SFHS Varsity Basketball earns Regional title
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"Remember that without God we can do nothing;
but with His grace we should dare and undertake everything.
"
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
The Bigger Picture-Pausing to Trust in St. Francis Foundation
Every two weeks, this newsletter focuses on the bigger picture of college readiness, admissions, and The St. Francis Way. Although the complex COVID-19 landscape causes uncertain anticipations, we look to the Franciscan virtues that strengthen our community to show us an even bigger picture as we maintain faithfulness, practice compassion, continue prayer, and seek joy. We miss our Future Spartans and look forward to returning to regular routines. But for now, a few updates as St. Francis High School responds:
- St. Francis High School is closed and all activities are cancelled through April 6. (Current students will begin E-Learning March 18 through March 27.)
- The Class of 2024 Spartan Family Welcome Night (March 24) will be rescheduled.
- Admissions staff will contact all Future Spartan families to reschedule shadow visits.
- We still are working on your behalf, so please email or call with questions.
We embrace this Lent like no other as we pray with trust, fast from worry, and give charitably to others. I recently read the meditation "My God and My All" which visiting Franciscan priest, Fr. Ed Shea, sings with our students at all-school masses. I've included excerpts of these thoughts from Saint Francis of Assisi to close this week's message. Thank you for your emails and kind support. Please know I'll be in touch during these next few weeks.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
My God and My All
You are love. You are wisdom. You are humility. You are endurance. You are rest. You are peace.
You are our protector. You are our guardian and defender. You are our courage.
You are our haven and our hope. You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty, Merciful Savior.
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"I Am St. Francis"
The AP Reader Perspective: Seven Questions for SFHS Teachers and AP Readers Ms. Kim Fermoyle and Ms. Mary Pratscher '93.
In order to be an Advanced Placement (AP) Reader, one must apply and currently teach the AP course. AP Readers evaluate and score AP students' free responses, ensuring that high school students receive AP grades that accurately reflect college-level achievement in a specified discipline. Each year, high school teachers and college faculty from around the world gather across the U.S. to participate.
1. During your tenure at St. Francis, what have you taught, moderated, coached?
Ms. Fermoyle:
I've taught college prep Physics and Chemistry, Honors Physics, and AP Physics C. I've co-moderated the Engineering Club with Dr. Juliano and was moderator of the Coding Club for a year. I also had the privilege of playing in the pit orchestra for last year's musical, "Big Fish."
Ms. Pratscher:
I've taught British Literature (still do), American Literature, AP Literature and Composition (still do), and AP Language and Composition. I've moderated the Senior Class Student Government and Yoga Club. I've coached the Dance Team.
2. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Ms. Fermoyle:
I had a career as an engineer, but I slowly noticed I didn't feel the same sense of reward that my colleagues did. So, I sought out the services of a career counselor, who helped me see that teaching would be a much more rewarding career for me. And it is! I'm so glad I switched. It's so exciting to work with the young people who will shape our society in the years to come.
Ms. Pratscher:
I really enjoy working with young people. Teenagers are excited about the future and open to expanding possibilities. They are a population that energizes me and teaches me as much as I teach them.
3. Describe the process of becoming an AP reader. Why did you pursue this?
Ms. Fermoyle:
There was an application process through the AP College Board that involved submitting a resume and syllabi of the courses I was teaching. I know a few teachers who do this and recommended it for the opportunities to a) network with other content-area teachers from across the world, and b) improve one's ability as a teacher. Each year, I make new friends and come home with new ideas and resources that I extend to our SFHS students and college prep efforts. It's an amazing professional development opportunity.
Ms. Pratscher:
I filled out an application and sent in my AP syllabus and resume. The school also needed to verify my credentials for the College Board. I decided to apply after attending an AP conference at Oxford University in England. Most of the people at the conference were readers (I think there were only about 15 of us there), and by the end of the conference they had convinced me of the benefits to my students if I were a reader. Now that I am a reader, I can see that they were right. I have gained valuable experience reading that has informed my teaching.
4. How would your students describe your teaching philosophy/style?
Ms. Fermoyle:
Students say I'm enthusiastic about science, engaging, inclusive, and organized.
Ms. Pratscher:
It is important for education to be relevant beyond the classroom. Students need to be able to think for themselves and to evaluate information. They also need to be able to write well and read critically. To emphasize these skills, we work on critical thinking skills through literary analysis and writing. Additionally, I think education needs to be fluid; therefore, I adapt curriculum and methodology when appropriate to the students in front of me.
5. In your opinion, what makes SFHS unique?
Ms. Fermoyle:
It's such a supportive environment. From the administrators, to the parents, to the fellow teachers, everyone is invested in helping teachers reach our full potential. I believe it's because everyone has the same goal: the best possible experience for our students.
Ms. Pratscher:
The family atmosphere. The students, faculty and staff, and parents all function as a cohesive group. We genuinely want what is best for the community, and we work together for student growth.
6. Describe an experience that occurred recently that illustrates what you believe St. Francis is all about.
Ms. Fermoyle:
Each month, the Mother's Club hosts a lunch for the faculty and staff. A lot of people do a ton of work to bring in a wonderful hot meal for us. It makes such a strong statement about how much they value and appreciate St. Francis teachers. Each time they do it, I feel so grateful for the support and encouragement. It's not like anything I have experienced at any other school.
Ms. Pratscher:
For me, the Kairos senior retreat is always an experience that illustrates what our community is all about. I'm fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend Kairos each year, and every year I'm impressed with the students' openness and willingness to come together to build a stronger community.
