All News
Important Message from the Superintendent and Executive Director of Schools
Please read the attachment and watch the video from our Superintendent and Executive Director of Schools for the Diocese of Sacramento regarding the Response to Public District Decisions to Close through the End of the School Year. View Video
New Daily Schedule Beginning April 20th
New Daily Schedule:
Beginning April 20, we will be adjusting our Distance Learning schedules in order to give more time for students to have a formal lunch break.
DL1
A – 9:00-10:10
B – 10:15-11:25
Lunch – 11:25-12:00
C – 12:05-1:15
D – 1:20-2:30
DL2
E – 9:00-10:10
F – 10:15-11:25
Lunch – 11:25-12:00
G – 12:05-1:15
H – 1:20-2:30
Weekly Wellness: How to Cope With the Stress of Coronavirus
By: Chyrissee Lee & Kym Weinandy, SFHS Wellness Counselor
As we continue to practice social distancing and comply with our stay-at-home orders, the global coronavirus outbreak not only raises medical concerns but also mental-health worries as we all struggle to cope with the issue. To help deal with the stress and anxiety, the World Health Organization (WHO) offers the following advice HERE.
Principal’s Newsletter 4/03/20
Dear St. Francis Families,
As the Easter break officially begins this afternoon, I hope all of our Troubies (and you) are able to find some time to rest and catch your breath, given what we’ve all experienced over the past three weeks. While we remain in quarantine, I pray the following two-week break brings some solace and comfort to your family.
As you are aware, next week embraces the holiest days of the year for all Christians: the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Pope John Paul II wrote in 1986, “We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty, and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery – the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!” So together we pray, no matter how far or close we may be to one another.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
In the spirit of Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),
Elias Mendoza
Principal
Distance Learning through May 1, 2020
IMPORTANT: Please read the attached memorandum from the Superintendent and Executive Director of Schools for the Diocese of Sacramento in regards to our continued Distance Learning through May 1, 2020. Memo from Superintendent and Executive Director of Schools, Lincoln Snyder
Principal’s Newsletter 3/27/20
Dear St. Francis Families,
The past week has been trying for all of us! I think we’re all done with being quarantined, and ready for a return to normalcy.
Over the past week, I’ve received numerous emails from parents about the challenges of being isolated at home, juggling distance learning for K-12 students, as well as trying to work and maintain a household. Needless to say, this quarantine has tested our patience and sanity more than we possibly imagined.
Even with all of the challenges we’re facing as a school community, I’ve been moved by the silver linings you’ve all shared with me. Whether it’s taking a walk, playing board games as a family, trying new cooking recipes, caring for a neighbor or simply appreciating a quiet family dinner at home, you’ve all identified what you’re thankful for. Please continue to share your silver lining moments with me, as I would love to share those in the coming week on our social media sites.
As we end this week, I leave you with the following prayer and ask that you keep the faith. I have no doubt that we will get through this unprecedented event together.
Heavenly Father, we pray for all those who have contracted the coronavirus, as well as those who are vulnerable.
We also pray for those who are experiencing fear or anxiety.
Please provide for the affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table and our public safety.
We also pray for those who are afraid to access care due to their immigration status, let us pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all human life.
For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for shared solidarity.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
In the spirit of Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),
Elias Mendoza
Principal
Staying Connected
I am so grateful for our community that has taken this call to “care for each other” so seriously and is diligently working to flatten the curve. Although we can’t be together physically, here are some ways we can stay connected online until we can all be together in person soon.
Safety Online During Covid-19
This is a quick reminder to all parents. With regard to the growing concern and issues surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the St. Francis High School Wellness Office continues to work diligently to provide mental health support to our Troubies and their families with minimal interruption. If you or your Troubie needs support in helping your daughter to navigate this crisis, please reach out to us. Communication with the Wellness Counselors can be done via email at Wellness@stfrancishs.org.
Athletic News – 3/27/20
TROUBIE HEROES
St. Francis Catholic High School is proud to Graduate Women Who Change the World. It is more than a motto for the school.
Here are some examples of our graduates with connections to the Athletic Department as well as our Alumnae community as a whole who are changing the world, especially in this difficult time for our state and country.
SPRING SIGNING DAY EVENT
Live Daily Mass From Presentation Parish
Fr. Stanley from Presentation Parish will be celebrating Mass daily in the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist convent chapel, and streaming it on the parish Youtube channel during this quarantine. It can be watched live or later at your family’s convenience. Other churches are streaming the Mass, but everyone is invited to participate on-line. All are welcome! Click HERE for Presentation Parish’s YouTube channel.
SAT Test Cancelled for May 2, 2020
In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) and guidance from public health organizations, the College Board is canceling the May 2, 2020, SAT® administration. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled March 28) are also canceled. Please contact the College Board if you have any questions.
Parent Volunteer Hours Waived
Given the current school closure due to COVID-19, remaining parent service hours have been waived for the remainder of the year. Thank you for involving yourself in our St. Francis community. Any questions about documenting hours on MVP, please reach out to Ms. Sarah Hamilton at shamilton@stfrancishs.org.
