Brookfield Zoo Tree Decorating Kicks Off Advent and Christmas
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"Let us always and everywhere cling to our faith,
and believe humbly and firmly all that it teaches.
"
Saint Francis of Assisi
|
|
Welcome
For Parents with Questions:
Should My Child Take the Entrance Exam This Saturday?
Should your child take the Entrance Exam this Saturday? For the sake of opportunity, yes. I call this option the safe default because it keeps the door open to attend, a door you may want to revisit. Students who test at St. Francis High School receive priority admission and scholarship eligibility. In addition, the testing process gives students a frame of reference for their future college testing, making it a valuable experience in and of itself. If your child has taken the time to visit, attend an open house, or shadow and has enjoyed the St. Francis experience, then yes, I'd advise that student to take the test.
Each year I meet students who welcome the idea of attending St. Francis High School with a certain sense of eighth grade joy and peace. It's these students I hope to see Saturday, even if the ultimate path appears foggy right now. Because this high school path inspires college prep growth unlike any other, in both traditional and unexpected ways. Please know, I appreciate every family I have had the honor to encounter. If you have any questions before or even after the test, feel free to call me or schedule a personal admissions conversation (630) 668-5800 x1120. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome,
click here to register
.
See you Saturday!
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
|
|
"I Am St. Francis"
The Freshman Student Government Perspective: Five Questions for Freshman Board President Tim K. and Student Officers Joey C., Katherine G., and Bella Z.
1. What grade school did you attend? Why did you choose SFHS for your high school experience?
Joey:
I attended St. Walter School in Roselle. I chose St. Francis because of the loving and welcoming community. The school made my transition from middle school to high school much easier.
Katherine:
I went to St. Michael in Wheaton for my kindergarten through eighth grade experience. I chose St. Francis because when I shadowed here, I felt so welcomed and I knew I belonged in this community. I loved how inclusive everyone was and how I could find my way with Christ.
Tim:
I went to Saints Peter and Paul in Naperville. I chose SFHS because the school stuck out to me as a place for me to grow academically and also as a place to grow in my faith and in friendship.
Bella:
I attended St. Walter School in Roselle for grade school. I chose St. Francis because it immediately felt like the best fit for everything that I wanted to achieve in high school. This may be through academics, faith, or even extra-curricular activities.
2. What co-curricular activities have you been a part of so far? And plan to be this year?
Joey:
The co-curricular activities I've been part of are Basketball, Student Government, Math Team, Ping Pong Club, and Eucharistic Ministry. I plan to be on Student Ambassador Leadership Team and Tennis later in the year.
Katherine:
This year I've participated in Students Against Destructive Decisions, Student Government, Volleyball, and Choir. I also plan to participate in Softball and Student Ambassador Leadership Team.
Tim:
So far at St. Francis, I have been part of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Music Ensemble, Student Government, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the Musical Revue. I plan to do the Spring Musical and play Volleyball later in the year.
Bella:
So far, I have been a part of Choir, Worship Team, Student Government, Fall Play, Musical Revue, and Dance Team. I also plan to be in the Spring Musical later this year.
3. What is your most challenging or enjoyable class?
Joey:
My favorite class has been Honors Geometry because I absolutely love Math and it comes easy to me. I also love my math teacher's style of teaching, which allows me to learn even more.
Katherine: This year I have struggled with Biology because it is all new content for me. Even though Biology is hard for me, I have a wonderful teacher who helps me through the challenging work. The most enjoyable subject is Religion class. I also have an amazing teacher who really takes faith to another level. He explains things in a way that makes us students think out of the box. I really love Religion class because it gives me time to reflect on my life and explore my faith.
Tim: My most enjoyable class would definitely be Honors English because my teacher makes understanding everything much easier and teaches you how to build off the key topics. My favorite thing that we have done in English so far are the Socratic Seminars.
Bella: My most challenging class would be Honors Geometry. Although math is not always my strong suit, my teacher is very accommodating and is always open to answering my questions and letting me come in early to work things out with her. My most enjoyable class is Honors English. I love to read and analyze books, so I can always look forward to sharing my opinions on the current book we're reading, as well as hearing what my peers have to say.
4. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience so far? What have you most enjoyed?
