August 2022 News & Notes

St. 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.

From the Headmaster

Greetings from St. Joseph’s Catholic School!

I hope your family is having a wonderful summer. My family enjoyed a long weekend in Chicago over the 4th of July with our daughter Emily (a 2009 SJCS graduate) and her husband, who recently bought a house in the city. We had fun seeing the sights, eating deep dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago dogs, and attending a White Sox game together (they are big fans). Tami and I also had a great time this summer getting to know the families who attended our summer family camps at Heart Ridge, and we are now bracing ourselves for yet another child to leave the nest when our son Gabe (SJCS 2022) heads to college in a few weeks leaving only Esther (a 5th grader) still at home with us. Time does fly. Enjoy your kids before they leave the nest. I promise you; it happens sooner than you think it will!

The school’s administration has been busy throughout the summer preparing for the new school year, and what a year it’s shaping up to be. Enrollment is increasing by about 20 students over last year’s total, a testimony to the excellent job our teachers, staff, and coaches do with our students. The word is definitely out, as the Admissions Office continues to be inundated (as it has been all spring and summer) with calls from parents wanting a last minute spot.

One of the things we’ve been working on this summer is a new half day workshop we’ve been developing for parents with students who are new to the school. We are eagerly anticipating an interactive morning (or afternoon, depending on the session chosen) getting to know the parents and exploring together the school’s unique mission and approach as described in the St. Joseph’s Way. Those sessions are fast approaching on the afternoon of August 13 and the morning of August 20. Please keep us and these workshops in y our prayers. The isolation and separation during the pandemic have left us with a deep desire to reconnect with our parents around the mission of the school.

As St. Joseph’s veteran parents know, each summer we choose a theme and image for the new school year. This year’s theme comes from the words of Jesus to Martha. Jesus tells her that “There is Need of Only One Thing.” Perhaps you know the story from which this quote is taken. It was the Gospel reading on Sunday, July 17. Jesus and his disciples are visiting

the home of their good friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in the village of Bethany. The three siblings live together and are excited to have Jesus in their home. Martha busies herself making sure everyone is taken care of and well fed, while Mary simply sits at Jesus’ feet taking in all He has to say. It’s not hard to imagine Martha is getting more and more agitated as the day goes on as Mary just sits there listening to Jesus as she rushes around doing all the work. Annoyed, Martha finally complains and demands that Jesus do something to make Mary help her. To Martha’s surprise and disappointment, Jesus corrects Martha by telling her that Mary has chosen the better part and that it won’t be taken away from. Then Jesus corrects Martha and tells her “There is Need of Only One Thing,” to be in relationship with Him.

As we embark on this new school year together, St. Joseph’s 30th academic year, I want to invite the school community to reflect on these words as we think about our desires and expectation for our students and your children this year. There are many good reasons to choose a St. Joseph’s education for your children. The school has a lot to offer them thanks to the efforts and generosity of so many people over the last three decades to build excellent academic, athletic, and extra curricular programs.

But all of the opportunities and experiences available to our students at St. Joseph’s begs an important question for each of us (teachers, administrators, coaches, parents): what do we ultimately want for our students? Excellent teaching, good grades, matriculation to the college of their choice, a championship season, more playing time, a leading role in the play, opportunities to develop leadership skills, good friends…Let’s flip the question on its head and also ask: what do we fear for our children? Poor academic performance, stunted personal growth, social isolation, missed opportunities, unmanageable levels of stress, anxiety about future prospects, and cultural influences that can lead to the loss of freedom, agency, and faith

It does feel like the stakes for our students’ well being and happiness are higher than they were for us. This can work us into an anxious tizzy and lead us to want to control every experience to produce our desired outcomes for our children. The truth is: every child is a unique, unrepeatable, and a precious mystery made in the image and likeness of God who finds his or her lasting fulfillment when they choose (not us for them, mind you) the One Thing necessary, to sit at the feet of Jesus like Martha’s sister Mary did to learn from Him that only He makes life full and complete.

So, as we are about to begin this new school, I invite the members of the school community to prioritize the mission of the school (SJCS seeks to strive to form the minds, hearts and souls of its students in the likeness of Christ ) according the St. Joseph’s Way as we make decisions with and for our students, judge situations, interact with one another, and seek to resolve the inevitable conflicts that arise in every human community.

