Dear Academy Families,

This week as we get ready to celebrate Faculty Appreciation Day on Thursday, we are reminded of Jesus as the Master Teacher. Jesus was the Master Teacher because of the overall purpose of His mission into the world. His basic mission was “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10; Matthew 1:21; 1 Timothy 1:15). He dealt with both earthly and eternal issues. He wanted women and men to come to know God (John 17:3) and obey God's truth (John 8:32).

The administration has the privilege and honor to work with a team of faculty and staff that are committed to advancing the mission of Catholic education within St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy.   They work tirelessly to ensure that the mission is at the forefront of all that they do and are committed to helping all of the students entrusted to their care. So, this week, as we call special attention to our faculty and staff as we are also reminded that we all learn from Jesus the Master Teacher.

Onto to some important updates for our school for the Week of May 1, 2023.  

Math State Exams: This week the New York State Mathematics Tests will be administered to students. 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. Below you will find a summary of the changes that were made to the Mathematics Tests over the past few years.

• Fewer testing sessions. Three years ago, the Math Tests were reduced from three test sessions per subject to only two sessions per subject, meaning each subject will have two days of testing instead of three. With fewer test sessions, each test will have fewer questions than in past years, lessening test fatigue for students and better enabling them to demonstrate what they know and are able to do.

• The tests continue to be untimed so students who are still working on their exams will be allowed to continue to work, within the confines of the regular school day. Students who finish may be permitted to hand in their test materials (or submit the test if testing on the computer). Test questions are reviewed and written by New York State Teachers. Hundreds of New York State educators were involved in creating and reviewing questions for the 2023 Math Tests and selecting the questions for the test forms.

Please make sure your child in Grades 4, 6, and 7 gets a good night's sleep for  Tuesday, May 2nd, and Wednesday, May 3rd. 

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

Family Survey: In an effort to improve system practices, Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Academy will be conducting another survey over the next week. 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 and 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 one more week until May 4th.  We anticipate sharing the results of both surveys at our annual State of the Academy meeting on May 9th. 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.

Golf and Tennis Outing: Our 18th Annual Golf and Tennis Outing will be held on Friday, May 19th at the Marine Park Golf Course and the Belle Harbor Yacht Club.

Golf Foursomes are currently full. If you have committed to play, please drop payment to St Francis de Sales Academy to secure your spot. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for this event, please contact Mike Brenna at [email protected]

If you are interested in playing tennis, sponsoring a hole, or attending the after-party please click the link below for more information.

Golf and Tennis Outing Information

Catholic Schools Night with the Brooklyn Cyclones: On Wednesday, June 28th St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy is hosting a "School Spirit Night" at Maimonides Park during the Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Brooklyn Cyclones are scheduled to take on the Jersey Shore Blue Claws that evening. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 PM first pitch and the front gates will open to the public around 6:00 PM. Come to historic Coney Island and watch the Cyclones take on the Jersey Shore Blueclaws. Pregame activities include the priests taking on the principals in the Collars vs Scholars softball game. There will also be a ceremony celebrating the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from Catholic schools throughout the diocese.

Students, faculty, staff, family, and friends from St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy are invited to take part in this School Spirit Night!

Tickets are only $15 EACH!  Also, as part of the Brooklyn Cyclones Catholic Schools Night, there's a $20 Ticket Option that includes a DEACON MAC BOBBLEHEAD!

To buy tickets please click the link below

Brooklyn Cyclones Catholic Schools Night Order Form

Here are some more things to look forward to when you show up to the ballpark for the game:

KIDS EAT FREE WEDNESDAY!

-Kids 14 & Under will get to eat for FREE. Upon entry, with a paid ticket, children will receive a voucher for HOT DOG, CHIPS, and FOUNTAIN DRINK!

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Helen Endall at (718)634-2775 via email at [email protected]

Spiritwear: Show support for the Academy by purchasing SFDS Spiritwear! See the form below.  Billing will be done via FACTS. Orders will be fulfilled as forms are received. Please note, quantities are limited. 

Spiritwear Order Form

SAVE THE DATE 

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 regards 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. 

Science Fair: Wednesday, May 10th, our students in grades 5-7 will be displaying their projects at our annual Science Fair. Information on when families will be invited to look at our students’ work will be in next week’s update.

Nursery Mother’s Day Tea: Just a reminder that our Nursery moms are invited to a Mother’s Day tea on Friday, May 12th. You should have already received the invitation and reminder from Mrs. Bodnar. The Nursery students are very excited to shower their moms with a special song and gifts!

May Crowning:  Tuesday, May 16th the 2nd Grade Class will be taking part in the school’s annual May Crowning. Our 2nd-grade parents are invited to join their children and the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy Community for the May crowning at 11 am in St. Francis de Sales Church. We are asking that all 2nd-grade students come to school dressed in their Communion attire. Please send in a large shirt to wear over their clothing. Please remember all students should wear dress shoes. May 16th is also a ½ day for the second-grade students. 

Outdoor Movie Night: On Friday, May 26th, we will be hosting another Outdoor Movie Night. This year we will be showing Minions: The Rise of Gru. Admission is $5. Gates open at 7:45 pm, Movie starts promptly at 8:15 pm. Come celebrate the start of Memorial Day weekend with us! Snacks will be sold. Don’t forget to bring your own beach chair or towel!

Class of 2023 Ring/Pin Service: The Class of 2023 (7th graders) will receive their class rings and pins in St. Francis de Sales Church on Tuesday, May 30th at 7pm. A small reception will follow in the Small Hall. All 7th graders are asked to report to the Small Hall at 6:40pm.  

Art Night: Please join us on Wednesday, May 31st at 5 pm for our annual Art Show! Mrs. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Todd and our students have worked tirelessly in preparation for a truly superb art gallery display. We hope to see many of you there. To get a sneak peek of some of our student's artwork please follow our artists on Instagram at (sfds_art)

Spring Concert: Members of the Paul Effman Band, please save the date! Tuesday, June 6th at 7pm is our annual St Francis de Sales School Band Spring Concert.

Have a great weekend!