Weekly Howl-5.1.23

Happy Monday and Happy May Day!

During drop off this morning, I was reminded that there are only four Mondays left until the school year is over. I had mixed feelings about that statement. This year has brought many challenges as I gained institutional knowledge, yet so much joy from the opportunities to build relationships with the students, parents, faculty, and staff at SFCS. Honestly, I am not ready for the year to be over! This month is jam-packed with exciting events leading up to our 8th grade graduation and the close of another academic year. I am grateful to serve and lead at SFCS and that is because of the fantastic community of students, parents, faculty and staff. Thank you for partnering together and making my first year at SFCS a wonderful experience.

Here's to a fabulous month of May!

Blessings,

Andrea

Andrea Smith, M.Ed., LPC, NCC

Principal

This calendar is subject to change. Please check this space weekly.

• Monday, May 1 - Student Principal Day!
• Monday, May 8 - Teachers Appreciation Week begins
• Friday, May 12 - Pizza Friday (see feature below); International Day Presentation

• Wednesday, May 17 - Athletic Banquet
• Friday, May 19/Monday, May 22 - Celebration of Catholics in Science and Math - Stem Days
• Wednesday, May 24 - May Crowning
• Friday, May 26 - 8th Grade Graduation
• Tuesday, May 30 - Talent Show
• Wednesday, May 31 - Last Day of School - half day - early dismissal; 4Q Awards Presentation; Move Up Day!

Please contact Mrs. Jennifer Kelly (jennifer.kelly@sfcshhi.com) for information or an admissions packet.

Student auditions are scheduled for May 17 for our upcoming Talent Show. Students who are interested, should pick up a Talent Show Audition form from the School Office or Mrs. Sweeney. Completed forms are due on or before May 5. The Talent Show is scheduled for May 30.

Friday, May 12, will be a "Pizza Friday" benefitting FSA. Please complete the order form below. Cheese pizza slices will be served, but must be preordered. Pizza is $4.00 per slice or $6.00 for two slices.

Please click on the following link to pay for your pizza online by credit card, but an order form must also be completed. Pizza Payment

Join the St. Francis Catholic School community at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church for School Family Sunday Mass on the following Sundays:

May 21, 2023

We hope to see our families at each monthly Family Sunday Mass! Students should wear their Mass uniforms and dress code shoes. If your student would like to sing in the choir, please meet Mrs. Sweeney by the piano no later than 8:40 a.m. We'd love to have your student participate!

Please mark your calendars for the first annual "Celebration of Catholics in Science and Math" - STEM Fair! On Friday, May 19, students in Middle School will present on Catholic scientists and mathematicians. Students in grades PreK-5th will create and play with STEM projects. On Monday, May 22, students will interact outside launching and watching stomp rockets, and participating in the Rain Gutter Regalia. Please save and bring in empty and clean 2-liter bottles to help the students with their stomp rocket projects. We are also in need of tape, both scotch and masking. Please bring these items to the School Office. Thank you!

Our Summer Reading Program for grades K-5th will kick off on May 31! Here is the link to the reading log:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1i3xchpw2krvrlh/summer%20reading%20log.jpg?dl=0

Read 20 or more books before August 14, 2023 and draw a picture of your favorite book, including the title and author on the back of your reading log. Turn in your reading log with the titles of 20 or more books and drawing on the first day of school, August 14, 2023. Please contact Mrs. Amanda Keefer with questions (amanda.keefer@sfcshhi.com).

Today Mrs. Smith was delighted to share her day with two students, who served as the "Principal for the Day"! Bennett W. took on the principal duties this morning and then her sister, Brynn W., followed, after a pizza lunch together in the conference room. Among the many things accomplished today included, getting the girls ID cards, having them participate in classroom walk-throughs, security checks throughout the campus, and reviewing teacher's requests for classroom supplies. A desk was set up in Mrs. Smith's office for the girls to use. Each "principal" received flowers, a gift bag of SFCS goodies, and a "Principal for the Day" certificate. No policies were changed by the student principals, but the 3rd grade was given 10 extra minutes of recess and no homework for Monday.