In closing, please join us in praying for the following members of the SJCS family: for Claudia, Joshua ’20, and Alexandra ’17 Masters 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 27 29 & August 1-2

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. There are openings for all instruments. The camp will be held at SJCS July 27 29 and August 1-2 from 9:00-11:30 AM, with a catered lunch on the last day. The cost for pre season is $40 and includes a t shirt, lunch, and sheet music. 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 Varsity home 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. Click HERE to sign up for Pre Season Camp.

When the school year begins, Pep Band will rehearse on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 3:00 PM in order to prepare for playing at several of the Friday night home football games and at the Fall Pep Rally. Additionally, Pep Band can be taken for 1/2 HS credit for rising ninth grade and above with permission. Contact SJCS Band Director, Marjorie Malphrus, for more information.

All Sports Parent Meeting, July 28

If you have a son or daughter who plans to play on any of our sports teams during the 2022 2023 school year, you must attend the mandatory parent meeting on Thursday, July 28 at 7:00 PM in the school’s JPII Center. Any student participating in a sport at SJCS must complete and upload to Bigteams.com all required forms prior to the first practice or pre season conditioning session: SCHSL Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation History Form, Physical Examination Form, SJCS Concussion Consent Form, Parent’s Permission & Acknowledgement for Risk Form, Steadman Hawkins Consent Form, and a copy of the athlete's birth certificate. This is a completely online process; no paper forms will be accepted.

New HS Student Math/World Language Placement Testing, August 2

Most new HS students completed our placement testing in May. However, if your child is new to SJCS for the 2022-2023 school year and he/she enrolled in the high school after May 1, he/she may still need to complete this testing. A make up date has been set for Tuesday, August 2 and more information about the testing was communicated in your child’s acceptance packet. Questions? Contact Jenny Starks in the Admissions Office.

Used Uniform Sale, August 2

The Used Uniform Sale will be Tuesday, August 2 from 2:00 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria. If you would like to donate any gently used uniform pieces to be used in the next sale, please drop them off at the front desk before August 2.

Senior College Application Workshop, August 3-4

The College Counseling Office will be conducting a free College Application Workshop on August 3 and 4 from 12:30-2:30 PM in the Meeting Room. We will be focusing on the Common Application, Scoir, and school specific 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.

Third Annual SJCS Athletic Department Golf Tournament, August 5

Save the date for the third annual SJCS Athletic Department Golf Tournament at The Preserve at Verdae golf course on August 5. The Athletic Department will be hosting this fundraiser for all sports teams. These funds will be used to support all the teams that make up St. Joseph’s athletics. This has replaced many of the individual fundraisers that each team has done in the past. We strongly encourage the whole St. Joseph’s Community to participate in the golf tournament. All alumni, families, and friends are welcome! The Knights Athletic Booster Club is the all sport Booster Club for SJCS. Thank you for your generous support of all SJCS athletes.

Student Parking Forms Due August 8

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’s driver’s license, registration, and insurance must also 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 8. 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.

Faculty/Staff Orientation, August 8-12

Faculty/Staff Orientation begins August 8 and continues intermittently through August 12. 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.

Summerstock Fine Arts Summer Production, August 12 14

Tickets are now available for the SJCS summerstock production, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Did you realize that there is a pig in the story of Cinderella? Or that you cannot be an adult until you clean out the 'stuff in the sink'? Do you truly know how to tell the difference between a problem and an inconvenience? Or that all of the lessons you were taught in kindergarten are the ones that would last your entire life? Celebrate the beginning of the school year by taking a step back in time to your youth and reflecting on these heartwarming stories that remind us that All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Order your tickets HERE. Join the Jubilate Arts Guild (HERE) before August 10, or when you arrive for the show, for a special Concession bonus. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

New Student Orientation, Monday, August 15

New Student Orientation includes all students in Grades 6 & 9, as well as all NEW students in Grades 7, 8, 10, 11, & 12. At least one parent is requested to accompany their child. The event begins at 8:00 AM and will conclude around 10:00 AM. Students ARE required to wear their casual uniform. A detailed email will be sent in early August.

Optional Returning Student Orientation, Monday, August 15

All returning students in grades 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 are welcome on Monday, August 15 between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to set up their lockers and turn in any required forms. Students must enter and exit the school through the Front Office. The first official day of classes is Tuesday, August 16.

