April 2024 N&N

From the Head of School

Saint Joseph’s School Prayer

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin and Foster-Father of Jesus Christ; obtain for me and all the members of my family, a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide and model throughout life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Help us, Saint Joseph, in our earthly strife, to fulfill our responsibilities and ever to lead a pure and sinless life. Amen.

Happy Easter from all of us at St. Joseph’s Catholic School! The resurrection of Christ and His ascension to the right hand of the Father is the ultimate sign that He has won the definitive victory over suffering, sin, meaninglessness, despair, and death, bringing forgiveness, life, and hope to all who entrust themselves and their lives into his merciful, nailscarred hands and loving arms. Christ’s resurrection is also a reminder that no situation, circumstance, or difficulty, no matter how painful, convoluted, or seemingly intractable, is beyond hope and the healing, redemptive power of Christ’s living presence made visible today through Church.

Saint Joseph’s Catholic School exists first and foremost to be a sign of the living presence of Christ for our students, their parents, and the community as a whole. Every facet of our school life (academic, athletic, artistic, student life) should have this as its ultimate aim, goal, and standard for evaluation and improvement. To paraphrase something Mrs. J likes to say, while we will often fall short of the execution of this priority, we will continue to be relentless in the pursuit of it.

A Difficult Goodbye

This hope extends to looking for positivity in difficult goodbyes. It is with a mixture of emotions that I inform you that the Director of our High School, Dr. Steven Jones, has accepted an offer to become Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Youngstown in Ohio. Steven will be leaving St. Joseph’s at the end of the school year to begin his new position. This loss, of course, extends beyond Steven to his entire family, including his wife Beth from our middle school classrooms. The impact of Dr. Jones and his family in the school community over the last decade has been immense and transformational. Steven has put his heart, soul, intellect, and multitudinous gifts at the sacrificial service of the school, and we are better as a school and as a community because the Jones family worked, taught, and went to school here. Even as we process Steven’s departure, we rejoice that Dr. Jones and his family now have an opportunity to influence an entire Catholic school system in Ohio. I hope they will soon recognize the treasure they are getting in Steven and the Jones family. Even as we say goodbye, I am reminded of something that the school’s founding board chair, Margaret Ann Moon, loved to

say: God will send us who we need when we need him or her. I have watched this happen time and again at St. Joseph’s and am more than confident He will do that again, just as Steven and his family were sent to the school eleven years ago. Godspeed Steven, Beth, Walker, Pierce, and Tyree Jones!

5 Stars for SJCS Production of The Music Man

Congratulations and thank you to the Cast & Crew of The Music Man! I hope you had a chance to see the show last weekend. It was outstanding. Joy is the word that best describes my experience of the show - joy and gratitude for seeing the seniors on our stage for their last SJCS musical. You’ve “Graced” and trans-”Portered” us with your talents for years from the JP II stage, and “Frankly” it was a delight that was also tinged with sorrow that you’ll all be graduating in a couple of months. I am not “Joshing” you and I “Suarez” that I’m truly going to miss seeing you on the Saint “Joseph”s stage. I also want to acknowledge and thank all those seniors who have literally been behind the scenes to pull off a show such as this: Isabella Delacruz, Palmer Saad, Ella Starks, Sydney Hanson, Bijou Laguerre, Natalia Montes, William Doyle, Nina Brown (who was in the orchestra), and Gabe O'Connel and Steven William (who were also in the cast).

While these students will truly be missed, the future is bright for the SJCS theater program with so much enthusiastic young talent in the show as well. I also want to give a shout out to Teresa McGrath, Christina Harvey, Marj Malphrus, and my wife Tami for the outstanding job they did putting this production together. A lot of time, effort, and many late nights go into bringing a show of this quality to the stage. It was truly a collaborative effort on the part of the entire performing arts staff of the school under Teresa’s excellent direction. I hope we all realize what a gem we have in the SJCS arts program.

