From the Associate Principal

Topics included in the is section are:

 

Dear Parents,

 

The second quarter of the school year is underway and many students are attacking their academics with a refreshed spirit. Please help them by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and have planned their lunch. Also, as the weather turns cold, we often find ourselves fighting colds and the flu. If we all work together to remind each other to wash hands and get rest hopefully we will all stay healthy!

 

Algebra 1 students have the unique opportunity to get extra help from an experienced math teacher who has offered to meet with students during Tutorial. All Algebra 1 students are encouraged to take part! The next two are Wednesday, November 8 and Wednesday, December 6 during Tutorial.

 

Report cards were emailed to you on Monday, October 23. If you have not yet had the opportunity to view your student’s report card, please do so as soon as possible so that we can assure your student is on track for success in the remaining weeks of the first semester.

First semester grades are will be entered on your student’s permanent St. Francis High School transcript. Paper report cards will generated in January of 2018 following the December 2017 final exams that will be mailed home.

 

With the holidays quickly approaching, there are only 15 scheduled meetings with each class remaining in the fall semester (as of November 1st). Final exams take place Tuesday, December 19 through Thursday, December 21. Please look ahead to reschedule any appointments or events that may distract or limit your student’s success on final exams.

 

The next 30 days of school are a vitally important time for students to focus on their studies. Please continue to check student progress on RenWeb, encourage your students to attend Tutorial on a regular basis, and assist your student in planning ahead and time management.

 

Speaking of focusing on academics, please speak with your student regarding remaining on task during class. We have discovered that students are using their cell phones as “hotspots” for their iPads to access the internet.

 

The use of a cell phone “hotspot” allows the student to bypass the technology “checks and balances” which are put into place to ensure students remain task, teachers can monitor iPad and internet use, and students internet access is protected by an educationally sound and appropriate firewall.

 

If you notice the cell phone bill for your student includes data usage during the school day, it is likely your student is accessing the internet during class and not using class time efficiently. You may want to contact your wireless carrier to initiate limits to your student’s internet/data access during the school day. *Please also see Director of Student Life, Mr. Monroy’s section regarding cell phone usage.

 

If you anticipate needing financial aid to cover the costs of college, come get information now...regardless of the age of your student(s). On Wednesday, November 8, the Counseling Department will be hosting a Financial Aid Night. The evening will begin in E1 at 6 pm for a question and answer period. From 6:30-8:30, college representatives will present information regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Cal Grants, and merit-based and independent scholarships. Please contact Director of College and Career Counseling, Mrs. Gutierrez at [email protected] if you have questions.

 

Parents of Seniors, if your son or daughter is hoping to attend a four year public school in the state of California, the application deadline is Thursday, November 30. Many colleges are impacted and their rate of admission is very difficult - it is imperative that your son/daughter meet the November 30th deadline. Mrs. Gutierrez is hosting application workshops during Tutorial on: