April 8, 2010
Dear
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s),
A Catholic
education is an advantage for life and you have chosen a faith-based education
because you value our Catholic principles and want the best possible foundation
for your child’s future. We are coming to the end of a school year in which we
celebrated “50 Years of Faith.” It is now time to reflect on the progress we,
as a Catholic school community, have made on developing “Dividends for Life- faith, knowledge, discipline, and morals.” It is also a time to look to the future, as the
faculty and students continue to live the mission of Saint Francis of Assisi School at school and home.
As plans
begin for the upcoming academic year 2010- 2011 we are confident that SFA will continue to build on our tradition
of excellence. We wish to point to a path of affirmation and hope. We affirm
the meaningfulness of the commitment of our faculty, staff, students, and
alumni. Our hope is that, together, the school community will sustain the
academic excellence of SFA well into the next fifty years and beyond. The
school will continue to broaden and deepen academic and extra-curricula
programs to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve and honor our mission to
academically prepare your child for this technological age. We also continue to
instill the need for community service and outreach as we encourage our
students to imitate Saint Francis as “instruments of peace.”
Our success
is validated in the acceptances of our eighth grade class, in the wonderful
stories shared by alumni spanning five decades, in our national standardized
test scores, and in the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive from the
many good works that our students perform. Students, parents, faculty and
administration have much to be grateful for, much to be proud of, and much to
look forward to in the future.
This past
year brought a remarkable coming together as we merged past and present in
honor of the rich traditions at SFA. We warmly anticipate the return of your
child again next fall as well as, welcome our new incoming students. As the
school prepares, let us pray that our patron, Saint Francis of Assisi,
will guide and enrich us on this important journey.
Attached is the tuition announcement for
the upcoming school year.
Yours
in Christ,
Very Rev. Kevin M. Sepe,Pastor
Vittoria DeBenedictis, M.Ed., Principal
"Total Cost Tuition", PreK-8School Year 2010 – 2011
“TOTAL COST TUITION”
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL, BRAINTREE MA
Kindergarten – Grade 8
INCREASE $200.00 per student
1 Child
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$4,485
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2 Children
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$8,630
|
3 Children
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$12,675
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Pre- Kindergarten
Half Day Program 7:55 A.M. - 12:00 P.M./Full Day 7:55 A.M. - 1:55 P.M.
Pre-K 1 2H (Pre-k 3 year olds, 2 Half Days)
|
$3,075
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Pre-K 1 2F (Pre-k 3 year olds, 2 Full Days)
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$3,225 |
Pre-K 1 3H (Pre-k 3 year olds, 3 Half Days)
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$3,600
|
Pre-K1 3F (Pre-k 3 year olds, 3 Full Days)
|
$4,775
|
Pre-K1 5H (Pre-k 3 year olds, 5 Half Days)
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$4,975
|
Pre-K 1 5F (Pre-k 3 year olds, 5 Full Days)
|
$6,600
|
Pre-K 2 3H (Pre-k 4 year olds, 3 Half Days)
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$3,400b |
Pre-K 2 3F (Pre-k 4 year olds, 3 Full Days)
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$4,575 |
Pre-K2 5H (Pre-k 4 year olds, 5 Half Days)
|
$4,775 |
Pre-K2 5F (Pre-k 4 year olds, 5 Full Days)
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$6,400 |
The following are included 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 $5000 k-8 and $7,000 pre-k to educate each student in the 2010-2011 school year. Fortunately, the parish has generously supported and will continue to contribute to Saint Francis of Assisi School. The total cost tuition provides each child with strong academics across the curriculum. We, at SFA, are committed to ensuring the highest quality education, safety, technological and healthy environment along with the faith filled education. A few examples include a full time nurse, a full time guidance counselor, state of the art technology, state of the art security system, and highly qualified teachers. Your $200 increase of tuition will be equal to $1.11 per day(per student). This allows us to provide an affordable Catholic education with more benefits than most other private and public schools are able to offer.
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 2010 and ending April 2011. Parents may elect to pay a single payment on or before July 10, 2009. Bills will be mailed June 1, 2010.
