Alumni Vocations Recognition

This past fall, we completed our beautiful Vocations Wall, opposite the chapel. This project, made possible with the help of a Class of 1969 alumnus, was designed as a way to honor SFD alumni that have answered God's call to serve the Catholic Faith; it also serves as an inspiration to our students with real examples of vocations. Learn more here about how St. Francis DeSales High School, as well as other experiences, led these faith-filled alumni on their journey to serve the Catholic Church in a religious vocation.

NOTE: If you've visited the site before, be sure to take a look again to check out a new video featuring Sister Elizabeth Marie Hogan from the class of 1998. As Sister Elizabeth Marie explains, she heard God's call in our very own SFD chapel!

This is your LAST WEEK to purchase tickets to the Mother/Son Dance! Please note, we are not able to accommodate ticket purchases at the door. Buy yours now at https://rb.gy/xezdx5.

SENIORS: Please send three pictures you'd like to use in the video shown at the dance to Jen Crabtree (mjcrabtree1@att.net) or Heather Van Syckle (heather.vansyckle1@gmail.com).

We'd like to have as many people attend the dance as possible. If you would like to discuss assistance purchasing tickets, please contact our Mother's Club at mothersclub@desales.co.

Hear why these students are excited for the upcoming dance!

Stallions in the Spotlight

We were blessed to have several guests, including Bishop Fernandes, join us at the school last week to celebrate our Feast Day!

Congratulations to senior Olivia Sanabria who was recognized by the Westerville Rotary Club as a Student of the Month for January.

Congratulations to juniors Bryce Herrick and Hilary Letzelter who were selected for the 2024 Handshake America Coaching and Scholarship Program. They were among 36 student-athletes in Central Ohio selected for the program. Congratulations to senior Jack Jordan who recently received his scholarship award for being a member of the 2023 program. 

Follow your favorite SFD team

All of our athletic teams have social media accounts! Visit stallionpride.com find their social media handles, and follow your favorite teams.

Did you hear? The St. Francis DeSales Athletic Department is happy to welcome Rob Sangster as the next Head Coach of our Ice Hockey Program! Read more about Coach Sangster at https://shorturl.at/biF25.

PLUS, we are excited to announce the promotion of five assistant coaches to the ranks of Head Coach. Read more here.

Scheduling Information for the 24-25 School Year

Today marks the official start of Course Scheduling for the 2024-2025 school year. Each student will meet directly with his or her school counselor over the next several weeks where they will receive the grade level selection sheet as well as a comprehensive listing of all the courses available. Keep the following details in mind:

• The 2024-2025 Course Description Booklet is available on the school website and it will also be pushed out to student iPads.
• Students will work hand-in-hand with their school counselor and parents to select classes.
• Students must account for eight academic class periods, which will also include alternates.
• Students are only able to register for those classes where they have met the prerequisites. All recommendations from teachers need to be made before students select classes for the 2024-2025 school year. This is especially true for elective courses. For example, if a student took an art class as a Freshman and no visual arts courses as a sophomore, but want to take something next year as a junior, then they will need their former teacher’s recommendation. It is vital for students to speak with teachers this week.
• If a student is not planning to return to Saint Francis DeSales High School in the 2024-2025 school year, they will need to attach a note to that effect to their selection sheet signed by their parents.
• Please note the following schedule for meetings as well as due dates:

A Note for Seniors and Senior Parents

Beginning now and continuing through May, students are receiving college scholarship award letters from colleges they have applied to. DeSales would like to have a copy of each scholarship awarded to our students even if they do not plan to attend the institution. We will share the result of their hard work by noting their accomplishments in our Graduation Program. We will list the college to which they were awarded a scholarship and the scholarship name. The dollar amounts will not be included in the program. Please have your student bring a copy (or we can make a copy) to their Guidance Counselor or Mrs. Hoyer in the Student Services Center. Please submit by May 6, 2024. Thank you.

College Credit Plus 2024-2025

Attention Parents and Guardians: There will be an informational Webinar on Thursday, February 15 at 7pm to review the College Credit Plus application process. The meeting should last approximately 45 minutes.  

Link to join Webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88010754624 

Mothers Club Bake Sale

Our Valentine’s Day Bake Sale is coming and we could use your help! The sale will be held during all lunch periods on Tuesday, February 13th. Popular treats are CAKE POPS, BROWNIES, RICE KRISPIE TREATS, COOKIES, and CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS. All Items are sold for $.25 or $.50.

We ask that treats be individually wrapped and dropped off by you or your student on the cart in the front lobby the morning of the sale. Please use the link below to sign up to donate or work the sale!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080844AFA728A3F85-mothers2#/

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Karey Gabrielli (KareyGabrielli@yahoo.com) or Kristin Figliola (the3littlefigs@sbcglobal.net).

ACT Prep Course - Save The Date

Just a heads-up! We are having our ACT Prep Course to help prepare for the ACT national testing date of April 13. Diagnostic tests will be held on February 24 and classes will span from late-February to beginning of April. More information will be in next week's DeTales.

Animal Lovers/Future Vets Club -- Pet Drive

The Animal Lovers/Future Vets Club will be having a PET DRIVE for Canine Collective (a no kill shelter) and the Franklin County Dog Shelter. It will run from February 1st - 15th. There will be labeled boxes to collect supplies in both lobbies. They are in need of treats and large bags of dry dog food as well as canned dog food, peanut butter, large towels, blankets of any size, dog beds, leashes, grooming tools, pet carriers, durable toys like Kongs and Nylabones, and any pet medications that are no longer needed. You are also able to donate directly to Canine Collective with Venmo by scanning the assigned QR code, or order from Amazon (and it will be sent directly to Canine Collective) with their QR code. Thank you for your support!

QR code to donate to Canine Collective directly by ordering from Amazon

QR code to donate to Canine Collective directly using Venmo

Dispatch's Student of the Week

Participating high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors nominate students each week who have shown outstanding academic and school achievement, and/or community service.

Voting is open until noon on Thursday, February 1.

A Note from the SFD Wellness Team

During these cold winter months it’s easy to want to curl up in your bed or on your couch. Click here for an article on self care ideas for you, your friends and family to help beat the winter blues!  

Nurse's Notes

2023-2024 Sick Policy 

Sick children often expose other students and school staff members to illnesses and germs. These illnesses are disruptive to the educational process and to other children and their families. Students who are ill should be kept home to help control the spread of germs. Please follow the guidelines linked here to help keep our school safe and healthy.