highway 65, south of the theater. Both of these projects are moving into the construction phases with anticipated openings in 2019. The Cambia Hills Youth Mental Health Treatment facility plans are scheduled to be presented to the city for review and approval in early August, with an anticipated construction start this fall. If approved by the City Council, this proposed $26 million facility will be constructed on a tract of land south of Our

Saturday, September 22

Hurry! Space is limited.

9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. 6 foot space rental $15 (limit 2) WANTED Cost will offset a wide range of Crafters, Artists, advertising and promotion. Early Quilters, Hobbyists registration is through September 1,

Display and vend your talents. Refreshments available throughout the day.

Please join in on the fun!

after September 1 cost is $20. Contact the church office 763-444-5315 or visit longlakeluth.org for registration form and more information.

Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, MN, about 5 miles north of St. Francis

Gift Cards Available Farm Fresh Vegetables • Potatoes • Sweet Corn • Beans • Beets • Peppers • Carrots • Radishes • Dill • Tomatoes • Onions • Zucchini • Cucumbers • Honey, Syrup, Jams, Jellies & Popcorn

Fresh Summer Fruit • Watermelon • Peaches • Muskmelon • Berries

Gardening & Landscape Supplies • Bird Baths, Feeders & Seed • Lawn Ornaments • Pottery • Gifts & Greeting Cards • Landscape Rock & Mulches • Insecticides & Fungicides • Fertilizer

Nursery & Greenhouse Open All Season Trees • Shrubs • Evergreens • Perennials

GREEN BARN GARDEN CENTER

& Farm Market

3 miles south of Isanti on Hwy. 65 & 265th

763-444-5725

OPEN 7 Days A Week • Call for Hours

www.greenbarngardencenter.com

Saviour’s Church at Jackson Street and 189th Avenue. Stay tuned for more information on this proposed development. More information regarding this proposed project can be found on the city’s web site. Local road construction The installation of water and sewer utilities, to be followed by a complete road reconstruction, has commenced for Central Avenue, east of Highway 65 across from the theater. This project is scheduled for completion this fall and will provide a much needed road improvement for the businesses and will further support future business development in this area. Also in this area, MnDOT is scheduled the start of construction of the first Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) at 187th Lane and Highway 65 for late July with a fall completion date. Construction of the Viking Boulevard/Highway 65 and the 181st Avenue/Highway 65 RCIs is planned for 2019. The roads will be kept open to access our businesses during construction. Please take care while traveling through this area and heed all construction warning signs. We want these to be safe projects with no injuries to our highway workers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

East Bethel News Filing Period for City Council If you have ever considered stepping up to make a difference for your city, here is your chance. Every two years, our mayor and two of the four city council positions are open for election in November. The mayor’s position is a two-year term, while the city council positions are four-year terms. Filing for these positions opened on July 31 and closes on August 14. If you are interested in either of these elected positions, you may file in person at City Hall during normal business hours. Early Voting is Open Our State primary elections are scheduled for Tuesday, August 14. Early voting is now open until August 13 for the primary elections. You can find your voting place on the Minnesota Secretary of State or Anoka County’s Election websites, along with the instructions to complete the early voting process. On behalf of the East Bethel City Council, please continue to have a safe and wonderful summer.

AUGUST 2018

North Anoka County Emergency Foodshelf & Closet offers home delivery CAROL NOVAK

NACE

North Anoka County Emergency Foodshelf & Closet (NACE) home delivery serves people who are home bound either temporarily or permanently by delivering pre-ordered food from the food shelves on a monthly basis. Participants will order food that they want to eat that

NOW LEASING

meets their dietary guidelines, cultural tastes, desires and are commonly available in our food shelves including fresh produce, dairy, bread, meat and non-perishables. NACE delivers to Bethel, Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Oak Grove and St Francis. Would you like NACE home delivery to deliver to you or a loved one? Call 763-434-7685.

700 SQ FT ENDCAP IN ST. FRANCIS OFFICE SPACE Heat and A/C included

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It’s summer time and fresh produce is plentiful! 20241 Hwy 65 NE, East Bethel 612-735-5459 For hours visit www.minnesotafreshfarm.com.

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St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce Presents

TOURNAMENT Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 Hidden Haven Golf Club 20520 Polk St NE, Cedar, MN 55011

Fun For The Whole Family! St. Patrick Catholic Church 19921 Nightingale Street NW Oak Grove, MN 55011

Friday, September 7

8:00-11:00pm - Youth Block Party 6th-12th grades - tickets $10, at door $15

Saturday, September 8

9:00am-Midnight 5K Run/Walk, Raffles, Children’s Games, Fabulous Food, Bingo, Silent Auction, BBQ Ribfest Contest, 5:00pm Mass, Fireworks!

Sunday, September 9

10:00am - 4:00pm 9:00 & 11:00am Mass, Children’s Games, Fabulous Food, Silent Auction, Classic Car Show, Quilt Auction, Raffle and More!

www.st-patricks.org/countryfest

AUGUST 2018

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Business Spotlight

SHAWNDA SCHELINDER STAFF WRITER

RE/MAX Results Michelle Anderson For Michelle Anderson, it’s all about building relationships. From her 25 years as a childcare provider to her current profession as a real estate agent with RE/MAX Results, it’s important for Anderson to get to know those she’s helping so that she is able to serve them to the best of her ability. It’s never about a single transaction; it’s about building a connection that lasts long after the deal is done. “I had to get out of childcare partly because of lower back issues,” Anderson said. Another real estate agent encouraged her to explore the career field. “I really wanted to have something flexible, where I could continue to

be involved in my community and volunteer and help families. Real estate gave me all of those opportunities.” For the past four years, Anderson has been building her business, starting with the existing connections she has had in the community for decades, only this time, helping them in a new context. “What I love most about this career is helping families reach their goals,” Anderson said. “Sometimes, it can take as little as three months or as much as a few years. There’s not a quick turnaround time, so it’s really important to build that relationship and trust.” Anderson continued, “I am

very thankful and grateful for the connections I have throughout the community, who support me and have helped me build my real estate business.” Anderson also enjoys the diversity each day brings. While she consistently starts each day at her computer at 6:00 a.m., the rest of the day brings a variety of different tasks. On any given day, she can be showing homes to young families seeking their first dream home or setting up open houses for empty nesters looking to downsize. “There is no set schedule,” Anderson said. “Some days, I go to the office in Andover. Mostly, my afternoons and evenings are filled with showings, inspections, walk-throughs, and I enjoy doing open houses as well. There is also a lot of phone calls, emails and paperwork.” Anderson knows buying or selling a home can be overwhelming for families; another reason why she’s so committed to building a strong, personal relationship with her clients. While the summer season is a little slower, it’s still pretty steady, she

said. “The inventory is not satisfying the demand, so it’s a good time for homeowners who are considering selling.” Anderson continued, “If you’re considering selling, it’s better to call sooner rather than later so we can start working through the details. I want to make sure people are prepared for every situation.” As for buyers, Anderson recommends that they get pre-approved so they understand their budget. She also suggests that buyers do a little research to get a feel for the market and what they’re looking for in a real estate agent. “For me, I’m very relationship based. I want to make sure everyone is on board and understands the process,” Anderson said. “I’ll be there for them every step of the way. I want to make sure they know they can continue to rely on me after the sale.” Michelle Anderson of RE/MAX Results agent, listing agent and relocation. She can be reached at Michelle.Anderson@Results.net or 763-568-0038.

