St. Francis Catholic High School

A four year college preparatory high school for young women

Notification March 11, 2020

St. Francis Preparation for COVID-19

Read the latest updates here

March 18, 2020

All remaining parent service hours are no longer required. Contact Dean Cost with questions.

March 16, 2020

Update on Transition to Distance Learning
Dear St. Francis Families,

I am sure you have many questions after hearing that school would be closed for the next two weeks. Below is a list of some of the questions and the answers that you may have considered over the weekend. On a personal note, I cannot express how much I appreciate the patience and support you have shown us throughout this COVID-19 situation. I can assure you that every person who works at St. Francis Catholic High School has your child’s best interests at heart, and they will be working hard over the next two weeks to ensure a continuity of learning and a smooth return to school whenever that date is identified by public health officials, as well as federal/state/local authorities.

I’m also attaching a memorandum from our Superintendent and Executive Director of Schools, which outlines the transition from brick and mortar instruction to an online format.

How will distance learning work?

Our teachers are in the process of preparing the curriculum for the next two weeks. The goal is not to replace the classroom experience, but instead to provide a continuity of learning and ensure that your daughter is still being prepared with rigorous academic content despite the school closure. This is not considered a vacation from school, and each student still has expected work she will be doing remotely throughout the duration of the school closure.

Instructional activities will be provided via PowerSchool Learning and email by the classroom teachers. Some of the activities will be completed online, and some will be completed using other resources.

Some teachers may be providing live instruction via web resources like Zoom; they will provide students with a link and guidance on how to connect.

Every classroom teacher will be on call between the hours of 9:00am and 2:30pm on school days (March 18-20 and March 23-26). Teachers will be available to provide guidance and assistance as your child completes her assigned activities.

Distance Learning Office Hours will be held on Friday, March 27th from 9:00-10:10am.

The best way to contact a teacher during the on-call window is via email, but please be patient as they may receive a large volume of emails on any given day. Emails sent outside of the on-call window will be answered within 24 hours during this time of school closure.

It is imperative that your daughter monitor her school email daily and also on the weekend for updates.

How will attendance be taken?

Student attendance will still be recorded despite the school being closed. Every teacher will be using PowerSchool to take daily attendance at the beginning of each block. If a student is ill and cannot complete the work for that school day, there will be an option to mark them accordingly.

Will we be allowed on campus?

In general, students and parents are not permitted on campus during the school closure. However, we understand that unique circumstances may require it. If you need to come to campus, please reach out to me, another administrator or the classroom teacher directly in order for us to evaluate your needs and set up a time if possible.

Who do I contact if my child has technology issues?

We have set up a technology support team at St. Francis, and they can be contacted at (SFTech@stfrancishs.org). This is the best way to receive support if you are having trouble with a student’s device, log in ability, WiFi connection, etc. Problems that cannot be easily solved will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and direction will be given as appropriate.

Who do I contact if my child has questions about the curriculum?
Questions about the curriculum and instructional activities should first be directed to the classroom teacher. Teachers will be on call every school day from 9:00am to 2:30pm. Please understand that they may not be able to respond to your question fully right away. However, they will get back to you in a timely manner. Questions and concerns raised outside of the on-call window will be responded to within 24 hours.

Please also understand that this is our first venture into distance learning as a staff. I ask you to please be patient and charitable with the teachers as they address the issues that will likely come up throughout the next two weeks. They are all exceptional educators with your daughter’s best interests at heart, and they are doing their best given the unfortunate circumstances we find ourselves in. Please keep these things in mind when you reach out to them.

Who do I contact if I have general questions or concerns?

You can contact me directly via email with any general questions or concerns. This includes questions about the school closure, distance learning procedures, COVID-19 situation, etc. I will make every effort to respond to your inquiry in a timely manner.

You will also be receiving updates from me regarding the school as appropriate. You may also reach out to our Dean of Students, Mrs. Cost at ccost@stfrancishs.org

What do I do if someone in my family is confirmed to have COVID-19?

If you find yourself in this situation, please contact me ASAP. I will work with you on the next steps as they pertain to your particular circumstances.

As we enter this strange new world, I pray for the well-being of our school community and will continue to do so in the days to come. I ask for your prayers, not only for myself, but for the students, faculty and staff, parents and the St. Francis school community.

In the spirit of peace and goodness,
Elias Mendoza
Principal

St. Francis Announces School Closure For Minimum of Two Weeks

March 13, 2020

Dear St. Francis Families,
After consultation with the Bishop’s Office, the Catholic Schools Department, and public health authorities, all schools in the Diocese of Sacramento will be closed effective at the end of day today, Friday, March 13, 2020, for a minimum of two weeks. This closure includes any planned school events, including fundraisers, community events, and field trips. School buildings will not be open to children, parents, or community members during this time. We have not yet set a firm date for a return to classroom instruction.

This action was not taken lightly; the school closure is in the best interest of our students in order to disrupt the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the school and larger community. We will be moving to an online Distance Learning format, and you and your students will be receiving more information in the days ahead. Our goal is to have the online instruction commence on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. Additional communication will be sent to parents and students and will be posted on the St. Francis website.

It is important to reiterate that there is no reported case of COVID-19 at St. Francis or in the Diocese.

All students should have already taken their books and materials home. However, if your student still needs to pick up her books, we encourage her to come to campus and get those items on Monday, March 16, 2020 between the hours of 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

During this time, students should stay home as much as possible and be discouraged from congregating with other persons in public places, such as shopping malls, movie theaters or community centers to stop the spread of this virus.

