Troubadour Tribune Summer 2012
Back-to-School Guide We look forward to welcoming students and parents - new and returning - back to campus in August! Please read this guide and the enclosed materials carefully to help you and your daughter navigate the start of the 2012-2013 school year. A copy of this newsletter and other “Back to School” information and forms can be found on the St. Francis website. Click on “Back to School Information and Forms” under “News” on the home page.
Online Mandatory Forms and Information Update - Due August 1
St. Francis
5900 Elvas Avenue Sacramento, CA 95819 Phone: 916.452.3461 Fax: 916.452.1591 www.stfrancishs.org
Catholic High School
St. Francis has partnered with the online forms vendor Infosnap for parents to provide the mandatory documentation that was gathered on paper forms in previous years, such as address/phone changes, emergency contacts, insurance, acceptance of Student-Parent Handbook, request for transfer of fingerprinting records, M Street access request, early dismissal request, and parking permit request for Juniors and Seniors. Infosnap is the same company that processed our Enrollment and Tuition Agreement Forms in the spring. Parents must access the online portal to submit required information. Instructions are on a separate document enclosed with this newsletter. Each student has been issued a new, unique “snapcode” for this process, included on the instruction sheet.
Regarding the online forms: many fields will be pre-populated with information from our records. Please go through the entire form carefully to update information and submit required forms.
Two-household families, please note: To avoid duplication of information, we have been advised by Infosnap to designate one household to submit the online information. If you did not receive a document with a snapcode and instructions accompanying this newsletter, you may assume that it has been sent to the alternate household. If you wish to submit information and acceptance of Student-Parent Handbook statements, please download the paper forms from the SF website at www. stfrancishs.org. On the home page, under “News” click “Back to School Information and Forms.” Then click “Second Household Forms” to download, complete and submit.
Student Parent Handbook
It is the responsibility of all parents, guardians and students each year to read the Student-Parent Handbook and acknowledge this by signing the Handbook Statement. A link to the online version of the handbook is provided in the online Mandatory Forms and Information Update (and on the “Back to School Information and Forms” page of the SF website). A printed copy of the handbook will be distributed to students on the first day of school and is also included in the “planners” given to all students. Parents indicate acceptance of the provisions in the Student-Parent Handbook via electronic signatures on the online form. Please also encourage your daughter to familiarize herself with the information in the handbook. Key points will be discussed in homeroom on the first day of school. At that time students will sign a statement accepting the provisions of the handbook. Please particularly note changes in the following (See the “Parents” page of the SF website for forms referenced in the handbook): • Daily/Weekly Schedules: Handbook p. 2-3. (Please note: With the new schedule, the school day now begins at 8:00am, which will impact traffic. We suggest dropping students off at least 15 to 20 minutes earlier than the designated start of their first class.) • Online Social Media & Networking: p. 22. • Cell Phone: p. 22. • Attendance: p. 22-25. Changes include emphasis on making appointments outside of class time (community lunch is mandatory, like a class) and grade reduction/loss of credit for extensive absences. Please review the policy carefully. Save to your cell phone - Attendance line: 916-737-5050. • Uniform: p. 25-26. Please read the uniform policy carefully.
Student Schedule
The enclosed student schedule includes course name, block and course ID (use on MBS Bookstore site to purchase books). Teacher names and room numbers will be added to the schedules distributed on the first day of school. See page 6 for information about requesting schedule changes. Deadline for schedule change requests is July 27. A link to the Request Form is on the “Back to School Information and Forms” page of the SF website. 1
Parent Signature Verification Card - Due August 1
Additional items for Back to School “To Do” List
The enclosed Parent Signature Verification Card will be maintained on file in the office to confirm absence, tardy, and early dismissal notes. Please return to the school office by August 1.
Purchase uniform items in time for the first day of school, August 15
2012-2013 School Year Calendar
Click on the calendar icon on the home page of the SF website for the most updated school calendar. Note that the entries frequently contain links to further information. The PDF version is available on the calendar page and on the “Back to School Information and Forms” page of the website. The calendar is also included in the planner distributed to each student on the first day of school.
