All-School Liturgy – September 1, 2021
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Join Us On The SFHS Path
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
“Begin the High School Decision with Small Steps”
Sometimes parents agonize over high school admissions, and when they do, I urge them not to worry, because a few small steps clarify this big decision. Starting this month, St. Francis High School will host a series of Information Sessions, Open Houses, Tours, and Shadow Visits to help families explore SFHS. I love these events! They calm nerves and illuminate the question, “How is SFHS right for my child?” Events extend through November, then end with the Entrance Exam on December 4. So, just for fun, I thought this issue’s quote, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, could walk us through small steps that just may lead to a life-changing high school decision.
1. Start by doing what is necessary
Visit the website. The Admissions tab provides everything you need to know, including terms for first-time parents. Request information, preview the calendar and register for events you like.
2. Then do what’s possible
Attend a few Admissions events. There’s no better way to understand St. Francis High School than by visiting campus. Here are some of our major events:
Information Sessions— 9/23 and 11/16 at 9:00 a.m.
Shadow Program—September through May. 8th graders are recommended to visit in the fall; 7th graders in the spring. Students will visit classes with an SFHS host and experience college prep with a Franciscan spirit.
Campus Tours—Monday-Friday, any time, for parents and families.
Open House—Thursday, October 21 and Sunday, November 7
Middle School Nights—Free Admission to varsity games. Experience the Spartan spirit!
- Girls’ Volleyball Middle School Night, 9/28, 6:00 p.m.
- Fall Play Middle School Night, 10/7, 7:00 p.m.
- Football Middle School Night, 10/15, 7:30 p.m
3. Then suddenly you’re doing the impossible
(Open House registration opens mid-September)
I can’t wait to introduce you to the joys of St. Francis High School. As always, please call me with any special concerns.
-Maureen Isphording,
Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Alumni Perspective: Six Questions for Alumni with Freshman Children at SFHS: Susie Erazmus ’91 Wolf and Tony Zagotta ‘94
1. How has SFHS changed from when you were a student?
Susie: In the 30 years since I last walked the halls as a student at SFHS, the school has changed and not changed in the best of ways. Through committed donors and strategic business development efforts, the SFHS of today offers so much more for students with regard to the physical infrastructure of the school. The new Spyglass gym, theater, science wing, and football field are among some of the best structural improvements offering state-of-the-art facilities in which students can learn, grow, and become their best selves. What hasn’t changed is the strong moral code and faith-based foundation on which the school was built. In fact, I think it may be even stronger today than when I was a student. You can feel the loving heartbeat of the school the second you step onto the campus. It’s a familiar feeling, and it is awesome.
Tony: There are two things that have changed since I was a student from 1990-1994. The campus and student enrollment stand out right away. Added buildings dedicated to specific classes and needs along with exterior improvements throughout the grounds really make SFHS shine more than it ever has. Hence the reason for student growth. It’s as desirable of a college prep high school as it’s ever been. I couldn’t be prouder of my alma mater.
2. Why did you choose to send your child to your alma mater?
Susie: We actually didn’t choose to send our son, John (’25) to SFHS. In fact, I genuinely wanted him to explore all of our amazing Catholic and public schools in the area when the time came to start thinking about high school. Just because I loved my experience at SFHS didn’t necessarily mean that it would be the right school for him. And, trust me, that was a difficult thing for me to do! In the end, John chose SFHS on his own after touring other area schools. I think that says a lot about SFHS and the way they interacted with him as a potential student. Now that he is a freshman there, he already feels at home. That makes me proud of SFHS and excited for him.
Tony: My wife and I chose to send our daughter to St. Francis because we wanted to give her the opportunity to go from good to great.
3. Describe your child’s transition (so far) from middle school to St. Francis.
Susie: John plays on the SFHS JV football team. Over the summer, he attended football camp where he was able to meet other incoming Freshmen as well as current students across all grades. Even before the first day of school, he had already made so many new friends which significantly decreased any anxiety and first-day jitters. Even if he had not gotten involved in football this summer, the way SFHS interacts with students throughout the summer leading into the first day of school is amazing. You can see that the administration cares so much for each and every student, offering multiple ways to get involved through academics, clubs, sports, and activities.
Tony: Alyssa has had a very positive transition. She has been involved with cheer since she tried out in May and has made new friendships while also maintaining old ones. It’s such a great feeling as a parent to hear about the new friends she has made and her desire to get involved at St. Francis.