On Friday, April 28, the students in grade 3-8 had the opportunity to participate in the SFCS Egg Drop. Students were tasked to design a structure to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from 110 feet. With assistance from the Hilton Head Fire Department, students watched as the containers were dropped by a fireman from the extended ladder on a firetruck. Many eggs survived the drop but there were some that didn't. Students, parents, faculty, and staff enjoyed the creative containers and suspense. Thank you to the Hilton Head Fire Department for dedicating their time to this fun project!

Even though the Salty Dog Sunset Cruise couldn't set sail due to inclement weather, great fun and fellowship was had by the SFCS community on Saturday evening at the Wreck of the Salty Dog. Thank you to Megan and Zach Drescher for coordinating this fundraising event to benefit the SFCS Annual Fund, and thank you to all the donors supporting the basket raffles!

The students, faculty, and staff, of St. Francis Catholic School honored Mrs. Smith today on National Principal's Day! Mrs. Smith received handwritten cards, messages, and artwork from all the students, and a bouquet of flowers and other gifts from the faculty and staff. Towards the end of the day, the Kindergarten class serenaded Mrs. Smith in her office and the 2nd Grade class recited a special blessing over her.

Our official Facebook page is "St. Francis Catholic School". In an effort to consolidate communication, and have one central Facebook page for SFCS families to find announcements and learn about upcoming school events, the "St. Francis Families (St. Francis Catholic School, Hilton Head Island)" Facebook page is now inactive. As a reminder, the use of St. Francis Catholic School, or St. Francis by the Sea names, logos, etc., must be approved before associating any group with either name or SFCS. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership with this important policy and ask you to contact Mrs. Smith for school related requests, and the SFBTS Parish office for church related requests. Please join our school Facebook page! (scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter and click on link)

The School Calendar for 2023-2024 is now available! To view the most recent calendar, please click on the link below. Please note the revision date on the bottom right corner for the most up-to-date calendar as the calendar is subject to change.

The South Carolina Aquarium conducted an on-site field trip with the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. The students enjoyed learning about wildlife in the water. The students had opportunities to look at the wildlife up close and learn about and feel the texture of their skin.

The first grade explored nature on our campus last week. A few of the things the students were tasked to find included: birds, worms, ants, mushrooms, and spiders.

The 4th grade teamed up with the 7th graders to build catapults. The students continue to learn about energy, motion, and forces.

Mrs. Brewster’s 5th Graders created pizza box presentations of the World’s Biomes. Characteristics of plant and animal life were showcased as they concluded this unit of study. A special thanks to Dr. Burckart for donating the pizza boxes!

Mrs. Brewster’s Class welcomed Mr. Chao, Regional Recruiter for Cellular Sales.

Mr. Chao emphasized that the number one characteristic trait recruiters look for in potential candidates is, “Self-Motivation”. Students were encouraged by Mr. Chao to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and strive to explore extracurricular activities while giving back to the community. Thank you, Mr. Chao!

The SFCS Golf Team had fabulous first season! The team had a wonderful time and learned so much. Thank you, Coaches O’Rourke and Tylus, for volunteering your time. Thank you also to the Sea Pines Country Club staff for all their assistance this season! We are looking forward to the growth of the SFCS golf program.

A big thank you to Coach Mike Sherry, for volunteering to lead the girls' soccer team this season. Four of the players, Chase B., Millie C., Ellie G., and Caroline W., all SFCS 3-sport athletes, walked off the soccer field for the last time in a Wolves uniform. (see photo below). The team came together on the field throughout the season and fought hard during their tournament play last week. Congratulations Lady Wolves! 💙🤍💛

If you would like to be a part of the FSA community, please contact fsa.sfcs@gmail.com to learn how you may get involved!

Please be on the lookout for information from the FSA regarding Teacher Appreciation Week. Information was sent home this week.

https://www.facebook.com/sfcshhi

Email: school@sfcshhi.com
Website: sfcshhi.com
Location: 45 Beach City Rd, HHI, SC 29926
Phone: 843-681-6501
Facebook: facebook.com/sfcshhi