Celebrations or news to share? 
Please contact Erin Holmes at eholmes@sfhscollegeprep.org

Seeking wisdom is one commitment of The Francis Way.

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. St. Francis High School will honor this date with educational programming and student opportunities.

Friday, September 11, will include:

·      Moments of silence marking key points in the September 11 timeline.

·     A wreath placed by our outdoor American Flag (Door 19).

·      Friday Night Lights featuring first responders and an American tirbute.

·      Limited-edition hats bearing our logo and the US. Flag will be sold for $25. The proceeds support a new scholarship for SFHS students whose family members have served in the military or as first responders. Preorder hats using this form.

Our intention is to unite in remembrance, balancing history’s sorrow with today’s hope.

Yearbook and ID picture retake day is Monday, October 5. Students may report to the Rosmonowski Room for their retake during lunch or study hall, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No sign up is required.

If you received your photo packet, please bring it with you on October 5. If you have questions, contact HRImaging at (815) 433-1766.

Student Government has planned a fun-filled week for all students. Get ready for A Week in Paris!

The calendar below details Homecoming themes and activities.

Homecoming Dance Details

• The dance is at SFHS at Spyglass Athletic Center
• The dance begins at 7:00 p.m. Doors close 30 minutes after the dance begins.
• A current Student ID is required for admittance.
• Students cannot leave the dance until 9:00 p.m.
• Once a student leaves the dance, he/she cannot return and must leave campus.
• The dance ends at 9:30 p.m. Parents: Pick-up should be no later than 9:30 p.m.

Do students go with dates or friends?

Dates are optional. At SFHS, it is encouraged and customary to attend with a large group of friends. Many students (especially underclassmen) choose to attend with friends. It's a great way to enjoy without the pressure of having a date!

How do I buy a dance ticket?

Tickets go on sale Monday, September 7, via a link in mySFHS within the Resource Board in the Homecoming tile. The ticket deadline is Wednesday, October 1.

What is the dance dress code?

To ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all attendees, students are expected to wear semi-formal attire that abides by the SFHS dress code. Guidelines:

• Semi-formal attire includes dresses for girls and dress shirts, ties, and slacks for boys.
• Footwear must be worn at all times. Bringing a change of shoes is recommended (dress shoes can become uncomfortable as the night goes on).
• Dresses and skirts must be an appropriate length, typically falling at or near fingertip length. Excessively short dresses are not permitted.
• Clothing cannot have large cutouts, be transparent, or expose undergarments. Backless and strapless dresses are permitted only in line with the dress code.

Where can I find more information?

Details on parking, dates from outside SFHS, and more is available in mySFHS within the Resource Board in the Homecoming tile. Additional information can be found in the “School Dance Policy” section of the Student-Parent Handbook.

Special thanks to Lily J. '27 for designing this year's Homecoming Shirts! Shirts are available now in mySFHS within the Resource Board in the Homecoming Tile.

The deadline to order is Friday, September 11.

Blood Drive - Thursday, November 19: Our annual Blood Drive is open to the entire community, including SFHS parents, alumni and students over the age of 16 who have parental permission. Last fall, we collected 107 units of blood that helped us save as many as 321 lives. Let’s see what we can do this year!


Heart Screening - Tuesday, February 2: We are thrilled to once again offer our Young Hearts for Life screening, working with the nonprofit to test students for previously unknown heart issues.More details coming soon! We rely on parent volunteers to make the program possible. Please mark your calendars and join us!

The St. Francis Community gathered for our first all-school Mass this week, offering special blessings to freshmen, new staff, faculty and our new president.

"The true wisdom you are going to experience in your years here at St. Francis will never be on a test," Religion Department Chair Kristen Ras told the students. "It is the wisdom you will gain in your character, your integrity and your discipline."

The Francis Way represents SFHS' four core commitments: Nurturing Relationships, Serving Others, Seeking Wisdom and Encouraging Peace. Throughout our school community, we consistently see evidence of The Francis Way.

This week. we're spotlighting Girls Tennis and our Mission and Ministry Team (MMT) students, both demonstrating acts of service.

Members of the Girls Tennis team packed boxes, Serving Others, for Phil's Friends, a nonprofit providing Christ-centered support to those affected by cancer through care packages, cards of hope, encouragement and prayer. In total, they colored 79 cards and decorated and packed 20 boxes that will make a significant difference.

Our MMT students spent last weekend at the Franciscan House of Prayer in Frankfort, using an overnight retreat to Nurture Relationships and set the stage for the year ahead. They had large and small group activities, prayer, Mass and affirmations. This is a student leadership group that helps with service, retreats, community building and prayer opportunities at SFHS.

Senior Parents: Coffee with the Counselors

9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10

Rosmonowski Room

Presented by counselors Bridget Buckley and Adam Lindley, this event covers a variety of information about the college application and selection process. Topics include completing a college application, using Naviance, requesting recommendations and transcripts, the Common Application, scholarships, and other general parent questions. Attendance is limited. To RSVP, email Michele LeBeau at mlebeau@sfhscollegeprep.org. Questions? Contact Bridget Buckley at bbuckley@sfhscollegeprep.org or Adam Lindley at alindley@sfhscollegeprep.org.

College Applications Essay and Personal Statement Night

7:00 p.m. Monday, September 14

Kuhn Cultural Arts Center



This event is open to all students and parents. Kathryn Hankamp, a Saint Louis University admissions counselor, will discuss writing essays for college applications; personal statements; essay prompts; and how to make a college application unique and standout. Questions? Email Adam Lindley at alindley@sfhscollegeprep.org.

The Irish Fellowship Educational and Cultural Foundation Scholarship is need-based and is awarded to a full-time student(s) with preference given to freshmen and sophomores of Irish descent. The award is applied to students' SFHS tuition. For consideration, applicants must complete two requirements:


• Attach an essay of 300 words or less (double-spaced) explaining the impact of their Irish American identity on their life and what Irish culture means to them.
• Attach an essay of 250 words or less (double-spaced) explaining their need for support and, if awarded, how it will assist them in future endeavors.

To apply, email the essays with the subject “Irish Fellowship Scholarship Application” to Janet Thelen at jthelen@sfhscollegeprep.org. Reminder: Applications are due 9/14.

We're Hiring: Part-Time Admissions Outreach Coordinator. Visit our Employment Page for more details and information on how to apply.

St. Francis Adult Trip: Join us at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8 in the Rosmonowski Room (Enter Door 1) to learn more about the 2027 Spring Trip: Alpine Adventure - Bavaria, Austria and Swiss Lakes. This trip is open to all, including parents, alumni and others within the SFHS community.

Seniors - Meningitis Vaccine: Members of the Class of 2027 must submit proof of the second dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Many students receive the second dose on or around their 16th birthday. Please check your student’s health immunization record to ensure this is completed. If a second dose is needed, please schedule it soon and upload the proof of immunization to Magnus Health under the Child Health Immunization Form field.

Opt-In for Text Messages: In the event of an inclement weather schedule change or emergency, we send text message notifications to parents in addition to an email and phone call. Parents must opt-in to receive text messages. Text "Yes" to 79041 and then save the number as SFHS in your contacts so you don't miss the message.

2026-27 School Year Calendar: Access all calendars in mySFHS within the Resource Board in the Dean's Tile.

Lunch Menu: Located in mySFHS within the Resource Board in the Food Service tile.