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Interested in our 125 year history? We have archives dating back to the 1890's. Alumni Archives Take a walk down memory lane! Due to our 129 year history, our archives have grown to such a large collection that it needs to be housed in its own room. Most of the archives have been digitalized and grouped into decades. Want to see original photos and ledgers? Interested in our school history, your class history or even an ancestor's history? To access the archives digitally or to make an appointment to see the original archives, please email us at jgonong@stfranciselem.org Want to help us to build St. Francis School archives? Please email scanned photos (minimum 300dpi), class lists, stories or other historical records to jgonong@stfranciselem.org or send them to 2500 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, C/o Alumni - Mr Gonong.

Find out if your child is ready for Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten on our readiness page. TK & Kindergarten Readiness Transitional Kindergarten Readiness Welcome to the Transitional Kindergarten class at St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School! Transitional Kindergarten, TK, is the beginning of your child’s elementary journey! It is our mission to nurture the whole child, spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially as they grow. TK is a wonderful opportunity for students to acquire academic confidence before entering Kindergarten. This bonus academic year is also a gift of time for students who need more time maturing socially and emotionally. TK is a bridge from Pre-K to Kindergarten, and we recommend that students have preschool experience prior to entering TK. It is our mission to help your child build a foundation that will foster a love for learning to carry them through each grade year and beyond. TK Age Per the Sacramento Diocese, students must be 4 years old by the start of the school year and turn 5 within the year. Students who turn 5 years old in June, July, or August, are also eligible for Transitional Kindergarten. TK Curriculum Our curriculum is a blend of preschool based social & emotional development with modified age appropriate Common Core Kindergarten State Standards that are taught through 4 IB units of inquiry. What academic skills should my child have before Transitional kindergarten? In order to show TK readiness, your child should be able to: recognize and name basic shapes: square, circle, triangle, and rectangle recognize and name numbers 0-5, even when they are out of order count to 10 count 10 objects, pointing to each one as they count say or sing the alphabet recognize many of the capital letters of the alphabet identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack recognize & know the letters in order of their first name write their first name (it doesn’t have to look perfect!) sort items by size, color, or shape hold a book and turn pages identify some letter sound What other things (non-academic) does my child need to know how to do before kindergarten? Your child should be able to: put on their coat and zip it up Put on their shoes independently take turns and share sit quietly and listen follow simple directions use the bathroom by themselves (including zipping and buttoning pants, and privacy rules!) put on their backpack hold a pencil or crayon with tripod grip cut with scissors put things away wash their hands with soap use a tissue to wipe their nose cough into their elbow stand in line drink from a drinking fountain raise their hand and wait to be called on open any food containers in their lunch or be able to ask for help Some extra things parents can do to get their child ready for TK: Teach kindness & respect (for rules, property, and people). Do activities at home where prekinders have to listen without interrupting, take turns, focus on the same activity for 15 minutes, use manners, etc. Read, read, read and read some more! Give them opportunities to play with other children. Give them some responsibilities and teach them to follow through. Teach nursery rhymes and songs. Give them chances to be away from home and family so they feel comfortable and confident when they come to school. Give them opportunities to be independent! "We could not be happier with our choice to send our daughters to St. Francis Elementary. The community is warm and welcoming, and the teachers and staff are committed to fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth for every student. For our family, a robust performing arts program was essential, and we love how the arts are woven into the academic and co-curricular school day with Ms. Stites' music classes and in-class theatre performances. Principal Hrga knows each child by name, as do all the faculty and staff members, and they work together as a team to provide a holistic education that recognizes the individualism of each child. My children feel safe and loved at school, even in the midst of the pandemic, which for us as parents is invaluable. We are so thankful to have found this wonderful school community!" - Parent Testimonial Kindergarten Readiness Kindergarten Curriculum: Scholastic Reading Program, Envision Math, Common Core Standards taught through 4 IB units of inquiry. What academic skills should my child have before kindergarten? In order to show kindergarten readiness, your child should be able to: recognize and name basic shapes: square, circle, triangle, and rectangle recognize and name numbers 1-10, even when they are out of order count to 20 count 10 objects, pointing to each one as they counts say or sing the alphabet recognize most of the letters of the alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase (even out of order) identify colors in an 8-ct crayon pack recognize their first name write their first name sort items by size, color, or shape hold a book and turn pages tell if two words rhyme identify some letter sounds A child doesn’t need to be reading before kindergarten (and most kids aren’t), but they should be read to regularly. Teaching nursery rhymes is a great way to get kids reading-ready: knowing how to rhyme is HUGE when it comes to learning how to read. What other things (non-academic) does my child need to know how to do before kindergarten? Your child should be able to: put on their coat and zip it up tie their shoes take turns and share sit quietly and listen follow simple directions use the bathroom by themselves (including zipping and buttoning pants) put on their backpack hold a pencil or crayon cut with scissors put things away hang their backpack on a hook wash their hands with soap use a tissue to wipe his nose cough into their elbow stand in line drink from a drinking fountain raise their hand and wait to be called on open any food containers in their lunch Some extra things parents can do to get their child ready for Kindergarten: Teach kindness & respect (for rules, property, and people). Do activities at home where pre-kinders have to listen without interrupting, take turns, focus on the same activity for 15 minutes, use manners, etc. Read! Teach them how to hold book, how to turn pages, etc. Give them opportunities to play with other children. Give them some responsibilities and teach them to follow through. Teach nursery rhymes and songs. Give them chances to be away from home and family so they feel comfortable and confident when they come to school. INQUIRIES

