St. Francis Xavier School

Look What’s Happening in STEM at St. Francis Xavier: Solar Ovens and S’mores!

Students at St. Francis Xavier recently explored the power of the sun by building solar ovens as part of an exciting hands-on science activity in Mrs. K. Huggins’ 7th –8th classes. Using simple materials and sunlight, students investigated how solar energy can be captured and converted into heat.

During the experiment, students in Mrs. Higgins’ class placed the ingredients for s’mores in their solar ovens and observed how the sun’s energy warmed them enough to melt the chocolate and marshmallows. Through this fun and engaging project, students gained a deeper understanding of renewable energy, heat transfer, and insulation. One of the key discoveries students made was how aluminum foil helps reduce heat loss and acts as a reflective surface, directing the sun’s energy into the oven. The foil reflected sunlight toward the plastic wrap covering the top of the oven, trapping heat inside and raising the temperature.

Students also explored the science behind black paper inside the oven. They learned that black surfaces absorb heat rather than reflect it, which made the oven warmer and helped melt the chocolate and marshmallows more effectively. Throughout the activity, students recorded their observations and reflected on what worked well and what they might do differently in future experiments. Their enthusiasm for the project was evident as they discussed their results and the science behind the process. Most importantly, the students had a wonderful time learning through discovery. Not only did they gain a greater appreciation for the power of the sun and renewable energy, but they also enjoyed the sweet reward at the end—their delicious, sun-melted s’mores!

The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Crucis, is a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s journey from condemnation to His crucifixion and burial on Good Friday. Through prayer and reflection at each station — often represented by sacred images or carvings within the church — the faithful spiritually walk alongside Christ in His suffering. This devotion serves as a “mini pilgrimage,” inviting us to slow down, reflect deeply, and unite our own challenges with Christ’s sacrifice. It is especially meaningful during Lent and on Good Friday.

We are proud that our students are leading this sacred pilgrimage during Lent at school. Their reverence, preparation, and prayerful participation reflect the spiritual growth we strive to nurture each day. May this Lenten journey continue to draw us closer to Christ and to one another as a faith community.

We are excited to announce that St. Francis Xavier Catholic School has launched a fundraiser in partnership with Coca-Cola United. Funds raised will support expenses related to extracurricular activities and classroom supplies. Your order will be delivered and can be picked up from the school on March 10th between 2:30 Pm – 4:00 PM. Thanks in advance for your support.

Fundraiser Details:

Selling Period: February 23, 2026 – March 8, 2026
Product Pickup: March 10, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
When placing an order, please select the Homeroom Teacher you wish to support. Order by scanning the QR code below or visiting:
https://www.cocacolaunitedd2c.com/StFrancisXavierFundraiser

Register your child today for enrollment into St. Francis Xavier Catholic School for the 2026-27 school year; Your Future Mustang Experience Awaits You.” For more information, visit www.sfxbr.org or scan the QR Code.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School proudly kicked off Catholic Schools Week by honoring one of our own, Ms. Christina Boatner, during the Distinguished Graduate Dinner.
Ms. Boatner is a third-generation graduate of St. Francis Xavier and now continues that legacy as the proud parent of three children currently enrolled at our school. Her commitment to faith, family, and education beautifully reflects the mission and tradition of SFX.

Congratulations, Ms. Boatner, and thank you for being a shining example of our enduring school community!

Wishing you a Christmas filled with the peace, joy, and love that only Christ can bring.
Rejoice, for our Savior is born!

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:10–11)

Christmas/Winter Break Notice
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School will be closed for the Christmas/Winter Break from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026.
All students, faculty, and staff will return on Monday, January 5, 2026. From the Faculty, Staff, and Students of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School.

“Faith in the Future: Help Us Keep the Legacy Alive
For over 100 years, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School (SFX) has been a beacon of faith, education, and empowerment in South Baton Rouge’s Black community. Founded in 1920, SFX is more than a school. It is a spiritual home where children grow academically, morally, and spiritually, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

At SFX, education is a transformative tool that breaks cycles of poverty, addresses systemic injustice, and affirms the God-given dignity of every child. For generations, we have opened our doors to families with the greatest need, guided by Catholic social teaching and Daniel Rudd’s vision of educational justice.

Your gift to Faith in the Future will help us:
Celebrate a Sacred Legacy for generations, families like the Coates family have found a home at SFX. Five generations have walked these halls, growing into leaders and even a Josephite priest who now serves in Southern Louisiana. SFX is a place where faith and education flourish together, shaping lives and inspiring vocations. Your support helps this legacy continue for future generations.

Provide Stability During Critical Years SFX offers children a foundation of faith, learning, and care during the most formative years of their lives. In a world filled with uncertainty, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment where students experience daily prayer, strong mentorship, and a community that believes in their potential. Your support ensures that every child can grow academically and spiritually in a place that feels like home.

Inspire Future Church Leaders SFX forms leaders who serve both the Church and society. Alumni like Carson Mack and Aeli Poydras, now seminarians in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, first discovered their vocations here. By supporting Catholic education at SFX, you help inspire future generations to lead with faith and courage.

Together, we can uphold a century-old legacy of justice, education, and faith in action. We need your support by going to https://qrby.de/LFc1J6 or scanning the QR Code. May God continue to bless you. Thank you!”

“It is truly an honor to see our dedicated students, proud parents, hardworking faculty, and special guests gathered here today as we celebrated academic excellence, leadership, and service. Today we officially welcomed and inducted 29 new members into the Middle and Junior Beta Club here at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. We are honored to help training them to embrace every opportunity to grow, lead, and make a lasting positive impact in our community by living out the Beta Club motto: “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.”

Congratulations to all our new members—may you continue to lead by serving others and shine as examples of faith, excellence, and love in action.”

Today was a great day at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School!
Students from Kindergarten through 8th grade participated in the 2025 Literacy Project Fair. This educational experience provided students the opportunity to read, comprehend, create, and present their chosen books through both written and verbal communication to judges selected through the Big Buddy Program.

The primary purpose of the Literacy Fair is to make reading and writing fun and accessible for children, to showcase their work, and to encourage creativity through interactive, literacy-based activities. One judge remarked, “This is by far one of the best literacy fairs I’ve attended and been a part of as a judge. The children were well-prepared and genuinely excited to present their posters.

“The students of SFX School concluded their Mustang Spirit Week with “Mustang Fun Day”! 🎉 It was a joyful day filled with outdoor educational activities, unity, friendship, food, and fun — all in a safe, Christian environment centered on the theme “We Are One.” For more information about St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, visit www.sfxbr.org.
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