St. Francis High School - Student Life - Clubs and Organizations

Students are encouraged to become involved in the life of the St. Francis community.

Clubs Day is held in Serra Court at the beginning of each school year. Each club hosts a booth which students can visit during their free blocks to learn about the club and determine which clubs/student organizations they would like to join.

Download:
Club Application Form.pdf 8KB
Club Constitution.pdf 10KB
New Club Fact Sheet.pdf 30KB

Bill Hanrahan, Director of Student Activities
916-737-5026
Email: bhanrahan@stfrancishs.org

Some of the clubs require auditions. Refer to the individual club descriptions below for details.

Alphabetical Listing of Clubs/Organizations
(revised February 2009)

A Cappella
Moderators: Mr. Horatio Edens and Ms. Tina Harris

A Cappella is a student-run singing group of 12-15 students who are dedicated to the performance and appreciation of a cappella music. Students meet twice weekly after school and occasionally during community lunch in room 404, and are required to perform in two school concerts and the Talent Show. Previous vocal experience preferred; auditions required for new members.

African American and Hispanic Culture Clubs
Moderator: Mrs. Linda Norman

This club educates students on the unique issues that disproportionably effect women and children of African American and Hispanic women. It also celebrates the diversity of culture within the St. Francis community.

AIDS Awareness
Moderator: Mrs. Bonnie Roman

The goal of this club is to foster AIDS awareness and provide opportunities for students to get involved in various AIDS related events. We hope to instill members with a passion to help those whose lives are affected by AIDS.

Alzheimer’s Awareness
Moderator: Kathleen Deeringer

This club is an organization with the purpose of enabling young adults to become aware of the disease and its effects on their families. Our goals are to help raise funds for research and to support fellow students who have an immediate experience with the disease within their families and friends.

Anime Club
Moderator: Ms. Ileana Diver

Anime Club seeks to promote awareness and a better understanding of Anime (Japanese visual animation), Manga (narrative storyline in graphic novel format), and Japanese culture. Students teach each other during group drawing classes and participate in school service projects.

Art Club
Moderator: Mrs. Mary Stember

The SF Art Club is a great place to make friends and help out the school! We are active in school community service, making sets for plays and murals around the school. We take fun and exciting field trips to various galleries, and have an extra special field trip to San Francisco at the end of the year. We become more aware of art in the world.

Asian-Pacific Islander Club (APIC)
Moderator: Ms. Naomi Lee

Asian-Pacific Islander Club explores many Asian and Pacific Island cultures. APIC also gives back to the community by volunteering at multiple community events.

California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
Moderator: Mrs. Evelyn Vargas and Mrs. Judy Brown

CSF promotes service within St. Francis and the community. Graduating seniors can become seal bearers with four semesters of active membership, including one semester during senior year. Each semester students must meet grade requirements, apply for membership, and attend occasional meetings.

Club de Español
Moderator: Mrs. Evelyn Vargas

Club de Español promotes understanding of the culture of Spanish speakers. Members participate in monthly activities within the St. Francis and Sacramento communities. Meetings are held once a month, and more frequently before International Night. Members must have an interest in language and Hispanic culture.

Cheerleading
Moderator: Mrs. Cynthia Cost
916-737-5009, ccost@stfrancishs.org

Tryout for the cheerleading team and learn what Troubie Spirit is all about. We will go to various games and cheer on our fellow Troubies while they compete.

SFHS Varsity Competition Cheer Squad

This spirited, award winning team performs at school events, rallies and playoff games. They compete in stunting, cheer and tumbling at various competitions all over California. Additionally they will attend cheer camp at UC Davis in August. PE credit will be given to all students who make the competition team and complete the course as directed. If you are interested in the exciting world of competitive cheer, come try out for the Varsity Competition Cheer Squad.

SFHS Spirit Cheer Team

This club sponsored team will learn fun choreography, cheers and chants to use in school wide rallies and events. They will also cheer for Volleyball & Basketball home games. No competition or PE credit given. If you have enthusiasm and want to show your spirit, try out for the SFHS Spirit team.

Dancing With the Troubies
Moderator: Mr. Richard Norman

Come dance with the “stars” at St. Francis! Join us for ballroom dancing.

Environmental Club
Moderator: Mrs. Anne Crew-Renzo

This club promotes the awareness of the beauty of the environment. The club works to preserve and care for the earth through various projects.

ERA
Moderator: Ms. Christy Costales

Fashion Club
Moderator: Ms. Emily Zacharias

This club will open up a world of design, fashion, and entertainment to any active member of it. We make the club what we want it to be. After all, that’s really all that fashion is about…expressing yourself! Whether you’re into sewing, designing, or just sitting back and listening to discussions on the latest trends and fashion designs, you will get something out of this club.

