A Message from the Little Flower Administration:
Happy November, as we celebrate all the Saints and Souls of Little Flower that have gone before us –

Some updates from the Administration Team:

Vaccines: We are hosting a vaccine (COVID First, 2nd, Booster and Flu) clinic on Tuesday, 11/9/21. The FDA has now approved the Pfizer vaccine for students 5-11. LF right now has a very low vaccination rate in comparison to the other AOPS schools and we want to stay strong, healthy and open for all students to enjoy in person learning. Please consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself, your loved ones and the Little Flower community. Attached please find the vaccine consent form. A sign up schedule will be sent as soon as there is final CDC sign-off on the 5-11 vaccine.
Security: We remind all students that like all the other aspects of their uniform, the student’s key card on a visible lanyard is as much a part of the uniform as her patch or her saddle shoes. The key card provides all students with building access.

Vending Machines: We are pleased that students are utilizing the vending machines we have available and Selective Vending, our contractor for vending, is encouraging electronic payment where available in case of an issue where there is an error. All errors are reimbursed, but Selective can track the errors better when there is the electronic record. No refunds will be issued over $2.00 nor will they be issued until Selective verifies that the transaction occurred. Please encourage your daughters to use electronic payment and/or exact change.

Home and School Meeting: You are invited to the first Home and School Meeting of the year on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 6:15pm. We’ll be joined by Captain Javier Rodriguez of the 25th Precinct who will be discussing improved safety measures around Little Flower. 

Here is the link:

Gratefully,
The Little Flower Administration
A few of Mrs. Sawick's students decorated scripture pumpkins!
Members of the 2021 cast of Sister Act dressed up for Halloween during rehearsal on October 31!
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:

Little Flower Afterschool Activities Transportation Program 2021/2022

As the school year continues, Little Flower Catholic High School is preparing to meet the transportation needs of its students participating in after school activities programs. Due to limited staffing, we will be starting with two specific routes which intersect current SEPTA high frequency routes that serve areas not along the established routes below – 

The North route which will include all students north of Girard Ave
  • Departing Little Flower at 5:15pm
  • North on Broad, with stops upon request to Fern Rock Transportation Center
  • Fern Rock to Frankford Transportation Center with stops upon request via Godfrey Ave – Adams Ave – Roosevelt Blvd – Pratt - Frankford Ave. 
  • Frankford Transportation Center to Neshaminy Mall with stops upon request via Bustleton Ave – Roosevelt Blvd.

The South Route which will include service south of Girard, Northwest and West Philadelphia
  • Departing Little Flower at 5:15pm
  • Route 1 Expressway direct to the Wissahickon Transportation Center via Rte 1 and Ridge Ave.
  • Wissahickon Transportation Center Direct to 30th Street Station.
  • 30th Street Station to City Hall with stops upon request via Market Street
  • City Hall to South Philadelphia Target with stops upon request via Broad Street – Snyder Ave – Water St.

In order for each route to run, there must be at least 5 students signed up 24 hours in advance. If there are less than 5 students, there will only be one run and the time between stops could be longer.  

Students will not be permitted on the Activities’ Bus if not registered in advance. Seating for each route is limited and based on a first come-first served basis. Students must sign-up well in advance of their requested date and the seats are limited and may not be available.

All students must register in advance on the google form link: CLICK HERE no later than 24 hours prior to the day of the desired service. Sign-up sheet will be closed 24 hours before the departing service. Walk ups will not be permitted unless prior arrangements have been made.

In the event there an insufficient number of students registered for a route (defined as 5 students or less), the students registered will be notified 24 hours in advance that that route is cancelled for that specific day and other transportation arrangements must be made.  

Please keep in mind that these vehicles leave promptly at 5:15 and no eating or drinking is permitted on any vehicle. 

Due to high demand and cost for transportation services, the cost per ride increased to $5, which will be charged to FACTS tuition accounts.