Michelle Anderson‘s specialties include buyer’s agent, listing agent and relocation. Anderson hopes to build a long-standing relationship with each of her clients so she can meet their needs after the sale. COURIER PHOTO

LDK

Tax and Accounting

Lynn Karasch, MBA, CPA

Specializing in Individual & Small Business Returns By appointment Fax 763-434-4739 Phone 763-413-3090 www.ldkaccounting.com

Open year round for all of your accounting needs. • Accounting and Bookkeeping Services • Consulting • Payroll Services • Business Startup Services

Tax Preparation

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AUGUST 2018

Anoka County Library supports healthy eating KARLY HALL

Anoka County launches app to promote recycling ERIK THORSON

ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

This summer, Anoka County Library (ACL) is bringing healthy eating and food education to its libraries, named Curiosity Kitchen, through programming and demonstration cooking carts from The Charlie Cart Project. This initiative is a partnership between ACL and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership. The goals of this partnership include increasing access to healthy eating through education and skill building. This programming will help fulfill the partnership’s overall aims of “creating healthier communities across Minnesota by expanding opportunities for active living and healthy eating.” Curiosity Kitchen will be located at various library branches later this summer, with programming focusing on school-age children. Curiosity Kitchen will allow libraries to provide hands-on programming to children, which will increase their knowledge of healthy foods, as well as provide them invaluable experience in creating healthy recipes themselves. “Curiosity Kitchen is an excellent way to expand on the idea of a marketspace and provide healthy eating education,” said Maggie Snow, Anoka County Library’s director. “It FILE PHOTO will allow the library to further enhance its current offerings and services to the community in a non-traditional and valuable way.” Visit charliecart.org for more information regarding the carts, curriculum and training. Visit www.anokacountylibrary.org or your local library branch for Curiosity Kitchen events.

Anoka County Recycles is a new mobile app that informs users how to properly manage waste and other unwanted items is now available for smartphones and tablets. Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions launched the app to make recycling information more user-friendly and readily accessible when you’re on the go. The app mirrors the Recycling and Disposal Directory found on the Anoka County website (anokacounty.us/recycle.) Users search for the item they want to dispose of, and the app will tell them whether the item should be reused, recycled,

composted or thrown in the garbage. For items that can be recycled at drop-off locations but not in curbside recycling, such as electronics, the app

provides a list of convenient locations with contact details. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Call Michelle 763-586-0038

Michelle Anderson Michelle.Anderson@Results.net

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Registration: 1:00 p.m. Shotgun start: 2:30 p.m. Dinner following: approx. 7:00 p.m. Registration fee $100 per person or $400 per foursome includes 18 holes of golf, cart for every 2 golfers and dinner. Dinner only $15 Visit www.sfgridclub.com for registration forms Register early to guarantee your spot!

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AUGUST 2018

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Financial Focus

BLAKE CHEELEY EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR

How can you help your kids pay for college? It’s still summer, but we’re getting close to a new school year. One day, back-to-school will mean off to college for your children. Will you be financially prepared to help your kids cope with the costs of higher education? Your first step, is to know what you’re up against, so here are some numbers: For the 2017-18 academic year, college costs (tuition, fees, room and board) were, on average, nearly $21,000 for in-state students at four-year, public schools and nearly $47,000 for students attending private colleges or universities, according to the College Board. And you can

probably expect even bigger price tags in the years to come. To help prepare for these costs, you might want to consider putting your money in a vehicle specifically designed to help build assets for college, such as a 529 education savings plan. All withdrawals from 529 plans are free from federal income taxes as long as the beneficiary you’ve named uses the money for qualified college, trade school or graduate school expenses. Withdrawals for expenses other than qualified education expenditures may be subject to federal, state and penalty taxes on the earnings portion of your plan.

(However, tax issues for 529 savings plans can be complex, so please consult your tax advisor before investing.) You can generally invest in the 529 savings plan offered by any state, but if you invest in your own state’s plan, you may be able to claim a tax deduction or receive a tax credit. By starting your 529 plan early, when your children are just a few years old, the investments within the plan have more time for potential growth. Plus, you can make smaller contributions each year, rather than come up with big lump sums later on. A 529 plan is not the only

education-savings tool you can use, but it has proven effective for many people. Yet you may also want to consider ways to keep college costs down in the first place. For one thing, your children may be eligible for various forms of financial aid. Some types of aid depend on your family’s income, but others, such as merit-based scholarships, are open to everyone. But you don’t have to wait until you get an offer from a school’s financial aid office, you can explore some opportunities on your own. For example, many local and national civic and religious 250 OFF any project 2,500 or more — or — 18 months interest free financing!*

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East Bethel Booster Days

Thank You!

The East Bethel Booster Days Committee would like to thank the sponsors who made our event possible. Without the good will of our local businesses and groups who contributed we could not make this great event happen. Thank you, we appreciate all that you have done! Blaine Festival • Chops, Inc. Cedar-East Bethel Lions North Country Concrete, Inc. U-Pull R-Parts • Shaw Trucking Hakanson Anderson Engineering East Bethel Fire Relief Association Central Truck Service • Professional Exteriors, Inc. Connexus Energy • Central Trailer Sales Sowada & Barna Plumbing • E.J.’s Inc Teddy Bear Care on 65 • Plow World Minnesota Corp, Inc/Go For It East Bethel Bandits East Bethel Chamber of Commerce The City of East Bethel Thank you also to the volunteers and civic groups who voluntarily serve to make the East Bethel Booster Days Event happen every year!

July 20-21, 2018

groups offer scholarships to promising young people, and your own employer may even provide some types of grants or assistance. Plus, your state also may offer other benefits, such as financial aid or scholarship funds. It can certainly take some digging to find these funding sources, but the effort can be worthwhile. Here’s another option for reducing college costs: consider sending your child to a local community college for two years to get many of the “general” requirements out of the way before transferring to a four-year school for a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges are typically quite affordable, and many of them offer high-quality programs. A college degree is costly, but many people feel it’s still a great investment in their children’s future. And by taking the appropriate steps, you can help launch that investment. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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In the 25 years that The Courier was published, it has touched many lives. If you have a Courier story you would like to share we would love to hear it. The Courier will publish selected stories in the October (final) issue. Please email your story to news@isd15.org or give us a call at 763-753-7031.

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AUGUST 2018

Building Our Future Together Update for August 2018 LISA RAHN

ST. FRANCIS AREA SCHOOLS COMMUNITY EDUCATION DIRECTOR, BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Summer is well underway and progress is continuing on bond referendum projects in St. Francis Area Schools. The bond oversight committee (BOC) continues to meet over the summer months to review design development documents for East Bethel Elementary School, St. Francis Elementary School, St. Francis High School and St. Francis Middle School, along with looking at overall budget summaries. The design documents

will be presented to the school board in August. The district standards team met in July to take a first look at product samples and color options for each of the buildings. The goal of the interior design is to be recognizable and consistent, so when entering the building one will know they are in a St. Francis Area Schools building. Progress on the high school bleacher replacement of new home side bleachers and modification to visitor side bleachers to incorporate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) modifications is well underway. ADA paths at the soccer fields will be completed during the high school remodel. You also may have realized

that the portables have not been removed yet. The removal of portables will be done as part of the remodel of the buildings. In August more noticeable progress will be taking place, with the goal of completion by the first home football game in September. Design is also underway to incorporate an ADA accessible pathway from the ticketing booth to the home and visitor sides of the bleachers. Other progress that is visible are the Long Term Maintenance Facility Revenue (LTMFR) projects, which are not part of the November 2017 bond referendum. The track resurfacing project at St. Francis High School will turn the corner from demolition to

New programs offered at Anoka-Ramsey Community College

construction of new surfacing through the month of August. St. Francis Middle School tennis courts have the first layer of pavement applied and will continue with fencing installation. New surface on the courts can only be applied once the pavement layer has had time to cure. Planned completion of the tennis courts is the end of August. Look for before and after pictures on our district website. The passing of the $80 million bond referendum in November 2017 is funding the safety, security, accessibility and educational space needs across the school district. The timeline for completion of all projects is 2021. St. Francis Area Schools is grateful for the support of our district residents. We look forward to providing continued progress as we build our future together. The tennis/pickle ball courts at St. Francis Middle School are shaping up with the first layer of pavement down and fencing going up. THE COURIER PHOTO

BY MELISSA PRIEBE

ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Cybersecurity Building on the information technology programs, Anoka-Ramsey Community College will offer a new associate of science in cybersecurity beginning in the fall. Students who enroll in the cybersecurity degree program will gain a strong foundation in computer and network security, learning about concepts, design principles, policies, laws and security threats. They’ll study the impacts technology has on individuals and organizations including security and ethical issues. Students will also learn to configure and administer systems and networks while monitoring vulnerabilities and using defensive techniques. The degree offers much of the same training as the computer networking (CNET) degree program that is already

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Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge thanks dedicated Adopt-a-Road volunteers JESSICA NELSON

SHERBURNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Adopt-a-Road participants volunteer for Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and work to clean roadsides that border and bisect refuge land. This spring during the months of April, May and June, 89 individuals volunteered their time and cleaned approximately annerud avarese ssociates, p.a. 24 miles of refuge roads. Certified Public Accountants Sherburne NWR would like Specializing in accounting and taxes for closely-held and to recognize all of the Adoptfamily-owned businesses since 1974. a-Road volunteers for their Summer Office Hours: May 25–August 31 commitment, hard work and Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. willingness to help keep the Friday 8:00 a.m. to Noon refuge pristine. or by Appointment The Adopt-a-Road program 763-434-5929 is vital to the maintenance of 1207 Constance Boulevard NE • Ham Lake, MN 55304 8/15 the refuge. This spring was no different but came with its own set of unique challenges. Sherburne NWR volunteers are dedicated, and their flexibility to overcome obstacles was apparent this season. The three Profit from 40 years of experience. month clean up resulted in an overflowing six-yard capacity Call Gary at 612-812-2698 dumpster. That’s more than glzSales@aol.com 1200 gallons of trash removed 3296 Bridge Street NW from the refuge! Adopt-aGary Zimmerman St. Francis, MN 55070 Licensed since 1977 Road is not only a clean-up operation; it works to educate AWARD WINNING BOARDING – GROOMING both our visitors and volunteers about the responsibility If your pets could talk, they would insist on… of land stewardship. Each time a volunteer is spotted walking down a roadside, we are reminded of our shared 6560 Norris Lake Road Elk River, MN 55330 responsibility to care for the (Nowthen) land and the effort that is www.goldstarkennelsofmn.com required to preserve our refuge. The fact that Adopt-a-Road volunteers not only share this sense of responsibility, but take action to make it better is what makes them so special, valued Vacancies are filling and appreciated. Sherburne National Wildlife up doggone fast! Refuge is so thankful for the efforts of their dedicated Adopt$ a-Road volunteers to keep our roadsides and habitats clean PER NIGHT and wildlife friendly. Sherburne at Gold Star Kennels NWR would also like to thank Limit one per family. Not good Ace Solid Waste for donating a with any other offers or discounts. As always, In case of multiple dogs, the coupon dumpster for our Adopt-a-Road the 13th goes towards the first which is the program to use during the three higher price. day is… 763-753-5450 • Expires 8/31/18 month clean-up.

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and Ethical Hacking. The curriculum offers students the skills and theoretical knowledge they need to gain additional certifications in information technology, given students are successful in mastering the lessons taught in the coursework. The associate of science in cybersecurity degree places an emphasis on the fundamental

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AUGUST 2018

Community Education Community Education Spotlight Fall Youth Sports Gearing Up St. Francis Area Schools offers a number of youth activities this fall through Community Education’s Rec Department. Registration is now open for Flag Football Grade K-3, Soccer Ages 4-7 and Volleyball Grade 4-6. Flag Football Grades K-3 Monday and Wednesday September 10-October 15 6:00-7:00 p.m. $55 A fun, non-competitive league to teach young children the basic skills of football. Coaching will be done by parent volunteers. No referees or scores kept; coaches will be teaching throughout the game. Players should come ready to

play—wear tennis shoes or rubber cleats. Soccer Ages 4-5 Monday and Wednesday September 10-October 15 6:00-7:00 p.m. Ages 6-7 Tuesday and Thursday September 11-October 16 6:00-7:00 p.m. $55 A fun, non-competitive league to teach young children the basic skills of soccer. Coaching will be done by parent volunteers. No referees or scores are kept and coaches will be teaching throughout the games. If parents do not volunteer to coach, the league will be cancelled. Shin guards

required. Please, no team requests. Volleyball Grades 4-6 Monday and Wednesday September 10-October 10 6:30-9:30 p.m. $65 This in-house co-ed league is open to all kids in grades 4-6. Focus will be on skill building and teamwork, with all coaching done by parent volunteers. No previous experience is necessary for kids or coaches. All kids will have equal playing time. For more information or to register for any of the offerings mentioned, please visit www. isd15.org or call 763-213-1823.

Back-to-school tips STAFF AT EARLYCHILDHOOD NEWS

Going back to school can be a tough time for parents, children and teachers alike. With the new school year right around the corner, Earlychildhood NEWS has compiled some tips from our readers to help prepare parents and children for the new school year. Deal with “fear of the unknown” Bring your children on a tour of the school before school starts. Let them see their classroom and possibly meet the teacher. This will give them an idea of what to expect on their first day of school and is also a great way to open discussions: “when I go to school…”, my friends are…”, “my favorite thing to do at school is…”. Prepare your child Hang a calendar in your child’s room so that they can mark off the days until school begins. This allows your children to visually see how long it will be until school starts. Develop an early sleep schedule Get your children back on an early sleep schedule at least two weeks before school starts.

Back-to-school shopping School shopping can prove to be fun when your children take part in choosing their school supplies, new clothes, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. Discuss your children’s expectations Ask your children what they expect about returning to school. Read books about children starting school which are appropriate for their age/ grade level. You can address any feelings that your child

might have about starting school: new adventures, making new friends, separation anxiety, etc. Make sure to ask them if they have any questions or concerns about returning to school and address any possible fears that they might have. Let your child know you care. Write your child a little note and put it in their lunch/ snack bag to remind them that you think of them during the day.

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Community Education Directory Community Education Director............................................................... 763-753-7048 Adult Basic Education (GED)...................................................................... 763-753-7190 Adult Enrichment & Rec................................................................................ 763-213-1640 Communications/The Courier.................................................................. 763-753-7031 Youth Enrichment • Grades K-5................................................................ 763-213-1616 Districtwide Youth • Grades 7-12............................................................. 763-213-1640 Driver Education/Behind the Wheel..................................................... 763-213-1640 Early Childhood Family Education.......................................................... 763-753-7170 Early Childhood Screening.......................................................................... 763-753-7187 Facility Scheduling............................................................................................ 763-213-1589 Kids Connection/Just 4 Kids Program Supervisor..................................................................................... 763-213-1616 Cedar Creek Elementary School Site................................................ 763-753-7160 East Bethel Elementary School Site................................................... 763-213-8921 Lifelong Learning Center Site................................................................ 763-753-7199 St. Francis Elementary School Site..................................................... 763-213-8674 Preschool Place 15/School Readiness.................................................. 763-753-7170 Rec Department................................................................................................. 763-213-1823 www.isd15.org • www.the-courier.org • www.communityed15.com

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BEHIND-THE-WHEEL DRIVING INSTRUCTION Six hours of required behind-the-wheel instruction Flexible scheduling State of Minnesota certified instructors

Applications available at www.communityed15.com or call 763-213-1640 for more information. Community Education, St. Francis Area Schools

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AUGUST 2018

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BRIGHT BEGINNINGS

in St. Francis Area Schools Early Childhood

Call 763-753-7170 or online at www.isd15.org/ecfe for more information or to register for any of the opportunities on this page. All classes are at the Lifelong Learning Center, 18900 Cedar Drive NW, Oak Grove unless otherwise indicated. Follow St. Francis Area Schools Early Childhood on Facebook to stay in the know and connect with other parents.

Registration for the 2018-19 Preschool Place 15 year is going on now! Do you think the cost of preschool is more than you can afford?

The new Learn & Thrive brochure will be available in midAugust with all Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) parent/ child classes for the 2018-19 school year. ECFE classes begin on September 17. Peek at Preschool is on September 5 and the first day of preschool is September 10. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is… St. Francis Area Schools Community Education

A place for babies A place for toddlers A place for preschoolers A place for all dads, moms and others relatives in a parenting role

ECFE is a place where parents and young children learn and play together and can meet other families with young children. We are one of nearly 350 in the state of Minnesota offered through school districts. We believe all families deserve support, information and opportunities to be involved in their children’s learning. We recognize that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. ECFE provides information on getting ready for school, discipline, child development, communication and growing together as a family.

What happens at weekly ECFE parent/child sessions?

