April-May Troubadour Tribune

Troubadour Tribune

St. Francis

5900 Elvas Avenue Sacramento, CA 95819 Phone: 916.452.3461 Fax: 916.452.1591 www.stfrancishs.org

Catholic High School

April - May 2013

1:1 iPad Experience Ivan Hrga

Assistant Principal for Academics

St. Francis High School prides itself on its outstanding educators, who provide relevant and meaningful learning experiences for all of our students. The St. Francis 1:1 iPad initiative, to be implemented in the 2013-2014 school year, will enhance our school’s efforts in achieving the 21st century learning goals of critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Teacher orientation in incorporating the iPad in their teaching strategies has been a priority this school year. Recent efforts include a workday with Kathryn Saballett from Apple and three morning inservices in February with our Department Specialists, faculty members who have piloted the use of iPads in their curriculum in their respective departments. On March 25th, we hosted David Mahaley and Tim Hall from Franklin Academy in North Carolina for a full day session for all staff Mission Statement St. Francis High School is a Catholic diocesan college preparatory school dedicated to serving young women and their families who seek spiritual growth and academic excellence. We are committed to integrating faith into the learning process, promoting the gospel values of Jesus Christ, building community, and providing opportunities for worship. We strive to help each student develop her gifts and talents to become a model of Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness) through leadership and service.

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dedicated to rethinking teaching approaches, workflow, and management.

The following day, we engaged in an in-house workshop with teachers rotating through sessions on specific iPad apps.

Parent Information Evening & Other Resources To keep parents apprised of all aspects of the iPad 1:1 venture, we are dedicating a section of the SF website to the program, with regularly updated answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and links to online articles. We are also hosting Parent Information Evenings regarding 1:1 iPad implementation: • Monday, April 29th • 6:00 – 7:00 PM • Tuesday, May 7th • 6:00 – 7:00 PM We ask parents to rsvp online via iPad Info Evening RSVP, by April 26, to help us estimate our space requirements for each session. If you realize on the day of a session that you can attend but did not RSVP, you are still most welcome!

The St. Francis High School community welcomes our newest Troubadours, the SFHS Class of 2017!

SFHS invites you to “like” our Facebook page to connect with people and events, see photos and videos, and share your comments.

Catch the spirit!

Important Information from the Finance Department Easter Celebration Mass – Wednesday April 10, 10 am SFHS Gym Jesus is risen! Come celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with the students and staff of SFHS. We return to school refreshed and ready for the final push of the school year - we also enter a new liturgical season. The seven week season of Easter lasts until Pentecost Sunday on May 19, which is the day of the Junior Family Mass.

Sophomore Retreat – Finding Strength in God • April 11-12 If your daughter has yet to make her Sophomore retreat, here is her last chance. End the year in grace by attending this powerful class bonding experience. It is a single overnight retreat that focuses on seeing God in our lives and each other. Permission slips are on the website: Campus Ministry/Retreats.

Social Justice Week - April 15-19, highlights the school year theme of See, Do and Be Like Christ as we explore the social justice themes of “Call to Family, Community, and Participation” and “the Life and Dignity of the Human Person.” Students will explore these themes through class activities, a community wide assembly and various on campus events.

Farewell Mass • May 15 12:30 pm Our chance to bid adieu to the class of 2013 and some special people in the SFHS community. Come pray and celebrate the many people God has gifted us with on the journey we call sisterhood Troubie style.

Junior Family Mass and Commissioning Service – Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at 10:30 am SFHS Gym. Just as Jesus empowered the disciples to go out and be leaders - the members of the class of 2014 assume their position as upper-class women. We celebrate this transition with their Family Mass and Commissioning Ceremony. During this special celebration, parents will pin their daughters with the school pin representing SFHS’s Four Pillars of Faith, Excellence, Leadership, and Service and share with them their hopes for their daughter’s senior year. This Mass celebrates, recognizes and empowers the young women to be the mentors and leaders of the school in the coming year.

Service Hours Coming Due April 24 for Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors – Make sure your daughter has logged her service hours on Troubie Serve and gotten a verified note from the agencies she has served this past year. For more details check out the Campus Ministry Christian Service web page.

Senior Family Mass • Baccalaureate Mass May 22, 8 pm, SFHS Gym – Families and close friends are welcome to join in this very special celebration honoring the Class of 2013. Seniors process in wearing their white graduation gowns and carrying special mementos from their time at St. Francis. Come early to get a seat and enjoy some music and dance from selected seniors.

Tuition Accounts

April is the final month for tuition payments. Please be aware that accounts in arrears may be assessed a $25 late charge and experience delays and/or holds in student records including a delay in receiving their class schedules for the coming school year.