Specific Adjustments to Service and Dates to keep in mind for your planning:

There will be NO FRIDAY ACTIVITIES BUS SERVICE 

We will continue to evaluate these offerings and adjust as demand warrants.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Transportation Office at [email protected]
A Message from the Office of Academic Affairs:
Our next Saturday Program is on November 6th, 2021. We will welcome students to attend tutoring sessions with us in Room 330. Our program is from 9-12. This is an opportunity to work with a community volunteer or spend quality time studying on your own. Quarter 1 ends on November 12, 2021. 

All forms on PowerSchool for student and parent/guardian must be submitted by November 5th, 2021. These forms are an essential part of our documentation for our student records. Reminders will be sent to the students throughout the first week of November. 
KLARICH CENTER:
Freshman Tuesdays and Thursdays

Quarter One

Week of Nov 8 RACE TO THE END OF THE QUARTER

Stay for supervised study Monday-Thursday
A Message from the Student Life Office:
Students and parents are responsible to read and understand the Student Handbook. Students received a hard copy within their planners. It can be accessed here: https://littleflowerhighschool.org/student-life.
TRANSPORTATION

We are aware that there are delays with Septa transportation, especially route 60 and 433. We have been in communication with our representatives at Septa and have shared concerns as we hear about them. Septa is experiencing a personnel shortage and experiencing delays system-wide. Please note the 428 may be a good alternative for those experiencing issues with the 60.

Please call Septa with any concerns or questions about specific
routes: 215-580-7800. If a bus passes without stopping at a
predetermined stop, please take a photo of the bus and email to

Maps and information about routes can be found here:

BUILDING ACCESS

All students were given key cards that give access to the building. These allow students to enter the building. Students should have their cards with them at all times. Students are asked not to prop open doors at any time. 

AFTERNOON PICK UPS

When picking your student up from school on Lycoming, please DO NOT park in front of the buses. The car line begins after the last bus on the campus side of the street. As an alternative, students may be picked up on Luzerne on the campus side of the street. Please exercise caution and safety when picking students up.

HARVEST DANCE VOLUNTEERS

 Our Student Life Office is in need of parent volunteers for the Harvest Dance on 11/19!
All those interested should contact Adrianna Savarese [email protected].


ABSENCE AND EARLY DISMISSAL

Absence and early dismissal notes may be found on the website here:

If a student is to be dismissed early, a parent/guardian must send in a note the day or morning before the early dismissal. Notes explaining absences should be returned as soon as possible, but within a week at the latest. Parents/guardians must contact the office if a student will be absent.


Please try to make doctor’s appointments after school hours. If a student does need to leave, please send in a note the day before or the morning of the early dismissal.

Call 215-455-6900 x1128 to report absence or early dismissal.

LUNCH

Students may bring or purchase lunch. There are also vending machines for student use. Lunch accounts can be created at www.payschoolscentral.com. You will need your daughter’s student ID number.

If adding money to a lunch account in school, it can be done using cash or a cashier's check made out to Aramark.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Adrianna Savarese, Assistant Principal for Student Life with any questions. [email protected] 215-455-6900 x1140.
MUSICAL FUNDRAISERS!
Throughout the month of November Little Flower will be collecting
the following items for our Annual Fall Clothing Drive:

  • Clothing for men, women and children
  • Shoes
  • Clothing accessories: Belts, hats, scarves, handbags, gloves, etc. 
  • Soft household items: Towels, blankets, bed sheets, pillows, quilts, comforters, and curtains
  • Small toys (2ft or less) 
  • Stuffed animals, bikes, scooters
  • Car seats (assembled and including base) and strollers

Please bag all items in standard trash bags! If you are dropping items before the LF weekend drop-off date, please bring all bagged items to Room 105 before homeroom or after school!

Pick-up will also take place on Saturday, November 20 at 1:30pm in the Little Flower parking lot.
 
This drop-off weekend is a drive by/drop off!
Anyone is welcome to drop their donations in the Little Flower parking lot from 1:30pm to 2:00.

Parent assistance loading bags into the donation service truck would be helpful! 
Please contact [email protected] with any questions!
Join us for our second Karaoke Fundraising Event for this year's production of Sister Act! 
You're invited to once again RAISE YOUR VOICE at a Karaoke Night taking place at Little Flower. 

Friday, November 5, 2021 - 7pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $12

This event is open to students, families, and friends! 

Cost covers pizza and soda. 
50/50 chances will be sold for an additional $1 each. Drawing will be held at the end of the night. 

Please note: you are not required to sing! Karaoke will be available at a first come/first serve basis for the duration of this event. Make sure you sign up ahead of time if you plan to sing! 

PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINK TO SIGN UP OR RSVP: CLICK FOR SIGN UP LINK
A Message from Community Service Corps:
We had so much fun on October 28 making trick-or-treat bags for Shriners Children’s Hospital. Thank you to everyone who sent in donations! Because of all of YOUR contributions, we were able to make 70 bags full of candy and treats for the kids. Thank you for all the time, effort, and money you all contributed.

These kids surely had a SPOOKtacular Halloween!
A Message from the Guidance Department:
If your daughter is having a difficult time do not hesitate to reach out to the LF Guidance Department. Please call Mrs. Ashley Maher-Stearn (215) 455-6900 extension 1146 and she will connect us to you. You can also email me at [email protected] for general questions about the guidance department. 
 
THE COLLEGE PROCESS

For families interested in more information about the College Selection Process, check out the Philadelphia Futures Website and their Step Up to College Guide. This is a tremendous resource and worth a look.  
 
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID

All families should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, if you would like to receive need based scholarships, grants and loans. The FAFSA application opened on October 1 for the 2022-2023 school year. I suggest that you complete it as soon as possible, however, please consult the websites of the schools your daughters are applying to for more specific information.

Some colleges ask you to fill out the CSS Profile form in addition to the FAFSA. If you need this form for a college it will be listed on the college website.

Before completing the FAFSA, you should create a FSA ID. This FSA ID will be used to sign you FAFSA form electronically. Both a parent and your student need a FSA IDs.

I also strongly encourage you and your student to research separate scholarship opportunities at each of her schools. Generally, you can do this with a specific google search, ie. “Drexel scholarships”. 

Here are some helpful financial aid handouts:
 
 
 
 
 
Finally, you may find more help at our Little Flower College and Career website. Click “career and college resources”.
 
There are a number of ways to get help filing your FAFSA:

Call 1-800-730-8913 to ask a question
Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa for detailed instructions
 

 

 
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIORS

Seniors should be checking out the scholarship opportunities at each of their schools of interest. Here is just a sampling of some scholarships at our local schools. This information is readily available on college websites.
DeSales University
Leadership Scholarship
December 1, 2021

Drexel University
Liberty Scholarship
Early Decision Applicants: November 15
Early Action Applicants: February 1
Regular Applicants: February 1

Franklin and Marshall
Various Scholarships
See Website

Gettysburg College
Eisenhower Scholarship
January 15, 2022

LaSalle University
Christian Brothers Scholarship
January 15, 2022

LaSalle University
Community Service Scholarship
January 22, 2022
Seton Hall University
MLK Scholarship
Servant Leader Scholarship
Women’s Guild Scholarship
January 15, 2022

St. Joseph’s University
Father George Ruggieri Scholarship
John P. McNulty Scholars Program
Lenfest Scholarship
February 1, 2022

Temple University
Maguire Scholarship
TBD

Ursinus College
14 Specialty Scholarships that you apply to after you are admitted
Various Application Deadlines

Villanova University
Presidential Scholarship
St. Martin de Porres Scholarship
The Anthony Randazzo Scholarship
The Goizueta Foundation Scholarship
Various Application Deadlines
The Guidance Department
Kristin Sheridan
Director of Guidance
A Message from the Admissions Office:
Applications for the Class of 2026 now open! 
 APPLY TODAY!   
Upcoming Fall Events: 

Financial Aid Workshops
November 9th & November 30th
5:00pm - 7:00pm

To Register for Fall Events visit:
Families can check the website for opportunities to schedule a tour or shadow!
Financial Aid Reminder:  

Aid applications for the 2022-2023 school year will be open October 1, 2021 through May 1, 2022. Families must re-apply each year. Everyone is encouraged to apply!

