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2020 - 2021
School Year
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Mar 15
| Spring Conferences | |
Apr
2-9
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Easter Break
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May 3-7
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May the Course Be With You
Golf Tournament
and Auction
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May 31
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No School - Memorial Day
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Last Day of School Preschool/PreK
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Jun 18
| Last Day of School K-7 |
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Hudson G.
Camila L.
Elia A.
Jacob H.
Savannah M.
Robert C.
Aubrey Z.
Grace H.
Claire M. 1A
Charlotte M. 1B
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1A
2B
1A
1A
1A
1A
KA
KA
1A
1B |
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February 24, 2021
Dear St. Francis of Assisi School Parents and Guardians,
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light." -Albus Dumbledore
While there may be darkness at times in the world, there is definitely light in education, especially here at St. Francis! Read Across America came at the perfect time as we end our 2nd Trimester of the school year. Energy and enthusiasm began to wane and then we arrived on campus to a beautiful balloon creation from Rocio Martinez (Aunt to Angel, Amanda, and Antonella Pena). Thank you for sharing your talent and treasure with our community! We love everything you do.
Preparation for Read Across America began months ago under the direction of Mr. Walwick. His team, Mrs. Hundelt, Mrs. Guillen, Mrs. Steins, and Mrs. Clewett, fashioned a week of fun for our students. Their love of reading and passion for literature reignited a schoolwide focus on the simple joy of going on an adventure to new and undiscovered places through the power of print. Each day our students have dressed as their favorite author or character and Mr. Walswick surprises everyone in the middle of class by announcing it is time to "stop, drop, and read!" Today, our students enjoyed an enthusiastic and theatrical reading of Go, Dog. Go! At lunch, hot dogs were delivered to Preschool through Eighth Grade classrooms and the smiles were abundant. It is amazing how much joy a simple hot dog can bring!
I hope that during these weeks of an increased focus on reading, our students discover new authors, find new genres, and desire to put down their devices and get lost in a book. I am a voracious reader and constantly have a book or two in process. My love of reading began in elementary school when I realized I could travel to distant lands without leaving my home. We are blessed to have such an amazing team who champions our students and encourages them to discover the wonderful world of possibilities through reading.
To Infinity and Beyond,
Jeannette Lambert
Principal
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| Drive Thru Stations of the Cross! |
 Drive Thru Stations of the Cross is coming up soon! Please RSVP by Monday, March 8th to ciministry@sfayl.org if you would like the Family Interactive Kit as you drive thru the Stations and take-home dinner on the night of! (No RSVP needed if you do not want the kit/lenten dinner.)
Congrats to the students whose coloring pages will be highlighted as the posters at each station! Thank you to EVERYONE for all their hard work and love they put into coloring the Stations of the Cross! 1A: Hudson G. and Molly G.
1B: Harlow Y. and Blake S.
2A: Aaron K. and Dylan p.
2B: Sloane M. and Charlotte W.
3A: Madeline P. and Abigail H.
3B: Colin C. and Vienna B.
4A: Amanda H. and Dominic S.
4B: Ryder K. and Kayla H.
5A: Madison C. and Katerina T.
5B: Kellen G. and Madison S.
6A: Yina L. and Natalie H.
6B: Lindsey T. and Estella D.
7A: Rachel R. and Maddie R.
7B: Juliana B. and Anthony L.
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Read Across America Week - March 1 - 5!
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March 1 - 5 SFA celebrates reading - such joy, eek! What's the cause of this wonder? Why, Read Across America Week!
We kicked off our Read Across America celebration in a big way on Monday and Tuesday with music, balloons, and a dancing Cat in the Hat during carline! Classes stopped, dropped and read, and our students and staff members happily wore costumes representing some of their favorite literary characters.
Today SFA was transformed into Hogwarts as students and staff dressed in their best Harry Potter garb while the weather provided an overcast and rainy setting. Mrs. Lambert and Mr. Walswick, ahem...Albus Dumbledore and Lucius Malfoy read "Go, Dog. Go!" over the loudspeaker and the administrative team passed out hot dogs to everyone!
We still have more reading fun in store for the remainder of the week!
Thursday - Harry Potter Free Dress! Dress as your favorite Harry Potter character or wear your best Harry Potter fan gear.
Friday - Favorite Author or Figurative Language Free Dress! Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, Anne Frank, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Beatrix Potter, are a few examples of famous authors.
For Figurative Language, be creative! Is hyperbole the best? Show us with your outfit. Are you a smart cookie? Show us with your outfit. Do you have a chip on your shoulder? Show us with your outfit. Are you a jumbo shrimp? Show us with your outfit.
