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

Revelry

Overview September 20, 2013

Revelry Gala & Auction

This year we are hosting the 14th annual Revelry Gala and Auction, “One Thousand and One Nights.” This event is an opportunity to build community with all facets of the St. Francis community, while fundraising for the school. The event starts with a cocktail hour and silent auction. Next, we move to dinner and a live auction which includes our Fund-A-Vision. We end the evening with an after party, dancing and dessert. We hope you will join us for this wonderful event!

Questions? Please contact Linda Brida, Special Events Associate, at (916)737-5015 or LBrida@stfrancishs.org

Individual tickets are $125, with tables seating 10.
Sponsorship start at $1,500.
Hosted Bar. Adult-Only Event

Purchase Tickets or Sponsorship HERE

*Seating Preference: please be sure to indicate who you would like to be seated with, we will do our best to accommodate all seating requests. Enter in the “special request” field of the form, under each ticket details. For help see here*

Sponsorship Opportunities

There are a variety of high-visibility sponsorship opportunities for our generous benefactors. You can sponsor a Revelry as a single event, or we offer a package sponsorship including Crab Feed benefits. Learn more about Sponsorship benefits here. To discuss sponsorship opportunities available or customize a package, contact Linda Brida at Lbrida@stfrancishs.org

All Revelry Sponsors and underwriters will receive an invitation to the Sponsors’ Reception. Event to be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the home of Ashley Andrews ‘98 & Dr. Todd Andrews.

SPONSOR ONLINE HERE

Meet our Co-Chairs, Kristin & Lisa!

Our 2019 Revelry Gala & Auction co-chairs, Kristin Stassi Venegas ’83 (mother of Juliana ’20) and Lisa Breslau (mother of Sophia ’20 and Sara ’21), are returning to make One Thousand and One Nights come to life for Revelry 2020. With these wonderful ladies on our side, this is sure to be an unforgettable evening!

This event is a great opportunity to support the future: Investing in our young women today guarantees leaders who will change the world tomorrow. Our entire team has put their heart and soul into creating an evening of merriment for you. If you would like to join a table of fellow Troubie fans, contact Linda Brida at LBrida@stfrancishs.org

Revelry 2020 Event Details

Evening program, Menu, Emcee & Auctioneer

Mass – 5:00pm
Check-In & Silent Auction – 5:30pm
Dinner & Student Entertainment – 7:00pm
Live Auction & Raffle – 8:00pm
Libations & Dancing – 9:00pm

Evening Menu

Appetizers

Tandoori Free Range Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Mint Sauce
Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers with Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Fresh Mozzarella Balls and Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Applewood Bacon-wrapped Dates
Dried Fig and Apricot Crostinis with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Drizzle

Salad

Moroccan-style Salad with Chickpeas, Cherry Tomatoes, Persian Cucumbers, Pickled Red Onions, Dates, Organic Radicchio, Fresh Mint, Feta Cheese with Spiced Lemon Vinaigrette

Entrees [choice of 1]

Baharat Marinated Steak with Toasted Israeli Couscous with Apricot and Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, Cumin and Cinnamon Roasted Toybox Carrots, and Tri Colored Cauliflower
Stuffed Moroccan Bastilla with Organic Eggplant, Chickpeas, Almonds, Bell Peppers, Onions and Golden Raisins with Roasted Red Harissa Sauce

Dessert

Traditional Middle Eastern Sweets

Meet the Emcee & Auctioneer

2020 Details Coming

Mobile Bidding

2020 Details Coming. Pre-Register Online Here

Fund-A-Vision & Spirit of San Damiano Award

For the benefit of all current and future St. Francis Troubadours, and to honor Monsignor Kidder, this year’s Fund-a-Vision supports an effort that is near and dear to Monsignor’s heart: ensuring a St. Francis education is accessible to all who desire a Catholic education based on faith, excellence, leadership and service.

Need-based tuition assistance perpetuates our distinguished history of providing support for students from middle and lower-income families. As Monisgnor Kidder models, a St. Francis education is too important and too valuable not to be accessible to all who desire it.

Giving to this year’s Fund-a-Vision means you are empowering the next generation of smart leaders, creative thinkers and global citizens. Every gift has a direct impact on our students, empowering them with the tools they need to become the leaders and givers of tomorrow. On behalf of today’s 1,080 Troubies and yesterday’s 11,000-plus alumnae, help us continue the legacy of St. Francis. Learn more and support here

Spirit of San Damiano Award 2020

Monsignor James Kidder

Shannon & Randy Terwedo

Read about our 2020 Spirit of San Damiano Award Recipients Here

Revelry 2019 Recap

Paris in Bloom Transformed our Campus and Hearts

As we start to catch our breath after our 13th Annual Revelry Gala & Auction, Paris in Bloom, we find ourselves missing the excitement, beauty and magic of a spectacular evening. It is no wonder Revelry is the school’s premier event!

Our guests grabbed their passports and packed their bags as they were transported to a Parisian neighborhood complete with cobbled passages, quintessential Parisian shops and tree-lined avenues. Wherever you looked, Paris was truly in Bloom (with a few raindrops to help it along)!

The ambiance and magic of the evening was a result of the vision and leadership of our two amazing Revelry co-chairs, Lisa Breslau (Sophia ’20 and Sara ’21) and Kristin Stassi Venegas ’83 (Juliana ’20). They led an executive team comprised of both long-serving and new members who headed up the many areas that needed to come together for a great event. We can’t thank this team enough for the heart, soul and hard work they put into making this event so very engaging and successful. Thank you to the hundreds of parent volunteers who supported this team and helped make the magic happen. Nothing on campus would happen without the teamwork of our dedicated Faculty and Staff, from advancement, to facilities, arts, finance and all of our departments were all-in to raise support for our Troubies.

Guests were welcomed by St. Francis student ambassadors, entertained by our Show Choir and SF Players, who appeared as Mimes and French ladies, before Miss Clavel and her little girls in two straight lines led them through the Arc de Triomphe to see a beautiful dining room laid out for them, complete with an Eiffel Tower. And instead of dining and dashing, many stayed late to enjoy our soirée post-fête with libations and dancing! It was a perfect end to an amazing evening.

Two remarkable women were honored with the Spirit of San Damiano award—St. Francis’s first President, Marion Bishop, and alumna from the class of 1948, Marion Slakey. Both women received standing ovations recognizing their love, loyalty and service to St. Francis and our Troubadours.

The 2019 Revelry Fund-A-Vision raised a substantial amount for the St. Francis Endowed Scholarship fund. With the generous support of a $30,000 lead donor, nearly $100,000 was raised in the room and then generously matched by an attendee. The success of this year’s fund-a-vision helps us fulfill our mission by providing the financial assistance that ensures a St. Francis education is accessible to all who desire a holistic education based on faith, excellence, leadership and service.

Because of the generosity and support of more than 450 Revelry guests and supporters, we raised more than $500,000 for today’s and tomorrow’s Troubies. Thank you to the entire St. Francis community for giving so generously.