In addition to performing at Disney, students also blasted through some of Florida's best theme parks during the Performing and Visual Arts trip last month, including Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"A true servant of God ...
should show outwardly great spiritual joy.
"
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
Opportunity that Fits: Will High School Help Your Child Shine?
Parents want children to grow in high school, but comparing lists of clubs and classes doesn't always forecast how students will fit into a school's big picture and rise to their potential. Some parents don't realize that colleges evaluate each applicant within the context of their high school and classmates. Students who shine are able to take advantage of opportunities each school offers. Here are three areas for parents to examine:
1. Access to AP and Honors Classes: A student's access to classes is critically important because colleges look at applicants within the context of their school. Students who aren't taking enough accelerated courses, for example, may not shine as brightly as classmates who are. SFHS's smart academic structure avoids this problem by allowing students to take challenging classes where they are academically strong without limiting courses to an "honors track," which can stifle individual progress. In addition, I suggest parents understand the importance of balance. St. Francis offers a healthy number of AP, Honors, and college prep classes, which allows students to take balanced course loads.
2. Significance of Community Service: Community service is more than "nice" on a college application. It can help a student's college application stand out. SFHS's required Christian service hours encourage students' talents in a way that stirs their hearts so they shine as genuine, memorable college applicants with a sense of maturity, focus, and exposure to the world around them.
3. More Than One Activity: Extracurriculars lead to opportunity and fun, just ask the SFHS students who performed in Walt Disney World last month. They also round out a college application. Parents may not realize that students in major sports or performing arts don't always have time for additional involvement. To enrich students' experiences, SFHS offers Activity Period, a daily opportunity for all students to join clubs before practices begin. Activity period gives students the time and opportunity to find where they are talented and what they enjoy doing. The added activities help SFHS students shine on college applications.
SFHS students develop as well-rounded young people who start college strong because of their firm high school foundation. Visit me for coffee and a tour while school is in session this spring. Your 7th and 8th grade students may shadow current SFHS students in March and April. Call me any time with questions.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Alumni Perspective: Five Questions for Walt Disney Guest Experience Manager Jack Keefer, '13.
1. What grade school did you attend? What college did you attend? Describe your career up to this point.
I attended St. Patrick Catholic School in St. Charles and Indiana University's Kelley School of Business with a B.S. in Business Operations Management. During my time at IU, I completed an internship at the Walt Disney Company from May 2016 to January 2017. After college, I returned to Orlando by taking a management position at Hollywood Studios. I now am a Guest Experience Manager in the Disney Parks in Orlando.
2. How has a St. Francis High School education assisted you in college and your career?
At St. Francis, I was active in Band and Theatre. Sound was my focus in Theater, but I worked in all tech departments. In Band, I played the tuba, and senior year I was Drum Major. Both were an incredible amount of fun and shaped me into the person I am today. St. Francis taught me the importance of communicating with your teacher and forming relationships that extend beyond the material taught in class. Academically, St. Francis provided a core that I was able to build upon at Indiana University.
3. How did the faculty and staff help you as a student?
The teachers were always fun and encouraging me to try something new. My teachers taught me how to think critically. I appreciate that I was encouraged to learn, but also had the opportunity to take chances and fail. The teachers knew my strengths and weaknesses, which allowed me to grow into the person I am today.
4. Why are you proud to be a SFHS alum?
St. Francis is a place where students are supported. If a student puts even a little effort in, teachers will go out of their way to be a mentor, and the rewards are paid back many times over. I am very thankful for my time there and that I was challenged to learn about myself and the world.
5. What advice do you have for middle school students?
Shadow at St. Francis. When it's time to make the decision of where to attend high school, go with your instinct and what feels right.
Jack Keefer '13 with Performing & Visual Arts Chairperson Bob Mamminga
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Only at St. Francis High School
"Working Visit" to Disney Opens A Whole New World for Performing & Visual Arts Students
When Walt Disney World invited SFHS Performing and Visual Arts students to Orlando, students were off with A Smile and a Song last month. Here's an overview of opportunities students experienced as they marched, sang, created, and learned in Disney-led workshops and public performances. Thank you, Disney. We loved being Part of Your World.
ART Highlights in Disney
What did SFHS Art students do in Disney? Imagine learning from Disney Artists during two on-site Disney Youth Education workshops:
- Story Telling Drawing - In this "Gesture Drawing Class," students discovered the benefits of practicing gesture drawing. A Disney Artist guided the workshop, and a live model assisted, giving students a glimpse of techniques to quick sketch from life and gain awareness about depicting self-expression, not perfection.
- Cel Animation with Ink and Paint - Students hand-painted a classic celluloid sheet. They also revisited how this technique allowed Disney artists to create the most classic films by stepping back in time in the worlds of art and film. Each student gloved up and painted a character cel.
The Bare Necessities from Art Teacher Kate Kolasinski '95 Doane:
"At Disney we are immersed in visual art - from the signage to the theming of the parks, the rides, the restaurants. Everywhere we go there is discussion relating to design and what it is communicating."
Impressions of Student Maddie D., '22:
"
The art workshop was riveting. It was so interesting to be taught by a professional animator for Disney and to learn how our favorite animations were made. Overall, everything was amazing and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world."
