from diverse economic backgrounds that mirror the Sacramento
community and reflect the diversity of our Diocese. The multitude of family histories and experiences also contribute to the
rich diversity that is the changing face of St. Francis Catholic
High School.
What excites you about the future of St. Francis?
MC: It is projected that technology jobs for our graduates will
grow over 20% by 2020. Currently, only 25% of computing technology jobs are held by women. It is essential that our students
have the opportunity to take courses or participate in activities
that promote familiarity with various technology careers. This
is why I am excited about our goal of introducing more technology courses over the next few years. In addition, our partnership
with UC Davis’ C-STEM (Computing, Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) Program, will give our students
the opportunity to participate in University of California approved courses that prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.
I am also very excited about our newly redesigned Resource
Program and Study Skills course. It is through this program that
we have been able to better support students of differing learning
styles, creating greater success both in and outside the classroom.
FD: I would love to bring a summer internship program to
our students. Students could connect with alumnae working
in fields of student interest to establish a six-week intensive
summer internship experience. Students would get exposure to
real-life professional fields and alumnae get to re-connect with
St. Francis and contribute to bettering the lives and experiences
of our students. Many students write college essays about career
aspirations or potential college majors with little to no experience in their supposed field of interest. An internship experience would bridge this gap in knowledge. And it doesn’t hurt
that it would look great on a college or work application! I’m
also excited to continue learning about our campus community.
Spending more time in our classrooms is my most immediate
goal. I love directly experiencing our girls in an academic setting.
They are intellectually uninhibited in the classroom and it is a
thrill to witness. They ask questions, give answers (both right
and wrong answers!), and learn to love learning. In a single gender classroom, they focus less on self-scrutiny and more on the
value of their contributions. It is inspiring to watch our students
interact with faculty. The more time I spend in classrooms, the
more I know and understand the culture of our school.
How do you spend your time outside of school?
MC: As a wife, and mother of two young children, free time is
mostly spent enjoying family activities or shuttling the kids to
various school and sporting activities. My children attend St.
John Notre Dame in Folsom, and we take an active role in their
education where we assist with the annual Fun Run and school
musical. When the family is not wrapped up in school events
or sports, we hit the road! The Sacramento area is so rich in
California history, and my goal is to see as many points of interest as possible.
FD: I have three children who attend Our Lady of Assumption
School in Carmichael. Their activities in and outside of the
classroom take up a lot of my free time, but they are a joy to be
around. I am a huge proponent of volunteerism and I have pursued some of my passions for education and sports through getting involved in and around our community. I serve on the board
of Playmakers, a non-profit organization providing after-school
reading programs and free summer football camps to 3rd and
4th graders from low resource backgrounds. I also volunteer for
the Alumni and Admissions offices at Stanford University, and
the School of Education at UC Davis. Between my kids, our St.
Francis students and volunteering, there isn’t much free time left!
Congratulations Mr. Gracyk!
Congratulations to English teacher, Mr. Tim Gracyk, who was
awarded the Barbara Lighthouse for Literacy Award for “serving as
a beacon of light in developing literacy and the love of reading in
young people!” Mr. Gracyk was nominated by Principal Rodgers
and was honored on April 13, 2016 by Joanne Arellanes from
the Sacramento Reading Association for his service to our school
and our students. Mr. Gracyk is a wonderful teacher, mentor
and colleague. We are truly blessed that he is in our English
Department and part of our school. Our girls are better students
and people for knowing him. We are all better for knowing him!
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