4. How has your SFHS education and student experience impacted your life?
Susie: The most prominent way SFHS impacted my life is through the solid academic foundation I was provided. I attribute my SFHS education to my subsequent academic success, earning a BA in Communication, MA in Communication, MA in Clinical Psychology, and PsyD (ABD) in Clinical Psychology. From there, I have been able to build an enriching and successful career. I recall starting college and thinking it was so easy. I will forever be grateful for my SFHS years.
Tony: My St. Francis experience as a whole has been nothing short of positive in my life - from the education I received, to the extracurricular activities I participated in, to the lifelong friendships I am blessed to still have. The four years I spent there helped mold me into the person I am. I couldn’t be more appreciative to have had the opportunity to attend such a great school.
5. What advice do you have to families with children in grammar/middle school beginning to consider high schools?
Susie: I would encourage all families to take the time to consider all of our amazing local high schools—both public and private. I have no doubt that SFHS will outshine them all for the right families at the right time, making the decision an easy one.
Tony: Consider all your options. Take the time to go to open houses and hear about the school from academics, sports, and scholarships to everything in between. Have your child shadow with other students. It gives them a chance to experience what it is really like. Lastly, if you think that you cannot afford to send your child to St. Francis, there are so many amazing scholarships out there. Where there is a will, there is a way.
6. What is one word that encapsulates your experience at SFHS?
Susie: Home.
Tony: Grateful!
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Only at St. Francis High School
Experience the SFHS difference, which provides 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: COLLEGE & LIFE PREP
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College Prep Resource Guide for Parents
Supporting every student, every day, all four years. That is the hallmark of the SFHS college preparatory foundation. But with so many resources, it’s hard for parents to keep track. Counselors and teachers make sure students are informed and supported, so here’s a parent list of September’s wide-ranging services, which exceed both public and Catholic high school norms.
This Month in College Prep – 6 September Events for Parents and Students
Parents, take note of this month’s sequenced events that correspond with needs during each phase of high school. Trained counselors guide students step-by-step through the mazes of preparation and deadlines, offering programming and support. These events keep parents informed and on schedule, too. Here is a look at five SFHS Counseling Events offered in September.
1. Meet the Counselors Breakfast for Freshman Parents: Counselors Mrs. Rupp and Mrs. O’Connor provide resources and focus on SFHS resources and support, such as how to navigate freshman year and how parents can best support freshmen at home.
2. Meet the Counselors Breakfast for Sophomore Parents: Counselors Mrs. Rupp and Ms. O’Connor provide resources and focus on tips for continued academic and career development success, look ahead to junior year, and provide information on the Naviance Career Exploration program.
3. Parent Information Program on College Planning for Junior and Senior Parents: Director of Counseling Mrs. Bridget Buckley reviews key factors in college admission; explains steps in the college, scholarship, and financial aid application process.
4. Coffee with the Counselors for Senior Parents: Counselors Bridget Buckley and Adam Lindley explain the college admission and application process. Topics include completing college applications, using Naviance, requesting recommendations and transcripts, completing the Common Application, and applying for scholarships.
5. College Application and Essay Program for Students and Parents: Julie Nelson of Xavier University will discuss college application essay prompts, provide examples of well-written and poorly written college essays, and describe ways to make a college application unique.
6. College Financial Aid Program for Parents: Paul Daly of OMH Partners explains the myths and facts of college financial aid, tips to complete financial aid forms, updates on the FAFSA, and ways families can obtain the maximum amount of financial aid.
This Month in Counseling – 5 Groups for Students
In addition to college prep events, SFHS Counseling offers wide-spanning comprehensive support to safeguard students’ health and adjustment in and out of the classroom. Here’s an overview of this year’s expansive counseling offerings for all students.
1. Freshman SUCCESS Group: to help students meet people, learn study skills and test-taking techniques, transition to high school, and use the Surface Pro for effective organization and note-taking.
2. Support Groups I & II: for students dealing with challenging situations such as divorce, family conflict, social isolation, etc. Also focuses on building resilience and coping skills to deal with depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and other personal challenges.
3. Grief Group: for students who have experienced a significant loss.
4. Transfer Students Group: for transfer students to meet other transfer students, providing opportunities to ask questions about classes, activities, and SFHS happenings.
5. Girls Empowerment Group: focusing on stress management, self-esteem, girl's health issues, and encouragement.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Talk & Tour
September-May
September 23
September 28
October 7
October 15
October 21
Open House
Registration opens
mid-September
November 7
Open House
Registration opens
mid-September
November 16
December 4
VIRTUAL VISIT
Campus Tour
Shadow Visit
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Maureen
Isphording
Director of Admissions
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27 – Class of 2021 Average ACT Score
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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
19 Honors Courses
17 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
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96% of Students Participate in at Least One Activity
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24 Sports Programs
74% 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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