Parent Service Hours (2012-2013)

Parent service hours for freshmen, sophomores and juniors must be completed by May 1 and reported by May 15. All 25 hours must be performed to avoid the $500 non-participation fee. If you are not able to meet the 25 hour requirement (partial hours cannot be pro-rated, per diocesan regulations) the additional $500 non-performance fee will be added to your tuition account. For those who pay tuition annually or semi-annually, please send your $500 check to St. Francis, c/o Michael Gallo, by May 15. If you pay tuition monthly by EFT, the $500 fee will be withdrawn automatically from your account on June 15. For questions regarding Parent Service Hours, please contact Ingrid Niles at iniles@stfrancishs.org or 916-737-5023 and for questions regarding payments, please contact Michael Gallo, Student Fiscal Services, at MGallo@stfrancishs.org or 916-737-5042.

Cafeteria Accounts

As of April 30, student cafeteria accounts cannot be overdrawn. As a courtesy, the cafeteria has been extending “credit” to students. Please ask your daughter to check her cafeteria balance. Overdrawn accounts should be paid promptly.

Final Exams (Non-seniors)

Clearance cards for final exams will be distributed in homeroom on Thursday, May 9. In order for students to receive a clearance card and be eligible to take final exams, all financial obligations must be paid, including overdue library and guidance books, returned checks, unpaid tuition, and other outstanding fees. The replacement fee for a lost clearance card is $2. Questions: Michael Gallo, 916-737-5042, prior to May.

Special Note to Seniors

Seniors and their parents are reminded that ALL financial obligations (great and small) must be taken care of before seniors are permitted to participate in graduation exercises, receive graduation gowns, take exams, etc.

Financial Aid Reminder

Families can apply for financial aid online at www.tuitionaid.com.

Paper applications are available upon request from the SFHS Finance Department. The deadline is April 19. Applications are made directly to Tuition Aid Data Services, not St. Francis.

2013-2014 Tuition

Tuition for next school year is $12,200 plus a $600 non-refundable registration fee and $75 technology fee (the fees were due in March).

Payment options are annual or semiannual by check or money order, or monthly (10 payments) by EFT, as described in the Enrollment and Tuition Agreement and online at Tuition Info.

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Guidance Department Seniors

Juniors

Scholarships and Awards We know that you are applying for scholarships and/or being offered scholarships and awards from colleges to which you have been accepted. In order for your scholarship awards to be published in the Graduation Program and in the Awards Assembly Program you must do the following:

Free ACT and SAT Test Prep!

Students can take a full 20-week test prep course for the ACT or SAT online for free (St. Francis pays for this service for you). There are lessons to review, full-length practice tests, vocabulary builders, practice questions, and many other features! To access this free resource, simply log in to Naviance Family Connection and click on the Method Test Prep 2.0 link on the left hand side of the home page.

Statement of Intent to Register Most colleges and universities require all admitted students to submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). These should be sent by May 1 to the institution the student has chosen to attend next fall. Financial aid offers often do not arrive until mid April, thus it is imperative that students weigh their choices carefully, but quickly, after April 15. If you have been wait-listed at a college, be sure to submit a Statement of Intent to Register to another college of your choice, as you will likely not hear about waitlist decisions until after the May 1 deadline has passed. Please make sure to go into Naviance Family Connection and input the colleges you have applied to, and/or are planning to attend.

• Log into Naviance • Go to “colleges” and scroll down to “scholarship applications” • Click on “add scholarships” and type in the amount you were awarded and select the name of the scholarship from the drop down menu. For example, if Gonzaga gave you $40K, enter the amount at $40K even if it will be paid over 4 years. So you will enter the total amount of the award.

• If a scholarship isn’t listed you will need to e-mail Mrs. Austin and ask her to add it to Naviance (daustin@stfrancishs.org) • All Scholarships and awards need to be verified. You can do this by submitting a copy of your award and dropping it off on in a designated box on Mrs. Rivera’s desk in the Guidance Center. You may also fax copies to (916) 452-1828 or email a copy to Mrs. Rivera at srivera@stfrancishs.org.

Academic and College Counseling This spring each Junior will have an appointment with a college advisor to ensure fulfillment of graduation and college requirements, registration for entrance examinations, and to begin plans for their college choices. If students or parents still have questions, please contact your daughter’s College Advisor.

Naviance You are encouraged to browse on Naviance: enter activities and awards in your resume, complete a college search and view information on careers and scholarships. We encourage Please submit all copies by April 12 so we can have your information added to the ALL students to note their various Graduation Program and the Awards Assembly Program. usernames and passwords in a docuFinal Transcripts ment that they save on their home Colleges need to have your final grades, and we need to know where to send your computer. This is especially important transcript. Once you’ve decided where you will attend, go into Naviance and click on as students register for tests in the the “colleges” tab, then click on “colleges I’m applying to.” Under “colleges that I am junior year and begin college applicaattending” you can select the college you will be attending from the drop down menu. tions in the senior year. Also, keep This will let us know where we need to send your final transcript in June. track of the Naviance usernames and passwords. Parents if you have not Community College Applicants requested a username and password All seniors who will be attending community college next fall should complete an please contact Mrs. Rivera via email at on-line application by April 1st. Students are also encouraged to take the assessment exams and attend an on-campus orientation session in order to receive priority registra- srivera@stfrancishs.org. tion. Please see your counselor for questions or assistance in this area.

