Community Backpack

We appreciate our community partners and we know families and students like to know about the events and activities that help make Sauk Rapids and Rice great places to live.

If you would like to post information about your event or activity we welcome your submission. Please email information to Community Education. In the email subject line, include “Community Backpack Request." Upon approval, you will be contacted if more information is needed.

NOTE: Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools does not endorse or sponsor the organizations or activities listed on this page. 

To be considered for listing on this page, activities and events must: 

Provide information or advertise events that are of interest to students and families 
Take place in our communities
Align with district goals
Not conflict with enrollment or attendance at Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools 
Not promote or oppose any political candidate or ballot proposition
Not encompass a social issue

Email Your Information

Main Contact

Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education
Phone: 320-258-1577
Email: nicole.wilke@isd47.org

COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND RESOURCES

AroundtheCloud.org provides a first-of-its-kind community destination for arts events in the four-county area.

Website

Theatre opportunities that provide meaningful experiences for artists and audiences of all ages.

Website

Offering programs for parents, schools and other agencies.

Website

Offering a list of basic service needs for Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties.

Website

Community-Sponsored Events

14th Annual Sons of Norway Barnelopet, January 23

Free fun children’s cross country ski event for ages 3 to 13.

The 14th Annual Sons of Norway Barneløpet will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Riverside Park in Saint Cloud, MN.

On-site registration will be available starting at 11:30 a.m., but pre-registration by mail is preferred.

Youth “races” start at 1:00 p.m. with prizes to all participants!

Minnesota Youth Ski League cross country ski equipment will be made available for children at this event and provided by the Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club, as needed.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served amid a festive atmosphere, complete with plenty of food, demonstrations and sampling of Norwegian treats, as well as the Viking Age Club from St. Paul. Like past years, the Barneløpet will bring lots of laughter and smiles from the children... both young and old!

This event is hosted by the Sons of Norway members from Trollheim of St. Cloud, Vennekretsen of Anoka, and Syttende Mai of Minneapolis lodges. The Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club and Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota also contribute much to the success of the Sons of Norway Barneløpet .

Information on the Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club will also be made available during this event and their youth ski club for ages 4 to 14 will be held on Sundays from 1:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park starting on January 2, 2022 until February 27, 2022.

If interested, the Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club registration costs of $40 per youth skier will be charged through online registration at https://mysl.org/registration

http://mysl.org/club/central-mn-youth-ski-club (Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club web page)

https://www.facebook.com/CentralMinnesotaYouthSkiClub (Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club Facebook page)

stcloud@mysl.org (Email) / 763-232-4921 (Cell phone) (Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club contact info)

Free Online Glee Class, January 26

FREE Glee Club Class

Little Jammerz will be running a free online Glee Club Class for students that love to sing and perform in Grades 1-5.

Students will learn to sing & perform pop songs with cool dance moves. We focus on pitch, breathing, and performing techniques

The class will be taught live online using Zoom.

To sign up please go to littlejammerz.com/Jan26

DATE: Wednesday January 26, 2022
TIME: 5:00 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
For any questions please contact: info@littlejammerz.com

Download a printable pdf flyer here

2022 Moonlight Ski, January 28 - Rescheduled

2022 Moonlight Ski

Friday, January 28, 2022
6 pm to 9 pm at Quarry Park

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
(320) 255-6172
https://goo.gl/maps/nH6bVzACKYse1rmJ7

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/STEARNS-30487ba

Quarry Park, 1802 County Road 137, Waite Park, MN 56387
Hiking if snow is not adequate

Free Parking
4.2 Miles of Scenic Lighted Cross Country Ski Trails
Multiple Bonfires throughout the Park
Snacks and Hot Drinks
Door prizes

Entrance signs to ski trail
Free ski rentals available at:
Fitzharris Ski & Sport: 320-251-2844
Revolution Cycle & Ski: 320-251-2453
Pick up at the store on the day of the event. First Come, First Serve, In Person only.

The Moonlight Ski Event is brought to you by:
Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota and Stearns County Parks

See Facebook event here

Rock the Sauk is back! February 26, 2022

Quad City Percussion’s home show will be held at SRRHS on February 26^th.

