Division Information
Our first official school day will be Monday, September 11.
Victims of Hurricane Harvey
More than 50 St. Francis families lost their homes and automobiles during Hurricane Harvey, and many of our evacuated families left Houston to stay with family. Rest assured, there will be no academic or attendance repercussions for students who need to leave early, arrive late, or who cannot get to campus due to storm-related issues. We understand that for the next several weeks, life will be a struggle for many within our community and we want you to do what is best for your family.
One of the most exciting times in the life of a child (and for educators as well) is the anticipation and excitement that comes with going back to school! Your children will meet their teachers Friday, September 8.
Our Market Day will take place Friday, September 8 from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center on the main campus.
For more information by division, please select the appropriate section below:
Information by Division
- Primary School Schedule Information
- Primary School FAQs
- Lower School Schedule Information
- Lower School FAQs
- Middle School Schedule Information
- Middle School FAQs
Primary School Schedule Information
Regular School Days Please see Hear From the Division Head, Sunday, September 10 for division details including information on new parent meetings.
Friday, September 8
Meet the Teacher is a group experience for Primary School children and their parents. Children informally visit their classroom, become familiar with their drop-off spot, locate their cubby, and visit with their teacher and classmates. Meet the Teacher visits are as follows:
- Pre-Primary and families with children signed up for Explore and Extend: 8:00–9:00 a.m.
- Primary I: 9:15–10:15 a.m.
- Primary II: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Individual Welcome to the Den Conferences resume: 1:00 p.m.
- Market Day on the Main Campus in the Fine Arts Center: 10:00 a.m–3:00 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care will be available until 4:30 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
Monday, September 11
- Early Birds: 7:00–7:45 a.m.
- Carpool: 7:45–8:15 a.m.
- Primary School classes: 8:15–11:00 a.m.
- School Day: The school day starts at 8:15 a.m. If you would like to, and are able to pick up your child at 11:00 a.m., please do so. Traffic may be more significant for some families at the normal release time of 2:30 p.m. due to other area schools' dismissal. If your child will be with us until 2:30 p.m. each day during the week of September 11, please e-mail or tell your child’s teacher by Friday, September 8. We want to make certain we order lunch for each child staying with us.
- Individual Welcome to the Den Conferences resume: 1:00 p.m.
If you have an individual Welcome to the Den Conference scheduled during the week of September 11, conferences will be held at the scheduled time arranged with your child’s teacher. If you are unsure about the time for your conference, please contact your child’s teacher to confirm. - Explore and Extend after-school care: 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
- Please Note: There are no Explore and Extend Enrichment Classes Monday, September 11
Tuesday, September 12
- Early Birds: 7:30–8:00 a.m.
- Primary School classes: 8:15–11:00 a.m.
- Individual Welcome to the Den Conferences resume: 1:00 p.m.
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Tae Kwon Do 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
Wednesday, September 13
- Early Birds: 7:30–8:00 a.m.
- Primary School classes: 8:15–11:00 a.m.
- First Eucharist
- Individual Welcome to the Den Conferences resume: 1:00 p.m.
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Yoga, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
Thursday, September 14
- Early Birds: 7:30–8:00 a.m.
- Primary School classes: 8:15–11:00 a.m.
- Individual Welcome to the Den Conferences resume: 1:00 p.m.
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Tae Kwon Do 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
Friday, September 15
- Early Birds: 7:30–8:00 a.m.
- Primary School classes: 8:15 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Gymnastics 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: until 6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
Primary School FAQs
Will uniforms be required the first week of school?
Uniforms will not be required the first week, and students are allowed to wear casual dress. Helpful hints on casual dress options from our Handbook are included below:
Girls Casual Clothes
- Jeans, slacks, or shorts the same length as uniform shorts
- No skirts or yoga pants
- No tank tops or spaghetti straps
- No inappropriate logos or advertising
- House T-shirt and regular blue jeans or uniform bottoms on Fridays
Boys Casual Clothes
- Jeans, slacks, or shorts the same length as uniform shorts
- No inappropriate logos or advertising
- No tank tops
- House T-shirt and regular blue jeans or uniform bottoms on Fridays
What should my child bring to school during the week of September 11?