Film Critic
Moderator:

The film critic is a club designed to expand the knowledge and appreciation of American as well as world cinema. Club members will experience the joys of cinema while working on writing skills.

French Club
Moderator: Madame Flo Picca

The French Club is a unique and fun opportunity to meet with fellow classmates and experience everything French! In this club we are able to engage in a wide variety of activities such as: listening to French music, watching French movies, eating occasional French cuisine, and much much more! The French club is dedicated to offering a warm and enjoyable environment for all of its members while participating in various community service projects through out the year. So we are looking for dedicated and fun-loving girls with an interest or even a love for French. We hope to see you there!

Graphic Design Club
Moderators: Ms. Leigh Hiers and Mrs. Eve Benson

This is a website and graphic design club meant to cultivate technology skills. Students use html, adobe Photoshop, and other visual media.

Gourmet Club
Moderator: Mrs. Cindy Sandoval

The Gourmet Club is a culinary exploration of the diverse, rich, and flavorful foods. Meetings will consist of food preparation, cooking, hosting, sharing recipes, and an occasional field trip.

Il Circolo Italiano
Moderator: Mrs. Rosemarie Bertini

The Italian Club organizes various activities to advance the student’s understanding and appreciation of the Italian language and culture. Activities include:

December service field-trip to a local convalescent hospital to sing Italian Christmas Carols
hosting of the visit of La Befana to celebrate the Epiphany
preparing treats to give to area elementary students on behalf of the Befana
preparation of the clubs donation of an Italian Food Basket for the St. Francis auction
preparation of mimosa bouquets in observance of Festa della Donna, March 8th
performances of a traditional Tarantella dance for International Night.
serving dinner at various dinners for Italian organizations

Membership is open to the entire student body. Come Join us!

In Production
Moderators: Mrs. Eve Benson and Mr. Steve Tholcke

This is a club dedicated to learning about the art of filming. Members will learn different aspects of the moviemaking process including planning storyboards, camera work, editing, and effected. Through watching and appreciating important films, learning from professionals, and gaining experience, students will learn the process and the art of creating videos. As a club we will create movies from scratch, going through the procedures as a team in order to truly learn all aspects of filming.

International Dance
Moderator: Mrs. Deborah Pansius

International Dance explores the traditions and dance styles from a variety of ethnic groups. The club will learn dances from group members, videos, outside instructors and workshops. Other cultural traditions such as food and clothing will also be explored. The International Dance Club strives to recognize and appreciate diversity in Dance and in everyday life

Key Club
Moderator:

The purpose of the club is to develop competent, capable, and caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

Latin Club
Moderator: Mr. Brian Briggs

The Latin club pursues better understanding of the language and the Middle Ages. All activities are related to the language or Medieval or Roman culture.

Mandolin
Moderator:

Students create, edit, and layout the school newspaper.

Mini Life Savers
Moderator: Mr. Brian Dodson

Troubies for life is committed to promoting the dignity of life and educating other students about the cause. Activities may include participation in walks and conferences, volunteering at appropriate organizations, and seeking out guest speakers to learn more about promoting the cause.

Na Wahine ‘O ‘Olu Hula Hu

i
(The Women of Grace Hula Club)
Moderator: Mrs. Laureen Macugay
916-737-5014, lmacugay@stfrancishs.org

This club is dedicated to sharing the Polynesian dance and culture with the school community as well as the outside community.

The club members learn basic Hawaiian language and dance steps as well as developing strong cultural and spiritual values.

Through hula basics and choreography, the members learn discipline, grace, commitment, and teamwork as well as building life-long friendships.

Classes are normally held on Tuesdays from 4:45pm-6:00pm. We ask that if students choose to audition for hula, they do not involve themselves in any other extracurricular activities such as sports or theatre due to time commitments for extra practices. Attendance in hula is vital to its success.

We hope you’ll join us and experience the aloha spirit.

National Honor Society
Moderator: Mrs. Kathleen Deeringer

Students are inducted into this society for outstanding academics, leadership, character and service. The St. Francis chapter aims to perform one major service project each semester.

Peace Club
Moderator:

The Peace club is a human rights organization fighting against world wide injustices. As a club we will educate our community about these issues, write letters to inform and encourage government officials to make changes for the better, and provide ourselves with a greater knowledge of out brothers and sisters.

Pep Band
Moderator: Mr. Horatio Edens

Play in a band and cheer on the Troubie teams during games.

