SFCS Weekly Howl - 2.12.24
SFCS celebrates 27 Years of Growing Together in Faith & Knowledge
Dear SFCS Parents & Friends,
This week, students will continue with Winter MAP testing. Please be sure your child eats a good breakfast and gets plenty of rest, so they are prepared to do their very best on this important test. MAP testing takes place in kindergarten through 8th grades.
We will celebrate Ash Wednesday, a Holy Day of Obligation, on Wednesday, February 14. Students will be in Mass Dress uniform. We hope you will join us for the celebration of the Ash Wednesday Mass which marks the beginning of our Lenten season.
This Thursday, our middle school houses will have their first competition competing for points towards the House Cup Trophy! This week will be an athletic competition. As a reminder, middle school students should wear their house shirts every Thursday with uniform bottoms.
We have several days published on the '23-24 Master Calendar, which should be noted:
Friday, February 16 - asynchronous learning day for students - faculty professional development
Monday, February 19 - President's Day - no school
Friday, March 1 - Bishop's Retreat for faculty - no school
Lastly, we are looking for a soccer coach to lead our MS girls' team this spring season. Please let us know if you can volunteer or co-volunteer to coach.
Here's to a wonderful week ahead!
Blessings,
Andrea
Andrea Smith, M.Ed., LPC, NCC
Principal
A Fond Farewell to Mrs. Lynne Hutson, RN
On Friday we said "so long" to our School Office Assistant and Nurse, Mrs. Lynne Hutson. Mrs. Hutson resigned due to caretaking duties of her parents and mother-in-law. She will be missed. If you know of someone who would be a good candidate for our School Office and is a nurse or has a medical training background, please contact Mrs. Smith (andrea.smith@sfcshhi.com).
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK!
Don't forget to order your student's 2023.24 yearbook! The cost of the yearbook without personalization is $20. To purchase, visit this link: Balfour and follow these steps:
1. Once you click on the link, go to Yearbooks
2. Buy your yearbooks
3. Enter the school - "St Francis Catholic School"
4. Click on our school
5. Enter your child's name and grade
6. Choose your package
7. Then click "Get Started"
8. Complete the teacher's name or homeroom teacher's name
9. Customize your yearbook by selecting icons, if you choose, this is optional.
10. Add to Cart and pay by credit card
Please contact the School Office with any questions.
FEBRUARY 16 - FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - ASYNCHRONOUS DAY FOR STUDENTS
On Friday, February 16, SFCS faculty and staff will participate in a professional development day. Students will participate in a remote asynchronous learning day. Teachers will provide instructional materials to students during the week of February 12 for that Friday. Instructional materials for your child should include enrichment classes if your child has an enrichment on Fridays.
NO SCHOOL - PRESIDENT"S DAY - February 19
NO SCHOOL - Bishops Retreat for Faculty - March 1
On Friday, March 1, there will be no school for students while faculty attend the Bishop's Retreat in Charleston.
EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP
On May 5, 2023, Governor Henry McMaster signed the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act into law. This new ESA program—modeled after similar programs around the country—allows qualifying South Carolina parents to apply for a scholarship worth $6,000. These scholarships may be used to create a customized, flexible education for families who qualify. To apply using your FACTS account, click on the following link:
Rev. Monsignor Martin T. Laughlin Scholarship
The Women of St. Francis has announced application for the Rev. Monsignor Martin T. Laughlin Scholarship for 2024.25 is now open! Applications are available in the School Office and must be submitted no later than March 22, 2024. Recipients of this scholarship will receive $1000 and will be notified on or before April 22, 2024.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuition Assistance Grant
The Diocese of Charleston has announced the application process for the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuition Assistance Grant for 2024.25 is now open! Applications are available in the School Office and must be completed and returned no later than March 15 to Mrs. Smith as signatures from both the Principal and Pastor are required. The Diocese must receive all applications in Charleston no later than March 27, 2024.
**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. **
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 18 - School Family Mass - 9:00 a.m.
