The HSO, or Home School Organization, is made up of SFX parents who are committed to:
- cultivating a dynamic and inclusive school community
- underwriting a portion of the school’s operational budget, which in turns keeps tuition affordable
- providing significant contributions in the area of enrichment specific to student life, teacher appreciation and the overall experience of SFX parents and families.
Truly, the vitality and interconnectedness of the SFX HSO sets it apart from the parent organizations of most other schools. The HSO calls all school parents to find a way to participate through this forum, whether through a key leadership role such as the oversight of events, or through the donation of a few hours of time scattered over the course of the school year. We are all called to give back, modeling for our children the importance of citizenship and service.
HSO leadership meets on a monthly basis and is organized much like any other board, with a Chair (or Co-Chairs), a Secretary, and a number of slates filled by individuals representing the interests of the board. All school parents are welcome at HSO meetings, which take place on the first Tuesday of every month at 8:15am in the Providence Room of the parish offices.
The HSO realizes its mission through three primary initiatives: programming, events and fundraisers.
PROGRAMMING
The HSO underwrites a portion of the costs of fall and winter After School Clubs that are open to all K-8 students. Students pay a nominal fee to attend 6-7 weeks of instruction in an area of interest. The catalog of classes rotates each semester to include several new options. Typical offerings include cheerleading, chess, glee club, arts & crafts and cooking. The HSO also connects the school with the community’s Civics and Safety initiative, monitoring traffic and safety concerns and providing bicycle safety instruction to campus every spring. The organization manages the Room Parent program, which identifies point people in every homeroom to help lead and disseminate information. The HSO is also pleased to organize a Green Living Committee to partner with school administration to ensure that school and parent/family initiatives are executed with care and concern for a healthy planet.
EVENTS
Events are an important part of life at St. Francis Xavier: they help to raise funds while also building community. See our events page for detailed information about the HSO’s signature and recurring events.
FUNDRAISING
A limited number of fundraising programs have been sponsored by the HSO with the goal of reducing volunteer burden. In past years, fundraisers have included gift wrap and spirit wear sales. Currently, the Scrip program is the focus of HSO fundraising efforts because it asks families to purchase items they are buying every day. SFX families are solicited for financial gifts four times every year in support of essential funds. An additional capital campaign called “To Teach Who Christ Is,” with a focus on catholic education, is also currently underway through the Archdiocese of Chicago.
LEARN ABOUT SCRIP AND HOW TO SIGN UP
REVIEW ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGNS
Contact bbkirkendall@comcast.net to learn more about how you can become involved through the SFX HSO.