We use Renaissance Learning’s STAR assessments and the ACT Aspire (Grades 3-8) are exam tools that empower our teachers to personalize instruction and move students toward meeting or exceeding diocesan learning standards. Test Scores Education at the elementary level is the foundation on which all future education is built. Renaissance Learning’s STAR assessments and the ACT Aspire (Grades 3-8) are exam tools that empower our teachers to personalize instruction and move students toward meeting or exceeding diocesan learning standards. Administered every 9 weeks, STAR assessments provide the valid, reliable and actionable data, which allows for targeted instruction. ACT Aspire, a summative standards exam administered in April, connects student growth from grades 3 – 8, identifying student pathways to high school and ultimately college and career readiness. The integration of these testing methods, in addition to constant communication and collaboration amongst the teaching staff, results in an outstanding spiritual and academic curriculum evidenced by the scores of St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School students which remain consistently well above both diocesan and national standards. Graduates of St. Francis of Assisi Elementary leave our school as devout, well-rounded individuals, amply prepared for the challenges of high school and college. St. Francis Elementary is such a welcoming community. From the sounds of laughter of kids walking down the halls to the smiling faces of the teachers and staff, we truly love everything about being part of the St. Francis family. Our daughter wakes up excited to go to school and as parents, we could not ask for more, Jared & Ashleigh, April 2022 (Parents of a 3rd Grader).

St. Francis Elementary School opened on November 5, 1895, as a two room school staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from St. Joseph’s Academy. This year, we celebrated our 125th Anniversary. School History St. Francis Elementary School opened on November 5, 1895, as a two room school staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from St. Joseph’s Academy. The school, under their direction, expanded to grade twelve by 1947. Several years later, the high school was relocated, and the present site became an elementary school only. The current school was built in July 1924. The town of Gubbio, where Francis first ministered to lepers, sits on the slopes of Mount Igino about 30 kilometers from Assisi and at one time was plagued by a vicious wolf. The stories of the infamous wolf were known throughout the area, and the people of Gubbio lived in fear. Francis decided to put an end to this problem and made his way to the town with one of his companions. He explained his mission, and the townspeople begged the beloved Francis to remain within the town walls for protection, but Francis took his leave to meet the wolf. He took not a shield or a helmet, but asked his quivering companion to go with him. He made the sign of the cross and left the city gate. Almost immediately, the wolf ran from its cover to meet the two men. Francis raised his arm and made the sign of the cross over the wolf and the wolf immediately stopped. Francis spoke, "Brother Wolf, come here. In the name of Christ I command you not to harm anyone anymore." The wolf approached the saint and lay down at the feet of Francis. Francis continued, "Brother Wolf, you have done much harm, not only destroying creatures of God without mercy, but devouring men and women, too, who are made in the image of God. But though you do indeed deserve to be punished, the Lord wants you to make peace with all His creatures instead." This offer of repentance was accepted by the wolf, who placed his paw in Francis' hand as a sign of agreement not to harm God's creatures anymore. Then Francis, his no longer shaking companion, and the wolf marched into Gubbio to the amazement of its citizens. "Repent!" he called to the people of Gubbio. He also advised them to take care of Brother Wolf, who would not now be killing for his sustenance. So from then on, the wolf went from door to door receiving food and love from the people of Gubbio. The Story of St. Francis St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) Patron Saint of Ecology.. St. Francis and the Wolf Learn about our Centennial quilt - Timeline of St. Francis of Assisi School -

