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Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of
"Peter and the Starcatcher"
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"A gloomy man simply cannot be a citizen of the city of God.
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Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
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Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall,
Why Is the Entrance Exam Not Scary at All?
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Picture this: ninth graders thriving in high school classes that enrich their abilities. How did they get there? The Entrance Exam. I wish parents and students could see the Entrance Exam as an "encouraging friend" instead of "scary foe." Paired with middle school transcripts and subject tests, it helps place 8th graders into the right 9th grade classes. At St. Francis, the Entrance Exam is the first step on a path that elevates your child in areas of strength and invites academic growth with countless class combinations.
Should students prepare for the Entrance Exam? Parents often ask, and St. Francis educators and veteran families have differing opinions. Truly, the middle school curriculum prepares students for the test, which reflects their 8th grade abilities. Some families, however, also choose to prepare for the test in two common ways.
- Online prep familiarizes students with the test's format so they can work efficiently. (Look for HSPT Test Prep Guides for home study or search for online sites with sample questions.)
- Test-prep classes utilize a formal group setting to review test material. (Look for HSPT Test Prep tutoring programs.) If your child is anxious about tests, prepping may alleviate stress. Or maybe not. You are the best judge.
All Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Joliet administer the test on December 1, and parents should register at their first-choice school for admissions priority.
Register here
for the Entrance Exam at St. Francis High School, December 1 at 8:00 a.m. If you have questions--even the most basic or seemingly crazy-please call or join me for coffee and a tour while school is in session (630) 668-5800 ext. 1120. Also, join us for our final Open House Sunday, November 4 at 1:00 p.m.
You may register here.
I hope to see you soon.
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Freshman Student Government Perspective: Five Questions for Newly Elected Freshman Board President Michael R. '22 and Student Officers Izzy N. '22, Rinna T. '22, and Zack S. '22
1. Why did you choose SFHS for your high school experience?
Izzy N.: I chose St. Francis because I really liked the energy and environment whenever my family and I visited.
Michael R.: Because of the community, and because by brother and sister went here and said it was the best four years of their lives.
Rinna T.: I chose SFHS because of the wide variety of academic courses, its reputation for college prep, and its large selection of sports and activities. There is a place for everyone here. Also, this school made me feel at home. I feel so welcome here and that makes it easier, especially as a freshman, to fit in with everyone.
Zack S.: I chose St. Francis because my older brother goes here, the community is friendly and caring, the teachers are super nice, and I knew that I would get an outstanding education.
2. What co-curricular activities have you been a part of so far? And plan to do this year?
Izzy N.: I am part of Adventure Club, Evergreen Club, Worship Team, SADD, Student Government, and I plan on joining Track & Field in the spring.
Michael R.: I have been a part of Golf and multiple clubs, including Ping Pong Club and Student Government.
Rinna T.: I have been involved in Student Government, Math Team, and JV Tennis Team so far. Outside of school, I take Indian Classical Dance and am the Founder of the Senior Citizen Division for the Birthday Giving Program.
Zack S.: So far, I have been part of Scholastic Bowl, Engineering Club, Culinary Club, Arts and Crafts Club, and I also plan on joining Math Team and Tennis.
3. What is your most challenging class? Most enjoyable?
Izzy N.: So far in my freshman journey, my hardest class is Spanish 1. I've never learned a new language before, and it is a little tough, but I think that I'm getting the hang of it. My most enjoyable class is English 1, because I love to write and read.
Michael R.: My most challenging class has been honors Bio because Ms. Kadow teaches us a lot of information in a short period of time and the tests are usually really hard. My most enjoyable class is History because a lot of my friends are in the class and I think my teacher, Mr. Reist, is a great teacher.
Rinna T.: My most challenging class is Honors Biology and the most enjoyable class is Honors Geometry.
Zack S.: I would say my most challenging class is Biology because there is a lot of work to do, a lot of material I need to know and memorize, and the tests are difficult. My most enjoyable class is either math, because I love math and it is fun for me, or history, because my teacher, Mr. Reist, is very funny and makes it fun to learn.
4. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience so far?
Izzy N.: The most surprising thing for me at SFHS is the welcoming environment I feel every time I walk in the door.
Michael R.: It has been surprising that I've met so many new people and teachers in such a short time.
Rinna T.: The fast-paced schedule and the politeness of all those around me have been most surprising so far.
Zack S.: The most surprising thing about my St. Francis experience is how much everyone knows and looks out for each other. The students and teachers are so nice and always willing to help out with anything. This made my transition to high school so much easier and still gives me a real sense of belonging.
5. What have you enjoyed most about your experience so far? What is one word you would use to describe your feelings toward St. Francis?
Izzy N.: A week I enjoyed was homecoming week because it showed everyone's amazing school spirit.
"I Am... Invited" due to our welcoming atmosphere!
Michael R.: I have found that meeting new people and participating in different activities, like Golf or Feed My Starving Children, have been the most enjoyable experiences that I've had at St. Francis.
