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A Note from Mrs. Garcia:
Dear SFX Families,
It is with mixed emotions that after 8 years as principal at St. Francis Xavier School, I am announcing my retirement effective June 28th. I feel blessed to have worked with the team here at SFX. Every day, I am inspired by the polite and engaged children and dedicated and creative teachers & staff that fill our hallways and classrooms. It is also a privilege to work with so many committed parents who give of their time, talent and treasure to provide many opportunities to our children. When we collaborate, St. Francis Xavier School is a very special place for all! During my time here, we faced challenges and we have had many triumphs. I was so proud to have faced these together, always striving to create a safe, meaningful, and faithful learning environment for our kids. Making school fun while learning, has also ranked as a top goal!
Here are a few highlights from this year. I will be sharing some exciting news with our families next week about teacher bonuses. This has been something we have worked to establish for years and it is because of our generous parents and community, that we can provide this to our teachers & staff. We have a faculty that is collaborative and according to the Intent to Return Forms that have been submitted, teachers plan on returning for the 2024-2025 school year. Our most recent iReady test scores show that we are excelling as a school in the domains that are tested. This year we implemented a new reading series for K-6th grades and a phonics curriculum in grades PS3-K. Teachers have been receiving professional development so that they can implement this curriculum in their classrooms. We are now in the process of reviewing a new curriculum series for science/STEAM to be adopted for next year. Our newly revised Strategic Plan, which will be shared with families soon, includes goals to study ways to improve our outdoor space for children, developing more faith formation for families, and as always, looking at ways to maintain a rigorous curriculum. In 2020 SFX was awarded its 2nd National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Education. Because of the hard work of this team, we are on track to apply for our 3rd Blue Ribbon in 2026. We have increased the number of liturgies each grade level attends this year and we enjoy being with our Falcon Faith Friends during our liturgies and sharing classroom activities together. One of the most heartfelt aspects of St. Francis is our Service Program and Service Day, which brings out the very best of who we are. The giving of talent that goes into providing our kids with an understanding of why service is such an important part of being a Catholic, in combination with the experiences provided, is amazing - it is the heart of SFX. When alumni return, many of those experiences are highlights of their years here and they share how they continue to serve others. When I talk to our students about being inclusive, kind & respectful, we all understand it personifies who we are at SFX.
I look forward to my next adventure with excitement. In the next few months, I will finish some plans we have started and plan the transitions into next year. I will miss the people of St. Francis Xavier School.
Thank you parents, faculty, school and parish staff, and most of all, the students of SFX. I will miss the people of St. Francis Xavier School.
You have been my focus for 8 years, and I will keep you all in my prayers. I look forward to hearing about all of the great things happening at St. Francis Xavier School.
God Bless,
Mrs. Sharon Garcia
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