Dear Academy Families,

As we celebrate the heart of summer and reflect on a joyful Fourth of July, I hope your days have been filled with sunshine, laughter, and meaningful time with loved ones. Summer 2025 is well underway, and with it comes the promise of rest, renewal, and anticipation for the exciting year ahead.

Looking back on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the experiences and milestones we've shared as a community. To our new families, we warmly welcome you to the Academy — we’re so glad you’re here. To our returning families, welcome back to the Saint Francis family. Whether you're just joining us or have been with us for years, we are thrilled to begin another school year together, filled with growth, discovery, and lasting memories.

Please see below for our first Summer Update...

Dr. Christopher Scharbach
Principal
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy

We have begun to share information about the upcoming 2025-2026 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 admin@stfrancisschoolbh.net. The first and second group of lessons are already assigned to them. The third lesson will be released on July 14th.

Incoming students of Grades 1-8 who are new to our school are asked to email the administration at admin@stfrancisschoolbh.net. for a packet of Math lessons that mirror the I-ready work being done this summer, unfortunately the I-Ready system will not allow us to add new students anymore without them taking diagnostic exams even if they used I-Ready at their current school.

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.

We are thrilled to welcome four wonderful educators to the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy community for the 2025-2026 school year! Each brings a unique background and a shared commitment to Catholic education, academic excellence, and the well-being of our students.

Please join us in welcoming:

• Ms. Joanna Turck – Our new 1st Grade Teacher, Ms. Turck is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she earned her degree in education. She brings great energy, fresh ideas, and a strong commitment to building a joyful and supportive classroom where our youngest learners can grow in faith and knowledge.
• Mrs. Karen Fabiszewski – Joining us as a 2nd Grade Teacher, Mrs. Fabiszewski has been a beloved Catholic school educator for over twenty years at St. Mark’s Catholic Academy. She is known for her warm and structured approach, her strong literacy instruction, and her unwavering dedication to student growth—spiritually, academically, and personally.
• Ms. Anne Forde – Stepping into the role of 5th and 6th Grade Math Teacher, Ms. Forde brings over two decades of experience teaching at the high school level, including at St. Agnes High School and, most recently, The Mary Louis Academy. She is excited to bring her expertise in upper-level math instruction to our middle school students and looks forward to helping them build strong foundations and a deep appreciation for mathematics.
• Ms. Lauren Nishi – Our new Art Teacher, Ms. Nishi just completed her first year of teaching at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy in Cypress Hills. She is a vibrant and creative educator who believes that every child can express themselves through art. She looks forward to bringing hands-on, imaginative projects to life in the art room and helping students explore a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

We are confident that these four new faculty members will bring their talents, passion, and faith-filled spirit to our community. We look forward to an exciting and enriching school year ahead with them as part of the SFDS family!

We are still in the process of interviewing for two additional positions, most importantly our open 4th Grade teaching position. If you know someone who is interested in learning more, or would like to submit a resume, please email us at admin@stfrancisschoolbh.net.

A list of tuition fees for the 2025–2026 school year can be found by clicking the link below.

Tuition is due on the 15th of each month from August through May. Payments are managed through FACTS and may be made online, by phone, or by mail. Auto-pay is also available. Emergency payments in person will only be accepted in rare circumstances.

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 mkazalski@stfrancisschoolbh.net to let her know. She will be sure to respond to your request in a timely fashion.

Summer office hours and the 2025–2026 calendar are 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 questions or concerns through email at admin@stfrancisschoolbh.net.

Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms is celebrating the 4th of July with one final Free Shipping promotion of the summer! Use code EARLYBIRD on orders over $100 from Sunday July 6th – Tuesday July 8.

All new school volunteers must complete VIRTUS training. You can view upcoming sessions and register at www.virtus.org.

We will also host two VIRTUS training sessions in the Fall of 2025. More information to follow.

Grades 1–8 on Wednesday, September 3rd
Kindergarten on Friday, September 5th

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 2025-2026 School Year

All bussing questions can be directed to Mrs. Hayes at mhayes@stfrancisschoolbh.net

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