Joey:
The most surprising event this year was going back to my grade school for a visit. I always looked at the high school kids that came and thought, "I wanted to be one of them someday." When I was offered this opportunity, I was very excited and pleasantly surprised.
Katherine: In the past few months, I have loved how everyone is very inclusive. I have made many friends, and I just love coming to school every day.
Tim: This year at St. Francis, I have had an absolutely amazing time with performing arts. Not only are the shows and performances a blast to put on, but all of the teachers, directors, and students are extraordinarily welcoming and happy to help you succeed.
Bella: The most enjoyable thing I have been a part of at SFHS would definitely be the Theatre program. I have been doing shows with St Francis since this past summer and have made amazing connections and friendships through the shows that we put on together.
5. What is your advice for current 7th and 8th graders deciding about high school?
Joey:
My advice for 7th and 8th graders deciding on high school is not to pick a high school because of your friends, but rather pick the high school that is best for you. It is a very smooth transition into St. Francis, and after my first couple of weeks, I had already made friends and was so happy about my decision. I AM FORTUNATE.
Katherine:
My advice for the current 7th and 8th graders is to focus on yourself and make the right choices for you. Don't worry about what others think of you but put yourself out there in the community. Don't feel peer pressured to do a certain thing because all of your friends are doing it; do something that makes you YOU! I AM LOVED.
Tim: Go with your gut. There are many great high schools around here. Shadow at the ones you are interested in, and choose the one where you can be the most successful. I AM BLESSED.
Bella: My one piece of advice to any 7th and 8th graders choosing a high school is to go to the place that feels the best for YOU. When I was deciding, I went back and forth between many high schools and realized I often was swayed towards one high school or another based on where my friends were going. However, in the end I ultimately had to separate from some of my closest friends because SFHS felt so much better than anywhere else I would have gone with them. I AM OPPORTUNITY.
|
|
Only at St. Francis High School
Brief but Brilliant Activity Period Helps Students Get Involved After School
Every day from 2:30 to 3:10 p.m., St. Francis schedules a brief but brilliant window of time to help students join clubs, meet friends, succeed in areas of personal achievement, all while building a list of activities for college applications. Sports/arts practices begin after 3:15. Buses leave after 3:15. And teachers stay on campus, making it easy for students to engage, see a teacher, make up a test, or hang out with friends. "98% of our students participate in activities at school because St. Francis gives them that time," explains Kate Michel '92 Kowalski, Co-Director of Activities, and Social Studies and English Teacher. "Without Activity Period, our students wouldn't be able to do both--join clubs and participate in sports and the arts." Here's what students have to say:
- "I am involved in many clubs such as Student Government, SALT, SADD, Worship Team, and Evergreen Club. This period allows me to get involved in the school before my sports practice. I can also see my teachers for help. When I am in need of extra explanation from a lesson, my teachers are always ready to help." -Izzy N., '22
- "I like being able to do clubs with my friends before I go to practice." -Matthew T., '22
- "I am involved in a few clubs like Arts & Crafts, Culinary, Adventure Club, Intramurals, SALT, SADD, Student Government, and Evergreen Club. This time period lets me take tests, talk to teachers, visit with friends, join a new club or work on homework." -Ella D., '22
- "I can relax or get a jump start on homework before practice." -Thomas O., '22
|
Club Opportunities 2019-2020
|
|
Adventure Club
Arts & Crafts Club
Bass Fishing Club
Blue Crew
Business Club
Coding Club
Culinary Club
DECA Investment Club
Drama Club
Evergreen Ecology Club
|
Engineering Club
Intramurals
Jazz Band
Math Team
National Honor Society
Orchestra
Pep Band
Photography Club
Ping Pong Club
|
Students Against Destructive Decisions
Student Ambassador Leadership Team
Scholastic Bowl
SMASH/Video Game Club
Spartan Life Team
Student Ministry Team
Strategic Gaming Club
Student Government
|
A Parent's Guide to Opportunity in SFHS Physical Education and Health
St. Francis High School Physical Education classes really get students moving, competing, learning, and growing. First off, there's technology-heart monitors to track heart rate, Surface Pros to record and analyze movement. There are tests and competitive games as well as music and even dance instruction. The ultimate goal? According to Department Chair, David Haberman, "We want students to feel comfortable participating in recreational sports and fitness activities at a level that will improve their overall wellness." With a sense of humor and dedication to students as well as fitness, St. Francis P.E. teachers lead students to understand the rules of the game and rise to life's physical challenges.
