Congratulations
Academic All-State wrestlers,
Calvin P., John A. and Michael D.
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
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Welcome
Students Develop Resiliency with Connectedness and the Collision of Grace
Gratitude and Grit. Those are the qualities I see in our students. One challenge after another. One day at a time. Gratitude and Grit. Without complaint. Regardless. SFHS students show gratitude for silver linings and the grit to get through unprecedented days. That's who these students are. That's who we hope they will be. And that's who they are becoming. And I believe SFHS formation can take credit for a measure of it. Because the connectedness of this high school journey helps prepare students for both classroom and life challenges.
According to "Psychology Today," three areas of connectedness develop resiliency in teens:
Resiliency and School Connectedness--
Students engaged in academics and learning can overcome life's obstacles better because they have a sense of belonging and future goals. Bonding with teachers in school also helps teens see a bigger picture through the eyes of positive role models. Invested SFHS teachers boost every student's academic impact. Even during these E-Learning days, they double as trusted mentors and confidants for current students as well as alums.
Resiliency and Peer Connectedness--
Students who have other teens to help and guide them through life's events develop not only friendships but also confidence and a more positive world view. "You arrive as individuals but will leave us as one," wrote English/Social Studies teacher Kate Michel '92 Kowalski to SFHS seniors last week, confirming the unity of the SFHS experience.
Resiliency and Community Connectedness--
Teens who believe in something bigger feel like their struggles and triumphs promote a greater good. St. Francis students feel the joy and peace of the St. Francis Way, grounded in the gospel values, Catholic tradition, and Franciscan virtues, even continuing each E-Learning day in the simplicity of prayer.
In his Easter message, Pope Francis defined hope. "It is not mere optimism; it is not a pat on the back or an empty word of encouragement. It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own." This makes me think that Gratitude and Grit also come with Grace, the free gift that inspires the SFHS college prep journey, distinguishing it from a generic experience. This supernatural hope helps our students understand that true good is bigger than the worst that's out there.
How can connectedness to St. Francis High School, peers, and community inspire your child to achieve? How can real hope help your student flourish the St. Francis way in high school? As we move into Spring, please contact me with questions about this exceptional college prep journey. I'd love to email or speak with you over a virtual cup of coffee soon.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
PsychologyToday.com, "Resilient Teens, What Makes One Teen More Resilient Than Another?" by Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, Ph.D
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Board Member/Parent Perspective: 7 Questions for Debbie Novack, Charlie Rego, and John Zediker, SFHS Parents Who Also Serve on the SFHS Board of Directors
1. What grade school did your child(ren) attend? What activities does your child(ren) participate in at SFHS? How have you been involved at SFHS as a parent?
Debbie Novack
: Annemarie attended St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn. She participates in Music Ensemble, Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Math Team, Student Ministry Team Leader, Engineering Club, and National Honor Society. I serve on the Board of Directors and the Board's Executive and Education Committees. I also help with the Mothers' Club, Faculty Appreciation Lunches, and serve as a Parish Representative and Band Family Helper.
Charlie Rego:
My children attended St. Joan of Arc in Lisle.My daughter, Grace '18, was in Lacrosse, Student Government, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and National Honor Society. My son, Matthew '20, serves as the SFHS Mascot and is involved in Blue Crew, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Men's Spirituality Group, Track, and Marching Band. I serve on the Board of Directors and have been involved with Father's Club and Father's Club Board.
John Zediker
: My children attended All Saints Catholic Academy and have been involved in Volleyball, Golf, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Worship Team, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Musical Revue, and Scholastic Bowl. I serve on the Board of Directors and also announce at Volleyball games.
2. Describe the process of selecting SFHS with your child(ren).
Debbie:
Annemarie knew that she wanted to be a Spartan since she was four years old. Her twin brothers are ten years older than she is, and she had seen firsthand what a wonderful experience they had at St. Francis.
Charlie
: My daughter was a very high achiever in middle school, and after her shadow day she decided SFHS was the best fit for her. She liked that SFHS has Chinese, which she is still studying in college. My son decided SFHS was the best fit for him, as well. The community spirit of the school sold him, and it continues to be a highlight.