HS Students Needed to Volunteer for New Student Orientation, August 15

Returning HS students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who are interested in volunteering for New Student Orientation should contact Mrs. Charlton. Community Service Hours will be given to those who participate.

High School Course Add/Drop Period, August 15-26

Students may request schedule changes during the Add/Drop period August 15-26 BEFORE requesting any schedule change, students and parents should review the Schedule Change Policies in the 2022 2023 HS Course Catalog found HERE Add/Drop forms will be available in the College Counseling Office, Room B208.

Late Stay Begins, August 16

Late Stay begins on Tuesday, August 16 and is available each day after school until 6:00 PM. Any student not involved in a supervised after school activity must report to Late Stay by 3:30 PM. The cost for Late Stay is $4.50 an hour.

Schedule & Uniform Notes for August 16-19

Tuesday, August 16 will be the first full day of classes. The day will run on a Monday/Tuesday/Friday bell schedule and students should wear their casual uniforms. Wednesday, August 17 will be the first all school Mass. All students should be in dress uniform. Thursday, August 18 is a Thursday schedule and students may wear their casual uniform. Friday, August 19 students may wear spirit wear shirts with uniform bottoms.

Senior Sunrise, August 19

Seniors are asked to be at the school at 6:30 AM on Friday, August 19 for Senior Sunrise. This will be a time for the class to be together and watch the sunrise on their first week of school. Breakfast will be served! Questions? Contact Keitt Brace. More details will be emailed to the senior class the first week of school.

All-School Welcome Back Potluck, August 19

All families are invited to attend the All School Welcome Back Potluck from 5:30 7:00 PM on the softball field. After the potluck stay and cheer on our SJCS Knights in the first home football game on Friday, August 19. Please RSVP HERE. An RSVP isn't necessary, but helpful for planning purposes.

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, if your last name begins with:

• A B: Pack of Individual Bags of Chips

• C-G: Dessert

• H R: Side Dish

• S Z: Case of Bottled Water

HS Fall Play Auditions, August 23 25

Auditions for the HS Fall Play will be held August 23 24, with Callbacks on August 25. These auditions are open to all HS students. More information will be available in August. Questions? Contact Fine Arts Director, Teresa McGrath

MS Back to School Social, August 26

There will be a MS social on Friday, August 26 from 3:15 5:00 PM on the softball field. There will be inflatables, games, and snacks. The cost is $10 per student. The payment form will be live Monday, August 15. Questions? Contact Keitt Brace

HS Back to School Dance, August 27

The HS Back to School Dance will be Saturday, August 27 in the school gym from 7:00 10:00 PM. The theme is tacky prom. The tickets will be $10 and the form will go live on Monday, August 15. Questions? Contact Keitt Brace.

Senior Parking Spot Painting, August 28

The senior parking lot painting event will be on Sunday, August 28 from 2:00 5:00 PM. The cost is $25 per parking spot. Details will go out to the senior class the first week of school.

Charleston Wraps Fundraiser Ends August 30

Charleston Wraps provides a variety of unique gifts, gourmet food, home decor, handbags, and holiday fare. It has something for everyone! Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and find something for yourself as well, while supporting the SJCS Jubilate Arts Guild and Fine Arts Department! Place your order HERE

Attention Freshmen and New HS Student Parents, 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. Click HERE to purchase your ornament.

Red Door Ceremony, August 31

All ninth grade students and new high school students will take part in the Red Door Ceremony prior to Mass on Wednesday, August 31 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.

Labor Day, September 5

There will be no classes. The school and school offices will be closed.

Senior & Parents Guidance Meeting, September 8

Our annual meeting for seniors and their parents will be held on Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 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. Tony Pace, Southeast Regional Director of Admissions at Lafayette College will be here to present.

HS Homecoming Dance, Saturday, September 17

The SJCS Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday, September 17 from 8:00 11:00 PM (location TBD). The cost will be $20 per person. This dance is open to all SJCS HS students. More details will be sent to HS students via email. Questions? Contact Keitt Brace.

All-Parent Coffee, September 28

Immediately following morning drop off, all SJCS parents are welcomed and encouraged to come onto campus for coffee, a light breakfast, and fellowship until 8:00 AM. From 8:00 9:00 AM, Head of School Keith Kiser, other School Administrators, and several Parent Volunteer Leaders will share information about the new school year, talk about opportunities for involvement, and be available to answer your questions. This is a great opportunity to hear from and speak with school officials and parent leaders in a small, informal setting. Mark your calendar!

Interest in HS Youth in Government?

HS students should be on the lookout for information about Youth in Government (YIG) interviews and interest forms. Mrs. Carr will be emailing you directly. YIG is a week earlier this year and will run November 2-5.

Campus Ministry & GS “Beginning Day”, October 8

All students in grades 10 12 are invited to join the SJCS GS group at the Campus Ministry Beginning Day on Saturday, October 8. It’s a day to discover how friendship with others and with God makes it possible to not just “survive” high school, but to live it with meaning. More information will be sent out in September by Theology teacher and Campus Minister Gabe Lewis

Ready to Travel in 2023?

• Travel to Italy over Spring Break 2023! Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Carr are taking a school group to see the best of Italy, including a papal audience, a cooking class, Assisi, and some catacombs. Click HERE to see the itinerary, set up a payment plan, and sign up for the trip. Contact Mrs. Palmer or Mrs. Carr with any questions.

• Ready to travel next summer? The Japan trip will FINALLY take place! There is still room for travelers. Check out the itinerary (Bullet train, Kyoto, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, anime) and sign up HERE.

• Questions about either of the trips? Contact Meby Carr

Middle School Schedules

MS scheduling is still in process. Please disregard any MS schedule information you may see on the FACTS Family Portal before 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 by the end of July confirming their World Language placement. Class rotations seen in FACTS could possibly change up until the first day of school. MS scheduling questions may be directed to Melissa Broering

Student ID’s

All students are required to wear their ID cards at all times. The school provides students with their first lanyard. ID's are used to purchase lunch and items at the School Store as well as check in/out for Late Stay. Students are issued one ID free of charge when they enter the school as a new student. Students who attend middle school

at SJCS are also given a new (free) ID when they enter the high school as freshmen. Outside of these times, ID replacements cost $5.00. Students should keep their ID’s from year to year and returning students should show up on the first day of school with their ID. New ID’s for the 2022-23 school year will be issued to all new students and all freshmen about a week or two after Yearbook Photo Day. Contact Mary Cummings for questions or to request a replacement ID.

School Supplies

The MS supplies lists can be found HERE on the school website. MS students should arrive the first full day of classes with their book bag, textbooks, and all supplies. There is no published list of HS supplies. HS 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.

Donate Textbooks

Please consider donating your child’s old textbooks to help support students in financial need. Simply drop off the books at the front desk and label them as a donation.

Lunch Coverage Needed for the Receptionist

SJCS is in need of volunteer lunch coverage for the School Receptionist, Dawn Hawkins Basic computer and phone skills are needed. Confidentiality and professionalism are a must. If you would like to volunteer for this position, please contact the Assistant to the Headmaster, Jennifer Church

From the Middle School Director

There are many articles and stories that come across my social media news feed. In particular, I seem to be drawn to those that begin with, “The Number One Thing to …” and then fill in the blank. The Number One food to eat for heart health … the Number One way to save money on groceries … the Number One exercise rule … the Number One thing to do for a good night’s sleep. And do I really believe that there is really just one thing that will magically take care of any concern or need that I have? Not really. But sometimes, an article backed by sound research gives me something to verify against my personal experience.

Last week, I came across another Number One thing article that was written by child psychologist Michelle Borba, titled “The No. 1 Skill that sets strong kids apart from ‘those who give up’ - and how parents can teach it.” Borba’s Number One thing centered around one of our Christian theological virtues - the virtue of hope. Borba writes the following:

Without the right tools to handle adversity, hopelessness can set in and kids’ overall well being can decline. Hope is what energizes them to stay mentally strong during tough times, and it’s what sets them apart from those who give up easily.

As I sought to verify the value of hopefulness against my lived experience as a school leader and a parent, I can absolutely say that children who have this mindset and the requisite skills are more easily able to navigate the inevitable challenges and disruptions that are certain to come their way. And that experience is not limited to children. Adults, too, who approach life with hopefulness serve as shining, guiding lights in the midst of the dim and uncertainty.

