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.
“Christ was faithful as a son over His house. We are Christ’s house if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.” Hebrews 3:6
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
Thank you for choosing Saint Joseph’s Catholic School for your children’s education. Our teachers and staff have spent time this summer resting, reflecting, planning, and preparing for the new school year, and we are very much looking forward to the return of our students on August 12.
In early June, the administrative team went on an overnight retreat to listen to one another and discern Our Lord’s will and desire for the school. We asked the question: Where did we see the Spirit of the Gospel and, conversely, the Spirit of the World, prevail in our school community this past year? We had a great discussion that wholeheartedly affirmed our commitment to the school’s stated mission and our desire for the four elements of The Saint Joseph’s Way to more and more permeate every aspect of school life and every student’s experience at the school.
We chose a theme verse for the new school year that reflects our confidence in and zeal for the school’s Christian mission. “Christ was faithful as a son over His house. We are Christ’s house if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.” (from Hebrews 3:6). Our founding board chair, Margaret Ann Moon, often reminded the trustees and me that Saint Joseph’s “was God’s school” and that our students were His children. The theme for the new school year boldly affirms these truths. Saint Joseph’s Catholic School is first and foremost “Christ’s house.”
This theme is meant to remind everyone that a Catholic school is different from other schools and that students, parents, teachers, staff, coaches, and visitors should experience that difference.
As we enter this new school year, let me briefly suggest three differences we should all look for, experience, and contribute toward during this school year, because “We are Christ’s house”:
We should experience Christ’s presence in our school community. Christ is not simply a historical figure who was an exceptional moral teacher and religious leader. He’s the second person of the Holy Trinity who became a man to save us and promised to remain present in His church until the end of time. At Saint Joseph’s, we believe that fulfillment is found in a merciful and loving relationship with Christ that gives meaning, purpose, and zest to daily life. As a Catholic school, we organize everything around this proclamation and hope.
Our gaze on reality and one another should be different. Reality is a gift from God that reveals signs of His presence in daily life. This has academic implications. For starters, we should be intensely curious about everything. As such, every academic subject area takes on a new importance and is worthy of our careful study and attention. Moreover, because everything comes from God, we can affirm and embrace beauty, truth, goodness, and justice wherever it is found. With this understanding of reality, it’s no wonder that Catholic schools have a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence and hold students to high academic standards.
This different gaze on reality includes the way we see one another. Christians believe that everyone (yes, everyone!) is made in the image and likeness of God. This belief has ramifications for the way we think, talk to and about, and act towards each other. Respect and even honor should be the hallmark of all interpersonal relationships in a Catholic school. And where offense has been given, we should be quick to grant one other, in the words of Father Sam (one of the first priests to say Mass regularly on this campus), “a 40% mess-up factor, or more if they need it.” Or in the words of Jesus to a question by St. Peter, we should forgive one another 70 times 7.
What we value should be different because we are a Catholic school. We value virtue, character, and personal development more than results, success, and/or achievements although these often come as a result of giving one’s best effort. This is true whether we are talking about the classroom or athletic field. And while we want to win, we adhere to the adage that my father (who coached 3 HS sports) taught me when I was little: “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” As Christians, we should always “play the game” of life with love as the highest value and ultimate prize.
And finally, a word about being a college preparatory school. When we say this, we mean that our goal is to prepare our students to be successful in college. We want our students to graduate with the tools, selfconfidence, and character that will help them flourish academically and personally in college. Thankfully, we have a long track record of this being the case.
So as you begin this new school year, I hope you will look for and contribute to these differences that set us apart as a Catholic school. We turn to the patronage and protection of our namesake, Saint Joseph, and all of the House Saints (Bakhita, Molla, Romero, and Drexel ) for their intercession for a great 2024-2025 school year for each student.
Thank you again for entrusting your children’s education to our faculty and staff. They are truly remarkable people. We believe educating your children is a great privilege and a sacred trust. I’m confident that we’ve assembled a professional faculty and staff who will strive to give their best every day for the good of your students. I know that the day-to-day operations of the school are in the very capable and conscientious hands of Mrs. Wanda Jaraczewski, the Assistant Head of School and Principal. While we want (and will insist) that you follow the principle of subsidiarity by addressing questions, problems, and/or concerns directly with those involved in the situation first, Mrs J. and I want to be available to you. I hope to get to know you and hear your thoughts about the school throughout the year. Please do not be shy about introducing yourself to me when you have the opportunity, and please let me know when you have a suggestion, concern, or feedback.