Article: For Parents Preparing to Launch their College-Bound Teen Parents are encouraged to read this insightful article: Launch Additionally, please familiarize yourself with the document that your senior will be receiving regarding suggestions for her transition to college. You daughter(s) will be receiving these helpful hints. Click here for the document: Transition to College 3

Guidance, continued Teens can decrease stress with the following behaviors and techniques: • Exercise and eat regularly • Avoid excess caffeine intake which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation • Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco • Learn relaxation exercises (abdominal breathing and muscle relaxation techniques) • Develop assertiveness training skills. For example, state feelings in polite firm and not overly aggressive or passive ways: (“I feel angry when you yell at me” “Please stop yelling.”)

• Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress. One example is taking a speech class if talking in front of a class makes you anxious • Learn practical coping skills. For example, break a large task into smaller, more attainable tasks • Decrease negative self talk: challenge negative thoughts about yourself with alternative neutral or positive thoughts.

“My life will never get better” can be transformed into “I may feel hopeless now, but my life will probably get better if I work at it and get some help” • Learn to feel good about doing a competent or “good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others • Take a break from stressful situations. Activities like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, or spending time with a pet can reduce stress • Build a network of friends who help you cope in a positive way

Troubie Wellness

Helping Teenagers Deal with Stress

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, teenagers, like adults, may experience stress everyday and can benefit from learning stress management skills. Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope.

Some sources of stress for teens might include: • school demands and frustrations • negative thoughts and feelings about themselves • changes in their bodies • problems with friends and/or peers at school • unsafe living environment/neighborhood • separation or divorce of parents • chronic illness or severe problems in the family • death of a loved one • moving or changing schools • taking on too many activities or having too high expectations • family financial problems Some teens become overloaded with stress. When it happens, inadequately managed stress can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, physical illness, or poor coping skills such as drug and/ or alcohol use.

When we perceive a situation as difficult or painful, changes occur in our minds and bodies to prepare us to respond to danger. This “fight, flight, or freeze” response includes faster heart and breathing rate, increased blood to muscles of arms and legs, cold or clammy hands and feet, upset stomach and/or a sense of dread.

The same mechanism that turns on the stress response can turn it off. As soon as we decide that a situation is no longer dangerous, changes can occur in our minds and bodies to help us relax and calm down. This “relaxation response” includes decreased heart and breathing rate and a sense of well being. Teens that develop a “relaxation response” and other stress management skills feel less helpless and have more choices when responding to stress.

By using these and other techniques, teenagers can begin to manage stress. If a teen talks about or shows signs of being overly stressed, a consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist or qualified mental health professional may be helpful.

Parents can help their teen in these ways: • Monitor if stress is affecting their teen’s health, behavior, thoughts, or feelings • Listen carefully to teens and watch for overloading • Learn and model stress management skills • Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities

If you have any additional question or concerns about your daughter and her ability to cope with stress please do not hesitate to contact me at (916) 737-5094 or by email at clee@stfrancishs.org Mrs. Chyrissee Lee Wellness Counselor

County History Day

International Night • April 12

Congratulations to the juniors who participated in Sacramento County History Day at Inderkum High School on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Several St. Francis students advanced to the state competition on April 25-27 in Sacramento:

International Night, to be held this year on Friday, April 12, is a long-standing St. Francis tradition. It is a wonderful opportunity for many students to present dances and songs from their foreign language classes as they broaden their knowledge and appreciation of the cultures they are learning. An international dinner featuring foods from around the world will take place in the cafeteria beginning at 5:00 pm, prior to the evening’s performance in the theatre.

Performance Category: • Rhian Harris Individual Exhibit: • Gina Wu and Jordan Harris Term Papers Category: • Sophie Kershaw, Jacqueline Holben, Sara Warady • Alternate: Melisa Linenberger

Tickets: Adult $10, Student (through high school) $5.

Purchase tickets through https://secure3.ticketguys.com/ sfhsevents/

In addition, Ariana Almazon received an award from the Sacramento County Historical Association for her paper on the Transcontinental Railroad.

There are a variety of parent volunteer opportunities. Please sign up via Volunteer Spot for International Night.