February 19 - Presidents' Day - No School
February 20 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
February 21 - First Reconciliation - 2nd Grade
February 23 - 25 - Diocesan Basketball Tournament
February 27 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
March 1 - Bishop's Retreat for Faculty - No School
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.
Re-Enrollment for the 2024.25 Academic Year
Re-enrollment packets went home with your youngest child. 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. Enrollment for new families will begin on March 1.
WASHINGTON, DC TRIP PARENT MEETING
There will be an important meeting for all parents of students travelling to Washington, DC, on February 21 at 6:00 p.m. Thank you!
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
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!
Debit and credit cards are accepted as well as checks made out to SFCS.
Please let the School Office know if you'd like to stop by the Spirit Store to shop.
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!
PRE-K
Pre-K had a blast celebrating the love by making Valentine's with Mrs. Burke and Ms. Jillian!
KINDERGARTEN
Cards for BCSO During Catholic Schools Week
The Kindergarten Class sent cards to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office during Catholic Schools Week, thanking them for keeping SFCS safe. We love our BCSO! 💙🤍💛
Valentine's Day Celebration
The Kindergarten Class celebrated Valentine's Day last Friday with a class party. Students passed out Valentine's to their classmates and enjoyed a special party.
1ST GRADE
Graphing
The first grade class had a very productive week! The students practiced their graphing skills using Valentine candy. Ms. Lesley led the class in a "snow" experiment during science class. Then the students made snowflakes out of paper, marshmallows and toothpicks. The class ended their week with a Valentine party, exchanging Valentine cards with their classmates.
The Science of Snow
Valentine's Day Fun
2ND GRADE
Mrs. Schoeppe helped the students with an experiment that expounded on the 2nd Grade "Wonders" story about space and the nighttime sky. Using different sized magnets and paper clips, the class showed the gravitational pull of black holes. This was also a culminating activity after they viewed a video about this amazing phenomenon!
3RD GRADE
Third grade met with their ministry partner, the Women of St Francis, last week. The students learned what the WOSF do for our church and community. This past weekend and next weekend, third graders will be present before and after Mass to help sell tickets to the WOSF Soup for Scholarships event on February 20th.
PE
The students had a great week in PE, playing hockey. Students learned the proper way to hold a stick, proper posture, practiced stick handling, passing, scoring goals and playing games. The focus for the week was practicing self-control by keeping the blade of the stick below their knees. The students are loving this new PE unit!
HOUSES
St. Adjutor
St. Sebastian
St. Joan of Arc
St. Nicholas
The points will start accruing for the House Cup! This Thursday begins the first competition of the semester, and it will be an athletic competition. As a reminder, Middle School students should wear their house shirts each Thursday.
Senior Night
The 8th grade students and their parents were recognized last week during Senior Night. Congratulations to all the students and families!
MIddle School Dance - Glow in the Dark
The Middle School students enjoyed the annual dance last Friday dancing while glowing in the dark. A big thank you to Dr. Goulas and Dr. Switak who coordinated the event, and the many moms and dads who volunteered to decorate and clean up. Also, thank you to the chaperones, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Kessinger, Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Klub, and Mr. and Mrs. Meadows!
🐴EQUESTRIAN - SFCS RIDING SHOW TEAM 🐴
Please check back for photos and important information.
⚾ BASEBALL⚾
Thank you to all who have turned in their participation forms. Please check back for important information and photos. Play ball!
🏀 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 2/12:
Monday, 2/12-
Girls’ Varsity basketball game at Hilton Head Prep, 4 p.m.
Boys’ Varsity basketball practice, 3-4:30 p.m.
Girls’ Junior Varsity basketball practice, 4:30-6 p.m.
Boys’ Junior Varsity basketball practice, 6-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 2/13 -
Varsity Boys' basketball game against Cross at the Hilton Head Prep tournament, 4 p.m.