• Wednesday, July 18, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm • Thursday, August 9, 4:00 - 7:00 pm Parent volunteers interested in staffing the Troubie Store at any time during the school year are asked to attend two training sessions on August 8 (67:00 pm) and August 9, 4-7:00 pm. The first is “education” and the second “practice.”
Cafeteria PINs - New Numbers Issued
Student cafeteria PINs are used during transactions to debit student cafeteria accounts. Parents are requested to write the student name and PIN on checks (made out to SFHS) and placed in the Cafeteria mailbox in the main office. This year all PINs are based on student ID numbers, which are printed on the enclosed schedule and also available on Netclassroom, Haiku, and Naviance accounts. The PIN is the five digit number created by the last two digits of a student’s class year and the last three digits of her ID, e.g. if the student ID is 2016-876, her cafeteria PIN is 16876. Additional information about the cafeteria is on page 7.
Encourage your daughter to complete her summer reading early to avoid last-minute stress
Freshman and Transfer Student Orientations: Tuesday, August 14
Transfer Students: 8:00 - 10:30 am All transfer students are asked to meet in the Library.
Freshmen Last names Martinez - Zawaydeh: 8:30 - 11:30 am Last names Adamson - Martin: 12:30 - 3:30 pm
A Freshman Family Mass and Freshman Overnight Retreat will be held August 18-19. See page 4 for details.
First day of classes for all students: Wednesday, August 15
Participation in the Parent Volunteer Program is a condition of attendance in the school. There are several diocesan requirements for all volunteers. See page 6 for details.
Refer to your course schedule and click on the course names/numbers on the online bookstore at http://bookstore. mbsdirect.net/stfrancishs.htm. MBS Direct is offering free shipping on orders over $99 between July 16 and 29 only.
Within the first month of school, each student will receive orientation through her Theology class regarding her yearly service requirement, the retreat program and other Campus Ministry events. We encourage parents to visit the SF website (Christian Service/Core Service Programs and Approved Agencies for Service) with their daughter to explore the dozens of service opportunities Campus Ministry recommends.
Discuss with your daughter the opportunities for participating in the life of the St. Francis community: Academic Teams, Arts, Sports, Clubs, and Service
Purchase textbooks in time for delivery prior to start of classes on August 15
See page 3 for a description of the opportunities for students of each grade level to take time away from their busy school life to explore their spirituality, self, and relationships with God and others. All students, regardless of faith background, are expected to attend a retreat each year while at SFHS. (Freshmen attend a mandatory one-day retreat with their theology classes.) Students may download the permission form (SF website: Campus Ministry/Retreats) and submit them at any time for the retreats, however each retreat has limited space so the earlier one signs up the better chance they have of getting their first choice. All retreats are listed on the school calendar. St. Francis also offers a Father-Daughter and Mother-Daughter Retreat.
Make a date with your daughter in September to review her Christian Service options
Uniforms and books are required. Note the special schedules for August 15 - 17 (and 13 other dates later in the year) on the calendar page of the SF website and on page 4 of the Student Parent Handbook.
Parent Volunteer Information/ Requirements
All students are assigned summer reading for their English classes. The summer reading book list is determined by the classes students will take in the fall. Although regular Social Studies classes do not have a summer reading assignment, students in AP and Honors Social Studies classes do. To view book lists, go to the MBS Direct website (see link above), click on “Order My Books,” “Continue,” then select the “summer term” and “Summer Reading.” Books may be purchased anywhere; make sure the ISBN matches exactly so that all students have the same edition.
Encourage your daughter to attend a retreat and to Uniform skirt and red polo shirt are required for ID schedule it early according to her academic and extrapictures. Locker combinations will be distributed, so curricular schedule students are welcome (not required) to bring their books and supplies, if desired. Lunch will not be served.
While the Troubie Store is closed for most of the summer, orders may be sent/faxed (916-452-6046) to the school and picked up during normal (summer) school office hours, 8 am to 2 pm. The Troubie Store will be open:
•Academic Teams
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Check the Student Life/Academic Teams section of the website for information about Academic Decathlon, Certamen, Mathletes, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Speech – “Fact Squad” and “Fiction Squad” - and Super Advocates.
•Arts
The fall musical (Into the Woods) and spring play are open to all students who would like to participate in the cast or crew. This is an after-school program. See p. 4.