7. What is one word you would use to describe your feeling toward St. Francis High School?
Ms. Fermoyle:
Appreciation. I appreciate the opportunity to work at SFHS, and I feel appreciated by the people I work with!
Ms. Pratscher: Community.
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Only at St. Francis High School
Classroom Opportunities: Digital Literacy and Microsoft Technology Help Students Transition Smoothly to E-Learning
As students temporarily transition to E-Learning until March 27, their tech skills and student-friendly Microsoft Surface Pro technology will take center stage to support their continued achievement and success. As one of 39 U.S. Microsoft Showcase Schools, St. Francis High School confidently prepares students to navigate technology and curriculum expectations in the classroom and at home with the required freshman Digital Literacy class. The Digital Literacy curriculum teaches all students how Surface Pro technology can support their individual learning styles and foster success. Freshman begin with Microsoft Word formatting skills, Excel basics, and block-based coding, then proceed to make connections with real-world assignments such as resumes, job-hunting exercises, and internet privacy and safety. Digital Literacy integrates executive functioning and Naviance career exploration as well as fun projects, like a 3-D logo project (see below to see 2-D image).
SFHS Choir Earns First in State
Singing praises for SFHS Choir, who earned first place in the State ISHA Class A Vocal Solo & Ensemble Competition. Chamber Choir earned a perfect score of 40/40 for their performance of Prayer for the Children.
SFHS also extends additional congratulations to the student vocalists who earned Superior "Blue Ribbon" awards and Excellent "Red Ribbon" awards at the state competition. In addition, St. Francis competed in the IHSA Class A Solo & Ensemble Contest for instruments. Congratulations to the students who earned Superior and Excellent ratings for Instrument Solos and Instrument Ensembles.
40 World Language Students Earn Induction into National
Honor Societies
SFHS inducted 40 new students into National World Languages Honor Societies. Inductees join current members of the National Chinese Honor Society, National French Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society by earning excellent academic grade point averages as well as performing projects of cultural significance and charitable service.
National World Language Honor Societies support SFHS's highly engaging Chinese, French, and Spanish opportunities. "We think it is important to make our students citizens of the world," says Beth Brand, Chair of the World Languages Department, which builds language skills as well as confidence in communication, connection with culture, and participation in multilingual offerings at home and abroad. The Department hosts student trips to China, France, and Spain, as well as extracurricular clubs, outings, and events.
St. Francis High School offers world language opportunities in Chinese (Chinese I, II, III, Honors Chinese IV, and Honors Chinese Heritage Speakers); French (French I, II, Honors French II, Honors French III, Honors French IV); and Spanish (Spanish I, II, III, IV, V, Honors Spanish II, Honors Spanish III, Honors Spanish IV, Honors Advanced Placement Language and Culture).
Advice Letters to Future Spartans, in Spanish, of Course
Students in Mrs. Kazlauskas' Spanish III class wrote Advice Letters in Spanish to Future Spartans. Letters were about three paragraphs long and included an English translation. Here are six tips to Future Spartans from two current Spanish III students:
- Es importante hacer la tarea temprano si juegas deportes. (It is important to do homework early if you play sports.)
- Es necesario que hables con la profesora sobre la tarea cuando estés de vacaciones. (You need to talk to the teacher about homework when you go on vacation.)
- Es probable que estés nervioso, no necesitas estar nervioso. ¡St. Francis es Fantástico!(You are probably nervous; you do not need to be nervous. St. Francis is fantastic!) -Zach G.
- Es mejor que tengas buenos amigos porque te pueden ayudar a hacer buenas decisiones. (It is best that you have good friends because they will help you make good choices.)
- Espero que participes en todas las actividades de la escuela porque vas a pasar mucho tiempo aquí. (I hope you participate in all of the school activities because you are going to spend a lot of time here.)
- Ojalá que vengas a St. Francis.Buena suerte.(I hope you come to St. Francis. Good luck.) -Abby C.
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Beyond Admissions Events - You're Invited
An Invitation to Enter into the Spirit of the Franciscan Virtues
Franciscan Virtues ground our Catholic college-prep community and are based on the examples of Saint Francis of Assisi and Franciscan tradition. Our SFHS community invites Future Spartan families to enter into the spirit of the Franciscan virtues as we keep the traditions that connect us. The Franciscan Virtues are compassion, prayer, peace & justice, simplicity, integrity, humility, brotherhood/sisterhood, joy, acceptance, service, generosity, peacemaking, faithfulness, hospitality, charity, and goodness.
St. Francis High School administrators extend firm support in the form of updated and protective COVID-19 procedures as well as continued prayer. President Betsy Ackerson reminded the SFHS community to "remember who we are and whose we are" when updating St. Francis High School's COVID-19 procedures last week. "In times of distress, anxiety, and fear, let us call upon the Lord for His peace and love to reign in our hearts and our community."
In addition, Principal Raeann Huhn remarked, "In the building last week, I saw teachers, staff members, and community members working together to support students during this time of transition. In addition, I saw smiling students, and I am inspired by the way our students are facing this challenging time. I so look forward to the day that we will open our doors and welcome students back."
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours
7th Grade
Shadow Day
8th Grade/Transfer
Shadow Day
Spring Musical Middle School Night, 7:00 p.m.
Little Women
POSTPONED
March 24
Class of 2024 Family Welcome Night, 6:30 p.m.
POSTPONED
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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