Stallions in the Spotlight

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Alice in Wonderland on two wonderful performances this past weekend.

Pictured: Alice (Dera Hicks-Prieto) narrowly escaped with her head as she is confronted by the Queen of Hearts (Ella Steiger).

Last week members of the St. Vincent DePaul Club dropped off 84 bags of clothes at St. Joseph's Coat of Central Ohio. These donations will make a difference in the lives of families in need!

Junior Olivia Smith achieved the rank of Eagle Scout this past Saturday. For her Eagle Scout project, she worked with Birthright of Columbus to help them move locations and sponsored a clothing drive to benefit the organization.

Congratulations to the following students who will be published in the next edition of a publication entitled, A Collection of Voices, Volume IV: Anmarie Trolli - “Lya and the Scars,” Adoma Andoh - “ Seeing the Soul,” and Rebecca Gebhart - “Vesuvius.”

Our Chaplain, Fr. Crescensis, concelebrated Mass with Bishop Fernandes at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at a meeting held last week for High School Theology Teachers and Campus Ministers within the Diocese.

Did you know? Fr. Crescensis offers Mass to our students and faculty Tuesdays (4th period), Wednesdays (5th period), and Thursdays (6th period); in addition, he makesReconciliation available every day.

Fall Sports in Post Season Action

Congratulations to our boys golf team for finishing in 5th place at the OHSAA state meet last weekend. Special congratulations to senior Vaughn Harber who finished as State Champion as an individual!

Visit https://www.stallionpride.com/announcements/2023-fall-postseason-information to check out the upcoming post season events for all the fall sports teams still in action, including our boys soccer team tonight in the District Semifinal, our football team at Home in their first playoff game on Friday, and our boys and girls cross country teams in the Regionals on Saturday.

Start Collecting!

Reverse Trick or Trick

We thought a great way to jump start our annual canned food drive is to host a Reverse Trick or Treat on Halloween! Students who are dressing up in a Halloween costume are asked to bring in $2 or 2 cans. All donations will be collected in Homeroom that morning.

Turn-In Dates

Canned goods are collected every morning throughout the drive -- November 1st through November 17 -- in the Little Theater lobby. Individual goal is 20 points. Click here for the 2023 point system. *Students: remember if you turn in items November 1 thru November 3, your points will be doubled!

Amazon Ships Goods Too

You (or family members who live outside of the state) are also welcome to send canned food items via Amazon to the school (4212 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43224). 

3-Point Challenge

The Sophomore Class will host a 3-point competition during all lunch periods on November 2 and 3 in the gymnasium. Students pay $1 (cash) and try to make a 3-point shot. If they make it, they win $2 (or they can donate their winnings!). All proceeds go to the Canned Food Drive.

Boxes Needed for Canned Food Drive

If you have any packing boxes that can be used for our canned food drive, please bring them to the main office.

Parent Volunteers for Open House

Open House is right round the corner! It is an incredible opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore our high school and learn about the fantastic opportunities we offer. To provide a top of the line experience in welcoming our guests it takes all hands on deck. 

There are a number of different ways that you can help. A detailed description of various volunteer opportunities is listed below. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact admissions@desales.co or (614) 265-3380.

Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Open House Volunteer Sign Up

Open House Confirmation Phone Calls

Volunteers will contact families via phone (from your own home) on Wednesday, November 8th and Thursday, November 9th to welcome visitors to Open House and ensure the family has established their application portfolio.  

Event Preparation

Our team is looking for volunteers to assist with Open House setup. This would include things like ironing linens, wrapping cookies, decorating rooms, etc. There are multiple days and times available for this.

Parent Ambassador "Check-out" Station

At the conclusion of every tour, families will be dropped off at the Parent Ambassador "Check-Out" Station. Each visiting family will be paired with a current SFD parent for an opportunity to ask questions and receive details regarding submitting their application portfolio. We will need lots of volunteers at this station!

SOS Training for Sophomores

St. Francis DeSales, in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is providing a training for the sophomores called Signs of Suicide. The Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program (SOS) is a school-based suicide prevention program supported by SAMHSA. The goal of the curriculum is to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior by expanding the safety net for students experiencing mental and emotional distress.