John:
We attended open houses; the kids participated in shadow days, junior high sporting events, and other admissions events. We researched the "numbers" and had discussions to determine where they felt they could best succeed.
3. What do you consider to be some of the most important characteristics of a high school community and how does SFHS measure up?
Debbie:
A high school community should challenge students academically, nurture students on their spiritual journey, and encourage them to do their best. SFHS faculty and staff take a personal interest so each student will thrive academically and spiritually. With a focus on service, St. Francis also ensures that each graduate leaves the school a better person.
Charlie
: SFHS checked all the boxes for both of my children. My daughter summed it up best about 6 weeks into her college experience when she volunteered to my wife and me, "I am really prepared for college." Her transition to Boston College was seamless.
John
: Our kids have loved going to St. Francis. They have been challenged academically. Their hard work, in addition to the supportive but challenging academic environment, paid major dividends. The environment of athletics and activities that the teachers, coaches, and administration provided were also profitable. Now on the back end of our experience, we can see how well our oldest is doing in college and appreciate the high-level academic programs that our two oldest have been accepted into. Our eighth grader can't wait to attend St. Francis in the fall because he sees the great experience and sense of community his sisters have enjoyed and wants to be a part of that.
4. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience as a parent?
Debbie:
My husband and I have been surprised that our children's high school experience over the past eleven years also has made us a part of such a caring community.
Charlie
: The community emphasis is real. SFHS people really do care for each other, and the teachers care about the students beyond the classroom.
John
: The sense of community. We really felt it at the events we attended and we have not been disappointed. We were pleasantly surprised with how caring the teachers are and the interest the teachers took in seeing our kids develop as people and not just students.
5. How has your child navigated the transition from the traditional classroom setting to E-Learning?
Debbie:
The transition from classroom learning to E-learning has been seamless thanks to the amazing effort by faculty and the students' familiarity with Surface Pros. Annemarie's teachers have devised creative ways to keep students engaged.
Charlie:
It was the most seamless experience. I continue to be amazed how it well it has gone. My son has a schedule and sticks to it. I am impressed by Dr. Ackerson's leadership and how the teachers and staff have performed.
John:
The transition has been very good. It was amazing how quickly the teachers and administration were able to transition to an on-line format and still provide a sense of community and challenging academic environment. We believe there is also a tremendous benefit to our middle child, who will be heading to college in the fall, to transition to the more independent learning environment that E-Learning provides.
6. What advice do you have to families with children in grammar/middle school beginning to consider high schools?
Debbie:
Before selecting a high school, be sure to visit the school and meet students and staff. After visiting, a student will be better able to feel the spirit of the school and make a decision.
Charlie
: Ask a lot of questions and take note of how they are answered. Think about the best fit. If you have multiple children, I always suggest considering whether or not a school can meet your family's needs.
John
: We are blessed to live in communities with so many good options for academics, so consider what environment will set your child up for long-term success for the whole person in addition to academics. Do your research and encourage your child to participate in shadow days, junior high nights, etc. Ask them how it felt to be in the various environments, pray for guidance, and reflect on where they can see themselves succeeding.
7. What one word encapsulates your experience at SFHS?
Debbie: Blessed.
Charlie: Flourish.
John: Community.
The Novack Family (not pictured Michael & Matthew)
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Only at St. Francis High School
A Parent's Guide to Opportunity in SFHS World Languages
World Languages at St. Francis High School offers an engaging Chinese, French, and Spanish academic experience, building students' language skills as well as confidence and cultural connections. "We think it is important to make our students citizens of the world," says Beth Brand, Chair of the World Languages Department, which hosts students trips to China, France, and Spain.
Department Overview:
SFHS students choose to study Chinese, French and/or Spanish. The curriculum fosters participation in multilingual communities at home and abroad; full-immersion classroom opportunities; and additional outings, field trips, projects, events, and international travel to help students progress in skill. All department members have either lived and/or studied abroad.
