Feast of Saint Francis Outdoor Liturgy
SFHS celebrated the first all-cohort mass of the year to honor the feast of our patron, Saint Francis of Assisi. Students, faculty, and staff all gathered on our new athletic field for the outdoor liturgies which were held on Monday and Tuesday.
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Join Us On The SFHS Path
“My God and my All! I wish to love You.”
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
“High Schools that Change Lives? You Bet!”
Can the right high school fit change your life? It’s a great question, and given my experience at various high schools, I vote “yes.” Education writer and college consultant, the late Loren Pope, advises families to “be bold,” “set your expectations high” and “don’t listen to blather” when discerning school fit.
“College isn’t just about the end result. It’s also about the means, the process, the path you take …” writes Pope in “Colleges that Save Lives.” “If the path is right for you—you’ll be a sharper, wiser, and better prepared adult.”
To find a life-changing fit, Pope says to pay attention to how a school educates its students. Pope’s litmus test? Look for a school that meets these descriptions:
- Won’t let you hide from your potential or yourself
- Focuses on the student
- Teaching is an act of love
- Students and faculty work closely together
- Community matters
“A good school is an extended family,” said Pope in a 2007 New York Times interview. “The learning is collaborative, not competitive. It’s a community of learning, and values are central.” He continued, “It is these circumstances that develop leaders, people who land on their feet, people who are bold and imaginative and who can see the big picture.”
Is it any wonder I thought of St. Francis High School when I browsed this popular book? These factors describe the SFHS journey, a path combining distinctive community spirit, unlimited opportunities, and exceptional college prep. I invite you to visit and see the difference. Find the Beginning of More at our Open House on Thursday, October 22, click here to register and Sunday, November 1 click here to register. Registration is required. Come explore the St. Francis High School path. It could change your child’s life.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Student Perspective: Five Questions for Emery C. ’22 and John A. ’21, Students Who Earned Perfect ACT/SAT Score
1. What activities have you been involved in at SFHS? Describe the balance between academic coursework responsibilities and having opportunities to get involved in co-curriculars. Is it possible to excel in both areas at SFHS?
Emery: Throughout my time at St. Francis, I have been involved in SMT (student ministry team), SALT (student ambassador leadership team), NHS, worship team, choir, math team, scholastic bowl, and the girls' swim team. Participating in co-curriculars at St. Francis while managing schoolwork is challenging, but it is also one of the best decisions a student can make. I choose to continue my involvement in those activities because they make my high school experience better, and I love being with people who share my interests. On worship team, I can express my love of singing. On scholastic bowl, I can put my knowledge of sharks and superheroes to good use. On SALT, I can talk to perspective students (I love talking to new people) and show them all that St. Francis has to offer. Each activity provides a new outlet to express myself outside of school without taking up too much of my time needed for schoolwork.
John: At St. Francis, I’ve participated in soccer, wrestling, and track since freshmen year, and I have been a member of men’s spirituality, scholastic bowl and math team. With two-hour practices every weekday and longer tournaments, games, and meets on weekends, sports are a huge time commitment. Luckily, the teachers at St. Francis understand that students are involved in co-curriculars and assign work accordingly. By prioritizing time, using class time effectively, and communicating with teachers, it is possible to excel in both co-curriculars and academic coursework.
2. Over the course of the last year, you both earned a perfect score on the ACT or SAT which is a tremendous accomplishment. What advice have you given/would you give to your SFHS classmates who may be nervous about taking standardized tests?
Emery: I think everyone has their own way of preparing for tests that works for them, so I don’t have any advice about how to study because it depends on the student. However, to reduce study time, I do recommend paying attention to your teachers; they know what they’re doing, and the material you learn in your classes can benefit you later when taking the ACT or SAT. This may sound ridiculous, but if you’re nervous about taking either exam, wearing your version of a “power suit” on test day might help. I received that suggestion before I took the SAT, and, oddly enough, wearing a science shirt and putting my hair into a high ponytail boosted my confidence tremendously on test day.
John: Although the ACT is intimidating, remember that the classes we take at St. Francis prepare us more than adequately for the test. It is important to familiarize yourself with the format of the test by practicing; however, don’t stress too much about the test because most questions are nothing you haven’t seen in your classes.
3. Describe your relationships with faculty/staff. Please provide an example of how they may have assisted you/gone out of their way to help you during your high school journey.