In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Macie, Abe, Eliza ’21 and Lane ’23 Anderson on the passing of their grandfather.
With Love and Prayers,
Keith F. Kiser Head of School
Things You Need To Know
Pep
Band Pre-season Camp, July 29-August 1
All band students, with at least one year of playing experience at SJCS, who are interested in playing for Pep Band are invited to attend pre-season band camp. Openings for all instruments – we need more brass instruments! The camp will be held at SJCS July 29- August 1, from 9:00-11:30 AM. The cost for pre-season is $40 and includes a t-shirt. This is the perfect way to get your “playing chops” back in shape for the start of school and to be prepared to play at the home Varsity Football games in the fall. The "Band of Knights" Pep Band has established a tradition of spirit and school pride as they cheer on the team from the stands on Friday nights. When the school year begins, Pep Band will rehearse on Wednesday afternoons, 1:30-3:00 PM to prepare for playing at the five Friday night home Varsity Football games and playoffs. Additionally, Pep Band can be taken for 1/2 HS credit for rising ninth grade and above with permission. Click HERE or contact SJCS Band Director, Marjorie Malphrus, for more information.
Student Parking Forms Due August 5
All sophomores, juniors, and seniors planning to drive to school should fill out the Parking Permit Application for Students found HERE . Keep in mind that a student must already have their driver’s license, as license, registration, and insurance must all be uploaded in order to receive a parking pass. To receive a pass on the first day of school, this form must be submitted by 4:00 PM on August 5. Students who have completed an application will receive an email with information regarding picking up their passes. Once school starts, passes will be issued on a rolling basis. Questions? Contact Jen Frisch
Faculty/Staff Orientation, August 5 - 9
Faculty/Staff Orientation begins August 5 and continues intermittently through August 9. If you need to communicate with us during this week, please send an email to the person with whom you need to speak. Thank you for your patience during this important time of faculty/staff development.
College Application Boot Camp for Seniors, August 6 & 7
The College Counseling Office will be conducting a free College Application Workshop on August 6 and 7 from Noon to 2:00 PM in the Meeting Room. We will be focusing on the Common Application, Scoir, and schoolspecific applications. Please bring your laptop or electronic device that has internet capability as we will be accessing and completing the actual college application forms during the workshop. Please sign up for this event using the registration link that was sent to you in July.
Sixth Annual Athletic Department Golf Tournament, August 9
Friday, August 9 is the Sixth Annual Athletic Department Golf Tournament! Proceeds from this event directly benefit all teams, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Kevin Meyer in the Development Office for more information on sponsorship packages and benefits. And as always, please help us honor those athletic volunteers who go above and beyond in their service and dedication to the Knights.
24 Hour Theatre Extravaganza & Student-Produced Films, August 9 & 10 (Registration Due August 5)
• Don't let the title fool you - this is not a full 24 hour commitment! Individual involvement is based on your role in the event: writer, actor, stage manager, crew member, or director. Click HERE to review role descriptions and event timeline. What better way to end the summer and kick off the school year than with a Theatre Extravaganza? Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni have the opportunity to create a show from the ground up, only limited by time and their imagination! Anyone in the SJCS school community (rising 7th grade and older) can be involved in this event, beginning at 6:00 PM on Friday, August 9. The event will culminate with a performance of these plays at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 10.
• Writers of the event will be required to utilize certain elements in their scripts based on your input. Vote HERE by Thursday, August 8 to determine which elements will be required and then join us at the show on Saturday, August 10 to see how they are woven into the scripts!
• Any member of the SJCS school community is also invited to produce and submit short films to be showcased between performances at this event. The deadline for registering to participate in the 24-Hour Theatre Extravaganza OR for submitting student-produced films is Monday, August 5.
• See below for more details regarding participation in this event or contact Teresa McGrath with any questions.
o List of role descriptions and timeline of event: HERE
o Sign up to be a part of the event: Register HERE by August 5
o Guidelines for student-produced films: HERE by August 5
o Parent volunteers will also be needed for various duties throughout the day on Saturday, August 10. Contact Teresa McGrath if available to assist
24 Hour Theatre Extravaganza Performances, August 10
General Admission tickets can be purchased in advance HERE or at the door for $5 per person. All tickets are General Admission and doors will open at 6:30 PM. Additionally, consider joining the Jubilate Arts Guild, the Fine Arts Booster Club, HERE prior to or at the event, for a free concessions treat. In addition to supporting the Fine Arts with your membership, other benefits include discount tickets and priority seating at other Fine Arts events throughout the school year. Questions? Contact Teresa McGrath
Orientation Day, August 12
Students are only required to attend for the portion of the day that applies to them, and then should go home to rest up for the first full day of classes on Tuesday, August 13. Please see below for the portion that pertains to you.