Processing a Year of Parent Feedback

I have spent a lot of time with school parents this year. Hosting TEAM meetings, Well-Fed Dad Prayer Breakfasts, and Parent Listening Sessions. Hardly a week has gone without me hearing ideas, suggestions, concerns, and/or expressions of gratitude from our parents. By the time this edition of News & Notes is published, I will have met with four small groups of parents this semester for lively, constructive listening sessions, with one meeting remaining later this year. Let me know if you did not get a chance to attend one of these meetings this semester but would like to, so we can determine how many we should schedule next fall.

The overall impression that I’m left with, while processing all of this feedback, is the need and desire for more opportunities for partnership between the school and our parents so we can work together on the things that matter most for our students’ happiness. This year we’ve talked about cell phone policy, faith development, belonging for every student, student support services, the Household program, school uniform (non)compliance, homework load, college placement relative to other schools, substance abuse, student wellness, athletic opportunities for all students, and the family sacrifices involved when a student plays a sport, academic opportunities for students of all abilities, and the desire for more family time amidst busy school schedules.

One thing that is clear from all of these interactions: our parents are passionate about the school and want to see their children thrive here and in the years to come. Saint Joseph’s is a special community -- not a perfect one, of course, there’s lots of room for improvement made up of people who truly care about the things that matter most. This is a rare experience these days. The longer that I am in this job, the more I realize how much this community extends beyond the middle and high school years our students spend on campus. Those of you with graduates know what I’m talking about because you’ve seen it. Just the other day, I learned about yet another “Saint Joseph’s marriage” that’s taking place this summer. The life-long impact of a Saint Joseph’s education just might be the ultimate value proposition of the school. Let’s continue to work together toward a bright future and the ultimate good of our children and the community. While doing so, let’s be sure not to take this aspect of the school community for granted.

In closing, please join me in congratulating and praying for SJCS Dean of Student Support Greshan Charlton, who was received into full communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil this year at St. Anthony’s. What a blessing and testimony of faith this is for all of us at the school! Please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Sara Gutierrez on the passing of her grandmother; for Davis Hayes on the passing of his grandfather.

With Love and Prayers, Keith F. Kiser Head of School

Things You Need To Know

Calendar Clarification, March 27 & March 28

The daily bell schedule for March 27 and March 28 has been switched. This means that students are dismissed at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, March 27 (and it will be a Thursday bell schedule) and at 1:15 PM on Thursday, March 28 (and it will be a Wednesday bell schedule). Friday, March 29 is the official start of our Easter Break.

Easter Break, March 29 - April 7

Easter Break will begin on Friday, March 29. Classes will resume on Monday, April 8. The school and school office will be closed.

Solar Eclipse 12:15 PM Dismissal, April 8

• On Monday, April 8, Greenville will once again be in the path of a solar eclipse. As exciting as this can be, it does pose a challenge to schools since it coincides almost perfectly with the end of a normal school day. To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, Saint Joseph’s will release early that day. All classes will meet with a 12:15 PM dismissal. We will have a short Household period that day, so students should either bring a snack from home or purchase something from the cafeteria.

• Students who do not leave campus at the 12:15 PM dismissal will be expected to be either at a scheduled athletic practice or in Late Stay, which will be fully staffed and free of charge that day to all Saint Joseph’s students. The campus will be closed to students other than those in Late Stay or at a scheduled practice. Students who do stay on campus during the main part of the eclipse (starting about 2:30 PM) will go outside to watch the event. The school will provide safety glasses and guidelines for all students. Additional athletic practices and team activities will start when conditions permit, but not before 3:30 PM. This is the best way to ensure the safety of our students and lose a minimal amount of instructional time.

