"A Christmas Carol" 2019 SFHS cast and crew usher in Christmas
with the Spartan tradition of Charles Dickens' classic production.
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"All the darkness in the world cannot
extinguish the light of a single candle.
"
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
"Good Tidings of Great Joy and College Acceptances"
Walking to the Faculty Lounge last week, I decided this may be the most wonderful time of the high school year. In the span of three minutes I heard Rock Band performing Christmas songs while students filmed a project in the Atrium, laughed with a teacher, and reflected on an Advent writing prompt "How I have encountered God." There was a happiness on campus that affected the college-bound seniors and the younger students preparing for finals. As college acceptances begin to roll in, I'm reminded that this unparalleled college prep journey fortifies young people and, in the process, their college applications. Building up each student in personally enriching ways that lead to meaningful college placement is a strength of St. Francis High School. Here are some examples:
- Students discover who they are, then present their best selves on applications. St. Francis provides the opportunity and time to get involved in clubs as well as sports/visual and performing arts, making it easier for students to explore interests and ultimately define themselves on paper.
- St. Francis gives students varied classroom experiences that help them choose their best college major. St. Francis provides an academic structure that focuses on strengths and offers unique experiences (like Intro to Engineering, Business, Chinese, and AP Art) that help students articulate why they want to pursue a college major.
- St. Francis helps students make a balanced college list. With the expertise of attentive teachers and counselors, students apply to the right mix of reach schools, target schools, and likely schools, giving them opportunity and options when they are ready to make a college decision.
St. Francis High School students accrue a bank of experiences that transfer to college applications, making it easy to tell their story and describe who they are and why they want to pursue their college goals. All while enjoying the experience. They feel blessed to be here, and we feel blessed to call them family. This week, I wish you the peace and joy of Advent and Christmas. Contact me any time, before or after Christmas, to discuss how your child can thrive at St. Francis High School.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Pastoral Ministry Perspective: Seven Questions for Religion teachers and Pastoral Ministry Team Dr. Diane Mercadante (known to students as "Merc"), Ms. Kristen Ras (known to students as "KRas"), and Mr. Michael Page
1. What can you tell us about your calling into pastoral ministry?
Merc:
My call into ministry came when I was a teen. I had a profound experience of Christ when I was 17, and it has influenced every big decision in my life. I have been involved in youth ministry since high school, throughout college, and into my adulthood. Being able to share that faith with young people has truly been a gift in my life. I consider this my vocation.
KRas:
My call into ministry came from my high school speech teacher, who encouraged me to become a lector at my parish. As I continued my theology studies in high school, the Campus Minister invited me to lead retreats. While in college, I was involved with the Newman Center. When I began teaching at Catholic high schools, participating in pastoral ministry was a natural fit. I eventually received my Masters in Pastoral Studies in 2012.
Mr. Page:
I came to pastoral ministry on a roundabout path starting with involvement in my parish from a young age. After graduating from college with a degree in art history and working in museums for several years, I started to look at advanced degrees in art history. All of the art I wanted to study was connected to Christian theology, so I began to look at schools offering theology classes. I felt a pull to the theology more than the art, and eventually earned a master's degree in pastoral ministry. After several years in youth ministry in the Diocese of Joliet, I was encouraged to apply to teach here at St. Francis, and became involved in Pastoral Ministry right away. And here I am 15 years later!
2. What do you find most fulfilling about being on the pastoral ministry team?
Merc:
The most fulfilling thing is accompanying students and adults in the community as they journey in life and faith. I feel privileged to be a part of their lives and I find them to be loving and challenging to my own life and faith. They have no idea how much I learn from them.
KRas:
The work with the students. They have great and creative energy, so I really appreciate being able to hear from them and work with them.
Mr. Page:
The teamwork and the opportunity to connect with students and adults about something so important.
