Catholic Schools Week | St Francis de Sales School: A Journey | An Essay by Meredith Modelski (January 17, 2018)

St. Francis de Sales School has shaped me into the person I am today, and there are many reasons why I value my educational experience at the school. It is very easy to take privileges for granted, but when I stop to think about the opportunities St. Francis de Sales School has granted me and so many other children, I learned to appreciate my educational experience even more. If a student attends St. Francis de Sales School, he or she will get a valuable education, will become prepared for high school, and will gain beneficial social skills and relationships.

One of the most important necessities people often overlooked is a valuable education. Sure, all of us here have received some sort of education, but have the things you learned in school helped you to better yourself in the future? Hopefully, your answer is yes, but at St. Francis, you won’t even need to hope; it is guaranteed that the information a student learns will help them later on in life. Not only do the children at St Francis de Sales become well-rounded students from the diverse classes, but they will also learn at a pace that is right for them. With multiple levels of each class, students can understand and grasp information at a rate that suits his or her learning capabilities.

Keeping up good grades is highly praised at St. Francis de Sales School. Since many students are taught to value the importance of keeping their grades up in elementary and middle school, they will be prepared to do the same in high school and in their years beyond. During my years at St. Francis, I have learned the benefits that come with carrying about the work, time, and effort being put into school. Because of St. Francis’ praise and encouragement to maintain commendable grade averages, I know that I will be determined to do just as well, if not better in my high school years, and years beyond.  One positive thing about the grading scale provided at St. Francis de Sales School is that it is more stringent compared to other schools, so the students that attend SFS are likely to easily succeed when they are presented with a more lenient grading scale in the future.

Along with education provided at SFS, the social skills and relationships that I’ve developed during my time at the school has had a positive effect on my life. Since the children at St. Francis de Sales School range in ages from 3 to 14, I’ve learned to socialize with many different children of all ages. The sports and clubs offered at SFS have helped me make so many friends during my experience here. I am involved in many school activities, but one that has really shaped me as a person are the musicals. I always had a goal to be in the musicals ever since I was very young at St Francis. Little did I know that I would end up creating so many friendships that would last forever just by being more involved. I developed a strong interest in singing, acting, and in general, entertaining just from being in the school musicals; they are always something to look forward to after the school day. Being in the oldest grade of the school automatically makes the 8th graders role models for the rest of the school students. This helps us to set a good example for the younger grades and to learn to be more aware of our actions.  Since all children are welcome at St. Francis de Sales School, the students here are taught to be kind and accepting towards each other. Something that brings nearly every student closer together is the faith-based education. If you send your child to St. Francis, they will develop a closer relationship with God. Not all schools offer religious education, but St. Francis de Sales School can help any student grow closer to his or her faith. When I came to St. Francis in first grade, I didn’t know much about my own religion. Now as an eighth grader, I have a much better understanding of my religion, and I have grown closer to God throughout my journey at St Francis.

Some people believe there are too many sacrifices families must be willing to take they are sending the children to St. Francis de Sales, but there are many more positive effects and benefits overall. Money is often a big concern, but the overall decision is worth it in the end and will benefit the student greatly in the future. I know that my parents feel they made the right decision when they sent me here, and I feel that the benefits of the great education outweighed any negative concerns. Another worry among incoming students at St. Francis maybe that they will have to wear uniforms. Coming from a school that didn’t have uniforms, at first I wasn’t all that excited myself. I can now confidently say that uniforms actually have had a positive effect on my life at school. Uniforms reduce the amount of time it takes for students to get ready in the morning, and they can eliminate judgment that comes with comparing clothing.

Overall, by sending your child to St. Francis de Sales School, they will receive a valuable education, they will become prepared for high school, they will gain valuable relationships and social skills. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn and grow here for the past 8 years. It has taught me that I can accomplish my dreams and goals if I put my mind to it. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” St. Francis has taught me to believe in the beauty of my own dreams that I can accomplish anything. Children will thrive with St. Francis de Sales’ positive environment that will benefit them for their entire life.  I know I have, and all of the lessons I’ve learned here at St. Francis will stay with me forever.