Dear Academy Families,

As a faith community, we journeyed through Lent, and now we join together in celebrating the joy of this Easter season as we once again proclaim, “Alleluia!” We are a joyful people who celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to fully open ourselves up to the mystery of the resurrection by our daily acts to take up Jesus’ love, care, and empathy for others. For the fifty days of Easter, may we reach out to others as we live Jesus’ risen life.

This weekend our second graders begin to receive their special sacrament at Blessed Trinity and St. Francis Parishes. They’ve worked and prayed all year in preparation for their First Holy Communion. These students will be followed on May 13th by students receiving the sacrament at St. Francis de Sales Parish. We know that whatever day it is it will be a wonderful day for all our second-grade families. We will keep them in our prayers for this very special and important moment in their life. A very special thank you to Mrs. O’Malley, Mrs. Gannon and Mrs. Troia for preparing the children for this special day.  

We also look forward to the May Crowning, when our community will come together to honor our Blessed Mother.

During these spring days, St. Francis de Sales students are working hard in their studies, enjoying Spring activities, and are preparing for the Art Show, concerts, Step-Up ceremonies, and so much more! It is a busy time filled with blessings.

Onto to some important updates for our school for the Week of May 8, 2023.  

Summer Uniform:  Starting on Monday, May 8th, students can begin to wear their summer uniforms. Please see the graphic below in regard to some reminders about our summer uniform. Just a reminder that sneakers are not permitted to be worn with the summer uniform, and students can choose to continue to wear their black dress shoes or tan shoes as pictured below. Students should only wear black or white socks with the summer uniform.  Uniform shorts and shirts should only be purchased from Flynn and O’Hara, and the uniform shorts should be the appropriate length for school.  Thank you for your cooperation in following the uniform requirements. 

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. Congratulations to our Finalists, and Best of Luck in the Next Round! Parents are invited to see the finalists' projects in the Gym on Wednesday, 5/10, from 10 am-2 pm. 

Grade 5

Molly, Savannah, and Preston

How does the pH of your water affect how corrosive it is to your plumbing pipes?

Jillian and Giuliana 

Which liquid will make a nail rust the most?

Kassidy and Charlotte

What color hair has the most static electricity?

Thomas and Michael 

Which eggshell can hold the most weight?

Kevin 

At what time of day will a solar powered toy car move the fastest?

Charlie and Mary 

How do objects react to Ooblek when it is made with different consistencies?

Grade 6

Sophia 

Do the colors orange, green, and red affect the taste of drinks and other foods?

Ava 

How much energy can a homemade Tesla coil conduct, and how many watts can it power?

J. W. and Owen 

Does a mini solar panel charge an iPhone better in warmer or colder temperatures?

Rafael 

Which type of solution can derust metal the best?

Ryan and Gregory 

How does the height of an egg affect the direction of the drop of the egg into a cup?

Brianne and Sadie 

Which solute concentration will affect the gummy bear the most?

Grade 7

Lucas 

What Common Material is Most Effective at Sound Proofing?

Sawyer 

How Does the Brand Affect Paper Towel Absorbency?

Gabby, Dylan, Ashlee & Lily 

How Does the Type of Food Affect the Ripening Process?

Chloe 

How Does the Physical Color of a Word Affect the Speed at which Someone Reads it?

Adison, Hayden, Kelsey & Savannah 

How Does Radiation Affect Photosynthesis?

Mia & Emma

How Does Color Affect Memory?

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!

Early Childhood Information Nights: On Monday, June 5th at 6 pm, we will be hosting a Pre-K information night.  On Wednesday, June 7th at 6 pm, we will invite our incoming Kindergarten parents to join us for the Kindergarten Information Night. On Monday, June 12th at 6 pm, we will be hosting a Nursery information night. On all evenings, the early childhood teachers will be sharing all the details of what is in store for children who are entering their early childhood years. Parents will be receiving supply lists and summer ideas during this meeting as well. We hope to see everyone there. 

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 at 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. 

Spirtwear Order Form

SAVE THE DATE 

May Crowning:  Tuesday, May 16th, the 2nd Grade Class will be taking part in our 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. 

Spring Carnival: The National Junior Honor Society is sponsoring our annual Spring Carnival to be held on Friday, May 19th. Nursery through Grade 5 are invited to participate in the activities created and operated by the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students. Admission to the carnival will be $1.00 per child, and there will be snacks and drinks available for purchase for $1.00 each on that day. To purchase a ticket, please send in a dollar in an envelope labeled with your child’s name and class and the words “Spring Carnival” on it. Tickets will be given to the teachers to distribute on the day of the Carnival. Due to space, and time limitations, this carnival is open to students only. Thank you to Ms. Killian and Ms. Farragher for coordinating this fun event!

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, and the 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 2024 Ring/Pin Service: The Class of 2024 (7th graders) will receive their class rings and pins in St. Francis de Sales Church on Tuesday, May 30th at 7 pm. A small reception will follow in the Small Hall. All 7th graders are asked to report to the Small Hall at 6:40 pm.  

Art Night: Please join us on Wednesday, May 31st at 5pm 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 students' 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 7 pm is our annual St Francis de Sales School Band Spring Concert.

Have a great weekend!