Graduation Requirement: Two credits in the same language
Quick Questions with Department Chair, Beth Brand:
1. What are the benefits of learning a second language?
"First of all, learning another language supports our SFHS mission to develop responsible world citizens. We create a community that supports cultures and languages in order to understand our diverse and interesting world. Additionally, research has shown a correlation between learning languages and higher academic success at the college level as well as higher achievement on standardized tests. Lastly, many cognitive benefits relate to bilingualism."
https://www.actfl.org/advocacy/what-the-research-shows
2. What resources create SFHS's language-rich classrooms?
"Our teaching involves wide-ranging techniques and tools to stimulate a classroom rich with communication and interaction. Using Surface Pro devices, students work with interactive applications to practice speaking, writing, and grammar in context. The Internet connects us to all corners of the world, and we draw on authentic sources. Face-to-face interaction with partner conversations, manipulatives, and group collaboration are a key factor in increasing students' communication skills."
3. Why are Spanish, French, and Chinese the languages offered at SFHS?
"Another mission we have at SFHS is to develop effective and creative communicators. Chinese and Spanish are two of the most spoken languages in the world, and French is the official language of many countries in Europe, Africa, and Canada. We want the students to participate in the global community in more than one language."
SPOTLIGHTING CHINESE:
Classes Offered--
- Chinese I, II
- Honors Chinese III
- Honors Advanced Placement Chinese Language & Culture
Teacher Shuilan Wen:
"I like to teach not just language but the culture, as well. I also like to do activities that allow the students to learn and have fun. I use interactive apps and technology to enhance their learning experience, such as GimKit, Quizlet Live, Nearpod, Kahoot, etc."
SPOTLIGHTING FRENCH:
Classes Offered--
- French I, II
- Honors French II, III, IV
Teacher Jessica Roulo:
"In high school, I always loved my French teachers. I've visited Quebec and France. I stayed with a host family when I studies abroad, which allowed my immersion in the language and influenced my French speaking ability. I bring passion to the classroom by teaching nontraditionally. I don't incorporate a lot of lecture; I try to do as much culture as I can. I will pull authentic resources and authentic people from France as well as French-speaking countries. I use a lot of group activities, so students work with others frequently and learn by using the language. I love St. Francis, and I wouldn't want to teach anywhere else!"
SPOTLIGHTING SPANISH:
Classes Offered--
- Spanish I, II, III, IV, V
- Honors Spanish II, III, IV
- Honors Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language and Culture
Teacher Sada Boden:
"We offer a Spanish Proficiency Exam in the spring and use that exam to place students accordingly. A couple of years ago, we created a Spanish II Freshman class tailored for students who fall in-between Spanish 1 & 2. This Spanish II Freshman class prepares students to study honors-level Spanish during their sophomore year. We actively engage the learner, touching all four modalities-auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, and visual-because we want students to walk out the door using the language in our community and as they travel in their life."
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Beyond Admissions Events - You're Invited
An Invitation to Persevere with Peace and Gratitude from Dr. Betsy Ackerson, President
"As we begin the Octave of Easter, I want to pass along a special message to you. Facing the fear, uncertainty, and hardships that surround COVID-19 is difficult in many new ways, but I want to remind us that there is good reason to exchange fear and uncertainty for the assurance of God's Love and the Hope He offers.
"Yes, it's easy to say, harder to live out, however all of us now have entered into and are experiencing the newness of Easter Sunday, when what was dead is restored to new life. Wherever you find yourself, may you know the hope, love, and peace that come with Easter. As you continue to stay at home with your families and loved ones, I pray that you will be blessed with extraordinary Easter graces of hope and new life in our Risen Lord.
"We are St. Francis, and we will continue to persevere in peace and gratitude, ready to continue supplying each student with an exceptional educational experience that transcends the space between us and fosters their personal potential to reach college and life goals."
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours
Virtual Sessions Coming Soon
Shadow Day
Virtual Sessions Coming Soon
Class of 2024 Proficiency Tests - POSTPONED
April 22
Spring Information Session - POSTPONED
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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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