Welcome to 2020! Congratulations, the first semester is complete.
Topics included in this article are:
- Report Cards, Transcripts, and Honor Roll
- Second Semester Courses
- Tutorial
- Textbooks and School Supplies
- College Acceptance Reminders for Seniors
- College Financial Aid
- College Search Process for All Students
- PSAT Results
Report Cards, Transcripts, and Honor Roll
Semester one report cards will be printed and distributed the week of January 13th. They will also be available for viewing on RenWeb/FACTS. Please note that the beginning of the third quarter represents a completely new grading period. Grades earned during the fall semester do not carry over to the spring semester. Semester grades are entered on the students’ permanent St. Francis High School transcript.
After the report cards are finalized, the honor roll and student recognition awards will be determined and shared with the St. Francis High School community. On Wednesday, January 22, we will celebrate all students earning a 4.0 or better during the first semester.
Please remind your son/daughter that they have the opportunity to start fresh academically. Their commitment to work to the best of their ability … every day will ensure they have multiple opportunities for their future!
Second Semester Courses
Because all Theology classes are semester courses, every student is scheduled for a new Theology course for second semester. Seniors are scheduled into their own course, titled Christian Values in Today’s World. There is no textbook required for the senior course. All other students are taking Relationships. The Relationships course requires two textbooks. See Mrs. McLeod’s emails sent on December 23rd and 30th.
- Theology of the Body for Teens by Ascension Press ISBN:9781932927863
- Living Your Strengths - Discover Your God-Given Talents (Catholic Edition)
- This is the same book used by current Juniors and Seniors when in 9th grade. Do not purchase if you already have it.
Tutorial
Tutorial sets aside time for students to be able to work quietly, ask for help, or coordinate with classmates on group projects. Encourage your student to remain on campus until at least 3pm. The extra time allows for better conversations, a more relaxing afternoon, and the flexibility to circle back to teachers who may have had a crowded classroom immediately after dismissal.
Once the report cards are finalized, students earning one or more D or F will be required to attend mandatory tutorial. In order for the system of mandatory tutorial to yield improved grades, students must not just follow the rules for submitting the paperwork; they must do the work, speak up for themselves, ask for help, learn content, and practice new skills!
Textbooks and Supplies
Please ensure your student has gathered or purchased school supplies for the new semester. Students should always have pens, pencils, paper and their required books! Nightly charging of their iPad, having supplies, and completing the required assignments for class are imperative for academic success.
College Acceptances
Seniors, be sure to check emails frequently and keep careful track of dates. College acceptance letters have begun to arrive in student inboxes. Read the instructions that come with these notices and keep a file and calendar of deadlines.
Remember to forward a copy of any college acceptance notice to Ms. Gutierrez so they can be acknowledged for Graduation. Also, forward any scholarship information from colleges or outside agencies. It is important that we celebrate our students’ successes!
College Financial Aid
If you haven’t yet filed a Financial Aid Application via FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), do so as soon as possible.
College Research
Juniors: if you have not begun the college search process, now is the time. There are thousands of colleges and post high school opportunities in our country! Finding one that is the right fit for your strengths and interests will not happen overnight, but it exists. Do research, reflect, and think about your options - you have many!
Websites, including SF Naviance portal, College Board and CSUmentor.edu offer a variety of resources to begin your post high school search. If you are planning a vacation during the summer or on any school break this year, be sure to check out the colleges in that area.
PSAT Results
PSAT results should have arrived via email already. Students and families should spend some time reviewing the results. The College Board works directly with Khan Academy to provide a tremendous amount of resources designed to improve skills prior to taking the SAT. Students with an interest in doing so can significantly improve their SAT scores by using PSAT results.
Sincerely,