Next Week's School Schedule

Early Dismissal 

When: September 28; 1:30pm dismissal

For those who rely on bus transportation, Columbus City Schools will not transport that afternoon and you will have to make arrangements for an alternate ride home. The Gahanna bus will be here for the 1:30 p.m. dismissal.

No School

When: September 29

Parent Survey -- Last Chance

Parents: If you haven't done so already, please take a few minutes to complete this accreditation survey.   The feedback you provide is necessary for our accreditation status and helps us maintain our school's commitment to continuous improvement.  

Stallions in the Spotlight

Congratulations to the 2023 Homecoming Court! Freshmen - JJ McQuay and Leia Riley; Sophomores - John Hockaday and Sophia Warner; Juniors - Jack Barber and Sarah Stevenson; Senior Court - Brooke Eader, Vaughn Harber, Bridget Womber, Max Shulaw, Mary Tano (Queen), and Brandon Heil (King).

See more photos from last Friday's Homecoming Traditions Mass & Breakfast, and the Homecoming Assembly on @SFDStallions.

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Club walked in the annual Friends of the Poor walk, held in Alumni Stadium on Saturday. They raised money through a Kona ice fundraiser, donating all proceeds to this charitable cause.

Yesterday, Mrs. Mascarin's government classes partied like it was 1787 in remembrance of the US Constitution. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution.

Sophomore Jocelyn Green will be featured in an upcoming issue of Columbus Monthly as 1 of 5 individuals selected as a part of the 2023 Everyday Heroes class. In addition to this recognition, she will receive a $1,000 grant to donate to any non-profit organization of her choice. Out of the 5 finalists, one will win a $5,000 dollar grant. Good luck Jocelyn!

ICYMI: Last fall, Jocelyn, with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and SFD family and friends, donated over $10,000 to Nationwide Children's Hospital. Our school's Golden Hearts Club continues to support NCH as well! Next week (M-Th) gold bracelets will be sold by the Golden Hearts Club leadership team for $2 during all lunch periods. The money goes directly to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s research to end pediatric cancer. Parents can also contribute to the cause by sending in donations with their child.

A Note from the SFD Wellness Team

September serves as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is preventable with the correct resources and trainings, and we are committed to helping equip our school community with the necessary resources to support anyone who may be struggling. Coming up in November, our sophomores will be participating in Nationwide Children’s Signs of Suicide Program. Within this Program, our sophomores will also learn about warning signs to look for in their peers, and learn how everyone can play a critical role in preventing suicide. Below is some of the information that they will be learning, along with some helpful terminology for all in our community. 

Warning Signs 

Be aware of any major changes that you may notice. These changes could be behavioral, physical, or even how someone is thinking or feeling. Some examples are below: 

● Trouble focusing or making decisions 

● Sense of worthlessness 

● Irritability 

● Withdrawal 

● Low Energy 

● Enjoying activities, hobbies, or things much less than usual 

Keep an eye on the duration of these changes as well. If they persist for 2 weeks or more, it may be time to ACT.

• Acknowledge-Acknowledge that there is a problem and it is serious. 
• Care-Show you care about your friend. 
• Tell-Tell the school’s mental health contact/trusted adult. In our school this would be the child’s school counselor or another trusted adult. 

Risk Factors

● Depression 

● Substance abuse 

● Previous attempt 

● Loss of a relationship/person 

● Male 

● Impulsive behavior 

● Feeling hopeless or trapped 

● Pressure to be perfect 

Remember: asking about suicide does not put thoughts into someone’s head. If they are talking about suicide, take it seriously.

Parents can learn more by joining Nationwide Children's Hospital for virtual presentations about these topics and more. Click here for the schedule of Zoom presentations.

State Scholarship & Student Database Coordinator

Saint Francis DeSales High School is currently looking to fill the position of a State Scholarship and Student Database Coordinator. This full-time position serves a dual role assisting with the day-to-day responsibilities associated with the school’s main office as well as supporting the SFD enrollment team. 

