SFCS Weekly Howl - 1.22.24
SFCS celebrates 27 Years of Growing Together in Faith & Knowledge
Dear SFCS Parents & Friends,
Happy Monday! This is a very special Monday as it is our 100th day of School! I can't wait to share the photos of our Kindergarten students dressed up as 100-year-olds, as well as how other students have counted the days. So much creativity in our school!
Our students have created banners which line our hallways, in preparation for Catholic Schools Week. CSA begins this Sunday, January 28. We will kick off Catholic Schools Week with our School Family Mass at 9:00 a.m. at St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church. We hope you will join us to celebrate Mass as a community.
Re-enrollment packets for the 2024.25 academic year went home on Friday with your youngest student. Please note the re-enrollment and tuition deposit was rolled into one upfront cost of $500. The annual re-enrollment fee of $100 remains the same. The remaining $400 dollars will be applied to your student's tuition. There will be no tuition deposit in June as in years past. Your completed re-enrollment form as required fees will hold your student's place for next year. Information on Summer Camps 2024 was also included.
Yesterday we welcomed prospective students and families to our annual Open House. We were excited to host many wonderful visitors on our campus, in spite of the chilly temperatures. The faculty did a fantastic job showcasing their classroom and curriculum. Enrollment for new families will open on March 1. If you know of a family interested in SFCS but they were unable to attend the Open House, please contact Jennifer Kelly in the School Office.
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Blessings,
Andrea
Andrea Smith, M.Ed., LPC, NCC
Principal
'24.25 Calendar Planning - Grandparents Day Survey
Thank you to all who participated in the Grandparents Day Survey. The results were emailed to our families on Wednesday, January 16. Based on feedback, our Grandparents Day celebration will be moved to the fall. The day for this event during the '24.25 academic year will be November 11, 2024, and is reflected on the '24.25 Master Calendar (see Master Calendar feature below).
Lost and Found
It's time again to check your mudrooms, closets, and cupboards for missing items, because chances are we have them waiting for you. Water bottles, headbands, uniform pieces, and more are accumulating in our Lost and Found pile! Please stop by the School Office to claim what is yours. At the end of the month all items will be donated or disposed.
**FOR INFORMATION ON ATHLETICS, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE ATHLETICS SECTION. Due to changes impacting practice or competitions that may occur, please be sure you follow the email communication you receive from the coaches. That information will be the most current. **
January 22 - 100th Day of School
January 23 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
January 26 - SFCS Gala - "A Night in The Emerald City"
January 28 - February 3 - Catholic Schools Week (See CSW feature below)
January 29 - All School Rosary (See Rosary feature below)
January 30 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
February 1 - Middle School House Reveals - 2:15 p.m.
February 5 - 23 - Winter MAP Testing (grades K - 8th)
February 6 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
February 9 - Valentine's Day Dress Up
Middle School Dance
February 13 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
February 14 - Ash Wednesday
February 15 - 5th Grade Field Trip
February 16 - Faculty PD - Students Asynchronous Learning Day
February 19 - Presidents' Day - No School
February 21 - First Reconciliation - 2nd Grade
February 23 - 25 - Diocesan Basketball Tournament
Summer Camp 2024 Sign Ups!
The sign up for Summer Camp 2024 has been included in re-enrollment packets. Summer Camp will be is open for students who will be in the 2nd - 8th grades during the 2024.25 academic year. If you need another Summer Camp registration, please contact the School Office.
Catholic Schools Week - January 28 - February 2
School Rosary - January 29
During our monthly Rosary, we will pray for our community and service to others. Our prayers will be specifically for the support of life and the Pregnancy Center. Please join us at 8:15 a.m. from your home, to pray with us.
Middle School House Reveals - February 1
We are busy preparing for the reveal of the Middle School houses, which is scheduled for February 1, during Catholic Schools Week. The students have been working hard during the first semester researching, planning, designing, learning, and making decisions on their house name, colors, motto, crest design, cheer, dance, etc. We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration! Middle School parents are invited to attend this afternoon assembly.
Re-Enrollment for the 2024.25 Academic Year - January 19
Re-enrollment packets went out on Friday. We are anticipating some classes to fill up so please get your re-enrollment forms and deposit in early to secure your student's place. Please note the re-enrollment fee includes a partial tuition deposit. Please contact the School Office for more information.