•Sports
Workouts/tryouts for fall sports begin Monday, August 6. Information is posted on the Athletics section of the SF website. Some sports are offering informal summer conditioning sessions now. Students must have a Preparticipation Physical Form on file prior to any workouts (forms must be signed by a healthcare professional).
•Clubs and Service
The Four Pillars Faire on September 12th will inform students about Campus Ministry and Student Activities programs.
Encourage your Junior or Senior daughters to register for the SAT and ACT test dates of their choice
The SFHS test site fills up quickly. Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com and the ACT at www. actstudent.org. First semester SAT tests will be offered at SFHS on October 6, November 3, and December 1. The ACT tests will be offered at SFHS on September 8, October 27, and December 8. Juniors should sign up in early fall for spring test dates at SFHS. Check the St. Francis calendar for spring test dates.
Arrange for bus service along the Highway 80 corridor, if needed
Placer Bus Group is a volunteer, parent-run cooperative providing bus transportation from Auburn, Rocklin and Roseville to St. Francis and Jesuit. Information and registration at www.placerbusgroup.com/.
Consider your plan for participating in SFHS’s Annual Stewardship Program
The Stewardship Program is an annual financial commitment to St. Francis. The funds generated from this essential program are needed to supplement tuition, which does not cover all the costs of education at St. Francis. Your annual donation to the Stewardship Fund provides vital resources for the programs that make the St. Francis experience unique and exceptional. Donations can be made by check, EFT, or online by credit card. Parents are encouraged to pledge a monthly gift by EFT or credit card. (Thank you to the 171 parents who already made a commitment on their online enrollment form!) Information and forms are located on the SF website “Support St. Francis/Annual Stewardship Program.”
Consider other ways of supporting St. Francis High School • •
Sponsoring, donating an auction item and working on Revelry! See page 5. Joining the Booster Club and the Patrons of the Arts. See page 7.
School Year Theme 2012-2013 The seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching are used in a four-year cycle as the basis of SFHS school year themes. “Life and Dignity of the Human Person” and “Call to Family, Community and Participation,” will be articulated in this year’s theme: “See, Do, Be like Christ.” Look for a special evening discussion for parents to learn more about the theme and how it is integrated in to the academic year.
Campus Ministry • Retreats Teachers and staff support retreat attendance by encouraging students to attend their yearly retreat as well as by relieving the pressures of their absence from class, sport, or other school responsibility. Students who missed work, tests and quizzes while on retreat will be provided an equal number of school days after they return to make up what was missed. A fee applies for most retreats; financial aid is available. Registration begins August 16. Registration forms are available on the SF website (Campus Ministry page) and retreats are filled in the order the registration forms are returned. Students are responsible for letting their teachers know when they will be on retreat. Freshman Retreat • “Created in the Image of God” During the second semester, students will attend this mandatory one day retreat with their theology class to reflect on the deeper meaning and implications of being created in the image of God. Parents drop off and pick up students at St. Anthony’s Parish (Florin Road) for this one-day retreat. Sophomore Retreat • “Finding Strength In God” Students explore how they are living their lives, what they value, and how they can create and live out their ideal lives. This is a two day, one night retreat. It is offered five times throughout the year. Students select the date they wish to attend. Travel is by chartered bus to the Jesuit Retreat Center of the Sierras (Applegate). Junior Retreat • “Celebrating the Gift” Students explore the many ways they have been gifted by God and grow in their appreciation of the gifts present in themselves, others, and their community. This is a three day, two night retreat held at the Jesuit Retreat Center of the Sierras (Applegate). Senior Retreat • “Kairos - The Lord’s Time” Students explore the roles of spirituality, religion and God in their lives. Kairos is an international retreat program based in Ignatian spirituality and modeled after the Cursillo retreat but adapted for teenagers. Graduating seniors most frequently mention Kairos as their “best experience” at St. Francis. This four day, three night retreat is held at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos. Father-Daughter Retreat Students of all grade levels spend a day with their fathers or father-figures to connect, reflect and grow closer through prayer, activities, and sharing. The theme and activities of this retreat change every year. Check the SF website for details and forms for the September 23rd “Father Daughter Spirit Day.” Mother-Daughter Retreat Students of all grade levels take two days away with their mothers or mother-figures to connect, reflect and enjoy each other’s company while experiencing a spiritual retreat together. The theme and activities of this retreat change every year. This year’s Mother Daughter Retreat will be held on November 29-30 at San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville, CA.
