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Our Parish School

Dedicated to providing an outstanding, 
Catholic value-oriented education

Presently there are more than 380 students in grades K through 8 and hopefully this number will continue to increase. The largest class size is 25 and the average class size is 22, so there is room for more, with no significant increase in operating cost. Higher enrollment is a vital key to holding down tuition costs. And St. Francis school has so much to offer!

Our principal, Jill E. Carroll, and the 18 teachers at St. Francis put forth extraordinary effort to see that the students are educated in a warm, nurturing environment, with top priority given to Catholic teaching.

St. Francis is strong in academics because the faculty believes it is vital to learn the basics in order to establish a firm foundation for the future. While incorporating all the new teaching techniques, they still adhere to the teaching of grammar, spelling, multiplication tables, correct sentence structure - all the tools necessary to make sure the students will meet with success in their higher learning. Proof of this goal is the fact that five of our eighth graders have been awarded academic scholarships to high schools, and one, Adrienne Sanetrik, was awarded scholarships to five high schools.

Particularly impressive at the Open House last year were the 65 exhibits by sixth, seventh and eighth grade students in the annual science fair. The depth of knowledge and professionalism evidenced by these exhibits demonstrated the success of the new science program called "Windows on Science" introduced this year to all grade levels. Students selected a project in one of eleven categories, ranging from chemistry and physics to microbiology. Each project began with an hypothesis followed by experiments and analyses to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Procedures were documented and conclusions presented.

In June 1997, St. Francis graduated our first Honors Math group. These students began an accelerated math course back in fifth grade and completed high-school level Algebra I by the end of the year. They were chosen to participate in this course using strict criteria set forth by the Archdiocese and were taught by teachers who generously donate their time to challenge these students in this fast-paced curriculum.

In 1997 St. Francis saw the realization of the dream of having an up-to-date computer lab - complete with Windows '95! In fact, the school has its own web page.

Service is also a top priority at St. Francis and the students are offered many opportunities to put their faith into action - from cooking meals for Aid to Friends, to writing cards and delivering flowers to homebound parishioners (something which brings joy both to the giver and receiver).

The St. Francis after-school CARES program has moved into new lodgings in Ward hall and the students who remain until six o'clock are quite happy doing their homework, playing games or watching TV.

St. Francis Parish is specially blessed to have such an outstanding elementary school, the success of which reflects the capability and dedication of its principal and faculty. But they can't do it alone. The success of our school stems directly from the excellent cooperation of the students and their parents, and the financial support given by all parishioners. May we be blessed with continued success.

(Reported by Tom Welch)

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