Quad City Percussion (QCP) is the newly formed, independent A class team of percussionists competing in the Minnesota Percussion Association. Quad City Percussion formed when Sauk Rapids-Rice High School winter drumline merged with Foley High School’s winter drumline.

The Directors (Justin Gapinski and Deion Kieley) wanted to make the group accessible to anyone who has a desire to play and perform. Currently, besides students from Sauk Rapids-Rice and Foley, there are students from Milaca, Sartell, and even farther areas such as Andover!

The competition is a MUST SEE event for anyone who enjoys drums, marimbas, and all other percussion instruments!

Granite City Aquatics, Winter and Spring

Too advanced for the swimming lesson program and want to take your swimming to the next level?

Join Granite City Aquatics.

Upcoming Seasons:

Winter 2021-2022 : November 29th—March 18th, 2022
Spring 2022 : March 28th—May 27th, 2022
Summer 2022 : May 30th—July 29th, 2022

Registration information will be on our team website, Granitecityaquatics.com, typically one month prior to the start of each season.
Prices vary season to season based on the number of weeks in each season.
Prices and practice time information can also be found on our team website.
We work with families who are worried about pricing.
For any questions please contact Coach Annika at granitecityaquatics@gmail.com

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram (Search Granite City Aquatics) for the most up to date and accurate information about upcoming seasons—or– to just check out what the team is up too!

Printable .pdf flyer here

Reading Corps /Math Corps Tutors Needed

Be The Change. Give your time as a tutor.

The Reading Corps/Math Corps in the Sauk Rapids-Rice school district is looking for tutors for the upcoming school year.

Hillside Early Childhood Center
Mississippi Heights Elementary
Pleasantview Elementary
Rice Early Childhood
Rice Elementary

Full–time or part–time opportunities available.

Help students build reading or math skills.
Get paid a stipend every two weeks.
Earn up to $4,400 for college tuition or student loans.
Tutors 55 and older may gift the award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child.
Receive excellent training and support - no teaching experience necessary.
Tutors may also be eligible for child care assistance and free health insurance!

Learn more and apply at ReadingAndMath.net or Contact Mickey Morstad

Downloadable flyer

Save Your Receipts for Child Educational Expenses

Save Receipts For Your Child's Education Expenses If you're buying school supplies for your children in kindergarten through 12th grade, you may qualify for one or both of these tax benefits:

K-12 Education Subtraction
K-12 Education Credit

Save your receipts, because both benefits can help lower your taxes and may provide a larger refund when filing your Minnesota income tax return. Last year, more than 33,000 families received the K-12 Education Credit and saved an average of $250. Nearly 190,000 families received the K-12 Education Subtraction.

Common Expenses That Qualify:

School supplies (pencils, paper, calculators)
Educational computer hardware and software
Tutoring K-12 curriculum by a qualified instructor
Rental or purchase of musical instruments used during school

Expenses That Do Not Qualify:

School supplies not used in education (backpacks, tissues, organizers)
Internet service and access fees Clothing, including school uniforms (except required gym clothes)
School lunches Family trips

Do I qualify? To qualify for either the credit or subtraction, both of these must be true:

You purchased educational services or materials to assist with your child's education
Your child is attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private, or home school

Income limits for Each Program K-12 Education Subtraction:
There are no income limits for the education subtraction.
K-12 Education Credit: Your household income (taxable and nontaxable income) must be below the levels shown here. If you qualify for the credit, you must file a Minnesota return to claim a refund.

Number of qualifying children in K-12: Household income must be less than:
1 or 2............................................................................................$37,500
3.....................................................................................................$39,500
4 or more.....................................................................................Add $2,000 for each additional child

For more information on these benefits and other valuable tax information, visit www.revenue.state.mn.us and enter K12 into the Search box, or call us at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094.

Storm After School (Middle School-Age Care)

Storm After School is a safe place for middle school students after school, with professional youth development leadership. New this year, The Boys & Girls Club will provide national evidence-based programs, combined with locally developed programs, that will enhance the after-school experience.