Are you a past alumni of St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School? Reconnect, attend events and receive our alumni newsletter. Alumni Connections Worth Keeping... Click on the photos below to read out latest newsletter, find out about alumni events, arrange to see the archives or to update your information. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Stay Connected Newsletter Alumni Events School Archives "Our kids have been at SFE since TK and they are excited 8th graders who will be graduating in May 2020 and heading to Christian Brothers in the fall. We have loved everything about SFE. The community, teachers, extension staff, administration personnel and overall spirit have shaped our kids into the people they are today. Our family feels so blessed to be able to say we got to experience the greatness of SFE", Shari (Graduating 8th Grade Parent) Feb 2020

Find out everything about the St. Francis of Assisi Elementary Choir. Choir The SFE School Choir consists of about 60 students in grades 5-8. We practice twice a week either during lunch recess or twice a week before school. Not only are we the music ministers during our school Masses, but four times each year we minister at Parish Masses. Additionally, we perform at the Diocesan Choral Festival and showcase our talent at our annual Spring Concert. We are known in the community for singing the National Anthem at the Sacramento Kings, the Sacramento River Cats, and the Sacramento Republic games. We also provide Christmas music for the Diocesan Camp ReCreation Christmas party and other community events. By joining choir, you will have the opportunity to grow your talent and gain confidence as a singer and musician. If you love music this is the place to be! 2022 SFE Choir