You can access the FACTS website here:  https://online.factsmgt.com/SignIn.aspx
Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Department at any time for assistance. We look forward to working with you and guiding you throughout the admissions process.  

Kia Benjamin
Director of Admissions
215-455-6900 ext. 1162
For more information about Sit with a Sentinel events, please visit the link below!
A Message from Athletics:
On October 28, our cross country team competed at the District 12 Championships against the Catholic and Public League. Our team finished 10th!

Anna Golden, Gianna Vishio, and Shelby James all ran personal records! 

The highlight of the day for senior, Anna Golden, qualifying
for state championships on November 6th in Hershey! 
Anna was 26th overall and 14th individual qualifier!
A Message from the Home & School Association:
The first HSA meeting of the year is TODAY Tuesday, November 2 at 6:15pm.
This will be a zoom meeting! You can join via the following link:


There will be a police representative present at this meeting to speak to the community about the recent crime in the area. This will be our meeting's primary focus! The secondary focus will be on gathering volunteers for upcoming events.

Please take note that all parent volunteers must have all their clearances and their VIRTUS training through AOP. Here is the link:  Staff/Volunteer Requirements - Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls - Philadelphia, PA (littleflowerhighschool.org)

Anyone interested in assisting with Home & School should fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/KAd8mr2gYkpy1ynW6  
A Message from the Alumnae Corner:
The Umbrella of Student Experience - $120,000 Giving Tuesday Goal
THIS YEAR'S GOAL:

Our aim for $120,000 is to extend the scope of last year's Klarich Center concept - to not just drive academic excellence but also to drive excellence in our student experience, namely athletics and the arts.

The ability of students who had heretofore not been involved in extracurricular programming to experience the many varied ways we have developed for them to stay connected and engaged in their Little Flower life is made possible in part through generosity demonstrated by the various foundations and donors who recognize that the culture of belonging is central to the all-girls’ high school experience. 

We see this need for in person opportunities like our activities’ program being all the more essential in this time of alienation and lack of community felt by so many young people. There is indeed something to the Little Flower ‘Sisterhood’ and we continue to look at ways to nurture and keep the connection between and among our students a vital part of their Little Flower experience.
Our athletic facilities, notably our home and away locker rooms, are in need of several upgrades to better serve our ever-growing student athlete population. 

Additionally, the need for proper athletic training space to support the health and well-being of our athletes is critical to our students being able to safely participate in this vital extracurricular function.

Our students require further upgrades to athletics equipment to compete at the highest level with other student athletes across the Archdiocese and the state.
Little Flower’s Musical Theater program has long been the envy of all, but much of the original stage lighting systems are in dire need of replacement, as they are not compatible with modern lighting boards that drive the best level of programming. 

These upgrades would also aid in our delivery of the innovative student-centered programming which puts our auditorium space in heavy rotational use, including new mental health and inclusion initiatives . 

There are much needed upgrades needed to our costume inventory room, which thanks to generous musical fundraising donations, has an inventory which is quickly outgrowing the current space.

Finally, Giving Tuesday contributions would bolster our musical instrument inventory, to truly lead Little Flower's Orchestra into 2021/2022 with maximum capacity to host new generations of musicians.
In addition to these aspirational goals, we need to be prepared to continue to make our school a safe environment and this will involve expenses in the following areas:

  • Security staffing
  • Constructing safe spaces
  • Organizing student commons
  • Providing training to faculty and staff
  • Counseling students facing loss and uncertainty
  • Cleaning, sanitizing and reconfiguring in safe ways to provide instruction, offer food, services, and provide opportunities to help our students. 

We could have never anticipated the dire need for reliable transportation services required to get our students safely to school, but we continue to build upon an infrastructure provided by SEPTA to add routes and van service to previously underserved areas. 
Connectivity – physical, virtual, and most essentially, spiritual – will continue to be the hallmarks of the Little Flower of the future. We have to reimagine what is and consider what will be. 

We can only dream big if we have the support of stalwart donors. Little Flower has become the school of choice for the young women of Philadelphia. Please help us to build up on that momentum to continue to be the leader in all-girls’ Catholic education.