WASHINGTON, DC TRIP UPDATES
Thank you to all you have registered for the Washington, DC trip in April. As a reminder, the final payment is due January 27. Please log in to your account to ensure you have a zero balance on or before this date. There will be a meeting in February for all DC travelers.
WEEKLY SCHOOL MASS - SIGN UP FOR USHERS/GREETERS
We would love to have you serve as an usher/greeter at our Weekly School Mass,. We have two slots available each week. Please click on the link below to reserve your date/time for the remaining school year during January - May 2024. We are grateful for your gift of time.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FA4AC2BA3FACE9-46679241-weekly
MONTHLY SCHOOL FAMILY MASS DATES
January 28, 2024 - Catholic Schools Week Begins
February 18, 2024
March 17, 2024
April 21, 2024
May 19, 2024
PARENT VOLUNTEERS - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Are you new to SFCS or have free time and are searching for ways to get involved at SFCS? There are many opportunities for parents to get involved at our school. Opportunities to consider are:
- FSA (meetings, committees, events, Spirit Store)
- In individual classrooms (reading, tutoring, etc.)
- During lunch
- Athletics and athletic events (Coaching, concessions, gate admissions, etc.)
- Weekly School Mass Greeter
- School events (i.e. Middle School Dance planning and decorating, Advent Concert, field trips, International Day - Salute to America Show, 8th Grade graduation)
- Fundraising efforts (Pottery Jam, FSA sponsored Gala, Athletics)
- Uniform Closet
- Summer - distribution of classroom materials and supplies
Contact Mrs. Smith for more information (andrea.smith@sfcshhi.com). All parents must go through a background clearance through the Diocese of Charleston. Please contact the School Office for information on the background screening process. Together we can make a difference!
SFCS SPIRIT SHOP
Come check out the merchandise in our SFCS Spirit Store! This week the store will be open:
Tuesday, January 23: Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 24: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
and by appointment
Debit and credit cards are accepted as well as checks made out to SFCS.
SFCS GALA 2024 - A NIGHT IN THE EMERALD CITY
Middle School Donations - Wine Pull
The middle school will once again host the wine pull during the Gala and are in need of wine donations. Red / white / bubbly, it doesn’t matter, (perhaps you have a few left over from the holidays that you will never drink?) The only caveat is that each bottle needs to be worth more than $10. You may drop off the bottles during morning carline (please give to Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Kessinger) or deliver to the school office by Wednesday, Jan. 24.
FSA ISLAND DISCOUNT CARDS!
The Island Discount Card provides discounts at a variety of businesses on the Island. Each card is $25 or buy four get one free. Cards may be purchased from the School Office by check made out to SFCS or online through Hometown Ticketing. To purchase online, please click here SFCS ISLAND DISCOUNT CARDS. There is a small surcharge for processing when purchasing online. Thank you for supporting SFCS through the purchase of an Island Discount Card!
1st Grade
The first graders are learning about place value in math. They are using tens and ones place value models. Keep up the great work!
2nd Grade - A Week of Engaged Learning!
Kindness Ambassadors
Each day, a student in 2nd grade serves as the "Kindness Ambassador". The "Kindness Ambassador" wears an orange vest throughout the day and communicates positive words and actions about students in the class. Last week Vivienne W. did a beautiful job as the "Kindness Ambassador" and led the class in their daily Rosary.
Collaboration
Two heads are better than one, especially when working together on a winter-themed "ABC Order" Centers activity.
Geography
During Social Studies, the 2nd grade students are enjoying their time studying the continents and special areas of interest in the U.S.
Peer Reading
Thomas D. was the student guest reader in 2nd grade. He chose a fabulous rhyming book title "Who Stole My Homework?" to read to the class!
3rd Grade
In Science, the 3rd grade students are learning about Plant lifecycles. Students planted bean and squash seeds. Each day, students are responsible for watering and monitoring the growth of their plants.
5th Grade
Go West! The 5th Grade designed their own boardgames to complement our study on Westward Expansion. Was your journey successful? Did you lose a wagon wheel or cross a dangerous river? Students enjoyed challenging one another to see who succeeded. Well done, 5th Grade!