Next Well-Read Mom Meeting, April 9 & 16

Well-Read Mom is a program that accompanies women in the reading of great books and spiritual classics to encourage personal growth, friendship, and meaningful conversations in order to explore the human condition and reorient themselves to what is good, beautiful, and true. We meet on the second Tuesda y of each month from 6:30-8:00 AM at Saint Joseph’s. Our next morning meeting is Tuesday, April 9 and our next evening meeting is Tuesday, April 16. For more information about the evening session, contact Donna Frank. For more information about the morning group, contact Kristen Armaly, who hosts the meeting at her home.

Next TEAM Parent Meeting, April 11

TEAM is an acronym for Total Engagement Around the Mission and brings together parents and administrators for a monthly discussion and prayer to foster greater collaboration aimed at better facilitating the school's mission of forming the minds, hearts, and souls of our students in the likeness of Christ. Please consider joining us for our next gathering on Thursday, April 11 at 8:00 AM in the Meeting Room. Coffee, pastries, and fruit will be served. You do not need to RSVP.

Mandatory Senior Graduation Meeting, April 11

There will be a mandatory Senior Graduation Meeting on Thursday, April 11 from 8:15-8:45 AM in the JPII Center. Every senior must attend this important meeting. Dress code, arrival times, and graduation practice are just some of the topics covered. You will be given your cap and gown at this time.

Mid-Quarter Progress Update, April 12

Mid-quarter grades will be updated by 4:00 PM on Friday, April 12. An email will be sent to parents as a reminder to check your student’s grades in Blackbaud. Please contact teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns.

New Student High School Priority Placement Testing, April 13

Newly accepted and enrolled high school students who are entering grades 9-12 and who are currently completing high school courses in math and/or any level of world language for high school credit at their current school and wish to advance to the next level at Saint Joseph’s will need to take SJCS Placement Tests. The tests

will be held at SJCS beginning at 9:00 AM. Information regarding these tests was sent home in all new high school student acceptance packets. Questions? Contact Greshan Charlton

Next Well-Fed Dad Meeting, April 16

The next Well-Fed Dad Men's Prayer Breakfast is Tuesday, April 16 at 6:45 AM. As always, there will be time for fellowship and discussion, and we'll share prayer concerns and have Morning Prayer together before heading off to work at 7:45 AM. Sully's Steamers and coffee will be served for breakfast. Please RSVP HERE so we know how many sandwiches to have on hand. Please park in visitor parking and enter the building through the main entrance.

New Student Night, April 29

All newly accepted students (students new to SJCS for fall 2024) and their parents are required to attend this informative evening on campus beginning at 7:00 PM in the JPII Center. Students will split into middle and high school meetings and teachers will be on hand as well. There will also be a “meet and greet” with our Booster Club, Jubilate Guild, and Parents Guild. More information about this night was included in all-new student acceptance packets. Questions? Contact Jenny Starks in the Admissions Office.

HS Academic Awards Ceremony & Senior Red Door Ceremony, May 9

The HS Academic Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 9 in the JPII Center at 2:00 PM. All seniors should wear their dress uniform that day. All senior parents are invited to attend, and you will be notified in advance if your child is receiving an award. The Academic Awards Ceremony will conclude with the Class of 2024 processing out through the Red Door in the school’s annual Red Door Farewell Ceremony. This program marks the end of one spiritual journey and the beginning of a new one for our seniors.

Annual Senior/Senior Parent Dodgeball Game, May 20

The Annual Senior/Senior Parent Dodgeball game is Monday, May 20 at 6:00 PM in the Gym. Parents are encouraged to dress as they did in high school! Please RSVP HERE . Questions? Contact Krystal Kennedy, Junior Class Parent Rep.

Summer Courses for Credit

The summer Physical Education class still has availability. The Physical Education course is recommended for students who will not be earning PE credits through SJCS Varsity or JV athletics. Any rising ninth through twelfth grade student may take this class to earn one-half credit toward the one full PE credit required for graduation. The Government class is full but we will take several names on a waiting list. You can find more information and register HERE.