3. What is the mission/goal of pastoral ministry at St. Francis High School?
Merc:
Pastoral Ministry's mission is to accompany students and the community as they journey in faith. By offering opportunities to encounter God through prayer, service, and community, we hope students' knowledge in the Religion classroom becomes a reality in their lives. We want to offer tools to live the life of a Christ-follower long after they graduate from St. Francis High School. The spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi is a gift, and our hope is that they begin to see God in the eyes of the poor, all people, and in all of creation. Each one of us has a call to bring about the reign of God, and by developing that relationship with our Creator, we can better serve God and our neighbor with our gifts and talents.
KRas:
Pastoral Ministry aims to bring the knowledge learned in the classrooms out into the hallways through lived experiences. The ways we dedicate ourselves to prayer, service, and community encompass the whole person.
Mr. Page:
Working with our students to help them become aware of God's presence and movement in their lives.
4. What are opportunities students can deepen their faith at St. Francis High School?
Merc:
Students are asked to participate in Christian service each year. Our student-initiated Christian Service is different than volunteering. We encourage students to put themselves out there and encounter those on the margins. The corporal works of mercy were important to Saint Francis and Saint Clare, and in this Christian spirit, we hope students will deepen their faith and maybe even find their vocation and calling. Each grade level offers a retreat, and students may also participate in liturgical ministries, the Student Ministry Team, and Men's and Women's Spirituality. Through these ministries it is our hope that they will continue to be active faithful members of the church.
KRas:
Each grade level offers a retreat, and students are asked to participate in Christian service each year. Students may also participate in liturgical ministries, the Student Ministry Team, and Men's and Women's Spirituality.
Mr. Page:
Our retreats and ongoing service opportunities are the two most obvious ways, but we also have the Men's Spirituality Group, which I am really proud of, the Women's Spirituality Group which is getting underway, and of course our religion classes. But even more than that, I think that for most of our students there is a willingness to engage with things of faith-so for many of them it's just a matter of starting the conversation!
5. Describe an experience that illustrates what you believe St. Francis ministry is all about.
Merc:
Many years ago, a student minister was curious about who lived next door to St. Francis High School. He made it his mission to meet them and introduce our community to our neighbors at Marian Park. Through tutoring, mentoring and just plain "hanging out," students have maintained this relationship for 15 years. Each year, another group of students meets together with our neighbors. This legacy of outreach and inclusion is what we hope St. Francis ministry is all about.
KRas:
Recently, the Student Ministry Team developed a fun and interactive way to celebrate Christmas and the Nativity Story. The students wanted to bring in the whole community to celebrate the holidays and hear the Nativity story.
Mr. Page:
My last experience of Boys' Kairos was particularly meaningful-the team led wonderfully, the candidates were entirely open to one another and listened to each other's stories with such openness. The attention, kindness, and affection which the boys showed for one another was incredible. For me, it was a great demonstration of God's overflowing love.
6. What is one piece of advice would you give to a freshman? A senior?
Merc:
My advice to both freshmen and seniors is to be open to learning about Jesus in a new way. As we grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally, our spirituality needs to grow too. Our journey to God is ever changing. These new things about ourselves, others, and God can rock our world in the best way possible. My own experience of encountering Jesus in high school helped me through the young adult years with all of the challenges, decisions, and excitement. God is love and wants to be our closest companion.
KRas:
My advice to both freshmen and seniors is be gentle and open, both to others and yourself. High school, and within ministry in particular, is a great time to explore and discover more about yourself. This is a process, and I believe gentleness and openness are essential components while navigating one's journey. Be open to new experiences, new people, and new ways to know God. Be gentle when these experiences can be challenging or difficult.
Mr. Page:
To freshmen: Enter in and engage. Be open and willing to embrace the spiritual side of the St. Francis experience. To seniors: Take what you have learned and experienced here with you into the world.
7. What is one word you would use to describe your feeling toward St. Francis High School?
Merc: "Family."
KRas: "Loving."
Mr. Page: "Pride."
Still Time for Advent Instagram Inspiration @sfhspastoralministry
Prospective parents, there's still time to reflect on the beauty of Advent by following @sfhspastoralministry. From now through Christmas Eve, read student reflections on single-word themes. Worship, Bless, Go, Rest, Restore, Message, Beloved-what do these Advent words mean to SFHS students? What do they mean to you? Follow daily to prepare your family for Christmas.
