At de Sales, Our Gratitude Starts With You
Friends,
Happy November, Pioneer family!
More than any other month, November invites us to slow down for a moment, to take stock of the good in our lives—and, more importantly, the people who make that good possible. Here at 10155, we have plenty to be thankful for, because behind each new opportunity, behind each returning tradition, behind each reason to celebrate, are people who care deeply about St.Francis de Sales High School and the community it serves.
And this past month offered some wonderful reminders of that truth.
Our annual Trunk or Treat welcomed more than 500 trunk-or-treaters, bringing families, neighbors, and friends together for an afternoon of Halloween fun. We are grateful to the volunteers, participating businesses, and families who, as usual, made it such a success. Seeing so many people come together here is a reminder of how much it means for de Sales to be a place where our neighbors feel welcome and connected.
That same sense of welcome is helping guide the work happening inside our building. Thanks to the Lowe’s Community Grant and the tireless efforts of so many, first-floor renovations are nearing completion, including our Welcome Center, Community Closet, and Advocate Clinic. These improvements reflect more than simply “enhancing” our building—they speak to the care we want people—students, families, and community residents alike, to experience when they walk through our doors at 10155. A welcoming entrance, access to essential items, and a space to receive care all communicate something important: you belong here, your needs matter, and this school is invested in your well-being.
We are grateful to everyone helping us put that commitment into practice.
We also have an exciting new reason to look toward the future. CBS Chicago recently featured our new Quantum Science Lab, supported by a $20,000 donation from PsiQuantum. The lab will expand hands-on learning and introduce students to emerging career possibilities. We want every student to approach the future with confidence and curiosity, to see new developments in the world and recognize that they can have a place in shaping them. We are thankful for the support making those opportunities possible and encourage you to watch the CBS story (https://shorturl.at/3ceDT) and share in our excitement.
There is plenty to celebrate in Pioneer athletics, too. While our girls’ volleyball and boys’ soccer seasons have come to an end, we could not be prouder of our student-athletes, or more excited about the return of both programs. Our entire Pioneer family extends its thanks to volleyball coach Christiana Colon and soccer coach Lou Santellano for the time, energy, and heart they have invested in our students. Bringing a program back takes patience, dedication, and people willing to build something together. Both teams gave us a great deal to cheer for this season, and yet we know they are just getting started.
Our gratitude also extends to the local organizations working every day to strengthen the neighborhood we call home. This year, we are proud to sponsor an East Side Hoops team, continuing the spirit of our ongoing support for the East Side Little League. We also recently supported our neighborhood Planet Fitness in its fundraising for the Boys & Girls Club. We appreciate the local institutions that give our young people places to play, grow, find encouragement, and build relationships. Supporting their work is one way we can give back to a community that has given so much to de Sales.
And as we celebrate all that is happening today, we are already preparing to welcome the next generation of Pioneers. We are now a little over a month away from our Class of 2031 Entrance Exam on Saturday, December 5. Our current families and alumni remain among our strongest advocates. When you share your de Sales experience with a friend, neighbor, or prospective family, you help them understand what makes this community special in a way that no advertisement can. Thank you for continuing to tell that story—and for encouraging the eighth graders in your lives to take the next step toward becoming Pioneers.
John F. Kennedy once reminded us that “the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
We see that kind of appreciation in the people who keep showing up for this school: those who volunteer their time, open doors for our students, support our neighbors, and carry their Pioneer pride long after graduation.
So much of what we are able to do begins with you.
As November begins, please know how thankful we are that you remain part of the de Sales story.
Wishing you and your loved ones a month filled with connection, kindness, and plenty of reasons to give thanks.
With Gratitude, Hope and Appreciation💙💛 ,
Mr.Sanchez