Rising Senior College Essay Workshop, July 22-26

The College Counseling Office will hold a college application essay workshop for rising seniors July 22-26. College Admission Counselors will be present throughout the week to lead and assist students through the brainstorming and revision process. Space is limited to the first 50 students who register and over half of the spots have been reserved. The times, cost, and registration can be found HERE

Rising Senior Application Boot Camp, August 6 & 7

The College Counseling Office will host a free college application boot camp for rising seniors on August 6 and 7 at SJCS. All rising seniors are welcome. More details, including the specific times and registration link, will follow in an email later this summer.

Important Dates for 2024-2025

Please click HERE for important dates for the 2024-2025 school year.

Upcoming Opportunities for Travel

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Consider one of the following trips, and be immersed in global learning opportunities that will boost independence and fuel curiosity:

France & Spain

Summer 2024

May 26-June 5, 2024

Greece

Spring Break 2025

London

Spring Break 2025

Explore Paris and Madrid with the Atlantic coast and Basque region in between! Highlights include a hotel in Paris just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, a pilgrimage to Lourdes, San Sebastián, the Camino city of Bourgos, and final nights in the heart of Madrid. Hurry, registration is closing soon! View the itinerary and payment plans HERE. Questions? Contact Maria Russell or Jeanne McCoy.

Visit Athens and cruise around the Greek islands (including Ephesus and the island of Patmos/the cave of the Apocalypse) and experience modern Greek culture and cuisine. All the details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, insurance options, and travel dates) can be found HERE. Questions? Email Elaine Trakas.

This trip will include guided walking and sight-seeing tours of London highlights, along with a visit to the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and visits to Stonehenge, Bath, and Stratford-upon- Avon. The trip also includes a backstage tour of the National Theater, a workshop and performance at the Globe, and a West End production. Trip details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, etc.) can be found HERE The exact dates will be posted at the end of this school year. Dates listed on the itinerary are used to begin the trip planning. This trip is open to current 8th grade through 11th grade SJCS students; parents are also welcome to sign up. There is an additional fee for adult participants. Interested students and parents can register HERE. Refer to links above for scholarship discount. Questions? Contact Teresa McGrath or Christina Harvey. Register by 3/27 using the code 2025EarlySavings for a $150 scholarship discount!

AP Exam Schedule

Monday, May 6

Tuesday, May 7

Exam Schedules

7:40 AM: US Government & Politics

11:40 AM: Chemistry

11:40 AM: Seminar

11:40 AM: Statistics

Wednesday, May 8 7:40 AM: English Literature & Composition

Friday, May 10

7:40 AM: European History

7:40 AM: United States History

Monday, May 13 7:40 AM: Calculus AB & BC

Tuesday, May 14

7:40 AM: English Language & Composition

11:40 AM: Physics C; Mechanics

Wednesday, May 15 7:40 AM: French Language & Culture

Thursday, May 16

7:40 AM: Spanish Language & Culture

11:40 AM: Biology

Friday, May 17 7:40 AM: Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Students must report to the Meeting Room at the times listed above. AP students are excused from all of their classes on any day they have an AP exam, and they may arrive later or leave campus early. However, if it is beneficial to attend other classes on that day, they should do so. If students stay on campus after an exam, they must check in at the front office before reporting to class. They may not leave campus after a morning exam and return to school for a later class.

Senior Exam Schedule

Monday, May 13

Tuesday, May 14

8:00–10:00 AM: History

10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Math

8:00–10:00 AM: Literature

10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Science

Wednesday, May 15 8:00–10:00 AM: Theology

Thursday, May 16

8:00–10:00 AM: World Language

10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Electives

Friday, May 17 Make-ups as needed

Final Exam Schedule, Grades 8-11 for Non-AP Courses

Tuesday, May 21 8:05–10:00 AM: Period 1 Exam

10:20 AM–12:15 PM: Period 2 Exam

Wednesday, May 22 8:05–10:00 AM: Period 3 Exam

10:20 AM–12:15 PM: Period 4 Exam

Thursday, May 23 8:05–10:00 AM: Period 5 Exam

10:20 AM–12:15 PM: Period 6 Exam

Friday, May 24 8:05–10:00 AM: Period 7 Exam

Exam Guidelines

10:20 AM–12:15 PM: Make-up Exams

• Students are not allowed to test early.