Time together: Parents and children explore a variety of activities planned by a licensed early childhood teacher. Time for play: Children practice and discover their own capabilities by experimenting with materials, playing with other children, and trying out toys appropriate for their age. Time for parents: While the children are busy playing, you have an opportunity to meet with other parents and gain support. A licensed parent educator will lead the group and share information about parenting issues, child development and resources. Most of baby and young toddler classes have discussion in the early childhood classroom; older classes separate to a nearby room when appropriate for the group.

We want to welcome your new baby with a New Baby Home Visit!

An early childhood teacher will schedule a visit with you and your baby at your home or the Lifelong Learning Center. Parent information, infant milestones and development, Early Childhood Family Education and community resources will be shared. Call Jenny at 763-753-7196 or email jennifer.dupre@isd15.org for more information.

Register now; classes are filling quickly. Classes offered at the Lifelong Learning Center in Oak Grove and programming takes place September through May. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions available. Classes are held one, two, three or four times per week. Most classes are age specific. Classes also available for two-year-olds and very young three-year-olds. Busing available for ALL fullyear morning and afternoon classes. Sliding fee scale is available based on family size and income.

You may qualify for free or reduced preschool tuition and fees based on family size and income. Available through Early Learning Pathway II Scholarships and/or School Readiness fund. If you meet income eligibility requirements or participate in one of the following programs: Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program, Minnesota Family Investment Program, Child Care Assistance Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Food Support (SNAP) or Foster Care. Your preschooler may be eligible for free or reduced preschool tuition.

For more information on classes and to register, visit www.isd15.org or call 763-753-7170.

Call Jenny at 763-753-7196 for more information.

Early Childhood Screening Early Childhood Screening should be done soon after the child’s third birthday. Screening is a FREE, simple check of a young child’s health and development.

Health

Consists of a health review, height and weight, immunizations, vision and hearing.

Development

Checks cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, social/emotional, speech. Safety

Parents/guardians must attend screening with their child. Plan on screening taking approximately two hours to complete. This Early Childhood Screening satisfies the Minnesota state requirement that all children must participate in screening before entering public school kindergarten. It does not determine kindergarten readiness. Call 763-753-7187 if you currently have a 3, 4 or 5-yearold child who has not been screened. Also call if your child was screened in another district or if you want conscientious objector information.

The focus of Preschool Place 15 is to provide a safe environment where young children of all abilities can grow and experience success and their parents can be partners in learning. We believe: ◆ Children learn through active, hands-on involvement. ◆ Children’s learning is a cooperative effort by home, school and community. ◆ Children grow in selfawareness, knowledge and self-image through interactions with others. ◆ Children develop a positive attitude towards lifelong learning opportunities by being encouraged to try new ideas, experiment and use materials creatively. ◆ Parents are keys in bridging the worlds of home and school, and are an integral part of the education process. The curriculum of Preschool Place 15 focuses on social skills and early literacy development. Mathematical thinking, scientific thinking, social studies, the arts and physical development are also part of the curriculum. Environments are designed to enhance and expand children’s understanding of the world as they direct their own play. Teachers facilitate the child’s learning; they guide and encourage independent learning in each child.

Have a concern about your child? Are you concerned about your child’s development, speech or behavior? If your child is under three years of age, call 763-753-7172 to reach St. Francis Area Schools Help Me Grow services. If your child is at least three years of age and not yet in kindergarten, St. Francis Area Schools Early Childhood Screening is the first step in confirming any concerns you have. Call for an appointment at 763-753-7187 and mention your concerns.

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AUGUST 2018

Adult Community Education

Spotlight Class

Classes & Events

Savvy Social Security Planning What Baby Boomers Need to Know to Maximize Retirement Income To help baby boomers better understand the Social Security system, this workshop will cover: ■ Five factors to consider when deciding to apply for benefits ■ How to estimate your benefits ■ How to coordinate benefits with your spouse ■ How to potentially minimize taxes on your social security benefits ■ Will social security be enough to live on in retirement? ■ How to potentially maximize your benefits This workshop will be presented by Lyle Clem and Cody Clem, 23624 St. Francis Boulevard NW, Suite 8, St. Francis, MN 55070, 763-434-9724. Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. North Metro Money Management is Independent of Parkland Securities, LLC. #AE19109 1 Session Date: Tuesday, September 25 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Location: St. Francis High School Instructors: Lyle Clem & Cody Clem North Metro Money Management Fee: $7 Register online at www.communityed15.org and use your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card or call 763-213-1640.

Before and after school childcare Program Sites Cedar Creek Elementary School East Bethel Elementary School St. Francis Elementary School Lifelong Learning Center Kids Connection is a comprehensive childcare program for children in kindergarten through grade five that provides a safe, fun experience and offers families a variety of childcare options. The program is open 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours include before and after school programs and full day programs on non-school days. Questions? Call 763-213-1616 or 763-213-1641 communityed15.com/kc

Just 4 Kids is a childcare option for children who are three years of age by September 1, 2018, to kindergarten entrance. Children participate in various activities in a safe, well-supervised environment. Extended childcare options are available at: • Cedar Creek Elementary School, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Preschoolers who attend Just 4 Kids will be bused to the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at no fee. • St. Francis Elementary School, from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Preschoolers who attend Just 4 Kids will remain at St. Francis Elementary School. If preschoolers are attending Preschool Place 15, they will be bused to LLC at no cost. Customize your childcare arrangements! Before and after preschool, daily and weekly rates are available for Just 4 Kids. Questions? Call 763-213-1616 or 763-213-1641 communityed15.com/kc

23820 Dewey Street Bethel, MN 55005 Enjoy top entertainment by popular local artists at the monthly Lunch Bunch shows. Make sure to register early, most shows will sell out! Lunch Bunch is located at Sandhill Center in Bethel. Doors open: 10:30 a.m. Lunch served: 11:00 a.m. Showtime: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Cost: $20 Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call

763-213-1640

or register online at www.communityed15.org.

Angie Senger’s Sweet Country Trio Tuesday, September 11 Course #LB181

Angie Senger is this year bringing her “Sweet Country Trio” to Sandhill Center for the Arts. Angie and Joe Chock are well known to audiences of Sandhill, and have recently added the gifted bass player/vocalist Dottie Johnson creating their entertaining trio. These three busy, award-winning, dynamic musicians/entertainers have combined their talents and you will not believe the results! Senger has twice been awarded CD of the Year, and is a 2018 inductee into the Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame! Expect some great music, lots of harmony, and a laugh or two! This is REAL music by REAL musicians.

Strength In class you will use dumbbells/hand weights and resistance bands to strengthen muscles, improve bone density and increase metabolism. Class is for seniors or active older adults. Day: Monday Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Instructor: Cathie Hagford Fee: $2 per class, no registration required (class is not eligible for insurance reimbursement)

Line Dancing Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. This is an excellent class for those just beginning in line dance as well as the more experienced line dancers! Day: Thursday Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. Instructor: Ginger Anderson Fee: $2 per class, no registration required (class is not eligible for insurance reimbursement)

SilverSneakers® Yoga

SilverSneakers® Yoga will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of seated and standing postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity. Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Instructor: Cathie Hagford Fee: Free to SilverSneakers® and Silver & Fit® members, $2 per class for non-members, no registration required

SilverSneakers® Classic

Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand–held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers® ball are offered for resistance. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support. Days: Wednesday, Friday Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Instructor: Cathie Hagford Fee: Free to SilverSneakers® and Silver & Fit® members, $2 per class for non-members, no registration required

Fitness 15 We offer plenty of ways for you to get in shape, so you’ll never be bored with working out. We have two treadmills, two elliptical trainers, two stationary bikes and a Nautilus four-station weight machine. Relaxed atmosphere—senior citizens are encouraged to attend! Days: Monday-Thursday Times: 8:30-11:30 a.m. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fee: $2 per visit, no registration required (no membership fees)

Sandhill is a Silver & Fit qualified center. For more information on the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program or the Sandhill Center, please call 763-213-1640. To see if you qualify as a Silver & Fit member or a SilverSneakers member, please contact your insurance company.