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Mark Your Calendars • Next School Year

Book Selling and Buying 2013

Significant dates in 2013-2014: • iPad Distribution: August 7-13 (Details to come) • Freshman Class of 2017 orientation: August 13

Click here for:

• Classes in session for all students: August 14

MBS Direct

• First semester finals: December: Week of December 16-20 • Christmas holidays: December 23 - January 6 Second semester will begin on January 7

St. Francis has again teamed up with MBS Direct for your online bookstore needs. MBS sells new and used books.

• Second semester finals: May 16, 19, 20 • Graduation: May 21 or 22 (pending contract with Memorial Auditorium)

Purchasing Books

Dates are subject to change. The calendar will be posted on the SFHS website when finalized.

The MBS online bookstore lists the books required for each class, so students and parents should visit the site to access that information, even if you will be purchasing books from other sources, including used books from other students. It is extremely important to make sure that you purchase the same edition as listed on MBS Direct website (ISBN must match exactly.) Also, make sure you check the discontinued booklist, available online May 1 (a link will be on the SF home page) prior to making any purchases.

Japanese Exchange Program

We thank all the Japanese Exchange Host Families and Volunteers for their tremendous generosity and participation in our 2013 Japanese Exchange Program. Their hospitality and willingness to volunteer made this cultural exchange program possible for not only the Nakamura Gakuen students but also the entire St. Francis community.

The MBS online bookstore will open May 1 for summer reading and summer school books. Fall textbook and workbook materials will be available June 13.

Japanese Exchange Video

eBooks

For classes that will be using an electronic book, the MBS site will direct you to check the St. Francis website where there will be a list of the classes and direct links to the sources to purchase the eBooks.

Selling Used Books

St. Francis students are encouraged to sell their used textbooks to other students. MBS Direct will also buy back used books.

Books must be in acceptable condition - (see the MBS website for guidelines.)

To sell books back to MBS Direct, Log on to MBS Direct.) Click on the box “Sell Your Books” and follow instructions. Drop off the books at St. Francis during one of the buyback “EZ Drop” days: May 17, 20, and 21, 11:30 – 2:00 pm, in the CLC

Quebec 2013 On February 14-19, twenty students from third and fourth year French classes, accompanied by French teacher Madame Picca and Principal Mr. O’Neill, travelled to Quebec for SFHS’s seventh annual French language immersion trip.

Students will put their books and printed quotes in bags which will be boxed by SFHS parent volunteers for shipping.

MBSDirect will mail checks directly to students in 2-3 weeks.

MBS Customer Service: 800-325-3252. The SFHS contact for book buying questions is Mirjana Nikcevic at 916-737-5060.

If you need parent service hours and would like to help with the buy back program (service hours apply to the 2013-2014 school year), contact Ginny Dowd, 916-969-6400 or bgdowd@ sbcglobal.net.

Read junior Caroline Boals’ travelogue at www.stfrancishs.org/Quebec.

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Troubie Store Summer Dates The Troubie Store will be open for uniform and other purchases during Sports Physical Night on June 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm (a limited supply of used uniform items will be available on this day). Other store dates are: July 16th from 10 am to 2pm and August 6th from 4-7 pm. Order forms may be accessed online, faxed or dropped off, and orders picked up during school office hours.

Please do not leave skirt purchases to the last minute; if we happen to run out of your size, it takes 8 weeks to restock. A skirt size chart is on the website at Troubie Store.

Come to the store during regular hours (Tuesdays, 10 am to 2 pm) and check out other gift items and logo apparel for students, alums, moms and dads.

Na Wahine ‘O ‘Olu Hula The Women of Grace Hula

Workshops & Auditions: Room 407 April 15: Hula Basics Workshop, 4:306:30pm April 16: Hula Choreography Workshop, 4:30-6:30pm April 19: Hula Auditions begin at 4:30pm Students learn about the hawaiian culture, language, history and art of hula. It is also a credited PE class. No experience required. Students must attend both workshops to be eligible for auditions. They should wear shorts and bring a sarong if they have one.

Questions about Hula may be directed to:Laureen Macugay: lmacugay@stfrancishs.org; 916-737-5014

Dean of Students • Parents, please take a moment to talk with your daughter about what she is viewing or texting on her cell phone. We have had several instances over the year of our students texting or receiving inappropriate pictures or messages. As I explain to our students, the issue is one of their safety. This is not about “stranger danger,” this is generally about friends and acquaintances. Many students don’t understand that their words and photos are captured in the various social media forever. Adding “jk” (just kidding) or “lol” (laugh out loud) to hurtful statements does not make them acceptable.

It may be difficult for parents to keep up with ever-changing technology, but we encourage you to take some time to check in with your daughter about what she is engaged in via text, twitter, KIK, Instagram or the plethora of other sites.

• As prom season approaches, we ask parents and students to review the dance dress code on pages 36 and 37 of the Student-Parent Handbook. We want students to enjoy these special dances. Plunging necklines, plunging backs, slits up the thighs, body contoured/ruched (very tight) dresses or those otherwise not meeting the outlined code will result in students being denied admission to the dances. As we reminded the girls, please be mindful of these rules as you purchase your daughter’s dress. We truly do not want to have to turn anyone away.

