Freshman Enrichment
Course ID: 20
This year-long class supports the academic development of identified students in the following areas: study skills, reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and research. Students are enrolled in the class in lieu of a Foreign Language. Student growth is measured through discussion, class work, written assignments, quizzes, tests, and articulation with other teachers.
Prerequisite: Freshman Enrichment summer course
Level: 9
Credit: 10
Academic Decathlon 
Course ID: 45
In this year-long course Students prepare during September-January to compete in February by immersing themselves in the national topic which changes each year. Team members also attend special workshops at UOP and CSUS and have SF teachers and others who are experts in the area of study for the year. Previous topics have been the Civil War, the Renaissance, China, and Latin America. Freshmen through seniors are important members of the team. The AcaDeca Team must consist of an equal number of students who have grade point averages below 3.0, 3.1 to 3.7, and above 3.7 so students are encouraged to become a valued member of the team regardless of grade point average. AcaDeca is a two-credit course and students also earn 3 units of college credit from CSUS.
NOTE: This class meets two days a week after school.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Certamen
In this year-long course students on the team practice for and compete in competitions at events sponsored by the California and National Junior Classical League: the Ludi Novembres in the Fall, the Certamen Regional and State Convention in the Spring and the National Convention in the Summer. They compete in a range of competitions relating to Latin and Greco-Roman history and society. These include academic tests, classical oration, art, athletics, and the premier event, the Certamen, a team trivia contest. Enrollment in Latin is desired, but not necessary to be on the Certamen team. The team will meet once a week after school to prepare for competitions.
NOTE: This class meets once a week after school.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Intro to Forensics - Debate
Course ID: 39
Introduction to Forensics-Debate is a fall semester course designed for students who would like to develop their understanding of national and world economics, environment, energy, war and peace, and ethical issues that affect policy-making in a fun and supportive class. Students work cooperatively to research these issues and learn the characteristics of different types of reasoning that are utilized in oral argumentation. Students will practice their new skills and put their knowledge to work in formal debate tournaments. Assessment is based on quality of preparation, participation in tournaments, and support for team members. Students have the option of continuing to participate during second semester by enrolling in the second-semester one-credit debate team program.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 5
Debate Team
Course ID: 44
In this year-long course, the debate team meets one day a week after school or more frequently before a tournament. Team members have had some experience with debate techniques either in a debate class or other training. Current world and national issues are the topics. Team members research topics on the internet and by reading news magazines, the Economist or other pertinent journals. They participate in three or four Saturday tournaments (Public Forum and Congress) during the first semester and one regular and two qualifying tournaments in second semester with the possibility of entering state and national tournaments. They may be joined by students from the debate class during the second semester.
Prerequisite: Prior experience or permission of coach
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Mock Trial - Youth Court Team
Course ID: 42
The Mock Trial team prepares from September through January for a regional competition usually held at the Sacramento County Courthouse. In the competition, students train and serve as prosecution and defense attorneys, witnesses and court staff for a criminal trial created by the state governing body. Practices are generally one or two days a week after school, with additional commitment necessary near competition time. The Youth Court team performs as attorneys and jurors in real-life juvenile court sentencing trials two or three times during the year. Coaches are attorneys. Youth Court trials are held from September through May.
Prerequisite: Application, interview/audition, recommendation and permission of instructor.
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Moot Court
Course ID: 49
In the Moot Court competition students argue a case at the appellate level. Each team must present its side of the case on appeal to a panel of three judges. Teams are scored according to organization and development of arguments, quality of the substantive arguments, persuasiveness of the presentation and responses to questions from the bench. Students immerse themselves in constitutional law under the guidance of attorneys. This team is open to all students. Meetings may be Thurs. AM and/or one afternoon a week September through February-March.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Model United Nations Team
Course ID: 46
Students attend the MUN conference at UC Berkeley in March with a possibility of an additional out-of-town conference during the year. Preparation consists of representing a nation in the General Assembly and in various committees. Students prepare position papers for their nation and propose, defend or oppose propositions.
NOTE: Meetings are once a week after school, with outside research required.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Robotics Team
Course ID: 43
This team, one of a very few all-female teams in the nation, is part of a national organization called FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.) Students have hands-on experience with web site design, programming, animation, organization, fund-raising, public relations and tools and electronics. Industry experts and parents mentor but students do the work. Meetings are once a week in the fall and late spring in addition to a more intense schedule during the “build season” in January and February. The team attends 2 competitions in San Jose area and Davis, with the nationals in Atlanta as a possibility. In addition, students can earn 3 units of college credit in Robotics from CSUS if they are juniors or seniors and in at least their second year of the team.
Prerequisite: Application, interview/audition, recommendation and permission of instructor.
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
"Fembots" Website...
Speech Team
Course ID: 41
Students work independently with a speech coach to prepare for monthly tournaments. There are twelve events from which to choose. Several are dramatic interpretations; others are original works prepared by students in either prose or poetry. Students may also select national or international topics to discuss in the extemporaneous events—perfect for students whose homes have newspapers and news magazines and like PBS or CNN. Students compete September through March and may qualify for state and/or national competitions. Auditions are required and team size is limited.