A club membership is only $10.00 per year and includes membership to Storm After School plus access to all of the Boys & Girls Club locations and opportunities.

Download printable flyer

Local Athletic Associations

Sauk Rapids Youth Baseball Association

The Sauk Rapids Youth Baseball Association (SRYBA) is a competitive baseball program for kids age 15 and under that want to play baseball at a level of competition best suited for their ability and give them an opportunity to enjoy baseball on a more organized and elevated level. We field teams at five different age groups and are affiliated with the Gopher State Baseball League through MYAS (Minnesota Youth Athletic Services).

Visit the SRYBA website

Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey Association

Sauk RapidsYouth Hockey (SRYHA) provides organized hockey for boys and girls ages 4 to 15. The primary objective of this site is to serve the SRYHA membership and improve communications. Our association seeks to provide a community and volunteer-driven program to promote the growth and development of all youth hockey players. Our Association works to promote a fun, fair, and safe environment that maximizes participation and improves players' skills while developing sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-confidence.

Visit the SRYHA website

Sauk Rapids Youth Basketball Association

Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association

Established in 1981, Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (CMYSA) is a community and volunteer-driven soccer program that provides for the growth and development of players, coaches and referees. We work to promote a fun, fair, and safe environment that maximizes participation and improves players' skills while developing sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-confidence.

Visit CMYSA website

Sauk Rapids-Rice Youth Wrestling Booster Club

Community Basic Needs - Resources & Agencies

These resources and agencies may help community members address a variety of basic needs—food, mental health services, transportation and housing.

These resources are shared with the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District by an outside community partner.

Service and distribution protocols may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check with the individual agencies for updates on current services.

Food Resources

Metal Health Resources

Housing Resources

Transportation Resources

Tutoring: Ages 3–Grade 12

We have exciting news! There are FREE tutoring opportunities available for Sauk Rapids-Rice School District students.

An initiative of the United Way called Around Cloud is partnering with a number of other area organizations to provide digital academic support for students in the St. Cloud area free of charge.
Visit Around Cloud Tutors for more information. around Cloud Printable Flyer

Scholar Squad is an online tutoring program through Reading and Math Corps that also provides virtual, one-on-one skills-building opportunities.

Ongoing Opportunities

Benton County 4-H

Boy Scouts of Central Minnesota

Central Minnesota Art Journal Club

Central Minnesota Youth Ski Club

Child and Teen Checkups

City of St. Cloud, Parks & Recreation

Foster Grandparents

Girl Scouts Lakes and Pines Virtual Programming

Girl Scouts is an activity that can continue with virtual interactions. Girl Scouts Lakes and Pines has created a variety of online programming so girls can take part at no cost to learn new skills, virtually interact with girls from across the globe and participate in service projects that support those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit LAkes and Pines Virtual PRograming

Girl Scouts Lakes and Pines website

Just for Kix Dance

At St Cloud Area - MN Just For Kix, kids shine.
In St Cloud Area - MN we celebrate the achievements of every student, at any skill level. Our dance classes provide young dancers a learning environment focused on team work, proven dance technique and confidence building. Committed to youth dancers advancement through performance, we believe in every student. Backed by 35 years of experience, our dedication to enabling dancers to shine creates a learning environment like no other.

DANCE with St Cloud Area - MN Just For Kix. On a stage all our own.

Real Estate in Sauk Rapids-Rice

St. Cloud YMCA

Soo Bahk Do Karate

Tri-County Action Program

Volunteer

Whether you have students just starting out in elementary school, ready to graduate or just a willingness to make a difference in our schools, we encourage you to consider volunteering. The volunteer program is an integral part of the educational setting and your work with staff, students, parents and community members makes a difference for all students. Right now, however, due to COVID-19, our district has very limited access to buildings and volunteer opportunities. These may expand in the future, so please reach out if you would like more information about volunteering at a later time.

While volunteering may not be possible right now, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools always welcomes applications for substitutes in various positions. Find out more.