January 10th, 2025

Dear SFX Families,

The howls were loud and proud this week as we kicked off the third quarter! I’m so grateful to our incredible staff, students, and families for making it a spirited and smooth start to the new year.

Our students quickly settled back into their routines, and it was wonderful to see their energy and enthusiasm throughout the week. We’re looking forward to continuing this positive momentum in the days ahead.

As we celebrate this start, we also pause to keep those affected by the fires in Los Angeles in our thoughts and prayers. May they find strength and support during this challenging time.

If you're looking for ways to support those in need, please consider giving to our Catholic faith community in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. More information can be found here.

Wishing you a restful weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on Monday.

Peace,

Ryan Watson

Important Dates

Sunday, January 12th

Family Mass (KC)

9:00am | SFX Church

Wednesday, January15th

Kid in the Corner

8:15am | Library

4th-8th Grade parents

All School Mass

9:30am | SFX Church

2nd grade leading; for the intention of Betty O’Melia, grandmother of Olivia and Lauren Sifferman

Thursday, January 16th

Talent Show Auditions

After school, 4th-8th Grade

Friday, January 17th

Free Dress Day

See details below

Helpful Links

24-25 Planning Calendar

24-25 Google Calendar

Anonymous reporting form

Important Updates

Grades in FACTS: Please be on the lookout for an email from Mrs. Jemsek regarding grades for the first semester (K-2) and second quarter (3-8).

News & Events

Special Class: 4th-8th Grade Parents

Kid in the Corner, founded by Francine Sumner, was created in memory of her son Zach, who died by suicide in 2017. The organization's mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and to support the kid in the corner, whoever that may be.

We are honored to welcome Francine Sumner to SFX to speak with our parents about the upcoming Kid in the Corner presentation we will have for our 4th-8th grade students. Following her presentation, parents will have the opportunity to opt in or out of the student presentation.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our school counselor, Mrs. Garlick.

SFX Annual Auction

Calling all golf enthusiasts and music lovers! We have some exciting raffle items available for the 2025 WM Phoenix Open!

Each raffle ticket is $100 and we will only sell 100 tickets for each package. The raffle winners will be announced on Friday, January 24th.

🎤 4 Tickets to the Concert at the Coliseum

The kickoff concert is on Saturday, February 1st, featuring country music superstar Blake Shelton and three-time GRAMMY winner Gwen Stefani.

⛳️ 4 Greenskeeper & Birds Nest Tickets

Enter for your chance to win 4 tickets for Friday, February 7th at the WM Phoenix Open. Tickets include entry into the Greenskeeper tent and complimentary food and beverages. This package also includes 4 tickets to the VIP area of the Birds Nest concert on Friday, February 7th featuring Nickelback and Josh Ross.

Purchase Tickets

Registration for our Auction Parties is live! These parties are hosted by SFX families throughout the year to continue to raise money for the Auction. They are a fun way to support the cause while getting to know other SFX families. You can sign up here.

Father Daughter Dance

Calling all dads and daughters! The annual SFX Father Daughter dance will be on Sunday, February 2nd. Mark your calendars for a special evening of dancing and lots of fun! The registration link will be available in next week's Howl. Reach out to Danny Bockting with any questions.

Mother Son Bingo

Calling all moms and sons for a few hours of fun and laughter at Mother Son Bingo! Join us for this fun community event in the SFX gym on Sunday, February 2nd from 12:00 to 2:00pm.

A mom and son pair is $35 with each additional son costing $15. Please sign up by January 27th so we can have an accurate headcount. Questions? Email Tiffani Pastor or Stacey Rothstein.

Announcements

Enrichment Open for 2nd Semester

Please visit our website for detailed information about our Enrichment Program offerings for the second semester. Math Team and Lacrosse still have some space! If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Clarke.

Scholarship Coaching Session

Confused about using tax credit funds and the Universal ESA program?

In conjunction with Arizona Tuition Connection, we will be hosting a Scholarship Optimization Session on Wednesday, January 22nd at 8:15am in the Library to help families learn the tips and tricks of using these two programs.

Our goal is to give you the education and resources you need to be successful in maximizing funding for your family.

The Wolf Den

Winter chills are finally here! We have plenty of sweatshirts in stock to keep you and your kiddos warm. Shop online today.

Are home improvement projects one of your New Year's resolutions? We have discounted gift cards to Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Lowe's and more!

Hungry Wolf Cafe

The January menu is here. Please make sure to place your orders before returning from break! Please note: Thursday, January 30th is cheese pizza, not what's listed in FACTS.

Weekly Highlights

New Mural in Junior High

Stop by the Junior High Commons to check out their brand new mural featuring our five SLEs.

Special Blessing in 1st Grade

Fr. Eddie stopped by 1st grade this week to bless their chalk for a special Epiphany tradition!

Families for Others

Kino Border Initiative Weekend Immersion Experience

Students in 7th-8th grade are invited to participate in the Kino Border Initiative Weekend Immersion Experience January 31st- Feb 2nd. They must attend with a parent or legal guardian.

Please see the itinerary for detailed information. You can register here. Students in 8th grade would receive credit for service hours. For questions, please email kinotrips@gmail.com.

SFX Families Serving our Neighbors in Need at St. Vincent de Paul

Sign up to volunteer downtown in the main dining hall at St. Vincent de Paul from 3:30-6:30pm. This is a great opportunity for families with kids 9 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

New this year! SFX families can access all volunteer opportunities and pick a date and time that works best for you instead of just Mondays.

For more information or to sign-up, click here. Questions? Email SFX parent volunteer Megan Garvey.

Community Events

Quick Links

St. Francis Xavier School | 602-279-0423 | school.sfxphx.org