Impressions of Student Nick A., '20:
"I thought the art workshop was one of the coolest things I've ever done. We worked with Disney professionals who are at the top of their field. The chance to see them in real life and learn what goes on behind the scenes was incredible. I have so much more of an appreciation of animation and am inspired to pursue art after high school. Anyone passionate about art owes it to himself/herself to go on this trip. St. Francis gives you so many opportunities, and I'm so grateful for yet another life-changing experience."
BAND Highlights in Disney
What did SFHS Band students do in Disney? Imagine immersion in Disney's professionalism and performance instruction, then bringing it all together marching down Disney's Main Street:
- Disney's "You're Instrumental" Workshop at Backstage EPCOT - Students experienced the world of the professional musician in this workshop on polish and performance. This Disney-guided time led students in professional techniques, from sight reading to preparing performances of Disney's musical selections in a "studio recording environment." A Disney Clinician motivated students to develop the skills, attitudes, and essential priorities to musical excellence.
- SFHS Marching Band marched down Main Street in Disney's Festival of Fantasy Parade.
- Music Ensemble (Rock Band) performed on the main Marketplace Stage at Disney Springs.
The Bare Necessities from Band Teacher Bob Mamminga:
"What I love about the Disney trip are the emotions and feelings students experience after their performances. This year was no different with several students informing how much fun they had and how energized their performances made them feel. The students work hard to present themselves and their talent as best they can and they are rewarded for their hard work and collaboration with each other with validation from the large Disney crowds.
In addition to the performances at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs, the students attend a workshop with a Disney musician who guides them through what it means to be a professional. The clinician then works with students on the habits, qualities and skills they need to have to put the music they create to animation in a short amount of time. The workshop is a great opportunity to see what it's like to create music at the next level."
Impressions of Student Gavin K. '23:
"The Disney trip was the best experience of my life. The workshops were awesome. It was amazing to go backstage, and I liked seeing how everything worked. The professional musician that led our workshop was amazing. He had a great attitude, was talented, and I learned that it is okay to mess up. You have to keep trying."
Impressions of Student Joe C. '20:
"The excitement of marching down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom and hearing everyone scream for just our band was phenomenal. It was truly was a magical experience because the trip gave me memories of everything I love to do and I am walking away with skills I can apply to my life now."
Impressions of Student Anna M. '20:
"It's so hard to say my favorite part. One highlight was going to EPCOT and running through the park to get to the Frozen ride - we only waited 10 minutes! It was big to learn about what it is like to be a professional musician. We talk about it, but getting into the workshop was a real eye-opener and I'll remember the lessons learned for the rest of my life."
CHORAL Highlights in Disney
What did SFHS Choral students do in Disney? Imagine learning all about vocal necessities, from audition to recording:
- "Disney Sings" Workshop at Backstage EPCOT - Led by a Disney Vocalist, students learned all about audition skills, warm up and voice-over techniques, all experienced in a fast-paced recording environment where they ultimately recorded an excerpt from a Disney animated feature film's soundtrack.
- SHFS Choir performed on the main Marketplace Stage at Disney Springs.
The Bare Necessities from Choir Teacher Nina Schroder:
"It is important for students to perform in the wider world. In a way, I also look at Disney as a mission trip because we are bringing the spirit of St. Francis to the wider world and people we don't know."
Impressions of Student Maddie B., '22:
"I really enjoyed the choir workshop. It was awesome how great everyone sounded together. I was very impressed by our final video, and it was really fun to work on those classic Disney tunes!"
Impressions of Student France A., '22:
"It was such a fun and invigorating experience to perform at Disney Springs! I got to do what I love, with the people I love, at a place I love. We all were extremely fortunate to showcase our talents and hard work with the people at Disney!"
Impressions of Student Izzy N., '22:
"My time at Disney was truly an experience to remember! One of my highlights was attending the choir workshop where we worked with a professional singer and created a cover of a few songs from 'Beauty and the Beast.' Through this workshop, I was able to learn how to work in a professional environment and have fun while doing so. After the workshop, I was able to bring the techniques and enthusiasm about music back to my choir class."
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Beyond Admissions Events - You're Invited
Boys' Basketball Regional Game, Tonight!
Cheer on the SFHS Spartans as they take on Sycamore High School.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Greet Spring with Choral and Band Concerts This Week
The SFHS community welcomes prospective parents and students to attend this week's Spring Choral and Spring Band concerts. Admission is free. Please bring nonperishable food donations for Neighborhood Food Pantries. See if your family can attend:
SFHS Spring Band Concert
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Kuhn Cultural Arts Center
SFHS Spring Solo & Ensemble Choir Concert
Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Kuhn Cultural Arts Center
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours
7th Grade
Shadow Day
March 25,
April 8,
April 15
8th Grade/Transfer
Shadow Day
March 24
Class of 2024 Family Welcome Night, 6:30 p.m.
April 7
Boys' Volleyball Middle School Night 6:00 p.m.
April 16
Art Showcase 6:00 p.m.
April 18
Class of 2024 Proficiency Tests
April 22
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2019-2020 Viewbook
Admissions Video
SFHS Featured on Fox 32 Pep Rally Friday
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: 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
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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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