• Please reinforce our reminder to students that they should not bring their valuables to school. If the items are necessary, they need to be locked in their lockers. Calculators, lap tops, purses, money, or jewelry should not be in sight on campus or in vehicles. While we have a very low incidence of theft, we strongly advise these simple precautions.

Cynthia Cost, Dean of Students ccost@stfrancishs.org

Advancement Your contributions to St. Francis High School help provide the outstanding educational opportunities your daughters experience every day. Every parent is asked to participate. If you have not yet done so, please make your 20122013 donation today. Contributions may be made online by credit card at Stewardship or contact Advancement Director Tracy Beckwith at 916-7375033. Thank you.

On April 24, we are conducting our first ever “crowd funding” event.

Similar efforts have raised $30,000 in a single day for a local university and millions for national organizations. For 24 hours on April 24th, we ask all St. Francis supporters to log onto www.stfrancishs.org/242424 to make a $24 (or more) donation to the SFHS Scholarship Fund. Help spread the word through social meda! Many Small Gifts....One Big Impact.

Parent Volunteer Program

of the non-participation fee.

• On May 1 parents may also begin earning hours for 20132014.

Through the Parent Volunteer Program, parents have the opportunity to meet each other and build community.

Additionally, our school gains access to talents and abilities that we would otherwise have to fund. We thank you for the valuable service you provide!

• The 2012-2013 Parent Service Hour Report Form is due May 15.

• Senior Parent (Class of 2013) Volunteer Hours Report Forms were due in January.

• A Parent Service Hour Report Form is available in the main office or to download from the SF Website (Parents: Volunteer Opportunities)

• Freshman, Sophomore and Junior parent hours (25 hours) should be completed by May 1. Please see the Finance Department information above for information about payment

• Please bookmark the Volunteer Opportunities page and check back regularly. Click on the calendar items for details about the upcoming opportunities.

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Academic Teams

SF Model United Nations: Competitive World Leadership!

By Athena Nguyen ’14

Over the past three years, the St. Francis Model United Nations team has evolved to become a prominent beacon of success. The team simulates the United Nations General Assembly (“GA”), where student delegates represent assigned nations and push agendas in such committees as World Trade Organization, Disarmament, Social Humanitarian and Cultural, Special Political & Decolonization, among others.

Student delegates train in international diplomacy, law, UN charter, history, geography, treaties, and current international events. Delegates who participate in MUN hone their writing, public speaking, and debate skills. The SF team travels to colleges throughout Northern and Southern California such as Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Irvine. College MUN students design and chair these conferences and score high school students on proficiencies in public speaking, research, resolution writing, and caucusing.

November, 2012 saw the SF MUN team experience Stanford University’s two-day conference. This event offered advanced crisis scenarios to each GA assembly. Blackmail, kidnappings, and posturing for war added spice to the weekend’s critical diplomacy. Congratulations to Charlotte Leszinske ’13 for earning Best Delegate Gavel in a historical Crisis simulation, “Stalin’s Politburro!”

In March the team traveled to UC Berkeley, to compete in our nation’s largest and longest-running high school MUN conference. Over 2,000 students and teachers arrived from across North and South America, Canada, and as far away as the Netherlands and Afghanistan. SFHS MUN represented South Africa in a variety of committees such as the African Union, World Health, SOCHUM,

Disarmament, and the UN Environmental Programme. For the first time in SF MUN history two SF delegates, Athena Nguyen and Emily Cornett were selected by their committee peers to serve as rappateurs to recap committee in closing ceremonies!

UC Berkeley Awards were presented as follows: • Research Award: Athena Nguyen, WB • Research Award: Clarissa James, WB • Commendation: Charlotte Leszinske, Press Corps • Commendation: Emily Cornett, AU • Outstanding Delegate: Athena Nguyen, WB • Best Delegate: Mary Battistella, CRISIS This season will conclude with the 2nd Annual St. Francis High School MUN Conference for area middle school students to be held on the SF campus April 6. This unique event, entitled “SFMUN,” is open to 7th and 8th graders. SFMUN features light-hearted topics that allow delegates to get a general idea of MUN while learning parliamentary procedure and how the UN functions. (Read an article on last year’s SFMUN conference.) Participation in St. Francis High School MUN builds confidence, diplomacy, skill in speech, writing, and negotiation, and above all fosters strong leadership in a spirit of global collaboration. Registration and information available at stfrancishs.org/mun.