Varsity Girls' basketball practice,3-4:15
Junior Varsity Girls' basketball practice, 4:30-6
Junior Varsity Boys' basketball practice, 6-7:30
Wednesday, 2/14 -
Possible Varsity Girls' basketball game at the Hilton Head Prep tournament, 5 p.m. (if they lost Monday's game)
Possible Varsity Boys' basketball game at the Hilton Head Prep tournament, 7 p.m. (if they lost Monday's game)
If girls' and boys' basketball teams won Monday:
Varsity Girls' basketball practice 3-4:30
Varsity Boys' practice, 4:30-6
Thursday, 2/15 -
Possible Varsity Girls' basketball game vs. TBA at Hilton Head Prep tournament, 4 p.m. ( if they won Monday)
Possible Varsity Boys' basketball game vs. Hilton Head Christian Academy, 6 p.m. (if they won Monday)
Junior Varsity Boys' basketball practice, 6-7:30
Friday, Feb. 16
Varsity girls' and boys' basketball teams could be playing in the Hilton Head Prep tournament, 6 and 7p.m. respectively.
Please find below a schedule and particulars for the Dolphin Jam - Hilton Head Prep tournament.
Each Team is Guaranteed 2 Games
Monday, Feb. 12th (Girls’ games) –
Game One, 4 p.m. 4 vs. 5 HHCA vs. SFCS
Game Two, 5 p.m. 1 vs. 8 Riverview Charter vs. Bolden
Game Three, 6 p.m. 2 vs. 7 Cross Schools vs. LCMS
Game Four, 7 p.m. 3 vs. 6 HH Prep vs. JP II
Tuesday, Feb. 13th - (Boys’ games)
Game Five, HHCA (BYE)
Game Six, 4 p.m. SFCS vs. Cross Schools
Game Seven, 5 p.m. JP II vs. LCMS
Game Eight, 6 p.m. HH Prep vs. Bolden
Wednesday, Feb. 14th – (Girls’ games)
Game Nine, 4 p.m. -Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 loser;
Game Ten, 5 p.m. -Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser.
(Boys’ games)
Game Eleven, 6 p.m. - Game 8 loser vs. Game 7 loser.
Game Twelve, 7 p.m.- Game 6 loser vs. Game 5 loser.
(These teams on Wednesday have completed the Tournament Playing.)
Thursday, Feb.15th
(Girls’ games)
Game Thirteen, 4 p.m.- Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner.
Game Fourteen, 5 p.m.- Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner.
(Boys’ games)
Game Fifteen, 6 p.m. - HHCA vs. Game 6 winner.
Game Sixteen, 7 p.m. -Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner.
Friday, Feb. 16th – (Girls’ and Boys’ Games)
Game Seventeen, 4 p.m.- Girls’ Game 13 loser vs. Game 14 loser.
Game Eighteen, 5 p.m. - Boys’ Game 15 loser vs. Game 16 loser.
Game Nineteen, 6 p.m. Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner.
Boys’ Game Twenty, 7 p.m. – Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner.
Location: All games will be played at HHP in the Middle School Gym.
Admission Prices: Adults $5, Seniors, $3, and Students $2 Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door, cash or credit card accepted.
https://www.hhprep.org/athletics/athletics-box-office
Higher Team Seed will be Home team and wear white(light) color jerseys.
Lower Team Seed will be Away team and wear dark color jerseys
Each Team should have a scorebook keeper (Home team will be the Official Book).
Trophies will be awarded to Girls’ and Boys’ first- and second-place teams.
Concessions will be located in the Dining Hall (Cash Only)
Winter Basketball Camp
Week 5 of Winter Basketball Camp! Saturday was the last day of the Winter Basketball Camp. Thank you to Coach Moeller for overseeing the camps!
GIRLS SOCCER
We are in need of a girls soccer coach for the spring season. If you have the time and are willing to volunteer to coach the SFCS girls, please contact the School Office. (843-681-6501). Thank you!
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.
Lent 2024 - "What Are You Searching For?"
The St. Francis by the Sea Church Lenten Mission Planning Committee has extended the opportunity for students at St. Francis Catholic School in grades 1st through 8th, to participate in a fun word search activity focusing on Lent. Once students complete the word search, their teacher will award them with a certificate for a free pass for their family to the St. Francis Lenten Parish Mission on February 25 - 28.
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