St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-10/17/2024

Join Us On The SFHS Path

"True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

How to Empower Your Child to Choose the Right School

When parents ask for guidance on helping their child through the Catholic high school admissions process, I suggest they equip their child with the courage to make an informed decision by getting to know the schools themselves. Here are three effective ways to evaluate a high school and help your child choose what suits them best:

1. Focus on the Details: The little things will shape your child’s daily experience. To picture their academic journey, dive into the school's Program of Studies and Viewbook. Consider how your child will be challenged and whether they can pursue their strengths. Engaging with this information together will resonate with them and help them envision their future.

2. Identify Hallmark Qualities: Every school has unique traits that define the student experience. Explore these qualities by making calls, visiting, attending Shadow Days, Open Houses, and tours. Think about whether the environment aligns with your child's needs. For example, at St. Francis, the vibrant community fosters friendships—95% of students participate in activities! When parents understand and share this, it helps children see how they can connect with peers.

3. See the Big Picture: With a clear understanding, you can assess how a school’s offerings align with your child's aspirations. Will the course sequence support their college goals? Is technology used effectively to enhance learning? Will your child receive the necessary support? A supportive community can make all the difference, and 8th graders are more receptive to this big-picture info when it comes from you.

Join us at our Open Houses on Sunday, October 20 (11:00 a.m.) and Wednesday, November 6 (6:30 p.m.) to explore the little details, big picture, and hallmark qualities of St. Francis High School. Our community is a nurturing environment where Franciscan virtues thrive alongside top-notch academics and cutting-edge technology. SFHS students emerge as resilient, self-aware individuals ready for college and beyond.

Come visit us and see for yourself!

Go Spartans,

Patrick Jacobsen, 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.

Short Yet Impactful Activity Period Engages Students After School

Each day from 2:30 to 3:10 p.m., SFHS offers a dynamic time slot for students to join clubs, connect with friends, and pursue personal achievements—all while enhancing their college application profiles. With sports and arts practices starting at 3:15 p.m. and buses leaving shortly after, this period provides ample opportunity for students to engage, meet with teachers, make up tests, or simply hang out. "The activity period gives our students a chance to step outside of their comfort zone and explore a new interest.” says Kate Michel ’92 Kowalski, Co-Director of Activities and teacher. “It’s a unique opportunity before practices and rehearsals that is reserved for clubs that a student may never have thought about joining without this gift of time."

At SFHS, students of all grades discover their passions, meet new peers, and cultivate leadership and communication skills through a wide range of clubs and activities.

Club Opportunities 2024-2025

Academic & Competition Clubs

Chinese Culture Club

Engineering Club

Esports/Coding Club

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)

Math Team

Model UN

Robotics Club

Scholastic Bowl

Athletics & Recreation Activities

Blue Crew

Intramurals

Language Honor Societies

Chinese Honor Society

French Honor Society

Spanish Honor Society

Leadership Clubs

Captains & Chaplains

National Honor Society

Student Government

Student Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT)

Student Ministry Team (SMT)

Special Interest Clubs

Arts & Crafts Club

Chess Club

Culinary Club

Dungeons & Dragons Club

Fishing Club

Photography Club

Pop Culture Club

SADD

SpartanTV

Spirituality Groups (Men’s & Women’s)

Join us at our fall Open House to learn more about our clubs from students and moderators!

"I Am St. Francis"

The Student Perspective:

What does ACTIVITY PERIOD mean to you?

During this optional but brilliant time, SFHS students join clubs, meet with teachers, make up tests, study, or just relax.

“Activity Period has been incredibly beneficial during my time at SFHS. It provides me with dedicated time to finish homework, study for tests, and ask teachers for help when I need clarification. This has been especially helpful while balancing sports, as it allows me to stay organized and keep up with my work. Additionally, the variety of clubs and activities available has given me great opportunities to meet new people and broaden my experiences. Overall, this extra time helps reduce my stress and keeps me on track.” – Delaney S. ‘26

The Activity Period has been beneficial to me because it provides time to reset before after school activities. It gives me the opportunity to meet with teachers to go over questions or get a jump start on my homework. It also gives me a chance to spend time with friends and try out new clubs.” – Caitlin T. ‘27

“Activity Period has been extremely helpful for my years at St. Francis High School! It gives me an opportunity to meet with teachers if I didn’t understand something in class or go get food before I start practice at 3:15 p.m. It also gives time to go to club and co-curricular meetings. ” – Owen G. ‘25

Around Campus

AP® School Honor Roll

St. Francis High School is on the AP® School Honor Roll and earned the Gold distinction! This annual recognition is awarded to schools that reflect a commitment to increase college-going culture, provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness.

Homecoming Recap

We recently celebrated an incredible Homecoming Week! Take a look at some of the highlights here!

Volley for the Cure

The SFHS Volleyball team held their annual Volley for the Cure Night on October 10. Together with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Volley for the Cure is a unique program designed to promote positive awareness and the importance of early detection of breast cancer for high school students.

Good Luck Nathan!

Congratulations Nathan R. ’25 for advancing to the IHSA Boys Golf State Tournament on October 18-19!

Day of Giving Recap

Our Day of Giving efforts well exceeded our goal, and resulted in $202,275 to benefit our students and our school! Thank you to the entire St. Francis High School community for helping us exceed our goal!