Borba goes on to offer nine research based ways that parents can employ to help their children develop the attitude and practice of hopefulness (article found HERE). But what I feel is most assuring to us as parents is that we are about to start another school year in a community that believes so deeply in the power of hope. This is one of the things that I love about Catholic education. Our actions, our plans, our words - all are centered in the belief that our hope rests in One, and One alone. It is a certainty that guides and directs us with great clarity and vision. As the psalmist prays in Psalm 25:5, “Guide me in Your truth and teach me. For You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.”

I am grateful and filled with genuine hope as we begin the 2022 2023 school year. Please pray for all of us in this St. Joseph’s community, that we will respond to this call of hopefulness today and all the days ahead.

From the High School Director

Summer is more than halfway through and I’m only one third of the way through my ‘to do’ list. That’s par for the course for me, so while it’s not a surprise, it does always somehow seem to sneak up on me. A lot of our work over the last few weeks has been focused on promoting a sense of joy at St. Joseph’s. For some students, joy somehow gets translated into easier. That’s not really the path we’re pursuing here. Of course, we want our workload to be manageable and our classes to be enjoyable, but those things don’t actually result in joy. (It’s also true that having a challenging curriculum can and should be part of joy, but that’s for another column later on.)

If making things easier resulted in authentic joy, then parents wouldn’t start hearing “I’m bored” two weeks into the summer and students wouldn’t secretly be glad when the school year starts back up. Workload issues are more related to relief and appreciation than joy…that is, they’re more short term.

In the fifteenth chapter of John’s gospel Jesus tells us that our joy is complete the more we abide in Christ and He abides in us. Just a few verses earlier, Jesus tells the disciples that He is the true vine, and that only those that are connected with the true vine can bear fruit. That sense of connectedness is what it means to abide in Christ. He is our source. That’s why it’s so important for us to dedicate part of our time together to refreshing that connection through prayer and worship. My prayer for this coming year is that all the members of our community

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul - firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

experience our moments of prayer and worship together as more than a break in our school week. They are much more than that. They are, in fact, opportunities to refresh our connection to Christ, the true vine. Please join me in praying for our students especially, that they embrace that connection as the surest means of cultivating real and lasting joy.

From the Academic Support Services & College Counseling Office

College Counseling Meetings for 2022-2023

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 7:00 PM and will last about one hour in the JP II Center. Please note the meeting dates for the year:

• Seniors will meet September 8

• Juniors will meet February 6, 2023

• Sophomores and freshman will meet February 9, 2023.

Financial Aid Night for Senior Families

There will also be a special Financial Aid Night for senior families on October 4 at 7:00 PM in the Meeting Room. There will also be course scheduling meetings for sophomore and freshmen families in the spring. Specific dates and sign up links will be emailed to families during second semester.

High School Class Schedules

High school schedules are available in FACTS Family Portal. Emails were sent out in July announcing the availability of schedules and instructions for any necessary schedule changes. Schedule changes will be processed by the Registrar during the designated fall Add/Drop period of August 15-26 . Any scheduling change requests made by seniors must be reviewed with their College Counselor.

To Access FACTS Family Portal

To access the FACTS Family Portal, click HERE and enter your username and password.

From the Athletic Department

First Day of Tryouts/Practice for Fall Sports

• JV & Varsity Football: Friday July 29 at 7:15 AM

• Boys & Girls Swimming: Monday, August 1 at Spaulding Farms Pool from 7:00-8:30 AM

• Girls & Boys Cross-Country: Monday, August 1 from 7:30-9:00 AM

• JV & Varsity Volleyball: Monday, August 1 from 1:00-3:00 PM

• JV & Varsity Girls Tennis: Monday, August 1 from 9:00-11:30 AM

• Girls Golf: Monday, August 1 at The Preserve at Verdae, time TBD

• MS Football: Monday, August 1 from 3:30- 5:00 PM

• MS Cheer: August 8-10 from 4:00-5:30 PM

• MS Volleyball: August 9-11 from 3:00-5:00 PM

Please keep in mind that any student participating in a sport for the 2022 2023 school year at SJCS must have a physical dated after April 1, 2022, and complete the required forms ONLINE at student central at Bigteams.com prior to the first tryout or practice, (this includes all Summer Practices). No paper forms will be accepted, no exception. If you were an SJCS athlete in 2021-2022, please use your existing login. 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 Steadman Hawkins form. All required athletic forms must be submitted through PlanetHS found HERE. Information for new athletes on how to create the parent and student login at Planet HS will be available on the SJCS website HERE. Please note that you must login to the SJCS website first. Be sure to type St. Joseph’s Catholic

School in the search line when looking for our school. This website is available in any language. To change the language, click on the person icon in the top right corner.