St. Francis are pleased to offer an extended care from 7am to 6pm (outside of class time) for all students TK through to 8th grade. Extension Patti Sanchez, Director of Extension Eric Church, Associate Director of Extension and Food Service Manager (916) 443-0388 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM School Days The Extension Program serves families who desire a parochial school education with supplementary daycare in a Catholic Christian environment. It provides professional care, supervision, recreation and enrichment opportunities. Children grades TK through 8 experience a rich diversity of growth activities designed to complement the schools philosophy and mission. Arts and crafts projects, science experiments, free play, games and organized recreation are just a few of the enriching programs offered. Children also enjoy the integration of music and dance. Throughout the school year special activities are offered that center around monthly themes, as well as special events such as el Dia de Los Muertos celebration and the end of the year Water Fight. Time is allotted for supervised homework with resource materials available. All children are provided a snack. There is a designated nap time for Transitional Kinders. The Extension Program is staffed by an experienced Director and dedicated Extension Aides devoted to providing attention, security, consistency, and fair treatment to all children. They maintain a supervised atmosphere where respect and understanding for others is acknowledged and ensured. St. Francis Elementary Extension Program is solely funded by extension fees. It is not subsidized by the parish or covered by school financial assistance. To enroll in Extension after the start of the school year, contact the Finance Office. Late enrollment fees are pro-rated. Drop-in and hourly rate care are not available. Extension Handbook Emergencies/Safety With the children's safety and well-being in mind, it is most important that the parent fill out an emergency card, and then adhere to the instructions given. Please keep your child's emergency card information current. Some of the most important regulations concerns the child's leaving the premises of the Extension Program Parents or guardians should not take children from the school yard or other areas without notifying the Extension Program staff and signing the child out. Parent or guardians should not send persons who are not listed in FACTs as an Emergency pick up to ask for the release of children. For the child's safety, the release will not be granted. In special circumstances, a parent or guardian may arrange for such a pickup by sending written authorization to the Director. Anyone checking the child out must show a current picture ID, whether the person is listed in FACT's as an emergency pick up or whether it is by special arrangements with the Director. Another area of concern, related to the child's welfare, is the matter of telephone. The telephone is used for emergency use only. Pick-ups When a child has not been picked up and no parent contact has been received, the following steps will be taken: The staff will try to contact the parent. Persons listed as an Emergency contact in FACT's furnished by the parent will be contacted in order to locate someone who can pick up the child immediately. The Sacramento Police Department will be contacted if all efforts to arrange for a pick-up are unsuccessful. When the Police assume responsibility for a child, the child is taken to: The Children's Receiving Home 3555 Auburn Boulevard Telephone: 482-2370 Illness or Accident Medication will not be administered unless a Medication Form authorizing the staff to assist the child in taking such medication is on file. In cases, which appear to be of minor nature, First Aid will be administered on the premises. In cases which appear serious, the Program Director will make an effort to carry out the instructions as given in FACT's. Parents who do not wish their child treated in any way should indicate such on FACT's, and should give directions to be followed. Parents will be expected to make provisions for taking sick children home. The Extension Program does not have facilities for transportation of children. If the parent or guardian does not supply adequate emergency instructions, or if the instructions given can not be followed at the time of the emergency, the Program staff will act accordingly to their best judgement for the welfare of the child. Hygiene Since this is a school age situation, it is assumed that all students are toilet trained and can take care of themselves. However, we all know that occasionally "accidents happen" when dealing with children. We do have a few sets of "emergency underwear", etc. at the center. If a child wets his clothes, he will be given a dry set to change into, and the wet items will be sent home. If a child has a bowel movement in his clothes, the parent or guardian will be called to change him. The teachers will not be expected to clean the child. Please return all "emergency clothes" after laundering. Homework Each day a homework period is scheduled in the lunch room, with one or more teachers/teacher aides available for tutorial help. It is the child's responsibility to acknowledge his/her assignment and then to use the resources available. The Extension Staff has no way of knowing what work, if any, has been assigned to which students. Absences If you know in advance that a child will be absent from the center for any amount of time, please notify the Director in writing. If a parent takes a child from the school for any reason, the Extension program should be notified that day. Toys From Home It is requested that children not bring toys from home. Often these items are very personal and important, so the child feels they must be defended and protected. This is not consistent with the "sharing" atmosphere encouraged in our large family atmosphere. If a personal toy becomes a problem source, it will be confiscated until the child leaves for home. If this problem persists, the toy will be confiscated until the end of the month. Termination Extension Program services to the family and/or an individual child may be terminated by the Director, after consultation with the school principal. Such cancellation of services will be given with one week's written notice, and for the following causes: Abuse of the Extension Center hours (chronic late pick-ups), Non-payment of the Extension Program fees, Failure of the parent/guardian or child to respect the safety and rights of other individuals in the Extension Program. Expectations for Children's Behavior As members of a Christian and caring community, the children will be expected to respect the staff, each other, and the materials and environment provided. They must never leave the building or grounds without explicit permission of the staff of the Extension Program. Such permission will only be granted by order of the parent or guardian. Policy: What is an Extension Program? An Extension Program is before and after school care for regularly enrolled children who are in Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade. It is staffed by school personnel, serves only the children enrolled at the school and can only be offered on days school is in session. (This does include minimum days.) The Extension Program is not open on the last day before Christmas Vacation and the last day of school.

Catch up with past classmates at alumni events throughout the year. Alumni Events Our Next Event....... Alumni Evening - Friday, October 7, 2022 To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. 125th Drive-Thru Legacy Tunnel Friday 6th November 1-5:30pm

