St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-9/21/2022

Congratulations to the Girls Golf Team – Conference Champions!

Join Us On The SFHS Path

“There is no use walking anywhere to preach

unless our walking is our preaching”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

“Five Unexpected Tips Help Families Find Right School Fit”

It’s mid-September, and middle school parents have already called asking for advice on how to begin exploring St. Francis High School. In addition to September’s Information Session, some wanted a broader overview of the whole process. So, I thought I’d share five unexpected ways for parents to begin thinking about the best high school fit for their students. And just for fun, I used a few Franciscan virtues for inspiration. Here we go.

1. Begin with a humble search of the heart: Take time for personal inventory. What matters most to you? What kind of student is your child? What kind of high school will inspire your teen? This will help decode what kind of high school environment you desire. (Virtue=Humility.)

2. Break down college prep basics: Learn for yourself how the school functions. What is the academic structure, and how will it affect your child’s path? Does technology make classroom work easier or more cumbersome? How do counselors prepare students each year to meet college goals? (Virtue=Simplicity)

3. Look for the light in the school: Extracurricular fun, opportunity for involvement, leadership development. These are lights on the high school road. They also provide challenges, chances for self-discovery, and experiences for college applications along the way. (Virtue=Joy)

4. Make room for refreshments: High schoolers don’t need juice boxes, but a refreshing community spirit can encourage growth and strengthen them. Many experienced parents appreciate generous opportunities that affect students in profound ways, such as offering time for service, retreats, activities, and spiritual enrichment. (Virtue=Generosity)

5. Include a bit of prayer: In the end, remember it’s a process. After you research, schedule shadow visits, attend events and Open Houses, let it settle. You’ll begin to know what to do. (Virtue=Faithfulness)

This month welcomes our first Information Session for prospective families, September 22 at 9:00 a.m. We also are accepting shadow day requests online. Call me any time to discuss the transformative impact of an SFHS education (630) 668-5800 x1120.

Sincerely,

Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

Experience the SFHS difference, which offers distinct advantages that provide students with a well-rounded education to prepare them for a successful future.

This Issue’s Feature:

COLLEGE PREP – TECHNOLOGY

For the 6th year in a row, Microsoft has recognized St. Francis High School as a Showcase School, an elite group of global schools that exemplify the best of teaching and learning in the world today. As one of 42 schools in the United States, Microsoft Showcase Schools are a global community of K-12 schools using digital transformation to create immersive, inclusive experiences that inspire lifelong learning and empower students to achieve more.

According to Microsoft, “the diverse members of this program have leveraged Microsoft’s Education Transformation Framework to drive a culture of learning innovation and continuous improvement. Their hard work is reflected in improved learning outcomes for their students and an increased focus on future-ready skills. It has also provided them with the resiliency and agility needed to effectively transition to remote and hybrid learning during disruptions such as the COVID-19 crisis.”

What metrics must be met to be a leading Microsoft Showcase School?

• Metric #1: LEADERSHIP – SFHS has developed a shared vision and plan for holistic digital transformation where learning is the goal and technology is a means used to achieve that goal.

• Metric #2: CULTURE OF LEARNING & GROWTH MINDSET – SFHS has professional development opportunities to build teacher effectiveness and empowers teachers to make their own decisions and meet the needs of every student.

• Metric #3: PERSONALIZED LEARNING – Students’ academic, emotional, and social needs are met to help every student realize their full potential. Personalized learning technology includes Office 365 for Education, Teams, OneNote, and Flipgrid.

• Metric #4: INNOVATION – SFHS develops future-ready skills (computational thinking, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication) for our entire student population.

• Metric #5: USE OF DATA – Data insights provide guidance for education improvements and visibility into the progress towards the digital transformation vision.

How do students benefit from SFHS being a Microsoft Showcase School? A sample of examples include:

• DEVICES FOR LEARNING

Every student receives a Microsoft Surface Pro which runs apps and the full Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Publisher). It includes a pen stylus and keyboard, integrates to the Cloud, and stays charged all day.

• FUTURE-READY SKILLS

The required freshman-year Digital Literacy class empowers students with the skills they need to be successful in school, employment, and entrepreneurship.

• EDUCATOR, LEADER, & IT DEVELOPMENT

89% of teachers have earned Microsoft Innovative Education (MIE) certification.
8 teachers have been awarded a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE). The MIEE program is a premier program created to recognize global educator visionaries. They achieve excellence in education using Microsoft technologies coupled with their innovative teaching practices.
SFHS Technology Integration Specialist, Tim Martens, was named an MIE Fellow for the Central Team in the Midwest region of the United States. Microsoft distinguishes only 33 MIEEs as Fellows in the U.S. Their role is to provide support for other MIEEs in their region, collaborate with other schools and leaders, empower others, and amplify the MIEE community.

• SAFETY, SECURITY, & PRIVACY

We utilize the latest security monitoring, communications, notification, and emergency response systems and technologies.

"I Am St. Francis"

The Student, Parent, & Alumni Perspective:

What does TECHNOLOGY at SFHS mean to you?

Alec K. ’24: “I love technology at St. Francis because it provides a much closer learning experience between faculty and students because of the ability to be given work anywhere, anytime. Having all assignments on a digital interface also makes the day to day go by easier because students have no need to carry around notebooks and textbooks, everything is on their Surface Pro.”

Joey C. ’23: “I love St. Francis technology because it provides me with an easy-to-use and enhanced learning environment in which I can stay organized with all my notes. I especially love how I can use the stylus pen to write my own notes in OneNote just like if I was writing in a notebook, except all my notes are in the same place.”

Grace Rego ’18: “Kudos to St. Francis. I already know how to use Microsoft Teams and OneNote (in my new career) – what a bonus. I am so glad we used Microsoft in high school!”

Technology Integration Specialist Tim Martens: "We are immensely proud of the 1:1 program we have with Microsoft Surface Pros at St. Francis. The way this program helps to empower teachers in the classroom, engage students in their education, and grow a strong culture of curiosity and learning is immensely beneficial for our community. The honor of being recognized as a Showcase School is a testament to all the hard work our faculty and staff commit to every day in educating our students. Having seen this success in our own school, I sought to become an MIE Expert Fellow to continue to connect with other MIEEs in our region and around the world. I hope to lead our cohort this year in engaged learning and help continue to evangelize our successes with other schools, while also learning from the accomplishments of other educators in the Microsoft community.”