Congratulations to the SFHS Choral and Band programs!
The results are in for the IHSA State Solo & Ensemble State Contest, and
Nina Schroeder and her choir students are
BACK to BACK STATE CHAMPS!
In addition, the BAND, under the direction of Bob Mamminga is the
STATE RUNNER-UP!
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Join Us On The SFHS Path
“Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little”
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
7th Graders Benefit from Spring Shadow Day
The St. Francis High School campus bursts with natural beauty, and as spring attempts to bloom outside, students blossom all around us. Ninth graders are shedding the “freshman cocoon” and settling in as Spartans. Sophomores and juniors continue to flower in academic and personal pursuits. And seniors, ready to fly the nest, are perched in the glow of graduation and promise. St. Francis High School graduates extend an impressive wingspan. We receive so many notes about students who have earned success after taking root in our culture. These spring days, SFHS seniors are not only deciding among excellent college opportunities but also considering generous scholarships as a return on their SFHS investment. What a privilege to play this meaningful role in each SFHS student’s achievement and journey to adulthood.
We invite seventh graders to grow a bit here, too, with a Shadow Day to gently till their transition from middle school to the college prep journey. Parents agree this introductory visit allows students greater confidence and clarity when they shadow again as eighth graders. Did you know, we also welcome parents? Join me for a tour while school is in session. If you’re curious about SFHS or just haven’t seen inside a high school for a while, register for a Talk & Tour at https://sfhstour.youcanbook.me/.
-Maureen Isphording,
Director of Admissions
P.S. Register here for SFHS Summer Camps! Check out the many options for your child to explore the arts and sports. We can’t wait to see you this summer.
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Transfer Perspective: Five Questions for Transfer Students Ryan ‘22 and Maggie ‘23
1. Activities involved in at SFHS?
Maggie: I am involved in basketball and will be playing soccer this spring.
Ryan: Baseball.
2. Most challenging or favorite class?
Maggie: My most challenging class is also my favorite class, APUSH. The class is difficult with a quick moving curriculum, but my teacher makes the class fun and interesting at the same time.
Ryan: My history classes. My teacher brings great positive energy to the class everyday with his great sense of humor.
3. Describe the transition to SFHS.
Maggie: My biggest concern when transferring to St. Francis was trying to integrate into the culture and find my way around. This was easily addressed because everyone was so accommodating to me. Students were coming up to me and introducing themselves, and teachers were reaching out, asking how to make my mid-year transition easier.
The transition to St. Francis couldn’t have been easier for me, even though I transferred a couple of weeks into the school year. Students helped me out and showed me around the school, and the staff were extremely accommodating, offering solutions and help when I was struggling academically.
Ryan: My transfer to SFHS has gone very well. Everyone here is welcoming and quite a few kids here involved me when I arrived.
4. Why are you glad you chose to transfer to SFHS?
Maggie: I am so glad I decided to transfer to St. Francis because the community is unlike any other I have ever experienced. It is so kind and welcoming and helped me find my way to fit in immediately.
Ryan: The benefits of going here is that I know I am receiving top tier education.
5. What is one word you would use to describe your feeling toward SFHS?
Maggie: One word I would use to describe my feeling at St. Francis is welcomed.
Ryan: I would say I am thankful to be here at St Francis. I really love it here and I love coming to school now.
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Only at St. Francis High School
A Parent’s Guide to Opportunity in SFHS Religion
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Would you be surprised to learn Religion is one of students’ favorite classes at St. Francis High School?
Parents often ask why students like Religion so much, so we asked Religion teacher Christine Paolella, ’08 the same question:
“I believe students enjoy Religion courses because these are classes that challenge students to reflect deeply, thoughtfully, and maturely about themselves, their relationships with others, and their relationship with God. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, students are encouraged to consider the many ways we come to be in relationship with God as brothers and sisters in Christ. St. Francis’s invitation to be in community with all people, to reach out to the margins, to live with humility and to serve God is an invitation that our students contemplate over the course of their four years in Religion classes. Religion classes approach these conversations in many ways, including discussions, contemplative and embodied practices, rituals, readings, analyzing music and movies, and completing written reflections. Students are challenged to learn a great deal in Religion classes, but they are also encouraged to grow and be in relationship with God and others.”
Religion at SFHS extends into real life because teachers care about each student and the bigger picture of applying theology to life’s situations. Teachers reach out to students in relevant ways, and the department’s comprehensive curriculum pairs with the ongoing practices of daily prayer, Christian service hours, grade-level retreats, and daily/all-school monthly liturgies. Studying Religion at St. Francis High School also prepares students to transition to college experiences.
Department Overview: As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to continue His mission in the Church by proclaiming the Gospel to our students. Rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition and the charism of St. Francis of Assisi, the department seeks to make the Reign of God present through the cultivation of faith among our students. By following the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) standards and the religious traditions of the Catholic faith, our students are challenged by the Franciscan values and charism, and they are mindful of an intellectual tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking. Working with the office of Pastoral Ministry, we hope to evangelize our students with the Gospel in order to send them forth as disciples of Jesus Christ into the world.