• 8:00-9:30 AM Middle School Orientation: all 6th grade and new 7th and 8th grade students with at least one parent
• 9:30-10:00 AM: Joint MS/HS Welcome and Prayer
• 10:00-11:30 AM: High School Orientation: all 9th grade students and new 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students with at least one parent
• 1:00-3:00 PM: returning students are welcome to come say hello and set up their locker. This is not mandatory.
We have a lot of exciting events to get the school year started! You’ll receive more info via email. Mark your calendars for the following:
• August 16: Senior Sunrise
• August 16: Middle School Back-to-School Social
• August 17: Senior Parking Lot Painting
• August 23: High School Back-to-School Social
• August 26-30: Romero Feast Week
High School Course Add/Drop Period, August 12-23
Students may request schedule changes during the add/drop period at the start of the school year, August 1223. Students and parents should review the Schedule Change Policies in the 2024-2025 High School Course Catalog prior to requesting any scheduling changes. Add/Drop forms will be available in the College Counseling Office, Room B208.
Schedule & Uniform Notes for August 13 - 16
• Monday, August 12 is Orientation Day. See the schedule above for the day. No uniform required on this day.
• Tuesday, August 13 will be the first full day of classes. The day will run on a M/T/F bell schedule with a 3:00 PM dismissal. All students should be in casual uniform on Tuesday.
• Wednesday, August 14 will run on a Wednesday bell schedule with a 1:15 PM dismissal. House meetings for all students will be held during the time set aside for Mass. All students should be in casual uniform on Wednesday.
• Thursday, August 15 is a Thursday schedule and all students will attend Mass during Flex Time at 8:00 AM to celebrate the Assumption, which is a Holy Day of Obligation. All students should be in dress uniform on Thursday for Mass.
• Friday, August 16 is Yearbook Picture Day and all students in grades 6-11 must wear their dress uniform. Seniors may wear their casual uniform.
Yearbook Photos, August 16
Yearbook photos for staff, faculty, and all students in grades 6 through 11 will be taken on Friday, August 16 in the gym. All students in grades 6 through 11 should be in dress uniform that day. Students will be directed by class to their assigned photo times during the school day. Please be sure to have all necessary dress uniform items on hand and wrinkle-free, neat haircuts, and boys faces clean shaven. Makeup photos will be taken on Tuesday, August 20 from 7:30-10:00 AM in the small conference room. Students MUST have their photos taken in order to appear in the yearbook.
Fall Play Auditions, August 20-22
Auditions for the High School Fall Play are currently scheduled to be held August 20-21, with callbacks on August 22. These auditions are open to all high school students. More information will be available in early August. Questions? Contact Fine Arts Director, Teresa McGrath.
Interest Meeting for WWI & WWII Trip Summer 2025, August 27
Join us on Tuesday, August 27 at 6:00 PM in Room 205 for an informational session on this exciting and educational trip. The trip is open to current students in grades 8-12. For more details, see the travel info at the bottom of this section. Questions? Contact Meby Carr.
Red Door Ceremony, August 28
All 9th grade students and new high school students will take part in the Red Door Ceremony prior to Mass on Wednesday, August 28 beginning at 10:32 AM. Parents are encouraged to attend the ceremony and stay for Mass. Parents will be allowed to enter the JPII Center at 10:15 AM.
• A Brief History: St Joseph’s opened its doors in August 1993 and the first 13 high school students entered the school through a red door which, at the time, was the entrance to a little house beside St. Michael’s Lutheran Church on Augusta Road. Although the house was subsequently demolished, the red door was donated to SJCS and placed on the school’s current campus at the entrance to our chapel, the center of the school. During the school’s 15th anniversary celebration in March 2008, the door was unveiled and St. Joseph’s began a new tradition. Beginning with the Class of 2008, all graduating seniors now process out through this door as a symbol of their farewell to St Joseph’s, marking not only an end but a new beginning. All new high school students are formally welcomed into the school community each August by processing in through the red door, just as this door welcomed the first 13 high school students in 1993.
Noon Dismissal, August 30
On Friday, August 30, all students will be dismissed at Noon.