1. Water–We were assured by the City of Houston that the water on the South Campus is safe to drink, but just to be doubly safe, throughout the month of September, please send a small bottle of water with your child each day.
2. Mosquito Spray–We are extremely careful not to use insecticides at St. Francis. We use nontoxic biodegradable compounds. Our pest control company will be here this week to treat, but if you are concerned, please apply mosquito repellent before your child leaves for school.
3. Nap Pad–Starting Friday, September 15, children should bring a nap pad to school. Please refer to your classes for specifics.
What are Welcome to the Den Conferences?
1. Welcome to the Den Conferences are individual, 20-minute parent/teacher conferences. The purpose of the conference is for teachers to share particulars about the classroom experience and for parents to share specifics about their child.
2. Primary School teachers are calling parents to either verify the date and time of their original Welcome to the Den conference or to set a new date and time for the conference.
Mosquitos
Where there is standing water, there will be mosquitos. We will walk the South Campus several times a day to make certain there is no standing water. Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about the Bayou. Further, we cannot place mosquito repellent within the classrooms. We will place repellant outside each doorway to mitigate the issue as much as possible. However, you may want to apply mosquito repellant before your child leaves for school.
Traffic
Since Harvey, approaching the South Campus from Westheimer has consistently proven to be the most efficient route.
Families with students on both campuses
During the week of September 11, we will provide a St. Francis bus each morning to ferry our older LS/MS students from the South Campus to the Main Campus. The bus will leave the South Campus at 7:45 a.m. You may choose to utilize this service, but it is optional.
Questions
If you have additional questions prior to Monday, September 11, e-mail, text, or call Dr. Lair at SLair@StFrancisHouston.org or 713.253.4823. After Monday, September 11 the Primary School division office will be your main source of daily information at 713.458.6166.
Lower School Schedule Information
Regular School Days Please see Hear From the Division Head, Sunday, September 10 for division details including information on new parent meetings.
Friday, September 8
Meet the Teacher is a group experience for Primary School children and their parents. Children informally visit their classroom, become familiar with their drop-off spot, locate their cubby, and visit with their teacher and classmates. Meet the Teacher visits are as follows:
- Kindergarten: 9:45–10:45 a.m.
- New Family Chapel (all parents and students are welcome to attend): 10:45–11:15 a.m.
- First grade: 12:15–12:50 p.m.
- Second grade: 1:00–1:35 p.m.
- Third grade: 1:45–2:20 p.m.
- Fourth grade: 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Market Day in the Fine Arts Center: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Monday, September 11
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Lower School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
- 9/11 Sixteenth Anniversary Remembrance: 8:00 a.m.
- New Parent Meeting: 9:00–10:30 a.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: until 6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Woodworking Level 1a: 3:15 p.m. and Woodworking Level 1b: 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 12
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Lower School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
- Lower School leadership induction Chapel and Fourth-Grade Tie Ceremony: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: until 6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Critical Thinking, 3:30 p.m. and Tae Kwon Do, 3:45 p.m.
- Lower School Parent Information Night: 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Lower School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
- First Lower School Eucharist: 8:05 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: until 6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Gymnastics and Chess, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 14
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Lower School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: until 6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Cooking, Zumba, Tae Kwon Do, 3:45 p.m.
Friday, September 15
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Lower School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
- Explore and Extend after-school care: until 6:00 p.m. Contact Margaret Newsom 713.458.6467 to reserve a spot
- Explore and Extend Enrichment Class: Woodworking, 3:15 p.m. and Archery 3:30 p.m.
Lower School FAQs
Will uniforms be required the first week of school and what is required?
