Dear Academy Families,

Happy Easter! The days of Lent and the winter weather are now gone and we look forward to warmer days and the new life that the Risen Lord has brought us. It is unbelievable that in a few weeks, we begin the month of May, and will be in the home stretch of the 2022- 2023 school year. 

During this time of year, many events have been planned; the celebration of the sacrament of the First Eucharist, the Grade 7 Ring/Pin celebration, Annual Art Show Graduation, just to name a few....  It is a joyful time to be around Saint Francis!  At the same time, it is tempting to get into the summer mindset prematurely. We still have a lot to accomplish!  Please remind your children that the hard work of being a student does not decrease when the temperature increases.  Also, the high expectations of respect in our interactions with each other know no season and take no holiday. Reinforcements of these ideals at home can be a great help to your child’s success here at school   

Onto to some important updates for our school for the Week of April 17th, 2023.  

ELA and Math State Exams: When we return from Easter Recess, the New York State English Language Arts will be administered to students in Grades 4, 6, and 7 on Wednesday 4/19, and Thursday 4/20. We will continue Computer-Based Testing for grades 6 and 7 this year, while 4th grade will continue to take paper-based tests. The computer-based test will have the same questions as the paper version but students will take the test on their Chromebooks. Please make sure that your child in those grade levels gets a good night's sleep, eats a good breakfast, and comes to school ready for testing. 

Family Survey: In an effort to improve system practices, Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Academy will be conducting another survey over the next three weeks. Thanks to all who participated in our Catholic Identity Survey before Easter Recess. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. 

The second survey we are opening up is the Parent Survey. 

This survey asks parents their opinions about our school, including questions about teachers, administrators, and other aspects of your child's own experiences with the school. We appreciate your time and your responses. Please note that the responses from these surveys are helpful for the academy to make decisions for the future. Thanks again.

In order to complete the survey, please go to: 

2023 Family Survey

This survey will be open for three weeks from 4/14 until 5/4.  Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous.  Your honest opinion is appreciated. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sweetheart Dance: The AFA invites the  girls of our school to have their Sweetheart (Dad, Uncle, Grandfather, etc) join them for a special night out.

Tickets on Sale Now

Sweetheart Dance Ticket Link

Dress Down Day for St. Jude’s Math-a-thon: All students who participated in this year’s St. Jude’s Math-a-thon will receive their Dress Down Ticket when we return to school next week. This dress-down ticket can be used during the Month of May. Thanks again for participating and helping us raise over $20,000 for St. Jude’s Children's Hospital. 

Golf and Tennis Outing: Our 18th Annual Golf and Tennis Outing will be held on Friday, May 19th, 2023 at the Marine Park Golf Course. More information was sent home this week and can be found by clicking the link below.

Golf and Tennis Outing Information

Please consider taking a hole sponsorship with your family name displayed or a special cause or business you may wish to advertise. A beautiful sign will be displayed on a given golf hole or two displaying your support for our great school. More details are in the brochure that was sent home.  Your support is truly appreciated.

Lastly, please jump in on a great day on the golf course or at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club for some Tennis where we will enjoy fellow neighbors & friends for a full day of golf and tennis followed up by great eats and drinks. Put your foursomes together as soon as possible to help secure a successful fundraiser for our academy. Anyone may drop off monies at the rectory as well.  Thank You. If anyone has any questions, concerns, or inquiries, please contact Mike Brennan -Golf Chairman at 646-644-4513

Last Day of School: The last day of school was scheduled for Friday 6/23. However, due to the fact, we did build into the calendar one traditional snow day that did not get used, the last day of school will be moved to Thursday 6/22 with an 11 am dismissal. Due to this Tuesday 6/20 will now be a ½ day with a 12-noon dismissal and Wednesday 6/21 will continue to be a ½ day with a 12-noon dismissal. 

8th Grade Raffle: The 8th grade is selling $1000 raffle tickets (Chance to win $1,000 - 1 chance for $5 and 3 for $10 - Drawing May 12th) If anyone is interested in buying a raffle please reach out to Mrs. McElhinney (347-217-3866. Please help support the 8th Grade Dinner Dance. 

Records for Next Year:  If any child is transferring from St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy for the 2023-2024 school year, most likely their records will need to be sent to their new school. Please request that as soon as possible yet no later than the end of May as many schools are closed for the summer and ask for that information before we break for summer.  

SAVE THE DATE 

½ Day Dismissal: Please note that Friday, May 5th is a ½ day with a 12pm dismissal. 

Summer Uniform:  Starting on Monday, May 8th students can begin to wear their summer uniforms. This is just a reminder if anyone needs to purchase summer uniforms you should think of ordering them soon. Please see the graphic below in regard to some reminders about our summer uniform. 

State of the Academy: Please join us on Tuesday, May 9th at 7 pm for the annual Board of Directors State of the Academy. Our Board Members will be providing specific updates on various facets of the Academy including finances, facilities, academics, and many more. 

Glad to see everyone back in school on Monday 4/17.