St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-10/18/2023

Join Us On The SFHS Path

“In prayer we speak to God,

and we hear Him speak to us.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

How to Give Your Child Courage to Choose the Right School

This week, a Reddit question caught my eye—a high school senior asked if he should choose a school with friends or a college he liked without them. Readers overwhelmingly urged him to choose his own path, but this can be hard for 8th graders. When parents ask, I advise them to be ready to give their child courage by understanding the school themselves. Here are three ways to evaluate a high school and give children the courage to choose what fits:

Little Details – Small details will make up the bulk of your child’s experience. To envision your child’s academic road ahead, read the school’s Program of Studies as well as the Viewbook. How will your child be challenged? Can students work toward their academic strengths? Looking at an academic journey with your student in mind will resonate with your child.
Hallmark Qualities – Every school has qualities that distinguish a student’s experience. Check out the hallmark quality for yourself with calls, visits, Shadow Days, Open Houses, and tours with Admissions. Objectively consider whether the environment fits your child. How will the school support your child’s academic development and overall happiness? I see how naturally new friendships form at St. Francis, for example, because 97 percent of students participate in activities. When parents understand and share this, they help children see a path to making friends.
Big Picture – Armed with accurate understanding, you can picture how a school’s journey fits your child. Will the sequence of courses support their college goals? Does the technology make classroom learning engaging and inclusive? Will your child receive support if needed? Will the community build up and inspire them? Eighth graders accept the importance of big-picture info when it comes from you.

Attend our Open Houses this Thursday, October 19 (6:30 p.m.) and Sunday, November 5 (1:00 p.m.) so you can see the little details, big picture, and hallmark qualities of St. Francis High School. Our community creates a home where genuine Franciscan virtues live alongside superior Blue Ribbon academic integrity and innovative Microsoft Showcase technology. SFHS students grow into resilient, well-adjusted college students aware of their self-worth as children of God and respected persons. Visit soon and see for yourself.

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.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT – ACTIVITY PERIOD

Brief but Brilliant Activity Period Helps Students Get Involved After School

Every day from 2:30 to 3:10 p.m., SFHS schedules a brief but brilliant window of time to help students join clubs, meet friends, succeed in areas of personal achievement, all while building a list of activities for college applications. Sports/arts practices begin after 3:15 p.m. Buses leave after 3:15 p.m. And teachers stay on campus, making it easy for students to engage, see a teacher, make up a test, or hang out with friends. “97% of our students participate in activities at school because St. Francis gives them that time,” explains Kate Michel ’92 Kowalski, Co-Director of Activities, and Social Studies and English Teacher. “Without Activity Period, our students wouldn’t be able to do both--join clubs and participate in sports and the arts.”

No matter their interests, students find their place at SFHS. Students in every grade level meet new people, discover new interests, and develop leadership and communication skills in SFHS’s many clubs and activities.

CLUB OPPORTUNITIES 2023-2024

Special Interest Clubs

Bass Fishing Club
Blue Crew
Chess Club
Chinese Culture Club
Culinary Club
Engineering Club
Evergreen Ecology Club
Ping Pong Club
Pop Culture Club
SADD
SpartanTV

Competitive Clubs

Esports
Intramurals
Math Team
Model UN
Scholastic Bowl

Performing & Visual Arts Clubs

Arts & Crafts Club
Drama Club
Jazz Band
Orchestra
Photography Club
Pep Band
Worship Team

World Language Honor Societies

Chinese Honor Society
French Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society

Leadership Clubs

National Honor Society
SALT (Student Ambassador Leadership Team)
SMT (Student Ministry Team)
Student Government

Learn more about our clubs from students and moderators at our fall Open House!

"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.

Matthew A. ‘26

“Activity Period is a time for me to either take my mind off of school, get food before practice, and to do my homework so I can have a good night’s sleep.”

Liam C. ‘26

“Activity Period is a time that allows students to have a break, get involved, ask questions to teachers, or just simply to have fun with friends before sports start.”

Emmy H. ‘24

“I love Activity Period because it allows me to be involved in both sports and clubs. Especially as a freshman, Activity Period enabled me to meet even more people and get further involved in the school.”

Maicie S. ‘26

“Activity Period gives us, the students, the opportunity to participate in both clubs and sports teams. Students can go see teachers for extra help, attend one of the many clubs SFHS has, or walk across the street to Target, Chipotle, McDonald’s, and more! As a student, I love Activity Period because it gives my friends and me time to relax before our sports practices.”

Around Campus This October

HUGE Spartan Weekend!

Check out these amazing athletic highlights - congratulations to all and continued best of luck in the post-season! We are #SpartanProud of all your hard work!

• Boys Cross Country: Chicago Catholic League White Division Champions!

• Girls Cross Country: Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division Champions!

• Football secured an Automatic Playoff Bid with its 6th victory!

• Girls Swimming – Jackie G. '25, Lily J. '27, Audrina C. '27, and Isabella B. '27 placed 2nd and 3rd in four varsity relays at the Maine East Relay Meet; Keira C. '24, Rachel T. '25, Angelina Z. '26, Maria A. '27, and Daniela B. '27 all scored points and placed top 3 in several relay events.

• Girls Tennis: Sectional Champions!

1st Place Medalists - Doubles Champions: Lauren C. '24 & Cameron R. '26
4th Place Medalists - Doubles: Ella W. '24 & Elizabeth S. '25
4th Place Medalist - Singles: Ashley R. '26

Classroom Visitors Share Their Knowledge with SFHS Students

• Band: Shawn Maxwell visited SFHS band students - what an awesome opportunity! Mr. Maxwell is a Van Doren Signature artist and professional jazz clarinetist and saxophonist. He spent time instructing the students on reed maintenance, posture, and sound, and also provided them with free reeds.

• Science: Phillip Pendergrass visited Dr. J's Engineering class last week! Mr. Pendergrass, a senior analyst focusing on threat and vulnerability management in technology, shared his career trajectory with students and encouraged them to navigate change through soft skills, faith and spirituality, spirit and curiosity, and patience and persistence.

Golf Wrap-Up

Congratulations Spartan Boys Golf! The team placed 5th at the IHSA 2A State Tournament and Beckett J. '26 placed 3rd as an individual. Also, Emmy H. '24 shot a personal best of 72 and placed 13th at the Girls Golf 2A State Championship.