6th Grade
In 6th Grade Science, the students built an enclosed water system, and are monitoring and making observations on the changes they see.
8th Grade
The 8th Grade students worked on a lab focusing on Newton's Law of Motion. Students built cars and studied the results of what would happen with applied force.
PE
Students had a great week in PE with Mrs. Kristan, as they began their basketball unit. Students practiced sprinting, dribbling, shooting, passing, and learned important word cues, such as BEEF for shooting (balance, elbow, eyes, follow through) and to use their finger pads whiles dribbling.
CLUBS
The second semester brought a couple of changes to the Clubs for Middle School students. While Yearbook, Robotics, Chess, and Study Hall were again offered, we added Gardening Club and Board Games. The Clubs offer the students an opportunity to learn and practice a new skill as well as build community
🐴EQUESTRIAN - SFCS RIDING SHOW TEAM 🐴
It is time for spring sign up for the SFCS Equestrian Show Team. Please see flyer below.
⚾ BASEBALL⚾
We continue to work on the details and organizing a team for SFCS. More information on SFCS baseball will be announced soon!
🏀 BASKETBALL 🏀
**Please be sure to check your email for the most up to date information on practices and competitions.**
Basketball practice and playing schedule for the week of 1/22:
Monday - Girls' Varsity practice from 3-4:30 pm
Boys' Varsity practice from 4:30-6:00 pm
Boys' Junior Varsity practice from 6-7:30 pm
Tuesday - Girls' Varsity - Away game at JP II - 4:00 pm
Boys' Varsity - Away game at JP II - 5:00 pm
Junior girls' practice from 5:30-7:00 pm
Wednesday- Girls' Varsity practice - 3-4:30 pm
Boys' Varsity from 4:30-6:00pm
Boys’ Junior Varsity - Away game at Hilton Head Prep - 4:00 pm
Girls' Junior Varsity - Away game at Hilton Head Prep - 5:00 pm
Boys Varsity - Away game at Hilton Head Prep - 6:00 pm
Thursday - Girls' Varsity practice, 3-4:30 pm
Boys' Varsity practice - 4:30-6:00 pm
Boys' Junior Varsity practice - 6-7:30 pm
Friday - Girls' Junior Varsity practice - 3-4:30 pm
We Love our Mascot!
Thank you to 5th grader, Zane M. for his commitment to serving as Gubbio, our Wolf mascot at the home basketball games. Zane does an excellent job creating school spirit. He has some great moves too!!
Winter Basketball Camp
Week 2 of Winter Basketball Camp!
📣 CHEERLEADING 📣
Please follow email communication from the Cheer coaches for the most up-to-date information.
Cheer Game Schedule - 2024
February 1st (Thursday) 4pm (K&1st) and 5pm (2nd- 4th)
February 8th (Thursday) 4pm (K&1st) and 5pm (2nd- 4th)SENIOR NIGHT
Go Wolves!
2023.2024 ATHLETIC SPONSORS
Thank you to our Athletic Sponsors for the 2023.24 academic year. We are grateful for your support!
Do you have any news about alumni from SFCS? If so, please contact Andrea Smith (andrea.smith@sfcshhi.com) with information to share. Please include the year of SFCS graduation.
St. Francis Catholic School, a ministry of St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church, partners with several of the Parish ministries. Please refer to this section of the Weekly Howl for information and events of those ministries who have a partnership with our school.
WOSF SOUP FOR SCHOLARSHIPS - February 20, 2024
Make plans for the annual Women of St. Francis' Soup for Scholarships event on February 20! This is a well-attended and enjoyable event so get your tickets early. Tickets will go on sale after all Masses on February 10th and 11th, as well as February 17th and 18th.
St. Francis Thrift Shop - Volunteer Opportunities
The St. Francis Thrift Shop is looking for volunteers to work in the store. Any amount of time you can give the SF Thrift Shop will fit your availability into a schedule. Interested volunteers should contact Eleanor Bell, Embell31@outlook.com.
St. Francis Catholic School
Email: school@sfcshhi.com
Website: sfcshhi.com
Location: 45 Beach City Rd, HHI, SC 29926
Phone: 843-681-6501
Facebook: facebook.com/sfcshhi