"I Am ... Excited."
Rinna T.: I have enjoyed the sisterhood and comradery of the JV Tennis Team. The juniors really keep an eye out for the freshmen and sophomores. We really are one big family.
"I Am ... Dedicated" to St. Francis.
Zack S.: The thing I have enjoyed most is the loving community and the ways to get involved. The unique thing about St. Francis is their half-hour Activity Period, which makes it possible for students to be involved in both the great sports teams and the many wonderful clubs St. Francis offers.
"I Am ... Grateful." St. Francis has so many different ways to get involved, the teachers and staff are amazing, the education is great, and the sense of community is wonderful. There is so much St. Francis has to offer that makes it more than just a high school.
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Only at St. Francis High School
Welcome to the Spartan Family:
5 Ways St. Francis Helps Freshmen Adjust and Meet Friends
Each year, St. Francis freshmen seem to make a quick adjustment to high school because of the unique opportunities St. Francis organizes to help them acclimate as they learn, meet classmates, and earn confidence. Below are five best practices that help freshmen become Spartans in the welcoming community that is St. Francis.
1. Freshman Retreat at Feed My Starving Children
Overview:
"During Religion classes prior to the retreat, we talk with students about the differences between volunteering and Christian service. We want freshmen to meet and have fun as a community. We set high expectations for our students, and this retreat gives freshmen a head start on their 15-hour service requirement for the year." Diane Mercadante, Director of Pastoral Ministry
Details:
"The retreat experience speaks to our mission and who we are as a community. That we are out in the world. We are not striving for ourselves, we are striving to help make the world a better place." Michael Page, Religion Teacher
"I Liked It!"
"It was a fun way to help children that need food and hang out with your friends. I have met so many people so quickly at St. Francis. We got a lot of food packed, and I was at a great table with other freshman and we talked the whole time." -Andy H., '22
2. Spartan Life Team (SLT)
Overview:
Sophomore, junior, and senior members of the Spartan Life Team are assigned to each freshman homeroom. Teams help freshmen learn how to navigate high school and develop personal leadership skills in the process.
Details:
"Upperclassmen will contact freshmen by email or social media even before Freshman Orientation. During homeroom periods, SLT members talk about Spartan life-such as describing homecoming activities or sharing exam tips and tutor lists before finals. The advice means a lot more when freshmen hear it from other students." - Sada Boden, Spartan Life Moderator and Spanish Teacher
"I Liked It!"
"It's really nice to get a heads up in homeroom before you go to classes. SLT tells you about everything, such as teachers and what to expect. I was really worried about Honors English, but the upperclassmen said as long as you balance and spread things out it's not that bad. I really followed their advice and now it's a favorite class." -Claire H., '22
3. Four-Year Homeroom Period
Overview:
"St. Francis homeroom students get to go through all four years together. The idea is to take the homeroom group and make it a community. With students from so many feeder schools, I like to think of my job as a welcome committee, not only in homeroom but in the classroom, too," John Schuller, Homeroom and Religion Teacher
Details:
"At points throughout the year, you look around and see people working together, and it's a marvelous thing to witness. St. Francis works hard to put the 'home' into homeroom. It is a safe space and is more than geographical, most times it is about a 'psychological' safe space. Much like a base camp for mountain climbers, homeroom can be that place from where we climb." - John Schuller
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I Liked It!"
Maddie Z., '19:
"We all became instant friends in homeroom freshman year. It's nice to see people you know from homeroom throughout the day, and people are always willing to help with homework."
4. Freshman 101 Camp/Summer Camps
Overview:
Freshman 101: Students receive an introduction to St. Francis High School and get a jump start on skills. The camp covers computer skills, study skills, research/writing skills, and topics related to adjusting to a new school. Freshmen participate in team building activities and meet classmates.
Details
: "Students say the camps are helpful and a good use of time. And they say 'Fun with Grammar' Camp was actually fun. Students meet, walk through the halls. It's a bonding experience before school begins." - Susan Fairhead, Freshman English teacher
"I Liked It!"
"I did Freshman 101 summer camp and soccer camp. Soccer gave me a preview as to what was in store for the season and I made a lot of friends that are now my really good friends from all different kinds of schools. Freshman 101 helped a lot by giving us an understanding about everything with the school such as how to use the Surface Pros and different ways to study and annotate. We did a lot of team building and I met a lot of friends that way too." - Trey K., '22
5. Freshman Teachers
Overview
: "As a Religion Department, we help with the transition. It's part of our mission to help freshmen become part of the community. I discuss what's coming up for the rest of the week. I also set the standard, saying, 'This is how we do things at St. Francis.'" - Jenny Stiefel, Freshman Religion teacher
"I have worked with freshman for 13 years; I love their enthusiasm, energy, and their inquisitiveness. I reach out to them and connect through St. Francis communication tools, such as Remind or onCampus." - Susan Fairhead, Freshman English Teacher
Details:
"As a freshman teacher, I want them to feel the comfort of just being acclimated to the school so they know we (the teachers) are on their side. We want them to succeed. We want them to know we will support them through the transition to high school. Organization is key in Biology. We have assignments, labs, projects. One of our goals is to get them used to multitasking. We focus on learning what a good, strong work ethic is because that will carry on to college and life." - Patty Dahle, Science Department Chair
"I Liked It!"
