Dear Academy Families, 

As the warm embrace of summer surrounds us, I hope each of you has exciting plans to make the most of the sunny days and longer hours. May your days be filled with joy, relaxation, and cherished moments with loved ones. Reflecting on the past year, we are grateful for the wonderful experiences and memories we've created together. To our new families, we extend a heartfelt welcome to our Academy community. To our returning families, welcome back to the Saint Francis family. Together, we have much to celebrate and anticipate as we embark on this new school year, ready to create even more unforgettable memories.

Please see below for our first Summer Update…….

Summer Supply Lists and Summer Assignments: We have begun to share information about the upcoming 2024-2025 school year on our website; there is a landing page for all information about the next school year that include Supply Lists and Summer Assignments. To access the landing page please click the link below.

Summer Assignments and Supply Lists

Please note that all returning students going into Grades 1-8 need to finish the I-Ready Math lessons assigned to them. For more information please click on your child’s grade level summer assignment. If your child has forgotten their password please reach out to the administration at [email protected]. The first and second group of lessons are already assigned to them. The third lesson will be released on July 15th.  

As we enter into these much-needed summer months, we want to reinforce that the best thing you can do to prepare your child for the upcoming school year is to make reading a priority and a routine in your home. The more your child reads, and is read to, the more your child’s network of knowledge strengthens.  It not only is “preparing them for the next grade,” but also improves their listening skills, builds early literacy skills, and strengthens their ability to make connections, draw conclusions, and better understand the world around them.  Reading with a child each day is an investment for a lifetime.

Recommended Amount of Reading Each Day

Grades PK and K: Read to a child each day/night

Grades 1-2: 20 minutes each day

Grades 3-4: 25 minutes each day

Grades 5-6: 30 minutes each day

Grades 7-8: More than 30 minutes each day

When looking at your summer schedules and trying to balance it all, please remember to make reading a priority.

Please also make note of the following:

• A list of tuition fees for the 2024-2025 school year can be found by clicking here

• Tuition is due by the 15th of the month, August through May. By taking advantage of the security and convenience of payment processing and information technology offered by FACTS. Tuition payments for the 2024-2025 school year can be paid online, by phone, or by mail. You may also sign up for auto pay as well. Only in an emergency will payment be accepted in the school building and/or rectory. You should have received an email invite from FACTS with information necessary to enroll if new to the school.   Included in the invite will be the website you will need to access. If you have yet to receive this email, please email [email protected] to let her know. She will be sure to respond to your request in a timely fashion. 

• The summer office hours along with the calendar for next year are already posted on our website. Throughout the summer check the calendar for any updates. Please note for the 2024-2025 calendar that we have a very long Christmas Recess (12/21/25-1/5/25) and there are still two Professional Days that have yet to be determined. Although the school office may be closed at times, we are always available with any questions or concerns through email at [email protected].

• Flynn & O’Hara continues to be our only uniform supplier. If you need anything for next year, I suggest that you visit the store early in the summer to avoid the crowds.  The store location is The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Avenue, Lower Level, Glendale, NY 11385. Uniforms can also be ordered online at www.flynnohara.com, or by phone at 718-326-2704

• Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms is celebrating the 4th of July with one final Free Shipping promotion of the summer! Use code HAPPYFOURTH on orders over $100 from Tuesday July 2 – Thursday July 4.

• School will officially begin Wednesday 9/4 for students in Grades 1 – Grade 8.  Children in Kindergarten will begin on Friday 9/6. Children in the Nursery and Pre-K will begin on Monday 9/9. 

2024-2025 Yellow School Bus: Please fill out the following form if you are a parent of a new student, a returning Pre-Kindergarten going into Kindergarten student, or a student who needs to take the NYC Yellow Bus for the first time next school year.

Bus Request Form for the 2024-2025 School Year

All bussing questions can be directed to Mrs. Kenny at [email protected]

2024-2025 Immunizations: Please see below the requirements from the NYC Department of Health in regard to Immunizations for all students

2024-2025 School Year Volunteering: For the safety and well-being of every child in our school, all volunteers must go through the following process:

1) Read and sign a code of conduct

2) Have a background check

3) Take part in the VIRTUS program. (Register at virtusonline.org. Download the registration guide.)

Please note that St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy will be offering two sessions of the VIRTUS program on 9/30 and one TBD.

After completing the VIRTUS Program we ask that you please bring to the office a copy of your certificate for us to keep track of in our database. We hope that this is not an inconvenience for anyone, but we need to be sure that all adults who interact with students are in compliance.

Have a great 4th of July! Our second summer update will be during the week of July 15th.