Join Us On The SFHS Path

   “Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little.”

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

ST. FRANCIS OFFERS FRESH START FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOLER

Fresh Starts. A new school year always represents fresh starts, and St. Francis offers a Blue Ribbon of fantastic opportunities. Attending St. Francis High School has long-lasting impact on a student’s life, and it all begins with simple and unique interactions. I’d like to outline some of the excitement and anticipation I have for this new school year and the opportunities students and families have to create for themselves here at St. Francis.

Activity Period helps cultivate relationships and personal growth—After school but before sports practices begin, Activity Period allows students to join clubs, meet with teachers, make up tests, or hang out with friends. It’s a brilliant sliver of time built into every day, ready to assist as students need. 

Tech keeps students organized—As a U.S. Microsoft Showcase School (1 of only 37 in the nation), St. Francis is nationally recognized for innovative technology that meets learning styles and offers a variety of ways to organize your student. It transforms the classroom experience and your student’s potential to achieve.

Service opportunities increase social awareness and personal growth—At St. Francis, all students perform 15 hours of service per year. Students grow in impressive ways as they support others and also discover confidence and leaderships skills.

Franciscan Virtues draw out the best in our community—St. Francis’ simple expressions of joy, acceptance, hospitality, and charity not only help students feel warm and welcomed but also draw the best out of everyone, helping students become who they’re meant to be. We call this The St. Francis Way, and it is the hallmark of our community.

Find out how St. Francis High School can bring out the best in your student and schedule a visit soon! I invite you to explore our Admissions website for all the opportunities coming up for parents and students this fall, including our first Info Session for Parents on September 18—find out more here. Registration opens on September 1. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Warm regards,

Patrick Jacobsen, Director of Admissions

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE: COMMUNITY at Freshman Orientation



What happens when you send your freshman off for the first day of high school? If parents were to peek at SFHS, this is what they’d see:

Morning Business—Details about homeroom, locks, handbooks, ID pictures, and lots of information mix with camaraderie and help from older classmates. Freshmen meet National Honor Society and Student Ambassador Leadership Team students who play some icebreaker games, then they hear about various activities at school. A keynote address, led by members of the Pastoral Ministry and Student Ministry Teams, introduced students to Saint Francis of Assisi and SFHS expectations, oftentimes referred to as “The St. Francis Way”. 

Lunch + Scavenger Hunt + Schedules—Freshmen eat with their homeroom, sitting as a group and getting acquainted, before running through campus on a scavenger hunt, then going to all classes.

Freshmen have the school to themselves – “This day has evolved over the years to help students acclimate to the St. Francis High School culture. I think we created a perfect formula to prepare them for their first official day on campus,” says Kate Michel ’92 Kowalski, SFHS Co-Director of Activities. “The freshmen seem to come in a little timid and shy, but they seem to leave with a level of confidence they may not have had without this time alone in the building. Their interaction with the teachers, upper classmen, and each other is so exciting to watch.”

Spartan Spirit—St. Francis High School sends Freshmen off with a pep rally to learn the school song and Spartan traditions. “The end of the day is always a testament to the success of the day.,” Kate Kowalski concludes. “We give them a taste of a St. Francis High School pep rally, and they can experience the energy in the gym, then we send them on their way with a big smile. Overall, the day sets a positive tone, generates a great vibe in the building, and kick-starts the energy we need to begin the year!”

"I Am St. Francis"

One of St. Francis High School’s greatest strengths is the community. While the academic and co-curricular programs are impressive, SFHS is home. It is a place that elevates and embraces students as much as it challenges them. Relationships are at the heart of everything. Faculty and staff create exceptional growth and transformation through the bonds they form with every single student. 

The Student Leader Perspective:

What does the SFHS COMMUNITY mean to you?

Sean H. ’25 (St. Joan of Arc/Hong Kong International School): The community at St. Francis has allowed me to grow in my faith in and outside the classroom. An example is the service projects we go on with our classmates and teachers. It is a fantastic experience that we get to do to help change the world. Another great thing we do together is retreats. I have grown closer to my classmates during our retreats, strengthening my connection to the community.

Erin D. ’25 (St. Michael): The St. Francis community has helped me tremendously in evolving into the person that I am called to be. The teachers and resources have been vital in my academic growth, offering me office hours and tutoring when I am faced with difficulty. The masses and religious clubs and organizations have helped me grow in my faith and in my relationship with God. Finally, the inviting, vivacious community has nurtured me in my relationships with others and confidence in myself!

John W. ’25 (St. Michael): Being a part of the St. Francis community means so much to me. I see the community around school daily when I’m greeted by the warm welcoming of my friends, the friendly “hello!” from some of my teachers, or even the mutual nod of salutations from peers whom I am not especially familiar with. What I think is most beautiful about the St. Francis community is that it extends beyond the halls and beyond the classrooms. Any time I see a fellow Spartan out and about I always make sure to say hello, even if I don't know them on a personal level. Every single time, they reciprocate the same level of enthusiasm and excitement as I am. 

Sophia H. ’25 (St. Michael): Attending St. Francis has been an enriching experience! It’s not just an educational community; it’s a loving family. The teachers and staff ensure we feel supported both physically and academically each day. I always love when they greet us in the morning with a friendly smile and a comforting "Hi!". Beyond that, the camaraderie between students is unmatched; everyone looks out for one another which creates an environment of respect and collaboration in both the classroom and during extracurricular events.

Around Campus This August

All of our students have arrived for the 2024-25 school year...and we're so glad they're here! Last week, SFHS students, faculty, staff, and parents celebrated our first all-school liturgy of the year. 

The SFHS Hall of Fame is getting a facelift! A new interactive, digital display is being installed right outside the Spyglass Athletic Center.

A new addition to the Loughman Family Tennis Center! Cheer on Spartan Tennis from our new grass seating area.