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

PineView Park BMX, 2022 Community Education Days

2022 Community Education days at PineView Park BMX.

These are free days to try out BMX racing.

Bikes and helmets are not required, we have those to use if needed. Long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed toed shoes are however required.

All times are Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. and are weather dependent.
May 10
May 17
June 28
July 5
August 9
August 16

We also have our New Rider Race league again like last year.

Begins with
Coached Lessons: May 24, 6:00–7:30 pm
Coached Lessons: May 11, 6:00–7:30 pm
Race: June 2, 6:00 pm registration
Race: June 6, 6:00 pm registration
Coached Lessons: May 7, 6:00–7:30 pm
Race: June 9, 6:00 pm registration
Race: June 13, 6:00 pm registration
Coached Lessons: May 14, 6:00–7:30 pm
Race: June 16, 6:00 pm registration
Final Race for Race League June 20, 6:00 pm registration

Registration for this can be on our website at pineviewparkbmx.com.

Fall KIDSTOP registration is OPEN

Registration for summer & school year 2022-23 KIDSTOP opened online February 1, 2022.

www.bgcmn.org/kidstop

There is a $10 registration processing fee, and the daily fee for summer KIDSTOP is $28. Children are eligible to attend KIDSTOP the summer before they start kindergarten. Registration for fall KIDSTOP is $20, and the daily fee will be $11.50. Remember: you only pay for the days your child actually attends. County child care assistance & scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.bgcmn.org or call us at 320-252-7616.

Download printable flyer

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 2021/22, more than 19,000 families received the K-12 Education Credit and saved an average of $261. Nearly 130,000 families received the K-12 Education Subtraction with an average subtraction of $1,207.

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 trip to museum or zoo

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

K-12 Education Subtraction: There are no income limits for the education subtraction.

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-Rice Fastpitch Softball 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 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

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

Mental 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.