I welcome everyone back to the 2017-18 school year!

SFP is a great place to be!

As a Catholic High School Principal, I am charged with being the instructional and inspirational leader of the building and held to the very high standard of ensuring that everyone lives out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pretty lofty standards! However, throughout every school year, I find myself learning more from our students, faculty, and staff than I can ever teach them. I remain in awe of the job our teachers do in the classroom, the staff does in keeping the organization running as smoothly as it does, and the respect, responsibility, and pride our students demonstrate in the classroom, on the playing fields, during performances, in our hallways, and in our community. The support that we all receive from parents and guardians and our alumni base is unmatched and incredible. I absolutely love what I do here at SFP and will be forever in debt to those who have afforded me this incredible opportunity to be entrusted with the enormity of this vocation.

So let us begin another school year, another journey: one that no doubt will be filled with challenges, victories, anxiety, accomplishments, surprises, fun, and blessings. I look forward to working with a phenomenal group of people who live out the Franciscan Mission every day. This is a special place filled with pride, history, tradition, and – most important – love forged by special relationships. Let us cherish this and use it as a motivation and inspiration to build on this incredible spirit! Enjoy the Journey!

I will be writing a monthly “Principal’s Newsletter” to better inform students, parents, faculty, and staff about events, accomplishments, and activities concerning our St. Francis Prep community.

 A special welcome is given to the class of 2021 into the SFP Family. Our Parents Guild will also host the 9^th-Grade Parent Welcome Program on Sunday, September 17^th, starting with a 10:00 am Liturgy followed by a reception in the Cafeteria. Important orientation information will be presented; there will also be a chance for parents, teachers, and administrators to meet in a casual and relaxed environment.

Our school calendar has been posted on the school website. Please review it for all important dates, deadlines, events, and faculty and staff information.

We are in the process of modernizing our Music Rooms. They will be state-of-the-art facilities that feature equipment that would be found on the University level. Along with the Music facilities, new locker rooms will be added. Our gymnasium had a makeover this past summer with a fresh coat of paint and the installation of new bleachers. These changes are all part of our school improvement program so that our students have the optimal high school experience.

A look at the week ahead:

All students must be in uniform for the first week of school.

• Tuesday, September 5: All faculty report
• Wednesday, September 6: 9^th-graders and Peer Counselors report at 8:30 am. Sophomores and Juniors report at 11:30am. Seniors report at 12:30pm.
• Thursday, September 7: First full day of class starting with day 1 A period.
• Friday, September 8: Second full day of class.

A reminder to parents to activate your Power School account that will give you live-time access to

academic progress via the Parent Portal. If you need assistance with any of your Power School needs, please email the Prep Technology Department at email.questions@stfrancisprep.org.

SCHEDULES

Students' schedules were finalized on Friday, 23 June.  Students were able to request changes throughout June.  Students may not make any changes to their schedules at this time.  Great care and much time were given to make sure students received the courses they requested and need.  Please encourage your child to work hard right from the beginning of the school year and to make it a great year.  We wish you all the best for a successful school year.

All the Best, God Bless!

Mr. McLaughlin

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