Emery: The faculty and staff at St. Francis are incredible, and they go above and beyond their duties as teachers or administrators to help students. Mr. Gorski, my English teacher sophomore year, is a phenomenal example of a teacher who truly cares about the education and well-being of his students. He deserves credit for my score on the language portion of the SAT. Everything I knew came from his teaching last year. In all four of the sections, I studied the least in language because I had learned almost every concept in Mr. Gorski’s class last year. Beyond his capabilities as an educator, Mr. Gorski pays attention to his students and notices if something is bothering them. One day I walked into his class noticeably stressed, and Mr. Gorski told me my score on a test we took the day before in English. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but that saved me days of worrying about my score.
John: At St. Francis, it is easy to form a personal relationship with your teachers. The teachers at St. Francis want you to learn, grow, and succeed and they will go out of their way to help you. My teachers often demonstrated this in my junior year; for example, my physics teacher, Dr. J came in before school and would stay after school to offer extra help to students who were struggling. During these after school review sessions, I not only improved my understanding of physics but was able to develop a personal relationship with my teacher.
4. What guidance would you give to parents of middle school students that are considering SFHS for their child’s high school experience?
Emery: I think the best way to experience St. Francis and determine if it the right school for your children is through all the events offered by the admissions office. Open houses, eighth grade day, and shadow opportunities can help both students and parents get to know the school and everything it offers.
John: St. Francis is an environment where you can excel in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars while maintaining a commitment to spirituality. St. Francis is a supportive environment that encourages success for all of its students.
5. What is one word that encapsulates your experience at St. Francis?
Emery: Joy-filled.
John: Blessed.
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Only at St. Francis High School
Beyond the School Day – A Sample of Activities in Fall 2020
We know that the arts, sports, and clubs play an important role in the lives of our students, giving them outlets for expression, fitness, ways to find friends and develop talents. Sports and activities have resumed, but with limitations, which include preference for outdoor activities to limiting attendees. However, the limitations do not deter the spirit of community, work ethic and determination of the SFHS Spartans. Thanks to the commitment, creativity, and dedication of SFHS coaches, teachers and club moderators, students continue to have opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. While the coronavirus has forced some athletics and other activities to be cancelled or postponed, others continue.
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Here We Go, Spartans: Arts Performance Recap
Fall Play
The SFHS Theatre Department presented Sixty-minute Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which ran Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4. This Shakespeare under the stars outdoor performance took place in between the SFHS baseball and softball fields.
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Music Ensemble (aka Rock Band) Concert
Music Ensemble celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis with a socially distanced performance on the baseball field on Sunday afternoon. Music centered on worship songs that are typically included in All-School Liturgies.
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Here We Go, Spartans: Fall Sports Update
Cross Country
The boys’ team is currently ranked 8th in the state and the girls’ team is ranked 24th. The team is preparing for conference championships taking place on Saturday, October 17 and regional championships on Saturday, October 24, 2020.
Boys Golf
Spartans finished second at the Montini Regional Tuesday night and will move on to Sectionals next week. Two players finished in the top 10. Congrats to Zach M. ’21 (2nd) and Danny R. ’22 (4th)!
Girls Golf
The Girls Golf team were named Conference Champions with Katherine L. ’21 winning the conference title. The team earned a 1st place finish at the Glenbard West 18-hole Invite in September. Overall, the team is having a great season, 8-2 in our dual matches and a 1st and 2nd place finish in our invites! Regionals begin Wednesday, October 7.
Girls Swimming
The team is gearing up for the final push with a dual meet against South Elgin October 15 and the MCAC championships. Results of the MCAC championships will be compiled from 4 sites for scoring and meet results. The girls are working hard and have had over 30 personal best times posted in the last 2 meets!
Girls Tennis
Girls Varsity Tennis finished the regular season with a record of 13-11-1. The Conference record was 3-1 and our record against fellow 1A schools was 10-3. Our MSC Conference Championships will be held on 10/10/20 at Timothy Christian School. SFHS is also hosting the area IHSA State Sectional on 10/16 & 10/17 where the top 6 players from 11 schools will compete.
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Did You Know? SFHS National Honor Society Offers Tutoring Sessions
National Honor Society members serve all St. Francis High School students by tutoring current students, no appointment needed. Any student may chat with tutors, who are active Junior and Senior NHS members four days a week before and after school. It’s easy, it’s free, and if students need a little enlightenment, it helps!
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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 Day
October 22
Open House
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration is required
November 1
Open House
12:00-4:00 p.m. Registration is required
November 7
Rise Up- Leadership Conference for 8th Grade Students
9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
December 5
Class of 2025 Entrance Exam
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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