Department Overview
St. Francis High School students complete one semester of physical education each year in addition to one semester of health sophomore year, which allows them to meet the five-semester requirement of the Physical Education and Health Department. The dynamic P.E.
faculty aim to help all students value physical activity and wellness, acquire the knowledge and skills to engage, and earn the confidence and motivation to do so. St. Francis used Illinois Learning Standards to create the curriculum. Graduation requirement: 2.5 credits, must include PE I, II, II, IV or Outdoor Adventure and Health.
|
P.E. & Health Curriculum
|
| Freshmen |
Physical Education I* |
| Sophomore |
Physical Education II*
&
Health*
Elective: Essentials of Lifetime Fitness Training |
| Junior |
Physical Education III*
Elective: Essentials of Lifetime Fitness Training |
| Senior |
Physical Education IV*
Or
Outdoor Adventure (offered during the first three weeks of summer)
Elective: Essentials of Lifetime Fitness Training |
*Designates a one semester course
Quick Questions with Department Chair, David Haberman:
1. What is a typical P.E. class like at SFHS?
A typical P.E. class period may include teacher instruction and demonstrations; followed by guided practice of skills, strategies, and concepts; and convening with gameplay or practical application of the newly learned content.
2. How is technology used in physical education/Health? (fitness assessment/reporting programs, heart rate monitors, pedometers, etc.)
Much like other departments, students and teachers in P.E./Health use Surface Pros to communicate and share information and materials. Furthermore, both students and teachers use the Surface Pros to video record, analyze, and critique movements/skills needed for a particular sport, such as a badminton smash or a squat in the weight room. Students also use Polar M200 Heart Rate Monitors to monitor their heart rates.
3. What do you want students to take away from the program?
We promote the department vision: to provide a program in which all students value physical activity and wellness, have the knowledge and skills to engage or achieve in it, and are confident and motivated to do so.
4. What are a sample of experiences that complement the department?Intramural Sports Activities and the athletic teams complement the P.E. department experiences.
|
|
Beyond Admissions Events - You're Invited
St. Francis Speaker Series Invites Prospective Parents
Each year, SFHS Counseling and College Prep offers powerful speakers on relevant topics and welcome prospective parents to attend the events. Scan the list and see what topics may make an impact with your family. All events free of charge.
"The Critical Voice: To Whom Are You Listening?"
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Ann Letourneau from the Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I can't do this?" While many of us have such inner dialogue, do we ever consider what life might be like without that critical voice? This workshop will help participants begin to find a self-acceptance that leads to freedom. Participants will also practice skills and integrate faith to find a more balanced inner voice.
"Motivation"
Tuesday, March 4, 2020 at 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Nicole Burmingham from Nurturing Wisdom
It's not uncommon for teens to lose their spark when it comes to school. While it's easy to chalk it up to disinterest or laziness, that's usually not the case. Students thrive when we take a more nuanced approach. This talk will unpack the complex psychology behind motivation and share tips to help children rediscover their passion for learning.
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Campus Tours
December 7
January 11
Boys Basketball Middle School Night
January 11
Pep Band Middle School Night
Click here to register
|
2019-2020 Viewbook
Admissions Video
Feast of St. Francis
We hope you enjoy our talented choir singing the prayer of St. Francis
|
|
Thanks for reading
Maureen
Isphording
|
|
St. Francis High School Fast Facts
COLLEGE PREPARATORY:
Enrollment: 685
CLASS OF 2019-
100% of graduates were accepted to colleges or universities
Earned $27 million in college scholarships
ACADEMIC
74% of faculty have advanced degrees
Class of 2019 average ACT score = 27
123 Full year and semester course offerings
21 Honors courses
16 Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses
CO-CURRICULAR: ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
98% student participation in at least one activity
24 sports programs
10th Place Division 2A State Math Team
65% of students participate in the performing arts
73% 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
|
|
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.
For more information, fees, route schedules or questions, please contact Bob Gorski at (630) 668-5800 x1138 or at
|
|
