Archdiocese  of Boston

Harvey Uniforms

April 12, 2007
Dear Parent(s) and /or LegalGuardian(s),

You have made an informed decision by enrolling your child/children at Saint Francis of Assisi School. As parents, you seek a strong academic program based on Catholic values that stress the dignity of each student being created in the image and likeness of God. You are certainly aware of the highly qualified and dedicated faculty/staff at our school.                                    
We are pleased that you have entrusted us with the responsibility of teaching your child/children academically, morally, spiritually, and socially. The record of Saint Francis of Assisi School is one of accomplishment for over 45 years. Our students are provided an outstanding opportunity to learn and live for lifeThe 21st century will be a period of incredible change for our children. With the technological advances that will occur and the worldwide challenges our students will face, the importance of a strong academic and faith based education has never been more crucial. The future here is bright and inspiring! Saint Francis of Assisi School continues to review and update curriculum, enhance educational materials and provide the latest technology to further the academic enrichment of our students in their pursuit of excellence. Most importantly, we strive to maintain a safe and sound facility, support a highly qualified and committed staff with current salaries and continue to renovate our school building and grounds. We are especially proud of the goals attained by our students. Terra Nova standardized tests place our students in the above average range. The students of our eighth grade, in gaining entrance to the high school of their choice, give witness to their own hard work, to the dedication of experienced, well informed and creative teachers, and to the fine efforts of all our parents. 

Extracurricular options abound here at Saint Francis of Assisi School. Sports, clubs, field trips, provisions for community service and spiritual activities fill the school with a spirit of excellence that helps define us as a Catholic institution. Opportunities for parental involvement are evidenced throughout the school. The Parents’ Guild serves as an example of this community’s cooperation and commitment. The Saint Francis of Assisi School Board supports and dedicates their time and talents to our school.  The devoted Adviser magazine staff, working in collaboration with the administration, echoes cherished memories of the past and reacquaints old friends and new members of the school community, while marketing our school and pursuing the opportunity for a development fund. The dedication and commitment of this community will enable Saint Francis of Assisi to remain an affordable choice of schools and continue to be a leading educational institution within the Archdiocese of Boston. Be assured of our continued efforts to strive for excellence. Our future is bright and exciting, leading us to the highest accreditation a school can attain – New England Association of Schools and Colleges. By working together, we will maintain this degree of excellence.

As we make ready for theschool year 2007 – 2008, let us pray that Saint Francis of Assisi, our patron, will guide us all in enriching the Christian lives of our students and their families.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Kevin M. Sepe                             Mrs. Vittoria DeBenedictis, M.Ed.

Pastor                                                                           Principal

                             "Total Cost Tuition", PreK-8School Year 2007 – 2008

“TOTAL COST TUITION”

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL

 Pre- Kindergarten – Grade

INCREASE $200.00 per student

Pre- Kindergarten ($100.00 per student)

For the fourth child and any additional children - no extra tuition.
One tuition for students in and out of the parish.
Transfer: If a child leaves SFA School prior to December 31st, the family is    responsible for the registration fee, the book bills and computer lab fee as    well as for the July & August payments, along with and including the month    of transfer. There will be no rebate of tuition if a student transfers after    December 31st.

The following are included in the "Total Cost Tuition"
Book Bills (averaging $200+ per pupil) are included in the Total Cost Tuition    (workbooks only.)
Non-refundable registration fee is included in the Total Cost Tuition.
Computer Lab fee per student is $150.00 included in the Total Cost Tuition.     PreK-Grade 8 will utilize computers.  
$240.00 Friar's Club fee is in the Total Cost Tuition.

It is important to note that the estimated cost of our students' education far exceeds the amount brought in through tuition income. It will cost over $4100 to educate each student in the 2007-2008 school year. Fortunately, the parish has generously supported and will continue to contribute to Saint Francis of Assisi School.

We remind you that continued enrollment of your child/ren is based on meeting your financial obligations to Saint Francis of Assisi School.

Tuition billing will remain a 10-month payment schedule with the FACTS Tuition Company beginning July 2007 and ending April 2008. Parents may elect to pay a single payment on or before July 10, 2007. Bills will be mailed June 1, 2007.