• SJCS Exemption Policy: Excepting math courses, juniors and seniors can exempt exams in year-long courses if they have a 90 average in the course by the Friday before final exams are scheduled to begin. Exemption averages are calculated by averaging the fall semester grade with the third and fourth quarter grades. Students on probation or those who have certain disciplinary actions may not be eligible.

• High school students should report directly to their exam room and must be seated by 8:00 AM. Anyone not in attendance after 8:00 AM will be considered tardy. No students are to be admitted to the exam

once the exam has been distributed. Likewise for the second exam, students should be seated and attendance taken by 10:15 AM, and no student will be admitted after the exam has been distributed.

• Students should bring review materials for other exams and study quietly if they finish an exam before the end of the exam period. Silence should be maintained from the moment exams are distributed until all exams are collected at the end of the exam period. Students with questions should raise their hands quietly.

• Once an exam begins, students are not permitted to leave the room. Restroom trips should be for emergencies only and then only after the student has turned in their exam.

• Students with only one exam on a given day need be present only for that exam. If they do not have a 10:20 AM exam, they may leave at the end of the 8:00 AM exam period. Similarly, if students do not have an 8:00 AM exam, they do not need to report until the 10:20 AM exam period (by 10:15 AM). All students leaving or arriving between the exam times should enter/exit through the front office.

From the Middle School Director

In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God’s gifts!

Pope Francis

My husband, John, and I bought a townhouse about two years ago. It is very close to school and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is great for us. It was only by accident that we discovered one of our neighbors, Joe, works with my husband on his foundation board. It was a pleasant surprise.

Last winter, Joe contacted my husband to say that as he walked past our townhome in the morning, he noticed a scent of natural gas. Now, it is a running joke in our family that my sense of smell is good enough to gain employment with the FBI, so John knew I’d be very interested in checking this out. Thankfully, after a few hours with Piedmont Gas, all checked out just fine. We made sure to tell Joe that we were grateful for his concern and diligence in contacting us. He took time out of his day to report something that could have been a grave issue. It gave us a degree of comfort knowing that someone had our safety and well-being in mind.

We’ve been talking with our middle school students about the importance of speaking up when they see or hear behavior that goes against our school expectations. This is not an easy message to convey, as the code of silence among young people is deeply ingrained. They fear the reputation of being a tattle-tale or snitch. They don’t want to get a friend in trouble, or … worse yet … create a situation where they are the target of the bad behavior.

When we commit to the Saint Joseph’s community, we commit to living in such a way that ensures the well-being of all within our care. Everyone in our school is responsible for creating and sustaining a culture in which all people can thrive and flourish. We are a community that expects our students and families will speak up when they hear or see behavior that is not Christ-like. There is a difference between reporting to keep someone safe, and tattling to get someone in trouble for trouble’s sake. We know that our human selves are weak. We are imperfect. We also know that a Catholic, Christian community can provide education and formation for the times when we fail. It is in this spirit that we strive to develop the young minds, hearts, and souls of students.

From the High School Director

An Uncomfortable Yes In the fourth chapter of Genesis, Cain, having killed his younger brother, Abel, is asked by God where He might find Abel. Knowing his own guilt, Cain deflects the question. First, he lies and says he doesn’t know Abel’s whereabouts, but then he also asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain may think he has evaded the question, and therefore on some level the guilt, but of course we know the actual answer to the question. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes. Yes, I am.