2012-2013 MUN Team Mary Battistella ’14 Emily Cornett ’14 Megan Foy ’14 Clarissa James ’14 Angela Lazo ’15 Caroline Leszinske ’15 Charlotte Leszinske ’13 Giovanna Martinez ’16 Stephanie Miranda ’15 Sarah Mumper ’14 Athena Nguyen ’14 Daisy Romo ’16 Alexa Selden ’14 Caroline Vielhauer ’16 Gina Wu ’15

Robotics: Find links to the video of the Good Day Sacramento visit with the Fembots and more at Robotics in the News.

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Back row, left to right: Laura Farris, Aspen Bonini, Erin Crooks, Ashley Kyalwazi, Christine Baltazar, Bri Teresi and Ann Carriere. Front row, left to right: Emily Fobes, Mia Bonini, Nida Ahmed, Claire Wobbema, Sophia Fox, Thea Stavarek and Kennedy Harris. Not pictured: Kate Meissner and Dulany Phillips

Speech Teams

St. Francis High School hosted the 2012-2013 State Qualifying Speech Tournament on February 22-23.

Nineteen Northern California high schools attended with 185 students competing in 12 different events for the right to attend the California State Tournament in April. Twenty-one St. Francis students competed, with 20 of them entering 2 different events, and 1 of them entering 3 events.

Sixteen St. Francis students claimed 23 of the available spots in the Semi-Finals. In the Finals (the top 7 contestants in each event), of the 6 St. Francis students, 3 reached the Finals in both of their events, resulting in 6 St. Francis students claiming 9 of the available spots in the Finals.

Four of our St. Francis finalists qualified for the State Tournament, with 3 additional in “stand-by” alternate positions: • 1st Place winners: Christine Baltazar ’13* in Expository • Erin Crooks ’15* in Thematic Interp • 2nd Place winner: Ashley Kyalwazi ’14* in Thematic Interp • 3rd Place winners: Ashley Kyalwazi in Dramatic Interp • Christine Baltazar in International Extemp • 4th Place winner: Mia Bonini ’16* in Thematic Interp • 5th Place winners: Aspen Bonini ’13** in Thematic Interp • Erin Crooks* in Oratorical Interp • 7th Place winner: Briana Teresi ’13** in International Extemp. *State Tournament competitor ** Alternate for State Tournament, along with Sophia Fox ’16. Sophia was also the winning competitor at the Optimist oratory competition on March 21. She was awarded a Certificate, a medal and a check for $200.

In addition, she has won the right to compete against other Club-level winners from the greater Sacramento area at the Zone-level competition, whose winners vie for a $2,500 Optimist scholarship at the District competition.

Troubies have won the Optimist scholarship for the past two years (Rachel Broghammer in 2011 and Christine Baltazar in 2012.)

Theatre

News Music

Auditions for Concert Choir and Orchestras are on Monday and Tuesday, April 8th and 9th.

Auditions for Show Choir are on April 15th Visit the SFHS website (Arts/Music) for more details.

On February 1-3, the 36 members of the SF Players participated in the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival at the beautiful Three Stages Performance Center on the campus of Folsom Lake College.

For three full days the SF Players watched shows, attended workshops and performed for judges, classmates and their theatre peers from other schools. Over 50 high schools and 1,000 theatre students attended the festival culminating in an awards recognition ceremony Sunday night. The SF Players earned the following awards. Given the size of the festival and level of talent this is quite an achievement!

• Katie Collopy ’14: Respondents Award (judges choice for excellence), Monologue • Leah Horner ’13 and Kit Taylor ’14: Original Script for Scenes, for “Target” • Tori Johnson ’15 and Julia Eggert ’15: Outstanding acting in a One Act Play • SF Players A Block: Gold (first place Stage Two), One Act (“Darcy’s Cinematic Life”)

The Solo and Ensemble Recital on February 7th was a resounding success. Fifteen vocalists and eight instrumentalists performed everything from operatic arias to original songs for over 80 family members and friends.

Golden Empire

The students all played beautifully on March 16 at the CFMEA Capitol Section Golden Empire music festival! Judges were most impressed by their exceptional musicality, connection to each other, and preparedness/presentation. I was as proud of their demeanor, maturity and politeness as I was their performances. The two instrumental judges said they always look forward to the St. Francis entries, because they are consistently aware that they are playing music and not just notes.

Zoe Jones ’13, flute • Superior Mika Brown ’13, clarinet • Superior Sara Warady ’13, clarinet • Superior Clarinet Duet (Mika and Sara) • Superior Meredith Ray ’14, saxophone (with Perneet Powar ’14, pianist) • Superior Olivia Dewey ’14, cello • Superior Jessicia Shortley ’14, viola • Superior Kristi Lee ’16, violin • Superior Quartet (Zoe Jones, Rebecca Nicholes ’15, violin, Jessica Shortley, Olivia Dewey) • Superior Melia Granath-Panelo ’15, piano • Excellent Superior ratings are eligible to go on to State Finals in May. My congratulations to these student musicians and thanks to David Blanchard for his hard work accompanying three of the solos.