Frosh/Soph Open Dances: August 24 (at SFHS), September 21 (CBHS), and October 5 (JHS). Junior/Senior Open Dance: September 14 at SFHS. St. Francis High School will celebrate Spirit Week October 15-19, with the Homecoming Dance on October 20. 3
Mark your Calendar!
“Heart of a Troubie”
Back to School Mass • August 15
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Parents are welcome to our all-school liturgies. Our first of the year is the Welcome Back to School Mass on Wednesday, August 15th, at 9:10 am. Please arrive early and sign-in at the front office.
Parents BBQ Welcoming our New President and our New Families!
Free Dress Fundraiser • August 23
Campus Ministry sponsors a free dress fundraiser approximately one Thursday each month (listed on the calendar). These are opportunities for students to donate a minimum of $2 to the monthly designated charity for the option of wearing free dress that day.
Thursday August 16, 2012 • Serra Court Hosted by the SFHS Booster Club, Parents Guild and Patrons of the Arts • 5:30 pm Cocktails (No Host) • 6:30 pm Hosted BBQ • 7:45 pm Hosted Dessert
Back to School Supply Drive Through Aug. 24 When you’re buying your new school supplies, please be sure to pick up some extras for the Diocese of Sacramento’s St. Patrick’s SUCCEED Academy. Their list of needs includes: binder paper (wide and college ruled), pencils, colored pencils, pens, crayons and markers, notebooks and folders, scissors, construction paper, book covers, Kleenex, wet wipes (for hands and for cleaning surfaces), and any art materials. Your donations are collected in the CLC. Thank you!
Join your fellow St. Francis parents for our traditional Welcome Back Celebration BBQ celebrating the Troubie spirit. In addition to the dinner, drinks, dessert, and fun… • The Troubie Store will be open • The Parents Guild will have Revelry information available • The Patrons of the Arts and Booster Club will offer memberships • Revelry will be accepting donations of wine for the auction. All donors will be entered into a drawing for a great prize. See Revelry, p 5.
Back to School Night
Drink ticket proceeds benefit the SFHS Booster Club. The attire will be casual and the mood will be fun!! Parents are asked to RSVP using the online form. See “Welcome Back BBQ” on SFHS home page.
Back to School Night Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Items needed: Cookies, brownies, fruit trays, veggie trays. (Earn 1 hour per $5 spent.) Deliver items during school hours on August 28. Drop off food at the designated drop off area, (brick wall just east of the front office). Help needed: Parents are needed for set-up, hospitality, and clean-up. Please inform Jody Bryan of your intentions: jodybryan@sbcglobal.net.
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Freshmen are welcomed into the St. Francis Faith Community with this overnight retreat of prayer and reflection, food and fun, friendship and spirituality. The evening includes a gathering of all freshman families for the Freshman Family Mass. Afterwards, parents say goodbye and the freshmen spend the night at St. Francis with their Big Sisters from the Class of 2013. There is no fee for this retreat. Breakfast is hosted by the Parents Guild. 6:00pm
Freshmen arrive in their homerooms for check-in Freshman Parents arrive in the Theater for check-in
6-7pm
Freshman Parent Meeting in the theater Includes Mass preparation and writing of letters to their daughters
7:00pm
Freshman Family Mass in the Gym
8:30pm
Mass ends – Freshman Overnight Retreat begins
9:00am
Parents pick up their daughters
Tuesday • August 28 Parents are requested to Arrive at 6:00 pm Visit your daughter’s classes 6:45 - 8:15 pm
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Class of 2016 Students & Parents Saturday, August 18 - Sunday, August 19 Freshman Family Mass & Freshman Overnight Retreat
A Program for All Parents
Musical Workshops for Cast and Orchestra, Aug. 16, 3:30pm & 17, 1pm • Auditions, Aug. 21-22 Into the Woods comes to the St. Francis stage in November! See the SFHS website for details. We are seeking boys from any high school and SFHS girls interested in performing in the musical.