The Pink Ladies Club
Moderator: Mrs. Cynthia Cost

The Pink Ladies Club is dedicated to the battle against breast cancer. Members of the club participate in many service, educational, and events concerning the prevention (screening and diagnosis), research, treatment, and support groups relating to breast cancer. We invite students, staff, parents, and alums to participate in all of our events. Pink Ladies events include: Making Strides Walk against Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer awareness month, Race for the Cure, and Albie Carson “Albie Aware” 5k walk.

Smile Troupe
Moderator: Ms. Cheryl Watson

The vision is to form a bridge to share time and talents of students in the performing arts (acting, choir, orchestra, reading, and various community based organizations in the Sacramento area).

Tanzania

Kids Club
Moderator: Deacon James McFadden

This club is about establishing a connection with kids from a third world country.

Techies Anonymous
Moderator: Mr. Steve Decker

This group seeks to learn more about the behind the scenes work of visual art productions. Members learn how to use construction tools and their purposes in building sets. They will also learn about the use of lights and sounds in productions and their effect on the show overall. Students also provide technical support at assemblies and liturgies.

Venture Club
Moderator: Mr. Bill Hanrahan

Students appreciate and explore the great outdoors through outings and service. Outings may include camping, snowboarding, rock climbing, sledding, and many more.

Young Democrats
Moderator: Mr. Richard Norman

This club is open to all students. Members will have the opportunity to learn about and get involved in the Democratic Party.

Young Republicans
Moderator: Mr. Wally Wootton

This is a club meant to cultivate and inspire passion, understanding, and support for Republican politics in SF students.

Club FAQs

Why does SF have clubs?

St. Francis High School encourages the education of the whole person, and clubs provide opportunities for students to develop ESLRs 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Organizations and clubs are plentiful, providing something for everyone: school and community service, academic competitions, cultural interests, spirit building, publications, and the development of special talents.

Why would an SF student want to be in a club?

Extra-curricular activities allow students to develop leadership skills, pursue individual interests, and just have fun!

How do students know what clubs are active on campus?

Active clubs are listed above and in the Campus Life Center. This list is updated every quarter. The list provides the club’s name, president, moderator, contact information, and a few details about the club’s activities.

What do students need to know to start a club?

Students must fill out a Club Application. Students must outline the club’s goals, activities, and alignment with ESLRs. Every club must have a moderator in order to be officially recognized.

Once a student turns in an application, the application will be reviewed by the Principal’s Council. If the club is approved, the club will be contacted, and will need to submit a Constitution and Club Fact Sheet within two weeks. The club will be listed on the Active Clubs List the following quarter. After that time, the club has one quarter to turn in a club roster and moderator duties form.

What do moderators need to know for a new club?

New moderators will receive a Club Moderator Handbook, which outlines the duties of a club moderator. Each club moderator must turn in a moderator duties form that highlights the duties of the moderator for his/her particular club. This form is due within one quarter of the club’s acceptance.

What does a club have to do to stay official?

It is the goal of the Activities Office that clubs provide opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests within the scope of the St. Francis community. Clubs must continue to remain active throughout the school year in order to fulfill the purpose of the club and its constitution.

What could cause a club to be placed on probation or to be revoked?

A club may be placed on probation for one semester if members violate the club’s constitution, or if the club is inactive for an unreasonable amount of time. A club may be revoked if its members violate school rules. The Principal’s Council will determine whether a club is placed on probation or revoked. A club is not official if it does not have a faculty or staff moderator.

How can clubs promote themselves?

Clubs may promote themselves in a variety of ways. An officially recognized club may set up a table on Clubs Day in September. Clubs may also post flyers around campus, advertise in homeroom announcements, and use the e-chalk internet resource to create a group website. At the discretion of the Director of Activities, clubs may also have the opportunity to give presentations in assemblies.

How can clubs raise money?

Clubs may raise money in a variety of ways. They may petition for Student Activities money (from the magazine sale). They may also charge membership fees, or conduct fundraisers.

What does a moderator have to do to stay a moderator?

A moderator must fulfill all the duties outlined in the Club Moderator Handbook. This includes ensuring that the actions of the club supports the school’s philosophy, mission statement, and Expected School-wide Learning Results. Moderators are responsible for the safety of students, maintaining a roster of student members, attending all club events (including official meeting, off-campus events, practices, conferences, and competitions), ensuring fiscal matters are handled properly, and communicating with the Director of Student Activities as requested (including attendance at meetings and timely return of documents).

What could cause a moderator to be revoked?

A moderator may be asked by the Director of Student Activities to leave his/her position if the moderator is not fulfilling his/her responsibilities as outlined in the Club Moderator Handbook.