Please note: Students still need to follow the Free Dress Guidelines found in our school handbook for all Free Dress days.
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The First Annual SFA Read-A-Thon is Here!
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  SFA's first ever Read-A-Thon Fundraiser is here! What a joy it is to see the entire SFA community motivated to read.
On Monday, students began logging their time spent reading through the Read-A-Thon website and they may continue to log minutes and take donations throughout the Fundraiser (March 1 - 12).
More information can be found here.
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Thank You Read-A-Thon Business Sponsors!
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Thank you very much for sponsoring St. Francis of Assisi's First Read-A-Thon Fundraiser. The success of the event is dependent on generous supporters like you!
- Rosary Academy
- Cindy DeMint
Would you like to become a Business Sponsor? When you support our Read-A-Thon your business advertisement is placed on several pages viewed by our reader's family, friends, and supporters. Below you will see a breakdown of the pages of which your ad will appear.
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490 Donate Pages
Every reader donate page, every class donate page and our school donate page.
472 Reader Dashboards
Every reader's personal dashboard account page will show your business ad.
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Re-enrollment Deadline - Friday, February 12
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Below is a chart that lists important dates related to re-enrollment and applications for the 2021/22 school year. Click here to read the full letter.
RE-ENROLLMENT & APPLICATION TIMELINE
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Date
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Activity
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Fee
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January 19, 2021
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Re-enrollment opens for current SFA students
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$150 Non-refundable Hold Fee
(will be used as initial deposit toward Enrollment Fee)
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January 25, 2021
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Sibling Applications open
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$100 Application Fee
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February 1, 2021
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Outside Applications open
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$100 Application Fee
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February 8, 2021
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Sibling Applications Deadline
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Early Childhood Notification letters begin
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February 12, 2021
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Re-enrollment Deadline
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February 16, 2021
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K-8 Notification letters begin for new applicants
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Tuition Assistance Portal opens
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March 5, 2021
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Tuition Assistance Portal closes
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March 19, 2021
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Balance of Enrollment Fee due for returning students
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$350 charged through FACTS
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March 22, 2021
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Tuition Assistance Notification letters begin
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March 31, 2021
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Application Fee increases
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$125 Application Fee
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Registration Balance Payment - March 19
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This is a courtesy notice that FACTS will pull your remaining balance for the 2021-2022 Registration Fee of $350 per student on March 19. Thank you for your continued support of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
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| Academic Decathlon - This Weekend! |
The Academic Junior High Decathlon is a rigorous and challenging academic competition for students in grades 6 through 8. Ten team members and two alternates were chosen based on their grades, STAR test scores, and exceptional work habits and study skills. They have been working hard and studying countless hours since October for their individual subjects, super quiz, and logic in preparation for the virtual Regional Diocesan Competition on Saturday, March 6. We can't wait to cheer these dedicated students on. Go Wolves!
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| The Britfield Creativity & Writing Virtual Tour - March 16 |
Do you remember last year, back when things were normal, and the Britfield author, C.R.Stewart came to SFA? He was a huge hit and so was his book.
We heard that Stewart had published another book, so we reached out to him to see if we could have him visit again.
As with all things during a pandemic, we can't meet him in person, but he does do virtual visits, and we have arranged for him to speak to the 4th-8th grade students on Wednesday, March 16th. Mr. Stewart will zoom with just St. Francis students to tell us all about his 2 new books: Britfield & The Lost Crown and Britfield & The Rise of the Lion, Book II. As it turns out, his first book was so popular and well-received that it is in the process of being made into a movie!
Since we can't go on field trips, we thought this would be a fun activity for our SFA 4th-8th grade students, and it comes right on the heels of our Read-a-Thon and Read Across America Week.
Click to view a flyer with information on ordering books from the author. The order will stay open for 1 week following the presentation, and books will be shipped directly to the school for distribution.
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S.E.E.Ds - Keeping Kids Motivated
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As we approach the final trimester of the school year, some students may hit a slump and find it hard to stay motivated. This would be true of a normal school year, but even more so with the pandemic. Below are a few ideas for parents and caregivers on how to increase motivation and hopefully inspire your child to keep trying hard as we approach the last few months of the school year.
- Keep up the positive reinforcement with praise and recognition of when your child is working hard. (Make sure to praise the effort over the outcome).
- Set goals. Creating goals that are short-term and more easily achievable for him or her can boost your child's morale and sense of accomplishment.