A New Testament exploration of a similar topic shows a man universally admired as the Good Samaritan going out of his way to help a victim that in most other contexts he would have avoided. Rather than look the other way or hurry on by to keep himself safe, he stepped up to help and protect someone in harm’s way. The Good Samaritan knew he was in fact his brother’s keeper.

Unfortunately, surveys of American teenagers (and adults for that matter) often show a different inclination. One “rule” that is enormously influential in their world works directly against being your brother’s keeper. Many live by the mantra that it’s more important to not, in any way, confront a wrongdoer than it is to speak up on behalf of a victim. I don’t know if that comes from not wanting to be judgmental or if it’s more related to some form of selfpreservation, but many Americans just don’t get involved.

But ask yourself this: what kind of behaviors thrive in that kind of silence? What kind of actions rely on other people keeping silent? It’s not a good list.

Now, does this mean we want a culture where everyone tells on everyone else at every turn? Probably not…that doesn’t sound great either. But we do want a culture that thrives on solidarity with the one being threatened, marginalized, or otherwise harmed. Catholic Social Teaching calls a version of this impulse the “preferential option” for the poor, the weak, and the marginalized. I call it being your brother’s keeper. And yes, that is what we are called to be.

From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office

Senior College Acceptances/Scholarships

Please continue to share your good news and advise the College Counseling Office of college acceptances and scholarship awards. If you have made your final decision on which college you will be attending, then you can send in your enrollment deposit confirming your place in the freshman class. When you do this, remember to notify the other colleges (that accepted you) that you will not be attending their institution. You should send a note, which can be done via email, to the colleges to thank them for their consideration and the time spent on your application. This is very important as it will open up spots for other applicants who may be on the waitlist.

FAFSA Reminder for Seniors

The federal government, along with the colleges to which you applied, require you to fill out the FAFSA form to receive federal aid and financial aid packages. With financial aid, sending your FAFSA in earlier is always better. There are limited funds for financial aid, which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply later, and there may not be as much money to go around, especially when more and more people today are seeking out financial aid.

Seniors: Finish Your Year Strong

Remember that colleges will receive your final transcripts and that all acceptances are conditional based upon you consistently completing your senior year with the grades that were previously sent to them. If you are struggling in any classes, please stop by to see your college counselor so that you can discuss a plan of action.

SAT & ACT Testing

Juniors: make sure you register to take both the ACT and SAT at least once before the end of your junior year. Although many colleges will remain test optional through next year, test scores can enhance your application. In addition, the SC state scholarships (Life and Palmetto Fellows) still require the SAT or ACT to qualify. Click HERE for SAT test dates and HERE for ACT test dates.

Juniors: Student-Athletes

All students thinking about playing a varsity-level sport at the college level (NCAA Division I or II), should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and request that their transcripts be sent to them at the end of their junior year.

College Visits

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who would like to visit colleges should register for visits through the colleges’ websites or with the admissions offices and then email the Front Office with the date(s) you will be attending the college visit. Juniors and second semester sophomores get two college visit days and seniors are permitted four college visit days per year. Please remember to bring back the proper documentation to the Front Office (College Visit Record Form with required signatures and official documentation see form for details).

From the Business Office

Tuition Credit Program

Thank you to many of our school families for employing our Student Recruitment Tuition Credit Program this past school year. The Student Recruitment Tuition Credit Program is designed to reward current Saint Joseph’s families for actively recruiting new families to Saint Joseph’s. When a new family applies for admission, they have the opportunity to name the Saint Joseph’s family on their application who recommended SJCS. After the new student(s) attends school for one quarter, the recruiting family receives a $500 credit on their next tuition bill.

Reenrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year

The deadline to reenroll for the 2024-2025 school year has passed. If you missed the enrollment window and would like to reenroll your student, please contact Jenny Starks in Admissions to see if any spots remain in your student’s grade level.