AUGUST 2018

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Sports & Outdoors St. Francis graduate Maggie Ewen nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year Award COURTESY OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

St. Francis High School graduate and Arizona State alumna Magdalyn Ewen has been nominated for the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Woman of the Year Award, awarded annually to a female studentathlete who has excelled on and off the field of play in all levels of collegiate competition. Now in its 28th season, the NCAA Woman of the Year program honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions. To be eligible, a nominee must have competed and earned a varsity letter in an

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NCAA-sponsored sport, must have completed eligibility in her primary sport, and must have earned her undergraduate degree by summer 2018. Ewen, a recent ASU graduate with a degree in health and wellness, was chosen by a vote of Sun Devil athletic administrators and is one of 581 nominees for the prestigious award. Ewen’s stellar senior season in Tempe included three NCAA titles, two collegiate records, five conference titles, Pac-12 and MPSF Athlete of the Meet honors and a secondstraight National Women’s Field Athlete of the Year honor. She recently wrapped up her historic ASU career in dramatic fashion when she won the NCAA discus title on her final

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throw of the competition and her final throw donning the maroon and gold. Two days prior to her firstever discus championship, Ewen won the outdoor shot put title to complete the season sweep of the event, as she had taken first place indoors back in March. Her two titles made her the only woman in collegiate history with career titles in the hammer throw (2017), discus and shot put. It was just the sixth time in championship history that a woman won both the shot and discus at the same NCAA Championship. Adding to her history since the NCAA Track & Field Championships, Ewen became just the second female in track and field history to complete the NCAA/USATF shot put double, as she captured the shot put victory at the USA Track & Field Championships on June 24—two weeks after

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St. Francis Boys & Girls Grades 3/4-8

Basketball Association Tryouts SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

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Register ONLINE ONLY at www.sfbaonline.com Early bird registration by September 15, cost is $325 Register between September 16-30, cost is $350

´ Third graders are encouraged to try out for 4th grade team. ´ A $150 check made out to SFBA MUST be brought to tryouts. The check will only be cashed if you do not volunteer.

´ For more information, visit www.sfbaonline.com.

WE ARE IN NEED OF COACHES

Tryout Times 3rd/4th Grade • 2:00-3:00 p.m. 5th Grade • 3:00-4:00 p.m. 6th Grade • 4:00-5:00 p.m. 7th Grade • 5:00-6:00 p.m. 8th Grade • 6:00-7:00 p.m.

If interested, please fill out a coach’s application online. You do not need to have a child in the program to coach. Non-parent coaches do receive pay.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

the most by any single woman in the competition and earned Ewen her second-straight, high-point honor as last season she put up 21 in three events. Ewen came into 2018 with the collegiate record in the women’s hammer throw, but bested her old record three times in the same series at the 39th Sun Angel Classic in April. She would finish 2018 having put up five of the eight best hammer throw marks in NCAA history, including four of the top-five and the record of 74.53m/244-6 feet. In the shot put, Ewen had an even more impressive season, winning both NCAA titles, becoming one of four women to ever top 19 meters indoors, and setting the collegiate record outdoors. Her throw of 19.46m/6310.25 feet at the Desert Heat Classic in April broke the two-year-old record by five inches. Although she came into the season without a mark in the all-time top-10 list, Ewen recorded an astounding seven of the 10 farthest throws in collegiate history in 2018 alone, including her title-winning heave at the NCAA Championships that was the second-farthest in championship history. With her second-straight sweep of the hammer throw, CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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AUGUST 2018

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve August events and monitor Cedar Creek’s bumble bee population! No experience necessary—we’ll provide all the equipment and training you need. Meet at the Lindeman Center. Free, families welcome. Ecology Book Club August 22, 6:30-8:00 p.m. The Ecology Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Cedar Creek. Our August book will be announced on our website and Facebook page in late June. Questions? Email cedarcreekbookclub@ gmail.com or visit our Facebook page. Free, adults recommended. Cedar Creek at the State Fair August 24 and September 1 Going to the State Fair? Stop by Cedar Creek’s booth in the University of Minnesota Central Building for science activities, information about upcoming programs and events, giveaways, and more! Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is located at 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE, East Bethel. For more information visit www.cedarcreek.umn.edu

CAITLIN POTTER

CCESR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Red-headed Woodpecker Hike August 4, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Volunteers from the Habitat and Education Team of the Redheaded Woodpecker Recovery project will lead a birding hike and share information. Begin at the Fish Lake Nature Trails parking lot off Durant Street. Free, ages 10+ Dragonfly Survey August 17, 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. (arrive when you can, leave when you’d like) Learn about dragonfly natural history and phenology with scientists and volunteers from the Minnesota Dragonfly Society. Start at Lindeman Center with a short presentation from scientist Ami Thompson, then migrate to Fish Lake to catch dragonflies and practice identification. Free, families welcome. Bumble Bee Survey August 17, 3-4:30 p.m. Help scientists collect, identify

Maggie Ewen discus throw and shot put at the Pac-12 Championships, Ewen became one of the most decorated females in conference history, tying a Pac12 record with seven career individual titles. She ended her MPSF career with five titles and her first sweep of the shot put and weight throw. Ewen’s name is at the top of the ASU record books in the indoor and outdoor shot put,

hammer throw and weight throw, and she is second in the discus only to Leslie Deniz’ mark that is third in NCAA history. After being nominated by a school, each conference office then reviews the nominations from its core member schools (and sponsored sports) and submits its conference nominee(s) to the NCAA. All nominees that compete in a sport that is not sponsored by their core conference, associate conference nominees and independent nominees will be

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AUTO PARTS Local one stop auto parts store with over 100,000 in stock parts and nationwide parts locating. FAMILY RUN BUSINESS Open 5 Days A Week — Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 763-753-4698 4140 St. Francis Blvd., just south of town on Hwy 47

sent to a separate pool to be considered by a committee. Then, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee identifies the Top 30 – 10 from each division – and from there selects three finalists from each division. The Committee on Women’s Athletics then selects the winner from the nine finalists. All 30 Woman of the Year honorees will be recognized, and the 2018 Woman of the Year announced, at an awards dinner at the Westin Indianapolis on October 28.

St. Francis Youth Hockey

LEARN TO SKATE LEARN TO PLAY Sessions

The St. Francis Youth Hockey Association is offering their annual learn to skate/learn to play clinics for boys and girls. Each session will be 45-60 minutes in length.

FREE

612-369-7906

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

LEARN TO SKATE

Absolutely NO prior skating skills required. At the end of the session, the goal for your new skater is to skate independently. Open to all ages.

LEARN TO PLAY

This program is an introduction to hockey for a new skater. Hockey gear is encouraged and available free to use for this program. Open to all ages.

Session 1:

Saturdays October 6, 13, 20, 27

Session 2:

Saturdays November 17, 24; December 1, 8

Session 3:

Saturdays January 5, 12, 19, 26 Times will be in the late afternoon/ early evening and published prior to each session. Location: East Bethel Ice Arena Cost: $35 for each session

on For more informati e or to register onlin

www.sfyha.com n to Skate)

click on Lear (Click on TEAMS, then

AUGUST 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Meetings, Benefits & Events Family Fun Festival and School Supply Drive

On Thursday, August 30, 4:00-8:00 p.m. the St. Francis United Methodist Church will hold their Family Fun Festival with free food, games, bouncy house and fun. Cool cars will be there too. Attendees are encouraged to bring school supplies that will go to students in need at St. Francis Elementary School. The church is located across from St Francis Elementary at 3914 229th Avenue. For more details visit www. sfunitedmethodistchurch.com

St. Francis Area Schools SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS: August 13 & 27 Dialogue with the School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. and September 10 & 24 Dialogue with the School Board 6:30 p.m., Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Central Services Center, Community Room, 4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St. Francis.

City & Township Meetings ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover 763-755-5100 BETHEL CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m. 23820 Dewey Street, Bethel, 763-434-4366 NOWTHEN CITY COUNCIL Meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. 19800 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Nowthen 763-441-1347 EAST BETHEL CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. 2241 221st Avenue NE, East Bethel 763-367-7840 OAK GROVE CITY COUNCIL Meets 2nd & last Monday, 7:00 p.m. 19900 Nightingale Street NW, Oak Grove 763-404-7000 ST. FRANCIS CITY COUNCIL Meets 1st & 3rd Monday, 6:00 p.m. St. Francis Area Schools Central Services Center, St. Francis 763-753-2630 STANFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets 1st Monday, 7:00 p.m. 5050 261st Avenue NW, Isanti, 763-444-6370

Health & Fitness NEW EAST BETHEL TOPS Weight loss support group meeting. Meeting held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 1450 237th Avenue NE, East Bethel, Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to their first meeting free of charge with no obligation. TOPS CHAPTER MN #1774 Meets every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street N. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly and is a weight loss support group. Check out a meeting or visit www.tops.org.