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“Set Build Saturdays” start August 25•10am-4pm Volunteer hours are awarded to to parents who help hammer out the stage set for the musical. Come to the theatre with closed toe shoes and work clothes. Join the fun - to offer your help and learn more, contact Fine Arts Technical Director Steve Decker at sdecker@stfrancishs. org. Check the school calendar for specific Saturdays.
Additional information and a permission form will be mailed to Freshman households separately. 4
The SFHS calendar is packed with activities. We highlight just a few.
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Parent Volunteer Opportunities
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a n e v e n i n g of
TradiTion
The large ’s on these pages indicate events that offer opportunities to earn parent volunteer hours. See page 7 for more about the Parent Volunteer Program. Check your email and the SF website for opportunties as they arise. Your support makes great things happen at SFHS!
Mark Your Calendar! Troubie College Day • September 22
For students and parents: sessions on college admissions, financial aid, planning for selective colleges, and entrance tests. On the SF Campus • 8:30am-noon Meet A Parent/Grandparent for Lunch Day New Format for Our New Schedule Seniors • Sept 6 Juniors • Sept 13 Sophomores • Sept 20 Freshmen • Sept 27 These are special days to bring your daughter’s favorite lunch and a blanket and meet during lunch block for a picnic in Serra Court. This is a great way to spend some time with your daughter and meet some of her friends. Lunch may also be purchased in the cafeteria. Please sign-in outside the front office.
Pearl of t he Orient The19th Annual
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Saturday, October 6
This Dinner Dance, sponsored by the SFHS Filipino Families & Friends, celebrates Filipino culture and cuisine. Proceeds benefit campus beautification projects. We invite ALL students and parents to attend or help with the event. A fun way to earn volunteer hours and meet your fellow SFHS families. Information on the SF website: Support St. Francis/Events/Pearl of the Orient
St. Francis Open House 2012
Where Town Meets Country
Revelry! October 27, 2012
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SFHS’s biggest fun- and fund-raiser of the year! A school-wide fundraising effort, Revelry! is an elegant evening of dinner, a Gala Auction, and more. Get involved today. We count on all SF parents to support this great event! • help acquire auction item or sponsorships • be part of the office team - cataloging, data entry, reservations and more • work on behind-the-scenes production - decorations, baskets and displays • set-up, clean-up or staff the event Email or call now! revelry@stfrancishs.org or 916-737-5020 Sponsorship forms, volunteer information and more can be found on the SF website at Support St. Francis/Revelry Help kick off our auction gift gathering effort! Any bottle of fine wine (valued at $20 or higher) donated to Revelry will enter you into a drawing to win a great prize. Wine will be collected at the Back to School BBQ (8/16) and Back to School Night (8/28). Winner of the drawing will be announced 8/28. Questions? Michelle Chavez, chaverosa@att.net.
Revelry is St. Francis High School’s major fundraiser. Our goal this year is to raise $600,000. This is a significant sum and means that $300,000 in sponsorships will need to be raised before October 27th. Sponsorship levels begin at $1,000. This year we continue two popular pre-Revelry events for our sponsors: Legacy Circle Ladies’ Luncheon at the home of Lisa and Chris Ksidakis on September 19th, and a Couples Sponsor Reception at the home of Jeff and Kellie Randle on October 4th. A special thank you to the Ksidakis and Randle families. While Revelry generates funds necessary to enrich our daughters’ high school experiences, it is also a wonderful way to build community. Please consider your participation: send in your sponsorships, volunteer on a committee, mark October 27th on your calendar, and attend in the spirit of supporting your daughter’s amazing school. Wendy Miller, Revelry 2012 Chair
Join the SFHS Booster Club and get your members-only T-shirt, Jacket, Seat Cushion or Stadium Chair!