Tuition, Extension and Financial Aid at St. Francis. Tuition & Fees We have been a part of the St. Francis Elementary School community for five years. When we first toured St. Francis, we immediately knew that we had finally found the right school for our children. St. Francis offers a well-rounded education starting in TK (including Music, Spanish, Technology, Physical Education, and Art classes). Not only does St. Francis offer an amazing education, but they also nurture each student’s social-emotional well-being, and compassion for others is regularly incorporated into the curriculum and school activities. All of the staff at St. Francis, including the office and extension personnel, are friendly and caring. We have always been impressed that on the first day of school, the staff knows each student by name, and every morning throughout the school year, the students are personally greeted by administration and staff. St. Francis truly feels like a family, and we feel incredibly blessed to be a part of such a supportive and diverse community. - Parent of a 3rd Grader and a TK Student Tuition Rates Number of Students 1 Student 2 Students 3 Students 4 Students Tuition 2025-2026 School Year $7,735 $15,470 $23,205 4th Student No Charge 3% Early Pay Tuition Discount if paid in full by 6/30/2025 $7503 $15,006 $22,509 4th Student No Charge Extension Charge - Per student Transitional Kindergarten to Grade 8/Student - Full-time (available daily until 6pm) - $4,000 Flat Rate per year - Part-time (available daily until 4:30pm) - $3,200 Flat Rate per year Fees Application and Testing / New Student $60 *Registration Fee (includes $50 Classroom Fee & FACTS Fees / Student $700 **Late Registration / Returning Student $50 Returned Item Charge / Activity $35 Sports Activity Fee / Sport / Track & Cross Country / VB / Basketball / Golf / Flag Football Range in price depending on sport Interim Extension Fee (available for student athletes) $20 8th Grade Graduation Fee / Student $100 Early pay tuition, full tuition and full extension may be paid with checks, money orders, cash or credit card checks. No credit cards may be used for these amounts if paid directly to the school. Credit cards may be used for tuition and extension amounts if paid through FACTS. A service fee applies. Notes *Non-refundable Fees - Registration Fees are non-refundable. **Late Registration Fee / Returning Student – To avoid a late fee assessment, the School Registration Fee along with the accompanying paperwork must be received by the registration deadline. ++Extension Registration / Family - Students may enroll in Extension whenever a decision for placement in the school's extended care program is made. Students enrolled in Extension may not withdraw and re-enroll multiple times within the school year. For staffing purposes, a 2 week notice prior to the start date is requested. All arrangements for Extension are made through the school finance office. Financial Aid Financial Aid, based on demonstrated need, is available for registered students attending St. Francis of Assisi Elementary. Applications are processed through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, the schools’ tuition data service. Information provided to FACTS is confidential and reviewed by the Principal and Director of Finance in determining awards. Grant amounts are subject to the funds available through the contributions of designated scholarships, bequests and the generosity of individual donors. To find out more or to apply: Financial Aid FACTS Website FACTS

Our family fun event is back! BBQ, dancing, raffle and community. From 5:30pm until the cows go home. September 26, 2025 - 5:30pm-9:00pm School Courtyard Please note - Food will be served 6:00pm-7:30p m Tickets Volunteers & Donations

Calling all golf enthusiasts! We are holding our annual golf tournament, with proceeds raised benefiting students at St. Francis Elementary. Golf Tournament Our 5th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, September 15th, 2023 Wildhorse Golf Club Registration Thank You to Our Sponsors

Schoolwide Learning Expectations - Spiritual, Aacademic, Respectful, Responsible and Confident. Schoolwide Learning Expectations A St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School Student is: Spiritual: Understands Franciscan, Catholic faith Demonstrates and reflects Gospel values Shows a love of God, others and self Actively leads and participates in prayer celebrations Academic: Demonstrates, curiosity, inquiry, and respect for learning Actively solves problems and thinks critically Is knowledgeable and shares gifts and talents Respectful: Models the charism of St. Francis Cares for God’s creation Is open-minded and practices good citizenship Appreciates diversity & uniqueness Principled: Makes Christ-like decisions Practices self-discipline Owns his/her choices Is honest and trustworthy Confident: Balanced and recognizes self-worth Communicates, leads and cooperates Embraces challenges Takes risks and perseveres I cannot say enough great things about St. Francis of Assisi Elementary school. Since our son transferred in 4th grade it has truly been the best decision we have made for him. The solid academics were enhanced by the addition of the International Baccalaureate program and have created so many new opportunities for learning for students. We have also enjoyed the strong sense of community and the school’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for each child. When we leave next year after 8th grade we will truly miss the family that St. Francis has been for us these past several years. You could not make a better choice of schools in the Sacramento area - Parent Testimonial