Note: Meeting times are during lunch or free block, and after school once or twice a week.
Prerequisite: Audition, approval of coach
Level: 9-12
Credit: 2
Toastmasters Leadership
Course ID: 38
This functions on the club level but is similar to a team in that a commitment is made by the student to prepare for and present several speeches during the eight meetings that are scheduled. Toastmasters Leadership provides the training and experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where students can work on various public speaking skills that will be helpful in class presentations, as officers in our many clubs and student body offices, and in future leadership positions. The meetings will be Sept-Dec.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 1
Ministry Leadership
Course ID: 40
This course provides each student the opportunity for experience and development of her leadership knowledge and skills. It also allows the student to contribute to the St. Francis Community through the unique gifts given to her by God. Topics covered include lay ministry, leadership styles, effectiveness, communication, conflict resolution, recruiting and managing. In addition, students will create, lead and evaluate projects to build and refine their skills. Students in Ministry Leadership work within the Campus Ministry Department and its various programs including: liturgies and prayer, retreats, service, community building, and the Big Sister mentoring program. This course may be repeated for credit. NOTE: This class is only offered in C Block.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 5
Student Intern
Course ID: 10
Student Interns earn valuable work experience and excellent references for college applications, letters of recommendation, and job resumes. Students provide service to the school while earning 5 elective credits. Students are assigned a course grade, but this grade is not averaged into the SFHS GPA. Students should register as an intern and meet with the teacher or participating staff members to arrange for the internship. In addition to assisting teachers, students may apply to intern in the Guidance Department, Library, Institutional Advancement Office, St. Francis Admin. Office, Arts Department, and Technology Department.
Students may download an application in their TCCi Naviance Family Connection account by clicking on "Library."
Prerequisite: You must be recommended and need to fill out the application. Download the application click on Library in your student profile.
Level: 9-12
Credit: 5
Student Leadership
Course ID: 30
This course is a required class if you have been elected as a Student Body Officer or Class Officer. Students in this class will develop an understanding of leadership theory, personal development, communication, organization, community building, and ethics in leadership. The purpose of this class is to organize, manage, and evaluate school-wide activities and events, increase school spirit, participate in community activities and events, facilitate communication within St. Francis, and support the St. Francis student community. Student leaders also provide student representation to faculty, administration, and parent organizations. NOTE: This class is only offered at C Block.
Prerequisite: You must be elected to a Student Body Office or Class Office to enroll.
Level: 9-12
Credit: 10
Computer Essentials I
Course ID: 50
This course is designed to provide students with basic and intermediate computer literacy skills using an integrated Microsoft Office business simulation model. As the Microsoft Office Specialist, students complete real-world projects that support opening a business. Students generate business and financial documents, organize data and create and design marketing publications and presentations. The class focuses on improving student competency and productivity. Additionally, students learn Internet safety practices while improving their research skills by streamlining searches, applying effective navigation techniques, and analyzing and evaluating the credibility of Web site content. All applications are from Microsoft Office 2007: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher. This is a semester-long course.
Prerequisite: None
Level: 9-12
Credit: 5
Computer Essentials II
Course ID: 51
This course is designed to provide students with basic and intermediate media literacy skills. Students enter the world of graphic, video and Web design. This is a fast paced, hands-on, project driven class. Students explore basic photography techniques, a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques and the application of filters and effects to create graphics, videos and Web pages. An introduction to HTML language is included. The applications used are Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0, M.S. Movie Maker and Notepad for Web Design. This is a semester-long course.
Prerequisite: Computer Essentials 1 or permission of instructor
May challenge out of Computer Essentials I by taking a test available in spring. Please schedule with Mrs. Benson.
Level: 9-12
Credit: 5
AP Computer Science (HP)
Course ID: 567
AP Computer Science is a full-year introductory course in computer science, comparable to a first-semester college course. Students are assumed to have no prior programming experience. Students will learn to design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running, and debugging computer programs. Students will learn to code fluently in an object-oriented programming language, to use and develop common algorithms and data structures, to read and understand programs developed by others, and to recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use. Students will be prepared and required to take the AP Computer Science A exam. Pending UC/CSU approval in the (c - Mathematics) category.
Prerequisite: A- in Algebra 2 or B in Honors Algebra 2 or B in Pre-Calculus. Permission of instructor and teacher recommendation.
Level: 10-12
Credit: 10
MultiMedia Design CS
Course ID: 55
This course is designed to provide students with a graphic design experience. Learn the secrets professional graphic designers use in publication layouts, advertisements and more. Students learn intermediate and advanced design techniques in a highly project driven environment. Techniques taught include layer management, masking, alpha channels, the pen tool and paths, and advanced photo retouching. The applications used are Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Adobe InDesign CS2; both are used in our yearbook curriculum. This is a semester-long course.
Prerequisite: Computer Essentials I & II or teacher permission*.
*May challenge out of Computer Essentials I and submit portfolio to challenge out of Computer Essentials II. See Mrs. Benson.
Level: 9-12
Credit: 5