- For older children, ask what motivates you? What are your passions? What are your goals? Is your child more intrinsically motivated (it feels good to do well, sense of accomplishment) or extrinsically motivated (I get to earn rewards if I do well). You might hear something new about your child!
- Natural consequences sometimes need to occur. For example, if your child doesn't complete his or her homework they may receive a poor grade, or they may not be able to play their favorite sport after school. Learning about cause and effect can be a helpful tool in long term motivation.
- Nagging, being pushy, or over controlling can demotivate kids. If homework is a big source of conflict between you and your child, consider using a peer, an older sibling, an aunt or uncle, another third party helper, or a tutor in order to remove yourself from this power struggle.
Finally, here is a helpful visual regarding positive reinforcement and motivation.
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SFA Vignette Interview Series
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With over twenty years of education and character building, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School has influenced countless journeys. Every Monday, we will be highlighting community members whose personal and professional trajectories have been impacted by their experiences at SFA. This vignette interview series captures their unique perspectives and demonstrates how a foundation of faith empowers our students and inspires us all as we Dare to Dream!
SFA Principal, Jeannette Lambert discusses her philosophy on partnering with parents as the primary educators of our students and how offering opportunities for our parents to grow both in their faith and in life serves to benefit our children. "When we work together, when we are on the same page, when we have the same mission, values and goals, then we really are successfully forming students into strong, happy, healthy, young men and women."
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S.E.E.Ds - Parent Workshop!
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This month's S.E.E.Ds Parent Workshop is a perfect example of the partnership Mrs. Lambert describes in her vignette interview.
Please consider joining us for the educational training, "Anxiety, Depression, and the Impact of COVID-19", on March 23 hosted by our School Counselor, Kelli McCarty, MA, LMFT and presented by CHOC Pediatric Psychologist, Dr. Sarah Ruiz.
Anxiety, Depression, and the Impact of COVID-19
Parent Presentation
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
A Child and Adolescent Mental Health expert from CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County will give a presentation about mental health awareness, signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children/adolescents in the context of COVID-19, as well as provide strategies parents/teachers can use to support their children at home/in the classroom. In addition, we will focus on signs and symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in the context of COVID-19.
Parents of Children in Kindergarten through 8th Grade are encouraged to attend this 50 minute Educational Presentation + 10 Minutes Q & A.
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Third Grade Service Project - Save Your Recyclables!
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In the true spirit of St. Francis our Third Grade students have selected the Cerebral Palsy Foundation as the beneficiary of their grade level service project. This cause is near and dear to all of our hearts at St. Francis, most especially our Third Grade community, as they wish to support their friend, Jacoby. March is Cerebral Palsy awareness month. March 15-31 third graders will be recycling for a cause. Please see the details below to help our students make a difference.
- Collection Dates: March 15 - 31
- Collection Criteria: bagged EMPTY plastic bottles and EMPTY aluminum cans. Please separated by plastic/aluminum
- Collection Locations: Place in the recycled blue painted coral by the dumpster in our SFA parking lot
- All proceeds will be donated on behalf of Jacoby Gonchar to Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
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Auction Donations Needed!
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 To make the Auction portion of our "May the Course Be With You" fundraiser a success we need tangible items for the silent and live auction.
Please consider donating items as a family or as a business that will generate a high level of bidding participation:
- Access to timeshares or vacation homes - i.e., Big Bear, Mammoth, and Palm Springs
- Rounds of golf at a golf course - i.e., Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach, and Pelican Hill
- Experiences with small groups - i.e., virtual wine tasting and painting parties
- Wine, champagne, or premium liquor
- Gift certificates to restaurants, retail stores, and/or spas * Electronics or sporting equipment
- Tickets to sporting events, theater, and/or cultural events - i.e., Angels, Ducks, and Pantages Theater
We will be setting a table up each Friday during carline for convenient drop off of auction donations. Please be sure to fill out our Donation Form and attach it to your donated item(s). |
Thank you to those families and companies who have already generously supported of our May The Course Be With You Online Auction! Your donation makes our event a success.
| Pena Family | Station Donuts
| Michael Merrill Design Studio, Inc
| Bradford Studios
| Rowley Studios
| Haralampopoulos Family
| Michelle & Rajive Leo
| Willis Family
| No Limit Personal Training
| Craft Family
| Allessandra D/Fucinari Family
| Chipotle
| The Flores Family
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Golf Tournament Tickets - Just 20 Left!!
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Tickets Sales for our May the Course Be With You Golf Tournament began Monday, February 8th.