Tuition Assistance

The deadline for current families to apply for tuition assistance has passed. If your family missed the deadline and would still like to apply, the Tuition Assistance application is still available through Blackbaud Financial Aid. Any returning student assistance applications received after the deadline will be considered after new family aid has been finalized. All new families must submit their application by April 1. Failure to apply before the deadline may result in families not receiving funds.

Senior Tuition Accounts

• Senior Tuition Accounts: In order to participate in Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation, all senior tuition and fees, excluding the June draft, must be paid in full by May 17.

• All Other Student Accounts: All tuition and fees must be paid in full before they will receive their 2024-2025 class schedule.

• Please contact Ann Gushue if you have questions regarding your senior’s account, or if you need to set up a payment plan for past-due accounts.

From the Development Office

Annual Auction Gala Update

• Mark your calendars for the 2024 Annual Auction Gala “Mardi Gras Knights Ball” on Friday, April 26. Our Gala Committee members, faculty/staff, students, and parents are working together to diligently prepare for our school’s largest fundraiser that supports our students. Watch the mail for your invitation. You can also purchase tickets online HERE.

• If you are interested in volunteering or donating a silent or live auction item, contact Katie Saad (Gala Chair), Sheay Noel (Gala Co-Chair), or Katie Orbon in the Development Office.

The Gala Committee Needs Your Help. We are in Need of…

• Bottles of wine for the wine pull

• Baskets that can be used for the Silent Auction

• Vacation homes or timeshares to be auctioned off

• Theatre tickets

• If you are able to help, contact Katie Saad (Gala Chair), Sheay Noel (Gala Co- Chair), or Katie Orbon in the Development Office if you have any questions.

Middle School

Baskets & High School Experiences for the Gala

• Middle School Household basket items are now due in the Development Office.

• If you signed up to donate an item for one of the High School Experiences for the Gala, please bring it to the Development Office.

Fish Fry

Thank you to everyone who came to our Annual Fish Fry on March 10. A special thank you to Amy Doyle and Jill Sullivan who organized the event, Jeff Slater and Charlie Sutter who prepared the delicious fish, Bill Coffey and his band “Fried Okra” who kept us all entertained with their wonderful music, and Chef Stacie and her staff who were a great help We could not have done it without this amazing group of people. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.

Annual Fund

Our goal this fiscal year (July 2023 – June 2024) is to engage the financial support of 100% of our school families, faculty, and staff in giving to the Annual Fund. We will track participation numbers by grade level throughout the year. Currently the 6th grade is leading the way with a participation level of 45%!

Helping families afford a Saint Joseph’s education is a foundational principle to our identity as a Catholic school. The Annual Fund fulfills this responsibility by providing approximately 5% of the school’s overall budget. These dollars are raised every year through the generosity of our community. Our Annual Fund goal for this year, which includes proceeds from the Gala, is $525,000. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions or make an online donation!

You Belong Campaign

Saint Joseph’s started the You Belong Campaign in the Spring with a goal of $6 million to build the Saint Joseph’s Way Center. This building will contain a large multipurpose room (seating 175-200), four new Theology classrooms and offices for Campus Ministry, Student Support Services, and College Counseling. To date, we have raised 91% of the goal, and are trying to wrap up the campaign by mid- April! We plan to break ground on the new building this summer and open it in the Fall of 2025.

If you’d like more information on the campaign and the plans, please refer to our campaign webpage. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions or if you’d like information on how to make a pledge to the campaign.

From the Fine Arts Department

Mark Your Calendar for these Upcoming Fine Arts Events

• May 7: Spring Band Concert

• May 8: Spring Choral Concert

• May 9: Spring Strings Concert

• May 16: Improvisation Knight

NOTE: Additional details will be included later this spring.

Theatre Summer Camps

• June 3-6: HS Improvisation (Rising 8th-12th Graders) from 3:00-5:00 PM

• June 3-7: Rising Stars (Rising 3rd-8th Graders) from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Click HERE for additional details and registration.

Looking for a Gift?