AA/NA

Seniors

Community Service

AA/NA Meeting at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel. NA on Mondays at 7:00 p.m., AA on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., NA on Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

OAK GROVE SENIORS Meet at noon the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, Oak Grove City Hall for a potluck and short business meeting, bingo follows. For information about the club and events, call Sandy Dabrowski at 763-689-1705.

Everyone is welcome to join the Friends of the Isanti County Library at their fun planning meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Isanti. For more information or to be included on our mailing list contact Susi@IsantiLibrary.org or 763-444-4585.

AA Meets at Long Lake Lutheran Church, 5 miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Business EDWARD JONES COFFEE CLUB Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at Bridge Street Coffee, 3122 Viking Blvd. NW, Oak Grove.

American Legion AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 622 – ST. FRANCIS General membership meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the auxiliary are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234. AMERICAN LEGION POST 622 – ST. FRANCIS General membership meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All members of the post are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 763-753-4234.

Lions/Lioness CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONS CLUB Meets bimonthly, first and third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at Maxx’s Restaurant & Bar on Hwy. 65. Call Judy Ricke at 763-226-4893. OAK GROVE LIONS CLUB Meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Oak Grove City Hall, 7:00 p.m., adjourning at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call Lion Mark Silvernagel at 763-753-2215. NOWTHEN LIONS CLUB Are you looking to serve in your community of Nowthen? Meet new friends? Have a lot of fun? Come join the Nowthen Lions Club! The Nowthen Lions meet at Nowthen City Hall on the first Thursday of the month for the board meeting and on the third Thursday of the month for the membership meeting. Please email jlhbells@earthlink.net. ST. FRANCIS LIONESS CLUB Meets monthly. First Wednesday, administrative board and third Wednesday, general membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held at St. Francis City Hall, 23340 Cree Street. For more information, call Mary Madden at 763-444-5020 or Cheryl Eldstrom at 763-753-4602 or email bluesage51@ gmail.com. ST. FRANCIS LIONS CLUB Meets three times during the month at the St. Francis American Legion. First Wednesday board meeting; second Wednesday regular business meeting; fourth Wednesday social and program. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Call Lion Kevin Schuldt for more information at 763-7531205 or visit www.stfrancismn.lionwap.org. CEDAR/EAST BETHEL LIONESS CLUB Meets the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at Maxx’s Restaurant & Bar on Hwy. 65. For membership information call Yvonne Johnson, 763-434-6985. We Serve!

ST. FRANCIS SENIORS Life is good when you can make new friends, get out and enjoy the multitude of activities that our community has to offer. We meet the first and third Thursday of each month, social time and lunch begins at noon, with the meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. and games until 3:00 p.m. FREE Coffee for Veterans, first Thursday of each month 8:30-10:30 a.m. We play cards, bingo, scrabble, cribbage, go on trips, lunch outings, have picnics and stay active as we get older. All meetings are at St. Francis City Hall Meeting Room, 23340 Cree Street NW, St. Francis. Come and see what we are about. Call Rollie Spier at 612501-0916 or Ray Steinke at 763-464-0100 for more info. EAST BETHEL SENIORS Dances are held 1:00-4:00 p.m. Cost is $6, lunch included. Old time music will be played by Jerry Bierschbach on Friday, August 3. Entertainment scheduled for September 7 is Michael Elsenpeter. Are you 55 or older? Come and enjoy some companionship. All are welcome. Seniors meet the third Thursday of each month for a business meeting and catered noon lunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; learning to quilt the first Saturday of the month, 9:00-11:00 a.m.; second Wednesday of each month is crafts, 9:00 a.m.-noon; fourth Wednesday is crafts only, 9:00 a.m.-noon. We also go on tours, etc. Rent the Senior Center, call Dennis at 763-434-9244. Join East Bethel Seniors for $10 a year and receive a monthly newsletter. The East Bethel Senior Center is located one mile east of Highway 65 on 221st Avenue in East Bethel.

NORTH ANOKA COUNTY FOODSHELF (NACE) Provides food and clothing for people in need through the generosity of our community. Hours of operation are: Monday 9:00 a.m.-Noon, Tuesday 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday 1:00-4:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00-11:00 a.m. NACE is located at 18511 Hwy. 65 NE, Suites 100, 200 in East Bethel. For more information, to donate or volunteer, please call 763-434-7685 or visit www.nacefoodshelf.org. LONG LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH Invites you to join us, free of charge, for GriefShare on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. We are located five miles north of St. Francis on Hwy. 47. For more information please contact Sharon Sudeith at 763-444-4483 or visit www. longlakeluth.org. For general information on the GriefShare program, visit www. griefshare.org.

Area Chambers of Commerce ST. FRANCIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board meeting is the third Wednesday (August 15) of each month, 11:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Community Center, 23340 Cree Street, St. Francis. Meetings are open to the public. Visit www.stfrancischamber.org or call 763-438-5163 for more details. NORTH 65 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE For more information about the North 65 Chamber visit www.north65chamber.com.

Jobs!

EAST BETHEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board meeting is August 28, 8:00-9:00 a.m. at Aggressive Hydraulics, 18800 Ulysses Street NE, Cedar. Visit www. eastbethelchamber.com for more info.

St. Francis Area Schools is looking for the following: custodians, educational assistants, nutrition services, bus drivers, delivery specialist and substitutes. Please visit www.isd15.org and click on employment.

HAM LAKE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Board of Directors meeting is August 15, 9:00 a.m., location to be determined. Visit www.hamlakechamber for location and more information.

Find your next job with MinnesotaJobs.com! We’ve been helping connect employers and job seekers for over 20 years. Visit our site to find your next job. We have employers with immediate openings for Direct Support Professionals, CDL Drivers, Machinists/ Tool Designers and much, much more. No registration necessary! Simply search and apply. Go to minnesotajobs.com to get started today!

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Have an engagement, wedding or birth announcement or an article you would like published in The Courier? Use the convenient online submission form at www.the-courier.org/submissions. Questions? Call 763-753-7031 for more info.

IN PERSON

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The Courier 4115 Ambassador Blvd. NW St. Francis, MN 55070

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AUGUST 2018

Life Anoka County Master Gardener offers: A Walk in the Garden gardening classes

Center now offering personalized mental health support to help adults avoid relapse, crisis or hospitalization DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR LEE CARLSON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health & Well-Being, a 501(c)3 non-profit and mental health agency located in Fridley, is now certified by the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide adult rehabilitative mental health services (ARMHS) to adults in Anoka and Hennepin counties. ARMHS is a program for adults who live with serious mental illness and may already have access to services, but who also need one-on-one support in a relaxed setting like their home, a coffee shop or library. The goal is to prevent a relapse or crisis to reduce the risk of hospitalization. The Lee Carlson Center ARMHS team will work individually with clients focusing on: ■ social skills ■ budgeting ■ crisis planning ■ household management ■ medication education ■ mindfulness ■ independent living skills According to Rob Edwards, Lee Carlson Center executive director, “The ARMHS certification further expands our role as a hub for adult mental health services in the communities we serve.” Lee Carlson Center also operates Bridgeview Community Support Program (CPS), Anoka County’s only drop-in center for adults living with serious and persistent mental illness. Bridgeview members have access to a wide array of services including therapy and support groups, art therapy and writers workshops, wellbeing programs, “Meals for Members” offering participants a free nutritious lunch Monday-Friday and weekly field trips to enhance the opportunity for socialization. Bridgeview membership is free

and transportation is provided at no cost to Anoka County residents. In addition to the new ARMHS program, other adult mental health services offered by Lee Carlson Center include: ■ CSP Housing Services to help clients navigate paperwork, communicate with landlords and identify emergency housing options. ■ access to an employment specialist in partnership with RISE.