Horatio Edens, “Prof E” Golden Empire Festival for soloists and ensembles is just around the corner! Watch for the next issue for results!

Dance

Dance auditions for the 2013/2014 school year are April 9th or 10th at 3:30pm for returning students, and April 10th at 5pm for incoming Class of 2017. Callbacks for the SFHS Dance and SFHS Apprentice Companies will be held April 11th at 5pm. .

Visual Arts The Arthouse (1021 R Street, Sacramento, Upstairs; 10th and R Street) is hosting a show with St Francis student artwork, with an opening during Second Saturday, May 11, 5:00-9:00pm. The show will be up until June 4. Student work is selected from the Henriette Doglietto Art Exhibition. The Arthouse is open Monday to Saturday 10:00AM to 6:00PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The Imaginary Invalid by the French playwright, Moliere, and adapted by Timothy Mooney, was widely received with many sell-out shows and escalating belly-laughs throughout the One Act performances in March. Timothy Mooney recently adapted many of Moliere’s works but has never seen this one performed on stage.

Mr. Mooney was at Sac State giving a one man show, so came to the SF Theatre to watch and give a 45 minute “talkback” to the cast and crew after a Friday night show. The students were thrilled to hear his critique and kudos and to ask him questions about the show and his career path. Like all of the plays and musicals performed at SF, the show was completely run by students. From overseeing the ushers to calling the show. There were actually more students behind the scenes than on the stage! Great work was done by all.

The SF Players are busy putting the finishing touches on their final performances of the 2013/14 year. The Players are once again going on tour with a delightful children’s play Out of the Shoe! The show was first performed as part of the 2007 middle school summer musical theatre workshop with original music composed by St. Francis’ own musical staff member David Blanchard. The Players thought it might be fun to bring back the music and the show for the spring tour.

The Theatre Arts One students are busy rehearsing their final project and performance. This year the performers are presenting The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet during their long block classes in late April and early May. The performance is open to the school, parents and friends during the school day. It’s a very funny take on William Shakespeare’s great tragedy Nothing is very tragic in this Seussified version, only comedy and a lot of Dr. Seuss fun that’s sure to delight all in attendance!

Upcoming Arts Events

April 24: Senior Showcase Come and enjoy a free show filled with exciting and innovative student choreography! The St. Francis Dance Company, St. Francis Apprentice Companies, and the Intermediate Dance Technique class will present new dances choreographed by senior company members. The show is April 24th at 5:30pm in the SFHS Theatre.

May 8: The St. Francis Show Choir combines amazing vocals with fun and exciting choreography. The company is working hard for their upcoming performance on May 8th. Join us in the SFHS theatre at 5:30 pm when the St. Francis Show choir will perform along with the St. Francis Jazz Ensemble.

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SFHS Athletic & BOOSTER CLUB You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the

Sports Physicals Plus...Meet the Coaches Sliders BoosterQue, Ice Cream Social & Fingerprinting Opportunity

Wednesday, June 5 6:00-7:30PM at SFHS $25 per athlete*

St. Francis High School Annual Booster Club golf Tournament & Troubie Shoot out at William Land Park Golf Course

May 9 2:00 PM Shotgun Check out all the fun activities!

www.stfrancishs.org BASKETBALL Wrap-up The St. Francis Varsity Basketball team finished the season with an overall record of 15 wins and 13 losses. The team defeated 4th ranked Nevada Union in the first round of the Division 1 CIF playoffs, before losing in the second round to the Armijo Indians.

St. Francis finished in 4th place in the tough Delta River League with a record of 6 wins and 6 losses. The Troubies played a highly competitive schedule, finishing 2 and 1 in the prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, Arizona, and securing wins against Nor Cal playoff contenders Sacred Heart Cathedral, Del Oro and Florin. The team consisted of seniors Marisa Boras, Rachel Frank, Beverly Kyalwazi, Lizzie Mannering, and Makena Strand; juniors Gillian Balbierz, Margaret Chavez, Amanda Davenport, Abby Dow, Alex Ellison, Sarah England, Maddie Gonzalez, Ashley Kyalwazi, Kristen Lau, Martina Penalosa, Najah Queenland, Raven Robinson, and Erin Stone; sophomore Susie Rogers; and, freshman Lauren Craig. The team centered on its defense, as the Troubies played with great intensity and desire. The coaching staff welcomed Bob Christensen as an assistant in joining returning coaches Ron Blanchette, Maren Martinelli ’00, and Sole Montemayor ’01.

Coach Vic Pitton 9

Requirement for Athletes Every student on an SFHS sports team must have a current “Preparticipation Physical Form” on file prior to the first work-out. To facilitate this process, St. Francis High School’s Booster Club sponsors a Sports Physical Clinic. The clearance obtained will be good for Fall, Winter or Spring sports during the entire 2013-2014 school year. A representative from each of the sports teams will be on hand to answer questions.