The ideal candidate will embrace a people-centric approach to all daily activities which includes answering phones, greeting visitors, faculty/staff and our students, data entry as well as assisting where needed most. Embracing the school’s faith-based mission is a critical aspect of this position and the interested candidate must function as a servant leader. 

Interested candidates must be willing to complete the Diocesan Safe Schools Program.

Qualifications 

Strong communication skills, detail oriented, previous clerical experience that also involved public relations, good working knowledge of Apple technology, friendly and willing to go the extra mile. 

Education 

College degree preferred. In lieu of a college degree, extensive office work experience will be considered.

Interested parties should submit their resume and cover letter to Mrs. Stephanie Lauderback at lauderback@desales.co by Thursday, September 28th.

Friends in the Courtyard is less than a month away! 

We hope you will join us for our annual Friend in the Courtyard Wine Tasting and Auction on Saturday, October 14. Friends in the Courtyard event tickets are a great value at $75. Take advantage of early bird pricing by getting your tickets before the price increases to $85 on Sunday, October 1st at 11:59 P.M. If you’re looking for the absolute best value, check out the Purple Package too!

Looking for another way to support Friends in the Courtyard?

Silent and live auction items are donated by generous supporters like you! If you have a unique experience vacation home or something else of note to share as a live auction item, please contact Sarah Evans. Each co-curricular program will receive 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of live and silent auction items which were procured by that co-curricular program. Silent auction baskets should be turned into the main office; please fill out the item donation form in advance. 

Knights of Columbus Scholarship for Catholic High School Tuition Assistance

The Ohio Charity Foundation, Inc. and the Ohio Knights of Columbus are pleased to announce

that, for the 2023-2024 school year, many $1,000 scholarships will once again be made available for Catholic students in grades 9-12 attending Catholic High Schools in Ohio.

The requirements that will be considered for this scholarship are financial need, a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher, academic awards, community and/or parish involvement, and

extracurricular activities. The Knights of Columbus have a particular desire to help students who may be considering a religious vocation so that they may stay in a Catholic High School to foster and encourage that calling.

The Knights of Columbus Scholarship application may be found on the Ohio Charity Foundation website at: https://ohiocharityfoundation.org/scholarships/. Applications must be received (not postmarked) by the Knights of Columbus by Friday, November 24, 2023 and may be submitted via email or US mail.  

Applicants must submit an SFD transcript along with their application and may obtain one from their School Counselor or from Mrs. Hoyer, our Registrar. 

Discovery Nights for Future Stallions

Designed specifically for 6th, 7th and 8th grade prospective Stallion families, each informational session will focus on a unique strength of our St. Francis DeSales High School community. Pre-register for one event, or attend them all, to discover for yourself the St. Francis DeSales difference. Visit https://www.sfdstallions.org/visit-sfd to register.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS FOR LIFE

October 3, 2023, 7:00-8:30 pm

In our first Discovery Night of the season, we will explore the mission of St. Francis DeSales High School to prepare the mind, body and spirit of each student. Discover how our unique academic programming, rooted in the Catholic tradition, prepares students to be leaders in and out of the classroom.

BE WHO YOU ARE AND BE THAT WELL

October 24, 2023, 7:00-8:30pm

Your four year journey should be filled with experiences and opportunities that are unique to your passions and purpose. No two students are alike...nor should be their experience. What will YOUR St. Francis DeSales High School experience look like?

THE VALUE OF A ST. FRANCIS DESALES HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION

November 15, 2023, 7:00-8:30pm

We believe the value of a St. Francis DeSales High School education is priceless and we partner with our families to ensure affordable Catholic education for their children. In this November Discovery Night, we will discuss tuition, scholarships, and tuition assistance opportunities for families, as well as the lifelong dividends associated with a St. Francis DeSales High School education.

Students, teachers and schools can win big with Partners in Education

The Ohio Lottery Partners in Education program is encouraging our school community to nominate students and teachers for their contributions to our school, including excellence in the classroom, leadership and innovation. Their contributions matter, and it's time to recognize and celebrate them.

Visit: https://www.ohiolottery.com/About/Partners-in-Education to nominate a Stallion today!

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.