                                    Tuition Assistance
A limited amount of tuition assistance will be available to all eligible families whose children are enrolled in the school. Those who wish to apply may obtain an application from the Principal before May 7, 2007. Please note, income tax forms are necessary to process applications. No exceptions!

    FUNDRAISING IS A COMMITMENT THAT MUST BE SHARED BY EVERYONE!    

                       "A necessary part of our Mission"
The cost of providing a strong value based education increases from year to year. It is our goal and mission to provide educational and technological advances for the benefit of our students. The most recent opening of our State of the Art Computer Lab, the continuous updating of textbooks, language programs, hiring of a Math/Reading specialist and our new writing program- John Collins is proof of this on-going commitment. Fundraising is necessary and it is productive.

                                         Holiday Cards/Golf Tournament
Again, the Holiday Cards will be the only major fundraising effort during the Fall of 2006. During the 2006-2007school year, we realized the tremendous efforts of all the families. Again, in the new school year, 2007-2008, we will give everyone a choice. Families may choose to participate in selling Holiday Cards or pay an additional fee in lieu of fundraising. Go to the forms page to find the form to opt out. Families choosing this option will not receive Holiday Cards. Families with 1 child are required to sell 12 calendars and families with 2 or more students in school are required to sell 17 calendars. The Golf Tournament will be the only major fundraiser in the Spring of 2008.

             SFA Vision!...Our Future is Bright and Exciting!
Much remains to be done as we continue on the road of excellence. Our vision includes the upgrade of all textbooks, a state of the art Science Lab, expanded sports programs, as well as the continued upkeep of our school building and further long term enhancements such as the installation of new windows. We are well on the way to attain an additional accreditation with New England Association of Schools and College. This is the highest accreditation an elementary school can receive.

SFA's Faith-Filled Past...looking into a...Faith-Filled Future!
Saint Francis of Assisi has grown into a vibrant and thriving school over the past few years. A quick walk through the building will show that this is true. An increase in the student population, as well as improvements in the physical plant are evident everywhere you look. As one visitor to the school stated, "You would never know it was the same place." A few of these improvements/changes include the following:

                        ·        2 , 3,  and 5 day Pre-School

·        2 Full day kindergarten classes

·        Spanish taught as a subject in grades Pre- K – 8

·        Italian taught in grades 1 – 8

·        Art teacher for all grades

·        Classroom Paraprofessionals 

·        Math/Reading Specialist

·        Junior National Honor Society

·        Extended Day Program

·        Summer Program 

·        Ceiling fans and new lights in all classrooms

·        New fire alarms in the classrooms and halls

·        Video cameras in the school hall, at the doors, and in the parking lot

·        Buzzer and monitor locks on main door (visitors must be “buzzed” into the building)

·        New security alarm system

·        Lockers for all students in grades K-8

·        New desks and chairs for teachers

·        Computers in the classrooms for students and teacher

·        Updated computer lab (new computers and furniture)

·        Computer server room

·        Internet access for teachers and students

·        Conference room for meetings with parents or for testing purposes

·       New stair treads on all staircases

·        New desks and chairs for all students

·        John Collins writing program

·        New handwriting program

·        New textbooks (social studies, language arts) fall, 2005

·        New Textbooks ( literature and language arts) fall, 2006

·        New Textbooks ( Science, English) fall, 2007

·        New doors ( Washington Streetside)

·        Girls’ and Boys’ bathrooms (school hall) renovated summer, 2005

·        Girls’ and Boys’ bathrooms ( 1^st floor) summer of 2006

·        SFA web page including homeroom newsletters and homework

·        Updated computer lab (new computers )2007

·        Updated computer lab; additon of smartboard 2007

·        Updated technology in classrooms addition of smartboard in Middle School Classroom

·         Part time paraprofessional  KM ( school year 2005-06)

·        Part time paraprofessional grade 3 fall, 2006

These improvements, however, have only been possible through our fundraising efforts. It is our vision here at Saint Francis of Assisi School to remain a vibrant, thriving school. With continued successful fundraising, this vision will continue to be a reality!