What can I say? December has been another busy month here at St. Francis. The Christmas spirit was truly felt throughout the St. Francis community. The students and staff demonstrated their generosity through services projects in which they adopted families, took up collections of toys, clothing, etc. to make things “brighter” for those in need.

Not only did the students and staff demonstrate their generosity this month, but so did our parents in our annual Teachers Christmas Fund. Our faculty and staff really appreciate this “something extra”. We all know how hard they work for our children, and this is just another way for us to show our appreciation. Thank you to all of the parents who donated and a big THANK YOU to Marianne Hale for coordinating this event.

On December 16th our Band and Chorus held the BEST Christmas concert ever! If you did not have the opportunity to attend, you certainly missed out. As I sat there and listened to the performances, I was totally amazed at the talent of the students we have here and by the total dedication and enthusiasm that Mrs. Schroeder and Mr. Mamminga have for these students. It definitely put me in the Christmas Spirit – can’t wait until the Spring Concert!

The “Taking Chances for St. Francis” committees are busy working to make this a fun and profitable evening. If you haven’t already done so, please purchase your raffle tickets – there will be an early bird drawing on December 30 th. Please see website for further information. This is our major fundraiser of the year, and I encourage all of you to get involved!

As the first semester comes to an end, I wish you and your families a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New year. Let the light of Christ shine in your homes and lives this Christmas!

Sue Ferraro

Attention parents of 8th grade students:  The entrance exam will be given at
St. Francis on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 8:00 AM. (Drop-off and pick-up students on west side of building in circle at door #19 or on east side of building at door #12). There is a $30 test fee (checks may be made out to St. Francis) due by Monday, January 7, 2008. The exam takes about 3 1/2 hours with one 20-minute refreshment break. (Note: Calculators are not allowed.)

If you have any questions, contact Meg Olsen at (630)668-5800 ext. 120.

One-Third of High School Seniors Say They Drive While Impaired

Below is an abstract taken from the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. The findings conclude that impaired driving by youth remains a serious problem and should be taken seriously by parents of teens.

Below are statistics from a survey that was done by the Illinois Youth Survey at St. Francis in spring of 2006. Our students mirror the national statistics. Unfortunately, this is a problem that crosses all levels of socio-economic, demographic, race/ethnicity and family structure boundaries and we are not immune.

In 2006 sophomores at St. Francis were surveyed and 35% of our 10th grade students and 56% of our seniors had used alcohol at least once in the past 30 days.

“Large numbers of American adolescents are putting themselves and others at great risk by driving while under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol, according to a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 2006, 30 percent of high school seniors reported driving after drinking heavily or using drugs, or riding in a car whose driver had been drinking heavily or using drugs, at least once in the prior two weeks. These findings are based on data obtained from the Monitoring the Future study, in which nationally representative samples of high school seniors have been surveyed annually since 1975. The data analysis is published in the November issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.” Link to article

One of our toughest challenges is to help our students avoid the perils of alcohol and drug use. Here are some tips to keep them safe at parties.

When the party is at your house:
Limit party attendance. Do not allow the “open party” situation.
Set a time for the party to end.
Designate “off limits” rooms in your house.
Remove any family liquor from accessible areas.
Invite other adults to help chaperone.
Be visible.
Occasionally check on food and drinks. Monitor your yard.
No leaving the party and then returning.
Open cans and containers cannot be brought to the party.
Backpacks and coats must be left at the door.
Never allow anyone that you suspect is under the influence to drive.
If unwanted guests refuse to leave don’t hesitate to call the police.

When the party is elsewhere:
CALL the host parent, offer to send snacks, get assurance that they will be present and that alcohol or drugs will not be permitted.
Know how your child will get to and from the party.
Verify any plans to stay overnight with the host parent. Be wary of impromptu sleepovers.
Establish firm clear rules against driving under the influence or riding with someone who is under the influence.
BE AWAKE when your child come home or have him\her awaken you to assess whether your child has been using drugs or alcohol.

(Source NASN, Illinois Youth Survey 2006)

Donna Hoscheit RN