Join Us On The SFHS Path
“No one can acquire any virtue unless
he begins by dying to himself”
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
“Top Three Ways Schools the Size of St. Francis High School Offer Students Most Opportunity”
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Each time you read that SFHS’s ideal size draws out a student’s potential, imagine the Department of Education nodding in agreement. That’s because opportunity and support mix in ideal ways at a moderately sized school that enrolls fewer than 900 students (and more than about 600). Here are three distinct advantages of schools the size of St. Francis High School, according to the Department of Education:
- The size of high schools may have an indirect effect on student learning. Essentially, more moderately sized schools—those with 900 or fewer students—likely improve the climate and conditions for student success, especially teacher sense of self-efficacy and appropriate sense of responsibility for student learning, when accompanied by high expectations, standards, and supporting strategies. *
- In small schools, students tend to be more satisfied, more academically productive, more likely to participate in school activities, better behaved, and less likely to drop out than students in large schools. *
- Smaller schools also may be safer because students feel less alienated, more nurtured, and more connected to caring adults, and teachers feel that they have more opportunities to get to know and support their students. *
“There is a large body of evidence to suggest that smaller schools may have advantages over large schools,” cites the Department of Education, which offers larger schools’ resources to address disadvantages by creating smaller interior communities to simulate a more beneficial school setting.
This is why I find it so rewarding to introduce students to St. Francis High School because the community culture works in their favor and helps them succeed. Is St. Francis the perfect size for your student? You’re invited to find out more by visiting me. We can talk over a cup of coffee, then tour while students and teachers are in class. You’re also invited to schedule a shadow day or call me for a quick conversation at any time (630) 668-5800 x1120. I can’t wait to meet you.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
*U.S. Department of Education, School Size Archived Information
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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.
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THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
PERFORMING ARTS: WINTER RECAP
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Congratulations to our Spartan performers on their outstanding accomplishments during the winter season (12/21/22-3/20/23)! There is so much talent and news to celebrate – particularly on placing 1st at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Competition (choir, band, and orchestra combined)!
BAND/INSTRUMENTAL
• Noteworthy
○IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest
- Orchestra – 4th
- Band – 5th
o Winter Band Concert
o All-State Performances – Shannon Walgren (Jazz Band)
o All-Conference Band – Sarah Kasprzak, Elleson Connelly, Owen Long, Tim Gnorski, Zander Beris, Margaret Brady, Alex O’Donnell, Gabe Taylor
o All Conference Jazz Band – Tim Kasprzak, Shannon Walgren
• Credit Class Opportunities: Guitar/Ukulele I, Guitar II, Rock Band, Wind Ensemble (Band), Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra
• Co-Curricular Opportunities:
o Pep Band
- Performed at home basketball games
o Rock Band
- Acoustic Night – March
- Performed at the IHSA Boys Basketball Finals on Saturday at the State Farm Center
- Worship Team – Ash Wednesday and Catholic Schools Week Masses
- Performed at SFHS’s Spartan Olympics (during Catholic Schools Week)
o Jazz Band
- SFHS Auction performance – March
o Orchestra
- Winter Concert
- Pit Orchestra – Annual Spring Musical
• Coming Up – You’re Invited!
- Jazz Showcase & Swing Dance – April 14; 7:00 p.m.
- Spring Band Concert – April 26; 7:00 p.m.
- Rock Show – May 12; 7:00 p.m.
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CHOIR
• Noteworthy
○ IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest – March
- Vocal Competition – 1st! – 4th Year in a Row!
o Solo & Ensemble Choir Concert – February
o Performed the National Anthem at home basketball games and pep rally
o ILMEA All-State Honor Choir – Carter Riggs
o ICHSA A Cappella Quarterfinals, Oak Creek, WI – Spartan Singers & Chamber Choir – February
o Performances at Mother Son Brunch and Class of 2027 Welcome Liturgies
• Credit Class Opportunities: Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Spartan Singers, Chamber Choir
• Co-Curricular Opportunities:
o Worship Team (meets before and after school prior to school Masses)
• Coming Up – You’re Invited!
- Spring Choir Concert – April 30; 3:00 p.m.
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THEATRE
• Noteworthy
○ Drama Club: Illinois Theatre Fest at the University of Illinois
• Credit Class Opportunities: Theatre Workshop I & II, Production Technology
• Coming Up – You’re Invited
○ Spring Musical “Footloose” – March 16-19
Middle School Night (Thursday, March 16) Registration Link – Click here
○ Tickets can be purchased at the door via cash/check.