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Only at St. Francis High School
Counseling Preps Freshmen for Finals
Guidance counselors hosted "Final Exam Boot-Camp" during the first week of December to prepare freshmen for their first set of high school exams. In addition to classroom prep, Guidance instructed students on study approaches, time management, multiple choice and essay exam tips, test-taking strategies, and measures to manage anxiety.
Ari S., '23: "
The "boot camp" was a welcoming space, and the counselors were ready to tell us what to do to prepare for finals. I especially liked the tip to set up a schedule and assign each subject to a different day so you don't procrastinate and do well for finals."
Jake C., '23:
"I went in not knowing what to expect but came out with lot of helpful tips. The best advice was the counselors told me to break it down, which I did, and now I feel like I'm in good shape. I just will have to review over the weekend, and I'll be ready to go."
Therapy Dogs on Campus Calm Students during Exam Week
Partnering with Naperville Area Humane Society, St. Francis High School presented Paws for Tales this week to ease student stress during final exams. Therapy dogs visited with students while handlers discussed how therapy dogs can reduce exam stress.
St. Francis High School Is a Microsoft Showcase School, but What Does That Mean?
You've heard Microsoft has designated St. Francis High School as one of 39 U.S. Microsoft Showcase Schools, but what does that mean? Here's an overview of the Microsoft metric, in lay terms:
- St. Francis leads other schools with technology that is so student friendly it transforms the way students learn.*
- SFHS teachers commit to continuous professional development so instruction stays effective and meaningful.
- Classroom instruction at SFHS meets students' individual needs and develops their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Technology in St. Francis classrooms is innovative, drives success, and prepares students for the future.
- St. Francis uses data to improve, inform, and measure progress.
*Math Teacher Mary McCarthy presents strategies to incorporate technology into the classroom to Diocese of Joliet Technology Coordinators
More specifically, the Surface Pro device makes school easier for students and educators to navigate the curriculum. It has the ability to run apps and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook and Publisher). It includes a pen stylus and great keyboard, integrates to the Cloud, and stays charged all day. Students use OneNote and Office 365, earning marketable skills for college and the workplace. SFHS provides a Surface Pro device for every student.
How do teachers use Microsoft technology in the classroom?
Math
Mrs. Mary McCarthy/Algebra Concepts, PreCalculus:
The entire math department and school has OneNote digital notebooks. We created these for each course to help students stay organized and give them access to every resource they need. As a teacher, I can easily send a page of notes to a student who is absent. I can answer questions or give direction on a problem directly into a student's notebook. We use the collaboration space within the OneNote notebooks for students to present board problems to the class. Also, I have worked in the last year to flip my classroom on certain topics, and I make screen cast video reviews for the students when we have a quiz or a test. The students have really appreciated this new video option as a learning tool. Students can watch the explanation of a problem and make corrections as needed. They are able to complete more work without stalling since they can receive an immediate answer and don't need to wait until class the next day. I would like to introduce a few new technology pieces into my math classes, such as a "Discussion Board" that would allow students help each other answer questions. I hope this will help foster good math conversation as well as prepare students to use this kind of tool in college or a future job.
Science
Dr. Tom Juliano/AP Physics I, Intro to Engineering, Physics: There is significant capability to do hands-on, scientific data collection with the Surface Pro - it runs Windows along with different apps and programs such as LoggerPro. Because the Surface Pro has a USB port, we can connect a lot of different physical sensors that the students can get feedback from in real time. For example, in Physics we study changes in motion, velocity, and acceleration of objects. We do motion analysis through video, and in one lab, to study gravity the students analyze a video clip they take on the Surface Pro of a student dropping a bowling ball from the terrace. We track the position in each frame, set a length scale, and can follow the points of the fall. The software knows how much time has elapsed between each frame and how quickly the ball is moving at any given moment. The data can be graphed by the software so we can visualize its position with time. We first learn about the theoretical equations and relationships (for example, how much the ball should be accelerating),and then use that video and data to see if it matches the theory. This leaves room for class discussion about why there might not always be a perfect match.
