Dear Academy Families, 

I hope this letter finds you enjoying the warm days and the relaxation that summer brings. As we move forward into the summer break, it is important to remember the significance of relaxation and rejuvenation. Take this time to recharge your batteries, spend quality moments with loved ones, explore new interests, and create lasting memories. Whether it's a family vacation, reading a favorite book, engaging in outdoor activities, or pursuing a hobby, make sure to find time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and don’t forget to go to mass. 

As we embrace the summer break, I wanted to take a moment to share some important information and thoughts with you.

As we are now just under two months away from the beginning of the school year, I think it is important to remind families that come September we expect all students to be in full uniform. By sending your child to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy, you are agreeing to have your child wear the uniform that has been selected. Students are expected to be in complete uniform at all times unless something unusual happens and a note is sent in by the parent.

Please click here for a few helpful reminders when getting your children’s uniforms ready this summer.  

For the full uniform policy please click here. 

Some reminders as we go to the store for shoes. 

Students may choose brown or black shoes to wear with the summer uniform (sneakers and sandals are not permitted; Sperrys/Boat shoes without design or bright colors may be worn with white/black socks).  

Shoes for the winter uniform must be black leather dress shoes with black rubber soles. They can be tie or slip-on loafer style dress shoes. Please see the following suggested shoe styles for boys and girls in grades 1-8. The links are only to serve as samples of d styles.  If you have questions regarding shoe styles, please email Mrs.Hayes at  [email protected].  As always, the uniform is up to the discretion of the staff and administration of St. Francis de Sales.  Black sneakers and/or black moccasins are not part of the school uniform. Families may be asked to purchase new uniforms and shoes if they do not follow the uniform policy.  

In Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten students wear sneakers all year long. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Below you will find approved shoe styles.  You are not required to purchase from Amazon but taking a glance at these styles before you purchase, may be helpful. 

Sperry Unisex-Child Authentic Original Boat Shoe - Tan or Black Only

Black Oxford

Black Leather Mary Janes (Girls Only)

Black Leather Loafers (Boys)

Flynn & O’Hara continues to be our only uniform supplier. If you need anything for next year, we 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 flynnohara.com,or by phone at 718-326-2704. It is recommended that all orders are placed no later than August 1st 2024 to make sure that uniforms are delivered for the first day of school. 

Please email Mrs. Maureen Hayes [email protected] with any questions. 

Thank you for your support!

Staffing Updates: As we move into the next school year we would like to share with our school community some staffing additions that have been made. A few weeks ago we were informed that Mrs. Kuhlmann (Kindergarten Teacher)  will not return for this upcoming school year as she has accepted a position in the New York City Department of Education. We wish Ms. K the best of luck in her new job and thank her for her years of service to our school community. 

We also are happy to welcome Ms. Heather McMahon (Kindergarten A), Mrs. Kacie Ripepe (Kindergarten C) and Ms. Kelsey Smith (2B) to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy. Ms. McMahon finished her college studies this Spring and is looking forward to starting her education career here at St. Francis. Mrs. Ripepe joins us from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy where she most recently taught Kindergarten as well. Finally Ms. Smith recently relocated to New York City from Delaware where she has most recently been teaching  Early Childhood students. All are eager to join our stellar faculty. Welcome aboard. 

Special Education at St. Francis:  We do ask that all parents of a new student to our school who has an IEP or IESP please arrange for a time to speak via phone over the summer with Mrs. Buckley at [email protected] about the special education services that are offered at St Francis de Sales Catholic Academy. Mrs. Buckley is our Special Education Coordinator and will be your go-to person with any questions about Annual Reviews, IESPs, and testing accommodations for standardized tests. 

Please note that the majority if not all of the services for our junior high students (Grades 7 and 8) occur before or after school and many times outside of our school building. Please note that all IEPs must be transferred to an IESP for services to be provided. This conversion usually takes place within the first three weeks of the school year. 

Finally, if you have yet to provide the school with the most up-to-date IEP we do ask that you email that documentation to us ASAP.  If you have any questions Mrs. Buckley will do her best to answer. 

Tuition: Just a reminder that Thursday, August 15th the first tuition payment is due for the 2024-2025 school year. All families should have a FACTS account. (https://factsmgt.com/) Here you can see how much is owed, dates when tuition or other fees are due, past payments, etc. Any questions regarding your account please reach out to our Bookkeeper Mrs. Marguerite Kazalski at [email protected]

Now more than ever planning is so important and we will need to know as close as possible an exact number of students in each grade level. By not paying tuition we may not be able to hold a seat for your child. If there are any issues paying on 8/15 please let us know in advance so we can plan for your child(ren) to be joining us.

2024-2025 School Year, Summer Assignments, and Supply Lists: 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 includes the 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 three group of lessons are already assigned to them. The fourth and last lesson will be released on July 29th.  

Please note that all summer assignments and school supplies are expected to be brought to school on the first day unless otherwise noted. The most important assignment is that of reading each night. 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.

Just a reminder that school will officially begin Wednesday, September 4th for students in Grade 1 – Grade 8.  Children in Kindergarten will begin on Friday, September 6th. Children in the Nursery and Pre-K will begin on Monday, September 9th.

Main Office Hours: 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. Although the school office may be closed at times, we are always available with any question or concern through email at [email protected]. Please note for the 2024-2025 calendar that we have a very long Christmas Recess (12/21/25-1/5/25) and there is still one Professional Day that has yet to be determined.Although the school office may be closed at times, we are always available with any question or concern through email at [email protected].

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.

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

SAVE THE DATES

Back to School Nights (Meet the Teacher): On Thursday, September 5th at 6pm all parents (Grades Nursery- Kindergarten), on Tuesday, September 10th at 6pm (Grades 1-4) and on Thursday, September 12th at 6pm (Grades 5-8 all parents are invited to meet their child's teacher(s). More information to follow on this special event in the coming weeks. We hope to have 100% attendance to this all-important night of the school year.

Catechetical Sunday: Catechetical Sunday is when those designated to serve as catechists are called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in passing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. All are welcome to join the Saint Francis faculty and Saint Francis Religious Education faculty at this very special liturgy at 10:00am on Sunday, September 15th.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for the privilege of serving as your principal. It is an honor to be part of a vibrant and diverse community that values education and the growth of our students. I wish you all a wonderful summer filled with joy, relaxation, and endless possibilities.

Stay safe, stay curious, and I eagerly await the return of our students in the new academic year. 

Our third summer update will be during the week of July 29th. In the next update we hope to share information about all the Special Lunch Forms for the 2024-2025 School Year.