St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-9/7/2023

Join Us On The SFHS Path

“Be patient in tribulation, humble in prosperity,

and so you will always triumph.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

Why Do Graduates from Catholic Schools Succeed?

One of the most critical decisions parents make for their children is where to educate them. Since children spend so many of their waking hours at school, their school can play a significant role in shaping them as a person. I’ve attended and taught in both Catholic and public schools, so I see excellence in both, but it is hard to deny the broad impact of Catholic education on Catholic and non-Catholic graduates.* Here is a short list.

Catholic school graduates are more likely to engage in community service as adults.
Catholic school graduates experience higher lifetime earnings.
Catholic school graduates are far less likely to be incarcerated.
Catholic school graduates were ranked #1 in the percentage of people who actively participate in civic and community activities (i.e., voting, letter writing to legislators, donations to charity).*

Research points to two reasons Catholic schools encourage firm footing in graduates. First, Catholic school graduates connect self-discipline with a moral vision; students are challenged to be Christ-like in word and action. And second, Catholic schools teach more, exposing students to the richness of the religious tradition. Catholic school graduates are charged to share their gifts so they can contribute to society and help others.

Have you considered a Catholic high school? If you have questions, contact me at (630) 668-5800 x1120. We can tour St. Francis High School while school is in session. The SFHS college prep path is distinctive, Franciscan, genuine, and not easily imitated. Our supportive technology, passionate teachers, and comprehensive academic curriculum afford success to all students.

Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions

*NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association) and ACE (University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education)

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.

Best Practices Help Freshmen Acclimate to High School, Friends, and Fun

“Welcome to the Spartan family!” That’s how St. Francis High School freshmen begin, with unique opportunities the school structures to help freshmen quickly belong as they learn, meet people, and earn confidence. In addition to Freshman Orientation featured in the previous SFHS Admissions newsletter, below are seven Best Practices that help freshmen become Spartans in the welcoming community that is St. Francis High School.

1. “Francis Friday”

Freshman Religion classes experience formation to help them know the “St. Francis Way” and what we’re about as a school. “We want our students to understand not just who our patron is, but also who we are called to be. Every Friday for the first quarter we’ll look at the life of Saint Francis, the prayers that he wrote, and virtues such as peace, love light, and joy. Then we’ll ask ourselves – how can we do that in our lives? Where do we see a need for this?” – Michael Page, Freshman Religion Teacher

2. Counseling’s “Success Group”

SFHS freshmen looking for support with high school adjustment may join the six-week “Success Group.” Students learn effective study skills, test-taking techniques, and how to have a successful transition to high school. Success meets once a week during rotating class periods, offering opportunities to meet people too. With Success, Counseling hopes to help students start strong and finish stronger.

3. Four-Year Homeroom Period

“St. Francis homeroom students get to go through all four years together. The idea is to take the homeroom group and make it a community. With students from so many feeder schools, I like to think of my job as a welcome committee. St. Francis works hard to put the ‘home’ into homeroom. Much like a base camp for mountain climbers, homeroom can be that place from where we climb.” – John Schuller, Religion Teacher

4. Spartan Tech Entry Program (STEP)/Summer Camps

With more than 30 camps to choose from, rising freshmen take advantage of summer camp opportunities. SFHS campers report experiencing “joy” when making new friends, unplugging from their electronic devices, learning about themselves, and connecting with other people over the summer months. The mandatory STEP camp allows freshmen to receive an introduction to SFHS and get a jump start on the Microsoft Surface Pro.

5. Freshman Teachers

“It’s part of our mission to help freshmen become part of the community. We set the standard, saying, ‘This is how we do things at St. Francis.’ Right off the bat, we do a lot of activities to get freshmen moving and talking to each other. We give them tools to succeed. We focus on our subjects, and time management and organization skills. We want them to talk to each other and learn with each other. The relationships build so quickly and positively.” – Jenny Stiefel, Freshman Religion Teacher

6. Activity Period

During this optional but unique time after academic classes, SFHS students join clubs (30+ options), meet with teachers, makeup tests, study, or just relax. Athletic practices begin at 3:15 p.m.

7. Freshman Retreats

October 4 – Freshman Retreat, on-site
October 11 – Freshman Service Retreat at Feed My Starving Children

"I Am St. Francis"

The Student Perspective:

What was most helpful to you freshman year to acclimate to the Spartan community?

KK D. ’24 (St. Patrick): “The summer camp for volleyball. It was easy to talk to the older girls because we had something in common and they were so supportive, which inspired me to perform at my best. Also, the freshman teachers really helped. For example, they would ask questions, like icebreakers, which allowed me to break out of my bubble. Many others would chime in, and we really got to know each other quickly.”

Dom B. ’24 (Eastview Middle School): ‘I didn’t know many people prior to coming to St. Francis. I came for a better education and strong sports programs (baseball, football). I was nervous because St. Francis has a reputation for being harder and stricter. Before the first day of school, I had the mindset that I would keep my old friends and just come to school. Once school started, I quickly realized I could open up. My mindset changed, and I became open to making new friends. There are so many great students here and within a month, I was ‘all in’. My advice – get involved; join a sport; meet students with similar interests during Activity Period; participate in clubs and activities.”

You're Invited!

Games (for the rest) of the Week – Go Spartans!

Thursday, September 7:

4:30 p.m.: Girls Swimming vs. Lake Forest Academy at Lake Forest Academy
7:00 p.m. Boys Soccer vs. Fenwick at SFHS

Friday, September 8:

4:00-9:00 p.m.: Spartan Girls Tennis Friday Night Lights; enjoy five food trucks, music by the SFHS Rock Band, and 150 girls competing on our new courts as the team faces Batavia High School
7:30 p.m.: Football vs. St. Laurence High School at St. Laurence

Saturday, September 9: