CRUSADER COUNTDOWN
Back-to-School Checklist
Dear Crusader Families,
Please read below to see the top 10 things you should know and/or complete before school starts on August 16.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the school office at 513-932-6501.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Back-to-School Bash on August 13!
Gratefully,
Sarah Bitzer
Principal
# 10. Attend the Back-to-School Bash
The teachers will be reviewing expectations regarding homework, classwork, grading, and communication.
Please feel free to bring your child's school supplies to drop them off in the classroom.

#9. Purchase School Uniforms & Spirit Wear Update
During the Back-to-School Bash, there will be a school uniform exchange in the Gym. Please feel free to take anything that you need to begin the school year.
For the 2023-2024 school year, Spirit Wear Fridays will only be the FINAL Friday of every month. Due to the Prayer Services on Friday, the hope is to look our best as the students prepare the Prayer Services each week. We can show our school pride on the Final Friday of every month. Please view the graphic below to see what dates Spirit Wear Fridays will be this year.
To view the Prayer Service schedule, please visit the school website and click on the Spiritual Life tab.
Message from Spear It Shop:
Due to the limited inventory available, we are unable to take orders online. Please stop by our store to shop in person. We are sorry for the inconvenience.


#8. Purchase School Supplies
Please visit the link below to view your child's grade level Supply List. All supplies can be dropped off at the Back-to-School Bash or brought on the first day of school.
#7. Transportation Information (Bus Routes)
Stipends are available to you if you live within the Wayne Local District. Please contact the district for stipend information.
Stipends are available to you if you live in within the Springboro District. Please contact the district for stipend information.
#6. Crusader Care
Before and After School Care are provided to the SFDS students, onsite, 5 days a week.
Crusader Care occurs in the School Cafeteria.
Parents will need to walk their child into school to sign their child in for Before School Care. For After School Care, the parents must come inside to sign their child(ren) out and/or dismiss.
Throughout the school year, students will also utilize the Gym and Playground for fun activities.
In Before School Care, the students will participate in crafts, receive homework help, and prepare for the start of the school day. During After School Care, a snack + drink will be provided, homework help will occur, and fun crafts + activities are planned for the students.
To utilize Crusader Care, the families must have a Pre-Paid Balance on their account. Any student who does not have a pre-paid balance will be asked to sit/wait in the School Lobby. We understand that there may be specific situations where childcare is needed. To plan for those unexpected moments, the school is suggesting a deposit be made for your child's Crusader Care account.
Any money pre-paid in Crusader Care will be refunded to you at the end of the year if it is not fully spent.
Hours of Operation and Rates are as follows:
Before School Care: 7:00-8:30 a.m.
$10 for first child
$8 for second child
Additional children free.
After School Care: 3:30-6:00 p.m.
$15 for first child
$12 for second child
Additional children free.
To register your child for Crusader Care, please complete the following:
1. Student Registration Packet
2. Pre-pay for Crusader Care via the link below.
If there are any questions, please contact the school office at 513-932-6501.
Please scroll down to School and Parish Youth Activities- Crusader Care.
#5. School Lunch Account- St. Alberts Nutritional Service
New this year, parents/teachers can print either the entire year menu, or receive a monthly breakdown.
If you have a new student, the ID that you need for registering at PaySchoolsCentral.com will be available by Tuesday, August 15. Students may bring cash with them for the first week of school to pay for lunches until their lunch account is set up.
For current families, if you forgot your child's ID for PaySchools Central, please contact the school office.



#4. Edchoice Expansion Scholarship Opportunity
St. Francis de Sales School appreciates everyone's patience and support as we navigate through the daily EdChoice updates. It is exciting to see all of the families that are taking advantage of this great opportunity!
If your family is interested in applying for the Edchoice Expansion Scholarship, please take time to review the information below.
Please email the following documents to Mrs. Bitzer at sbitzer@sfdsleb.org:
- Request Application
- Copy of a Utility Bill
- Student's Birth Certificate
If there are any Edchoice questions, please contact Mrs. Bitzer at sbitzer@sfdsleb.org.
If there are any tuition questions, please contact Carl Whittenburg at cwhittenburg@sfdsleb.org.
#3. Review School Handbook
- MAP Testing
- Forms added: Harassment/Bullying Form + Harassment/Bullying Witness Form
Please visit the link below to review the current Handbook.
The Handbook is posted on the school website to reference at any time during the school year.
#2. Decree on Child Protection Acknowledgement
- Please take time to review the revisions made to the Decree of Child Protection.
- Once you have reviewed the changes, please follow the directions below to Acknowledge the Decree Changes and Updates.
Everyone must Acknowledge the Decree Revisions within their Safe Environment portal in order to stay current as a volunteer.
If you are interested in volunteering in the school, please take time to review the directions below to start the process.

#1. Get Excited!
Below are some of the updates:
- New School Garden
- New Makerspace
- New Building and Grounds updates
- New Crusader Staff
The staff looks forward to seeing everyone at the Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, August 13!