Parent Volunteers • Fingerprinting Additionally, all parent volunteers are required to have fingerprint clearance on file. See Parent Volunteer Info. A Livescan provider will be available from 5 - 8:00pm. There is a fee for this service. *The physicals are free for daughters of Lifetime Booster Club Members and the $25 fee will be discounted by $5 per athlete for annual and 4-year members. For the Preparticipation Physical Form, more information about the June 5 event, and online Booster Club Membership Form, go to:

Sports Physicals.

SFHS Spring Sports

Diving • Lacrosse • Softball • Soccer • Swimming • Track & Field

Team Rosters and Schedules can be found on the SFHS website at Athletics: Teams Follow SF Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@SFHSSacSports)!

come out and cheer on our Troubadours!

Summer School SF Summer School is a relaxed and productive co-ed program. Students take classes so they can get ahead, have a free block off in the school year, hone their skills, and learn something new. Tell your friends about our camps for younger students!

When registering for 2013-14 classes, students should let their counselors know if they are taking summer classes. Summer School registration is now open on the St. Francis website: www.stfrancishs.org/

summer/courses

Arts

Art Camp Advanced Art Camp Art 1 Painting 1 Painting 2 Dance for Fitness Theatre Arts Musical Workshop Stagecraft Taiko

English

Middle School English Prep Mystery and Suspense Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust English 9 Readiness High School English Prep

Math

Middle School Math Prep High School Math Prep Algebra 1 Readiness Algebra 1 Review Algebra 1B Algebra 2 Algebra 2B Geometry

Science

Forensics Integrated Science Biology Chemistry

Social Studies Civics/Economics World Geography

Sports

Basketball Camp Lacrosse Camp Soccer Camp Sports Conditioning Volleyball Camp

Other Courses & Camps Cooking Driver Education Health Knitting and Crocheting Psychology Sewing and Quilting

Just a few highlights: Art 1

June 13 - July 3 • 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM • 9th through 12th grades • $400 + $70 supply fee This semester introductory survey course is the prerequisite for all yearlong visual art classes: Digital Photo, Painting, and Sculpture. Students are introduced to the visual arts through instruction in drawing, sculpture, architecture, painting, and art history. This course focuses on the elements of art through hands-on experience. 5 Credits

Theatre Arts Musical Workshop

June 13 - July 3 • 9:00am-12:00pm • 6th-9th grades • $400 Theatre-Music-Dance-Art, Oh My! This hands-on, active camp encompasses theatre, music, dance and visual arts. Students perform shortened musicals, sing, dance, design costumes, make props, build sets, paint backdrops, and design performance programs. Campers design their own t-shirt! Three teachers and two high school assistants work with the campers every day. It is important that campers attend all sessions. The camp will culminate in a wonderful mini-production which friends and family are invited to attend in the St. Francis Theatre on July 3.

Cooking

June 13 - July 3 • 1:15-3:15pm • 7th-12th grades • $275 + $50 supply fee Yum! Cook, bake, grill your way through the afternoon. Pick herbs from the SF garden, blend fresh fruit smoothies, bake and braid bread, grill seasonal veggies and more. This class is for all levels of young chefs.

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Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

June 13 - July 3 • 11:30am-12:30pm • 6th-9th grades • $250 A look at the folktales and fairy tales in the Disney catalogue to uncover the moral, ethical and philosophical nuances in the characters and the stories. This discussion oriented course investigates the older films: Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan and the later films: The Little Mermaid, Mulan, and Lion King. We will read articles, view film clips, do group work and develop our aesthetic critical thinking skills.

Forensics

July 8 - 19 • 1:15-3:15pm • 6th-9th grades • $275 Become a member of the SFHS CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) team this summer. The team will study the concepts and skills necessary to investigate a crime scene and solve a case by the end of camp. During the first week of camp, the team will develop microscopy skills to perform hair and fiber analysis, learn fingerprinting techniques, use synthetic blood to identify various blood types, and discover the art of chromatography.

The second week of camp, the CSI team will gather evidence to solve “THE CASE OF THE MISSING SKULL” using skills they learned the previous week. The week begins with “the scene of the crime” and concludes with issuing an arrest warrant to the suspect.

Taiko, 9th - 12th graders, Session 1

June 17 - 21 • 3:15-5:15pm • 9th-12th grades • $125 Come and learn the powerful art of Taiko (Japanese drumming)! Taiko is a comprehensive art form that includes elements of music, dance, martial arts, theatre and teamwork. No experience is necessary. We will cover everything from the history of the art form to learning entire songs. Students will also learn about the Japanese culture and its values of respect, spirit and perseverance. You may also take the July class to advance your skills.