From the Associate Principal

Topics included in this section are:

1. National Testing Day (PSAT) - Wednesday, October 16
2. End of First Quarter - Friday, October 11
3. Parent-Teacher Conference - Tuesday, October 29
4. Academic Dates for 2019-2020

Dear Parents, 

The end of the grading period is quickly approaching.  Most classes have had at least one major assessment or will be having one very shortly.  If you have not heard your daughter/son talking about writing papers, completing projects, or studying for tests, please ask!  Set aside some time to sit with your daughter/son to review RenWeb and/or Google Classroom and discuss upcoming assignments and earned grades on previously assigned ones.  Proactive conversations about upcoming assignments are always beneficial and she/he may need your assistance with time management and prioritizing commitments.

Please do all you can to ensure your daughter/son is getting a solid night’s sleep and eating a healthy meal each morning. 

Studies have repeatedly shown that spending time on electronic devices and on social media can be detrimental emotionally, socially, and academically to young adults; it also impacts the amount of sleep they get which can, in turn, impact them emotionally, socially, and academically.

1) National Testing Day - Wednesday, October 16

• Students expected on campus from 7:50 until approximately noon 
• Students will be dismissed as their testing group finishes 
• Some groups may finish as early as 11:20; others as late as 12:30 PM
• Students with Learning Differences and extended time may finish significantly later
• The food truck will be available
• Students wear regular school dress
• Attendance is required for all 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students
• All students should get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast
• Students should spend time familiarizing themselves with the format of the test
• The Counseling Department has distributed a PSAT practice test booklet
• Additional problems can be found on the CollegeBoard website
• 9th-grade students will take the PSAT 8-9
• 10th and 11th-grade students will take the PSAT/NMSQT
• This test parallels the SAT
• Provides information regarding their skill level relative to other students locally and nationally
• Results indicate which skills are strengths and which need improvement
• 11th graders achieving the 99th percentile become eligible for Merit Scholarship recognition

2) Friday, October 11 marks the end of the first academic quarter.  It is important that any missing work (due to illness or otherwise) be made up prior to the end of the first quarter.  Please note that report cards are not mailed home at the quarter. Quarter 1 grades will be available for viewing on RenWeb beginning Friday, October 18.

3) Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Tuesday, October 29.  All teachers will be available from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  These conferences are intended to discuss the students’ academic progress and discuss opportunities for improvement or continue progress. Students are expected to attend. To discuss more delicate topics, please schedule a time to meet with your student’s counselor or teacher separately. Parents/Guardians must schedule appointments - "drop-ins" are not available. To schedule, call Ms. Nereida Madrigal beginning Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 18th. She can be reached in the main office by phone (831) 724-5933 or by email: [email protected].

4) Academic Dates for 2019-2020 - Please see the attached link/document regarding the primary academic dates for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.  

Student/Parent Academic Dates 2019-2020

Thank you for all you do to help St. Francis and the young adults who spend their high school years as Sharks!