Attention Freshmen and New HS Student Parents, the Deadline to Order is August 30
One of the most revered traditions at SJCS is the Red Door Ceremony, where incoming Freshmen and new HS students ‘enter’ high school through the Red Door that belonged to the original location of St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and is now currently located between the HS Commons and the JP II Center. Upon finishing their senior year, our graduates ‘exit’ high school by processing out the door. To commemorate this wonderful tradition, the Jubilate Arts Guild is selling a beautiful hand-designed stained glass ornament. To purchase your ornament, click HERE
Labor Day, September 2
There will be no classes. The school and school offices will be closed.
Senior & Parents College Counseling Meeting, September 5
Our annual meeting for seniors and their parents will be held on Thursday, September 5 at 6:30 PM in the JP II Center. The meeting will last approximately one hour. At least one parent and their senior student must be in attendance for this informative meeting. Melissa Cline, Director of Admissions at Furman, will be here to present
College Counseling Meetings for 2024-2025
Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend these important and informative meetings. In each case, at least one parent and the student must attend their respective class meeting. Meetings will begin promptly at 6:30 PM and will last about one hour. Meetings will be held in the JP II Center. There will also be a special virtual
Paying for College Night for Senior Families on October 7, 2024 (more details will be emailed) as well as course scheduling meetings for Freshmen and Sophomore families in the spring. Specific dates and sign up links will be emailed to families during second semester. Please note the meeting dates for the year:
• Seniors – September 5, 2024
• Juniors – February 3, 2025
• Freshman & Sophomores – February 6, 2025
Welcome Back International Tailgate & Auction, September 6
Join us Friday, September 6 from 5:30-7:00 PM for our Welcome Back International Tailgate. SJCS Parent Leader Groups will be providing FREE hot dogs, condiments, plates, flatware, and napkins. There is no cost to attend, though we ask that you bring an international dish to share. If possible, please bring it in a disposable container. Please RSVP HERE by Monday, September 2. The Parents Guild, Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Athletic Booster Club will also have information about their groups and SJCS items for purchase. We hope to see everyone as we kick off a new school year and football season! Questions. Contact Katie Orbon .
School Supplies
The middle school supplies lists can be found HERE on the school website. Middle school students should arrive the first full day of classes with their book bag, textbooks, and all supplies. There is no published list of high school supplies. High school students should plan to arrive the first day of classes with their book bag, textbooks, paper, a binder or notebook for each class, and a supply of pens and pencils. If particular supplies are needed for their classes, teachers will furnish students with that list after school begins.
Important Dates for 2024-2025
Please click HERE for important dates for the 2024-2025 school year.
Has Your Information Changed?
If you have had a change of address, phone number, or email, please email your updates to Mary Cummings
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:
Greece Spring Break 2025
London Spring Break 2025
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 sightseeing 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. This trip is open to any high school student. Parents are also welcome to sign up. More information and registration information can be found HERE. There will be student and parent interest meetings early in the school year. Check the Friday Flash for those dates! Questions? Contact Teresa McGrath or Christina Harvey
WWI & WWII Trip Summer 2025
Come walk where heroes have trod. Join Mrs. Carr, Mr. Carr and Coach Nash on a trip that immerses you into WWI and WWII events. Walk in trenches in Belgium, Churchill's War Rooms in London, and the beaches of Normandy. Click HERE to see the full itinerary, price, payment plans, and sign up. Join us on Tuesday, August 27 at 6:00 PM in Room 205 for an informational session. The trip is open to current students in grades 8-12. Questions? Contact Meby Carr
From the Assistant Head of School
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You. For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
We will start the 2024-2025 school year with a new administrative structure. My confidence in this reorganization cannot be overstated, and I am excited to share with you the new roles and who is fulfilling those roles. This structure was borne out of much reflection, prayer, and true discernment for what our community most needed. And for that, I am truly pleased and grateful. Additionally, the persons asked to fulfill these roles are skilled professionals who are known, respected, and have demonstrated unwavering commitment to our school community. It is a true honor to work alongside them.
The students, parents, faculty, and staff of Saint Joseph’s Catholic School are vital and essential to our community. None of these groups can stand alone. Our work and our daily living is intertwined with each of these indispensable persons. Our new administrative structure recognizes this. Titles and responsibilities for these roles are reflective of the scope of authority and accountability.
We’ve created roles titled Vice Principal of Middle School and Vice Principal of High School. Jean Crosby has accepted the position of VP of Middle School. She will continue to teach some sections of 6th grade Math, and will also continue in her advocacy and direction of the Sixth Grade Academy. We interviewed several people for VP of High School, but did not find a candidate that could comprehensively fill this role for us. So, Ryan Koon, our Science Department Chairperson, has agreed to serve in this role on an interim basis for the year. We will resume our search for this position in the next few months. Mr. Koon will assume the role of Dean of Faculty as well. This position is a specific effort to garner input and insight from the faculty perspective, as well as work as a support and advocate for the needs of the teachers in their day-to-day work.
Greshan Charlton will target her student support focus in the role of Dean for Academic Success. Most recently, Mrs. Charlton has served as our Dean of Student Support Services with specific attention to our high school students. In this expanded role, Mrs. Charlton will work with all students in grades 6 - 12 in regards to their total academic needs. Our new school counselor, Carly Grether, will provide social and emotional support for our students in grades 6 - 12. Ms. Grether joins us from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, VA. You will learn more about Ms. Grether in future newsletters.
St. Joseph’s has high expectations for its students in all areas of their development. Critical to this development is their growth and maturity in the area of virtue, character, and goodness. To support this development as our students live and work in our community, we’ve asked Patrick Martin to assume the role of Dean for Discipline and Formation across all grade levels. Mr. Martin most recently served as an 8th grade History teacher and Middle School Dean of Students. Mr. Martin will be in this role full-time, with no teaching responsibilities. He will have support from Rod Taylor, who will serve as the Associate Dean for Discipline and Formation.
We often say that it is a privilege to walk alongside the students and parents of Saint Joseph’s Catholic School. Those words are specific and intentional, and carry immense meaning to those of us who choose to dedicate our life’s work to this Catholic school. Please add all of us to your prayer intentions, so that we continue to be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit. St. Joseph, pray for us!
From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office
Middle School Schedules
Middle school scheduling is still in process. Please disregard any middle school schedule information you may see on the Blackbaud Portal before school begins. Class rotations seen in Blackbaud could possibly change up until school begins. Students will receive their finalized schedules on the first day of school. Eighth grade parents will be contacted by Mrs. Broering via email confirming their world language placement. Middle school scheduling questions may be directed to Melissa Broering.
High School Class Schedule
High school schedules were made available in Blackbaud in mid-July. An email was sent to students and parents from the registrar announcing the availability of schedules and instructions for any necessary schedule changes. Other schedule changes will be processed during the designated add/drop period at the beginning of the fall semester, August 12-23. Seniors requesting scheduling changes must review all requests with their College Counselor prior to submitting scheduling changes to the registrar.
From the Athletic Department
Sports Training
Please keep in mind that any student participating in a sport for the 2024-2025 school year at SJCS must have a physical dated after April 1, 2024, and complete the required forms ONLINE at Big Teams (found HERE) prior to the first tryout or practice (this includes Off Season Practices and Weights). No paper forms will be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS! Returning athletes, please use your existing login. All physicals submitted to participate in the 20242025 school year are valid until the last day of school. The required forms that must be filled out online prior to the first practice (including summer practices) are: Pre-Participation History and PreParticipation Sports Physical Exam (please print and take with you to your doctor, and then upload), Parent Consent Form, Concussion Form, a copy of your athlete’s birth certificate, and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System Consent Form. All required athletic forms must be submitted through Student Central at Big Teams.com. Information for new athletes on how to create the parent and student login at Big Teams is available on the SJCS website HERE. When creating an account be sure to type St. Joseph’s Catholic School in the search line when looking for our school, if you type in different spellings of the school it will not populate as an option. This website is available in any language. To change the language, click on the person icon in the top right corner. Also, there is a new Big Teams feature where you can toggle between the athlete account and parent accounts once linked. To do this, click My Profile and Linked accounts.
From the Development Office
Annual Fund
• Helping families afford a St. 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 fiscal year (July 2024- June 2025), which includes proceeds from the Gala, is $550,000. Please consider an Annual Fund donation. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions or make an online donation to the Annual Fund.
You Belong Campaign
• Saint Joseph’s started the You Belong Campaign in the Spring of 2023 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 98% of the goal! Construction on the new building will take place this school year and it will open in the Fall of 2025. If you’d like more information on the campaign and the plans, or to make a pledge or donation, please refer to our campaign webpage or contact Kevin Meyer with any questions.