Graduation requirement: 4 credits
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*Designates a one semester course
Quick Questions with Department Chair Kristen Ras:
1. With such an emphasis of core subjects (i.e. Reading, Math) from governmental leaders and public schools, why is Religion an important class to include in the St. Francis High School curriculum?
Religion is a part of culture. It is in our society, history, and language. Religion is also a means of communication—it communicates our values and priorities. For people of faith, understanding their religion is an on-going process that is a constant part of their development. Studying religion is an essential component when educating the whole person.
Religion classes never assess or judge a student’s personal faith, be it Catholic or non-Catholic—everyone has the opportunity to learn the same information and reflect on it in a personal way. For a Catholic student, our hope is that religion classes will provide more opportunity for formation and transformation. Non-Catholic students do not need prior Catholic ‘training;’ all students in religion classes are provided the opportunity to learn the material. Tests and assessments cover information, but we do not grade a student on their personal faith or values. SFHS tries to follow the example and tradition of Jesus Christ as well as the spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi, which means everyone has a place and opportunity for personal enrichment if they desire.
2. Why do religion classes follow a articular sequence?
We follow the sequence of classes as set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). All textbooks and class materials are consistent with the standards according to the national curriculum established by the USCCB.
3. What do you view as the Religion department’s three greatest teaching strengths at SFHS?
a) Passion—all of our teachers are extremely dedicated, not only to the material we teach, but also to our own faith development and enrichment.
b) Highly educated—all of our teachers are well educated and specifically trained to teach religion curriculum at the high school level.
c) Welcoming—one of teachers, Mr. Page, is fond of saying, “Students do not care what you know if they do not know that you care.” I believe all our teachers strive to create a warm and inclusive environment for students.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
What is your favorite thing about Religion class?
- “We are able to have a break in the school day to grow in our relationship with God” -Ella C. ‘23
- “The teachers! They all work tirelessly to provide the best environment for enhancing and experiencing our faith.” -Sam S. ‘21
- “We have the opportunity to talk more about applying religion to our lives, rather than simply learning about the facts and figures.” – Elizabeth K. ‘21
- “I love Religion class at SFHS because we can talk to our peers, get to know ourselves and God better!” -Caelynn K. ‘21
How has your faith deepened as a result of daily Religion class?
- “My teachers have taught me to be aware of my surroundings and reach out to others in need.” -Gianni P. ‘21
- “My teachers have presented me with a lot of new material and challenged me to think deeper and help me better understand my faith.” – Guy D. ‘22
- “As a Lutheran at a Catholic school, my teacher has helped me understand Catholicism, yet she still allows me to express my beliefs during class.” -Ella H. ‘23
- “My teacher connects faith to things that we as teenagers can relate to. I think it’s another reason I find class so enjoyable. It makes me feel more connected to my classmates and more confident in my faith.” -Amari T. ‘23
A Sample of Experiences that Complement the Department
- Daily Mass, all-school prayer
- Monthly all-school Mass
- Reconciliation
- Four-year Retreat Program
- Christian Service Program
- Student Ministry Team
- Men’s Spirituality Group/Women’s Spirituality Group
- Summer Service Trip
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Beyond Admissions Events
You're Invited!
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2021 Student Art Show
Please Join us for the 2021 Student Art Show!
Thursday, April 15, 2021 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
St. Francis High School Atrium and LRC
Free Admission
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Walkthrough exhibition displaying work from all levels.
- Juried by two local artists.
- Safety Precautions in place- Reservations Limited.
***Each person in your group must be signed up individually.***
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UPCOMING EVENTS*
*In order to prioritize the health and wellness of our community, visit events will take place in a limited capacity while observing social distancing and safety measures. Please understand that we may need to revise or cancel visits as we monitor COVID updates.
Talk & Tour
Shadow
Summer Camps
VIRTUAL VISIT
Campus Tour
Shadow Visit
Information Session
One-on-One
Virtual Campus Tour
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Maureen
Isphording
Director of Admissions
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SFHS Featured on Fox 32 Pep Rally Friday
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Feast of St. Francis
We hope you enjoy our talented choir singing the prayer of St. Francis
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120 Full year and semester course offerings
19 Honors courses
17 Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses
CO-CURRICULAR: ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
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24 sports programs
65% of students participate in the performing arts
77% of students participate in athletic programs
PASTORAL MINISTRY
Provides opportunity for prayer and worship, retreats, justice and service, ministry leadership formation, pastoral care, and community building
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SFHS Bus Service
St. Francis High School offers bus transportation. The school provides two-way bus service in the northern, western and southern suburbs, with students arriving to St. Francis High School by 7:25 a.m. and departing school after the Activity Period at 3:15 p.m.
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