• Looking for a great Mother's Day gift? Our beautiful Madonna and Child ornament/sun catcher would make the perfect gift! This gorgeous stained glass depiction of the Madonna and Child is handdrawn and designed by SJCS alumn, Mimi Tierney ('17). If you are interested in ordering, contact Christine Balts

• Looking for the perfect gift to honor your upcoming Graduate? Our beautiful stained glass Red Door ornament is a wonderful token to commemorate your student’s years at SJCS, and they make great gifts! Order yours today, HERE!

Advertise Your Business in our Fine Arts Programs

Advertise your business in our Fine Arts printed programs for 2024-2025 and get the upcoming Spring Concerts for FREE! Want to reach a larger audience? The Jubilate Arts Guild Sponsorship program is a great value. We are offering our corporate sponsors a chance for promotion with advertising in the printed programs of our six main Fine Arts events over the course of the school year. The size of the ad depends on the level of sponsorship. In addition to an ad in our programs, our sponsors will get further promotion through social media, the Fine Arts’ website, and special signage in the lobby of our events. Click HERE for more information on sponsorship levels and benefits. If you become a 2024-2025 Fine Arts Sponsor before April 15, we will include your ad in THIS YEAR’S Spring Concerts printed program. Questions? Contact Christine Balts

Jubilate Arts Guild Board Openings for 2024-25

Have you been wondering what the Jubilate Arts Guild is? Have you been wondering how you can get involved in an organization that impacts all the students here at SJCS? JAG is the place for you. We are the Fine Arts booster club and we have a position for you, no matter how much or how little time you have to invest. We meet once a month, before school for those with busy work schedules. All middle school students partake of the fine arts programs and the majority of our high school students participate in band, strings, chorus, dance, theater, and/or visual arts. If you would like to join a fun group of parents who support the Fine Arts here at SJCS, JAG is where you need to be. Contact Cindy Davis for more information.

From the Parents Guild

Graduation Yard Signs

Calling all senior parents! We have partnered with VIPdecals.com for graduation signs customized for your son or daughter. Check out the sign options HERE. This is a great way to showcase your graduating senior.

Looking Ahead to the 2024-2025 School Year

Are you interested in getting involved at SJCS? We are now making plans for next year and would love your input. We have many opportunities to serve including: the Parents Guild Board, committee chairs, and much more. Interested? Contact Jenna Howard.

Thank You

Thank you to all those who volunteered and helped to make the Fish Fry a successful event this year. A big thank you to those who participated in our March Spirit Knight at Moe's. Please be on the lookout for more information on our last Spirit Night in May.

From the School Nurse

New COVID Policy

Individuals with a positive viral test should remain out of school until at least 24 hours after fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medicines and symptoms are significantly improving. A parent note/email stating that the fever has been resolved for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms are significantly improving, is required for a student to return to school.

From the Technology Services Department

Senior Chromebook Return Information

• All seniors are required to return their Chromebooks to the Library no later than May 17 (they may be returned earlier), immediately following the end of their last senior exam/AP exam.

• Chromebooks are to be returned with the charger and case. The case should be emptied of all items except the Chromebook and charger.

• Your student account will be charged for any items not returned or for any damages.

• The charges for non-returned items are: Chromebook $350, Charger $20, and Case $30. The damage charge is $30.

• Damaged/lost fees must be paid at the time of return.

Grades 6-11 Chromebook Return Information

• All students in grades 6-11 are required to return their Chromebooks to the Library on May 24, immediately following the end of the last exam at 10:00 AM.

• Chromebooks may be returned to the library earlier than May 24 if it is no longer needed for classes or exams.

• Chromebooks are to be returned with the charger and case. The case should be emptied of all items except the Chromebook and charger.

• The charges for non-returned items are: Chromebook $350, Charger $20, and Case $30. The damage charge is $30.

• You can pay any fees at that time or your account will be charged and payment will be due in June.