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For more information about the department and all courses, click here.
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Student Perspective:
What does PERFORMING ARTS at SFHS mean to you?
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Amanda G. '24
“The Performing Arts at SFHS is a great way to express yourself. I have made so many friends. I knew three people before coming to St. Francis, and I met all my friends through Theatre. I started doing crew my freshman year then moved to the stage. In my first stage show (the SpongeBob Musical), I was so scared. I used to be a nervous person. However, the rehearsals allow us to make great connections. Once I built the connections from this great group and from the many rehearsals, it distracted me, and I built more confidence and knew I wouldn’t mess up. It’s an environment where you are encouraged to make connections – even this year I’ve become friends with freshman.”
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Gavin K. '23
“The Performing Arts give me a chance to do things that I love. I feel comfortable performing here and everyone is so talented. I have so many opportunities, and I know I couldn’t do all of them anywhere else. It’s the best time of my life. Two of my favorite experiences were performing with the Music Ensemble at the IHSA (Boys Basketball Finals) game and Le Mis (Les Misérables – Spring Musical 2022). I felt like a rock star at the basketball games. Les Mis is my favorite musical, and I was cast in my dream role. We all got so close and everyone was so talented. It was amazing!”
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Lauren R. '23
“Performing Arts is a really good way for students to express themselves and share their talents. I was a transfer student, and I was able to make so many new friends. I like the person I’ve become because of how music has gotten me to open up here. I’m seen and appreciated at St. Francis. Acoustic Night was my favorite night. I love that type of music and there were so many people there. It was really cool.”
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Carter R. '23
“It’s a lot of work and it definitely pays off because you are nonstop rehearsing and performing. It’s what I love doing and would never give it up for anything. Performing in front of thousands of people at IHSA (Boys Basketball Finals) was one of my favorite things, especially when we played “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “You Give Love a Bad Name”, and “Welcome to Paradise”. I’m also looking forward to this weekend’s production of “Footloose!” Every person is really important to the show. Everyone is great in it!”
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Around Campus in March
SFHS is the place to be! The hallways are always filled with energy and activity. Just a sample of the exciting events happening on campus this month include:
• Spring Athletic Season
March kicks off competition for our Spring sports: Baseball, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Girls Soccer, Softball, Boys Tennis, Track & Field, and Boys Volleyball.
• March 4: Ensuring Our Future Auction
It was another record-breaking year for the annual SFHS Ensuring our Future Auction on March 4! We are thrilled to share we had more than 400 registered attendees and our current total raised is $552,771 overall, including $85,200 for Fund-A-Cause.
• March 7: Seal of Biliteracy
SFHS administered the AAPPL proficiency assessment in Spanish, French, and Chinese. When a student earns the seal, it is placed on their academic transcript and diploma and demonstrates their skills to college admissions offices and future employers. Illinois public universities are also legally required to grant college credit for students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy.
• March 9: Junior Parent Coffee with the Counselors
Junior counselors spoke about the college exploration and application process.
• March 12: Mother Son Brunch
• March 13-17: Mental Health Awareness Week
“SPRING into Action: Make a Positive Change for Yourself and Others”
The Counseling Department and SADD Club are highlighting self-care and mental health awareness with an exciting lineup of activities. Click here to view the schedule.
• March 14: Pi Day
Thanks to the SFHS Math Department, students enjoyed circular treats (from pies to cookies) to celebrate Pi Day – an annual celebration of the mathematical sign pi.
• March 14: Mother’s Club Lenten Mass
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Talk & Tour
Shadow Day
September-April
Spring Musical Middle School Night
Thursday, March 16, 2023 7:00 p.m.
Class of 2027 Welcome Night
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Class of 2027 Proficiency Tests
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Information Session
(For Prospective Parents)
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 9:00 a.m.
7th Grade Night
Friday, April 28, 2023
6:00 p.m.
Boys Volleyball Middle School Night
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
6:00 p.m.
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Maureen
Isphording
Director of Admissions
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2022-2023 Admissions Video
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27
Average ACT Score Over Last Four Years
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Daily Mass and
Monthly All-School Mass
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15 Hours of Christian Service Required
Each Year
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Microsoft Showcase School
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13:1 Student:Teacher Ratio
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123 Full Year & Semester Courses
18 Honors Courses
18 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
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97% of Students Participate in at Least One Activity
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24 Sports Programs
78% of Students Participate in at Least One Sport
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65% of Students Participate in the Performing Arts
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Bus Transportation Available
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Click each department below to learn more about academic opportunities at SFHS
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