We will also be selling tickets to our post-tournament, "Jedi Master Winners Reception," for any non-golfers. |
May The Course Be With You Pennant - Orders Due March 24
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 Purchase a personalized pennant for your child, family, or business and join in the May the Force Be With You fun!
Pennants are $15 / each. Order due by March 24, 2021.
Our Golf and Auction Committee will have individual pennants made and post them in front of the school as part of our Star Wars / Golf themed celebration.
Submit your order form to the front office or send to fundraisers@sfayl.org.
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Golf Tournament & Online Auction - Sponsorship and Donation Opportunities!
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Many of sponsorship opportunities for SFA's "May the Course be with You" Golf Tournament and Online Auction have SOLD OUT!!!
If you have been thinking about sponsoring this event or contributing as an underwriter or donor don't delay! Turn in your Sponsorship and Underwriting Form ASAP. There are limited opportunities to get your business or family name in front of our community at what is sure to be the social event of the year!
REMAINING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: "Droids" - Hole Sponsorships (multiple available)
UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES:
Wine
Players Gift
Promotion
Catalog
Raffle
Sponsorships can be submitted via email to fundraisers@sfayl.org or in person by dropping the form off at our front office during school hours.
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Thank you very much for sponsoring St. Francis of Assisi's "May the Course Be With You" Golf Tournament and Online Auction. The success of the event is dependent on generous supporters like you!
- Simply Sold Again - "Droid" Hole Sponsor
- Allessandra D - "Droid" Hole Sponsor
- San Antonio Church - "Droid" Hole Sponsor
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| Camp Wolfpack is Back in 2021! |
Are you looking for a way to bridge your child's learning from one school year to the next? Do you want to ensure that academic progress continues during the summer months? SFA has the answer...Camp Wolfpack is ON for the Summer of 2021!
The program will offer five weeks of learning and fun. Families can sign up for one week or all five!
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The cost for a 2020-2021 yearbook was included in class fees for 8th Grade students. It is not necessary to purchase a yearbook for students in the class of 2021!
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Earn Volunteer Hours by Donating Supplies!
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| NEW SUPPLIES ADDED TO THE LIST THIS WEEK!
As the school year has progressed, we have identified areas where we as a school can use some assistance. We have also realized that the restrictions in place due to Covid-19, have made it difficult for families to obtain volunteer hours. In an effort to help parents secure volunteer hours while also fulfilling some of the ongoing needs of the school, we have decided to create a shared sign-up that allows families to donate supplies in lieu of hours.
Please click here to see a list of needed items.
You will receive 1 service hour for every $15 spent and 1 additional hour for time spent shopping. Under each request is a link to a website where the items can be sourced. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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Shared Responsibility Reminder
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As a reminder, St. Francis requests that families screen their students for symptoms of COVID-19 at home before arriving at school each and every day. Anyone with a fever of 100.4° F or greater within the past 24 hours must stay home as well as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, new loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, nausea and vomiting. In addition, anyone with recent close contacts within the past 14 days with known or suspected COVID-19 positive cases must stay at home. Personal illness, quarantine, COVID-19 illness, and symptom-related absences will be excused.
This shared responsibility is critical to our ability to keep our school open for hybrid learning. In support of this partnership, the school will send out regular reminders to families periodically. Please report your student's illness with details of all symptoms to their school Covid Coordinator. A school staff member will follow up on all students that are at home with COVID-19 symptoms.
Lastly, it is important to note that a student who is sent home, stays home, or has been exposed to COVID-19 and is at home in quarantine, will be able to access live classroom instruction from home if they are healthy enough to participate. Thank you in advance for your commitment to this shared responsibility. |
| 6th Grade Families - Immunization Requirement |
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TDap immunization is needed before your child enters 7th grade. Once this requirement has been met, please be sure to forward documentation to the SFA office. We will need this information prior to the start of the 2021 - 2022 school year.
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Support our school for FREE! Use AmazonSmile when you shop!
What you need to do:
2. Select "Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary School" as your charitable organization [or simply click this link:
3. Shop Your Heart Out
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to assist SFA. Let's make our dollars really count. Every little bit helps!
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The St. Francis of Assisi Scrip Program is a major fundraiser used to reduce tuition costs for families at SFA. The scrip program provides families the ability to purchase retailer gift cards through various providers. Those retailers then rebate a percentage back to the school to pass on to each buyer.
The SFA Scrip Program will run on a yearly basis from April 1 through March 31 and will operate weekly throughout the school year with minor deadline and delivery changes due to holidays and vacations. Participants must check the school newsletter for updated order and pick up schedules.
Please download and return the attached Scrip delivery form.
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