The University of Minnesota Extension Anoka County Master Gardener Volunteer Program is offering A Walk in the Garden series of gardening classes at the Bunker Hills Activities Center, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, Andover. Classes are scheduled throughout the summer on select Wednesday evenings in the beautiful Veteran’s Peace and Master Gardener Demonstration Garden south of the Activities Center, 7:00-8:00 p.m. August 8 Monarch Butterflies – History and Habitat, Kathy Johnson, Extension Master Gardener August 22 Herbs: How to Grow, Harvest

OUR SAVIOUR’S

ELCA

PATTY HALVORSON

and Preserve Them, Eva Knudsen, Extension Master Gardener Classes will be taught by Extension Master Gardener volunteers and will include many useful gardening tips along with University of Minnesota research-based information. These classes immediately follow the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics, also held at the Bunker Hills Activities Center. Pre-registration is required due to space limitations. Classes are free, but a suggested donation of $5 per session is welcome, which helps to cover marketing and promotional expenses. Please call 763-324-3495 to reserve your space. A copy of the brochure is available at www.anokamastergardeners.org and lists complete class descriptions.

LYNNE HAGEN

MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM COORDINATOR UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION, ANOKA COUNTY

LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL “Reaching Out With a Voice Of Hope”

Summer Worship Schedule

Fall Fun Fest

Sunday, September 9 9:30 a.m.-Noon 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Food, free games, chalkfest, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at the pool with hamster Chapel in Ham Lake Mark balls, walking book, Your face painting, Calendar balloon art and more. 19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel West County Road 22 and south on Jackson Street For information call 763-434-6117 or visit our website at www.oursaviourslc.org email to: oslc@oursaviourslc.org Pastors Dan Nordin, Maria Pederson, Deacon Glenndy Ose

ut Ask us abo our online pet med pharmacy!

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St. Francis Veterinary Clinic 763-444-9359

Two miles north of St. Francis on Highway 47 Visit us on the web at www.sfvetclinic.com

Ask Fido:

What makes Fido’s your favorite home away from home?

“Easy. Four free walks a day, every day I’m here!”

2018 Goal 751

Tons

More personal care boarding perks:

52 Tons

Recycled in June St. Francis has recycled 310 tons in 2018 so far. Recycling is now easier with simple sort recycling. You no longer need to sort items. Just place them all in the large roll-off container provided by your hauler.

10% OFF FOR NEW GROOMING CUSTOMERS!

• $18 per day plus a multi dog discount • Pick-up/drop-off 365 days a year • 24 hour on-site care • Maintaining Fido’s routine of pottying outside—we’re not in the business of starting bad habits • Free medication administration

Summer Recycle Event

Fido’s Barber Shop

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

All Breed Professional Dog Grooming and Personal Care Boarding

Hosted by LePage and Sons 9:00 a.m.-Noon

23602 University Ave NW, Bethel Questions, please call LePage & Sons at 763-757-7100 or St. Francis Public Works at 763-233-5200.

19847 Orchid St. NW, Oak Grove

Day and Evening Appointments

763-213-8143 www.fidosbarber.com

AUGUST 2018

THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

Anoka County Library launches Wash & Learn KARLY HALL

ANOKA COUNTY LIBRARY

The Anoka County Library (ACL) has partnered with Libraries Without Borders (LWB) and the Minnesota State Library Services to create the Wash & Learn program. This program will create a pop-up library and digital classroom in a laundromat so families can learn while they do laundry. The ACL program was launched in June at Tidalwave Laundromat and it will run through August. All patrons will have the opportunity to participate in librarianled learning workshops and take home free books

and educational resources. Librarians will work on-site at the laundromat 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The program aims to extend opportunities for literacy development to families waiting at the laundromat as a means to address the summer slide. LWB will install laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots at the laundromat, alongside bookshelves with materials customers can read on site or take home with them. “It’s not just about building a bookshelf in a laundromat,” said Allister Chang, the executive director of Libraries Without Borders.

“It’s about convening new public-private partnerships to share local expertise at locations where community members already gather.” In 2015, Libraries Without Borders began building popup library programs in public

parks, housing lobbies, legal aid waiting rooms, train stations, farmers markets and food pantries. “One day,” Chang said, “we happened to set up near a laundromat and received higher demand than we had prepared for. We brought more books and more facilitators the next day, eventually customizing the program with the Coin Laundry Association to become a special program we’ve now called Wash & Learn.” Content will be curated and customized by local experts from Anoka County Library. “Anoka County librarians have collaborated to create content that reflects the needs and

Oakridge Auto Body Inc.

Births

23428 Hwy. 65 NE 2 Blks. S of CR 24 on Hwy. 65

763-434-4772 763-434-7373 COLLISION SPECIALISTS

Recommended by insurance companies Ask about a free loaner car • Owners John and Lori Buchta Friendly and dependable service

FILE PHOTO

Faith Listings Abundant Life Alliance Church 3840 197th Avenue NW Oak Grove • 763-753-0284 www.AbundantLife4U.org Bethel Community Church 23860 Dewey Street NW Bethel • 763-434-9834 www.bethelschurch.org Cedar United Methodist Church 17541 Jefferson Street NE Ham Lake • 763-434-7463 www.cedarumc.org Cross of Hope Lutheran Church 5730-179th Lane NW Ramsey • 763-753-2057 www.crossofhope.net Immanuel Church (OPC) 15036 Round Lake Boulevard NW Andover • 763-210-5846 www.immanuelchurchopc.org

Living Hope Evangelical Free Church 23038 Rum River Boulevard NW St. Francis • 763-753-1718 www.LivingHopeEFC.org

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 207 Whiskey Road NW Isanti • 763-444-4035 www.stelizabeth-isanti.org

Long Lake Lutheran Church 3921 277th Avenue NW Isanti • 763-444-5315 www.longlakeluth.org

St. Andrew Lutheran Church 1450 237th Avenue NE East Bethel • 763-434-7146 www.standreweb.org

New Life Church - Oak Grove 18975 Lake George Boulevard NW Oak Grove • 763-753-5717 www.newlifeoakgrove.org

The Bridge Church 6443 Norris Lake Road Nowthen • 763-753-2134 www.sfbridge.org

New Life Church 17261 St. Francis Boulevard NW Ramsey • 763-421-0166 www.newlifemn.org

Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Childcare 3812 229th Avenue NW St. Francis • 763-753-1234 www.trinitysf.org

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and Preschool 19001 Jackson Street NE East Bethel • 763-434-6117 www.oursaviourslc.org

interests of the community we serve in Anoka cities,” librarian Stacey Hendren said. The result is focused, easy-to-navigate, reliable information that will help families learn and grow together.” “It’s amazing to think that you can change peoples lives through a load of laundry,” said Tammi Bischoff, owner of Tidal Wave. “The laundromat isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a library partnership, but once I understood what the program aims to do, it clicked perfectly. I’m excited to be a part of this program.”

West Bethel United Methodist Church 1233 221st Avenue NE East Bethel • 763-434-6451

Jaxon Alan-Dennis Garber was born on July 14, 2018 at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and 20 inches long. Proud parents are Samantha Yaggy and Cameron Garber of Isanti. Jaxon is welcomed by sister Lyla. Grandparents are Dennis and Michelle Yaggy of Isanti, Christina and Michael Eichinger of Columbus and the late Alan Garber of Anderson, South Carolina. Quinten James Jorgensen was born on June 27, 2018 at Cambridge Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20½ inches long. Proud parents are James and Heidi Jorgensen of Cambridge. Grandparents are Pat and Robyn Hughes of Cambridge and Gary and Joanne Jorgensen of East Bethel.