Physics Gravity Lab
Another example is when we go to the very beautiful St. Francis elevator to explore Newton's Laws of Motion. During the elevator ride between floors, we gather on the Surface Pro, in real-time, the values from a force plate (like a bathroom scale giving a continuous reading). As the elevator ride is going on, students can directly experience their sensations and correlate that with the collected data. It's easier for them to connect what's happening when they momentarily feel lighter or heavier than normal during an elevator ride, and it's a lot of fun to witness some of those "A ha!" moments.
Physics Motion Elevator Lab
World Languages
French Teacher Jessica Roulo/French I, II, Honors French II, III, IV:
I use Microsoft technology in all of my French classes. Every day, students come to class with their Surface Pros and start daily work by using OneNote. I love OneNote to send documents and activities to my students so that we all have the same notes at the same time. I often use my Microsoft Docking Station to connect my Surface Pro wirelessly to my projector, so that I can walk around the room and write notes in OneNote at the same time. I have even had the students open a blank page on OneNote to use as dry erase boards.
In the World Language Department, we have students create portfolios using Padlet.com. Students are quickly able to sign-up and log-in each time since Padlet offers Microsoft 365 log-in. In their portfolios, students upload all types of files (PDF, pictures, Audacity audio recordings, etc.) to demonstrate their knowledge of their target language by using the three modes of communication: presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal; they have a reflection and culture section in their portfolios, too. They create their portfolios in their first year of the language and are able to go back and reflect up what they've learned over the year, but also see how they've improved throughout each level of the language.
Finally, in my classes we use a lot of different websites to learn vocabulary and grammar concepts. Quizlet.Live, GimKit, NearPod, Quizizz, Kahoot, and Conjuguemos are just a few that I frequently use to engage the students. Using these websites allows the students to experiment and learn the language in a different way. For example, with Quizlet.Live and GimKit my students get up, move around the classroom with their Surface Pros, and work with different groups/peers in the target language on vocabulary skills. With NearPod, I am able to teach a lesson with an interactive "PowerPoint" that has all students complete different activities (fill-in-the-blank, matching, drawing, games, etc.) that keep them engaged thought the class period. All of these technology resources allow my students learn in a variety of different ways. Each student has their favorite website/activity, and each student is able to learn independently and as group all in the same class period.
Business and Technology
Mrs. Colleen Kaplan/Digital Literacy:
Digital Literacy class teaches all freshmen how to use their Surface Pro technology. We teach formatting skills in Microsoft Word, Excel basics, and block-based coding. Additionally, units such as resumes, job hunting, and digital content creation give students real-world skills within the classroom. We integrate executive functioning, organization, Naviance career exploration, internet privacy, and safety into the course, as well.
Students recently completed our Coding unit, one of the biggest, messiest, and most fun projects of the semester. We are giving out class award certificates to various classes for the most creative ideas and best use of code or circuit board.
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Beyond Admissions Events - You're Invited
St. Francis Speaker Series Invites Prospective Parents
Each year, SFHS Counseling and College Prep offers powerful speakers on relevant topics and welcome prospective parents to attend the events. Scan the list and see what topics may make an impact with your family. All events free of charge.
"The Critical Voice: To Whom Are You Listening?"
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Ann Letourneau from the Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I can't do this?" While many of us have such inner dialogue, do we ever consider what life might be like without that critical voice? This workshop will help participants begin to find a self-acceptance that leads to freedom. Participants will also practice skills and integrate faith to find a more balanced inner voice.
"Motivation"
Tuesday, March 4, 2020 at 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Nicole Burmingham from Nurturing Wisdom
It's not uncommon for teens to lose their spark when it comes to school. While it's easy to chalk it up to disinterest or laziness, that's usually not the case. Students thrive when we take a more nuanced approach. This talk will unpack the complex psychology behind motivation and share tips to help children rediscover their passion for learning.
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2019-2020 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: 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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