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Please help spread the word! OPEN HOUSE for prospective students and their families is Sunday, October 14, from 1:00 to 4:00pm. This is a festive day for interested families to tour the St. Francis campus and speak with administrators, teachers, students and parents about all the wonderful opportunities St. Francis has to offer.
elegance
Members receive other great benefits. Register online today on the SF website: Athletics/Boosters Patrons of the Arts form a parent support organization for all the fine and performing arts activities and provide valuable financial assistance for the work of student artists in every discipline. Please consider becoming an active member of the Patrons of the Arts. Download the membership form from the SF website: The Arts/Support the Arts. All are welcome to the Patrons meetings (monthly, beginning September 11). Earn parent volunteer hours for your involvement! 5
Requesting Schedule Changes
Parent Volunteering
In creating schedules, we have done our utmost to honor students’ requests. There are occasions, however, when we are unable to do so, mainly when a student requests classes that are offered simultaneously during the same block. Commonly, this will occur with Advanced Placement, Honors and specialty classes like Student Leadership. Additionally, there are times when a class, such as Yoga, is full and we have substituted another course, such as Cardio & Weight Training.
Parents provide valuable service to St. Francis High School. 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.
Your daughter’s guidance counselor has reviewed her schedule and has made every attempt to fine tune it to your daughter’s requests. We have hired teachers based on those requests. We therefore ask that you thoughtfully review your schedule before submitting a schedule change request. Please understand that all requests may not be honored due to class size and other scheduling conflicts. If you would still like to request a change, download the Request for Schedule Change form from the SF website (on the “Back to School Information and Forms” page of the SF website) and submit it no later than Friday, July, 27, 2012. Request for Schedule Change forms must be received in the front office or postmarked by this day to be considered. A processing fee of $50.00 (payable by check only) is required. You will receive an email that Guidance has received your request. The Guidance Department will process schedule changes. If you have questions or wish to speak to a guidance counselor, please email schedulechangerequests@stfrancishs. org. If the change is permitted, the student will be emailed a new schedule (to the email address provided on the form). If not, your $50.00 check and a response form will be mailed back to you.
Participation in the Parent Service Program requires a minimum of 25 hours of service from each family of freshmen through juniors (due May 3) and 15 hours for senior-only families (due January 15). Participation is a condition of attendance in the school. Diocesan Requirements for Volunteers All parents who serve as volunteers at St. Francis High School are required to comply with the following Diocesan Requirements. Additional information and all forms related to the volunteer requirements are available on the “Parents” section of the St. Francis website at http://bit.ly/parentvolunteering. Printed copies are available in the school office. • Fingerprinting Clearance on file with the Diocese and reported to SFHS Because of California state law and to ensure the safety of our students, St. Francis upholds the diocesan policy that no adult may participate as a volunteer on campus or working directly with students unless the adult has Live Scan fingerprint clearance through the California District Attorney’s Office on file with the Diocese. A list of locations that provide Live Scan service and the Request for Live Scan Service form are available on the SF website and in the school office. If you have already submitted fingerprint clearance to another school in the Sacramento Diocese, you must transfer the clearance to St. Francis by completing the Request for Fingerprinting and/or Shield the Vulnerable Records Form and submitting it to the St. Francis office. (This can also be submitted via the online Mandatory Forms and Information Update.) • Completion of an online training program entitled “Shield the Vulnerable” Instructions and a link to the course are at bit.ly/STVLink. The course takes 1 to 1.5 hours and you can pause and return anytime to the same place and finish the course. After completion, submit the certificate of completion to the SFHS office. Instructions and a link to the course are on the SF website. If you have already submitted Shield the Vulnerable completion to another school in the Sacramento Diocese (within the past 4 years), you must transfer the clearance to St. Francis by completing the Request for Fingerprinting and/or Shield the Vulnerable Records Form and submitting it to the St. Francis office. • Submission of signed School Volunteer Agreement (Also via online Mandatory Forms and Information Update.) • Submission of signed Confidentiality and Information Management Policy and Procedures Statement (Also via online Mandatory Forms and Information Update.) • Submission of the Parent Volunteer Driver Information Sheet.* (Also via online Mandatory Forms and Information Update.) *This is required for any parent who will be driving students other than/in addition to their own child to school-related activities.