Fall bowling

leagues now forming!  Monday Open to Your Fun League  Tuesday Men’s Nights  Wednesday Mixed Doubles Nights  Wednesday Women’s Day  Thursday Women’s Nights

 Friday Afternoon Youth  Friday Mixed Couples (short season)

 Saturday Mixed Couples (every other Saturday)

 Sunday Open to Your Fun League

PATRIOT LANES BAR AND GRILL Check us out at patriotlanesbarandgrill.com 3085 Bridge Street • St. Francis • 763-753-4011 • 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

First Mortgages are New Beginnings Begin your home owning journey with a first mortgage from Anoka Hennepin Credit Union. NMLS # 794427

To start your mortgage application, call, stop by one of our 6 convenient branch locations, or visit us online. Federally insured by NCUA

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THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG

AUGUST 2018

Pet Corner

DR. AMY MORGAN OAK GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, OWNER

Question I’ve heard algae in the lake can be harmful to my dog. Can you explain? Answer By mid-summer, many lakes, rivers and ponds turn green due to the growth of small microscopic plants in the water called blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria. Algae grow in all bodies of water when light and nutrient levels are sufficient. In many lakes, algae abundance is determined by the amount of phosphorus dissolved in the water. The more phosphorus present, the more abundant algae become and the greener the water gets. Usually algae growth comes from run-off from fields that are heavily fertilized or that contain a large number of animals. Algae can be found lake-wide. It is generally freefloating, but concentrations occur along windward shores and backwater areas. As it becomes abundant, a strong musty or earthy odor may be noticeable due to algae that have died and are decomposing. Although they are most often blue-green in color, Cyanobacteria can also be blue, green, reddish-purple or brown. Unfortunately, even if you don’t see the algae, the algae toxins can remain in the water for awhile after the algae themselves have died off and sunk below the surface. Of the many species of bluegreen algae, only a handful are toxic. But the toxins are very potent, so it pays to be cautious. Probably the only reliable way to reduce the risk

of exposure is to avoid ponds or lakes where algae is known to grow; public health officials advise avoiding areas with ‘pea soup’ colored water. Treating ponds/lakes for existent algae results in the release of more toxins as the algae die, so it isn’t recommended. Blue-green algae can cause acute liver illness or neurological symptoms and/ or stomach upset. Dogs get exposed by drinking from the pond or lake or swimming in

your dog visits for the typical algae “bloom” or abnormally colored water. You can also check the Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ lakefind, enter the lake and county you’re interested in, go to the water quality tab, then water quality summary. If phosphorus and trophic state are closer to the green end of the scale shown, conditions are more favorable at that lake for algae bloom. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also provides information at www. pca.state.mn.us/zihy141d.

Myrtle Anderson celebrates 90 years The family of Myrtle Anderson invite you to attend an open house celebrating her 90th birthday on Saturday, August 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the East Bethel Senior Center 2241 221st Avenue NE, East Bethel. Please join us for a meal, visiting and sharing memories with family and friends. In lieu of gifts, honor the birthday girl with your presence.

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Children’s Author

KAREN BEAUMONT

PEXELS PHOTO

Paying too much for home insurance?

Contact me today to discuss your needs, review your current policy or get a free rate quote. Home Auto Recreation Business Risk

St. Francis Insurance Agency Gary Zimmerman

763-753-3595 • glzsales@aol.com Across from St. Francis High School

612.282.8233

Full ser vice real estate broker Seller & buyer representation Free market analysis Free home buyer consultation Licensed in MN & WI

Building a home is more affordable than you might think!

Who is invited? Children age 3 by May 1, through 5, pre-kindergarten. Children must be toilet trained.

Cost is $55 — please bring a bag lunch with your child’s name on it each day.

Award Winning Custom Home Builder Since 1981! 763-753-6336 • www.oakgrovevet.net 19035 Lake George Boulevard NW • Oak Grove, MN 55303

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Amy Morgan, D.V.M. Lisa Johnson, D.V.M. Kaija Youngner, D.V.M.

Monday-Thursday, August 13-16 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Day 1 No Sleep for the Sheep! Day 2 Where’s My Truck?

Keep plenty of fresh water available.

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PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

Join Our Saviour’s Preschool as we dive into the wonderful rhymes of author Karen Beaumont! Each day will be filled with stories, art activities and games based on a different Karen Beaumont book.

Keep your pets cool!

real estate

Jason M. Semler, Realtor®

Free es at E s t i me n ! Giv

it and then licking their fur. Dogs are quite sensitive to the toxins and the signs come on very rapidly. Weakness, pale mucous membranes, bloody diarrhea, tremors, seizures and coma can be seen. There is no antidote, so the treatment is symptomatic and requires emergency veterinary attention. A definitive diagnosis can be made from stomach contents and water samples. Be on the lookout at any lake

Dawn Price, D.V.M. Melissa Powers, D.V.M. Kathy Strupp, D.V.M.

Day 3 Move Over, Rover! Day 4 I Like Myself!

Contact Jennifer Schlief, Preschool Director, 763-413-6117 ext. 123 –or– jschlief@oursaviourslc.org –or–

oursaviourslc.org to register!

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 19001 Jackson Street NE • East Bethel

AUGUST 2018

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St. Francis High School Marching Saints complete successful performance season CHAD ARMBRUSTER

ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR

The 2018 St. Francis High School Marching Saints celebrated the success of their season with an awards night on July 7. The Marching Saints appeared in ten parades and performances over the course of their summer season. Highlights included third place finishes at parade competitions in Rogers and Foley, second place finishes at competitions in Paynesville and Isanti and a first place finish at the Buffalo parade. At the Buffalo parade the group also received the award for best drumline and had the highest score of all nine competition bands in the overall music capture. Another highlight of the season came as the group combined with marching bands from Waconia High School and Henry Sibley High School to perform the National Anthem at the Minnesota Twins game on June 21. The 2018 Marching Saints were led by seniors Autumn Doerr (drum major), Emma Arnold, Adrian Fine and Kurtis Schwendeman. The students and staff wish to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who supported them throughout the season, as well as district transportation staff and bus drivers. The Marching Saints are a part of a comprehensive band program at St. Francis High school that includes three concert bands, two jazz bands, pep band, drumline and solo and ensemble opportunities.

(Above) The St. Francis High School Marching Saints, directed by Chad Armbruster, participated in ten parades this summer. (Right) The 2018 Marching Saints were led by seniors Autumn Doerr (drum major), Emma Arnold, Adrian Fine and Kurtis Schwendeman. SUBMITTED PHOTO

48th Annual

NOWTHEN THRESHING SHOW August 17, 18, 19

7415 Old Viking Boulevard • Nowthen

IN G FEATUR

2018 Admission Prices:

Adults: $10 per day • $20 per weekend 12 & under FREE when accompanied by an adult

MAKERS OF A COMPLETE LINE OF MODERN FARM MACHINERY, TRACTORS AND ENGINES

General Show Information Contact 763-744-7290

www.nowthenthreshing.com Find us on Facebook

SPECIAL AND DAILY ATTRACTIONS Special Attractions Hundreds of Tractors • Gas Engines • Steam Traction Engines Antique Cars & Trucks • Shingle Mill Lathe Mill • Sawmill • Threshing Blacksmith Shop • Historic Church Building 1920s Red Crown Gas Station Log House and Barn • School • Print Shop Milwaukee Road Depot & Memorabilia Free Train Rides • Children’s Barnyard Pottery • Weaving • Quilting • Rock Crusher • Large Flea Market Pony Rides provided by Tommy’s Petting Zoo and Stables General Store featuring Anoka County Historical Society Field Plowing featuring Oliver Kelley Farm Oxen Bringing the Various supervised hands-on Children’s Activities Past to the Anoka County Master Gardeners sent

Pre

Daily Events

Pancake Breakfast...............................7:00-10:00 a.m. Parade of Power............................................1:00 p.m. Live Music & Entertainment

Friday, August 17

Midwest Mayhem................................. 5:00-9:00 p.m. Tractor Pull....................................................6:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 18

Music by Now & Then Band.........10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Music by Alan Godage & Sundown........ 5:00-9:00 p.m. Tractor Pull....................................................5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 19

Music by Alan Godage & Sundown...... 8:00-11:50 a.m. Non-Denominational Church Service.............. 9:00 a.m. Kiddie Pedal Pull............................................3:30 p.m. Schedule of events or performers subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.

Golf Cart Rentals Available

952-253-5774 People movers operating around the grounds throughout the day. Food and beverage service available. ATMs on-site Not responsible for accidents. Children must not be left unattended near operating machinery. All attendees must stay behind barriers at demonstrations, by operating machinery and be alert to moving machinery. Children 12 and under not admitted without an adult present.