Sophomore parents should have received a direct communication with more information about this program, and can contact Dr. Sharon Murphy or their student’s school counselor with any questions.  

All parents are invited to participate in the parent trainings that are offered by NCH via a virtual format. Please click here for the schedule and the zoom links. November 6 and November 10 are the next dates for this opportunity. 

Go to https://sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for videos about SOS, guidance for parents for talking to their children about suicide, and downloadable handouts.

We are grateful to be able to offer this nationally recognized and evidence-based program to our students.  

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of assistance please text or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Serra Club Men's Luncheon - Sign Up by October 30

On Tuesday, November 7, DeSales will be sending a group of young men to the Josephinum for half a day to learn more about the many ways that God might call them to a vocation in the Church, including marriage, the priesthood, and religious life. Please have RSVP and permission slip in to either your son's theology teacher or Mr. Brayden Steller by Monday, October 30. Contact bsteller@desales.co with questions.

Senior Portrait Day - November 8

Seniors will have their Senior Portrait photo taken at school on November 8. This photo will go in the yearbook and class composite. It is free of charge; however, there will be an opportunity for families to purchase their student's photo if they choose. If a senior is absent for this picture day, they must take their photo at the make-up day on December 13 in order to be in the yearbook and class composite.

Please see below on appropriate attire for Senior Portraits.

Mark your calendar for our upcoming Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances. More details to come, but you won't want to miss the exciting celebrations we have planned for this year's events!

Father/Daughter Dance – 12/3/2023

Mother/Son Dance – 2/4/2024

French Exchange Program This February

Our annual exchange program with our sister school in Normandy, France -- Institution Saint Joseph in Le Havre -- will be taking place this year from February 17 - March 2, 2024.

We are currently looking for families who are willing to host a student (or two) in their home during their visit. Students do not need to be enrolled in French at DeSales in order to host a student, as all students have a good proficiency in English. 

In addition, there is no fee associated with hosting a French Exchange student; all that needs to be provided is a place to stay, meals with your family and a sack lunch on most days. The exchange students will report each day to DeSales with your student and depart with them at the end of the day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for your student and your family to make a connection and learn about another culture. Please contact Mrs. Heather Evans if you are interested in hosting a student at evans@desales.co or your student can see her in room 121 to receive the necessary paperwork.

Nutrition and Wellness for the Student Athlete

When student athletes FUEL WELL they FEEL WELL

Find a balance and manage time between:

• academics 
• athletics 
• employment 
• social life 
• sleeping habits

Fuel your day with nutritious food

• Plan to have food/snacks available to eat every 2-3 hours. This provides both physical and mental fuel to sustain exercise/training on the field and in the classroom. 
• Choose smart snacks: String cheese, low-fat yogurt, dry cereal, trail mix, whole grain crackers, 100% fruit juice, granola, or breakfast bars.
• Have a routine eating pattern every day. Athletes with a consistent fueling pattern tend to be leaner and have more energy.
• Replenish your body during your recovery.
• Choose carbohydrate-rich foods, high-quality protein and plenty of fluids.

Reference: NCAA Nutrition

Hydration is key

• The goal is to prevent dehydration and optimize performance.
• Drink water before, during, and after activity.
• Water is often efficient enough to maintain hydration, but adding a sports drink helps replace electrolytes.

Reference: Healthy Hydration for Young Athletes

Build relationships

• Surround yourself with with peers who have similar goals and work ethic.
• Utilize study tables for school work.
• Ask for help.

Get adequate sleep

• Sleep is essential for recovery and cognitive function.
• Studies show teens (ages 13-18) need 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
• Avoid screen time at night.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
• Avoid caffeine especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Reserve your bed for sleeping only.

Reference: Sleep for Student Athletes

Early Voting On Issue 1

Below is information shared by the Catholic Conference of Ohio regarding Issue 1 on this November’s ballot. The Catholic Conference of Ohio is the official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio on public policy, advocating for the dignity of life at all stages, immigrants, Ohioans in need, and Catholic education. Click here to learn more.

Babysitting Volunteers Needed for St. Paul RCIA Program

The program, and need for childcare, runs through May 19. Adult volunteers have the option of serving for volunteer hours or a small stipend. Teen helpers (grade 6-12) are volunteer only. Contact aramos@stpacc.org to sign up!

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.