More Parent Volunteer Opportunities “Stock-up” Service Opportunities
Clean-up Days
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Double hours may be earned by performing clean-up duties for any event. There are five all-campus clean-up days. All parents are welcome to participate. No need to respond in advance. Saturday, August 11 8:00 am to 12:00 noon Saturday, October 13 8:00 am to 12:00 noon Sunday, October 21 1:00 pm to approx. 3:00 pm Saturday, April 27 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
Parents may earn volunteer hours by providing certain supplies, when requested. Cases of bottled waters are requested twice a year. They may be delivered to school August 20-24 and January 8-11. A designated drop off area in front of the school will be marked. Please drop waters off at the beginning or end of the school day. 1 hour per $5 spent; maximum of 5 hours each for these opportunities. Attach the receipt to your Parent Volunteer Report Form. (Volunteer hours may be earned only by providing requested items during the specified time frames.)
Freshman Overnight Retreat, August 18-19
Female chaperones/breakfast hostesses are needed from 9:30pm -9:30am and parents (male or female) for perimeter security. (Double hours given to adults on all-night shift.) Set-up and servers needed, too. Sign up through Volunteer Spot on the “Back to School Information and Forms” page of the SFHS website. 6
CSF and Peer Tutoring California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a state-wide honor society that emphasizes high standards of academics and service. Members of CSF participate in our campus peer tutoring program or work in tutoring programs through Christian Service.
Guidance Department News: Wellness The Guardian Angels Club was created in the 2011-2012 school year. Inspired by rising senior, Jenna Boras, this club invites students of all levels to gather weekly for interpersonal support. Moderated by the Wellness Counselor, Kasey Cardinale, these gatherings function as a consistent time for community, sharing of coping skills for real-life teen challenges, and a place to decompress during the school day. New Co-leaders Jenna Boras (2013) and Jessica Figoni (2014) invite new members to join starting September 2012. The first informational meeting will be Wednesday, September 12th, during Community Lunch. Please encourage your daughters to drop by with their lunches to learn more about this special opportunity. Jason & Crystalina Evert Book Sale In January 2012, St. Francis High School hosted international speaker Jason Evert to deliver his down-to-earth message on the virtues of modesty and chastity. In the words of recent graduate Pauline Loya ’12: “I think that the chastity talk should be given to all freshman and sophmores at the beginning of the year. It was very empowering.” As we continue as a school to promulgate these messages in action, we invite you to purchase Evert’s book, How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul, for your daughter at Back to School Night on August 28, 2012. Jason and his wife, Crystalina, wrote this guide. There will be a table near the Guidance Office offering this book for only $2.00. Many students have already purchased this book and we have plenty in stock. In today’s world it is difficult as a teen girl to make sound, moral choices to protect one’s heart and body from being hurt in romantic relationships. This book can inspire a young woman to decide for herself to make healthy and holy choices for her future.
Membership is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Academic qualifications apply and are explained on the application. Applications will be available in the front office August 20 and are due by August 31. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted; please refer to the application packet for additional guidelines. Peer tutoring at St. Francis is available in virtually all subject areas. Students who are members of California Scholarship Federation (CSF) earn membership service hours by participating in our peer tutoring program. One-on-one peer tutoring is available during all blocks and after school – students are matched with a tutor based on their availability and academic area(s) of need. Any student can e-mail CSF to request a peer tutor at CSF@stfrancishs.org. Students should include the block(s) they are available to be tutored and the subject(s) for which they are requesting tutoring. It’s never too early to get ahead!
Cafeteria The St. Francis High School Cafeteria, “Serra Court Café,” is managed by Chartwells School Dining Services, a company with extensive experience in dining programs, with Boris Seljak as our cafeteria manager. One of the features of the student dining program is the option of using a computerized debit system when purchasing items from the cafeteria.
account at the cafeteria registers. The cafeteria will begin accepting payments August 1. How much should you deposit into your student’s account? Initially, we recommend depositing the amount you believe your daughter would use in the first month. A lunch entrée costs between $3.00 and $5.00, beverages range from $1.00 to $3.00, and there are many a la carte items available.
Each student has an account and a PIN based on her student ID number. (See page 1.) Although cash is accepted, using the debit system instead of cash reduces the time students spend in line. When purchasing food items, students enter their PIN into the transaction terminal. The amount of the purchase is debited from their account. Students are notified when their account balance is getting low. As a courtesy, up to $5.00 will be advanced to the student account; beyond that amount they will be refused service until their account is replenished. To ensure security of the system, the student’s photo appears in the POS system when her PIN is entered.