Principal’s Newsletter 3/20/20
Dear St. Francis Families,
I hope this email finds you well, healthy, and safe! To say we are in unprecedented times would certainly be the understatement of the year! So much has happened in the past week. Seven days ago, our faculty spent the day preparing for a possible school closure. Little did we know that in a matter of days, we would have to implement our Distance Learning Plan, and leave our beloved campus for a prolonged period of time.
The transition has not been seamless, but we have been able to adjust our digital instruction to meet our students’ needs. Our faculty has been exceptional in learning new ways to interact and engage their students virtually. While there are some limitations with this new digital interface, our students are savvy and intrepid navigators of this digital world, meeting the requirements set by their teachers.
In the coming days, I’m confident that our students and teachers will acclimate to this new routine and continue to excel in their studies. As we continue to provide online instruction, it is imperative that we keep our students engaged in a predictable routine. While they may not be receiving face-to-face instruction, they are still in school. Please help them stay on track and focused. In order to do this, encourage the following best practices for online instruction:
- Identify a quiet spot for your daughter to do her work. Make it pleasant and comfortable, but not too comfortable.
- Make sure the area is well lit and quiet.
- Ensure your daughter gets dressed for a regular day of school. Pajamas are okay, but this may to put her in a totally different mood.
- Eating breakfast before she starts the day is a must!
- Only necessary items for school should be out—no extra distractions!
- Have her stick to the schedule set by the school.
- Have her go to bed at a decent time (just like school), so her brain is ready to learn in the morning.
- Have her take breaks as needed throughout the day. Encourage her to get up, and move around for a few minutes between subjects.
- Don’t forget to eat lunch as well.
I know our circumstances are not ideal, but I realize that our students will be better prepared and resilient because of this experience. We are living through a historic moment. We’ll remember this year for many reasons, but I hope that one of those is for how we handled the challenges.
Lastly, I appreciate each and every one of our Troubies, and pray that you and your family remain healthy and safe.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),
Elias Mendoza
Principal
Booster Club’s April Meeting and Board Nominations
Booster Club would like to invite any parent who wants to get involved to attend our April meeting on Thursday, April 23 (changed due to Easter Break).
Athletic News – 3/20/20
ATHLETICS UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
- Swimming Letters to Dad, March 30, TBA
- Diving Booster Que, St. Francis Invite, April 18, Capital Divers, TBA
- Diving Letters to Dad, April 20, TBA
- Lacrosse Booster Que and Senior Game, April 21, Mather Sports
- Spring Collegiate Signing Celebration, April 22
- Softball Booster Que, May 4, 4:00 p.m.
Athletic Event and Practice Updates
St. Francis Safe and Sober Grad Night 2020 – Disneyland
Hello Families and Class of 2020,
As of now we are still planning on holding our Grad Night trip to
Disneyland. We have extended the payment due dates to
adjust for the uncertainty of the times. The new
deposit due date is April 20th, and the new
final payment due date is May 20th. The
cost of the trip is $350, which can be paid in two
installments. All documents are collected on Final Forms,
and payments can be made HERE.
Arts Registration
NEW CLASS–”Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design” - This hands-on course introduces students to all areas of technical theater. They will learn how to design and construct sets, help with costumes, run sound and lights, hang lights, create special effects, paint, and build props for school productions. They will also learn how to use specialized software used by professionals in this field. UC approved – Visual and Performing Arts. Satisfies UC Arts requirement.
Representative from Notre Dame
A representative from Notre Dame will be on campus during lunch today in Serra Court to share information about a summer program at Notre Dame. The program is open to all students who are interested in deepening their relationship with God and exploring their call to service for others.
Parent Service Hours Update
All remaining parent service hours are no longer required. Contact Dean Cost with questions.
Senior Family Reception 2020
We invite Class of 2020 parents to join us in kicking-off
graduation season with an evening of friendship and fun. Light
refreshments and appetizers will be served.
*Attendance is limited to the graduate and two accompanying
adults. RSVP
HERE
Impact Teen Drivers Event Postponed
As many of you may be aware, Dads’ Club, in cooperation with the Impact Teen Drivers organization and the California Highway Patrol, have been planning to host the Annual Impact Teen Drivers Parent-Teen Workshop at the CHP Academy on Saturday, April 4, 2020.
This is a special and popular event for St. Francis and Jesuit students as they learn the importance of developing and maintaining safe driving skills. Putting on this event requires a significant effort and the resources of the CHP, and we are grateful to them for their hard work and continued support.
Important Reminders from the Business Office
Registration emails for the 2020–2021 school year went out last week and will be extended until Tuesday, March 31st. The registration fee of $725 will be due at that time, along with the graduation fee of $200 for seniors. If your family did not receive the email, contact Michael Gallo at MGallo@stfrancishs.org. Additionally, we know these are unprecedented times with a lot of uncertainty. If you are having financial difficulties, please reach out to us.