Weekly Update to Families
November 10th
Message From Dr. Scharbach
Dear Academy Families,
We are pleased to share with you the successful completion of our recent two-day Cognia review, during which an external team thoroughly evaluated our school’s programs, culture, and overall effectiveness. We are incredibly proud to report that the reviewers recognized the strong sense of community at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy, as well as the dedication and enthusiasm of our faculty and staff. Their positive feedback confirmed that we are providing a nurturing and challenging environment for all of our students, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our teachers and staff members.
The Cognia review has provided valuable insights into our strengths as a school, while also offering guidance on areas where we can continue to grow. We were encouraged by their response to our initiatives, including the DeSales 115 strategic plan and the formation of Professional Learning Communities. These programs are designed to support our students in meaningful ways, enhancing their educational experience and helping them thrive. The feedback affirms that we are on a strong path forward and highlights key areas for continued improvement, which we are excited to explore.
Moving forward, we are committed to working closely with our faculty and staff to incorporate these valuable insights into our everyday practices. Our ultimate goal remains to provide an outstanding, holistic education that prepares our students academically, spiritually, and personally for future success. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and partnership, which plays a vital role in our success as a community. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s education and for being an integral part of the St. Francis de Sales family.
Now onto some important reminders, news, and events at the academy in the upcoming days….
Dr. Scharbach
We will be having our annual Spelling Bee on Thursday November 21st at 1pm. Congrats to our classroom winners.
5th Grade: Thomas Anderson, Thomas Brunton, Emma Layden, Patrick Murray, Michael Hernandez, Jack Keenan, and Enzo Pincay
6th Grade: Anthony Capek, Patrick Carey, Mairead Henning, William Hayden, Saoirse Kash, Honora Sullivan, Emma Vuono, Lily Donohue, Brenna Farrell, and Emma Keenan
7th Grade: Ryan Tubridy, Timmy McDonagh, Sophia Bello, Dylan Henley, Colin Mundy, Therese Carlin, Bobby Wagner, and Dylan Nowak
The families of the participants are invited to join us on Thursday November 21st at 1pm.
We are beginning to prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. In the next few days we will issue a Google Form of intent for any current Nursery and Pre-K student here at St. Francis who plans on attending St. Francis in 2025 as a Pre-K or Kindergarten student. Those forms are due by Monday, December 2nd. As always, we thank you for your dedication and support of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy. If you have any concerns that we may address, please do not hesitate to call or email us.
After Thanksgiving, an email will be sent home to families of current students to see if any siblings will be joining our academy next year if space allows. Please fill out all letters of intent as soon as possible, as we will begin open registration in the winter of 2025. This is especially important to do with our current enrollment numbers.
Today marks the start of our 2024-2025 Yearbook Sale! The yearbook is a great way to remember special events throughout the year! All students will be featured in the yearbook on their class page!
If you would like to order a school yearbook, (delivery in June) please fill out the following form.
After you submit your order you will be charged on your FACTS account during the month of January.
Payment is expected within 20 days of posting.
The completed form(s) is due by Thursday, December 5th. Since we have to send in our yearly order soon after there will be no orders accepted after this date.
**Class of 2025 Families, any graduate that has $130 (cost of a full page age) worth of ads in the yearbook will receive a free yearbook, up to two free yearbooks. Please keep this in mind when placing your order.
With the Christmas season approaching, as we look forward to the birth of our Lord, we should remember those less fortunate than us. In the spirit of giving, we are asking that students donate a gift for other children. Please bring in an unwrapped toy or game after the Thanksgiving Holiday. All donations will go to children in need. Thank you for your generosity. All donations need to be made by Friday, December 13th.
Please note that all report cards are digitally distributed on Wednesday, 12/4 at about 3pm via the FACTS Parent Portal. This year conferences will take place on Thursday, December 5th from 12:45pm-2:45pm and from 6pm-7:30pm. In next week's email update we will send out information on signing up for time slots for conferences. All families in Nursery-Grade 4 will have until Sunday, December 1st to sign up for the conferences on Thursday, December 5th.
Contact Info
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy
Principal: Dr. Christopher ScharbachAsst. Principal: Mrs. Maureen Hayes
Email: admin@stfrancisschoolbh.net
Website: https://stfrancisacademybh.org/
Location: 219 Beach 129 Street Belle Harbor, NY 11694
Phone: (718) 634-2775
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFDSCA