Music Ensemble (AKA Rock Band) Rock Show 2021 |
Join Us On The SFHS Path
“Let us always and everywhere cling to our faith,
and believe humbly and firmly all that it teaches. ”
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
Parents of Grads Deserve Congratulations, Too
As eighth-graders graduate to high school and seniors move on to college, I think congratulations should automatically extend to parents because of the brave decisions that go into guiding our children through life’s stages and phases. I see this bravery all the time when parents schedule and visit SFHS for a tour.
New experiences change us. It’s not easy to explore a new high school option, but even contemplating the new helps families to assess and prioritize. Something brings parents to tour St. Francis High School. In my experience, it is usually our academic structure and quality college guidance that prompt a visit. But parents immediately recognize something unique and unexpected during their tour: the dynamic SFHS community and supportive teachers who see and challenge students. Parents then consider these factors into their high school decision, and even families who choose another path learn something valuable from touring. So as our school year winds down, I congratulate parents who were brave enough to explore a new trail and wish you all the best as your child moves forward.
If you would like to speak with me about your student and the SFHS path, please call. There are plenty of opportunities to explore St. Francis High School this summer, beginning with camps for students entering grades 4-12. You may register online at https://sfhs.8to18.com.
-Maureen Isphording,
Director of Admissions
P.S. Looking ahead: Mark calendars now for 8th Grade Day on August 4, 2021. All rising 8th graders are invited for a fun day on our high school campus getting to know other 8th graders as well as SFHS. Join the fun, games, activities, and opportunities to meet current students and teachers. Click here to register. I can’t wait to meet you there.
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Graduating Parent Perspective: 6 Questions for Chris and Jan Breyne, Parents of Maggie ‘21 and Henry ‘18
1. What grade school did Maggie and Henry attend? What activities did your children participate in at SFHS? What are they up to now?
Both children attended St. Isidore in Bloomingdale starting with 3-year-old pre-school. Activities at SFHS included band, jazz band, math team, scholastic bowl, volleyball, tennis, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Student Ministry Team, student retreat leader (Kairos), and NHS. Henry (2018) is at Purdue majoring in Construction Engineering and Management and just completed his junior year. He will be headed to California for an internship this summer. Maggie (2021) will be attending Purdue this fall majoring in Civil Engineering. She will be joining the Women in Engineering learning community.
2. Describe the process of selecting SFHS with your children.
Our desire was to continue our children's Catholic education into their high school years. We attended open houses at several of the excellent choices in our area and had both children "shadow" at the schools as well. Based on those experiences, feedback from families who had students at the various schools and SFHS's outstanding academic reputation it became clear that St. Francis was a great fit for our children and our family.
3. What do you consider to be some of the most important characteristics of a high school community and how has SFHS measured up?
Not only did we want a high school that challenged our children academically and helped to develop them spiritually but also a place where we truly felt they "fit" in. The term "community" might seem overused at St. Francis, but it isn't. That sense of community helps foster a stronger student both in the classroom and in their faith development.
4. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience as a parent?
How quickly the past 7 years have flown by. One of the main reasons time seems to have passed so quickly is because our children looked forward to going to SFHS on a daily basis. Additionally, we have enjoyed the friendships developed with families through school activities and the parent organizations.
5. What advice do you have to families with children in middle school beginning to consider high schools?
Start exploring your options early. Have you child attend shadow days more than once. The first time can be intimidating. The second time they will be more relaxed and have a more authentic day in the life of a high school student. After you've done all that...choose St. Francis!
6. Your youngest child is graduating soon. What one word encapsulates your experience at SFHS?
GRATITUDE
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Only at St. Francis High School
A Parent’s Guide to Opportunity in SFHS World Languages
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World Languages at St. Francis High School offers an engaging Chinese, French, and Spanish academic experience, building students’ language skills as well as confidence and cultural connections. “We think it is important to make our students citizens of the world,” says Beth Brand, Chair of the World Languages Department, which hosts students trips to China, France, and Spain.
Department Overview: SFHS students choose to study Chinese, French and/or Spanish. The curriculum fosters participation in multilingual communities at home and abroad; full-immersion classroom opportunities; and additional outings, field trips, projects, events, and international travel to help students progress in skill. All department members have either lived and/or studied abroad.
Graduation Requirement: Two credits in the same language
Quick Questions with Department Chair, Beth Brand:
1. What are the benefits of learning a second language?
“First of all, learning another language supports our SFHS mission to develop responsible world citizens. We create a community that supports cultures and languages in order to understand our diverse and interesting world. Additionally, research has shown a correlation between learning languages and higher academic success at the college level as well as higher achievement on standardized tests. Lastly, many cognitive benefits relate to bilingualism.” https://www.actfl.org/advocacy/what-the-research-shows
2. What resources create SFHS’s language-rich classrooms?
“Our teaching involves wide-ranging techniques and tools to stimulate a classroom rich with communication and interaction. Using Surface Pro devices, students work with interactive applications to practice speaking, writing, and grammar in context. The Internet connects us to all corners of the world, and we draw on authentic sources. Face-to-face interaction with partner conversations, manipulatives, and group collaboration are a key factor in increasing students’ communication skills.”
3. Why are Spanish, French, and Chinese the languages offered at SFHS?
“Another mission we have at SFHS is to develop effective and creative communicators. Chinese and Spanish are two of the most spoken languages in the world, and French is the official language of many countries in Europe, Africa, and Canada. We want the students to participate in the global community in more than one language.”
SPOTLIGHTING CHINESE: Classes Offered--
- Chinese I, II
- Honors Chinese III
- Honors Advanced Placement Chinese Language & Culture
SPOTLIGHTING FRENCH: Classes Offered--
- French I, II
- Honors French II, III, IV
SPOTLIGHTING SPANISH: Classes Offered--
- Spanish I, II, III, IV, V
- Honors Spanish II, III, IV
- Honors Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language and Culture
Student Spotlight
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CHINESE: “The Chinese New Year activities are always my favorite. We take a few days to explore Chinese culture, and we have a lot of fun learning about legends and traditions. We have seen how different characters evolved into their modern looks, and this has helped me learn and remember new characters better through visual cues.” Katherine L. ‘21
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FRENCH: “I enjoyed making the children’s picture book and Pictionary with occupations vocabulary games. My teacher is always there to help; before school, during study hall, and after school. She makes sure we understand the lessons and speaks in French to help us as students get a better understanding of the language.” Ella D. ‘22
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SPANISH: “I like the writing activities we do in class because they really help with knowledge of vocabulary and verb tenses. My teacher has gone out of her way to help us in understanding the content of languages. She uses videos, fun and interactive lessons, and partner activities to teach us the material.” Xander R. ‘22
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Beyond Admissions Events
You're Invited!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Talk & Tour
Summer Camps
August 4
8th Grade Day
All rising 8th graders are invited to a fun-packed day!
October 21
Open House
November 7
Open House
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 |
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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