School Apparel (until further notice)
Casual Clothes–Boys
- Jeans, slacks, or shorts the same length as uniform shorts. Appropriate, modest-length athletic shorts
- No yoga attire
- No inappropriate logos or advertising
- House T-shirt and regular blue jeans or uniform bottoms on Fridays
Casual Clothes–Girls
- Jeans, slacks, or shorts, appropriate, modest-length athletic shorts
- No yoga attire
- No inappropriate logos or advertising
- No tank tops
- House T-shirt and regular blue jeans or uniform bottoms on Fridays
What should my child bring to school during the week of September 11?
1. Water–We were assured by the City of Houston that the water on the South Campus is safe to drink, but just to be doubly safe, throughout the month of September, please send a small bottle of water with your child each day.
2. Mosquito Spray–We are extremely careful not to use insecticides at St. Francis. We use nontoxic biodegradable compounds. Our pest control company will be here this week to treat, but if you are concerned, please apply mosquito repellent before your child leaves for school.
3. School Supplies–School supplies will be delivered to your child’s classroom prior to Friday. Starting Monday, September 11, Lower School students will need their school supplies. If your family is a victim of Hurricane Harvey, we will provide your child with supplies which will be delivered prior to Friday as well.
What are Welcome to the Den Conferences?
Grades K–1 are individual, 15-minute parent/teacher conferences. The purpose is to share hopes and dreams, goals, and student information.
Grades 2–4 are individual, 15-minute parent/teacher/student conferences. The purpose is to share hopes and dreams, goals, and student information. Students will share and then be dismissed for the remainder of the conference time.
2. Date: September 20, 2017
3. Time: Scheduled throughout the day
School of Music
Classes start Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Contact Margaret Newsom at 713.458.6467 for details.
Mosquitos
Where there is standing water, there will be mosquitos. We will walk the Main Campus several times a day to make certain there is no standing water. We cannot place mosquito repellent within classrooms. We will place repellant outside doorways to mitigate the issue as much as possible. However, you may want to apply mosquito repellant before your child leaves for school.
Traffic
The Memorial Police Department informed us today that during the week of September 11, they will not allow cars to stop on Piney Point Rd. Their intent, of course, is to keep traffic moving and avoid bottlenecks.
During the week of September 11, we will have an extra policeman directing traffic. Don’t be surprised if the policeman directs you to turn in to the Ecclesia driveway. The church has kindly allowed us to use their driveways during the week of September 11. No, you will not need to park and walk your child in to the building—school employees will be ready to walk students inside.
Carpool Times
As always, you may drop your student off at the Main Campus beginning at 7:00 a.m. Since most schools start Monday, September 11, the police department anticipates even more traffic problems than Houstonians are experiencing this week. Please keep your eye on your favorite television channel for updates about traffic. We understand that you will make an honest effort to deliver your child on time. If you arrive after 8:00 a.m., please walk your child through the Courtyard to our front door.
Questions
If you have additional questions prior to Monday, September 11, e-mail, text, or call Dr. Lair at SLair@StFrancisHouston.org or 713.253.4823. After Monday, September 11 the Lower School division office will be your main source of daily information at 713.458.6122.
Middle School Schedule Information
Our Middle School schedule for Friday, September 8 is as follows:
- Chapel 8:45-9:30 a.m. (Parents may attend)
- Middle School Meet My Teachers 9:30-11:00 a.m. (Parents do not attend)
- Middle School Locker setup and school supply pick up 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Monday, September 11 thru Friday, September 15
- Regular School Days Please see Hear From the Division Head, Sunday, September 10 for division details including information on new parent meetings.
- Convocation and Eighth Grade Tie Ceremony Monday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m. with eighth grade reception following.
- First Division Eucharists Wednesday, September 13.