Tuition Assistance
While we realize the affects of our declining economy, it is still necessary to increase the tuition, as well as, continue with our fundraising efforts as our costs have and continue to increase. We are also aware that many job losses have and will continue to occur. Please note, needs based tuition assistance continues to be available. A deadline is noted to apply for tuition assistance. However, please know if your economic status should change during the school year we will make every effort to work with our families in need.
For those who are applying at this time, 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 1, 2010. Please note, income tax forms are necessary to process applications. No exceptions!
FUNDRAISING IS A COMMITMENT THAT MUST BE SHARED BY EVERYONE!
Advancing the Mission of SFA
The cost of providing a strong, value-based education for
each child enrolled at SFA is significantly higher than the annual tuition. It
is our goal to keep tuition accessible without sacrificing the quality of
education. We are grateful to have subsidized support from our parish church,
but it is not enough to fill the gap. Fundraising is an essential component of
our long-term financial planning.
- First,
in the fall you will receive holiday cards.
- Second,
in the spring the Advancement Office, in collaboration with the guild,
organizes the *Spring Gala/
Auction.
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 continuous upgrade of curriculum,
technology, and expanded sports programs, as well as the continued upkeep of
our school building. We also envision further long term enhancements such as
the installation of new windows.
* Friars’ Club- Each family is a member of the
Friars’ Club. Four raffle numbers are
assigned to a family for the chance to win a cash prize. There are eight winners per month.
*Holiday Cards (Christmas Cards)- A calendar offering
31 days of cash prizes, trips, gift certificates, etc.
*Spring Gala
Auction – An event which often includes golf, live auction, silent
auction, and dinner. A person who has
been an integral part of the SFA community is honored. A portion of the profit goes towards the
Father Sheehy Tuition Assistance Fund.
SFA's Faith-Filled Past...Looking to 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:
ü Flexible Pre-kindergarten Program (2 days, 3 days, and 5
days- half and full days)
ü Two new prekindergarten classrooms (3 year olds and 4 year
olds)
ü full day kindergarten
classes
ü Spanish taught as a subject in grades Pre-k – 8
ü Italian taught in grades K – 8
ü Art teacher for all grades
ü Full time certified school nurse
ü C.P.R. trained faculty members
ü Math/reading specialist
ü Full time guidance
counselor
ü Junior National Honor Society
ü Buddy Programs (to develop skills and leadership qualities)
ü Extended Day /and Before School Program
ü Summer Program
ü Ceiling fans and new lights in all classrooms
ü Crisis Management
Program (developed with local law representatives)
ü New fire alarms in the classrooms and halls
ü Video cameras in the school hall, at the doors, and in the
parking lot
ü Buzzer and monitor locks on main door (visitors must be
“buzzed” into the building)
ü New security alarm system
ü Lockers for all students in grades pre-k-8
ü New desks and chairs for all students
ü New desks and chairs for teachers
ü Computers in the classrooms for students and teacher
ü Updated computer lab (new computers and furniture)
ü Two flat screen computers in each classroom for integration
of technology within the curriculum
ü SMART Boards - grades
k- 8 and computer lab
ü Airliners
ü Computer server room
ü Internet access for teachers and students
ü Connect-Ed Communication System
ü Teacher-Ease (Web-based Grade book and Student Management
System)
ü Conference room for meetings with parents or for testing
purposes
ü New stair treads on all staircases
ü Open Court Reading Program
ü John Collins Writing Program
ü New handwriting program
ü Current textbooks
ü New outside doors
ü Recently renovated girls’ and boys’ bathrooms (school hall ,1st and
2nd floor)
ü SFA web page including homeroom newsletters and homework
ü Full and part time paraprofessionals (grades: pre- k, k , 1,
and 2 )
ü Upgrade of kitchen (in collaboration with Braintree Public
Schools)
ü Purchase of Tenney Road property
ü Peaceful Playground
ü Football Program
ü Radio Disney recess twice a year
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 and
your support, this vision will continue to be a reality!
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