Bluejacket Family Communication
September 11, 2026
Bluejacket Families,
Welcome back! It has been wonderful to see our students return and our schools come alive again. There is something special about the beginning of a new school year—new teachers, new routines, reconnecting with friends, and the opportunity for a fresh start.
As we settle into the new year, today also gives us reason to reflect. September 11 marks 25 years since the attacks of 2001. We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the courage and service of first responders and so many others, and recognize the lasting impact on families and communities across our country. It is an important day to remember and reflect on the strength we find in caring for and supporting one another.
That sense of connection is also at the heart of strong schools. As we begin the year, our focus remains clear. We want every Bluejacket to build strong fundamental academic skills, learn to think critically, ask good questions, solve problems, and persevere when things don't come easily.
Alongside that learning is something equally important: authentic human connection.
Every student deserves to be known, valued, challenged, and supported by caring adults at school. Our staff are working hard to get to know your children—their strengths, interests, needs, and what helps them succeed.
Families are essential partners in that work. If you have a question, concern, or something we should know about your child, please reach out to their teacher or school. Strong communication between home and school helps us serve students well.
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we settle into new routines. We are excited about the year ahead and grateful to have our Bluejackets back!
GO BIG BLUE!
Dr. Nate Rudolph
Superintendent
Cambridge-Isanti Schools
Text and Phone Calls for Bus Route Communication Still Under Construction
The email notification issue in Skyward Family Access has been resolved. However, we are still working through an issue that allows us to filter mass phone calls and text messages by specific bus route numbers. This does not prevent us from sending phone calls or text communications to our families for district-wide messages, only our ability to easily target messages to families on a specific bus route.
In the meantime, families can expect to receive updates regarding bus route delays via email only or by visiting our Transportation Delays webpage. Our technology team is continuously working to correct the issue, and we appreciate our families’ patience and understanding.
Cambridge-Isanti 2026 Homecoming Week
Get ready to show your Bluejacket pride! C-I Homecoming Week is September 28-October 2, 2026.
Throughout the week, students, staff, families and community members will have opportunities to celebrate together through school spirit activities, athletics, coronation, community events and more.
Homecoming 2026 Dress-Up Days
Monday, September 28: Pink Out Day
Tuesday, September 29: Hawaiian Day
Wednesday, September 30: Cowboys & Cowgirls Day
Thursday, October 1:
Early Childhood–Grade 5: Dress Your Best
Grades 6–12+: Students dress like teachers, and teachers dress like students
Friday, October 2: Bluejacket Spirit Day. Dress in blue and red from shoes to head!
More Homecoming events and schedules will be shared soon. Watch the C-I Schools website, mobile app and social media for updates as details are finalized.
Want to gear up for the celebration? Order your official Bluejacket Homecoming T-shirt here!
Bluejacket Education Foundation Future Fest Pep Rally
Join the Bluejacket Education Foundation for Future Fest Pep Rally Edition on Saturday, October 3, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Braham Event Center!
Since 2022, Bluejacket Education Foundation has been raising funds and building an endowment to support Cambridge-Isanti Schools. The Foundation has awarded 49 grants, over $75,000, to fund innovative and supplemental classroom opportunities for students in Early Learning through high school.
Enjoy food trucks, lawn games, live music and trivia while supporting local students and schools. Tickets include food trucks, music, dessert and game entry. Visit the Bluejacket Education Foundation Facebook page for tickets and details.
CIHS Gymnasium Updates
The Cambridge-Isanti High School gym project, including refinishing of the floor and replacement of the bleachers, has been part of the district’s long-range facilities plan for some time. This summer, the old bleachers were removed on schedule, and the gym floor refinishing work was completed about one week early.
The final phase is installing the new bleachers. That work has faced repeated delays because the contracted installation crew has not arrived as scheduled multiple times. District leaders have stayed in close contact with the project manager and installation company and continue to push for confirmed crews, clear dates, and next steps.
We know this delay affects physical education classes, athletics, Community Education programs, and families. We appreciate the patience and flexibility of our Bluejacket community as we continue working to get the gym fully back in use.
Career Opportunities at C-I Schools
Cambridge-Isanti Schools is hiring for several important roles across our district. If you or someone you know is looking for meaningful work, a supportive team and opportunities that may align with the school calendar, we encourage you to explore our current openings.
Featured High Need Areas:
Adventure Center Program Assistant
Food Service Assistant
Instructional Assistant
Transportation
Every role plays a part in supporting our students, schools and community. Help us spread the word and find the next great members of our Bluejacket team!
Permanent School Fund: What Families Should Know
Statewide, Minnesota voters will see a question about the Permanent School Fund on the November ballot. Here are a few facts to help explain more about it.
This fund is not new.
The Permanent School Fund has supported Minnesota public schools since Minnesota became a state in 1858. Money comes from state school trust lands, including mining, timber, leases and land sales. The money is invested and helps support public schools across Minnesota.
If you attended a Minnesota public school, this funding source has helped support your school district when you were a student, too.
What would change?
The amendment would change how the yearly payment to schools is calculated, starting July 1, 2027.
Does this raise taxes?
No. It does not raise individual income or property taxes. It changes how money from the existing Permanent School Fund is distributed.
Who sets the payment rate?
The MN State Board of Investment manages the fund.
How did this question reach the ballot in November?
A nine-member task force studied the fund before recommending this approach. The final bill placing the amendment on the ballot passed the Minnesota House 134–0 and the Senate 43–24.
Voting reminder: Leaving a constitutional amendment question blank has the same effect as voting No.
To learn more, watch this explanation video or visit MSBA’s Permanent School Fund webpage for additional resources and information.
Stay Connected with Community Backpack
Community Backpack is our e-newsletter designed to keep you connected with updates from around the district, Community Education, and local events.
We love hearing from our Cambridge-Isanti Schools community! Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to stay informed, there are plenty of ways to connect:
📧 Email Us: dist-communications@c-ischools.org
📞 Call Us: (763) 689-6188
🌐 Visit Our Website: www.c-ischools.org
📍 Stop By: 625 Main Street North, Cambridge, MN
The mission of Cambridge-Isanti Schools, in partnership with our community, is to EDUCATE, EMPOWER and INSPIRE EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY to achieve their full potential.