- Explore and Extend will be available for St. Francis families during the first week of school from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. To ensure space for your child, please contact Margaret Newsom, Director of Explore and Extend at 713.458.6467 or MNewsom@StFrancisHouston.org.
Regular School Days Please see Hear From the Division Head, Sunday, September 10 for division details including information on new parent meetings.
Friday, September 8
- 8:45–9:30 a.m.: MS Chapel for All MS community (parents welcome)
- 9:30–9:45 a.m.: Dr. Cook addresses the Middle School community in chapel
- 9:45–9:50 a.m.: Middle School students are dismissed to their advisor for schedule and supply pick-up
- 9:55 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Students will walk through their schedules, meet their teachers, and set up their lockers
- 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Market Day in the Fine Arts Center
- 12:15 p.m.: Middle School students are dismissed
Monday, September 11
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- School day: 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
- Sixth–Eighth graders report to their first period class by 8:00 a.m.
- Fifth graders report to advisor by 8:00 a.m.
- WEB Orientation (gym): 8:30–11:15 a.m.
- 9/11 Sixteenth Anniversary Remembrance: 8:00 a.m.
- New Family Meeting: 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 12
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Middle School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Middle School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
- First Middle School Eucharist: 11:05-11:55 a.m.
Thursday, September 14
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Middle School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
- Parent Information Night (Fine Arts Center): 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 15
- Carpool: 7:15–8:00 a.m.
- Middle School classes: 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Middle School FAQs
Will uniforms be required the first week of school and what is required?
School Apparel (until further notice)
Casual Clothes–Boys
- Jeans, slacks, or shorts the same length as uniform shorts. Appropriate, modest-length athletic shorts
- No yoga attire
- No inappropriate logos or advertising
- House T-shirt and regular blue jeans or uniform bottoms on Fridays
Casual Clothes–Girls
- Jeans, slacks, or shorts, appropriate, modest-length athletic shorts
- No yoga attire
- No inappropriate logos or advertising
- No tank tops
- House T-shirt and regular blue jeans or uniform bottoms on Fridays
Casual Dress for Girls and Boys
Middle School students can wear jeans, slacks, or shorts to school. Yes, it is fine for your child to wear athletic shorts, but keep in mind that classrooms can be cold. We are also depending on parents to monitor the length of the shorts. School is not the time to make a fashion statement, and shorts should be modest. Students should not wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts, and shirts should never display inappropriate logos or advertising. I spoke to Rev. Bates, and students may wear their casual clothes to chapel during the week of September 11 as well.
What should my child bring to school during the week of September 11?
1. Water–We were assured by the City of Houston that the water on the South Campus is safe to drink, but just to be doubly safe, throughout the month of September, please send a small bottle of water with your child each day.
2. Mosquito Spray–We are extremely careful not to use insecticides at St. Francis. We use nontoxic biodegradable compounds. Our pest control company will be here this week to treat, but if you are concerned, please apply mosquito repellent before your child leaves for school.
3. School Supplies–Starting Monday, September 11, Middle School students will need their school supplies. If your family is a victim of Hurricane Harvey, we will provide your child with supplies. Supplies will be delivered to your child’s classroom.
4. Physical Education/Athletic Apparel
Is the September 5 Meet the Wolves cancelled?
Yes. Individual sports will orientate their athletes during the week of September 11.
Are the September 6, 7, and 8 athletic practices mandatory?