From the Fine Arts Department
Encore! Middle School Fine Arts Program
The SJCS Fine Arts Department will continue to provide opportunities for Middle School students to dive further into the Arts with this after-school enrichment program. More information regarding this program and registration details will be sent to parents and will be available on the website soon.
Volunteers Needed
Please contact Teresa McGrath for more information on how to volunteer for either of the opportunities below:
• Any parents or students willing to donate their time and talents to the Fine Arts Department through their sewing skills
• Any parents willing to assist in the Scene Shop during after-school and Saturday crew sessions
Opportunities to Support the Fine Arts
• Join: Show your love for the Arts by joining our Fine Arts Booster Club, the Jubilate Arts Guild (JAG). With membership support in past years, we were able to purchase much-needed items to benefit the department. For example, a tenor saxophone and bass drum for Band, drying racks and artwork displays for Visual Arts, sheet music for Strings & Chorus, a washer and dryer for Theatre, and a speaker and music for Dance. In addition to supporting the Fine Arts with your membership purchase, joining JAG has many benefits, including discount tickets and priority seating at many Fine Arts events. To join, click HERE
• Volunteer : Looking to get more involved? All MS students and most HS students are part of the Arts in some way at SJCS. JAG is in need of parent volunteers to serve on the JAG committee for the 2024-2025 school year. We have various officer positions available and several committee vacancies. Come to a meeting to discover how much fun it can be supporting the Arts. Want more information? Contact the Jubilate Arts Guild president, Cindy Davis.
Sponsorships
Attention business owners! Want to reach a larger audience? Try the JAG sponsorship program. We are offering our corporate sponsors a chance for promotion with advertising in the programs of our main Fine Arts events. 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. New this year: special sponsorship levels will also get a banner in the gym! For additional details and to become a sponsor, click HERE If you join our sponsorship program before October 1, you will maximize your investment by being part of our first big Fine Arts event: the Fall Play. Questions? Email us HERE.
From the Parents Guild
Welcome to the Parents Guild
Welcome back to all our returning students and parents and a very warm welcome to our new families! All parents and guardians of any enrolled students at SJCS are automatic members of the Parents Guild. The mission of the Parents Guild is to promote and foster parent support for the mission of the school and to coordinate the involvement of parents in the daily life at SJCS. We hope to see all new and returning students at the student orientation on August 12. Please plan to stop by the Parents Guild table to check out and purchase some SJCS swag to proudly show your school spirit this year We hope everyone has a smooth transition back to school.
Help SJCS Earn Money While Shopping
Did you know that SJCS receives a check every month from Amazon? We also receive funds from Publix, Harris Teeter, and Lowe’s Foods. We need these funds to continue our efforts in improving the school. In just a few minutes you can set up your account and help us start gaining rewards. To find out more, click HERE
From the School Nurse
SC Certificate of Immunization
All students must have a valid SC Certificate of Immunization on file in Magnus Health prior to the start of classes. Out-of-state vaccination records may be taken to your local physician or the health department for transcription to the correct form. Religious Exemptions are NOT allowed for school entry.
Magnus Health
Student Health Records must be updated in your child's Magnus Health Account. This includes conditional questions, vital health record, SC Certificate of Immunization, consent for treatment, and permission for over-thecounter medication provided by SJCS. Questions? Contact Nurse Katy McClintock
Allergies
If your child has a life-threatening allergy, please make sure you have an updated care plan in Magnus Health and emergency medication available in the health room prior to the first day of classes.
Inhalers
Students with asthma should have an updated action plan and medication available for them if needed. Please discuss with your child's physician to see if medication needs to be stored in the health room for the 2024-2025 school year.
From the Technology Services Department
Chromebook Pick- Up for the 2024-2025 School Year
Students will be able to pick up their Chromebooks in their Households during student orientation, locker setup, or the first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year (grades 7-12).
Student Email Accounts & Google Drive
Students new to SJCS for the 2024-2025 school year will receive information regarding their email addresses over the summer. All students should periodically check their email over the summer.
eBooks from the Library
St. Joseph’s Library/Media Center can be accessed from home via the school’s website, and eBooks can be checked out over the summer. Some of the required and optional summer reading titles can even be checked out through the MISBO Digital Library, located HERE. MISBO encourages users to use the Sora app. To use MISBO, you’ll need to search for Saint Joseph’s Catholic School from the drop-down menu and have a user ID in order to use the service. If you need to be reminded of your user ID or password, contact Rod McClendon or Mary Cummings.