Back-to-school

September 2, 2026

Greetings Students and Families,

Well, here we go again!! I am so pumped to have students back in the building. Summer break is an awesome time to get re-energized. Students are thinking, “What happened to my summer?” and at the same time, caregivers are thinking, “I can’t wait for fall, lol!!!!” Either way you look at it, I can’t wait for the energy, laughter, and craziness of the hallways when students arrive. It is amazing how the energy created by students fills my heart! I’m looking forward to seeing how this year's group of students “Lead the Way” for the success of CRHS!

This summer had a mix of being pretty eventful but also at times low-key (see, I am in tune with youth terminology). My daughter spent a lot of time working at her summer job but made time to hang out with friends, go on day trips to Duluth while also playing in two Lacrosse summer leagues. She was a busy little bee. My son and I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and even went deep-sea fishing; it was amazing! A little tip: Take Dramamine! LOL! My wife and I took the low-key route and spent time binge-watching our favorite shows and just being together! Oh, almost forgot: we also spent a lot of time getting my son ready to move into his dorm room; he is attending Augsburg University this fall! I am super excited for him as he starts this next chapter in his life! My daughter has also decided to dip her toes into the post-secondary world as she starts PSEO courses this fall as a high school junior.

Soon all of your students will be either finalizing their after high school plans or starting to think about them. I feel blessed that, in my opinion, we have the best group of teachers and staff to help your students along in that journey. We can’t wait for them to fill our classrooms with curious questions, laughter, and hard work. Please know that we are here to serve your students in the best way in order to help get them ready for their independent lives. Our goal is to build them into leaders so they can lead the way for those around them.

• We lead by the way we welcome others.

• We lead by the way we support one another.

• We lead by the energy we bring into the halls, classrooms, activities, and events.

• We lead by showing up, getting involved, and making a difference.

As we get ready for the school year to start, please review the link below for some important CRHS information for the school year!

• CRHS Back to School Welcome & Expectations 26-27

As we have done the past few years, we will welcome our students back to school with the support from our community partners. The following guests will be greeting students as they arrive:

• Tuesday 9/8: Superintendent, School Board Members, Rotary Club, Lions Club, U.S. Military & Coon Rapids Local Business Leaders

• Wednesday 9/9: Coon Rapids Fire Department

• Thursday 9/10: Coon Rapids Police Department

• Friday 9/11: School Board Members, Faith-Based Community Members, U.S. Military & Coon Rapids Local Business Leaders

And remember Cardinal Nation:

• Show up early.

• Stay late.

• Cheer loud.

• Celebrate!

Let’s “Lead the Way” in letting everyone know that “It’s a Great Day to be a Cardinal!”

John Peña

Principal CRHS!!!!

CRHS will host its annual Open House for students and families tonight (Wednesday September 2nd) from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Doors will not be open until 5:30pm to allow staff time to prepare, so please do not arrive early.

Due to extremely high traffic on the StudentVue app during Open House events across the A-H District that night, it’s recommended you either take a picture of or print your child's schedule in the StudentVue app earlier in the day to avoid issues with the app during Open House.

At Open House, students and families can take advantage of the following opportunities:

• Walk your student’s schedule (available on the StudentVue app ahead of Open House) to find their classrooms and meet their teachers.

• Connect with or schedule a time after Open House to chat with CRHS support staff including Counselor’s, College & Career Specialist, Social Worker, School Nurse, Food Services, Special Education, Indian Education, and Biomedical Sciences staff.

• Pick up your CRHS Parking Permit for the year ($105).

• Get more information about getting assigned a locker.

• Learn more about school activities and clubs offered at CRHS.

• Swing through our school store, The Cardinal Image, to purchase the latest Cardinal gear.

• Purchase food from food trucks near Door 1

We look forward to seeing you at CRHS for our Open House and to celebrate the start of the 26-27 school year!