"The teachers have been very helpful - especially on a one on one basis. After school, if you go in, they will explain concepts in a different way and then it makes sense. Sometimes in math class I may not understand, but later when my teachers explains it one on one, I understand." Everyone knows that if you need help, the teachers will help you and will be available." - Kellyn H., '22
Here We Go, Spartans: Come Cheer St. Francis High School in Playoffs
Join our students and Blue Crew as we support fall teams heading into playoffs. "As a senior, it's so amazing to see my fellow classmates excel on the court and field", says Student Body President, Isabella B. "To see them do what they are most passionate about fills the whole student section with so much Spartan pride." Congratulations, teams:
Cross Country: Both the Girls' and Boys' Teams have qualified for State and will be compete at Detweiller Park in Peoria on November 3.
Football: Congratulations for advancing to round 2 of playoffs against Rockford Boylan Catholic. Next game at Boylan Catholic on November 3 at 1 p.m.
Girls' Swimming: Good luck at Sectionals on November 10 at Metea Valley.
Girls' Volleyball: Congratulations for advancing to Sectional Finals against Montini, October 31 at 6:00 p.m. at Glenbard South.
Golf:
Girls' Golf placed 7th at State, and Sophomore Katherine Lemke placed 12th overall. Boys' Golf placed 8th as a team at State.
Tennis: Congratulations State qualifiers Gina Vale, Jane Price, and Marnie Kopec.
Boys' Soccer: Congratulations on your 3rd place conference finish!
Spartans Nearly Sweep Kane County Chronicle Fan Choice Awards, 2018
St. Francis also congratulates our own Tommy Rittenhouse, Fans' Choice Quarterback Runner-Up.
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St. Francis Speaker Series Invites Prospective Parents
Each year, Guidance and Counseling offers powerful speakers on relevant topics and welcomes prospective parents to attend the events. Scan the list and see what topics may make an impact with your family.
Teen Anxiety and Depression: November 8, 8:00 a.m.
This presentation is for parents, caregivers, and adults to explain anxiety and depressive disorders, causes, symptoms and treatment options available. By Susan Crickmore Williams and Grace Schuler Spencer, Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
The Critical Voice, To Whom Are You Listening: January 30, 5:30 p.m.
This workshop will help participants turn around negative personal dialogue and integrate faith to find a balanced voice. By Dr. Ann Letourneau and Dr. Elissa McGovern, Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Resilience: March 12, 9:00 a.m.
Utilizing the book "Mindset" by Stanford Professor Carol Dweck, the workshop will discuss the benefits of cultivating a growth mindset and shares strategies for encouraging children to pursue challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for development. By Nicole Burmingham, Nurturing Wisdom
Exploring Ways to Restore, Replenish, and Refocus our Hearts and Minds: April 30, 8:00 a.m.
Our world is relentless and restless. What is the antidote when we feel uneasy, unquiet, and agitated? Explore ways to allow God to restore, replenish, and refocus our hearts and minds. By Diane Mercadante, Pastoral Minister at St. Francis High School
Brown Bag Speaker Series:
Service Discussions on Early Dismissal Days
For some students, Early Dismissal afternoons begin with their own brown bag lunch and a presentation on area service opportunities. St. Francis asks students to perform 15 hours of Christian service each year, and these discussions give students a taste of opportunities they may enjoy. Prospective parents, if you are involved with volunteer service and would like to present information about your organization, contact Diane Mercadante at
[email protected]
to discuss.
- Wednesday, October 24: Pete Kinsella, Class of 1975, Diocese of Joliet Catholic Charities
- Wednesday, October 31: Donna Iwicki, Marian Park Tutoring, includes training for anyone interested in volunteering with children
Pete Kinsella '75 Speaks with Students
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours:
Call (630) 668-5800 for reservations
November 4
Open House at 1:00 p.m.
November 10
Rise Up, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 8th Grade Leadership Day with National Honor Society Members
Click here to register
December 1
Class of 2023 Entrance Exam
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2018-2019 Viewbook
Admissions Video
Feast of St. Francis
We hope you enjoy our talented choir singing the prayer of St. Francis
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Thanks for reading
Maureen
Isphording
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St. Francis High School Fast Facts
COLLEGE PREPARATORY:
Enrollment: 720
CLASS OF 2018-
100% of graduates were accepted to colleges or universities
Earned $33 million in college scholarships
ACADEMIC
72% of faculty have advanced degrees
Class of 2018 average ACT score = 27
117 Full year and semester course offerings
20 Honors courses
14 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
66% 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
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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
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