From the Associate Principal

Dear St. Francis Families,

What a terrific first semester it has been!  The campus has been full of energy and excitement with projects, new lessons, and learning.  As this semester comes to a close and we look ahead to Christmas Break for the opportunity to spend time with family, to celebrate the birth of Christ, and to rejuvenate.  In January, Seniors will begin their final semester with us and all students will have the chance to renew their commitment to working toward their potential and their future.  

Merry Christmas to the entire St. Francis High School community!

Topics included in this portion of the newsletter include:

• PSAT Results Information
• New Semester Information
• First Semester Report Cards
• Final Exam Schedule and Information
• Second Semester Schedule

PSAT Results:    Test results will be sent directly from the College Board via e-mail in mid-December.   During the month of January, students will receive their PSAT test results in a paper form from their counselor.  Results will be distributed along with their test booklet and correct answers.  

Juniors are urged to review the test and work on incorrect answers before taking SAT exams next spring. Parents, please encourage students to review scores online and access the available resources to review the questions missed and link to provided answer assistance.  Kahn Academy and PSAT have direct links intended to help students review and understand missed questions.

New Semester Information: The new semester begins on Wednesday, January 9.  Please ensure that your student(s) have all of the necessary textbooks as well as a fresh inventory of school supplies.  

When the new semester begins, teachers will have the opportunity to provide an updated syllabus or make adjustments to the course.  Additionally, some students will find that beginning in January and for the second semester, their classes are scheduled in a different order.  This is particularly true if they have a study hall or are assigned to the LRC to complete an online class.

Please help ensure that your student has all she/he needs to be successful. Book requirements can be found on the course syllabus.  If you have questions regarding the books, please contact the teacher of the particular class.

Report Cards:  First semester report cards will be distributed in mid-January.  The grades are then entered on the transcripts and become part of the students’ permanent record for St. Francis and for college applications.  

Final Exams:  Final exams take place December 14th through December 18st.  The schedule with specific room locations will be posted on campus, however, the exams will be as shown in the table below.

Here are some reminders regarding attendance, dress code, and the schedule during Finals:

• All students must be in regular daily uniform during final examinations. All school handbook policies apply on these days.

• Students are expected to arrive on campus by 8:15 and will be marked tardy at 8:20 AM.
• The first exam begins at 8:25 AM.  Specific classroom locations will be posted on campus.
• Attendance will be taken at the beginning each exam.  
• Students must arrive to their designated classroom on time. Students who are late to an exam are marked as tardy, are not guaranteed additional time to complete that exam, and are subject to referral to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.

• If a student does not have a final exam during a designated examination date and time, that student is not required to be on campus.  
• However, once a student arrives on campus, he or she may not leave campus.  
• Students must remain on campus until their last exam for the day is finished.

• If a student is on campus, but not taking a final exam,
• The student must remain in the Heritage Room (B4) for the duration of the exam time.  
• Students may not wander the campus, congregate near the lockers, be in the gym unsupervised, or engage in other activities that would distract students taking exams.  
• Students in (B4) must remain silent so as not to disturb other students
• Students may not leave an exam room until the designated final exam time is over.  
• It is recommended that students bring study materials in case they finish their exam before the end of the period.
• Students should utilize the restrooms during the breaks before and between exams.

• Final exams are mandatory in the classes designated with a final exam.  
• If a student is ill or otherwise unable to complete a final exam, the student will receive an incomplete for the grade in the course until the exam is taken.  
• December 19 is the designated day and time for make up exams for approved absences.

Please encourage students to get a good night’s sleep and to eat a healthy breakfast before their exams.  

Lunch trucks will be available after the second exam of the day on all three days.

Final Exam Schedule - Fall 2018