St. Francis High School Junior Spartan Newsletter

Join Us On The SFHS Path

"In prayer we speak to God, and we hear Him speak to us."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

Empowering Your Child to Choose the Right School

When parents ask how to guide their child through the Catholic high school admissions process, my advice is simple: give your child the confidence to make an informed choice by experiencing the schools firsthand. Here are three ways to help them find the right fit:

1. Focus on the Details: The small things matter, they shape your child’s daily life. Explore the school’s Program of Studies and Viewbook to understand how your child can be challenged, grow their strengths, and thrive academically. Reviewing this information together helps your child visualize their journey and feel confident in their decision.

2. Identify Hallmark Qualities: Every school has unique characteristics that define the student experience. Attend Shadow Days, Open Houses, or personal tours to see these qualities in action. Ask yourself: Does the environment match my child’s needs and personality? At St. Francis High School, for example, our community inspires connection, with 96% of students participating in activities! Sharing these insights helps children imagine themselves as part of a welcoming, engaged community.

3. See the Big Picture: Once you understand the details and culture, evaluate how the school supports your child’s goals. Does the curriculum align with college aspirations? Is technology used to enhance learning? Will your child receive the support they need to succeed? Highlighting these factors to your 8th grader can help them appreciate how a school’s offerings align with their future.

Take the next step toward becoming a Spartan by joining us for the Entrance Exam on Saturday, December 6. Discover how St. Francis High School’s Franciscan values, top-tier academics, and cutting-edge technology come together to prepare students to thrive.

By taking the Entrance Exam at SFHS, your student will be eligible for more than 35 scholarships worth up to $7,000 and receive priority admission consideration. See how SFHS nurtures confident, resilient, and self-aware young adults ready for college and beyond.

Pace e Bene—Peace and all good.

Patrick Jacobsen

Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

Technology in the Classroom

SFHS Named Microsoft Showcase School
for 9th Consecutive Year

St. Francis High School is a Microsoft Showcase School for the ninth consecutive year! Selected by Microsoft, Showcase Schools are an elite group that exemplifies the best of teaching and learning in the world today. We are 1 of a very small group of schools in the U.S. and around the world to earn this designation.

As a Showcase School, SFHS works closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education transformation. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly to utilize technology in the classroom, embrace modern learning techniques, and push advancements in education in an ever-changing environment.

“In today’s academic landscape, preparing high school students for the demands of college research is not optional—it is essential,” said Adam Lindley, school counselor. “One of the most effective tools to bridge this gap is the Microsoft Surface Pro… the Surface Pro empowers students to become independent, resourceful learners. It equips them not just to complete assignments, but to develop the critical research and problem-solving skills that colleges expect. Investing in this technology is not simply about providing students with a device; it is about preparing them to thrive in the next stage of their academic journey. By placing these tools in the hands of students, we give them the confidence, skills, and resources to succeed in college and beyond.”

Every student, teacher, and staff member at SFHS is equipped with a Surface Pro 9 machine, as well as a keyboard, stylus, protective case, and carrying sleeve. The Surface Pro 9 is now the fourth generation of Surface Pro that has walked the halls of SFHS, as the Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 5, and Surface Pro 7+ have been used by students and faculty previously.

In order to receive the Microsoft Showcase School designation, schools must:

Be a leading institution of vision and thought leadership
Foster a culture of learning and a growth mindset
Drive personalized learning to meet students’ academic, emotional, and social needs and help every student realize their full potential
Prepare students with future-ready skills for use in current and future education and learning
Demonstrate innovative use of technology, using Microsoft solutions, to drive positive impact and student success with future-ready skills
Demonstrate thought leadership in building a schoolwide vision as the starting place for a holistic digital transformation using Microsoft’s Education Transformation Framework

SFHS meets the following Showcase School criteria amongst faculty and staff:

100% MEC/Microsoft Learn Active Accounts
54% of educators have completed the AI for educators pathway
42% 21st Century Learning Design Teacher Completion
11 Active Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts(MIEE) (18% of Teachers)
4 Educators (7% of Faculty) MCE Certified – Kim Fermoyle, Katie Lembas, Tim Martens, Mary McCarthy
100% of learners, educators, and staff use Microsoft 365
100% of learners, educators, and staff use Microsoft Teams
100% of devices are Windows 11

"I Am St. Francis"

The Student Perspective:
What Did Your Shadow Day Mean to You?

“The Microsoft technology at SFHS has been very beneficial to me because it allows me to complete my studies anytime and anywhere. Since the Surface Pros are thin, portable, and foldable, I can easily bring mine with me on long car rides or to a coffee shop to study. This flexibility helps me stay productive outside of school. In addition, if I ever experience any issues with my Surface Pro, the IT Department is always helpful and provides reliable support, making the technology even more dependable.” – Deano B. ‘26

“The Microsoft technology at SFHS has been most beneficial to me because of its organization and accessibility. It helps me keep track of my assignments and helps my time management.” – Emily M. ‘28

“The Surface Pros are nice because they remove the papers that I would previously have to organize. I don't have to constantly worry about bringing certain notebooks or papers, and I can easily carry everything I need for the whole day on me.” – Augustine C. ‘27

Around SFHS

Spartans Celebrate State Honors and Playoff Wins

Congratulations to Girls Cross Country for taking 2nd at the IHSA State Meet last weekend, to Spartan Football for advancing to the Quarterfinals of the IHSA Playoffs, and Girls Swimming for the IHSA Sectional placements: Audrina C. '27 (6th - Butterfly) and Riley D. '29 (6th - Back). We are #SpartanProud of all of you!

Spartan Football continues its IHSA Playoff run at HOME at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday, November 15, against King College Prep.