No. Many families are currently displaced outside of Houston. Athletic practices September 6, September 7, and September 8 are completely voluntary. Schedules for these voluntary practices are as follows:
Varsity Cross-Country
- Wednesday, September 6–3:00–4:00 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Thursday, September 7–3:00–4:00 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Friday, September 8–3:00–4:00 p.m. (Main Campus)
JV and Varsity Field Hockey
- Wednesday, September 6–3:00–4:30 p.m. (South Campus)
- Thursday, September 7–3:00–4:30 p.m. (South Campus)
- Friday, September 8–3:00–4:30 p.m. (South Campus)
JV White, JV Blue, and Varsity Football
- Wednesday, September 6–2:30–4:30 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Thursday, September 7–2:30–4:30 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Friday, September 8–2:30–4:30 p.m. (Main Campus)
JV, Varsity White, and Varsity Blue Volleyball
- Wednesday, September 6–1:30–3:00 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Thursday, September 7–1:30–3:00 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Friday, September 8–1:30–3:00 p.m. (Main Campus)
Sixth-Grade Blue and Sixth-Grade White Volleyball
- Wednesday, September 6–3:00–4:30 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Thursday, September 7–3:00–4:30 p.m. (Main Campus)
- Friday, September 8–3:00–4:30 p.m. (Main Campus)
When is the Fifth-Grade Where Everyone (WEB) Belongs Orientation?
- Monday, September 11, 8:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Student report to their advisor by 8:00 a.m., pick-up for fifth graders is at the normal 3:45 p.m. carpool time.
- WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) is a peer mentoring program between eighth graders and fifth graders. In order to help fifth graders have success in their first year of middle school, eighth grade mentors shepherd fifth graders through the year with guidance and care.
What is the new date for Convocation and the Eighth-Grade Tie Ceremony?
Monday, September 18, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center.
Welcome to the Den Conferences
There is no class on Wednesday, September 20th so that advisors can conduct “Welcome to the Den” conferences with their advisees and the advisee’s parents. Like wolf packs gather in their dens, we want our students and their families to feel St. Francis is their home away from home—their den. Parents will bring their children to meet with their advisors to discuss goals for the year. Rather than focusing on academics, these meetings will address our students’ social and emotional learning needs. This day will help advisors, advisees, and the advisee’s parents get to know each other and lay out a path of success for the new year.
Parent Chapel Attendance on Friday, September, 8.
Parents are welcome but certainly not required to attend the 8:45 a.m. Middle School Chapel. For the rest of the morning, our Middle School students will be well chaperoned by their grade level teachers and students will not need their parents.
Can parents assist their child with his/her locker setup on Friday, September 8?
Yes, but we believe Middle School students enjoy setting up their locker with friends. The Middle School provides our students with age appropriate opportunities that stretch their abilities, and, in turn, students learn independence and resilience. Will we send parents away if they show up to help? Heavens no! But rest assured that your Middle School student will be monitored and assisted throughout the morning by their teachers and administrators.
School of Music
Classes start Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Contact Margaret Newsom at 713.458.6467 for details.
Mosquitos
Where there is standing water, there will be mosquitos. We will walk the Main Campus several times a day to make certain there is no standing water. We cannot place mosquito repellent within classrooms. We will place repellant outside doorways to mitigate the issue as much as possible. However, you may want to apply mosquito repellant before your child leaves for school.
Traffic
The Memorial Police Department informed us today that during the week of September 11, they will not allow cars to stop on Piney Point Rd. Their intent, of course, is to keep traffic moving and avoid bottlenecks.
During the week of September 11, we will have an extra policeman directing traffic. Don’t be surprised if the policeman directs you to turn in to the Ecclesia driveway. The church has kindly allowed us to use their driveways during the week of September 11. No, you will not need to park and walk your child in to the building—school employees will be ready to walk students inside.
Carpool Times
As always, you may drop your student off at the Main Campus beginning at 7:00 a.m. Since most schools start Monday, September 11, the police department anticipates even more traffic problems than Houstonians are experiencing this week. Please keep your eye on your favorite television channel for updates about traffic. We understand that you will make an honest effort to deliver your child on time. If you arrive after 8:00 a.m., please walk your child through the Courtyard to our front door.
Questions
If you have additional questions prior to Monday, September 11, e-mail, text, or call Dr. Lair at SLair@StFrancisHouston.org or 713.253.4823. After Monday, September 11 the Middle School division office will be your main source of daily information at 713.458.6140.