What happens to the balance at the end of the school year? ▪ If your account is positive and you are a returning student, your account carries over to the next school year. ▪ If your account is negative, you must settle your account before final exams or year-end activities. ▪ If your account is positive and you are a graduating senior, a refund check will be issued for all amounts over $5.00 or transferred to a younger sibling’s account. The cafeteria is generally open between 6:45 AM and 1:20 PM. Serra Court Café presents many food options for our students, including a selection of breakfast items and an ample lunch menu with vegetarian options and deli bar. We hope your daughters find the St. Francis cafeteria experience enjoyable - and delicious!
To deposit money in the student’s debit account, parents should send a check to school (made out to SFHS) with “cafeteria” and the student’s name on the memo line (important) – the cancelled check will serve as a receipt. A box to collect Cafeteria Account checks is located in the main school office. Funds can also be deposited to an 7
Keeping Parents Informed St. Francis strives to provide parents with access to as much information as possible to assist them in their primary role as educators of their children. Along with the school calendar and Student-Parent Handbook, the following are Key Resources for SFHS Parent Information
School Website: www.stfrancishs.org
Our goal is to have all school information housed on the website. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email Ingrid Niles at iniles@stfrancishs.org so that we can update the site or improve the navigation. • The “Parents” button, located at the lower left of the home page, connects to a page with “most used” forms and links for parents. Parents are encouraged to bookmark this page! • The icons across the bottom of the home page provide links to the calendar, directory, Facebook, and more. • The white boxes at the top right of the home page link to the most current information.
We communicate with parents frequently via email messages with updates and links to timely information on the website. Please keep us informed of email address changes: iniles@ stfrancishs.org.
The “St. Francis High School Sacramento” page (link to it from the SF website home page) features photos, videos, and stories - the “fun” side of Troubie life. “Like” our page today!
School Staff
Please don’t hesitate to discuss any questions and concerns directly with a teacher, administrator or staff member, as we work together as co-educators of your daughters.
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 with 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.
Three Web-based programs for academic and college planning information The parent login portals for Haiku, NetClassroom and Naviance can be found on the “Parents” section of the St. Francis website. Below are brief explanations of the software. New students will be given login instructions during orientation on August 14 and new parents will be informed at Back to School Night on August 28. Returning students and parents will maintain their existing usernames and passwords.
Haiku:
Haiku Learning Management System (LMS) is used by teachers to post class curriculum, resources, assignments, class calendar and grades. Parents are able to log in to view their daughter’s assignments and gradebook.
NetClassroom
NetClassroom is used to view Report Cards, attendance and conduct. Haiku and NetClassroom questions should be directed to registrar@stfrancishs.org.
Naviance
Naviance Family Connection is a Guidance Department resource to help students and parents in the college selection and application process, seeking scholarships, and researching careers. Student course requests are also entered in Naviance each spring. Parents use their daughter’s login, then create their own accounts. Questions about Naviance should be directed to the Guidance Department; contact Sunny Rivera, Asst. to the Guidance Department, at srivera@stfrancishs.org or 737-5091.
AlertNow System
St. Francis uses the ALERTNOW Notification Service, allowing us to send telephone, e-mail, and text messages to parents for high priority school notices. The school will send a test message through the AlertNow system early in the school year. We will notify parents in advance by e-mail to anticipate the test message. The successful delivery of information is dependent upon accurate contact information for each student, so please make certain that we have your most current phone numbers/e-mail addresses. Please note: The Alertnow system cannot access phones with extensions.
Staffing Changes for 2012-2013 • Margo Reid Brown ’81 began her tenure as St. Francis High School President on July 1. • Director of Campus Ministry is Stephen Tholcke. • Interim Director of Finance is Tara Leung. • Acting Dean of Students is Cynthia Cost. • The St. Francis community welcomes new teachers Barbara Frazier Gluvers ’03 (Mathematics), Heidi Cotter Espindola ’01 (Mathematics), Ashley Moore Thomsen ’03 (English), Christine L’Hermine Vlach (French), and Robert Williams (Theology).
Parent Survey Coming We will be emailing parents a link to an online survey and would greatly appreciate your participation. We value your input! 8