The health and safety of our students and staff continue to be our top priority, and we will keep the school community apprised of any changes that arise in the coming days.

As we adjust to these unprecedented times, I ask that you keep our students and larger school community in your prayers.

Elias Mendoza

Graduation Information

Overview June 12, 2019

Graduation and Senior Portrait Information

Congratulations, Class of 2020 – You are now Seniors!

Graduation will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. St. Francis has a long tradition of graduations at Memorial Auditorium and we are thrilled that this can continue for your daughters in the Class of 2020!

Graduation 2020 Announcements

We use Jostens for Announcements and Cap/Gown orders. Senior Grad Packet Pickup will be in October. If you have not yet ordered your announcements and would like to, please go to Jostens.com and place your order at your earliest convenience. Deadlines and Early Bird discount information can be found on the website as well.

Graduation Gowns

Orders for caps & gowns have been placed. Gowns will be distributed a few days before Graduation.

Senior Portraits

The deadline to take your senior portrait at Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch is Saturday, October 26, 2019. All seniors must take a picture with the black drape (provided by Prestige) for their yearbook and graduation ceremony photo. If you have any questions, please contact Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch at 916-535-7799.

To schedule an appointment or see some ideas about how to personalize your portrait session, please visit their website: www.prestigeseniors.com or call 916-535-7797. The appointment can also be scheduled online directly with the local studio:

ELK GROVE: http://local.prestigeportraits.com/ca/elk-grove/3159-dwight-rd.html

CITRUS HEIGHTS: http://local.prestigeportraits.com/ca/citrus-heights/7916-alta-sunrise-lane.html

See the attached flyer from Prestige Portraits for additional information. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Senior Sequester and Family Reception

Senior Sequester, May 5, 2020 (3:30-4:30 pm)

This is a private ceremony for the Senior Class where they transition to becoming part of the St. Francis Alumnae Community. Alumnae are invited to attend this exclusive event to help welcome our newest members. This is a closed door event for Alumnae and the Senior Class only. Legacy Families (Alumnae Moms, Aunts, Grandmothers and Sisters) of 2020 graduates are highly encouraged to attend this event. A Senior Family Reception will immediately follow Senior Sequester. Alumnae can contact Becky Iverson with questions or to RSVP

Senior Family Reception, May 5, 2020 (4:30-6:00 pm)

We invite the Class of 2020 parents to join us in kicking-off graduation week with an evening of fellowship. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served. Attendance is limited to the graduate and two accompanying adults.

Baccalaureate Practice

May 26, 2020, SF Gym

Senior Sunset

May 26, 2020 Softball Field

7:30pm-9:00pm

Baccalaureate Mass

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Class of 2020 and their families are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass on the eve of their graduation. The Baccalaureate Mass (Mass of Thanksgiving) is the first of two ceremonies that make up the graduation experience from St. Francis Catholic High School. The Class of 2020 will process into the transformed SFHS gym in their graduation gowns (no caps). Students may place an item at the base of the altar which represents their time at St. Francis (sports, drama, dance, service, retreats, club, etc). The Seniors will sign up in advance as to which item they wish to present at the altar.

The Mass is open to people of all faiths and you are encouraged to come early – the doors open at 4:15 pm with Senior prelude performances starting at 4:30 pm.

Accessible Seating for Baccalaureate

If you or someone in your family requires accessible seating for Baccalaureate Mass, please fill out the following form. For each individual requiring accessible seating, one guest may sit with them. Fill out form Here.

If you have any questions please contact, Mrs. Poarch, Campus Ministry Admin. Asst, at 916.737.5027.

Graduation Date & Time

Thursday, May 28, 2020
3:00pm -5:00pm
Memorial Auditorium
1515 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

Graduation Rehearsal

Graduation rehearsal, May 28rd, 2020, 10:30 a.m., Memorial Auditorium.

Graduation Tickets

12 tickets per family. If families require more tickets, seniors need to exchange among themselves. Tickets are distributed immediately following Baccalaureate Mass to the student in the Dining Hall.

Accessible Seating for Graduation

If you require accessible seating for a member of your family, please complete the attached form. For each individual requiring accessible seating, one guest may sit with them. Reserve seating here.

Graduation Ceremony Portraits

Visit events.lifetouch.com to sign up and receive notification of when proofs are online and ready to order. All seniors will be photographed. Photos will be online at events.lifetouch.com ten days after the ceremony. Complimentary proofs mailed to Graduates. No Obligation to Purchase.

You may also order a personalized DVD from Max Video Productions. Email: contact@maxvideoproductions.com. Website: http://www.maxvideoproductions.com/

Giving

Summer Programs

Student Life

Athletics

The Arts

Faith & Service

Academics

Admissions

St. Francis Preparation for COVID-19

Graduation Information

Commands

Graduation Information

Graduation 2020 Announcements

Graduation Gowns

Senior Portraits

Senior Sequester and Family Reception

Senior Sequester, May 5, 2020 (3:30-4:30 pm)

Senior Family Reception, May 5, 2020 (4:30-6:00 pm)

Baccalaureate Practice

Senior Sunset

Baccalaureate Mass

Accessible Seating for Baccalaureate

Graduation Date & Time

Graduation Rehearsal

Graduation Tickets

Accessible Seating for Graduation

Graduation Ceremony Portraits

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