What Does the Booster Club Do?

The Knights Athletic Booster Club raises money through individual family memberships and various corporate sponsorship opportunities to support ALL student athletes at St. Joseph’s, across ALL sports. Booster Club funding supplements the overall athletic department budget and accounts for approximately 25% of total athletic expenditures. We also seek to use these funds in ways that build school spirit within SJCS.

In the last two years, Booster Club funds have paid for: technology to live stream sporting events, a robotic tank to paint the athletic fields and reduce overall paint costs, weight room enhancements, locker room upgrades, a basketball shooting machine, a new scoreboard table for the gymnasium, the interactive Hall of Fame and Athletic Display in the gym lobby, bleacher repairs, Tommy Lasorda signage at the baseball fields, a social media graphics app to enhance athletics communication, and other smaller, miscellaneous needs

The Booster Club also manages the Concession stands year round, runs multiple Spirit Wear sales, organizes the Annual Golf Tournament, hosts an annual Coaches Appreciation Dinner, and most recently, started a new SJCS tradition… the Knights Athletic Hall of Fame and Induction Banquet.

How Can You Help?

Join the Booster Club: Our goal this year is to have 100% of families with athletes join the Booster Club. You can join online by clicking HERE. Information about the costs and benefits of various membership levels can also be found online. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please click HERE to learn more.

Volunteer: Athletics runs on volunteer manpower, so please, support your team parents by stepping up when the call goes out for help! If you are interested in attending a Booster Club Board Meeting, they are typically the third Wednesday of every month at 5:30 PM, and are open to all members. Any of our 2022-2023 leaders (found HERE) will be happy to talk with you more

Friday Knight Lights! Finally, please mark your calendars for Friday Knight Lights Tailgates Starting at 5:45 PM before Varsity Home Football games, SJCS is where you want to be! Dinner will be available, so come straight from work, and stay to cheer on your Knights! Look for more details on social media. Dates for the Varsity Home Football Games are: Friday, August 19; Friday, August 26; Friday, September 16; Friday, October 21, and Friday, October 28.

From the Business Office

Tuition Accounts

• St. Joseph’s uses FACTS for all tuition and incidental billing. You can access your student’s tuition account through the FACTS Family Portal. Using the FACTS Portal, you will be able to select the day you prefer to pay tuition as well as set up a schedule to pay incidentals. If you need assistance setting up your FACTS account, please contact Ann Gushue

• Each student also has a debit account for cafeteria and school store purchases. Payments can be made by bringing cash or a check to the front office, or online at MySchoolBucks

• Questions about your tuition account? Contact Ann Gushue.

Cafeteria Service

Flik Dining Services is our cafeteria services provider. The cost for a full lunch is $6.50. This is a slight increase over last year due to the increase in food costs. Breakfast items are served from 7:30 7:45 AM, lunch is served during MS and HS lunch periods, and snacks are sold for 45 minutes at the end of each school day. In addition, a la carte items such as pizza, sandwiches, and salads are served during Household on Wednesdays. Trays for Household snacks, Household lunches, and/or team meals are also available for purchase. Please contact Chef Stacey for information on the items available for Household lunches and snacks.

Cafeteria Balances

Flik, our cafeteria service, has updated their point of sale system. This system will be used for all cafeteria and School Store purchases. Flik system offers a declining balance program that can be used to purchase lunch, breakfast, snacks, drinks, and St. Joseph’s logo items. Since Flik is not set up to extend credit to students, the new software will not allow a balance due of $50.00 or more. You can check your students balance at MySchoolBucks. To put money on your account, you can send cash or a check to the attention of Flik or pay online at MySchoolBucks.

School Store

The School Store is open every school day during lunch periods, before school, and after school. Staffed by parent volunteers, the store is located at the entrance to the school cafeteria. The store stocks snacks and some school supplies (highlighters, pens, notecards, etc.), locker accessories (locker ladders and magnets), and St. Joseph’s logo items (SJCS t shirts, car decals and license plates). Purchases at the School Store can be made using cash, or the student’s MySchoolBucks account.

From the Development Office

Annual Fund

Our goal this fiscal year (July 2022 – June 2023) 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, beginning in October.

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 6% 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 $550,000. Please contact Kevin Meyer with any questions, download your Annual Fund Donation Form today or make an online donation!

From the Fine Arts Department

In Case You Missed It: 2022 Spring Concerts

If you missed enjoying the in person spring concerts in the midst of the end of year events, they are still available to watch HERE on the SJCS Fine Arts YouTube page. These videos feature the work of our MS and HS students involved with last year's Band, Choral, and Strings programs. We hope that you'll enjoy the hard work of our talented students as you enjoy these performances with your family.

MS Fine Arts Coffeehouse Events

Throughout the school year, the Fine Arts Department and Jubilate Arts Guild sponsor several Coffeehouse events. These open mic events provide a space for students to perform in a fun, informal venue and enjoy socializing with their classmates, while enjoying snacks and entertainment. Admission is Admission is $5 per person and snacks are provided. The dates for the 2022-2023 Middle School Coffeehouse events are Friday, September 23 and Friday, May 5, 2023. Be sure to mark your calendars as more specific details will be provided prior to the events.

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 this past year, we were able to purchase several items to benefit the department,

including 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, there are many benefits to joining JAG, including discount tickets and priority seating at many Fine Arts events. The 2022 2023 membership form can be found HERE.

Volunteer: Looking to get more involved? All MS students and most HS students are involved in the Arts in some way at SJCS. JAG is in need of parent volunteers to serve on the JAG committee for the 2022 2023 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

Purchase a wreath: Our famous Wreath Sale will begin in October. You have probably heard about the beautiful live wreaths, table toppers, and swags that can be delivered to you and your loved ones (or business associates). And they last! Look for more information in future News and Notes on how to order these wonderful holiday decorations.

SJCS Christmas Ornament

Congratulations to freshman Natalie Wills on creating the winning design for this year’s official SJCS Christmas ornament! Information on how to order this one of-a-kind collector’s ornament designed by one of our own students will be available soon. Interested? Contact Christine Balts. Orders will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Jubilate Knight for the Arts Talent Show

Mark your calendars for our Fine Arts Department annual talent competition and fundraiser, Jubilate Knight for the Arts, on Saturday, February 11, 2023. All members of the school community are invited to participate in this event and the sale of voting tokens aids in funding the needs of our dance, choral, instrumental, theatre, and visual arts programs. Preparations for this family friendly fun evening begin in the fall, so dust off the dancing shoes, exercise the vocal chords, or come up with an act to showcase your own unique talent. Look for more information in later New & Notes. In addition, if you are interested in joining the planning committee, we are always in need of volunteers to help put together this exciting event for our SJCS family. Contact Cindy Davis for more information.

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 Parents Guild works with the faculty and staff of SJCS to support the mission of the school and to provide resources to all members of the SJCS community who guide our students. If you would like to know more about the Parents Guild and what we do, please contact the President, Rebecca Feldman

Volunteer Opportunities

Parent involvement at St. Joseph’s is an essential part of our growing and active community. Your time and talents can contribute to the life of the school, making St. Joseph’s a vibrant and engaging community. Your help is wanted, needed, and appreciated. An added bonus… we have a lot of fun! Click HERE to access the Parent Volunteer Opportunities form and get involved with Parents Guild, Athletic Boosters, Fine Arts Boosters, Gala, and Campus Ministry. We look forward to serving with you!

No Cost Fundraisers

Please visit the Parents Guild page on the SJCS website HERE to learn ways to participate in no cost fundraising programs for 2022-2023. These include Publix, Harris Teeter, Lowes, Box Tops for Education, and Amazon.

Spirit Wear

The School Store will have official SJCS outerwear and spirit wear available for purchase. Look for our online Spirit Wear sale email coming soon!

From the School Nurse

Medication Policy

It is against St. Joseph’s policy for a student to carry ANY medication on their person without physician permission, parent permission, and permission from the school nurse to self administer and self monitor. Failure to comply with the medication policy may result in disciplinary action.

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. Care plans must be signed by both parent and physician.

Inhalers

Students with asthma should have updated action plans 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.

From the Technology Services Director

• New Students: have already received their SJCS email information via an email that was sent to their parents earlier this summer.

• Sixth Grade Students: will have Chromebooks available in the classroom as needed/directed by their teacher.

• Seventh through Twelfth Grade Students: will receive their Chromebooks on the first day of school in their Household.